2014 | Vintage, Paint and more...

Monday, December 29, 2014

10 Most Popular Posts of 2014

Good morning everyone.  Hope you all are enjoying the holidays as much as we are.  We had a little bout of the flu bug but everyone is on the mend now and enjoying our beautiful weather - sunny, 70's and breezy.  What more could one ask for in December?  
Speaking of December - 2014 is fast winding down and we will soon be ushering in a new year.  I thought it would be fun to see just what posts were the most popular last year. Which ones you all liked the most.  So I am going to share the top ten with you starting with number 10.

10. Spring Mantel

Vintage, Paint and more... vintage spring mantel with book page wreath

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Merry Christmas


Vintage, Paint and more... vignette of mercury glass votives, vase with pine cones and ornaments

Only two days till Christmas and I am busy putting the last minute touches on everything.  School is out and Miss A is beyond excited.  She has been through the packages under the tree a dozen times trying to figure out what is in them and her older siblings are just egging her on.  Oh the joys of being the youngest.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Throwback Thursday - Simple Snowman Craft


Vintage, Paint and more... snowman made from dollar tree votives and pet supplies


With Christmas only a week away I thought you might like to see a very quick, simple, and budget friendly little craft that I did last year.  

Monday, December 15, 2014

Christmas Throughout the House

Vintage, Paint and more... Christmas decor using vintage and DIY'd items


I think I have finished with all the Christmas decorating for this year.  I usually do a lot more but with the move taking so much energy and still not having all the things done I need to do for Christmas I find I need to stop.  

Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Story of the Nutcracker



Vintage, Paint and more... vintage nutcrackers used in Christmas decor along with other vintage and diy'd pieces

I fell in love with The Nutcracker ballet many years ago and made it a tradition to see it when it was presented in an area close to our home. But even if I can't see it in person I catch one on TV to watch.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Let It Snow Mantel




Vintage, Paint and more... white mantel decor with pops of red

Good morning everyone.  Thank goodness I have finally gotten the decorating bug and just in time to join with several other bloggers to continue on the 

Blogger Christmas Series




Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Christmas Decor in the Entry

Vintage, Paint and more... Blogger Christmas Series Logo



 I have teamed up with  a few of my fellow bloggers to bring you the  Blogger Christmas Series. This is a collection of  Home Decor, Crafts, Holiday Tablescapes, Recipes and so much more to inspire you during this holiday season. Today I am bringing you   my Christmas entry. 


Vintage, Paint and more... DIY vintage Christmas decor in an entry

 Last year I decided to use all neutrals in our decor as you can see at Christmas 2013 - A Review.  I loved the way it turned out but my family (and I have to admit even I ) started missing the beautiful colors of red and green that come with Christmas.  So this year I decided to bring back the color and intersperse it among the neutrals. 

Friday, November 28, 2014

Ribbon Tree Tutorial

Vintage, Paint and more... DIY cone trees made on a budget with ribbon and poster board
We spent a wonderful day with our family yesterday - eating, laughing,  and just enjoying our time together.  I am recovering from turkey coma as I always have to the day after Thanksgiving.  So in keeping with just taking it easy today I thought  I would bring you a simple little craft that can easily done in about 30 minutes to an hour.  I love decorating with those cute little cone trees at Christmas (and actually all year round).  If you have been following me for long you know that I make them out of all sorts of mediums.  So today I thought I would show you how to make a very simple and quick one out of ribbons that is also quite budget friendly (maybe even free if you have these supplies on hand)

Monday, November 24, 2014

Christmas 2013 in Review - A Blogger Christmas Series

Vintage, Paint and more... Blogger Christmas Series logo


Thanksgiving is just a few days away and it's nearly time to start putting up the Christmas tree and decor.  I and 20+ other bloggers are going to share our Christmas homes with you over the next few weeks.  But before we do this years decor ( of which I have not even started) we decided we would do a Christmas 2013 Review.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Throwback Thursday - Pinecone Wreath


Vintage, Paint and more... winter wreath made from pine cones and spray painted

Since I am starting to get the Christmas decor out I thought I would share a project I did a couple of years ago with you today.   I made a pine cone wreath for our front door that I still use every year. I had wanted one of these for years but just kept putting off making one. Actually, I thought it would be quite difficult to do.  One day I just decided it was time to tackle it and sent Papa and Miss A to our backyard to pick up the pine cones to use.  Then I set out to make the wreath.  

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Smart Home Temperature Control

This post is sponsored by Honeywell and Klout.  I was compensated for writing it, but all opinions are 100% mine.



This weekend some very unseasonably cold weather came to visit the beach.  We had been having our usual beautiful Fall weather - sunny skies with temps in the 70's and then all of a sudden on Friday night we were sitting at 30 degrees.  I know that you in the Midwest and North have been having quite a bit of cold temps along with snow but for us to have 30's this soon is a little out of normal.  And I might add I just plain freeze to death at these temps.  Thank goodness I received the Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control in the mail the same day.It was a perk from Klout.

Vintage, Paint and more... Honeywell Smart Thermostat

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Wreath Ornament

Vintage, Paint and more... handmade Christmas Ornament collage
I am joining up with Diana of The Girl Creative and 30 other bloggers to bring you a wonderful collection of handmade Christmas Ornaments today. Just in time for you to be able to make a few before you put your tree up this year.  Below you will find my contribution to this collection along with the tutorial to make it.  

Vintage, Paint and more... diy wreath ornament made with lace and beads

 This cute little ornament can be made with any kind of lace, ribbon, rick rack and embellishments but, let me tell you the story behind this particular choice I made for this ornament.  My sister owns a fabric shop and somehow she inherited a ton of buttonhole looping. 

Vintage, Paint and more... buttonholing trim to make wreath ornaments with

  This is the looping you use for those vintage dresses that have a million buttons down the back or down the sleeve. They were very popular in the 70's if I recall.  Well, she challenged me to come up with some ideas for using this since those type of dresses are no longer vogue.  Among some of my ideas is this little Christmas wreath.  It is a very simple project that takes very little time and can be used in many different ways. So let's get started.    

You will need:

  • A white poster board - I bought mine at Dollar Tree
  • A glue gun and glue sticks
  • Your object to make your circle - one for the outside and one for the inside circle.
  • Your lace, buttonholing, ribbon or rick rack.
  • Your embellishment - beads, flowers, charms
  • a 6 inch piece of gold cord, twine or string to make a hanging loop for it

Vintage, Paint and more... using poster board to make a wreath ornament

First I made some circles on a white poster board using a glass and a small circle punch. You can honestly make these as large or small as you like depending on the project you are using them for.  (As I am writing this I am imagining much larger ones for decorating windows, cabinet doors, backs of chairs - whatever you can think of.)


Vintage, Paint and more... making a wreath ornament with poster board and lace

The next step is to start gluing the buttonholing or your trim choice onto the poster board circle using hot glue.


Vintage, Paint and more... handcrafted wreath ornament made with poster board and lace

I started on the edge of the circle and then just continued going around the circle keeping the flat edges touching as I went around.  This created a layered full look.


Vintage, Paint and more... making a wreath ornament with poster board and lace

When I reached the center.  I just cut the buttonholing, folded back a little edge and glued it down to make a nice neat ending.


Vintage, Paint and more... DIY wreath ornament made from poster board, lace and beads


I then glued little gold beads around it - you can use any color or style of bead or embellishment you like.  And then used some gold thread to glue a loop onto the back to hang it with.  





Vintage, Paint and more... making a wreath ornament using poster board, lace and beads


That's all there is to this little project.  So simple and quick. I was able to make several one evening while watching TV.  My kind of project. And so adaptable to your own decor by changing out the type of trim and/or the embellishment you use.
If you want to see what else I made with this buttonholing check out these Little White Christmas Trees

Vintage, Paint and more... Christmas trees made from poster board and lace for a table centerpiece

I hope you enjoy perusing all the creativeness and great inspiration found in this collection and take the time to visit some of the blogs. 

Until next time - enjoy making something you love.

Hugs,



I will be linking up to the parties listed on the I Party At page above.  Please go and visit them I am sure you will find some great projects and inspiration.























Thursday, November 13, 2014

A 30 Minute Pasta Recipe - Guest Post



Good Morning everyone.  We have almost got everything together - down to our last few boxes and I can take a break from unpacking. We still have quite a bit in the garage to do but that I will take a little each week and do.  Next week I will be back in full force with lots of great things in store for you. With the holidays fast approaching I am planning some new things and revisiting some old.  But for today let's welcome Vanessa from DIY 180 as she returns to share one of her great pasta recipes.  It looks yummy and can't wait to try it myself.


Hi, I'm Vanessa, from DIY180 and I am happy to be here with you all today. Cathy, thank you for having me and letting me share with your readers today.

Vintage, Paint and more... DIY 180


I am going to share with you an easy pasta meal you can make in 30 mins and your family will love.

**Start out first by placing the bacon to cook as well as an entire box of spaghetti noodles in a pot of boiling water. Then it is time to make the sauce. This way, when your sauce is done, so is the bacon and pasta. Also save about 1 1/2 cups of the pasta, water, and set them aside. **

For this Meal you will need-
1. Bacon or turkey bacon cooked. I use about 10 slices of cooked bacon for this dish.
2. One small red onion, chopped and sautéd in a tablespoon of Olive Oil. Cook till they turn translucent.
3. Chopped up mushrooms and toss in with the onions and cook for about 5 minutes. Use the mushrooms that you like best and add as much or little as you like. I added about a cup.
4. Crumble bacon when its done and toss in with the onions/mushrooms.

Vintage, Paint and more... DIY 180

Vintage, Paint and more... DIY 180

Top Right Pic - 5. Add a 1 1/14 cup of whipping cream and three tablespoons of butter.
Bottom Right Pic - 6. Mix them together and let them sit on low heat for about 5 minutes and then toss in the spinach or broccoli and stir till cooked. If the sauce becomes too dry just add a few spoonfuls of the pasta water.
The pic to the left - Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles in the sauce till coated. If you see the pasta is not coated well enough, then add more of the pasta water to the sauce. Next, add Asiago, Romano or Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Stir it in. Then serve immediately. Thank you for having me and enjoy!

Mmmm.... Doesn't that look so delicious?  And so quick and simple - definitely one for those late and hurried evenings.  Thank you so much Vanessa for sharing with us we love to see what you have each time.

Don't forget Saturday is our awesome Share It One More Time where you can link up all your wonderful DIY projects, crafts and/or recipes.  Then on Sunday I am participating in a Christmas Ornament blog hop where several bloggers are sharing a handmade Christmas ornament.   You definitely won't want to miss all that great talent and inspiration gathered in one spot.  So be sure to come back and check out what we are sharing.  

I love to get comments and hearing from you all makes my day.  I answer all comments by email. 

Till next time have fun making something you enjoy. 
Hugs,


Thursday, November 6, 2014

A Blog Tour - DIY 180

I am still trying to get organized and unpacked.  This has been a bigger job than I even anticipated.  Some days I just get a little overwhelmed with all that has to be done so fortunately I have some wonderful friends that have volunteered to help me out. Today Vanessa from DIY 180


Vintage, Paint and more... DIY 180

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins with Cinnamon Oat Streusel Topping - Guest Post

Things are moving along and we are almost done packing so I will be back to posting some great projects just in time for the holiday season.  But until that time I have a great treat for you all. 
 Today Elizabeth from 






is here to share one of her scrumptious recipes with us. I can't wait to make these to have with my afternoon coffee.  So grab your coffee, sit back and welcome Elizabeth.


Thursday, October 30, 2014

Fall Home Tour - Guest Post



We are very close to being done and I am working on some really great projects to share with you soon.  But, while I finish up these last few boxes and get some more things in order Angie from The Altered Past is here to tell us all about the fall decor she has put together in her home.  

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Homemade Mulling Spices - Guest Post

What a weekend.  We are all so glad that it is over.  We are in our new home now and the next few days will be spent trying to unpack all those boxes and getting things in some semblance of order.  So while I am doing that I want to introduce you to Kathleen who blogs over at Charm Bracelet Diva (At Home)


Thursday, October 23, 2014

Recipe for Witch Repellent - a Guest Post

I can honestly say that we have a lot of the boxes unpacked and the most important things put in their proper places.  Whew, what a job! I am so glad that I have some great blogger friends that are able to help me out through all this Today I would like you to meet Dana who blogs at                        Dapoppins






Dana is a professional nanny and a Mother. She loves reading children's books , is a writer, and a scrapbook enthusiast. A very busy lady indeed.
Today she is sharing her tutorial on how to make Witch Repellent for those nights you may be out and need it - this weekend, maybe....
So without further ado I am going to let Dana take it from here. 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Glamorized Vanity

Written by Cathy Carroll




Today I am going to show you a vanity I just redid.

Vintage, Paint and more... old vanity refurbished with new wood front

This piece was a piece that T brought home knowing I would love to do a makeover on it. He was not wrong. It had perfect bones to work with.  But when my granddaughter Mimi saw it she called dibs on it.  She had to leave her vanity behind when they moved and had been wanting one to replace it. (only so much room in a truck). What you don't see here is the fact it had a large hole right in the middle of the front where you see the lighter wood piece.  So T replaced the holey piece with a new piece of wood.  It is curved and required some soaking in water and curving ever so slowly.  But with time and patience it was achieved.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Throwback Thursday - Haunted Halloween Village


It's Thursday and that means it is time for a post brought out of the archives.  In keeping with Halloween rapidly descending on us I am bringing out our little Haunted Halloween Village that Miss A made last year.

Vintage, Paint and more... a dollar tree christmas village painted as a halloween village

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Sunflowers for Fall

Written by Cathy Carroll


I love Sunflowers and I love to decorate with them in the Fall.  Usually you will find quite a few of them strewn about our home and on the porch.  I  use both the live ones and the faux ones. I like to put them in pots, vases, just lay them on a shelf or stuff them in wherever I can.  I think they are such a happy and cheerful flower.  So today I am bringing you a happy little arrangement that is quite simple to make.

Vintage, Paint and more... faux sunflowers in a vintage bronze trough with pinecones and milk bottles

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Throwback Thursday - Halloween Candy Jars


Written by Cathy Carroll



Hi Everyone,
I have a fun Halloween project I am going to share with you today that I am pulling out of the archives for Throwback Thursday.  I don't do too much Halloween decorating these days like I did when my boys were young but this project is so simple and so cute - you can  make it in an afternoon.

Vintage, Paint and more... recycled jars used with dollar store candle sticks to make Halloween candy jars

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Paper Bag Wreath


Written by Cathy Carroll



Vintage, Paint and more... rustic wreath made with styrofoam form, brown paper lunch bags, book page feathers and burlap and lace flowers

Hi Everyone,

If you have been following me for a while you know by now that when I find a technique or a medium I really like I kind of go overboard using it.  Well, this past week I introduced you to a fun project using brown paper lunch bags and made some of the cutest little rustic pumpkins with them.

Friday, October 3, 2014

How to Make Lunch Bag Pumpkins


Written by Cathy Carroll



Hi Everyone,
We are finally getting a little fall weather here - thrown in among some still very summer days. Today we were able to open the windows and let the wonderful fall beach breezes blow through the house.  I have been busy getting a couple more fall projects done to show you but am winding down now.   I thought I would bring you the tutorial for the lunch bag pumpkins I shared with you earlier this week as I have had several requests for it. ( It took me awhile to get the pictures taken and retaken as we have been having so many dark cloudy and rainy days.  I had to get them as I could.)

Vintage Paint and more... a rustic little pumpkin made with brown paper lunch bags and dollar store pumpkins

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Lunch Bag Pumpkins




Written by Cathy Carroll


Hi Everyone,
Today I am going to show you my pumpkins I have been working on.  If you follow me on on Facebook I have been  teasing you with a couple of pictures of paper lunch bags cut into strips.  Well, now it the time to show you what I have done with those lunch bags....(drum roll)

Vintage, Paint and more... Dollar Tree pumpkins recyled with brown paper bags, book pages and twine to make a rustic decor

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Throwback Thursday - Pumpkins, Pumpkins and more Pumpkins

Written by Cathy Carroll






Vintage, Paint and more... pumpkin collage


Hi everyone,
It's raining here and has been for several days now but that isn't going to stop me from crafting away for fall.  I love to decorate with pumpkins in the fall and this year is no different - however I do not have them done yet.  So I thought I would do a little round-up of all the different pumpkins I have made in the last couple of years.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Paper Strip Pumpkins for Fall

Hi everyone.
Has Fall found it's way to where you live yet.  Even though it's officially Fall some areas just haven't heard the news and are still in the throws of some very hot summer temps - we were until this morning when the rains came and the temps finally dropped down into the mid 60's.  This won't last long but, I am loving it while it does.

Vintage, Paint and more...Paper strips used to make pumpkins for fall vignettes

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Throwback Thursday - Drop Cloth Pumpkins


Hi everyone.

Hope this is finding you all enjoying some great fall weather where you are.  We are still have very warm temps but a cool front came through and we finally hit the low 70's.  I'll take that over those 90's  any day of the week.  I am so looking forward to Fall to kick in here.

Today is Throwback Thursday and I am bringing back an easy little project I did for Fall last year.
                                     



Vintage, Paint and more... pumpkins made from drop cloth fabric

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Paper Leaf Wreath

Vintage, Paint and more... wreath made from book page and scrapbook paper leaves



Last week I showed you my Fall Mantel and told you that I would be posting a tutorial about the paper leaf wreath I made as the feature of that mantel.  I had gotten the idea that I wanted to make a wreath out of paper this year when I was awake in the wee hours one night and my mind was working overtime as it does then.  Paper is one of my favorite mediums - next to paint and I love to create with it.  I love how this turned out and how it contrasts with the black chalkboard I mounted it on.  So without further ado I will tell you how to make this very simple wreath for yourself.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

TBT - Fall Entry 2013






Vintage, Paint and more... vintage entry done with black and white geometric design

Well, here we are at another Throwback Thursday and I want to show you my entryway from last year.  I had just painted all the black and white pieces for the entry and decided to do something just a bit different for fall out there.  So I let my imagination sort of run with it and I decided to use black, white and gold with just a few touches of orange.  I also mixed up several different geometric designs to keep it just a bit more interesting.  I loved it all.  It was different, it was whimsical and it was definitely outside my traditional box.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Fall Mantel


Vintage, Paint and more... a vintage mantel done with a paper leaf wreath and dollar store pumpkins


It's beginning to look a little like fall around here.  I finally got everything done to put my Fall Mantel together this weekend.  I really didn't have to do much because I already had most all these things but, with the temps and humidity we have been having I just was not motivated to put out pumpkins and fall leaves yet  This year I decided to go with the traditional colors of fall.  I love the oranges, golds and browns. that are so prevalent now.  Last year I did a more neutral design and although I liked it I wasn't in love with it.  

Thursday, September 4, 2014

TBT - Fall Mantel of 2013



I have been visiting around blogland a bit and have noticed all the fall decor that is starting to show up.  I am still putting mine together - a bit slow this year and have nothing new ready yet so thought I would show you my mantel from last year before I show you this year's mantel.

Vintage, Paint and more... book page paper wreath with metallic and powder blue pumpkins and painted jars with sunflowers decorate a fall mantel

Monday, September 1, 2014

A Tour Through Blogland


 Hi everyone,
Today I am going to take you on a tour through blogland where you get to meet a couple of new bloggers and I answer questions about myself.
I am so excited that my friend Kim who blogs at The Kim Six Fix asked me to join in the "Tour Through Blogland" tour.  You see, I met Kim through a Blogger Facebook Page Group that I participate in and let me tell you she is one awesome lady.  Kim is a scientist - you know with the test tubes and everything but decided to become a stay at home mommy for her 3 kiddos.  She is the most awesome "jack-of-all trades" diy-er ( my hero) I have met in blogland - I mean she uses power tools ( not for me) and cooks!  She also builds her own projects , crafts, sews, paints - you name it, she does it.
 Just go check out her kitchen reno - you'll see what I mean.  Be still my heart!

Vintage, Paint and more... Kim Six Fix kitchen reno

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Perfect Late Summer Morning



Good morning everyone.
Hope today is just as awesome for you as it is for us.

Vintage, Paint and more... late summer beach


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Share It One More Time Link Party #2 and Features




It's time for the Share It One More Time party!

It's hard for me to believe that summer is nearly over and fall is just around the corner.  School started here this week and with that I always feel that we are officially entering that time of year for those beautiful fall colors  I shared a little about that this week. 

Vintage, Paint and more... colors of fall flower arrangement

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Throwback Thursday - Vintage Vanity



Good morning everyone.
Today is Throwback Thursday and I am bringing a vintage vanity out of the archives that I did for Miss A's room a couple years ago.

Vintage, Paint and more... pink chalk painted vintage vanity for little girls room