Mudroom after 2 years and my latest Color Crush

If there is one room in my house besides our bathroom that I can't live without it would be our mudroom. Living in Iowa, winters are brutal and snow comes more often than some of us would like. I love having a whole room to drop everything, instead of a little mat at the door.   As much as I love this room and all it's uses during the winter months, I love when spring comes, life overall gets lighter.

We've done so much to this little space. I so wanted to show a completely finished room, but after almost 2 years I gave up and had to give you a peek.

 Overall we painted, wallpapered, put paneling up, tore out the tile, trimmed around the wallpaper, put lots of hooks up, made a coat rack out of pipe and added decorative touches.  I know that's against some peoples rules to decorate before a room is completely done. but I've found putting some inspiration in the room is helping me decided on bigger decisions like the floor.

My latest color crush has been hunter green.  So when I found this rug I had to get it,  I wasn't certain it would work but for $3 bucks I was sold!   I have a tile design in mind for this floor.  I'm thinking about painting it instead of actually tiling it.  Overall I think it practically keeps the floor warmer and it's something I've always wanted to do and what a perfect space to give it a shot!

I've added hints of green here and there like this Burlington Iowa basket picnic basket. I plan to add more touches of my beloved color:)

I've started a dog gallery wall. I don't know anything more welcoming than a dog.  Our mudroom is a perfect place to display our 4 legged friends we love.    

It's been a slow process but one I've enjoyed.  I hope to get started on the floor soon before it gets too hot.  I'll be showing little peeks of my process on Instagram. 

Blessing,

Julie

A not so Faux Fireplace

Growing up in Iowa my dad had a wood burning stove that heated our house every winter. I never understood the need for slippers and house robes until I moved into a house heated by a furnace. The difference is night and day!  I've been trying to convince Scotty to put a little wood burner in our mudroom but he says it's too much work.  Which he's probably right, and I'm not completely convinced I'm ready to add lumber jack duties to my list either.

 

But I still wanted to add some warmth to our home,  so he agreed to put in a faux fireplace.  I began to search for one to buy and was not impressed at all.  If there was one word to describe them, it would be faux, which means fake.  So I began researching DIY faux fireplaces and I came across this one This blog has inspiration galore to keep things simple and authentic.  I fell in love with the fireplace they built for their guest house, and thought it would be perfect for us....  If you need a breath of fresh country air check out.... A Country Farm House .

 

 

 

If you missed how I made a dresser into a mantel, you can catch up here.

 

 

 

 In finishing the fireplace I knew I wanted brick for the inside, but didn't necessarily want to add brick laying to my skills.  So I went to the Home Depot and bought a big sheet of red brick paneling. I cut it to size and nailed it in. The electric flame looked best against a white background compared to charcoal.  So I painted the brick with some flat paint that gave it an off white/light gray base.  I liked it,  but thought it was a little too clean cut for a real used fireplace. So in my quest to make it look as authentic as can be  I grabbed some black chalk from my art supplies.  Then I basically scribbled on the brick where I wanted it to be black and took a dry cloth and blended it in.  I made the brick floor especially dirty, since that is where all the ashes would fall.

Researching so many fireplaces I began to love brass andirons.  Amazon had some for around $200.  Then I stopped into the Habitat for Humanity and ran into these.  My mouth dropped when I saw the 20 dollar price tag.  I thought surely 20 a piece. Nope, $20 for all, and it came with a huge fireplace screen fit for a castle.  They add just the right touch to my fireplace and gave it a little more depth. 

 

 My one big expense was the heating insert.  I went with an electric Duraflame insert. I bought mine on amazon for $80.00.  I think the flame looks really good for an electric insert.  I looked at a lot of Duraflame youtube videos before I bought it, and was pretty impressed. It also does a nice job heating our space too.

The next thing to tackle was the hearth.  I thought about tiling it.  Then I thought about making a concrete slab to lay on the hardwood floor or buying a piece stone or granite. Then the thrifty side of me thought, why not make a piece of wood look like stone.

 I had a perfect sized piece on hand and decided I have nothing to loose.   I got my Dremel tool out and began to make cracks in the stone and ruffed up the edges. Then I ruffed up the top of the wood with a sander.  Next I got some old wall paint and began to swipe paint all over the board with a putty knife.  The putty knife made it look like it had many layers instead of a flat brushed look.  You might be able to add some plaster too for extra texture too.....

 After I got the look I wanted, I sprayed it with mate finish poly. This seals everything in.  I think I might have gone a bit overboard spraying it because it turned out pretty glossy. Maybe I can wipe it with some paint thinner to knock the sheen one day....but for now I'm not minding it.

So my overall cost for the fireplace is:
$80 for the Duraflame insert
$20 for the androids
$20 for the brick paneling
$5 Can of Poly
Everything else was an old dresser, left over trim pieces, paint I had on hand, and a strong will to do this for nothing:)
TOTAL=$125

 My bedroom makeover has begun.  I used a dark green color called black bean.  It's funny how paint colors behave, never would have thought this color would have pulled green tones by reading the name.  I will probably be hopping back and forth from our room to the living room.  I have one more chair to recover, a buffet to refinish and blinds to purchase in our living room.  I feel a bit obligated to those projects since I have already invested into them.  So for now my room will just have to be happy with new paint and a new painting.  Before and after pictures to come.

My Style, living room endings and bedroom beginnings

So I FINALLY got a new computer and blogging has become not only possible but enjoyable again!  I've suffered a long time with a slow computer and I took my husband's advice and a got a new one.  I've missed you guys and sorry for the long break....

I hope everyone is enjoying the new year! With time off of blogging, I had a lot more time to reflect on what I really want for my home. And I must admit some days I don't know exactly what my style is.  I've always thought my style was eclectic but I felt the need to narrow that down a little.  I've read that if you are stumped in what your home style is, start in your closet.  So that's what I did.  Looking in my closet I found a very simple wardrobe with classic brands like Ralph Lauren, crisp white button down shirt from Lands End, Frye Riding boots, little black dress, with a bright silk floral shirt.  So right away I thought classic, comfortable, with a touch of unexpected color, print or texture.  

The room I've been focusing on the most is our living room.

After concluding/confirming my style, I've been busy. I've kinda have been all over the place but wanted to give you a peak into my progress. 

 

 

If you asked me what my favorite colors are this year, it would be black and brown.  My base colors for my home have been black and white but lately I'm embracing brown.  I've snubbed my brown leather couch the past couple years, thinking I need something lighter and new.  But after doing my closet exercise, it confirmed to me that my brown riding boots will always be classic, and will only get better the longer I have them.   I'm finding that to be true with my dear couch, if I let her be!

When we 1st put these book shelves in they were all white. I had a good go with the all white look, but now I'm wanting to bring out more rich tones for a dramatic feel.  I had some black vinyl and double sided tape on hand that did the job nicely.

My faux fireplace has been a long work in progress, and sorry for the bad picture.  We are enjoying the comforting feel of this piece and the warmth during this brutal winter.  I have a few more finishing touches to do on this project.  Hope to share more details on this project soon.  If you missed it, here's how I made a fireplace from a dresser.

I love taking a break from the big projects and doing something fun!  I got this bamboo tray for less than a dollar at a thrift store.  I knew I wanted to give it a different look, so I got some white oil based paint and tapped off the part of the tray I didn't want white. Then I poured the painted right on the tray and just like flouring a cake pan, I tipped the tray back and forth, and let the paint cover it.

 After I let it dry for a couple of days I took a sharpie marker and covered it with a Dalmatian print. It added just the right touch of fun to my coffee table!
A couple weekends ago I was at Ikea and was surprised to find this bamboo tray.  You could easily make this with just a sharpie if you are so blessed to have an Ikea in your area!

Welcome to our bedroom.  This poor room as not been touched in 3 years.  Though I'm in the middle of finishing/polishing our living room, I decided to take a much needed break and work on our bedroom.  I'm embracing a dark gray/brown/green wall color. 

Hope to get this painted this week.  Before and afters to come.....

 

Do you get stumped or second guess what your style is?

Maybe a trip to your closet with give you some clarity too:) 

 

Cleaning Creative Little House: Blog Fresher

Hey guys....my blog is under construction for a few days.  I've wanted to update the look of my blog for quite sometime, give Creative Little House a good cleaning if you will. I want it to feel as though your walking through the door of my home when you visit my blog.....so I've been gathering some things around my house to best describe Creative Little House.....

I'm so hoping to get this techy stuff out of the way and just get back to what I love and that is creating and sharing.  I must say it has been fun doing the design part BUT the techy stuff it not my cup of tea. I don't think I ever want it to be, I would much rather read something beautiful than code!!  I don't know how many times I've told Scotty "I'm not met to do this techy stuff, it's like me telling you to paint a portrait." Thank goodness for my hubby and etsy.com for support!   If all goes well my new address will be www.creativelittlehouse.com 
See you soon with a fresh new look!!
Love,
Julie

Not Sweating Winter: Striped DIY Painted Sweatshirt

 I'm first to tell you that I'm not a fashion person as far as investing in it and wearing it.  I get inspiration from fashion, but I think I would be the one behind the sewing machine, dressed in all black than the model wearing it. Every once in a while I get  inspired to do something with clothing.  My sister-n-law Julie is kind enough to give me hand-me-downs.  (Hand-me-down seems like the wrong phrase, as she does give me good stuff!) After telling her thank you, I tell her, "you know some of this stuff I'll wear for 10 plus years".  I'm exaggerating a little, but I do wear my clothes to the ground!
Last week I got this fever called Spring and it was snowing to top the day off, so I decided to do something to lift my spirits. I went shopping in my closet and I found this gray sweatshirt my sis-n-law gave me.  The sweater was really long and I thought; I want to shorten it and maybe bring in the sleeves and make some rolled cuffs.

I didn't realize how easy taking a shirt in was.....you just sew down the seams. I first cut off the cuffs and then sewed the arm seams.  Then I rolled the cuffs and tack sewed them into place.   After the arms where done I cut the elastic band around the waist and shortened the sweater. Then sewed the elastic back on.  Sounds like a lot but it really was easy.  This was the 1st time I tailored a shirt and it opened a whole door of opportunities.....or the door of my closet;)....I thought what other clothes can I change!!

I decided to brighten this shirt up with a little paint.  I went to anthropologie.com to get inspired and encouraged by there spring line.  I saw a lot of nautica/sailor type shirts.  Then I saw a simple striped sweatshirt, and I thought "yep painters tape here I come"!
So I taped the shirt.....

 Got out my acrylic paint and stencil brush and started patting away. (I don't use fabric paint, in high school I painted my 1st sweatshirt with acrylic and it works just fine. Maybe some of you have used fabric paint....does it make a difference?  I find that the acrylic paint feels ruff at 1st and then after a couple of washing it softens up and wears really well.) Anyway.......I didn't bother putting anything under the shirt because I wasn't going to paint it too thick.  If your wanting a more finished stripe use more layers of paint.  You might want to put something under the shirt, so it doesn't bleed through.  After your done painting, let it dry and wash as normal.

 I used Royal blue and a neon yellow paint. The yellow got a bit muted, but I kinda liked the rustic look.

I enjoyed this project, it was nice to take a break from homey stuff. I felt like I learned a thing or two along the way.   This will be a great sweater to wear on one of those perfect short and sweatshirt days!!

I'm thinking I want to try a floral print next time, something bright and feminine.  

Are you getting the spring itch to go through and change out your closet into lighter and brighter clothes?  I think that is something I'll try and tackle this week. I see a fight coming with a lady named mother nature, and the flip flops must come out!:)

Throw Pillow Upscale

The past couple of years I've been in a sewing funk. I love to sew but for some reason it felt like a big chore and not a fun hobby. (I guess moving and getting pregnant didn't help either!:)  Once I get started I'm fine but like most things it's taking that 1st step that is the  hardest.  Last week I kept seeing things around my home that could use a little upscaling/TLC.  My eye has been on my living room pillows for quite some time...they needed a little sprucing up.  I made these pillow covers when I lived in KC. I used a fabric from some old curtains from the 50's. I LOOOOVE this fabric and I see that it's wearing a bit but I want to keep it as long as I can.  I really liked the pillow covers I made but I kept thinking, I would love some black binding around them.  So I mustard up the energy and drug up my machine and got to work......

 I do a very simple slip cover for my throw pillows.  For some reason I can not find the before picture of these guys....I know I took one but I must have put it in a weird folder that I can't find on my computer like one of my boys baby folders.  One day I might find it but it wasn't worth me loosing my mind trying to find it this time.

 So before they looked similar to this below....(this is the back side of the pillow)....

 I love that they don't have zippers! I'm telling you these are so easy!!   Maybe one day I'll have to do a DIY post to show how ridiculously easy these are to make!   I just get so anxious thinking of doing a DIY post, they slightly stress me out and I don't consider myself a good teacher/explainer.  But I just might have to do this one, these pillow covers are life changing!

 Before the pillows were really simple. Now I love how the black binding  frames this beautiful fabric and gives it a touch of class.  I know these pillows won't last forever,....it makes me sad that I can't go out and buy another yard of  this one of a kind fabric, but I'm glad I took the time to give them a lift for the time I have them!
 It's crazy how well these pillows match my new chairs.....I love how things organically go together! Upscaling can be so rewarding, it's like giving your paid for car a good detailed cleaning. With a little effort you can continue to love the things you already have.

Spring Cleaning is springing in the Gates home.  You will find me cleaning things like my junk drawer below......

As I'm cleaning, I'm dreaming of dirt.  My outdoor home is on my mind as I think what bushes I'm going to put in this year and what flower garden I'm going to add.  Is dirt on your mind, what are you going to grow this year?

Showing a little leg: Living room Arm Chairs

  Reupholstering has been a hobby for me since college.  I worked in a friends shop and she taught me everything I know. Now I have the privilege of using this craft to update furniture in my home.  One thing I hate is how furniture has become so disposable. I love how in the day they used to buy a good quality piece and have it reupholstered when needed and keep it for a lifetime, then have it passed down.  That is what I call a good investment!
I've been looking for a couple of matching arm chairs.  When I saw these cute chairs at the Salvation Army, I was immediately drawn to the fabric and the style.  They were the right size and I knew right where to put them.  I didn't end up purchasing them that day and decided to think on them.  Well to say the least they haunted me a couple of days and I had this sinking feeling that they were gone. This has happened before to me and my sister and we both kicked ourselves that we didn't snatch them when we 1st saw them!  But these Ethan Allen Beauties were met to be for me this time.  They were in good condition and I think I'll keep the fabric on them for a good while!

This is how they looked when I 1st bought them.  I kept thinking I like them but there is something I don't like.  Then it came to me!  The skirt, I have to get rid of the skirt!

It's funny how furniture resembles a woman.  The legs, it's curves and sometimes it's fabric.  Well this skirt was making my chair look short and stumpy!  And I think every woman wouldn't mind looking a bit more tall!!

After I took the skirt off it was like she put on a pair of high heels!! And doesn't she look 10 years younger showing a little leg?!!

Overall I like the cleaner look and I do like the legs showing.  Not to mention you can see the wood floor underneath which makes the room look larger compared to the skirt cutting the floor off.

I'm very pleased.  The boys love them too. It's so cute to see them sitting in them side by side, but priceless seeing them snuggle together in one!

Buy the way if your wondering I spent $100 on these chairs.  $50 bucks a chair compared to $300 plus for one will do for this lady!
Then to top my purchases off with a cherry I found this garden set for $20.  No cushions but I love having the freedom to choose!

Can not wait to sit on them one day very soon! Come on spring!

A Girl can't have it all: Spending on Projects

 I've had people ask me how do you have the time to do all your projects.  I typically say something, "I do what I'm passionate about and I make the time for that." As an artist my home has been my outlet and my blog is another outlet that allows me to feel and be who God create me to be. Also practice, practice, practice.....not that it feels like practice to me, I've been decorating and creating since birth so I'm not just one day running a marathon, I've been training for a long time. So I've gained some creative muscle and can do things faster, which gives me more time to squeeze in a project and still keep up with the laundry!

One thing people don't ask me, probably because its personal. How do you as a stay at home mom with one income pay for your projects.   My answer is:  I don't spend a lot of money on clothes and manicures, pedicures and my hair, really anything personally for myself I've put on the back burner.  When Scotty and I were 1st married we decided to pay all our debt off.  One thing I learned was that I can't have it all. During that process we didn't buy anything, instead bought our life back one month at a time for about 3 years. After we were debt free and had money to spend, I still had boundaries and had to decided where I wanted to put our money.  For me this was easy, I would much rather buy a lamp shade than the latest dress. I do love fashion but at this point in my life I would rather invest in our home.  Some might go the opposite way and not care much about home decor and want to wear the latest trend.  Others, God bless them, they can have it all ;)
But even though I can't have it all (and please don't feel sorry for me, I adore what I have and I'm grateful!) I still can try and be great with what I have with a little effort!  As a stay at home mom you can get lazy in your dress, makeup and hair.  It's so true for me, I dress up on Sundays, and I can't even call it officially dressing up, it's something like jeans, a nice shirt and makeup.
Today I decided to be great with what I have! So I curled the hair that I have, put make up on the face that I have and shopped the closet that I have. And can I tell you it made me feel great!!  I know my outfit  isn't the latest and greatest of styles but I thought I would share some tips on how to be great with what you have.....

We'll go from head to toe....

HEAD: My hair. I dye my own hair. I know that's a "no no" for most hair dressers and yes I've sat in the guilt trip chair before as the stylist shakes her pointer finger at me.  I always think,  that's just what this mother who never does anything for herself needs, I feel so much better and relaxed now after that little trip you took me on!!:)
Anyways, I buy my stuff at Sally's and just touch up my roots.  In one bottle I can get 3 touch ups....so at $5 bucks regular price it's about $1.50 a pop.  One day I'll get my hair done by a nice stylist who dosn't have a stack of guilt trip tickets to give out but for now I'm going to spend $1.50 instead of $150!!
Another tip is I don't wash my hair everyday.  I try and wash my hair twice a week. So that helps with spending money on products and it's so much better for your hair to have a break from shampoo.  My hair feels so healthy.

FACE:  One thing I try and make time for is my face.  I shared before that I wash my face with oil.  I use a mixture of olive oil and lavender.  For a long time I couldn't find a soap that didn't make it dry and break out.  Oil  really works great and I love how moisturizing it is.  You might be thinking doesn't your face get really oily?  No, oil cleans oil.  If you think about how they clean a bird from an oil spill they use Dawn soap which  has oil in it.  That's the best example I can give.  I use olive, coconut, avocado oils to name a few....I think it's good to change it up.  I simply message it into my face, then put a wet warm washcloth over my face to steam it and gentle wipe the oil off. This time a year I just wipe it off and I don't use water, my face needs the extra moisture. It's the best eye makeup remover with no eye irritation!   Read more on clean your face with oil  Here
Later I'll share with you how I make my own mineral makeup!

MY CLOTHES: I've bought from thrift shops ever since I could drive. I love them!  I gained more discernment over the years and have gotten more picky.  If I want something a bit more trendy I usually hit the thrift store.  I go to the mall maybe twice a year. I went once last year.....and I don't think I spent anything.  I save my birthday to get something new.  When I buy new it's usually jeans or a nice pair of shoes that I'll wear for 10 years plus and yes I do go to Vicky's to for new undies....I try to be as practical as can be when it comes to new. My outfit above is an example of old with new.....
My Sweater: I bought it at a thrift store before Fisher....it's a bit trendy but I spent maybe $2 bucks.  $5 bucks is my limit, it really has to be good to spend $10 at a thrift store.
My Vest:  Thrift store....wouldn't want to know what I would pay for a new one at JCrew!:)
My Jeans: Birthday Gift (American Eagle) they were shipped right to my door!
My Shoes: Got these babies when Sperry's weren't cool, and years later I'm still wearing them!
Less is more when it comes clothes.....take good care of what you have, hang your sweaters after washing, iron your shirts, when you buy something get rid of something, keep your closet roomy so you can see.  Give something to a friend, my sister and sister n law have given me things I'll wear for yearS!

I think effort is the key ingredient to being great with a dash of confidence.....just a dash please;)!!  Hope you have a wonderful Valentines weekend.  I've loved this holiday since I was a child, single, dating and married!!! I hope you know you are loved!
Xoxo's!!

Neon Birthday Invites a party for William

My son William is turning 5 this month. We had a simple party for him last year.  I wanted to do something special for my boy this year.  He LOVES birthdays and LOVES all the decorations, balloons, cakes, streamers, really anything decorative.  He'll come into a room that we've been working on, like the mudroom and say "it's beautiful", "I love it momma"!! He is very in tune and observant too, like when we were installing lighting under our kitchen cabinets he said "I love it" and then he pointed out that we forgot one light under a cabinet.  Scotty looks at me and said little you right there! So I just had to do something creative for my boy, and I figure I only have a few more years to do a themed party for him before he's not into it or completely embarrassed by his mom!:)
One of my favorite things to do while planning a birthday is making the invites.  This year was special because William helped me with the design.  He surprised me with the picture below of a birthday party he drew.  I thought that's perfect and went with it......

I tossed ideas around and I finally came up with a neon dance party for William.  William loves to dance and he loves color and it just seemed like him! I hopped over to Walmart and got some neon supplies and William and I got to work!
 We made black and white copies of his drawing.

Then we got to coloring.....We try and do something creative every night after Fisher goes to sleep!  It was so fun to watch him get so excited and be so into it!  I knew I made the right decision for his party and invite!

Cakes and dancing kids.....Looks like a party to me!!

I had fun with stickers and markers......I know making a design on the computer is nice but going back to handmade felt good and stress free.

I'm one of those people who loves addressing cards too.  There is something about picking up a pen and writing.
I will have more details on William's party.  It's going to be in our unfinished basement. The party has motivated me to get my storage under control and get things picked up. As I'm picking up I'm envisioning walls and flooring down there.  BUT we are finishing our upstairs 1st and I can't get too far ahead of myself.....but it's been nice to tackle a few prep things we would have to do before we start remodeling. For now it's a party room and i'm pretty excited!!