Thinking Ahead to Christmas: Colonial Williamsburg Style Door Idea

October 22, 2018 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 508th Metamorphosis Monday! I had an interesting start to my morning! I awoke around 4 am Egypt time and was laying in bed thinking about my Met Monday post when the power went out. I noticed it immediately because the A/C stopped and everything went very dark. It's a weird feeling to be on the top (5th) floor of a hotel and have all the power go out. Fortunately, I knew where my phone … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , , , , ,



A Beautiful, Colorful Porch Makeover for Summer

July 24, 2017 by 24 Comments

Welcome to the 443rd Metamorphosis Monday! Recently Brenda wanted to update her front porch. It had been a few years since she last decorated this area and felt it was past time for a makeover.   This bench was still super cute, just needed a bit of TLC and some updating.   The chairs, though still comfortable, were really showing a lot of wear. I love the built-in side … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



3 Adorable Bee-Themed Wreaths for Spring

June 19, 2017 by 47 Comments

Welcome to the 438th Metamorphosis Monday! Pssst: There's still time to enter the $500 Shopping Spree Giveaway from Noritake, you'll find the giveaway here: $500 Shopping Spree. A couple of weeks ago I shared Debbie's wonderful "Tiffany" themed party. (If you missed that event, you'll find it here: Breakfast at Tiffany's Brunch.) The Tiffany Brunch was Debbie's third year of hosting her annual "My … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing



A Cute Footstool with Storage Gets a New Look

April 4, 2017 by 38 Comments

A couple of months ago a large tree fell in my back yard, gently laying itself down across the length of the yard.   I'm beginning to think I may have a tree jinx going on because I was on the porch a few days ago and discovered this below! In talking with my neighbors and others in this area, I learned that we had a big storm with 70 mph winds come through about a week before I returned home … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, In the Garden, Office/Craft/Sewing Room



One More Down, Four to Go!

August 22, 2016 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 395th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings this beautiful summer day! Before we get into this week's Met Monday, thanks to Buzzfeed for featuring a previous DIY project of mine in this fun roundup at their website: 5 Insanely Clever DIYs That You'll Actually Want To Try. Check out the post if you have a moment, lots of fun ideas for the DIY enthusiast! For this week's Met Monday, my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,



Taper Tipper: Easiest Way To Trim Down the Base of a Candle

August 8, 2016 by 43 Comments

Welcome to the 393rd Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I shared this summer table setting for Tablescape Thursday. Thanks so much for all the lovely comments you left on that post--appreciated those so much!   The centerpiece for that table was all about candles, lots and lots of candles. (Tablescape can be viewed here: Romantic Candlelight Dinner on the Porch)   In that post I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Fall Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , ,



How To Make a Tiered Planter From Terra Cotta Saucers

June 17, 2016 by 27 Comments

Yesterday for Tablescape Thursday, I shared a table setting featuring a 3-tiered planter or plant stand as the centerpiece.   Today I'm sharing detailed instructions showing how I made the planter, in case you would like to make one, too. This is one of the easiest DIY projects I've ever made and it only took about 1-1/2 hours to make. Well, maybe a little longer for the jute part, more on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , ,



How To Find the Center of a Ceramic or Clay Saucer

June 14, 2016 by 29 Comments

Things are looking very purplie around here, Dahlia purple to be exact. I've finished painting the potting bench, now I just to need to assemble it. I'll start work on that this evening.   Today I've been shopping for the supplies I need for another little project, one I think you're going to really like. You would think the potting bench project was enough to having going on at one time, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



Shell & Sea Glass Chargers for Beach Inspired Dining

May 16, 2016 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 381st Metamorphosis Monday! Wish I had a porch update to share with you, but unfortunately due to the off-and-on rainy forecast last week, the flooring company wasn't able to come out and re-varnish the porch floor. So frustrating when every day predicts rain (except on the weekends when they don't work) and half the time, it never materializes.  If/when we get a clear forecast, they … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Spring & Summer Tablescapes



I’m Steaming! Steaming Happy, That Is!

March 21, 2016 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 373rd Metamorphosis Monday! Several years ago my sister gave me a My Little Steamer, steamer. She had a very generous and loving nature and often when she saw something advertised on TV that she thought I could use, she would buy it and surprise me with it on my next visit to her home. At the time she gave me the steamer, I wasn't sure how I would use it, but I thanked her and tucked it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest



Sewing Velvet: Are My Curtains Sewn Backwards?

January 19, 2016 by 98 Comments

Greetings! How was your day today? Hope it was a great one! Today has been a pretty productive day around here. I have a little update for you about the velvet drapes I recently purchased for the living room. I also have a question for you! You may remember last week I draped the velvet panels I purchased over the tops of the shutters in the living room to give you a little idea how they might look … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Living Room (Downstairs)



DIY Hot Cocoa Sign for a Hot Chocolate Bar: A Tutorial

December 25, 2015 by 37 Comments

A couple of days ago I shared a Hot Cocoa bar I created out on my screened porch. The bar area included a sign I made that was inspired by a sign I had seen floating around blogland a few years back. After not having any success locating a similar sign, I decided it was time to head downstairs to my basement workshop and make my own. (Inspiration sign and detail views of the Hot Cocoa Bar can be seen in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Winter Tablescapes



Create a Hot Cocoa Bar for Winter Entertaining

December 22, 2015 by 61 Comments

Happy Holidays to you, dear Friends! We're out on the porch today and I know it's a little chilly. Don't worry though, I have just the thing to warm us up. Step right over here and belly up to the bar--the Hot Cocoa Bar, that is. :) I've been envisioning a Hot Cocoa Bar for years out here on the porch, but I could never quite gather together all the bits and pieces I needed to create it, most especially … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Porches, Porches & Decks, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , ,



Refreshing The Porch For Autumn Joy

October 12, 2015 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 350th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm super excited to share a wonderful autumn porch makeover by my friends, Mary and Dave at Front Porch Ideas and More. This makeover has lots of great ideas including no-sew pillows, a DIY table runner and an outdoor furniture makeover done on a budget. Here's Mary now to share how she and Dave, with the help of their darling granddaughter, Millie, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Porches, Seasonal Decor



DIY Shell and Sea Glass Chargers

September 7, 2015 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 345th Metamorphosis Monday! A few years back I made these shell chargers to use in beach-themed tablescapes.   I made them after coming across six Pottery Barn chargers on eBay and seeing them sell for over $200!   I've always wondered how they would look with pretty sea glass mixed in, so recently I primed and painted a bunch of old, plastic chargers I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Seasonal Decor, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



Here I Go Again!

June 24, 2015 by 35 Comments

Greetings! How is your week going? I've been busy working on a few little projects. I'm back at it again, priming and painting old, plastic charger plates.   Recently I purchased a few bags of shells to supplement the last of the ones I still have left from my visit to Captiva and Sanibel Islands 30 years ago.   Ever since I made shell chargers a few years back, I've been … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , ,



In The BNOTP Library: Vintage Treasures

June 6, 2015 by 4 Comments

If you love antiquing, thrifting, flea markets and garage sales, and enjoy decorating and crafting with your vintage finds, you'll love this book. It's filled with lots of lovely collections and beautiful craft ideas.   In the BNOTP Library: Vintage Treasures Author: Jane Cassini & Ann Brownfield   3 Things I Like About This Book: Lots of creative ideas for using vintage … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , , , , ,



How To Save Or Frame a Jigsaw Puzzle Without Using Messy Glues

April 15, 2015 by 79 Comments

If you're a jigsaw puzzle lover, chances are you'll occasionally work a puzzle that you'll want to keep and frame. I completed one a couple of weeks ago that I knew from the beginning I would want to keep and possibly frame for sentimental reasons. Nancy Drew and I were best buds when I was around 8-11 years old. I wanted to to be just like her when I grew up! ;) I've never framed a puzzle so I did a bit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,



Make A Banner For Spring Decorating: A Tutorial

April 13, 2015 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 324th Metamorphosis Monday! Though Easter is behind us, when Bonnie shared a picture of the wonderful Spring Easter banner she made by hand to transform her fireplace mantel for spring, I knew I had to share it with you! Is this not amazing?!   So many beautiful details!   I absolutely love all the color and pattern! See those cute rosettes along the bottom. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home Tagged With: ,



My New Addiction, Why Didn’t Someone Warn Me?!

March 24, 2015 by 122 Comments

When was the last time you did a puzzle? I think I was probably 10 years old, maybe younger. Recently I shared some of the whimsical artwork of Charles Wysocki, a talented artist I just recently discovered. While visiting the online store his family maintains since his passing a few years ago, I discovered several of his paintings had been turned into puzzles. I thought to myself, "That's nice." That's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes



Creative Ideas For Repurposing Bottles and Jars

March 2, 2015 by 75 Comments

Welcome to the 318th Metamorphosis Monday! At some point every summer, I will make a Peach Bourbon Trifle to either take to a party or for one I'm hosting here on the porch. I found this delicious recipe in an old Southern Living magazine many years ago. When I make the trifle, I always use Blanton's bourbon. You can see it in the background of this photo taken when I posted the recipe a few years … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , , , ,



DIY Burlap Bunny-Ear Napkin Rings For Your Spring Table

February 9, 2015 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 315th Metamorphosis Monday! Last year I saw these cute burlap bunny-ear napkin rings in a cataglog. Ummm, that started the wheels a-turning. I saved the picture to my computer thinking I might try to DIY them some day.   With spring just 5-6 weeks away, I decided to start working on them now so they will be ready for a spring or Easter tablescape.   I already … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Easter Crafts, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Napkin Folds, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



Make a Hydrangea Wreath for Spring

May 6, 2014 by 17 Comments

Have you decorated your front door for the spring season, yet? Shhh, don't tell anyone but I haven't either. I love what Christy did with her front door, though! It's beautiful and I'm so glad she's here today to show us how to dress up our door for spring.   Hi, I'm Christy and I am so thrilled (seriously, ya'll) to be guest hosting at Between Naps on the Porch today! I have been following … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , ,



25 Denim Bags & Purses Made From Recycled Jeans

April 21, 2014 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 273rd Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I thought it would be fun to share 25 fab Before and Afters. These "Befores" started out as old, out-of-style or too-worn jeans and turned into shiny, new purses and bags. To get the link for a particular tutorial, just click on the title of that post and it will take you to the post where you'll find the link for the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , , , ,



Build a Cubby Organizer, Pottery Barn Inspired

April 1, 2014 by 78 Comments

If you've been reading Between Naps on the Porch for a while, you know I love organizing "stuff." It's ridiculous how excited I can get over finding cool ways to store those things we need and use each day. It's icing on the cake when storage is actually pretty and decorative in addition to being functional. One handsome storage solution I've been eyeing for a long time is Pottery Barn's Cubby … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , , , , ,



Peat Pot Spring Baskets, Perfect for Easter

March 19, 2014 by 22 Comments

Easter is only a few weeks away and I'm so excited to share a beautiful Easter craft from my friend Jane who blogs at Cottage at the Crossroads.  Here's Jane to explain just how she made these adorable Peat Pot Spring Baskets. Tutorial from Jane, Cottage at the Crossroads: Have you been noticing those pretty peat pots that people have been decorating? Well, I just had to make some, too, and I'm … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,



Build a Potting Table, Great for Parties, Too!

February 26, 2014 by 143 Comments

Love! That perfectly describes how I felt when I saw this picture of the Abbott Potting Table online. Was it the orchids that lured me in, those wonderful old windows or was it that fabulous potting table? I've always wanted a potting bench or potting table.  Photo Source I was doubly smitten when I realized the table could also function as a serving table for parties! Awesome!  There was just one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: ,



Mr. Rooster Grows a New Tail

January 20, 2014 by 62 Comments

Welcome to the 260th Metamorphosis Monday! So, I'm kind of late in sharing this, like a whole year late. The pictures vanished into never-never land in my computer but I came across them this weekend and thought this may be helpful if you have a ceramic something-another hanging around your home in need of repair. About a year ago I purchased a large white ceramic rooster online. Unfortunately, when … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: ,



Mason Jar Craft: Make a Christmas Lantern

December 13, 2013 by 39 Comments

I love to go on home tours at Christmastime. Years ago when I attended a tour in my home town, one home we visited had pretty lanterns hanging from hooks. They were lining the walkway to the home. I loved how it looked and have always wanted to try my hand at making some for my walkway. I finally got around to doing it this year and guess what? It's easy!  I've made two so far and I love how they turned … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,



Make Pine Cone Napkin Rings for a Nature-Themed Table Setting

December 3, 2013 by 19 Comments

I absolutely love it when readers of Between Naps on the Porch are inspired by something they've seen here in a post. Recently, I received an e-mail from Terri who had seen something in this past fall table setting that she really liked. Can you guess what it was? I guess the title of this post sort of gave it away, huh?  Tablescape can be viewed here: Woodland or Nature-Themed Table Setting Yep, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Fall Tablescapes



Make a Lamp from a Beautiful Vase or Figurine

October 30, 2013 by 49 Comments

Recently Vikki who reads BNOTP, emailed me and shared a wonderful DIY project she had just finished. Vikki came across this blue and white porcelain vase in Goodwill for just $7. Vikki said, "When I saw the vase I knew immediately what I wanted to do with it." What Vikki decided to do was make it into a beautiful lamp! Isn't it wonderful?!  It's just perfect against the blue and white toile … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , ,



5 Denim Projects Made with Repurposed Jeans

October 26, 2013 by 8 Comments

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Thought I'd share what's been cooking over at Denim Do Over this week. Here are last week's posts, all made from repurposed denim, usually old jeans.  You'll find a link to the tutorial in the post, showing how to make each project. Don't sew? Many of the projects at Denim Do Over are no-sew projects! Do you have a denim project you would like to see featured … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing



Broomstick Place Cards for Your Halloween Tablescape

October 24, 2013 by 56 Comments

Welcome to the 267th Tablescape Thursday! A couple of weeks ago I shared this picture from Country Living online. I thought it would be fun to make some of these broomstick place card holders. I didn't see a tutorial for them at CL but they looked pretty easy to make, and they are!   To make broomstick place card holders, you'll need raffia, yarn or jute thread in any color you prefer, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,



Denim Pumpkin: 5 Creative Ways to Decorate a Pumpkin

October 1, 2013 by 46 Comments

It's October and you know what that means! It's pumpkin time! Remember back in the day when the only kind of pumpkins you could find were orange. Now you can find them in so many different colors: blue, gray, green, even white.  And if you're really feeling creative, you can make your own. Recently, I was invited to participate in a pumpkin party with four talented Bloggers. Our only instruction was to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



Make a Lantern for Summer Parties

August 10, 2013 by 37 Comments

Recently, I came across a photo in a poplar store catalog featuring some pretty candle lanterns.   I loved the lanterns, especially the handy rope handle, so I decided to make my own but with a few changes.   The supplies needed for this project were: a 1 1/2 pint size, wide-mouth jar and a 1/2 gallon jar (Ball canning jars work great), candles, sand, hose clamps, rope, shells, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , , ,



101 Things You Can Do With Old Jeans, No.4: Upholster a Chair!

July 15, 2013 by 64 Comments

Welcome to the 233rd Metamorphosis Monday! I love blogging! I've met so many wonderful dearhearts while blogging and each one has been a blessing in my life. Recently after posting about some crafty things I made from old jeans here, here and here, I received a delightful e-mail from Carol.  Carol wrote: Susan, I follow all of your blogs and we have talked before, you make my inbox a joy to open … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , ,



101 Things You Can Do With Old Jeans, No.3: Denim Napkin Rings

July 12, 2013 by 63 Comments

Okay, I'm joking with that post title, but there probably are 101 things you could make or create with old jeans! If you're new to reading BNOTP, recently I cleaned out my closet and found three pairs of old jeans that were out of style and had magically shrunk while hanging in the closet. How DOES that happen?! Since the jeans weren't in the greatest shape, I decided to repurpose them for a fun … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Denim Do Over, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,



Make a Party Banner: Pottery Barn Inspired

July 8, 2013 by 100 Comments

9Welcome to the 232nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your 4th of July weekend? I hope it was fabulous! We had a rainy one here in Georgia. The sun came out for a few minutes but unfortunately, it didn't last long. If you've been reading BNOTP this past week, you know I pulled out some old, worn and out of style jeans from my closet and found another use for them.   I recycled the back … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



A New Use for Your Old Jeans

July 2, 2013 by 75 Comments

I'm trying to keep myself busy these days, it's part of the way I've been coping with Max's passing.  I've been clearing out closets and I came across these old jeans that are very much out of style and ahem, ahemmmm, a little too small.  Do you have jeans in your closet like that? A little light bulb went off, something I've been wanting to do in a tablescape for a while. I cut the back pockets off … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,



Make a Starfish Napkin Ring: A Pottery Barn Knock-off

March 18, 2013 by 105 Comments

Welcome to the 217th Metamorphosis Monday! This week for Met Monday, I'm sharing a crafty Before and After. I made a quick pass through Pottery Barn a few nights ago and spied some cute starfish napkin rings. It's kind of hard to see in this pic I snagged from the PB site here, but the ring part of the napkin ring is covered in jute yarn. I couldn't tell what the yarn was wrapped around while in the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , ,



Make a Wintry Snow Globe

December 11, 2012 by 25 Comments

I've had so much fun checking out all the "Before and Afters" linked for yesterday's Metamorphosis Monday party! Yesterday for Met Monday, I posted a garden transformation.  The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is beautifully illuminated now for their Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event.  Today's post is about another transformation, one you can make and give for Christmas or use for an upcoming dinner … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , ,



Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Form: Make Your Own

November 28, 2012 by 35 Comments

Back in December 2008, just 3-4 months after I began blogging, I created this Colonial Williamsburg style centerpiece for a Christmas party I had coming up.  I also used it for our Christmas table that year.  I make this centerpiece almost every Christmas.   It has to be my all time favorite Christmas table centerpiece. Sorry about the awful photography.  The camera I was using back in 2008 couldn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



Never Buy Place Cards for Your Tablescape Again

November 13, 2012 by 41 Comments

I've been working on my Thanksgiving table setting this week and I had it almost finished when I realized how much I didn't like the way the place cards I was using looked with the autumn colors in my tablescape.  The only place cards I have are some I purchased a few years ago and they are stark white. I hopped in the car and headed over to a couple of home stores thinking I might find something in more … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Fall Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,



New Uses for Discarded or Recycled Windows

October 23, 2012 by 64 Comments

A few years ago I stumbled across some old windows in one of my fave antiquing haunts.  They were only $2 each so I bought several thinking one day I might make one of these.  Come a bit closer and check it out.   Isn't it adorable?  Let's peek inside.   Love!   I didn't buy it since I don't have a great place where I can display it.  Plus, it was over $300!   Probably worth it though … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , , ,



Make a Crow Tree Centerpiece for Halloween

October 8, 2012 by 66 Comments

Welcome to the 194th Metamorphosis Monday!  So, tell me!  How was your weekend?  It was really pretty here in Georgia, perfect fall weather.  I've been finishing up some last-minute decorating on my porch...I'll be sharing that soon. A few days ago for Tablescape Thursday, I shared a fun Halloween inspired table setting with a crow tree centerpiece.   For Metamorphosis Monday I'm sharing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes Tagged With: , , ,



DIY Frosted Candlelit Lantern for Halloween

September 19, 2012 by 36 Comments

  I know Halloween is still a good distance off, but if I share this too close to Halloween, you may not be able to find one of the "ingredients" I used.  So, bear with me if I share some things with you a bit in advance. I've been itching to try my hand at making a frosted lantern with Krylon's Glass Frosting.  Have you ever used it? To make a Halloween lantern, you'll need a few basic … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,



Pottery Barn Clock Plates, Make Your Own

September 3, 2012 by 133 Comments

Welcome to the 189th Metamorphosis Monday!   Back around New Years I posted a wonderful tablescape my friend, Bonnie put together for a New Year's Eve dinner party with friends.  I love vintage/antique clocks and this table was so perfect for a New Year's Eve gathering with its clock theme.   Bonnie used her Pottery Barn clock plates for this tablescape.   These plates were … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, New Year's Holiday Home, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , ,



How to Age, Antique or Distress Furniture, Signs or a Wood Flag

August 13, 2012 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 186th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I was chatting via e-mail with Nancy,  a talented DIY reader of BNOTP.  Nancy was inspired by a tutorial I posted a while back detailing how I made a wood flag for Independence Day. I had been inspired by this one in the Pottery Barn catalog.   Since I had a big cookout planned for the 4th, the flag was the finishing touch for my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Pottery Barn Knockoff Shell Chargers

July 30, 2012 by 87 Comments

Welcome to the 184th Metamorphosis Monday! Shell Chargers are Done! Another significant metamorphosis checked off my "should-have-finished-ages-ago" list, was the completion of the shell chargers I started a while back.  Remember those? You may recall, I came across these six Pottery Barn shell chargers on eBay while searching for chargers for an Easter table setting.  I briefly thought about … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



Trash to Treasure: Upcycled Kleenex Box

July 25, 2012 by 3 Comments

If you read my earlier post today, you know I have fun day planned today!  I'll be posting six (6) times today and each post will feature a wonderful "Before and After" project I've spotted during a previous Met Monday or from my travels around the Blogsphere. Instead of lumping all the projects into one big post, I've created 6 small posts that will go up throughout the day at the following times: 7:00 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , ,



Make Your Own Beverage Tags: A Ballard Designs Knock-Off

July 17, 2012 by 51 Comments

Recently, I received an "End of Season" Ballard Designs catalog in the mail.  Excuse me, but would someone please tell Ballard Designs to not rush my summer.  It's just mid July and here in the south summer lasts at least until the end of September, sometimes well into October. Max and I curled up in the green and white chair here in the office and had fun oohing and ahhing from one page to the next.  So … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Holiday Home, Halloween Recipes, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Recipes, Recipes Tagged With: , , , , ,



Seashell Crafts for Your Nautical Beach House Decor

May 15, 2012 by 25 Comments

I'm convinced seashells are just about the most fun, least expensive decorating accessory you'll ever find for the summer house. Recently, I was shopping in Marshalls and came across this glass container for just $5.99.  I loved the natural woven design surrounding it, especially its nice, aged "drift-wood" look. I had some inexpensive shells from Big Lots ($3) and decided to embellish it just a bit. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Shell Chargers for Summer Dining: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

April 24, 2012 by 119 Comments

n March, right after I purchased cupcake stands from Pottery Barn for this Easter table setting,  out of curiosity I typed "Pottery Barn chargers" into the search engine on eBay.   This auction for shell chargers popped up.   Wow!  Shell chargers!  Not great for Easter but perfect for summer dining on the porch.  Unfortunately, the bidding quickly escalated way beyond the amount I would have been … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,



Double Bowl Hurricane Floral Centerpiece: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

April 3, 2012 by 49 Comments

I've been using a lot of fresh flowers in table settings lately.  Once those cold winter months are behind us, it's such a joy to bring fresh flowers into our homes.  One of my favorite flowers is the tulip.  It's almost impossible to think of spring and not think of beautiful tulips. Tulips are a wonderful flower to give or receive for a birthday or for Mother's Day.  I've been the happy recipient of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Decorate Your Door for Easter

April 2, 2012 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 167 Metamorphosis Monday! I have a fun, crafty metamorphosis to share for this Met Monday.   I don't have "before" pics but they would simply be the supplies you would buy to create this adorable bunny for your spring door.   I know that looks like a Christmas tree out on the porch.  It was a tree in an urn with dragonfly lights.   I had it out there for a while but eventually removed it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



You Made That from What?

March 19, 2012 by 55 Comments

Welcome  to the 165th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing some neat little transformations you can make right at home.   I was inspired by this wood tray I saw in a local Ballard Designs Outlet recently on a shopping trip. Come a bit closer and take a look.  Not the greatest pics since they were taken with my camera phone and it's dark inside Ballard Designs...but I think … [Read more...]

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Decorate Bottles with Shells for Summer Beach Themed Decor

February 29, 2012 by 28 Comments

Yesterday, we went spring shopping in some of my fave haunts in THIS post.  On our shopping trip, we spied these cuties at Big Lots.  I could so see these in a summertime tablescape.  Actually, they would look great almost anywhere.  Imagine three lined up across a kitchen window sill with the sun lighting them up from behind.  Add them to a pretty spring/summer vignette on an entry table.  Or, tuck some … [Read more...]

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Make Music-Covered Hearts for Valentine’s Day: A Tutorial

February 10, 2012 by 39 Comments

Yesterday for our Tablescape Thursday, I shared a Valentine's Day table setting with a sweet, romantic easy-to-make centerpiece.  I had been plotting thinking for some time about creating a willowy little "tree" with the River Birch branches I'm always picking up from my front yard. I decided to decorate my little birch tree with hearts so I checked several places online.  During my search I came … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Crafts, Valentine's Day Decor, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,



Dremel Deserves a Crown

January 16, 2012 by 114 Comments

Welcome to the 156th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings Friends!  I hope you've been having a marvelous weekend!  I have a mini-metamorphosis to share for this Met Monday, but before I let cha see what I've been up to, I want to share a big change Blogger made recently, a change that made this girl very happy. You may already know, Blogger added one of the most oft requested features to the Blogger … [Read more...]

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Table Numbers for Wedding Reception

January 9, 2012 by 67 Comments

Welcome to the 155th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope your weekend has been going great!  I have a Before and After to share for this Met Monday that's near and dear to my heart.  My son, Chip, and his sweetie, Nancy, will be getting married in May and they have been busy planning out all the details. I'm always telling Nancy she would be a great blogger and should have an Etsy shop because … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Shower Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , ,



Christmas Mice Ornaments or Present Toppers: A Tutorial

December 21, 2011 by 27 Comments

Looking for an ornament or present topper? Christmas mice with candy cane tails make cute ornaments for the tree.   They are also great little present toppers.  This is a great craft for all ages.  I have a faux candy cane tucked inside my little mouse below, but you'll probably want to use a real candy cane if you attach these to a Christmas present.  The faux candy canes work great when making these to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



Christmas Dollhouse

November 9, 2011 by 40 Comments

Hello dear friends!  How's your day going so far? I was hard at work yesterday and I'm one tired puppy this evening as I write this.  The leaves are just beginning to fall off the trees in the backyard and every afternoon for an hour or so the sun has been streaming in so brightly, I can't really view the monitor or work at my computer. During the spring and summer months, it's not a problem. So, I … [Read more...]

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Make a Pincushion Tutorial

November 7, 2011 by 36 Comments

Welcome to the 146th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! How has your weekend been? I hope you've had a fabulous one! I spent Saturday down in Macon, Georgia with my sister and niece at the Christmas Made in the South Fair.  Mark Ballard was there and it was so good to stop by and chat with him a bit.  Did anyone else go to Christmas Made in the South?  It was packed with folks as you can see in this pic … [Read more...]

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Decoupage a Blue and White Pumpkin

October 28, 2011 by 51 Comments

  A couple of weeks ago I posted about these wonderful découpaged pumpkins I found in the October issue of Country Living.   That previous post contained a detailed tutorial I created showing how you could découpage a "craft" pumpkin.  You find the full tutorial in this post: Country Living Inspired: Découpage a Pumpkin   You may remember the pattern I chose for my pumpkin … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



The Queen of the Ball

October 27, 2011 by 60 Comments

Welcome to the 166th Tablescape Thursday!   Happy Tablescape Thursday!  This week I'm so excited to share a beautiful, whimsical party table created for a fun crafting event I was privileged to attend recently.  You know those moments in life, those rare moments when you see something so wonderful your mouth flies opens and you just stand there in complete awe?   I had one of those moments this … [Read more...]

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Country Living Fair in Stone Mountain, Georgia

October 25, 2011 by 50 Comments

I haven't been to a crafts fair in years.  We used to go to them all the time, but after a while you begin to feel like there's nothing new under the sun.  When I heard Country Living Magazine sponsors a fair at Stone Mountain Park each year, I knew I had to check it out.   It definitely didn't sound like your typical crafts fair from years gone by and it really wasn't.  There were crafted items for sale, … [Read more...]

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Découpage a Pumpkin

October 12, 2011 by 66 Comments

There is sooo much inspiration to be found in Blogland these days, the cover of a magazine has to REALLY grab me to convince me to buy the magazine.   The October issue of Country Living did just that. I loved the toile covered pumpkin on the cover. I glanced inside and saw there were directions with the "how to."  I couldn't wait to give it a try.   Another pumpkin inside was decorated using … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,



How to Sew a Pillow with Piping: Easy Tutorial

August 19, 2011 by 24 Comments

There are so many ways to make a pillow...just about as many ways as you can possibly dream up.  You can make them from napkins, decorate them with cute buttons, applique them...the possibilities are endless. When I decided to make two pillows for the swing, as part of my 4th of July makeover of the porch, I wanted to use the same pillow inserts that were already in the existing pillows.  That way, I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



How To Make Piping for a Pillow, Cushion or Slip Cover

August 16, 2011 by 37 Comments

Recently, when I decorated the porch for the 4th of July, I decided to recover the pillows on the swing.  The others were pretty faded and not in keeping with the red, white and blue color scheme I wanted for my patriotic porch in this post:  Porch Decorated for the 4th of July. I made the two large, red pillows you see on the swing in the pic below:   In an earlier post here: ( Halloween … [Read more...]

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A Vintage Dress Form for the Sewing Craft Room

July 25, 2011 by 78 Comments

Welcome to the 131st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Met Monday! Hope your weekend has been a fun one!  I don't have a dramatic Before and After for this Met Monday, but I do have some fun little changes I can't wait to share.  But before I show you what I've been working on... A Few Mini-Mets for this Metamorphosis Monday: A Naked Porch: Recently,  I blogged about having the house and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,



Make a Pottery Barn Inspired Flag

July 11, 2011 by 90 Comments

Welcome to the 129th Metamorphosis Monday!   Whenever the Pottery Barn catalog shows up in my mailbox, I know I'm going to be inspired. There's almost always something in there that grabs my attention and gets those creaky wheels in the brain turning. The challenge is always how to get "the look" without the cost. Recently, I decided to do a complete  make-over of my screened-in porch for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,



4th of July Napkin Ring Tutorial

July 1, 2011 by 29 Comments

  While we continue enjoying all the wonderful tablescapes linked yesterday for Tablescape Thursday, here's a little tutorial for the napkin ring I used in the 4th of July tablescape I shared.   This is a super easy napkin ring to make. It reminds me of beautiful patriotic bunting.   I found this napkin ring craft design online HERE, but I changed it up a bit using a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,



Brother SE-400, Embroidery & Sewing

June 29, 2011 by 70 Comments

When I was just 8 years old, my sister bought a Sears Kenmore sewing machine. She used it for many years then passed it down to me. Over the years it became very ornery, breaking thread despite a tune up and servicing. I haven't sewn in 24 years but I've been itching to get back at it. After a bit of research online, I decided on a Brother SE-400. The best price I could find was on Amazon. I was … [Read more...]

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4th of July Craft or Party Favor

June 11, 2011 by 27 Comments

A Flag Day and 4th of July Inspired Craft: Today is Flag Day! With today being Flag Day and the 4th of July just a few weeks away, I thought I'd share a fun little craft/party favor you could create to use as a centerpiece for your 4th of July table or as a gift for your friends. If you are a regular reader of BNOTP, you may remember when I created this milkshake/sundae centerpiece for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Valentine’s Day Gift or Craft Centerpiece

February 4, 2011 by 48 Comments

The Valentine's Day table setting I posted for TT this week had a yummy centerpiece that is also great to make and give as a cute gift. This centerpiece was created in colors of red, pink and silver for Valentine's Day, but you can create the same centerpiece/gift with candy bars in pastel colors for Easter or Mother's Day or for a birthday gift. This also makes a great end-of-year gift for a favorite … [Read more...]

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Pottery Barn Inspired Garland Tutorial-Make Your Own!

November 23, 2010 by 102 Comments

For Metamorphosis Monday, I shared this wonderful photo from a Pottery Barn Catalog and a little info about how I was inspired to re-create a similar look for my front porch for less than half the price of the PB Garland. As promised, I'm back today with a tutorial on everything you need to know to make this ornament-covered garland for your home. Before we get started, let me torture you with a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Porches Tagged With: , , , ,



Pumpkin Carving Tips and Templates

October 26, 2010 by 43 Comments

Do you ever see intricately carved pumpkins and wonder how they did that? Well, it turns out, the trick is using a tool like you see on the left and not like you see on the right... So, where do you get those teeny little saw cutting tools? I found mine many years ago at Williams-Sonoma. I think this kit was around $20, which seemed like a lot at the time...but it was totally worth it. You can … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, The Holiday Home



Burlap and Organza Tableskirt

January 11, 2010 by 109 Comments

Welcome to the 52nd Metamorphosis Monday! Okay, I'm cheating a tad for this Met Monday. I have my "Before" pic to show you in my bedroom and an "After" pic from another home to show you what I'm thinking about doing.  This is a round table that's currently between two windows in my bedroom. Eventually, I hope to place chairs on either side, but that's another story for another day. Notice the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating



Make a Greenhouse from Old Discarded Windows

November 30, 2009 by 89 Comments

Welcome to the 46th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I've been out of state visiting my son and his sweetie. It was a whirlwind trip and so much fun. My son gave me a tour of the law school he's attending, as well as a tour of the wonderful historic building where he works with a local firm. We did a little shopping on Black Friday and went to see A Christmas Carol on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Nature, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



Building and Designing a Craft Room

November 2, 2009 by 349 Comments

Welcome to the 42nd Metamorphosis Monday! For this Met Monday, I'm taking you back to Bonnie's house! Recently, Bonnie generously gave us a tour of her gorgeous kitchen and her amazing dish room. Well, hold on to your hats because Bonnie has a Craft Room, too! Yep..a fabulous creative space that you are going to love every bit as much as you loved her Dish Room! Bonnie, that does it...we are ALL moving … [Read more...]

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How to Make a Lamp from a Treasured Collectible

June 29, 2009 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 24th Metamorphosis Monday!  You may remember the Metamorphosis Monday post several months ago where I posted about a sweet doggie I found while out antiquing. When I found him, I thought he would be the perfect size for something I had in mind.   I had the idea of having him made  into a lamp. I'd been shopping for a small lamp to go on this table in my family room for some … [Read more...]

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Make a Lamp from Something You Love

March 30, 2009 by 77 Comments

Welcome to the 11th Metamorphosis Monday! Several years ago I was out antiquing and I came across this cute doggie. Ummm, the wheels started turning, and I thought he just might be the perfect size to... ...have made into a lamp. I'd been shopping for a small lamp to go on this table in my family room for some time. The room had/has a bit of a hunt/canine theme going on, so this little guy fit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , ,



Five Minute Wreath Spring Summer Wreath

October 27, 2008 by 86 Comments

There are two doors leading from my screened-in porch into my home. One takes you into the family room, the other into the kitchen. During the summer, I tried to find a pretty wreath to hang on the door to the kitchen, but the prices I kept seeing were way more than I wanted to spend. One day as I was bumping around inside a store we have here in the Atlanta area called Old Time Pottery, I came across … [Read more...]

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