Drab to Fab Friday!

Well, I have to admit that I almost didn't have anything to feature this week. I've been so busy with various other projects but was able to pull this off just in time! I have been working on a design project with the girls in my Mom's Time Bible Study group over the past few weeks...we are doing a room makeover at the Ronald McDonald House! I'll post more about this awesome project over the next few weeks. However, for today, I needed some quick, inexpensive wall art for the room. I found the medallions at a local yard sale (You can find them in the lighting section at Home Depot or Lowes). I painted them a pale "green tea" and plan on hanging them vertically for a unique wall art display.

Here is another example...

Much more to come... and in the meantime, Happy Halloween!!!

Drab to Fab Friday!

This week's drab to fab piece came from my very friendly neighbor. This chair definitely needed a little TLC!!

My inspiration came while I was shopping online this week - yes, I have been known to shop online from time to time! I came across this chic blue jacket and an adorable Hogan handbag... I refrained from ordering them but was inspired...

A fresh coat of paint and reupholstering the seat did the trick! I call this one "Impromptu."

Hope you enjoy!

DIY: Concrete Staining II - The Reveal!

So it's finally done! I'm pleased with the result, but as with all DIY projects, you learn some things along the way... Here are a few tips if you plan to do this yourself.

1. You have to start with a clean surface, so start by powerwashing the concrete slab. I would definitely invest in a brush broom (if you don't already have one) and go over the surface at least twice. I'm so glad we had this in the garage - there would have been no way to get all the little pine needles, dirt, etc. with just a regular broom.

2. Expect to buy more stain. We had approximately 520 square feet to cover which supposedly should require about 2 gallons of stain. We ended up using seven gallons (for three coats)! It all depends on the porosity of your concrete and ours happened to soak up the stain. Yours may be different... just be prepared.

3. After cleaning the surface, I started by cutting in - just like you would if you were painting a wall.

4. I then used a roller with an extension (you can screw in any broom handle instead of buying one) to stain the remainder. Here is our patio after the first coat.

5. Check your stain to see what type of brushes and rollers you should use. If you use a solvent-based stain, you'll need non-nylon products. I would definitely recommend a roller with a 3/4" nap - it will help get down into the small crevices and cracks more easily.

Here is a reminder of what the space looked like before...

And here it is after three coats of concrete stain!