DIY Splatter Vase (and a Trick for Grocery Store Roses!)

<center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0737.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/zDSC_0737.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I was leaning over the paint counter, thinking about what colors I'd like to add to my bedroom, I thought an oxblood red would be the perfect balance to the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/new-bedroom-lamps.html" target="_blank">new green lamps</a> and the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/wall-colors-and-wardrobes.html" target="_blank">Knoxville Gray walls</a>. I usually have something of every color in my extra tchotchkes/accessories closet (we all have one, right?), but this time I was coming up a little short in the oxblood red department.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7961.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_7961.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I swung by the craft store and picked up a plain, clear glass vase for about $3. They have these vases everywhere - even the grocery store. And they make the perfect base for customizing (hello! - great gift idea!). Here's the how-to:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name="more"></a>I wanted a splatter pattern on my vase, so for the first layer, I grabbed a bottle of black nail polish and sort of carefully whacked the brush around the rim of the vase.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8021.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8021.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8026.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8026.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This enamel spray paint from Rustoleum is the perfect color of oxblood. It so glossy and deep - love it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8089.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8089.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wrapped the outside of the vase with a grocery bag and sealed it up with painters tape along the top edges of the rim</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8092.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8092.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8095.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8095.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I sprayed the inside of the vase with the red color. Don't go too heavy with the paint here. You want to coat all the glass evenly, but it looks prettier if the light can still get through the layer of paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8098.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8098.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just like Christmas morning!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8172.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8172.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8185.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8185.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The oxblood pairs so well with the pinks and purples in my favorite lady portrait and in the pink grocery store roses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0736.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/cDSC_0736.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, here's a little trick for getting cheap $10/dozen bodega roses to look more like garden roses. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9733.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9733.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To loosen the buds a little, put them in some warm water for an hour or two and then use your fingers to help them open a little more. If you put your fingers in a pinching position and sort of spread them from the center of the bud, they'll open up beautifully! And if you do it gently, there won't be any damage to the petals. Also I think they live just as long as before this way, especially if you're good about changing the water every other day or so. I can usually get my flowers to last about two weeks that way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8343.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8343.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The roses are so much more pretty this way, don't you think? Hard to beat $10 for a pretty arrangement that last for weeks!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0717.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/qDSC_0717.jpg" /></div><br />Oh, and some of you were asking about our flip clock. It was an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EAMZUKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EAMZUKE&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">Amazon purchase</a>! Takes some work to get it going, but it's cute and fun!<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0776.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0776.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

DIY Splatter Vase (and a Trick for Grocery Store Roses!)

When I was leaning over the paint counter, thinking about what colors I'd like to add to my bedroom, I thought an oxblood red would be t...

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Glossy Blue!

<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9974.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9974.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(someday my house will not be covered in a layer of construction dust)</i></div><br />Michael has a great eye and he has definitely become fluent in decorator-speak after years of hearing me yammer on about this stuff. He always has an opinion (and I love hearing his spot-on ideas), but he's also really flexible, for which I'm so grateful. He trusts me and is willing to sign off on most anything I am planning to do.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 2ScreenShot2013-12-05atcopy.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/2ScreenShot2013-12-05atcopy.png" /><br /><i><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3774004/Kips-Bay-2013-contemporary-dining-room-new-york" target="_blank">Kips Bay Showhouse</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Because he trusts me so much and because I decorate our house as part of my job, he usually just lets me do my thing and chimes in when asked (except for the big decisions/purchases, of course). So I was a little surprised when out of nowhere he told me he would love to see blue lacquered walls in that little space next to the library we are planning to use as a music room... <i>Uh, okay!!</i><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><i><br /></i><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Milesreddcloseup.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/Milesreddcloseup.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Miles Redd</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo MIlesRedd2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/MIlesRedd2.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Miles Redd</i></div><i><br /></i>We pulled out my paint decks and I was showing him darker blues with a healthy dose of green (like F&B Hague Blue and Ben Moore's Gentleman's Gray), but he was drawn to more clear and bright blues.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-12-05at90332AM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/ScreenShot2013-12-05at90332AM.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/5941065/Harding-Family-Home-eclectic-home-office-other-metro" target="_blank">source</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-12-05at90500AM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/ScreenShot2013-12-05at90500AM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/57691/Lea-Bassani---new-york" target="_blank">source</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-12-05at83913AM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/ScreenShot2013-12-05at83913AM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/6799199/Modern-Elegance-transitional-home-office-new-york" target="_blank">source</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo MilesRedd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/MilesRedd.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Miles Redd</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I told him I wasn't sure about doing an Yves Klein blue with our <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/new-red-door-and-lemon-trees.html" target="_blank">bright red door</a> only a few feet away, but a bright blue with just a hint of green in it seemed really lovely. So I threw up five samples (all colors are Ben Moore -- the pale gray is from the other samples we were doing for the main rooms).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9945copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9945copy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9951.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9951.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0641.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0641.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Pretty quickly I pulled out Symphony Blue because it was too purple in real life. Michael nixed Blue Danube (too green) and Gentleman's Gray because it was too dark (a fair point with all our dark paint projects in the house lately - mudroom walls, stairs, fireplace, bedroom walls...). We both were really drawn to California Blue and Champion Blue, so I painted out the other colors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0656copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0656copy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Michael says he'd be really happy with either choice, and I like both of them too. We bought a new vintage sofa a couple weeks ago that's a peacock blue velvet that I considered putting in the library, but now I'm thinking it will stay in the living room (some of you spied a sliver of it <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/11/black-stairs-and-new-old-rug.html" target="_blank">in this post</a>). I like the idea that the bold wall color would be like a little preview of the sofa color. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0670.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0670.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />While I love the inky depth of color in Champion Blue, I think I'm leaning a bit toward California Blue, just because it would be fun to make a big statement in this really small space. There will be a big mirror in here probably and guitars on one of the walls, the camel leather Chesterfield, a piano and a rug to break it up, so the bright contrast might actually be really perfect. What do you think? I'm mostly just thrilled that Michael chose the direction and that he gets a room that's all his idea (for once!).<br /><br /><i>PS After I nail down the color choice, I'm going to do some experimenting on plywood with DIY lacquering vs just high gloss latex and I'll be sure to share what I learn. Lacquering walls is notoriously tricky, so this one might be a job for the pros. </i>

Glossy Blue!

(someday my house will not be covered in a layer of construction dust) Michael has a great eye and he has definitely become fluent in decora...

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My Snack Pantry (and a NatureBox Give Away!)

<center></center>In an effort to help me and my kids eat more healthy foods during the day, I carved out space for a snack pantry area in our mudroom. Let me tell you - it has been revolutionary!!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9923.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9923.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo nDSC_0677.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0677.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />It has made packing for lunches so easy, and when the kids come home from school, they just grab something from the bins (thus avoiding any "mo-ommmm, I'm hunnnggggrrryyyy" whining). And I love that the shelves are near the back door, so it's easy for me to grab a little snack for myself before I hit the road (thus avoiding any potential to get hangry and the temptation for fast food).<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_9883.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9883.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's been working so well! I usually keep fresh fruit like apples and bananas in there and I've also recently been using <a href="http://naturebox.com/?afid=littlegreennotebook&utm_source=littlegreennotebook&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=mkix_spon&utm_content=lgn_homepage&promo=lgn50" target="_blank">NatureBox</a> to keep my snack pantry stocked with lots of healthy options.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nDSC_0670.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0670.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nDSC_0686.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0686.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />NatureBox is a subscription service that helps you discover and enjoy lots of (seriously) delicious and healthy snacks every month, delivered right to your doorstep. Never any high fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated oils, or trans fats. No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors, ever. Just tasty, nutritionist-approved snacks made from wholesome ingredients.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nDSC_0622.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0622.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nDSC_0623.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0623.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Each month you choose which snacks you'd like to be in your <a href="http://naturebox.com/?afid=littlegreennotebook&utm_source=littlegreennotebook&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=mkix_spon&utm_content=lgn_homepage&promo=lgn50" target="_blank">NatureBox</a>. There are different subscription sizes (starting at about $20/month) and the box always ships free in the continental US.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nDSC_0633.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0633.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing I do when I get my box is divvy up the large bags into smaller snack-size baggies or small reusable tupperwares and then throw them in my bins. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">My favorites so far have been the Lemon Pucker Pistachios and Sunshine Chips, but I love that you get to try new snacks each month so my kids are never bored with what they munch on.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nDSC_0649.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0649.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9914.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9914.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://naturebox.com/?afid=littlegreennotebook&utm_source=littlegreennotebook&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=mkix_spon&utm_content=lgn_homepage&promo=lgn50" target="_blank">NatureBox</a> is giving away two free six-month Deluxe Snacker subscriptions today (that's a LOT of snacks!). To enter, <a href="http://naturebox.com/naturelogic/foods/index?afid=littlegreennotebook&utm_source=littlegreennotebook&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=mkix_spon&utm_content=lgn_snacks&promo=lgn50" target="_blank">check out the snack list</a> and leave a comment on this post with which snack you'd most like to try. I've turned off the sign-in function for comments, so it's easy to enter! Contest ends Tuesday, Dec 10 at midnight. Open to US readers only. Good luck!<br /><br />PS NatureBox subscriptions make a great holiday gift! To get <a href="http://naturebox.com/offer/promo4.html?afid=littlegreennotebook&utm_source=littlegreennotebook&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=mkix_spon&utm_content=lgn_dec&promo=lgn50" target="_blank">50% off your first NatureBox purchase</a> use the code <b>LGN50.</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nDSC_0690.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0690.jpg" /></div>

My Snack Pantry (and a NatureBox Give Away!)

In an effort to help me and my kids eat more healthy foods during the day, I carved out space for a snack pantry area in our mudroom. Let me...

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New Red Door and Lemon Trees

<center></center>I had hoped that by now we would have finished more with the outside of the house, but it looks like we'll probably leave the exterior projects for next spring. We're making some big changes to the trim (mostly just ripping it out) and to the front portico area that I'm really excited about. (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/new-front-door.html" target="_blank">Remember here?</a>)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 2wDSC_0420copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/2wDSC_0420copy.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />I think just a paint job will go really far. And actually, when the painters were here a few weeks ago, they offered to paint the front door. It's so bright and shiny now that the rest of the house looks extra old and dingy! :) It's got me excited to get the whole house painted and cleaned up in the next couple months.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1209.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1209.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />To help the pretty rough-looking space look a little more put together, I picked up these chalky black planters at Home Depot and these Meyer lemon trees from Lowe's.  I can't even begin to describe to you how heavenly these blossoms smell!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1195.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1195.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1199.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1199.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've tried keeping <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/06/calamondin-indoor-orange-trees.html" target="_blank">citrus trees indoors</a> before and I think I just didn't have enough sunlight to keep the plants happy and they've always died. The guy in the Lowe's nursery recommended using cactus soil with rocks at the bottom of the planters for drainage, and he suggested letting the soil dry out so much in between waterings that the leaves begin to droop. So far, so good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_1200.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/sDSC_1200.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I love the little trees! And I love the new bright color of the doors, but, admittedly, I was a little sad to drive up for the first time and see that the jamb was painted red too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1259.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1259.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1237.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1237.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />It was my fault for not telling the painters specifically to paint the jamb white and I wasn't here on the day they painted the door. Since they threw in the labor on the door for free, I felt like it wouldn't be at all fair to ask them to fix it. I'll just have it changed when we have the rest of the house painted. It's not that big of a deal. (It just looks so Christmas-y right now with the old green and yellow trim still exposed. Ha!) I've since got the creamy white siding color-matched and now I just need to find an hour to paint it out. I'm know that will be a huge improvement and the red jamb will be less annoying to me. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1224.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1224.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I do really love how the red looks with the new entry rug though!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1345.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1345.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1357.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1357.jpg" /></div><br />I feel like we're getting there! Slowly but surely this house is starting to feel more and more like ours. It makes me excited to think about all the changes I hope we'll have done by next Christmas.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1233.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1233.jpg" /></div>

New Red Door and Lemon Trees

I had hoped that by now we would have finished more with the outside of the house, but it looks like we'll probably leave the exterior p...

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New Bedroom Lamps

Sometimes when I'm decorating a room and things are falling a little flat, I like to stand back and think about what color is missing that might help round out the space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0748.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0748.jpg" /></div><br />When I needed a pair of lamps for our bedroom, I felt like it would be a good place to bring in a bright shot of color. I found these <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-153-wood-texture-lamp-base-with-cfl-bulb/-/A-14407229#prodSlot=medium_1_4" target="_blank">lamps</a> on clearance at Target and I thought they might paint up well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_1122.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/sDSC_1122.jpg" /></div><br />I don't think the lamp base is made of real wood, but it looks a lot like a cut log on a lucite base. I thought a painted version would be a little like <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/04/stumped.html" target="_blank">this idea</a>.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_1125.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_1125.jpg" /></div><br />I wasn't sure what color I wanted to paint the lamp bases, so I mocked up the room using paint swatches at the hardware store. I'm sure the guy at the paint counter thought I was nuts, but it really did help me in a pinch to see how all the colors I already had in the room would work together with the new lamp color. I picked Glidden's Spearmint Gum and got a quart in high gloss.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7961.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_7961.jpg" /></div><br />I just used an artist's brush to cut in on the edges and then a 2" angles brush for most of the base.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1139.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1139.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1148.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1148.jpg" /></div><br />Later I clean up any mess-ups with a razor blade, but it was pretty easy to stay mostly on the wood part.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1168.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1168.jpg" /></div><br />I love the slight texture of the wood-like grain under the glossy green paint. I think it's such a pretty combo with the lucite base and the black linen shade.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0737.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/zDSC_0737.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0710.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/qDSC_0710.jpg" /></div><br />And the pop of bright green is just what the space needed. I think colorful lamps are always a good idea.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0722.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0722.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0717.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/qDSC_0717.jpg" /></div><br />PS Here are a couple other lighting DIYs I've done over the years, in case you feel like browsing today:<br />- <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/updating-light-fixtures-with-paint.html" target="_blank">Painting a ceiling fan</a><br />- <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/lamp-shade-switcharoo.html" target="_blank">Painting a lampshade</a><br />- <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/04/inexpensive-black-lamp-shades.html" target="_blank">Inexpensive black lampshades</a><br />- <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/09/joannas-living-room-part-2.html" target="_blank">Spray painting vintage metal task lamps</a><br />- <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-painting-brass-chandelier.html" target="_blank">Painting a giant brass chandelier</a><br />- <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-sputnik-chandelier.html" target="_blank">DIY Sputnik</a><br />- <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/11/painting-vintage-lighting.html" target="_blank">Painting vintage sconces</a>

New Bedroom Lamps

Sometimes when I'm decorating a room and things are falling a little flat, I like to stand back and think about what color is missing th...

Read more »