Updated Chandelier ~

 I have always disliked the light fixtures in our kitchen. But before I buy something new, I thought I would try to change them up a bit. Here is our kitchen chandelier before. Boring, a little crooked...just kinda blah.

I decided to start by adding a little paint. I turned to my favorite metallic paint by DecoArt - Glorious Gold - ah yes, you are glorious my dear.

Watch out, this is going to get super technical. I grabbed a paper towel, dipped it into the paint, blotted it off a bit on the plate and began to "faux" the fixture.

Like I said, super technical. Here is the fixture after I applied the gold:

It was way a bit too gold, so I grabbed some black paint and blotted again. 

Now time for the bling. I added a string to the top portion.

And a few hanging crystals to the bottom.

I then decided to cover the chain. I grabbed some left over fabric and my hot glue gun. 

I stood on a chair, and started gluing it together (now, I figure this might not be the best approach, but definitely the easiest and quickest - and I can always just cut it off).

Here it is painted, blinged and wrapped in fabric:

It is looking a bit better, but it still needed a little something. I remembered this piece of trim my Mom and I picked up at Second Use (Salvaged Building Material Store) for $1. It was a little dirty and rusted - just perfect.

I cut it (more or less, bent it until it broke). Then bent the new piece around the top of the fixture. I love that it looked like a little crown.

So, for added a little paint and a few things I had on hand, it is better. I am still not in love, but I will now be able to hold off until I find that perfect fixture. 

 

Before:

After:

Be sure to come on over tomorrow and link up to Be Inspired - the monthly link party - be prepared to show us your best project for the month! 

Bunco Baby ~

Last week I was lucky to host my neighborhood bunco - I am super lucky, not only do I have "neighborly" neighbors, but they are all super fun to hang out with!

I wanted to share my Mom's fantastic Tortellini Salad. It is always a hit and it is super easy to make.

2 - 12oz Package Cheese Tortellini - Cooked and Cooled

1 - 8 1/2 oz Water Packed Artichokes - Drained and Quartered

1 Cup Diced Tomatoes

1 Cup Crumbled Feta

1/2 Cup Sliced Black Olives

1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Dressing- Mix the following together:

1/4 Cup White Wine Vinegar

1/4 Cup Chopped Green Onions

3 Cloves Garlic Chopped

1 Tablespoon Basil

1 teaspoon Dried Dill

1/2 Cup Oil

Then simply toss the cooked pasta, dressing and remaining ingredients together. I think it tastes much better after it has "marinated" for a few hours. Just make sure to toss before serving - and you might have to add a bit more dressing as the pasta can really soak it up.

Thanks ladies for a great night!

Sparklebox Giveaway Winner ~

Thank you everyone for entering the Sparklebox giveaway! 

And the winner is:

Jen from More Than We Deserve 

(I will be in touch!)

Here was her favorite piece:

Congrats Jen and thank you Stacey for the great giveaway! 

Lovin' this Spray Paint ~

I had to share my new love for this stuff - 

I picked it up thinking, maybe I could use it to repaint the climbing steps on my kiddos swing set...little did I know, I was going to fall in love and end up painting my way to the end of the can - and wanting more! Unfortunately, I didn't take any before photos. But I do have this one from last year after we freshly painted the set. 

And here is it is today - the climbing steps, the two swing and the glider all got a fresh new look.

And I am sure you all can bet what I want to paint next - yes, I am thinking about tackling that slide! Now I know this is not great design, and this post is simply featuring painted swings - but I had to share how great this product covers and I will keep you posted on its durability as the Summer goes on.

Don't forget, my current giveaway ends tonight!

Cabinet Door Transformation ~

 I have had these cabinet doors sitting in my garage for way too long.

So, I grabbed them and started by giving them a good sand -

I then painted on a layer of the Ralph Lauren Regent Metallics in Bronze Statue. 

After it was completely dry, I put on layer of Behr black. Before it was completely dry, I wiped off the black in a few areas so the bronze would show through.

Here was our entry before -

and after - 

I like how it added more weight to the sconces.

Oh, how I love these sconces!

Linked to:
Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog
I Made it Without My Hubby at Shanty 2 Chic

Framed Burlap Sack ~

 So I needed something for this wall in my craft room:

So I grabbed this old frame and this burlap sack I recently picked up for $1.

and put them together (I might still embellish the top portion) - really for a dollar!

Added a few accessories and my little wall is looking much more complete.

The books and the the little guy (he also has a mate) I just recently picked up at Goodwill.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out my giveaway.
Have a great weekend!

Linked to:
Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest
Friday Remodelaholic at Remodelaholic
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
Weekend Wrap Up at Tatertots and Jello
Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming