Bottle Chandelier

I saw this on Pinterest, of course, and I started searching the web for other ones.  This lady is the only one who has made one I guess, I could not find anything else like it!  I was intrigued with it, so I asked friends and family to save their colored wine and booze bottles for me.  After finishing our "homework" (haha) I washed and dried the bottles well.  I had a metal wall medallion that was round, and I knew it would work perfectly.  Here is a pic of it in it's former life hanging over the fireplace:

 I took 19 gauge wire and secured two pieces around the neck of the bottles by twisting tight with plyers. Keep one twist on each side (to keep them level).  I pulled the two sides to the top where I gave the tips a little fun "twist and curl" to keep them from stabbing me, and at the same time look cute.

I then used the same wire to suspend them at differing lengths from the medallion. After securing all the bottles, I started winding the Christmas lights.  I had a colored string to put in the clear bottles, and white lights for the colored bottles.  I carefully strung them through the metal, then looped them down into each bottle. This step took a little time, as you have to feed the bulbs in one at a time.  I found if I folded up the amount of bulbs I wanted in the bottle and inched both strings in at one time, I did not crimp the cord or pull out the bulbs. ALERT.  BE SURE YOU DON'T HAVE A BULB WEDGED INTO THE NECK OF THE BOTTLE. My first attempt went up in a stinky white cloud of smoke when one of the bulbs was tight against the cord and melted it, shorting out the whole string. Boo. Anyway, you just loop the lights into the bottles, then drape them down and around them until you run out of lights. At that point I plugged them in to be sure they would burn properly--so far so good!  I had to do some minor adjustments to get the lights evenly spaced, and plug-ins plugged together. I then plugged the tops of the bottles with a modeling clay that will stay soft--I did not want the bottles to fill up with water and/or bugs.

I had some chain in the garage from our old swing that I attached on three points with some colorful carabiners.

The daytime look is not that great, but at night, wow

.

By the time you get all your bottles and whatever you choose to hang them from together,  the whole unit is heavy, so it has to be hung from a secure hook. I have a hook up under my cover for when there are high winds or nasty weather, and another hook off the lower deck tree. 

LOVE, LOVE!!<3

**Click on the pictures to view in a slideshow for better photo resolution**

Stained-In Deck Design

I love maps. I love compasses.  When we moved to San Marcos, it bothered me that my house was not set at any true angle--it is sort of catty-cornered to the world, so I wanted a compass on my deck. I started by researching images of compasses on the net, and found 2 or 3 I liked that were similar.  I combined those to come up with the final image.

 

After I determined location and size, I placed a nail in the center, I went high-tech and drew my two circles with a pencil on a string. Then I got my old school compass out and determined true North and South, and marked the center line with pencil.  I used a right angle to get my East/West line, and marked it with pencil as well. I then found the halfway point of the edge of the outside circle, and that was the mark for the sides of the long pointed lines, and found halfway between the N/S and  E/W lines for the shorter points. After I had the pencil outline in place, I used my metal right angle as a guide and drew the outline in a medium-tip oil-based paint pen from Hobby Lobby. This not only edged it in black, but it would keep the waterproofing stain I was going to apply from running and blurring the design.

My next step was to use a dark chocolate waterproofing stain on one side of each point.  I chose the left side of each one (looking out from the center), and repeated all around.

On the inner circle, divided it up in line with the points, and so I dark stained every other one of those, too.

 

I allowed the dark chocolate waterproofer to dry 2 days. I freehanded the letters marking the directions, and painted them with the black oil paint pen.  I then stained the entire deck with honey gold waterproofer.

I love it!  I placed it where there should never really be a table when we entertain so it can always be seen!!



Old-Looking Deck Signs

Pinterest is taking over my life.  There are so many awesome ideas and tutorials!  I have wanted to do some fun signs for my deck, but finding one tutorial in particular really helped. Here is the link to it:

http://diddledumpling.blogspot.com/2010/05/tutorial-vintage-looking-painted-sign.html

Be sure to use an inkjet printer, a laser jet does not work.  I had done a color wash of watered-down paint on the signs, then sanded lightly with fine sandpaper to age them. This did keep the ink from absorbing as much as it would have without paint, but it still worked well enough for me to see it. The top one was a shelf out of a decorative wall unit I had dismantled, the one below is a piece of a pallet, complete with rusted nail heads. 

I created the lettering in Word 2007.  I then copied and pasted it into Paint.  There you can reverse the image, so it is mirror-imaged--just hit the 'Image' tab at the top of the page, and choose 'Flip/Rotate".  Then you choose to flip it horizontally.  I then printed that image.  I cut that word page into strips and spaced it onto my board, and taped it, ink side down.  Then you simply wet the back side of the paper and burnish it with the rounded end of a Sharpie until the ink image that is on the front of the paper is on the wood. (Don't rub too hard, you will tear the soggy paper.) I then used some watered-down black acrylic paint to darken the letters enough to show up. After letting them dry, I very lightly buffed them with fine sandpaper, and finished off with a very light coat of satin clear spray paint.

I am very happy with the results, and have plans to do a couple of more (:

END TABLE REVIVAL, NO PREACHER REQUIRED

Chuck has been wanting a decent end table next to his chair since we moved in--the one he had was small and wobbly. Well, it has only been 7 years, and I finally got busy!  I found my inspiration on Pinterest (of course). I found the perfect item at a yard sale for 5 bucks.

This little buddy had definitely had the time of it's life.  Paint, glue, and who knows what on it, scratched and beat up.  Perfect.  While is was structurally sound, it was a wierd combo of real wood, plastic trim, and laminate top. I had to really think about where I wanted to go with this.

I started with a good bath with TSP, and a scrub brush.  There was some sort of glue on the top, so I had to really scrub with a green scrubby to get off--I left some scratches in the laminate as a result.  I really did not want to paint the top, as Chuck puts his drinks there and I knew the sweating glasses would ruin paint.  So, I came up with an alternate paint scheme. The pieces I saw on Pinterest were done in bright turquoise, hot pink, etc.,which were adorable, but I somehow felt Chuck would not be impressed with a lime green end table. So, a creamy white paint left over from my kitchen cabinets was my best choice.

I left the top laminate alone.  I sanded and re-stained the wood trim around the top and bottom with some deck stain and seal, so it is waterproof as well.  I painted the body--wood drawers, plastic trim, and laminate sides, and cardboard back.  I foam rolled the paint, and after it dried, I went after it with some sandpaper.

I loved the look!  The pulls really stood out on the cream paint.  The relief on the plastic trim show up really well, and I still have my laminate top for durability!  After sanding, I went over it with a couple of coats of Minwax Finishing Paste Wax, which brought the top back to a wonderful shine (except for a few scratch marks)!! I also love how it seals the distressed areas, and tones the wood that is showing through. Chuck isn't crazy about the pulls, but I love them--definitely adds some "flavor" to it!!

I am very pleased with the result, and now Chuck not only has room for a reading lamp, he has TWO big drawers to put his stuff in!  Not bad for a total cost of around $10.

Yes, I am Jedi. 

Phone Charging Holders

How many times have you been at work and your phone battery starts waning?  Or spend the night away from home and not have anywhere to lay your phone to charge, stick it on the floor, then step on it in the middle of the night?  (OK, maybe that's just me.)  Here is a cute and simple solution!!  I saw these on Pinterest  (of course), and I just made up the pattern.  They do not take long to make, and the variations could be endless.  I made them for iphones, but this should work for any phone.

Start with a sheet of 2mm craft foam, cut it approx. 4 1/4 inches wide and about 6 1/2 inches long.  I used my iphone plug as a gauge for cutting the hole in the top.  I cut a square of fabric approx 5 1/2 inches square. I ironed 1/4" lap all the way around, then folded down about 1/2" at the top, and did a straight stitch to hem.

This is the time to add any embellishment you might want, like buttons or ribbons.  Here I used a scrap of grosgrain ribbon off a pack of washcloths I bought!  You could also just hot-glue something on.

Now comes the tricky part.  I did not pin the fabric on, I just held it in place and stitched it to the foam.  I started at the BOTTOM of each side, zig-zagging to the top, and gave each side a good double-stitch to secure the top edge (to endure wear and tear). Make sure you lap the fabric over the edge of the foam just slightly for a nice finished look--

After zig-zagging both sides, I centered the fabric on the bottom edge.  You will have little pleats on each side, to allow room for the phone--stitch the bottom closed.

I verrrry carefully iron the crease in the sides and smooth the fabric--don't melt the foam, just lightly press!!

Hang this baby over the plug, and  you are in business! 

Are you kidding me?  I need to make about a gazillion of these things.  For about 15 cents worth of foam, a scrap of fabric, and some leftover ribbon, I could make somebody's day!  I use mine all the time!

Magazine Page Crosses

I seriously need to check into a 12-step program for Pinterest.  Oh, wait a minute, if I did that, life would have no meaning.  Hahaha!  Here are some crosses I made for the girls for their cross walls from old magazines.  Since it is impossible to take a picture of your own hands folding something, I used these photos from the tutorial blog--and besides, her hands are much younger and prettier than mine!!
First, I tore my Texas Highways magazines in half, down the stapled edge.  Then I tore each page in half again, leaving a strip about 4" wide and the full page long.  I folded this strip in half, with the desired colors on the INSIDE.

Then, I folded each side of the strip to the outside, exposing desired color.

Flip over and repeat on the other side.

Repeat this folding out one more time, leaving a strip about 1/2" to 3/4" wide. I then sharpened the folds with a pencil so they laid nice and flat.

TIME WASTER ALERT!  THE FOLDING PROCESS TAKES QUITE A BIT OF TIME.

 I did it at work when I was not busy, and while watching a little tube at night.  I chose to fold all the pages first, then begin the gluing process.

Roll strips into circles, gluing ends of strips together. I used an old tweezer to start the roll nice and tight, and I used a hot glue gun to glue--don't burn the crap out of your fingers like I did, however.  It doesn't look good to be cussing up a storm while making a cross.

After laying out the circles in a pattern, glue them together.  Then wrap them in the strips--I glued 4 or 5 together end-to-end, then formed them around the circles, gluing them down as I went. 

After that set, I flipped it over to the back side and hot-glued big X's across the circles to bind them together for strength, and attached a beer can tab for a hanger.  Boom, you have a cross, ready to hang! I varied the designs, and each one came out really cute!!

(I hope He forgives me for the cussing part.)

Spicy Jalapeno Horseradish Coleslaw

This goes really well with smoked brisket and on fish tacos--adjust the heat to your preference.

Donna’s Spicy  Jalapeno-Horseradish Coleslaw

3  14 oz. bags coleslaw mix

4 tablespoons sliced green onions, tops and all 

2-4 jalapenos, stem and seeds removed, minced (add to taste)

1/3 cup white vinegar

1/3 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 tablespoons sour cream

3 tablespoons horseradish (NOT sauce)

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse-grained mustard

Combine cabbage mix, jalapenos, and green onions in a large mixing bowl.

In a small mixing bowl combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the seasoned vinegar mixture over the cabbage mixture and toss to thoroughly combine. Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.

In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish and mustard and stir to combine. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the coleslaw and toss to thoroughly combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 

 

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Faux Mercury Glass from Pinterest

Got this great vase at a garage sale for $2.00.  Followed the tutorial on Pinterest for making faux mercury glass--mask off the outside, spray a couple of very light coats of Looking Glass spray paint by Krylon to the interior, (it is very runny paint, it will drip if you put too much), and then follow immediately with a fine mist of half water/vinegar mixture.  Wipe with a paper towel lightly, and just parts of the paint will come off.  Allow to dry--if you like you can coat with a clear coat, I did not do this extra step.

It looks great for a fraction of the cost of getting one at Pottery Barn, especially if you use the online 40% off coupon to Hobby Lobby. (BTW, if you just show them the coupon on your phone, you don't have to print the coupon!  Awesome!)

Now I just need a tall candle in a glass votive....

Pinterest Lamps

Ok, I am addicted to Pinterest.  I have waaay too many projects on my list now. (Really, I could never have too many projects.)  Anyway, here is the story.  I see this picture on Pinterest:

Like the look, so here we go to Goodwill.  Buy these two beauties:

Gorgeous, aren't they?  So I dismantle them, scuff them with emory paper and start the paint process.

I painted the entire brass one and the base and neck of the glass one with grey primer, then Krylon Silver Foil paint:

I did several verrry light coats.  It was looking fab.  Then after they dried, I went to move them and the paint kinda flaked onto my fingers--it was just the type finish.  I thought I should put a clear gloss coat on them so they would be more durable.  Bad idea.  They turned a dull primer color!  I panicked and immediately sprayed the foil paint over the gloss on a tiny neck piece, and wha-la!  It dried perfectly.  The finish is smooth, yet still metallic!  Yay, me! So, I waited until the clear gloss dried on the rest of the pieces, re-coated with a light gloss coat and followed immediately with the silver.  Perfect.

The glass lamp is another story--I used Krylon Looking Glass spray on the interior, so it has a true mirror finish--You have to cover the outside before spraying--

I did have to replace the light business in one lamp, so I made it a 3-way light. Then, a couple of $10 lamp shades from Wally World, and here we have it:

Now, Chucky has not one, but TWO three-way lamps behind his chair to read by!!  (:

I love Pinterest.

My Fabulous Liquor Cabinet

We have kept our liquor under our sink forever, never have had a real place to put it.  My bar glasses were over the sink where I had to get a ladder to have a glass of wine.  So, we were long overdue for someplace to put our booze.
Scene 1:  Garage sale down the street.  Found this cute cabinet for $40.00.  Fell in love.

Scene 2:  Clean this baby up.  It is grimey.  I TSP (tri sodium phosphate), then I sand--still yellow crud rolling off.

Scene 3: Finally, I deem it ready for paint. My choice:  A Coca-Cola red! I distressed it, in keeping with it's old/folksy style.

Scene 4: It seemed too dark inside, so I took the old girl uptown. I added a stainless steel contact paper made by Duck (the tape people) in the backwalls to reflect some light, and added a cute shelf liner.  A push light in the top, and we are in business!