DIY Monday: Krylon Looking Glass Mirror Paint

It's been a while since I first learned about this paint, and it took a little time to find. I wasn't successful finding it at my local craft stores, so I had to order it online. Since it's a little pricey, I have been waiting for the perfect project to try it out.

I changed the quilt on our bed about two months ago and since then I've been looking for the right art to put over our bed - as anyone will tell you I'm of the belief that "white space" is great in an ad, but not something I like in my home. So having a stash of old frames I found one that I think will work with the other things I'm pulling together and tried it out.

First I cleaned the glass thoroughly on both sides. Then, following the instructions I used a well-shaken can to put on the first, thin layer of paint. I shook a little more while I was waiting the directed minute between layers (to let the solvents evaporate) and then sprayed another thin layer. I repeated this 5 times and sure enough on the 5th layer I could see that the paint had pretty much turned opaque by that last layer.

Emerging a little light headed (the smell is very strong), I put the glass in a place where it could safely dry. About 12 hours later, the result is an antique mirror-like finish. I wouldn't say it looks like a new mirror, but there's definitely a reflection that looks a lot like some of the older mirrors I have that have been dulled by time.

I think in the future I may use this paint to spruce up some of the old metal frames I find at estate sales. It's not chrome shiny, but it'll add just the right finish to frames that others may be tempted to just toss. Overall, I think this was worth the time to track down and try!

Inspiration Thursday! Sweet Paul Online Magazine

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon Sweet Paul, but I did. Stumble upon him... er, it. And what I found has kept me going back.

Could it be the lovely recipes? I don't want to know if you don't like strawberries and marshmallow goodness. Maybe it was the gorgeous photographs? So full of natural light! White space! Prettiness! Quite possibly it was what Sweet Paul had to say, or show or tell that hooked me.

I'm not going to analyze this much because some things are just meant to be enjoyed.

...So enjoy.

Inspiration Thursday! Walls

We're heading into Labor Day weekend and school is starting again and as students revel in the heady joy of new school supplies and a new school wardrobe their rooms may start to feel a little dull. For those of us without a student in our lives, fall can also be a time where we start concentrating on our homes a bit more - memories of winter storms that cooped us up to stare at our own four walls come to mind. Is it time for a change?

A couple weeks ago a friend sent me a New York Times article on inexpensive and easy ways to change your living space without major renovation. Sometimes it's as simple as changing the pictures on your walls. They offered several interesting suggestions.

One of the things that caught my eye was the idea of a wall decal - easy to apply, easy to remove and a splash of color to an otherwise boring space! I would have KILLED for something this cool in my otherwise boring dorm room and how wonderful are they for apartments that restrict the number of nail holes in the walls?

Occasionally, I've come across packs of inexpensive decals at TJ Maxx and Kohls, but there are also several online options. Dezign with a z has interesting contemporary designs for pretty reasonable prices - and their selection is pretty extensive. Their designs are more graphic in nature and they even have glow in the dark and writable decals that are worth checking out.

Another exciting option is Dali decals. They too are very contemporary and graphic in nature. I love the idea of putting a large tree decal on the wall beside a crib. I also love the selection of wedding quotes that can be added to the wall of a newlywed's home. You can even put your name in lights by choosing a nameplate or monogram in a variety of colors.

If, however, you are like me and like MORE of everything, you might enjoy Blik. Don't have a headboard for your bed? Child of the 80s who misses Pong? Need a red chandelier on the fly? Blik has you covered.

If you're ready for a change, do a Google image search of "wall decals" and explore for yourself. Given the variety of options, I'm sure you'll find something to inspire you.

* Photos property of Dezign with a z, Dali Decals and Blik. Click on photos to get their links!

Inspiration Thursday! I'm in trouble...

Eclectic Patriot by SwoonStudios on Polyvore.com

So I was reading my absolute favorite blogger, The Pioneer Woman, the other day... really, I need to stop a moment as this doesn't convey my love for PW... and her photos... and her beautiful children... and her horses... and her dogs... and her FOOD! You really should faithfully read her blog every day. Really. You should.

Anyway, I was reading her blog the other day and she did a post on something that I think could get me into trouble some day. Okay, so maybe today. It's a site that allows you to make mood boards called Polyvore.

The "set" above was just my first attempt at browsing through the items available and playing around with placement, but boy oh boy can I see how this could be trouble if you're, say, decorating a new house? Or sprucing up an old one? I mean, who couldn't use a thousand dollar silver Tiffany candlestick in their living room? Yeah. Like that'll happen. But it's fun to dream!