Much prettier in white...

Here she is in all her glory!  My new white distressed hutch.  I still have to pinch myself that I was able to find such a pretty piece - in such great condition - for such a great price {I love you Craigslist!}.  Painting her was the biggest DIY project I have attempted to date, but I am pleased with the results.  She just might be the nicest piece of furniture in my house!

I am a rookie, but didn't want to make any rookie mistakes, so I did my research.  This e-book was a huge help, so I'm glad I spent the $10 to download it.  Below are the before and after pictures.

You can see that I kept the original hardware.  I love how the handles and knobs pop now that they have a white canvas behind them.  There are so many pretty details on this piece and a little bit of distressing really made them stand out.

Now that I've finished this piece, I can hardly wait to start on another one.  Seeing the transformation a little paint can do is addicting.  It is making me consider painting my kitchen cabinets, a daunting task!  

This little one is 18 months already.  Hard to believe... 

Foam Pumpkin Gets a Book Page Makeover

 As soon as I saw this idea in the October 2011 BHG Magazine, I knew I wanted to "try it at home": a foam pumpkin covered in book pages. 

 

 

Here is how mine turned out!

I purchased a foam pumpkin at Michael's for $4.49.  {That was the price at 50% off - if any of you know where to get foam pumpkins for less, please share!}  The book pages were from an old hymnal my sister picked up at a flea market. 

I used a paint brush to apply glue to the pumpkin and covered it with smaller pieces of the book pages.   Then I used the Mod Podge to decoupage the book pages.  After everything was fully dry, I sprayed on the glossy finish, which is optional.  I somewhat regretted spraying on the finish because I liked the previous matte look better.  So if you like a matte look, skip the spray.  If you like a glossy look, then spray to your heart's content.  {Decoupage Hi-Gloss Finish also purchased at Michael's.}

This pumpkin will add a bit of vintage and a bit of fun to my home this fall.  You will probably see it reappear on my hutch if I can finish painting it this weekend.  So far it has been sanded, primed, sanded, and painted with a first coat.  It looks so pretty already, but needs some more work.  Can't wait to share!  {I decided to go all white, by the way...still deciding if I'm going to distress it or not.}

By the way, that is popcorn in the bowl behind the pumpkin.  If you look closely you will see there is less in the second photo.  The kids were snacking away as we enjoyed a fall day treat of apple cider juice and popcorn!