Over the weekend, I was going through my big box o’ craft supplies and I found these stamps:
I should start using them while they still apply. In four short months I’ll need HS stamps!
After much debate, Will and I recently ordered a headboard. The winner? The Slipcover-Ready Upholstered Headboard from Target.
We’d been discussing upholstered headboards for so long, it was hard to get excited about anything else. The main thing keeping us from ordering a bed we found awhile back was the idea that the cats (to be clear, Odie) would destroy it. Sure, we could train him or something but he’s a cat. Training a cat is largely fallacy. Trust.
But this one – it even has “slipcover-ready” in the title! If it ever get destroyed (or, if we ever want to change the decoration in the bedroom), I can just make a new slipcover. Easy-Peasy.
When we placed the order, we were told it wouldn’t arrive until July 19. Bummerz. However, it came yesterday! We set it up in about 20 minutes and are now enjoying checking that task off the list of small decorative to-dos (perhaps I keep that list more faithfully that Will).
Even with a headboard, our bed was still a mess, so I’ll save the “look at it all set up in our bedroom!” pictures for when I make the first slipcover.
A couple months ago, I found this beauty on Craigslist. I adore the outdated idea of a telephone table (aka “gossip bench”). Even if we never use it while we talk on the phone, I had to have it.
It now sits in the entry way and is a good spot to stop and sit while putting on your shoes.
Dilemma: Paint or Restore the Wood?
While I love the look of wood (I’m firmly in the hardwood floors camp when anyone mentions possible carpeting), I do love painted furniture. Especially for this project where the object itself is smaller and you can get away with a fun, punchy color. I’ve never met a bright accent I didn’t like.
Conversely, I’m also strongly considering painting the whole thing white.
Dilemma: The Cushion.
While the current cushion is in good shape, it’s plain white. It’s so easy to swap this part out that I couldn’t not swap in some fun fabric. I’m thinking something blue to match the wall near where this baby now lives. I have a blueish upholstery fabric from a chair I slipcovered awhile back (and still haven’t completely finished, but that’s another project).
Dilemma: The Details.
I’d like to do something to give the front some visual interest. Have you heard of O’verlays? They are lightweight fretwork panels in an array of patterns and sizes. For this project, I like this and this and this. Each is thin enough to work and available by the foot.
These are the things that keep me up at night, people.
(Slightly modified image from the glorious Hyperbole and a Half. Head on over and read everything. Seriously. You’re welcome.)
Last Fall, I learned to make jam with some friends. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with pickling. Well, obsessed with the idea of pickling, and yes, pickling, not jam-making as jam-making is considerably more work. Pickling, for the win! I got myself some Ball jars and was ready to go.
I gave out pickled okra to family for Christmas in an attempt to be all homemade and precious. The batch came out a little briny, though, so perhaps the lesson learned was that your first attempt at a new skill likely won’t be under-the-Christmas-tree worthy.
Yesterday, I decided to pickle a pound of carrots (using the recipe found here).
I had plenty of time to peel and chop while waiting for my canner to boil. That wait is probably the least-fun part of pickling. I’ll avoid any pictures of the boiling as 1) you’ve likely seen water boil before, and 2) Dang! Our stovetop is a MESS!
Finished product = 2 pints of pickled carrots:
They need to pickle-ify now, so we won’t know the outcome for another twenty-four hours. I’m damn proud of them, regardless.