DIY: Stencil An Outdoor Planter

Design a unique welcoming planter for your front porch, backyard, or apartment doorway (yes, even if your front door is inside a building you can still make your own statement).  This project is fun, inexpensive, and can make a major impact to your home.

Supplies you will need:

1. Planter

I purchased this 15" high planter from Target.  Home Decorator also carries a nice one in two large sizes and two different finishes.  You can find a wide assortment at your local home improvement store and craft store.

2. painters tape

3. fine tip paint brush

4. wide tip paint brush

5. outdoor acrylic paint (see tips below)

6. paper plate

7. stencil (see tips below)

8. optional accent acrylic paint color

Paint Tips

 You want to use outdoor acrylic paint that is meant for metal, wood, terracotta, concrete and stone.  You can find these paints in your local craft store.  For this project I picked up a Plaid Folk Art Dimensional starter kit that contained six small bottles.  The yellow I used is called 358 Lemon Custard.  For my accent color I used 356 Licorice.  

Stencil Tips

I purchased my Plaid FolkArt bird stencil from AC Moore.  I adore so many of their stencils.  

CLICK HERE to see them all!

Use a stencil that is flexible like this one so you can easily configure it to the object you want to stencil.

Step 1

Find a nice sturdy bright space to do this project.

Using your painters tape, adhere your stencil where you want it on the planter.

Step 2

Squirt some paint onto your paper plate 

(for this project I squirted out a quarter size at a time)

Step 3

Using your fine tip brush, paint around the outer part of the stencil as shown.

Step 4

When paint is dry, peel stencil off.

This is what it will look like.

Step 5

Fill in the outer part you painted using the wider brush.

Let it dry and do another coat.

Stencil is now fully painted!

Embellish It

Add an accent color to bring it to life. 

Using a fine brush and black outdoor paint, I free handed the veins on the leaves.  For the birds eye, I dipped the back of my paint brush in the black paint and softly pressed it onto the painted stencil. 

I love how this came out!  I am going to try it again on a pair of smaller planters for the backyard.  

This is a fun way to give a front or back yard a mini face lift to get it brighter and more welcoming.  Birds are a great theme to use.  There is something so peaceful about the shape of the bird.  The mat is from Target (I couldn't find it on line but it is in the store).


Tip: Red and yellow accents, are two great colors that pair well with all of natures greenery outside.

Adding a graphic to your planters will allow them to stand out more.  You can also stencil on your house number, initials, or a special message if you are really creative!                                                                                      

Optional application: There are many ways you can apply the stencil for this project including using a foam applicator or stencil brush instead of a paint brush (I love using paint brushes best because you have more control around the edges).

Watch Us Talk Foyer & Dining Room Rugs

Did you get to see the cute rugs from today's 69 News at Sunrise Segment?  If not, CLICK HERE to see it.  Eve and I had SO much fun, on and off the air.  One hiccup though-Just minutes before the live show began I was running into the studio with a soaking wet iphone.  Can you believe I dropped it in the toilet!  I am now officially the punch line of my own joke!  


Thank goodness for the AppleCare Protection Plan.  My big tip for the day is to 'Get the plan man!'

Related Post- See where you can get the rugs from the show, and a rundown of the tips I spoke about.  The RIGHT Rug For Foyers & Dining Rms.

The RIGHT Rug For Foyers & Dining Rms

Hello rug lovers!  

Need a foyer or dining room rug?  Tomorrow at 8:40 am I will show viewers of 69 News At Sunrise how to find the right rug for foyers and dining rooms.  I will include the hot trends too!  If you miss the show, here is my 'Yes' list of what to look for.

BOLD PATTERN IS SO HOT RIGHT NOW!  

I fought for this pink, orange and chocolate rug at Marshalls for $49.99!  It is a Darjeeling Express by String Theory (I could not find any info on it online).

FOUR RUG TRENDS

Big bold graphics  *  Bold colors  *  Borderless rugs  *  Natural ingredients

These rugs below are 'fabby' finds-affordable, AND EVEN BETTER, they come in many sizes!

A recycled rug made from recycled soda bottles.  I have three of these in my own home.  They look great; it is NOT plush- feels like plastic when you touch it, but it is GREAT for heavy traffic areas, and resistant to sun and water.  It is more brown than gray in person (you can see it during my 69 News rug segment).  

The natural feel and toughness of this Color Bound Flat Braided Jute rug has a number of cotton borders to choose from.  *TIP-clip loose fibers with a scissor. 

This Taza Area Rug in bold Avocado green has a cool graphic design.

This Lourdes Sanchez Bull's Eye rug could be a rooms focal point, bringing in bold lines and color.

This large scale pattern gray Scroll Tile rug was inspired by Moroccan tiles.

 Thinner rugs are best for entryways 

and under dining room tables 

- In foyers, your rug needs to allow room for your front door to open and close above it so it cannot be thick and in a heavy traffic area you do not want to use a high pile or plush rug that would hard to clean.  In dining rooms, a thinner rug allows your chairs to pull in and out easily.

How To Choose The Right FOYER Rug

MEASURING TIPS. Measure the foyer area.  Know the door size so you know what rug width you need and how much depth you have in the room.  

Measure up to furniture and other rugs you have in the room, not wall to wall, because you do not want the rug bumping up against furniture or touching another rug in the same area.

SIZE. The rug you choose should be as large as your doorway, or larger if you have the room.  You want to create a clear entryway for the traffic in and out of your home.  You do not want anyone tripping over the sides of a small rug.  I use 4x6 size a lot.

TIP-You will find you have more color and pattern choices with larger rugs.

CLEANABLE.  Make sure cleaning mud and water is not a drag. not only fit the space well (the larger it is the warmer the space becomes); it should clean easily because an entry way is a high traffic area. You do not want a high-pile rug. And the rug should carry your style, giving visitors a clue to your home's personality as soon as they walk in the door.

FOR LONG NARROW ENTRYWAY. Use a WIDE runner. It feels warmer and more welcoming with a wider rug. If you are having trouble finding one, look for a remnant that can be cut and bound to the size you need.

TIP: Make sure you use a rubber pad underneath to prevent it from slipping.

TO SEE EXAMPLE PHOTOS OF TIPS AND MORE CLICK HERE!

How To Choose The Right DINING ROOM Rug

TIP: Synthetic, machine-made rugs might be a better choice for your dining room because they allow chairs to slide easier than hand-knotted or hand-tufted rugs.

TIP: to visualize the rug dimensions, use painter’s tape to map out the size on the floor, then shop for a similar sized rug. 

                                                                          

MEASURING TIPS. Measure your table.  ADD 24 inches all around to your table's diameter so the chairs have room to slide in and out without falling off the edge of the rug.  This is the perfect size you need.  

For a standard dining table (42" x 64") that seats 4-6, a rug that measures 8' x 10' is usually a good place to begin. But there other considerations that affect the size and style rug that you decide to use. 

KEEP ALL FURNITURE IN MIND. Arrange your furniture BEFORE determining your rug size. You should measure where your area rug will end so the rug does not get caught under the front of your server, sideboard, corner cupboard, or other piece of furniture. 

MEASURE ROOM. Leave breathing room between rug and wall.  Keep 18 inches of flooring uncovered around the perimeter of the room to showcase your rug and make your room feel larger. This will also assure that any floor registers and radiators will not be covered by rug.

WHAT SHAPE TO USE. Choose a rug shape that accentuates the shape of the table. If you have a round table, a round rug will look great.   If you have a square table, opt for a square rug shape to complement the table.

CAN'T FIND THE RIGHT SIZE? For a long table in a narrower room, you can place two solid rugs side-by-side to cover the length without increasing width.

TO SEE EXAMPLES PHOTOS OF TIPS AND MORE CLICK HERE!


Related Post- See the show that aired live CLICK HERE!  

Cat Ideas In Memory of The Princess of Darkness

I have talked about my two cats, Lexington AKA 'The Princess of Darkness' and Hercules AKA 'Big Boy' who come to work with me.  They have been in my life since my early twenties, and each have a special place in my heart.  Tragically Lexington passed away yesterday.  She will be missed.

Whatever type of pet you adopt, it is amazing how fast they can become part of your family.  For those who love cats, and in memory of Lexington, here are some fun photos and creative solutions for kitty lovers:

Apartment Therapy- House Tour: Bill and Maria's Cat Playground - very cool!

Apartment Therapy 10 Well Designed Cat Toys

HGTV 9 Tips for a Chic, Pet-Friendly Home
Houzz Pets: 50 Cats Cozy Up at Home
Get the Scoop on High-Design Litter Boxes40 Fun Gifts for Your Pet-Loving Friends

IKEA Hackers-Simple Ideas For Cat Litter - so clever!!!!!!Home Design for Furry Family MembersGreen Little Cat

Just Funny Talk

I am at Panera right now chowing down on a bagel between client meetings and am chuckling as I overhear a common conversation:


Girl A - "Hi!  You look so skinny!'
Girl B - "OMG.  I feel so fat."


How many times have you heard that, or have been on either end of that conversation.  I am raising both my hands because I have.  Can you imagine two men having that conversation - 


Mike - 'Jim, you look so muscular today.'
Jim - 'OMG, I feel so flabby.'


now start chuckling!!!

Speaking of conversation starters, I know I am going to have a lot of conversation about this new little orange world I am creating in my basement.  I am giving a dozen wood figurines a bright orange spray tan to add to a bookcase to change up the look.  I am working on it now but have only done one side due to this wind we have had.  


TIP-don't try spray painting outdoors when it is windy out.  The can will spray in the direction of the wind, and could miss the object you are trying to aim at.

Also, have you DIYers been to Life As A Thrifter?   This very creative young lady Holly has some fun inexpensive ideas that you should check out.  I want to thank Holly for including my No Sew Slipcover project in her post today.  There are a few other creative ones there that look easy to do.




Have a good day and 'Wow you look great today!'
Your reply is 'OMG, I ......'

Spring Window Patterns Get Big & Bold

 Happy First Day Of Spring!!!!

Idea for window treatments-

For spring 'go big or go home' with the pattern you use on your fabric!  That is my motto, especially in the spring when flowers are finally blooming big and beautiful.  Instill juicy color and pattern into any room in your home.  

I recently added roman shades and drapes to a clients kitchen that are so fresh for this new season!  Big patterns work well for flat valances and drapes well.  You get to see the entire stunning large relief.  Make sure that the pattern you choose will fit in the size window you are using it on.  Some patterns can get very big and you don't want to only show a quarter or half of it. 

Use a fabric that has a white background so the pattern looks bold and bright.  It shines in this kitchen!    

  

And YES I once again used that same Moroccan inspired abstract/geometric pattern I have been loving up!!  We created a runner for a long dining room table that, again, picks up on the beautiful blue used in the rest of the fabrics.

 To see more window treatments used in this home CLICK HERE. 

p.s. -

Product Solver Tip - Big mishap at the office today.  We use a dry erase board to keep track of our weekly duties (I said 'duties', he he).  I accidentally used a permanent marker on it.  409 took it off after three tries.  Way to go 409 degreaser! 

Home Staging Musts, Shoes & DIY Hmm...

See that smile?  Two reasons for it: 

1. I had so much fun being back on the air with Eve Tannery at 69 News at Sunrise yesterday, and  

2. I had my new delicious Letitgo shoes on (I blogged about them a few days before)

CLICK HERE to watch the show and see my shoes!!

Here is another photo of my new Letitgos.  I took it right after grocery shopping the same day (I received three compliments on them in the store - not kidding!)

To see a list of my TOP 6 HOME STAGING MUSTS CLICK HERE! 

DIY Hmmm...  I am also redesigning my daughters bedroom soon.  While out on the town we came across this 30" x 40" canvas print for $80.  It was the right size to go over her bed but I needed to pump up the 'wow' factor on it so.........

 I am going to embellish this flat piece of work with blush toned glass stones so it shines and has dimension.  

I will share with you how it works out when I find my glue gun, and a good movie (if you didn't know, I always require a movie to watch while doing mindless gluing.  Don't you agree?)

It is officially Monday (bah hum bug).  Sunday went by way too fast.  It was like time jumped an hour-oh wait it did!!  Daylight savings is the cause of my sleeplessness at midnight.  Before I head off to bed I wanted to share a few things from this last week:

1.  New food for thought -'It is OK to feel scared but DON'T let it change who you are.'  I am feeding myself this line for breakfast every day, digesting each word (chomp chomp).

2.  Give me more celadon green!  This color must be one of my top fave for 2012.  It is so relaxing and I keep turning my head to it everywhere I go.  I recently helped a fun client with her master sitting room.  We upholstered two chairs in this fabric below, then flipped the fabric over and used the opposite side on two ottomans.  Too much of a good thing?  No way!!!!!!  

Then there was the recent family room I helped another couple with this last week.  We created a palette of celadon green, smokey gray and navy blue.  I just realized I used the same pattern in one of my fabrics as above.  Do you see it???  

3.  Am putting my Top Six tips together for Home Staging, and will review them on air Wednesday on WFMZ 69 News At Sunrise at 8:40 am.  I took off last month from the show and can't wait to see the news gang again (and do my monthly NR dance with the clip-on microphone.  There is usually anti bacterial soap involved (hah).


4.  I recently wrote an article for the Lehigh Valley Hakol full of ideas on how to change the purpose of a living room.  Check it out here!  The Living Room: A Dinosaur In Our Home. Turn to page 5. 

5.  P flies home tomorrow.  He's been away two weeks and owes me a great pair of shoes.  Here are the ones I want (hint hint P) Letitgo from Nine West.

DIY Framed Fabric As Art

Frustrated from not finding artwork that works for my client's newly renovated family room, I turned to a great DIY stand by - Framing Fabric!  If you have a fabric store nearby, check out their selection.  You will get a one of a kind art that has texture!

Such an easy project (I mean it!).  I bought two frames that hold an 11" x 14" photo.  Then I picked up a yard of two fabrics I liked.  


*tip - before getting your fabric cut make sure the pattern you want to display is part of that cut.  This is especially important if your pattern is large.  As you can see from the photo above my pattern repeat was large so I bought the whole yard, but your project may not require an entire yard!

Iron your fabric to get all the creases out and run a lint brush across it.  Then, knowing what part of the fabric you want to display, cut the fabric to fit into the photo opening plus an inch at least on all sides.  


Place the frame on the floor, glass side down, and place the fabric piece on top of the glass.  I used packaging tape, pulling it taught all around, then put the frame back together.  


See how beautiful they look in my clients newly renovated family room CLICK HERE!

I did this same DIY project two years ago for another client project using Thomas Paul fabric (if you want whimsy, try his patterns).   

Tomorrow night I am going to present my two art pieces to my clients, as well as a whole mess of beautiful decor, to complete our renovation.  I will keep you up to date on how it went!!!!

P.S. strange happening today: I was asked if I am Chelsea Handler's sister at a rug store.  Yes I am known to be a bit witty, but clearly I look nothing like her, and have nothing in common at all with her.  Things that make you say 'hmmmm....' is all I can say!

p.p.s. - Chelsea, if you read this, do you need an interior decorator who likes to cook burnt pancakes?