Bring Spring & Summer In with Thrifted & Antique Finds

May 14, 2013 By Meegan 1 Comment

Good Morning! Today I am going to share a few of my antiques and thrift finds.

I love glass. I love blue glass. I love antiques. I love to go antiquing. I love thrifting. I love what I find when I go thrifting. Hence I love sharing with you some of my antique finds and thrifting gems. Some of these are gifts and others I bought my self.

Here are just a few of my antiques and thrifted items that I have put together in our living room recently. The colors say “Spring is here and Summer is coming soon…”

Right off the bat I have black and white family pictures. They really are all our family. I didn’t purchase these. The frosted blue insulator is one of my favorite antique finds. I love the waves in the glass.

All of these pieces were found at our local thrift store. Yep, even the blue Mason jar was found there for a buck!! Yes!! The 2 vases are from my friend Barbara. I found the candle stand when it was a yucky,dirty brown-of course, I painted it shades of blue.

While I was taking pictures for this post, a package came from my daughter. Guess what was in it?? Two more insulators!! One almost clear, and the other a deep turquoise. My kids know me well. They were both found at an antique mall near my daughter’s home.

On my bookshelf, I placed my galvanized watering can. Hubby bought it for me years ago while antiquing in California. The watering can blends well with the black and white pictures, don’t you think?

The galvanized pot with the blue ribbon is what I used for Easter. The blue bottle is from another antiquing trip in Morro Bay, CA.

The small urn was not found thrifting or antiquing, but at Big Lots for $2. I brought it home,painted it white, and filled it with green moss. (Can you tell I like paint?)

I really like all of these elements placed together.

The tray was a thrift find for $1, as was the turquoise vase. The other 2 vases were also from Barbara.

The marbles and sea glass were purchased at Target on sale. Lucky me! Using different levels and vessels I can bring Spring and Summer into our home with very little cost or effort.

Those are just a few of my antiques and thrift finds. I am still working on a thrifted dining table and chairs that I will share very soon. I can’t wait till you see it!

Until then..

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Summer Beach Cottage Shelf

May 7, 2013 By Meegan 13 Comments

This is a post from last Fall, but I think it applies to now just as well, since Spring and Summer are upon us. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did pulling it together.

I know for some of you Summer is almost over. But, I don’t want it to end. I love the sun, the water, the warmth, the sound of people enjoying the outdoors, etc… I like to pretend we live in a beach cottage. I know I am old, I shouldn’t be pretending like that. But it is my dream-and we live in the desert so this is my only way to get that Summer beach cottage feeling.

In an effort to avoid getting my Fall Decor out, I rearranged my shells, and my candles on the top shelf of our bookcase. I looked around my home to see what I could come up with. It took me about 15 minutes to finish. I have shared this part of our living room with you before.

Before:

It is nice. But I still needed the frame for the book page wreath, and the shelves are way too crowded.

After: I looked in our bathrooms, and in the kitchen, then found just what I had in mind. Much Better!

A close up of my goodies. Yes, those are dried artichokes in the vase. Thanks PB! The candlesticks were all thrifted and placed in various areas of our home. I like them together now. I tied string around each candle for a more beachy feel.

The rocks and shells each represent a vacation or a beach trip. The books are some of our favorites that we have taken to the beach or pool with us to relax and read as we soak up the sun.

Another look. I found the sticks from a stick tree I added to our living room. I just love sticks, don’t you??? I LOVE how everything looks so good with the frame and wreath, too.

The coral is from Maui and the smaller shells are from Tahiti. The candlestick is a thrift find. Everything looks better tied with twine or string, doesn’t it?

You will recognize this stand when I made a $3 cloche. The cloche is just under this shelf with dried hydrangeas in it now. LOVE!!

Yep, I am not ready for Summer to end!! So I will leave my Summer beach cottage shelves up for awhile. Until I absolutely need to change them. But, for now it is still summer, right? Come on-tell me “Right”.

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Make it a wonderful Wednesday…

Living With White Walls and Not Fighting It

March 21, 2013 By Meegan 13 Comments

When we moved into a condo with white walls, I wasn’t really liking it at all. It was too stark and felt unfinished. Since most of my furniture was dark wood and deep reds, I was looking for something to compliment the white walls rather that “fight” with them.

I started looking online about different styles and colors to blend with my white walls. After looking and getting a feel for what I liked other than reds and dark wood, I decided to not “fight” the white walls but work with them.

My first project was painting my bookshelf. It had a cherry stain and is made of pine. I painted it with a flat white paint found at the “Oops” table of Home Depot for $1. SCORE!! After painting it all white, I decided I did want some color. So I only painted the front and sides a light blue. Now it stands out against the wall and blends with my new decor.

When I bought the coffee table, it was black. I used primer, white paint, a color called Summer Sonnet by Ace Hardware. I found a simple stencil for my table to add a little pizzaz.

This is a view from our coffee table. You can see that I have added layers and textures, so the white is more appealing.

This is our tiny dining area. I am getting use to the lighter colors now and enjoy finding accent pieces that will fill our home with color against the white walls.

I stayed with the dark decor on this piece. It was made by my grandfather. I love all the chips and dings in it. By adding books, a lamp, flowers and a wooden box, adds to the texture and feel of our white walls.

The antique cupboard was silver and has been made over a few times. I choose to paint it with 3 colors: Antique White, Turquoise Mist by Olympic, and Hint of Olive by Ace Hardware. After it was painted, I added a few stencils once again for character. Using sandpaper I roughed up all the edges. It now stands out and it is a great piece for added color. I made a garland from book pages and twine for the front of the cupboard.

In our bedroom, I decided to go with a more vibrant color than the light blues, greens and antique white. By adding various pillows there is eye appeal and comfort. The furniture was my grandparents, made in the 40s. With a maple stain they just looked “old”. I used Turquoise Mist by Olympic with a dry brush to give them new life. The drawers are painted antique white.

My headboard is actually a screen. The green works well with the rest of the room. The coffee filters hanging on the “headboard” are decorations from our son’s wedding.

At the foot of our bed, we have a beach bench painted with BHG Teal Lake. It is covered with an antique quilt. The pillow is from Pier1. The shelf is painted with the same white that I used on the book shelf in the living room. I filled it with shells and mementos from beach trips around the world. I also like the monograms for more texture. The mirror is painted with various colors that I have previously mentioned. Leaning in the corner are an antique umbrella and bamboo cane.

My solution for living with white walls: Embrace it. Find a new look that fits your lifestyle. Accent the white with textures, depth and character. Besides all that. You will get to take everything with you when you move!!

Thanks for stopping by today!! I hope you come back again very soon!!

Learn to live with white walls without fighting it.

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Make it a great day!

Framed Valentine’s Day Marble Art

February 6, 2013 By Meegan 7 Comments

I just love that Valentine’s Day is coming soon!! That is why I made this Framed Valentine’s Day Marble Art for our shelves. Super easy and super fun!! Just use your own imagination to make what you want.

I started with 3 components:

Elmers School Glue

Scrapbook Paper

Flat Marbles (I bought mine at the Dollar Tree)

Then I decided on a shape or letter:

Using a dab of glue on each marble, I glued them to my paper. Once it was completely dry, I could frame it.

I painted the fames to match the scrapbook paper. I couldn’t resist adding some embellishments, and ribbon roses, too. I then framed my Valentine Marble Art.

L O V E looks so nice on our vintage cupboard and

Perfect for Valentine’s Day!! Perfect for our shelves.

So simple!! So easy!!

Are you ready for Valentines Day? Maybe you should try making Framed Valentine’s Day Marble Art!! Let me know if you do, I would love to see yours!!

For more Valentine Ideas and Creativity you can also visit:

Valentine Inspiration

Rosette Heart

Floral Wire Valentine Hearts

Pinterest Valentine Inspiration

Thanks for stopping by today!! Giveaway next week!! I can hardly wait!!

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Make it a wonderful Wednesday!

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My Winter Book Shelves

January 3, 2013 By Meegan 11 Comments

I woke up the past few days to temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Not common for here, and it did get me in the mood to decorate for My Winter Book Shelves.

Since i just took down Christmas yesterday, Valentine’s Day can wait just a few more weeks. And I just love me a winter look. How about you??

I started by adding my Christmas wreath and pine cone garland. I love the leafless look with just twigs and a little icy look.

I had a some pine cones left over from my Christmas decorations so I added them to my jars and cloche. The mercury glass votive was a gift from my sweet friend, Lynn. She knows my taste well, doesn’t she?? Does’n’t it look so perfect on the candlestick?? The branch with the hummingbird nest was our Granny’s. I am loving this bare winter look so far!!

Most of my book covers are dark. So to add a softer look, I turned some of them around so you could see the pages, rather than the covers. Easier than making white covers for all of them. Although, that is on my goal list…

This is probably one of my favorite items in our home. I love this rusted birdbath filled with doorknobs. The door lock with a similar knob, and a single pine cone remind me of times past.

This barn wood box is another thing that makes me smile. I added some pine cone garland for her. I love the white, brown sparse look for winter decor. And of course, some shells and white rocks add more texture.

I added a few more pine cones for the wintery look. I also turned my book ends sideways, so you can see the detail. Aren’t they so perfect for this shelf. I found them at Kirkland’s in brown, brought them home and painted them up!!

I have used this twig ball several times all over our home. Again using the pine cone garland for a little filler and my jar to add a small vintage feel.

I filled these jars with pine cones and magnolia pods. Raising one of them with a candle holder gives the feel of an apothecary jar. Easy!!

I am loving the whole picture here. The girl portrait, the coffee filter garland, the pine cone garland, the framed wreath, and of course a few shells scattered in-between it all, makes me smile.

What is inspiring you for winter and the new year?? Leave a comment and let me know-I love to hear what inspires others!!

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Thanks for stopping by today! Make it a terrific Thursday!!

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The Best of What Meegan Makes Finale

December 29, 2012 By Meegan 7 Comments

Oh my goodness-it is time for “The Best of What Meegan Makes” finale!! I have had so much fun sharing your favorite posts this week! It has been a joy to share just a small part of my first year blogging.

I love (well, kinda) looking back at those first few posts. The photography was so bad, and the content was sometimes a real stretch , at best. But through working, supportive friends, great sponsors and incredible followers I have been able to grow my blog and my viewership. I am a blessed woman. Thanks so much for your support and help. I seriously couldn’t have done it without any of you!!

Now on to the finale!!!

My $10 Coffee Table Makeover

My Painted and Stenciled Rug

The Best of What Meegan Make Finale

Make your own PB Knock-off Wreath

60 Minute Rolls

My Living Room Reveal

Six Ideas For Thanksgiving Decor

Ooey Gooey Caramel Corn

An Obsession With Book Pages

The all-time favorite post of the year:

How To Dye Coffee Filters

I hope you also enjoyed:

Bridal Flowers

Shower Curtain Rug

DIY Botanical Pillow

My Vintage Cupboard Makeover

Whew! It has been quite a year!! Thank you again for following, supporting, and helping me along this blogging journey! I look forward to 2013 with hope, and lots of new ideas to share with you!!

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Make it a wonderful weekend!

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Meegan’s Christmas Decor Tour

December 1, 2012 By Meegan 17 Comments

Welcome!! I am so excited to give you a small tour of my Christmas decorating today!!

Usually just before Thanksgiving I pull out the Christmas decorations. I try to be creative and decorate differently than I have in the past. This year was no exception. It was a great project for me. I hope you enjoy!!

Your tour begins right now….

We have 3 small trees. This year I placed them in separate rooms. I even flocked 2 of them myself. Easy and they look great!! You can see that I chose colors that reflect my taste and flow with our home style.

This is a view of our kitchen shelves and computer area. Hubby loves the snow globes for the grand kiddos to see and play with. Also in this picture is a book page garland with coffee filters, and my Miss Mustard Seed Knock-off ornament. On the far right is just a glimpse of my sticks I dressed with snow flakes, icicles and birdhouses. I like this picture because too, because you can see the tree and chandelier in our bedroom!!

This is a small peek at all of the decorations throughout our home. The guest bathroom, the living room, our bedroom, and kitchen.

This was my first Nativity. A friend bought it for me during her trip to Italy. It is one of the several Nativities I own. Hubby collects snow globes and I collect Nativities I like this one in the cloche. The worry doll was brought back from our son’s mission in Guatemala.

In this collage, you can see my glittery bird houses (I bought them for a $1-painted and glittered them up to match the colors in our home-easy!!!), my book page garland, more snow globes, and our bedroom tree and decorations.

Our “Elf on the Shelf”. He is actually from the 50s and my mom’s. He has always been a part of Christmas for our family since I was tiny girl.

These are in our TV room, and special to me because my grandma made these ornaments. She is now gone, but I have these to remember her by each Christmas. Don’t you love that cute couple?? That is Hubby and me on our wedding day!!

A full view of my branches with the snow flakes, icicles and glittery bird houses.

A closer look at the bedroom tree,chandelier, and Nativity.

My grandpa’s croquet box filled with snowflakes, candles, and bulbs. The Christmas pillow was made by niece Denise. The sleigh filled with my grandma’s homemade toys, was a gift from my dad.

I love this picture of our kitchen shelves and snow globes.

I thought you might like to see just a couple more Nativities that I own. The bells were a gift from my grandma the first year we were married. They always find a place in the Christmas decor.

This pedestal is behind my kitchen sink. The gingerbread family was made by my niece Denise. (Yes, that is real cinnamon on them!!) The Christmas village adorned my grandparents fireplace mantel every year when I was a child. I love that my grand kiddos get to see it, too!!

A vignette with my ornament knock-off.

Our book shelf in the living room shows off all the Nativities. I especially love the white Nativity in our bedroom. Here is another view of the kitchen.

I gathered all of my angels on a pedestal to be raised above another Nativity.

My view from the kitchen to the living room.

Our guest bathroom. The birdhouse has got the be one of my favorite gifts from my father. I love how this room is filled with Christmas lights for our visitors, like you!!

Thanks for taking my Christmas Decor Tour today. It was fun having you here!! I love having you visit my blog and on Pinterest, Facebook, Hometalk, Google +, Stumble Upon, Bloglovin’, and LinkedIn!! Come back again soon!!

Make it a Super Saturday! Enjoy your family and all the good you have in your life!!

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Six Fall/Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas

November 10, 2012 By Meegan 11 Comments

Oh my!! Fall is upon us and Thanksgiving is just days away. I thought it would be fun to share with you Six Fall/Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas. I LOVE using my kitchen shelves as a focal point. I chose to decorate them with 2 different styles, so you can see how easy and simple Thanksgiving decor can be.

My first choice is going with all whites, browns and a touch of blue (you know how I love blue!)

I love the outcome of this look. I used a jar from my croquet box filled with book page cones. I also painted my little pumpkins, that used to be orange. Super easy!! I really like to use empty frames so I used this one from my tv room.

I used the same PB knockoff pumpkin from my Halloween Shelves. I think it goes perfectly with the theme. I have my grandparents old books that I used for levels. The pine cones are from outside. Again-easy peasy!!

I think is goes very well with my Fall Paper decor

For my #2 idea: I added Fall colors to my Fall Shelves, because Hubby still likes the traditional orange (which happens to be his fave color)

I used a few of the same elements, but added some traditional Thanksgiving colors as well. Don’t you just love this scarecrow? He is my fave!!

For my #3 idea:

I am so pleased with my Fall Coffee Table. Simple and easy to bring Thanksgiving into our home. I painted this orange pumpkin white to blend with my ideas. I also rolled some book pages for a wreath look.

For my #4 craft:

Another great idea to bring Thanksgiving into your home. Using your used jars and add book pages with mod podge. Let your imagination go and create something wonderful for your table or mantel with these.

For #5 decor:

I had so much fun making this paper decor!! Again-easy simple and inexpensive!! It took me less than an hour to put this altogether. This would also look great as a centerpiece, don’t you think?

And, #6:

I also added some Fall decor on my bookshelf for a more Thanksgiving/Cottage feel to our home. I love to use my PB artichokes all over the house!! I love them in this vessel. They are perfect with the pumpkins and gourds.

I hope you have been inspired to decorate for Fall with my Six Fall/Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas. It’s fun to change up and move around accessories to get ready for the Holidays, don’t you think?

Make it a Super Saturday!!

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Easy, Simple Fall Bookcase With a Cottage Feel

October 18, 2012 By Meegan 3 Comments

I am swamped with things to do within the next couple of weeks, as we prepare for our son’s wedding. BUT, I do want to share with you some of the easy, simple Fall bookcase with a cottage feel I do have around our home. It was SUPER EASY and fun to get my creative juices going!

I basically used the same foundation as my Summer Shelf, but took away my shells and added new Fall elements. Easy and effective.

I found the clear pull knobs at HL. I knew I needed them!! I added Billy Balls to the vintage blue bottle for some Fall color. I also switched out shells and rocks for pumpkins.

I found the artichokes at PB a few years ago. They are working well in our home now matter the season. Love it!! Both candle sticks were thrift finds. I painted them to fit our decor.

Here is just another look at all the elements and colors. Same blue, same style with just a touch of Fall added. It is so easy to change things up in your home for each season. I have been doing it for years and I hope you can see how fun it is. You don’t need a lot to make a difference.

I hope I have inspired you to bring a little bit of Fall to your home with my Easy, Simple Fall Bookcase With a Cottage Feel . If you have decor already to place around your home, and don’t have a lot of time-just put up a few things. (I literally still have a full container full.) You still bring the season into your home without the clutter and taking up too much time.

Enjoy your day and treasure those you love.

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