Happy Monday, Homies!

Weekend lazing around is over, and now it’s time to get that to-do list out.  Am I alone on this one?  That’s seriously how I start my week, jotting down all the things that need to get done; Patch some holes, measure and cut some stuff for The Mother Project, pick up groceries, finish a sewing thang, and oh ya, get some actual work done!  This week, I’ve decided that if I can cross off the 5 major things on my list, then I can go to Ikea on Friday.  Nothing like a little motivation to get the engines fired up!

But first, a little inspiration to start the week… and possibly add a new project for your to-do list?

A Black Ceiling.

I want one.

Just trying to figure out where, oh where, would it look best.

The bathroom perhaps?

Or maybe the bedroom is a better play?  I think it’s kinda sexy cool.

Is the dining room too predictable?

No one would expect it in a living room, though…

But the hallway/foyer would make a HUGE statement; “I’m Bold!  Welcome.”

Though seriously not as ballsy as putting it in a nursery or kids room

Did I just bombard you with a gabillion photos?!  Secretly you’re loving it, huh?

I wanted to show you how extremely versatile this trend is – it looks so chic anywhere!  And the plus is that the black hides a multitude of flaws (vents in the ceiling, unevenness, texture, lack of light and short ceilings.)  I know what you’re thinking, black ceilings are only for lofts.

Well, not anymore.  Painting the ceiling black adds tons of glamour (on the cheap) and it effectively takes the boundaries of the ceiling away completely – you feel like there’s nothing there creating a sense of space.

So, what do you think??  Ready to plunge into the darkness with me?

That’s all for today!  Happy Creating!

Hi!  How’s everyone doing this fine Friday?

Only a few more weeks of summer weather left, and I wanted to share with you an art idea that you can do with the kiddies or with the buddies – all ages will enjoy this.  Promise!  AND you’ll end up with a super fun piece of art.

Here’s what I did… I printed out a few dartboard patterns on watercolor paper right off the computer.  (It’s thicker than regular paper, which is perfect and if your paper is too big, like mine was, just cut ‘er down to size.  No problemo!)

Here’s the pattern I came up with or you can create your own.

What can I say?  I’m a sharer.

bullseye

While at Target, I picked up a set of 3 squirt guns for a whole dollar.  Quite an investment in fun.

I let my boys pick out their own colors, and wouldn’t you know, they picked red, yellow and blue.  “Primary Colors!”, I shouted.  An accident?  I think not, my friends.

Anyway, after patting myself on the back for such genius progeny, I filled the guns with a bit of paint and a bunch of water.  The key is to keep it super liquidy so the paint shoots out easily.  Test each one prior – you don’t want someone getting all pissy cause their gun doesn’t work.

Line up the cowboys, and have a good ‘ol shoot out!

If I were doing this at a BBQ, I’d let the winner keep his victory bullseye.  Super cute party gift!

Can you tell who won?  Definitely not the kid who got beaned in the back of the head with yellow paint!  Luckily, it washes out easily.

Looks like yellow’s aim is improving!

After it dried, I simply put it into a frame with a matting.  This one is from JCPenney, Sutton Ash Frame.

A work of art and a great reminder of fun in the sun with my boys!

Although… I can really see a bunch of drunk people enjoying this.  I think it would get just as out of hand.  Great for photos!

Let me know if you try out my Bullseye art idea!

Happy Creating!

Hello!

Where have y’all been?!  I’m kidding of course, since it feels like I’ve been off the radar for awhile.  I’ve been busy, peeps, very busy.  I’m in the middle of a few fun projects that I can’t wait to share with you!  Patience my Padawan.  (That was said as much for myself – I struggle with patience!  Don’t you?!)

Last week I was finally, FINALLY able to cross off a big to-do.  I have been itching to paint our hallway/entryway for a few months now.  I tried my best to wait until the boys got older (there’s that patience thing again – recurring theme?) but then I figured, Why live with it now when I can easily change it myself?!

Here were my issues… 1. The hallway is a long, windowless space that looks dark and gloomy, 2. There were too many finger prints, marks, scuffs, and crayon residue for my taste, 3.  The butter yellow paint had started to look too mature for our space.

My goal – To Freshen, Brighten and Update!

There are so many ways to pick paint color… Direction of light in the space, matching existing  pieces, following a theme (like zen or cottage, as examples).  In my case, I had seen a few rooms that I was diggin’ – Hence, the Inspiration Method.

I love this but could not find the color.  I searched!!

The color in this picture is Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore.  Fresh, right?  I kept writing that paint color down!  It had to be The One.

I rushed over, grabbed a sample and put it in three distinct places – one where the light is bright, one in the hallway with zero light and one where the wall gets only indirect light.

Sad face.

It looked like this instead

Without all that sunlight, it looked dark and moody.  Not what I was going for at all.  The color just had too much gray in there for my sunlight starved hallway.

I knew I had to go much lighter to get the same look in my space.  So, I purchased two other samples from Benjamin Moore in the white family.

Better but not quite right – sadly.

While I was gathering other stuff at Lowe’s I stumbled upon 2 colors that immediately caught my eye

and

These colors are actually quite light and looked great on the walls… BUT, one was a little too green and the other was a little too blue.  Weird that the one with green in it’s name was too blue.  Things that make you go Hmmm.

So I did what any other super awesome person would do – I had them mix the colors 50/50.  Does that mean I get to name my own paint color??

Score!

What do you think?

 

Notice how all the lights were on with the butter yellow walls?  It’s much perkier now.

If you’ve seen a color that you’re dying to have in your house, keep these things in mind –

1.  Buy no more than 2 samples at one time.  It’s important to get an idea of what your space needs.  Did you go too light?  Too gray?  For instance, with my brazilian cherry floors and lack of light, greens looked blue and clear blues looked dreary.

2.  With that said, be prepared to spend $30 on samples.  You want to pick the right color the first time!

3.  Test your paint in different areas if the lighting varies.  You might love it where the sun hits it directly, but dislike the color in the evening or in the shadows.

4.  If you like two colors, have them mixed up for you!  I went 50/50, but you can go 60/40 or 70/30.  Just take a photo of the color code and file it in your paint folder!

5.  Take your time and don’t get discouraged!  It’s only paint, right?!

Now the fun part – Dressing those naked walls!

Hooray for freshening up!  Feels good.  And Happy.  Smile.