A Few Details..

If you saw my post on transoms, you saw the beautiful design above the doorway in our new home.
The design I originally wanted was the Regent pattern.

source

However, having the individual pieces made was out of my budget.
So we went with plan B and had this made.



I love it and it looks beautiful!

Then I had an idea.
In my butler's pantry, I was having clear glass doors installed.
And, somewhere in blogland I remember seeing someone who made "faux" leaded glass windows.
Really?
Would something like that work for my doors?
Well, after a quick search, I found this site:
Linda over at It all Started with Paint gives a great tutorial on her window.
Looks easy enough...
I think I could do this, plus mine was a step or two easier.

Alright, here's one door ready for experimenting:

clear glass, cleaned and ready for measuring.

I measured my exact inside dimensions and began drawing my pattern.

Next, I placed the pattern on the underside of the glass, securing it with painters tape.

This was the product recommended.
It's found at Amazon.com. You can find it here.

There's 33ft per roll with about 1/8" in width.
{The instructions stated that it can be cut lengthwise in half...and that will double your overall length.}
The lead is actually a bright silver color, but I'm thinking that over time it will turn darker due to oxidation.
Included is a plastic tool that you'll use to seal the strips.

I cut my strips according to the pattern and then snipped the ends to fit as needed.
You kinda have a play with it a bit and decide about your cuts.
Peel off the adhesive strip and put in place.
I overlapped the ends a little to give the piece that soldering look
and then "smooshed" the ends together with the plastic tool.
The lead strip is forgiving...if you mess up, just pry it up and re-position.

Here's a finished door:

I think it's going to be alright...not a real leaded glass piece, but darn close.

On to the next door, four in all...same pattern, same strategy.

And here they are in their new spot...

I'm liking it.
Up next: tile

This post is part of a series, if you'd like to start at the beginning, click here.

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday.
Be sure to drop by for amazing transformations!

A Little Transformation...

Our patio furniture was in need of a little attention:

Look at the bottom of the seat...my son went right through it! When we purchased this set, the salesperson said that the "slings" could be replaced when needed. Hm...

I found a great site online: chaircarepatio.com.

There were very specific instructions for taking off and the installation of new fabric. They even included a video with helpful tips.

In the first picture, you can see that the chair{s} needed repainting. Our area can be a bit windy and these guys have tumbled over more than once.

So Krylon to the rescue. It was so easy and covered very well.

...highly recommended...

Chair Care Patio sent fabric swatches to try and the selection was very close to the original fabric.

Within 10-15 days, the new slings arrived... they were a perfect color for the existing umbrella and a great match with the new paint. {whew!}

Following the directions, my husband was able to install the fabric fairly easy.

I'm linking to Susan's Met Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch. Drop by for a visit for loads of inspiration!

The Second Day of Christmas!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, one filled with friends and family. We were busy, I don't think we could have put one more thing in the day, but it was a lot of fun. We went to church {and sang w/the choir for two services}, traveled, ate, opened presents, visited, slept {a little} went back to church, ate, visited, and traveled back home. whew! Today I'm unpacking and putting things away...which leads me to my little metamorphosis and a little confession!
I love pretty wrapping paper tissue...and hate don't like to throw it away. Today I had this:

Yep, a mess. But after a little ironing, yes I said ironing....it was much more manageable and organized ~ which makes me happy.

I really didn't plan on saving all the paper, but after I got going, it wasn't so bad and I was able to recycle most of it! These are my favorites:

So, sometimes it's the little things...

Thanks so much for visiting, enjoy your day!

I'm linking with Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to drop by for loads of inspiration!

And finally, just a parting shot of my puppy, Catie. This is the way we're all feeling today, pooped! Worn out and ready for a nap!

Quick Clean~Up!

I thought I'd share a really quick "clean~ up" project. I was setting a table for our family {on a black tablecloth} and put out the stemware. Yuk! The bottoms of the glasses were a mess! These glasses are from the dollar store, but have become workhorses. 

There was a residue or something that was not coming off with a regular soap and water bath.

So I tried toothpaste. Yep, regular old toothpaste with an old toothbrush. It was paste {not gel}. I think the cheaper the better...it is probably a bit more abrasive.

After a bit of brushing, the bottoms were so much better, fit for a black tablecloth!

So, if you have glasses that need a bit of attention, try this trick!

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to drop by for a visit!

Famous...{not really.}

Famous?

No...just found a great site: Big Huge Labs.

Have you tried it?
It's so much fun and the possibilities are endless!

Just download your pictures, design your own magazine cover, and press "Create"!

The picture I used is a wedding card I made from a couple's wedding invitation.

The steps are quite easy.

1. Cut down the invitation to fit your new envelope.

2. Glue this cover to another piece of cardstock to make a "card".

3. Add your well-wishes inside, a quote, or a Biblical verse.

This original invitation had the blue ribbon. I just ironed it and reused it.

I also included a gift card from their bridal registry.

 I adapted this neat craft from Sherry over at, Creations From My Heart. She makes amazing cards {and many other things.}When you have a chance, visit her site for loads of inspiration!

I'm joining Jules at The Persimmon Perch for her Saturday is Crafty Day. Be sure to drop by!



and

Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to stop by her site as well.

One of a Kind...

About a month ago, my sister and I were traveling and stopped at this antique/thrift store.

Would you have stopped?

I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical, however, it was a diamond in the rough.

Stuff N Such is owned and operated by the sweetest little lady. She was very proud of her shop and has everything organized and clean. If you're ever in Llano, Texas, be sure to drop in, you won't be disappointed!

Back to my story...

My sister and I were on a mission: we were looking for anything that we could turn into tassels.

She came across this cup...it was a loner. Sadly, there was no trace of any matching pieces.

 The color was perfect for my home.

We turned it over and saw this stamp:

That was the selling point, I love collecting anything stamped "Bavaria."

So, here it is, about a month later.

I pulled out various trims and began to work...

...and turned the lone cup into a tassel.

From a "loner" to a "one of a kind" piece that helps to make my house a home!

I'm linking to Susan's, Between Naps on the Porch, for her Metamorphosis Monday, Martha's, TeacupTuesday, over at Martha's Favorites, and Leigh at Tales from Bloggeritaville for her Thrifty Thursday. Be sure to drop by these parties for loads of fun and inspiration!

Thanks so much for visiting, enjoy your day!

Lamp Rescued.

My sister picked up this lamp at Salvation Army...she had a plan.

She taped and painted...and painted.

{Many light coats of spray paint.}

Shells and jute were added.

More shells, glass beads, and a little bling.

{The small outlining shells were actually already on fishing wire.}

She ordered a rectangular shade and really liked the look...but it arrived damaged.

So she used some fabric she had on hand and remade the shade.

Finished product with linen lamp shade and starfish finial!

I think it looks fabulous!

Way to go Sis!

I'm linking with Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to drop by for loads of inspiration!