Thursday Thoughts . . . Just Sayin’ . . .

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

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Hi All.

Wow, are you going to love the Thursday Thoughts post today. But first, I have to confess . . . my mini marathon wasn’t supposed to be quite as mini as it turned out. But it is SITS girls week and I have been so busy mailing out and answering back tons of comments. If you’re wondering “what the heck is SITS girls . . . find out HERE at this LINK.

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Anyhoo . . . on this Thursday, since I have been showered with so many great posts lately, I wanted to share just one or two of my favorites with you. Just sayin’ . . . they’re REALLY good so you should check em’ out.

Photo Courtesy of Thistlewood Farms

KariAnne over at Thistlewood Farms, has such a lighthearted, fun way of expressing herself. But this latest post touched my heart in a special way and brought back memories of two wonderful people in my life. I just had to send her a comment. I know you’ll enjoy her piece called “A LANGUAGE ALL THEIR OWN”

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Photo Courtesy of RTA Studios

RTA Studio’s blog “SENSE OF PLACE” sends me a little newsletter called “Knock Knock”. Whether an experienced homeowner, newly venturing into real estate or still in the daydreaming stage, you’ll find architect Richard Taylor’s insights and experiences fun and informative. As a former Real Estate agent, I enjoy keeping in touch with the “home industry” and his point of view is always interesting. This week’s piece is . . . The “Peanuts” Guide To Finding An Interesting Home.

Photo Courtesy of RTA Studios

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Truly, I follow some pretty great blogs. But there are always more out there to explore. Here’s one of my recent discoveries.

There are those of us who know a little bit about a lot of things, right? Well, I’d say Cher with DESIGNS BY STUDIO C knows an awful lot about most any project she tackles. We found this article helpful.

Ladies . . . even Hubs likes this site. It’s one we can enjoy together. Seriously, so check it out.

Photo Courtesy of Designs by Studio C

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When you were a kid did you like the story of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears? Me – not so much. Don’t you think Goldy was a doofus to go snooping in a stranger’s house?

Photo courtesy of Adventures of Goldilox

Well, this week I discovered a Goldilocks that I do like, and I bet you will too.
I found someone I could really relate to over at ADVENTURES OF GOLDILOX

This Goldi is a military spouse (so was I), has a fantastic sense of humor (me too . . . well, at least I think so) and she seems willing to try just about any project (even more so than me). I couldn’t ask for more, but I bet you’ll like her too, so buzz on over there.

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Hey now, I have to sign off. Still have to finish my little Valentine Treat basket surprises for my neighborhood kids. I’ll post a pic of it soon.

Oh yes, PLEASE & THANK YOU for visiting these blogs and telling them you found them at my place! It’s helps us both.

Meanwhile, remember not to stress too much, just start that project!
Later – Cheryl

This original article “THRUSDAY THOUGHTS … JUST SAYIN’” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Valentines Cards . . . EZ-PZ Make-do Project

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Don’t forget to decorate and make matching envelopes

Hi All.

Today begins my mini-marathon of fun projects for Valentine’s celecbrations.

Starting off with some very simple, make-do cards. Remember, my make-do projects are done with no extra shopping, just using what I have available in my stash at home. These turned out nicely.

Here’s my SUPPLY LIST:
1. Heavy card stock or construction paper for the actual card (8 1/2 x 11″ sheets)
2. Pretty papers to decorate the card – here I used wrapping paper and paint sample cards.
3. Decorative scissors and/or punches. I used both.
4. Glue – I used both Tacky Glue and my Glue Wheel. The wheel is cleaner.
5. Invitation size envelopes – I have these on hand, but you can purchase anywhere. Invitation size is 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″.

MAKING CARDS: Wrapping paper scraps, paint color and color range cards

TIP: During my post-season shopping this year, I got some great deals on beautiful wrapping paper, in generic colors that can be used all year round. These cost $1.00 each a roll, opposed to the $4 – $5 seasonal price. So I got all five rolls for the price of one originally!

Paint sample cards available FREE at any paint department or store

Any store with a paint department has various paint sample cards and sheets and they’re FREE.

Paint color range cards. Use the colors seperately or cut shapes across two colors for a fun look

Decorative Punches. You can also just cut out your own shapes.

INSTRUCTIONS are so easy.

Take your sheet of card stock and cut it in half, so you have two pieces 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ diameters.

A half sheet heavy paper (half of an 8 1/2 x 11″ sheet)
An invitation sized envelope (4 1/4 x 5 1/2″)

Now BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR PERMANENT FOLD, loosely hold the edges together and trim with a decorative scissors, cutting both at the same time. Or just fashion a design with regular scissors.

1/2 sheet with top/bottom edges trimmed.

Once trimmed, make your permanent FOLD. Here, I wanted a tongue fold but you can just do a normal 1/2 fold if you want. I like the tongue fold because the inside hangs out below in the front and you get to see pretty decorations on the inside as well as just the front.

I sat for a time and just punched out various sizes and shapes of designs. Then I played with shapes and laid out various designs.

Layout your design

Then just glue things on. I prefer a glue wheel, because it doesn’t get any overlap glue on the front of your card and decorations. But tacky glue works too, you just have to be more careful.

Glue onto card with tacky glue OR a dry-glue wheel.

For your message, you can handwrite a message. I often use metallic colored markers for this. Or as in the picture below, I just type a little verse in a fun font, cut it out and pasted it in. I thought this card’s front looked like eyes in glasses frames and I had used stars so I said “Your Love has me Seeing Stars”.

Inside, you can type up a little verser or write a message with a pretty marker (metallic colors are nice)

Inside, you can type up a little verse or write a message with a pretty marker (metallic colors are nice)

That’s it for today, but watch for another project soon.

As always, don’t stress, just start that project.

Later -Cheryl

This original article “Valentines Cards…an EZ-PZ Make-do Project” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

AFTER’s . . . Results on Cabinet Project

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

Before I begin posting for my Marathon Valentine Week . . .

HERE’S WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR … the remarkable results from our RUSTOLEUM Cabinet Transformation Kit. This is our bathroom cab’s and woodwork redo. See the HOW TO post on this project.

FIRST a BEFORE reminder!

B4 Bathroom Corner Cabinets

Now, below is the AFTER. You notice that the plain, routed design is now covered in a nice trim detail, which was also added to the flat surface door.

AFTER of bathroom corner

Going around the room here.

Going around the room from that corner.

The vanity really came out nicely

The finished vanity cabinets

We’re re-doing this room in stages. NEXT, we’re going to tackle the countertops, and finally, the lighting and mirror. Not sure yet what will be done with those, but I’ll keep you posted!

Have a nice Sunday afternoon. See you soon with all those Valentine ideas.

As always, try not to stress too much, just start something.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “AFTER’s Results on Cabinet Project” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

B4 and Afters!

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

We like seeing pictures on blogs … pictures … pictures … and MORE PICTURES, right!

Some of the most popular and requested items are photos of Before and After’s. Today’s post has a bit different slant to the B&A idea. You’ll see during Christmas and then the afters, the January Jazzed-Up look. See what you think.

NOTE: HOVER GALLERY PICTURES for CAPTIONS; CLICK for SLIDESHOW.

Living Room NW Corner, January 2014

The painting stayed in place and was left as-is. Often times, I wrap my larger art pieces in holiday paper to connect them to the rest of the décor. Such as in a previous season … below.

But remember, I had a minimal look going, so didn’t cover anything here. I was just less enthused this time … OK, yah … a little lazy!

This corner shelf is always a “reader favorite”, wanting to see the newest displays there. Here are two holiday looks and the January display.

Christmas “12”

Corner Shelf at Christmas “13”

Corner Shelf (LR) in January

Here are some looks at the cupboard tops. It’s hard to get everything into one picture.

Holiday this past season.

“13” Christmas Cabinets

Cabinet Tops Christmas “13”

2013 Holiday Cabinet Tops

“13” Christmas Cabinets

The Jazzed Up look isn’t too jazzy yet. Kind of bare, but I’m still in contemplation mode.

Cabinet Tops January “14”

The wall by the front door always has a display of three items.
Two during various Christmas displays and the January look.

Christmas “12” Display

Christmas “13” Display

DISPLAY

Before I leave, did you happen to notice the new chairs in the living room? They’re “new-to-me” pieces that I found on Craigslist. Located in the south suburbs close to my son’s place, he picked them up for us. We took them home on our Christmas visit … and BIG SURPRISE … son & his lady made these our present (so no payment needed). Yay! Thanks.

This last gallery will show you the entire LR from corner to corner, beginning in the SW corner with the shelves, and going to the right and around the room. The “new” chairs are on each end of the sofa.

HEY, are you are curious about the price of those “new to me” chairs?
Say yes … say yes! (It was UNBELIEVABLY low)
Send me a reply in the comments section, and I’ll give you the low-down.

DISPLAY

ROOMS

LR, to the northeast

LR to the east

LR at Southeast corner. Note Wall’s Plate display

Until next post, as always, try don’t stress but get started on something.
Later – Cheryl

This original article “B4 and Afters” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

A Different Feel to Christmas

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi, All.

Yes, IT REALLY IS only two weeks till Christmas Day.

Sounds like ours will a quiet holiday, just the two of us, with a small family celebration between the 25th and New Years. It was that way last year too, and just fine.

The entire season seems somehow different this year. I’m not sure why. The cold and snow have been very severe quite early; Thanksgiving was later than usual; and a family member has been grouchy ever since. All of that may have contributed to this “off” feeling.

Even after pulling out the many tubs of Holiday decorations from the crawl space, neither of us wanted to tackle any big projects.

So … we didn’t.

We long ago discontinued the hours of conquering snowy fields for just the right tree to cut. It isn’t as fun without children along. The cold got colder as we got older, and the trees seemed to grow more heavy and difficult to transport each year..

Oh we still put a tree up this year. We have a very realistic and easy to assemble, artificial one now. There’s also a smaller, table tree in our family room that made the cut this year. Only because after last season, I wrapped it up in a big old plastic bag, ornaments and all, and found a spot for it on a garage shelf.

So … 1 – 2 – 3, it’s a done tree!

Most everything else is minimal. Some that know me are shocked that I left the hutch as-is. It’s fine with just a bit of sparkle added here and there. Although, I spruced up the top a bit, placing this old yule santa next to the plants there.

Isn’t he adorable? He was a gift from my daughter-in-law (to-be) last Christmas.

For the table, DB brought a big glass bowl up. I washed it, added a live poinsetia plant, and filled around it with more sparkle.

The table covering is simply a long piece of wrapping paper for festivity, a remnant of silky green fabric for a little depth and texture, and a red plastic charger plate Jessica also gave me last year.

The big tree takes center stage in the living room, so the credenza moves to the hall wall. All I did here was … you guessed it … add some sparkle to an existing arrangement. I just used pieces in the vignette that tied in to the colors of the painting above.

I took a different direction in my office/workroom. I worked with the colors already there. More sparkle was added to the window group.

Then after clearing my bulletin board, I prettied it up with similar colors.

Well, there ARE still two weeks to add a few more little things.

Next post, I’ll share some “Make-Do”, pretty ideas … all done on NO BUDGET and VERY LITTLE TIME.

Meanwhile, stay warm, stay safe … and don’t stress, just start!

Later – Cheryl

This original article “A Different Feel to Christmas” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Reader’s Wreath

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

Here’s a short post today to share a shot of a reader’s project. This was made from our Wreath for All Seasons post tutorial.

This was made by some special Iowa readers; my step-daughter Cindra and granddaughter Brianna. They found their fabric at Walmart. It was one of those little scrap bundles for quilting. The bundle had several different patterns in colors they liked, so strips were cut, and they developed a design going around the wreath.

Their wreath was done on a 9 inch frame. This was their first attempt and it was made to hang in Bri’s bedroom. The gals worked together and the project took just a couple of hours. It was so easy and fun, they’re going to do another one for the holidays! Send more pictures ladies.

Also coming up this week, Thanksgiving printables and some “fun find” projects.

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Reader’s Wreath” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Friday Features

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

It’s Friday. Yep, it rolls around every week about now.

Friday is (usually) my “go to town” day. I’m trying to become a “scheduler” type. You know … organize my time, supposedly to control it and maximize use.

This is the day I schedule for away trips … get groceries, run errands, and do a little side shopping when the budget permits. Aby over at SIMPLIFY 101 has lots of sensible tips for organizing. Her info has concise, to-the-point suggestions that can be read quickly and applied easily to your home routines. Best of all, she allows for flexibility with schedules and rules. Aby knows, as do we all, that everyday, things just happen that weren’t on the schedule, and we have to adapt … go with the flow.

Today’s Friday for me, is flowing more towards staying home. It’s a gorgeous, sunny day and I’m in the mood for … well, I’m not exactly sure what I’m in the mood for, but it isn’t going to town and dealing with “places packed with people”.

My Newfie/Lab mix Fozzie is keeping me company this morning. Our Gracie is very much a “girly girl”. She’s sleeping in.

I started my Friday morning out at my computer, in my “new-to-me” desk chair. Isn’t it bootyful? And it fits my booty so comfortably.

Mr. Chair and Miss Mirror were found at a favorite area store, DISCOVERY THRIFT My local readers love Discovery, but it’s also proof positive for everyone else, that you should investigate any/all thrift stores in your own area because there are big deals that don’t need big budgets. Okay, so I have to share what I paid (and make everyone jealous). The mirror was … wait for it … $15 … YES, just fifteen dollars! It is heavy glass with solid wood framing. If you’ve ever searched for mirrors of this quality, used or otherwise, you know what a bargain this is.

And the super comfortable, clean and adjustable desk chair (in excellent repair) … are you ready? My chair was only $35 and worth every penny. I’m at my desk, enjoying it right now.

I’m thinking of putting my mirror on top of this piece. Will probably do some sort of paint treatment on both to bring them together.

Everyone is budget concious now days, even bloggers and DIYers. That’s why I wanted to share another online find today, for you artistic types. Karen, THE GRAPHICS FAIRY is one of my featured favorites today. We seem to have quite a bit in common; blended families, graphics design; dog lovers. and Karen shares ~~oodles~~ well ~~tons~~, let’s just say LOTS of wonderful graphics images for just about any project a person can think of … and they’re FREE. Plus there are DIY projects, tutorials and all kinds of fun stuff.

Do you notice how most blogs are about more than just one thing? They are a wonderful way for us to share, care and learn about many interests. That’s why I began Artzzle, because I’ve always truly felt that Life is a “Giant Puzzle of Art and Design”.

Hope I’ve added a few pieces to your puzzle today! Visit these features and let me know what you think. And tell them Cheryl at Artzzle sent you over. Be sure to share your favorite posts with friends so they can join us too!

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

This original article in “Friday Features” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Small Changes ….

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

… can make a Big Difference.

Anyone feeling anxious or rushed yet? You know … those holiday hurries and worries that usually start about now? Before the big boys come out; those crates and boxes of lights and lovelies, try to keep calm. There are still “easy little” things you can do to spruce up a bit for Thanksgiving.

1. Add FLOWERS or a COLORFUL PLANT

Our piano is always the “elephant in the room”, but I love it, and it’s actually very easy to decorate with.

Here this nice, big plant adds brightness and draws the eye to the colors and themes in the photography wall grouping. This was a quick buy at the local Big Box store, for under $10.

TIP: BE SURE to have something under your plants to protect your fine furniture from any moisture or spillage. Mine is both in a plastic lined basket AND I have a clear plastic plate beneath the basket.

WIth the piano, a dramatic change comes with simply opening the lid (and I get a lot more “oohs and ahs” with the lid up)!

2. Swap out Wall Art

Refresh your main rooms quickly by swapping your wall art with something from a different room.

In the above photo, note that the wall display photographs have been changed. Below, both the wall art and plant are new. A larger watercolor (mine) is now paired with one of my silk floral arrangements.

3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t sweat it but don’t forget it either! Switch out your accessories from room to room.

Yes, Thanksgiving is still Fall, but if you’re tired of pumpkins and Halloween colors, try trading the orange lamp in the living room for the lighter one in the den. Put the pumpkins out on the front steps and bring different Autumn colors into your rooms, with glass, metals and books.

Earlier Autumn version of living room.

Quick change shot.

Credenza before …

… and after

Coffee Table before …

… Two different vignettes for Coffee Table. These are nice examples of how colorful scarves make easy accessories for decor and fashion. Nice double-duty items there, and very affordable at your favorite thrift stores. I never pay more than $2 per scarf.

A few new, colorful kitchen towels and pot holders are always an inexpensive and quick refresher. Likewise, a new bath towel set or two.

Items above were all purchased new at Wal-Mart and my area Discovery Thrift store for between $1 and $1.50 each. I began buying one or two a trip, a few weeks before the holiday season, so no big financial bite all at once.

Replace throw or accent rugs if they’re showing wear. Especially around holiday seasons, many of the major department and big box stores have fantastic sales on household items.

The end of year holiday seasons are also the “colds” season. It’s a good idea to have tissue available for guests. Buy a few pretty boxes while you’re at it. Just another simple way to add color, so why not?

Final TIP: Books are always wonderful decorating accessories. Yes, use them for their colors, but I like to display several picture books as well. People seem to enjoy having something fun to do during those “slow periods” before and after the holiday meal.

That’s it for this time. Remember my articles aren’t absolute must-dos … just suggestions and ideas to get your imagination going. I hope you’re sharing your favorite posts with friends. I’d love to have them join us too!

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl
This original article “Small Changes can Make a Big Difference” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Debunking Awful Decor Myths

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Regulars at Artzzle know my feelings about rules in decorating. I think of rules as stair steps. You have to take some steps to get to the top, but it’s just fine to skip a few along the way. It’s been proven that some of the design “rules” that once were law, have long since been repealed (or should have been).

Ah … HOUZZ, you all know I love that website. A designer featured there recently, confirms everything I support, suggest and see through in my projects. Perhaps it’s the common age or the fact that we’ve both been doing this … well … forever, but I had to share her article with you. You’ll read “no matchy, matchy”; “yes, dark colors can be used in a small space”; “yes, it is just fine to mix woods and metals … and big shock … even pieces with different styles”. Sound familiar, readers? Exactly!

So everyone, meet Becky Dietrich. Click the photo, absorb and enjoy!

Feel Free to Break Some Decorating Rules

Artzzle Updates: Projects in progess with tutorials coming soon. Wait till you see what I found for $15.00 this week. You’ll love it!

REMEMBER to REMEMBER: Veteran’s Day is coming up this week. Thank your vets for their service to us all.

As always, don’t stress, just start.
Later – Cheryl

This original article “Debunking Awful Decor Myths” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Featured article reblogged with permission from HOUZZ.com.
Many thanks to HOUZZ and to Becky Dietrich

Fun Fall Decorating

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Autumn is upon us, and it’s a favorite season for decorators. There are lots of inexpensive and even free accessories out there, that make it easy and fun to add a little Fall flavor to your home. And if all that comes to mind is black and orange, remember that Halloween is just a small part of the season.

Above, several collected items are grouped for a table arrangement. The artificial orange berries add some texture and Fall color. The table is covered with a shimmery leaf patterned fabric, and then a Fall colored scarf centered to ground the vignette.

Bring natural elements in. Branches of colored leaves, pumpkins, gourds and even pretty rocks. Below, the same arrangement is adjusted a bit with a vase and multi-colored branches, adding height, texture and more interest.

The grand piano is opened to display beautiful glass pieces and colored leaves.

A wooly scarf serves as a runner on the coffee table. A pretty orange plate holds a tiny pumpkin, unusual rock and and petite vase with berries. A few little books to the side balance the vignette. Toss pillows in colorful textures and patterns keep the Fall colors going.

Red twig dogwood branches below stretch from a brown glass vase, and are accompanied by a plant in a colorful container (a thrift store bargain at $0.25), a glass pumpkin and some green walnuts right off the tree.

A corner shelf unit presents an interesting collage of items in Fall subject and colors.

Note how many arrangements here work from three main pieces. Again, the magic number 3 is so helpful. Employ everyday items like scarves, books and plants. Just use your imagination and have fun with it.

Let me know if you have comments or questions. Email followers will have a Reply section at the bottom of this post. Online visitors can click the little bubble at the top right of the title to reply.

Thanks for visiting. If you enjoy Artzzle.com be sure to spread the word about us.
And try not to stress too much with any project, just have fun and start!

Later – Cheryl

ARTZZLE

Helping with the Pieces in Life's Puzzle of Art and Design

Tag Archives: Artzzle

Thursday Thoughts . . . Just Sayin’ . . .

Valentines Cards . . . EZ-PZ Make-do Project

AFTER’s . . . Results on Cabinet Project

B4 and Afters!

A Different Feel to Christmas

Reader’s Wreath

Friday Features

Small Changes ….

Debunking Awful Decor Myths

Fun Fall Decorating

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