I considered bamboo shades and wooden blinds before deciding we needed some color in the kitchen and that would best be achieved with fabric shade. Problem is, most window treatments with any ounce of style cost a pretty penny.

Not these puppies:

Thanks to a tutorial from fab blog Little Green Notebook, and paired with some mini-blinds ($9) and fabric ($7 per yard), I made two window shades for much less than it would cost to buy them. Yep, I said mini-blinds. They are used as a structure for the fabric and by leaving the pull strings in-tact, you can use the original hardware for a functioning roman shade.

We chose red because of the fantastic red chandelier that was here when we moved in. I love how the curtains bring more attention to the chandelier now.

Our kitchen table is where we eat breakfast and listen to music on the iPod dock. And I’m dreaming of a wall filled with vintage cutting boards between the two windows.

This was a fairly simple project, but it did take two people for some of the measuring (Ryan held things in place so the tape measure didn’t pull it all over the place). I’m very happy with how they turned out. They still let a little light through but add a little barrier against the cold weather outside.

What do you think? Would you consider tackling a project like this? Questions on technique or supplies? Hit me up in the comments section!

For the table runner I used a piece of plaid fabric I rescued from the remnant bin at Joann’s a few weeks ago for just a few dollars. I loved the traditional and fall feel. The centerpiece is actually the same one we used at our Halloween party: Spray-painted mini-pumpkins and faux leaves on my white cake stand. This is where painting the pumpkins a festive metallic instead of creepy black pays off — it works all season.

For each place-setting I used the Fiestaware-inspired dishes Ryan had in his bachelor pad with the salad plates I had from Crate and Barrel. A water glass made from recycled wine bottles sits in the upper corner with a simple wine glass. I tied a branch of Chinese Lantern flowers to a linen napkin and secured it with a bit of burgandy ribbon that I had leftover from another project.

The oranges and reds contrast nicely with the plaid and bring out the subtle red stripe. The whites keep everything looking fresh and I think the golden pumpkins add a bit of holiday cheer.

I bet you could mix and match items from your own cupboards and come up with a whole new look too!

When I got it home, it looked like this:

Yep, gold paint with a faux distressed wash over it. It looked dirty and yucky.

So I taped it up for a big paint-job. I used regular painters tape in small pieces to fit together into an oval. I taped down some plain newsprint to protect the rest of the glass. This process was a total pain the butt and if I could have taken the glass out of the mirror without damaging it, I would have (and that is what I’d recommend if it’s possible!)

Next: painting. In hindsight I would have primed first, but I was in a hurry. In the end, it took an entire can of white spray paint and there are still a few spots that could use touching up (but I was on a time crunch and hung it anyway). I placed the mirror on a large piece of cardboard and painted outside for ventilation.

All dried and in place!

Pretty simple project for big results. And if you’re wondering about my dresser, you can read all about ITS gorgeous makeover here.

The concept: chocolates in a custom bag, arranged like a candy shop.

How-to:

Make simple labels. I found this print-out on iDIY (freebie courtesy of creature comforts), printed them, cut them out, and wrote the occasion and date.

Glue your labels onto white paper bags (mine were $2.50 for 12 at the craft store). Use a glue-stick or tiny dots to avoid that wrinkled-glue look. To spend a little more, you could print your labels out on stickers (address labels or name badges).

After filling the bag with your treat of choice, fold over and punch holes. String ribbon through from the back and tie a knot or bow in the front.

Arrange on a bookshelf that is magically clear thanks to that fact that you’re moving in a week and a half. Voila, instant candy-shop feel with 24 bags, 12 pieces of paper, lots of chocolate, and two spools of ribbon.

Chic *and* educational

If I owned a diner or something I’d just laminate them and call it a day. But for something a little more chic, why not print it out on iron transfer paper and iron the design onto some rustic linen placemats? Hell, you could even use pink or purple ink if you wanted to go nuts. Though I think navy blue ink would look smashing.

Or maybe I’ll just be lazy and frame it and hang it in the kitchen. Ideas?

From Home Sweet Home

With just a few quick accessory changes, your plain jane white bathroom could become a the most dramatic room in the house. Take one all-white bathroom, add: one black sink, one black oversized vase with panache, one over-the-top floral arrangement, one sweeping dark shower curtain that reaches all the way to the ceiling, a few accent towels and candleholders. Get: one super fabulous toilette.

And since I tend to procrastinate, it was only last week that I did this:

And got these results:

Worth the wait. What projects have you (finally) finished lately?

Get the full how-to at instructables.com. Would you try an unconventional garden like this?

1. Cut a simple pattern of the letter you want on a piece of scrap paper. You could use a computer print-out of a letter if you want, but I just freehanded this “E” (thanks for having an easy initial, Mom!) . Make sure the letter fits on your bag (crucial).

2. Lay your new pattern on the fabric of your choosing (which you have just finished ironing!) and use it as a template to cut. Pin it on first if you’re nervous (or if your fabric is pricey or limited).

3. Yay, you have a letter! Now iron it again!

4. For the simplest project, use a pre-made canvas bag from a craft store (or if you want to do a whole slew of these for Christmas gifts, you can buy them in bulk online. Just search for canvas bags).  Iron the bag. Pin on your letter and start stitching it on! I did it by hand and it took about an hour to sew on while watching tv. Simple down-and-up stitches are fine, about 1/8 of an inch in from the edge. (Sorry, I got too excited about sewing and forgot to take a picture. Bad blogger.) Oh, and maybe this is obvious, but be sure you aren’t sewing through both sides of the bag or it won’t be very useful. Pretty wall-hanging, sad bag.

5. Your finished project should look something like this!

Anyone have other tips on making a bag like this? I think it would look really pretty with a floral letter on an almost-clashing other floral pattern. Little crazy-bag-lady action going on. Please share your other ideas! Oh, and happy belated birthday, Mom!