My New Vintage Couch

Wow!!  What a day.  Between getting things and buying things for our upcoming move into our little bungalow and working on our projects its been quite crazy.

I'm really excited to share with you my new vintage couch that I picked up from an Estate Sale today.  All I can say is that days like this prove to me why we call ourselves Decorating Insanity.  So this couch is your typical 60's 8 footer, but in order to get it out of the apartment we bought it from, we had to take it through the patio and up over the fence.  It was kind of heavy, but we were crazy enough to do it.

Then we loaded it up in a small suv and let it all hang out.

But seriously, isn't it so cute?

As you can see we never stop working

So ideas are already going through my head as to how I'm going to decorating around it.  My place will be ready in 17 days.  The countdown is on.

xo,

mONICa

It's been a crazy week

I have been so busy lately.  I just launched a new Etsy shop called Decorating Insanity.  My garage looks an artist studio with my multiple half done projects that are starting to look fantastic.  I dream of greatness with a real studio one day in Los Angeles (lately I've been wanting to go back home pretty badly)  and I must get more things in my store and fast.  It's looking a little half naked right now.

I sold my first piece within days and that was really exciting.

I've completed my second piece this week and listed it, and I have at least 2 more pieces on the way this week.

Since it's spray painting season I've got to take advantage of the weather.  I thought I'd post some great spray painting tips from Thrifty Decor Chick.

 

Q:  Where do you spray paint in the different seasons?

A:  In the spring/summer/fall that’s easy – usually in the backyard or on the deck. Usually I can be found holding an item out at arm’s length, over the edge of the deck, spraying away. Then I’ll just lay it on the railing to dry.

I keep old sheets around that I use as drop clothes when I paint, but most often I use them on the garage floor to spray paint. A few many, many times hubby has come home to a slew of items drying on his side of the garage floor. Which I know thrills him to no end.  ;)

In the winter, I have been known to spray paint in the basement – but I do quick, light sprays, then leave immediately. Usually anymore, I do my winter painting in the garage.

Q:  Do I need to prep my surfaces for spray paint?

A:  Other than thoroughly cleaning an item, honestly I don’t prep much. :) If it’s bare wood, a spray primer is a really good idea. You’ll prime the surface and use way less spray paint in the end.

On wood items, sometimes I will do a light sanding to prepare the surface – but most of the time I don’t. On metal, I usually just spray directly on the surface, but if it’s something that will get a lot of handling, I definitely prime it first. I have sprayed many metal lamps and did not prime because (the bases) don’t get touched much.

Same goes for light fixtures – I mean, how often do you touch them? At least around here, it’s not much. :)

So for the kitchen fixture, I didn’t prime. I did light, quick sprays and worked my way around the light as it hung. I LOVE the way it turned out!:

Swoon! (Ignore the pantry door in front of the window!) Now the light hangs about 29 inches above the table instead of 31 (I know, but I notice.) And it’s 23 inches wide instead of 18 inches – which fills in that area much better.

Visual substance and all.  ;)

I’m thinking of an update for the shades – you know I can’t leave well enough alone!

The Krylon oil rubbed bronze paint I used dried super fast, even out in the freaking-insane-I’m-sweating-just-standing-here-heat we had today, but you need to be sure to let anything you spray paint cure (dry) long enough before you handle it.

Because I’m insanely impatient, I waited till this fixture was dry to the touch and then started installing. Because of that, there were a few little scratches here and there after I got it up.

I just threw the sheet over the kitchen table and sprayed little touch ups. I don’t recommend doing this unless you really have yours spaces covered. But I am me and me is crayyyyzay! :)

So if your project doesn’t go just right, what do you do?

Q:  How do I fix bubbles/crackling/drips/oopsies?

A: Imperfections usually mean one of two things – either you didn’t prep properly so the paint isn’t adhering well, or you are spraying too much, too fast. Drips always mean you’ve used too much. To correct those, wipe them off immediately if you can, then spray over. If you notice them later, sand it down lightly and spray again.

Same goes for crackling. Whenever I see that it means I haven’t prepped well. Sometimes I’ve noticed crackles when I’m using spray paint that has been in the heat or the item I’m spraying has been in the heat.

Crackle can be harder to cover – so sand down as much as possible and spray again.

If you follow these tips, you should get a finished product that will last you for years!:

xo,

mONICa

Silhouette Machine Giveaway

Head over to Southern Hospitality  for your chance to win a Silhouette Machine.  Subscribe to her blog while you are at it, some really neat ideas.

What is a Silhouette, you ask? It’s an electronic cutting tool that connects to your computer allowing you to cut fonts and images in cardstock, vinyl, heat transfer material, etc.

It cuts all sorts of fun things from scrapbooking supplies to vinyl art. Lots of possibilities, as big as your imagination can hold.

This machine is really cool.  It can be used on iron on paper to make things like pillows or you can just make your basic silhouette wall art.



or some really cool signs with just lettering:



xo,

mONICa

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Nothing Like My Morning Cup of Joe

I love my morning cup of coffee. Aside from the warmth and great taste of the coffee, there is also a certain emotional comfort that comes over me when I am alone in the morning drinking my wonderful cup of Joe. It's that special time when I am between the peace of my slumber and the anticipation of the day. And although I am alone while drinking my coffee, I feel like I am sitting with a dear and much loved friend…always warm, comforting and inspiring. What can I say I really love coffee in the morning! These days spring has taken my morning coffee outdoors. The flowers the sun and the birds all beckon me outdoors to my back porch. It is such a relaxing and special time for me. I always use cheerful coffee items to make it even more enjoyable .

Here are some great finds to make your spring coffee morning special too.

Milk Glass Cups- trilogie

Floral Teapot- deepoca

Sugar and Creamer Set- WishingWellsGlass

Vintage Serving Tray- VitalVintage

Yellow Napkins-PumpkinTruck

Gold Flower Saucers- thetwosparrows

xo,

eLAINe