~ Ripped Books ~

I have always loved the look of worn old books. But how does one achieve the shabby look? Well, it took me a while to figure it out and I am sure all of you knew this, but in case you didn't here's what you do. Find any old book that has the old looking pages. This means find the neat tea stained colored page. Doesn't matter what the book is about or the cover. I find mine at thrift stores for anywhere from a dollar to 50 cents each. Now just rip off the front and back covers and there you have it. Underneath you will find that they look like my picture. I love them and it is a cheap way to decorate and who would have known that there would one day be an attraction for cover less books?......

~ Burlap Rag Wreath ~

" Close up of burlap texture...."

" Here it is......."

Ok, it may look neat but what a mess! Cutting pieces of burlap is not the hardest task, but trying to tie it around a wreath form sure is. I do not think there is any easy way to do it. I love burlap and the look and texture of it, but wow is it a disagreeable fabric. Falls apart and frays easily. Oh well, at least I can say I tried and accomplished one wreath-will I ever do it again? Never say never...

~ Muslin Rag Wreaths~

" After "

" Before "

If you have a little bit of time on your hands, and who doesn't, try this. I had some leftover muslin material (use whatever kind you like) and bought the wire floral wreaths from any craft store (Michaels) and start ripping and tying. You can add as much or as little to these. Rhinestones, burlap, several different colors and types of fabrics-tea stain them too. The possibilities are endless. I think the plain muslin makes a clean and simple shabby statement....

~ Instant Coffee Crystals and Peonies ~

" Remember these were stark white when I started.."

I am really drawn to tea stained colors. I thought I might try to see if I can successfully stain some white peony flower stems that I have had since last Spring. I took the flowers off the stems and put a small amount of instant coffee crystals in a flat dish. I then took the flower and dipped it in water and then dipped it in the coffee crystals in the dish mushing and twirling the flower the whole time. I then let them air dry. I love tea stain, but sometimes it is too subtle so I find that coffee crystals give a richer tone-almost a sepia tone. It also smells great as well......

~ Lace Bottle ~

I am sure that by now everyone has done or seen various renditions of altered old bottles. I really love them and like to decorate with them. Here is an example of a beautiful altered bottle. Done by Felicia of "Bountiful" showing her one of a kind creativity and her lovely use of old lace......

~ Late Night Project ~

" Before"

" After "

I have had this large canvas leaning in my hallway for several weeks waiting for the right time and right inspiration to come along. Get the canvas at Michael's for 40-50% off with theirs sales. Any size you choose. In my case, I used a rubber stamp on a transparency sheet, which I then got out the old projector. Backed up the projector as far as it would reach since the rubber stamp was about 2" in size. I love French inspired things so I thought why not Marie Antoinette and some sort of French script. I added the Paris at the bottom because my daughter thought the canvas was too scarce. Recently I have seen poster looking canvas prints that are large in size, but not in content. I think it makes a statement-a French one I hope. I painted the canvas with my furniture paint (choose whatever paint you want). Then I proceeded to trace the figure and when I finished I touched it up a bit here and there filling in more dark areas to look a little bit more filled out. It took about 35 minutes-not bad for a large project that didn't end up taking a large amount of time to complete....