Deck Side Table Makeover!

It's Spring in New Zealand!

HOORAY!

And doesn't that wonderful warm sunshine kick you into Spring mode in a hurry.

Well it certainly has me.

The project this week was to update and refresh the little side deck table.

The old side table was actually beyond sad -

with the mosaic tiling lifting and even missing in places.
This wee table was built 20 years ago so it really has done well.

Once fixed I'm sure it will last many more years.

It was certainly time for some TLC and paint!

I removed the old mosaic.

Then replaced the wooden top with new.

I painted it with Annie Sloane chalk paint.


The colours used were: 
Graphite for the top.
Old White for the legs.
(I painted the old cane two seater couch too!)

Then stenciled leaf prints.

 

I used a real leaf to do this.

The rubber plant leaf is perfect as it is waxy and strong.

One leaf stenciled the whole table.

The next day once the paint was dry I waxed it to protect it from the elements.

Even though this deck is covered by a roof, 

the elements sometimes get in via the open sides,

 and the wax will hopefully give some protection to the wind blown rain.


Doesn't it look fab?
Leaf stenciling has a real rustic effect, and I love that.
A perfect fit with chalk paint too.
And even though I was sad to see the mosaic go, 
I adore this little side table refurbishment,
it was time for something different.
Now I'm inspired to makeover the entire side deck...
That two seater cane couch is next on the list! 


#diy #refurbish #chalkpaint #leaf #stencil #stenciling #printing #upcycle #paint

Elevate Yourself...

Elevate yourself to a place 

where you can see the beauty of life...

a new photo quote by TLee.

Feel free to share.

:)

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Quick 'n' Easy Halloween Fabric Pumpkins...

This years Halloween display was kept simple,

 as I simply did not have time to create anything elaborate.

I had seen these fabric pumpkins using a toilet roll as the base so decided that fitted the quick 'n' easy criteria.

To make them, all you need is:

Toilet rolls  ( I used two different sizes - one large - two usual size).

Fabric cut to 55cm x 43 centimetres

(the chiffon fabric was doubled as it is see through)

Cinnamon Stick for the stems.

Card leaves 

(I free hand drew these but the are many options to print on the net, just google 'pumpkin leaves to print)

To Make:

 

Centre the toilet roll on the fabric and tuck the fabric into hole.

Then add a cinnamon stick for the stem.

(Lola thought these smelt so good!)

Cut out your hand drawn or internet sourced printed leaves. 

Add to the cinnamon stick stem.

Place in your Halloween display.

The Treat jar was made last year.

If you want to know how to make it visit HERE.

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Pure Mandarin & Honey Jelly Lollies... ❥

If you're looking for a healthier Halloween, party or everyday treat,

then these easy-to-make jelly lollies are the answer!

These are made with pure freshly picked and then squeezed mandarin juice.

I've also made the jelly lollies with orange juice.

 You need 2 cups of fresh juice.
Strain the juice in a sieve to remove pips and bits.

Place one cup into a small pot with 4 tablespoons of honey.
Make sure the honey is a mild flavour like clover,
as if you use strong honey it will overpower the citrus flavour.

 In a small bowl, sprinkle over the top the other 1 cup of juice and 6 Tablespoons of unflavoured gelatin powder.

 Let the juice slowly soak up the gelatin at its own pace.  DO NOT STIR IT.

This process is called 'bloom'.

Bring the remainder of the juice and honey in the pot to a medium heat .

Add the bloomed gelatin mixture.

Stir with a whisk until dissolved.

Set aside to cool.

 You will need small silicon molds.

Place the cooled juice mixture in small jug lots to pour into the molds.

(These are great fun for the kids to make!)

 Place on trays in the fridge overnight to set.

 The pure mandarin and honey jelly lollies keep well in a covered plastic container in the fridge.  And they don't stick together.

I'll be making these in Halloween molds for sure,

as they are a huge hit with jelly lolly lovers...

As a bonus they are pretty to look at, yum to eat, as well as healthy!

The printable recipe is HERE.

Note: An ingredient conversion chart can be found HERE

GRAB A COFFEE AND POP OVER TO MY GIFT STORES AT

FINE ART AMERICA

SAATCHI ART

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Old Metal Tray Upcycle...

I love trays...

I use them practically - for serving 

And to display bits and pieces in the decor.

Often as a low base layer in a vignette.

This old aluminium tray is one that I have had for about 20 years.

It certainly has that well worn patina.

I wanted to change it and decided to decoupage this old tray.

Decoupage paper is available from scrapbook and craft stores.

It's a very fine paper like tissue paper.

It comes in many beautiful designs.

 I chose a black and white perfume bottle design.

Isn't such a pretty paper?

And I think it looks fab with the aged silver of the tray.

First, clean the tray, 

and then measure and cut the paper to fit.

I left about 5cm of the silver edge exposed.

Mod Podge glue the base of the tray.

Press the paper carefully in place.

Smooth out any major unevenness and big wrinkles.  

Layer more glue on top and then place on the second layer of paper.

It leaves a shadow from the bottle pattern as the placement is uneven.

You could just do a  single layer of paper, but I wanted the shadow and a more wrinkled paper effect.

Finally paint a thick layer of modpodge over the top of the paper.

This acts as the final sealer.

Next I wanted to add a flat braided cord to define,

 and create interest around the outer edge of the paper.

Cut the cord to fit.

I used two pieces of cord as I wanted a round edge,

 and a square cut edge opposite each other.

Using a thick line of modpodge press cord on top of it.

Leave to dry for 24 hours.

I'm so happy with my very pretty tray, upcycled with decoupage and cord.

It really adds interest with another layer to my black and white "Frida Kahlo' display.

Frida Kahlo artwork by New Zealand artist Tanya Leef. 

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Art Quote Love....

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