Break out the "Turtle Wax"

You might recall I blogged about this table a few weeks ago and my desire to spray paint it glossy yellow: http://betsymakingpretty.blogspot.com/2010/05/seeking-inspiration.html . I found it at Goodwill for $9.99 and it was pretty beat up. I explored a few options before coming up with the brilliant idea of using automotive paint. One of my neighbors happens to have an auto-body shop in his garage and with very little persuasion agreed to spray it for me with this lovely pale yellow. It is just the look I was going for, so shiny and perfect! I have the nicest neighbors! Thanks Dan!

More Great Words to Live By

I love words and letters... and simple statements of wisdom...and home-made art. This lovely little poster has all three. This one is from letterhappy via ETSY and you can find it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/50263442/do-what-you-love-what-you-do-8x10-art

My 15 minutes!!

So guess what?!! I submitted my pretty pink chair makeover to one of my favorite design blogs, Design*Sponge, and I got in!! I have been basking in DIY pride ever since it went up last Thursday. You can check it out here: http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/06/before-after-betsys-chair-carolines-bench.html. Most of the comments have been really positive, a few have been not so nice, but that's OK. It feels great to put something you've created out there and see what the world thinks. A few other blogs have picked it up too! I am so proud!

Pretty Pink Chair

My latest project is a big transformation in one little chair! I found this one at a garage sale for $6.50. Score! I like the simple lines of the back and the slightly fancier scrolled arms and legs. I knew it would look great painted. I resisted the urge to go glossy white and opted instead for this Pepto-Bismol pink I got for $1.00 in the mis-tinted paint section at Lowe's. I am a bit of a frustrated, non-sewer, fabric collector, so I hauled out all my bits and pieces of scrap fabric. Nothing really worked. Then I came across this burlap bag I had been saving from a bag of rice I got at Costco. I loved the contrast with the over-the-top girly pink right away. So I sanded and painted and cut and stretched and stapled this chair into the world...and I love it!!

A Girls Best Friend

The things a girl can do with an electric palm sander, a jigsaw, and one of these babies! I couldn't find staples for my old staple gun, so I had to get a new one!...and it was on sale! Happy day here! Its the simple things in life I guess!

One more reason I love T.J.Maxx

So I think the question should be

"Who doesn't need a Rhino Butter Dish?"

Happy Fathers Day!!

When I look at this picture of me and my Dad I am struck by a few things. First of all look at how handsome and young he is! Secondly, that he had the time and patience with 4 other kids running around, to sit with me alone and build that Tinkertoy super structure! He has always had major MacGyver skills even then. 3. I am mesmerized!..I am loving right where I am, right then.That is the best feeling when your a kid, I had my Dad all to myself! Over the years I have come to realized a few things about my Father. He is so funny and can eat a cookie in 1 bite (a hot dog in 2!!) but is also deeply and quietly spiritual. He is protective but knows when to let you make mistakes for your own good. He can converse on any subject but is especially good at who's hot (or not) on TMZ, and James Bond movies (his favorite being the very under-rated Roger Moore, of course). He is a patient Grandfather who can sit and watch The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and enjoy it (or pretend to), and can figure out the most complicated engineering and building tasks and make it look easy and beautiful. He is frugal when it counts and altruistic when no one is looking. Simply put, I love my Dad, he is the best! Now, fourth and lastly, look at that groovy wallpaper...my Dad gave my Mom freedom to do her thing...always...still does.