Windy Mayes Photo

Home Improvement Project #11: Presto change-o

So I've decided to do away with the art deco dining set and replace it with more period appropriate stuff. I found a dresser not long ago at one of my local thrift haunts for $25. It was pretty scuffed, but no major damage, so I brought it home thinking I would find some use for it.

Today the kids and I sanded, painted it and turned it into a buffet for the eating area. I love showing the kids, especially the girl, how to use the power tools. They loved using the sander and got to learn the difference between the power sander and hand sanding.  The paint was originally purchased for the front door, but we got into it for the family art project - $12.50. I think we did pretty good to get a buffet out of $40!

Once again, I don't have a good before photo. I could swear that I took one when I bought the dresser, but I mustafahgot.

Home Improvement Project #10: Inspired Art

The Millionaire and I have been searching for just the right art to fill up our two story stairwell walls. A while back I ran across this painting on Heather's website:

I saw it again more recently and recalled that I had about 20 sample paint pots, plus the paints we used in our kitchen, living room, entry and office.

This week the Millionaire took a whole day off to spend with the kids, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to create our own version of the inspiration piece.

The project was inexpensive for us since we had so many paint colors already. We found objects round the house to use for our circles. The only materials we bought were the brushes and pre-cut 2 x 2 plywood panels- I think we spent $19.

I knew we could use up more of the wall space by having 4 separate panels. I also knew that it would be near impossible to get all four of us coordinated on one large piece of wood.

We aren't artists, nor am I a decorator, but we are all pretty damn proud of our art piece. Thanks especially to the artist of our inspiration. I don't know her name or I would credit her! 

Home Improvement Project # 9 and Tutorial: Custom Family Photos

This here is my first ever tutorial. I have studied many a one in my various projects, but never put one together before.

This information may be commonplace, but if not, it may be helpful to another family on a budget.

Here's how I managed custom framed family photos on a budget. My total from start to finish for 3 custom framed family photos was approximately $90. If you have ever priced custom frames, you will need a minute to catch your breath. Good? Read on to see how I got such a great deal.

Expansion

(no, not my nether regions) 

I've expanded my Etsy empire! After receiving the estimate for all the dental work I will need over the next year, I felt pretty damn bad that my babe would have to foot the bill for my lifetime lack of dental insurance and regular care. So I've opened a second Etsy shop. It's called (what else?!) WindyLou Vintage.

I hope to keep my house relatively free of all the lovely vintage pieces that don't quite make it into the regular rotation of decor. You know, all those irresistible finds that I just can't bear to leave the store without...

Things are a little sparse for now, but should fill up fairly quickly.

I Love, I Love My Little Calendar Girl(s)

These are seriously the cutest kitties I have ever seen in my life. I can't get enough of them.