Antique Window Picture Frame

Let's be honest... I'm in love with the shabby chic, antique look. Incorporating that style into my living room has been difficult because my husband and I are still renting so we don't have control over the walls, flooring, etc. However, I have managed to add a few furniture pieces and decor elements that help me at least start to create the desired look.

My most recent DIY project has been a homemade antique window that I converted into a picture frame. I searched craigslist for a free one but finally ended up looking through the window sashes at Second Use near Seattle. I wanted one that was inexpensive, white, light weight, and had more than one window pane. I decided on a 22x22 window sash with 2 panes, for $10, that had white paint on one side and was unpainted on the back. Because it had lead paint on it, I brought it outside, wiped the thing down to clean it, covered the window panes with tape and plastic, and then sprayed the whole thing down with a clear sealant that I got at Walmart. In the picture below you can see the back of the window.

To turn this antique window into a picture frame, I got a D-Ring hanger set from Home Depot (included 2 D-rings, 2 screws, hanging wire, and the picture hanger with nail). I connected this to the back of the window sash following their directions. At Costco, I printed a large 24x36 poster sized print of one of my favorite pictures from our wedding. I then cut the poster to the right dimensions and secured it to the back. Below is the finished product!

You can't tell from the pictures (I use my dinky phone camera) but it is a pretty large statement piece and works great with the light and dark contrasts we have throughout our living room. It has been my favorite DIY project so far!

Owl Themed Baby Shower

My good friend is having a baby girl soon so of course a baby shower was in order! Her nursery has an owl theme with mainly pink, purple, and green colors so we decided to incorporate those themes into the baby shower.

Here is a little owl cake that I made for her. 

It's a 3 layer cake (the layers are bright pink, purple, and green).

Because the room was so large, I focused the decorations on the food table and then hung some  banners from above. One of the banners had paper triangles and tied fabric while the other banner had little washcloths, onesies, and socks clothes-pined on.

 As always, I had to coordinate the food with the color scheme. I had some wonderful friends help me out with the green veggies and the purple owl cookies over milk.

And to top it off, my friend made some cute party favors for the guests... little chocolate owl nests in these cute boxes. (Look here for the recipe: http://partiescraftsandholidays.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-easter-bird-nests.html)

It was a very fun evening with friends and a chance to celebrate a happy occasion! :)

Bed & Bath Themed Bridal Shower on a Budget

My friend is getting married this month, and I offered to throw her a bridal shower. She wanted to have a Bed & Bath themed bridal shower! Therefore, as the host, I asked guests to bring a present for her that she could put/use in her new bedroom or bathroom (gifts ranged from fancy candles to soft bath towels to lingerie). To incorporate the theme (and because I was on a budget!) I used decor from around my bedroom and bathroom. In the pictures you will see a bathroom basket (with soap, lotion, hand towel, etc.), vintage wooden hangers, a curtain, picture frames, candles, etc.

Her wedding colors are blush pink, champagne, and light grey so I tried to incorporate those colors into the decor and food. :) It was a low-cost, simple shower in a church building but it was a lot of fun!