Shiny Red Painting Project and a Giveaway!

On Saturday I wandered into Michaels with an idea for a project.

Remember when I told you about Amy's living room at Inspire Co.? Here's a link to one version of her room that I love. Here's a link to a slightly different version.

Well, walking into Michaels I knew that I wanted to recreate some version of those sweet houses on her wall, but I wasn't sure how to go about doing it.

I needn't have worried, because there, in the clearance aisle no less, were these picture frames.



I bought four in all, two in each style.



First, I painted the roof, the bottom and the edges.

Then I used scrapbook paper for the decorative elements.





I'm really pleased with how they came out and am especially pleased with the price. All four houses cost less than $25 dollars to make!

To share my dear love of Michaels with you my sweet readers, I will be giving away a $25 GiftCard to Michaels to one lucky reader. Please leave a comment telling me about your latest project! I'll randomly chose one reader- contest ends on Friday at 5pm EST. Good luck!

Women who inspire me...

My family is home and thank god because I needed to sniff those children badly.

Lily came running into my arms and held on for a long time. After 45 minutes of hardcore snuggling she was ready to get back to the important business of being 7.

Rebecca's reaction impressed me most of all. She was so cool, so "I'm happy to see you, but I can handle being apart."

I couldn't handle it anymore though. I needed my people back.

Being in my house alone for three days gave me a chance to really think about what makes my home mine and why I love being in it so much.

My home is not fussy. There are too many cats, dogs and kids around to bother with that. My floors get scratched, my sofas have slipcovers- red ones which hide an amazing amount of dirt! We live here and enjoy every inch of the house. Nothing is too precious to be used and enjoyed. The only things that can't be replaced are people and they are what gives a home a heart.

I love bright colors. First I started with yellow and then brought in green accents. Then came red. I'm kind of a red addict now.

There are a few women whose beautiful style gave me the courage to really let my house bloom.

If you haven't met Kim at Dear Daisy Cottage go look at her blog right now. I'll wait.

Amazing, huh?

I have spent hours looking at her pictures and reading her blog. I love what she does with color. I could probably move into her house today and not want to change a thing. It is that splendid.

Know what else? She is so nice! When I started blogging about 6 weeks ago I sent her an email telling her how much I love her blog and how much her style had inspired me. She sent back a long email that warmed me down to my toes.

Have you ever been to Inspire Co.? Amy writes a blog and also sells her Sugarville pieces in her Etsy shop. I love the pictures of her home. She loves color and has such a flair for whimsy! I lurve whimsy. Her living room makes me smile every time she posts a picture of it. That living room has been such a jumping off point for me.

Walking around my house I can see the influence of these talented women everywhere I go. Wanna see?































All of this leads me to the painting project I worked on yesterday. I'm going to post it tomorrow, because it will also feature my Monday giveaway. Want a hint? A paradise of craft supplies. Begins with an "M". See you tomorrow!