Creative Genius: Detroit’s Rebel Nell

When I wear a Rebel Nell necklace, I’m frequently stopped and asked what kind of fascinating stone I’m wearing. People are usually very surprised to find out that the pendant is not a traditional gemstone; it’s actually a piece of fallen graffiti layers found throughout Detroit and given a second life as jewelry by a [...]

DIY large chalkboard photo frame

*This post is partnered by 3M* Over the years of writing a DIY blog, I’ve seen a few different versions of the large photo frame floating around. Every time I see one, I wonder, “how would you change out the photo?” Of course, I’m all ADD and noncommittal, so there’s that. But seriously, the impact […]

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Finally answering that burning question…..

I still can’t believe that I did it! I might even declare temporary insanity if you ask about it today! I also can’t believe PT actually allowed me to do it!! I have loved this bed even before we found … Continue reading →

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1. Shower Reveal ~ Finally!
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The Perfect Manicure for the DIY-er

I might be happiest when covered in sawdust and paint, and my hands may be a little more banged up and callused than some, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like a good manicure! However, I’m more than a little rough on my hands. A typical manicure doesn’t stand a chance on my nails. I [...]

Hang ‘Em High: How to Make a Macrame Plant Sling

Who’d have thought the skills I learned at summer camp would finally pay off? My potted plants have been cooped up inside all winter long and it’s finally time to move back outside, but there’s only so much space on those porch rails. Hanging potted plants using slings is an easy way to free up [...]

Kids’ Artwork: Save, Display, or Discard?

There are some challenges that come with parenthood that I had no idea I would face. Pre-motherhood, if you’d asked me if I would save, display, or discard my child’s artwork, I would have emphatically said display or save. Then I became a mother and realized just how much “artwork” one child can produce. We [...]

Paleo Mexican Chocolate Cookies

After a short hiatus, I’m back at it. I’ve been playing around a little in the kitchen lately. I’m no stranger to gluten-free baking, but I’ve been working on grain-free baking lately. It’s a whole new world, but I’m learning quickly. These cookies have been a hit with my family – they’re light, crispy, rich, [...]

DIY Beard Balm

If you’d asked me a few years ago if I would, at any point in my life, be making DIY Beard Balm, I would have laughed at you. But oh, how things change. We’ve gotten a little DIY happy with our personal care products lately, after I got fed up with winter dry skin and [...]

DIY Silver Leafed Brush Lettering

I’ve been working on this idea for AGES, friends. I wanted to figure out how to DIY the foiled prints I’ve been seeing on Pinterest. You know what I’m talking about, right? A brief quote or statement in gorgeous, shiny gold or silver? I wanted to make my own, but ugh. The foiling was problematic. [...]

Cat’s Fancy: DIY Catnip Spray

The powers of catnip are well known. Sprinkle a little on the floor and step back as your cats revel in its effects, rolling around, purring and generally going bonkers. Catnip doesn’t affect all cats, but for about 50% of the feline population, the scent of this aromatic herb (a member of the mint family) [...]

Cut A Rug! No, Really, Cut A Half-Circle Rug!

My ever-evolving home recently received a kitchen “upgrade” that took into account a much needed “downsize.” The new, smaller table in our eat-in nook is a 30″ round model with a “wooden” melamine top and steel base, a salvage find that served its original purpose as a table in a local school. And never mind [...]

Grape Julius Popsicles

Hey there, it is Emily from The Benson Street! I love that spring has sprung and summer is creeping up on us. What is warmer weather without a cool yummy treat? It is just plain hot. I love to cool off with cold treats. One of my favorite drinks is a Grape Julius! They are […]

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Creative Genius: Jeremy Pawlowski of America Y’all

Sometimes, you just stumble upon something great. Maybe you’re driving along a back road, taking a different route, and find a field of wildflowers, a fantastic view, a hot meal, a cold swimming hole … something that reminds you to be happy you’re living and breathing in America. That’s Jeremy Pawlowski and his blog and [...]

Designing Our Patio

Radio silence on the blog means, I'm in deep project mode. Until I have some after and progress to share, lets talk me small patio planning. If you been a long time reader of Chic Little House [ thank you! ] You may remember, when we re-built our home in 2013, one of the additions we was enlarging our bedroom to include a walk-in closet, master bedroom which meant french doors in our bedroom were a must. A must, I tell you. I love the ease of access our home now has to our backyard, though laundry room door to our larger patio and our french doors for our more intimate patio.

The patio off our french doors isn't on the large size, but its got so much potential to be stunning and cozy. I snapped this picture the other day, to help me nail down and execute the plans. First up is cleaning up, the tree in our backyard has tiny leaves are they are such a pain to keep up, plus they're left a fun residue of gunk our patio. We're going to clean the the concrete and then use a power washer if necessary. Along with cleaning our patio doors, light fixtures. I'm envisioning lots of plants in containers on our patio and in the garden beds.

We would love the build a small pergola above our french doors. I've looked at several pergolas that reside just above the door and have an overhang from roof line and it looks so good. I'm picturing something similar in design to the one below.

via Pinterest

For the planters, I'm building (the wood is all bought! yay!) I love the idea of growing evergreen vines, that will bloom Spring though Fall and stay green and lush all year long. I'm still researching what will work best in my area and also be drought tolerant. I love the look of the vine below and how a trellis casually rests against the house.

via Pinterest

via Williams Sonoma

I'm also envisioning lots of plants in containers on our patio and in the garden beds. I love the layered look of pots in various sizes grouped together on a patio.

via Sunset Magazine

via Iced Coffee & Poenies

Along the fence line, I would love to have vines, either attached to the fence or growing on a trellis placed in front of the fence. I love how vines create intimacy and help sound proof years. Plus, if you have a flowering one, the smell is amazing.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect small patio set for my space, right now I'm leaning towards a cozy love seat paired with some garden stools for drinks. As we make progress on the space, I'll share updates.

Creative Genius: Meet Gabe Johnson of Made From America

Seattle-based Gabe Johnson has been making his mark on America for the last 8 years. A passion for Americana and the business he co-owns, Horses Cut Shop, has led him across the country to pull inspiration for an ever-evolving line of retro t-shirts. His mission? It’s two-fold. While inspiring people to seek out their own adventures [...]

Make This Modern, Upcycled Bird Feeder

Enjoy this Earth Day upcycle for the birds! Bird watching from your own home is a really special and educational experience. Create this DIY bird feeder using simple bowls, a threaded rod, and inexpensive hardware to make a custom piece. This bird feeder was designed to hang right outside our kitchen window, and promises draw [...]

Find, Make, Or Install Great Entryway Coat Hooks

What’s an entryway without great hooks for jackets? In addition to adding concealed hat/glove/scarf storage by way of my floating metal cabinet sideboard, I’ve been on the hunt for great wall hooks to maximize functionality in our main entryway. More so than seeking out a hanger/hanging rod storage system, I desired a place of pure [...]

Homemade Chalk Paint Recipe

I hope you had a good weekend.  Ours was pretty low-key hanging around the house and going to two of K’s lacrosse games.  I will have to say that Saturday was so stinking hot I don’t know how those boys … Continue reading →

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Create Your Own Quote Artwork

One of my favorite components of the monthly Happy Mail delivery from A Beautiful Mess I receive is the piece of typography artwork included in the delivery. Sometimes big and sometimes small, the artwork tends to be minimal on the background design and heavy on the quotes and calls to action printed on them. I [...]

Quick Tips: How To Install That Really Big Mirror

So, you want to install a mirror on the wall? Of course you do – mirrors are magic-makers! A large mirror can do wonders to reflect light and brighten a dreary space, make practical a walk-in closet, and make a tiny space feel twice as big. If you’re installing a piece of mirror glass that [...]

Kids’ Artwork Pendants DIY

  Hello again Shabby Creek Readers! I’m Laura from Left on Peninsula Road and I’m back to share an easy jewelry DIY that makes a great keepsake gift for Mother’s Day. What mom doesn’t love children’s artwork? Especially that done by some of her most favorite people? (I’ll admit I’ve had a hard time parting with […]

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Taking a little detour overseas {Greece}

Some of you know that PT and I took a little detour a few weeks ago. We escaped the normal routine of our lives and landed in a couple of awe inspiring locations. He happened to be working. Me?  Not … Continue reading →

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Related posts:

1. Turning coins into beautiful jewelry {DIY Momento}

10 tips on buying hardwood floors – from an insider

Hardwood flooring buying tips Hardwood flooring can add beauty and warmth to your Westchester home.  It can also be a large and a long term investment.  This choice can impact the style (as well as value) of your home, and you’ll be living with it for years to come.  It’s ideal to thoroughly research the […]

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DIY Keepsake Washi Tape

I think my love for washi tape is well established, correct? Well, this project is taking it to a new level. While I adore all of the fun printed washi tape you can buy, I had a brainstorm the other day that was too good to resist. I’m the mom of a child who produces [...]

DIY Furniture Ideas

I have put together some great DIY Furniture Ideas for making your own furniture. Maybe you need a new coffee table, dresser, or headboard, and don’t want to pay retail prices. You are sure to find inspiration for your next project in this collection.   Like these DIY Furniture Ideas? Find more inspiration on my DIY […]

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Grind It! How to Make Flour at Home

I am a big fan of keeping it real in the kitchen.  Butter, cheese, peanut butter, even corn flakes, I’ve made them all from scratch at home. I’ll admit that I’m usually more likely to buy most of these at the store instead of going from scratch, but some staples like jams or mayonnaise are [...]

Slow Cooker Beef Taco Stuffed Peppers

There are two dinner menus our kids love more than anything. Pizza night and taco night and I kind of have to agree that they are two of our favorites as well. It’s me, Claire, from A Little CLAIREification and sometimes Mr. Claire and I like to take “taco night” up a notch – or […]

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Hardwood floor refinishing FAQs – Everything you ever wanted to know

Hardwood floor refinishing FAQs – my most popular articles This gathers my most popular hardwood floor refinishing articles of all time.  These are the frequently asked questions I get from my customers.  If you understand the pros/cons on different types of refinishing as well as the time frame, it will allow you to better choose […]

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Hack This: How To Make A Stroller Cup Holder

Lightweight strollers are where it’s at, in my opinion. Compact enough to fit into the car, no frills to weigh it down, easy to navigate through stores, but only one downside to the ones I’ve used – no cup holders. We can all appreciate how nice it is to have a travel mug of coffee [...]

What’s Your Favorite Tool?

As a home improvement enthusiast with a workshop filled to the brim with “toys,” I’m often thrown the question of “What’s your favorite tool?” New homeowners are always looking to slowly invest in “must have” items to create their own functional workspace. Without undermining the importance and significance of owning things like a cordless drill, [...]

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Potato salad is a summer staple – especially in the south. We like all kinds of potato salads, but my family’s favorite is loaded baked potato salad. I’ve always made it the traditional way of boiling potatoes and then adding in the “loaded” ingredients, but one day I decided to bake the potatoes instead – […]

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DIY Industrial Pipe Coat Hooks

This is one of those projects that was never on my radar, solved a much needed problem and looking at it…. after the fact…… couldn’t have pictured it any other way! These 4 little Industrial Pipe Coat Hooks literally make … Continue reading →

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Artful Addition

One of my favorite places to look/dream/buy artwork from is Minted.com, check out Avery's gallery wall to see some of the darling prints from Minted I've used. I'm been slowing adding a touch of orange into our living room and wanted to add some artwork in that colorway. I had some Minted credit, and found the perfect artwork on there for my living room. Are is always a happy addition to a blank wall.

The print, I ordered is called Meander by Betty Hatchett, in the 16x16 print size. I love that when you order artwork from Minted, you have the option to have it framed and choose what type of frame you want to use. For the artwork, I choose a white premium wood frame.

The pretty print, is such a happy update to my living room and just the right amount of orange I've been looking for to inject more color in my living room though artwork.

Have you ordered any artwork from Minted.

9 Tips and Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Wedding

It’s been almost three years (unbelievable!) since I became married to a wonderful, creative guy in a casual outdoor ceremony, followed by a fun outdoor reception, the thought of which makes me happy every day. I do not regret one thing about how we chose to say and celebrate our vows. And included in my [...]

how to trim a shag rug

Ever wanted to put a rug somewhere, but you just couldn’t find the right size? Odd shaped areas can be tricky, but you can cut down a rug to fit exactly where you need it in no time at all. With only a marker, a yard stick, utility knife and a hot glue gun, get […]

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Double Mint Brownies

Hi there Shabby Creek Cottage readers! It’s Laura, back from Inspiration for Moms with a fun dessert recipe just for you. Spring is finally here and it’s time to celebrate with a fabulous treat that is packed full of mint.  My Double Mint Brownies are irresistibly cool all because of a secret ingredient! Before we […]

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How to Maximize Your Closet Storage Space

Let’s talk bedroom closets. They come in all shapes and sizes. Walk-in, reach-in, wide sliding doors or bifold doors, small doors, lofted storage, inset drawers – you name it, some closet out there is owning it. Our bedroom closets also dictate how much other storage we need in our bedroom too; armoires and drawers are [...]

DIY Vertical Planter

Hi friends, last week I shared with you my partnering with The Home Depot in co-hosting in store DIY Workshops. Join me this Saturday April 11, 2015 at the Daly City #1092 from 10:00 am to 11:30am. I'll show you step by step how to build a DIY Vertical Planter for your backyard fence or patio! Check out my customized version of a vertical planter, I built over the weekend, more details below.

In addition to building a DIY Vertical planter in store, I also built a customized version of a vertical planter for my backyard. For my customized version of the DIY Vertical Planter, I took the plans and created a scaled down version thats perfect for a smaller space that could fit on a patio / front porch or small backyard or provide a focal point. Below is the DIY Vertical planter I built for my backyard.

For my customized version of the DIY Vertical Planter boxes, I made one full size planter box from the plans and two smaller size planter boxes stacked vertical. I pre-drilled the holes into the into the wood and used deck screws to build the planter boxes. Pre-drilling holes is a life saver and gets the ob done faster, trust me. Since my planter will stay outdoors uncovered, I plan to stain the vertical planter a weather grey to help weather-proof my project. I'll share an update once their stained.

I lined the two smaller wood planter boxes with 30inch planter liners I bought from The Home Depot for $7.99. Using liners to line my planter boxes, will make changing out annual plants much easier.

I love how my project turned out, the vertical planter adds so much color on our fence line and was easy to build in an afternoon and affordable.

Quick reminder:

Join Me! Saturday April 11, 2015 at 10:00 - 11:30am

Daly City Store #1092

303 E. Lake Merced, Daly City, California 94015

Please click here to register for the FREE DIY Workshop. Looking forward to seeing all my bay area friends there!

Not local to SF Bay Area? Please click here and register to for a DIY Workshop near you. Also follow along on my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook on April 11 and use the following #DIYWorkshop to see the workshop.

Turning coins into beautiful jewelry {DIY Momento}

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter weekend.  Ours was extremely low key as I am not as mobile while my collarbone heals. Yep, I broke my collarbone while we were over in Greece.  Didn’t know that PT … Continue reading →

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Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Just the thought of this Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole is making my mouth water.   Seriously…..look at all of that cheesy, bacon goodness covering tender bites of potato. As much as I adore this dish….it ranks as being one of … Continue reading →

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Love Nicole Curtis? You Could Win a Rehab Addict: Season 1 DVD

If you’re a fan of Nicole Curtis and DIY Network, don’t miss your chance to own a DVD of the hit series Rehab Addict‘s inaugural season. The show is now in its fifth season, but you can go back and revisit the first Rehab Addict renovation, a 1902 Victorian that had Nicole on the brink of [...]

Clean Up Your Card Stash For National Letter-Writing Month

With the beginning of a new month there’s usually a few silly holidays out there to observe, thanks to websites like Holiday Insights. Did you know that April 8 is “Draw a Picture of a Bird Day?” Or that April 15 is “Rubber Eraser Day?” There’s one theme for April that I’m excited to get [...]