DIY

Spring Upcycle DIY

March 3, 2021April 16, 2021by sweetsoutherngraces14 Comments

Today I am teaming up with a multitude of fabulous bloggers to share a Spring Upcycle DIY! My friend Terrie from Decorating and More with Tip , heads up our group and the rules were as follows: The Spring Upcycle DIY must be something spring related and we need to upcycle something we already had on hand at home!

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Challenge Accepted

Challenge accepted? Well, may be. I actually failed. Twice to be exact. I think I have a good excuse though and I did rise above it! We have literally everything we own in storage! I have very little to work with so I had to be super creative!

Wood Sign

I first decided I would have my husband cut me a piece of aged wood that we found on our new property. I planned to paint a garden sign for our new garden but it has been raining here for the past couple of days and the wood was still wet. Since the wood stayed damp, I could not paint on the wood. Next, I decided to do a vinyl design on a sign that I had in my camper, which is our current home, as we build our forever home!

0FB065DE-276F-4E91-BB96-CD6B74B288AF I decided I could use the back of this sign for a different sign. The first vinyl design did not work out due to the size and file of the vinyl design. I realized this AFTER designing the entire design.

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Easter Wood Sign with Silhouette

Next, I decided to go a more simpler route and just do vinyl wording for Easter.

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I decided on “He is Risen” for the saying for my sign. I went to my Silhoutte program and grabbed a font from my Silhouette library and manipulated it a bit, to size.

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I measured the wood and decided to go with 17×4.5 for the size of the vinyl letters, since my wood sign is 19×5. After printing the vinyl words, “He is Risen”, I removed the negative vinyl, which we call weeding, in the vinyl world. I also cut out each word and placed it on the wood for placement before I added the vinyl to my wood sign.

A little bit of history of the wood: The wood iteself is actually wormed antique wood from a barn and it is over 100 yeaars old! It is a pretty cool piece of history! We have made many things from this wood like framed mirrors, shelves and more!

I added transfer contact paper, made sure the vinyl adhered, then carefully peeled the vinyl from the contact paper.

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Next, I placed the word “Risen” on the sign first, noting that I wanted the “n” to be about a half inch from the very end of the wood sign. I measured about a half inch from the first and last letter

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After adding the word “Risen”, I added the word “He”. I added “is” last and made sure it measured equal on spacing at about an inch from the words “He” and “Risen”.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, a simple and quick project that cost me $0 since I had everything I needed on hand! I have stories on my Instagram account that you can see a bit more details! I hope you will take the time to check out what my friend’s have come up with for their Spring Upcycle!

Love~Shae

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DECORATE AND MORE WITH TIP | Blessings by me | JUNK TO GEMS | CLOCHES AND LAVENDER

PATINA AND PAINT | PALLET AND PANTRY | B4 & AFTERS | PURPLE HUES AND ME

SWEET SOUTHERN GRACE

Travel

THE BILTMORE AT CHRISTMAS

December 16, 2020April 16, 2021by sweetsoutherngraces2 Comments

We all dream of that perfect holiday season. The one filled with family togetherness, Christmas trees with lights, homemade hot cocoa and Christmas movies. Often times, the reality of the Christmas holidays can bring on endless busyness. I believe that in order to fully appreciate the holidays, taking a family Christmas vacation can really help set our sights, in perspective of a truly beautiful family holiday. This helps us to step away from the day-to-day and set it in another light.

Christmas at the Biltmore

The weekend after my fourthieth birthday, we packed the car and had our eyes set for the stunning Asheville, North Carolina, the backdrop of George Vanderbilt’s famous estate.

This is the Biltmore’s 125 year of welcoming guests into the estate. The Biltmore begins decorating in November with more than 60 Christmas trees, 13,000 ornaments, thousands of lights, beautiful poinsettias and ribbons all adorn the majestic estate.

On the front lawn of the Biltmore House, a breathtaking, 55-foot-tall Norway spruce with 45,000 plus lights and is lit for the candlelight evenings.

In the Banquet Hall of the Biltmore House, a 35-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree is brought in by 50 helpers! It is even replaced mid holiday season to ensure a fresh tree. The replacement tree arrives to the house by 4 AM and decorated by the time the first guests arrive by 9 AM. The tree is decorated with 500 ornament, 500 lights and 500 packages, as George Vanderbilt decorated the tree.

History of Christmas at the Biltmore

George Vanderbilt and his wife, Edith along with their daughter, Cornelia, spent many Christmases together in the Biltmore House, creating many traditions that continue today. George Vanderbilt’s descendant s, the Cecil family, now the estate’s owners and caretakers, host the annual employee holiday party, just like the Vanderbilt’s did. The Vanderbilt’s also made sure that each employee’s child had a Christmas gift and the Cecil family continues this tradition today. Records even show that Edith Vanderbilt kept notes on what gift each child received every year to avoid repeating gift in the years to follow. The lists still exist, as well as receipts from FAO Schwartz detailing some of the toys and games she purchased.

The Biltmore at Christmas

Throughout the house and other buildings on the estate, you will find 55 plus decorated Christmas trees, each created by Biltmore designers, all with different themes each year.

Every detail of the estate is covered in Christmas cheer and almost every room in the home has it’s own Christmas tree.

Not only is the home absolutely stunning with Christmas decor, the exquisite details of the estate will wow just about anyone!

From the medieval tapestries, some dating back to the 1500’s, the detailed wood prints, exquisite paintings, 70-foot ceilings to the 10,000 rare volume priceless library!

Estate Shops: Carriage House Shop

After touring the Biltmore House, we walked over to the Carriage House to find our keepsake ornament of the trip. We found many beautiful ornaments such as handpainted glass, wood and porcelain. We also picked up a book about the Biltmore and I have enjoyed reading the history of the Vanderbilts.

Estate Shops: Toymaker’s

My youngest daughter was jumping at the chance to head to the Toymaker’s toy shop! She chose a stuffed Cedric dog, which was the family dog of the Vanderbilts! I also picked up a couple pencils and a pen as souvineers.

Estate Shops: Confectionery

Why not induldge yourself with an array of treats at the Confectionery candy shop!

Our family chose several chocolate treats and they were worth waiting in line! From cookies to truffles, our family enjoyed grabbing a few of these before heading home!

TIPS FOR VISITING THE BILTMORE

I did not wear tennis shoes but I would definitely recommend it! Purchase your tickets before you go! Purchase an audio for your visit. Allow time to get park and ride the bus to the estate.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Biltmore is a stunning place! We loved Asheville and will definitely be back! We may even make it a yearly tradition!

Love, Shae

Decor, Lifestyle

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS WITH OLD TIME POTTERY

November 16, 2020April 16, 2021by sweetsoutherngraces4 Comments

[This post contains sponsored links. The items featured in this post is provided by Old Time Pottery; all opinions and reviews are my own.]

Old Time Pottery is one of my favorite places to shop for Christmas gift wrapping! Come follow along with me, as I share ideas for gift wrapping those holiday gifts!

CHRISTMAS WRAPPING WITH OLD TIME POTTERY

I was so excited when Old Time Pottery asked me to team up with them, this holiday season! Christmas is my favorite time of year, as I love everything about the Christmas season! I am sure a lot of you have been thinking about what to buy family or friends for Christmas. What about a homemade treat? Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade treat and it speaks straight to the heart!

After spending an afternoon in your kitchen, be sure to give your sweet gift the presentation it deserves. I have gathered some of my favorite, easy to assemble, food packaging ideas for ya’ll! This was all purchased for under $100!

DECORATIVE BOXES

For mine and my husband’s siblings this year, I decided it would be fun to do one family gift for each sibling and their families. I thought it would be fun to do a box of Christmas Eve goodies for them to enjoy together. Old Time Pottery has so many different sized, decorative Christmas boxes that you can use to wrap goodies in! I decided to go with a red truck theme this year and when I saw these boxes, I knew they would be perfect for our sibling‘s family gifts this year!

MASON JAR WITH VINTAGE RED TRUCK LID

In the box, I placed homemade hot cocoa mix in a mason jar from Old Time Pottery. The lid even had a vintage red truck on it! Add a cute tag with handwritten or printed directions for the hot cocoa.

OUR FAMILY’S HOT COCOA RECIPE

My husband has been making this hot cocoa recipe since our oldest two daughter’s were babies. We have had many years to perfect this creamy, chocolatey goodness!

Hot Cocoa Recipe:

3/4 C Sugar 1

1/4 C Cocoa

4 and 1/3 C Milk

1/2 TSP Vanilla (optional)

Directions:

Mix cocoa and sugar into a saucepan. Stir in milk over medium heat until all sugar and cocoa is dissolved and cocoa is heated. Do not allow this to boil, as it will burn to the bottom of the pan. Add vanilla.

FOOD GOODIES FOR THE DECORATIVE BOX

I also added homemade hot chocolate bombs, along with homemade oreo truffles and chocolate covered spoons to stir in their hot cocoa.

The hot cocoa also needed Christmas themed mugs to drink from when drinking the hot cocoa. I wanted to add a mug for each of our nieces and nephews; depending on age, I added the Santa, snowman or polar bear mugs to the decorative boxes.

PACKAGING FOR THE DECORATIVE BOX

To fill the box, I added white crinkle cut shredded paper. It also helps to cushion the mugs and Vintage Red Car topped mason jars. I always make sure to fill the crinkle cut paper well, making sure to fill nicely around all the edges of the box.

VINTAGE RED TRUCK TINS

I also found the cutest tins with vintage red trucks on them! In these tins, I added mini cupcake holders that held the oreo truffles. The Vintage Red Truck Tins with the truffles will be for our parents, along with our aunts and uncles. You could make something simple for these like boxed brownies and cut them into small squares, then add to the tins. You could also make Christmas candy or divinity for the tins as well.

VINTAGE RED TRUCK CERAMIC LOAF PANS

I buy these little loaf pans, every year from Old Time Pottery! I love to make my cream cheese banana nut bread and give out to extended family, dance teachers, neighbors and colleagues. I wrap them in cellophane and tie with a curling ribbon! EASY PEASY and everyone loves it! I am so happy to have found these that have the red vintage truck on them!

OLD TIME POTTERY

You can find so many things at Old Time Pottery from wrapping paper to decorative boxes or the ceramic loaf pans! Old Time Pottery has so many options for this Christmas season! Plus, their prices are budget friendly and I am sure that you can find something to fit your budget this holiday season! If you have any questions or want a recipe, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

Love~Shae


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DIY

Updating your Bathroom on a Budget

August 3, 2020April 16, 2021by sweetsoutherngraces2 Comments

Updating Your Bathroom on a Budget: It’s EASY!

[This post contains sponsored links. The items featured and linked, in this post is provided by LNC Home; all opinions and reviews are my own.]

Bathroom Mini Reno on a Very Small Budget: Make the impossible, possible!

We had one last item to add to this bathroom after a mini bathroom renovation and that was our 3 Light Modern Wall Sconce .

The before picture below is the day we purchased our home. It has really come so far on such a low budget!

Decor Through the Years: Styles can Change!

I would like to say that my decor tastes and styles have changed over the years. Some may believe I am scared of color because most of my home is now neutral but if you look closely, you will see color throughout my home! The photo below is what our bathroom looked like before the mini bathroom reno began. We had a very bright pink in the bathroom along with a black and white accent colors. Paris was the theme that my girls wanted!

We decided to have a very small budget when it came to this mini reno, since it was the upstairs bathroom and is rarely used!

Budget Reno Details: DIY’s

For this mini reno, we removed the popcorn ceiling along with patching, painting the ceiling. I painted the walls in Lazy Gray from Sherwin Williams. I also painted all the baseboards, window and door with Ibis White from Sherwin Williams. I had the trim paint on hand.

I stripped the varnish/black paint off the vanity cabinet and painted the inside and outside with my DIY Chalk Paint. I applied a product called Ardex to the existing countertop, which is similar to concrete countertops. I added three coats of a clear sealer on it as well! I did purchase new knobs and drawer pulls from Hobby Lobby when they were 50% so they were only $10! I re-used the existing shelf liner to the inside of the drawers and cabinet.

I purchased small plastics bins to help organizer the inside of the drawers and cabinet form Target. They were very budget friendly at $2 for a four pack!

My husband made a frame for the existing mirror and I stained it. The wood and stain were items that we had on hand from other various projects!

We also added new hardware throughout the bathroom! I added a shower curtain and rug from Wal-Mart. I also added several baskets/greenery from Hobby Lobby. Most all of the decor were items that we basically already had on hand. The amber glass dispensers were only $14 from Amazon. I added the labels with my Silhouette Machine!

I painted the little table with my diy chalk paint. It was an inherited item from my Mom-Maw. I did purchase a new lamp shade for $8 for the white lamp. I sewed the curtain and added the monogram. (I made the curtain years ago.) We hung a vintage window that we got for free off of Facebook Marketplace. The wood frames with greenery were a DIY with items we already had on hand. We found the hanging light fixture at a local thrift store for $6, several years back. I spray painted it black with spray paint that we already had on hand.

Budget Friendly Bathroom Light Fixture: 3 Light Modern Wall Sconce

Lighting is a huge part of any room transformation. A well-chosen vanity light becomes a focal point, setting the scene.

I knew I wanted to replace the existing vanity light because it did not flow with our mini reno. Here is where my friends over at LNC Home into play! I found the 3 Light Modern Wall Sconce and knew it would be perfect for our bathroom!! Plus it was the finishing touch to this mini bathroom reno!

3 Light Modern Wall Sconce: Farmhouse Style

This vanity light is made of metal with a silver painting finish. The simple lines and colors are full of retro style, creating a great atmosphere for you, which is ideal for your farmhouse style bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, doorways, barns and entryway.

One of the best things about this light fixture is that it is budget friendly at only $89.99!! We are so happy with how the 3 Light Modern Wall Sconce finished up our mini reno in our girls bathroom!! Please check out LNC Home! They have many decor items for your home at budget friendly prices; from rugs to light fixtures to furniture and cushions! I know you will enjoy browsing their store!

Total Cost: Budget Friendly

Ardex-$30

Clear Sealer for Countertop-$25

Citri Stripe-$0-Had on hand

Cabinet & Table Paint-$0- Had on hand

Lazy Gray SW Wall Paint-$45

Cabinet Knobs/Pulls-$10
Plastic Storage Drawer Bins-$6

New Fixtures/Hardware-$0-Collab with Pfister

Amber Dispensers-$14

Lamp Shade-$8

Shower Curtain, Rug and towel-$50

Other Decor Items-$0-Had on hand

Hanging Light Fixture-$0-Had on hand

3 Light Sconce-$0-Collab with LNC

Total-$193

Hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our mini bathroom reno on a budget! We are making our home decor dreams come true, one at a time and of course on a small budget!!

❤️~Shae

Decor, DIY

Updating Door Knobs and Door Hardware with Kwikset & National Hardware

May 12, 2020April 16, 2021by sweetsoutherngracesLeave a Comment

[This post contains sponsored links. The items featured and linked, in this post is provided by Kwikset and National Hardware; all opinions and reviews are my own.]

We have been working on many projects during quarantine! A couple easy and affordable ways to update your home is with door knobs, deadbolts and hinges! They may not be the first thing your eyes jump to when walking in a home but it can instantly breath new life into a home, while making it feel unified and cohesive. Take new door knobs, hinges and new paint on your doors /trim and you’ve got a winner winner chicken dinner!

Door Knobs Before

Our door knobs were the brass door knobs from the 90’s with a mixture of updated lever satin nickel door knobs.

Now…I thought I would do a “smart” thing, several months back and spray paint my door knobs/hinges, well let me tell ya, that did not work! Complete fail!

Kwikset

When we began the process of looking for door knobs, I researched all the companies that carried door knobs, dead bolts and all the things! What I found was a company that has been around since 1946. Kwikset is a company that is committed to delivering unmatched security features to homeowners and puts their customers’ safety above all else. Kwikset continuously improves the security features in its products to meet or exceed industry standards. Plus, with Microban and the lifetime mechanical and finish warranty, it’s a win win in my book!

Selecting Hardware Finish

When I began looking for what style of door knob we wanted, we knew we wanted to go with satin nickel hardware throughout our home. We also wanted a style of door knob that we felt would be classic and timeless!

Electronic Deadbolt

For our front door, we decided to try a electronic deadbolt.

We chose the Satin Nickel 888 Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt with Z-Wave Technology for our front door and absolutely love it!!!

Reasons We Love Our Smartcode Electronic Deadbolt:

Z-Wave Plus Certified with the Z-Wave 500 chipset
Extended wireless range and superior 128-bit wireless encryption
Up to 30 user access codes for family and guests to use at the door
Secured keyless entry convenience
One touch locking
Dramatically reduced interior size and sleek metal design
30 user codes plus master code feature for added security
5 digit keypad with dedicated lock button
SmartKey® technology – the lock you can re-key yourself in seconds in three easy steps
30 user codes plus master code feature for added security

Exterior Doors

For our other exterior doors we chose Cameron Security Set in Satin Nickel. One of the best features about these sets is the Smart Key feature, which allows you to re-key your lock with any KW1 Keyway Key!!

Bedroom & Bathroom Door Knobs

We choose the Satin Nickel Cameron Knob for our bedrooms and bathrooms.

Love the finish and it also installs so easily!

Beautiful quality for your home!

”I feel like hardware is like the “jewelry” to your home! It adds just the perfect finishing touch!” ~ Quote from my friend, Cindy .

Close up!

With Microban, germs are scared to hang around on our door knobs!

I feel like the Cameron line flows seamlessly throughout our home!

Last bedroom (full view).

Girls Bathroom

Close up!

Closet/Hall Knobs

We also chose the Satin Nickel Cameron line for our Closet Knobs. I love the Cameron line so much!!

Walk-In Attic Door Knobs

For the attic doors, we wanted to make sure we had a door that locked with a key. With little ones still running around, we didn’t want them to get into a space that they didn’t belong!

We chose the Satin Nickel Cameron Knob Keyed featuring SmartKey for all three of our walk-in attic doors!!

Close up!

National Hardware

National Hardware prides itself on being an industry leader, continuing to launch high quality, innovative products that exceed industry standards. Their products are meant to withstand the harshest weather elements with WeatherGuard™protected products. WeatherGuard™ provides superior long-lasting corrosion protection – 3x more than standard zinc.

Security Latches

One other item we knew that was needed since our youngest child likes to open exterior doors, is security latches on all of the inside of the exterior doors.

We chose the Security Guards in Satin Nickel.

Satin Nickel is my favorite finish! Can you tell?

Hinges: Interior

Updating the hinges were a breeze!

In fact, our oldest adult daughter actually installed all of the interior door hinges & knobs! Girl power!

We chose the 512rc Door Hinges in Satin Nickel.

Hinges: Exterior

For the exterior hinges, we chose the 512rc Door Hinges in Satin Nickel.

All of our doors and trim received a fresh coat of paint as well! I just feel like these updates make a huge impact on our home’s appearance, overall! I truly love making our house into a home!! Thank you so much for taking your time to read today! If you have any questions, please reach out!

P.S. If you can spot the “blooper” or the item (s) out of place, comment here and if your correct, I will send you one of our handmade wood cutting boards!

❤️-Shae

Decor, DIY

Valentine Hearts Ribbon Garland

February 5, 2020April 16, 2021by sweetsoutherngraces20 Comments

Today, I’ve been invited to team up with my friend Terrie from Decorate & More with Tip and several of our blogging buddies to bring our readers inspiration with “hearts”. I knew exactly what I wanted to do when Terrie invited me to this challenge!

Guess what I took out of my craft closet? My painters canvas drop cloth, of course! I always have one on hand from previous projects from curtains to pillows! I decided to make a canvas drop cloth “ribbon” garland with hearts!

First things first..I made a heart template by hand drawing a heart on a piece of copy paper. Then I placed my heart template onto the canvas drop cloth canvas and traced the heart template with a pencil onto my canvas drop cloth.

I decided to make 7 hearts, so I needed 14 in total, with each heart being 4 inches in size. I planned to stuff my hearts with tissue paper to give them more of a fuller look and to help them stand out more on the garland.

Next, I sewed around the edges of two of the hearts, leaving a 1/4 inch from the edge. I also left enough of a section unsewed (open) so that I could stuff with tissue paper. After stuffing with just the right amount of tissue paper, I placed the heart back onto my sewing machine and sewed up the remaining edge.

After finishing all of my hearts, I moved on to the “ribbon”. I used some twine that I already had on hand. You can find it at Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby or any craft store.

For the ribbon, I decided to do 21 inches in length and 2.5 inches in width. To make the ribbon, measure the size you want to use and cut a small slit at the top of your canvas for the starting length and rip down to the desired length. Measure and do the same for the width. The amount of ribbons that you will need will depend on the size of your ribbon and the length of your garland. My garland is 58 inches and I have around 40 ribbons.

To tie your ribbon onto your jute twine- I am going to show you in a series of photos, how I tie my ribbon onto the twine. Hold your ribbon and loop it around a couple of your fingers. Now, flip your ribbon upside down, as you bring it up to your twine.

Take the loop section of your ribbon and hold with one hand then pull the ends into the loop.

This is the ends pulled through the loop.

Then pull tightly to secure your ribbon’s knot.

Now, go and do this several more times until you’ve completed your garland! I did this 40 times!

For the hearts, I just did one small tack of hot glue and sort-of evenly spaced them. By evenly spacing them, what I actually mean is what looked best via my eye!

You could style your garland on your mantel, on a wall in you living room, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using this garland! You could even add colored ribbons in to go with the changing seasons!

I chose to style my garland on our little girls kitchen set! The girls and I had a fun afternoon of making handmade Valentine’s cards! We even had tea with their dolls too! I hope ya’ll enjoy our blog hop and hop on over to visit the other ladies to see what they’ve come up with for our “heart” challenge!

Love, Shae

Bluesky at Home
https://blueskyathome.com/4-red-and-white-diy-valentine-heart-decorations

The House House
https://www.thehousehouse.com/diy/february-diy-challenge-hearts/

CD Country Living
https://cdscountryliving.com/three-sweet-and-super-easy-diy-heart-shaped-wreaths/

Barn House Mess
https://barnhousemess.wordpress.com/?p=913

Sweet Southern Grace Blog
https://sweetsoutherngrace.blog/2020/02/04/valentine-hearts-ribbon-garland

Through A Vintage Door
https://throughavintagedoor.com/valentines-diy-challenge/

DIY Vibes
https://diyvibes.net/diy-valentines-day-heart-sign/

Paula Campbell 4
http://paulacampbell4.wpengine.com/?p=60

Decor

Inspiration for a Winter Home

January 8, 2020April 16, 2021by sweetsoutherngraces14 Comments

Today I was invited by my friend Terrie , for a January Challenge on giving our readers inspiration for warming up your home for winter. Challenge accepted! Styling my home for winter has definitely been a first for me, but I am enjoying how much warmer, my home feels!

I started by adding several small flocked trees that I purchased from Target this year. I believe the smaller ones were only $3 and the larger ones were $5. I love antique crocks and decided to add the flocked trees to my vintage crocks. Most of my crocks are from both of my grandmother’s homes. I also decided to keep out several different varieties of greenery, along with my candles. I added flocked greenery and lambs ear to my grapevine wreath that is hanging on my antique door. The door was found on facebook marketplace for $5 and originally painted brown. I stripped all the paint with Citristrip and was left with an antique milk paint base. I originally had the door in our master bedroom in the corner, but with January here, I was ready to start rearranging!

For the mantel, I wanted to leave my mirror and a couple different types of garland, along with a couple flocked trees. The mirror was purchased for $1 at a rummage sale and you can see how I transformed it, Here . I made all of my pillows from canvas drop cloths. I plan to have a blog out on how to make them, this month. My vintage ski “wreath” is another afternoon diy! Fun and budget friendly! Our family pup wanted to get cozy for this picture!

Another view of our living room, if you just want to keep it simple, just add greenery, flocked trees and throw pillows. I often find myself craving simplicity this time of year as well.

Thank you for joining us for our January Challenge! I hope you take the time to visit the other ladies and see how they have made their home feel cozy for winter!

❤️-Shae

https://decorateandmorewithtip.com/?p=24989&preview=true

https://olympicnest.com/blog/5-frugal-and-quick-winter-decor-ideas-cozy-diy-winter-decor

http://www.patinaandpaint.com/diy-challenge

http://www.thetaborhood.com/blog/warm-your-home-up-this-winter

https://cdscountryliving.com/5-ways-to-warm-cozy-up-your-home-for-winter/

https://clochesandlavender.com/

https://www.blessingsbyme.com/?p=4678

https://shadyoakandsassafras.com/?p=915

https://jessicabsimmons.com/

Decor, DIY

Thrifty Mirror Makeover

December 16, 2019April 16, 2021by sweetsoutherngraces10 Comments

Today on the blog, myself and a few other bloggers will be sharing our finds from thrift shops, estate sales, yard sales or rummage sales.

On beautiful fall Saturday, we were all out as a family, running errands and I couldn’t pass up the chance to go to a huge rummage sale! We arrived about 30 minutes prior to the sale being over and that is prime time for a good deal because every single item was one dollar! I saw someone walk out with a loveseat for $1! I stumbled upon a large 90’s vibe mirror and I knew it would fit in perfectly with my neutral Christmas décor that I had been planning for months!

Here is the before pic of the mirror.

I knew that a couple coats of my homemade chalk paint would freshen up this mirror!

I painted two coats of paint with light sanding in between each coat. I also distressed very lightly after the 2nd coat, wiped with a dampened cloth and added clear wax!

I couldn’t be any happier with my $1 rummage sale find!!

Check out my friends to see what they found this month for our Thrift Store Challenge!

https://barnhousemess.wordpress.com/2019/12/14/thrift-store-challenge

https://clochesandlavender.com/

https://thisfulllife5.com/2019/12/16/diy-Christmas-banner

https://www.thehousehouse.com/thrift-store-finds/thrift-store-challenge-chair-makeover

Thrift Store Challenge: O Christmas Tree…

Thrifted Treasure ~ December

Thank you all for joining us this month!! From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!!

❤️-Shae

Decor

Christmas Home Tour-Deck the Halls

December 9, 2019December 8, 2020by sweetsoutherngraces4 Comments

Welcome to our Christmas Home Tour with farmhouse cottage with bits of rustic, boho and shabby chic flairs! Keep reading for a unique home tour to inspire your own Christmas decorating for your home.

Deck the Halls-Shae’s Christmas Home Tour

Welcome to our “Christmas Home Tour-Deck the Halls”. We are thrilled you are here! We’ve got lots of Christmas decorating ideas to get your juices flowing! Our goal is to inspire you to create your own festive Christmas home to share with family and friends. I hope as you tour our home that you gets lots of inspiration and ideas for your home!

Farmhouse Christmas: Let’s Decorate

Christmas is my favorite time of year to decorate! I have always enjoyed decorating for the holiday since my very first Christmas as a newly wed. We didn’t have much, but that didn’t stop me from making our house a home for the holidays! This is where all of my DIY inspiration began and on a dime!

The Importance of Inspiration:

With that being said, whether you have a big budget or a non existent budget, you can create something magical, if you just use your own creativity! After all, isn’t your own creativity part of the magic? That is one reason why I spend time, getting inspired before I purchase anything! Being inspired is like saving money in a sense! I hope this tour gives you inspiration and helps you to step outside your tried and true decorating!
I believe your home, what’s inside your home, your surroundings, should add joy to all of your decor! Let’s get this party started!

Farmhouse Christmas: Front Porch

As you step onto our covered front porch, you will see a vintage vignette complete with a vintage sled. Our table is a vintage singer sewing machine base that we found on our local trading site. It was a diamond in the rough, as it was all rusted when we found it. We sanded and painted it with black latex paint and added a wood top. The wood top was made from a tree that fell on our property, that my husband milled.

As you open the front door of our open, you will most likely be greeted by our golden retriever mix, named Tinker Belle, inviting you into our home, as long as you give her a good belly rub!

Farmhouse Christmas: Dining Room
You will see lots of cottage farmhouse with bits of rustic decor in our dining room. My husband and I designed and built our farmhouse table. When we began shopping for a new dining room table, everything we found was not made of real wood and that got me to thinking that we could design and build our own! We headed to a local wood store and picked out the most beautiful ambrosia maple! I was like a kid at Christmas time, waiting on my husband to build the table so I could figure out what stain, paint or epoxy I wanted to use. I was so excited to begin having meals around our table!

I also enjoy styling my dough bowl for each season. My husband also made the dough bowl from a salvaged log, that he found on the side of the road.

Farmhouse Christmas: Living Room

Let’s head into the heart of our home, our family room/living room. Our white stone painted fireplace with our newly, neutral painted walls gave me the idea for using natural elements on our neutral, flocked King of Christmas tree. Most of the ornaments were handmade by my husband and I. From the embroidery hoop wreaths to the wood Christmas blocks to the wooden spindle ornaments. We enjoying creating a space with items that we love and by creating it with our own hands, gives us such JOY!

We also designed and built the wood tree box stand. I thought it would be fitting, giving all of our neutral plus natural elements this year! When it came time for stockings, I knew I wanted something white or light and originally thought I wanted white sweater-y material. It was a no-go real quick, when I found that none of the stores had what I was envisioning in my mind. I remembered I had a left over painter’s drop cloth canvas from when I made my curtains, so why not make them out of that? I basically made 6 stocks for around $11! You can see that blog here . I also added ship lap wood name tags to all of stockings as well. Those were super easy to make and free because I had all items on hand!

For my mantel, I added greenery from Hobby Lobby along with some Christmas picks that I bought a couple years ago on clearance from the Hearth and Hand collection for $1.47 each! I also added bits of lambs ear and red berries! I added the berries because one of our daughter’s requested color! Well color you will have my darling!

Farmhouse Christmas: Kitchen Deck the Halls
For our kitchen, I would use the same cabinet wreaths that I made last year, except I would flock them myself. I added a neutral “Merry Christmas” cotton garland that I found I Hobby Lobby for the ribbon. I added more red berries that you see throughout my home. I added my tiered tray to the corner of my bar area and added all the essentials necessary for making hot cocoa. My girls always love a hot cocoa bar!

Farmhouse Christmas:Eat-in Kitchen

This year, I decided to dress up the girls kitchen play set for Christmas as well! We had the best time, making it feel like a cozy spot for them to make memories, making gingerbread houses and tea parties, of course! And what gingerbread making party wouldn’t be complete with our American Girls?! For this tree, I made “ribbon” with ripped pieces of painter’s canvas drop cloths. It seriously has come in handy this year! I also made a bow for the tree topper from the canvas drop cloth! The tree skirt? Canvas drop cloth! What rustic farmhouse tree wouldn’t be complete without our hand-strung, cranberry and popcorn garland!

Farmhouse Christmas: Outdoor Tablescape

My Christmas isn’t complete without my outdoor Christmas tablescape! My husband and I also designed and built this table as well! For our outdoor tablescape, I used my dough bowl with a few flocked trees, white Christmas houses and the crystal that was given to me by my mother. It is a farmhouse, rustic feel and I enjoy the simplicity!

Keep Everything in Perspective:

If you are anything like me, you really enjoy seeing all the creativity! When I am looking for inspiration in other people’s homes, whether it’s in a blog, magazine or in person, I get inspired to go home and create my own magic!! My hope is that you will take our inspiration but not feel pressured from it. We always do our best to re-use decor and you can always revamp by painting or by just giving it a mini makeover!

Prioritize Joy:

With my blogging and IG responsibilities, I decided to focus my efforts on what was most important to me. When I thought long and hard about it, I decided that every square inch of my home should be filled with Christmas because it gave me such JOY! Decide for you, what’s most important and do what gives you joy without feeling overwhelmed!

Farmhouse Christmas: Setting Limits

I know that there are times when I begin to feel like I need to set limits with myself. When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I let one or two or however many things I’m balancing on my plates, go. Gone. Load lightened. And guess what? I don’t feel guilty about it. That is how I set my own boundaries with myself. Boundaries I make with myself are a great way for me to set limits. Being proactive in managing potential stress is a great way to have more time, joy and energy during the holidays! Pick and choose your priorities because after all, isn’t this time of year for celebrating with the birth of our Savior, traditions with our loved ones.

From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful, blessed and peaceful holiday season!

Merry Christmas!

❤️-Shae

Please continue the Christmas Tour: Deck the Halls from the other talented bloggers.

https://www.dabblinganddecorating.com/single-post/2019/12/02/Christmas-Front-Door

Christmas Home Tour 2019

Christmas Home Tour 2019: Deck The Halls

Christmas Home Tour

Decor

DIY Dollar Tree Christmas Challenge

December 4, 2019December 7, 2019by sweetsoutherngraces18 Comments

I always enjoy a good decor challenge on a budget, so when my friend Terrie, from Decorate and more with Tip invited me to her DIY Dollar Tree Challenge, I knew I would love it!!

DIY Dollar Tree Challenge:

Rules: Purchase an 18 inch tree from The Dollar Tree and decorate it as budget friendly as possible!! Challenger accepted ✅

I started off with this white Christmas tree from The Dollar Tree. I decided to use some of my leftover painter’s drop cloth canvas to make a bow topper and ribbon for the tree. All you do is cut a small cut at the top of the canvas then make a second cut, depending on your width you want of your “ribbon”. I decided my bow ribbon and ribbon cascading down the tree would be 2 inches in width and around 20 inches long. I like my ribbon to sort of bunch into the branches. A drop cloth is only $3 for a small one.

Next I decided to use my wood star garland from one of my fav shops, 302 Wood Works .

Lastly, I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased these little pink mini ornaments for $1.99 at 50% off!

Along with these mini ornament hooks for .99 cents at 50% off. For the tree skirt, I used a piece of canvas drop cloth! I only spent $3 and some change on the supplies for decorating the tree. My total cost for decorating my tree was $4.32!!

I wanted to style the tree in our girls bathroom upstairs, which is decorated in a boho theme. I wanted the tree to reflect that, with a pop of pale pink for color and a fun flair! What do y’all think?

❤️-Shae

Please don’t forget to head on over to each of my friends, as they show us what magical transformation they made to their Dollar Store Christmas tree!!

Terrie – Decorate and More with Tip

https://decorateandmorewithtip.com/dollar-tree-table-top-christmas-tree/

Kelli – K’s Olympic Nest
https://olympicnest.com/blog/dollar-tree-christmas-tree-hack-creating-a-farmhouse-buffalo-check-christmas

Shae – Sweet Southern Grace
https://wordpress.com/post/sweetsoutherngrace.blog/1001

Rebecca – Rebecca Anne Home
Dollar Store/Dollar Aisle Tree Ideas

Dayna – Just Another Farmhouse
https://barnhousemess.wordpress.com/2019/12/02/diy-christmas-tree

Christine – CD’s Country Living
https://cdscountryliving.com/diy-rustic-mini-christmas-tree-centerpiece/

Dani – Welcome to the Taborhood
http://www.thetaborhood.com/blog/mini-tree-diy

Tammy – Patina and Paint

DIY Challenge: Dollar Tree Mini Tree

Carol – Bluesky at Home

3 Ways to Style a Dollar Tree Christmas Tree

Mary – Shady Oak and Sassafras

Dollar Tree/Thrift Store Christmas Tree Challenge

Jessica – Jessica Welling Interiors

15 Mini Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas!

Teresa – Through a Vintage Door
https://throughavintagedoor.com/03/12/diy-dollar-tree-challenge/

Michelle – Blessings by Me

Christmas Swag Using 2 Dollar Tree Mini Christmas Trees

Jessica-Jessica Simmons

Decorating a Mini Dollar Tree Christmas Tree

Challenge Accepted

Wood Sign

Easter Wood Sign with Silhouette

Final Thoughts

DECORATE AND MORE WITH TIP | Blessings by me | JUNK TO GEMS | CLOCHES AND LAVENDER

PATINA AND PAINT | PALLET AND PANTRY | B4 & AFTERS | PURPLE HUES AND ME

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Christmas at the Biltmore

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The Biltmore at Christmas

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Estate Shops: Toymaker’s

Estate Shops: Confectionery

TIPS FOR VISITING THE BILTMORE

FINAL THOUGHTS

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CHRISTMAS WRAPPING WITH OLD TIME POTTERY

DECORATIVE BOXES

MASON JAR WITH VINTAGE RED TRUCK LID

OUR FAMILY’S HOT COCOA RECIPE

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PACKAGING FOR THE DECORATIVE BOX

VINTAGE RED TRUCK TINS

VINTAGE RED TRUCK CERAMIC LOAF PANS

OLD TIME POTTERY

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3 Light Modern Wall Sconce: Farmhouse Style

Total Cost: Budget Friendly

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Hinges: Exterior

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