Dresser Makeover

Last month I shared this girly window makeover for Little Miss. 

 

With the exception of the lovely blue carpet, I really like how it turned out! Now, on to the rest of the room.  This dresser and its matching headboard came from my Grandma.  It belonged to my Aunt when she was young, so it's about 40 years old, which makes it vintage not antique, and subject to a fresh coat of paint. 

 

I primed it first using a paint brush, but the final color was Rust-Oluem Ultra Cover spray paint.

 

Here's the final product...

White spray paint gave the hardware a fresh, crisp look.

I used a sheet of sandpaper to scuff up the edges.  I sprayed an old rag with some white paint and lightly wiped it over the rough edge. 

 

The dresser looks better than new and the lovely blue carpet is almost tolerable with the room colors.  

Giveaway???

A giveaway here at Well Rounded?  Well... yes and no.  I've been thinking about doing a giveaway for awhile now, but my confidence always gets the best of me...

What if nobody likes it?

What if nobody enters?

What if.... 

What if....

What if...

 Then, I found this blog. Gallamore West.  She creates beautiful burlap wreaths, and she's featuring one in a giveaway. 

She, too, expressed her confidence issues, or lack there of, so I'm giving a fellow blogger a hand.  Check out her giveaway!  Enter!  Then, visit Well Rounded often. A giveaway is coming... I promise!

Birthday Ballerina Outfit

Handmade by Leah Koenig

Cupcake onesie... $12

Puffy Tutu... $25

Beautiful Ballerina celebrating her fist birthday...

PRICELESS

 

Not available in my store.  Contact me for info. 

Cafe Latte Turtle Cake

Cafe Latte Turtle Cake

  

I know it isn't gorgeous.  In fact, it's kind of a hot mess, but who cares!

It is delicious!!  It's the perfect combo of chocolate and caramel, with a hint of coffee, and a pecan that pops in at just the moment.  Very moist!!

Here's the recipe, from Midwest Living, with a few small tweaks of my own...

You need...

unsweetened cocoa powder

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 cup buttermilk 

2/3 cup vegetable oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

chocolate frosting (recipe to follow)

1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted

1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping

1. Three, greased 9-inch cake pans.  Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder.  Set prepared pans aside.  

2.  In a small bowl, stir together egg, buttermilk, and vegetable oil: set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.  Gradually add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture, beating with an electric mixer until combined.  Gradually beat in the hot coffee.  Pour batter into prepared pans.  (Layers will appear shallow.)

3.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.  Let them cool.  Loosen edges and then remove.  Finish cooling.  

4.  When cakes are cool, make the chocolate frosting (recipe below).

Place one cake layer top side down onto a serving plate WITH A LIP to catch the excess toppings.  Frost first layer with 1/3 of the icing.  Cover with 1/3 of the pecans.  Top with 1/3 of the caramel.  Add next cake, upside down, and repeat.  Place final cake right side up and finish with remaining frosting, pecans, and caramel.  Chill cake 1-2 hours before serving.  

Chocolate Frosting

In a medium saucepan, stir together 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup milk.  Add 6 tablespoons butter.  Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Add one 12 oz. package semisweet chocolate chips.  Using a wire whisk, mix in the chocolate until smooth. 

ENJOY!!

Here's the problem...
Stacks,

 

and more stacks,

 

and even more stacks of puny little bits of fabric.  

 

Parting with any shred would seem totally unnecessary because they all have potential, but I have no organized way to store them. Until now...

  

To make these you will need canvas totes, craft paint, poster stencils, and a short, stubby paint brush.  To hang them you will need some hooks or knobs.  Hobby Lobby has a fantastic selection and you can often catch them 50% off. 

Here's the how to...

  

Stencil the words onto the canvas.  Canvas is pretty think so no need to back it, the paint won't soak through easily.  

 

Let them dry, then stuff them full.

  

Fix the knob or hook to the wall.  My hubby would tell you to find a stud.  Probably a great idea, however, studs aren't always where I want them, so I took a chance without.  Bad idea!!  Do yourself a favor, find a stud!

 

Hang the bag and you're done!  Simple! 

Now, I know most people don't have freakishly huge piles of scrap fabric.  So, stencil anything you need to store.  Organize your coat closet: hats, gloves, scarves.  Or, how about your kids' playroom: books, dolls, coloring supplies.  

Laundry room: lost socks, pocket stuff, clothes pins.  I could go on and on...but I won't.

Alright, get your totes and get stenciling. What will yours say?

Monthly Onesies

 

This is my latest Etsy listing.  Monthly Onesies!

 These applique onesies grow with your little bundle of joy.

  

This particular set is gender neutral, but each set is made to order with your color combinations. 

.  

They are top stitched for durability,
 

 and feature my handmade by Leah Koenig tag.

  

Order a set and they will arrive at your doorstep looking something like this!

  

Thanks for stopping by!

How much is that doggie in the window?

So you're telling me that you want your face painted on a Wednesday night?  Okay, sure! Why not??

 

I was going for a dog!  Can't you tell?!?!

Freebie Friday-Bridesmaid Dress

I thought that this freebie was expired because it came from this past October, but yesterday Little Miss found this old Halloween costume while she was playing dress-up, so I guess it's fresh enough. 

 

She went as Little Bow Peep and her little frock is today's featured freebie!

In its former life it was a fancy bridesmaids dress. 

 

 Kris and her hubby are getting ready to celebrate their 4th anniversary! Congratulations guys!

After Kristin's big day, it moved on to its job as a dust collector in the back of the closet.  I couldn't stand the thought of giving it away.  I loved it too much.  So instead, I cut it up.  Makes perfect sense right!?!

 

I used some leftover fabric to add a little white apron and some detail to the front.

  The tulle from the original dress was used to give Little Bo Peep a nice full skirt.  It's kind of a hodge-podge job, so no tutorial here, only inspiration!

 

Grandma loaned us a bonnet. The only thing she was missing was a sheep so... 

  

 My newest little Munchkin volunteered.

I have so many old formals and bridesmaids dresses left, my girls are going to have a dress-up wardrobe to die for!  What do you do with your old dresses?

Soup de Jour

Wouldn't it be nice to walk in the door at the end of the day, and be welcomed by the aroma of a delicious homemade dinner?  A scrumptious meal that you didn't have to make, sounds good, right?  Well, guess what... If your house is anything like mine, it isn't going to happen!  However, with the magic of the slow cooker, it sure can feel like it!

Give this creamy potato soup a try...

 

Would be prettier with some green onion and natural light!

2.5 lbs. peeled and diced potatoes
1 small onion
l carrot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
12 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed
salt and pepper to taste
sliced green onions (optional)
bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

1. Add potatoes, onion, carrot, garlic, and chicken broth to slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 5 hours.
3. Stir in the softened cream cheese and allow to melt, approximately 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Garnish with onion and bacon.  Serve with fresh bread.

Serves 4-6

Enjoy!

Etsy

I know its small potatoes for most, but growing my Etsy store is kind of a big deal for me.  I'm not sure what the right venue is for my handmade items.  I've tried farmer's markets and church bazaars, and although they weren't total catastrophes, I felt like they weren't quite the right place for me and my goods.  So, Etsy is my next step.   Here's what's new...

 

Fabric Flower Headband

 

 Knot necklace

 

Stud Buttons

Thanks to my sister, Riley, for being my model.  She's the only person I'm confident enough to dress up and boss around!

 Where would you shop for these kinds of things?

Thanks for stopping by!

Outside-In Window Makeover

Just before her second birthday, Little Miss made a big move to her big girl bedroom. We gave the walls a fresh coat of Pepto Bismol pink paint.  I refinished her dresser and headboard (that post to come.)  Then, I put sheets on her bed. 

The end. 

Every night she would go to bed in a big, empty, pink room.    

 

 

So we got busy.   I used tension rods to make this curtain look like a window awning.  Then, we covered the bench seat in a bright yellow fabric.  I say we, but what I mean is, I covered the seat while Little Miss measured anything that would hold still.  

 

Next, I constructed this window box out of some old barn siding.  A fresh coat of white paint made it look pretty sharp.  

 

Then I filled it with some floral foam and inserted a little flower garden.  Some of the flowers are real fake ones, you know, artificial.  The pink and yellow ones are constructed from fabric and hot glue.  

Want some ideas on how to make your own fabric flowers? Go HERE.

 

I covered the floral foam, and filled the box with burlap, because it wouldn't be a good project without a little burlap. 

 

Presto! A charming face lift.  It looks much better in real life.  Its hard to get a good picture when you are looking into a bright window. 

Thanks for stopping!  Come back soon!

Happy New Year

Dear Diligent Followers,

Last year at this time, I was working on getting my blog up and running.  One whole year and a measly 37 posts later, and I feel like I'm just getting started.  This year I promise to be more loyal to you!  I resolve to post more frequently and bring you fresh, "Pinterest-worthy," DIY projects.  I'm also aiming to make "Well Rounded" a bit more well rounded, going beyond just crafts.  I vow to bring you delicious recipes, food for thought, and more Friday Freebies. That's my goal!

On that note, I can't think of anything more appropriate than a calendar for my first project of 2012.

Here it is...

  

Here's how to make yours. 

Start with an open back frame, NO glass.  Hobby lobby has a great selection.  Finish it any old way you'd like.  Cut a piece of 1/4" plywood to fit inside. 

 

Sand, prime, then paint your plywood with a few coats of Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint. 

 

After it has dried, add the white lines.  I recommend taping them off with some painter's tape and then using spray paint to create the lines.  I tried hand painting them... what a mess! 

  

Next, add the days of the week. Don't waste your time trying to paint these on by hand, no need to be a hero.  I used a sharpie and free-handed them.  And, if you are like me and have terrible handwriting, find a font you like on the computer, print off each word, lay it onto the calendar, and trace pressing hard.  Locate the faint lines and trace over them with your sharpie.

 

Finally, add the month, dates, and your events with chalk.

  

There you have it!  Easy peasy!

  

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you'll come back soon!

Happy New Year!