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Monday, December 26, 2016

How to Easily Organize Holiday Gift Wrap Supplies

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  Ours started off bright and early (doesn't it always with young kids?) and was filled with lots of excitement and family time.  There really is nothing better than seeing pure joy on your kids faces as they wake up Christmas morning.  As always, the day went by way too fast and all that's left is a sea of toys. Now that the holiday's are over, it's time to clean up the mess and get organized.  Even though I'm still on a little blogging break for the holidays I wanted to share a quick and easy idea for organizing holiday wrapping supplies.  My trick to keeping everything neat is storing gift wrap supplies in a small Snapware organizer. ...
Thursday, December 15, 2016

Modern Industrial Farmhouse Office Reveal

It's been a long work in progress, but I can finally say my office is complete and CLEAN! Last week I shared my disorganized and non functional office that had more or less turned into a storage room.  It's the first space you see when you walk into our mudroom, which made for a pretty lack luster first impression.  Last weekend, I finally had enough and spent the day going through every basket, bin, drawer, bag and paper to get my office back in working order.  When I say I went through everything I mean EVERYTHING! ...
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

DIY Felt and Leather Clutch

It's the second Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for another Monthly DIY Challenge! This month's challenge item was felt and I admit I was a bit stumped on what I wanted to create.   I thought about making a Christmas project, but knew I would never be able to top last year's  rustic felt Christmas trees .  I eventually got the idea to make something that could also double as a gift, after all it is gift giving season. ...
Thursday, December 8, 2016

The Truth: A REAL LIFE Home Tour

During a time of beautiful Christmas home tours and perfectly staged spaces I feel the need to share something I struggle with on a daily basis, clutter.  I may post pretty pictures on my blog, but by no means is that a representation of the rest of my home.  You see, I don't have it all together.  Actually, I am far from having it all together.  My house is a mess, I am about 5 loads of laundry behind and I can't remember the last time I changed my sheets.  It's a good day if my kids are wearing matching socks, you can see the bottom of the kitchen sink and the dog hair has been vacuumed from the floor. There are few things I make priorities for each and every day and doing laundry and cleaning dishes do not make the cut.  My kids will be bathed, fed, wearing clean clothes, their hair and teeth will be brushed and homework complete.  Everything else gets put on the back burner, which leads to a less than stellar home. Being a wife, mother of two and full time employee a...
Monday, December 5, 2016

Trash to Treasure: Old Artwork Turned Eye Chart

I thought I would step away from the Christmas decor and share a project that's been on my "To Do" list for more than a year.  You all know I love making signs and turning inexpensive pieces into perfect decor for my home, right?  Well, I've had Owen's old alphabet artwork sitting in our basement ever since he told me it's for babies and he didn't want it in his room anymore.  (insert sad face here!) I always loved the picture and couldn't bare to cover it up, but I finally bit the bullet and turned it into a beautiful piece for our home with the help from Testors.   When they asked if I would be willing to try out their airbrush kit I couldn't resist.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do and it gave me the perfect excuse to knock this trash to treasure project off my list. ...
Thursday, December 1, 2016

Classic Christmas Home Tour

Welcome to another Holiday Home Tour!   I am so excited to be teaming up with an amazing group of bloggers for another Christmas home tour and CASH giveaway!  I love fall, but I tend to do the most seasonal decorating for Christmas.   Mixing classic red with my neautral decor is my favorite way to decorate for Christmas and has been my go to color scheme for the past few years. I try to use the same decor from year to year, mixing it up by changing decor placement and adding in a few new pieces.  This year, I kind of went overboard with the bottle brush trees (really, who doesn't love them?) then added in a bit of color with inexpensive red and gray flannel. ...
Wednesday, November 30, 2016

A Modern Classic Christmas Fireplace Mantel

This is the first winter decorating our  freshly painted fireplace and I couldn't wait to deck it out for Christmas!  The rest of the basement may not be complete (who needs baseboards anyway), but thanks to  The Home Depot  I now have a fireplace that's complete and fully decorated for Christmas.  I shared yesterday that I was chosen to participate in the Holiday Style Challenge and was given the "challenge" to decorate my mantel for Christmas.  I used some of the items Home Depot sent and also purchased a  Christmas countdown and who could resist a cherry stained car hauling a Christmas tree ?   ...
Monday, November 28, 2016

Christmas Entryway Gallery Wall

I really struggled with decorating our entryway for Christmas this year.  I loved last years gallery wall and decor, but as a blogger I felt pressure to be more creative and do something completely different this time around.  In the end, I went with my gut and decorated my home the way that I love and want it to be.  Let's be honest, if I wasn't blogging I probably wouldn't even think twice about changing my decor from year to year.  Staying true to myself and what I love is what's most important.  So, instead of going out and buying all new holiday decor I simply rearranged where I put things from last year and only bought a few new pieces.   My entryway gallery wall was my favorite area that I decorated last year and this year is no different! ...
Sunday, November 20, 2016

Basement Progress: Completed Bar

I feel like it's been forever since I shared an update on our basement makeover.  Unfortunately, it's currently still a disaster thanks to a major garage project that forced us to move everything to the basement.  Thankfully, the garage is now complete and I can finally focus on getting our basement back in order.   The bar had been piled with project materials, tools and odds and ends and I finally had enough.  I cleared off the counter, grabbed a can of spray paint, gave the handles an update and finally decorated and finished the space.  ...
Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Holiday Shopping Guide: Perfect Gifts for Men and Women

Who hasn't started Christmas shopping yet?  This girl! I may be a little behind the eight ball when it comes to Christmas shopping, but at least I have an idea of what I need to buy.  In my defense, I went to buy a few toys for my kids then put them back realizing I could probably snag them cheaper on Black Friday and Cyper Monday.  You would think someone who gets anxious in large crowds would stay out of the stores on the busiest shopping day of the year, but apparently my love of a good deal trumps all fears. As I was writing down my list of what I need to buy I put together a round up of a few of my favorite gift ideas for all the men and women in your life. I didn't realize until I was writing this post that most of the items I gravitate towards are neutral, mainly black and white.  The good thing is who doesn't like black and white?  It goes with everything and can be dressed up or down.  My favorite are the glitter Kate Spade earrings and hey hubby, the...
Monday, November 14, 2016

Thrifted Glass Cloche Turned Vintage Snow Globe

Glass dome cheese platters and cloches are the perfect thrifted item for creating beautiful snow globes and winter displays. I know, I know.....It's not even Thanksgiving and I'm already talking about Christmas projects.  The thing is, who has time to make Christmas decor in the middle of December?  I don't know about you, but I'm usually frantically buying and wrapping presents in the middle of baking cookies all while trying to find time to relax and enjoy the season.  This year, I'm going to try hard to get a few holiday projects knocked off the "To Do" list before December. Today, I'm starting with a $5.00 thrifted glass dome cheese platter (cloche if you really want to get fancy) that I turned into a Christmas snow globe.  I'm sure you have seen these little platters at Goodwill and other thrift stores before.  I actually found three the day I bought mine. ...
Sunday, October 30, 2016

Halloween 2016: The Censored Version

"WHEN BLACK CATS PROWL AND PUMPKINS GLEAM, MAY LUCK BE YOURS THIS HALLOWEEN" Happy Halloween!  I'm stopping in real quick to share a few pictures from the weekend as well as reveal this year's DIY costume.  My neighbors go all out every year and throw a pretty awesome Halloween party, which called for a new (and a bit racy) DIY costume. ...
Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Must Have Supplies Every DIY Crafter Should Have

Having a good stock of craft supplies is hands down the best way to stay creative and motivated.  I'm impatient, so when I come up with an idea I want to be able to finish it right then and there.  Nobody has time to head to the store for supplies, at least I don't.  Over the year's I've learned what supplies I use most, what supplies I need to keep stocked in my home and what helps me stay creative. It seems that whenever I work on craft projects I always tend to reach for the same supplies.  In no particular order, here are my favorite must have supplies every crafter should own. ...
Monday, October 17, 2016

Decorative Mason Jar bathroom Storage

Happy Monday. I hope you all had a great weekend! I've updated many mason jars in the past, so I knew they would be the perfect solution to help maximize storage in our master bathroom.  My plan is to remove everything out of our bulky medicine cabinet and replace it with a pretty round mirror.  That meant getting creative with how to store items over our toilet and under the sink.  There are many pretty decorative jars I could have bought and believe me I was tempted to buy them. Then I pulled myself back to reality and realized I could get a very similar look for much less using mason jars.  ...
Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Office Update: Customizing A Basic Schoolhouse Light

It's the second Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for another Monthly DIY Challenge! Each month a bunch of my blogger friends and I join together for a challenge featuring a particular product or theme.  This month's product was Sharpie, which I used to update a traditional Schoolhouse light into something more suitable for my office. Let's back up a minute. ...
Monday, October 10, 2016

Knock Off: DIY Wood and Faux Marble Coasters

Have you all checked out the latest fall decor at Target?  I stopped in the other week to pick up a few things during my lunch break and got completely sidetracked by their new fall decor.  One of the items that caught my eye were beautiful wood and marble coasters.   Wood and Marble Coasters I was so tempted to buy them, but then realized I had everything at home to make my own.  So, what did I do?  As soon as I got home from work I starting making coasters. ...
Tuesday, October 4, 2016

14 Gorgeous Fall Front Porches

Beautiful fall porches full of fall colors and inspiration!  Fall is my favorite time of year!  Spring is a close second, but nothing beats the crisp cool fall air and beautiful rustic decor. There is so much gorgeous inspiration out there, especially the perfectly decorated front porches. From DIY wood signs and galvanized buckets to perfectly placed pumpkins and comfy throws.  These 14 fall front porches are sure to get you in the mood for fall. ...
Thursday, September 29, 2016

Natural Birch Bark Pumpkin Art

Creating new pumpkin projects is one of my favorite things about fall.  In the past, I've used everything from pallets , tin cans , mason jars ,  fabric and felt and today I'm using something completely different, birch bark. Sometime last year I picked up a pack of natural birch bark from Hobby Lobby.  I had no idea what I was going to do with it, but thought it would be neat to use in a future craft project.   That day came when I was digging through one of my craft drawers in August and got the idea to create pumpkin art.  Yes, I've been holding out on posting this project since I'm sure no one wanted to think about pumpkins when it was 100 degrees outside.  ...
Monday, September 26, 2016

Basement Progress: The Fireplace Wall is Complete!

Affiliate links have been used for your convenience.  For more information visit my disclosure policy. Happy Monday! I made some major progress on the basement this weekend and can't believe the makeover is almost complete.   Thank goodness I didn't tackle this project for the One Room Challenge or I would have been WAY over schedule, haha.  I still have a lot of little projects to complete (staining and installing the quarter round, paint touch ups, decorating and finishing the board and batten on the steps), but I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel! Today, I'm talking all about the fireplace wall and how much I love my new mixed metal bookcase . ...
Friday, September 23, 2016

$5.00 Thrifty Farmhouse Transformations

Thrift stores are one of my favorite places to go when I'm bored, want to pass time or get my shopping fix without spending a lot of money.  Lucky for me I pass a pretty decent one when I head into town.  Most times I walk out with nothing (okay, maybe a book!), but every now and then I find some pretty awesome pieces to transform. My favorite inexpensive thrift store scores are the $3.00 vintage metal card catalogs  that I updated and the Anthropologie knock off hooks.    I was not expecting to find either item, which just goes to show that you never know what you'll find. ...
Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Affordable and Stylish Mixed Material Bookshelves

Affiliate links have been used for your convenience.  For more information visit my disclosure policy.  You are probably aware that I'm in full blown basement makeover mode.  It's slow going, but I have made major progress and installed the  new floors , planked the back wall , tiled the bar backsplash , painted the brick fire place and refinished the basement steps .  I also DIYed new artwork for over the art table  and bought new  rugs , couch and  coffee table .  Now, I'm finally (FINALLY!) nearing the final stages of the makeover and it's time to pick an affordable mixed material bookcase!  ...
Monday, September 19, 2016

Going Batty: A Thrifty Halloween Entryway

I know it's technically not even fall and many of you are still clinging onto summer, but I couldn't resist sharing a few early Halloween decorations I put up this weekend.  Last year, I was a total slacker and didn't do a thing to decorate for Halloween, so I'm making up for it this year.  I won't be turning my home into a haunted house, but I will be adding a few thrifty Halloween decorations to celebrate one of my kids favorite holiday's. I didn't go out and buy any new Halloween decorations or use fancy electronic decor.  Everything is either from my Halloween stash, thrift store makeovers or really inexpensive DIY projects. ...
Wednesday, September 14, 2016

How to Make a Rustic Wire Photo Hanging

It's time for another Monthly DIY Challenge!  This month is all about Mod Podge and if you know me you know I love this stuff.  I've used it in many projects throughout our home, so of course I was thrilled when Plaid offered to send us Mod Podge for this month's challenge item.  There's also a great giveaway, so be sure to stick around and enter for a chance to win! Displaying family photos is one of my favorite ways to personalize our home and keep sweet memories alive.  I'm always looking for unique ways to display my favorite photos (Yes, I have a few favorites if you haven't noticed) and this month's challenge was a great opportunity to make rustic wire photo hangings. ...
Monday, September 12, 2016

DIY Rustic Felt Pumpkins

Last November, I created  Rustic Felt Christmas Trees  and today I'm sharing the perfect fall version. Using a few inexpensive supplies and free twigs from the yard these adorable pumpkins turned out to make the perfect addition to my fall decor. ...
Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Plywood Scraps Turned Distressed Number Tags

You guys, I am blown away by all your sweet comments and words of encouragement regarding Friday's post .  Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and e-mail your opinions.  I really appreciate the feedback and I'm excited for what's yet to come. Remember the other day when I mentioned  how I save on DIY and craft projects  and one of those tips was to keep scrap wood?  Well,  I'm back today sharing how I used leftover plywood from my  shiplap walls to make distressed number tags. I can't even tell you how many times this wood has come in handy.  My husband is always asking when I'm going to get rid of the pallets and wood in the garage and my answer is always, "I'm saving it for a project." Sometimes it takes me longer to actually DO the project, but I eventually get something done. ...
Friday, September 2, 2016

How to Dismantle Pallets Without Breaking Boards

Do you like creating pallet projects?  Learn how to dismantle pallets without breaking boards!    As I was ripping apart yet another pallet, I realized I have never posted about how I dismantle them without breaking the boards.  Now, sometimes wood pallets are just stubborn and you can't help but break boards, but I've had pretty good luck getting clean pallet boards with two simple tools. Are you looking for DIY pallet projects?  Here's 12 creative recycle and reuse wood pallets ...
Monday, August 29, 2016

How I DIY and Decorate For Less

You are probably well aware that I try my hardest to DIY and decorate our home as inexpensively as possible.  I learned real quick that there's no need to spend a fortune when you can get the same look for less.  Spend less, save the difference.  It's a great motto to live by. ...
Wednesday, August 24, 2016

20 Free and Fabulous Fall Printables

You know I love anything FREE, so of course, I couldn't resist putting together 20 of my favorite fall printables.  Free printables is one of the easiest ways to update your home for fall without spending a dime.  Just print out the picture, pop it in a frame and you have instant fall decor.    You can go even one step further and combine a few printables with Dollar Store or Goodwill frames to create a perfectly eclectic or  inexpensive gallery wall .  ...
Monday, August 22, 2016

How to Make Inexpensive Faux Pumpkins Look Impressively Real

The easiest way to make faux pumpkins look impressively real!  How many times have you walked right past brightly colored plastic pumpkins?  Not giving them a second thought because you could tell right away they weren't real.   Well, I'm here to tell you that you can easily and inexpensively make faux pumpkins look impressively real!  So pick up those Dollar Tree and inexpensive pumpkins and turn them into the perfect addition to your fall decor. ...
Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Affordable Farmhouse Decor from Amazon

Signing up for Amazon Prime could quite possibly be the best and worst thing that happened to my wallet.  The incredibly fast and free shipping is awesome when I'm in a pinch (like when I dropped my camera and broke my lens), but my bank account hates that it's so easy to buy whatever I need  want. Just recently, I was searching Amazon for a few new basement pieces and kept getting side tracked by the gorgeous farmhouse decor.  Now, I wouldn't necessarily consider my style farmhouse, but I do like to mix in a few farmhouse pieces into my home. ...
Friday, August 12, 2016

Follow Your Dreams, Face Your Fears {Haven Recap!!!}

Whoa, I'm finally feeling back to normal after five amazing days in Atlanta, GA. This outgoing introvert  conquered all fears (don't laugh!) and set out on her own to fly to an unfamiliar city to attend Haven, a DIY and home decor blogging conference. Those of you that know me know that flying solo to unfamiliar areas to meet people I have never met is way, WAY out of my comfort zone.   It's something I would never consider under normal circumstances, but knew it was important to prove to myself that I CAN do anything that I put my mind to.  That you must face your fears in order to chase your dreams and follow your heart. ...
Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Restored Vintage Metal Hardware Cabinet

How to easily restore vintage hardware cabinets with spray paint!  I could not be more excited for this month's Monthly DIY Challenge and  HomeRight giveaway! We were fortunate to work with HomeRight  and their awesome  spray shelters  to update a thrifted or previously owned item with paint.  I knew exactly what I was going to do and couldn't wait to restore my vintage metal hardware cabinet.  I used the large spray shelter, but they also carry  tabletop shelters that are perfect for smaller projects. ...
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

How to Turn an Old Shelf into the Perfect Farmhouse Herb Garden

A unique way to turn an old bookshelf into a perfect farmhouse herb garden! Hey friends!  I have another quick "trash to treasure" makeover to share before I board a plane and head to Atlanta for a DIY and decor conference.  I'll be gone a few days and can't wait to come back and share my experience with you all.   This summer has been crazy busy with the kids off school, vacations and afternoons at the pool.  I feel like I'm a bit behind on the basement, but I couldn't resist taking a break and jumping on board with 18 other talented bloggers for a thrifted item blog hop. You know I LOVE hunting for treasures at yard sales, consignment shops and thrift stores.  There's no better feeling than purchasing an item for next to nothing and turning it into something completely different and amazing. ...
Monday, August 1, 2016

Take Two: $20.00 Goodwill Dresser Makeover

Hey, happy Monday!  This weekend was full of lots of painting in an effort to finish a few projects before heading to Georgia on Wednesday.  I'll be attending the  Haven conference in Atlanta and I can't wait!  I've formed amazing relationships with some fellow bloggers and I'm so looking forward to finally meeting them in person.  I'm sure I'll be posting some behind the scenes pics on social media so make sure to check in if you want to follow along! I'm slowly but surely plugging away on the basement makeover and finally crossed another project off the list.  A few years ago I bought a $20.00 dresser at Goodwill that I've been using to store our kids art supplies and toys. ...
Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Home Decor Steals and Deals From WALMART!

Affordable and stylish home decor steals and deals from Walmart!  Affiliate links have been used in this post for your convenience.  For more information visit my disclosure policy .  As always, thanks for supporting Little House of Four.  Most people don't think of Walmart when it comes to home decor stores and decorating their home.  I personally tend to gravitate more towards Target, HomeGoods, World Market and West Elm, but that doesn't mean Walmart doesn't have some great deals on home decor items. Just recently,  a new super Walmart was built in our area and it's been fun to check out the larger selection of home decor products.  Some items can still only be found online, but with free site to store shipping, you can't go wrong. ...
Sunday, July 24, 2016

{Quick Tip} How to Easily Clean Hardened Wax Brushes

Quick and easy steps to save your dried out wax paint brushes and get them looking like new again.    Last week, was the first time in almost 3 years that I completely took a break from my day job AND blogging.  I had no posts scheduled,  no DIY projects planned and no paperwork to complete. Instead, I enjoyed the beach, sun and time with my family. With that being said, I did miss blogging, getting dirty and chatting with you all!  As soon as I walked in the door and unpacked I threw on my paint clothes and finished painting the Goodwill dresser in the basement. There's no rest for the weary in this household! Affiliate links have been used. After I was done painting and ready to apply the wax I realized my wax brush had hardened, dried out and desperately needed cleaning.   If you use chalk paint and wax to paint furniture then you know these brushes are not cheap.  I paid around $30 for mine, but it has lasted me through countless projects and was definitely well w...
Friday, July 15, 2016

10 DIY Summer Projects to Try This Weekend

Easy, fun and budget-friendly summer projects to DIY this weekend!   Do you have any plans for the weekend?  How about 10 incredible DIY projects and ideas to get you inspired?   I love spending my weekends being creative and working on projects.  No matter how big or small being able to complete a project from start to finish in one weekend is a major accomplishment. ...
Wednesday, July 13, 2016

DIY Tufted Leather Bench with Custom Hairpin Legs

It's Monthly DIY Challenge day!  This month we were lucky enough to work with Leather Hide Store  to create projects using a variety of their gorgeous leather hides.  They have also been gracious enough to provide one of their  leather upholstery  hides to one lucky reader! Ever since adding our mudroom I knew I would need to build a bench to fit in the nook by the door. DIY'ing a tufted leather bench seemed to be the perfect solution for this little space.  Add in the custom hairpin legs my neighbor welded and I had the perfect mudroom addition. ...
Friday, July 8, 2016

11 Gorgeous DIY Farmhouse Signs

Whether it's DIY'ing an entire sign or updating a thrift store find, creating custom signs is my all time favorite way to personalize my walls without spending a lot of money.  They're easy to make, perfect for any decor style and way cheaper than buying store bought wall art.  The best part is that most DIY signs only require a few simple supplies, most of which you probably already have on hand. Here's a few of my favorite farmhouse signs that you'll be sure to love! ...
Tuesday, July 5, 2016

How to Make Giant Flash Card Wall Art

I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July full of family, friends, cookouts and fireworks!  I am so excited to share this project with you all today!  It's been on my "To Do" list for months and I couldn't be happier to have it finished and turn out better than I imagined.  My kids art table is used daily and I wanted to create a space that was just for them.  I've always loved the look of these handmade family math signs, but at $121 a piece buying them was out of the question.  The good thing is I knew I could easily make my own wood flash cards for a fraction of the price.  SUPPLIES NEEDED Affiliate links have been used for your convenience.  For more information visit my disclosure policy here.   - Precut Birch Plywood 1/8 x 12 x 24  - 14 feet of 1/2 x 3/4 Pine - White Chalk Paint - Minwax Espresso Stain - Sliding Compound Miter Saw (I have this one) - Wood Glue - Permanent Marker - Black Craft Paint - Pai...