coffee filter lamp shade

There once was a lampshade that could. 

Then one day the lampshade just couldn't anymore. 

Until now....

Honestly?!  Coffee filters..who knew?

I would love to take credit for this amazing diy project..but while clickety click clicking away from one crazy talented blogger to another to another and another...I found the most gorgeous lampshade made of coffee filters that was crafted by Sarah at Northwest Hospitality. 

Hmmmm a coffee filter lampshade...how very interestingly beautiful....and I  HAVE ALL THE SUPPLIES ON HAND!  My shade wasn't a drum, like Sarah's, but I decided I had nothing to lose..and the coffee filter extravaganza began.

What you need:

lampshade

hot glue

coffee filters (bulk from Costco)

wine for the friend who gets suckered into folding : ) {thanks 'C'}

1.  fold coffee filter in half

2.  fold in half again

3.  fold in half again

4.  fold point up and add a spot of hot glue
Continue this process and glue folded filters to lampshade until full.

I would like to add that this process really DOUBLES the size of your shade.  I had started out with the lamp below... 

and when the shade was completed...the size no longer looked appropriate on it's base.  Luckily I had another lamp in the house that I swapped out the base for.  I gave it a quick paint job and some distressing and am super happy with the results.

It really does give all the most wondrous glow at night.    I have another lampshade to revamp in Ava's room.  But this time I'm going to try ruffles.  Wanna see what I mean?  Take a stroll on over to see a gal by the name of Jennifer from Dear Lillie...but be forewarned..have a potty break first because you WILL be there for a very very very long time!  Seriously this chicky has more talent in her baby finger than I could ever dream of.

Also, if you would like a much more detailed tutorial on the coffee filter lampshade and many more inspiring ideas...please visit Northwest Hospitality.

Have a great week everyone!

linked to A Beach Cottage Linky Party

Going Green

In the spirit of today, St. Patrick's Day...

a little green goes a long way.

Picture sources: Suziebeezie, House Beautiful, Eclectic Reinvented, Martha Stewart, Cupcakes Take the Cake

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!



a touch of spring...

Since Mother Nature

is NOT listening to me, I thought I'd bring a little spring

inside the house, starting with the family room. 

My mantel was feeling a little drab.  With a $0 budget and an

urge to create something otta nothin'...

around the house I went, robbing a little from here and there.

I pulled out a picture frame that I've been hiding

under the couch, and printed "Spring".  Pretty original huh?

  I wanted the sign to read simple and clean, so Spring it is.

The bird's nest is real. 

Mr. vG and the kidlets brought it in during the winter.

Old milk bottles filled with white navy beans make for a sweet candle holder. 

The other candles shown are sitting on a pair of silver candle sticks turned upside down.

Twine can be very effective for decorating on the cheap.

 The curtain tie backs can be made to your desired size or thickness.

I simply cut 9 equal lengths of twine, and with 3 groups of 3, made one main braid.

Mr. vG always complains about too many pillows in HIS movie room...

so they've been adopted by the family room where they will be well loved!

The turquoise and green pillows together make a cheerful combination.

Speaking of pillows...

before Christmas, I won a giveaway and started a post

but completely forgot about it!!!  What a smuck I am! 

I won a sweet ring and this beautiful "keep calm" pillow by Little Miss Momma

 from a Tatertots & Jello giveaway!  These are seriously 2 of the SWEETEST girls

I've ever had the pleasure of sorta knowing : )  Check out their awesome blogs for

many many many crazy good ideas!

Spring I really miss you...please come soon.

Happy March Break

 I've linked this post up to: My Uncommon Slice of Surburbia , A Beach Cottage

hallway love

Oh hey!  I know I know it's been awhile...a LONG while {shame shame no excuses here}.  And you're probably thinking...all this time, months really, and all she's got are hallways? 

Well sir, do I love halls?  Halls to me are very important yet sometimes overlooked spaces.  They lead you and set the feel for what is to come...like an invitation...come follow me.

The April issue of Style at Home magazine did a piece on designer Amanda Nisbet which included this fabulous hallway above.  Just look at all the amazing detail in this space!  Let me count the ways...the arches, the orb & sconce lighting, the sisal rugs, the panelling and linen wallpaper...all come together with stunning perfection.

More arches.  I think I just may have a new obsession to add to my very long list.

MMmmmmm mmm, if I could eat it I would.  This hallway makes me smile with all it's sunshiney brightness.  Makes me wanna take my closet door off...if only I had such beautiful blankies to display.  And those lights!

 Planked ceiling and built ins provide mucho cozy for this pass thru.

Destiny, from A Place for Us, tranformed her cookie cutter hallway with the simple addition of homemade signs.  Love this look?  Destiny gives a wonderful tutorial here.

Not quite the hall hallway, but I had to sneak in another arch : )

Happy Weekend All!