Painted Pink Chair- Hand painted goodness

I enjoy a good find.  When I came across this fabric by Bari J. Ackerman, I knew this beautiful fabric was a treasure!  It the inspiration for my daughter's nursery.  I love the pink and blue combination and it is so sweet with the birds.  It is from Bari J. Ackerman's debut line called Full Bloom, and I have been a huge fan since!

I have 4 of these chairs.  I love the classic shape and details in the legs. They are sturdy and oak.  If you are a naturalist... you don't paint oak, however... I wanted to take a risk.  We sanded the chair.

I painted it a pale pink. Sanded the edges for a shabby cottage look and hand painted the rest with acrylics. 

When I was finished with the details, I painted a coat of polyurethane over it.  I was happy with the results and donated it to a silent auction to help raise money for a special cause dear to my heart.  It feels good to give the chair a new life, and raise funds for dear friends.

Sew Much Fun! Dresses for a Disney Vacation!

In preparation of our most recent vacation, I sewed up a storm.  My husband said I was the "Sewing Machine."  That puts a smile on my face.

My dear friend has 4 daughters!  That's a lot of fancy frocks to wear!

I love the neckline on this dress pattern. It is called the Emmaline, and you can purchase it at  Violette Field Threads.  A lot of my sewing motivation comes from Kathy Hennessy and her blog, Handmade Dress Haven.  You should check it out.

My little lady was very particular about who she wanted to meet, and this Pixie was one of them.  So sweet.  Great memories!

We ate at Cinderella's Royal Table.  In order to feel like royal subjects, everyone needed the proper attire.  Perhaps this photo of royalty makes me smile the biggest at the idea of being called the "Sewing Machine!"  I wanted this to be memorable for everyone!

We all celebrated at Chef Mickey's too, and the girl's picked out this fun patterned fabric.  They all coordinate well.  Read about how I made Brooke's tank dress here in an earlier post.  You can find me and my creations on Facebook as Dawn Lynn Designs.

What an Honor! Jennifer Paganelli's Happy Home Challenge!

WOW! What an honor!  When I won the Happy Home Challenge for the week with my craft room submission, I was literally walking on my tippy toes all day.  Can you imagine the celebratory yelp I gave off when I found out I was the Overall Winner!  It is an extreme honor to be celebrated by some one you consider an icon!  Jennifer Paganelli's fabrics are magical and beautiful and all I can say is WOW!

My Creative Space, The Craft Room where I create!

This was my "Craft Room" a few years ago, decked out in green and yellow.  I have always wanted a room to create in since I was a little girl.  I spotted these built ins on Craigslist for $150!  My dad and hubby went and picked them up from the seller and they have become the creative corner of my  little creative world.  It was when I found out I was expecting a sweet little girl that my creative world exploded with color, lots of it, and FABRIC!  OH, the wonderful world of fabric.  WARNING: fabric shopping can be addicting.  OK, I warned you.  My favorites are Hancock's of Paducah, Quilt Home, Fat Quarter Shop, and if you want to find deals... Fabric Donkey lists sales and coupons.  Check Twitter too. Amy Butler's Lark was 50% off from a Fat Quarter shop Tweet! If you are looking for something specific.  Try ETSY.  I try not to spend more than $6.00 a yard, which is do-able if you shop right!  If you have a favorite place to find fabric... please leave a comment and share with us!

Jennifer Paganelli is an amazing fabric designer and author who is having a Photo Challenge. This week's challenge is your favorite use of color in your home. First of all, those who know me, know I love a photo challenge!  I was inspired to clean up my creative space to share with you were I create... it is full of all colors, and of course, GW, HomeGoods and Craigslist!

I found this white hutch and dresser at a garage sale for $40, and it came with these gorgeous hand painted ceramic knobs... which were worth more than the furniture... so all in all, great find! 

I am a fabric junkie... so many talented artists and designers...  I have to have at least a yard of each.

Other than the fabric... I found the plates and peacock at GW.  They spoke to me and for  a couple of dollars,  I have some colorful items that make the space pretty.

She holds extra needles or little odds and ends that I don't want little fingers to find.

About 10 years ago, HomeGoods had these gals with big bare feet designed by Laura Kelly for Blue Sky and I just love them.  I have a few smaller ones in my kitchen with vegetables and the garden sweeties are watching me create.  I have one hugging gladiolas, see if you can spot her!

I love this kitty, bright green, 70's looking planter... either way, she's mine and she cost $1.00!

That lantern was in my $2.00 grab bag from Michaels! Plate from HomeGoods, and little lamb from GW!

I love having containers to organize.

Here it is... I am working on a few things to hang on the walls, and might paint down the road, but I love the color, color, color... it inspires me.  I hope something here, inspires you!