Hey readers! Cate here with a Wednesday guest post. Ok so awhile back in my Cane-Backed Chair post, I confessed that I went to the thrift store for bookends but left with 3 completely not-on-my-shopping-list things. As promised, I have the scoop for you on item No. 2 - a picture frame.

I liked the round frame and the keys on the side to tighten it at your desired angle. I did not, however, like the idea of cutting up a photo just to fit inside. So let's do the craft math everybody: what does picture frame + paint + cotton batting + burlap equal?

How 'bout an earring holder!

The frame was disassembled and repainted in the same warm gray chalk paint called "Primitive" by Americana Decor that I used on the Sisal Rope Chandelier from last week's post. I also heavily distressed the edges to bring out the great detailing on the frame.

I removed the glass since I wouldn't be using it and recovering the backing with burlap over a layer of cotton batting from the fabric store.

After it was recovered, I put the backing back in the frame without the glass so that the filler and fabric would create a pincushion effect. For some added glamour, I stuck a couple pearl-tipped pins in there to perch the earrings on {although you can easily stick the earrings straight in}.

This was actually my first item to sell at the Garage Sale we had on June 7th. I am so tickled someone loved it enough to snatch it up within the first few minutes of opening the garage door!

Now, I know what you're thinking... what about thrift store item No. 3? You will have to check back in for that post soon ;) And I truly hope you do because it might be my favorite find of all!

Happy Wednesday,

~Cate

This post was published under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Hi friends! In my last post I talked about our upcoming dining room overhaul. We're working on getting rid of {almost} everything and starting afresh.

While the process of selling what we have and accumulating what we'd like may take some time, the first step I've already checked off the list is giving our gallery wall a little face lift.

I love a good gallery wall. They're intimate, personal, whimsical and a wonderful statement of one's past and their hopes and dreams. They act as a large piece of art that sparks wonderful conversation. As I spent some time image browsing various gallery walls, I started pinpointing commonalities that appealed to me:

-Scattered frames as opposed to perfect, straight rows and columns.
-Gallery walls in spaces that are not too heavily decorated
-Monochromatic frames for a clean, crisp look
Here is our gallery wall before I tweaked it

And after a few coats of glossy white spray paint

This project was as easy as it was satisfying!

1. Take all the frames down and remove the photos/objects
2. Lay out a couple large pieces of cardboard outside and place the frames on top, face up
3. Thoroughly shake a can of high gloss white spray paint
4. Evenly spray each frame, including the insides and along the outer edges
5. Let dry
6. Replace all the photos/objects back into the frames
7. Hang and enjoy!

I know this isn't for everyone - but it's a great first step in getting our dining room headed in the right direction for us! Next up: painting under the chair rail, (after settling on a color, I'd say the hardest part is done)!

This may be my last post for a few weeks. It's time to take some time. I'll be stealing a small portion over the remainder of August to enjoy some time away with my family, and the rest to explore some new and exciting business opportunities which I look forward to sharing with you soon! And of course, I'll come back with a few fun projects that I'll finally have some time to complete!

Au revoir mon amis!

~Chelsea

This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.