Before and After Highlights 2011

Hi everyone! Yesterday I shared some projects (click HERE), today, I want to share some Before and Afters with you. Isn't it amazing when you look back at any given year, how much was accomplished without even realizing it? I want to start with a big B&A, my booth space. I know it's not furniture, etc...but it did undertake a major transformation that took just under two weeks to complete.

BEFORE:

Of course, my space doesn't look like this anymore....Most of the furniture and lamps are gone and I've added a few new furniture pieces (you'll see below). I'm excited to start setting for Spring (YAY!) and of course I'll bring you along with me. :)

AFTER:

Booth Space

Back on the homestead, an over sized painting transformed into a chalkboard. Logan is really the benefactor of this project, but it fills a really awkward and small wall for me. ;)
BEFORE:

AFTER:

Blackboard Painting

I found this chandy for a steal and it received a black paint job. It now makes a statement in the master bedroom.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

Master Bedroom Chandy

Another Lamp project, this one was featured on thenest.com (Thanks!), an ordinary lamp received some added bulk with the assistance of driftwood that I collected along a lake.
BEFORE:



AFTER:




Driftwood Lamp

For my booth space, I found a decrepit drop-leaf table and experienced my first refinishing project (vs. just painting). It was a great small project to start with, and I will consider refinishing before painting from now on.


BEFORE:



AFTER:


Drop-Leaf Table


This hutch is at my booth space as well, a very large piece. This project was major for me, a even shed a few tears, I was so frustrated, but I finished it.

BEFORE TOP:

BEFORE BOTTOM:

AFTER:

An over sized chest of drawers got an overhaul and a paint job. It offers a lot of storage in the master bedroom.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

AFTER DETAIL:

Chain Link Dresser

I finally found some dining chairs and updated them with paint and fabric.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Dining Chair Reveal

Finally, one of the biggest undertaking to date (save the booth space) the kitchen facelift. Oak cabinets from 1990, updated with paint and bold black and white combination. While it raised a few virtual eyebrows, it really works for our family and I love it.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Kitchen Facelift

Here's to a productive 2012!! Thanks for stopping by!

Joining Rhoda

Need a design boost? For advice and guidance on style, contact me!

A Look Ahead At 2011

Hey, hey, it's 1.1.11! It is hard to believe, 2010 is gone! We spent a quiet evening at home watching the ball drop at Time Square on TV and drinking wassail. I'm astounded that Dick Clark is still doing the countdown, although I could have lived without seeing he and his wife make out on live TV. But that's just me.

Anyway.....It's here, the New Year, and I am ready.

I'm not usually a resolution kind of gal, never have been, I usually have the thought process: "Why create a list? So I can see exactly what I didn't do this year?" but as 2010 was a different year for me, especially the last half... 2011 is going to be a year that I take life by the horns (is that too cheesy?) and you know what that means, right? Yep, a list, a plan if you will. It's necessary. And really I have tried to retrain my brain to think differently, resolutions or plans can be anything you want them to be, and they don't have to all be done in order (unless they need to be), or even get them done by this time next year, but the important thing is that you (me) tried!! I'm feeling motivated and this is the year that I shake off the fear, put myself out there, and pick myself up if and when I fall down.

I was reading and stumbled upon a great article about finding a meaningful word that would encompass what you'd like to see happen in 2011. Check it out for yourself here. I thought it was a great idea so my word for 2011 is BEGIN

So here's the plan!

Sponsorship Program

I want to start a Sponsorship program. In the next 2 weeks you will see a new tab under the categories list on my side bar that you'll be able to read in depth. But for now, as a general description, I would love to take on sponsors that want to promote their Etsy shops, Blogs, or Websites. Basically if you are an artist on any level, I would love to work with you.

E-Book

I want to create an e-book and I'm really excited about this one. What I want the book to include is how to create a look you love with: tips on hanging artwork, accessorizing, DIY projects, and of course how to do it all without breaking the bank. I am looking forward to this, I've been thinking about it for a while and I'm am just going to go for it! Other ideas for e-books: Tablescape Inspiration and Floral Design. Together or separate, I'm not sure yet. It will all be new and fresh ideas that you've never seen here before, and I can't wait to get started!

Kitchen Makeover

A Kitchen Makeover. This has been a long time coming. I can't handle the Oak cabinets any longer. So I will be doing a kitchen overhaul including painting the cabinets, walls, chandy makeover, and other DIY projects, and you all are going to go through it with me! Prepare yourself for a glimpse into the real life of a kitchen re-do. Luckily it's a small kitchen and even though I would love to gut it and start over, I can't. So this will be a journey of taking what you have and working with it, making it your own, when a total reno is out of the question. We'll see how long the journey will be. Yikes!

Etsy

Stocking my Etsy Shop with Spring and Summer wreaths, swags and wall pockets. I really want to thank you for the support I received in the last six months. I can't wait to get started on the new season!

Chair Slipcover

I want to make a slipcover for the chair in the living room. Random I know, but it's on the list, unless I find fabric that I'm in love with before then. If I do, it will be an upholstery project, but I want to do a slipcover for it now. It is really filthy and no amount of cleaning is helping it. Let's just say teen aged boys and velvet is not a good combination! It was the last straw when Daisy the beagle is sitting in the chair and was licking the arm, like it was a piece of candy or something. Something must be done. Sewing projects and I don't always get along, so I'll be scouring the web for tutes.

Master Bedroom

It's been started for a year. This year it will be completed.

More on the streamlining the blog, I would love to get your input. If you wouldn't mind throwing in your 2 cents by taking the poll at the top of my side bar. Basically, I would like to know what you would like to see more of here at Sweet Something Design. Thank you in advance for taking the time, I appreciate it!

I would also like to take a moment and spotlight my top ten referers. These ladies are extremely talented and I would like to thank them!

Between Naps on the Porch

Under the Table and Dreaming

The Nesting Place

It's The Little Things That Make A House A Home

Savvy Southern Style

The CSI Project

Just A Girl

Tatertots and Jello

The Inspired Room

Thrifty Decor Chick

Thank you to all these ladies!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll join me as I tackle these projects! Maybe you'll be inspired to tackle a few of your own and get some things done! Let's BEGIN!