Monday, December 31, 2012

Article Shmarticle


What's in an article, as in the part of speech?  Is there a big difference between a and the?  These are questions I ponder as I prepare to open an etsy shop this week.  The name Beyond The Picket Fence is taken and although I think it is silly, etsy does not allow shops with more than one name, but I have Beyond A Picket Fence reserved.  I have been Beyond THE Picket Fence for twelve plus years, but only locally...well and internationally on my blog. 

So my question is this: Do you think an article is a big deal?  Should I change my blog name?  Can I have the shop name Beyond The Picket Fence with the user name Beyond A Picket Fence?  While you ponder and hopefully help answer those questions, let me show you some of the things I will be putting in my etsy shop.  Items such as:
wood serving trays
and boxes,
candlesticks,
and signs,
coat hooks and more!

I am accepting any other etsy advice--thank you so much!!


Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sunday Verses

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Trends

2013 is upon us and what that usually means for most is a fresh start, a whole new year filled with possibilities and new adventures.  And in thinking to the new year and my business, I wonder about what trends will be popular in home decor as that is my business.  Now keep in mind that I live in Montana and we are not usually the first to jump on  the trend bandwagon and junkers do the trends in a different way.  But, I do think it is important to stay current, to introduce new ideas to my customers, and to be aware as to what is trending.  I like to switch things up in my own home and in what I create, and let's face it, it is necessary to change things and stay somewhat current or else we would all still have homes that look like this:
This is my family circa 1978--love the wallpaper mom!

In "researching" this, aka perusing cyberspace, I found many different ideas as to what will be trendy in 2013.  Some common things I found over and over were:
Animal prints, not as in zebra or cheetah, but as in cute dogs and elephants on fabric. I think this will be fun to recreate in paint on furniture!
Color--apparently there are no big color trends, and certainly no agreement on what the popular colors may be, but neon appears to be on the way out, lots of soft or gold yellows, neutrals, with softer colors added.  Blue will be popular, as almost a neutral.  I like these softer colors, but it will be a change for me.  Oh how I do love my bright turquoise.
Plascon colour trends 2013, latest decor trends, the roommate, 5rooms.com  
 Stripes are supposedly going to be popular in both clothing and decor--time to buy more painter's tape!
 
 Wallpaper in bold patterns is suppose to be hot--I won't go there in my home, too hard to remove.  But, I will use some on furniture pieces, on the backs of cabinets and such.
deco 2 
Reclaimed wood and wood furniture is trending--yeah, I have that one covered.  Apparently, shiny metals mixed in with the wood will be hot so I will need to add some metal touches to my pieces.  And speaking of metal--brass is back--oh noo, we have painted all of our brass things.
Pallet Storage Bench/Coffee Table Tutorial
Repurposing and using natural materials and nature inspired motiffs and shapes.
 
Painted vintage furniture--yep, got this covered too.
love the teal 
So, which trends are you excited about or do you think you will try?  Which trends are out the door?  In my opinion, and I have said this before but I know, I continue to feature it, but burlap, at least for furniture and pillows, Union Jack, books as decor (I use a lot of books!), overly bright colors.  Only time will tell.  What won't go out of style?  Comfortable homes that are made for families, homes that invite and are used and lived in!


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Under $100 Linky Party--Favorite Things Edition

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas.  We had a very nice time with family--relaxing and fun!  It was a white one here with a balmy 5 degrees on Christmas day.  I love it, winter is still good at this time of the year.  Talk to me in March, I won't be thinking it is so great.

I am ready to work on some new projects and have some fun things in mind.  At this time of year I always like to review and share a few of my favorite things from this past year.  So, if it is okay with you (and even if you aren't I am going to do it ;)), I am going to feature a few of my favorite projects from this past year.  You are welcome to link up a new under $100 idea OR your favorite under $100 idea from 2012!  I can't wait to see what you share!

This rolling storage cart/side table has been shared so many times in Pinterest--it was fun to put together, I really need to make another!
This was the year of the pallet for me and this island was the favorite thing I made out of pallets.
This organizational bin and coat hook was not only easy to create, but a popular item as well.
The finish on this pallet bookshelf was a surprise to me, but I have been able to recreate it many times--and it makes me smile each time I do.
And finally--I loved coming up with this little flexible flyer side table--so many uses!

I look forward to seeing your favorites from this past year!!
Please remember to read through the guidelines before linking up!  Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!
2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.
4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.
5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.
6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Ticky Tacky

Have a last minute Christmas party to attend?  How about whipping out a tacky sweater to add a little fun and laughs.  I showed you this one I made for hubby a few years ago:
My daughter wanted one to wear to her school Christmas party so after a quick trip to Goodwill for some cheap and tacky items, I made this one for her.
Put a little fun into these last few days before Christmas!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Under $100 Linky Party

Oops--I forgot, sorry :(.  In my defense, I was planning on finishing up all of my Christmas stuff today, but then I had to work at the antique shop for a coworker who is sick.  So after working all day, I went shopping, came home to make a tacky Christmas sweater for my daughter and help my son make creme brulee for French class.  It is baking now.  Let's look at some great links from last week:
This would be nice to wake up to every morning from Southerm Chic Love
Ranch pretzels from Hearts and Crafts Boutique
Still wrapping? Try this Anthro inspired idea from Homemade Ginger
Fun stockings from Smallgood Hearth
Kammy's Korner's sweet table redo.
I spy travel game from Mae Armstrong Designs
I Spy Travel Game2

Looking forward to your links! Please remember to read through the guidelines before linking up!  Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!
2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.
4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.
5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.
6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Last Minute Gifts

Need some last minute gift ideas?  Here are few ideas from past posts (forgive the bad pictures--it is fun to see I have gotten better at that!):
 
 
 
What last minute gifts are you making?  Off to work on a few of my own!

Friday, December 14, 2012

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel


I heard this song earlier this week and I started crying.  It made me think how long the Israelites waited for a Savior and made me sad to think how many people are waiting today.  Waiting for something, someone, for hope, for love, for peace amongst the storms of life. After today's tragedy, I had to share this song and share that you do not need to wait any longer.  Jesus came as a baby and died as a Savior for us, for you. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Under $100 Linky Party

I am sitting here this morning preparing this post, watching snow fall, enjoying the warmth of a peppermint mocha next to the glowing lights of the Christmas tree.  I love mornings like this--peaceful, slow, reflective.  Soon I will be hustling around, working on special orders, Christmas gifts, and other activities.  But, for now I will enjoy the quiet with you and some of your amazing work:
Gorgeous gun cabinet redo from Freddy and Petunia
before and after---gun cabinet to silver cabinet!
Cute cupboard door from Restyled Junk

Inspired Nesting's trio of wreathes

Pallet art from Silo Hill Farm

Cute Christmas clip from Mellywood's Mansion

Love, Pomegranate House's chalkboard printables

Sweet Boutique's candy--oh my!


Looking forward to your links! Please remember to read through the guidelines before linking up!  Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!

Under $100 Linky Guidelines:

1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!
2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.
4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.
5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.
6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate.






Tuesday, December 11, 2012

School District #42

Kids love having their own desk or work table.  This cute one has a great vintage vibe and easy to personalize for a special Christmas gift! 
My daughter had used this little unfinished table when she was younger (yes, I never painted it--the cobbler's children never have new shoes).  She had scribbled on it--I also had this old metal and wood school chair.  You can get unfinished kid's tables and chairs at craft stores and our thirft stores often have them.
 I painted them in Annie Sloan paint, Provence and Emperor's silk.
I decided they need a number to tie the two separate pieces together and to add a little detail.   I labeled the set as school district #42 desk and chair. I hand painted this, but you can use stencils.
Sometimes simple is best.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Wastebasket No. 5

Sort of has the same ring as Chanel No. 5, right? Ok, well maybe not, but I knew when I spotted this giant, homemade wastebasket at Goodwill that it had potential.  It was made out of glossy paneling and in the past I would have left it and its $2 price tag behind.  But, I knew a quick transformation  with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint was possible.
A little Old Ochre,
some distressing with a wet cloth and some wax, and a number 5 painted on was all it needed to make a great storage piece. 
It has signs in it I painted on old pickets, but has so many possibilities.  What would you store in it?