Ladybug Lane

$3 Garage Sale Chair

2011-04-17T09:15:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Chairs: Back from the 80's

2011-04-15T08:32:00.001-07:00

Again, our kitchen table was left in our house by the previous owners. (this was their third home) So I had a great table with nice chairs but the chair pads were a lovely abstract 80's motif. Not wretched but not too appealing either.

Here's a close up since I know you're loving it. This was just regular upholstery type fabric.

The first step was to drive 4 hours to SAS fabrics and buy me some new bargain priced faux leather to work with. Well worth the trip. Next I unscrew the pads from the chairs, removed the old fabric and cut the new fabric using the old fabric as a guide.

Next I pulled out my 50 cent garage sale staple gun and stapled the new fabric right on there, making sure to do opposite sides first while gently pulling.

I chose this fabric for it's ability to wipe up easily after spills, neutral look, and affordable price. I think this project cost me around $15 total.

And there you go, updated and spill proof!

Now come on over and have seat.

Coming Soon

2011-04-14T10:11:00.002-07:00

A wooden storage chest makeover - for sale!

An ugly chair redo - for cheap

A decent title picture - hopefully

A laundry room redo - finally!

and spring vignettes

Mayan to Modern Nightstand

2011-04-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

I had the very good fortune of having several pieces of furniture left in my house when I purchased it. Though it wasn't my dream furniture, it sure saved us a lot of money to not have to go out and buy a whole house full of furniture.

My pre-owned Ikea bedroom furniture did happen to be a stained black color. In order to make the furniture match and extend the life of my home improvement cash pile, I just bought some minwax ebony stain and gave the old nightstands a new life.

Here's the piece in it's original condition.

Wrong color

oil rubbed bronze pulls

Mayan pyramid style feet at the bottom (not a real term)

So I began by sanding this sucker down. I learned from my first experience with the headboard that was also the same color that if you are going to be using stain you MUST sand it completely down to nothing but bare wood.

Then I knocked off the Mayan feet of course.

After giving her a good rub down to make sure she was free of dust I gave her a coat of ebony stain, wiped it off and let her dry. Then I bought a cheap old 4x4 and cut it into feet for her. This raised the piece up to a better height to reach from my bed and gave it a much more updated feel.

Then I brought her inside, cozied her up to the bed, added my $5 garage sale lamp, bought some brushed nickel drawer pulls that match the lamp, and there she is, my updated side table.

(Derek has a matching one of course)

The headboard was done the same way but I also stained the metal piece at the top to be black instead of rusty looking with the same stain!

Right color

matching drawer pulls

modern feet with much better height!

It's Back!

2011-04-14T09:41:00.002-07:00

So here we go, my blog is back!

So much has happened since I first started this blog, moving, finishing school, buying a house, having a baby, etc.

BUT I've missed creating things and posting online so I've decided to revive the old Ladybug Lane and give it another whirl.

Here's what I hope:

to bring fun ideas of how to spruce up your home and inspire you in your own homemaking endeavors

show you projects I do around my own home as I learn how to do them!

and

Feature items available for purchase

Here's what I secretly wish:

that I become a real.live.blogger who is followed by complete strangers from everywhere...

it's a dream that may take more time and skill than I have available for dedicating to sitting at the computer. So...we'll see. I figure it's braver and more real to just get it out there :)

"Joy" Wooden Box

2008-09-11T17:33:00.005-07:00

This painted wooden box has been sanded to look antqiued and has bows instead of handles.

It is the perfect decoration since it also functions as an organizer, what brings more joy than that?!

This box stands 5 inches tall and is 6 x6 inches wide.

$ 10.00

Wall Sconce

2008-08-27T13:38:00.005-07:00

Two adorable wall sconces perfect for jazzing up any wall space!
*SOLD*

Antique Doorknob Backplate

2008-07-10T11:03:00.007-07:00

Genuine Antique backplate Wall hanging

I just love the natural green aging and patina on this very old backplate7 1/4 by 5 1/4 inches

$12.00

Metal Dress Form

2008-07-09T15:54:00.006-07:00

Adorable black metal dress form is the perfect shabby chic accessoryGreat wall decoration that features 3 hooks - perfect for hanging flowers, organizing necklaces, and more! 19 inches tall one available $22.00

SALE $18.00 *Shipping is an extra $3.50*

Shabby Chic Urn

2008-07-09T15:41:00.008-07:00

Fabulous Shabby Chic Urn by Uttermost.
Perfect for holding potpouri or other colorful accents

I love this piece. It's quite heavy and so wonderfully ornate.

20 inches tall (glass and metal)
$27.00

*shipping is an additional $4.00 on this item*

Pineapple Welcome Signs

2008-07-09T15:13:00.007-07:00

Bring a little tropical into your home with this adorable cast iron welcome sign.
Hand painted raised design, very heavy, and ready to make you say aloha!

about 8 1/2 by 6 1/4 inches
SALE $8.00

Artwork/Note Clipboard

2008-06-08T18:51:00.007-07:00

Triple Clipboard Artwork/ Note holderA fun way to display art, hang notes, collect mail, etc!
4 x 18 inches

You'll love these deliciously bold and coordinating patterns!

$10.00

SALE $8.00

Mini Birdhouse

2008-06-02T16:24:00.007-07:00

Adorable Mini BirdhouseThis birdhouse would make a fabulous addition to any plant or flower arrangement. It is made of metal and has been covered with paper and stands 3 inches tall. (not including metal rod)

$6.00 one available.
I can take a request for alternate colors or for a duplicate.

Quilted Tulips

2008-06-02T15:07:00.008-07:00

Too cute TulipsSold together in a bunch for $13.00.

Or they can be purchased individually for $4.00 each.
Each flower is about 14 inches tall.

These four have been SOLD but more can be made by request or special orders can be placed
to include specific colors.

"Hi There" Cards

2008-05-30T14:11:00.006-07:00

"Hi There" CardsAll cards will have the same layout but each will vary in letter fonts and color. (as seen in picture below)

Cards are blank inside and are legal envelope size. 3 are available now, more can be made by request.
$4.00 each