Decorated Garden Sheds- Magical Outdoor Spaces

I want a garden shed. Not any old garden shed, mind you, but a beautiful outdoor space that I can decorate to give my back yard more charm and character. I've been kind of obsessed with idea ever since seeing the post of Lauren's shed at Pure Style Home. 

Isn't this a beautiful outdoor space!

I got an email from Costco about the shed they have for sale on their website. I would love to put this in my back yard and have a little fun with it. It is currently $300.00 off right now. Humm....

They actually have quite a few sheds that I could have fun with. Here's the link to check them out. Costco Sheds 

I have done a little searching on the internet to find some other totally cool decorated sheds. I found these designer decorated sheds on the Berkshire Botanical Gardens web site. Here's the gallery file.

I found this cute garden shed at A Storybook Life blog.

  

I even found a whole blog dedicated to garden sheds called Garden Shed Hall of Fame. Check out this shed from the blog.

Here's a link to a picture gallery of a few Cleveland area sheds. I think this rustic shed is adorable.

 

I have found out that there are many out there in internet land who share my obsession. Here's a post at A Whimsical Bohemian. Here's a cute yellow shed on her blog post.

 

Any other sheds that I must see? Comment and let me know about them. Heck, just comment and let me know if you share my love of garden sheds!

Susie

Outdoor Metal Bench Makeover

Hi Everyone! I promised the second part to my entry makeover. I showed the table redo yesterday. Here's a reminder of what I started with. This sad metal bench was just too modern for my current taste. I loved that the size was just perfect for the space. I had also priced out new benches and they were really expensive. I just couldn't justify spending the money in this economy.

I wanted to give the bench a more feminine feel than it had. Here's the supplies I used to accomplish the transformation:

Wire Brush

Sand Paper

Gorilla Glue or Other Appropriate Glue

Wooden Appliqués from Home Store

Spray Primer (I used a rust blocking primer for metal)

Spray Paint of Your Color Choice (I used Valspar Porcelain Indoor/Exterior Satin Paint)

Clean Rags

Glazing Liquid (I used Valspar premixed mocha glaze)

Clear, Flat Finish Sealer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Here are the steps I took to complete this look:
1. Wipe down bench with lightly damp cloth.
2. Use wire brush to remove loose paint or finish if any.
3. Sand and smooth any edges where paint has loosened.
4. Wipe away any sanding residue to start with a clean, clear surface.

The "old" bench had metal cut outs on the back. I didn't like that look and wanted to change this. Notice the cut out detail in the above photo. To change this look and to give the bench more detail, I added wooden appliques. Here is what the bench looked like after I glued on the appliques.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Glue on wooden appliqués with Gorilla Glue or other appropriate glue. Clamp if necessary and let dry. Wipe away any excess glue that may squeeze out before glue dries.
6. Spray on primer coat and let dry.
7. Lightly sand to ensure a smooth finish if necessary. Wipe away residue before going to next step.
8. Spray on paint color of your choice. If a second coat is needed, you may choose to lightly sand with a fine sand paper between coats for a really nice finish. Be sure to wipe away sanding residue before applying second coat. Let dry.

9. Pour small amount of glazing liquid onto a clean rag and wipe over surface. Wipe away excess glaze with another rag. Apply and wipe away glazing liquid until you have achieved the desired look. Let dry thoroughly.

10. Spray with a flat finish clear coat to protect the piece.

Here's the bench after the redo. What do you think? I love how it turned out and the price was certainly right!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notice all the over spray from the spray paint. I didn't realize how bad the over spray was until I cleaned up. Fortunately, there is a solution for this problem. There is a wonder product called Goof Off 2 that removes dried on latex paint. I put some Goof Off 2 in a container, put on rubber gloves, and scrubbed away with a scrub brush. I then rinsed off my entry floor. I still need to get some more and finish the job, but it made a world of difference!
 
All I had to do to complete the look was to add the new cushion and pillows. Here's what it looks like with some color added.

I also found some very inexpensive art at the same big box discount retailer. Since it will hang in a covered entry I thought I would buy it. It looks like it was made for this set even though it isn't.

I also have a metal console/planter in my outdoor entry. I am planning to paint  and glaze this to match the bench and table. I'll stencil the tiles to match the table top.

I'd like to find a small outdoor rug to finish off the space. A new entry mat would look nice too. I have been wanting to paint my front door and refinish the hardware. Oh boy, the projects just keep on coming. 

 
I'd love to hear what you think about this project! BTW, a reporter and photographer from the major Phoenix newspaper, the Arizona Republic, came to my home and interviewed me today. They will be featuring me in an article about DIY home projects. This bench and table set will be shown as well as my Dollar Store Dog Biscuit Frame. I will post the link to the article when it is published. It probably won't be until September though. The good news about the newspaper visit is that my home hasn't been this tidy in a long time. It was scary clean, except for our home office where I stashed everything. Now all of my mess is in one place more or less and will be easier to tackle. Ha Ha Ha, even I'm laughing at that statement!
 
Susie

I'm linking to these parties:
Anti-Procrastination Tuesdays at New Nostalgia
Practice Hospitality at Southern Fried Dreams
Trash to Treasure Tuesday at Reinvented
Toot Your Horn Tuesday at A Silly Little Sparrow
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
It's So Very Creative at It's So Very Cheri

Just A Girl Silhouette Giveaway!

I have been seeing all the interesting ways to use this incredible machine and have been thinking that maybe I need one. Take a look at the Silhouette web site and all the crazy fun things I could do with it.

Here's a picture of the machine:

Check out the Just a Girl Silhouette Giveaway post. I'm sure you would love to have one too!

Jeffan at HauteLook

I thought I would send out an FYI. HauteLook has Jeffan furniture and accessories on sale today for up to 75% off. I don't buy everything second hand, but I do love a great bargain. Here's a few items that caught my eye.

Your personal invitation link is: HauteLook

Outdoor Entry Side Table Redo

I'm very lucky to have a large covered entry way as part of my Arizona home. I bought an inexpensive bench and side table set when we first moved into the home. The bench was starting to show a lot of wear and tear. The black painted finish was starting to peel and the metal was lightly rusted in several places. I looked into replacing the bench, but when I started pricing them out I decided that maybe I could redo the set and make it work. On the next post I will show the bench makeover, but for now I will show how I the companion side table turned out.

Here is what I started with. Definitely in need of a face lift.

I washed and then primed the table with spray primer.

I then spray painted the table a nice off-white color.

Then I rubbed the whole table with a little mocha glaze.

I bought a cute new bench cushion and coordinating pillows so I decided to stencil the table top with some burgundy paint to go with. I then added another light coat of glaze over the stencilled design. Last, I added a clear sealer coat for protection. Here's the final result. 

I think it turned out cute. I love the fact that it looks nothing like the old table. I can't wait to show you the bench redo. I finished the bench too late to take pictures in the daylight. I will take pictures tomorrow and then add the bench and cushion for final pictures. I'd love to hear what you think.

Linking to these parties:
Making the World Cuter Mondays at Making the World Cuter
Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Project Parade at The DIY Show Off
Practice Hospitality Mondays at Southern Fried Dreams
Motivate Me Monday at Keeping it Simple
Anti-Procrastination Tuesdays at New Nostalgia
Trash to Treasure Tuesday at Reinvented
Toot Your Horn Tuesday at A Silly Little Sparrow
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
It's So Very Creative at It's So Very Cheri

Dollar Store Dog Biscuit Frame

I loved Decor Chick's Easy Wall Art posting and was inspired to create my own variation. I created a picture frame for my dog's picture. If you want to create your own, here is what you will need.

Larger Dollar Store Frame (mine was a 10” X 10”)

Smaller Dollar Store Frame (make sure you have space for decorative items when smaller frame is laid over larger frame)4” X 4” opening

Burlap material or Brown Kraft Paper

Duct Tape

Hot Glue and Glue Sticks

Glue

Picture of Choice Cut to Fit Smaller Frame

Colorful Dog Biscuits (or objects of choice)

Optional:

Clear, Flat Finish Sealer for Dog Biscuits

Spray Paint to Unify Frame Color if You Can’t Find Matching Frames

1. Any shape will work for the frames. Just make sure you have an adequate border for gluing you decorative items.

2. Fit picture of choice in smaller frame. Make sure you clean inside and outside of glass. Tip: There is usually a paper template in the picture frame that you can trace around to make sure the picture is cut exactly to size

3. Take off back of larger frame and discard glass.

4. Wrap burlap around cardboard filler of larger frame. Be sure to make sure that burlap is lined up straight. Use duct tape to secure burlap to cardboard filler. Replace burlap wrapped cardboard filler into larger frame.

5. Hot glue smaller frame centered on burlap of the larger frame.

6. (Optional) Spray dog biscuits with a clear, flat finish sealer.

7. Glue or hot glue dog biscuits to frame

If you cannot find frames with a matching finish at the dollar store, buy a cheap can of spray paint and spray frames prior to assembly.
 
There are so many variations that a crafter can do to personalize this project. Here are a few examples:
• Do you have a great picture of your family at the beach? Use a beach picture and glue sea shells to the burlap like Decor Chick did.

• Have a memorable trip to Vegas? Glue dice to the burlap.

• For a kids room you could glue small toys, etc. to the outside border.

• Do you have some loose interesting buttons that you don’t know what to do with? Glue those to the frame border.

• You can also use a brown kraft paper or wrapping paper or wallpaper remnants instead of burlap to create your own unique look.

This is a picture of my cute lab, Roxy. I am going to make one more for my beagle mix, Violet. Have fun with this idea and send me your pictures with what you create so I can post them! Thanks!

I've linked up with the following link parties:
Flaunt It Friday at Chic on a Shoe String Decorating
Frugalicious Friday at Decor Mamma
Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge
Look at Me I'm So Crafty at Fun to Craft
It's a Hodgepodge Friday at It's a Hodgepodge Life
Friday Fun Finds at Kojo Designs
Fab Friday at Frugal & Fabulous Design
Check Me Out Saturday at A Vision to Remember
Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
Saturday is Crafty Day at Along For the Ride
Saturday Soiree at A Little Lovely
Sundae Scoop at I Heart Naptime
The Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming
Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots and Jello
Follow Friday 40 and Older at Never Growing Old
New Friend Fridays at The Girl Creative
DIY Project Parade at DIY Show Off
Sharing Time at Raising Memories
Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative
Making the World Cuter Mondays at Making the World Cuter
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Motivate Me Monday at Keeping it Simple
Anti-Procrastination Tuesdays at New Nostalgia
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
It's So Very Creative at It's So Very Cheri

Lovin' Me Some Lucite!

I've always been a big fan of lucite and acrylic furniture and yet I don't have a piece in my home- yet. I have thought about how I could work in one of Starck's Louis ghost chairs since I've always love this look. Maybe these would work great for my breakfast area. They would certainly clean up easily.

I think Starck's Mi Ming chair is pretty fun too. It comes with either this silver or a red accent.

While I was doing some internet browsing, these new Pasha lounge chairs from Espacio caught my eye. I just love traditional chairs done in a fun, modern way.

 

This Oddball chair from Unica Home is fun, but way too pricey for average folk like me.

This is a lucite cocktail table from Acrylic Innovations that I think looks perfectly at home in this traditional living space.

 

Surely I could find room in my home for these nesting tables from Delcraft Acrylics. I've seen many knockoffs of these lovely tables.

 

I think this illusion table by John Brauer is quite cool and very original, but it doesn't fit into my decorating decor.

Something a little more my style is this scalloped cocktail table from The Paris Apartment.

Acrylic and lucite furniture is becoming more affordable since knockoffs are everywhere. I found this Adair coffee table at Overstock which is a knockoff of the Magino coffee table that Design Within Reach sells.

I also found this really cool Clear Ultra-modern Office Chair at Overstock to inject a great vibe in your working space at a really great price.

If you're looking for something really fun and funky, check out this hanging bubble chair from Regency Shop which is a knockoff of the Eero Aarnio Bubble Chair at a price more people could afford.

This chair can be used indoors or out. How fun would this be to have this hanging on your porch? Are you inspired to check out some acrylic or lucite furniture pieces for your home?

One Kings Lane Sales Today

I've been MIA since Friday because I went home to my high school reunion. I had the time of my life and am just now catching up on my sleep. 

I love One Kings Lane and the variety of great sales that they have on home products. I have purchased so many great items at nicely reduced sales prices. Here are a few things I recently had delivered through UPS. I love this butterfly dessert set that came while I was out of town.

Here's a picture of my adorable dog food canister that I recently bought that is from the Harry Barker company. I bought the large one since I always buy the largest bag of dry dog food that my vet sells. It came with a handy scoop.

Today they have some great sales going on. I love this pearl enamel bowl from simplydesignz.

I also liked a number of things from the Currey and Company sale. This antiqued mirror coffee table caught my eye.

If you are not familiar with One Kings Lane go check them out. They have an easy registration process and then notify you of all their upcoming sales. Tastemaker Tag Sales are always on Saturday where you can find some unique one of a kind items. Let me know what caught your eye at One Kings Lane!