Just Jen

Kids' Folding Chairs Makeover

Last weekend I hit Canton with a dear old friend for some much needed catch-up time. We definitely found more than a few treasures (necessitating a trip to the car to unload midday), but my favorite find has to be these kid-sized folding chairs. They were a happy sun-faded yellow, but in much need of a makeover. I paid $9 for the pair (score!), so that left some room in the budget to splurge on some fun vinyl fabric to cover them with. A little happy green spray paint, and they are better than new!

Cute Wreath Roundup

I'll admit, wreaths aren't usually my thing. They tend to be a little too "country" for my taste. But these are a few I certainly wouldn't mind hanging that I've come across on my Pinterest travels. I especially love this paper rose wreath!

via the Brassy Apple - includes link to tutorial

via Kiki Creates

via the long thread - includes tutorial

via comeandknock on Etsy

via today's nest

Tall as a giraffe

Yesterday the boys and I took advantage of the warm sunny afternoon and headed over to downtown McKinney. I ducked into one of my favorite shops, Ambrosia, and headed straight for their little baby section. I found this adorable board book that folds out into a growth chart.

I've been on the hunt for a growth chart for a while now. I love that this one folds up into a book, which will make it much easier to store as a keepsake when it's no longer on the wall. If you can't make it over to McKinney (and you should!), you can find it online here.

 

Mouse in the House

I've been eyeing this print for a while now. I think it would look so perfect above the baby's crib. It was made from one of Famille Summerbelle's lovely paper cuts. Such intricate work, and there's actually a little mouse hiding in there somewhere!

I've long been a fan of their work - ever since I first laid eyes on her incredible paper cut world map.

Schoolhouse Electric

I recently discovered Schoolhouse Electric and instantly fell in love. I've always wanted an old house - one with character, charm and timeless style.

These light fixtures would go perfectly in my "someday" old house. They're made by hand the old fashioned way right here in the USA - the way things should be.

Some are exact reproductions of period lighting styles, and others are their own modern interpretations. All are lovely and would be a welcome addition to any home - especially mine!

Mum's the word

We've had a couple of days of cooler weather, and it's put me in the mood for fall. Nothing says fall like mums. If you have a hard time keeping the real ones alive, try the new Mum Wreath Kit from Paper Source instead. It's just as lovely and impressive as the real thing and will last a lot longer!

Airing Some Dirty Laundry

If my laundry room looked like this, I might actually want to do some laundry instead of letting it pile up everywhere. Just sayin'.

Image via Better Homes and Gardens 

Playing House

If I could start from scratch in a brand new old (preferably built before 1960) house, THIS is how I would decorate it:

 

Images from Better Homes and Gardens. For more inspiration, click here.

Map It Out

I often dream of traveling the world, but for now it looks like my feet are planted firmly on Texas soil. This map, available at You and Me the Royal We, is perfect for the adventurer (or the dreamer, like me) whose goal is "total global domination." This hand drawn map comes with black pins to mark the places you've been, one red pin for home base and a blue pin to mark your next destination.  So fun!

I am also loving this paper cut by Famille Summerbelle. It was cut by hand from a single piece of paper. The detail is just amazing. You can pick up a print in her online shop and check out all of her other amazing paper cuts here. 

This is a craft I've been wanting to try out, so I'll definitely be on the hunt for a good how-to book!

    

Nature Walk

It's that in-between time here in Texas when the plants are starting to sprout little leaves and berries in spite of the fact that we probably have another freeze or two on the way before spring. Oh, but it certainly felt like spring today! Perfect temperature somewhere in the 70's, cool breeze, and a sunny blue sky filled with big white fluffy clouds. We threw open all the windows to air out the house. I just love all the sounds that float in - the tinkling of neighbors' windchimes, kids whizzing by on their bikes and skateboards. I couldn't bear to waste the whole day inside, so I pried my husband from the computer long enough to take a little walk. I collected a few twigs and berries as we walked, (ok, so I had a pretty good armful), and when we got home I arranged them in vases. It's such an easy and inexpensive way to make a big impact in a room. I put them in my bathroom and bedroom, where I'll see them often and be reminded that spring indeed is on the way, even though I'll probably be back in a coat and gloves next week.