One Big Party...

 Have you ever had one of those days that nothing seemed to go how you wanted it to? Well my day has turned into the last week. It seems that every time I turned around something else was giving me a problem or my time for things I wanted to get done had to go to something else. The reason I am sharing this, is I had every intention to have this post put together and lots of projects finished to share! I did accomplish some of the things that I wanted to do, so I am joining in on some blogger parties.

You know I am definitely a DIY kind of girl and Kimba at A Soft Place to Land is having a DIY party every Thursday during the summer. I also love hunting for a thrifty find and transforming them, so I am joining the fun at Thrifty Thursday at Bloggeritaville and The Shabby Chic Cottage for Transformation Thursday. Make sure to stop by and see all the great thrifty finds, transformations and DIY's they have on their blogs as well!

I went to some of my favorite stores a couple of weeks ago and of course found some great thrifty finds! I knew though that some of them were going to be transformed and become something I love.

I actually hadn't been in Ross in awhile, which is even hard for me to believe. Having withdrawals, I took a break from all the kids and told Mr. Wonderful I was headed to Ross for a couple of hours and wasn't sure what I was going to find. He kissed me and said his famous words, "You know what is in our budget." I smiled and drove happily on my way to de-stress and find something I didn't know I was needing. Here are the things I came home with...

Coral that I paid $4 for, a tray for $2.99 ( another DIY project in mind, show on another post), Cheese markers $2 (great for dinner parties) a pretty pitcher for $5, normally $12, I found 2 shadow boxes for $4.49 (a great deal being that they normally were $24.99 each!) and one of my favorites a cute bird cage. I knew some of these were going to have makeovers. The coral, tray, birdcage and the 2 shadow boxes were getting new looks! Over all I had a good time looking through each aisle trying to find my treasures.

I decided to start the transformation with the shadow boxes. I'm glad I could see beyond what it looked like and was able to see a vision of what it was to become. This ended up being a great new look and fun DIY project.

Here's the before...

and here is the transformation...

I think they turned out great!

I used white spray paint for $1 each and distressed the frames to give a worn and weathered look. I bought some scrapbook paper for a couple of dollars that had texture to add another layer of interest to the picture. I then decided it needed still another detail and added the jute around the edge of the white paper. Hot glued the starfish on that I already had and put the box together. I really love how it looks in the downstairs bathroom.

I bought this shelf a year ago at Ross.
It was a creamy yellow so I painted and distressed it.

This is my other favorite find that transformed, the very cute birdcage. The price was a little more than I would have liked, but going with one of my decorating rules, "Only buy it if you love it"...and I love it! So I paid $10, the original price was $25. I still got a great deal! Here is the makeover with a little spray paint magic.

Going for my "Whimsy French Cottage" look...a lot of white!

I ended up going to Hancock once I was done at Ross. I was so happy to see all their linen on sale! 50% off, so I grabbed some of the colors I have been eyeing for another DIY project and walked out paying only $16 for 5 yards!

Love all these colors!

Can't wait to show you all what I have in mind for them...

Thanks for stopping by and visiting! It has been fun sharing my thrifty finds, transformations and DIY project with you all! I look forward to showing you lots more. Also, don't forget about the Giveaway going on!! Have a great weekend!

Hugs to you,