Building an Art Collection on a Budget

buildanartcollection Building an Art Collection on a Budget

Herbert Vogel, who passed away last year at the age of 89, was a retired postal clerk from New York. To all intents, along with his librarian wife Dorothy, Herbert lived a normal life. However, together, they were one of the most fascinating and unassuming art collectors the world has ever known.

From the early sixties onwards, they brought together over 4,700 works of art, which they stored in their humble one-bedroom apartment. It was a passionate endeavour, one that they managed to enjoy on their modest incomes.

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Getting Organized with ClosetMaid

closetmaidshelf2 555 x 740 Getting Organized with ClosetMaid

I am a bit of a messy person.  I may or may not have mentioned this before, I really can’t remember.  Anyway, my mess issues are three or four-fold.  I’m a bit of a packrat, you see.  I can’t bear to throw anything away, always believing that it’s going to be the perfect item I need for some project.  Well, that’s not totally true.  I throw lots of stuff away, but if I deem it has value, it has to stay FOREVER

I am always in the midst of a project – or ten – and I have half projects sitting all over.  I tend to do projects assembly line rather than one from start to finish.  Since it’s a beautiful day I might as well paint everything I ever thought about making all at once.  Or I might was well glue everything since I have it out. 

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How To Make a Lacy Glitter Picture Frame

lacyglitterframe How To Make a Lacy Glitter Picture Frame

 

I’m always looking for DIY or craft projects that pack a lot of bang for their buck.  I do this for a few reasons.  While I like pretty things and cute projects, if I’m going to put my time, money, and effort into a project, I want it to be useful and memorable.  I want someone to say “you MADE that?!?!”  rather than “oh, yeah, she made that. *rolls eyes*”

I think that this lacy frame fits the bill.  This is a great gift for the engaged couple, goes fabulously in a shabby chic environment, and, depending upon the colors and pattern you used, could really fit into any décor.

Materials Needed

Frame – I used an unfinished wood frame from Joann’s. 
Glitter – I used Azurite from Martha Stewart Crafts
Lace fabric – I bought ¼ yard and used just a small piece of it.
Paint – I used spray paint.  You can easily use acrylic paint.
Spray Adhesive
Spray Sealer

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How To Make A Glitter Switch Plate – A Tutorial

chunkyglitterswitchplates 550 x 413 How To Make A Glitter Switch Plate   A Tutorial

 

I love all things that are sparkly or glittery.  I’m not sure why, but glitter and sparkle just calls to me like a beacon.  When I saw a switch plate that had rows of crystals on it, I thought to myself  “Couldn’t you do that with glitter?” 

You will need:

Switch plate
Glitter
Mod Podge or other clear drying glue
Spray Sealer.  I used Krylon Triple Thick Clear. 

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Fun Hallmark Halloween Decor

standupwitchcard 550 x 413 Fun Hallmark Halloween Decor

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, if not my very favorite.  I love seeing all the kids dressed up in their adorable costumes.  They’re so thrilled to be all dressed up.  The local stores are filled with candy.   Mmmm….candy. And have you seen   all the decorations that people put up?  I mean, it’s almost as good as Christmas! 

Have you seen the Hallmark Halloween decorations this year?  Hallmark has really come through!  Granted, they always seem to have awesomely fun items for every season, but these Hallmark Halloween decorations really take the cake. 

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Hallmark Halloween Decorations Giveaway – US

spooktacularhop250 Hallmark Halloween Decorations Giveaway   US

Welcome to the "Have a Spooktacular Halloween" Giveaway Hop! Brought to you by Super Events Media & Social Marketing Mom! This event runs through  October 24th. All of the participating blogs have fun fall related prizes with a value over $25! This super cool giveaway hop is hosted by Full Price? Never! & MyCraftyLife!

 

Here at How Was Your Day?, we have partnered with Hallmark to provide a super awesome pack of really fun Halloween decorations.  This super fun pack includes an animated My Pet Ghost in a Jar, a Giant Witch Greeting Card that can double as decor, and a Witch's Hat Door Decor.  This super duper pack of Halloween Decorations Goodness has a value of about $40! 

Look for my full review coming soon! 

Enter in the rafflecopter after the jump!

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Crafted Candles for Fall & Halloween + a $100 Giveaway

pine cone beeswax candle group dadhspine 360 Crafted Candles for Fall & Halloween + a $100 Giveaway

 

Do you like candles?  I like candles for the warmth that they bring to a home.  I also love the way candles can change the mood in a room so quickly and easily. 

 One of the ways that I like to decorate my home is the transition from summer into the cooler months.  I put away the beachy smelling candles and get out the fall candles.  Some are scented with warm scents like Pumpkin, spice, and the like.  Other candles that I may put out are fall like colors, and some candles are even in really fun fall shapes. 

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5 Tips for Choosing Artwork

 

italianposter(2) 5 Tips for Choosing Artwork

When decorating a room, there are several things that really pull a room together.  The furniture, of course, plays a major part.  A rug can really pull a room together.  However, there are few things that set the mood in a room like artwork. 

Here are a few tips for making the most of the artwork in your room. 

1.) Consider posters for your artwork.  It’s an inexpensive solution to filling your walls, and there’s something for literally every taste and theme.  If you use poster frames, it makes the pieces look more finished. 

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Freshening up with Mums for Fall

This post brought to you by Scotts Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

281263939199341631 lR9TnuRI c Freshening up with Mums for Fall

 

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year!  I love it when the leaves start to change, the days get noticeably shorter and the kids go back to school.  I also adore the fact that we get to start breaking out sweaters and jeans and scarves and boots.  I always Find beauty in the Fall

 Freshening up with Mums for Fall

I spent most of my life on the West Coast, where we didn’t have such a distinct changing of seasons.  After living in the Midwest for a few years, I’m all about the seasons!  One of the things that really threw me for a loop, though, was all the people planting mums when autumn rolled around.  I mean, people that rarely cut their grass are out there transplanting these huge, gorgeous mum plants and doing Fall gardening.  

 

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Fall Decorating to Prepare for the Holidays

fallberries Fall Decorating to Prepare for the Holidays

 

Fall is here, and busy moms know that the holidays are right around the corner. Instead of waiting until the holiday cookies are in the oven to renovate your home for your holiday gatherings, now is the time to begin thinking about elegant and lasting touches to add to your home.

Imagine your living space and the elements you could add to it to evoke a sense of awe. Instead of tearing down walls or purchasing all-new furniture, there are small design projects that are relatively inexpensive and can be done in just a few days. Think about all the aesthetic and practical elements you have always dreamt of in your main living space. From lighting, to indoor floor fountains, to updated paint and knobs on furniture and cabinetry, the possibilities for refreshment and improvement are endless.

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Rwanda Path to Peace Baskets Giveaway – US

macysbowl2wm (599 x 600)(1) Rwanda Path to Peace Baskets Giveaway   US

 

In the past 15 years or so, Rwanda has had a horrible history of violence and genocide.  The surviving women of Rwanda have started selling their traditional handicrafts of baskets to help heal their region and stimulate their economy. 

Many of these baskets are finding their way — legitimately, of course! — into select Macy's stores and on the Macy's website.  The Rwanda Path to Peace baskets are made in the traditional way, with traditional patterns, in modern colors.  They are gorgeous!  These baskets make fantastic gifts, too!  Read my whole review here

Would you like to win one of these Rwanda Path to Peace Baskets for yourself?  Good news!  You can enter to win in the Rafflecopter form after the jump.

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DIY Tile Coasters Tutorial

finishedcoaster (600 x 451) DIY Tile Coasters Tutorial

 

When I was a kid, we spent a lot of time at my grandmother's house.  She is a persnickity type that was always like "Take your shoes off!  Use a coaster! No feet on the table!" 

I mean, I agree with the coasters thing.  No one wants drink rings on their furniture.  Now, you can make your own personalized tile coasters quickly, easily, and inexpensively.

I have made these for gifts, craft shows, wedding favors, and all kinds of events. 

You will need:

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