Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Top Projects for 2008

Rhoda at Southern Hospitality is hosting a top projects blog party for projects completed in 2008. I started blogging in May, and haven't really got that many projects completed, but I think I did more than I would have done if it hadn't been for blogging! So, I'm going to just show three (all inspired by bloggers), with the link to the before and after.

First, I covered the inside of a secretary with scrapbook paper! I can't remember who's site I first saw this on, but I really love the effect. Click here to see the before and the post.

Secondly, I started going to garage sales and thrift stores after seeing all the neat stuff that bloggers found at great prices. This suitcase is from a garage sale, and I decoupaged the top to make a container for family photos. You can see the before and after pictures here.

I also started hosting Trash to Treasure on Tuesdays for all of us who want to show off our bargains. Click here to view some of the old posts!


And finally, I painted a piece of furniture black! I know exactly where this inspiration came from-Rhoda herself! Hers was one of the first blogs I discovered, and I think I've read through all of her posts! She is so sweet to post detailed directions on so many 'do it yourself' projects!


Here's my table after, and you can click here to see the before. This was another one of my garage sale purchases!



I've been inspired by all the blogs I've read in the past few months, and have lots more projects that I would like to do!

Thanks for stopping by, and I'll do my best to visit all of you!

39 comments:

April said...

Diane,

Let me just say that you are one talented lady. Please, let some of your creativity rub off on me...I need all the help I can get!

I love the use of scrapbook paper in your secretary! That suitcase that is so neat and the table...need I say more???

Shell in your Pocket said...

Some great finds..you have an idea..I love that little table next to the couch..it's perfect!
-sandy toe

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post, Diane, great makeovers!

I love traveling around blogland; fabulous inspiration in so many ways.

I posted 6 makeovers. It was fun looking back to what we were up to, in 2008!

Mrs. King said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dawn said...

Ooops, I posted that under my kindergarten class blog name.

Sorry,

take care,
Dawn

Darlene said...

Morning Diane,

I have enjoyed your project makeovers...they have been GREAT!

Dawn said...

You are better than me. At least you have/had projects that are on your list. I have done nothing! Actually, I take that back. I stopped at two yard sales this summer.

I really like coming to your blog to see what creation or find you have.

That was me who deleted the post. I was signed in under a different account.

take care,
Dawn

Southern Lady said...

Diane, my favorite of your projects is the suitcase photo box. It inspires me to try to find one of those old suitcases for my photos which are stored in plastic containers. I like your black table, too.

You always find the neatest bargains and transform them into beautiful accessories for your home.

Sincerely,

Janie

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I was going to post today, Diane, but I could only come up with one project which is UNFINISHED! LOL!

Love yours...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Georgia Girl said...

Great stuff Diane...I hope to try some things out this year...I have seen many things that you all have completed so I am going to at least try some.

Anonymous said...

Diane, you tell us you are inspired to do makeovers because of blogging. I personally don't think you need inspiration from anyone but yourself. You have done wonders with each of your projects and I remember each one you posted today. I loved the review and now I am inspired by you.

Love...Jeanne

SmilingSally said...

You are the best shopper and fixer-upper I know! I notice that table is not just black. You've done something else to cause some of the brown wood to show a bit.

Missy Wertz said...

Love what you did with the secretary. The table looks really good as well.

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Diane, The suitcase is my favorite! Great projects! :) ~RHonda

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Diane...I am really liking what you did to that suitcase girl and to make it for photos how cleaver is that?? thanks for the fun day yesterday had a great time with Trash Tuesday..have a super day dear friend..hugs and smiles Gloria

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Diane...I am really liking what you did to that suitcase girl and to make it for photos how cleaver is that?? thanks for the fun day yesterday had a great time with Trash Tuesday..have a super day dear friend..hugs and smiles Gloria

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Diane...I am really liking what you did to that suitcase girl and to make it for photos how cleaver is that?? thanks for the fun day yesterday had a great time with Trash Tuesday..have a super day dear friend..hugs and smiles Gloria

Bo said...

Hi Diane...I don't know how you do all that you do and still teach fulltime...You must have boundless energy! Your projects were great!
;-) Bo

The Berry's Patch said...

Hi Diane,

I just love that secretary. I think I told you this when you first did the post. If you ever want to get rid of it, please let me know first. I'm sure your kids wouldn't mind you giving it to a blog friend over them...right?lol

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Hi Diane! Oh, you're the bestest! You've been an inspiration to so many with all your wonderful changes and finds. I love that table!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love all your makeovers, Diane! I have been inspired by many blogs but haven't changed that much beyond trying to take better photos --lol. I'm inspired by you!

Hugs, Pat

Beth at Aunties said...

I enjoy all your posts and make overs but I was seriously hit over the top of my head
when I saw your secretary. I too have seen this done...even today somewhere in blogland and it just dawned on me after seeing YOUR beauty that I realized I too could do this to spruce up a book case I am not pleased with. Thanks for the inspiration:)

nikkicrumpet said...

I love the transformation with the scrap paper. It really is amazing how great that looks!

Decor To Adore said...

Wow~amazing transformations! Thunderous applause coming from Phoenix. Well done.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Great transformations! You've had a productive 2008. I look forward to seeing what you do in 2009. laurie

said...

Oh wow Diane - scrapbook paper! #1 it looks fantastic #2 NOW I know what to do with my dark brown trunk!!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Looks great! I invite you to drop by my place and see my before and after's.

Ramona said...

Great project...as usual, you rock my friend! I am loving that suitcase.

Smiles ~ Ramona

Nancy Rosalina said...

Great projects! I enjoyed them all! Nancy

Mary said...

Love your black table! And the scrapbook idea is one I'm going to copy...Just found your enjoyable blog via Rhoda...Mary

imjacobsmom said...

All of your porjects turned out perfectly. I am like you, I haven't completed that many projects this past year because I did them all the year before. I suppose I could fudge and show them...I think that suitcase was a great idea. I've been thinking of putting scrapbook paper in my hutch and your little table is perfect in that spot! ~ Robyn:)

Anonymous said...

The family photo box is awesome! I have an old suitcase I could use! Yeah! :)

Lamp Tramp said...

Hi Diane....you do such great things all year round...I love the photo box! Truly creative and inspiring!

Lorrie said...

I love seeing all the great things you do Diane--you inspire me, so keep it up!

Picket said...

Hey Diane...I love all three projects...such great inspiration..I still have some bookcases that I want to try that paper background on...hope you are having a great week girl!

Anonymous said...

Diane,
You did a wonderful job...I'm proud of you. I love the suitcase you did...great edeas...Thanks for sharing...I'm thinking about doin the Trash and treasurs Tuesday...I will let you know. Smiles and Hugs...Kathy

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Wow - wonderful projects! I am going to come over when it's trash to treasure day. My whole house is full of trash or treasures - depending on if the project is finished or not :-)

Thanks!

Jen

Marie said...

Great projects! I loved the scrapbook paper in the hutch idea... it really changes up a piece of furniture, doesn't it?

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Diane, I'm so glad you joined in the party! It's taking me awhile, but I'm visiting them all. love your suitcase project, that is just too cute & I remember it from when you posted. And that black table is adorable. Yep, black paint...a wonderful thing!