Talented Time Travelers in Focus #20

Let's take a peek at some of the terrifically talented travelers from last week's Time Travel party.

Modern Country Lady likened her stool makeover to a sweetshop confection project.

I couldn't agree more!

The blogosphere is already abuzz with Christmas tips and tricks.

Betty and the Honeybees @ Betty Bee's Buzz shared several project ideas to get us started.

After several frustrated attempts to get the look she longed for in her bathroom...

Lisa @ SERENDIPITY CHIC DECOR hit the nail on the head.

Well, actually, it was a matter of stripes on the wall.  ; )

Are you caught in a whirlwind of activity, trying to spruce up your digs before the holiday, but question whether you'll get it all done?

Quality Custom Designs Etsy shop might just be part of the solution.

Hospitality is not just about having charming decor.

Preparing delicious dishes for family and friends is part of the equation, as well.

TREAT & TRICK  came to the rescue with this yummy Thai recipe for us to try.

The Wool Acorn offers adorable handcrafted acorns for sale.

And guess what they're made of?  ; )

Wanna add a little glitz to your holiday this year?

Check out Tammy @ Life is Not Just Paper and Glue for a few tips how.

Thanks to all the time travelers who joined the fun last week.

I can't wait to see what creative ideas you link to the next Time Travel Thursday party!



Time Travel Thursday #21 - Praising the Power of Paint

CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS FOR THE LINKY PARTY HERE!

Welcome to the 21st Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.

Are you ready for our next trip back in time and into the future?

Well, climb aboard!

This beauty was a piece I won at auction–for a mere pittance–several years ago. 

Okay, so maybe it's not much of a beauty as you see it here.  But stay with me, and you'll see how it became one.

Actually, I didn't have a "before" picture, so I did a bit of photo editing to give you some idea of what it looked like when I first got it.

It dated to the late 50s or early 60s, and it had the traditional stained finish from that period to prove it.

You know the one—maple wood with a stain turned ORANGE with the patina of years! 

Yuck!

This was another purchase of mine that gave the Yankee cause to roll his eyes and shake his head in disbelief.

But, I had a plan.  ; )

I felt sure it had been a planter of some sort—because of the metal insert in the top.

The Yankee thought it looked like funeral-home décor 

...hence his distaste for it!

The first course of action was to sand the less-than-appealing old finish off and spray paint the whole thing a soft, cottage white.

Those steps alone were a grave improvement and...

 enough to encourage the Yankee that there might be hope for this piece after all.

A pretty floral swag appliqué, for the top panel...

and an ever-so-light sanding–in a few key areas–were the only embellishments needed to bring out the hidden beauty.

The resurrection of this dated dame now makes her worthy to bear a bevy of books at bedside, a tumble of towels in the powder room,

or even...

a flourish of flowers (or pine branches and holly) in the family room.

Here's to the power of paint!

Linking to Maryann's for the Power of Paint Party, Leigh's for Thrifty Thursday, Suzanne's for Vintage Thingie Thursday, Gina's for Transformation Thursday, Becky's for 100 Ideas Under $100.00, Cindy's for Show and Tell Friday,  Betty Bee's Buzz for Buzz, Brag, and Bee Happy Friday, Marian's for Furniture Feature Friday, A little Lovely's for Saturday Soiree, Stephanie Lynn's for Sunday Showcase Party, Susan's for Metamorphosis Monday and Sarah's for the Before and After Party.