painting of the day and DIY in one - "Untitled" by Keith Haring

Today's painting of the day is "untitled"(this title happens when artist is so prolific and couldn't possibly to come up with something clever and/or image speaks for itself) by Keith Haring. 

Here's the DIY: I cut up my Keith Haring calendar to make some fast art. I am so glad the cover was the same image as february. I had a small painting, I was bored with, in a frame with a mat. It is okay to recycle art. I took the frame apart and in this case I did have to cut the mat opening a little larger. Put it back together and I have instant Valentine art.

More about this artist below-

Keith Haring was born May 4, 1958 in Reading, Pennsylvania. He moved to New York City in 1978, and began using the city as his canvas, making chalk drawings in subway stations. With its thriving underground art scene, New York seemed to be the perfect fit for the young artist. In 1982, he had his first New York one-man show at the Shafrazi Gallery. A critical success, he soon became one of most popular artists of the time. He died on February 16, 1990, of AIDS-related complications.

another footstool makeover

I bought this footstool for $11.50 a few days ago. Lovely isn't it? What you need is a great upholstery fabric ( I bought this remnant at the fabric store for a remarkable $10.00, normally $75 per yard). I have plenty left for another project. You will also need a good staple gun and plenty of staples.

I started by removing tassel fridge. Next, I cut fabric so there was 1 inch over hang. I put one staple on all sides and each corner. Continue all the way around and end with overlapping corners. This is a little tricky but evenly fold each corner side and staple 3 times to secure.

link to my first footstool diy

Trash to Treasure - rehab a chair

Okay, if I see a cool-looking chair in someone's trash on trash day, yes, I will throw it in the back of my truck. I saved this mid-century chair, in fairly good condition except for the old vinyl seat cover, from death.

I disassembled the chair back and legs and removed vinyl covering. Next, I stapled new fabric onto wood seat. Spray-painted all wood parts of the chair, let dry and reassembled. It looks great and has been given a new life.

super adorable! what do you think?

DIY - fun holiday tote

I was recently in Sephora and was given this cute cinch gift bag with my purchase. I thought it was so cute and I wanted to get better use of it. Here is what I came up with.....

Cut the top of bag off and remove the silver string that cinched the bag. I will use the cut pieces for my handles later. I found this tan suede fabric in my fabric box that would work great with the design of the bag.

On the reverse side, sew the suede to the other fabric. Iron the top to fold down nicely when handles are sewn on.

Finished in about 20 minutes. It really was quick and easy and I love it!!!!

all things small and wonderful open studio

Just sent out an invite to an open studio show on Sunday, December 16th. I'm so excited!

Since I was a kid, I have been enchanted with small and wonderful things. I have created a collection of miniature paintings and other adorable holiday surprises. Locals welcome.

skeleton ghost for the mantel or anywhere

I had a little styrofoam skeleton head I wasn't sure what to do with. I love decorating for halloween and  I needed something for the mantel. This creation was done in minutes....

Here's what you need:

styrofoam skeleton head

cheese cloth ( 3 pieces to layer)

plastic skeleton hands

white wire hanger

glue gun (optional)

I was going to attach the hands but wanted to see finish effect right away so I placed them as if the ghost were seated. You can attach cheese cloth to the top of the head with glue gun or not. Ooh, creepy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

update a mid century table lamp

I purchased this lamp for $6 at a thrift shop and had the plug rewired at my local hardware store for $11. Found glossy white paint in the basement and painted over old base. Ordered a black drum lamp shade (8"x 11") from lampsplus.com for $20 and I have an awesome new lamp for less then $40 bucks!

super cute on the bar!

Check out a very similar makeover by Navy Bean Blog.