Since I am still paying off my tab from the Farm Chicks, this vintage loving girl has had to figure out ways to keep decorating but on a small budget, so I thought this week I would share with you some of my budget friendly decorating ideas...grab a latte this should be interesting!
When I bought my French Antique writing desk a few years ago we had this ugly desk we originally bought from Staples that had an attaching shelf. When we sold the ugly desk I kept the shelf and had the pool man mount it above my new desk. I have to admit the shelf is not pretty, it is fake wood and I did a really awful job painting it, but anyway, it works and I like the way it looks.
I was wondering through paper source the other day, falling in love with just about every paper I saw in there and I found this:
As I looked and touched its soft fibers I was smitten and new exactly where it needed to go. At $3.95 a piece it was a bit pricey but I snagged up 4 sheets.
I measured out my shelves, bought some double sided tape and starting taping the paper to my shelves...covering up the ugly paint job and the spots where paint is completely missing! I loved how it turned out, but it needed something else.
After perusing Kristin's shoppe and spying some hand stamped delicate sheet music the light went on in my head and I ordered up some of her fab prairie lace and now my shelves finally have some personality.
Also applied with double sided tape, hence the reason for two rolls!
Total:
$15.80 for the paper,
$4.50 for two rolls of double sided tape
and $4.50 for the Prairie Lace = around $25.00~
Now I have what looks like a whole new shelving unit with some vintage fab cuteness to boot!
I know this is not considered dirt cheap but it sure beats buying a whole new shelving unit that I would have to nag the pool man to help me put up and that in itself is worth $25.00!
Oh and I got this cute pillow for $5.00 a while ago at the flea market and she adorns my blogging chair!
oh and the huge display board with red and white ticking in a vintage frame for $5.00 as well!
I tell ya flea markets can be the bomb!
Ok gotta run the baby is up from his nap, crawling all over me as I type and we need to go and get some apple juice because the world has completely stopped in our lack of apple juice in the house, ta ta!
Happy Weekend!~
P.s. Double sided tape allows you to take the papers off in the future if you get tired of them!
P.s.s.....never let your husband choose office desks, I don't know what I was thinking!!
P.s.s.s....more prairie lace available here!
Oh girl, you have a calling! How awesome is this??? You have so much talent...I would just die to be able to work the magic you do! *sigh*...maybe instead of me coming to Cali this fall, you should come here and help me work on my house! ;o)
Happy weekend, my friend. Wish you lazy summer days with lots of sunshine and love.
~mary~
Posted by: Mary | July 10, 2010 at 05:27 PM
such a cute space to do your blogging, the shelves look adorable!!!
Posted by: Diana Thompson | July 10, 2010 at 07:11 PM
No apple juice? I am revoking your mom of the year trophy ;o
It looks great! and, why have I never seen your striped walls? LOve
Posted by: Michelle | July 10, 2010 at 08:00 PM
What a SWEEEEEET idea! It's a lovely transformation!
Posted by: robyn | July 10, 2010 at 08:21 PM
I never tire of seeing photos of your gorgeous house. You are really amazing at this decorating stuff, you know that? I love all your little touches. This newest project is no exception!
Posted by: Kacey | July 10, 2010 at 08:23 PM
Your shelves turned out beautifully! I do love that prairie lace! I hope your weekend is wonderful.
Warmly,
~Debbie~
Posted by: Debbie | July 10, 2010 at 08:42 PM
love what you've done with what you have...it looks amazing...love that prairie lace!
Posted by: Tara | July 11, 2010 at 04:39 AM
Fabulous! What a great idea.
Posted by: Suzette | July 11, 2010 at 05:53 AM
Hi,
Lovely Idea!
You have a beautiful blog. I am a follower.
Wishing you a great day,
Rozmeen
Posted by: Rozmeen | July 11, 2010 at 06:06 AM
Hey Tara! Been thinking about you...
I love what you did with your shelf! Clever and stylish you!! On a side note - I remember Oliver's apple juice love. He finally tired of it after about 2 years.
Posted by: Rebekah | July 11, 2010 at 07:47 AM
You are a girl after my own heart Tara!!
Your ideas are perfect!!
Great job!
xo,
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | July 11, 2010 at 02:19 PM
Amazing what a little paper and lace can do. Just beautiful:)
Posted by: Becky @ Farmgirl Paints | July 11, 2010 at 06:32 PM
Absolutely LOVE it! You are so creative!
Posted by: LeAnna | July 11, 2010 at 07:51 PM
Love the black and white floral patterned paper, partial to black and white,looks amazing with the prairie lace edging. Great job, as always!
Posted by: Pat | July 11, 2010 at 09:48 PM
I love it Tara!!
hope you had a great weekend
xo
Posted by: Martha | July 12, 2010 at 04:11 AM
So much decorating fabulousness for a Monday morning, Tara. Thanks, I needed that!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | July 12, 2010 at 05:35 AM
a fantastic transformation tara!
and i love your tiny little fan.
it's adorable.
is it vintage? can i get one like it?
do tell!
:)
Posted by: chasity | July 12, 2010 at 05:44 AM
beautiful! it really adds alot of charm! have a super duper week!! susan
Posted by: susan | July 12, 2010 at 06:51 AM
Good morning, sweet Tara! I hope that you are having a fabulous Monday!
Love the new shelves. Very spiffy indeed.
XO*T
Posted by: Tricia | July 12, 2010 at 07:50 AM
you always post some wonderful inspiring images but i find my favorites are those from your own home & your own creations.
YOU have much talent sweet girl
& you always make me smile when i visit
xo
Posted by: paige | July 13, 2010 at 05:21 AM
Those shelves turned out adorable! I love what you did with them, very cute. Might try something like that in my daughters room, thanks..
Also you are too funny, love your blog.. ")
Posted by: Gidget Santoliquido | August 04, 2010 at 01:40 PM