God has a sense of humor

My almost-four-year-old says the sweetest things about God. So, I thought I'd share a few of them.

Driving past the hospital:
Emma: My momma was born there. And me, and Mike, and Tommy, and Daddy, and Jesus...

At night after reading Revelation in her children's Bible:
Emma: When are we gonna go to Jesus' big party?
Me: Not for a really long time.
Emma, with real tears: I wanna go NOW! Can we go tomorrow?

Talking about babies:
Emma: Momma, before we were in your tummy, did you cry out for us like the girl in the Bible? (Hannah)
Me, with real tears: I did baby.

Praying together at night:
Emma: Pray for the five babies in my tummy. (She likes to pretend she's pregnant...)
Me: God bless the five babies in Emma's tummy.
Emma: I think God's laughing at me right now!

I think so too... God loves children.

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 18:3
And he {Jesus} said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Have a blessed weekend!

Custom Signs

I've completed several custom signs that I haven't shared yet. I love the way they all turned out.

It's so fun to create something that will be used and appreciated. My favorite step on everything I do is the finishing, because that's when it all starts to take shape. But my second favorite is delivering it to the client, particularly on custom signs. It's the reaction. It is so rewarding to take someone's vision and create something unique for their space.

This was the biggest project I've ever worked on. These two "shutters" for The Nest Antiques & Such were painted to go on either side of the storefront. I can't wait to get a pic of them hanging up outside!

This custom sign hangs above a fabulous outdoor kitchen and bar area. It was created on a repurposed cabinet door.

Here is yet another family established sign. This one is black with light cream letters.

Here's a custom sign that I designed for my mom-in-law to go on her front porch. They live in the country and she wanted people to know they were at the right place when they drove up!

This was based on a sign my sister-in-law saw and wanted me to recreate, but with my "spin" on it. I think I may need one too...

Here's another one for mom-in-law's front porch. What can I say? She's a great customer!!

If you've been dreaming about a piece for your home, why not let me create it?

Email me at aliciaslittlehouse{at}gmail{dot}com to place an order.

Anthropologie Inspiration

Last night, my husband and I stopped in Anthropologie. Gosh I love that store! Several pieces caught my eye as inspiration. I found a few of them online.

These lampshades are gorgeous. I wonder if I could make them?

Or how about this mirror? Wouldn't this finish be great on a piece of furniture?

I love the carving on this bed. And the color is a pretty greenish-gray. I would be so scared to put that color on a large piece of furniture, but it looks great. The all-white bedding in the store looked even better. 

Finally, who doesn't love an updated "old lady" chair?

There were several other items I saw in the store but couldn't find on their website.

Oh well. Now I need to get to work!

Before & After: Teal Side Table

I picked up this fun little table at a yard sale a few weeks ago. I loved the curved edges and overall shape. The best part: the top drops down for easy storage.

The top was peeling a bit, so I sanded it down until smooth. The finish was very thin, so instead of priming, I opted to sand the entire piece. I followed with a custom blue-green color I mixed from some paints I had on hand.

I then distressed it, antiqued it with walnut stain and finished with wax.

I went for an extreme distressed look. I love how the dark finish shows through. I realize this amount of distressing is not for everyone, but I love it.

Here it is with the side folded down:

This little guy is for sale. If you're interested, send me an email at aliciaslittlehouse{at}gmail{dot}com. If I don't hear from anyone this week, I'll be taking it to sell at The Nest.

Before & After: End Table

I picked up this lovely end table at a garage sale a few weeks ago:

It had that old spotty finish on it, but I loved the curvy legs, size and shape.

I coated it with a can of spray primer (Kilz) and sanded it down smooth. Then, I painted it with two coats of cream paint in a matte finish. Next I applied a gray glaze, making sure to leave color in the cracks. I then distressed it by hand and finished it with two coats of wax.

I loooooove how it turned out!

It's for sale at The Nest Antiques. I hope it goes to a good home.

Need help transforming a piece that has great potential?

Send me an email at aliciaslittlehouse{at}gmail{dot}com.

Felt Flower Wreath

Today, I brought both boys to the eye doctor... not fun. So I decided to do a fun little project during nap time. I was inspired by Home Stories A to Z.

I literally spent $11 on the supplies at Michaels. (Everything was on sale!)

Here's what you need:
A wreath (I used a grapevine wreath)
Glue gun and about 20 mini glue sticks
8-10 pieces of felt in fun fall colors
Berry stems (optional)

The first step is to cut a square of felt. Then, round the corners until you get a circle-ish shape. Next, cut a spiral, getting bigger as you go. Leave a little circle at the end. That's where you'll glue it all together.

Wrap, wrap, wrap and glue. Squeeze it all together to make sure all the sides get glued.

I also made some little leaves and glued a trio of smaller flowers together.

Once it's all made, position them on the wreath. I wove in some berries first, but they are totally optional. When you like the look, glue them to your wreath.

Ta-Da!

I hung mine with some leftover burlap. So pretty!

Not a bad way to spend an hour. Hope you give it a try.

For more creative wreath ideas, check out The Nesters wreath linky party.

Family Established Signs

I've seen this idea around and always loved it. I put some "Little House" spin on it, and here it is...

I did mine in a navy/black background with cream letters. It really pops in my living room with all the white and light gray.

Here's a close up:

I had the privilege of working on one for my friend Carly. She wanted a rustic red background.

The signs are painted, distressed and sealed with dark wax. They cost $40. If you're interested in having one made, send me an email at aliciaslittlehouse{at}gmail{dot}com. The signs are pretty heavy, so I'm not sure what it would cost to ship. I can find out though.