Transform an inexpensive, dated MDF bookcase into a fresh, upcycled piece with paint and a little patience. In this post I share the steps I followed, the mistakes I made, and the simple tips that will help you avoid them so you can save money and revitalize your space. I’ve been working on what I … Read more

I had an old velour blanket with a soft, velvety finish that I loved for its feel but not for its look. It was dark, plain, and had been tucked away in a closet for years. When some blogging friends invited me to join a cozy-themed blog hop, I decided to pull that blanket out … Read more

Today I won’t fill this post with more Halloween crafts — you’ll have to wait until Monday’s party post to hear about Paranoid Man. Instead, join me on a walk to the quieter side of the waterfront, where a row of old stone buildings tells stories of industry, time, and slow transformation. You may remember … Read more

A Visit to the Restored Bryant Park and Its Surrounding Areas A few months ago I spent an afternoon in Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan to meet friends and to take photographs. Tucked behind the Stephen A. Schwarzman Public Library on Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park is a compact oasis in the heart of the city. … Read more

Gift Giving with Pretty Wooden Gift Bags Spring is a wonderful time of year: flowers bloom, birds sing, and craft stores are full of fresh ideas. While browsing supplies recently, I spotted charming wooden gift bags and knew they would make lovely, reusable containers for small presents. With Mother’s Day approaching, these little wooden bags … Read more

The Ikea Hejne shelf is built from unfinished solid pine, making it an ideal blank canvas for painting and customizing to suit your decor. In this post I’ll walk you through how I updated a small Hejne shelf with milk paint, sanding, distressing, and a wax finish to create a soft, slightly weathered look that … Read more

I always try to use up supplies I already have before buying more, especially for holiday crafting. I had a favorite red sweater that no longer fit because the neck was too tight, but instead of tossing it I decided to repurpose it into something festive. Below I’ll show you how to make easy sweater … Read more

Breen: Repurposing a Vintage Coffee Roaster The life of a blogger can be tougher than it looks. I try to stick to a twice-weekly posting schedule, but this week I hit a roadblock: I couldn’t finish a project in time for a post. That’s a first for me. Other weeks I get sidetracked by social … Read more

Four-Year Blog Anniversary and an Important Lesson Learned Today I celebrate my four-year blogiversary. It’s hard to believe how much has happened since I started this little corner of the internet. Rather than a new DIY tutorial, I want to reflect on the past year—projects completed, life changes, and an important health lesson I learned … Read more

What began as a quick refresh of a mid-century wooden stool turned into a two-day project. The result, however, was worth the effort for a piece that has been in the family for decades. A Simple Mid-Century Furniture Makeover — Not So Simple At first glance the bench looked modest and unassuming. I thought I … Read more