I kept putting off this post until I had everything done on the porch.

Then I realized days were slipping by and everything may never get done!!!

So, we’re going with it “as is”!!!!  I’m sure I will continue “tweaking”, as Summertime rolls on!!!

That’s what we do, right??!!

Rooms are never done…..even outside rooms!!!

Remember how it all began……

……this was my inspiration fabric and pillows.  From there it just “evolved”.

My Pottery Barn slip covers went nicely on the rockers and are so comfy!!!

I purchased a new lamp and “changed it up a bit”!

You can read more about its makeover HERE.

My original pillows along with some simple slip covered pillows found their way onto the swing.  The same fabric for the pillows was added to my basket!

I added a simple patriotic basket with some lace and apples.  More will be added to the basket by the Fourth of July!!!

My sandwich board got a fresh coat of Annie Sloan paint and I added some simple chalk stars.

 My children’s red galoshes add that final touch.  I love using rubber boots in decorating outside.  You can see more ways I’ve used them HERE!!

The front door have a couple new “unique wreaths”!

Some other little touches complete the look………..for now!

In a couple of days, I’ll add lots of flags and celebrate this great land of ours!!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!!!!

Until next time……..

If  you remember when we repurposed our kitchen eating area, I purchased a new lamp for the desk and asked for your help in deciding the type of shade to use.

Little did I know that a simple white lamp shade would go thru so many transformations!!!

The original lampshade…..

Many of you suggested covering it in burlap, painting, stenciling, adding various fringes or adornments.

At first, I just wrapped a burlap ribbon around the center…..

……..that didn’t do it for me!

Next, I decided to paint.  I thought I wanted the shade darker so I mixed some paint samples I had lying around the house…..

The color was a yummy chocolate ice-cream color…….

This is after one coat.  I read that after painting, it is a good idea to place the shade on your lamp and turn it on.  Such great advice!!  You can see where it needed more paint.  I painted my second coat while the shade was on the lamp.

There were still a couple of spots that I just touched up with a small brush.

It still wasn’t right.

….sigh….

I tried adding a magnetic flower…..

and although I loved how my new orchid played off the darker color….

…….it was just too dark even with the bulb on.  Even though I don’t need it for task lighting, as I have a ceiling light above, it just fell flat in my book.

What to do now??!!

I decided to just buy a new shade!  By this time, I was tired of thinking about it anymore and I wanted something with a burlap feel but also a spring/summer “vibe” to coordinate with my new orchid!  This is what I came up with.

$12.99 at a local craft store!

Although I wanted to create some grand project out of a standard shade, sometimes it’s just best to let it go and buy one already done!

 Call me lazy but I’m happy with it…….til Fall!!!

Happy Spring Everyone!!!