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Do you see these pretty red boxes I found at the thrift store?
For some strange reason I decided that I wanted them to color coordinate with the other storage boxes in my closet. So I painted the lid of one using craft paint. Fortunately, I stopped at just the lid because after it dried, all it took was the scratch of my fingernail to take off all of the paint.Then I got another great idea.
I tore up pieces of craft paper and scrunched them. Then I applied the craft paper to the box using watered down mod podge.
The result looks great, kind of like leather. But it took almost two hours. TWO HOURS for one little box and I still have two boxes to do! I just don't think this is worth my time. I mean really, it's not like my closet is going to be featured on the cover of some nation wide magazine.
So the lesson to be learned? Give yourself permission
to change your mind!
If something isn't turning out exactly as you planned, it's okay to reevaluate and make some changes.to change your mind!
As I was taking this picture my youngest son asked if I was going to decorate the other two boxes. I told him no because it took too long. He asked, "So do you regret doing it?" My answer, "No, because I learned something. There are no regrets when you learn a lesson." I tried something that I've wanted to do. I will probably try this technique again, on something bigger like an old trunk.This lesson can be applied to almost ANYTHING in decorating. If you're half way through painting a room and you absolutely hate the color, it's okay to change your mind. It's just paint. If you loved your couch five years ago when you bought it, but now you think it's an eyesore. It's okay, make or buy a slipcover for it, or sell it and use the money to buy another one that you love (new or used). If you thought you'd love a house with a country feel, but find yourself not feeling at home in your own home, then change the decor.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with going in a different direction than you first intended as long as the end result is a home that you love and feel comfortable in. Because really, shouldn't that be the main goal all along?
26 comments:
Maybe you can work on the other boxes as time allows... like while you're watching a movie or something.
I once did all the walls of an entire half bath with that technique. I saw it on a home decor show and thought, "How hard could that be? It's just ripping and crumpling paper and gluing (with wallpaper paste) to the wall."
Well... days and days later. It did create a really cool leathery effect. We moved very shortly there after and I was a little relieved to know that I wouldn't have to be the one to scrape all that off the walls when the novelty wore off! Ha!
Amen sister!!! I do little projects only I will see too!!
I did this same thing to a large box, well I actually only did the lid because of how long it was taking me. I often do a project and think 'why in the world did I take so much time to do this when nobody is going to see it'? But, I will see it and if I like it and it makes me happy when I see it, then it is worth it in the end!
Great lesson and reminder! I hope your coordinating project turns out the way you want it to! :)
Oh..how fun!
sandy toe
Yes; thanks for the decorating reminder! My husband doesnt like it when I change my mind, because we usually waist money! I told him its my prerogative as a woman to change my mind in decorating...and everything else! haha. (I'm kidding)
I like the boxes, but understand about projects that take on a life of their own. I've abandoned several!! Thankful for the freedom to change our mind!!
This is perfect advice! And I really need to use it.
when I was a kid we took plain masking tape and ripped it up and put the pieces on cigar boxes and bottles. Then we took brown shoe polish and brushed it on the masking tape. When it dried, it looked like leather.
ginny
I think we all have had those projects that don't go exactly as we'd like, but it is a learning experience. I was getting frustrated the other day with a project, because I didn't want to mess it up. I then changed my thinking and saw the project as a learning experience. It really makes a huge difference when you do this.
Great reminder! My husband needs to read this post. Because I will do the same thing and then realize what a nightmare the project is and change my mind. He goes crazy cuz I am always changing things or changing my mind!HAH!
Amen!
LOVE THE PERMISSION THING.
HUGS FROM MAINE
I am having a giveaway on my blog {hillamcasa.blogspot.com}. please come enter!!
so true!
So true. Especially with paint. If you don't like it just repaint it. Not a big deal. Mimi
Two hours is a long time...but your box does look cute! :)
~ Sarah
JOy, I actually really love the look of the leather one on top of the two red. I think that in itself looks great. Thanks for that reminder to allow ourselves to go with the change. I am already painting those latterns again. Crimson red.=)
Decorating is a process of evolvement, and with each new project, you learn something more about yourself and become more of an expert. And you are the pro at not being afraid to tackle anything!
Exactly!
Thank you for that inspirational thought.
oH, Joy..I've done it, too..
Of course, the way I love red, I wouldn't have changed the color of your boxes...but, I have sure done it before on other things and wonder, "What the heck was I thinking"..I've even ruined things by thinking I would like it another way!! Live and learn!!
Hello, your awesomeness. I have a question I wanted to ask you. I have been lurking on your blog long enough to catch the DIY bug. I just needed your help with something. I am refinishing a piece of wood furniture this weekend. This is my goal: a grass green sideboard with sanded/antiqued edges and detailing. This is the problem: the piece I have is in very good condition and I don't want to hit it with a hammer or chains to distress it. I just want the edges to be a little worn. Would you recommend just sanding it? Or mixing paint with glaze or something entirely different? I have scoured the internet looking for answers, but I think you could tell me a lot better than wikipedia. I would really appreciate your input. THANK YOU!!!! My email address is: Spunkyteddygraham@yahoo.com
I love the leathery effect, but when it comes to home decor, I like immediate effect too!
I'm having a chalkboard party on my blog next week, you should join us!:)
Chrissie
I'm one of those "I feel obligated to go through with...whatever" but you are so right. I heard on Oprah once "No is not a bad word. Your friends can deal with it if you have to decline or refrain from some function, outing, or request." I use that one with my kids all the time. "NO IS NOT A BAD WORD! NO YOU CANNOT HAVE CANDY BEFORE DINNER!" They love it. This is also true, if you don't like something, changing it is not so terrible. Thanks for the reminder.
My best, Lynn
Ginny's idea might work for you! I tried that as a child too. We rubbed off some of the shoe polish after applying it to the torn masking tape to give it an uneven textured look- I thought it looked a lot like leather.... thanks for the permission to bail if the project isn't looking quite right ;0)
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