I love dresses, anyone who knows me usually sees me in a dress. The little black dress was an inspiration for my room. Red is the color so roses are sprinkled across the bed. The dress form wears one of my favorite dresses. The dress form was a special surprise Christmas gift from my youngest daughter Kate, I love it and it is perfect in the bow window!

                                                      

I did not paint the gorgeous dresser but I did redo the lamp and make the wall hanging above the bed. The other three bedrooms are more Victorian in keeping with the 1840's home but I went slightly more modern and decidedly feminine!

Once the new ensuite is finished it will be a very romantic retreat! We should love our spaces, our homes to be a reflection of who we are. Everytime I walk into my room it makes me smile!

Have a delightful creative day!

Earth Day is coming up the end of this week and as part of the celebration Jen Goode is hosting a linky party! Jen Goode is a talented artist, designer and her interests are varied so her latest undertaking 100directions.com! Several designers will be taking part in the party featuring some great upcyled, recycled projects!

I thought I would honor the day with a recycled craft I designed for my column "Make it Green" which I wrote for Creative Homearts for several years.

The vase centerpiece was upcycled from an old glass vase and aluminum soda cans. I used Earth Safe Finishes paints which are "green" paints and covered both the glass and soda can pieces easily. The metallics create a stunning effect when sponged on.

I carefully cut the cans open, removing bottom and top, laid them flat. A leaf pattern was traced on the aluminum and cut out. Once painted they can be scored with a stylus and bent. I used some garden branches to adhere the leaves to. The vase was painted and sponged as well with metallics. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Creative Homearts.

We are still deep into winter here in Atlantic Canada and will be for awhile. Since I walk a lot I was looking for a longer coat to wear. There are still a few around in the stores on sale but better buys are found at the thrift stores and so much more fun!

Off to Value Village I went with a friend. Always like a treasure hunt there, you never know what you will find. There were three coats I found as possibilities, the one that fit the best was only $10! It is long, navy denim and beautiful warm wool, just like new. However it did have large padded shoulders and the buttons were dated. Minor details, I knew by removing the shoulder pads and reshaping the seams it would fit well. A raglan sleeve is much easier to reshape after removing shoulder pads.

The first picture shows the coat with one shoulder pad removed so you can see the extra bulk. The buttons are ugly and stand out taking away from the entire coat.

I love how the back is gathered at the waist.

Next step was to open up the lining inside to reveal the shoulder seams. I used chalk to draw a line for the new seam once the shoulder pad was removed. I tried it on a couple times. I had to taper down arm seam.

The very large shoulder pad removed!

After the seams were sewn, I trimmed the shoulder lining, pressed and sewed the lining shut. The buttons were changed to a conservative black, recycled from a worn out sweater coat. I am pleased with my new coat and hope I do not have to wear it too much longer this winter!

It is fun to find great deals and with a little alteration end up with a great addition to your wardrobe! So what are you restyling for spring? Debra, CEO!