Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Left Side of the Reading Room, Tybee Island Trip and March Thank You's


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I finally got all the "sunshines" hung on the wall on the left side of the reading room, and after a trip to Walmart for some purple tulips, I was able to snap this photo of the left side of the room today...

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I've always loved the look of a wall full of sunburst mirrors, but they can be fairly expensive, so I really had to put on my thinking cap and be patient to achieve the look I was after in here.

The biggest mirror was a gift from Kevin a couple years ago. He got it at Pier One Imports on clearance for $49.99.

The gold one near the back of the room was an eBay auction win a couple weeks ago. I think it was around $9.00.

The silver one in between those two was also an eBay win a couple weeks ago. It was $5.99.

The two tiniest mirrors didn't really start out as mirrors. I found them at Hobby Lobby in the clearance section. I think they're actually supposed to hold candles.

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They were $2.00 a piece...

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While I was at the "Lobster", I also picked up some little circular mirrors...

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I used wood glue (it was all I had!) to attach the mirrors to the candle holders...

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I sprayed one of them antique gold and painted the other "Fieldstone" gray.

The "mirror" that's nearest the bed is actually a wooden charger plate from Target...

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Thankfully, Hobby Lobby had some mirrors that fit perfectly inside the middle part of it too...

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I decided not to do the quote around the top stripe of the room anymore, so I think this room is almost complete. (Whoa. It felt weird to even type that!) Now if I could just save up enough pennies for that white pick-stitch quilt I want for the bed!




In other news, we'll be blogging from Tybee Island for the next seven days. We're leaving bright and early and we've got lots of fun things planned to blog about while we're there. So if you'd like to see what life is like on Tybee, stayed tuned for lots of fun photos (and hopefully some videos!) throughout the week, starting tomorrow. We're actually going to the premiere of "The Last Song" on the island tomorrow night. The whole movie was shot on Tybee, and I can't wait to see it. Love me some Nicholas Sparks!

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And as the month of March comes to an end, we'd like to thank all of the friendly folks that sponsored our blog this past month...

Lisa Leonard:



Lisa creates beautiful, simple, meaningful pieces that can be worn with jeans or your little black dress. Her custom jewelry can be hand-stamped with your kids’ names or a special phrase or verse.

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Simple Joy's Paperie:

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Simple Joy's wreaths are hand-fashioned from all sorts of vintage and antique books, and will definitely add a wonderfully whimsical touch to your home!

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Between Naps on the Porch:

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Between Naps on the Porch is a lifestyle blog with an emphasis on providing an enjoyable respite for those who visit. So if you enjoy decorating, before and afters, DIY tutorials, tablescaping, thrifting, antiquing, historic home tours, gardening or birding, you should definitely give Between Naps on the Porch a visit!

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Angie Seaman:



Do you have a new camera that has tons of bells and whistles that you don't know how to use? Do you have a blog that you'd like to learn how to take better photos for? If you answered yes, you'll want to check out Angie's online photography courses. In as little as 30 days, you'll have a much better understanding of the features of your camera, and how to apply them.

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Red Letter Words:




Dee's faith-inspired art is both beautiful and meaningful. You'll find everything from canvases, to prints, to greeting cards at Red Letter Words.

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Disc Hangers:



If you want to display pretty plates on your walls, Disc Hangers are the perfect way to hang them in style! Disc Hangers are so easy to use, and are completely "invisible", so they don't take away from the things you want to display.

PS- They are also 100% safe to use on antique and collectible plates as well!

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White Flower Farmhouse:



Lori believes that simple, country style should be inspired not expensive. So she scours estates, farmhouses, barns and shipyards for antique relics and cast off gems that reflect her signature simple, country aesthetic.

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EngLady:



Kat's beautiful and versatile pieces can be worn at the office, or at an elegant affair. Each piece is crafted of quality metals and hand-selected stones. She designs jewelry as a creative and joyful escape and hopes to impart some of that bliss to those who wear her pieces as well.

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A Beach Cottage:



Sarah blogs about fixing up and decorating her wonderful old cottage by the sea. She's all about low-dough decorating, and her motto is: "if it doesn't move, paint it white"! You will love her blog and hearing how she describes her casual lifestyle by the sea.

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Farmhouse Wares:



One of my favorite places to shop on the web- the items on FarmhouseWares.com will help you rediscover clean, simple, comfortable living. Their fresh, new country style has an inviting vintage feel with an eco-friendly twist.

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Leen the Graphics Queen:



Leen's vinyl decals are the perfect way to personalize your home. They are mess free, easy to install, and there are 42 fab colors to choose from! They can be put on walls, windows, doors, mirrors, and any flat, clean surface.

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For Love or Funny:



For Love or Funny is a wonderfully humorous blog written by author, Lynn Wilson. You'll find posts about parenting, kids, dogs, culinary disasters, and everything in between.

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Greyfreth:



Greyfreth carries an amazing selection of found and handmade objects that are guaranteed to bring some soul into your surroundings.

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Hudson Goods:



From tables and beds, to chairs and accessories, Hudson Goods carries a wonderful selection of items that will bring warmth, comfort and style to your home.

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Hooked on Houses:

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If you love a great "before and after", dig looking at photos of celebrities homes, and want to see photos of some of the gnarliest houses for sale on the MLS, you must visit Julia. There's something for every "homie" at HookedonHouses.net!

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One more thing, before I call it a day and hit the proverbial hay...

The winner of the White Flower Farmhouse giveaway is:



Rene of Cottage and Vine!

Congratulations Rene!
Contact Lori or Megan at itslorig@aol.com to claim your pretty prizes!



Hope you're having a great week!



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Check out my e-book!

47 comments:

Vanessa@decor happy said...

Love what you did with the mirrors. Have fun on Tybee - looking forward to the videos!

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

The room is looking darling! Way to go with the mirrors and of course congrats to the lucky winner! :)

TheVirginiaHouse said...

Can't decide which side I like better! Love what you did in there. Can't wait to see your adventures on Tybee:-)

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Your wall design is so stunning! Great job!! Have a wonderful Easter. Love & blessings from NC!

Camie at "Home is where they love you" said...

So incredible. I "HEART" your talent! The mirrors are great. You could even paint the wood and distress it. But they are stunning without adding anything. THANKS!

angela walker jewelry said...

I love the mirrors in the reading room! I am totally obsessed with mirrors... My husband thinks I am crazy. I keep buying more :) I try to tell him "Honey, they make the space look so much bigger" : )
Have a blast in Tybee Island!
Health and happiness,
Angela
http://angelawalkerjewelry.blogspot.com/

Nancy Hood said...

Girl, you rock. You totally rock.

Sandy said...

Just lovely...I love the way you arranged the mirrors. And why pay lots of money when you can put together your own so nicely.

Teacup Lane (Sandy)

Sarah B said...

The mirrors look wonderful!

carolyn said...

Love the mirrors. Brilliant idea with the candle holders. I've been wanting to put up a starburst mirror on my fireplace but wow they are expensive. But you've convinced me to keep looking.

Paula Barin said...

Your reading room is my favourite room in your home. It's cosy and a perfect place to get away and curl up with a magazine or book. Love the look of the sunbursts on the wall. A very soothing sanctuary.

Julie @ Sweet Chaos said...

Oh, I'm jealous that you're going to be on Tybee this week. I just started planning our June trip and love browsing all the cottage-cuteness that is Tybee. Enjoy and PLEASE don't forget lots of pics so I can live vicariously thru you!

My Cottage Charm said...

Enjoyed seeing your "almost" finished reading room. Here's hoping you save enough pennies to get that quilt you want! :) Love the pop of purple from the tulips....I just love tulips! :)
Have fun on Tybee Island and enjoy yourself! :)
Melissa

Kare said...

Wow!! What an impact. Love it!

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Love your mirrors. So fun! Hope you have a great time on Tybee Island. I've always wanted to go there but have never been, so I'm looking forward to your posts.

P.S. Thanks for the shout-out! :)

Amanda said...

Looks great Layla. Great ideas for on the cheap mirrors.

Stephenie from Decorating Addiction said...

The room looks so cozy and fresh. You did a fantastic job. Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures on Tybee.

Unknown said...

I'm green with envy over your Tybee Island trip ... and the movie premier. I loved that book and I am sure I'll love the movie.

Have a great time together.

Sharon Brown said...

Fantastic! I liked your list of sponsors as well. Very helpful.

Sharon

Skye McLain said...

Layla I just love your work and your writing! I can't wait to read it every day and be reinspired. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

I have a question - the milk glass lamp in the post from September of 2009 (http://www.theletteredcottage.net/2009/09/reading-room-reno-rumblings.html) and yes, I am going back and reading everything... hehehe..

I inherited one of those from my Grandmother when she passed away a couple of years ago and it broke when my husband and I moved last year. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I saw it in your picture and my heart jumped up in my throat! I have been on the hunt for one ever since then. If you ever happen to see one please think of me! I would love to have another one!

Sindy said...

Love the wall of sunshine, Layla!

I bought the small mirror near the back wall on ebay, too, and it looks great over my bed as you suggested in your design for my master bedroom--thank you!

Can't wait to read of all your doings on Tybee Island. All the best to you and Kevin.
Sindy

Marie said...

Wow, the room looks amazing and what a deal on those mirrors and you are soo creative too on the "candle holders" as well. Love the stripes...Really just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Love the sunshine you've provided in a windowless nook! Have FUN on Tybee!

Wishing you a blessed Easter.

Deborah

Anonymous said...

I love this blog! You have given me so many great ideas so far. I adore what you did with the mirrors. Can't wait to see more!

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

love that you "found" mirrors in unexpected places, like chargers and candle rings!

Tricia said...

Congrats to Renee and I love what you've done with the room Layla. I've had my eye out for a large sunburst mirror too and your collection is fabulous!

The Cozy Chateau said...

I love that you created a wall of sunburst mirrors - it looks stunning! I am even more excited that you were able to transform some items into sunburst mirrors, as I am in the middle of that exact project. I bought a huge sun clock at HomeSense (here in Canada - equiv to HomeGoods in the US) for $3 - regularly $70! I have painted her white for our cottage, have removed all "clock" aspects, and am currently sourcing a mirror that will fit. Will be posting the transformation soon. The "before" can be found here: http://thecozychateau.blogspot.com/2010/02/hello-bargains-hello-projects.html
Love your blog!
Cheers,
Nicole

Anonymous said...

Layla, the reading room looks wonderful....love the mirrors and the light fixture! Have a great trip to Tybee, look up Mary Kay Andrews while you're there...her books are awesome! Can't wait to see vidoes and pictures...:-)

Our Southern Front Porch said...

I love this room! I have been following you for a while and love how you have transformed this space! Thank you for sharing all your creative ideas!

Melissa said...

I ADORE Tybee! My husband and I discovered it in 2008 when we honeymooned there and fell in love with the place! I hope you are staying with the Mermaid Cottages!!!! I can't wait to live through you the nest week...we moved far from the coast and I miss my Tybee! Have fun!

Kiri said...

Completely genius, using candle holders and chargers to make mirrors! I never would have thought of that. Awesome!
~Kiri

www.mylovelylife-blog.blogspot.com

geri said...

Layla & Kevin.
Have an amazing adventure in Tybee Island.
I hope you get some rest in between blogging and photoing.
(not sure if that is a word.)
I fell in love with Tybee Island & Ga. after reading all of the books by Mary Kay Andrews you talked about a while back.
I hope I get to see it first hand one day.
So excited about seeing it through your eyes.
Your room is done to perfection , with all the charm of a cottage home. geri

Unknown said...

Wow! Enjoy your time away. I am so envious! As much as I liked the black cabinets, the grey is so much more you. We hope Kevin will be able to play more local places (where we can go!). Enjoy and relax!

Holly Austin said...

You are brilliant. The End. :)

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Have fun, Layla and Kevin! Looking forward to seeing what you guys do on the island. :-)
Susan

Bryan + Juli said...

Found your blog linked on Thrifty Decor Chick and it's now one of my absolute favs!! Everything you do is amazing!

Leslie said...

I love Tybee. We went there in August and had the best time. I heart the Georgia Coast. I hope y'all get some time in Savannah also.

By the way, your blog is the only one I can get my husband to look at. We love your style and y'all have inspired us to do things we didn't think we could do with our house. Thank you for encouraging us. Also if you ever need anything from Ikea I would love to make a trip for you. I work 5 mins from it.

Have a great weekend!
Leslie

Jessica @ My Quarter Life Crisis said...

I will be in Savannah this weekend (actually leaving tonight) so we will be close (and of course enjoying the high 70's beatamous weather). The room looks amazing, as if i were to expect anything else. I have always loved that quote at the top of the post and think it might have to find a place in my home! Have a great time in GA

Carol in Indian Springs Village said...

Love the mirrors! I think that I may have to 'steal' that idea for the entry. I have several mirrors that I've collected from various trips and I think having all of them in the entry will really look special. Thanks for such wonderful inspiration!

lisaroy said...

I'm loving the mirrors and the genius idea of making your own from the charger plate and round mirrors! The room looks amazing.

Dorm Bedding said...

Such a great room - love it!!!!

Victoria said...

Did you ever watch Ally McBeal? When I just saw this room I felt like the character Peter McNichol played, John or fondly called "the little biscuit", but I digress John used to turn to the jury and remarked "say it with me" and they would say exactly what he was thinking. I am now reprising John's role so join me all you bloggers and"say it with me" LAYLA you are AMAZING" ! nuff said.

Hedy King said...

I totally love your reading room. It is just perfect. You and Kevin are so talented, everything you touch turns to gold! After all that hard work, I realize!!! Thanks for sharing.

Susie said...

Layla! Are you a Kappa Delta??!

René said...

What a great surprise to arrive back from vacation and to realize that I won the White Flower Farmhouse giveaway! I am beyond excited! Thanks so much Layla!

BTW, Your room with all those pretty sunburst mirrors is so pretty!

Katie said...

I am loving your reading room! Oh to have the time to read...

Dorm Bedding said...

Love, love, love this room!