DIY Requires Some Failure

Sometimes Do It Yourself isn't so easy.


We (meaning you and I) get brilliant ideas to try out a project we see on Pinterest or something we come across in a store. Sometimes daily, weekly, or for the craziest of us, hourly. 


I dive head in. Most often, I seem to realize half way through the project that I may be in trouble or should have processed it more before I started. (The Mr. is good at reminding me of this.) Because I'm stubborn, I press forward and eventually feel a sense of accomplishment and ownership of the process. But DIY requires some failure.

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I found this project I truely believed to be "cool" for my bedroom.


After assuring myself of this anthropologie inspired project, I knew it had to be rad. (Yes, I just said that.)

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Well I thought I had a picture but I must have thought it wasn't even worth it.


My friends who saw my project probably thought I had officially lost it. I laughed at myself when I saw this on Pinterest with the caption, "To use at the monster party". Ha, my beautiful little flower was considered for a monster party. Head hanging, at least I'm a teacher and can take it to school for my kids to somewhat enjoy.

Although, THIS blog seemed to make the project cool.


And take this coaster idea....

 Then I tried turning into something better...

Whomp, whomp.

And the one I was so jazzed about...

Mercury glass look-a-like.

Before:

After:

 Depressed.

Decided to give it another try.

It will work.

Those of you who think I'm a crafty little DIYer... sorry to dissapoint. 


I totally get those of you who would rather pay for something to be done. Sometimes it's important to weigh your choices. Something I have yet to get a grasp on.


Anyone out there with DIY failures like mine?!

Hanging Curtains

I left my camera in the car therefore you're not getting the post I had anticipated. Sorry friends.


But this might interest you. Remember when I wrote about hanging curtains? If not you can check it out here. This picture is a quite perfect illustration for you.

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Wow, talk about making a room look bigger!

Banquet Seating

Have you ever seen a picture of a certain decor idea or style and said, "NO thanks!"? 


I hope I'm not the only one. 


When this happens, it takes a little time for me to warm up to it. Sometimes I transition to thinking I like it. Then I move into thinking that I actually like it. Very occasionally do I do it.


Recently, I have gotten a stronger eye for small eating nooks with banquet seating. At first glance, I thought... uncomfortable. But they're growing on me. I'm still in the process of deciding if I could pull it off.


Pros:

• Everyone would rather sit at a booth rather than a table.
• Pull the table away and there's seating for more.
• Less chairs= less $$$.

Cons:

• Table height would have to be just right.
• Different backrest. 
• Cleaning banquet pads.
• Have to scooch on in.

Here are some of the pictures that are winning me over.

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Still on the fence...What do you think?

My former co-worker, Mary Lou Gennett, shared this perspective. I love it. Take a look...

We have banquette seating. Many pros, as you listed. You mentioned the con of cleaning the pads. You can have covers made that are removable for deep cleaning, dry cleaning. Haven't had to do that yet. We have family side and guest side, living with family side most of the time. And as a guest becomes more familiar with us, I tell them we aren't turning the pads over for their visit any more.  Additionally, one tip. As the host/hostess - never be the first one to sit down there. You will have to scooch on it, and then be trapped. We love the seating. It seats many more people that would be allowed with a standard table/chairs. AND, ours are also used for storage. Lift up the lids and you will find the rarely used kitchen items: turkey roaster, extra burners for the range, etc.

Royal Blue

Royal blue. 

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Majestic, huh?! 


Recently, it has suckered me in on more than one occasion.


It's not the color you see everywhere like everyone's best friends' Gray and Yellow.


The boldness of royal blue strikes me as it sits next to a crisp white. It could MAKE a focal point.

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Will me next sofa pillows be royal blue? My next bedroom accents? My someday-nursery? Or just maybe, my tufted headboard? 


If I had to buy today...


West Elm Striped Sheets- $60

World Market Cloth Napkins- $15.96

This post inspiration came when I saw two gorgeous ottomans that were royal blue velvet AND tufted at HomeGoods. I fell in love. If only I had a place for them.


Royal blue...not the easiest to find but I'm crushin' on it for sure!