Ahhhh.....pinterest.

So I have recently become a member of pinterest.com. This is my new time waster. There have been social networking sites, or IM programs that I have spent many many hours on...but nothing quite like this. Being a crafter/junk re-purposer, pinterest, a site for sharing creative ideas and inspiration, keeps me busy for hours on end! Searching for great new projects has been made easier than ever with this site...and I urge you to give it a look! If you happen so sign up for an account...follow me, @catiedebates!

Here are some of the projects I will be attempting, and then blogging about, in the near future...

Boot Socks

Glass Block Snowman

These are just a couple...but there are more to come like sweater mittens, yarn mache ornaments, holiday recipes, and great gift ideas! Can you tell I am more than excited for the Christmas season? I thrive on the merriment that comes along but once a year, and love sharing ideas that will keep me busy while I am bundled up inside, safe and warm from the Minnesota winter. So please...comment with your favorite holiday joys!

Halloween in Review: Prep, Party, Perfection!

My Halloween party was a great success! Our food was delicious, our guests were happy, and most importantly... my house came out unscathed!

Here are some of the highlights from the evening...

My lovely co-host, Katie Rae, making Witch Hat Cookies!

Witch Hat Cookies: super easy to make and adorable!

Chocolate dipped pretzel rods a.k.a nasty fingers

My popcorn balls...put 'em on skewers and they become Magic Wands..oOoooOoo

Party prep...oh the decorating!

All the jack-o-lantern and poisoned apple cupcakes waiting to be displayed!

Katie Rae...a toddler in tiara! (she sewed this costume by hand!)

Mermaid and Captain Jack! (My boyfriend and I worked SO hard on our couples costume this year, and when we went out on actual Halloween, we didn't have the energy to put back on the elaborate costumes and came up with...)

Nerds! These were super easy and fun to create... next year, I suggest forgoing the expensive costumes, and pulling your resources for something funny, comfy, and memorable!

Halloween: Makeup Tutorials I love!

As you may have guessed, I LOVE HALLOWEEN! Dress up is and has always been one of my favorite hobbies. For those of you who want to know how to spice up your costume, I highly suggest body paint, make up, and other special effects! After the big day, I will make sure to post pictures of my outrageous couples-costume...but until then, here are some fabulous makeup tutorials for popular costumes!

 

Lady Gaga: Bad Romance

Cats

Halloween Classic: Skeleton

Recycle and Re-purpose!

Here are two pieces I love right now. Jewel tones are in this fall and the old barn storm window pops against any wall in turquoise. I redid this wood-wicker chair in white and added a matching silk pillow! Both items are for sale! I also have one more storm window and one old screen window for sale! They go for $25/piece. The chair is on sale for $30 (includes pillow!)

Another obsession...peacock feathers! Add them to any vase to incorporate jewel tones into your home...

Stay tuned for more decorating tips and furniture finds!

Drawers for Sale!!

I received these drawers from my cousin a couple weeks back and recycled them, as I do everything else! They would make fantastic end tables and provide TONS of storage. They are 100% hardwood and quality furniture.

Front View of the Set

Close up on the distressing and stick-handles

They are a mix between shabby-chic and country. I have them in my all season porch, holding my craft supplies, but I have also used them back-to-back in my kitchen! I am asking $150 for them and would be willing to haul them to your place! Email me if you are interested at catherine.debates@gmail.com

Where in the Halloween Have I Been?!

Ok so I haven't posted for a while... but now I have a ton of fantastic projects accomplished and ready to share! It's Halloween season, which means arts and crafts are coming up like pumpkins...

Here are some DIY projects to haunt your time and your place...

Glittery Mirror Bats

Black Silk Peonies and Vase

Martha Stewart Owl Card Holders (turned into hanging decor)

Turquoise Infusion

SpookySoup Luminaries

As you can see, I am OBSESSED with Halloween decorations and the holiday in its entirety! Stay tuned for more tricks and treats this October!

Have a Seat

Here is the first seat from Have a Seat! It is a flat jade paint with a burlap covered padding.

Here are two frames I found at the Neighborhood Thrift Store in lower North Mankato. I added the mirrors and turned them into reflective trays for your end table, kitchen counter, or desk!

Stay tuned for more projects...

new home...new projects!

I have recently moved into a little house that I love and adore! Not only do I have my own space, but it allows me to decorate and rearrange furniture as much as I want.

Having been complimented on my refurbished pieces, I have decided to dedicate my blog to my projects and vow to post new projects often!

Remember my chalk board? Here it is serving as a head board! Greys are the new-neutrals... so they will show up in a lot of my decor.

Antique suitcases make a great end table!

My bathroom came without a vanity, so I added my refurbished dresser for extra storage space.

A small cabinet and an old barn storm window! 

The sea is my latest inspiration. Here is a shot of my drape tie-backs!

So there ya have it...just a few of the things that are keeping me preoccupied. My business Have a Seat is up and running and I am available for furniture renovation and innovation in the Mankato, MN area.

Until next time...