Garage Game's - Mommas gettin' crafty!

Greatness.

It’s just something we made up.

Somehow we’ve come to believe that greatness is a gift reserved for a chosen few,

for prodigies, for superstars,

and the rest of us can only stand by watching.

You can forget that.

Greatness is not some rare DNA strand, not some precious thing.

Greatness is no more unique to us than breathing.

We’re all capable of it.

All of us.

Best commercial, (it's by Nike), I've seen during the Olympic Games. This message can be applied to anything we decide to do. I thought it fitting to start with today because I have truly been blown away by not just the quantity of participation for my little blog's Garage Games, but the quality as well! In my down time I enjoy flying through decor magazines and books and marking pages with ideas, rooms, and tips that I would like to try. Why am I looking to these professionals for guidance? I haven't received one photo submission from anyone who is a 'professional' in home decor, but each one has been unique, creative and completely inspiring! Creating a home that reflects you is not something that requires an education in home decorating. All the bits and pieces, large and small, that you put together to create a space that is pleasing to you - that is perfection and greatness!

If this is your first time visiting my blog, I am so glad you are here - you're just in time! I'm doing our very own Garage Games right here on the blog over the weeks spanning the Olympics and asking anyone and everyone to email me, (chelseasgarage@gmail.com), at least one photo of a home decor piece/project/craft/room that is reflective of their style and personality, (you are welcome to send in as many photos as you would like). It can be anything you want so long as it represents you. I will post the photos right here on the blog as they come in as a fun way of sharing our creativity and inspiring one another. At the end of the two weeks we will do a random drawing of all the people who submit photos for a chance to win a piece of jewelry from my jewelry box clean-out! I love accessorizing and have 14 fun pieces that have served me well for several years now, but alas, it's time to change things up and pass them on! So, please don't hesitate to submit your photo(s); you never know who you'll inspire and you could get a cool piece of jewelry out of it! See this post if you'd like more details and a peek at the jewelry pieces! Photos will be accepted until Sunday August 12, (closing ceremonies day for the Olympics).

Today, we've got two young mommas representin' their stuff! One is a momma-to-be, {such sweet days}, and the other with almost 10 precious months of experience under her belt.

Our momma-to-be shares the most pure and genuine inspiration behind her great worthy Living room photo. 

"Our family/living room's focal point is a quilt I made my husband (boy friend at the time).  The quilt is a tribute to lewis and clark with compasses and canoes.  The sofa we saved from my father and I have decorated it with pillows I picked up in France!  When I sit here I think about the adventures my husband and I had in france and the love we share when we started our relationship." -N

This is beautiful, N. Such a great reminder that a personalized space takes on a beauty that cannot be matched.

Our next momma put a finishing touch on her nursery/guest room that is as warm and inviting as her own heart.

"When I was decorating Norah's room, I knew I wanted some color and fabric on the wall. I found some fabric online that I LOVED, so I ordered it not knowing how I would end up using it. I saw a picture in a magazine of some fabric-filled embroidery hoops and decided to give it a try. It's so easy! I just took the hoop apart, closed the fabric inside, and tightened the screw on the hoop to secure it. Then I just pulled the fabric taut so that there were no wrinkles, and cut the excess fabric off, leaving about an inch of extra fabric around the edges. Next, I used a hot glue gun to glue the extra fabric down behind the hoop. Finally, I just hung them on the wall with nails. So simple!" -M

Oops! How'd this get here?! Who doesn't want to see a flippin' adorable baby??? Hi, Norah!

A few thoughts regarding the hoops, (from M):

-Do NOT buy your hoops from the quilting section of a craft store—they are super expensive there. Go instead to the embroidery section, where they should be only $1-4 each. You can also check thrift stores or buy them on eBay for a very inexpensive price. You can paint the hoops or leave them plain. I have even seen some of these hoops hung on the wall in a cluster without any fabric inside—an easy way to fill up a big wall space!

Thank you very much to these busy gals who showed us that great decorating doesn't have to be expensive, time consuming or frustrating. The loveliest decor is that which reflects the heart.

Please send in your photo(s) before the Sunday August 12 deadline! I'm looking forward to seeing what comes in over the second half of our Garage Games!

Thank you, as always, for stopping by!

~Chelsea

Garage Game's Pics: Hold onto your socks!

Hi there! Well, the Olympic Games and Garage Games are almost half way through and what a first half it's been! I am enrolling this one in gymnastics asap! The basement sofa has been doubling as gym apparatus by which she leaps, flies and 'tumbles' from.

Shire isn't the only inspired girl around here. I have had a blast looking through the photos you have been sending for our Garage Games! If this is your first time visiting my blog, Welcome! I am so glad you stopped by - you're just in time! I'm doing our very own Garage Games right here on the blog over the weeks spanning the Olympics and asking anyone and everyone to email me, (chelseasgarage@gmail.com), at least one photo of a home decor piece/project/craft/room that is reflective of their style and personality. It can be anything you want so long as it represents you. I will post the photos right here on the blog as they come in as a fun way of sharing our creativity and inspiring one another. At the end of the two weeks we will do a random drawing of all the people who submit photos for a chance to win a piece of jewelry from my jewelry box clean-out! I love accessorizing and have 14 fun pieces that have served me well for several years now, but alas, it's time to change things up and pass them on! So, please don't hesitate to submit your photo(s); you never know who you'll inspire and you could get a cool piece of jewelry out of it! See this post if you'd like more details and a peek at the jewelry pieces! Photos will be accepted until Sunday August 12, (closing ceremonies day for the Olympics).

Today, you are in for a treat! This girl is my hero. She and her hubby bought just the perfectly imperfect house to transform into the home they wanted. Her use of color and pattern is brilliant, (always has been), and her style is branded by the encouraging words that are printed in the most clever ways throughout her home. They put their own hard work into these renos - and they have 4 young {beautiful} kiddos! Like I said. Hero.

{Half Bath Before}

{Half Bath After}
"When we moved in this bathroom was terrible- the wallpaper alone was enough to make me leave and never come back. We put hardwood in the entire downstairs, so it made sense to contine it in the bathroom. I wanted a pedestal sink, but because of the plumbing, this was the only kind of sink I could have (big bummer, but it turned out ok.) The bead board on the walls serves 2 purposes: it is pretty, but it is also covering up a multitude of sins- remember those fiberglass towel and toilet paper holders? You have to get those suckers out with a hammer. :)" -SB

{Laundry Room Before}

{Laundry Room After}

{Kitchen Before}

{Kitchen After}

" I have always wanted to do a kitchen remodel and was excited when we started this adventure. I never have had a problem making choices and always know just what I want, however I must say that the decisions for very overwhelming. I was excited about the easy ones, but by the time I was deciding where I wanted electrical sockets I was totally annoyed- it seems I am a big picture person more than a detail person. Anyway, I knew I wanted white cabinets, chrome hardware, and a farmhouse table. I also read some good advice in a design magazine that said don't go budget on everything and at the same time, don't spend big money on everything- pick 3 things to splurge on. So I choose to splure on my sink, my lights, and the appliances.  This house is old- built in the 60's- and I wanted to keep with the "old" style while having something new. I also knew I wanted it open and airy,

and room for all my babies to gather around the big table." -SB

{Living Room Before}

{Living Room After}

"This room was a huge transformation, mainly because it was closed up and covered in paneling when we moved in. We painted the paneling, opened the wall, and painted the fireplace and doors. This room went from a dark hole to a cozy, light room- I love the transformation."

 Somebody, call HGTV.:) Thank you, SB, for sharing the fruit of your blood sweat and tears. I know all the good moments and memories in this new home will more than pay off the work that went in. Well done!

Tomorrow will feature two sweet young mommas who's beautiful home decor reflects their beautiful hearts. 10 days left to submit your photos for the Garage Games!

Thanks for popping in!

~Chelsea

Garage Game's Pics - A thrifty find and a homemade office

Hello all! I don't know what I'm enjoying more - watching the Olympic Games, (hello USA Women's Gymnastics!), the tear jerking commercials, or receiving all your amazing home decor photos! I have been blown away by the number of responses by your creative rooms, ideas, tips and tricks.

If this is your first time visiting Chelsea's Garage I am so glad you stopped by! Let me fill you in really quick so you can join and/or enjoy! I am doing our very own Garage Games right here on the blog over the next two weeks spanning the Olympics. I am asking anyone and everyone to email me, (chelseasgarage@gmail.com), at least one photo of a home decor piece/project/craft/room that is reflective of their style and personality. It can be anything you want so long as it represents you. I will post the photos right here on the blog as they come in as a fun way of sharing our creativity and inspiring one another. At the end of the two weeks we will do a random drawing of all the people who submit photos for a chance to win a piece of jewelry from my jewelry box clean-out! I love accessorizing and have 14 fun pieces that have served me well for several years now, but alas, it's time to change things up and pass them on! So, please don't hesitate to submit your photo(s); you never know who you'll inspire and you could get a cool piece of jewelry out of it! See this post if you'd like more details and a peek at the jewelry pieces! Photos will be accepted until Sunday August 12, (closing ceremonies day for the Olympics).

Today I have two different submissions from two long time friends who don't know they're being featured together, (until now, obviously).:) My earliest memories include these two women; the first is my one and only Mom. The other, a long time family friend who lived down the street from my family in Illinois when I was a wee one.

Let's start with my Mom. I have no design background, never taken a class, but I have 28 years under my belt of watching my Mom transform many a home, (we moved several times), into this soothing yet fun, comfortable yet classy, modern meets antique, peaceful abode. When you walk into my parent's home, you will see my Mom's personality at every corner and 'ahhh, yesss' moment.  I don't know how to describe her home decor style except that she just 'knows'. She's got an eye for things like no one else. She mixes pattern and color like a pro. She knows how to accessorize and where to stop. I've heard guests of hers gush that there is no better feeling than being in her home - it is just that warm and inviting. I've studied and watched her in action. Most of what I do 'right', (and let's be honest, there are hardly any black and white rules when it comes to home decor), is from what I've learned through her.

She submitted a photo of a beautiful piece she found a long time ago. I've never heard it's story, until now.:)

"Twenty years ago we were living in New Hampshire and I was on the hunt for some new sofas. I heard about a huge tent sale at a very upscale place in Massachusetts. I got there early (it was a madhouse!), found my sofas, and as I was leaving I spotted this heavy iron table with no glass top. I don't know why I liked it because it's not my usual style. I thought it would be great 'in the mix' in our family room. I asked my sales lady whom I just bought 2 sofas from, what the price was. She waved her hand and said, "Just take it". So I hurriedly did! Got home, had a glass top cut for it and it has been with me ever since. Goes with everything and nothing....my kind of decorating!" -J

This next submission is an absolute brilliant transformation for an office space. If you work full time away from home, then most of your awake time is probably spent...away from home.

"Wanting my office to be a reflection of the things I love, I grabbed some things from home and this is what I came up with. Like you, I like lighting, and opted for some lamps in my office, to avoid the blaringly bright overhead lights. Combined with the light from my window, it’s just perfect. The picture on the wall is a watercolor my mom did. It’s a scene of the waterwheel on our campus (where I work). She painted it long before I ever started working here, so when I took the job, she gave it to me! The quilt hanging on the wall helps to cut down on the noise, adds visual interest, and I made it (a hobby on hold right now—but just looking at it inspires me to pick it up again). The colors are perfect for the room. People stop to comment on it all the time. I got rid of the metal bookshelf that came with the office, and brought in the antique washstand. My husband and I love looking for old pieces, and this was the perfect size for the space. It’s functional too! Haven’t found the perfect guest chair yet, but the one here does fine (can’t be too comfortable or my visitors will never leave!). Folks often comment how they feel like they are coming into my home, and not my office. It’s comfy, cozy, and makes me smile when I walk in to start my day. I figure if I’m here 40 hours/week, I better love the environment I’m in!! Just these few things have made it perfect for me."-D

Beautiful photos and thank you to the beautiful women who sent them in.

Tomorrow's post will feature a seriously talented mom who submitted some befores and afters which will knock your socks off! Don't wait too long to get your photos in! Deadline is Sunday, August 12.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Chelsea