WhisperWood Cottage

MystiKit: The Missing Link for DIY Bloggers Who Want to Make Money

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:04:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about earning money doing what you already love to do – sharing your DIY and crafting projects so others can try them? I've always wished there was some way to turn my love of DIY projects and blogging into an income stream. Isn't that what we all want...to get paid to do what we love?

Well, guess what! Newly launched MystiKit.com is the missing link that allows bloggers to make money directly from their project tutorials! From your old posts or new ones, use the MystiKit technology to create a virtual “kit” of materials and tools for anyone wishing to replicate your project. Buyers simply click on a link from your website and the entire basket opens up, from which they can choose some or all of the items to purchase for delivery to their doorstep.

HOW IT WORKS

Here's a fun video demonstration by MystiKit CEO and fellow blogger, Jennifer...

VIEW AVAILABLE MYSTIKITS

You can see my current MystiKits by clicking here. If you click on the kit photo, it will take you to the buying page where you can customize what you want to include in your cart. If you click buy, you buy it all in one shot! Can you imagine how much time that will save for you and/or your readers? No more running from store to store or searching the web for individual pieces. Love it!

MY THOUGHTS

When the CEO and creator of MystiKit contacted me personally about becoming a Kitter on MystiKit, I waited about two seconds...and then jumped on board immediately. I see such potential in this brilliant concept. In fact, I'm giving them feedback on what bloggers would want from a site like this. It's going to be magical!

Along with me, here are a few more of my blogging friends who are already kitting their creative DIY projects on the MystiKit site:

Roeshel from DIY Showoff
Deb from Just Short of Crazy
Rayan from The Design Confidential
Tracy from Cleverly Inspired
Jaime from That's My Letter
Delia from Delia Creates

BECOME A KITTER ON MYSTIKIT

Would you like to become a Kitter on the MystiKit site and make sellable kits for your DIY projects? Kitting capabilities are not open to everyone yet. You either have to be invited or you can request to join. If you would like an invite, please let me know by leaving a comment. Or you can go straight to the request form.

Questions? Ask away! I'll make sure to get all the answers you need!

Summery Touches in the Master Bath

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Remember the master bath renovation?

When we finished, we still had this blank spot over the claw foot rub...

After 6 months, I finally found the right piece at TJMaxx...

I love this frame...wood with a rustic blue-green finish.

I also switched out a seagrass rug from another room.

The colors and textures feel very coast to me.

I'm so ready for summer!

Now, I just need to find the glass cleaner! :)

Flea Market Photos: Duluth Junk Hunt | Spring 2013

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sat, 11 May 2013 02:48:00 +0000

Hi, gang! I've been on the junking trail! Photo trail, that is. My local junking friends are busy selling at the 3rd Semi-Annual Duluth Junk Hunt this weekend, so I popped in to grab a few photos. All the photos are posted over at Junkologie, but I thought I'd share my favorite photos here with you.

More event info and photos here and here.

6 Winners to be Featured in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:39:00 +0000

In the last post, you saw the 14 amazing finalists of the 2013 1st Project of the Year Party. From among those high-caliber entries, here are the 6 winners of a feature in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine!

Room #5 Harboard Plank Wall from Dear Emmeline

Item #46 Cross Stitch Dresser from Dear Emmeline

Room #33 Mini Mudroom Reveal by Nalle's House

Room #3 Boys Bedroom on a Budget at Nellie Bellie

Item #4 Repurposed Chairs by the Knick of Time

Item #12 Furniture Makeover and Vignette at City Farmhouse

Congratulations, Ladies! I can't wait to see your creativity in print!! What happens now? First, please grab a button for your blog post and sidebar.

Second, please email me with the following information and I will put you in touch with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine:

Your name
Your blog name & URL
Your entry number & project title

NOTE TO FINALISTS: Please grab a finalist button from the last post. The button was missing when originally published. If you have not emailed me to claim your free issue of C&B Magazine, please do so soon! :)

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES TO GET SCOUTED

We will continue to scout for talent to be published in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine. Stay tuned at WhisperWood Cottage for news on future events. Read more here.

14 Finalists of the 2013 1st Project of the Year Party

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:43:00 +0000

Can you stand it? Here are 14 fabulous Before & After Rooms and Items that have won themselves finalist status in the 2013 1st Project of the Year Party!!...

Item #55 Creating Outdoor Bamboo Lighting at The Retail DIYet

Room #47 DIY Kitchen Cabinets from Butterfly & Bungalow

Item #46 Cross Stitch Dresser from Dear Emmeline

Room #45 Master Bedroom Makeover from Mamie Jane's

Room #33 Mini Mudroom Reveal by Nalle's House

Room #25 Dining Room Makeover from Cottage on Rosewood

Room #21 Bathroom Makeover Reveal from Beneath My Heart

Room #17 Organized Office in a Closet

Item #12 Furniture Makeover and Vignette at City Farmhouse

Room #6 Guest Bedroom Reveal at The Backyard Bungalow

Item #6 DIY Schoolhouse Light from At Home on the Bay

Room #5 Harboard Plank Wall from Dear Emmeline

Item #4 Repurposed Chairs by the Knick of Time

Room #3 Boys Bedroom on a Budget at Nellie Bellie

Congratulations, Finalists! Each of you was hand-picked by the editor of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine for your creativity and photography skills. Please grab the button at the top of this post. As a finalist, you will receive a free issue of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine. Please email me with your mailing address to claim your prize.

What about the winners? Some of these finalists...6 to be exact...yes, 6!!!...have won themselves a feature in an upcoming issue of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine. I'll be announcing the 6 winners here on Friday, March 29.

Thanks to everyone who linked up! Stay tuned for upcoming parties where you can win your own magazine feature!

Update on the 2013 1st Project of the Year Party

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:52:00 +0000

2013 1st Project of the Year Update

As you know, I teamed up with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine again this year for another "1st Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. We were scouting for blogger talent to feature in an upcoming issue of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine. The especially high quality of projects and photos this time around made it challenging to choose. Well done, Ladies!!

I can't tell you yet who won, but I will tell you this... Due to the high quality of projects, THERE ARE MULTIPLE WINNERS!! (That's all I'm going to say for now!) Hand-picked by the editor of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine, 14 finalists will be announced here on Monday! :) The winners will be announced soon after that.

Check out the 52 entries linked below in our "Before & After Rooms" category and the 67 entries in our "Before & After Items" category.

Before & After Rooms

Before & After Items

Stay tuned to all the happenings:

Like WhisperWood Cottage on Facebook.

Follow WhisperWood Cottage on Pinterest.

Junk Bonanza Prize Package Winner

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:39:00 +0000

Congratulations, Kris from Junk Chic Cottage!

You are the winner of the Junk Bonanza Prize Package!

Please email me with to claim your prizes!

Junk Bonanza Giveaway: 3 Ways to Enter

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:56:00 +0000

What is the Junk Bonanza?
The twice-a-year Bonanza provides a gathering spot for purveyors and shoppers of vintage finds, beautiful antiques, and one-of-a-kind and artisan-repurposed pieces. The three-day, indoor events each offer best-of shopping experiences and a day of hourly cash coupon giveaways, drawings and special appearances.

Check out this Junk Bonanza video...

What are the Prizes for this Giveaway?

2 VIP Early Bird tickets to the Bonanza, good for entrance to shop Thursday 2 hours before the event opens to the public, and good for regular admission Friday and Saturday, too.
1 copy of the new Spring/Summer Flea Market Style mag
1 $22 gift certificate to the Ki Nassauer store to be used at the Bonanza
1 early Bird tote bag

What are the Giveaway Dates?

Entries will be accepted through 5 pm CST on Sunday, March 17. Winner will be announced before end of the day on Monday, March 18. Winner will need to contact me within 48 hours to claim his/her prize, so please check back for the winner announcement. After the 48 hours, the prize may be forfeited.

How Can I Enter to Win?

You can get 1 entry for each of the following:

Leave a comment below telling us if you have been to Junk Bonanza before or if this would be your first time.
Leave a comment on WhisperWood Cottage's Facebook page that mentions "Junk Bonanza" and tells us what kind of junk you'll be looking for at event.
Pin the giveaway button above to Pinterest and mention WhisperWood Cottage in the description box. You can follow all WhisperWood Cottage's pins at http://pinterest.com/whisperwood/.

Help in Healing: Why Bath Fixtures are Important

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 02:11:00 +0000

I have to tell you. The past two weeks have been very challenging. I sprained my ankle and hurt my back within 24 hours of each other. It's been two weeks of pain and limited mobility. Luckily, I am on the mend and doing much better. Throughout this trying time, I had lots of things for which to be grateful. These included my care-giving husband, my über-talented chiropractor, my super-kind neighbors, and my understanding supervisor/colleagues.

On a smaller scale, I was grateful for the completion of my recent master bath renovation. Why? First, our new shower has a seat in it. Kudos to my husband for insisting upon this feature. Let me tell you, it came in handy for making showers possible when standing was difficult.

Second, is this shower head from Delta Faucet. Last summer, I was invited to attend an all-expenses paid trip to the Delta headquarters for their annual blogger event. A select group of bloggers met to learn about Delta and their amazing products. As a parting gift, we were able to choose one of their shower heads. I went with the Traditional In2ition Two-in-One Shower Arm Mounted Shower Head. It waited for months to be installed as we plugged away at our master bath renovation. Like the shower seat, having four different spray settings and a hand-held option made all the difference when mobility and flexibility were limited by injury. I was so grateful for this Delta shower head!!

I'm so glad for the generosity of the Delta Faucet company and for the quality of their products. Delta will always be my first choice in bathroom and kitchen fixtures. To prove my point, did you see our bathroom faucet? It's from the Delta Addison line, which we purchased online. I had intended to get the Touch2O version...you know, the kind that is touchless. Unfortunately, I mis-ordered and ended up with the regular version, but this version works well enough and is worth every penny. :) I am confident in the quality of Delta Faucet products and will gladly invest in quality materials for my home.

Note: Yes, we did receive the shower head free of charge from Delta. However, please know that the opinions and gratitude expressed in this post are genuine and heartfelt. I was NOT paid to mention or promote Delta products in any way. Big hugs to Delta Faucet for helping me through this difficult time and helping me get through the healing process!!

Details in the Master Bath Renovation

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:05:00 +0000

Are you ready for some detail shots of the master bath renovation? Some details have stories, others are just things that caught my eye.

The artwork above is one of the few items that existed in the bathroom before the makeover. I purchased this from a garage sale by the original artist. It had been painted and framed by an elderly woman, who was being moved from her home to another living option. It was obvious she loved painting and used the hobby to fill her retirement days. From her 100+ paintings, this one caught my eye. I think I paid a whopping $4 or something crazy. I looooove this little piece of art. In fact, it was the inspiration for the room. For me, it conveys life and sophistication...much like the elderly artist.

These two pieces of art are inspirational to me for different reasons. The top print is from a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii several years ago. We had traveled to the active volcano on the south side of the island. The print is of Pele, the goddess of fire. She represents the creation of life. I find the colors striking, and I like how it relates to the colors of the floral painting in the first photo. It is framed in an Ikea frame picked up at Goodwill years ago.

The Dachsund artwork is an original piece signed by the author. Like the floral painting, it is a thrift find. I picked it up at Goodwill for $8 a few weeks ago. My brother's family has a Dachsund named Oscar. It represents creation and family, and reminds me of my far away family and our times together.

These little plants in the window are some faux beauties from TJMaxx. A touch of black and a touch of (faux) plant life.

The American Railway Co. sign was picked up at an occasional sale several years ago. After being tried in various rooms around the home, it has FINALLY found a permanent home here. I had tried selling it a while back, but I'm glad I still had it on hand. I am quite happy with it here.

In the vintage medical cabinet, are fun accessories: an antique brass soap/sponge holder on its side, seashells, skin care tools, decorative soap, perfumes and body sprays, wash cloths, bubble bath, etc.

This antique scale was scored at a Minnesota flea market a few years back.

This side table was a TJMaxx find.

This antique brash soap/sponge holder on the side of the claw foot tub was also a flea market find.

On the counter by the sink are these three cubes. They are from TJMaxx and are perfect for easy access to every day items. I love displaying mundane items in a special way. Did you notice these three cubes match the rectangular boxes in the vintage medical cabinet? Yay, TJMaxx!

These two boxes are stacked on the other side of the sink. They add a bit of extra storage in a beautiful way. The bottom tin box is a garage sale...or maybe an estate sale find. The solid brass box on top is actually a high-end Ralph Lauren Home piece. I scored it on clearance from TJMaxx last winter. It is wrapped and detailed in fabric on the top. I love its heft and patina.

You probably saw this piece in my last post, but it's so darn awesome! The antique "housekeeping rooms" adds a bit of whimsy above the storage closet.

Okay, that's it for details. Whew! I'm exhausted. Time to go soak in that claw foot tub!

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT!

Do you have any 1st Projects of the Year to share?

I've teamed up with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine again this year for another "1st Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. We are searching for projects in these two themes:

Before & After Rooms

Before & After Items

The linky will be open Feb. 1-28, and you will be able to link up your projects completed and posted in 2013. At least one person will win in a multi-page feature in an upcoming issue of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine!

Master Bath Renovation: Details on the Vanity Area

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:26:00 +0000

One of my favorite new areas of the master bath renovation is the vanity area. I am in love with the deep chocolatey finish of the cabinetry...purchased from Home Depot. As thrifty as I tend to be, I was shocked by how expensive cabinetry is...and it wasn't even the custom, high-end stuff. In the long run, it is worth it. It adds an extra foot of countertop and an extra set of drawers to the space. We also added the two wall-mount cabinets for his and her storage. This is sooooo much better than what was there originally...

When debating over whether we preferred counter space vs. two sinks, I opted for a single larger sink that provided for decent counter space on each side. I fell in love with this Kohler sink, which I actually selected and purchased on Amazon!! I bought the Delta faucet on Amazon, too. I had intended to purchase the touch-free version but somehow added the wrong one to my cart. Grrr! Oh, well, this one works just as well. :)

I am completely in love with the countertop and backsplash, too! My intention was to have it match the sink to create a fresh, visually uninterrupted look. Does that make sense? It is a solid surface material in Arctic White. My hubby did the measurements and my brother made the countertop. Do I not have the most talented men in my life?

Choosing the hardware was more of a challenge. I wasn't sure what I wanted for a long time. I wanted clean lines but not too contemporary. The solution was found at our local Menard's store.

The mirror, from Home Depot, is from the same line as the cabinetry. I didn't even know they had a coordinating mirror until hubby came home with it after one of our dozens of trips to the hardware store. The triple schoolhouse light fixture over the sink was also an Amazon find. I like how it coordinates with the large vintage schoolhouse light fixture hanging in the center of the room. {sigh!}

Do you have any 1st Projects of the Year to share?

I've teamed up with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine again this year for another "1st Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. We are searching for projects in these two themes:

Before & After Rooms

Before & After Items

Laboratory Cabinet Retrofitted as Closet Door

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:52:00 +0000

I've been saving this antique "housekeeping rooms" sign for just the right place.

It has found a home above the new "cabinet" door in the master bath renovation.

Below is the door and bathroom as it used to be. Ick.

And here is the after.

Yes. Yes. I know. The woods don't match.

For some of you, I know this might be something akin to scraping nails on a chalkboard.

BUT this is no ordinary door.

It is vintage. It has history. And it has character.

Here are the doors on the original source...

a vintage laboratory cabinet salvaged from a high school in northern Minnesota.

It has fabulous patina. And looks at this label...cabinet D!

Stuff like this makes my vintage-loving heart swoon!

When it comes to vintage pieces, I am often a preservationist. I like to keep the original finish but use the piece in a new way. With that in mind, hubby used his woodworking and construction talents to retrofit the doors into the existing door jamb.

I say he did a brilliant job. While I have considered staining it to match the new cabinetry, as of now it will stay its original finish. I simply love the doors as they are.

Do you have any 1st Projects of the Year to share?

I've teamed up with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine again this year for another "1st Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. We are searching for projects in these two themes:

Before & After Rooms

Before & After Items

Antique Rug in the Master Bath

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:57:00 +0000

Did you notice the antique rug in the master bath makeover post?

You can see the history of this rug in its imperfectly worn patina.

I love the design, the colors, the fading, and the frayed ends.

Do any of you recall seeing this flea market find of an antique rug before?

Last fall, it had a home in the studio.

From the studio to the master bath.

Classic and traditional antiques are so versatile!

Before & After: Eclectic Master Bath Renovation/Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 01:59:00 +0000

It's Time. As I indicated in the last post, this master bath makeover was a necessity! :) The room is now functional (the heat duct is actually connected, the drains actually work, and there are no nails through the electrical wiring) and much more aesthetically pleasing (at least to me). It captures my eclectic style, which appreciates quality, history, mixed woods and metals, and the ability to nurture the soul. The "after" may still not be your taste, but I hope you will agree that it is better than the "before."

The Door. I found this door several years ago at the garage sale of my friend, Sue. It was a project in Sue's house that inspired me to do this in my own house. It turns out that Sue had gotten the door from my other friend, Cammie, a few years back. Cammie had rescued it from a building remodel on the Wayne State College campus in Wayne, NE. How cool is that?! I have a matching barn-style door on my master bedroom closet.

The Barn Flat Track. When Ron mentioned to his dad that we were looking for some flat track to hang some doors we had found, he said, "What about the tracks from Amy's parents?" I didn't know what he was talking about. My parents had torn down a dilapidated barn (circa late 1800s) several years ago. During that process, Ron's dad came to take the wood so that he can make mirrors and frames, etc. Turns out that he had also grabbed the flat track and rollers. They ended up in Ron's parents' shed...awaiting someone like me to put them to use! It was meant to be!

Welcome. Are you ready for the tour? Come on in and check it out. I included before and after photos so that you can get an idea of how truly icky it was. My approach was to incorporate old with new. Neutral with bold. Mixes of wood and metal finishes. Balance of light and dark. Historical with contemporary. You know the drill! :)

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BEFORE & AFTER VERTICAL MAIN VIEW

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BEFORE & AFTER HORIZONTAL MAIN VIEW

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BEFORE & AFTER VANITY WALL

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BEFORE & AFTER VANITY

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BEFORE & AFTER COMMODE

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BEFORE & AFTER DOOR VIEW

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BEFORE & AFTER TUB & SHOWER WALL

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BEFORE & AFTER CORNER

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More to Do. As you can see, there is still some work to do. I need some kind of art and/or mirror above the claw foot tub. Instead of just throwing something on the wall, I'm waiting for just the right piece(s). I have ideas of what I like, but I haven't come across it yet. I have a few more close-up photos of some of the more decorative details. If you are interested, I'll be including them in the next post.

Do you have any 1st Projects of the Year to share?

I've teamed up with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine again this year for another "1st Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. We are searching for projects in these two themes:

Before & After Rooms

Before & After Items

Our First Project of 2013: Sneak Peek of the Master Bath Reveal

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 16:38:00 +0000

What's behind this door? Remember when we started our master bath makeover back in September? Well, it's been a work in progress ever since we ripped the room down to the studs. Through this door is our newly renovated room.

This is the first time I've shown a full-on before bathroom shot (see photo below) of the hideousness and dysfunction with which we lived since we moved in. There were sooooooo many problems with this room! I can't look at it without that "yuck" face I used to give my Grandma when she wanted me to eat something disgusting (like a vegetable) as a child. I got in trouble quite often with that "yuck" reaction. Sorry, Grandma, this before shot makes me cringe as much as the thought of creamed corn. Yuck!

BEFORE

The good news is that the room is now functional and much more aesthetically pleasing (at least to me). It's very eclectic in nature, which may not be your cup of tea. It's fits my nature that appreciates quality, history, mixed woods and metals, and the ability to nurture the soul. I'll be showing you more over the next week or so. For now, here's a sneak peak of the newly renovated master bath...

AFTER

More to come over the next week or so! :)

Do you have any 1st Projects of the Year to share?

I've teamed up with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine again this year for another "1st Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. We are searching for projects in these two themes:

Before & After Rooms

Before & After Items

2013 1st Project of the Year Party: Win a Magazine Feature! (linky open thru Feb. 28)

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +0000

2013 1ST PROJECT OF THE YEAR PARTY

I've teamed up with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine again this year for another "1st Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. We are searching for projects in these two themes:

Before & After Rooms

Before & After Items

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Innovation
Usefulness
Adaptability to any cottage style
Budget friendliness
Quality of the project/craftsmanship
Quality of the photos (great tips at Donna's workshop series on point & shoot cameras)
Entrant follows all party rules

RULES & POLICIES

Rules for eligibility:

Entries must be relevant to one of the two themes and must be linked up under the appropriate linky below.
You may link up as many relevant projects as you like as long as the projects were completed and posted between January 1, 2013 - February 28, 2013.
Projects must be your own work.
You must include the linked party button in ALL linked project posts.

Event Policies:

Posts must meet the rules above and be approved before appearing on the linky. Projects that do not follow the rules will not be approved for the linky party and will not be eligible for inclusion in the top contenders or as the winner of the magazine feature. If your project is not visible within 48 hours of linking, check rules 1-3 above. Make any corrections and send us an email letting us know that you did so.
By linking up, you give WhisperWood Cottage permission to feature your project photos here on the blog.
If you are the winner, you agree to provide Cottages & Bungalows Magazine with quality photos of your project in a timely manner for publication. Minimum size: 8"x10". Minimum dpi: 300.
Party organizers reserve the right to modify the rules at any time without prior notification.

BUTTON REQUIRED IN EACH LINKED POST

Here is the button you should include in EACH of your linked posts...

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES BY LINKING UP BELOW

Note: Thumbnails will not show right away. Posts must meet the rules above and be approved before appearing on the linky. Please see rules and policies above. Please make sure you link up to the correct section!

Before & After Rooms

Before & After Items

Stay tuned to all the happenings:

Like WhisperWood Cottage on Facebook.

Follow WhisperWood Cottage on Pinterest.

Top Projects of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:36:00 +0000

I thought I'd take a trip down memory lane today by going through my posts from last year. I was surprisingly reminded of many projects I hadn't though about in a while. In fact, I had forgotten that many of them ever happened. That's how often things change around here! If you are new here, or if you care to take a walk down memory lane with me, take a gander at 24 creative projects that happened 'round these parts in 2012...

Convex Mirror Makeover

Industrial Coffee Table

Burlap & Silver Spoon Valentine

Hanging Canvas Flower Valentine

Vintage Milk Glass Dental Trays as Jewelry Organizers

Vintage Medical Cabinet as Vanity

Refurbished Thrift Store Clock

Repurposed Flea Market Bread Pan

Recipe Cards in Canvas Envelope

Vintage Medical Cabinet as Hat Display

Tutorial for Turning T-shirts into Rags

Galvanized Dairy Receipt Box Repurposed as Space-Saving Workspace Solution

Industrial Shelf Solution

Studio Change-up

Flea Market Find: Art Deco Groceries Sign

Chesterfield Barrel Chairs from TJ Maxx

Modern K-Cup Storage in Vintage Finds

3 Simple Glass Solutions for Bathroom Storage

Unique Solution for Displaying China

Vintage Brass Light in the Dining Room

Antique Rug from the Flea Market

Spare Room Change-Up

Beginning the Master Bath Renovation

Industrial Pendant Light Makeover

2013 1ST PROJECT OF THE YEAR PARTY

So, are you ready for your 2013 projects? I've teamed up with Cottages & Bungalows Magazine again this year for another "1st Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. So, get your projects ready and posted. The linky will be open Feb. 1-28, and you will be able to link up any "Before & After" projects completed and posted in 2013. Win a multi-page feature in an upcoming issue of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine. Please spread the word! :)

Winter Journey

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 20:46:00 +0000

Have you been enjoying your winter? I've been on a bit of a journey. Not a walk, not a trip, but a journey of the self. I've found the need to hibernate a bit. Find solitude. Create a nurturing space of grace and peace. I've been cleaning out the clutter, both from my home and my mind. You know...that old stuff that doesn't really suit me anymore.

Both fear and fearlessness are part of the territory on journeys such as these. For each fearless step I take, I leave behind a small part of who I was. And that makes me sad. But I must be willing to love and leave that old me behind, so that I can fully honor the me that is now and embrace the me that is to come.

I find, as I go through life, journeys such as these are needed. Step by step. Determining a new path through uncharted territory. Seeking the light but appreciating the shadows. Hugging trees and wiping tears as I go.

If you are feeling the need to journey inward, I hope you heed the call. One fearless step at a time, the journey is one of necessity. This time of year is made for journeys such as this. Rest. Rejuvenate. Renew. Journey onward, fellow whisperers.

A New Handmade Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 22:22:00 +0000

Hidey-ho, neighbors! Thought I'd share something new to WhisperWood Cottage.

My mom has been crafting this quilt for over a year, and her masterpiece is finally done.

Many of the fabrics were from Pottery Barn pillow covers, headboard covers, and a duvet cover that I loved but no longer used. The rest of the fabrics were from remnants at the fabric store. She created red, yellow, blue, and green squares on a field of ivory.

It came together beautifully! She also crafted two coordinating pillows.

One is below on the right and the other is in the first photo above on the left.

Thanks, Mom (and your friends, Esther & Noreen), for your love-filled and beautiful creation!

It will be a cherished heirloom!

Industrial Pendant Light Makeover (Wayfair DIY Blogger Challenge)

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 20:51:00 +0000

Hello, friends! How have you been? I've been swamped with life, love, and other mysteries. Actually, I've been busy, busy, busy with work. Not too exciting or romantic, huh? We've made lots of progress on our master bath reno, too. The flooring has arrived and will be going in soon...I hope! After that, we can finally get the vanity, tub, etc. put in. Yay!

One exciting thing is that I was asked to participate in the Wayfair DIY Blogger Challenge. I was able to pick between three items, and I went with this fabulous white pendant light. It's metal, super light weight, and has a great industrial feel. For this challenge, I wanted to create a sophisticated, masculine feel so that it would coordinate with the antique lab table in my workspace. With a gift card provided by Giftcards.com, I purchased all the goodies for the project.

I put on my painting mask, gave the fixture a light sanding, and then sprayed the inside an antique gold.

Once the inside dried, I flipped it over and coated the outside of the light fixture and the cord with a couple coats of chalkboard paint. I love the matte finish. Plus, if I wanted, I could decorate it up with an artistic chalk pattern. Hmmm...I'll save that for another day.

Here it is above the vintage lab table. It's a bit difficult to see the light now, but that's what I like a about it. It blends into the chalkboard behind it. Perfect!

Loving that gold on the inside.

The new colors make it feel right at home amongst the industrial feel of the rest of the space. Thanks, Wayfair and Giftcards.com, for inspiring me and letting me participate in your DIY Blogger Challenge! Visit Wayfair on their site, blog, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Duluth Junk Hunt Photos

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 02:59:00 +0000

Junk event going on this weekend in Duluth, MN!

View MORE PHOTOS at Junkologie.com!

Get more Duluth Junk Hunt info at:

Blog: http://duluthjunkhunt.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duluthjunkhunt

Is Insulation Pink a Color Inspiration?

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 22:58:00 +0000

Remember that dumpster that was filled with drywall and other chaos?

It's from a room in our house that I've waited impatiently to reno since the day we moved in.

It's from a room I have not shown fully until this day.

Tada! (More like "wah wah.") The "master" bath:

Our less than stellar master bath was stripped down to the studs.

Making insulation pink is the new "in" color. Kidding! :)

Parts of the flooring were ripped out, too.

What did we discover?

Illegal plumbing.

The heating duct never hooked up.

A tub drain not completely connected.

And staples through wires.

Nuttin' but quality here!

Luckily, we've had lots of progress since then!

A Dumpster is Not a Design Statement :)

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:57:00 +0000

We were thinking of adding a little autumn decor to the match the changing leaves.

Does this orange dumpster count?

How about filled with old drywall?

Oh, it's been fun 'round here!

Life Whispers: Evergreen

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 02:31:00 +0000

Evergreen

by Amy of WhisperWood Cottage

What does it mean to be evergreen?

To have a quality that is never changing?

A characteristic that is consistent even in the harshest seasons,

when all others around you seem to change on a whim?

What is your evergreen characteristic that gets you through the difficult times?

Is it your humor?

Your faith?

Your kindness?

Your ingenuity?

Your tenacity?

Your lovingness?

Your open mindedness?

Your patience?

What is it that stays with you through all the seasons of your life?

That defines you at your core?

That seeps through every ounce of your being?

Which of your characteristics is visible to all those around you?

So visible that your name is synonymous with the word?

Would others call you ever-humorous?

Ever-faithful?

Ever-kind?

Ever-ingenious?

Ever-tenacious?

Ever-loving?

Ever-open-minded?

Ever-patient?

What does it mean to be evergreen?

What does it mean to be you?

__________________

What quality or characteristic is your "evergreen?"

6 "Organizing Solutions" Winners to be Featured in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (WhisperWood Cottage) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 22:11:00 +0000

This is so exciting! Thank you to everyone who linked up to the "Organizing Solutions: Room by Room" Talent Scouting Party at WhisperWood Cottage! Your projects were so inspiring!

Here are the 6 winners of upcoming features in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine:

#120 Woven Home

#80 four corners design

#8 NellieBellie

#33 Shabby Love

#53 11 Magnolia Lane

#74 Social Salutations

You are the winners of the "Organizing Solutions: Room by Room" Talent Scouting Party, which means you will be featured in an upcoming issue of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine! Please display your winner button proudly! You earned it! Shoot me an email to get the feature process rolling!

Upcoming Talent Scouting Parties:

We look forward to helping more bloggers get published in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine! The next Talent Scouting event will be the 3rd Annual "First Project of the Year Party" at WhisperWood Cottage. The party will be open sometime from mid-January to mid-February. I'll be posting specific dates over the next couple months. Please subscribe and/or follow the WhisperWood Cottage blog to stay tuned to all the updates. You can also follow along on the WhisperWood Cottage Facebook page.