Jute Cloche

I caved! Made a trip to Goodwill and I had no idea it would be so addicting! I can't believe I haven't been going before. It's a DIYers dream. I tried to control myself a bit so it cost me about $16.00 for all of this. The cheese tray being the most of it. I wasn't going to get it, but just kept walking by and couldn't let it go so I splurged : ) ... $8.00.

I also purchased a brand new looking plant with metal pot holder and a small mismatched plate, but it was currently drying from its paint job as I was taking this picture... I couldn't wait : ). I have an idea for each one. Very exciting.

So first project at hand is the Jute Cloche I made. I love it. I used the red candle/vase thing in the picture above, the glass cover for the cheese ball tray and the plate that isn't shown.

I already had the jute (or twine) along with the glue and spray paint. I spray painted the plate with an antique white so I could use it in my kitchen, white was just TOO bright. Next I wrapped the red candle in the jute/twine string.

Honestly, it didn't take me long. I started using the gorilla glue, but it doesn't dry fast so I used my back up tacky glue with gorilla glue so when it dried there would be the extra hold. I finally got that wrapped and secured my ends with just a little extra glue.

Next I placed the plate on top and flipped it over. I traced a circle around the top of the candle so I would know it was centered. Placed glue on the rim of the candle and placed it on the plate. Flipped it over to dry and stuck the glass over on top and this is what you get.

I've very happy with it. And I can always change the color of the plate when I change my mind. : )

{Fireplace Repainted}

One feature I love about the house is the gas fireplace. The only thing, it had a brass finish. What were people thinking! lol... I wasn't going to opt out for getting a new one, I'd be nuts so I researched painting it. I found that I could spray paint it (with good ventilation!) fairly easily. If you plan on doing this, make sure you purchase the high heat (pictured below).

Our fireplace hadn't been used in quite awhile so I wanted to make sure all dirt was removed and the paint would stick. I would advice roughing the surface up a little with some sanding and then cleaning up a bit so you're working with a fresh surface. Of course, be sure to tape off ALL areas around the painting surface. And this stuff DOES travel. I had some on the floor, but my steam mop got it right up.

I let the paint sit and dry before I started removing any of the tape and paper. I did NOT want black all over my walls... accidents do happen. Here's the before and after pictures. We've gotten a mantle for it recently and I'll post those up soon.



Don't mind the shadow on the bottom : )