diy paint frenzy - go get your hands dirty

After my whirlwind apartment decorating extravaganza I'd had a handful of friends try to entice me to their homes with the intent to paint. They, like most humble mortals, are intimidated by the idea of tackling a DIY paint project of their own. It's so super easy! OK, it's not. But it is fun! Ok, maybe just a little... But it is rewarding. I promise, it is.

To help the worrisome painters, I wrote this article for About.com on how to perfectly prep a space for painting. If you follow these easy (though seemingly tiresome) tips, achieving a perfectly painted space is a lot easier than you think.

Here are some other articles to help your DIY decorating desires...
My personal account of using the Turboroll Power Paint Roller (soooo fancy)
My additional personal account of using the Smart Edge Rollers (I am The Master of Details)
Forget paint! Let's wallpaper! Here are all the tools you'll need for a fab job.

You've seen what my DIY painting jobs look like. Now enjoy what a professional can do...

Design by...Me. [shameless self promotion]

 And further painted spaces that I love (just a little inspiration for your afternoon):

interior sneak peek

I'm not sure where or how I found the time, but I have finally managed to reach near-completion with the design of my new apartment (a humble little East Village 1-bedroom abode). To assist in the process, I spent some quality time with the good people at Sherwin-Williams. Take a look at my progress so far...a few more "to dos" to tackle before the official release -- now where will I find that time?

diy frenzy -- paint projects galore

Bored? No problem. Enjoy a little inspirational ideas to tackle this weekend. These DIY paint projects have nothin' on your artistic gusto...

Courtesy Fresh Home Ideas

Courtesy Bodie and Fou

Courtesy Decorating Files

Courtesy Babble

Courtesy Belle Maison 23

Courtesy Belle Maison 23

Courtesy Belle Maison 23

diy cake stands (or app plates)

DIY projects are a fantastic way to waste time -- along with Law and Order SVU marathons on USA Network. Luckily for me, I've found a way to merge both simultaneously... ANYHOO. On to the DIY cake stands.

I've seen a handful of these little lovelies around the web -- with various instruction on how to do them yourself. So I decided to tackle the "simple" (it's all relative, right?) project myself. Have a read of my instructions for my DIY cake plates and give them a try, adding your own personal touch!

To get your creative juices flowing (or to kill time until Stabler and Benson hit the tube), here are some of my favorite snapshots of the project found online -- just a little inspiration for your Thursday!

From The Party Dress

From DessertedPlanet.com

From The Antique Door

From The Antique Door

From The Antique Door

innovative window treatment solution

I recently posted on the endless (maybe that's an overstatement) fun you can have with window treatments (as well as some how-to decorating advice, Windows 101, to assist in the process). But I just stumbled upon this cool decorating idea (courtesy of Houzz.com - man I love that site) and wanted to share! Take a close look...the cool, carved wood panels are attached along a bar. When "closed" they create privacy over the windows, allowing in an interesting light pattern. When "open" they form unique art panels on the wall. Functional and stylish. Double points.