As this past year flashes by and we are already a few days into 2016, I wanted to take a minute to look at my year in review and share my Top 10 Makeovers of 2015. Fun, right? It is amazing to see God working in my life and of my family. I want to share the blessings with you and offer you a surprise for helping me out with a little something later on.
Let’s get this party started!!
NUMBER ONE
Crazy as this sounds, out of my Top 10 posts, my #1 top viewed post of 2015 was not a makeover, but a tip. Yep, a last-minute, grab-my-camera, and why-not-share-my-quirky-habit type of post. My “Natural Ant Control with Grits” post blew up and was by far number one. I guess I’m not the only one with the pesky little critters each spring.
A bit of controversy arose about my post and several naysayers appeared, but I tell ya, it works. Whether it kills them or just feeds them so they don’t come in…I don’t care. I like ants, just not in my home, right?
NUMBER TWO
The #2 post was none other than BEEP. My garage sale freebie chest of drawers turned Volkswagen Bus.
He stole my heart and since I have made another twin BEEP for a custom order from my shop, and auctioned a Christmas BEEP with proceeds going to Samaritan’s Purse. BEEP was featured by Country Living Magazine and House Beautiful. So cool. It’s been real dude.
NUMBER THREE
Our bathroom remodel was a sure-fire winner at #3. Our awful before was ripped out and with a whole barrel full of elbow grease we got it done.
You just have to take the tour to appreciate all the elements. It’s for sure one of my favorite rooms now.
NUMBER FOUR
Post #4 of my Top 10 is another sort of quirky makeover. I had refinished this farmhouse table set in 2014, but was in need of a post for a group challenge. I decided to whip up a post quick, and I’m so glad I did!
Can I just say that I couldn’t have done it without my favorite sprayer? Seriously, a life saver.
NUMBER FIVE
The #5 of my Top 10, is a project near and dear to my heart – our master bedroom remodel. This was such a memory-filled project because of what changed in our family during that time and the lessons I learned. You really should read from the beginning, and I promise it is worth it. I couldn’t be happier with our new room and so stoked that it has been featured numerous times, including on This Old House.
NUMBER SIX
That was one glorious project for my husband and myself, but my first furniture project for me this year was my #6 post, the linen channel back chair. You’ll never guess what I paid for it. tee hee.
It was certainly a challenge and got attention from naysayers because they loved the original. tsk. I did too for two years, but the upholstery was shot and I wanted something for me. My trials with our preemie were stressful and this was my outlet. Now it dons crayon and chocolate, but it’s MINE.
NUMBER SEVEN
My #7 makeover of my Top 10 is this dressing table I found set out for city cleanup. Yes, set out for trash! {{gasp}}
I used a wonderful stencil on the top and it just made this set complete.
NUMBER EIGHT
Now the #8 post was my first video tutorial and I had a blast making these cotton stem arrangements for less than $4. Yup. Can’t beat it!
Head on over to get the details and make your own.
NUMBER NINE
A blue beauty makeover was my #9 post that also won me $250 in prizes. Wahoo!! Found this gorgeous piece tucked away at a thrift store and had no intention of bringing more furniture home, but who could leave it sit there?
I even have the tutorial for you on how I achieved this old world look.
NUMBER TEN
The #10 of my Top 10 from 2015 is one of my favorite makeovers this past year. I called it my Rustic Chic Finish and I worked it on this chest of drawers and dressing table I scored for FREE. Crazy, huh? Free isn’t always what you think. You’ll have to read the story to see.
Can you see why that is easily one of my favorite finishes? That was a fun project for sure.
MORE FAVORITES
Now that I’ve shown you my Top 10 viewed posts, I want to add a few that are my favorites. I call them my honorable mentions, though all my posts deserve some credit, I believe.
My repurposed sewing storage took off and made waves this year. I took a rusty, crusty filing cabinet and used it to hang my fabric remnants on hanging files and put the coordinating scraps inside the folder. By far one of the best things I’ve done to improve my crafty supply storage.
I have more details in that post on my sewing space and how it has evolved.
Another sewing related post is my feed sack purse I finally made for myself. Yay!
Made straight out of my head, and it felt so good to get it done …and to finally have a purse!
You’ll never guess how I put it all together – go on and read, you’ll love it!
We also recently renovated our patio completely DIY style and it is by far our favorite addition to our home with repurposed goodies everywhere. It will be featured soon – stay tuned!
My favorite parts…our new harvest table…
…and our faux fireplace complete with a DIY tutorial!
KID FUN
As if that isn’t enough excitement, this past year my kids have stepped up their game and started working on their own furniture pieces. I have several posts, but here a few highlighting their talents:
Mid Century Modern Sunburst Table
Can you see how I am one proud mama? Nothing makes my heart glow than to see my kids learning a trade and making a way for themselves in this world.
I could go on with other projects, but I’ll leave that up to you to check out all my tutorials and projects by having fun peeking around. For the coming year, I am anxious to get our kitchen remodel done, then it will be onto our family room, living room, and our daughters’ room. The fun never ends!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my year in review, but before you head off, I’d like to ask you a favor. I want to hear from YOU, and ask if you would you take a minute to fill out this simple survey? (psst…it’s completely anonymous)
GIVEAWAY TIME
Gearing up for 2016, I would like to hear from you, my awesome readers, on a few things. As a thank you, I will give one of you a chance to win a handmade gift. (see below) ↓↓↓↓
In the doldrums of winter, I finally got to take a minute to get some crochet therapy, and one of my fun creatives are my mug cozies.
I like to make them in all designs, but I like this grain sack style the best. Made from cotton with a vintage button from my collection, and tea-dyed for a unique color. As a thank you for filling out the survey, I will send one of you a pair of these for your very own. Sound good? Just leave me a comment telling me your favorite post is from this year. I’ll pick a winner from the comments using random.org. Winner announced on Wednesday!
That’s it for now and I can’t thank you for joining me on my junkin’, remodeling, furniture flipping ride. Let’s make this an awesome year!
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
I don’t know how I missed the post on using grits to get rid of ants but I will try it. Living in Florida, it is a year round problem. I am looking forward to another year reading about all of your wonderful, creative projects.
It’s such an easy fix, but I’m sure it will help you out! Thank you for all your support, Debra.
I left completed survey. Lived the cotton branches. So realistic and realistic to accomplish.
Thank you so much, Beth! Happy to hear you like my cotton branches.
I have begun following many DIY blogs this past year but yours stands head and shoulders above them all. You have a vision for each piece that seems to fulfill its true identity! Painting wood pieces does indeed revitalize many, many items but I do occasionally see projects where I cringe. It makes me think of the 1970s where everyone covered up beautiful wood details in old homes with paint and then, a few decades later, everyone was scrapping and sanding that paint off and restoring the original wood. In contrast, I have never ever “cringed” at any of your projects. Every single one of them has been greatly improved from the condition in which they came to you. You seem to intuitively know when to paint and when to restore the wood. Your items come out stunning! I hope you have a wonderful new year full of projects that bring you (and others!) joy. I love the zest for life you seem to have – living life simply, interacting intentionally with your children, and following your creative nudges! All the best to you, Larissa! P.S. Your before and after photos help my husband see the potential I sometimes have for items we own! That’s worth a lot to me! Thank you!
That’s awesome to hear! I do try to keep each piece true to their original character and only paint when necessary (most of the time – hee hee). Thank you so much for your wonderful support, and glad to hear hubby is kept happy too!
I can’t find the survey. Perhaps it’s because I’m on my phone?
I just tweaked it and would love it if you would try again. Thank you!!
Couldn’t get the survey to load! Is there a secret? Favorite 2015 post is the bath makeover,sensational!
Ellen, could you try the survey again? I just tweaked it. Thanks for the love!
Was just about to complete the survey, and it said it was done. Not sure if it was submitted or there was a glitch. (I suggested sewing tips to refashion thrifted clothing.)
I think I got it…thank you!!
Just finished survey and I love so many of your posts. Have to say your most recent vanity set has to be one of my favorites too!
I can’t choose one since they’re all so different. 😉 Thank you so much for the support!
I took the survey and am having an awful hard time committing to just one fave…
I guess…
If I have to…
The clock table. Simply elegant!
Thanks for being you!!
hahaha…you are da BOMB! 🙂 Thank you so much.
Hi there. I love your blog! I completed the survey and my gave is your bedroom, though I also love the kitchen table and the bathroom. Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Camala! I hope to have more fun in the coming year.
It’s tough to pick a favorite but I love the feedsack purse. Survey completed. ?
That’s a good one for sure! Thank you.
Hi Larissa,
I just did your survey, but I did not see a place to sign in or give my email, etc. I hope my answers are somehow associated with me, as I would love to snag a set of mug cozies. Thanks for the opportunity!
You’re all good, Susan. It’s anonymous so as long as you left this comment, you are entered to win. FYI, they’re also available in my Etsy shop…just in case. 🙂
I filled out the survey. My favorite is BEEP and the industrial Art Deco vanity you did! ?
Woot! Two good ones for sure. Thank you so much, Lynne!
I always see such neat things when I stop by and I SO APPRECIATE a response from you- so many don’t respond and that makes me feel like they don’t care who looks and comments!! God bless you and yours in this new year!!
I know what you mean, Traci. I do try to respond as soon as I can and I thoroughly enjoy hearing from my readers here rather just in social media. This is my home. 🙂
I completed the survey and came to tell you my favorite post of the year was your bedroom remodel/redecorate! A close second was Beep!
That project was a blessing and can’t believe it’s ours. Thank you so much for the love, Debbie!
Well Larissa, I thought the dressing table make-over was my favorite until I saw the blue beauty! I’m hooked!
Loved the survey also!
Hard to pick, isn’t it? Thank you so much for taking the time to give me feedback. On to the new year! 😀
Finished survey. Hard to choose . Maybe bedrooms all are great and inspiring
Thank you, Sharon!
Did the survey. I also missed the grits column. My favorite things you’ve done are the “Beep” chest makeovers. I showed all my friends and family !!! I look forward to seeing new posts every morning. I’m 9 months post op and a pediatric home care nurse, a blogger in the beginning stages. Reinventing myself since a rare surgery side effect that has taken away my ability to walk on my own you and your blog give me something to look forward to every day. Thank you from my heart ♡
Thank you, Kristy. I hope you are able to be yourself no matter what and I will be praying for you!
I completed your survey. My favorite column was the one of your small son making the clock table and wanting to sell it. If I could possibly fit it into my house, I would buy it so that he could complete the whole enterprise. May God bless him and all of your family.
Completed the survey! My favorite post was the bathroom remodel & BEEP! Can’t wait to see what you have coming up!!
Are you kidding me? I love, love everything you make!
I send many blessings your way my friend and sister in Christ!
Yolanda
You are a sweet soul, Yolanda, and I can’t thank you enough for your support. Blessing to you!
Wow! What a wonderful year filled with so many great posts and furniture makeovers. Keep doing what you are doing 🙂
That’s awesome to hear, Ashlea. Thank you for the support!
You popped up on my FB newsfeed, so I had to stop by and see what was what. Can’t wait to poke around and see what you have been up to! So many new ideas! Love seeing someone being creative. Filled out survey, was easy and painless.
Awesome! Thanks so much for the love, Angi! 🙂