Fancy Knobs that Look like Earrings? Yes, please!

Possibly the longest title in the history of blogging?  I think so.  Will I phrase everything as a question and then answer it in this blog?  No.  ;) 

Recently, while reading one of my favorite blogs, "Twice Lovely," I came across a plug for their very cool Etsy shop, "The Hob Knobery," that offers unique and sometimes antique knobs for super-affordable prices.  After a difficult time deciding which ones to choose, I went with these gorgeous antique knocker drawer pulls and I absolutely love them!  I can't wait to place them on the perfect piece.  If you get a chance, visit the blog "Twice Lovely" at http://twicelovely.blogspot.com/ as well as their awesome shop "The Hob Knobery" at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHobKnobery?ref=ss_profile

"Ella"

It's been a while since I've blogged, but thankfully, it's because things have been so busy around here!  I'm so incredibly grateful that people have taken notice of Darling Bella and have requested finished pieces.  I'm definitely feeling the love and I'm soaking up every minute of it!  :)  In the spirit of celebration, I wanted to share my newest transformation...."Ella." 

If you'll remember, "Ella" is the piece formerly known as "Princess Peach" from my last blog.  (Total Prince reference, by the way)  ;) 

I was very excited to work on "Ella" because I knew that she had a lot to offer, and when I found these gorgeous knobs, I knew that she needed to wear them. 

In my mind, I really felt like "Ella" should be a warm peach color called "Inviting Warmth"--unlike what she originally was, but knew that a can of my "oops" blue paint would turn her into a beautiful piece when paired with those knobs. 

I"m sure that "Inviting Warmth" will find its way back into another piece, but until then, I'll enjoy "Ella's" beautiful blue hue--mixed with a hint of peach.  ;) 





"Princess Peach"

I'm always thrilled when one of my good friends, let alone family members calls to tell me about an awesome piece of furniture that they've found.  Sometimes these beauties are found at Goodwill.  Other times, they can be found at an auction or yard sale, or occassionally, by the side of the road.  It is said that "Another man's trash is another man's treasure," and in that spirit, I give you my latest find...."Princess Peach." 

My wonderful sister called me the other day after spotting this jewel by the side of the road.  In my mind, I couldn't possibly bring home another "stray" without my sweet, giving, kind, fabulous, etc., etc. husband killing me!  I had every intention of driving right past the piece when I went out that evening.  However, like a scene out of a Super Mario Brothers game, "Princess Peach" called out for me to rescue her.  I instantly pulled in the driveway next to the road and began quickly dragging the piece back to my car....in my tube-top dress, nonetheless.  (Hey, remember, I had no intention of even looking twice at the piece, especially getting out of the car).  Luckily for me, a kind man from the home saw me struggling with Peach and came out just in time to help me load her in the car.  Now, I'm the happy owner of this beauty....

"Princess Peach" is going to be beyond beautiful and I can't wait to start on her!   :)

"These Little Lights of Mine"

If you know me, you know that I'm a sucker for sweet, little girls' clothing--especially dresses.  I'm thrilled that I have two beautiful little girls to dress up, although they sometimes prefer rain boots with their "Sunday best."  :)  One of my fabulous Facebook friends, and my first, fabulous client for Darling Bella recently opened her own Etsy shop.  Her name is Heather Gragg and she is incredibly talented.  Heather opened her shop "These Little Lights of Mine," with beautifully created little girls' dresses.  I knew immediately that she would create beautiful clothing at fantastic prices...and boy, was I right!  I purchased two dresses for my little ladies:  one shift dress for Bodhi, and one knot dress for Delia.  My little supermodels took time out of their busy schedule to pose in them this weekend and here's the result....

The quality of Heather's clothing is fantastic!  They're incredibly soft and wearable and the girls loved them!  Even Lola, our crazy miniature daschund jumped in the picture to take a look.  We'll definitely purchase more clothing from Heather's shop.  Go visit Heather today at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheseLittleLights?ref=si_shop and pick up a dress or two for the little girl or girls in your life! 

Sweet Summer

My sweet family and I just arrived back home from our Summer vacation, and man did we need it!   Typically, we travel with my mother-in-law to the beach, but this year, we tried something a little different.  My husband and I traveled with our two daughters to Charleston, South Carolina...on our own...just the four of us.   I didn't know what to expect--we've never traveled with just the girls.  Typically, we have backup babysitters in the form of Nana and Mimi.  However, we had a blast!  It was so sweet to be with just our small family and I savored every minute of it.  Yes, there was fighting between the girls, and yes, Bodhi's "Terrible Twos" caught up with her at times, but none of that overshadowed the bond that we created with our family and hope to add on to as the years go by.
As a small plug for a beautiful place, If you've never been to Charleston, you really should go.  Charleston has so much to offer from shopping, dining, beaches, and all around fun. 

"Hit the road, Jack.."

Yesterday, I revealed a sneak peek at my new all-time favorite piece that I've refinished.  Today, I'm showing my readers the before and after pictures of my new boy, "Jack." 
I originally found Jack through one of my wonderful students.  Although Jack was in good shape, he still needed to be loved on...

The before picture:

As you can see, Jack was just ok in his former color, but he needed to reach his full potential.  I'm a huge fan of Miss Mustard Seed and her fabulous blog, http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/.  In her fabulousness, she caused a stir in the blogworld by creating a unique Union Jack dresser.  As soon as I saw hers, I knew that I immediately wanted to create a similar look....I just needed to find the right piece.  Enter "Jack."  :) 

After pictures of Jack:

Delicious original hardware  :)

Doesn't he look natural in the woods? 



I put a lot of time into this piece and I think that the end product was totally worth it!  I'm really tempted to keep if for myself, but I've placed it in my etsy shop for now. 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DarlingBella?ref=ss_profile

Super-cool sneak peek

I'm so excited to join the blogging world!  I love to refinish furniture and today I'm providing a sneak peek of a piece that I adore! 

~Elizabeth