Shabby chic in pink

I just participated in a shabby chic swap with a couple of good friends. I know they've both received what I made so I can share with you all now. I will be receiving what they made soon. The chest of drawers is one of those red stained Dollar Tree pieces. I gave it a shabby finish and hand painted the roses on it. The bed was completely hand made using a wooden fence for the headboard. The linens were made from a pretty rose print fabric, and old handkerchief, vintage lace, and a linen napkin. The "braided" rug was crocheted. The candle is a cut down birthday candle in a bead cap bowl surrounded by punched paper flowers. I used the same flower punch to make the blossoms decorating the lamp shade. The lamp is made from twisted wire and a pretty bead. I painted the baskets and made mini versions of some shabby chic/country magazines to put in them.
This bed has a larger floral print ribbon bedskirt and a gingham backed comforter. I also framed a tiny rose print in a silver jewelry finding with dimensional gel "glass" for each of them. I don't normally make quite so many things for swaps but shabby chic is my favorite decorating style so I just couldn't stop, lol. I included fabric and lace scraps for each of them so they can make matching curtains or cushions if they want.

I can't wait to see what I get in return!

I just can't ever let a project be finished

I couldn't sleep last night so I was up making a braided rug for under the table instead. ;) These are very easy to make. The braid is very thin nylon cording. That is stuck to adhesive backed paper (or sometimes I use adhesive backed felt.) You can make any shape you want and the cord comes in many colors. I didn't purchase my cord - it was a gift from a friend - but she said that it comes on large spools so you have enough for a lot of rugs. I think she purchased it at a hardware store.

Well I thought it was finished....

I just added a few small details really. On the porch I added the light beside the door. It has a nice patina from exposure to the sea air. I also added a hook to hold the "real" life preserver so it's handy for those trips in the boat.

I made a braided rug for the living room. I like it much better than the original fabric one I had in here. There's also an oversized mug of tea on the coffee table. I'm thinking I should add a pair of shoes on the floor as if they've been kicked off before getting comfy on the couch with a book.

I have all the major elements in place but it's fun to add all of the little details that make it look like someone really lives there.