Thursday, May 23, 2013

FRESH LOOK: ANTICIPATING SUMMER WITH AQUA & TEXTURE

Hutch 1There’s something about the anticipation of summer that not only energizes me but also calms me. Summer days mean a less hectic schedule, more family time and more time for creativity. Yay Summer!




Hutch 17In order to announce the fact that summer is coming, I changed out the accent color on my hutch.


Blog Aqua Hutch-001It’s only been a few months since I painted my hutch, covering up the original pine with a pretty coat of Maison Blanche Vanille. Since it was spring, I added cheerful yellow accents. And although yellow can be a summer color, it was time for some coastal accents. Since I didn’t have any aqua accent pieces, I created some using jars.


Blog Aqua HutchA few years ago I created some faux cranberry glass using this method and the tutorial has been very popular. I love creating colored glass – you can instantly change up your décor with items you have on hand.

To color your jars, mix 2 tablespoons gloss Mod Podge, 1-2 teaspoons water and a few drops of food coloring. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and swirl it around until the inside of the jar is coated. Let the excess drip out. You’ll want to wipe the rims of your jars every now and then so that there isn’t a thick layer drying around the rim. The opaque mixture becomes more transparent as it dries. You’ll also notice that my jars are various shades of blue. For the lightest jar, I used 4 drops of blue food coloring and 2 drops of green. For the darkest jar, I probably doubled that.


Blog Aqua Hutch-002I found some other aqua and blue pieces to add to mix. Some pretty glass bits, a metal pitcher with nice patina, some mod Cera Stone harlequin mugs and a small dish that I filled with shells and coral.


Hutch 3Because it’s not summer until you break out the shells and coral!

Hutch 6I love this pitcher. The rough texture and aged patina always add the perfect touch no matter what room I put it in.


Hutch 8The retro Cera Stone mugs were a thrift store find. You can read about my thrift store victory here

Hutch 18I also added my little shell jar with the rusty lid. If you want to learn how to rust a jar lid almost instantly, I share the tutorial here.

Hutch 15I love how it turned out but after I took these photos, I tweaked a few more things. Are you like that? Once you start fiddling, you just can’t stop.


Hutch 16I'll probably fiddle with it even more tomorrow…

Hutch 7Are you excited for summer? Or are you just settling into spring? 

Thanks for visiting.

Signature Box 3
I link at the wonderful parties listed here.


16 comments :

  1. Lovely! Aqua and teal are the accent colors throughout our home, and I just never get tired of them! :) I like the tutorials you weaved in thru this post too!

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  2. Beautiful!! I love the texture and colour you added... just right! and that pitcher is fantastic!

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  3. You know me, I adore aqua!!! Gorgeous!

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  4. Beautiful. I love the coastal/beachy feel. The aqua is so lovely!

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  5. Love your hutch and the way you can totally change it with the different colors of accessories. Your aqua is beautiful. I host a weekly party called Inspire Me. It will be live Monday evening. I would love for you to link up. www.astrollthrulife.net Hope to see you there, Hugs, Marty

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  6. love the summer refresh and love all things aqua!!!

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  7. It's Autumn here and I've just added some shells to my decor to remind me of summer-they really are a great decorating item! Yours look so pretty against the Aqua.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

    PS If you have a minute to spare I'd be thrilled if you could share this post at my weekly Say G'Day linky party-it would be a perfect addition!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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  8. Beautiful! I, too, love aqua and coastal accents...They say "summer fun"!!:)

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  9. So pretty! I love the white and aqua and the shells.

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  10. I love all the aqua!! So pretty and so summery!! Would love it if you would link this up to Give Me The Goods Monday: 1 Party, 4 Blogs! http://www.rainonatinroof.com/2013/05/give-me-goods-monday-link-party-10.html
    Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

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  11. I'm loving the aqua touches Carolyn! Your style is always one of my favorites! XO, Aimee

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  12. That's a superb idea to refresh the look. Amazing how a few colorful touches can make things look all new. :)

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  13. Beautiful! The turquoise accents look fabulous - I love the transformation with just a few simple changes. I am definitely looking forward to summer!
    Krista

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  14. Shells and coral do make it summer! Isn't it amazing how just a few accents changes everything!

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  15. I was in Santa Monica today because I went to the SAMOHI all class reunion. This is the first time going to one of those but I've been to my 10, 20 and 30th reunions. Since I had an appointment in the morning I didn't get to the reunion till it was almost over with. My dad and step-mom are still in SM and live just a few blocks to the beach. I didn't go on a beach walk to day but I've gone on many in the past. If your shell collection is from Santa Monica and Venice then you have a great collection. I've only seen sand dollars in San Felipe, Baja.

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