Wednesday, December 28, 2011

My Favorite Projects of 2011

Well, it's that time when we all look back on our favorite projects of the year. It's actually really hard to pick favorites. And looking back through my photos, I've found that many projects never even make it to the blog - too many projects and not enough time to share. But here are a few I really enjoyed in 2011.

One of my favorite projects is also my most viewed post ever - the weekend my husband and I framed out all of the bathroom mirrors in our get-away house. This was an easy and inexpensive change that had a big visual impact. If you have big boring mirrors, you can do this too, I promise!




In our real house, we had a bathroom that needed more than framed mirrors. We just gutted it and started over. No you didn't miss it. I haven't even had a chance to write a post on this one yet, but here's a sneak peek!




Our biggest project of the year happened in our backyard. If you like rocks (ok, boulders, really big boulders) as much as we do, then you'll love our new wall!



Now most of my projects are much easier and involve paint and furniture. Dressers are my very favorite pieces. No matter the style, they are just so cute and very functional too! This was the year we all tried chalk paint. And although I'm still trying to justify the price, I must say that Antibes Green is a really fun color!



I also fell in love with another shade of chalk paint called Provence. It really made this little desk pop. Don't you love the way paint changes everything? The chair was finished in Old White and I loved the coordinating fabric too.



And here is another sweet cottage style dresser in Provence toned down with a little Old White - a great way to use the last drop of paint in your can. And creating your own custom color is so much fun!



And as much as I love playing with color, it seems I clearly had a fascination with gray this year. I loved this beautiful curvy buffet in a combination of Paris Grey and Old White.



I was crazy about the details on this piece!


And I was thrilled when she found a happy home. Her new owner named her Victoria!


And Megan fell for this color combination too. After she painted this desk, it became the color inspiration for her home office. Just imagine it paired with yellow!


And then I discovered that I could make my own chalk paint! I started with gray, of course. You will definitely be seeing more homemade chalk paint in 2012!




And even with regular paint, I was mixing shades of gray. I found that paint and primer in one can be a real time saver and I was really pleased with the finish. This dresser made it's way to a cute new cafe in town. I can have lunch and visit her at the same time!




And this gray piece just might be my very favorite furniture transformation ever! We took a huge mid-century modern dresser and turned it into a stylish, functional and very thrifty media cabinet.



And it looks amazing in Megan's apartment!


Well, I could keep showing you pictures of dressers, but I think you get the idea. And I did have a few favorite craft projects this year too, including this burlap and ruffles table runner.



Then I went a little crazy with the ruffles and made this pillow as a birthday gift for a
dear friend.


And although I made a whole bunch of wreaths this year, my favorites were for Christmas. Creating a wreath from vintage ornaments had been on my to-do list for years. I think this one was worth the wait!


And last, but not least, this one was special because I teamed up with the girls at Elizabeth & Co. to create this wreath for a local charity auction. Generally we are all working on projects independently (in our garages) and come together for our tag sales. It was such fun to work together! And speaking of our tag sales, we hosted four of them this year - whew! Thank you so much to all of our friends who came out and supported us!




So there you have it, a few of my favorite projects of the year.
Can't wait to see what 2012 brings for all of us!

Happy New Year!
And thank you for spending time here
at Elizabeth & Co.!

31 comments:

Anna@Directions Not Included said...

Great recap. My favorite is still the midcentury dresser turned media cabinet. I stalk our craiglist every day for something similar because that is exactly what I want and need in our family room.

Ruby Jean said...

Oh what LOVEY pieces of furniture you have had through the year... I am a brand new follower and look forward to seeing what you have this coming year... Would love for you to stop in and link up here http://shoprubyjean.com/2011/12/sew-crafty-tuesday-linky-3-and-features/

Pamela said...

These are all so wonderful! Thanx for coming to the party and please be sure to come on back by Sat and link up again!:)

Ali Richardson said...

All of these transformation and crafts are amazing!! Can't wait to see what you're up to in 2012 :)

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

I love all of it! Especially the vintage ball wreath. I bought up a bunch of balls after Christmas. I can't wait to make one!
Sherry's Bees Nest

Cassie Bustamante said...

so many awesome projects! like anna, my fave is that media cabinet piece, but i love the green dresser, too! and all of them!!!!! what a year you have had- looking forward to what 2012 has in store over here!

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

I remember bookmarking your framed mirror project! Ugh, we have too many of those old frame less mirrors & that project is definitely on my to-do list! Great round-up!

PS. I'd love if you dropped by to link up your favorite post of the year at the "Best of 2011" party! http://delightfullynoted.blogspot.com/2011/12/showcase-partybest-of-2011-share-your.html

Kirby Carespodi said...

I love your makeovers!

NanaDiana said...

It is impressive to see so many of your projects lumped together here, Sharon. You did such a great job on so many different pieces. And you KNOW that I am in love with your yard makeover. Can't wait to see what you do this next year- xo Diana

Honey at 2805 said...

Terrific project all!

What a pleasure it has been getting to know you this year!

Thank you for being a friend to me and 2805 and for sharing at Potpourri Friday. I wish you a healthy, prosperous and sparkling New Year!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

You have some of my favorites included. Have a very Happy New Year.

Alyssa said...

This project is theee best! Love it! I saw it at Shabby Nest! Alyssa of Boston Bee

Crimson Heart Studios said...

I love your burlap table runner. I have a vintage journal giveaway you might like. Come see. Thanks, Cindy

Katie @ Creatively Living said...

Love the table runner and pillow! I think that table runner will be put on my to-do list!

--Katie
www.blah2beautiful.blogspot.com
Creatively Living

Maury @ Life on Mars said...

You've had a busy year! So many great furniture makeovers! Looking forward to seeing what you do in 2012! Happy New Year!

Ivy and Elephants said...

Hi Elizabeth,
I just found your lovely blog, and I can see you have been quite the busy bee! I love the painted furniture projects the best. I'd love to have you link to "What's It Wednesday" and share them with us. We'd love to have you.
Happiness in the New Year!
Patti

the cape on the corner said...

i love when you do two tone! i wish i had that sort of vision, but i just don't. that mid mod piece is amazing, and i am going to use that for inspiration. i have a piece i'd like to use just like that-but for the last year it's just been sitting in the garage. putting the components on the second shelf is a fab idea, and that's what i hope to do. you know, whenever i actually get the nerve to do it. ha!

Cindy Adkins said...

WOW, these projects are amazing and that pillow is sooo gorgeous!!! You are super-talented!!!

Happy New Year!!!
XO
Cindy

Gayle Page-Robak said...

Loved seeing all your wonderful projects. Everything looks excellent. TFS. I am now a follower of your blog and look forward to return visits. I invite you to join me as well at http://atastefultouch.blogspot.com
Hugs, Gayle.

Alison Agnew said...

thanks so much for stopping by
Stuff and Nonsense to say hello

you have done some amazing projects
over the past year
and now that we've 'met'
i can't wait to see what you do
in 2012

happy new year!

alison

Julia @ 551Eastdesign said...

How did I miss that media cabinet?! I love it! I can't wait to see what you create next year!

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

All of your projects are lovely!

Karena said...

Sharon we must get together in 2012!!

Your projects are wonderful, love the sideboard and the ruffled burlap runner.

Still in recovery for the last surgery, better and better though!

All the best in 2012!

I hope you will enter my Giveaway From Serena & Lily!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane said...

Hi Sharon... I love your painted furniture projects but I must say my favorite is your curvy French buffet! The colors you've selected to paint it are just beautiful!
Happy New Year to you and yours. Your newest follower!

Roeshel said...

So many pretty projects, Sharon! What a great DIY for you! I look forward to seeing more of your creativity in 2012! Thanks so much for linking up to the 2011 DIY recap! ;)

Happy New Year!

Roeshel

Sarah said...

So many great projects!

Sarah
www.budgetfriendlydecorating.com

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

What a year you have had! I still love the Provence/Old White dresser the best. Can't wait to see what you come up with this year. Have a great 2012!

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

Oh that ornament wreath - be still my heart! It is gorgeous! You've had a busy year!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Wow; you were one busy lady last year, Sharon! I just love your projects and remember most of the ones you've featured here in your year-end review. I can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve for 2012. ;)

Thanks for being such a special part of Time Travel Thursday last year. I hope you'll keep linking up your creativity in 2012.

Happy New Year!
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

So many Lovelies! Thank you for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!

Six Sisters said...

Wow! Such creativity! Thanks for linking up to "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." We would love to have you come back next Saturday and share more of your incredible ideas. -The Sisters