Click to Visit These Popular Posts

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT DIY Spring Tulip WreathCONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Pottery Barn Inspired Nest Place Card HoldersCONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Farmhouse Spring Porch 6CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Easy Flower Pot Wreath

08 February, 2009

Metamorphosis Monday...or...Please Don't Kick Me Out!

Welcome to Metamorphosis Monday brought to you by our hostess with the mostest, Susan at Between Naps on the Porch! Be sure to visit her blog to see Susan's wonderful ideas for transforming your home and to see some great before and after projects from the other participants!




OK...this one is gonna get me kicked out of the Met Monday club...it's soooo easy! Oh...wait!....you can't kick me out! I already know the secret handshake! lol You are looking at a picture of the sideboard in my dining room. It has looked just like this ever since Southern Living was selling those rooster candle holders.....maybe 4 or 5 years. No kidding. I don't change anything. At all. I get it the way I like it and it stays that way forever. I have glass on top of it because the staff likes to jump on it to get to the pony wall behind it.They wait to greet me at the door from that location.

Well...recently I got a bee in my bonnet! I have discovered...or rediscovered...ironstone, especially pitchers. I found these two beauties at Marshalls. The one on the left I spied earlier and had to wait until there was a second shipment because I hesitated. The one on the right was in the clearance aisle for $7.50...retal price $55!! So this is my new vignette...if you can call it that. Hmmmmm.....something is missing! Then my friend Sheila at The Quintessential Magpie did a post on carpet bowls....yes, bowls. See her post (click here) if you don't believe me! And the little light bulb in my brain lit up!



Wow! I've got a whole compote full of the rascals! Maybe my sideboard needs a touch of blue! So I stole...er...borrowed her idea! I dug up some very old brass candlesticks...left unpolished so they would look a little more antiquey. I had to get out the trusty glue gun so the staff wouldn't carpet bowl while I was gone! lol First I tried to glue the ball...er...bowl, but that was a flop. So I finally got the bright idea to put the glue on the candlestick...and...



...voilĂ !! I really like the way this looks! It really needed a little touch of blue on that side of the room since there's blue transferware on the other sides. And yes, faux flower haters, those are fake. But my staff has a tendency to eat and/or dig in anything real!! So I have to go with the flow.



And here is the final product!! What do you think? I really like the change, and that's a huge step for me! Now put me down for Metamorphosis Monday five years from now and you can see once again how this area has been transformed!! lol
Please be sure to stop by Susan's and see the list of the other participants who are much more talented and waaaaay less stuck in a rut than me!!!

70 comments:

  1. Debbie, you are so funny! I tend to keep things the same way forever once I find something I like, so I completely understand! This really is beautiful, and you're right the touch of blue is perfect. And I love the yellow flowers whether they be real or fake. Can't have the staff eating the decor, right? Hugs, Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi my little hootness! This is so funny, no, you are so funny! I love what you've done here and those balls, not bowls look so beautiful and love the ironstone! Those yellow tulips make it say "look at us!" Good job!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. oh my gosh you are tooooo funny...lol now me, i change things constantly, however, if i find something i really love it will stay longer. I really love your vignette, your new pieces are lovely and i also love your balls.
    thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  4. Debbie, I like your vignette...just discovered your blog it's great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Debbie, You are cracking me up tonight! I love your sideboard redo and I like the before too. That's a great idea you stole too for the things I want to call Bocci balls :0)
    Have a wonderful week...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Debbie this is without a doubt precious my friend! I LOVE IT! ~Melissa :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I keep things the same way forever too!! Your new looks is great though...and doesn't it feel good?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow Debbie, I think the rearranging bug is catching all of us. I use to never change a thing either and for way longer than 4 or 5 years. lol I love the new look, and the balls are just wonderful on the candlesticks. The yellow tulips are just great. Don't you love the white ironstone? It's just gorgeous and so cheery looking. I think you will have to change something else now, this looks great for a new look. Love ya, Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your sideboard vignette is fantastic - I think the glass balls glued to the top of the brass candlesticks look great! But I have to tell you... I was shopping today, put a lovely milkglass/ironstone teapot in my basket and then, through the course of my shopping trip, talked myself out of buying it. Oh no!! I should have bought it!! Seeing your beautiful pitcher on your sideboard... I'm going to have to go back and get that teapot!! :-)
    Victoria (one half of DeisgnTies)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey Ms. Funny Lady...You're a hoot! This is just the coolest., and would look tremendous in the room I'm talking about in my Meta Monday post. I "LOVE" the balls glued on to the candlesticks. How cool is that? wow.......sa! You did FAB Frenchie... ~CC Catherine ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hmm... I suddenly feel the need to go change my sideboard....

    Love the changes you made to yours!

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love it! Debbie, the addition of the carpet bowls really made a big difference, it gave the space some color plus filled the space. Good job!...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your sideboard looks lovely, and your blog made me laugh. A perfect combination, thanks! Cass

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey Funny Lady, Great job with the balls/bowls & candlesticks. I'm still giggling too... I'm one of those people who gets bored with things so I have to switch it all around, usually with changes in seasons. I'm on a mission now too, I have 2 balls/bowls & I need MORE all because I saw your oh so full bowl full of balls/bowls! (Why are you calling them bowls???) ☺ Diane

    ReplyDelete
  15. you know... I'm always looking for something to do with those old candle holders... what a great idea... have a great week. Dixie

    ReplyDelete
  16. You have inspired me, I have a mantel that needs a facelift. Your sideboard looks so happy especially with that touch of yellow. Well done. Thanks for sharing, Maryrose

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oops! I forgot to tell you... Drop by for a visit when you have a chance. I'm having a giveaway. ☺

    Diane

    (ps you'll this one!)

    ReplyDelete
  18. This looks wonderful Debbie! I love it! I have always been confused why these are called carpet balls, but are they for carpet bowling? Maybe your staff is on to something.. You are just adorable. Love, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm so proud of you, it looks great. You would have a nervous breakdown in my house. I could rearrange the chair while you're still sitting in it. Good thing my husband (or pups) aren't blind. HA
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lol!! Well I'm just like you Debbie! If I do it right the first time why would I need to change it....for say the next ten years? *winks* Embellish, mais oui! But change?...Mais non!! Lol!! However I do think your new changes look amazing! And poo poo on those who can't deal with fake...ahem... I mean faux flowers. I'd just kill all the real ones anyway, and they can't possibly want me to be a plant killer can they?*winks* The carpet balls on the candlesticks look perfect! What a great idea! Hmmm maybe a few very small changes are in order..... Vanna

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Debbie,
    This is so lovely and of course you picked my favorite color blue. I really like the carpet balls, they do sound like a toy for cats and the lovely pitcher. Your a great writer with great wit, I bet your students loved you! Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  22. I saw that post on carpet bowls. You found a great way to use them. What does your staff think of the changes?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Miss Debbie~ This is my first visit to your charming blog.... what a clever idea created by you and your staff.
    By the looks of my posts it's a bit obvious my kitty provides my inspiration.

    I too, adore all things Parisian. My sweet daughter in law speaks French fluently and travels to France. My dream is to go to Paris with her someday!!

    Sweet Wishes,
    Sara

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Debbie. My idea is also once it is right is is ok and don't change it. The white to blue make over looks really good and I love the blue balls. I bet the staff does too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. It looks wonderful!! I have very similar balls AND candlesticks. Maybe it's time for my makeover!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Debbie...you make me laugh with your clever posting ...I tend to be like you...fix it, leave it & look at it for YEARS! and I love faux flowers...they require so little from me..
    LOL... ;-) Bo

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh this made me smile...honestly the ideas we come up with...but hey the balls work...looks good.... and the yellow tulips bring it to life.

    ReplyDelete
  28. A girl can never have too much blue. Love the new look.
    Enjoy! Candy

    ReplyDelete
  29. C'est super....comme d'habitude! Tu es si créative! J'aime bien tous les coqs (J'ai oublié le mot pour "pitcher" - mais quel trésor à droite!) Et je dois dire que moi aussi j'ai acheté le coq à gauche, encore un trésor....à bientôt.....Linda

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love the balls on the candlesticks and since we have two cats, I understand the need to glue them! I think the splash of yellow from your faux flowers is beautiful and very French! DH & I have a mixed marriage - he hated faux flowers. I told him the day that I have fresh year round, I'll get rid of the faux. It hasn't happened yet!!!! LOL
    Love your transformation! :D Jewel

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the combination of blue and yellow, it looks great. Love the rooster too.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Debbie! It looks fantastic! I'm the same way about changing things once I get them the way I like 'em. Love that idea! give me a glue gun anyday and I can go to town! God bless you today! lauralu :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Debbie, you are cracking me up! I think your new look is great. And what a find on that pitcher, wow! You just can't beat the clearance section.

    I'm the same way, faux flowers it is mostly. I have a bit of a problem keeping anything green alive. I'll be sure to check back in 5 years to see if you've changed anything. ;)
    ~Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  34. Good morning Debbie, I tend to keep things the same way too. Your arrangements are just beautiful! I like it both ways.I hope you have a lovely day!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Beautiful Met Monday post, Debbie. Great transformation. I love collecting white ironstone!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Very pretty and creative art project :-) And it's great that you were able to use items that you already had :-)

    Kelly (one half of DesignTies)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Debbie, it looks great! Your staff comments are so funny, boy, can I relate.

    I have to say, I am on that that ironstone kick as well. I have been doing some serious hunting for it. And, I have not been so lucky.

    The decorative balls look fantastic on those candlesticks, that was very clever.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Debbie, your change is very nice, and I am in LOVE with your FAUX tulips! ;)I have recently rediscovered ironstone as well. All these pictures floating around blogland sure give us ideas, right?

    I have participated in my first Met Monday. Go take a peek.

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Deb,Just look at you Design Diva! What a great job.You definitely have vision my dear.Love the bright yellow with the black and then adding the blue carpet balls makes it perfection and totally Debbie.I think now that you have started there will be no stopping you.Love what you did here it is so perfect for your lovely home, Hugs Kathysue

    ReplyDelete
  40. I think it turned out great. The blue from the balls and the yellow from the flowers accent each other nicely. You also pulled in the blue from the curtains and from the plates and the platter on the opposite wall in the dining room to the sidbar which gives it good flow. The black peacock gives a great shadowing effect as it contrasts all the other colors. Wonderful - Steve, French Cupboard

    ReplyDelete
  41. Dear Prof
    Tres belle. I'm the opposite. I need change. My sister can stay with the same stuff and move nothing. I get in there and you have to nail me down.
    I hear you might meet up with our CC. Oh I wish I could come along.
    I love her.
    Happy MET Monday
    Love Claudie

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your "easy" transformation is great! The touch of blue really compliments the yellow flowers.
    Love the solution to the staff problem. I have very very similiar staff problems. I'm going to try out the glue solution.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I like it! It was fine before, but now it really seems to command attention and the white makes everything else pop. See, I'm the opposite of you as I'm constantly changing up things every so often :0)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Yea! I think it looks great, Debbie. And I love the "antique" candle look... mine are notoriusly "antique," too! But I like that so much better than shiny. I think your vignette looks WONDERFUL, and I love your white pitchers. There is this putty stuff you can get from the hardware store, and it holds down fragile items on shelves. It's sort of a gummy sticky stuff (kind of like a putty), and I bet that would hold the balls down for you, too! Great job, and I'm so glad the bowl post inspired you! :-)

    Sending love your way...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Yeah, baby, yeah! I checked it out one last time, and I dig it lots!

    XO,

    Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  46. You new vignette is great...I especially like how the white ceramic rooster echoes the metal one. The blue and white balls look great on the candlesticks.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Alas, things seldom change in my home until I receive a gift that I must find a proper place for. I lack my sister's designing eye so things usually end up at the closest location to point of use. In the case of decorative items, it usually comes down to wherever I can find a vacant space. At my age and with so many knick/knacks that gets harder each year.

    I love what you did with this arrangement. I just learned a few months ago about carpet balls, and then promptly forgot everything that I read about them. The one thing I do know, and didn't have to read to find out, is that they are gorgeous.

    Excellent post for me, made me think again about carpet balls. I'll have to Google the term again and try to remember what I read this time.

    ReplyDelete
  48. It is so hard to keep up with everything with blogging you know? Everyone has such wonderful things to share..how is a poor girl to keep changing up everything every other day and looking for carpet bowls now! I love it. Your vignette looks wonderful. Those blue balls on those candlestix just do it! hmmmmm..now what shall I do tonight...carpet bowls..tassels...painting...spraying..needlework...whew.
    have a lovely evening
    Judi

    ReplyDelete
  49. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!! I'm trying to express how much through MY CAPS!! LOL! I am going to steal, er borrow this idea too! Just love the contrast of the candlesticks with the balls. Did I say how much I loved this?!! :-)

    I am soooooooo relieved to meet someone like me...when I figure out how I want something...I don't move it again! I figure I have found the best spot for it and then it stays that way forever. I friend of mine says I must hot glue everything down cause when I like it...I like it! LOL! Great post! :-) L~

    ReplyDelete
  50. Debbie I can't imagine you being kicked out of anything. I love your new vignette and the touch of blue. Thanks for the visit yesterday, nothing like the sound of a childs laughter to make things right. hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  51. You did an excellent job and very clever. I'm afraid I'm just the opposite. I'm forever moving things around.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Debbie, you and your staff are just so entertaining! I love coming here. I think your new vignette looks wonderful, and I also think that it is suitable for Met Mon. Small changes can make such a huge difference, and this one really did. How clever to glue the "bowls/balls" on top of the candlesticks. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  53. Debbie,
    This was awesome and I enjoyed your wonderful sense fo humor. I bet Shelia was honored your stole her great idea! LOL
    Your vignette is lovely. I liked the first one also. I am wishing we had a Marshalls! We barely got a Hobby Lobby recently...:-) So really all is well.♥♥♥


    I had to laugh because mine was the Met post that was reallys tretching the club rules:-)

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love your vignette! I must admit I have some of the china blue and white balls like yours floating in a small pond outside my kitchen. I just might have to copy your idea and put them on some candlesticks! I always love visiting your blog. Thanks for visiting me too!
    Paula

    ReplyDelete
  55. Debbie, this is my first visit to your blog and I'm sitting here with a big smile on my face! Not only did I enjoy your post but sitting here right in front of me on my coffee table are my blue carpet balls just like yours, sitting atop white egg cups, right next to my blue and white stripped vase full of faux yellow tulips!! My, we have good taste, don't we!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love your Metamorphosis. Your sideboard looks great. You certainly got one big bargain on your ironstone. Gorgeous.
    Hugs,
    Sweetie

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hey French Lady that flips over plates (not literally) ;) I added the blurb on my blog about the GA Bloggers luncheon. I hope you don't mind, I left your email address on it for anyone that needs to RSVP, since I will be traveling alot these next two weeks. I am going to ask for the day off from my job so I can really enjoy the lunch! I shouldn't have a problem getting it off... As soon as I get a confirmation, I'll let you know! ;) I'm excited! ;) ~CC Catherine (Is shopping involved? Nahhh...just kidding) ;)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi Glenda! Thanks for stopping by! I think blogging may be the cause of my sudden urge to change a perfectly good 5 year old vignette! Sheila (Mrs. Magpie) really got me to thinking!! lol Let me know the results of your research...balls or bowls!! lol Have a good week!...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  59. First visit to your site and your gorgeous header with that wonderful plate won me over instantly! I also love making tablescapes and vignettes and am smitten with all things French. Your site is full of great inspiration on all fronts.Happy to meet you.

    "J" @ French-Kissed.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I doubt you will get kicked out! LOL! I love what you did, the balls on the candlesticks look great.

    Thanks for checking out my pics. I'm already missing the ocean and warm breezes! Maui is so beutiful. Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thanks for visiting me Debbie! I have been blogging for one week as of today. So far it has been fun, just have a fear I will run out of ideals...I really enjoyed your post, simple things are always the best IMHO.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Well done,Debbie,I love it.It's just gorgeous.Borrowed idea or not.teehee ...ann

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hey Girlfriend...

    Oooh...I do love the new ironstone pitchers...can't believe you got that one for only $7.50...you made off like a bandit on that one! Hehe! They're absolutely gorgeous!!!

    Now my friend...aren't you the creative one! I love your blue & white ball (or should I say bowl) project! They turned out fabulous and look absolutely perfect amongst your new white ironstone pitchers!!! Beautiful vignette!

    I just had to go and checkout Ms. Magpie's post...it was so interesting, and I just love learning the history of things like this! Thanks for sharing, Debbie!!!

    Hope you're having a terrific Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by...
    Love ya,
    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  64. Ooops...just me again!

    I just wanted to put a "bug in your ear" or suggestion...maybe a little something to think about! Since you're an expert on the French language...I would love for you to do a "French Friday"! Maybe a short little post with a French word or a French phrase for the day...I'd love to learn French!!! Just a little suggestion for you to consider...hehe!!!

    Love ya,
    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  65. Debbie, you are such fun! And you are super duper creative...I tend to get very set in my ways, so I can totally relate to the "changing every five years" method of operation! lol Your new vignette looks absolutely beautiful...I'm loving the white ironstone with the touches of blue as accents. Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Oh! Debbie I love your carpet balls on the candle sticks! I have a lot of the sticks, I just need the balls! Just love how it all looks so great together!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love those carpet balls. I love decorating in blue, yellow and white. Your place looks great!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I appreciate my wonderful readers!... Debbie