Of course I got everything for 50% off. One of the stems that is kind of blue berries out the left side was only $1.36. I made this entire arrangement with the pot and filling for $25. Oh, here's a tip: don't buy floral green blocks (I don't know the correct name because I never buy them). I use left over styrofoam from packaging.
I just love having a pretty arrangement to look at as I lay on the couch!
Put them together and see what you get...
Since this was my first shade I made a few mistakes... I forgot to put the original lamp shade seam in the back with the fabric seam. I also should have thought about how dark the fabric was - blocking the light much. I guess it gives the room more ambiance.
You'll see where the rest of this fabric is from in a minute...
The little birdie was only $1.99 from Gordmans. The white container was on clearance for $4. I took styrofoam from my new table and used it instead of buying expensive floral stuffing for the bottom of the container. I added white hydrangeas with white floral buds - about $5 with some moss filler.
This little chickie was only $1.99 too. I took a small 99 cent wreath and glued some moss to make a small nest. The eggs were already spring colors, but I "flicked" brown paint on them to distress them slightly. I know "flicked" is a very technical term, but I don't know what else to call taking watery paint and flicking it in the direction of the eggs.
What are your favorite new spring decorations?
This poor bench was in the garbage pile at a make and offer sale. The same day I got a chest of drawers and this bench. I hope to have the chest done soon, but this project was much quicker for this weekend. I got both for $7, so I guess maybe I paid a dollar for this bench?
It had a caned top, but it was broken so I took it out. I had my handyman cut a piece of wood to fit in the hole so I could upholster the seat.
I sanded and then painted the wood with black spray paint leftover from another project.
Instead of buying an expensive piece of foam for the seat I used some quilt batting to form a cushion. I splurged on this fabric - $5 for a half yard.
I cut the fabric and folded the batting in multiple layers. Pulled the fabric around each side and used the staple gun to secure it. Make sure to pay special attention to the corners.
Here it is! It's slightly more puffy than I thought it would be, but still pretty cute for less than $10. It also provided me something to do on a Saturday night. I'm going to use it in the entry way to sit on when we put on shoes... so we don't have to site on the stairs.
What have I inspired you to do? I wish I could find something to inspire me to finish taking down the bathroom wallpaper... I guess I might have to wait until all the furniture in the basement is refinished - either way it all has to get done! :)
I tried to do stripes, but it's hard because they are round... I found that it was easiest to decorate them in the package instead of trying to hold them. I hope you enjoy the idea. You will see them in my next post!
I have had these shades for months. I found them on sale at JCPenney on their daily deals - it's a different extreme value each day. I was able to get these roman shades for $14.99/ each. I got the white panels for $9.99 each. They are thermal backed too!
Then I saw this beaten up bench and remembered a fellow blogger's post about a bench she'd recently transformed. I had to have it. I asked $10 for everything and he took it.
I'm thinking of making a cushion for the top since I don't know how to cane. I'm leaning toward putting this in the kitchen! Wait and see!
I'm going to be busy the next few weekends so I'm sure these will be collecting dust, but I promise they will turn into something beautiful. 
A few things to point out:
It's still a work in progress, but I'm definitely staying on budget!
You may remember this little piece... it was under $2 at the thrift store. I sprayed it black and filled it with fake fruit.
This is one of my entertaining pieces. I usually just have apples and pears on it, but I found a package of assorted fall items. All for $5 at Walmart. I even used the raffia ribbon on the top. I live the berries and pine cones.
This is an existing lamp, but I found the shade for $3 at OTP. I think it's a great way to change the look of the room from just a bland white shade.
This little grouping sits above my TV Armoire. My MIL found the Armoire ($70) for me at a local second hand store. I painted it from an antique white to black. To top the area I used an existing frame Kolin had and added a piece of scrap booking paper. I found each of the candle holders for $2-3 at OTP and painted them various colors of black, champagne and bronze. I topped them with off white candles around the house.
Can you believe it... I have some deals from real stores... We've been in need for a new vacuum for a while now and with 3 sets of stairs I wanted a lightweight vacuum. We decided on an Oreck - the 8lb wonder. Kolin researched a teacher discount for $100 off if we turn in our old vacuum. Then my mom said she wanted to contribute to our vacuum fund for both of our birthdays. That did it - the search was on!
Good luck finding your deals!! 
