About Me

My name is Diane

Contact Me: inmyownstyle@gmail.com

I love all things creative, colorful and DIY. My background is in display – which led me into the wonderful world of DIY decorating and design when my husband and I bought our first house. We didn’t have a big budget so I used the tricks I used in the display trade to decorate that first home. That led me to writing a decorating book about it, called Instant Decorating back in the 1990’s. It is no longer in print, but my blog is where I continue to share ideas and what I have found works for me – all budget friendly.

With a bit of ingenuity and resourcefulness I think anyone can create a home they love.

I am so glad you are here.

If you enjoy your visit, I hope you will want to subscribe to my RSS feed and become a follower.

You can also follow me on social media. Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Google +

My Writing Elsewhere:

My Colortopia

Momtastic

My Way Home

Quotation I Live By: “To invent you need a good imagination and a pile of junk”

-Thomas Edison

First Object I Ever Re-Purposed: A pair of earrings for my Barbie when I was 8. I made them by cutting the tips off of the beaded end of straight pins. The beaded end was like a post earring. Once the pin was shortened I could pierce her ears with them.

Signature Flower: A mix of deep purple and lavender hydrangeas and pink peonies. I can’t get enough of them. I have them in baskets and vases in every room of my home and planted outside in my garden.

Favorite Place: Anywhere there is a view of water, the larger the body of water, the better. It could be standing on the bow of the Staten Island Ferry to lying on a beach or swinging on the swings that rim the Burlington, VT waterfront.

Married with Children: Married my husband, Ed at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Most Prized Possessions: My daughters.

Most Prized Material Possession: My first grade pencil case. It’s pink and the inside still smells like crayons and graphite.

What I Want To Be When I Grow Up: After I graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology I wanted to be an editor for a big magazine, but life took me on a different path and I ended up being a display designer. I then took what I learned from working in retail display to start working as an Interior Designer helping people decorate their homes beautifully, but without breaking the bank. Having a blog lets me be my own Editor-In-Chief so I am sort of doing what I always wanted.

Favorite Inside Pastime: Watching old movies from the 40’s and 50’s,especially if they take place in NYC or during WW II and have Cary Grant, Doris Day, Rock Hudson, or Audrey Hepburn in them.

Favorite Outside Pastime: Sitting by above mentioned bodies of water, kayaking, swimming, riding bikes and hiking while on vacation with my family.

Music I Listen To When I Need A Lift: Anything and everything from rock to pop and everything in between along with movie scores by John Williams. I also love the sound of church bells ringing in the distance and will stop and pull over to the side of the road just to hear them.

Places I Go When I Need Inspiration: The streets of NYC, public libraries, bookstores where you can read and have a cup of tea or a latte while you browse. Flea markets, magazines such as In-Style, Country Living ,House and Home, and my friend Karen Sacavage’s design studio/workroom.

Dislike: Amusement parks, I get really dizzy the minute I walk through the gate.

Still Want To Design: The perfect handbag. It would be a bit of “Audrey Hepburn” meets “Jane Goodall”. A small black croc bag that would have a long strap and lots of pockets for organization that would hold my camera, cellphone, sunglasses, keys, and lipstick and not look bulky.

Splurges: Travel and skin care products.

Collect: Seashells, matchbooks, clock faces, baskets, and colored pencils since I was a child.

If You Walked Into My House Right Now You Would Immediately Know: I love color!

Proudest Moment: Getting my book, Instant Decorating published and demonstrating projects from it on TV.

Surprising Fact: I have an identical twin sister named, Carol.

States I Have Lived In: Pennsylvania, New York, California, Washington, North Carolina, and New Jersey

Celebrity I Want To Spend The Day With: Ina Garten

I Smile When I See: A child skipping down the street – so carefree.

Simple Pleasures I Look Forward To: Fresh air, pumpkins, a breeze that makes my curtains billow into my room, a good red wine, the moon shining in on my bed at night, a rainy day, waking up to chirping birds, hearing the surf pounding against the sand.

Can’t Live Without: My Pilates Reformer and Lipstick!!!

{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Kim Johnson Gross January 6, 2010 at 10:10 am

Hi Diane, I just found your site because you mentioned how much you like the Chic Simple books that Jeff Stone and I created—thank you! I love your site—it feels like home to me. I enjoy how you share style and beauty in a calming manner. I have a new book coming out May 1 called What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life. I will be doing a book event in the Philadelphia area and would like to invite you when details are firmed up. All best, Kim Johnson Gross

2 Emma February 13, 2010 at 8:20 am

Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest! Your site makes me want to write up a big old list of projects for myself. I’m really impressed!

3 Danielle March 7, 2010 at 7:52 am

Hi Diane:
Your site is gorgeous. Just got here and can’t wait to really look around. I joined as a follower. Hope we can keep in touch!

4 Sharon March 8, 2010 at 7:57 pm

Hi Diane! Just wanted to let you know that I haven’t forgotten to send you the list about plugins, I just haven’t gotten there yet… But hopefully this week!

5 Suellen Golden March 20, 2010 at 11:41 pm

Hi Di!

Great site! Love it – you’ve done a really good thing for novices like me to find inspiration.

Love ya, miss ya,
Suellen

6 Diane @ InMyOwnStyle March 21, 2010 at 10:20 am

Hi Suellen – Missing you too, it seems like last week that we were visiting you. It was 3 months ago – time really is flying by. Thanks for stopping by.

7 Carol March 27, 2010 at 2:08 pm

Hi Diane!

Your hubby just told me about your website. Knowing you. I knew it would be fabulous!! After 15 yrs of being your neighbor and friend and seeing first hand how creative you are – I am glad everyone gets a chance to see what you are up to!!!
Miss you but you can be sure I will be following your site.

8 cindy K June 8, 2010 at 11:51 am

Hi, I loved reading the information about your daughters , I can realte. Nice when they grow up as you still have them but as friends Also I love the retro blue desk and drawers you painted, very pretty. Nice work you create. I will checking in. Cindy

9 Blessing June 14, 2010 at 5:31 pm

I’m a new follower (via google connect). Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your blog. Looks like i’ll be digging into archives. When you get a chance please stop over at Safe Home Happy Mom and follow us as well. Have a terrific week!

10 Lisa Flowers-Latorre August 15, 2010 at 10:01 pm

Hi, We met at BlogHer! I loooovvvee your site! And can’t seem to get off of it tonight. You have such great ideas. I really want to try making some of your things. I’m glad I found you! See you next year at BlogHer if not sooner! Lisa

11 Susan Best September 17, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Diane.

I stumbled upon your website when I was looking for a way to add a lid to my fabric covered crates which I discovered at http://www.paintinmyhair.com. I am really excited to do some serious creating.

Susan

12 Jordan October 7, 2010 at 11:53 am

Hi Diane,

I just wanted to express my opinion about your site. I just love it !!!!

You have great ideas and I appreciate each one of them.

Jordan

13 Diane October 7, 2010 at 6:41 pm: Thanks – you made my day :)

Reply

14 cakeologist January 24, 2011 at 6:44 pm

I found your site from Lavender Clouds and I am so glad I did! Looking forward to following your posts and finding the time to go back through your archives.

15 Christy February 2, 2011 at 5:28 pm

Diane

I saw your blog for the first time and today and was inspired. I have started tackling my stairs! Do you mind if I refer any of my readers (ha I think I have 1) to your site?

Thank you for your inspiration
Christy

16 laurie February 2, 2011 at 8:24 pm

Hi Diane! I’m your newest follower — simply because after reading your profile and what and who makes you who you are inside and out….I feel like I’ve known you for years. :) Thank you for being so open, warm, and welcoming! I’m so looking forward to getting to know you better. God bless you! ♥

xoxo laurie

17 Sherry March 23, 2011 at 1:19 am

Hi Diane, I recently joined your following and I must say, I am so happy to have stumbled upon to your blog. Just in a few days, you have inspired me to get to projects that I have been putting off for the longest time! Thank you so much for inspiring me!

Sherry

18 Naseeha March 29, 2011 at 5:07 am

Hi Diane, I have just moved back home to the states (Portland, OR) after living in Jamaica for about 3 1/2 years. When I married my Jamaican husband, I sold or gave away just about all of my household possessions, since he was totally set up already. Now I am starting our new home here basically from scratch and I am having a blast! He won’t be up for a couple of months yet, so I get to shop till I drop and have it all ready for him when he comes to stay.

Anyway, I was out thrifting today, and I came across your book. I picked it up, looked at the cover and thought, Naaaa, this is too outdated. But I kept looking at the cover and thinking just how cheerful and bright it looked and how I loved the blue and yellow combo with the pops of red and the many other small, yet creative, details. Well, these are my fave colors for my new home, so for a whopping $1.99, I tossed it in my shopping cart.

Later, I opened it up, and wow! The very first project was exactly what I needed to do with a hand-me-down couch, that I was debating whether to keep or not. I am so keeping the couch now!

When I need a break now, from cleaning, organizing and working on making my house a home, (it’s actually too fun to call it work), I pick up your book and find tons of inspiring and can-do projects that I am so excited to try! And now I found your website! I am one happy girl. Suh-wheet. Now I am downright gleeful! Major props Diane!

Now I must run . . . . and take a break. ;0)

Thanks so much for the inspiration. I’ll do all the official “follow” stuff when I take a break . . . . . from taking a break.

Most sincerely, Naseeha

19 Kirsten Wolle April 26, 2011 at 8:08 am

I think you are my hero! Your ideas are great. I have always been crafty but now I’m starting to realize that it is just a sick obsession and whether I like it or not, it must be a regular part of my life. I’m definitely going to try my take on your Starburst Mirror. Keep up the awesome work!

20 Laura Stout June 27, 2011 at 1:51 pm

I stumbled across your website this morning. Now, three hours later, I think I can, maybe, start working! Yes, I’m at work! This is now, by far, my FAVORITE site! Thank you! There is not one thing I would not want in my own home. I can’t wait to spend more time here!

21 Diane June 27, 2011 at 5:37 pm: Hi Laura-
xoxo Thanks for connecting with me and leaving me the best kind of comment. It makes me so happy to know that what I am doing is inspiring you. One of my friends asked me over the weekend if I liked blogging. It told her I have such a passion for creating things and sharing them and this is truly my way to do it. I hope I can keep inspiring you. Thanks again – you truly have made my day.

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22 Linda August 8, 2011 at 10:30 am

Hi from Ottawa, Canada! I’ve just signed on and giddily anticipate finding you in my mailbox! You have such a welcoming site, fabulous ideas and incredible talent. Reading your profile has me thinking that you enjoy the simple things and that if stress comes knocking at your door, you’ll point it in another direction as there’s no room for it in your life – I hope I’ve got that right! (Oh, and I did the earring thing with my Barbie, too!) I wish you continued success in all that you do and thank you, in advance, for sharing and inspiring – job well done!

23 Debra Lynch August 21, 2011 at 12:59 am

Hi Diane,
How I found this site is truly amazing. I find your work beyond incredable, your talents astound me. I am now beyond motivated to take on my kitchen. Yours has turned out so professionally that I can’t believe it wasn’t done by the pros…you should be so proud!
I will be getting all my supplies tomorrow and let the games begin…I hope I can have my kitchen turn out half as good as yours and I will be blessed….will keep you posted..thanks for sharing your great info

24 Diane August 23, 2011 at 11:27 pm: Hi Debra-

Thanks so much for the nice comment. The hardest part of the kitchen re-do and making it look as best I could was to take my time and do it the right way. It took me three weeks to get it done. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. You will do great.

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25 Anzhela Tesker October 7, 2011 at 8:30 pm

I found ur site through Tip Junkie….the DIY you have here is amazing and I am so inspired!!

26 Richele miller October 11, 2011 at 2:01 pm

I don’t even know how I found you. ..looking up buttons, I think.
just wanted to say:
you’re my kind of girl!

Thanks for sharing

27 Teresa Lynne October 22, 2011 at 8:47 pm

OH MY! I just love your blog and am blown away by your creativity! I truly lucked out when I stumbled onto your site! You are my inspiration!

28 Diane October 24, 2011 at 5:05 pm: Thanks so much Teresa Lynne-

Did you actually find me through StumbleUpon? That is such a great site. I have the little “stumble” button under my browser bar and stumble whenever I can.

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29 Angela October 23, 2011 at 4:47 am

Hello Diane,

I cannot remember how I stumbled onto your site but I’m so glad I did. I live in the wet and windy north west coast of Ireland so it seems you have fans all over the globe!
I’m definetely going to stel your 3-D mirror wall, I hope you dont mind :).
Thank you for all your lovely ideas.
Angela

30 bethany davis December 15, 2011 at 3:08 pm

Hello Diane!
I am so GLAD i found your site! I am 25 years old and have been DIY’ing for almost a decade, and it is so hard to find things with step by step in structions like you have! I too love things that need to be “repurpsed, reused,redone, restained etc.” it makes things so homey and unique! Thank you for everything you share with us. I know i really appreciate the time and effort you spend posting! Thanks again!

31 Joy December 16, 2011 at 7:42 am

Hi- I just found your site. I think your house (before) and my house (now) could be identical twins. Can’t wait to try some of your ideas for kitchen and bath. Thanks so much! Joy

32 Lynda Schrader January 11, 2012 at 10:15 pm

Found you on the Blissdom Ice Breakers. Your site is amazing. I love your creative ideas. Hopefully we’ll have a chance to meet at Blissdom next month.

33 Beth Zimmerman January 15, 2012 at 4:17 pm

Great way to write an About Me post! I enjoyed getting to know you a bit. Ventured this way via the Blissdom Link-Up. You can find my Intro here: http://www.bethszimmerman.com/2012/01/12/hello-blissdom-2012/

34 Diane January 15, 2012 at 10:05 pm: Thanks Beth – I am looking forward to the conference and meeting up with everyone. The link-up is a great idea and will stop by to say hi!

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35 MelissaJane January 23, 2012 at 2:27 pm

Found your blog through a Pinterest pin, and am so glad I did! I just went to http://www.paperbackswap.com and found a copy of your book; can’t wait to get it as I love your blog. Thanks for sharing your creativity online!

36 stephanie February 14, 2012 at 11:42 am

Hi Diane,

I just stumbled upon your site and I’m so glad I did! My first project is going to be tuna can torchieres. As I was lurking I saw your fence and guessed you might live in Delaware or PA, my mom lives in DE and those fences are very specific to her area. Anyway, then I read you’d purchased something at the Lanchaster PB outlet and I laughed that I’d guessed somewhat correctly. I’m going to share this blog with my sweet mom and I know she’ll be so inspired. Now, off to find a copy of your out-of-print book!

37 Nova March 11, 2012 at 12:18 am

Hi Diane,

I’ve made a comment yesterday but do not know where to look for your reply. A new blogger, new with the system, you know I have all the concerns of a newcomer. Anyway, it’s a chance for me to tell you once again that I love your creation, your creativity and of course your own style. I’m following you in Pinterest, and to my great delight, you are following me too. I’ve placed your website under “adorable sites” in my own one. Hope I am doing this correctly. I just want to share your style

38 taja mcdougall March 14, 2012 at 3:52 pm

Hi Diane:
I absolutely adore your site! I love that you seem able to re-purpose pretty much anything. Your modpodge dresser redo combined my love of re-purposing your own stuff with my love of collage! Wonderful. I hope you work on designing that bag very soon! I would definitely get in line for a bag like that! Thanks again for the inspiration, taja

39 connie Watson March 15, 2012 at 4:55 am

I want to organize my home from top to bottom. I have always been a clutterer and for months I have wanted to get my home, my entire life totally organized, nice, neat, and then redecorate our home. I am baffled as to where and how to start. When absolutely nothing is organized, in a home that is clean, but never neat, where and how does a person begin? I need help and some old fashion steps to follow!! Any suggestions?
Thanks…Needing to DECLUTTER & Organize ASAP!!

40 Diane March 15, 2012 at 9:32 am: Hi Connie -

Getting rid of the clutter can seem daunting when you have lots of stuff laying around your home. My advice would be to start one step at a time, but you have to change old habits and keep at it constantly or you will just end up with a cluttered home again. Just remember that clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions.

Start in one room. Take a few garbage bags or boxes in and mark them – TRASH DONATE NOT SURE. Fill them up with things you no longer need or want. IF you are not sure – ask yourself why are you holding on to it? Place items you are not sure about in the not sure box until you know what you want to do with them. Only keep things that you absolutely love or need to function in the room – everything else goes. Then take your boxes to the thrift store and trash. Then start on the next room and repeat the process. Keep going room by room until you have purged the clutter.

Once you have your home decluttered – you have to create a few new habits or rules so it stays that way. 1. Don’t buy anything you don’t need – saves your money, too. 2. If you do bring something new into your house – something already in it has to go out. 3. Everything and I mean everything needs to have a space created for it. Don’t just lay things on a counter as a way to store it. Find a place in a drawer or cupboard so you always will know where it is. Line drawers with baskets and label each. This will help keep you organized and be able to quickly find things when needed. Try doing these 3 things for awhile until they become habits. It is hard to break the way we do things, but just start one baby step at a time until you reach your goal of a decluttered and organized home. I would also go to Walmart and Target and look at storage and organizing containers and units. There are so many that will help you in your task of creating order with all your stuff. Good Luck

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41 Jodi from New Jersey March 21, 2012 at 2:23 am

Hello Diane! Just found your site because I couldn’t sleep,which is odd for me. Can’t wait to explore more. It’s so nice to read about the northeast ,and I love your simple comment page! Talk soon…….Jodi

42 Diane March 21, 2012 at 1:18 pm: Hi Jodi – Thanks for the note and taking the time to connect – nice to hear that I have readers in nearby NJ. Lived there for 4 years and have spent many summers down in Ocean City. I hope you can get some sleep tonight.

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43 Shanna April 30, 2012 at 11:08 pm

Hi Diane,
I just found your blog and you are truly inspiring me to create. You have implemented projects that have simmered in my head for years, and I have just never taken the plunge. I LOVED your series on creativity 1-2-3, and am starting the 3×5 index cards tomorrow. I also loved the peek at your home office/creative space. You are a blessing and I think you have truly found your calling in leading a creative life that inspires others. Thank you!!

44 Pamela May 23, 2012 at 4:35 pm

Hello Diane, you sound like my kindred spirit. Your ” happy life ” finding joy in the things you do is the foundation that brings your gifts to others. I have had a work in progress with my 1964 Alaska Beach Cabins. I think it so great that I am redoing my stairs much the same as you, although mine are pine and not carpeted. I just did a new tile job and repainted the foyer, added a new bath too. I will be looking for you on “Pinterest” and please do e mail if you have the time after looking at my site, would love to give you a special rate should you like to visit Juneau. Ak. Kindly yours. Pamela

45 Judy Hawn June 9, 2012 at 11:22 pm

I love your blog! Enjoy getting your emails and would love to enter the Home Depot Giveaway!! Judy

46 Cathy July 8, 2012 at 12:43 pm

Hi Diane, your idea for the concrete columns on Apartment Therapy led me to your site, and I’m kicking myself for throwing away one of the frosted glass globes from our 1980 garden home we bought in Nov 2011.

Anyhoo, I am looking for ideas to decorate the span of brick wall on our side yard, as the wall is part of our neighbor’s house. The
homes are detached, but that side of his house is the fourth side of our patio. The portion that our great room faces is a paved patio and that wall. I have a few plants at different heights but need something large that won’t leave a mark on that wall. I also cannot hang anything from the overhang of his roof. My husband is tired of iron, and I already have a wrought iron round table and six chairs out there. Do you have any ideas for an affordable, free-standing SOMETHING? We are in South Texas and have afternoon sun for about two hours on that space.

47 Louise Ann Alston July 22, 2012 at 3:30 pm

Hi, Diane today was my lucky day. I don’t usually follow blogs, but you really pulled me in. I love so many of your creative ideas. I feel like someone else loves the things that are dear to my heart. I love crafts, and decorating. I will be using several of your creative ideas.
I live in Florida and I craft a lot with seashell.

48 Margaret July 25, 2012 at 2:40 pm

Just found your site and I love it! This is definitely my kind of decorating or do-it-yourself. I like nothing more than to make something gorgeous out of a cast off! Thanks for sharing! I’ll be sharing your site with friends!

49 Jane Martin August 28, 2012 at 1:19 pm

Diane,
I love you tutorial on the Restoration Hardware concrete column knock-offs (and your site in general). I believe they’re going to be my Labor Day wknd project. Thank you!

50 Cindy Rodgers September 12, 2012 at 11:35 pm

I think you are just amazing! I have a passion for decorating and I am always looking for things that inspire me. Your blog definitely does that for me, and then some! Thank you!

51 MJ October 23, 2012 at 7:19 pm

I just came across your site and I love it!

52 Stacey October 27, 2012 at 1:07 am

You have some wonderful ideas here! Thank you for sharing them. I have an odd question. Do you know the name of the font you have “Welcome” written in? (upper right corner of page in green)
Thank you so much, Stacey

53 Diane October 27, 2012 at 10:04 am: Hi Stacey – It came with Microsoft Office. The font is called Edwardian Script.

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54 Vicki December 19, 2012 at 7:58 pm

I’m getting started on my sewing website. I just happened to find yours, it’s great. You have inspired me to keep going. Your ideas are fun and ingenious. I also like old movies from the 40s/50s. I am also the ex-wife of a career Navy man. I have subscribed to keep up with your site. Thanks.

55 Diane Henkler December 20, 2012 at 9:33 am: Thanks for the nice note Vicki XO

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56 Kathy McDavid January 5, 2013 at 9:45 pm

Diane,
Stumbled here from pinterest link. I always like to read the bio from blogs I might like to follow. Like a dating profile. I am hooked! I too pierced my Barbi’s ears with cut off straight pins, so funny to remember. I look forward to getting to know you and be inspired by your projects. Happy new year.

57 Diane Henkler January 7, 2013 at 9:02 am: Hi Kathy – Thanks for taking the time to connect. I sometimes think it would be fun to write a post about all the things that Barbie taught me :) She and her Mattel buddies were a big part of my childhood. :)

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58 Tina February 1, 2013 at 5:22 pm

Diane,

I can’t remember how I found your blog, but I love it. I was so excited to read your post on your visit to Detroit and the Henry Ford. I lived there for 50 + years before moving south a couple of years ago. Until you visit that museum you just don’t understand. It is amazing!! As a teacher I never tired of taking students there. And Greenfield Village is just as amazing. Thanks for recognizing a fantastic place. It made me want to go back and read more of your posts.

59 NITA March 18, 2013 at 6:09 pm

this is my first time on your site. i just retired and i really love your ideas..gonna try monograms..love it ….and i live in north carolina…text again later…..

60 toni March 29, 2013 at 8:20 pm

i enjoy look at your work you have great imagination
keep up the work

61 Jacqui April 8, 2013 at 1:01 am

Hi Dianne, I just happened upon your website while Googling “banquettes” ….lucky me!! I love your ideas, your style, your diy abilities!! I also am a diy”er” and I love transforming my home. You can guarantee I will be following your steps for the banquette…simple but beautiful results :)

62 Diane Henkler April 8, 2013 at 11:43 am: Thanks Jacqui – The banquette is the best home improvement project I ever did. It changed the way my kitchen functions and looks 100% I always joke, if we have to move from the house, I am ripping it off the wall and taking it with us. :)

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63 Ángeles Magdaleno April 10, 2013 at 4:07 am

Diane:

Sorry about my written English. I really enjoy your blog and thanks for sharing your ideas it helped me a lot.
Best regards
María de los Ángeles.

64 Lourdes April 10, 2013 at 4:48 pm

Hello Diane,
I was looking for a tutorial on how to make an outdoor cushion. That’s when I happen to stumble across your article. And I’m thankful I did! I needed to find out about one project I had in mind and ended up with a list of them just by looking at your webpage. Once I read in to one thing I couldn’t get enough! I have about 7 or 8 if not more of your project ideas I want to create. Thank you for getting my creative juices flowing. If you like I may even send you photos of the ending results. I’m so excited and inspired!

65 Diane Henkler April 10, 2013 at 5:30 pm: Hi Lourdes – thanks for taking the time to say hi! It is so nice to hear that you found lots of inspiration on my blog. XO By all means send me photos. I plan on creating a readers page someday soon.

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66 Barbara April 17, 2013 at 7:47 pm