WELCOME!
Are you ready for a party?! I just love Before and After pictures, don’t you? This is just the ticket to help us get some inspiration for the New Year and perhaps find a project or two to add to the list of things we’d like to accomplish this year. I know I sure get a lot of inspiration out there in blogland from all of YOU, so I’m happy to pass some of that on. For my new readers, come on along for a year of projects at my house. Hope you get inspired too! Just follow the links in my post if you want to read more about a particular project.
From January, you will probably all remember this before and after in Modernizing a Vintage lamp. As a refresher, this lamp was picked up in my neighborhood at a yardsale for $5. Someone’s mom or aunt probably had this thing hanging around since 1962 or so and all it needed was a fresh new look to bring in into the 21st Century.
Nothing that a little black and cream damask fabric can’t handle. Add some trim and call it done and it sits proudly on my foyer table! Just so you know, I’m counting all these lampshade redos as one project. 2008 was a good year for lampshades. 
So…speaking of lampshades, I can’t let this one go by without a mention. Just a little update to the lamps I have in the diningroom, with the addition of burlap and a cute monogram. 
And this pair, yardsale finds which got transformed for the guestroom redo you’ll see below. 
Newly covered lampshades and rub-on decals and it’s a magical change. 
Then, in March, I told you all about the gold urn that got a repair job. Don’t let a broken handle stop you from using something. Get some air-dry clay and fix that pretty thing! 
Paint it white and it will be the star of the sideboard. 
Again, in March, I got inspired to do a little tweaking to my office nook, so I painted the feature wall lime green like my laundry room and outlined the wall with rope trim for a new fresh look.
Along with the bookcase that got a wallpaper treatment of scrapbook paper, seen all over blogland and I believe started by the popular Nester. 
A big outdoor project was completed in May, when we took the muddy under the deck area of our backyard and transformed it into an oasis of sorts with a newly constructed patio. 
And what a difference this made! The after Decorated Patio pics really show it off. 
This is definitely my favorite outdoor seating spot now! Ahh, Spring…just look at the green. 
In August, I did a little decoupage project of a monogram letter.
Simple leopard tissue paper did the trick. 
In September, we all got ready for Fall and I got inspired to try some white pumpkins. 
A little white spray paint later, and Hello Fall, classy white pumpkins for the season. 
In October, after a fun yardsale shopping trip and finding a beautiful bookcase in need of a makeover, a guestroom was reborn. 
With a newly painted and beadboard clad bookcase to showcase some treasures. 
In November, a lucky yardsale find (for $10) made way for a new chandy in my cottage guestroom, where once there was only a lone little ceiling fixture. What a difference a cute little chandelier can make, don’t you think? 
In November and in preparation for the final project of 2008, the Beachy Glam guestroom redo, I made over a framed print in that room to take it in a new direction. From traditional gold to…
A newly painted black frame and much more modern look. 
Which brings us to the last and final project of the year 2008, the Beachy Glam guestroom, which went from being rather Granny…
To a completely different direction of an updated color palette of black, white and soft blue. This one made the Birmingham paper in December and I was so proud! 
So, that wraps up my Top 10 Favorite Projects for 2008. Whew! Didn’t realize just quite how much I had accomplished last year until I looked back. How about you? Do you have something to share? I hope you do. It doesn’t have to be 10, but any number will do, even if it’s only one.
Share by adding your link to Mr. Linky below! Let’s get this party rolling.
Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.
Rhoda, I love all of your projects!! You had a busy 2008! What a great idea with the lamps!! I also love your office, the colors in there are amazing.
Thanks for hosting this bloggy party, I can’t wait to see everyone’s projects!!
Rhoda, thank you for taking the time to host your “Top Projects” party.
I love every one of yours, especially your guest room makeover. What an amazing and inspiring transformation!
I’ve posted my Master Bath redo, and look forward to seeing everyone else’s projects and ideas.
Sincerely,
Janie
I love all of your design projects, Rhoda, especially that bookcase, gorgeous!
I added my Gossip Bench makeover to the party. I didn’t know we were supposed to do TEN! lol
Can’t wait to see what everyone did last year!
Bella
These are all just magnificent and you did a lot of work just getting all these photos together…
I have a posting up but….where is Mr. Linky ????
Hi Rhoda,
It is so much fun to revisit your projects! Thanks for hosting!
I did a short post of 3 projects!
Seems that Mr. Linky is playing hooky this morning! LOL
Diane
Mr Linky disappeared! Anyway, your projects are awesome! I love the bookcase, the lamps, the bedroom redo – all fabulous! I spray painted an urn just like yours and totally forgot about that when I did projects post. I can’t believe I left out my prowess with a spray paint can! 🙂 Thanks for hosting Rhoda! I can’t wait to see what everyone did!
That ever elusive Mr. Linky’s at it again! LOL!!!
I have my post up, too! I’ll be back later to check on the health and whereabouts of Mr. Linky!
Great makeovers Rhoda. Wonderful inspiration!
No Mister Linky.
I have 6 projects, to share, in my post for today.
Thanks so much for hosting the event!
All of yours are unbelievable. When Mr. Linky reappears, we’ll put this in, but for now, people can copy/paste:
http://inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com/2009/01/are-they-all-yours-cabinet-redo.html
Rhoda, you outdid yourself! I love it all. I think the new patio must have added the most to your enjoyment of your home, and your office nook is probably my favourite.
I think you have seriously cornered the market on great lighting make-overs. I think we will have to call you the lamp lady!!
Thanks for hosting this. I will add my link whenever Mr. Linky gets back from his coffee break!
Linda
hey Rhoda, wow what inspiration here, I can’t really believe how many wonderful projects you really did do in one year…
nope I can’t see mr linky either and i’m just off to sleep so I’m guessing I won’t make it now, here’s my link anyway, i’ll come back later and see if I can add it…
http://abeachcottage.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/fave-beach-cottage-makeover-.html
I look forward to visiting all these gals in the party when I get home from vacation, nothing like a bit of blogland inspiration for the new year, eh?!
UNtil Mr Linky:
http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2009/01/top-before-and-afters-in.html
I did mine too! I don’t see Mr. Linky but here is my post: http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2009/01/2008-top-10-projects.html
I’m impressed. Beautiful updates to many items. I’m also jelous because I only wish I had time to do my craft projects. Great Work and thanks for sharing some of your ideas. I love the bookshelf find. Nice Job there too.
Oops, after I commented above, I went and got my cup of tea and thought that I should have left my LINK…here it is:
http://jt-jantom.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-top-ten-before-after-projects-from.html
Uh oh. I have a post, but there’s no linky. I’ll be back to see if it’s up! 🙂
My post is up over at Hooked on Houses. Looks like Mr Linky is being troublesome again! How irritating. I’ll check back soon.
Morning Rhoda..what a great post of inspiration girl! I have a shed full of lampshades..I love that burlap idea with the monogram and you know I love that black book case! Can’t wait to see what you show us this year!
Rhoda your before & after projects are great! Thanks for showing me what I've missed with your blog this year.
Here is my link:
http://www.livinglocurto.com/index.php/2009/01/before-after-project/
Rhoda,
Wow, I have always enjoyed following along with your projects and this recap bringing them all together is really amazing. You are an inspiration to many and one of these days I would love to meet you in person.
Hugs,
Sue