Before and After- Table/Bookcase

I hope you guys have enjoyed seeing the transformation of this load of furniture from my latest client!  This piece is the last, and I've enjoyed turning it all into pieces that fits her style and that she loves!  We should love being in our home! 

Go ahead, take that chance!

XOXO,

Katie

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Before and After- Dresser

Hey y'all!  I've been painting my fingers to the bone!  I hope these before and after projects are inspiring you to tackle that item you've been longing to redo!  My mission for my home is to make every item reflect ME.  I want to LOVE everything surrounding me.  Remember, this is HOME!  You should love being there!

                                       BEFORE

            AFTER I made it ME!

                AFTER I made it something I LOVE!

Take that chance! Believe in yourself! LOVE your HOME!

XOXO,

Katie

You can follow Gus and Jean's on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

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A Before and After- Buffet

Hey y'all!  A friend of mine brought over a load of furniture she wanted me to redo.  She found the pieces at a great deal but the style just wasn't her, ya know?  So many times we find a piece that is the perfect size/shape but is the wrong color. 

Friends, don't be afraid!  Paint that sucka!  Paint is a true gift, we just need to use it!  And remember, it's not a tattoo, it can be changed. 

I used Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White.  This stuff sticks to anything with no sanding beforehand. What, what?!?!  I have 3 kids, who has time for prep work?  Not this gal!  I don't like wailing and gnashing of teeth, so I go with chalk paint.

I urge you to PLEASE give it a try!  It's not crossfit, it's up and down with a paint brush. You can do this. 

I believe in you!

Much love, 

Katie 

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Where did I get that cotton?

For those of you that asked where I got my cotton from, I will share my secret with you!  There is this AMAZING site that "unlocks" a deal every day. Said Awesome Site  It's great stuff and even greater prices. The deal for today is the cotton stems!!! So go over before they sell out!  I've bought multiple things from www.decorsteals.com.

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Drop Cloth Curtains

Window treatments can be a real pain in the rear. Really. Not to mention expensive. Here is a budget friendly way to get those windows covered. Go to your local home improvement store ( I got mine from Home Depot) and get some drop cloths from the paint department.  They sell a range of sizes.  I think I bought the longest length one for around $10 each.  That's a bargain!!! The fabric resembles that of hemp material.  All the edges are finished for you, so no sewing is required. You can see in one of my pictures that I just folded over the excess at the top to make a ruffle.  Now, they are great as is, but if you are feeling froggy then by all means jump for it. 

These I just taped off with painters tape and painted stripes with paint I already had in the basement, using a roller.  It does take a little time, but it's super easy! Total window treatment- $20. You can't beat that and it sure looks better than those sliding door blinds- yuck.

I did these for the bedroom.  I used a stencil and painted the design from the window sill down.  Again, a customized look for super cheap!

I hope you will give these a try!  They are worth it, promise! 

Take that chance!

Katie

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Who Are Gus and Jean?

I've received the question, "Katie, who are Gus and Jean?" quite a bit, so I thought I would let you guys know. Gus and Jean are my maternal grandparents.

My Papa Gus was a Navy gunners mate in WWII, and later became the town's best mechanic.  The man lived outside.  I lost him at a very young age of 5, but I still remember him taking me outside, giving me old spark plugs to act as my "tools" so I could work on my blue tractor.  He would buy me brown sacks FULL of candy from the Hickory Point convenience store (much to my mother's dismay, but when it came to Papa Gus and Kate, she had no say).  He spent tons of time with me and spoiled me rotten. I worshipped the ground he walked on. Still do. 

                Papa Gus and me

                     So handsome!

 Papa Gus (standing) with my biological father (ground). I won't go into "him".

My Grandmother Jean worked for Sears and Roebuck and Belk.  I'm pretty sure there are others, but this is all I can remember.  No matter where she was or what she was doing, she always looked like a million bucks.  She passed when I was around 11 years old, but I still recall snapping green beans with her, going on trips to Aunt Dollie's cabin on the river, picking pecans, and just spending time together.  Y'all.  She made the Best Banana Pudding Ever.  You just knew what was around the corner when you saw a box of Nilla Wafers on the table.  No store brands over here, she used the genuine stuff!  Also, who knows what cheese toast is?  Bread+cheese+ broiled until golden brown= mind blown with yumminess.  Now, most people would just open a piece of individually wrapped "cheese", not Grandma Jean!  This lady is the real deal.  She would cut hunks off the block!  I can taste the Southern version of bread and manna right now.  Heaven worthy, you guys.  

          Grandma Jean and baby me.

                         Beautiful!!!

                                                  Only Grandma Jean could pull off shorts with that print.

I feel like I got my work ethic from my Papa Gus and my love for the home from my Grandma Jean.  Now, my mama worked, but she was NOT domesticated.  #1. She herself was a "daddy's girl", so she spent most of her time growing up outside with Papa Gus.  #2. Most of my life, she had to raise me alone.  She worked long hours to provide for me, so that left her little time to do anything else. Rightfully so.  #3. She just didn't like the "home stuff".  It just wasn't her, and that's okay.  It's how the world stays in balance.

When the idea of a blog/store (eventually) formed in my head, I knew I would need to come up with a name.  I thought of what I was hoping to accomplish and immediately my grandparents came to mind.  Gus and Jean's was born.  I hope they are looking down from heaven and are proud and pleased. 

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