Alfresco Ideas + Alma Help

By Kate Riley May 20, 2011

Wow, thanks everyone for linking up your amazing projects at the ‘Outdoor Ideas’ party, so much inspiration to be seen in over 250 links!  A few caught my eye and I wanted to share. 

Kathy from All About Vignettes built a screened in porch then furnished it with European flair.  Wow, this view is like something out of House Beautiful, the columns, the mirror, the fabrics… swoon!

all  about vignettes outdoor sofa

 

Beth at Unskinny Boppy turned an old ladder into the perfect support for jar lanterns on her enchanting patio.

ladder lantern holder

 

Danny at Cottage in the Oaks turned some old shutters into a privacy fence then painted them bright blue, what a genius idea and pretty bistro setting too. 

shutter fence

 

I have concrete on the brain right now as I scratch my head wondering what to do with ours.  I love this faux bois-ish look on Rebecca’s new patio, so now I want a wood plank stamped surface too.  image

 

Wait, maybe I want a stone pattern. . .  see how to DIY your own cobblestone path with a mold and cement at Home is Where They Love You.

diy cobblestone path

 

Painted turquoise planting beds?  Heart! 

painted raised planting beds

 

Beth from Russian River Schoolhouse found on the street what she thinks was a doll crib and repurposed it to make this fabulous outdoor table from salvaged wood

salvaged table

 

I love Jenny’s porch pillow covers, she has amazing taste in fabric.  *wink*

jennys porch pillows

 

No, it’s not a fairytale.  This outdoor reading nook actually exists.  You must take a peek inside at Birdie Blue Sky, you won’t want to leave.  *sigh*

fairytale outdoor reading nook

 

Ainhoa from A Little Bite of Everything actually built this set of two benches and a table with some of Ana’s plans, wow!

diy table and bench

 

Check out what Shannon from Anythingology snagged at her local Habitat ReStore: a $1,600 Arteriors Ironwood fixture for $40 bucks.  Holy guacamole, it pays to pop into your local ReStore with such frequency as she did.  Wow.

chandy from habitat

 

There are over 250 not-to-miss links to browse for inspiration, such amazing creativity and beauty in these outdoor spaces from planting thyme between your cobblestones to building a chicken coop.  Thanks again everyone for linking up your projects! 

swirl snip

No giveaway this weekend folks, instead instead I’m hoping you’ll give something to our Alma Project instead.  

Last week, I wrote about how I organize all my paperwork and I mentioned About One, an online family management resource, and a place to safely store all of your household information in one place. 

about one

About One has been featured everywhere from the New York Times to CNBC and USA Today. 

With About One, you can create files for home maintenance, your family’s health history, for babysitters or caregivers, even assemble education history for college applications.  Track volunteer hours, your valuables, or capital gains, even create your own family newsletter to keep your friends and family up to date on what’s going on in your home.  It’s a verified secure site to guarantee your personal privacy protection. 

about one options

About One has signed on as a supporter of our Alma Project.  For every person that signs up for a year for free (a $30 dollar value) About One will donate $1 dollar to our Alma House project.  ONE YEAR FOR FREE!

No obligation of course, but I’d love it if you could assist us in raising more for our project by signing up, it takes less than a minute!   Sign up here. 

about one sign up

 

Be sure to enter the discount code CGALMA to get your year for FREE !

swirl snip

Speaking of outdoor improvements, the mister and I are going to attempt progress on the patio this weekend, I have a feeling I will have an achy back and sore knees come Monday.  The trials and tribulations of home improvement, right?   What are your weekend plans?

881 winner

 

Oh, before I forget, the following winner of the $250 Lowe’s Gift Card is: #881: Summer T who wrote:

“I would use this gift card for either a new rug for my dinette or towards a new gazebo!” 

Congratulations Summer!

 

 

.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend !

 

 

.

20 comments

  1. Kate~

    Thanks so much for the feature! Blushing over here………

    The other ideas are fabulous—I can’t wait to get to work on some of them! Thanks for hosting such a great, fun party—so many great ideas in one place! Wow!

    Blessings~
    Daune

  2. I’m impressed by all of them, but Kathy’s vignette is gorgeous, and I’m sooooo jealous of the $1600 chandelier or $40…..I’m pea green with envy :)
    Stacy

  3. thanks so much for featuring our little playhouse.
    you made my day, girlfriend.

    love all of the inspiration, it’s got me thinking.
    xo
    ~molly

  4. Thank you for highlighting my pillow covers! The fabric is so pretty! Hard to pass up! Love your blog and all your amazing ideas!

  5. The jar lights idea is awesome, especially if you have an abundance of baby jars. Great blog and ideas! I crave cheap and eco friendly ideas. =D

  6. Thanks a million for featuring my screened porch, Kate. It was fun to pull together.
    Love your blog and your creativity. Can’t wait to see your next project.

    Kathy

  7. omg-love the cement mold and the jar lights!! Such great ideas here!!!

  8. Kate I am just amazed at all of these great ideas!! You always find the best links. Thanks so much!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Come and enter my Great Giveaway from Serena & Lily!

    You will love it!

  9. Thanks for the giveaway! Love the outdoor projects so I’m headed out the door to start mine!

    Karen

  10. darling idea with the ladder-so sweet-and great for outdoor- Love the table on wheels-
    Thanks for sharing.. Love getting such inspiration
    Karryann

  11. Hi Kate,
    What a nice surprise to find your email :) I signed up for About One. So nice of them to donate to Alma!

  12. dearest Kate! lucky was I one day to have found your blog and from then on i have been hooked on to it. your projects have inspired me so much and of the lovely ladies out there who are forever beautifying the things as simple as a pallet. Keep up the good work.love from the dunes ..http://threevikingsandaking.blogspot.com/

Leave a comment!

Keep the conversation going! Your email address will not be published.*

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Lately on Instagram (@centsationalstyle)