DIY Frosted Glass Window Film

So as you know, I recently moved and I have tons of DIY projects I am working on and plan to post about. I may even venture to do some videos...we'll see about that though....but I'll def try to do tutorials on everything.

So today's feature is on frosted glass window film I used on glass cabinets in our kitchen.  I wanted to do a frosted look on these so people can't see straight through along with giving them a slightly more modern look.

I researched online and came across a few options to get a frosted glass window look. One thing you can use is Rust-Oleum Specialty Frosted Glass Spray but I was a little nervous if the coverage would be even. Then I found out about a few films that can be applied. I read a few reviews on Gila Window Film... a few people said it wasn't good then others didn't seem to have any issues. I figured since my windows were pretty small, I should be okay so I decided to get the Gila Window Film and Application kit (which I highly recommend).  The film cost about $22 or so and application kit costs around $7 from Lowes.

Its not hard to apply this stuff at all but depending on the size of the window you are covering it may not be a bad idea to have a helper. The basic process is spraying the window film a lot and using the squeegee that comes in kit. The website has a YouTube video I posted at the bottom of this post.

So here is how the first window came out:

Here is how the second window came out as well. Not bad at all...its exactly what I wanted.....you can see small shadows of whats inside but cant see all the way through. Also the lights in the cabinet still shine through.  Now I just have to do the other side.

So if you have a window you want a little privacy, I definitely recommend giving Gila window film a try!

My DIY Kitchen Banquette

Every since I can remember I have always loved kitchen banquettes.  I really love them near windows. I love natural light so the more windows in a home the better!

I only have one window in our kitchen in the house we just moved into but I do have a L-shaped corner that will work perfectly for a banquette.  So you guys already saw the kitchen wall stencil I did here,  My banquette will go in that corner.  So I got our contractor to make a frame for the banquette. Originally, I was going to try to be ambitious and do it myself but I figured I would leave that part to a professional :)  I probably should have told him to make the bench seat a little deeper so it would allow more seat coverage but it should work out fine. I just cant make the back too thick. I ordered a round glass table for the area so hopefully it works out when it actually comes in.

So here is the frame he did. I painted it white.

I have also decided I want to do a tufted look for the banquette and I found tons of inspiration pics on my new fave site... www.houzz.com !! Here are a few of my inspiration pics:

Stay tuned on how my version turns out! :)

DLUX Trunk Show w/ Natt Taylor

I did a joint trunk show with designer, Natt Taylor at DLUX in Englewood, NJ two weeks ago. Here are a few pics we snapped before everything started!

Go Get It: Moving Forward with Your Vision WORKSHOP

Have a vision that God has given you that you've been eager to bring to life?  Looking for advice on how to make that critical step of faith to move forward with your vision?  If so, this invitation is for you!  Saturday, July 28th Nneka Saran, LLC will be hosting its very first entrepreneurial workshop entitled, "Go Get It: Moving Forward With Your Vision." The workshop will begin promptly at 9am and conclude at 12pm.  Be prepared to be changed as we embark on a journey together to "go get it!"  See you there!
Speakers include:
Sirena Moore-Thomas: CEO, Elohim Cleaning Contractors (multimillion dollar company), Author, Speaker, and Coach.  Featured in numerous national publications and media including Black Enterprise, New York Times, Essence, NBC Nightly News, BET-J, and many others.
Kendra Jordan: Owner, Keshajo Bakes & Season 1 contestant on TLCs Next Great Baker. Learn how she stepped out on faith to pursue her creative passion.
Blair Sandlain: Owner, PNK Elephant, online and retail store.  Learn how she and her partner has grown their business and brand into the success it is today.

Includes: Breakfast and Light Snacks
Exact location within Plymouth Meeting, PA of event will be sent out to registered attendees by July 21

WWW.NNEKASARAN.EVENTBRITE.COM

If you are local or willing to drive to the Philly area, don't miss this great event!!

My Wall Stencil Project!!

I am sooo in love with wall stencils! I have been eyeballing them on various sites for quite awhile now just waiting for the time I had a chance to use them in my home. For me, they are the greatest thing since sliced bread because whenever you get ready for a new look, you can just paint over it!  I purchased two stencils from Cutting Edge Stencils and one from Etsy. This one I'm showcasing below is from Etsy and I decided to use in my kitchen where my banquette will be. 

Let me warn you, this is a super time consuming project but the outcome is well worth it! I started this around 7pm-ish (while cooking dinner in between) and finished up at 3am this morning! The wall was already painted so I decided to stick with that as the base. I purchased a quart of paint in a slightly darker shade of green (high gloss).  I gathered my tools (4" foam roller brush, Elmer's spray glue, and paint) and got busy! 

The key is to use the spray glue to stick the stencil to the wall. (Be sure to put an old sheet or drop cloth under area where spray paint will be... it can get really tacky on the floor or wherever it lands and is no fun to clean off stuff).  Also its smart to purchase a stencil level from Cutting Edge Stencils (http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/stencil-supplies.html).  Once you go over your stencil once or twice...let it dry for a few minutes then pull it off the wall. Dont pull it off too soon because your edges may not be as clean.  Once you pull it off...let it sit for a few minutes then start again.

Here is the kitchen wall BEFORE (bad lighting):

Check out the progression:

The corners can get tricky... you have to carefully fold stencil in corners and still try to keep it straight... check out the picture (forgive me for the bad lighting...I took the pics on my phone)

 

Almost finish.....

ALL DONE!!!

Nneka Saran in ESSENCE!! Hubby in EBONY!

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets,that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come" Habakkuk 2:2-3.
Having one of my bags featured in Essence has ALWAYS been on my vision board so this feature is extra special for me because I can now say it's happened! And it also serves as encouragement to me to keep going even when it gets hard sometimes! God sees and hears all of our dreams and desires, we just have to put our trust in HIM for our lives and most importantly the timing of everything! So with that being said...be sure to check out one of my bags in ESSENCE Aug issue page 26!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!

AND check out my husband in EBONY - July 2012 issue -- featured for his book Rededication!! 

 http://www.amazon.com/Rededication-Story-Sex-Repentance-Restoration/dp/1937095002/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

GOD IS GOOD! :)