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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

April 9, 2011

Inspiration Friday No. 10 and a Review

 
 Welcome to Inspiration Friday #10! Before we share our features for the week, we want to reintroduce you to one of our sponsors of At The Picket Fence

 


The Simple Stencil is an incredible online retailer.  Behind The Simple Stencil is Jennifer, whom we have come to adore, and we have so enjoyed working with her! We have loved having her as a new friend of the girls at the fence! As much as I love to decorate and don’t mind some crafting, I have never considered myself an..artist.  I know some of you are incredibly talented when it comes to free hand drawing and painting on your wall…but not this gal.  I would be too scared to even try…and my family might ban me from any further decorating adventures if they found my scrawling handwriting slanted down the wall of the kitchen.  Here’s where a great concept like The Simple Stencil enter in.  I don’t HAVE to be able to freehand lovely sayings onto my walls…The Simple Stencil does it for me!  

There are thousands of stencils available at The Simple Stencil as well as the option of creating a custom stencil, so the choices are endless! Placing your order at the Simple Stencil is such an easy process.  Once you choose your stencil you have the option of picking the color you want your stencil to be and you can even see what your stencil will look like on your wall color!  My walls are yellow, so I was able to select a color that was close and see how the black stencil looks against my wall color.  You can play around with this tool until you get the look you want!

I was so excited when I received my Simple Stencil in the mail and I couldn’t wait to share how incredibly neat this concept is with our readers. When my packaged arrived I tore right into it and found some amazing things!  

Not only do you receive the stencil you ordered, but you also receive a “practice” stencil and you can even choose what it says up to 12 letters.  I chose the word Grace… I practiced with this one in my upstairs hall photo gallery that I’ll share at a later day.  The Simple Stencil also occasionally holds some type of promotion where you receive an additional “freebie” stencil.  Included with my practice stencil and the stencil I ordered was also a “Welcome” stencil…that’s three stencils people!  I was so excited!  In addition to the stencils you will receive detailed instructions on how to apply them and a handy dandy tool to help you firmly adhere the stencil to the surface of your choice..and when I say surface of your choice I mean it!  

The stencils can be applied to a multitude of surfaces, not just walls! Next week Vanessa will be sharing the unique idea she came up with for the stencil she ordered…wait until you see this one!  I on the other hand decided to use my stencil in a more traditional manner..on my kitchen wall as part of my new kitchen remodel.  It couldn’t have been easier.  After practicing with my practice stencil, I then used my Welcome stencil to make sure I was really comfortable with the process before I applied the large stencil in my kitchen.  I decided to place the Welcome Stencil on the door in my mud room.  Applying Simple Stencils couldn’t be easier.


Just make sure you follow the very detailed instructions, and you can’t go wrong! I chose to tape the instruction sheet onto the wall right next where I was applying the stencil.  This helped me to be able to read them while I was following the instructions.  And now the reveal of my Kitchen Stencil:
  

 I decided to put it above the doorway between my kitchen and formal dining room.  It just seemed an appropriate place.
 


 I think the cooks amongst us would agree…no truer statement has been said!  I knew I HAD to have this stencil when I saw it.  I often wonder if our friends love coming over because we are just so cool to hang out with…or because I cook for them.  Hopefully both!  I think this stencil is going to look so good with my kitchen remodel!  I could not have been more pleased with the ease of applying the stencils.  As long as you measure carefully and make sure it’s straight (I used a level) you will get a perfect application every time!  And I never would have been able to hand letter something so beautiful.  Stay tuned next week to see how Vanessa used her stencil and be watching for an INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY coming up soon for our friends At The Picket Fence courtesy of The Simple Stencil!  We’d love you to pay a visit to The Simple Stencil.  You can visit them from the link in our sidebar.  I think you’ll be as impressed with them as we are!

Now onto our Inspiration Friday Features:

First up we have Wendy from Designed to Dwell.
 
She shared with us the newest addition to their Family…
Family ROOM that is!
They recently built a gorgeous new house that she is lovingly making a home.
This is how this room looked Before:
 
 
And here is how it is looking today with the addition of that beautiful Fireplace Surround that she and her handy hubby crafted!
 
 
Please pay Wendy a visit at Designed to Dwell. She is new to our blogging community and we would love for her to feel warmly welcomed!
 
Next up we have Linda from Delight, who shared with us this stunningly beautiful lampshade creation.

 
Now, we have seen a lot of Burlap here in Blogland but this has to be one of the most elegant uses of it yet, don’t you think?

 
Here it is in all of it’s Glowing Glory!
 
 
To see more of how Linda did this, please pay her a visit at Delight.
We promise it will be a “Delightful” experience! Hee hee!
 
 You know, every week we are just overwhelmed by all of the Creative Inspiration you share with us. And yet, we all know that we also need some Inspiration and nourishment for our Souls. That is exactly what we get when we visit Rachel from Big Lives!
 
My Photo

In her own words she says , “I want to LIVE BIG and living BIG requires BIG FAITH ~ otherwise life is just plain boring.”
This Big Faith was recently put to the test when her precious 5 year old daughter, Maggie, was diagnosed with Cancer.
Last week she shared with us at Inspiration Friday how “Being Enveloped by God” during this season has reminded her of how very much He loves us and wants to be our strength and our shield on this journey called life. 
They can now loudly declare that Maggie is a CANCER SURVIVOR!
And now Rachel’s desire is to support and care for others who find themselves facing the difficult and painful circumstances that no one on this Earth is ever immune from.
 
We know if you pay Rachel a vist at Big Lives, you will come away feeling as encouraged and Inspired as we do!
 
 

Now, don’t forget to grab your Featured At Button if you were featured at today’s party or during the week as a Facebook Feature! We have started featuring several links during the week on our Facebook page, so make sure you join us over there to see if you are featured! (did I say the word feature enough?? grin.)

Thanks for joining us at the fence!
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other “Friday Party Friends“:

The lovely Courtney at French Country Cottage

And our beautiful friend Alison from Stuff and Nonsense

Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
  •  Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!

  • Be sure to link back to your original post and not just your url (main blog address)

  • Please post our button (code in the sidebar) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY)
  • Visit another guest Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you!  We are trying so hard between writing posts, homeschooling, and taking care of our families..grin..to visit everyone’s posts. Sometimes we miss one and for that we apologize.  It makes us feed good knowing others are visiting people as well!  Thank you..it truly means a lot to us! 

 
  Also, before you leave this week’s Inspiration Friday Party, take a second and enter our April Etsy Store Giveaway from Kim at 

Click on the link and enter to win: Etsy Store Giveaway  Giveaway is going on until Sunday at midnight!

 
Review Disclaimer: Reviewed products were provided by The Simple Stencil.  No monetary compensation was provided to At The Picket Fence in exchange for this review.   It is our desire to maintain the utmost integrity and forthrightness with our readers, therefore all reviews provided by At The Picket Fence are our honest and unbiased opinions.  Please see our Disclosure Policy for more information. 


27 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday, Reviews

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    April 7, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Such a cool idea! Thanks for hosting!
    xo, Andrea

    Reply
  2. Michell @Girl in Air says

    April 7, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    Love Love that lamp!!

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  3. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    Hi ladies! I love the lamp and your new stencils are great. Thank you so much having me at your party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  4. Martina @ Northern Nesting says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Thanks for hosting girls! Martina

    Reply
  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    That lamp shade is amazing. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  6. Shelia says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    Love the shade and thank you two sweeties for hosting the party! I’m partying with you today! 🙂
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  7. Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says

    April 8, 2011 at 2:49 AM

    Thanks so much for hostessing this fun event! I’m drooling over that awesome lampshade! Terrific stencils, too!

    I’m your newest follower and would love it if you follow me, too!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

    Reply
  8. Carrie says

    April 8, 2011 at 3:07 AM

    Can I just say…. I LoVE You GiRls! You are so sweet.

    Reply
  9. Emily@LovelyBeasts says

    April 8, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    Agreeing with everyone else! You guys are awesome! Thanks again for throwing the best party in bloggerdom.

    I’m all linked up as usual! This time it’s not a chair 🙂

    Emily

    Reply
  10. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:40 AM

    Hi girls~ Love the features!! Thanks for hosting!! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Christie says

    April 8, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Well girls the party is rockin’ and it is only Thursday night! I have missed coming to the picket fence! Just linkin’ up my little shop (still hangin’ in there!)and working on so many new things! There is not enough time in the day! Missed ya’ll! Christie

    Reply
  12. alison says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    ah well…it’s bound to happen once in a while…or every other week…;) and it is a lovely lampshade…have a wonderful weekend girls!

    blessings,

    alison

    Reply
  13. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Thank you SO much for hosting, my lovies. I really do appreciate all the hard work it involves. THANK YOU!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  14. maggie@midwesternsewinggirl says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Oh my gosh! That new family room is amazing!!! Thank you so much for hosting!!!

    Reply
  15. Creative Escapes says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    That stencil kit looks awesome! I love what you did with it! Thanks for hosting the party – I love coming!
    Carrie

    Reply
  16. kara@elements-interiors.net says

    April 8, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Hey ladies! Thank you for hostessing:) LOVE the precious story you share today…THANK YOU!
    I have linked up twice…
    A Fake Cake #123
    and I Refuse #124

    Have a blessed weekend:)

    PS thanks for the advice on features! IT HELPED!

    xoxokara

    Reply
  17. Patricia Torres says

    April 8, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    super cool idea!! I’ve linked in today.. Totally loved your blog… Am now following you…
    thanks
    Patricia
    https://coloursdekor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  18. Designs on 47th Street says

    April 8, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    I love that lamp shade and I REALLY love the entire vignette! I linked up today.
    Donna

    Reply
  19. Carmella says

    April 8, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    I am a new follower! Thanks for giving me such a fun place to share my project, and when you get a chance I hope you will stop by my very new blog 🙂

    creativecarmella.blogspot.com

    Reply
  20. classic • casual • home says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    So true what your pretty stencil says. My husband, Howard PICKETt is a great cook and people never say no to one of his dinners!

    Reply
  21. Heidi says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    HI
    Thank you for the link up. I am your newest follower and I have heard great things:)

    Reply
  22. Kathy says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    These are gorgeous stencils – I love stenciled walls –
    Gorgeous room! Love the blue color and the fireplace – Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend,
    Kathy

    Reply
  23. Heather @ Decor-ganize Crafts says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Thanks for hosting another great party and for following my new blog too!

    Reply
  24. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 10, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    Hey Heather~ just saw your comment about your kitchen cupboards… cannot WAIT to see them!!! Bet they will be beautiful!! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Inspire Me Heather says

    April 10, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    Oh the linky party looks great – so many cool projects!

    Reply
  26. Happy_DIYers says

    April 11, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    I adore those stencils! I’m definitely looking into getting area for our new house; thanks for the link!

    Reply

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