Top Projects of 2011

Hello! How was your holiday weekend?? Are you still digging out of the mess? I hope it was full of fun, food, laughter and love. Ours definitely was…so much in fact that we hid for cover today! After running from house to house celebrating with all the family, it was great to stay home and relax with all the new toys. Who am I kidding?! Of course we didn’t relax. I made the kids purge their rooms and toy closet until the back of our SUV was stuffed full of bags to donate! It’s not always easy for them to part with things, but there’s no way we’re ending up on the season premiere of Hoarders. But really, I also think it’s a good time to remind ourselves just how blessed we are, and we can certainly pass it on.

That’s my soapbox for today. Sorry, I’ve been home with the kids for over a week now, and I’ve got this nagging lesson thing down. Today I decided to count down my Top 10 Projects of 2011.

I did this last year (read about 2010 here and here), and loved looking back at all we’d accomplished creatively. If you’re new to Hi Sugarplum! (welcome new readers from Saturday’s Dallas Morning News article!), think of this as your Cliff Notes…without a pop quiz at the end.

DIY Convex Sunburst Mirror 
This is certainly one of my most surprising projects. I made it on a whim one afternoon with wood shims, and next thing I know, it’s being featured on Apartment Therapy, Honey We’re Home, and Just A Girl. It’s been hanging outside for almost a year and has held up perfectly. 

 
Faux Crown Molding 
My daughter’s room took the end of 2010 and the better part of 2011, so it’s no surprise several of the Top 10 are from her room. Creating this ‘crown molding’ with just paint and $30 of trim was one of my favorites.

No-Sew Pillows 
There must be a lot of us who don’t sew, because these pillows made the rounds, from The Nest to All Free Sewing. Stitch witchery has brought me this far, but I do resolve to conquer the sewing machine in 2012.

DIY Monogrammed Pelmet  
The focal point in Babygirl’s Room is definitely the window. This easy pelmet is constructed from foam board and monogrammed with a piece of felt. No one was more shocked than me when Good Housekeeping Magazine published it in their August issue.

 

Pancakes & Pajamas Party I loved every second of creating this party for my sweet girl, but I’ll admit I got a little carried away. So much so that her birthday party in 2012 may end up at Chuck E. Cheese! Okay, of course it won’t.

Fresh Magnolia Chargers 
Designing Tablescapes became a surprisingly favorite pastime for me this year. These chargers I made for our Easter table were my favorite.

 
Stars & Stripes Pool Party 
After throwing such a ridiculous party for my daughter, I didn’t want to skimp on my son’s. However, he’s 10 and much too cool for an over-the-top party done up by mom! So we compromised with a cheery outdoor pool party during the July 4th weekend.

 
DIY Photo Canvas
I wanted to add my daughter’s personality to her new room without spending too much. CasaSugar and TatorTots & Jello thought it was pretty great, too.

Chevron Drinking Glasses 
The Missoni for Target line was such mayhem that I decided to make my own chevron. CasaSugar even included these in their Best DIY Projects of 2011! (Along with the Convex Mirror and Window Pelmet!)

 

Marbleized Ornaments
These ornaments are one of the most recent projects, but I included them in the list since they’ve been pinned on Pinterest a ridiculous number of times!

Did I include your favorite projects? I’m diving back in to the purging and organizing, but I’ll return with Top 10 Before & Afters soon!

Leave a Comment

14 Comments

  1. Simply LKJ wrote:

    So hard to believe it's been that long ago on some of your projects! Seems like yesterday. Time is flying by. So glad you and yours had a wonderful holiday!!

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  2. Going to have to try the no sew pillows! 🙂

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  3. Lisa wrote:

    I'm going to have to try the faux crown molding. Great idea!

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  4. Andrea wrote:

    I love all of your projects!! You are one creative gal. Cheers to 2012 and more of your creativeness!

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  5. Oh, cassie. You should be so proud. Amazing projects. I love each and every one you talented lady. And yes . . . we did most of our purging before Christmas but it's never ending!

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  6. I just saw the the Dallas Morning News feature over at Shelli's. Where have I been? You are a rock star . . and a famous one at that.

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  7. Cass they are super fabulous just like you! Hugs and happy new year!!

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  8. your projects are so fun! i love your colorful mix!

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  9. That is quite the year, girl!!! I didn't know that GH put your pelmet in there!!! That is so awesome…and I have been so out of the loop lately, I totally missed the ornaments! Grrr. Why do I have to have a life outside of blogging??? It really screws me up. (c:

    Posted 12.27.11 Reply
  10. You are such a rock star!! I love all of these projects, although I'm pretty sure Baby Girl's room takes the cake. Oh but I also love all of the parties that you throw- so stylish.

    I think I tweeted you about it, but let me say again, friend, CONGRATS on the Dallas local news coverage!! Seriously so, so cool. A local celeb!!! Maybe you'll get recognized on the street now as "that awesome interior design blog chick"!!!!

    Posted 12.28.11 Reply
  11. Morgan wrote:

    I must try those no sew pillows this year!

    Posted 12.28.11 Reply
  12. Michaela wrote:

    You go girl! You know I'm smitten with your projects and your home! And so exciting about being in the Dallas paper…awesome(:

    Posted 12.28.11 Reply
  13. emily wrote:

    Such amazing projects! I'm sure it was hard to just pick the top 10 — you've done so many great ones over the last year. You're super talented and famous now! Fun!

    Posted 12.29.11 Reply
  14. René wrote:

    You are a ray of sunshine! Your projects are always so full of color and energy! Love your style Cassie!

    Posted 12.29.11 Reply