My new Kivik slipcover and a Comfort Works Giveaway!

Happy Sunday—this post is coming to you from a cozy spot on my new living room couch! Well, the couch isn't new but the look sure is. Here's the back story:<br /><br />Shortly after we first moved in nearly a few years ago, we purchased this Ikea Kivik sectional in Teno Grey:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z3XR6Bc9YL0EUrtWKLImWGOJnsdSXBTAZQmUGuPenXSFjwhkEOlbCLw3WuoWycrBbtWnvZ4IoygbaiqxjVyYxtiijP6aGsVyijloAfwCLCgUKjvE26h-v_ymwB_M4wOp1E0j8QlNOCjL/s1600/IMG_3784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3z3XR6Bc9YL0EUrtWKLImWGOJnsdSXBTAZQmUGuPenXSFjwhkEOlbCLw3WuoWycrBbtWnvZ4IoygbaiqxjVyYxtiijP6aGsVyijloAfwCLCgUKjvE26h-v_ymwB_M4wOp1E0j8QlNOCjL/s640/IMG_3784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was perfect and we loved it. But then I started updating the room, and my style began to evolve...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbM67l9OxlW0LVvvslbZRvQNnPtI0V-PZusJrp5r7x1pZShOzPmNqw8NPBcpRQ9A369o9-QflhKiBmmtRC0_qduvdTuB4GoLZAMGB_VsvKCKIjF60Q4YjkXjjSTYd0Tgy4ATHng6fs84Hg/s1600/IMG_5679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbM67l9OxlW0LVvvslbZRvQNnPtI0V-PZusJrp5r7x1pZShOzPmNqw8NPBcpRQ9A369o9-QflhKiBmmtRC0_qduvdTuB4GoLZAMGB_VsvKCKIjF60Q4YjkXjjSTYd0Tgy4ATHng6fs84Hg/s640/IMG_5679.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Still loved the couch, but the amount of greige in the room and lack of pattern was becoming a bit too plain for me. I was bored—ready to step out of my comfort zone and spice things up a bit. That and, well, there were a couple stubborn stains I couldn't get out. It was time for a facelift.<br /><br />Luckily, a nice lady named Rachel from <a href="http://comfort-works.com/" target="_blank">Comfort Works</a> came to my rescue and offered to let me choose one of their fabulous slipcovers. Normally I decline these offers, but I couldn't pass this one up. I was like a kid in a candy store browsing through all the fabric options on their website...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55ODFKMwthTpC_-MjKpLK2jxk6tHmUGKn0-BSydwGlYmSSgE5WpHerjyIPXLq7I1JnJVh4wjb145xqLRn1fw0hYz2k-nl8MkmAdHvR6-QvMKfApAg1kN-ahfwef-YJFTwmu_4wOSKVZIs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-04+at+12.37.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55ODFKMwthTpC_-MjKpLK2jxk6tHmUGKn0-BSydwGlYmSSgE5WpHerjyIPXLq7I1JnJVh4wjb145xqLRn1fw0hYz2k-nl8MkmAdHvR6-QvMKfApAg1kN-ahfwef-YJFTwmu_4wOSKVZIs/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-08-04+at+12.37.49+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />My perfect dream couch is made of fluffy white cozy linen goodness... like <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/carlisle-sofa/?catalogId=83&cm_src=AutoRel" target="_blank">this</a>:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201319/0238/img26o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201319/0238/img26o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />But I just... can't. I don't understand the logistics of this couch. In what world would it not be stained and ruined forever in one day? I mean, we're clean people and we don't even have children and it still would never work. Someone with a white couch please explain how you do it (without spending 3 hours a day on stain removal/laundry duty).<br /><br />So anyway, after I let go of my white couch dream, I started thinking of ways to liven things up in there. I found some Pinspiration...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a9/79/d5/a979d5589724688aaf827564c45fd964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a9/79/d5/a979d5589724688aaf827564c45fd964.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379565528/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b1/a9/59/b1a959004b56ad28624ccc9046f1b151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b1/a9/59/b1a959004b56ad28624ccc9046f1b151.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379565494/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/76/a0/56/76a05669fb51a9b5a2dfc8029ee47db6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379565533/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/32/3b/ee323bd31b8341a88a33fa8cae2d9c86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="461" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/32/3b/ee323bd31b8341a88a33fa8cae2d9c86.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379566117/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/72/74/8c7274df2ce846724d3cda88a8cd9bd0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="568" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/72/74/8c7274df2ce846724d3cda88a8cd9bd0.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379566127/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/cb/47/cecb47e1fc261f62d06c99c74a63a9b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/cb/47/cecb47e1fc261f62d06c99c74a63a9b4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662379566183/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Get the idea yet? STRIPES! I've always loved stripes, and what better way to take a risk than on a slipcover I can switch up when I need to?<br /><br />So I requested my fabric samples—a mix of stripes plus some neutrals thrown in there, just in case:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5-AXZH2b60FX6kNRVNywTAN34jHpvz4waaFJ4GERDvuMgnkur5271NEEuJVgawKPC5EGB-7GKvmrjFxHj-F7NP3IuHOZAIyA8ks4YyCsd_CHSIcyYFza5zn9sSzLPaWXPMtCYPAtckEi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-04+at+12.32.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5-AXZH2b60FX6kNRVNywTAN34jHpvz4waaFJ4GERDvuMgnkur5271NEEuJVgawKPC5EGB-7GKvmrjFxHj-F7NP3IuHOZAIyA8ks4YyCsd_CHSIcyYFza5zn9sSzLPaWXPMtCYPAtckEi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-04+at+12.32.39+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />In the end, I decided on 'Somerset Mint', which is the far right swatch with the blue & tan stripes.<br /><br />I showed a closeup of my cover next to my new rug last time...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDw5piB5yeO_foN0c9hMXpM_LHIBiPJXxuzwY3GfBxwEQhst7wQwc57hJqudKxaxhSA7OVVCLPYjAofSTfVnhpNXHbBy0Y3Oh_1UAb9X_n2y3gABjqmzl0oeb6DSAJa6KhpAKomgf8CV3g/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDw5piB5yeO_foN0c9hMXpM_LHIBiPJXxuzwY3GfBxwEQhst7wQwc57hJqudKxaxhSA7OVVCLPYjAofSTfVnhpNXHbBy0Y3Oh_1UAb9X_n2y3gABjqmzl0oeb6DSAJa6KhpAKomgf8CV3g/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Meant for each other <3.<br /><br />The other night I invited a friend over to help me swap out the covers. With my couch it required a little disassembling, and the extra set of hands helped on some of the tighter fitting areas (these covers fit nice and snug, exactly like the factory!)<br /><br />And a couple hours later the room was transformed:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBeLapWqeWCZNADSQvRDz49nAJAugkkIHWmWxUN1FqJy6c0TkW8H2rgJ9_wsGSYvWKUT_rfji8Q-i0Fc4E81ukrFPMkSa-_CRPpPU5uHzlU25XyhgSlqkHfAYNshEDhfwecaIq2p0tA7C/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBeLapWqeWCZNADSQvRDz49nAJAugkkIHWmWxUN1FqJy6c0TkW8H2rgJ9_wsGSYvWKUT_rfji8Q-i0Fc4E81ukrFPMkSa-_CRPpPU5uHzlU25XyhgSlqkHfAYNshEDhfwecaIq2p0tA7C/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3F6NDtbI53tNdykrpGLeMhX4_jVhaIcX5HjHr6mbO1Dz_L1LRcsR5kpwvEdX1owSeZ_sOKfLvnzKwhl2F1d4yq0G3FuWUNN3JORdAAZ6LyRYy2UUUZ1rdOUqNeFsZZ18yE_QvcEzvbs3/s1600/IMG_0881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3F6NDtbI53tNdykrpGLeMhX4_jVhaIcX5HjHr6mbO1Dz_L1LRcsR5kpwvEdX1owSeZ_sOKfLvnzKwhl2F1d4yq0G3FuWUNN3JORdAAZ6LyRYy2UUUZ1rdOUqNeFsZZ18yE_QvcEzvbs3/s1600/IMG_0881.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdKsZ_8hh6kEV_JEMJLe_0TPccyAapw6XK7mQuQKy2Fa2GumC-a5R5TnV9-3RRgX84HM0RV-wW0MVWFi9Dl1dTAMR0INcIWxMjXefK25edYwPLthwS6bkio5PCdxg-m85kiwRfL5QXqWW/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdKsZ_8hh6kEV_JEMJLe_0TPccyAapw6XK7mQuQKy2Fa2GumC-a5R5TnV9-3RRgX84HM0RV-wW0MVWFi9Dl1dTAMR0INcIWxMjXefK25edYwPLthwS6bkio5PCdxg-m85kiwRfL5QXqWW/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Can you spot the kitty?</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheexqUg2abxoNgtYgFunNpsyRj4xc6OUjDvLPUgGOgz9MXle2FStz_61eEiMyqtuWyLy5wJzDnspFpSLCV_ndDW5nqiMuebWcD4Z4ZYSM52MngQJyaVS9fYVLaEge5VZIGVcIBUQdtYh2m/s1600/IMG_0880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheexqUg2abxoNgtYgFunNpsyRj4xc6OUjDvLPUgGOgz9MXle2FStz_61eEiMyqtuWyLy5wJzDnspFpSLCV_ndDW5nqiMuebWcD4Z4ZYSM52MngQJyaVS9fYVLaEge5VZIGVcIBUQdtYh2m/s1600/IMG_0880.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I also switched out the pillow covers, and I'm really happy with the final results after everything came together:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8-mDzA_atEzGKIqWCMXwD38W2SOsnnDxgM7CL7sdtxk0VpXzltpz9F5f_X9ET8aAzvs-SxQF4Q2T52KcN1VzOMKjwKzD1KpehMJBD5ddH3_WfefBNMLI3xYN7HWW2M6za7vVcjfq_K1G/s1600/IMG_0883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8-mDzA_atEzGKIqWCMXwD38W2SOsnnDxgM7CL7sdtxk0VpXzltpz9F5f_X9ET8aAzvs-SxQF4Q2T52KcN1VzOMKjwKzD1KpehMJBD5ddH3_WfefBNMLI3xYN7HWW2M6za7vVcjfq_K1G/s1600/IMG_0883.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmbXntkS8PpS9Azh5t_KIimgzifAY7u-YbfXNR9tjfrJ43cjYcV622WQMQ_wZAireGdSNQWwn_YorqHJ0dwdOhUPlWcWFMa3H4ZeKpIFjaXkvagNK6X7IONaVXtDaLDBDSneNqoxIN0AT/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmbXntkS8PpS9Azh5t_KIimgzifAY7u-YbfXNR9tjfrJ43cjYcV622WQMQ_wZAireGdSNQWwn_YorqHJ0dwdOhUPlWcWFMa3H4ZeKpIFjaXkvagNK6X7IONaVXtDaLDBDSneNqoxIN0AT/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgxVpiJ0-awthoW17u5cN04UfKIxWWfEiXoZK2nnOxVtW3S1drq5mPbDaks8KC_LeCmmZvzLO9qAwmYxVSrvQR4XWETV14MobcpoE7NfnjFbVo3tpQO5pEZWVY0qSVBc6yoKyJPAj-sjd/s1600/IMG_0890-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgxVpiJ0-awthoW17u5cN04UfKIxWWfEiXoZK2nnOxVtW3S1drq5mPbDaks8KC_LeCmmZvzLO9qAwmYxVSrvQR4XWETV14MobcpoE7NfnjFbVo3tpQO5pEZWVY0qSVBc6yoKyJPAj-sjd/s1600/IMG_0890-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I'll admit, I was slightly nervous at first about the change. Going from something that blends into the background to something a bit more in-your-face can take some getting used to. But the more I see it, the happier I am with my decision.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippmzfuvy5Fs3cTMySOHmuV0vFdBhUXD_WFRFPmHrN9nkCrGNNIGezrDKOpVQk_YReDpfQr1x6qNzr2aktOwNJpOyMPUCB1RmLzOzFMBWWcLhmSxSvtBdULa1MDvVfF7y4ntUgk85QfUPf/s1600/IMG_0889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippmzfuvy5Fs3cTMySOHmuV0vFdBhUXD_WFRFPmHrN9nkCrGNNIGezrDKOpVQk_YReDpfQr1x6qNzr2aktOwNJpOyMPUCB1RmLzOzFMBWWcLhmSxSvtBdULa1MDvVfF7y4ntUgk85QfUPf/s1600/IMG_0889.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I think it feels homier. The room has more character.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh7eWjJCoilmZvuTQPiceGWjPMYRVh2eD0sbZ-3MLZIsPneFAY0EVosx3x347qMECn2DyLb9MbVg0SELwdBmtAjAN-V-z7PkQNM7qM0OTVR5dQ7uRJzQkQGKmDv8lg5fmqc065nvpZxf5/s1600/IMG_0892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh7eWjJCoilmZvuTQPiceGWjPMYRVh2eD0sbZ-3MLZIsPneFAY0EVosx3x347qMECn2DyLb9MbVg0SELwdBmtAjAN-V-z7PkQNM7qM0OTVR5dQ7uRJzQkQGKmDv8lg5fmqc065nvpZxf5/s1600/IMG_0892.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsDl9iZLtQVKoB0dfYlFmPQ41lh8aFzD8BGVEIDiar2Fu5u9ediZ8ubXLfjM733-xs2OYnmTne9br1emdqnp7kfh3tolpvStmy6FqGzSr04ELZxgGpFCOHbC5DHJhEiVzLFIbpJS8jDf4/s1600/IMG_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsDl9iZLtQVKoB0dfYlFmPQ41lh8aFzD8BGVEIDiar2Fu5u9ediZ8ubXLfjM733-xs2OYnmTne9br1emdqnp7kfh3tolpvStmy6FqGzSr04ELZxgGpFCOHbC5DHJhEiVzLFIbpJS8jDf4/s1600/IMG_0897.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiPDwVPrAmPmEoGs0yDcoE3-7AA07RpzYCY4PsA4Qhnj7gU1PbM9aakLNJ7vZiFkN8HzpS0KFzKKU6put01HyMY3vVGesJweM7eTWT37vXfy6MSIJq6Utrck8fox5Jqb0dYfrBaonS2ZA/s1600/IMG_0900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiPDwVPrAmPmEoGs0yDcoE3-7AA07RpzYCY4PsA4Qhnj7gU1PbM9aakLNJ7vZiFkN8HzpS0KFzKKU6put01HyMY3vVGesJweM7eTWT37vXfy6MSIJq6Utrck8fox5Jqb0dYfrBaonS2ZA/s1600/IMG_0900.jpg" /></a></div><br />The fitment is spot on, and I am so pleased with the quality. You'd never know the couch didn't come this way from the factory.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13mEUiz6Whihg3t2oPsJ14dOsZiJsT-hz6aY-OyLc8Wor06pctqS3FuAcfSTCpjris6680SPpF3MSrmycYvtR4w9UHbzgo64QKbFYHBmgbd28SEl2iQpP7Gi4FESjMdtoW9gX91J0U2yW/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13mEUiz6Whihg3t2oPsJ14dOsZiJsT-hz6aY-OyLc8Wor06pctqS3FuAcfSTCpjris6680SPpF3MSrmycYvtR4w9UHbzgo64QKbFYHBmgbd28SEl2iQpP7Gi4FESjMdtoW9gX91J0U2yW/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" /></a></div><br />My new <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-easiest-cheapest-vintage-grain-sack.html" target="_blank">grain sack pillows</a> feel right at home here...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq6666lOfxnUFtzafko-E-trQkbRbvB6aRigmEX8DIrHfHZW4Rh2swzysP2NTK_dRZqD46xQ9rLHBnFGo9ha2lWsQVNIRtSxTg0FkX_A0SqZKVkj1-HZZbvr_FUcDMBPcl1T454sLTp41/s1600/IMG_0899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq6666lOfxnUFtzafko-E-trQkbRbvB6aRigmEX8DIrHfHZW4Rh2swzysP2NTK_dRZqD46xQ9rLHBnFGo9ha2lWsQVNIRtSxTg0FkX_A0SqZKVkj1-HZZbvr_FUcDMBPcl1T454sLTp41/s1600/IMG_0899.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm glad I took a personal risk—I think it paid off. I'm still scared of stains so I made sure to Scotch Guard it. Hopefully that will keep it nice and new looking so we can enjoy it for years to come.<br /><br />What do you think of the new look? Does your couch need updating as well? Well, here comes the fun part. Rachel wanted to give one of my readers a new slipcover, too! And before you say you don't have any Ikea furniture that needs a new look... good news: they can make slipcovers for anything! Dining chairs, pillows, bench cushions, ottomans, etc. Any piece of furniture you have, just give them the dimensions and they'll work with you to make something  custom and perfect.<br /><br />Check out these Pottery Barn dining chair slipcovers they made for Jami at <a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2011/12/comfort-works-review-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Freckled Laundry</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6890612875_84ca63f943_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6890612875_84ca63f943_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Drool.<br /><br />You can check out what else they've done in their <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/comfortworks/sets" target="_blank">Gallery</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ComfortWorks.com.au" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. I'm so glad I found them, because custom slipcovers with super personalized service isn't easy to come by. I predict more of their slipcovers in my future.<br /><br />Want to win a slipcover of your choice worth $150? Here's how:<br /><br />First, visit the Comfort Works <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ComfortWorks.com.au" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page and post a photo on their wall of a sofa/slipcover you love. It can be your own or an inspiration photo... just anything that shows your style.<br /><br />Then, leave a comment here saying why you'd like to win—what would you want slipcovered?<br /><br />That's it! The winner will be chosen next week and announced here on the blog. Competition is open worldwide (yay!)<br /><br />I'm off to enjoy the rest of my afternoon and this warm summer day. Good luck all!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />

My new Kivik slipcover and a Comfort Works Giveaway!

Happy Sunday—this post is coming to you from a cozy spot on my new living room couch! Well, the couch isn't new but the look sure is. He...

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The easiest & cheapest vintage grain sack pillow covers ever!

As part of my living room refresh project, I decided to update my throw pillows with something more in line with the vintage style I've been loving lately.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak2.pinimg.com/736x/ea/03/30/ea033036bc17998a6af0ccb084a9272e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media-cache-ak2.pinimg.com/736x/ea/03/30/ea033036bc17998a6af0ccb084a9272e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/189854940510816042/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/d1/a3/5ad1a3c5d835eedfe0bc1c2f45010b96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/d1/a3/5ad1a3c5d835eedfe0bc1c2f45010b96.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/228135537346738195/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />They're just so cozy and homey and lovely. I can't get enough.<br /><br />I went to Pinterest first and saw a lot of DIY grain sack pillow covers, but I didn't want to deal with finding the perfect linen fabric, then painting/printing/stamping anything on and I don't own a sewing machine.<br /><br />After looking everywhere online, I wasn't loving the prices of the real deal. I was finding a lot of knock-offs but they just didn't look and feel like the real thing. I knew there had to be a way to make my own without a sewing machine.<br /><br />Then I started searching for just the grain sacks and found several styles in many different conditions. They started at around $10 on the lower end, all the way up to $50+, depending on the type and condition. I noticed that the width on many of them were the same width of my pillows, and the length was just over double. I figured I'd have the perfect amount of material to make two covers.<br /><br />I didn't mind a little wear and tear (it just adds to the character!) so I scored a nice vintage 19x42" Bemis sack on Etsy for $22 shipped.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6yhhQ38-QGD8SFL-JF7lTyDeKNXDdABIKIl16o-5AJP7Sl46T3O2-mGiCtKyeCg_5fizeNCFNFenRBpjIj5sIjrKDF-hAdPVX1_l7bQZLi3OZalvB_Y_5rAAEAxEuGu9JxGRpnbQNRSH/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6yhhQ38-QGD8SFL-JF7lTyDeKNXDdABIKIl16o-5AJP7Sl46T3O2-mGiCtKyeCg_5fizeNCFNFenRBpjIj5sIjrKDF-hAdPVX1_l7bQZLi3OZalvB_Y_5rAAEAxEuGu9JxGRpnbQNRSH/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was perfect.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboilJIUTushKpYdErMi9jEJFn_3II80lp1r9TdX797q0ttQJCZkIxk0KnFT3POnJWtTfhEbBGIwSlTwz_Tl3w_sDX2FZfLWaj0dxRYMQwevsWtVO0olceMLzJ1qsVYHQPWjBGo6kXrx8f/s1600/IMG_0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboilJIUTushKpYdErMi9jEJFn_3II80lp1r9TdX797q0ttQJCZkIxk0KnFT3POnJWtTfhEbBGIwSlTwz_Tl3w_sDX2FZfLWaj0dxRYMQwevsWtVO0olceMLzJ1qsVYHQPWjBGo6kXrx8f/s1600/IMG_0833.jpg" /></a></div><br />See where I'm going with this?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXpGNB39kVxi5Oholk_L3zV9MQYgikVIveHhz3QCIx-v3rRT4K1Bp_xEnNTwk_LkJddmMzzNmPlWRalJBbi-6K2kiN8hH3MBbA5IxQnyBXuwFnUGYYRZkvaKCYmZViOxxbK-xb4DOo3V-/s1600/IMG_0831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXpGNB39kVxi5Oholk_L3zV9MQYgikVIveHhz3QCIx-v3rRT4K1Bp_xEnNTwk_LkJddmMzzNmPlWRalJBbi-6K2kiN8hH3MBbA5IxQnyBXuwFnUGYYRZkvaKCYmZViOxxbK-xb4DOo3V-/s1600/IMG_0831.jpg" /></a></div><br />The design was right in the center which means it would be split, but I didn't mind the mostly plain pillows at all. If you wanted to center the design you could always pick up two grain sacks or find one with a design at the bottom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd90rJbho5f45Ri1eZiKS2ng8aJIlfVTulINKX8UKq8wnYRxLsvfKKNt_n_UR0mYFwRQn2mDtcgJ1hLpddRwxzpoUIodP0K8o6OEPxVZuzWGJvecuPCls4PurX30jfmlfNFX__TcBFXvLi/s1600/IMG_0832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd90rJbho5f45Ri1eZiKS2ng8aJIlfVTulINKX8UKq8wnYRxLsvfKKNt_n_UR0mYFwRQn2mDtcgJ1hLpddRwxzpoUIodP0K8o6OEPxVZuzWGJvecuPCls4PurX30jfmlfNFX__TcBFXvLi/s1600/IMG_0832.jpg" /></a></div><br />To split it evenly I measured the center and drew a line...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYk66dS7-Uq3alP44NzfEVXB2qneK0Cz1SJAWeVfs_Lsj44qPxiDVzFl-RL5TNk_YcfeFdqfCuVoVow_VQ7Agi0wpZcC9AKYAjN_lGr57YqHZ_5LWIklGWX3OxYIz58cyEOF6VRWp7gDh/s1600/IMG_0837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYk66dS7-Uq3alP44NzfEVXB2qneK0Cz1SJAWeVfs_Lsj44qPxiDVzFl-RL5TNk_YcfeFdqfCuVoVow_VQ7Agi0wpZcC9AKYAjN_lGr57YqHZ_5LWIklGWX3OxYIz58cyEOF6VRWp7gDh/s1600/IMG_0837.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I made my cut. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtFYBFH69sRnYigY5ANhRH4sy5DeBxa-SdzHCYbnEetAKxPknmk0wGl1BlCIELW97nBtxVf5fvtHz3Etk4nybMUIVpSv0AZ5rZAcRnkR1y3A0yaMjp2sKmbNdDVbD-DsBrHorqzeUaiLQ/s1600/IMG_0838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtFYBFH69sRnYigY5ANhRH4sy5DeBxa-SdzHCYbnEetAKxPknmk0wGl1BlCIELW97nBtxVf5fvtHz3Etk4nybMUIVpSv0AZ5rZAcRnkR1y3A0yaMjp2sKmbNdDVbD-DsBrHorqzeUaiLQ/s1600/IMG_0838.jpg" /></a></div><br />I didn't want the rough cuts showing, so I turned to the one and only Stitch Witchery:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj93w0kjMjPLI5-rP29AsO6CEB4IqHxiYNub_jXkEhRlizTN3n-P2XDbR8QmWOB5aZnGv_EATucYoD7cB2vpNpyolrjlXvPDdlSUPuqbk3gMbvcSOn88rBvnTId1nqyzJG1-vpLelT9ePI/s1600/IMG_0839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj93w0kjMjPLI5-rP29AsO6CEB4IqHxiYNub_jXkEhRlizTN3n-P2XDbR8QmWOB5aZnGv_EATucYoD7cB2vpNpyolrjlXvPDdlSUPuqbk3gMbvcSOn88rBvnTId1nqyzJG1-vpLelT9ePI/s1600/IMG_0839.jpg" /></a></div><br />For the first cover that was open on both ends, I had to stitch the bottom shut. I flipped the cover inside out, made sure it was lined up, and ran my stitch witchery across the bottom:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CZ1C1Ylj-s63c5-TsqxYKPpJR4eghFpnYs-0hwHlxygIr3N40WoDox6Lne1eV-kseRwObV2TT3OJZc7-0LSmXEAl29FfjtVqvBf-3odu1seIv-wLqINzyQbvLYkPFhLamszu6zWAtp12/s1600/IMG_0840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CZ1C1Ylj-s63c5-TsqxYKPpJR4eghFpnYs-0hwHlxygIr3N40WoDox6Lne1eV-kseRwObV2TT3OJZc7-0LSmXEAl29FfjtVqvBf-3odu1seIv-wLqINzyQbvLYkPFhLamszu6zWAtp12/s1600/IMG_0840.jpg" /></a></div><br />The result:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEics92hboTOzDVKPus02aVOdpUMeaAR63ElAkMBSd7HmhNH9iG6MOXcU5S3xEPraMUVpFfqZNLzCgaPKRHnPXK14SxyB4TVXnyE5QzIGOABWaz3bh-qDtr2uoCMsnh_JYOp0gM9U3IklZVe/s1600/IMG_0842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEics92hboTOzDVKPus02aVOdpUMeaAR63ElAkMBSd7HmhNH9iG6MOXcU5S3xEPraMUVpFfqZNLzCgaPKRHnPXK14SxyB4TVXnyE5QzIGOABWaz3bh-qDtr2uoCMsnh_JYOp0gM9U3IklZVe/s640/IMG_0842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The top of this cover already had a nice hem from the factory, so I put it aside and addressed the rough cut on the second cover.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHkVB6iuL-J8SARkGpzrK1PanL_w0B-FJL0u5Y2zjV8ePEVmxXzzJBV2S6EpUPSOHL1gv9MnWOl9_Ytchb-jTMhWqbdrKz6wSgERirnTYyy16BQ_lwqZQxELIIWGmN2I0DfhcY6zwmQ7a/s1600/IMG_0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHkVB6iuL-J8SARkGpzrK1PanL_w0B-FJL0u5Y2zjV8ePEVmxXzzJBV2S6EpUPSOHL1gv9MnWOl9_Ytchb-jTMhWqbdrKz6wSgERirnTYyy16BQ_lwqZQxELIIWGmN2I0DfhcY6zwmQ7a/s1600/IMG_0843.jpg" /></a></div><br />For this one I just had to fold the edges onto the inside all the way around the opening.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E9Vpsos9zdm3awDZHakRvRraeiX_6F45PKGCvSZQoLzgUrs3C5SCsS36w8F4fwenkGqrvWPz80o9WQ_XuH_ZK4UrTGPimd5ukCkr5EhP4qr0Eb4L8NXlFRzeRrf1O4b8c5tJEKj_KM5W/s1600/IMG_0845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E9Vpsos9zdm3awDZHakRvRraeiX_6F45PKGCvSZQoLzgUrs3C5SCsS36w8F4fwenkGqrvWPz80o9WQ_XuH_ZK4UrTGPimd5ukCkr5EhP4qr0Eb4L8NXlFRzeRrf1O4b8c5tJEKj_KM5W/s1600/IMG_0845.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And that was that! I ended up with two perfect pillows with one open end...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qHaN0H1aY28QvnW49o56kGdtWrtQ8iC-tHbLBoXIqq_L-iwhlyAuuRn-XQf4c0PfCXj4Ob2pV4hyphenhyphen6TCi5VkSxpJhTjFEnljhM99ivQ_6h6Mbru0sxyz8BUh6YT5PrtRZrNGJV-GV-TH0/s1600/IMG_0846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qHaN0H1aY28QvnW49o56kGdtWrtQ8iC-tHbLBoXIqq_L-iwhlyAuuRn-XQf4c0PfCXj4Ob2pV4hyphenhyphen6TCi5VkSxpJhTjFEnljhM99ivQ_6h6Mbru0sxyz8BUh6YT5PrtRZrNGJV-GV-TH0/s1600/IMG_0846.jpg" /></a></div><br />I didn't want to close the seam permanently because then I could never wash the covers or swap them out down the road. I couldn't sew a zipper on either, so I thought about sewing buttons on it and almost went for it, but then I remembered these pillows I purchased from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00200693/#/40200691" target="_blank">Ikea</a> because I loved the little bows:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/ursula-cushion-cover__0216079_PE371573_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/ursula-cushion-cover__0216079_PE371573_S4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />So I went through my leftover fabric stash and found some linen:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcuzSol-AFS7I-4_xyeKszzIfZkqsdtK87QylraatiSnGeCXPRJGVqaP7h-XbcQKLEoTDZQqeDM6_WdkME9uIfSv2hGW4kLP7MHYQpJ8ab667SqHmdoBUYzXAOgVT-lDNr6qiRpGdCuV0/s1600/IMG_0851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcuzSol-AFS7I-4_xyeKszzIfZkqsdtK87QylraatiSnGeCXPRJGVqaP7h-XbcQKLEoTDZQqeDM6_WdkME9uIfSv2hGW4kLP7MHYQpJ8ab667SqHmdoBUYzXAOgVT-lDNr6qiRpGdCuV0/s1600/IMG_0851.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I cut it into six strips, then made little notches about 1" down with my Xacto knife:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaP21lT1HWIiLt701Ux6lMMf3IethWUtAgfUc-C5bD2EQD1_YbSVYhYhisw0QY__nBMzVXdZMxX4sUMydhJCRSgVD91Ce3ZD7vvTPzBT9gxsbwoIZzljh3_zTaGR48gHx6ztNhns-wKFe/s1600/IMG_0852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaP21lT1HWIiLt701Ux6lMMf3IethWUtAgfUc-C5bD2EQD1_YbSVYhYhisw0QY__nBMzVXdZMxX4sUMydhJCRSgVD91Ce3ZD7vvTPzBT9gxsbwoIZzljh3_zTaGR48gHx6ztNhns-wKFe/s1600/IMG_0852.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I threaded each tie through and made knots:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlPC-J2xyB_keH9P3X5sLOlTps-_NgZikUvTl44fIYSMQWqWxFh_p12_c0TDhW6sPb9xM7O-mwJCJMRtFFzgbXtJMq-_3xipYnD8tGutK5yuXPVZ9ejwfQXGK1F2a5IopRe6PH2YOJk1b/s1600/IMG_0853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlPC-J2xyB_keH9P3X5sLOlTps-_NgZikUvTl44fIYSMQWqWxFh_p12_c0TDhW6sPb9xM7O-mwJCJMRtFFzgbXtJMq-_3xipYnD8tGutK5yuXPVZ9ejwfQXGK1F2a5IopRe6PH2YOJk1b/s1600/IMG_0853.jpg" /></a></div><br />And in less than one hour, I had my very own vintage grain sack pillows:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfG2OwQg3KjHqIsVr9v7fywU5RMKS2eHJabU-ZplXU9bsfL5VKcBRbDK-Fvc1EXToEAM-i8Ms-x2RH0AcPywFk-MiY6wwPuse0uLAxX-eKDgLlVnQ88oDX1d-jZtEbJb8gTvri-ej_Ohd/s1600/IMG_0863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfG2OwQg3KjHqIsVr9v7fywU5RMKS2eHJabU-ZplXU9bsfL5VKcBRbDK-Fvc1EXToEAM-i8Ms-x2RH0AcPywFk-MiY6wwPuse0uLAxX-eKDgLlVnQ88oDX1d-jZtEbJb8gTvri-ej_Ohd/s1600/IMG_0863.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6wSiDBugDNrCvlcuOcO7ioCwRbk9tZtQWUmPa8Tw-x5Bjz4jU_0xmb7VbZDsWoi0g0hqHq8Po87hyvYwEz1hX47nhRLHy7RW123-UD0lbbzOu-XygroQiQJUkvY2BgKIxUw8fYPPxDr_/s1600/IMG_0857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6wSiDBugDNrCvlcuOcO7ioCwRbk9tZtQWUmPa8Tw-x5Bjz4jU_0xmb7VbZDsWoi0g0hqHq8Po87hyvYwEz1hX47nhRLHy7RW123-UD0lbbzOu-XygroQiQJUkvY2BgKIxUw8fYPPxDr_/s1600/IMG_0857.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBl7J-wOnlBdMHzwvnkFs3xzCYmyXUNonKmSTf4sNUEMJxxvEXnbXUaeevQTZXCBG8_HRl0iL9X1Sg8ZBzET8Z4X3lS4ygZrfzCpbwAN36JV9hvv29s3ePytbb5sHpV8B5Avc5CBb_DIG/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBl7J-wOnlBdMHzwvnkFs3xzCYmyXUNonKmSTf4sNUEMJxxvEXnbXUaeevQTZXCBG8_HRl0iL9X1Sg8ZBzET8Z4X3lS4ygZrfzCpbwAN36JV9hvv29s3ePytbb5sHpV8B5Avc5CBb_DIG/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ahhh... I love them. They're the perfect addition to our home, and specifically our updated couch... more on that next week!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />

The easiest & cheapest vintage grain sack pillow covers ever!

As part of my living room refresh project, I decided to update my throw pillows with something more in line with the vintage style I've ...

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The 7 Hour Pond

<i>Let me preface this post by saying this is a Brad project. It was his idea and execution (he even took half the photos)... I simply contributed some manual labor and a few opinions. And this post.</i><br /><br />Summer is upon us and we've been turning our attention to the outdoors lately—prepping the backyard for pool parties and gatherings.<br /><br />The latest project came about when our neighbor had several large rocks he was getting rid of from his yard. Brad offered to take them off his hands which sparked the idea of building a rock pond.<br /><br />We already have one lovely pond back there (the real reason we bought the house...)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRF0TfYyKYHqVOdu0-csDHkKIxWcFRrQxG0-lQ-wOvrAMraYaqMdjvhyFaZt9btE1TC36_NZIF4MNOxE04k852Abs7y0jXD48i7H6gREnMYJj2uKtVziuWShOwVt1OVEl7LIyCHGVMKFf/s1600/IMG_8286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRF0TfYyKYHqVOdu0-csDHkKIxWcFRrQxG0-lQ-wOvrAMraYaqMdjvhyFaZt9btE1TC36_NZIF4MNOxE04k852Abs7y0jXD48i7H6gREnMYJj2uKtVziuWShOwVt1OVEl7LIyCHGVMKFf/s640/IMG_8286.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nljqKMEax4qfAfOXoVarJ1rlTYcnAyURqUw0BxfKGbyfJW-3SHrRiZsH43vvCpoXKjW2mDCPhVFq1Hh4ToasScS-43auQ_qFW4cCP7YNr6OxeQZdfP90IwmdXGEV1vKnXnVRxz54tlfI/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nljqKMEax4qfAfOXoVarJ1rlTYcnAyURqUw0BxfKGbyfJW-3SHrRiZsH43vvCpoXKjW2mDCPhVFq1Hh4ToasScS-43auQ_qFW4cCP7YNr6OxeQZdfP90IwmdXGEV1vKnXnVRxz54tlfI/s640/IMG_8282.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />But you can never have enough water features, so Brad picked a spot and started to plan it out.<br /><br />This underutilized patch of bark and random shrubbery was the perfect location:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqyrU_97LxlqiuIFRPxwe49YugyAK1K43ijdnTrxpoNrTE3Y3zx4vhfEY79oK5lrzJF1odlqGZu3ddJQ3aSNN1hVRuUJXINcdqX-qOUeXwRPs6IGlL3kMgfTYM8jKmo6k8jzFImfJLM3F/s1600/IMG_2205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqyrU_97LxlqiuIFRPxwe49YugyAK1K43ijdnTrxpoNrTE3Y3zx4vhfEY79oK5lrzJF1odlqGZu3ddJQ3aSNN1hVRuUJXINcdqX-qOUeXwRPs6IGlL3kMgfTYM8jKmo6k8jzFImfJLM3F/s1600/IMG_2205.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here it is from a distance:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WidtY8xUD4GZ6be5aMhugU1hpnVtQ11sl2zfikwZkbZFR7xdXLiqYPpYn88vFx4TPRKf8gUAIfoxIblmXD4WP_NqE_SXNQaZVPRF5TSWk68iSUN28118rJd6NznIVEQC1ysByh1O_tXz/s1600/IMG_2074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WidtY8xUD4GZ6be5aMhugU1hpnVtQ11sl2zfikwZkbZFR7xdXLiqYPpYn88vFx4TPRKf8gUAIfoxIblmXD4WP_NqE_SXNQaZVPRF5TSWk68iSUN28118rJd6NznIVEQC1ysByh1O_tXz/s1600/IMG_2074.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Here are the rocks we inherited, and the overall layout and size we thought worked best after Brad cleared out the bark.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UneCVYv_-3gvwWQEvtrvAhFln7-pkwpkLvvWKzhkeALr25Uny5TF0mo-_qum3VA9723M7P-hmppmMqVaedK197mVchkYHSIsw576RsBsbd7zfCFMnDMun083k2aiZ6rLR7GJcwLC2obR/s1600/IMG_0763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UneCVYv_-3gvwWQEvtrvAhFln7-pkwpkLvvWKzhkeALr25Uny5TF0mo-_qum3VA9723M7P-hmppmMqVaedK197mVchkYHSIsw576RsBsbd7zfCFMnDMun083k2aiZ6rLR7GJcwLC2obR/s1600/IMG_0763.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8y8aKT2xyRr9YqcosiguSTIVDvkS1YmG0Hcu7lK1tarmNFFlxaAONN280SRD3wZwSH5jiMkpSWFllYN1UxK7eTx9cz7FsmyLwl1mjAlp_kNxiIoE7eAR7mckVeY3vhVnMvVTT0yKXip0/s1600/IMG_0764.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8y8aKT2xyRr9YqcosiguSTIVDvkS1YmG0Hcu7lK1tarmNFFlxaAONN280SRD3wZwSH5jiMkpSWFllYN1UxK7eTx9cz7FsmyLwl1mjAlp_kNxiIoE7eAR7mckVeY3vhVnMvVTT0yKXip0/s1600/IMG_0764.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Mission #1 was to figure out exactly how to build the pond. Brad did some research and tossed around ideas of using rubber liner, concrete and liquid rubber, or a plastic pre-molded pond. After weighing the options, we both decided a plastic pond was the easiest way to go (and cheaper, too).<br /><br />A quick Google search brought up <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_128971-1569-LP7118_0__?productId=3389466&Ntt=plastic+pond&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dplastic%2Bpond&facetInfo=" target="_blank">this pond</a> at Lowe's for $99.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/039694/039694711817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/039694/039694711817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was the perfect size and a nice shape, so Brad picked it up on his way home from work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElp0fCdGJbuXP8TeATEv3mCOscNL34H4ZAtHnDaW9aBiShrrv7pOSlIOwcqJKXXeYnFs1i-yxRnoiXQH_P62IXWZleSusFtN85uDNdkx7OwydEnWec5ZD3tFQl1XK6IIkKxXc4UYHyXhU/s1600/IMG_0769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElp0fCdGJbuXP8TeATEv3mCOscNL34H4ZAtHnDaW9aBiShrrv7pOSlIOwcqJKXXeYnFs1i-yxRnoiXQH_P62IXWZleSusFtN85uDNdkx7OwydEnWec5ZD3tFQl1XK6IIkKxXc4UYHyXhU/s1600/IMG_0769.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05kSjws3GKDZqaHuj7ywAMUk_kg5s2ZYivc-Fj7GwZmNzZ3EretFvO58GmCEgINt7mS8kLbXMr81XSptObNDTmDbVn0q720dX_R88o8O2TMlkMVry-P-p7Kk0-m_Rz0Puq_SX5p7kjiRZ/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05kSjws3GKDZqaHuj7ywAMUk_kg5s2ZYivc-Fj7GwZmNzZ3EretFvO58GmCEgINt7mS8kLbXMr81XSptObNDTmDbVn0q720dX_R88o8O2TMlkMVry-P-p7Kk0-m_Rz0Puq_SX5p7kjiRZ/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then it was time to dig....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulbosD6S853N8cHL4C6pKAPYpS2vyj2ZBECiPDjQ093M2EvbaFz0C768aNjOYlYpMi08iW3jWOqcJsNN6nD5NNuCFkTKe4cCIz0qmQ00AXpWz9HNZTVWeu3wuuZKltP3_oM-Wy_XZqm-B/s1600/IMG_0771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulbosD6S853N8cHL4C6pKAPYpS2vyj2ZBECiPDjQ093M2EvbaFz0C768aNjOYlYpMi08iW3jWOqcJsNN6nD5NNuCFkTKe4cCIz0qmQ00AXpWz9HNZTVWeu3wuuZKltP3_oM-Wy_XZqm-B/s1600/IMG_0771.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05kSjws3GKDZqaHuj7ywAMUk_kg5s2ZYivc-Fj7GwZmNzZ3EretFvO58GmCEgINt7mS8kLbXMr81XSptObNDTmDbVn0q720dX_R88o8O2TMlkMVry-P-p7Kk0-m_Rz0Puq_SX5p7kjiRZ/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElp0fCdGJbuXP8TeATEv3mCOscNL34H4ZAtHnDaW9aBiShrrv7pOSlIOwcqJKXXeYnFs1i-yxRnoiXQH_P62IXWZleSusFtN85uDNdkx7OwydEnWec5ZD3tFQl1XK6IIkKxXc4UYHyXhU/s1600/IMG_0769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Not gonna lie, this part sucked. It was a painstaking process to dig everything out perfectly to the shape of the pond. The process was basically dig, test fit, dig, test fit, dig, test fit, dig test fit, repeated 300x for over two hours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90NwUvV0ahuAtmSmAMda57Rh98O0YHRgKJCYKDeLFpcuSM9PchFccXCjWg1kYa-xmoFZJgNM6CbSWraIX1vhuwruBZygb_tC89rs6T_0JxaWdy4t-slh-Hiyo5scjLy9Gx5UNK0Mzy5Nu/s1600/IMG_0772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90NwUvV0ahuAtmSmAMda57Rh98O0YHRgKJCYKDeLFpcuSM9PchFccXCjWg1kYa-xmoFZJgNM6CbSWraIX1vhuwruBZygb_tC89rs6T_0JxaWdy4t-slh-Hiyo5scjLy9Gx5UNK0Mzy5Nu/s1600/IMG_0772.jpg" /></a></div><br />Lucky for us, we live in an area where the top layer of earth is just soft sand. We were also lucky that we didn't run into any surprises... like roots or pipes. My shovel actually hit of one of our pool pipes but it was right on the edge of our pond area and just barely out of the way... whew!<br /><br />Finally, we got that sucker in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia0ko3GUS_yCQHaArH78OHwkQ6bmfpHPIxOkAbSo6ZAGk2CrSihLiJtmtIJiAB4wrd61q_tZ08nlZSTqBtFkmzuanmFkLYpksgsNDTgmIdSawHO_uyljmAE0pk60kWQqse9SWkVNSURvd/s1600/IMG_0773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjia0ko3GUS_yCQHaArH78OHwkQ6bmfpHPIxOkAbSo6ZAGk2CrSihLiJtmtIJiAB4wrd61q_tZ08nlZSTqBtFkmzuanmFkLYpksgsNDTgmIdSawHO_uyljmAE0pk60kWQqse9SWkVNSURvd/s1600/IMG_0773.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After cleaning it out and replacing the dirt/bark around the edges, we started filling up and arranging the rocks around the edges.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd1HlAMWtzlFjv0LW4-0NtTnu-QmmIlX0KFkEoNr6Y2OdPheEQkzAP0XImhWmMVK1LyXk7uYY5bF9qK_6Hn2Kek2liwJUwSQsQAnYrFCVrZCYS6Pey_yI5oZCPvqCFkdAmqMYY2Ffu01B/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd1HlAMWtzlFjv0LW4-0NtTnu-QmmIlX0KFkEoNr6Y2OdPheEQkzAP0XImhWmMVK1LyXk7uYY5bF9qK_6Hn2Kek2liwJUwSQsQAnYrFCVrZCYS6Pey_yI5oZCPvqCFkdAmqMYY2Ffu01B/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We quickly realized we didn't have enough, so Brad went to the landscaping store the next day and bought another 160lbs more.<br /><br />But a rock pond is not complete without a few things—a filter, a pump, and some plants.<br /><br />Brad purchased this <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_81665-60084-UVFS_0__?productId=3345492&Ntt=smartpond+uv&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dsmartpond%2Buv&facetInfo=" target="_blank">UV filter</a> complete with a fountain from Lowe's for $129.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMdBZEFw2ceIFapxYnBxuJ34N_3yZNjIxHS2_9Got9njpfXsDjOlZ6i_M0YTUB-SNSk7hzMjI6ULon7v22LBHm3YpGuZa7QzDpRoCSAneUA7n4R3N7Byp41SRzyMbsO_KK3Vd82F8lxgw/s1600/IMG_0776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMdBZEFw2ceIFapxYnBxuJ34N_3yZNjIxHS2_9Got9njpfXsDjOlZ6i_M0YTUB-SNSk7hzMjI6ULon7v22LBHm3YpGuZa7QzDpRoCSAneUA7n4R3N7Byp41SRzyMbsO_KK3Vd82F8lxgw/s1600/IMG_0776.jpg" /></a></div><br />The UV light inside the filter cleans algae and keeps the water aerated. It also has a fountain and LED lighting which Brad thought was the coolest thing ever. It even changes water patterns.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWor801vt5WkiYPtT83COVNlMDJ8Fd_JVyHWQbpBgusjU5yPS_QAvYOTvgBKAT1moHOdJhLnarE8fLHtumWTu3mRiUk2Dd0gjy5ZqTbMFC21sXR4ANxPQaYSLEHn18s8gvCd3nxqcsOAo/s1600/IMG_0778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWor801vt5WkiYPtT83COVNlMDJ8Fd_JVyHWQbpBgusjU5yPS_QAvYOTvgBKAT1moHOdJhLnarE8fLHtumWTu3mRiUk2Dd0gjy5ZqTbMFC21sXR4ANxPQaYSLEHn18s8gvCd3nxqcsOAo/s1600/IMG_0778.jpg" /></a></div><br />My favorite part is the waterfall. For this, Brad picked up a simple <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_248380-60084-FP170AS_0__?productId=3027990&Ntt=smartpond+pump&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dsmartpond%2Bpump&facetInfo=" target="_blank">pump</a> at Lowe's and 5 feet of clear hose for $45:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjTGNdfVs6eN16mM8FYnyEwXjnV4h9btLZ2wICLGNGNClQlD5mVoHC0mv6fiUtX7AZ-kDe9-66MlWv_VOKvs17s84bJSzyPmwnBjt9y1SJ-rgGgvI0Cj6MIOuxjli6YgFj04V4M-O1ECq/s1600/IMG_0782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjTGNdfVs6eN16mM8FYnyEwXjnV4h9btLZ2wICLGNGNClQlD5mVoHC0mv6fiUtX7AZ-kDe9-66MlWv_VOKvs17s84bJSzyPmwnBjt9y1SJ-rgGgvI0Cj6MIOuxjli6YgFj04V4M-O1ECq/s1600/IMG_0782.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />To build the waterfall, we stacked the largest rocks at the back of the pond and strategically fed the tube up and over, (hidden by the rocks so you can't see it) keeping the pump submerged at the bottom.<br /><br />For the finishing touches, Brad got a few water plants as well as a handful of other plants to landscape the surrounding area.<br /><br />And after two afternoons and about 7 hours of work, our pond oasis is complete!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz4W4lIvjo5U2TNxgduBZHggRMzmFOHr1pliDtD8mkxiU5y1T0rrjof5D9lGRAOx5xIeUaNuYO2uExpA-KUs3EmeZK5Ah3uLsJAfBe14Yhl0hbPc73fX0akg6XvIznpbtsNWbX1GNSIix/s1600/IMG_0809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz4W4lIvjo5U2TNxgduBZHggRMzmFOHr1pliDtD8mkxiU5y1T0rrjof5D9lGRAOx5xIeUaNuYO2uExpA-KUs3EmeZK5Ah3uLsJAfBe14Yhl0hbPc73fX0akg6XvIznpbtsNWbX1GNSIix/s1600/IMG_0809.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ptbSW0Ec7FEzJIUkklKygeiM7EYfXqL4uaO3Wt6nk9BWyz_Gct5SkWZJaOpWas4odQinaTPshdqoBKS6ACH5nfmQ99ejPGSG7M3_TnpA2wTq8XeDUkrz7_ksPT0TVs1FkJOmv6llFC10/s1600/IMG_0810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ptbSW0Ec7FEzJIUkklKygeiM7EYfXqL4uaO3Wt6nk9BWyz_Gct5SkWZJaOpWas4odQinaTPshdqoBKS6ACH5nfmQ99ejPGSG7M3_TnpA2wTq8XeDUkrz7_ksPT0TVs1FkJOmv6llFC10/s1600/IMG_0810.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnxM_Ku4sG7oYV9XBilVJvFvdMG4WDzZxENqiOnBokZaeG5V-xJMjFWPCChtSeP__4njZilyZbLEIHFJyopXSVTeKw6hezpIeOeraK70zCtsiXf6TYrFOFStlbHd9NGXvsSPFYbxrh38x/s1600/IMG_0807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnxM_Ku4sG7oYV9XBilVJvFvdMG4WDzZxENqiOnBokZaeG5V-xJMjFWPCChtSeP__4njZilyZbLEIHFJyopXSVTeKw6hezpIeOeraK70zCtsiXf6TYrFOFStlbHd9NGXvsSPFYbxrh38x/s1600/IMG_0807.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe5qncYOPNIEHoTwvxFox-Fvn4Ncs8lLrht4qSbMiI6r49mKBM4yggKPqEDIFitemfmef1I1vHIQWF9G3r7mC2h6X7Ole_iVZvjxeop__rOxURxh1EXrny3-N7EwYM9CY98VOJJvKS16v/s1600/IMG_0812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe5qncYOPNIEHoTwvxFox-Fvn4Ncs8lLrht4qSbMiI6r49mKBM4yggKPqEDIFitemfmef1I1vHIQWF9G3r7mC2h6X7Ole_iVZvjxeop__rOxURxh1EXrny3-N7EwYM9CY98VOJJvKS16v/s1600/IMG_0812.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVvwqCZ9zyieUeRfNNDhUc0silPoUa8fLoMBKUkjlhzuyML3iVlkTJdnIK_R1CY4vHzZIIrJ7mlKyiNqdAj2bIh4I-tQ5dv2BVmy2F15zZ0xLANM45GvSlOVybND8_KQr0vyZV1A3r2yE/s1600/IMG_0817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVvwqCZ9zyieUeRfNNDhUc0silPoUa8fLoMBKUkjlhzuyML3iVlkTJdnIK_R1CY4vHzZIIrJ7mlKyiNqdAj2bIh4I-tQ5dv2BVmy2F15zZ0xLANM45GvSlOVybND8_KQr0vyZV1A3r2yE/s1600/IMG_0817.jpg" /></a></div><br />Don't mind our gator... he doesn't bite (too hard).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg1m6QhvSP6evFScTo1fUbq30esgMKnIRWxjrvkrTXa3KadFS02bmtc0TIaX3MD0fyoqXpzOlYQmdl-lt0IMH_0DmOLIxOmILfgUaqt7uRNlFhsAYed6Qswa7nq-eTruWqBc8cdPi8Zcd/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg1m6QhvSP6evFScTo1fUbq30esgMKnIRWxjrvkrTXa3KadFS02bmtc0TIaX3MD0fyoqXpzOlYQmdl-lt0IMH_0DmOLIxOmILfgUaqt7uRNlFhsAYed6Qswa7nq-eTruWqBc8cdPi8Zcd/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's a couple evening/night shots to show off the lighting:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMHfH0cDQY0F9Rpj5pB9QZ0dmc7vq3Pah4ZM9IIjDmdUD9iitgNeRCRfmpTC7XLjtsQXIIW80aG8cgHZbTDVelOANV-qwhZFAVpg6Hv0rExn0nPK0f3TEJmIuvnjmdzBlIqU_WVM0tEQc/s1600/IMG_0793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMHfH0cDQY0F9Rpj5pB9QZ0dmc7vq3Pah4ZM9IIjDmdUD9iitgNeRCRfmpTC7XLjtsQXIIW80aG8cgHZbTDVelOANV-qwhZFAVpg6Hv0rExn0nPK0f3TEJmIuvnjmdzBlIqU_WVM0tEQc/s1600/IMG_0793.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkS3a-Blgpgu8wTB4dZWr2unJ1X1P31eSyREI4Xy581fzzgThyphenhyphenbMuyaI3HH2qx1ncHeE0zwsNsvMX6blfpkZoyC1MzwX3r6wggqdCkJ8griG59m9p7bjjDcfzbNZvpOOw49mN9XyefSnu/s1600/IMG_0828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkS3a-Blgpgu8wTB4dZWr2unJ1X1P31eSyREI4Xy581fzzgThyphenhyphenbMuyaI3HH2qx1ncHeE0zwsNsvMX6blfpkZoyC1MzwX3r6wggqdCkJ8griG59m9p7bjjDcfzbNZvpOOw49mN9XyefSnu/s1600/IMG_0828.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd1HlAMWtzlFjv0LW4-0NtTnu-QmmIlX0KFkEoNr6Y2OdPheEQkzAP0XImhWmMVK1LyXk7uYY5bF9qK_6Hn2Kek2liwJUwSQsQAnYrFCVrZCYS6Pey_yI5oZCPvqCFkdAmqMYY2Ffu01B/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4hP1prRUk90vHYZvmEKQ4ZOGVt9Um2opXDt8IzdsxrGzGmpTrHdS_A-C4M4g0iQVRZfpOZfmHlmFqNLomj_K3A2_4Fj8pq6qNgJ30v9nT2YFanmU4-pHr6mBlYRErNerEL5gdpNfMd1q/s1600/IMG_0830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4hP1prRUk90vHYZvmEKQ4ZOGVt9Um2opXDt8IzdsxrGzGmpTrHdS_A-C4M4g0iQVRZfpOZfmHlmFqNLomj_K3A2_4Fj8pq6qNgJ30v9nT2YFanmU4-pHr6mBlYRErNerEL5gdpNfMd1q/s1600/IMG_0830.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Project materials cost breakdown: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pond: $99</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Filter/fountain: $129</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pump/hose: $45</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rocks: $27 (we paid 17 cents per pound, most were free)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Water plants: $50</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Landscaping flowers: $27</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Grand Total: $377 </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not the cheapest project, but still a whole lot better than paying a landscaping company! I'd say it was a good call on Brad's part. I'm glad one of us takes initiative on outdoor projects. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Working on some new living room accents for the next post... check back soon for that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd1HlAMWtzlFjv0LW4-0NtTnu-QmmIlX0KFkEoNr6Y2OdPheEQkzAP0XImhWmMVK1LyXk7uYY5bF9qK_6Hn2Kek2liwJUwSQsQAnYrFCVrZCYS6Pey_yI5oZCPvqCFkdAmqMYY2Ffu01B/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd1HlAMWtzlFjv0LW4-0NtTnu-QmmIlX0KFkEoNr6Y2OdPheEQkzAP0XImhWmMVK1LyXk7uYY5bF9qK_6Hn2Kek2liwJUwSQsQAnYrFCVrZCYS6Pey_yI5oZCPvqCFkdAmqMYY2Ffu01B/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd1HlAMWtzlFjv0LW4-0NtTnu-QmmIlX0KFkEoNr6Y2OdPheEQkzAP0XImhWmMVK1LyXk7uYY5bF9qK_6Hn2Kek2liwJUwSQsQAnYrFCVrZCYS6Pey_yI5oZCPvqCFkdAmqMYY2Ffu01B/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br />

The 7 Hour Pond

Let me preface this post by saying this is a Brad project. It was his idea and execution (he even took half the photos)... I simply contribu...

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