Sunday, August 30, 2009

Cafe Shelf Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!

Alright ladies! Here we go!

I am going to share with you how you can make your VERY OWN Ballards Design-style cafe shelf for a fraction of what it costs in the magazine.

Here’s my inspiration…

Aren’t they beautiful? Well, they are expensive too! They range from $99.00-$139.00!

I wanted some of these shelves in my kitchen, so I told my hubby and he made me some…

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Didn’t he do a good job? I posted about that project here.

So why am I posting about them again, you ask?

Because of a comment left by a viewer on Lorie’s blog, Be Different…Act Normal. She has a great little blog that highlights a ton of adorable ideas. She posted about my cafe shelves, which you can see here.

Someone left a comment on her post that caught my eye. It said, “The key phrase is :"her husband made these for her". Not going to happen at my house.”

It got me thinking….

Yes, I am very lucky that I have a husband that likes to make things like this for me. And I know that there are a lot of ladies in blogland that do not live with a carpenter!

So can a woman make this shelf by herself? YES, she can!

I’m going to show you how! And I am going to do it all by myself!

And then I am going to give it away! Yeah!

This post will be long, so if you are not interested in making this shelf, you may want to scroll on down to the end of the post to find out about my GIVEAWAY. :)

Here is what you need:

*1x8 piece of pine (because it is the least expensive)

*a piece of trim

*2 corbels

*hammer and finishing nails (or nail gun)

*Miter box and saw (or an electric miter saw)

*wood glue and wood filler

*tape measure

Lowes is my preferred place to shop, and it is just five minutes from my house.

But, Home Depot has a better selection of corbels. So I took pictures at Home Depot to show you the type of wood and trim you could buy.

I discovered that Home Depot had a better selection of corbels when we were making the cabinets for our guest house.

You can see posts about my guest house by clicking on the label in my sidebar.

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Here is an example of the type of wood you will need for your shelf.

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You can get a 1x12 or 1x8 piece depending on how deep you want your shelf.

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The piece above is 8 inches deep, like the ones in my kitchen. However, you cannot stack dinner plates on my shelves, so if you want to put plates on yours, you may want to go with a 1x12 piece.

You need to decide how long you want your shelves, 3 feet, 4 feet, etc. You could probably make two shelves from this one piece of wood that is only $5.83!

HERE’S A TIP….Let the workers at Home Depot cut the boards the length you want them so you don’t have to! It’s FREE!

Tell them you want them to cut it 3 feet long (or however long you need it), and they’ll do it for you!

Then you need to find your trim. You can pick whatever type you like at this point. But here is an example of what mine looks like.

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It’s $1.04 per linear foot. I think this piece is about 8 feet long, so it would cost about $8.00.

Here is the one I already had at home that my husband got at Lowe’s.

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It has a little fancier shape on the bottom, but I couldn’t find one like it at Home Depot. They may have it, but it was late and I had my two year old with me, so I may have missed it. :0)

Then you can pick out your corbels.

There are a bunch of choices, so you can pick the ones you like best.

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Since the shelf I am making for my giveaway is smaller, I used the littlest corbel which cost $5.25 a piece.

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So, If I bought all of these pieces, I would have spent less than $25.00.

Now, if you get the workers at Home Depot to cut your board, you only have to cut the trim pieces at home.

Some of you may be comfortable using power tools, and some of you may not. If not, I wanted to show you how to use a miter box and saw. This will allow you to cut a trim piece at a 45 degree angle without using an electric miter saw.

You can get the miter box by itself for less than $5.00.

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If you don’t have a saw, you can get them both for less than $8.00.

IMG_3143 If you don’t have finishing nails, you will need to get some like these…

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I already had these at home so I am not sure of the cost.

Again, I am using a board and some trim that we already had, but I bought the corbels.

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My board was 28 inches long. Yours can be bigger if you’d like.

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So to start, I cut one end of my trim at a 45 degree angle.

You can use the miter box for this.

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Or the electric saw…this thing scares me to death!

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You can swing the handle from side to side depending at what angle you need to cut the trim.

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I cut the trim on one side and then lined it up on board to mark the other end.

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Here’s the other end…See how I just marked it where the corner of the board meets the trim?

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When putting it on the saw, lower the blade slowly to see if the blade will line up on your pen mark. If it does, then cut away!

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For the two small side trim pieces, you need to cut the trim flat on the ends. You can use the middle slot in the miter box for that (or use the electric miter saw).

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Then I marked the point where the corner of the board meets the trim piece. See my little pen mark? That’s where you want the blade to hit when you cut the angle.

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Then you “45” the side pieces to match the front trim piece. Again, using the miter box or electric miter saw.

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Don’t worry if there are small gaps, we’ll fix those in a minute…

Here’s the other side…

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Next, you want to apply wood glue to the trim pieces before nailing them on.

I used a stainable wood glue because that is what we already had. But you can use any kind.

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Apply it to the shelf…

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Then attach the trim piece with a nail gun…

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Or a hammer and finishing nails…

(I am using my upholstery hammer because my hubby’s hammer is at my parents’ house. He’s been installing a new shower for them.)

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(Now I know what happened to my wood glue! That rascal!)

Repeat these steps with the remaining trim pieces.

We are almost finished girls!

Now you need to attach the corbels.

I measured 6 inches in on both sides, but you can place them wherever you want.

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Make sure than you line up the back of the corbel and the shelf evenly.

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I applied wood glue underneath the corbel and then hammered the nails in at an angle so they wouldn’t go through the top of the shelf. You may not have to worry about that if your nails are shorter than mine.

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You could also use the nail gun for this part.

Now for the details…you will have little nail holes that need to be filled with wood filler.

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I didn’t have wood filler at home, so I used white caulk.

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It's the kind you can paint.

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Looks much better!

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I also used the caulk to fill in any little cracks between the trim and wood.IMG_3179

And I’m finished…well, except for painting it!

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This is the paint I used. I got it during the Glidden free paint giveaway, and of course I chose the color black!

But if you have some black spray paint around the house, I’m sure you could use that too.

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Just paint away, baby!

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And WE. ARE. DONE.

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Now I am going to give it away.

Here’s how you can win this shelf…

1. Leave a comment and I will enter your name in the drawing.

2. If you are a follower, tell me in your comment, and I will enter your name again.

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog with a link back to this post, and I will enter your name TWO more times! Just be sure to tell me in your comment if you posted about it on your blog. :)

That’s a total of 4 chances.

I will announce the winner on Friday, September 4th.

Good luck, and thanks for letting me share this project with you!

WARNING: I am not a professional shelf maker, and this shelf will not be as perfect as the ones in the Ballards Design magazine. But hey, it’s FREE! So if you win and you don’t like it, sell it at a garage sale and make a couple of bucks!

I am linking this post to Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch. Be sure to stop by there for more great ideas.

Blessings,

Traci

226 comments:

  1. Love the tutorial! Now if I don't win one, I can make one myself! :) I posted about your drawing on my family blog.... thought I would up my chances... the shelf is beautiful!

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  2. Wow, thank you, thank you, thank you for doing the tutorial. I fell in love with the shelf and do have a perfect spot for it in my kitchen and I do plan on making one. Pls do enter me for a drawing....thanks again! :)

    blissfullydeaf@comcast.net

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  3. thanks for the great tutorial. I really feel as though I could do it myself!

    I am a follower of your blog and would love a chance to win this great shelf!

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  4. Ohhh! These are adorable! Hmmm, but where to put it if I win? I'm sure I'll find *just* the perfect place!

    Oh, and I'm a follower and I'm SO posting this on my blog! SnyderSideofLife.com (I just bought my domain name and already get to use it!)

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  5. Traci, that was so wonderful of you to walk us through this project by holding our hand, but then to give it away! I am already a follower and I would be honored to win your handmade shelf! Linda

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  6. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. I'm a follower.

    Caroline
    design4less at yahoo dot com

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  7. I'm so happy you showed that you can make it yourself. Once you do one project like this, you realize how easy it is. I was always afraid of projects that involved wood and tools until I got one under my tool belt. =) Thanks for the opportunity.

    (I'm a Google Reader subscriber - I'm not sure if that counts for another entry or not.)

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  8. You.Are.Amazing. Since I'm already a follower, I'll keep track of what you are doing through that, and wish you the best! Have a great week!

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  9. Way to show em! Women can do most things if they just BELIEVE. My problem is just finding my tools in my messy garage. Would be honored to have a shelf made by a creative women. GO WOMEN!
    Carolyn in NC

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  10. Thanks for all the great info! The shelves really do look great! I would love to have one! :0

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  11. Great job on this project! You made me realize that I shouldn't be scared to use my husband's tools. I'm going to be a follower in just a few clicks!!

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  12. THANK YOU Traci!
    I love these so much that I blogged about them on my blog... and put a link up too
    PLUS
    I am a follower... a new one
    I so love your designs!
    Blessings
    Patricia

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  13. Good night, Traci! You made that look too easy. What a wonderful tutorial ... next! TY for accepting my entry.
    TTFN ~Marydon

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  14. Traci, you did a fabulous job. I love our tutorial. It was explained very well and great pictures too. I would be thrilled to have your shelf, I think it's wonderful. Yes I am a follower. Also, wondering how your mom is. I have her in my prayers. Hugs, Marty

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  15. This is amazing! Not only are you a chick who knows how to rock some power tools, but you make a mean shelf! Way to go!
    Also, I'm a subscriber.

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  16. this post is great! i love how you took it step by step! great pics! i am a follower of your blog...i would love to win the shelf! thanks!

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  17. Pick me! Pick me! I am also a follower of your blog.

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  18. I would love to win this! I am a follower, and I will link this from my blog! You're pretty amazing and talented :)

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  19. I LOVE this tutorial!! I have been eyeing those shelves for some time but after seeing how easy they are to make you better believe I am heading to Home Depot this week!! Would love to win one though too! I am also a follower of your blog AND I will post about this shelf too!!!

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  20. You are an angel! Time and time again I read about a blogger's wonderful husband who makes things for their house and I get so jealous. I have been wanting some shelves for my son's room for months and now, with your WONDERFUL instructions, I am ready to tackle the project on my own. Thanks so much!

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  21. I love your shelves and I love that you're not afraid of tools!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog via TCB. I added a followers gadget just for you. :o)

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  22. I follow
    And I stared this in my reader so WHEN I get my house I can make me one!!!
    thanks!

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  23. I stopped by your blog after reading about your amazing skills on "Just a Girl". Love it! I'm now a follower!

    Thanks for sharing your talents with us!

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  24. Great tutorial! Please enter me in your give-away.

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  25. WHAT! You are giving that TOTALLY AMAZING shelf AWAY! (I think I just peed myself)
    COUNT ME IN!!
    Shelley

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  26. Oh, And I'm a follower too!
    Shelley Smith

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  27. how awesome, i was going to try to make these for my office at home. maybe i'll win and have one less to make! thanks for the instructions!

    oh yea, and I am a follower!

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  28. Thanks for the tutorial! I've been wanting to build some cafe shelving myself :) Yours turned out great - now I'm not so scared to try it!
    Blessings,
    Brittany

    Oh, yeah, I'm a follower! :)

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  29. Love the shelf, and love even more your go-get-em attitude! GIRLPOWER! hehe. I'm a newbee follower and would love to be entered to win a beautiful shelf! TY!!!

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  30. This was one of the best tutorials I have ever seen, wow, you did a great job. Thank you!

    I would love to win your shelf...it would go perfectly in my laundry room!

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  31. The only drawback is that I don't have those nifty tools--guess I'll need to win yours! :) Seriously, your instructions are very clear and concise. I follow!

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  32. The tutorial was nice and detailed. Thanks for sharing. I just became a follower of your blog and posted a link to this post. Please put my name in for the giveaway. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!

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  33. Here is my comment Wow thats awesome! IF I dont win I am heading straight ot to home depot! One because its terribly cute. and 2 because I heard a chuckle from my mister when I said I could do it too!! Anyway I am also a follower. And I am throwing it in a post! =D Thanks for sharing.

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  34. What a great tutorial! Love the shelves!

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  35. Oh hello there!
    Neat post.
    Plez enter me in your give away.
    I am a follower of your blog.
    God bless you and I love the shelf.
    Whoever receives this is getting a treasure!
    d

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  36. What a smart girl you are. Ballard might be on your tail quick!

    And yes... i am a follower for sure!
    Stop by my blog if you have a minute... I would love to see you.


    TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

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  37. Thank you for sharing this Tracey. Looks like I might have to borrow this idea! Truly apopreciate your tutorial :0)

    Sherrie

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  38. This shelf looks beautiful. Count me in. Thanks!

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  39. That shelf is awesome. You guys did a great job! Count me in for the giveaway. I am also a follower and will post on my blog for this! Thanks so much!
    Maria

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  40. AWESOME! And I know right where I'm gonna put if I win! :-) Thanks for the great tutorial and giveaway!

    I'm also a follower...love your blog!

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  41. Thank you for taking the time to make a tutorial and it's easy to understand and follow too! I already can think of a few places I can use that shelf...heres wishing I win!!

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  42. Your shelf turned out fabulously! I just became a follower of your blog and would love to be entered in your giveaway. So far, I am enjoying what I see! :)

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  43. Hi Traci,
    You are such a cutie~ Loved your tutorial, and since I have a carpenter husband and I already won one of your give-aways I won't be a piggy and enter again. Good luck to the other ladies because they are going to love this! Great job and I'm thinking about your Mom. Hugs, Cindy

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  44. Just starting to use black in my kitchen. Please enter me in your give away.

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  45. Traci - YOU are adorable, talented, kind and oh my goodness, sharing. This post was work in itself, not to mention snapping all the shots - and then the effort to have made all of the wonderful shelves!!

    GREAT POST! GREAT JOB! Precious You :)

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  46. Great job-great tutorial-and I bet Ballards aren't perfect either.
    Love everything.

    I am a follower, I also did a post for you on my Knock Off party-so I hope you get lots of hits-
    http://itssoverycheri.blogspot.com/2009/08/knock-off-knock-out-party_30.html and if you want to post this on the knock off party-I don't mind a bit.

    I ordered a gingerbread family yesterday but got back an invoice for less than it should be. I have a family of six. e-mail me
    cheri.peoples@live.com

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  47. First time on your website, the shelf is great. I've been updating here and there all summer and it would be a great addition. Thanks Meli

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  48. Girl, you amaze me!!!!! Okay, I'm a follower and I set up a link to your post from my blog. Here's hoping I win!!!!

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  49. That was a great tutorial! You made it look very do-able! I'm a follower and I posted your contest on my blog! Here's a link-
    http://songberries.blogspot.com/2009/08/contest_31.html

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  50. Great tutorial!! I hope I win, but even if I don't, I think even I could follow your tutorial and make shelves. Great job!! LindaSonia (baddabinda@yahoo.com)

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  51. TRACI!

    You're hosting a wonderful giveaway--and I'm here to tell you that you won my giveaway!

    Blessings,
    Richella

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  52. You go, girl! Woo hoo! Thanks for the tutorial! It is nice to be able to copy an expensive item for a fraction of the price!...Debbie

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  53. Great tutorial Tracey. Don't enter me as we already bought stuff to make some. Just wanted to drop in and say I am always thinking of you and your mom and to also say welcome back to blogland.
    tammy

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  54. absolutely wonderful tutorial!! GREAT work..
    I am a faithful follower as well!!

    One day I hope to make this for myself!

    Angie

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  55. Wow, you did an amazing job. But, more importantly you gave so many others the motivation and confidence to attempt this for themselves. I have a set of simular shelves that came from Pottery Barn and had I made them myself and I could have saved a lot of money. Therefore, please don't enter me in the drawling but, know that I enjoyed your post. Also, I hope your mother is feeling wonder today.

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  56. I am a follower and I love love love those shelves. But even more I love that you made them yourself. You're a great inspiration to all us women/mothers/wives out here in blogville.

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  57. Ps. I forgot to mention I am a follower and would love to win the shelf for my home.

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  58. Ooops, I forgot to mention yet another thing... I posted the link in on my blog.

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  59. Great tutorial - thanks for sharing.
    Thanks for visiting and the nice compliment.

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  60. um, fyi, i love you.
    When I saw this project I immediatly turned to my favourite fruit, 'honey do'. However, 'honey' has a long list of projects (including creating our basement from the insulation up?!) so to be able to do this myself is faboo!

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  61. I will be showing this to my husband!! LOL. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully I can win and won't have to beg my hubby to make it. =)

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  62. I'm SO glad you shared how to make these! My dad is super handy...but now that he has cancer...I'm hoping I can take a whirl at trying to make these! He'd be SO proud.

    And, I am on your blogroll too!

    Praying you have a BLESSED day!

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  63. Hi, I would love to win the shelf you made, but I also feel that I can do it, too! Thank you for loving us enough to make one and show us how. Please enter me in your drawing.

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  64. Okay and I am a bloglines follower, does that count? Already was. And I'm blogging about this right now.

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  65. I love this shelf and I think I could actually do this but I sure would love to win it!!! I am a follower of this blog and I am going to post about it in my blog and link it back to here. Love it!!

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  66. Just when I thought I couldn't....you proved me wrong. I love that you have created this tutorial. I am a follower and I have posted about this great tutorial on my blog. I look forward to winning these or creating this on my very own. Thanks again.

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  67. YEah! Those are so cool! Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway!

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  68. Does a follower on google reader count?

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  69. Traci,

    I love the shelf! But me with a saw? As my husband would say ... "Now, that's an accident ready to happen." :)

    I'd love to win it. Please enter me in the shelf giveaway.

    Jane

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  70. Would love to win this shelf. Thanks for the "how to" so if I don't win (heaven forbid) I'll Know how to do it myself.
    Beautiful work !!
    I am a follower

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  71. I'm new to your blog and have quickly fallen in love!! I love that you do everything so frugally. I would love to win the shelves... and if not, I may have to attempt to make them myself! :)

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  72. Thank you for the tutorial! If I don't win I will definetely have to try and make one of these. Oh and, I am a follower of your blog.

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  73. Traci you are an inspiration! If I don't win your fabulous shelf then I am definitely going to make myself one (and maybe a bunch more as Christmas gifts!) I am definitely one of your "followers" and if I had a blog I would post this on it - since I don't, I'm going to email my mom, my sister and my coworker who all love these kinds of DIY projects as I do! Keep up the good work! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  74. oh, I am SO not handy, but the shelf looks gorgeous, so I will take my chances here and see if I win it!!
    Ursula at uswood1@optonline.net

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  75. How wonderful of you to showcase how easy it is to make simple shelves. I can think of a few places I could use this shelf.

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  76. I love this shelf! thanks for sharing

    jasonandjanna@gmail.com

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  77. LOVE the shelf, but I don't have any of the tools necessary to create one, so I hope I win! ;-) I'm a follower and I'm commenting. Thanks for the chance...it's really a great shelf!

    Nancy

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  78. wow - thanks for the tutorial!!

    I would love to have the one you made :)

    I am also a follower of your blog - love it!!

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  79. I lOVE this shelf. I am drawn to anything black. I am a follower of your blog and would love to win this shelf.

    Thanks,

    Debbie
    rlmdam@sbcglobal.net

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  80. Wow, what an awesome tutorial and we have these tools!! My husband is a mechanic not a carpenter, but he will try. LOL Nothing like learning to do it yourself I say. ;-) I saw these over at Lorie's and fell in love with the whole shebang. The greens and reds and blacks...yum. Lorie has helped me find some awesome blogs. She is a doll.

    I just jumped on as a follower, should have done that yesterday. I think I read all the way back to the beginning. I am the mom of 2 boys. You are definitely an inspiration.

    Cece

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  81. Awesome tutorial, I may find myself in the garage this evening. I followed you over from Lorie's yesterday and read your entire blog. =0)

    I also joined as a follower. You are definitely an inspiration to this mom of 2 boys.

    Cece

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  82. Awesome tutorial! I *am* going to try this one myself! Thank you!!!

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  83. I would love to win this beautiful shelf for our home!! What a generous giveaway...wow!! I have been SO amazed with all your furniture make-overs. You guys are so talented!!

    Lisa
    lisabradford101@gmail.com

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  84. I'm a follower!!

    Lisa
    lisabradford101@gmail.com

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  85. I think I can do this! I'd still love to win yours, though! Love your blog

    Mary
    marybeth99@hotmail.com

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  86. Great Little Shelf You Made :o)

    Your tutorial is THE best I've ever seen. The way you had examples at the store and of the tools and the finishing nails. You don't know how much I appreciate the little things like that. I could just hug you!

    Thank You.
    Rhonda from Minnesota
    rrd_917atyahoodotcom

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  87. Hi this is Michael and I work in Customer Care at Home Depot. Glad to hear about your experience with us. We are making a lot of improvements; it’s nice to see that it’s taking effect at your store in regards to our selections. The shelves look great, keep up the good work! If you ever need us, please get in touch.

    Michael
    Customer Care
    The Home Depot
    Atlanta, GA 30339
    Information@homedepot.com

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  88. I love the shelves-Heather
    lowel_heather@yahoo.com

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  89. Hi Traci, this is my first visit to your blog, what an amazing post! I am in a 'nesting' phase now that school is back in and always looking for ways to 'add' to the decor of our home. I love these shelves. Thank you for taking the time to show that this can be done. I might actually give this a try (unless I win your wonderful shelf) ;-)
    Have a wonderful Monday, I'll be back for sure to read more of your lovely blog.
    Hugs
    Denise

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  90. You make me feel like this is something I could actually do! Thanks! I am book marking this page into my DIY bookmarks.

    Mary
    I am a follower
    mary_phelan at verizon dot net

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  91. I just starting following your blog and this tutorial is fantastic! I plan on making some for my son's room. Thanks for the inspiration and instruction. As a mom of 4 boys (and one girl) myself, I'm amazed at all you do. Truly, Robin.

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  92. That is soooo COOL! Thank you for doing that in a tutorial, I want to make a shelf and maybe more..........

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  93. I don't know what I'm doing obviously, I tried posting a comment with Google account and it didn't work, so I tried under anonymous and maybe it posted maybe not.....thank you for the tutorial you did a great job and I would love to win your shelf!!
    Carol @
    lakrats3@yahoo.com

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  94. I found your blog through Just a Girl and I look forward to reading your past posts.

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  95. I would love to win this! How beautiful! Now I can make my own, too! I'm also a follower, and I posted on my blog: www.sweetsaritadesigns.blogspot.com
    Thanks!

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  96. This is my first time to read your blog. I do this kind of thing all of the time. It's great to find a kindred spirit! It tickled me to picture you at Home Depot taking pictures of the shelves. Only a blogger....Lisa~

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  97. Wow, great tutorial! I'd love to win, though, since I'm typing one handed, holding my little 5 month old "project-preventer" LOL!!!

    Thanks for the giveaway!!!
    Heather

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  98. I am also a new follower =)

    Thanks again!

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  99. Great tutorial! I'm going to try that. Thanks. :)
    Amy
    abf3615@aol.com

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  100. you don't need to prove anything! Love the shelf!

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  101. Oh you are too too cute!!Not sure what I like more... you or the shelf!!Ok! I like you more!!! Just too much fun!

    Come enter to win over at my blog...

    www.bluecricketdesign.blogspot.com

    Hope to see more of you and your fun ideas!

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  102. Wow! You are amazingly crafty and generous! Thank you so much for taking the time to step by step teaching us all how to make these perfect and beautiful shelves.

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  103. Cute! I just happened across your blog today and became an instant follower! I also posted a link on my blog (i'll send you the link if you'd like but I try to keep it a lil hush, hush - just family & close friends - not the whole www!)
    Anyway, off to check out more of your awesome blog!

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  104. I would love, love, love to be entered in your drawing.

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  105. I would love, love, love that shelf. (I had problems leaving you a message earlier - so feel free to delete my previous comment. I don't think it will link up correctly.)

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  106. Hello Traci - what a fabulous tutorial! I always feel like a dummy when I can't seem to follow those "it's a simple as 123" kind of how to's. But your very in depth tutorial is dummy proof! Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks. And for giving it away - how sweet.
    Oh, and I'm a happy follower!

    Blessings,
    Marie
    http://emmacallsmemama.com

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  107. Traci,

    Love your shelves and the tutorial is great too. What a perfect giveaway. Would love to win such a wonderful prize. I'm a new follower---thought I was already, but I wasn't. : )

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  108. Hi Traci,
    I just discovered your blog, and I'm SO glad I did!! What an awesome tutorial you provided for all your readers, and what a wonderful giveaway!! I'd love to be entered!

    Thanks so much!!
    Michele R.(CA)
    Luvkittysmeowmail at Gmail dot com
    Butterfly Whispers

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  109. I'm now following your blog! YAY!!!

    Thanks so much!!
    Michele R.(CA)
    Luvkittysmeowmail at Gmail dot com
    Butterfly Whispers

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  110. I posted about your awesome giveaway on my blog, Butterfly Whispers. Here's the link to the post:

    http://michele-butterflywhispers.blogspot.com/2009/09/awesome-blog-and.html

    Thanks so much!!
    Michele R.(CA)
    Luvkittysmeowmail at Gmail dot com
    Butterfly Whispers

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  111. I love it! I posted on my blog so enter me in, baby! You did a great job!!! :) www.theanticsofus.blogspot.com THanks!

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  112. I would love to follow your blog. Just found it. please enter me in your give away. Being a mom to 7 and in the throws of a move this would be fun to win! kathy
    teamlowe@yahoo.com

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  113. I love it!

    ...and I hope I win it!
    RhondaLue30@yahoo.com

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  114. Wow! That is BEAUTIFUL!!! I can think of so many places to put it! Thanks for the instructions - if I don't win it, I think I might be able to handle that - great explanation!

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  115. Wow this the best most detailed tutorial I have ever seen! I'm inspired to finally make a shelf above the window in my kitchen.

    I had one question about furniture make overs that I have also just caught up on. The liquid sander tip is great, but I've noticed you go straight to painting after that. Do you use primer before painting? A lot of people seem to do that. Do you think its necessary? It sure would be great to save a step in the in make over processs!

    Thanks!
    Stef

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  116. Please enter me in your drawing! I'd love to win :) Your tutorial ROCKS, btw!!!! Blessings

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  117. I love the shelf. I just today stumble upon you blog and wow my mouth is watering! I'm now a follower as well. thanks

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  118. LOVE the tutorial!! LOVE the shelf!! :D I am a follower of your blog. I absolutely love it!! :D Thanks for the chance to win this adorable shelf!! :)

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  119. Howdy from Texas!! Or should I say Buenos Dias? I'm right on the bored with Mexico so it could go either way! I just discovered your blog last night, or early this morning, however you want to look at it! Your style is so close to my style!! I have several projects in the works that seem to come from the same inspiration! I think we must drool over the same magazines!! I am a follower of your blog and I just went and mentioned you at my blog. It's very new and I doing have much traffic there yet, but I hope as I get started on my projects that the readers will come! Thanks for sharing your skills!!! Four chances to win....woot woot! Oh and I think that I have the exact same doll that you or your sister is holding in the first picture of your fathers day post. I still have her, she wears my baby cloths. LOL

    hasta la vista! (see you later)

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  120. YAY! The tutorial is so great! I am going to post a follow up to my original post on my blog!!

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  121. I have the post scheduled tomorrow (and I realized I spelled your name incorrectly in the original post! I am SO SORRY!)

    I am a follower and I also posted about your tutorial and giveaway on Twitter.

    How fun!

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  122. I want in, girl! And check out my blog as of this afternoon... :)

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  123. Beautiful, thanks for the excellent tutorial!

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  124. the tutorial was great! love the shelf. i became a follower when i came across this original post. i love it when people use/make with what they have!!!

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  125. Awesome giveaway! I had been drooling over your shelves, but not daring to try to make one since we have no miter saw. . .
    I hope I win! :)

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  126. You need your own workshop now! Oops...guess the garage is still the he-man's cave or "den" here... You did good!!
    count me in for your drawing. So great of you to do all the labor and then make it a gift!
    Thanks. :-)

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  127. I love it! It is absolutely perfect! I'm thinking it would make a great Christmas gift for my sister's new house. Or should I just keep it for myself? :)

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  128. Oh my a black cafe shelf is definetly on MY christmas list now! That has so many possiblities in my house!

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  129. That is so cute. I've always wanted one. Never got up the nerve to make one or the money to buy one. Thanks for showing us. Great tutorial!

    Kim in TX

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  130. Thanks for the tutorial! I've never gotten up the nerve to make one or the money to buy one!

    Kim in TX

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  131. LOVE that you posted a tutorial for this! I was eyeing it on Be Different and think I am going to try this!

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  132. Oh and I'm your newest follower now too! :)

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  133. I don't have any power tools but your tutorial was totally inspiring! You did such an AWESOME job! How generous of you to host a lovely giveaway :) I'm a follower of your blog and it's definitely bookmarked as one of my faves!

    Have a lovely day!
    ~Michelle :)
    (Treasure the Moment)

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  134. I love that shelf, I have the perfect spot. Fingers crossed. I am a follower, also.

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  135. Ohh, I love it! My kitchen is in desperate need of a black shelf. I'm becoming a follower right now!

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  136. Wow! Love it! My husband would never make me something like that - and he would not let me near power tool... ;-)
    newmommie@gmail.com
    (I don't have my own blog - yet)

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  137. Would sure love to win this! Would make an awesome gift for my Mom for her birthday!!

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  138. Oh, I forgot to add...I'm following you now, you're blog is great!

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  139. Oh...I love that shelf! It looks so professional. I just found you through Be Different Act Normal. Now I am going to have a peek around this place. Thanks for the fun giveaway!

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  140. That is an amazing shelf. Yummy! I would love to put it in my living room. I featured this on my blog somedaycrafts.blogspot.com and linked back to you. great tutorial.

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  141. Love it !! Thanks for the chance..
    kim.fry@idearc.com

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  142. I love the shelves. You are very blessed to have such a sweet husband to do so much for you and make your happiness a priority. Give him a big hug of thanks for me for sharing his talents.

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  143. Love this shelf and thank you for sharing about how you made it! I am a follower & happy that I am!! :)

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  144. Love the shelves! I actually have two shelves that I painted and have been sitting in my office for months because I'm not sure how to hang them. My DH was really concerned about hanging them in studs and holding weight, etc. Any suggestions?

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  145. I am now a follower, and I'm going to go post about your giveaway right now on my blog! I love these shelves!!! You're SO crafty :D
    http://mommaruthsays.blogspot.com

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  146. I love that we, WOMEN, can do things too! Thanks for the awesome tutorial!
    Lyssa

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  147. I blogged about it here!
    http://thecraftyclique.blogspot.com/2009/09/cafe-shelf-tutorial-and-giveaway.html

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  148. you actually get done things that i only think about. great job! and great giveaway too.

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  149. Ooooh La La...I want cute shelves in my house too...I love your blog...and I am praying for your mother. Keep up the creativity!

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  150. Great explanation and pictures. Did the home depot employees say anything to you about taking pictures? Too funny!

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  151. So cute and versatile. Thanks for making an extra for the lucky winner...which hopefully will be me;)

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  152. black is the in thing now, at least at my house! thanks for a great giveaway.

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  153. l-o-v-e this shelf! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  154. Peaches and cream you're smart! Thanks for the giveaway! Your green and black accents are so cute on the black shelves. Really great job! I saw this give-away on the Be Different blog...but now I'm a follower!

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  155. I love the shelf! And I love that you would make a tutorial for it. THANK-YOU! and I hope i win!

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  156. Traci,
    I totally follow your post. You are inspiring me to do so many things and that is good! I have been in a bit of a fog lately.
    I did post on my so very new blog with no readers....http://traciwren.typepad.com/the-reluctant widow/2009/09/craftingscrapbookingdiying.html
    but it is linked! Thank you for the step by step instructions. I think I could actually do it.
    Have a great day.

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  157. You sure did a great job going to the extra effort to make that amazing tutorial. I think I might have to try this in the future. However I would love to win one...it would save me some time.
    I'll have to book mark your site, you obviously have some incredible ideas and useful tips.

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  158. Hi, Traci...
    What a lovely post, and a lovely shelf. Thanks for sharing your talent with us, and for sharing your love, too. Whoever wins the shelf is one lucky lady, because the shelf was made with care and love!

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  159. Traci,
    Love the shelf. Thanks! Love your talent, and thanks for sharing...

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  160. These are awesome! I seriously LOVE them.

    I wrote a post on my blog as soon as I found out about your giveaway! In my post I said "if I had room in my kitchen I'd probably make some", then I thought...hmmmmm my sister-in-law has room in HER kitchen, so I'm totally going to try to convince her to do it in hers! haha.

    Great job, after seeing your post I really feel like I could do something like that on my own!

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  161. That is so awesome! Thanks for the tutorial! I'm going to have to get my DH to make me a few. Those would look great in my redecorated batrooms! ;)

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  162. Be different Act Normal sent me- I want to win this!! Badly :) With Gratitude :) Here's hoping ;) -Dv

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  163. This is one of the BEST tutorials I've seen! I will definitely be trying this very soon!

    Larissa789[at]msn[dot]com
    http://www.fortheloveof-craft.blogspot.com

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  164. I am also following you.

    Larissa789[at]msn[dot]com
    http://www.fotheloveof-craft.blogspot.com

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  165. AND I blogged about this tutorial and giveaway!

    http://fortheloveof-craft.blogspot.com/2009/09/great-cafe-shelves-and-giveaway.html

    Larissa789[at]msn[dot]com

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  166. Awesome! That would look awesome in my house :)

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  167. great idea, and great job! Thanks so much for your generosity too!
    I follow ;-)

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  168. Thank you so much for that tutorial! This is my first time to your blog but you can bet that I'll be back. (Espeically if I win a shelf ;) )

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  169. Ooo I would LOVE that! So cute! Thanks for the great tutorial! :)

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  170. I love this...and thanks for such a great tutorial1
    I am also a follower :)

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  171. I love the shelves - and in black too. My husband does not understand my love for black. Oh and I follow your blog.

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  172. Wow, girl you are now famous! And that shelf is too die for!! Great job! I am sorry about your mom and pray that things get better quickly, but mostly that God will strengthen ya'll to deal with this trial.

    Suzanne
    I am a follower

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  173. Traci, this is great! I'd love to be entered. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  174. What a beautiful creation!! I think it looks fantastic, and I know just where to put it!!

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  175. Love the tutorial. Thank you! Keeping my fingers crossed! :)

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  176. Awesome tutorial! I would love this shelf. Thanks!

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  177. Oh I love it muchly!! Would look fantastic in my kitchen! Count me in to win! :)
    Thanks!

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  178. Thanks for the tutorial. Until I get the resources to make some, I'd love to win the ones you have.

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  179. thanks for the oh so generous give-away!!! I am a follower:)

    Joanna

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  180. Wow, I can't believe you made that shelf! It is awesome and I am now becoming a follower.... :)

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  181. LOVE THIS SHELF! This page in the Ballard catalog has been dog-eared and left out for my husband to find....he hasn't seen it yet. :) I'd love to win!

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  182. I absolutely love your blog. I am such a follower... and I love your shelf! I so want one. I think that I could make it if I didn't win with my hubby's help! I too, understand about your mom with cancer. My own sweet mom lost her battle at a very young age. My prayers are so with you! God Speed!

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  183. I am loving it!!! It would take me a long time to get my husband around to making something for me... and I don't have the know-how to make it myself! (Although I wish I did!)
    I am also a follower!
    And I am going to go post onmy blog right now about the giveaway!!
    God Bless :D

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  184. Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have admired those exact same shelves from Ballards and have wondered about making them myself. I love your step-by-step pictures-- that will be so helpful. I'd love to win your shelf! I just became a follower. :)

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  185. Thanks so much for the great directions! I already have some of the supplies in my garage and am feeling inspired to tackle this project myself. Hoping to win your shelf so I can have a matching set! :) I subscribed to your blog in bloglines a couple weeks ago and have been enjoying your projects. Would love to see more pictures of your home.

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  186. Hi ya! I'm just loving your shelves. I'm hoping to make some and put them in my laundry room that we are redoing. I became a follower a couple days ago. I want you to know that I am praying, praying, praying for your family.

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  187. Oh wow, that is amazing. I'm so glad I stumbled onto your blog, you have a new follower!

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  188. Thanks for such a great tutorial - amazing! I'm scared of the saw....but you make it look easy. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity too. Been praying for your Mom as the Lord has brought you to mind. Praying for healing and comfort.

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  189. Super tutorial--I loved the photos from Lowes. Now I can get exactly the right things! Of course, I might just win yours! Please enter me!

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