Before we walk over to my sister's house, let me tell you a little bit about Jill.
She is my little sister and my hero. She is a daughter, a wife, and a mother to three children and three dogs. She is sensitive, loving, and very spirited. She is THE MOST CREATIVE person that I know and her talents are WAY too many to list, but she is a TRUE artist. She draws. She paints. She sews. She makes all kinds of things. And she has never ever had a lesson in learning how to do any of that. She just does it. Oh, and at the age of 46, she fulfilled a life-long dream and graduated SUMMA CUM LAUDE from college and is now a brand new elementary school teacher and will have her very own classroom this fall. Am I proud of her?
Oh yes.
We love to be silly when we are together - she is hysterically funny and makes me laugh so hard, my tummy will physically ache. We are known as Lucy and Ethel to our friends, and I don't care where we go - it usually ends up being an adventure. We can be SO different, but SO alike too. It's a sister thing and I'm sure many of you understand.
My slipcovers? She sews them. My house painting and daisy painting? She painted them. (I have a new one to share with you too) My adorable book cozies? She created them. My front door curtains? Yep. My kitchen valance? Yep. I could go on and on and on. She is ALL OVER DAISY COTTAGE.
So, let's walk a few blocks and tour Jillsy Willsy's house and keep in mind that EVERYTHING you see came from a yard sale or a thrift shop and probably has been repainted, repurposed, and embellished with MUCH love by my dear, AMAZING sis.
Let's walk around outside first ...
And step on to her charming porch ...
Go ahead and knock on her door - she knows that we are coming...
Welcome to Jill's home and her dining area ...
All of the art has been collected over time from thrift shops and Goodwill...
See this seashell maiden on her wine buffet?
Jill found the bust at Homegoods and hot glued seashells found by her daughter, Jamie, at Little Gasparilla Island.
These lamps were found at a yard sale ... aren't they fab?
Now let's step into her kitchen ... but first may I say that these birdies want to come home with me! ;-)
Jill tiled her counter tops with boxes of tile that she found for a song and dance at our local Habitat for Humanity store ...
And created a back splash too ...
And this was an old rusty tray, found on our trip to Mount Dora. It was sitting under a trailer at a booth, and Jill, with her savvy thrifty expertise, negotiated it down to $7. She painted it red and embellished it with zebra contact paper and vintage fringe ...
See what I mean? ;-)
She cleverly used old utensils for her cabinet knobs ...
And trimmed her cabinet shelves ...
that's little-girl-jill peeking at us there in the frame
And topped her shelves with her vintage cannister collection ...
Next up - her creative pink studio, where wonderful things are made, especially for yours truly.
Sigh. Her creative space makes me almost want to learn how to sew.
On to her bedroom ...
I LOVE the colors in here!
Using a putty knife, Jill created her bathroom wall texture with dry wall compound. After she primed it and then painted it with a base coat, she glazed the walls with a watered-down paint in brown. The result - a warm, tobacco hue ...
What a cozy retreat!
Onward and upward - let's go up her colorful stairs...
And peek into her little "Pearl Harbor" themed bathroom ...
And for our last stop - back down to the family room ...
But first, see the little glass door knob to the left in the photo above?
It is THIS knob that made Jill fall in love with the home three years ago when it was for sale.
Back to the family room ... (yes, we both love red!)
One of MY favorite things in Jill's home is her hippie couch.
She found it at Goodwill and covered the cushion with fabric on sale from Urban Outfitters and used fabric remnants she had on hand to make pillows for it. LOVE it!
I also love what she did with this cabinet ...
Originally donning a pickled finish - and VERY 1980s - Jill painted it black and adhered wallpaper to the back. It holds her vintage clocks.
(hmm - where is the pink clock that she took from me?) Oh that's right, I gave it to her. ;-)
I also love this Goodwill chair that she treated to snazzy new fabric and trim...
It sits proudly in front of one of Jill's favorite thrifted cabinets ...
AND I absolutely love what she did with this Goodwill find ...
The little trunk was black and dingy in its' former life, but it isn't anymore! That is what a little bit of spray adhesive, fun and funky fabric, and trim can do! And having Jill's creative vision and talent doesn't hurt either.
Well, that concludes our visit to my sister's house - for today. We'll visit her again and maybe she will even do a tutorial on her book cozies for us! I know that she is so excited to share her home with all of you - thank you SO much for visiting her with me.
If you have any questions about any of her projects, etc., feel free to leave a comment here and ask her. I'll make sure she answers you!
After all, I AM still her big sister, right? ;-)
Here's to YOU Jill. I love your home and I LOVE YOU.
xo,
Kim
Wow, what color and style. I expected to see Doris Day descend the stairs! I love her porch with the "croc parking" and that pink (or was it red) chest. I have actually been hoping for a paint that is hot raspberry pink/red! Thanks for such a fun home tour. XOXO Kim
Posted by: Kimberly Wells | July 15, 2009 at 03:50 PM
What a couple of creative sisters you two make.
Just wondering: what kind of home did you grow up in? I asked b/c oftentimes the children take up the opposite of the mother. Was wondering if your mother used lots of color in her home?
I LOVE you are only a few blocks from o0ne another, how divine. I am 8 miles from my sister and I love it, though sometimes it seems about 7 miles too far away.
TYSM for sharing yourselves with us. The pics are awesome, and your sister unique and talented indeed.
Sincerely,
Michele
Posted by: Michele | July 15, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Thank you all for the warm reception you have given Miss Flora. I know she's a bit overwhelming and corky, but I love her and I am so happy you have enjoyed your visit. Some of you were so sweet to ask a question or two here are those answers...
Will I be teaching art? No, I have a Kindergarten/first grade class, I am super excited. Thanks for all the encouragement.
Why don't I have a blog? Because I am a blog looser. Jillsywillsy is on Kim's side thingy, but I don't post there anymore, I just couldn't keep up.
Would we like an additional mom or aunt? Sure we are always collecting new family members since we didn't grow up with any extended family.
Do I live right around the corner from Daisy Cottage? Just a couple of blocks away. But you know, every now and then that's even too far!
Why did I decorate the upstairs bathroom in a Peal Harbor theme? Who knows really, the time frame fit the house and my husband and I enjoy history. The black cabinet is a "history" cabinet filled with old pictures, artifacts and books, get the clocks now?
Where did I get the newspaper clipping? My dear friend/cousin brought it back from her trip to Hawaii. It's a souvenir kind of thing.
The book cozies? SO totally Kim's idea, we are planning a tutorial here soon.
The old trunk with the cow fabric? Spray Adhesive, your friend! Cut the fabric a little larger than the side you are covering and spray the heck out of the area, place the fabric on the surface following the directions and trim with a craft knife. Hot glue holds the trim on for a more finished look.
The cushion on the settee? A body pillow covered with a home sewn cover. I hate spending money on stuff that gets ruined in the weather here.
Well, that about does it, I hope. Thanks again for allowing me to visit, and for taking such good care of my sister...she's a gem.
Posted by: jill | July 15, 2009 at 05:30 PM
I'm so inspired by her and she's not even my sister! Summa Cum Laude! Congratulations to her for such an achievement! Those lucky kids that get her for a teacher!
Her house is just so cute and cool! Thank you and Jill for sharing her wonderful home with us and I hope we get to see more! I'm going to look at all the pictures again!
Manuela
Posted by: The Pleasures of Homemaking | July 15, 2009 at 06:07 PM
I can see why Tara featured you in her book, love your blog. Your sister is so creative, her students will be lucky to have her teaching them. Tara's Mom
Posted by: Beverly | July 15, 2009 at 07:26 PM
I absolutely fell in love with those darling little birdies over the doorway. I would have never in a thousand years thought of that.
All I have are brothers. Somehow I don't think a pictorial tour of their garages would be quite the same. Ahh, but can Jill do a brake job for free?
Posted by: Lenna | July 15, 2009 at 08:04 PM
Thanks for sharing Jill's home. You both are very talented ladies and you are both lucky to have each other for sisters.
Love all her stuff - she is indeed amazing.
Hugs,
Connie
Posted by: Connie | July 15, 2009 at 08:19 PM
((((Beverly))))
Thank you!!
I can't wait to see Tara's book - you must be SO proud of your girl!
xo,
Me
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | July 15, 2009 at 09:23 PM
You two sisters have WAY too much talent! Thanks for sharing her home - it is similar to yours, with all the cute extras you both display. What fun!
Betty in Oklahoma
Posted by: Betty G. | July 16, 2009 at 12:34 AM
~SWOON~ OH to have such a talent.... (((((HUGS))))) sandi
Posted by: (((((HUGS))))) sandi | July 16, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Sisters are truly a gift from heaven. Your sister has a wonderful home and I love how she decorates!
Hugs,
Donna
Posted by: Donna at Mourning Dove Cottage | July 16, 2009 at 09:32 AM
What a charming, eclectic and beautiful home! I really enjoyed the tour! Thanks for sharing! :)
Posted by: Roeshel | July 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM
The tour of Jill's house was great -- you two are lucky to live close and share so much. You've mentioned that your style isn't your mother's -- how about a tour of her home?
Patty
Posted by: Patty | July 16, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Kim, Your sisters house is amazing. I can't believe that she did all of this in three years! It looks like a work of art that has progressed over decades. I very much enjoyed the use of color in the decorating. This was an inspiring post. Thank you from a woman who loves to see color in a persons house.
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | July 16, 2009 at 11:51 AM
I too have an amazing sister named Jill.....we call her Jilly Bean! You are lucky to have such a wonderful sister and I am competely jealous that you get to live, so close to your Jill!
Denise@cottagesisters
Posted by: Denise@cottagesisters | July 16, 2009 at 12:03 PM
How deliciously fun! Very talented and very creative! I wish I had just an ounce of your whimsical ideas and talent! And...I wish I had the courage to let go and be free! Two very talented and creative and beautiful sisters! Thanks for sharing a bit of your sister's home with us! I loved the tour.
Posted by: Alice | July 16, 2009 at 12:57 PM
What a beautifully done home...
I especially love the colors and the porch.
Thanks for sharing. You did an excellent job with the photography.
Posted by: Deidre' | July 16, 2009 at 01:06 PM
What great houses you both have. I may have to steal many ideas from both of you!
Especially love the kitchen colors and house exterior. If she knows the name of exterior house paint color, would she please share?
Posted by: Carol M | July 16, 2009 at 02:12 PM
You two are adorable! You can tell you are both alike by looking at your houses....and both so talented. I loved it all but particularly the little "lady head vase" sitting on the table. I had those when I was growing up and received flowers for various things. I found one in Nashville a few months back at the flea market!
Posted by: caren | July 16, 2009 at 04:41 PM
It's sweet of your sister to do so much for Daisy Cottage. I'm glad we got to tour her home. Don't you love it when things are re-purposed? I do! Tell your sister thank you, and tell yourself the same.
Hugs!
Posted by: Diane Stephenson | July 16, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Ohh wow , makes me wanna move in with Jill
thanks for the field trip Kim! lovely home Jill :)
Posted by: susieQ | July 16, 2009 at 06:07 PM
Thank you Kim and Jill for sharing Jill's home. It's fabulous! What fun (for both of you) to have a sister to share your creative joy!
Love the color and the collections in Jill's home!
Oh...and Jill, if you ever get the time...I'd love to purchase some book cozies....or, anything that you make!
Posted by: elizabeth | July 16, 2009 at 09:30 PM
Wow! (mounth hanging open in amazement.) Now THAT was fun! It was all so fabulous, I think I'll have to take several visits to soak up all the fantastic details! The crock parking?? Too funky and FUN! Love it! Love it all!!!....You sisters, you're both amazingly talented! Thanks for the tour!
I kept being reminded of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine as I read this post(sniff, sniff) and all the wonderful home tours and artists' homes featured there. Oh, the good ol' days.
Posted by: Julie | July 16, 2009 at 10:35 PM
What a unique and artistic home...love it! I especially love the thrift store finds and color combinations such as the bedroom...it all looks so inviting. You both have a great sense of style...thanks so much for the tour. :)
Posted by: tammyCA | July 17, 2009 at 01:55 AM
beautiful
hugs from Italy
ps waiting for the tut..
Posted by: Antonella | July 17, 2009 at 03:55 AM
What a treat to visit your sisters house! Her home is as colorful as yours with all the perfect "little" touches! I too have a little sister named Jill that I adore and my daughter is named after her.
You and your sister are two of a kind!
:) Jan
p.s. I love the little birdhouse with the 4 little dog "ends".
Posted by: Jan | July 17, 2009 at 07:02 AM
Wow, wow, wow!!! I mean, the whole place is spectacular, but I am particularly in love with those lamps. I am a huge fan of thrift stores and re-purposed everything, but I live in the north (Yukon) where there is not a lot to be found. Anyhow - an inspiration!
Posted by: Jenn | July 17, 2009 at 12:06 PM
I have a wonderful sister named Jill too! I did a tiny little tour on my blog a while back of her home, so I had to pop in and see all the good stuff here. So much fun and sweetness. I'm glad you two have each other.
Posted by: Melony at Whimsy Daisy! | July 17, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Wow! Summa Cum Laude is the highest honor and praise to receive. It's obvious Jill is not only intelligent but amazingly creative as well. Her home is neat and organized, like Daisy Cottage.
I love the art, zebra chairs, the nurses cap in the Pearl Harbor bathrm and the doorknob is gorgeous...very vintage!!
Your tour and photos are as real as being there in person.
Carole
Posted by: Carole | July 17, 2009 at 05:24 PM
Incredible use of color and such an eye for details! I love the bird stencils the best.
Posted by: liza | July 18, 2009 at 01:10 AM
OK, I can definitely tell you are sisters, with all this color! It's fantastic! Makes me smile! Wish I were brave enough to try that green in the first photos!!! I also love old vintage religious pictures! Love how she put them on the wall with the crosses. Love the stair steps in different colors. Love it all! Patti
Posted by: Dreams and Decor | July 18, 2009 at 01:12 AM
Oh my goodness gracious!!! First thing that comes to my mind is this: I bet your mother is so darn proud of the two of you and all the sweet details that you have added to your homes. Wow! is the second thing that comes to my mind. Good golly miss molly is the third! And fourth....you girls certainly love color and it must be from your growing up in colorful Miami. What a pure treat it was to look into Jill's home, Kim. I so enjoyed the tour and especially love the old clocks and the vintage cookbooks....love the slim recipes next to the not-so-slim ones.
sending you big hugs and love,
becky
Posted by: Sweet Cottage Dreams | July 18, 2009 at 01:17 AM
Big, big congratulations to Jill on her graduation! That is a big accomplishment, with honors no less! Education will be better for her presence I'm sure.
OH MY GOSH THE EYE CANDY!!!! Her home is just delightful. I smiled, and laughed, and ooooh and ahhhhed all the way through! The crok parking was such a surprise and the cutest thing ever! The colors everywhere--dazzling. This makes me want to buy a whole paint box of colors. Thank you so much for sharing. And special thanks to Jill for letting you. Here's a toast to both of you and sister love.
Hugs to both of you,
Lallee
PS Where are the dogs?
Posted by: Lallee | July 18, 2009 at 06:44 AM
hey there all and especially Carol M. The outside color is Paradise Valley from Valspar, Lowes.
Posted by: jill | July 18, 2009 at 05:42 PM
What a fabulous tour of Jill's home. Thanks for sharing. Both you and your sister have such a great talent on decorating. Always a pleasure to come and visit you.
Hugs :)
Irma
Posted by: Irma's Rose Cottage | July 18, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Love her eclectic design. I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of her different dining area chairs.
Cheri
www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com
Posted by: Cheri Peoplesc | July 19, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Jill's home is amazing. You both had an incredible flair for color.
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle
Posted by: Cottage Lifestyle | July 19, 2009 at 04:49 PM
It must be in the genes--a lovely home and such creativity for each of you! Jill's bedroom was my favorite of all, but it was a very difficult decision! Thanks for letting us peek!
Posted by: bungalowbliss | July 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
So, not just good looks run in your family huh? : ) Talent and creativity do as well! I LOVE Jill's house! It is bright, warm, unique and filled with passion, smiles and joy. Hmmm...reminds me of someone else's house...hmmm....oh yes! YOUR'S!
Yes, I do love the color and vibrancy and the love that is so evident here. This is a joyful home, a fun home a special home. It is gorgeous.
Love,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | July 20, 2009 at 04:22 PM
Beautiful tour! Please thank her (and thank you) for letting us visit!!
Posted by: Jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas | July 20, 2009 at 11:38 PM
I love love love your sister's home, Kim. I, too, have a red room with apple green drapes(and a tan sofa!)
Cheers,
Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly Willis Holt | July 21, 2009 at 09:47 AM
I cannot believe how beautiful your sister's home is. It is full of amazing, beautiful, wonderful things. You each have a gift.
Posted by: Shelly Capehart | July 21, 2009 at 09:40 PM
I love Daisy Cottage, but Jill's house just says "me". Thanks so much for posting this! Makes me wanna hit the sewing machine.
Posted by: mrsbucket | July 26, 2009 at 02:25 PM
What an amazing house! You are 2 talented sisters. It is so nice to see color. As much as I love white I live with color and lots of it too. My house isn't done enough to post about it yet but you two are VERY inspiring. I am going to forward this to my daughter. She is a big thrift store chick and will love this. k
Posted by: kath | July 28, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Love Jillsy Willsy's house. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Rebecca Cook | March 09, 2010 at 03:52 PM
Great house. This house is very colorful! The door looks awesome. I need some exterior doors like the one above. Keep the posts coming.
Posted by: treejohn572 | August 12, 2011 at 02:11 PM