tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6343051467411156762024-03-04T20:49:03.053-08:00Onesie TwosieLesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-71531639585471032302011-12-16T21:44:00.000-08:002011-12-16T21:48:34.831-08:00DIY Christmas Card Holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last year, I fretted over <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2010/12/creative-christmas-card-display.html">how to display</a> all the loverly Christmas cards we receive from our beautiful friends. It's no secret, the more cards you display at Christmas time, the more people think you are super duper popular. Oh wait. </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/AVvXsEi1ZNtfdE6zaLSg5PFFSpriZs8MPsQdqSMpwjC7F7PKQ4by0HPmkzFNFXjxPuVy3cy9_7uauOilJIkn_nWhwawVbo1NFcSQ0tvKc2ojPO_hEX8wYhZEZVhbIAQ8aaCMjeF6L-IA6I1qKGTG/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZNtfdE6zaLSg5PFFSpriZs8MPsQdqSMpwjC7F7PKQ4by0HPmkzFNFXjxPuVy3cy9_7uauOilJIkn_nWhwawVbo1NFcSQ0tvKc2ojPO_hEX8wYhZEZVhbIAQ8aaCMjeF6L-IA6I1qKGTG/s400/IMG_9878.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anywho. Since I've gotten into woodworking (check out my attempts <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/06/elementary-table-build-complete.html">here</a> and <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/06/making-my-first-chair.html">here</a> and <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/08/pallet-storage-crate-diy.html">here</a>), I have a lot of leftover mdf (medium density fiberboard) in my garage. Thankfully, I had one piece that was already just the right size for a Christmas card display thing-a-ma-jig.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's how you can make your own:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Get a piece of wood or mdf. I used 1/4 inch thick mdf. You can have the pros at your local hardware store cut yours to size.</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/AVvXsEg-kh-_FweaSwgfCE818xrl1GR-WEHK8qHBxUe1CasxiWc7SFt0OXdw45z7BKigBbW9txpCFSobNEZzf080VRdX6HVMj7-j6Jiwf_2Y2OleD-KDuYJqsgoWsWw7olow_39i7wo5b74PBzlY/s1600/IMG_9790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kh-_FweaSwgfCE818xrl1GR-WEHK8qHBxUe1CasxiWc7SFt0OXdw45z7BKigBbW9txpCFSobNEZzf080VRdX6HVMj7-j6Jiwf_2Y2OleD-KDuYJqsgoWsWw7olow_39i7wo5b74PBzlY/s320/IMG_9790.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Paint it white. Keep in mind, if you use mdf, it tends to take a lot more paint. You can use housepaint or acrylic paint (I used the cheap-o $.99 acrylic stuff from Hobby Lobby).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGQqhsGO6HpULEu3dE7sWUgdPkh-3P7fUkED8IO67cWslRpUCCFfS4yp9da08DpPT7LUuv8frFDRnQB_vtPrivwieemTynVADKoO2m4aXnVwdPCTF0r_a0nqSyMFSnvUF2SBSQPECNCCY/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGQqhsGO6HpULEu3dE7sWUgdPkh-3P7fUkED8IO67cWslRpUCCFfS4yp9da08DpPT7LUuv8frFDRnQB_vtPrivwieemTynVADKoO2m4aXnVwdPCTF0r_a0nqSyMFSnvUF2SBSQPECNCCY/s320/IMG_9791.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Draw the basic outline for your word box. To do this, I used my kids' plastic cereal bowl to make the curves at the ends, then my square to make sure the lines were straight. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzyJoad6dfpaA7N6wFn9oaUaRQhvbardpQZuPvPLNcHiAw3-1nsxpe56KDMy-koXatCR0tUDELWgwB52GOSBCRPHxfE_zQkUXVxyRhfkRFn1yuLR9_R076L1_BL-CVlqxNQk7RgUbr1YN/s1600/IMG_9794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzyJoad6dfpaA7N6wFn9oaUaRQhvbardpQZuPvPLNcHiAw3-1nsxpe56KDMy-koXatCR0tUDELWgwB52GOSBCRPHxfE_zQkUXVxyRhfkRFn1yuLR9_R076L1_BL-CVlqxNQk7RgUbr1YN/s320/IMG_9794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qWEwUTh0vqfIE_vNtIRcwCZ1tm55nSpwhGJJKtcb1TmbjyBlyQczQD-UvyKzN2XNkiYcop8yb6Jjg8ZNimHI59Gu8adZRx0Db6xWTYFDwYEJuFdgH2EvMg2ibHCdY0tsPMeErT5_y82D/s1600/IMG_9795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qWEwUTh0vqfIE_vNtIRcwCZ1tm55nSpwhGJJKtcb1TmbjyBlyQczQD-UvyKzN2XNkiYcop8yb6Jjg8ZNimHI59Gu8adZRx0Db6xWTYFDwYEJuFdgH2EvMg2ibHCdY0tsPMeErT5_y82D/s320/IMG_9795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. <i>Lightly</i> make the round circles inside the text box. I used the bottom of a paint container. After I got the circles where I wanted them, I erased them to the point where I could see them just enough to paint them. I do this because I like to paint the circles with a light coat of paint and don't want pencil marks showing through.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIlGPEX7BS17b8t4_3hrk8IHZUgceadqSepP1wKXylVZpElr_dlkRa-rBJ3u0n9dIu0gQ8GN-Cuboapa-OLjR4CMSyiG-9-BFE816TGtY_36HAYTL8ZMh3Zw-EOzuKHySSqbIsokYVZi1/s1600/IMG_9799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIlGPEX7BS17b8t4_3hrk8IHZUgceadqSepP1wKXylVZpElr_dlkRa-rBJ3u0n9dIu0gQ8GN-Cuboapa-OLjR4CMSyiG-9-BFE816TGtY_36HAYTL8ZMh3Zw-EOzuKHySSqbIsokYVZi1/s320/IMG_9799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Paint the circles! Again, use a light coat of paint here. I found that it's best to use a flat tip paint brush to get the best circles.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk9nx9pE2hg4wO2ez-AMTfpxQzUsYgBO09OYjpqd10AxHxE-1pwpIO9NoiTM5krQwoXOhegYW1rre1fPlRc-JuulQc7TH3W251eVLFXLPczD94d0Sn4wFkTBWAwWBiE62llOY9uwKnqhJ/s1600/IMG_9803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk9nx9pE2hg4wO2ez-AMTfpxQzUsYgBO09OYjpqd10AxHxE-1pwpIO9NoiTM5krQwoXOhegYW1rre1fPlRc-JuulQc7TH3W251eVLFXLPczD94d0Sn4wFkTBWAwWBiE62llOY9uwKnqhJ/s320/IMG_9803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. Don't pay attention to this picture! Or, pay attention to it, but then skip it! I would wait until after you paint everything else to paint the black outline.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeLRH-JDOx93Wm4r58Acsyl8TXbgUc4b-lG7zExERPlrcNv3taJBrGcLevreo3kuuY41TT08yfhbZ5ltcEvpjlXcjU0er8WBdSgNRcIH4lpHPFAWAhrZvPHYXbDcxc6llvEhxYPwelV1a/s1600/IMG_9807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeLRH-JDOx93Wm4r58Acsyl8TXbgUc4b-lG7zExERPlrcNv3taJBrGcLevreo3kuuY41TT08yfhbZ5ltcEvpjlXcjU0er8WBdSgNRcIH4lpHPFAWAhrZvPHYXbDcxc6llvEhxYPwelV1a/s320/IMG_9807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7. Draw in your zebra print. I simply googled "zebra print," then found a picture I liked and used that to inspire the drawing on my beautimous Christmas card display holder thingy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFdYxsuClrn8n36rujwEXw0TZGeX27plX9oQlhZN0uVeijrn7PckbH2YDNi0CjJi2CkHZrPCiKPclyxsvtOu_Td_aTwRV5X7b1EDQcINZ411pEe0uBZTJnZWTAK6bR2J-EP-cosdpUrxz/s1600/IMG_9818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFdYxsuClrn8n36rujwEXw0TZGeX27plX9oQlhZN0uVeijrn7PckbH2YDNi0CjJi2CkHZrPCiKPclyxsvtOu_Td_aTwRV5X7b1EDQcINZ411pEe0uBZTJnZWTAK6bR2J-EP-cosdpUrxz/s320/IMG_9818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8. Draw in the words. I used Nightmare Before Christmas font.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLxN6Gy0mGfw9n9JMgCsi7-TvjneoPPLEXKfY84HSkIcf857zIVRMozu0q4k4xmOFmlq_0ztCMYk1HKSe6h_5mow6NURRK1FbgF7D0x-XTHvQyEUQVmSXUNOgZ8FbyHC1fQvubygR2JOl/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLxN6Gy0mGfw9n9JMgCsi7-TvjneoPPLEXKfY84HSkIcf857zIVRMozu0q4k4xmOFmlq_0ztCMYk1HKSe6h_5mow6NURRK1FbgF7D0x-XTHvQyEUQVmSXUNOgZ8FbyHC1fQvubygR2JOl/s320/IMG_9820.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of sidenotes: I actually like the cheapest red paint for this - Apple Barrel from Wal-mart.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiFi7ILABIrxkLaqgCh3oO9c63ST5rXEW38S9743WSAAPRBNNjD2OVPeyRu-G2Qk_kuvi32FMuyOtnNNZSdo5rMDo9z99uaCQoVdl-KiwYfvONInjQRGcouoFWtzuqB-1gZ9gqmwWuuVm/s1600/IMG_9848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiFi7ILABIrxkLaqgCh3oO9c63ST5rXEW38S9743WSAAPRBNNjD2OVPeyRu-G2Qk_kuvi32FMuyOtnNNZSdo5rMDo9z99uaCQoVdl-KiwYfvONInjQRGcouoFWtzuqB-1gZ9gqmwWuuVm/s320/IMG_9848.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I use a paper plate as my paint palette. I find that to be the most awesome paint palette ever. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5_V7739xle6JpY3YC551wOa8KXKbvsnQu0maljDD1cQXMsR0FHmFHzuhV7U80IDmr-bFqONbTcJkvKnAzvD65s-vo2w9N-o1EpupkgTwFmnze44TPEvWjMDdAc32F4DecyaLcas_7X0x/s1600/IMG_9850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5_V7739xle6JpY3YC551wOa8KXKbvsnQu0maljDD1cQXMsR0FHmFHzuhV7U80IDmr-bFqONbTcJkvKnAzvD65s-vo2w9N-o1EpupkgTwFmnze44TPEvWjMDdAc32F4DecyaLcas_7X0x/s320/IMG_9850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a close up of my preferred brushes. I use a foam brush for big over all paint (it works well for the circles too!). I like the flat brushes for detail work.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdpeVu2zOgn5vOwLDxRU911BfYyzkimmwUqEPUt_QTvYWexVoETdG0woP-c9UNCQT9P_i9luLhoEOmXGDSlBUTxFtMSX9ibsYP-EhKC7uFOadmwon3tdBK7CXMe_cb-qtHgulbCHsmusX/s1600/IMG_9852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdpeVu2zOgn5vOwLDxRU911BfYyzkimmwUqEPUt_QTvYWexVoETdG0woP-c9UNCQT9P_i9luLhoEOmXGDSlBUTxFtMSX9ibsYP-EhKC7uFOadmwon3tdBK7CXMe_cb-qtHgulbCHsmusX/s320/IMG_9852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">9. (Or step 6 again if you skipped it the first time like I told you to!) Paint in the zebra print. <i>Then</i>, paint the black outline. Paint in the words.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqILQh5fvFwzt22ZYBg81_LNQHSUkKnEWcYgqkl3ujFJyw37Wr3gO2jsK7IPWDAhm0uny3nj53zw0MA2dzz6RkX6QvFdficaa6bbz2_hEjIE5Ld9R9ff8HGolox6bfppOuOcAu_QBmNuI/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqILQh5fvFwzt22ZYBg81_LNQHSUkKnEWcYgqkl3ujFJyw37Wr3gO2jsK7IPWDAhm0uny3nj53zw0MA2dzz6RkX6QvFdficaa6bbz2_hEjIE5Ld9R9ff8HGolox6bfppOuOcAu_QBmNuI/s320/IMG_9856.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10. Paint those tiny little cute dots on the outline...'cause hey - design is in the details!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-WanXs4ZpEpmO1Bw83ElQ92WxITrWJtATifzmbc1cCp8iUr5NHDW41Vbv42-GaXoiaUbkSRu0D9RAXtdyCrSlA9RYt8iGKBw6nCmrV9JTj8eoyqEAoctWfGSi7XjmDmm02wXkPTSKFq-/s1600/IMG_9857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-WanXs4ZpEpmO1Bw83ElQ92WxITrWJtATifzmbc1cCp8iUr5NHDW41Vbv42-GaXoiaUbkSRu0D9RAXtdyCrSlA9RYt8iGKBw6nCmrV9JTj8eoyqEAoctWfGSi7XjmDmm02wXkPTSKFq-/s320/IMG_9857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">11. Sorry there is no picture for this, but now is the time to hang the picture hanger on the back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">12. Hot glue the adorable little clothes pins on the edges. Glue them so that about 1/2 inch is hanging off the edge. I used a ruler to make sure mine were evenly spaced apart. The clothes pins can be found at Walmart in the stationary section. They are 2 inches long and 1/4 inch thick.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsy8zJ4sEWUYJwGRQ81q02FOmNeh2d4dcQRlP9OYHeHMnT10BbXGhTWN29Cj0sDu-ANCVT4uE8CP_TaE1t4Lwd0tkrkDqYCWnnDzi8bj-2X8GhhOFuZFyW86p6aOaY8Sr_hZmvqIuyRDW/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsy8zJ4sEWUYJwGRQ81q02FOmNeh2d4dcQRlP9OYHeHMnT10BbXGhTWN29Cj0sDu-ANCVT4uE8CP_TaE1t4Lwd0tkrkDqYCWnnDzi8bj-2X8GhhOFuZFyW86p6aOaY8Sr_hZmvqIuyRDW/s320/IMG_9878.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">13. Hang your Christmas Card Display Work-of-Art (bingo! I finally figured out a name for it!) then sit back and admire it. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1nQaOpZ0xTv2Dk-Su-7gt4UoqwWGuD0OHVAPXcrhqGRz62BDiky39hyNxzJeVcTOoBRW2ohiCSA7Zv1S-SEiWvvOLPMeIAuUV_LRIqAckQzaEC7M5qQz1bBNZ1mK2P8spRwXPaMRgHjP/s1600/IMG_9882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1nQaOpZ0xTv2Dk-Su-7gt4UoqwWGuD0OHVAPXcrhqGRz62BDiky39hyNxzJeVcTOoBRW2ohiCSA7Zv1S-SEiWvvOLPMeIAuUV_LRIqAckQzaEC7M5qQz1bBNZ1mK2P8spRwXPaMRgHjP/s320/IMG_9882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">14. Then, clip on a bunch of cards from the years past so that when folks come to your home, they think that you are incredibly popular and have a lot of friends. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8NcXAS5WYH0J7VsSuYER1xkZzheJlIi1gUesnQhxuJsx-rqOIp0C5JhiSb2o5EnKfxRcp36lq9w3kzACYtuSGnNUyji6bMHzERva8bE8N4cmJvnl43d5ewefDtE8sATBdXqBvU3hANMl/s1600/IMG_9894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8NcXAS5WYH0J7VsSuYER1xkZzheJlIi1gUesnQhxuJsx-rqOIp0C5JhiSb2o5EnKfxRcp36lq9w3kzACYtuSGnNUyji6bMHzERva8bE8N4cmJvnl43d5ewefDtE8sATBdXqBvU3hANMl/s320/IMG_9894.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Merry Christmas!</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-73283002564357184742011-09-24T19:25:00.000-07:002011-09-24T19:25:40.590-07:00Painted Chevron Sign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Subtitle: My first Silhouette {cutting machine} project!!!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After my amazing hunk of a hubby bought me a Silhouette cutting machine for my birthday, I was so excited I could pee my pants. In fact, I think I may have done just that. Just a little. Don't judge. I could not <i>wait </i>to jump right in and get started cutting some vinyl! That enthusiasm, of course, led to the poor Silhouette sitting lonely on my craft shelf for almost 3 months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However! Here we are...with my first Silhouette project completed and hanging on the wall! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This vintage chevron sign tutorial <a href="http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2011/06/how-to-make-a-vintage-chevron-sign/">here</a> at The Handmade Home was my inspiration for this first project. The Handmade Home is my total blog crush. Ashley's home is incredibly creative, handmade, artistic, and personal. I often dream at night of packing up the kids, knocking on her door, and asking if we can move in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That weird stalkiness aside, on to the sign...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to use this sign to display a list of the read aloud books that my son, Merrick, and I have read together. Merrick is 5 years old and we just started <a href="http://www.gettinskooled.blogspot.com/">homeschooling</a> (kindergarten) a few weeks ago. I will cherish the memories of reading these books together, snuggled up together on his bed, for a long, long time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made my sign just like Ashley's tutorial with a few exceptions. The size of my sign is a little different, so I had to change up the dimensions a bit. For the white paint, I used my leftover paint from my <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/06/cubby-storage-system-part-1.html">cubby storage project</a> (which is still incomplete by the way...I think I'll be in diapers before that stinkin' project is finished!). The white, Magnolia Blossom, is my new favorite white.</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/AVvXsEgabRVNBU4PBgxF3GFco-SfeopudCZAOWA3miRyyXbpQB23JgwCoXwA7rW01Ps4vScetIq9VgQioQNrbjqO_SUhJA_9qKvhOk9tkT8oynsDtcagj6OAwbUlWhBPnFcExsLE1VrlnvmKOsS1/s1600/IMG_7310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabRVNBU4PBgxF3GFco-SfeopudCZAOWA3miRyyXbpQB23JgwCoXwA7rW01Ps4vScetIq9VgQioQNrbjqO_SUhJA_9qKvhOk9tkT8oynsDtcagj6OAwbUlWhBPnFcExsLE1VrlnvmKOsS1/s400/IMG_7310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It took me at least one episode of Friday Night Lights to get through just taping the sign. It took me a couple of tries before I figured out exactly where the tape should go. I'm kinda brilliant like that.</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/AVvXsEj4T0fXWXgEm5Rxqrh4oBy7rOHvgT4T5M1PVqSuaq91PNDCi_DW5xbmj_J9fnMC37pd4BG22JGRNLafrrDpTvR_zP7x22WstwiVYgCM_U1M8lPWA6V1Rty1elWuue9PNOevEsVuGi-u1jdb/s1600/IMG_7261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T0fXWXgEm5Rxqrh4oBy7rOHvgT4T5M1PVqSuaq91PNDCi_DW5xbmj_J9fnMC37pd4BG22JGRNLafrrDpTvR_zP7x22WstwiVYgCM_U1M8lPWA6V1Rty1elWuue9PNOevEsVuGi-u1jdb/s400/IMG_7261.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are the two greens I used. I really like how one is a warm yellow green and the other is very cool. As always, I used the Behr paint from Home Depot. I love that it has the primer included in the paint. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh186a0FfuxHZogLwTV-Yf5lh3ELiRAGREOl7phSmIZ-i-Lod-ueAg_NtzJZ6IJzH-GET6UGMG5ktWYd0ZAIFRRrs5LJFIFsMuyO1_PQcLN2s3DFIT-7R7-NHq2q1zChqYD8TPKmtc-ZxoV/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh186a0FfuxHZogLwTV-Yf5lh3ELiRAGREOl7phSmIZ-i-Lod-ueAg_NtzJZ6IJzH-GET6UGMG5ktWYd0ZAIFRRrs5LJFIFsMuyO1_PQcLN2s3DFIT-7R7-NHq2q1zChqYD8TPKmtc-ZxoV/s400/IMG_7263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried wiping a bit of the paint off as mentioned in the original tutorial but didn't have much luck with that. Instead, I used a dry brush and painted a little of the coordinating color here and there to give it a messy look.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKihH7-jPuXpbwijLVtUY-rzMDWCbteV99adzJUhSr-e0nE2kzOsFtCHL6iauS5ncBUV4T2WfD3x66h2HB4TlHf5URfPgP7ax4LpWyFW8933mtC6jbZUaAt8FRJxE7ZhcxXlHUlEiaBdHd/s1600/IMG_7267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKihH7-jPuXpbwijLVtUY-rzMDWCbteV99adzJUhSr-e0nE2kzOsFtCHL6iauS5ncBUV4T2WfD3x66h2HB4TlHf5URfPgP7ax4LpWyFW8933mtC6jbZUaAt8FRJxE7ZhcxXlHUlEiaBdHd/s400/IMG_7267.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that I'm looking at it again, I wish I would have painted a little green (using the same dry brush method) on the white as well.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbnXLyjxX4m8GRpmRzg3D5nqmlZyAcvTIV5RrglnL4fa5OyHk_ea3e-QGEKof8xaJlbENUm8YsDmJxuXpHPnfwLgQvvbcveDHaP_Bz-Oc01fyK_zs5_5oOHKsv7rSRYuBoY-tYI89ANZ8/s1600/IMG_7275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbnXLyjxX4m8GRpmRzg3D5nqmlZyAcvTIV5RrglnL4fa5OyHk_ea3e-QGEKof8xaJlbENUm8YsDmJxuXpHPnfwLgQvvbcveDHaP_Bz-Oc01fyK_zs5_5oOHKsv7rSRYuBoY-tYI89ANZ8/s400/IMG_7275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Using the Silhouette was pretty simple once I figured it out (which, as I mentioned above, only took 3 months...once again, brilliant). The only difficult thing was sticking the getting the letters to stay on straight. I think, however, that there is a transfer paper that you can buy that can solve this problem. Feel free to clue me in if you're in the know here. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnAQ8cH9r7bMgfMkbdXF_hs4412fDk5euEgxxlJdu5sRB2SNin0fXnih33a_XIX0NLSymRXRSvZmAz51ymSgt3lZaVy_S_kNRdC-xwGul0nlBFoj9a2h1723geD_BnJNelYa9mM_MJTAh/s1600/IMG_7304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnAQ8cH9r7bMgfMkbdXF_hs4412fDk5euEgxxlJdu5sRB2SNin0fXnih33a_XIX0NLSymRXRSvZmAz51ymSgt3lZaVy_S_kNRdC-xwGul0nlBFoj9a2h1723geD_BnJNelYa9mM_MJTAh/s400/IMG_7304.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I couldn't wait to show my hubby how my first Silhouette project turned out. He looked at it, as he always does, for a few seconds trying to figure out what to say. "Sooooo....this is what it does, huh?" he said. "Yes! It just cuts all my letters and I slap it down on the board. Do you like it?" I asked, naturally trying to trap him into giving me a definite answer. "Yeah," he says, unconvincingly, "but, why wouldn't you just buy vinyl letters?" Oh my gosh. I am speechless for one full minute. Did we just spend a couple hundred dollars on a confusing machine when I could have just spend $3.99 at Hobby Lobby on a few packs of vinyl letters? Then, thinking quickly, I replied, "Because with this, I can make the letters any size and in any font." Yes, I reassure myself, that is definitely worth a couple hundred bucks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK. I am still in love with my Silhouette. I am probably going to make about 10 more signs in the next month alone. But, I have got to figure out how to use it to it's full capacity so that the vinyl letter aisle at Hobby Lobby isn't mocking me every time I pass by. If you have any resources to this effect, feel free to drop me a line. :)</div><br />
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</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-15692054370148259542011-09-08T10:32:00.000-07:002011-09-09T19:43:26.701-07:00Chocolate Chip Banana Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3akmXWKHf5mki1O6wy-ZAMArUNjb691WbMmBYeY-C169KAsrYRTXJ1Rjb4fOMEd2oi1kTzvCPlOAPAwZ7_olgELScVwWrA_-BLbyvDRAm9RXUBM0r8ArqR6sm7VObISeWgaaw4PbM-wkr/s1600/Cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3akmXWKHf5mki1O6wy-ZAMArUNjb691WbMmBYeY-C169KAsrYRTXJ1Rjb4fOMEd2oi1kTzvCPlOAPAwZ7_olgELScVwWrA_-BLbyvDRAm9RXUBM0r8ArqR6sm7VObISeWgaaw4PbM-wkr/s400/Cake.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">My two year old boy is a banana addict. It's an addiction I am willing to support because every once in a while, we end up with a few extra bananas. In the past, when those bananas got too ripe to eat, I'd bake them into some banana bread and give it to the family for breakfast <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(or, worse, I'd throw them into the freezer to make banana bread later and end up with twenty or thirty black frozen bananas).</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">But, come on. Let's be real. If you're going to bake a couple of bananas into a "bread" that has sugar, flour, eggs, butter, and nuts...then, you smoother it with <i>more</i> butter when it comes out...you might as well take the next step and add a few chocolate chips and call it what it <i>really</i> is: <b>awesome</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Don't get me wrong. This recipe is not banana bread with chocolate chips. Instead, it is more like the perfect cross between a chocolate chip cookie and banana cake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Mucho thanks goes to my best friend Angela for this recipe. And, a big "no thank you" to that same awesome bestie for my new addiction.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Let me just say...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIrEY1UZe7POd6RRX7AoE9VuJOXCcl0fTNSHknaOzp7khwDUXbb1nIxtemVgzJy9z-3lGWSnXl97d-kxfb4PjQ18G70lDrzHUpjNrmf5xqe5teFOxkMNrjq2GWd8UadQs9InRmW3pThM/s1600/Yum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIrEY1UZe7POd6RRX7AoE9VuJOXCcl0fTNSHknaOzp7khwDUXbb1nIxtemVgzJy9z-3lGWSnXl97d-kxfb4PjQ18G70lDrzHUpjNrmf5xqe5teFOxkMNrjq2GWd8UadQs9InRmW3pThM/s320/Yum.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Now, I'll get to the actual recipe...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chocolate Chip Banana Cake</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups flour<br />
2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
3/4 cup butter or margarine<br />
2/3 cup sugar<br />
2/3 cup brown sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
3 medium sized bananas, mashed<br />
1 large egg<br />
12 - 16 oz chocolate chips<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a jelly roll pan (I use a 13 x 9 inch glass pan).<br />
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.<br />
Beat the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Beat in bananas and egg. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.<br />
Spread into your pan.<br />
Bake for 20-30 min.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskieH2NJJpnwmt_twjmk5s2o9eMBOa65xNe-mfh_AKAnHmbyjVRMmQew6coD1sF5TUDTwLplyxhHx_KaQAfhCASEZ3jlyH4b3xOZPhYdMymvbsvJRc9Try1cEqwm8k-tLMMNRjBk2x5Y/s1600/IMG_6279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskieH2NJJpnwmt_twjmk5s2o9eMBOa65xNe-mfh_AKAnHmbyjVRMmQew6coD1sF5TUDTwLplyxhHx_KaQAfhCASEZ3jlyH4b3xOZPhYdMymvbsvJRc9Try1cEqwm8k-tLMMNRjBk2x5Y/s400/IMG_6279.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpegqm8RZSiqAuM9CpcYiupQ3Fb3R8lk2DMuwyIUpfcA75DPj74U75BoeVLMRKmDOZpfLqnozJYi9vs-10O1enR6SqHirYED8Xl9tX4RiUB0nL3HUOB6fi_3cURX6pISNLCvV5VsPbxG4/s1600/IMG_6281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpegqm8RZSiqAuM9CpcYiupQ3Fb3R8lk2DMuwyIUpfcA75DPj74U75BoeVLMRKmDOZpfLqnozJYi9vs-10O1enR6SqHirYED8Xl9tX4RiUB0nL3HUOB6fi_3cURX6pISNLCvV5VsPbxG4/s400/IMG_6281.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dH2g58bw8dWTBTuinnQBK-6SqHl2wxVz_IDRDfvbH1B39aWekLFGnzr1jGfsLfFySx4wFLr23DWRjpNubWzk7HOKZANjxbVpEsXeiWMVts6D7Za-AW7vpVo0CqgGH4akjhCvXLk2iJE/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dH2g58bw8dWTBTuinnQBK-6SqHl2wxVz_IDRDfvbH1B39aWekLFGnzr1jGfsLfFySx4wFLr23DWRjpNubWzk7HOKZANjxbVpEsXeiWMVts6D7Za-AW7vpVo0CqgGH4akjhCvXLk2iJE/s400/IMG_6273.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="266" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwu_GhoT0MKPlclVLSMWhyphenhyphenIaXTXhV_qpaEeMPTmJAokIYd2dWtLcXvhaX7GONssMm3N0i-i4dKphGMsIkNEMRm77_a82u3hya5iaqmgbGOBeFMFbgLxFBlz3iX20xCSjxDIoO6VIPzhc/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwu_GhoT0MKPlclVLSMWhyphenhyphenIaXTXhV_qpaEeMPTmJAokIYd2dWtLcXvhaX7GONssMm3N0i-i4dKphGMsIkNEMRm77_a82u3hya5iaqmgbGOBeFMFbgLxFBlz3iX20xCSjxDIoO6VIPzhc/s400/IMG_6285.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{Enjoy!}</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
I'm linking up here:<br />
<br />
</div><a
border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com"
target="_blank"><img
src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg"
alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap
up party!" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-81463157445404131822011-08-26T19:31:00.000-07:002011-08-29T09:31:48.365-07:00Pallet Storage Crate {DIY}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkcV2od0s22kpbUdAIkNFwQb5aVlHqjbzxShli9mcADkRjvskujQYZFx5Al-qT_CRUPP_lB-odyuRyJpw6eZ_5A98lERNNslBiHtYd4PEyE83neUTzT06QAEyP-9BzG9ebfbHb2-c-C2q/s1600/PalletCrate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkcV2od0s22kpbUdAIkNFwQb5aVlHqjbzxShli9mcADkRjvskujQYZFx5Al-qT_CRUPP_lB-odyuRyJpw6eZ_5A98lERNNslBiHtYd4PEyE83neUTzT06QAEyP-9BzG9ebfbHb2-c-C2q/s400/PalletCrate.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After seeing countless numbers of reclaimed pallet projects, I had to jump on the bandwagon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My biggest need around here is storage for books. Somehow, between myself and the three gremlins, we have managed to accumulate more books than the local library. And, on top of that, we have a stack or two of books <i>from</i> the local library. A few weeks ago, I made a couple of <a href="http://gettinskooled.blogspot.com/2011/07/forward-facing-bookshelves.html">forward facing shelves</a>. But, those don't actually offer much storage, so I needed the pallet storage crate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got the idea, of course, from Ana White. The plans for the project can be found <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/09/vintage-crate-carts.html">here.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The plan seemed simple enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ol><ol><li>Stalk local business until you find just the perfect pallet.</li>
<li>Tear it apart. Somehow.</li>
<li>Recover for 3 weeks because tearing apart the pallet was so frustrating.</li>
<li>Build the box.</li>
<li>Get distracted for another week on projects like the <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/06/cubby-storage-system-part-1.html">Cubby Storage System</a> and the <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-wooden-read-sign.html">Wooden Read Sign</a>.</li>
<li>Get it together and actually finish the project.</li>
</ol></ol><br />
<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/AVvXsEhOZpjZg-t1gOeh-VoHvyJRO7IieNg4PUGNKMPCBskgYD6ogmyvtfzYo9rli98-CwpO-PkQG1HRMTMOe21v7n0v332AdUGnEgc7TCVKCvo4L26l_Wu8dwkYl07hAtpHkE_8V2CBtGfv0Xta/s1600/IMG_5675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZpjZg-t1gOeh-VoHvyJRO7IieNg4PUGNKMPCBskgYD6ogmyvtfzYo9rli98-CwpO-PkQG1HRMTMOe21v7n0v332AdUGnEgc7TCVKCvo4L26l_Wu8dwkYl07hAtpHkE_8V2CBtGfv0Xta/s400/IMG_5675.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ana left her pallet crates unfinished and they look wonderful. But, I have been working a light olive/turquoise/splash of magenta color scheme in our playroom/schoolroom, so I decided to use paint left over from <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/06/making-my-first-chair.html">the chairs </a>I made a few weeks prior.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zSYIx-GhJpLg5inC4-wAnS0Up4O94x784ycu9HlvQgl1WMDTDEODN0Trkg5RBo-675DXlClL2BYiAg8ro7rfB1PD90gK4o0nif2L4CEUqD-KfJtsyroOkuSO89X9G_WTiWV1rt0K7Coz/s1600/IMG_5689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zSYIx-GhJpLg5inC4-wAnS0Up4O94x784ycu9HlvQgl1WMDTDEODN0Trkg5RBo-675DXlClL2BYiAg8ro7rfB1PD90gK4o0nif2L4CEUqD-KfJtsyroOkuSO89X9G_WTiWV1rt0K7Coz/s400/IMG_5689.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was probably not my favorite project, simply because the crate was SO well nailed together that it was difficult to tear apart (even with the help of this awesome video <a href="http://youtu.be/ZtPmUZ-k3aI">here</a>). But, watching my kids dive into the crate and read book after book...<i>awesome</i>. </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/AVvXsEgtS_TSyEKh65_BY4GvXcpZRImzi-IWXfsq7WEKBm2VYHOKE6xSnOmq_AMRcJua6SPlUb92Xcr1LUKZjGgta_o0cuKmdSJbomlAledRAkO-jSrxkVA0O91fAQCGMhmzGYUJ170YpUl_O4NR/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS_TSyEKh65_BY4GvXcpZRImzi-IWXfsq7WEKBm2VYHOKE6xSnOmq_AMRcJua6SPlUb92Xcr1LUKZjGgta_o0cuKmdSJbomlAledRAkO-jSrxkVA0O91fAQCGMhmzGYUJ170YpUl_O4NR/s400/IMG_6215.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went back and forth on this, but finally decided to add the coaster wheels to the bottom. And, yes, if you're wondering, it took literally less than a minute for the kids to use it as a bumper car. It took less than a day before my big kid tried to stuff my little kids into the crate. He wouldn't confess to this, but I'm pretty sure his plan was to send them down the stairs. Thankfully, they don't fit inside.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uM4QAFSBbpebWlTBYVH4mteoeq-8is3mcC-KLFPr8Sx8X5TTzYrVLvprlFJ6WHZJdI86cx52DO6tK13EAplGVS6vSWs7CZ51nDsA2xnEvB7RGxd9mU3xeP2kmN609c52RcVULjq4tsJR/s1600/IMG_6220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uM4QAFSBbpebWlTBYVH4mteoeq-8is3mcC-KLFPr8Sx8X5TTzYrVLvprlFJ6WHZJdI86cx52DO6tK13EAplGVS6vSWs7CZ51nDsA2xnEvB7RGxd9mU3xeP2kmN609c52RcVULjq4tsJR/s400/IMG_6220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The one part of the crate I really like is the roughness and natural grain of the wood showing through (<i>I'm not sure what you call this - unmilled?</i>). It was very hard for me to decide whether or not to paint this. I finally decided to go for it, and I really like how it turned out. </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/AVvXsEh5yRti96iT4eELWadWljQ6C5VV8oy2b5coKFVaSYBrFH4K5e14602fJtXcyWJld7GQjIr9cHfDCQShwqXnzRSQ33LKyzvy8xjF0ESNOvbkNk5wQYhN1jqRR0gnNdZFR6j3rrZydRoFDpdl/s1600/IMG_6226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yRti96iT4eELWadWljQ6C5VV8oy2b5coKFVaSYBrFH4K5e14602fJtXcyWJld7GQjIr9cHfDCQShwqXnzRSQ33LKyzvy8xjF0ESNOvbkNk5wQYhN1jqRR0gnNdZFR6j3rrZydRoFDpdl/s400/IMG_6226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like how it turned out. The best part? It only cost the price of the wheels!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap
up party!" src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg" /></a><br />
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-19092567271716891732011-08-05T18:51:00.000-07:002011-08-05T18:52:15.430-07:00DIY: Wooden "Read" Sign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm_ptxUxgR7Ept4R12K_HqjHpV3wxzCUkseyKhoSmiY3Z7KehtSea0VC0-owX5yA8PtDAltPGahDW3kxueW0Ct5PwrQ8YpLAc5lATzoEXIJXifazu3mMAXmWluQrpvFnBAEiSd8mi6VoL/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm_ptxUxgR7Ept4R12K_HqjHpV3wxzCUkseyKhoSmiY3Z7KehtSea0VC0-owX5yA8PtDAltPGahDW3kxueW0Ct5PwrQ8YpLAc5lATzoEXIJXifazu3mMAXmWluQrpvFnBAEiSd8mi6VoL/s400/IMG_5258.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love to read! More than any thing, I want to pass on that <s>obsession</s> passion to my three <s>crazy</s> gorgeous kiddos. To inspire them to put down the iPhone and break out the ol' paperback (at least until they each get iReaders), I have spent part of my summer creating a reading nook in our play/school room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In total, I think I spent about $3.50 making this project. The other materials, I already had on hand. Here are the materials needed:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">2 x 4 board (first number refers to the depth of the board, second number refers to the width). A 1 x 4 or 2 x 6 would work just as well. I bought a 2 x 4 x 6 (last number being the length - 6 feet) for roughly $3.50.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Acrylic or craft paint and paintbrush</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">miter saw (or have your local hardware store cut it for you for free)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Wood glue</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Pencil, 2 - 2.5 inch screws, drill, sawtooth hangers, wall anchors</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">optional: clamp, square, wood filler, wall (just kidding, the wall is probably pretty essential if you want to hang it)</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 1. Cut the 2 x 4 into various sizes. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My boards range from 10.5 inches to 14.5 inches roughly. I used a mitre saw (<i>could not live without my mitre saw!</i>) to make straight cuts, but you could easily get someone at your local hardware store to make these cuts for you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Step 2. Paint the boards various colors.</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a great naptime activity to do with your non-napping kiddos. The more they mess it up, the more "character" it has. That what I kept telling myself, any way. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Tip: After painting the board the base color, use a "dry" brush to paint on a complimentary color.</i></div><br />
<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/AVvXsEiKzWPlHeMb1Mtbmxd_MczHqymcDzMiRZ4ODkuuWNHTaEw0nVytbyVJ0z17nkhuSQWA9Fez1hSzTBS2XAeDpdBo_uJO4wS9gQSLZAUV8l6eg2lfP7enpMWII2DHb2vMRFc5vzJmrkmUVNaW/s1600/IMG_5149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzWPlHeMb1Mtbmxd_MczHqymcDzMiRZ4ODkuuWNHTaEw0nVytbyVJ0z17nkhuSQWA9Fez1hSzTBS2XAeDpdBo_uJO4wS9gQSLZAUV8l6eg2lfP7enpMWII2DHb2vMRFc5vzJmrkmUVNaW/s400/IMG_5149.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Optional: An optional step is to sand the edges at this point to age the wood. I didn't do that. I felt like the different color paint on each board was enough. Plus, I'm flat lazy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgLiCZO6lhm59jbBfOxu1ErOT1AwSj4em3CuXl5JlW3LPsqqE4E0YI_PaBxG7GsgM7s8iK1syoE2lJCq89rFTHR2wFSJGFBvPOxPQbDnGUMggb8pl3xqXwz2ob2bxRsqwvCOWjwGRKAk7/s1600/IMG_5174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgLiCZO6lhm59jbBfOxu1ErOT1AwSj4em3CuXl5JlW3LPsqqE4E0YI_PaBxG7GsgM7s8iK1syoE2lJCq89rFTHR2wFSJGFBvPOxPQbDnGUMggb8pl3xqXwz2ob2bxRsqwvCOWjwGRKAk7/s400/IMG_5174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Step 3: While the paint is drying, design the letters.</b> I suggest using a different font for each letter to make it more interesting. I used GIMP (a freeware similar to Photoshop) to design my letters.</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/AVvXsEgeX1cNXf5046Cq-qa2IWO4a5eod6UNwD8Z186IurEi-Ry0YihoaEbXPsflzm0sdy3GZqfOcZW3HKw0xAQZK_h5SHp-LwWwBsx90I3X1kVkDeimYqjHfywa7oveOCjsvX5I5_ruZLIJHmbR/s1600/Read.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeX1cNXf5046Cq-qa2IWO4a5eod6UNwD8Z186IurEi-Ry0YihoaEbXPsflzm0sdy3GZqfOcZW3HKw0xAQZK_h5SHp-LwWwBsx90I3X1kVkDeimYqjHfywa7oveOCjsvX5I5_ruZLIJHmbR/s400/Read.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Step 4: Once the paint is dry, use a pencil to draw the letters onto each board.</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEhloOGe3y1eLcXgeEJBTB5K35xGb_AhGhKW_E9GSMnJsbRbqm-UpT0RvBrDj6BWPMlrSHzLhdGgW1KqrjXU2dhVwSK0aQz9wCfb6TD8rsysLpQSsBW8Qdfg2DIwGwi1yg9-HK8wdwdO8-_-/s1600/IMG_5178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloOGe3y1eLcXgeEJBTB5K35xGb_AhGhKW_E9GSMnJsbRbqm-UpT0RvBrDj6BWPMlrSHzLhdGgW1KqrjXU2dhVwSK0aQz9wCfb6TD8rsysLpQSsBW8Qdfg2DIwGwi1yg9-HK8wdwdO8-_-/s400/IMG_5178.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Step 5: Paint the letters.</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Be sure to use accent colors on each letter. Add little design elements here and there for some eye candy. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaIGz2K4Rcl0Fb3PN1jofjEYpKm-vSGsY3L57p4KoIuYhhZXPJvddO-1QSx0O8dep-r6qv1CEiyhqc5Se3lezzGehfHfkkTg-5BHfed33Ymdj5UilLC-7o_Izew5FUsIwj71Mc84CmYJJ/s1600/IMG_5179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaIGz2K4Rcl0Fb3PN1jofjEYpKm-vSGsY3L57p4KoIuYhhZXPJvddO-1QSx0O8dep-r6qv1CEiyhqc5Se3lezzGehfHfkkTg-5BHfed33Ymdj5UilLC-7o_Izew5FUsIwj71Mc84CmYJJ/s400/IMG_5179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Step 6: Break out the wood glue.</b> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc911d_3AvCvkomaN7WpL-GC0QCnMTu9-eVP25qVqkS5io5zCXMQxYX5mZjhiTUJFHzNVPJ-wcc5o_0DPJlj5v8rty0tssqngYAlCFOdLQc2I8nrZAD2v93-9SRioilLpO8lB7A03_yZVq/s1600/IMG_5185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc911d_3AvCvkomaN7WpL-GC0QCnMTu9-eVP25qVqkS5io5zCXMQxYX5mZjhiTUJFHzNVPJ-wcc5o_0DPJlj5v8rty0tssqngYAlCFOdLQc2I8nrZAD2v93-9SRioilLpO8lB7A03_yZVq/s400/IMG_5185.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Glue those bad boys together. Don't be stingy with that glue.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9WBcPQD8e91jcl-ZbwY1Hl1tUA8xjVTt6WMtRCabpJdjG0bLXwj-y9iTzAIrn8_2-DSPNm5t7rUYKV1BGC47dpzWmBHTjY4VPjORfVRq4efQOeiqdrYnquDAFkZaNyOR9HoX6q5sc86a/s1600/IMG_5187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9WBcPQD8e91jcl-ZbwY1Hl1tUA8xjVTt6WMtRCabpJdjG0bLXwj-y9iTzAIrn8_2-DSPNm5t7rUYKV1BGC47dpzWmBHTjY4VPjORfVRq4efQOeiqdrYnquDAFkZaNyOR9HoX6q5sc86a/s400/IMG_5187.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have a clamp, now would be the time to use it. If not, you can improvise using heavy objects to reinforce them together. Although the glue bottle probable only says it takes 30 minutes to dry, I suggest leaving it overnight.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMQGe3YCKJuLaYRmbH6KuED6UAaPsGY5ViqkwQnV4_CIYERdBEOiZ7d0WlYKDy7y65ICIRqWJzPgniPAOQ7FStW-PyK0DLBubAyRmwgxzJKTA9YTpmQ39lkv2hyphenhyphenOBuq8XPXS2WLYwAK5W/s1600/IMG_5189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMQGe3YCKJuLaYRmbH6KuED6UAaPsGY5ViqkwQnV4_CIYERdBEOiZ7d0WlYKDy7y65ICIRqWJzPgniPAOQ7FStW-PyK0DLBubAyRmwgxzJKTA9YTpmQ39lkv2hyphenhyphenOBuq8XPXS2WLYwAK5W/s400/IMG_5189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Be careful taking it out of the clamp. Those boards are heavy and they may not stay together completely with glue alone.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk34QK6oe0p3NZzc6VfKcTLDuCP7acGMkZpcpPavZFlm9NOfDo-JucAmduqMlIT4-Y4A9h-AyfTJCHtWZmDPZ7YNaJEK4KmTKLlo199LODBZdwlwDdAD-qP15Gb3B-YFPBffZ0Gy3coQM/s1600/IMG_5216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxk34QK6oe0p3NZzc6VfKcTLDuCP7acGMkZpcpPavZFlm9NOfDo-JucAmduqMlIT4-Y4A9h-AyfTJCHtWZmDPZ7YNaJEK4KmTKLlo199LODBZdwlwDdAD-qP15Gb3B-YFPBffZ0Gy3coQM/s400/IMG_5216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Step 7: Reinforce the boards with claw-backy-thingies (see below) OR screws. </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-px8fJNbHrC4FKch6P6W3qlBQkRKPQIV9GjZRUAPpkMNbRZl_pDiSmyRM0J-FHmn2nle94c0sLQ5V429V6ngHojaSiPNdX8JHuOAutB82IP1qgfFil8pYZ4-Bi2cLnz_TvMVs_UrBjEsf/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-px8fJNbHrC4FKch6P6W3qlBQkRKPQIV9GjZRUAPpkMNbRZl_pDiSmyRM0J-FHmn2nle94c0sLQ5V429V6ngHojaSiPNdX8JHuOAutB82IP1qgfFil8pYZ4-Bi2cLnz_TvMVs_UrBjEsf/s400/IMG_5222.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I never, ever have luck with the claw-backy-thingies (and I never turn down the opportunity to use a power tool), so I chose to use 2 inch screws.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdrNqY4RzGjMssrK2uDmGQPXAukHy6opSWQWRFRu7lOeL_rZUH0BmcKVVOBjS3exzsbNIrYs80CufK0gjYkno9D3eZghOEgqElw6tEuuafobZlW32xw6EyKebH35d-pw07qAehczBZNMS/s1600/IMG_5227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdrNqY4RzGjMssrK2uDmGQPXAukHy6opSWQWRFRu7lOeL_rZUH0BmcKVVOBjS3exzsbNIrYs80CufK0gjYkno9D3eZghOEgqElw6tEuuafobZlW32xw6EyKebH35d-pw07qAehczBZNMS/s400/IMG_5227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drill a screw at an angle into every joining board. Don't forget to <b>pre-drill</b>!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFngPOOOojhBmrMMyGTEmAVK9wP55EY2V5kkvQ7wqv6PWbYqo0fTKRHNNmJlVrBVoU6D5OiZ0ppvhK5xOkOoclOT_fVzp_bGII-G35FiXGWKj7J535TNXMOIodfbtYDDjuh0fsQy2541YY/s1600/IMG_5228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFngPOOOojhBmrMMyGTEmAVK9wP55EY2V5kkvQ7wqv6PWbYqo0fTKRHNNmJlVrBVoU6D5OiZ0ppvhK5xOkOoclOT_fVzp_bGII-G35FiXGWKj7J535TNXMOIodfbtYDDjuh0fsQy2541YY/s400/IMG_5228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It should look like this:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwwbzDPQ4LqQAS8nKW9gtjKlg6bDL_3SnzvhU4cON9XQrr7Xddkv3ftvRViC4JgeWKXTzoDozKkVk4tmunh5py6zInjuOMGgiUoFLhDZB1JBC3UGKdplkLb6Ub169FwtOpfvM3jec66F8/s1600/IMG_5233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwwbzDPQ4LqQAS8nKW9gtjKlg6bDL_3SnzvhU4cON9XQrr7Xddkv3ftvRViC4JgeWKXTzoDozKkVk4tmunh5py6zInjuOMGgiUoFLhDZB1JBC3UGKdplkLb6Ub169FwtOpfvM3jec66F8/s400/IMG_5233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Optional: Feel free to use some wood filler (not putty!) here to cover up the screws. I did not. Again...lazy.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Step 8: Hammer the sawtooth hanger on the back. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tip: Use a square to draw a straight line on the back.</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2OoRFBUWzp6kdCn0y8CLZseKJgZVm2BS2zjeTjESPMvuFbzinIV1fNdxAq6LCIgSuTXLVv7xxv3KzVf7f8BqnXga9WnpGP3eVlGcf7gfbTnFwHdCb8sjJBBeANvnCSzqCT0Ma8hyphenhyphenN3wK/s1600/IMG_5235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2OoRFBUWzp6kdCn0y8CLZseKJgZVm2BS2zjeTjESPMvuFbzinIV1fNdxAq6LCIgSuTXLVv7xxv3KzVf7f8BqnXga9WnpGP3eVlGcf7gfbTnFwHdCb8sjJBBeANvnCSzqCT0Ma8hyphenhyphenN3wK/s400/IMG_5235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used this hanger:</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/AVvXsEhLYbTHv8mT7gXojdpyZ3430OAwEUO3cxetaXM0BbrnITkj0TEydutYraKryNbbVWcUSR200m0wO-r1r6Sb7r2lfPwpWRkDp8w8rmCF0cJIHX26YbzvtivkmnJJ2bonONbit0LJG4EZHS0y/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYbTHv8mT7gXojdpyZ3430OAwEUO3cxetaXM0BbrnITkj0TEydutYraKryNbbVWcUSR200m0wO-r1r6Sb7r2lfPwpWRkDp8w8rmCF0cJIHX26YbzvtivkmnJJ2bonONbit0LJG4EZHS0y/s400/IMG_5198.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Probably the trickest part of this entire craft is holding down those tiny, itsy-bitsy little nails that go into the hanger. Evil little things.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcG1tp6JC34bul58tj96axT7fzs_GiKWY38j3UyNQOkkKFIf_0RC8hEnp0Xj2BAqQkj4YThcprJUC76U5pa6Kpa0hwH633XTLiJE3e-H3SCI84COdnouzX4lWU_cf_YyKJ1qXMEPXY3jVw/s1600/IMG_5237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcG1tp6JC34bul58tj96axT7fzs_GiKWY38j3UyNQOkkKFIf_0RC8hEnp0Xj2BAqQkj4YThcprJUC76U5pa6Kpa0hwH633XTLiJE3e-H3SCI84COdnouzX4lWU_cf_YyKJ1qXMEPXY3jVw/s400/IMG_5237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Voila! Hang it above your book shelves using a wall anchor. (unless you are able to nail it into a stud). </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIC-7dC936hDlBd6mugr5UR26i9hmMM2nmHOIhAQmb18eCBXUiIqHTMm7qQXkfDdM-8uJ9w8zOX_acvEUhi2rHnFf1oVfpNHsPjCd1k6SvPxwisUxRjpqzm5bvgvG7JX-_nZd6HL1F1w7/s1600/IMG_5254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIC-7dC936hDlBd6mugr5UR26i9hmMM2nmHOIhAQmb18eCBXUiIqHTMm7qQXkfDdM-8uJ9w8zOX_acvEUhi2rHnFf1oVfpNHsPjCd1k6SvPxwisUxRjpqzm5bvgvG7JX-_nZd6HL1F1w7/s400/IMG_5254.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm_ptxUxgR7Ept4R12K_HqjHpV3wxzCUkseyKhoSmiY3Z7KehtSea0VC0-owX5yA8PtDAltPGahDW3kxueW0Ct5PwrQ8YpLAc5lATzoEXIJXifazu3mMAXmWluQrpvFnBAEiSd8mi6VoL/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwm_ptxUxgR7Ept4R12K_HqjHpV3wxzCUkseyKhoSmiY3Z7KehtSea0VC0-owX5yA8PtDAltPGahDW3kxueW0Ct5PwrQ8YpLAc5lATzoEXIJXifazu3mMAXmWluQrpvFnBAEiSd8mi6VoL/s400/IMG_5258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST4j7-DOY9OLNIQxrbX6DwxLtl_gUb0pEKJi-Ml1ozdoYNYgFC4RBIl38h6fB2EJqGIjpxvvUTcr9y6L2RFLP2kV7L1iOcHpbJHfzcFod9_3sWnmartyTzwsIysquio_fXgSSr0a7bSLb/s1600/IMG_5262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST4j7-DOY9OLNIQxrbX6DwxLtl_gUb0pEKJi-Ml1ozdoYNYgFC4RBIl38h6fB2EJqGIjpxvvUTcr9y6L2RFLP2kV7L1iOcHpbJHfzcFod9_3sWnmartyTzwsIysquio_fXgSSr0a7bSLb/s400/IMG_5262.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feel free to email me if you have any questions! If you make a similar sign, I'd love to see it! </div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-86196125182547674202011-07-30T14:35:00.000-07:002011-07-30T14:38:59.517-07:00DIY: Spa Wrap Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMglZ4Vk4OPekqwb9GAA59N6D3ljLwyhBmKVSkIebTditHGecwH_Xv2kVmtVJoCzSpTilUQ8Rwojhf4TlIuU-b7M9vntWkzrttoiHvWRcY18NM5QNqznvptWE7pJ1x4cmmWQwkCPw5Ic4/s1600/Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMglZ4Vk4OPekqwb9GAA59N6D3ljLwyhBmKVSkIebTditHGecwH_Xv2kVmtVJoCzSpTilUQ8Rwojhf4TlIuU-b7M9vntWkzrttoiHvWRcY18NM5QNqznvptWE7pJ1x4cmmWQwkCPw5Ic4/s400/Front.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recently, a good friend turned a year older and I wanted to make her a gift that showed her how crazy cool I think she is. Since her home away from home is the YMCA, I thought I'd make her a little spa wrap towel to use after her workouts. Personally, my favorite thing about the gym is putting the kids in childcare, then taking a shower and putting on my make up </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in peace</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. This little wrap lets you soak up those baby free moments in style.</span></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here we go...</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Supplies Needed:</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphXzT3joxb5Y1ycs_u7lZfOgcO31lpOqecP52tC3lRB5ITLHZpwkDRLlTLziiRUVCBtJKeHQOWO5Q4BaFqdNKAGligqAzGS4et5OO3nCqr3PAFxycHmtkZDl-T0e9LVA7OX3xidnRj0w/s1600/Supplies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphXzT3joxb5Y1ycs_u7lZfOgcO31lpOqecP52tC3lRB5ITLHZpwkDRLlTLziiRUVCBtJKeHQOWO5Q4BaFqdNKAGligqAzGS4et5OO3nCqr3PAFxycHmtkZDl-T0e9LVA7OX3xidnRj0w/s400/Supplies.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. 2 towels - make sure the towel is large enough to wrap around you comfortably</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Fabric - 2 times the length of your towel</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Velcro - 3/4 inch sew in </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Elastic - 1.5 inch knit woven </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. Scissors</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. Thread - should match your towel and fabric</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. Pins</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8. Cutting Board, ruler, rotary cutter, fabric pen (these are optional, I suppose, but make life a HECK of a lot easier!)</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ruffle:</span></span></b></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Cut the edge off the towel and finish the edge. You can do this with a zig zag stitch or with a serger.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPe08q_kTwTWmijlKD9xNYw4RCkvFqaJoITq_gv8mUJbqtbnI2RNd7HdTzYch04CjemENsdrp9nBfxkSJWlXRa4ld1dfogA3XS6BtyKZTxZtPebctF-4PLHCjnQfX6DUrXJciGszUMHw/s1600/Step+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPe08q_kTwTWmijlKD9xNYw4RCkvFqaJoITq_gv8mUJbqtbnI2RNd7HdTzYch04CjemENsdrp9nBfxkSJWlXRa4ld1dfogA3XS6BtyKZTxZtPebctF-4PLHCjnQfX6DUrXJciGszUMHw/s400/Step+1.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Cut a strip of decorative fabric 5 inches wide by 2 times the length of the short side of your towel. I had to cut two strips and sew them together in order to get the length needed. Fold in half and press so that it measures 2.5 inches wide. Finish the edges, again by zig zag or serger. </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN2Zs19-2k_hxUreqfMc-9ud8nX4CmbOa1pqjihbD4GenAYG2f0a_lxzZB4pbGdc4tk6EP5l-yEJiSES3WiXSCG7-d62TrUM6SwqB0Q2h9FM1n8ewqBOLm3BHQznEOb85F0YgskC4eGA/s1600/Step+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN2Zs19-2k_hxUreqfMc-9ud8nX4CmbOa1pqjihbD4GenAYG2f0a_lxzZB4pbGdc4tk6EP5l-yEJiSES3WiXSCG7-d62TrUM6SwqB0Q2h9FM1n8ewqBOLm3BHQznEOb85F0YgskC4eGA/s320/Step+2.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtHEEFV6U6Ae8PTYU1jGWSg6qQZAxRkqs65tu4nLs6wfDu_8mPZdVkGZ3QFoZLUqqx4Ep05_ex3iY6aASN7DmPc8T1a-cDrnaTU4_ml_PHVEnYhczlVMzyL6ZZ0p97ia40-oZbYx0eg0/s1600/3b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtHEEFV6U6Ae8PTYU1jGWSg6qQZAxRkqs65tu4nLs6wfDu_8mPZdVkGZ3QFoZLUqqx4Ep05_ex3iY6aASN7DmPc8T1a-cDrnaTU4_ml_PHVEnYhczlVMzyL6ZZ0p97ia40-oZbYx0eg0/s320/3b.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BhyhHrjTDzfDhMFR9Az9swKDSmwU06-Qsd_I7Q6XzRVBlz-KpAeESds5RUKRSDeiyOMymUCwQcrzu68710zJCAVws0AsKJp0_E2SdQdL9Ou8GW0lk3nEaTeN0qI81S-GihOKdhqomTo/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BhyhHrjTDzfDhMFR9Az9swKDSmwU06-Qsd_I7Q6XzRVBlz-KpAeESds5RUKRSDeiyOMymUCwQcrzu68710zJCAVws0AsKJp0_E2SdQdL9Ou8GW0lk3nEaTeN0qI81S-GihOKdhqomTo/s320/4.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></span></span></a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Gather the fabric to create the ruffle. The way that I do this is by a) setting my sewing machine to the longest stitch length, b) loosening the tension of the top thread a bit, c) sewing one line with 1/4 inch seam, then d) pulling </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">very gently</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> on the top thread until the fabric gathers into a ruffle.</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Adjust the length of the ruffle until it is the same size as the finished edge of the towel. Pin the ruffle to the wrong side of the towel. Sew.</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*side note - I did try pinning the right sides of the fabric and towel together as well, but it didn't sit as well.</span></span></i><br />
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</span></span></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkezxbWRaudaXy5yl5EP32AOJIhzyVQPCwwktb1l3s_Pfw61v4OUMj5L5Q3FmYYmqEJJzIjb-17z1wZNVes62Yz341nDhh0P_QQXuCSgcHDgta2jW32HT1Uv_E2oNkJnAjC6vXYJ3qs8/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkezxbWRaudaXy5yl5EP32AOJIhzyVQPCwwktb1l3s_Pfw61v4OUMj5L5Q3FmYYmqEJJzIjb-17z1wZNVes62Yz341nDhh0P_QQXuCSgcHDgta2jW32HT1Uv_E2oNkJnAjC6vXYJ3qs8/s400/5.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This next part is the tough part. Hang in there...</span></span></i></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Elastic:</span></span></b></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Wrap the towel around your bodacious body. This should give you a good idea of just how much fabric you'd like to "take in" with the elastic. </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Cut a strip of elastic about 10 - 12 inches.</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. With a pen, make little marks on the top of the elastic at the 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 marks. In other words, if you have a piece of elastic 12 inches long, there will be a mark at the 3, 6, and 9 inch marks (see photo below). </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae-J6gy8OawZ2lrUC3Zc-ulMxJONqavITkW0sswg9L2yBD0OZXk6suOJGcXoGXB__KpuhhcR5hCKWI1zNC2ckiXkNTX8BqWXRojFZrVnSeoeyvXxiGTvX3mE8J3R_HEq_H7ZcFsQ5QKE/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae-J6gy8OawZ2lrUC3Zc-ulMxJONqavITkW0sswg9L2yBD0OZXk6suOJGcXoGXB__KpuhhcR5hCKWI1zNC2ckiXkNTX8BqWXRojFZrVnSeoeyvXxiGTvX3mE8J3R_HEq_H7ZcFsQ5QKE/s400/6.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Make a small mark on the middle of the top of the towel. Then, make little marks 4 and 8 inches on either side of the middle. These marks will help you line the elastic up to the appropriate places on the towel.</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. Using a zig zag stitch, sew the side of the elastic about 1/2 inch from the first mark (which should be about 8 inches from the middle). Sew back and forth several times in order to secure it in place.</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. Using the marks on the elastic and towel as guides, use a straight stitch to sew the top of the elastic in place. Use a zig zag again to sew the other side in place.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-9tDLwMyiTaTIjP9KJ3C5Tot_tqy2SAZpa1SunNQYSct5mNDetD4YQZuztZ4FHl0EhtJqIIAe-nNQS1OHBsvrV0z-sSz-8_Vc7_RKJFigX3Zev8VS_YaKzkbYyNNfu-8GuohN4LrUAY/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-9tDLwMyiTaTIjP9KJ3C5Tot_tqy2SAZpa1SunNQYSct5mNDetD4YQZuztZ4FHl0EhtJqIIAe-nNQS1OHBsvrV0z-sSz-8_Vc7_RKJFigX3Zev8VS_YaKzkbYyNNfu-8GuohN4LrUAY/s400/7.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. Using all the strength in your mighty biceps, fold the elastic over twice and sew along the bottom of the entire casing. This will not be easy, but you can do it. You may have to do this in portions to make sure that the sides match up correctly.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRc_fqJAbC7iMOr5H1T6NRH51Q9Jg4nEGHBrDYufWmXjw67miWUUg4LGyg9SZp6HMB8QPwzbbJ-CdLrqRgW-_hx8YMHpGourQz_BLhu_losGgopcmScr3xIBhMwPtVf9wNlGKppJojpB8/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRc_fqJAbC7iMOr5H1T6NRH51Q9Jg4nEGHBrDYufWmXjw67miWUUg4LGyg9SZp6HMB8QPwzbbJ-CdLrqRgW-_hx8YMHpGourQz_BLhu_losGgopcmScr3xIBhMwPtVf9wNlGKppJojpB8/s400/8.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Velcro:</span></span></b></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Sew about 8 inches of velcro to the top sides of the wrap. Be sure to fit the towel around you again to assure that you are sewing the velcro to the correct sides. If the ruffle is wrapping to your left, the velcro should be sewn to the outside top of the left part of the towel and to the inside top of the ruffle side. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Confused yet?</span></span></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85MDElVmrR70nZFmaQhLeBYGbggHMPpWdAUPYBYrV_sFJgKmIk-7t8Kz7niMkwZvQwXZs8Kp2KurY0yFkoMft5iYMM7K8OB5s-EbVM4qOxFq5aQPLOSsIhegn38R7uULmFVWqedEVrlY/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85MDElVmrR70nZFmaQhLeBYGbggHMPpWdAUPYBYrV_sFJgKmIk-7t8Kz7niMkwZvQwXZs8Kp2KurY0yFkoMft5iYMM7K8OB5s-EbVM4qOxFq5aQPLOSsIhegn38R7uULmFVWqedEVrlY/s400/9.JPG" width="266" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Almost done...</span></span></i></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bottom Ruffle:</span></span></b></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Cut 4 inch strips off the top and bottom of the extra towel. I used the top and bottom so that the edges can keep that nice finishing.</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Sew the two pieces together so that the length of the strips is twice as long as the spa wrap. </span></span><br />
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</span> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_vqu0kMhYVxAmDgbzlDhxxgxUIyI2a0-BZhLFjYHSS4JpVW-hLWZxUjyDiCh7nUAZbwo4riqlupUiyK-uEg_bkjjlShce2C7tqFD3rRpBTQoIYddk8d7elXewu5mN7o4O8Z3hhrM9qc/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_vqu0kMhYVxAmDgbzlDhxxgxUIyI2a0-BZhLFjYHSS4JpVW-hLWZxUjyDiCh7nUAZbwo4riqlupUiyK-uEg_bkjjlShce2C7tqFD3rRpBTQoIYddk8d7elXewu5mN7o4O8Z3hhrM9qc/s400/10.JPG" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Finish the edges.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWjvSZJQKemj2KFH1Yl1NgGZ-vcEZKWDKK8_AU4udbK6nZvLeYSFr3YeH-_4SHUxu0aErp1jxbpe4gbpAJJ5AVIJ0PCeySyYHupEk30aeeMN9UYU337qFG2tLCjD4f-zBiUsAIA_yA-o/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWjvSZJQKemj2KFH1Yl1NgGZ-vcEZKWDKK8_AU4udbK6nZvLeYSFr3YeH-_4SHUxu0aErp1jxbpe4gbpAJJ5AVIJ0PCeySyYHupEk30aeeMN9UYU337qFG2tLCjD4f-zBiUsAIA_yA-o/s400/11.JPG" width="266" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Gather the towel strip (just as you did to make the fabric ruffle). This is not easy, so you may have to break it up into parts. Take your time so that the thread doesn't break.</span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. Sew the strip to the bottom of the towel - right sides together. Press it down. </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you like, take it to an embroidery store to have it monogramed. </span></span><br />
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</span> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBCadw-nAENiaug10EQT7IPSYP-pLiSzcwGgXYDcBjUIEllHih813yCRHzwLOfoQU0QjRD1pXnZiBRJ7CoE-BfRx8x6gD26HPAiHbwdcMJ4pU0iXHJMfJUjviwPWYeBjlZBZesBBiZS0/s1600/monogram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBCadw-nAENiaug10EQT7IPSYP-pLiSzcwGgXYDcBjUIEllHih813yCRHzwLOfoQU0QjRD1pXnZiBRJ7CoE-BfRx8x6gD26HPAiHbwdcMJ4pU0iXHJMfJUjviwPWYeBjlZBZesBBiZS0/s400/monogram.JPG" width="266" /></span></span></a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMglZ4Vk4OPekqwb9GAA59N6D3ljLwyhBmKVSkIebTditHGecwH_Xv2kVmtVJoCzSpTilUQ8Rwojhf4TlIuU-b7M9vntWkzrttoiHvWRcY18NM5QNqznvptWE7pJ1x4cmmWQwkCPw5Ic4/s1600/Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMglZ4Vk4OPekqwb9GAA59N6D3ljLwyhBmKVSkIebTditHGecwH_Xv2kVmtVJoCzSpTilUQ8Rwojhf4TlIuU-b7M9vntWkzrttoiHvWRcY18NM5QNqznvptWE7pJ1x4cmmWQwkCPw5Ic4/s400/Front.JPG" width="266" /></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaw1kQXPdpoYQEXrx-iWHnzQ6ySmw0NAvIcPx3AhBpIOfkwtFyalnGGX9cwD0qimnIJF0P2WnuthwPT6HkI2nZoFIp2FtSbnVdF22SESvfeAdakDolwxoa8lgtVw_DZoRb1mWBxrFk-A/s1600/Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaw1kQXPdpoYQEXrx-iWHnzQ6ySmw0NAvIcPx3AhBpIOfkwtFyalnGGX9cwD0qimnIJF0P2WnuthwPT6HkI2nZoFIp2FtSbnVdF22SESvfeAdakDolwxoa8lgtVw_DZoRb1mWBxrFk-A/s400/Back.JPG" width="266" /></span></span></a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You're finished! Now get to the gym and make all the girls in the locker room jealous! </span></span></div></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-27022402359229652082011-07-21T19:49:00.000-07:002011-07-28T20:45:16.953-07:00Blue + Green = Color Scheme Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love me some color. I love how color can convey emotion and set the tone for a room. It can make me feel passionate or peaceful. I love the nature of contrasting colors. I love how one color with a certain undertone can make a room feel completely warn while the <i>same</i> color with a different undertone can make the room feel the complete opposite. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love color.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, here's how color is working in my homestead. Though one of my favorite colors is red, I couldn't seem to pull that off in my last house without it feeling too country or traditional. In our current home, which we bought when we realized we were having twins, I decided to change it up. Now more than ever, with 3 kids under the age of 5, I need a peaceful home. That's the main reason I chos<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">e <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">blue </span>an</span>d <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">green</span> for our main colors in our home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other reason is that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">blue and green ROCK. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, let's start in the living room. Colors: slate blue and medium olive green.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the current work-in-progress state of affairs. I know. It's looking pretty scarce without the rug and curtains. We're working on that. Each time we've sat down to buy those, my transmission goes out or a kid has to go to the hospital and rack up a huge bill. I think its God's way of telling me NOT to put my hope in home decor, but in the Lord. :)</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/AVvXsEhm_fM92gzK2k132ux5338M70HJoPk1oKK3ySmLYLCg6kTznUbD7qA8oy5HKj5fCf_lJuetpPEEF5TSyJbhyphenhyphens9-Zs3b4KhqlofNWX3rqpVi7-dO3cNTN04E9XfdChj0oWZZMFRkogrnLqXu/s1600/IMG_5470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_fM92gzK2k132ux5338M70HJoPk1oKK3ySmLYLCg6kTznUbD7qA8oy5HKj5fCf_lJuetpPEEF5TSyJbhyphenhyphens9-Zs3b4KhqlofNWX3rqpVi7-dO3cNTN04E9XfdChj0oWZZMFRkogrnLqXu/s400/IMG_5470.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a close up of the chairs we recently bought. I love the modern wingback/armless style chairs out these days.</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/AVvXsEjO_dxFfL7FbpGmhdViaGcJnQiXg4DpqXQt29bkuyVB1u8wOFzNOlAZfBJr7QEOCSDxWk35nG9y2YSzyDvcHroJekWr3VRva6vN0horcC3n3gScEKYPH8LaMYXoW0EGKQea8gVNjlW-3MAe/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_dxFfL7FbpGmhdViaGcJnQiXg4DpqXQt29bkuyVB1u8wOFzNOlAZfBJr7QEOCSDxWk35nG9y2YSzyDvcHroJekWr3VRva6vN0horcC3n3gScEKYPH8LaMYXoW0EGKQea8gVNjlW-3MAe/s400/IMG_5476.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soon, we'll put these bad boys up...</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/AVvXsEgkeZ5MSJJjXdfmYQKDOOCVmdGS3q30f48ZSzqKplauNkbhCPJOyD2EiMglSABBEGlNwz_-4VCjgqyKw9RnvHjYbXHz8pBFug2WdFtUHTCKTbuDm7hQEsZ3wb-QV1jnaNOtuclnSCr2N4Ky/s1600/img1l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeZ5MSJJjXdfmYQKDOOCVmdGS3q30f48ZSzqKplauNkbhCPJOyD2EiMglSABBEGlNwz_-4VCjgqyKw9RnvHjYbXHz8pBFug2WdFtUHTCKTbuDm7hQEsZ3wb-QV1jnaNOtuclnSCr2N4Ky/s400/img1l.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, this rug from Serena and Lily. In the meantime, I might just paint a canvas rug this style as seen <a href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/04/painted-canvas-rug.html">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQnAUlqujCeZoaeufB1JwiSo6EEwO6x-FDAQJxeoLoDGr36ZsP-u-G4Rqj16cM0MH6J_qJWesdKa4T1xRWe1D6ZV_001zyspIS7eqdqzFcsvwbnQxLCD_JRiOVW12w7UVfnz11fpPmnKr/s1600/RGFR1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQnAUlqujCeZoaeufB1JwiSo6EEwO6x-FDAQJxeoLoDGr36ZsP-u-G4Rqj16cM0MH6J_qJWesdKa4T1xRWe1D6ZV_001zyspIS7eqdqzFcsvwbnQxLCD_JRiOVW12w7UVfnz11fpPmnKr/s400/RGFR1.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a few pics of my all time favorite DREAM living room:</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/AVvXsEhppy0ryGcMRsf94slaLGGC92Je9_bQEVUWuF7OGT8g-LrDBZGO2OYNHHu_htGhqGkSHwW4yp1JsNQgsniCw6-k0Ir2ePQsGzZqpvKYoigMgO9EFOW7M9yhJXx4jRzQ5_txmF6-1qWe8CU6/s1600/Frank+Roop+blue+brown+living+room+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppy0ryGcMRsf94slaLGGC92Je9_bQEVUWuF7OGT8g-LrDBZGO2OYNHHu_htGhqGkSHwW4yp1JsNQgsniCw6-k0Ir2ePQsGzZqpvKYoigMgO9EFOW7M9yhJXx4jRzQ5_txmF6-1qWe8CU6/s400/Frank+Roop+blue+brown+living+room+-+2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love.</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/AVvXsEiefHgNTpUit5BIuLMYR27xwgZFb3kIMwIru-dsH4ezJGZS6FrGJeSVCzc5iwQsHK-tGXFedb_GdTqeA4Uayx8NF2aWbBu9Y1DUM8DAIrAXzTQKO-CLXzN7nKwE_K18IgbDTMmo2H9NTddS/s1600/Living-Room-Design-and-Idea-by-Frank-Roop-l-Living-Room-with-Fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefHgNTpUit5BIuLMYR27xwgZFb3kIMwIru-dsH4ezJGZS6FrGJeSVCzc5iwQsHK-tGXFedb_GdTqeA4Uayx8NF2aWbBu9Y1DUM8DAIrAXzTQKO-CLXzN7nKwE_K18IgbDTMmo2H9NTddS/s400/Living-Room-Design-and-Idea-by-Frank-Roop-l-Living-Room-with-Fireplace.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love. Love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love me some<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/inspiration/nate-berkuss-chicago-apartment-elle-decor-0908-059491"> Nate Berkus</a> living room as well.</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/AVvXsEhsNlEP4Iq3kMKl4ytDegmsBPMijMVIGqOcZKHL9pu1TEkubOp5D9Z0fbvVBlBKrnBscmgP-J798Dy1KCL7GVC4eBElpVmWRk6mNjoCdqNBhj73TND7_ZlWVJQe95gcd6Mosnwx0sBSNnHo/s1600/Picture+34.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNlEP4Iq3kMKl4ytDegmsBPMijMVIGqOcZKHL9pu1TEkubOp5D9Z0fbvVBlBKrnBscmgP-J798Dy1KCL7GVC4eBElpVmWRk6mNjoCdqNBhj73TND7_ZlWVJQe95gcd6Mosnwx0sBSNnHo/s400/Picture+34.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a pic of our kitchen. I fell in love with this kitchen two years ago when we were looking for homes. I loved the backsplash. I wanted to get my stylist to come in and help arrange the kitchen for this photo (you know, but out some fresh flowers, have some food out like we're in the middle of a nice meal) but since it was such a last minute photo shoot AND since I don't even have a stylist, that didn't work out. </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/AVvXsEg7J7GeR46CksYEs3WrAdTFPrOPpOvlR3Rk8IBbRyOo98LuBJ3_QqtFBWxf3MAZqi4vBDjpsYHZntcU4SdwiiKSy7iqIhqkbnKloDxkj9tm9L1SeVXzo94VxJyAPx6WgebwZNuQu0H_qv0A/s1600/IMG_5459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7J7GeR46CksYEs3WrAdTFPrOPpOvlR3Rk8IBbRyOo98LuBJ3_QqtFBWxf3MAZqi4vBDjpsYHZntcU4SdwiiKSy7iqIhqkbnKloDxkj9tm9L1SeVXzo94VxJyAPx6WgebwZNuQu0H_qv0A/s400/IMG_5459.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As for the guest bedroom...it has been poorly neglected. Actually, it has been misused, even, as I change the twins' diapers and do laundry in there daily. One day, however, I hope it will look something like <a href="http://deptoftheinteriordc.blogspot.com/2010/08/want-olatz-schnabels-bedroom.html">this</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/AVvXsEgSUto5DYVvW_YmERnesLw9jaW9I0H5UoAra9pQgnTX84Y1gdaVlufXA4UbmP7jAZ1pjOudqX8xksQm6fJ0j4DWf1Ad24kBoMhVV7w9i2NRF5BVp7t9PZN355n4lsCbWS4iysJy58CLWy4W/s1600/olatz+schnabel+hb_thumb%255B3%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUto5DYVvW_YmERnesLw9jaW9I0H5UoAra9pQgnTX84Y1gdaVlufXA4UbmP7jAZ1pjOudqX8xksQm6fJ0j4DWf1Ad24kBoMhVV7w9i2NRF5BVp7t9PZN355n4lsCbWS4iysJy58CLWy4W/s400/olatz+schnabel+hb_thumb%255B3%255D.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love those turquoise walls with the bold red curtains.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Though, I would totally "settle" for this as well:</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/AVvXsEh3ie2uTfzWQ8abRnV3RGUh4HPLtbSk9xAkYm-lqQFVA33Bjq3OxAbSPBLa_O5-9i1YTi7Ez4SFx-lappPZN_U9Qys0nlrq40h0gL9TQdmSAysqjUsMQe0BnjDb3swRMlZdwcJ3Bi_5ffle/s1600/House+Beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ie2uTfzWQ8abRnV3RGUh4HPLtbSk9xAkYm-lqQFVA33Bjq3OxAbSPBLa_O5-9i1YTi7Ez4SFx-lappPZN_U9Qys0nlrq40h0gL9TQdmSAysqjUsMQe0BnjDb3swRMlZdwcJ3Bi_5ffle/s400/House+Beautiful.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">{House Beautiful}</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gorgeous!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, for the master bedroom. We have not done too much to the master since moving in. There is so much to do in this house! However, if I could snap my fingers and just wish myself into my dream bedroom, it might look something like.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</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/AVvXsEib62s2nsmgedH-g92HMfJjdL_j4D9_1x_5Nzcf6R2l1DBSPRD-m5jBKL1pnfto2vJDRQMp_Wct5at_KQMNbzObB5WDbLAtLsiapZUm-aEvibqv8IQrFet0aUXGGxUeMZzHP590qJMUcJsf/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib62s2nsmgedH-g92HMfJjdL_j4D9_1x_5Nzcf6R2l1DBSPRD-m5jBKL1pnfto2vJDRQMp_Wct5at_KQMNbzObB5WDbLAtLsiapZUm-aEvibqv8IQrFet0aUXGGxUeMZzHP590qJMUcJsf/s400/IMG_0895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this gorgeous room:</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/AVvXsEhDD8U4whpxlruxwPbYgGQ_ylVOXN-LTZQgdV16SJJjlHz-Rvc8jp8ddSpgMhd0Tb8xVqk0Ty25VaaBNtZoNc7v33-fkHZT05Qn3epIet4KvyPyCrs-L0avGb6BBTyHupOgFvJ-hY13_u4o/s1600/Weinrib+Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD8U4whpxlruxwPbYgGQ_ylVOXN-LTZQgdV16SJJjlHz-Rvc8jp8ddSpgMhd0Tb8xVqk0Ty25VaaBNtZoNc7v33-fkHZT05Qn3epIet4KvyPyCrs-L0avGb6BBTyHupOgFvJ-hY13_u4o/s400/Weinrib+Bedroom.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am crazy for ikat. However, not at the $400 a yard pricetag. Boo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(The original source of this pic has somehow been lost.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As for my craft room, I couldn't possibly post a picture of that right now. It is a wreck! However, below is a somewhat recent pic to give you an idea of the color of the walls/furniture. Blogged <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/02/crazy-about-color.html">here</a>. Since we bought a new spec home, the entire home was already painted this lovely tan color. It's a nice enough color, but I SO wish we had the time/money/energy to paint some of the walls. Thankfully, my hubby allowed me this one concession in allowing me to paint my craft room walls grey. </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/AVvXsEgEBM3eyW_X97UJj1yYUNwPGlYXJk9vOnl8F2Inn6e3j9caF8BMvDyq6OA79ZVztwNckQrVXSPOohfSAfJ0UWJbXAbkwqsbMy8md37_1kATOkcJNuCwviBAr0LcF7nltLD5u5DdHfd4H_u_/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBM3eyW_X97UJj1yYUNwPGlYXJk9vOnl8F2Inn6e3j9caF8BMvDyq6OA79ZVztwNckQrVXSPOohfSAfJ0UWJbXAbkwqsbMy8md37_1kATOkcJNuCwviBAr0LcF7nltLD5u5DdHfd4H_u_/s400/IMG_0957.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was one of my many inspiration photos. There is something about those dark grey walls that make the color just pop. I painted one of the walls in my craft room a similar color. I'll blog about one day...when it's all finished. </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/AVvXsEjmi5CghykNJEuoSa___ixWXQU8Q3WLgsRLraOTudQ0xQtZblBj7RbIwsi-rcqIbYill3Q5IP6V9K9rib_y1wkkzpqElPlJ8ZYt4ZLIts4zAcaGUduhoTRjocmb330z0qty6VQWPGcWIc_g/s1600/6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi5CghykNJEuoSa___ixWXQU8Q3WLgsRLraOTudQ0xQtZblBj7RbIwsi-rcqIbYill3Q5IP6V9K9rib_y1wkkzpqElPlJ8ZYt4ZLIts4zAcaGUduhoTRjocmb330z0qty6VQWPGcWIc_g/s400/6.png" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Unsure of the original source. Shoot me an email if you know!)</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, on to the kiddo rooms!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the twins' room, I decided to go with a blue/green and pink/green color scheme. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Here's Scout's side of the room:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjvJyp0YE7hCZOQpEns8k-_kmfjU8ACW8MRIXPgYPKdQRnFNVS75wAAnXMw7f0cL1JhzdQ0O6plvT5YPj68_WA88H5RUS0E3Dh8XFXGE7CkThz_XLqh3OdAllFXEzTDFLuED-xcNc33Ig/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjvJyp0YE7hCZOQpEns8k-_kmfjU8ACW8MRIXPgYPKdQRnFNVS75wAAnXMw7f0cL1JhzdQ0O6plvT5YPj68_WA88H5RUS0E3Dh8XFXGE7CkThz_XLqh3OdAllFXEzTDFLuED-xcNc33Ig/s400/IMG_5424.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Sawyer's side of the room: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<i>For those detailed mamas amongst us, I no longer use the bumpers. I just put them on there to give you an idea of the colors...</i>)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FRnDX58GNgdQdJ9vKtUJJ-43AjvY0uXTrX0AKuqwQTZc4gXjdhv8yO5JLjhSdIPkbR6SgEVUDiAOeyO7Uq2yOBrkSJo7hqaHx9LHnY1EAqJb0ab6eDUfLf21hIMAMzfuhJ2Kp56QXTZ5/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FRnDX58GNgdQdJ9vKtUJJ-43AjvY0uXTrX0AKuqwQTZc4gXjdhv8yO5JLjhSdIPkbR6SgEVUDiAOeyO7Uq2yOBrkSJo7hqaHx9LHnY1EAqJb0ab6eDUfLf21hIMAMzfuhJ2Kp56QXTZ5/s400/IMG_5443.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the space in between their cribs. The curtain is Amy Butler fabric, but I'm so ready for something new. The silhouettes were blogged <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/04/sweet-silhouettes.html">here</a>. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyi9sMHeh4fcDktsw5r3I2juwtidyDjOLMuwhO7OFwlmGyJ6VuV2bCF3WPat9EZZKbaX5SahXTjqfPE3MqppFezFL-7353yic39OhcHJOmpDsy65g-hiiTJrnr0ODj_rkrhmVKy3pDU-t/s1600/IMG_5448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyi9sMHeh4fcDktsw5r3I2juwtidyDjOLMuwhO7OFwlmGyJ6VuV2bCF3WPat9EZZKbaX5SahXTjqfPE3MqppFezFL-7353yic39OhcHJOmpDsy65g-hiiTJrnr0ODj_rkrhmVKy3pDU-t/s400/IMG_5448.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For Merrick's room, I found inspiration for the navy/grass room (with small splashes of red) from Serena and Lily. The pictures above his bed are photographs I took of letters around Austin, TX to spell out his name. I made the curtains to match (sort of) his bedspread.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIOs9Iyw2VHUkPcNKf1eWQ77cvqX75lzPF8glbJqjdieGvCbW7v7YcUQOnyocY2dvWQTTnIf-qlp6NyHhoCdopVxQZiJRV7xAhpjD49kVowNXw6p-PUspnprQtCxk7SJbCxf3KbMorALR/s1600/IMG_5488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIOs9Iyw2VHUkPcNKf1eWQ77cvqX75lzPF8glbJqjdieGvCbW7v7YcUQOnyocY2dvWQTTnIf-qlp6NyHhoCdopVxQZiJRV7xAhpjD49kVowNXw6p-PUspnprQtCxk7SJbCxf3KbMorALR/s400/IMG_5488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is across from his bed. Merrick and I made the painting together when he was four. That's his handprint signature at the bottom right corner. More on that later. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggik43Du6d0LY8xxBVfpD0nxeKWxhKb0bQr_2AK48tMUHmY4eGmYxbc40LATD_2IuZ3VrgfNuxuryeSSWtVm7M-PYJ1lRwl8yH3SusXBgs40Mskyt2oTkHJwmOwLxyeYNlFEpL7ansmz_F/s1600/IMG_5492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggik43Du6d0LY8xxBVfpD0nxeKWxhKb0bQr_2AK48tMUHmY4eGmYxbc40LATD_2IuZ3VrgfNuxuryeSSWtVm7M-PYJ1lRwl8yH3SusXBgs40Mskyt2oTkHJwmOwLxyeYNlFEpL7ansmz_F/s400/IMG_5492.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my current project: the homeschool room/playroom! Everything in this pic (with the exception of the Serena and Lily stool) we've built in the past several weeks with plans from <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana White</a> (looooove her!). I'm about half way done with this room and hope to be finished by September. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyHYRXqIX4r3yQ1R7Nnsup8bbfBB5Sb36NTqwGJ_INCiCvZsvX2FY0wNMCOFLnK6P7Sg7ezQfM948QBA89EeRGtOZMgGFJqqFO90qCpa1NK5ckzCqoCbmFinGhavbl__NuDdNWajrcFCT/s1600/IMG_5507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyHYRXqIX4r3yQ1R7Nnsup8bbfBB5Sb36NTqwGJ_INCiCvZsvX2FY0wNMCOFLnK6P7Sg7ezQfM948QBA89EeRGtOZMgGFJqqFO90qCpa1NK5ckzCqoCbmFinGhavbl__NuDdNWajrcFCT/s400/IMG_5507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/Play">This</a> was the inspiration (mostly) for the playroom/ homeschool room. I'm hoping to make one of those adorable fushia/turquoise seats. Unfortunately, I won't be painting the walls blue, but I'm working on a little wall art that will hopefully bring more color to the room.</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/AVvXsEgfyhyphenhyphenHYkYooP42BUxBYxk1WyAjYzkyTc-TJH4j7bzF7Ci3P-oHftJxUvCWfzH3do2CBPX1QO4UVtF-WEmiu3RCHKGnledpH8l1ALTGcwwYNw3D2LhxBWOCvKwNqtFDxu2FSvaTfaDRewcz/s1600/playrm_life_hero2_crp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyhyphenhyphenHYkYooP42BUxBYxk1WyAjYzkyTc-TJH4j7bzF7Ci3P-oHftJxUvCWfzH3do2CBPX1QO4UVtF-WEmiu3RCHKGnledpH8l1ALTGcwwYNw3D2LhxBWOCvKwNqtFDxu2FSvaTfaDRewcz/s400/playrm_life_hero2_crp.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, speaking of color, I can't end this post without sharing one of my favorite inspiration photos. In the future, when I (with a heavy heart) will have to split up the twins and give them each their own room (or have the boys share), I hope to give Scout a room similar to <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/best-of-decorative-paint.html">this one:</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCtvw_QdTdmq9HbmFaZacUV7sbXwpo4eFu9wR9lr7sMdMiEonSmw_pcs4cbpB9eH99cpmrm2VIctJiCFeXbc0LYE5aZXqnMmDyHlhBLLaJBbGHuNwfcvcbB5y92ng6Xwutq58tiP4tzjC/s1600/joy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCtvw_QdTdmq9HbmFaZacUV7sbXwpo4eFu9wR9lr7sMdMiEonSmw_pcs4cbpB9eH99cpmrm2VIctJiCFeXbc0LYE5aZXqnMmDyHlhBLLaJBbGHuNwfcvcbB5y92ng6Xwutq58tiP4tzjC/s400/joy3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And that's the home I'm making! It's a work in progress. A very, very long work in progress. But, I soooo enjoy the process. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the way, this post idea originated from Ashley at the Handmade Home. I'm linking to her True Colors Par-tay:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2011/07/true-colors-the-handmade-home-linkay-partay/#comment-9731"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7T1LZqy0KHy-_hv7N3blV5flHoGtiEKFfW5oNDTURLSaympML00Zzac4V8kbs17d05_4dP4_p90r5mxffRyTerbRngHFaoDyH9bisLQpEYCy3xoirAJ5y1cvZ2K2Va3Pn4Ft-DQqwQcm/s320/thehandmadehomelinkypartay-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-89814785864497509212011-06-28T15:23:00.000-07:002011-06-28T15:23:49.172-07:00Cubby Storage System - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've had my eye on the Cameron Storage System from Pottery Barn for about 2 years now. I love the size of it, the storage it offers, and even the fact that the bottom doubles as a little bench. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the $1500ish price tag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amazingly, I came across these plans <a href="http://ana-white.com/category/plans/collections/cubby-collection">here</a> on the Ana White web site for how to build the exact same storage system...for only around $350ish! As you can imagine, I <i>[coxed and pleaded and implored my hubby and then...]</i> immediately jumped in!</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/AVvXsEh_HYj3a4vhmT5HgKKbfn8rp1wphDp0ca5NJmqsnb0lVtrVkFz66q-kfL0vVP2iohTLf0aITKwVcZTvpCgqdNV2lGxi5RaoNBlzETdHv8IiMs-uE23DZ8wNWv0eQRM3xv-qqw_ThsrVSEk0/s1600/img11l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HYj3a4vhmT5HgKKbfn8rp1wphDp0ca5NJmqsnb0lVtrVkFz66q-kfL0vVP2iohTLf0aITKwVcZTvpCgqdNV2lGxi5RaoNBlzETdHv8IiMs-uE23DZ8wNWv0eQRM3xv-qqw_ThsrVSEk0/s400/img11l.jpg" width="327" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Initially, I was going to try to have all the MDF cut at one time. I thought that would help me to get the most out of each board. However, after a week of making lists and lists of materials needed and graphs of how each board would be cut (and then realizing I made a mistake and having to start all over), I decided to take it one step at a time. Also, had I tried getting it all cut at one time, I would have to wait while they made 56ish cuts for me at Home Depot. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-wBrvAoKwclfd_ZghlPTDug6sHSTjWOoPWwjZOOVz6mjrgxY-lmY9N5gYx2FfdDIX3BBRjgtOkGz5Nun6vYwtDu-9BAdxiuUhDESLC8GTHuhWK-ivZ69MKsgSLrWACjStZpDsmPoM6Vc/s1600/IMG_4470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-wBrvAoKwclfd_ZghlPTDug6sHSTjWOoPWwjZOOVz6mjrgxY-lmY9N5gYx2FfdDIX3BBRjgtOkGz5Nun6vYwtDu-9BAdxiuUhDESLC8GTHuhWK-ivZ69MKsgSLrWACjStZpDsmPoM6Vc/s400/IMG_4470.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I've started on my first open cubby! I bought enough wood (MDF) to build three cubbies. After reading about other peoples' experiences online, I decided to paint the inside boards before nailing it all together. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8YiUG8QNcKiGku72obXcr8MISMZlnUtwedjl_afSm5SFROUBM7vTA4p3p0NQBJHhqKLLL4cka3sc8ctJsnszxQ-TzZvNvhID5q65eeuswelNCmIzB0s0r6Q4CJKoWEmpo6q9br5DR4-m/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8YiUG8QNcKiGku72obXcr8MISMZlnUtwedjl_afSm5SFROUBM7vTA4p3p0NQBJHhqKLLL4cka3sc8ctJsnszxQ-TzZvNvhID5q65eeuswelNCmIzB0s0r6Q4CJKoWEmpo6q9br5DR4-m/s400/IMG_4473.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deciding on which white to use was also a task! I definitely didn't want it to be stark white. I ended up going with Magnolia Blossom, which is a creamy white with a hint of yellow (as opposed to hints of brown or gray).</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/AVvXsEhzSabijU-OfGKFvmsPDdJQRwdBneWw9fmnXqPUa4BeqJCO7ox-5McukkZtwP9dgUlXB_qx79BN0wyCk2ZURjXFbt5WyPk6xIcuQd9uEsD8qyBBAfm9TvvGr82DbFrhg1q2Z0rNFJDMiEmz/s1600/pottery+barn+cameron+open+cubby+base+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSabijU-OfGKFvmsPDdJQRwdBneWw9fmnXqPUa4BeqJCO7ox-5McukkZtwP9dgUlXB_qx79BN0wyCk2ZURjXFbt5WyPk6xIcuQd9uEsD8qyBBAfm9TvvGr82DbFrhg1q2Z0rNFJDMiEmz/s400/pottery+barn+cameron+open+cubby+base+white.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the look with which I hope to end up. I'm positive that if I have this storage system with little baskets inside, the children will never leave a toy on the floor and the school/playroom will be perfectly picked up all the time....right?....right?!? </div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-12112035376185725112011-06-16T12:37:00.000-07:002011-07-22T06:45:53.780-07:00Elementary Table Build Complete!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so excited to share these photos! Normally, when I make something, I am very quick to point out the flaws in it. With this table, however, I keep looking at it and thinking, "I can't believe I built that!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For a couple of years, I have had my eye on <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/kids-play-tables/kids-furniture/espresso-elementary-table/f7797">this </a>table from Land of Nod, but haven't been able to swollow the $500 it would cost to get the table and chairs. I had all but resigned myself to compromising and getting some less expensive Ikea furniture when I came across <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana White's website</a>. I about fell out of my chair when I came across the plans to make the same exact style table. In addition, all of the hundreds of plans on her site are free. Thank you, Ana!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a few photos:</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/AVvXsEj5xB2xk9zYSh1kHCmbwS79uckmhB2YmhFvMQgEmzNi7NoeVpZ7DAtWVwgdtbvd19I5RAABnlAI5rHmjYBlMmjnIwPHUPiwAqug3E56xrFANPWeD23OsWqgYkYlpxcnCFtZ3WdWNva-BHbF/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xB2xk9zYSh1kHCmbwS79uckmhB2YmhFvMQgEmzNi7NoeVpZ7DAtWVwgdtbvd19I5RAABnlAI5rHmjYBlMmjnIwPHUPiwAqug3E56xrFANPWeD23OsWqgYkYlpxcnCFtZ3WdWNva-BHbF/s400/IMG_4003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaImrxViEyb32ZMSxVwC1Rw2M2MaHWeIp5iI4bSRkoIG_dugkIPfLfINwrwMW6gI_7DiCZc6wyYOBx7JQXmTBL78_pcezE2NZN7tf_pqm6KhyphenhyphenX2o8lS_Zg9QPbv5thiPBNK2pF87MNLELT/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaImrxViEyb32ZMSxVwC1Rw2M2MaHWeIp5iI4bSRkoIG_dugkIPfLfINwrwMW6gI_7DiCZc6wyYOBx7JQXmTBL78_pcezE2NZN7tf_pqm6KhyphenhyphenX2o8lS_Zg9QPbv5thiPBNK2pF87MNLELT/s400/IMG_3994.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></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/AVvXsEiC5TVStizB40OBBlU7T4XGA0N7c3n-pkQNerDzPTI9JbBA8GZsbTcsRUVVK5Wewm2PBJ8O-sMfe6Fs_YUayLVJRZ_B4Kthg8_v765uN7RAAdApEA-41pc8rFrMq2GJbED4pGPNTGlAWGFV/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5TVStizB40OBBlU7T4XGA0N7c3n-pkQNerDzPTI9JbBA8GZsbTcsRUVVK5Wewm2PBJ8O-sMfe6Fs_YUayLVJRZ_B4Kthg8_v765uN7RAAdApEA-41pc8rFrMq2GJbED4pGPNTGlAWGFV/s400/IMG_3996.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, in the play/school room:</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/AVvXsEimwnkY0zXuguEMm_1HbXDU2oD0eIkcBMvqK2nfiui8KU6pvy_ifp7JfbyKG5y-htfj6OtCR5lE0yEcEQ-OAdWuEepsIgveY8ECrETUjxUwGlsUvrC8hbel1MScJ7cfdIEWCIakWqBS1wQk/s1600/IMG_5496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwnkY0zXuguEMm_1HbXDU2oD0eIkcBMvqK2nfiui8KU6pvy_ifp7JfbyKG5y-htfj6OtCR5lE0yEcEQ-OAdWuEepsIgveY8ECrETUjxUwGlsUvrC8hbel1MScJ7cfdIEWCIakWqBS1wQk/s400/IMG_5496.JPG" width="400" /></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/AVvXsEipmp-yQo0tQWbOXttxpm4s23IgYJKc3ML8Eg6XoiO3CxsTmQI5K-6D_Rpsm7bk_MWTG4OYqNfSk6V-16HyldAJMcz4diNQrzNOg2j_hOBJc5Karb99Ple0Pd0Od_bCpNoyJMpTK9Uab4Hc/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmp-yQo0tQWbOXttxpm4s23IgYJKc3ML8Eg6XoiO3CxsTmQI5K-6D_Rpsm7bk_MWTG4OYqNfSk6V-16HyldAJMcz4diNQrzNOg2j_hOBJc5Karb99Ple0Pd0Od_bCpNoyJMpTK9Uab4Hc/s400/IMG_3962.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is proof to all you doubters that I can actually use a power tool! (<i>Though, technically, I guess this only proves that I can </i>hold<i> a powertool, but I promise I'm using it here.</i>)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLN9EaHl-mBdGAXv_GA6fWUWpuwYYyB-1H8YYzA7p_vPetG0-CmwE9TMjtW-cJ0oAINe3UswhoAiaKMqB8vxVK9CPMYUhid3ggjg2gtQeBjQ9l-BaAlWGZ8eSzzQyOdLNfkTvk3zA3ghe/s1600/IMG_3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLN9EaHl-mBdGAXv_GA6fWUWpuwYYyB-1H8YYzA7p_vPetG0-CmwE9TMjtW-cJ0oAINe3UswhoAiaKMqB8vxVK9CPMYUhid3ggjg2gtQeBjQ9l-BaAlWGZ8eSzzQyOdLNfkTvk3zA3ghe/s400/IMG_3974.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the best parts of building the furniture is getting to spend time with my husband, Marcos. I love when we end up in the garage building together after the children have gone to bed, instead of finding ourselves in front of the tv or, worse, in different rooms watching different things on different tvs. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMcob8B1NcBYACFmgaaO6m-VPCTixUi73eIwOX8FvVi4u3cYqKh4uDJ_Du1tN_NHNWST9PDkFJ2-kFYk29365WeTgZ6AD-sUz5r5AwN1Pg-RcYsS-RpDO_lEmshhd4iN6z6ptlWv7rjcp/s1600/IMG_3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMcob8B1NcBYACFmgaaO6m-VPCTixUi73eIwOX8FvVi4u3cYqKh4uDJ_Du1tN_NHNWST9PDkFJ2-kFYk29365WeTgZ6AD-sUz5r5AwN1Pg-RcYsS-RpDO_lEmshhd4iN6z6ptlWv7rjcp/s400/IMG_3957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the work in progress. Notice the pallet in the background?!? That's going to be used for our next little project. All of this furniture is going to be used in Merrick's homeschool room. After we finish putting the sealer on the table, we are going to make a crate for library books, $5 wall shelves for forward facing books, 2 bookcases inspired by the Land of Nod Cube Collection, and some wall art that I am VERY excited about. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't wait to see the whole room come together. Here's to hoping I still have all of my fingers once it's all finished...</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/AVvXsEiC5TVStizB40OBBlU7T4XGA0N7c3n-pkQNerDzPTI9JbBA8GZsbTcsRUVVK5Wewm2PBJ8O-sMfe6Fs_YUayLVJRZ_B4Kthg8_v765uN7RAAdApEA-41pc8rFrMq2GJbED4pGPNTGlAWGFV/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-86214876784921301022011-06-08T11:58:00.000-07:002011-06-08T11:58:09.965-07:00Making My First Chair!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6m63sW_rD_XfbQ9yGTHp1lIw-nGi-IgvvkZq5DN980_RVrEWkNp76fl3IYZdh7eRzvB8wqQxir-dcuMX2AvZdbqbJEtgjGEVTjgDS_WJjqi4awurRL3a1bRcmioIV3Ozef0hEAc4hUiMH/s1600/IMG_3898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6m63sW_rD_XfbQ9yGTHp1lIw-nGi-IgvvkZq5DN980_RVrEWkNp76fl3IYZdh7eRzvB8wqQxir-dcuMX2AvZdbqbJEtgjGEVTjgDS_WJjqi4awurRL3a1bRcmioIV3Ozef0hEAc4hUiMH/s400/IMG_3898.JPG" width="266" /></a></div> My friends, I have a new obsession: woodmaking! <br />
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After having my eye on the Elementary table from Land of Nod for more than a year, I accidently came across the plans for how to build it at <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana White Knock Off Wood</a>. Actually, that one plan is just one of hundreds (if not thousands!) of plans on her site! <br />
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I'm not very experienced in the art of woodmaking. I've made three things to be exact: <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2010/12/subway-art-tutorial.html">this</a> Subway art, our raised vegetable garden bed (does that even count?), and a somewhat defective train table for Merrick when he was just a tot. This chair is the first official piece of actual furniture that I made. And, yes, by "I", I mean "my husband and me". And, yes, by "my husband and me," I probably mean, "mostly my husband."<br />
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I chose to make the chair before making the table because it seemed simple and a good place to start. It's also called the "$4 Stackable Chair" so I thought that if something went wrong, I'd only be out $4. Little did I know, it actually cost me $34 to build. The $4 only applied to the wood itself. I also had to buy screws, a square, a right angle clamp, more screws, and top coat spray paint. <br />
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By the time I started in on the first step, I had to run to my hubby for help. I had already completely stripped a screw and was about to just toss the beginnings of my chair in the trash. He had to help me each step of the way. Half way through, one of our neighbors popped into the garage and said, "I have a Pottery Barn table and chairs we no longer use that I can sell you." I was about to jump on it, but Marcos shooed her out saying that he was confident in my mad skills with a drill. He's lucky I didn't have a hammer in my hand at the time.<br />
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Although, despite how challenging it was to put even the simplest chair together, and despite the fact that it cost pretty much the same as if I had bought one at the store, and despite the fact that it is a bit crooked and rough in some areas, I loved the time that Marcos and I spent together building it. It was great bonding time. And, I love how my children have a chair their size that they can use every day...and Marcos and I made it with our own two hands (and heart). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIkItvERAceyV-T_omz4yRqrbpTXgq46fPGHiR32VfQ6sjLhsGFFCjYiS4t5_JjVryTrDhf_kF5wkBn8IVTy_RfOYuObbXXUeO2ZtLkxcFbGtGZSv66xMC2CUJ_vj9kGaRsCcgjTquysZ/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIkItvERAceyV-T_omz4yRqrbpTXgq46fPGHiR32VfQ6sjLhsGFFCjYiS4t5_JjVryTrDhf_kF5wkBn8IVTy_RfOYuObbXXUeO2ZtLkxcFbGtGZSv66xMC2CUJ_vj9kGaRsCcgjTquysZ/s400/IMG_3911.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjMTrq62xtMdKeZX-bRAifJW7gRNdEt6bmiKUSWbEXL_nQ10NakpKg9eFkKZLztHoF6cfXsMbPZRFhDG-6q5tmGXCkYnS7vndqdyzVxHfvvAfYvh_qGmG-jRLmxhc-abbm3HRT8G96tea/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjMTrq62xtMdKeZX-bRAifJW7gRNdEt6bmiKUSWbEXL_nQ10NakpKg9eFkKZLztHoF6cfXsMbPZRFhDG-6q5tmGXCkYnS7vndqdyzVxHfvvAfYvh_qGmG-jRLmxhc-abbm3HRT8G96tea/s400/IMG_3909.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Scoutie Girl loves the chair. I about jumped out of my skin with excitement the first time the kids sat on it...and it didn't break. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyRuwDU6TtWve-YkPHOckcvQolPgSmKFZXsF71yt9_-s2DEwpFCkLmqmo7LNlY6GNqw4gFYfx25nm5XD6GXdCedGedlHnjea2V-GgQjzO6NFdmldMQjxVPZXC3AgjPRem4gs9s16Y9agl/s1600/IMG_3919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyRuwDU6TtWve-YkPHOckcvQolPgSmKFZXsF71yt9_-s2DEwpFCkLmqmo7LNlY6GNqw4gFYfx25nm5XD6GXdCedGedlHnjea2V-GgQjzO6NFdmldMQjxVPZXC3AgjPRem4gs9s16Y9agl/s400/IMG_3919.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that the paint has dried and I'm no longer having hallucinations from the top coat fumes, it is on to making chair #2. Then, if we survive that, on to the <a href="http://ana-white.com/2009/11/plan-kids-thanksgiving-table-elementary.html">elementary trestle table</a>. Wish us luck!</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-87949374905957919352011-05-28T09:32:00.000-07:002011-05-28T09:32:22.712-07:00A Cat in the Hat Fiesta!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was thrilled this year when my twins, Scout and Sawyer, started getting into the Cat in the Hat cartoons. Finally, I could throw them a Thing 1 Thing 2 party without feeling entirely selfish about it. Now, it wasn't just about my desire to throw a party with an adorable theme, it was also about how ecstatic my 2 year olds would be when they saw pictures of the Cat in the Hat all over (that's what I tell myself, anyway...).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always, I simply stole any and every idea I had from other bloggers. As my hubby says, I am "a pirate, not a pioneer". Another friend, however, in an effort to reassure me of my creativity, reminded me that originality is simply the art of "remembering what you heard but forgetting where you heard it." :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here are some of the details of the party:</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/AVvXsEjNHQfakiToLJn6G8XRVsi9EjRfCEmENC4XfY3fz60JwZnXg7U39rwSLwHzILmapaGkrk-cA4nxfPg8f6NLMuNHnveG1HAbggMhmXOzgM6amXa9xAs98CQUopCPVM7epyhA7ftyT9BOW8lP/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHQfakiToLJn6G8XRVsi9EjRfCEmENC4XfY3fz60JwZnXg7U39rwSLwHzILmapaGkrk-cA4nxfPg8f6NLMuNHnveG1HAbggMhmXOzgM6amXa9xAs98CQUopCPVM7epyhA7ftyT9BOW8lP/s400/IMG_3189.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love making birthday banners for my kiddos special days. I leave it up all week to make them feel special (<i>or is it because I don't want all my hard work to last only for one day...hmmm</i>).</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/AVvXsEjTnmy9xo38Anwhsyh0a2_SuzLA9Y71vXvxTVPU4h_Qsgov5s7ruximfWBVKbPXLW2l4PDt83XSCkzx4G8pwYGrOIIDXiiuMfOgD-cwNbm5B7dy58CSlfC6sKBz4o78ajlmKOVfXTEdfjD4/s1600/IMG_2986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnmy9xo38Anwhsyh0a2_SuzLA9Y71vXvxTVPU4h_Qsgov5s7ruximfWBVKbPXLW2l4PDt83XSCkzx4G8pwYGrOIIDXiiuMfOgD-cwNbm5B7dy58CSlfC6sKBz4o78ajlmKOVfXTEdfjD4/s400/IMG_2986.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was the birthday goodies table. I basically just imitated this party <a href="http://annies-eats.net/2010/06/28/andrews-second-birthday-party/">here</a> at Annie Eats. The flowers on the wall were my favorite decor of the day. They are actually red paper lunch bags tied together. Thank you, <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/271365/paper-bag-flowers">Martha</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/AVvXsEhvNCrLFizRupNOJKhIVivFsz55bbuJ-OrOd4L65YLczBQGAFbDIwKKaPUpp5a4V52ENAofxbHyyliXxlSJWwTN9HlREZqNaQ4tHf_xm_twv5RnLA8UwUWCc2bKZMGwySjNhkNU6_ekO4MS/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNCrLFizRupNOJKhIVivFsz55bbuJ-OrOd4L65YLczBQGAFbDIwKKaPUpp5a4V52ENAofxbHyyliXxlSJWwTN9HlREZqNaQ4tHf_xm_twv5RnLA8UwUWCc2bKZMGwySjNhkNU6_ekO4MS/s400/IMG_2990.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These cupcakes were one of reasons I wanted to have this party theme in the first place. However, I was a little disappointed at how quickly the cotton candy disintegrated. This pic was taken about 1 minute after putting the "hair" on...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyw71k3bqrol415P0Mu_V8mj952WywaZbpe2ZDburp3Z5y0y743Lj0VPcZioU2JFuu_5953qgQoSw61sSPcm59IiYNKZsIsYggwW3TNqHsK_vX2TMAIQogooFnStJfa0RB7mqiG_HQed3/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyw71k3bqrol415P0Mu_V8mj952WywaZbpe2ZDburp3Z5y0y743Lj0VPcZioU2JFuu_5953qgQoSw61sSPcm59IiYNKZsIsYggwW3TNqHsK_vX2TMAIQogooFnStJfa0RB7mqiG_HQed3/s400/IMG_2992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was taken only about 10 minutes after putting on the "hair." Although it's a great idea, I wish I could have figured out how to do <a href="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/02/dr-seuss-party-ideas-dr-seuss-birthday.html">this</a> cupcake instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</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/AVvXsEjjR7XxB5WzU4agyqsX9Zb8dsHUEF5YJcRlYx9a7eAOWqDYACpBpNrDEgEB9eRro9cht4OUv-jdYDI-J4sWvgbhlpyxZwWUFlt2TovTwJGN0HHppLUW_avZUP9NuAwauQikOF47u6dePrnd/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR7XxB5WzU4agyqsX9Zb8dsHUEF5YJcRlYx9a7eAOWqDYACpBpNrDEgEB9eRro9cht4OUv-jdYDI-J4sWvgbhlpyxZwWUFlt2TovTwJGN0HHppLUW_avZUP9NuAwauQikOF47u6dePrnd/s400/IMG_2927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite party yummy. These are <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/oreo-balls-52035">Oreo Balls</a>, which I've been making way before cake balls came into fashion (at least 6 months prior, at least). </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjwhyphenhyphenHcyIFGN8v3jJ3W289n2QhBAHa0bBowYRielF-t03C5FodqMMIpPBMqDySABvMqIr0KCbyDEkISYEMvHYu3KEe2quU4zZ1DBr4TFHGZv-K9f_luCoiHR5_8siQ-YuM6oG24vgE7LY/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjwhyphenhyphenHcyIFGN8v3jJ3W289n2QhBAHa0bBowYRielF-t03C5FodqMMIpPBMqDySABvMqIr0KCbyDEkISYEMvHYu3KEe2quU4zZ1DBr4TFHGZv-K9f_luCoiHR5_8siQ-YuM6oG24vgE7LY/s400/IMG_2932.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although I LOVED the idea of these <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/03/02/cat-in-the-hat-pops-for-dr-seusss-birthday/">Cat in the Hat marshmallow pops</a>, I'm not sure they were worth all the trouble. I only ended up with 6 decent hats because my hubby and I kept cracking the white brims when trying to poke the pop stick in. </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/AVvXsEgnvuFdNULHDT3PkrZWY3tQltX9m1lHR2Nb1WQ9GISYjisr9px_S-C-7D6XiAf6nIqWxc8zapexc3zkzSnI8KxUT96amRZ02mvFn_dk7fVqfLPIVrUzN5dgpzPfGvtfJhzThIMvkVsJWlgE/s1600/IMG_2934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvuFdNULHDT3PkrZWY3tQltX9m1lHR2Nb1WQ9GISYjisr9px_S-C-7D6XiAf6nIqWxc8zapexc3zkzSnI8KxUT96amRZ02mvFn_dk7fVqfLPIVrUzN5dgpzPfGvtfJhzThIMvkVsJWlgE/s400/IMG_2934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made several more hat marshmallows without the white brim and just placed them out on a cake stand. People ate these up!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicutAt23hxvgCdF6YTUaWAtJDEDcTpMnoHKW6rfMuQmxaG7nClTU69jxfGqoZO3hXtUW4aHvr78PKERaggAD9IstYQ3GzZBOc5kS-NO0_zYbJgzZHOKujvSVTc9h5PrVCYuz4FQFRuKt8z/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicutAt23hxvgCdF6YTUaWAtJDEDcTpMnoHKW6rfMuQmxaG7nClTU69jxfGqoZO3hXtUW4aHvr78PKERaggAD9IstYQ3GzZBOc5kS-NO0_zYbJgzZHOKujvSVTc9h5PrVCYuz4FQFRuKt8z/s400/IMG_2937.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are another party favorite at the Esparza house. I am not crazy about eating these myself, but they are super finger food. People LOVE these and they are so easy to make! We made similar pretzel rods at Halloween, but made them into <a href="http://modderhood.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-halloween-house-part-1.html">ghosts</a>. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtNG3Ds3E5NUDPK-0ey2TwLZQIyLvJefgtfOTHsWTuu5jW3UGs5YkKnf_n6ivA8DwoOdPN_ft3LEMpBAMzNeGDdFJmVYlL73kwp76gXx-Ju06uPC_YHDCniF5qfOy515dtpoK075g0oy_/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtNG3Ds3E5NUDPK-0ey2TwLZQIyLvJefgtfOTHsWTuu5jW3UGs5YkKnf_n6ivA8DwoOdPN_ft3LEMpBAMzNeGDdFJmVYlL73kwp76gXx-Ju06uPC_YHDCniF5qfOy515dtpoK075g0oy_/s400/IMG_2939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first time making our own water bottle labels. Why haven't I done this before? It's so easy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgMDpIgi2yNB5TF3f6BTscdJHDQyZ5036Ulo3WdWZKhf2DS9m16lIwz8JWtz7_0YCketmKILYqQpTmkIh9KumpnZ5A00WTYFJVVR3tyOAAfMwg4fd4hTstx26ijAMEHbEnS9VuChBfl2u/s1600/IMG_2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgMDpIgi2yNB5TF3f6BTscdJHDQyZ5036Ulo3WdWZKhf2DS9m16lIwz8JWtz7_0YCketmKILYqQpTmkIh9KumpnZ5A00WTYFJVVR3tyOAAfMwg4fd4hTstx26ijAMEHbEnS9VuChBfl2u/s400/IMG_2951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was up at 2am the night before the party drawing this little baby. We didn't actually use it, of course...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiEVuIlWKJ5zbVCOuujFgCtRfmI3FEyNqgUyvBFqybTfD7sIcsHiZvDfPjlUpXanFrgv5HPqo2Fq6ObLx4Y-oAiZltxMksbstfT9M6VLeoOJBAzZPrp6D_ZF7ixrbjn6GQqy4BoAfXbRO/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiEVuIlWKJ5zbVCOuujFgCtRfmI3FEyNqgUyvBFqybTfD7sIcsHiZvDfPjlUpXanFrgv5HPqo2Fq6ObLx4Y-oAiZltxMksbstfT9M6VLeoOJBAzZPrp6D_ZF7ixrbjn6GQqy4BoAfXbRO/s400/IMG_2977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A fun idea for fruit kabobs...</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/AVvXsEja7Pk2gCT8pOqFaGeCr3tndUy5wLXY95sX736Jav9zZ9XsituGAgmAJcyRjRNf1iTfSRcLNaJQGuF9Wg2eyqA4qrxV8gE71x0498WljoFSmTahTkNxDzZyEzJVh61aZVj1hXkPwy-iibgm/s1600/IMG_3087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7Pk2gCT8pOqFaGeCr3tndUy5wLXY95sX736Jav9zZ9XsituGAgmAJcyRjRNf1iTfSRcLNaJQGuF9Wg2eyqA4qrxV8gE71x0498WljoFSmTahTkNxDzZyEzJVh61aZVj1hXkPwy-iibgm/s400/IMG_3087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can't have a Dr. Seuss party without some green eggs and ham! I wish I would have gotten a better picture of the ham sand cheese sliders. They are so yummy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-ICG0XLItjuLEVt7Spj6iy7YsoPdHyhtQGv5lXGZafcv44A1N6Rt8gAJSsqjpO_3sj8wxLVJ5SlKswcJ3IPCNgOabNz0KBDJTkyaUZNnABcbIOIHiqmd8k_uwCxy6Q2_jOAFAify2N7Q/s1600/IMG_2993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-ICG0XLItjuLEVt7Spj6iy7YsoPdHyhtQGv5lXGZafcv44A1N6Rt8gAJSsqjpO_3sj8wxLVJ5SlKswcJ3IPCNgOabNz0KBDJTkyaUZNnABcbIOIHiqmd8k_uwCxy6Q2_jOAFAify2N7Q/s400/IMG_2993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, I think my green eggs were probably a better idea in my head than they were in reality. These look a little too much like green dog poop, don't you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y53-RenJ6cCpgmUtdRjp6Cmpb-kU8TQ2WKWIrYKgD4cOIgW-TbhbbHrKaC6wcYoQ_ZTVL0Ube2Kbeo9mDv9_Q2uw7GptVaF6as2LQZSHmJzcnukEDFYlsSlA6_qm-fhchNERq7FuwHbq/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Y53-RenJ6cCpgmUtdRjp6Cmpb-kU8TQ2WKWIrYKgD4cOIgW-TbhbbHrKaC6wcYoQ_ZTVL0Ube2Kbeo9mDv9_Q2uw7GptVaF6as2LQZSHmJzcnukEDFYlsSlA6_qm-fhchNERq7FuwHbq/s400/IMG_3027.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outside, we played with bubbles and, later, a water sprinkler toy. Big brother Merrick came straight from his soccer game where he scored his tenth or eleventh goal of the season!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrCsCtTz-qIUNUiUEWRHfkhcaW7a-isSBVa72Cumu3AXDa3nw7joir6iH-Ftf3UoU9MwyNWvsug-YK9rWEPPv5-yhOMQQn9MA5gRxhGvC8Rl1kT_kVX2tITfVaiOE8el7XociuwxEEKtV/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrCsCtTz-qIUNUiUEWRHfkhcaW7a-isSBVa72Cumu3AXDa3nw7joir6iH-Ftf3UoU9MwyNWvsug-YK9rWEPPv5-yhOMQQn9MA5gRxhGvC8Rl1kT_kVX2tITfVaiOE8el7XociuwxEEKtV/s400/IMG_3042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the end, I'm not sure it was such a good idea to make a double batch of <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2010/05/06/diy-the-worlds-best-bubbles/">The World's Best Bubble recipe</a> and then just leave it out in a bucket. Scoutie Girl used the bucket as her personal bath tub, then progressed from there to washing Sawyer's hair. It was cute, but not so cute once the soap made it's way into their eyes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoczvkcnGtrx-U2h68pALWUbUHiZFp2ecQ1a5btOS_7T-tiX6_M6y6Glc1oHQmbeQt-pmF6kGChNSMda78Nrx1QM3ceQFiRsQbIoKC7-v2fRoj2RveDvEsdjqRZHUGBdOv3Q-f8zArypI/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoczvkcnGtrx-U2h68pALWUbUHiZFp2ecQ1a5btOS_7T-tiX6_M6y6Glc1oHQmbeQt-pmF6kGChNSMda78Nrx1QM3ceQFiRsQbIoKC7-v2fRoj2RveDvEsdjqRZHUGBdOv3Q-f8zArypI/s400/IMG_3082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How could we not have an awesome party when we have such fun friends with which to celebrate?!?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIGgYGMjP52tXjlwxVhMWXUHzzSbKEbN8zxGpo1OmB7u4eR84YceWwlw9mUiHwH4LNiPYAbJDttSDE-ZhOV21vRaOIxMnWbeRU-NR3EGuVB151y2yj-yzEVG40SIvh0J9mMkEtoWeUska/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIGgYGMjP52tXjlwxVhMWXUHzzSbKEbN8zxGpo1OmB7u4eR84YceWwlw9mUiHwH4LNiPYAbJDttSDE-ZhOV21vRaOIxMnWbeRU-NR3EGuVB151y2yj-yzEVG40SIvh0J9mMkEtoWeUska/s400/IMG_3107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A family birthday picture. Two out three looking...that ain't bad. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKtEiFsonumNAVCJA4JnxheZGSrH-VX_EhGKInVSGXsjnh4f0lrrA9AC3pv44w5w_POSRzpSU057AbRCWo5Ec-tBdio2pMvAGFcQaQpWUi-mTYFJKqP5TUZDXCdbm84cc-nH51Za7Ggfp/s1600/IMG_3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKtEiFsonumNAVCJA4JnxheZGSrH-VX_EhGKInVSGXsjnh4f0lrrA9AC3pv44w5w_POSRzpSU057AbRCWo5Ec-tBdio2pMvAGFcQaQpWUi-mTYFJKqP5TUZDXCdbm84cc-nH51Za7Ggfp/s400/IMG_3184.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll write more later about Scout's dress and also make a post with a couple of the Cat in the Hat printables (water bottle, welcome sign, etc.).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to my Little Thing One and Thing Two! Now, to start planning their 3rd birthday party...</div><br />
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</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-72467072244029483022011-05-18T11:27:00.000-07:002011-05-18T11:28:13.869-07:00Silhouette Give Away at Tatertots and Jello!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jen at <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/05/silhouette-heat-transfer-project-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FOivM+%28Tatertots+and+Jello%29">Tatertots and Jello</a> is giving away a Silhouette machine! </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/AVvXsEiv8__Xy_dtnMfS2l_PoJVNevwoZ5W53n5ZP9VmwwXWuR7QlBXNvsIy-bdFHJ5BPpGJ9K3s002IxOoB7SulDLLo1N25R6cTEFbfDcSZY_eqomrqdiRHP0JsuVuSp54MuEEdobhIwPnU6z3V/s1600/TT%2526J+Silhouette+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8__Xy_dtnMfS2l_PoJVNevwoZ5W53n5ZP9VmwwXWuR7QlBXNvsIy-bdFHJ5BPpGJ9K3s002IxOoB7SulDLLo1N25R6cTEFbfDcSZY_eqomrqdiRHP0JsuVuSp54MuEEdobhIwPnU6z3V/s400/TT%2526J+Silhouette+giveaway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started coveting this machine after I saw all the neat things Shelley from <a href="http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/">House of Smiths</a> would cook up with her machine. I am pretty convinced at this point that if I don't get one of these machines that I will die.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How's that for dramatic? :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnvwiQWbV4DJGteDwa6nehMSebVOyZttCsBdOkMdrq28B4w6WBxtQFY-Bhrivp8aK80U6B8_jYs0XlHpStUTJd1FHz3loQK7HFHD7q6Y2oN0eh1SCJVgWvYxCpZBzB8G6XAyYb-mfzdq6/s1600/playBike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnvwiQWbV4DJGteDwa6nehMSebVOyZttCsBdOkMdrq28B4w6WBxtQFY-Bhrivp8aK80U6B8_jYs0XlHpStUTJd1FHz3loQK7HFHD7q6Y2oN0eh1SCJVgWvYxCpZBzB8G6XAyYb-mfzdq6/s400/playBike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I rarely enter in blog give aways, probably because I don't believe I could actually win. However, for a free silhouette machine, I'm putting my name in the hat. I don't care that 3,000 people have already entered. I will do anything to have a machine that can make cool signs like this one:</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/AVvXsEjkV1y2suGnrbag-rr61P_jWmvc4Zf3YUwN6KBBf2nxhQD6GFMq-v9C2GGNGthG7aOfunyVwovHrTRoU92MWlf-t1b2D4-JsHDRHzYtFX7hesazujaGLMqjXpyN9PkYsd636DP4yQbl0bHn/s1600/Laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV1y2suGnrbag-rr61P_jWmvc4Zf3YUwN6KBBf2nxhQD6GFMq-v9C2GGNGthG7aOfunyVwovHrTRoU92MWlf-t1b2D4-JsHDRHzYtFX7hesazujaGLMqjXpyN9PkYsd636DP4yQbl0bHn/s400/Laundry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, please. Do go over to Tatertot's and Jello. But, DON'T enter the giveaway contest. I don't need the competition. :)</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-17048068181808850512011-04-27T14:40:00.000-07:002011-04-27T14:40:22.904-07:00Sweet Silhouettes<div style="text-align: center;">I don't know how it began, but I have an obsession with all things silhouette. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thankfully, I also have a long standing friendship with GIMP, a freeware that is similar to Photoshop. After I spent a ton of time online researching all the different children's silhouettes out there, I was able to whip up a couple portraits of my own rugrats. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've also become quite taken with digital scrapbooking paper. Love that stuff! It's so inexpensive, emailed to me within a day (usually from Etsy), and I can use it over and over again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the silhouettes I made for the twins' room:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwEIBL1wKr16Z3_VlRVIzCIyfWI9PEtdcB10KtdYicMAFW7gsTaDGHx2843yWT5vlz-A_PDceAvsONyVfINKhyphenhyphenYukExoNO8FMM2OY3k_MCM8i7z6NeOCEP3uQQxvosqD9titpNzXTfMLO/s1600/ScoutFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwEIBL1wKr16Z3_VlRVIzCIyfWI9PEtdcB10KtdYicMAFW7gsTaDGHx2843yWT5vlz-A_PDceAvsONyVfINKhyphenhyphenYukExoNO8FMM2OY3k_MCM8i7z6NeOCEP3uQQxvosqD9titpNzXTfMLO/s400/ScoutFinal.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QK2jVH1eLHCb0c3R3QOL4YjZAOmzzuue4Cx5yz8FE55lWg0XirrsPqSQH__VeQ0TnsebftQmB_52aQ5mE9panOrItraRSJpBkG0ZoxTBi2CcrSwF4hu7MVJs3uGd-3zCjXl4chYSs_uO/s1600/SawyerSilhouetteFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QK2jVH1eLHCb0c3R3QOL4YjZAOmzzuue4Cx5yz8FE55lWg0XirrsPqSQH__VeQ0TnsebftQmB_52aQ5mE9panOrItraRSJpBkG0ZoxTBi2CcrSwF4hu7MVJs3uGd-3zCjXl4chYSs_uO/s400/SawyerSilhouetteFinal.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The silhouettes were made in GIMP by tracing an actual profile picture I took of them when they were 12 months old. Then, I just added some cute digital paper and frames! It was very simple!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish I could have taken a good photo of the pictures hanging on either side of the window, but unfortunately the light in their room is not ideal for that shot. Here's a pic of them framed:</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/AVvXsEj-QK2jVH1eLHCb0c3R3QOL4YjZAOmzzuue4Cx5yz8FE55lWg0XirrsPqSQH__VeQ0TnsebftQmB_52aQ5mE9panOrItraRSJpBkG0ZoxTBi2CcrSwF4hu7MVJs3uGd-3zCjXl4chYSs_uO/s1600/SawyerSilhouetteFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07tCMIHCfZKKImtneRi7WSzBs8BkCQRvHRtQZQ5-0u7QDbk_RlFXG5WPMfDHKb_Fwx671yDcVh4sxPh9KCulSHvck35HoDwwPDwGhm0HG9oGSUQcI5aJRmHAzQXtit4xFVoO633zWLa2D/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07tCMIHCfZKKImtneRi7WSzBs8BkCQRvHRtQZQ5-0u7QDbk_RlFXG5WPMfDHKb_Fwx671yDcVh4sxPh9KCulSHvck35HoDwwPDwGhm0HG9oGSUQcI5aJRmHAzQXtit4xFVoO633zWLa2D/s400/IMG_1695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm thinking about redoing Finn's picture and filling in the space behind his silhouette with green as well. Although I like the look of it individually, it definitely looks like it's missing something when next to Lulu's silhouette. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved making these. I might have to make a few silhouette ornaments for the Christmas tree this year. Is it too early to start on Christmas decor?!?</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-89515151414553529542011-04-26T20:53:00.000-07:002011-04-26T20:56:07.849-07:00Mixed Media Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first gel image transfer painting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I so enjoyed making this painting. Not only because I got to try out a new technique, but because of the sentiment this painting holds for me. I love to see my daughter reading. My twins were both given literary names because of my love for the written word. Don't laugh, but "Story" was actually on my list of names for my daughter (hey...I said not to laugh!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This painting is going to be part of a collection of 3 paintings for above Lulu's bed. The other two, I hope, will include one mixed media with a bird theme and one of Lulu and her twin brother.</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/AVvXsEiwkc4O8vbAvjO1GT6RahfkO1N1rj1Se9qaeDuWJMgvZnnNla5uWhrRF0ViHNt6_FGvawYL9fe-X5ID6IWElC6HCW0o0hwNY2AbFE9us48P13yaqeGEjCbbOpbLlaMxuB3KOUYKUdFXCF41/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkc4O8vbAvjO1GT6RahfkO1N1rj1Se9qaeDuWJMgvZnnNla5uWhrRF0ViHNt6_FGvawYL9fe-X5ID6IWElC6HCW0o0hwNY2AbFE9us48P13yaqeGEjCbbOpbLlaMxuB3KOUYKUdFXCF41/s400/IMG_1700.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These colors are a very true representation my little girl's spunk.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUk4jFmzd0oRmdoJuJlrVHzKrrfg1FCrGnfDDv4reG6akrvfUpgUQ_tsC5CJrMkq-8Rnl3iBDcyzPzLFbj1R-tCEelB9jtJvc9MmtEI2W906M2-93UbfK6bRtJkfIAh2ewr06u5PxaHdp/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUk4jFmzd0oRmdoJuJlrVHzKrrfg1FCrGnfDDv4reG6akrvfUpgUQ_tsC5CJrMkq-8Rnl3iBDcyzPzLFbj1R-tCEelB9jtJvc9MmtEI2W906M2-93UbfK6bRtJkfIAh2ewr06u5PxaHdp/s400/IMG_1722.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A favorite quote from one of my favorite books, <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i>. Underneath the quote is a torn piece of scrapbooking paper with a little girl taking a book off a shelf.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjJWlOs-YeTtv8yMBWViSlSl19eul2m9Wn8iLBHS2rCCR2oG4Mlit5AyREly7pgg8LO806ZQIaEGwV8hW53Mzuus-DC3XMvQ8sG6mE4AVVeHsNlGfGmIJ7h4j21IZVE9r9wF0x9IGcmKx/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjJWlOs-YeTtv8yMBWViSlSl19eul2m9Wn8iLBHS2rCCR2oG4Mlit5AyREly7pgg8LO806ZQIaEGwV8hW53Mzuus-DC3XMvQ8sG6mE4AVVeHsNlGfGmIJ7h4j21IZVE9r9wF0x9IGcmKx/s400/IMG_1723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just under and above Lulu's head is a page torn from one of my childhood books. It's the last page to <i>The Incredible Journey</i>. I like to look at this and imagine the words that go through Lulu's head as she's reading.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fKlCVg84gETTajleBQQiIdRhOIya2Wvw5paSjRRlHjFDYLMlY7Jxlre06F7stXkrve3Qnc1Nrtx4Ypw28OsET9cszfMZlT_ZYextrxu712U9U5NCTJkDYKp9NjEUcdSzLSZjATNtdqud/s1600/IMG_2280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fKlCVg84gETTajleBQQiIdRhOIya2Wvw5paSjRRlHjFDYLMlY7Jxlre06F7stXkrve3Qnc1Nrtx4Ypw28OsET9cszfMZlT_ZYextrxu712U9U5NCTJkDYKp9NjEUcdSzLSZjATNtdqud/s400/IMG_2280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was difficult to get a decent picture of the painting because of the way the light reflected off the gel image transfer. This was the best I could do...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can't wait to get started on the next two!</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-58392801256783544242011-02-14T19:27:00.000-08:002011-02-14T19:27:04.507-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">What a great Valentine's Day today! We've had heart shaped, pink pancakes, lots of Valentine's cards, heart shaped pizzas, and plenty of hugs and kisses all around. This evening, my handsome hubby and I got to go on a great date to a very nice Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin (not Taco-Bell kinda nice, but uh-I-have-no-idea-what-half-this-menu-is nice). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a couple of Valentine's Day dish towels I made to help celebrate this special day. My 4 year old, who has been super excited this year about Vday, helped me make them. He even assisted in the design process by insisting that I add a rhinestone to the top of the heart. He also wanted to glue cardstock arms and legs onto the heart, but I said no. I had to draw the line somewhere. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's Day to all! I hope that whether or not you have a sweetie today, that you remember that you <i>are</i> loved. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ...</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Ephesians 3:17b-18</span></i></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaugD0Fw-e7FqwOKHUC235VGeUsdzu-69ZaGHyUx3ZLST7OQRGcseZ9g_uKvKCCtlaFABAikArl6Ik290Cf96Y315li6sxh-j4IRvOvlbEcn2fSGwS7VlBaZMbK9dkymR_YQ-ZG-l8v3hm/s1600/VdayTowel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaugD0Fw-e7FqwOKHUC235VGeUsdzu-69ZaGHyUx3ZLST7OQRGcseZ9g_uKvKCCtlaFABAikArl6Ik290Cf96Y315li6sxh-j4IRvOvlbEcn2fSGwS7VlBaZMbK9dkymR_YQ-ZG-l8v3hm/s400/VdayTowel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eeyoaKmtiihyHMGuZQNyWUY2u03Tw0rIwLXJrUrOO0dB6D7fuYxLV23Kf4tHj1oQ5z6ILoodkxcBACRuhT-1L3apaMtop9y7mhEIb2aNYnCTADppvxobOi_bIqiL7EzZaIZf646DxZXm/s1600/VdayTowel2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eeyoaKmtiihyHMGuZQNyWUY2u03Tw0rIwLXJrUrOO0dB6D7fuYxLV23Kf4tHj1oQ5z6ILoodkxcBACRuhT-1L3apaMtop9y7mhEIb2aNYnCTADppvxobOi_bIqiL7EzZaIZf646DxZXm/s400/VdayTowel2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-35652534005723081192011-02-09T16:02:00.000-08:002011-02-09T16:02:35.930-08:00Valentine's Cupcake Liner Wreath<div style="text-align: center;">I'm so grateful for really cool craft blogs like <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/01/whimsical-valentine-wreath.html">Tatertots and Jello</a> and all her cool ideas...like the cupcake liner wreath! How cool is this?!? I'll admit, it took me two episodes of House plus a significant part of the Superbowl to make this, but I really like how it turned out. It reminds me of the way carnations look when they are arranged all together.</div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6-GqixEq1oDwW24zIxZMWKSZI72EM2QTFbXoMRGdW6x05ub3wiidyDm9E62oL2QvPP4Cw73EgBa0x-PF1MR4vgcvz2HDlW9C9Yzi9uL7Betsobhyphenhyphenl93DbgNxpkSZ66MJdEmIVvpslHeG/s1600/Wreath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6-GqixEq1oDwW24zIxZMWKSZI72EM2QTFbXoMRGdW6x05ub3wiidyDm9E62oL2QvPP4Cw73EgBa0x-PF1MR4vgcvz2HDlW9C9Yzi9uL7Betsobhyphenhyphenl93DbgNxpkSZ66MJdEmIVvpslHeG/s400/Wreath.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was really excited to take the opportunity to make a few different flowers to embellish the wreath. Since I took up sewing, I haven't crocheted much, so I decided I had to make at least one crocheted flower. The other flowers are rolled fabric and felt. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU8qRSt-415jEHW2_BX1h0q6_xIrv-tUbcnbvXSm9RgDWThluHfJXZvjR3aEELNq4mIbvMEJ6wYJGFvGtd0ht-EWdwomZgCtZwRll4-W081nrc5ElMlCmsP2FV7woPEaeupxJdMfjDPX6/s1600/Wreath2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU8qRSt-415jEHW2_BX1h0q6_xIrv-tUbcnbvXSm9RgDWThluHfJXZvjR3aEELNq4mIbvMEJ6wYJGFvGtd0ht-EWdwomZgCtZwRll4-W081nrc5ElMlCmsP2FV7woPEaeupxJdMfjDPX6/s400/Wreath2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Can you see me in the pic below? In front of the house...early this morning...in my pajamas...ugh...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrda-bXHZFH5rTS9EyjQIdGMFTbpRP_SOw8fHmzHjp9S73FSa8K5Cya_58Nj5NpABvHNg3nlElBNbUkw5Lz51VGKlqHdJcaJmj5dKOy9unwmNTA6hXaPTPQdNF5ZMy76DKaOAeiNUM7Ol1/s1600/Wreath3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrda-bXHZFH5rTS9EyjQIdGMFTbpRP_SOw8fHmzHjp9S73FSa8K5Cya_58Nj5NpABvHNg3nlElBNbUkw5Lz51VGKlqHdJcaJmj5dKOy9unwmNTA6hXaPTPQdNF5ZMy76DKaOAeiNUM7Ol1/s400/Wreath3.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My 4 year old buddy decided he wanted to jump in on the Valentine's decorating as well. He took my left over ribbon and twisted and tied it to the stove to make a pretty little piece of Vday decor. I think he's the next Nate Berkus, don't ya think?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S53c4g0UHD1-vqEpsGfgsAPUtxOjVsC3PzHb0_7DAeMrXKPtjuLOMQQy0vVXHBWHdIcJfhdQy48KEuplwPcrCXFqZRlAwwJPc_spswtB9rkBYZRAN9irkYlpmN3U_cbQkWAnOzztqpsb/s1600/Wreath4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S53c4g0UHD1-vqEpsGfgsAPUtxOjVsC3PzHb0_7DAeMrXKPtjuLOMQQy0vVXHBWHdIcJfhdQy48KEuplwPcrCXFqZRlAwwJPc_spswtB9rkBYZRAN9irkYlpmN3U_cbQkWAnOzztqpsb/s400/Wreath4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what he has to say about his design style:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">qwertyui9ihhggbhy7yujjhfdfdfdfdfddfddfdfhjjkkr5fgttdtdtfdffxfc4vggvdvdcgdfggvffcvvdvdvdvdvvfdv</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Happy Valentine's Day to all...and to all a good night!</span></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-60513281113737815282011-02-07T21:22:00.000-08:002012-01-10T19:49:56.599-08:00Free Valentine Card Printable!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a incredibly cool 4 year old that is a total rock star. He tells me this often. Recently, I asked him if he'd like to take guitar lessons, but he told me he couldn't because his guitar is out of batteries. :) Guess it's time to upgrade to a real guitar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In his honor, I created these little Rock Star Treat Bag Toppers...and I'm sharing them with you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what you do:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1) Download and print out the cool printable on cardstock. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Download the pink one <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4kPaBGVn-g1MTVkNmRmNzEtNzM3Ni00NGQ1LTk0ZTItMmJmNzBjNDI2ZjY5">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Download the blue one <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4kPaBGVn-g1MGZlZTY0YmItYzU1My00Yzk0LWEyYjQtODAzNTI3YzI3NGQw">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">b) Buy little plastic treat bags from your local craft store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next) Fold treat bag toppers in half at the dotted line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fourth) Use double sided tape to adhere the topper to the treat bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">V) Send me a pic of your loverly Valentine!</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/AVvXsEhjzOpF7cGdh5s08cedJ3jWleI0vZnmSTzzMCe4aYFpcEJJolkvWhD8SZhZ1igAvdvw5n9ceCufCXxCWnFLtlUrAB1dLSbvjo6TeNgmweLNPLahQBq92VK9VABuxEiKx1FPbOEmCXcEoozu/s1600/BlueVdayCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzOpF7cGdh5s08cedJ3jWleI0vZnmSTzzMCe4aYFpcEJJolkvWhD8SZhZ1igAvdvw5n9ceCufCXxCWnFLtlUrAB1dLSbvjo6TeNgmweLNPLahQBq92VK9VABuxEiKx1FPbOEmCXcEoozu/s400/BlueVdayCard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0wWJTf9FYKYnq9egc7yUpu_H_VGVGUKgNzLyYoEjL-OXkVxXxymaYXdAoTeiNCW90asaY3uXiCvuaPa_NkiYejlhNqJ0G-6XmlAcWD0szNNyL2HmVFOMatLj03xTTuBksLE24kEcWxTf/s1600/PinkVdayCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0wWJTf9FYKYnq9egc7yUpu_H_VGVGUKgNzLyYoEjL-OXkVxXxymaYXdAoTeiNCW90asaY3uXiCvuaPa_NkiYejlhNqJ0G-6XmlAcWD0szNNyL2HmVFOMatLj03xTTuBksLE24kEcWxTf/s400/PinkVdayCard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are a 8.5x11 inch (letter size) with two treat bag toppers on each page.</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/AVvXsEjmqwWs8oQF24NS7KeS_gPdY3lNWBsVJKkjxGoHGGrCQcpVSFZK2ynRvkEj_hJmrspstI7MygVXcMsNJcEoxFsZhezdQLCyhpKDo-I7ab62e5vn2w1Zf-KzRnVtWQLnZy9rZAzSp7-FKm6S/s1600/Supplies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqwWs8oQF24NS7KeS_gPdY3lNWBsVJKkjxGoHGGrCQcpVSFZK2ynRvkEj_hJmrspstI7MygVXcMsNJcEoxFsZhezdQLCyhpKDo-I7ab62e5vn2w1Zf-KzRnVtWQLnZy9rZAzSp7-FKm6S/s400/Supplies.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't let the color of the treat bag toppers in these pics fool you. The blue was a little dark when I printed it out, so I adjusted the colors a bit.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvpnj_1_jSnyErcPTB7T5YIuVCDWbh80KJsMDCfif7FMRKhDmQw70K0ZQRRNpSs7FnM0iTOTkDU3jNYdGjdRF3mpRmMRjt087Z5kCwLhO9GF0qe5oUVsWFPAKeb4snm5lnf8V5vXdGOWn/s1600/VdayTreat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvpnj_1_jSnyErcPTB7T5YIuVCDWbh80KJsMDCfif7FMRKhDmQw70K0ZQRRNpSs7FnM0iTOTkDU3jNYdGjdRF3mpRmMRjt087Z5kCwLhO9GF0qe5oUVsWFPAKeb4snm5lnf8V5vXdGOWn/s400/VdayTreat.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I filled my little example here with Pop Rocks. Another option would be rock candy. Yum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let me know if you have any questions. And be sure to send me a pic if you use these!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy...and ROCK ON!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-60177183614198263022011-02-06T20:56:00.000-08:002011-02-06T20:56:30.123-08:00Pirate Valentine Decor<div style="text-align: center;">My first ever <span style="color: #990000;">Valentine's</span> decoration!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomA-rc2EoYMxD4kDgHdNep-Cc54_p3S3RYHjKgxTEJqTPXPTJsZM7W3HrzEhcm1TWdcKGdZtU2FYt97G-gps-rZxkCemcyzJozJG_BRC3NK9BMF5yHmVzKEuTKIkqAs73R0xZNs1fRN1P/s1600/Frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomA-rc2EoYMxD4kDgHdNep-Cc54_p3S3RYHjKgxTEJqTPXPTJsZM7W3HrzEhcm1TWdcKGdZtU2FYt97G-gps-rZxkCemcyzJozJG_BRC3NK9BMF5yHmVzKEuTKIkqAs73R0xZNs1fRN1P/s400/Frame.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, my first ever rolled fabric flowers. Not sure they turned out exactly as they are supposed to, but I had a blast making them. That's the most important thing, right? <em>(not really, but it makes me feel better...)</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnRsM8ryPjZAP3rsoS7CxLgIGcQgzBtu2m8JrWfH0_64j3J7UsHL4WNBsmVe775Lt1m1X_X08OsdK7BGmVZ9L-teujFlaTNjRSMaw_feYMGXaWGNUHwTTHbeksWAz7rx7t-XO7Ihww58u/s1600/Frame2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnRsM8ryPjZAP3rsoS7CxLgIGcQgzBtu2m8JrWfH0_64j3J7UsHL4WNBsmVe775Lt1m1X_X08OsdK7BGmVZ9L-teujFlaTNjRSMaw_feYMGXaWGNUHwTTHbeksWAz7rx7t-XO7Ihww58u/s400/Frame2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a couple of friends over the other night. I may have shrilled a little with excitement when I showed them my very simple, very inexpensive Valentine's decor. They responded very kindly, first by ignoring my shrills, and then second by saying, "Wow. You are so incredibly creative and ridicously good looking." OK...I made up the "good looking" part, but they really did say the part about me being creative. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With as much humility as a good looking person like myself could muster, I said, "I'm not really all that creative. I just copy other creative peoples' creative ideas." This frame, for example, is using this free printable <a href="http://libby-bonjour.blogspot.com/2011/01/photobucket_26.html">here</a> from The Bonjour Family and the rolled flower frame idea from <a href="http://mycreativedeparture.com/2011/01/21/love-more/">my creative departure</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/AVvXsEjLhQtP3-XNYaWhULm-AxMn_Wt3b9w9ZPa9l1paESFywjBlCqtKqyxtk6NXVlkP6MJAVJkYe5d-vXzYUwqHxr889kp2oS6pUFHChEEk3KKE9Jgyzzs9svu_7hpwFWIEAhN2S9I5DMNUMFiA/s1600/Frame3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhQtP3-XNYaWhULm-AxMn_Wt3b9w9ZPa9l1paESFywjBlCqtKqyxtk6NXVlkP6MJAVJkYe5d-vXzYUwqHxr889kp2oS6pUFHChEEk3KKE9Jgyzzs9svu_7hpwFWIEAhN2S9I5DMNUMFiA/s400/Frame3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When he learned this frame was not my original idea, my handsome hubby chimed in, "Leslie is a craft pirate, not a craft pioneer." To that I could only respond, "Arrrrrrrgh, matey."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay tuned, blog friends. Hopefully by tomorrow, I will have a little treat for you. I don't want to give it away, but....well, it's a free printable. OK. I just gave it away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Almost Valentine's Day!</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-58248140696030599812011-02-04T16:23:00.000-08:002011-02-04T16:23:20.485-08:00Gel Image Transfer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYs0DFG4DwK_Wz9g5W5HR9uCXNXCK3eOyzWnJrZuznvjdICDV1XKxra_t7kqr8VohLnpRWzDOLXbpn2_6DRXgcD_RJxacUzkI6D-rWXnwFMSQNNOffOWLLy0fJBmeQlPZREs6od7LHorn/s1600/Juniper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYs0DFG4DwK_Wz9g5W5HR9uCXNXCK3eOyzWnJrZuznvjdICDV1XKxra_t7kqr8VohLnpRWzDOLXbpn2_6DRXgcD_RJxacUzkI6D-rWXnwFMSQNNOffOWLLy0fJBmeQlPZREs6od7LHorn/s400/Juniper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm so excited right now I could pee my pants. For the past few years, I've scoured the web for techniques on how to transfer images onto canvas. Finally, after trying various methods with no success, I stumbled across <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs8CvTFsFMU">this</a> YouTube video explaing gel image transfers. <br />
<br />
I am hoping to use this technique to make a mixed media painting for above my daughter's crib. If it looks <em>any</em>thing like the painting above, I'd be in heaven (of course, my daughter doesn't have a cool 'fro...shame). Keep your fingers crossed for me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Queen of Image Transfer is Michelle Caplan. Michelle is a mixed media collage artist who layers images over vintage papers. I'm not sure what her transfer method is, but I'm thinking it includes some crazy art magic. Here is one of my favorite images from her Etsy store:</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/AVvXsEiv1amLjn7gaSGsGxqqcEKvpIyrI13PkppkRRt3n8lxM7tlK2UasNUtIekDdbJaMse2bncSSVvO6gg1VoEJ2o6iTuSwj637miff5ueFq_x28Rfo5MS86LnAKXhdOam19wTulkRaoi8OUrQg/s1600/il_fullxfull.88360866%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1amLjn7gaSGsGxqqcEKvpIyrI13PkppkRRt3n8lxM7tlK2UasNUtIekDdbJaMse2bncSSVvO6gg1VoEJ2o6iTuSwj637miff5ueFq_x28Rfo5MS86LnAKXhdOam19wTulkRaoi8OUrQg/s400/il_fullxfull.88360866%255B1%255D.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/30306802/lola-print">Lola print by mcaplan</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq7VhXJRu0jUacnutJwO5JNcjJ_Q2WFa6GMm69GiC__wrzilCg0XyoQnL6dd5slm4wpzdYyoF4Zx9Y6pZ6V_S8w7KyXtFL52qSfPHDg2shF-vfI5sF523HCDTdnzYHYn-AZIhIdEcRlI-/s1600/GelTransfer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq7VhXJRu0jUacnutJwO5JNcjJ_Q2WFa6GMm69GiC__wrzilCg0XyoQnL6dd5slm4wpzdYyoF4Zx9Y6pZ6V_S8w7KyXtFL52qSfPHDg2shF-vfI5sF523HCDTdnzYHYn-AZIhIdEcRlI-/s400/GelTransfer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've taped down my image and covered it in a layer of soft gel. It'll take 2 to 3 days to dry. In the meantime, I'm going to buckle down and work on some Valentine's Day decor. Time to go roll some fabric flowers...</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-6676528358477333452011-02-02T13:44:00.000-08:002011-02-02T18:52:58.896-08:00Crazy About Color<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have finally<i> almost </i>finished a project! Woo-hoo! </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/AVvXsEh7xbuYCsxIWROQIXh32u9Z9rYYc5kypAZWos3uYABELLrC_Yr9cNDLJX9T7VXBIKZ_10SpB-kVN8KgwyZP5B0ORyDv0pAuYOVviHzu7GAHwAi96AZNoCVglwQRd_Pw7SOeQ8XfThE83lgb/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xbuYCsxIWROQIXh32u9Z9rYYc5kypAZWos3uYABELLrC_Yr9cNDLJX9T7VXBIKZ_10SpB-kVN8KgwyZP5B0ORyDv0pAuYOVviHzu7GAHwAi96AZNoCVglwQRd_Pw7SOeQ8XfThE83lgb/s400/IMG_0958.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several months ago, I spied a painting at World Market that I thought was too cool. Of course, I was too cheap to actually buy the thing. Instead, I decided to make a copy cat version of it myself.</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/AVvXsEgyIPTcZ4KYUwFpgfAb8yUgTjV6z2tg-4sEQpVEhHaOQCCtdydoBMq4DE_dA6Rc8YAlY4PGDlFOm604VCxsiYw330h-DaLRme80RpNAlVe-LfEKDgjZfQuH_87H1jDa7fwAZhLeKgVS_ov-/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIPTcZ4KYUwFpgfAb8yUgTjV6z2tg-4sEQpVEhHaOQCCtdydoBMq4DE_dA6Rc8YAlY4PGDlFOm604VCxsiYw330h-DaLRme80RpNAlVe-LfEKDgjZfQuH_87H1jDa7fwAZhLeKgVS_ov-/s400/IMG_0935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been really into geometric patterns lately, and have always been crazy about color. This painting was a great combination of those things.</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/AVvXsEjpUXQ6qmmnvzbKG1GNJnEpq0B_f_K6tVbXzC0h63ipPFI1rPr6DmJDnOk1-XwBbfxhiIFyJ-UWx3WdF0cRqtxNKTDgUqkZMqJ0Jnn5Eke2pho6ruHEUTUKpWSoWfURv7NNQ1CPU-hw7yAs/s1600/IMG_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUXQ6qmmnvzbKG1GNJnEpq0B_f_K6tVbXzC0h63ipPFI1rPr6DmJDnOk1-XwBbfxhiIFyJ-UWx3WdF0cRqtxNKTDgUqkZMqJ0Jnn5Eke2pho6ruHEUTUKpWSoWfURv7NNQ1CPU-hw7yAs/s400/IMG_0936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a super simple painting in appearance. However, making perfect circles, connecting perfect circles, and then overlapping perfect circles is a lot harder than it appears.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the almost finished painting above my sewing table. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8mexA_QQPtS0fgED0IGJrK3F9npCt_72C53zfyQFIhYsPeBCJRaTUwZw9KQ90w5WXHoXTVljilrqKd56U3KPL8yPVvLpmWfsseAR-srZ_pcjLZgLTYl6_7WFNfHpDp_5DpOb82rFM1Nj/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8mexA_QQPtS0fgED0IGJrK3F9npCt_72C53zfyQFIhYsPeBCJRaTUwZw9KQ90w5WXHoXTVljilrqKd56U3KPL8yPVvLpmWfsseAR-srZ_pcjLZgLTYl6_7WFNfHpDp_5DpOb82rFM1Nj/s400/IMG_0957.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several months ago, I painted the walls of my craft room Fairy Wren by Ralph Lauren. It's a soft grey with green undertones. A very warm grey. I love the way the grey looks behind the colors. It makes me so stinkin' happy to look at it. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xbuYCsxIWROQIXh32u9Z9rYYc5kypAZWos3uYABELLrC_Yr9cNDLJX9T7VXBIKZ_10SpB-kVN8KgwyZP5B0ORyDv0pAuYOVviHzu7GAHwAi96AZNoCVglwQRd_Pw7SOeQ8XfThE83lgb/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xbuYCsxIWROQIXh32u9Z9rYYc5kypAZWos3uYABELLrC_Yr9cNDLJX9T7VXBIKZ_10SpB-kVN8KgwyZP5B0ORyDv0pAuYOVviHzu7GAHwAi96AZNoCVglwQRd_Pw7SOeQ8XfThE83lgb/s400/IMG_0958.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best part about painting is how my 4 year old wants to participate. After I finished painting, he asked for his own palette (aka paper plate) and some paint. Here's his first real abstract painting:</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/AVvXsEj4c_ii3l60mHrD9yq2OOB6raJQUgOI770S28y9VG6V8d3BN2cWaWcmSGs2jILRuoKnFs9Zmc5jGLFmf2Et8vWUPvliXpPc-2-p2tI0qxlSvHRFgUnWks_g4FrlzMho7p_PaOLvtjptCrOg/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c_ii3l60mHrD9yq2OOB6raJQUgOI770S28y9VG6V8d3BN2cWaWcmSGs2jILRuoKnFs9Zmc5jGLFmf2Et8vWUPvliXpPc-2-p2tI0qxlSvHRFgUnWks_g4FrlzMho7p_PaOLvtjptCrOg/s400/IMG_0968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_Tu97qeZuX1fdCwshLrF6DnBeiGISJERYaKrY28eqGqBnTfU_-BtxbBz5G1IL4zsRBP3qiq4pIF2hxR3cpfB7seveQ2nkXavRnnbA5cA3-EycgooLoUOP72Ntp2GnztoS38f54MGAvYB/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_Tu97qeZuX1fdCwshLrF6DnBeiGISJERYaKrY28eqGqBnTfU_-BtxbBz5G1IL4zsRBP3qiq4pIF2hxR3cpfB7seveQ2nkXavRnnbA5cA3-EycgooLoUOP72Ntp2GnztoS38f54MGAvYB/s400/IMG_0969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My buddy's got talent, right? :)</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-62050906225652568082011-01-26T09:54:00.000-08:002011-01-26T09:54:34.986-08:00Voila! New Bedside Tables!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, I've been spray painting furniture! I love spray paint. By spending no more than $10 and 30 mintues, you can get a brand new piece of decor. My parents moved back to Austin recently and I was <s><i>thrilled</i></s> saddened to learn that some of their old furniture didn't fit into their new home. Boo-hoo for them, new furniture for us! Neither Marcos nor I are crazy about wicker but what we are crazy about is....free furniture!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the before picture of the wicker side table:</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/AVvXsEgK5AFVrJNongZN3ZoOVQY1eF1-UhLvgfzSTUBom4Y5sfNI6VGxO-Fn8ONGtLp8BX3KZlaJOI1iIzSeoeyd34RSS6eHxj9lvwzcQwK1Ggm1rJ0-alEpHsgqCfP_rT937Ob-giFoNKkBGpMG/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5AFVrJNongZN3ZoOVQY1eF1-UhLvgfzSTUBom4Y5sfNI6VGxO-Fn8ONGtLp8BX3KZlaJOI1iIzSeoeyd34RSS6eHxj9lvwzcQwK1Ggm1rJ0-alEpHsgqCfP_rT937Ob-giFoNKkBGpMG/s400/IMG_0883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the after:</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/AVvXsEib-zQBbxRgywLeRKc37inE543IwEzZKT8az_ZwSjWPlsUL7S_VZC9Y4n5f5GwP7CsnGIpYIRpehWwGd9v1oS2AZZOwlSD3vgO5Knu4x_6uz3ZnGYYfrKLzFSxauwztHCme6dEEt9wWaDO9/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-zQBbxRgywLeRKc37inE543IwEzZKT8az_ZwSjWPlsUL7S_VZC9Y4n5f5GwP7CsnGIpYIRpehWwGd9v1oS2AZZOwlSD3vgO5Knu4x_6uz3ZnGYYfrKLzFSxauwztHCme6dEEt9wWaDO9/s400/IMG_0887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is not the original color that I wanted. I thought about painting the tables a blueish teal color to compliment the painting above the bed (<a href="http://web.me.com/esparzafamily/Modderhood/Blog/Entries/2010/1/18_Two_Day%2C_%2410_Bedroom_Makeover!.html">here's</a> the story of the painting). Unfortunately, the only blue colors available were Smurf blue. This color is "Greek Stone." I like it, but if I end up dying because of inhaled fumes, I'm not sure I can say this was worth it. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here's our side table for the past 7.5 years. Boooooo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqkFg6qWNIMcIbpRjGHN8qGBDIjtGaRFFwEcOg6weUjzcryejkKY9ZGZzrtJJZ-zPP-AYpAPJ16QXVHE4z_DAcKLVb_fes4-rcRmAC48ZzkT_aCaLdDYIENfYGIWPNyt2RG4B69gMzojO/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqkFg6qWNIMcIbpRjGHN8qGBDIjtGaRFFwEcOg6weUjzcryejkKY9ZGZzrtJJZ-zPP-AYpAPJ16QXVHE4z_DAcKLVb_fes4-rcRmAC48ZzkT_aCaLdDYIENfYGIWPNyt2RG4B69gMzojO/s400/IMG_0888.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The table before was basically just a piece of cardboard with a white tablecloth and glass top.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7FWnO1vzBuNHWv1fWsuIxpb9lf-xb7unn8aR0FwiHaW5Ko_E-NVc_nFkuI7RAn63lPLVflhyy8r62xqZT-yuJ4e8edcVkPTocoBxzxRGZ4v6ZG1iZ9XrpkJj3kdunOWo5LeRgpj_NZg2/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7FWnO1vzBuNHWv1fWsuIxpb9lf-xb7unn8aR0FwiHaW5Ko_E-NVc_nFkuI7RAn63lPLVflhyy8r62xqZT-yuJ4e8edcVkPTocoBxzxRGZ4v6ZG1iZ9XrpkJj3kdunOWo5LeRgpj_NZg2/s400/IMG_0891.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here is the entire bedroom with the new tables!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6eMEwGRoZIkUZHA47T1zjLLeA68EVmikcYlRQIBSHsuoMnimRpmobOHSY8XEFV0x6qQS37i44lzczKE06U-cGslKJC25AfZ_Q2XqEtHed5lHzOU7a6cfSu6Oyn9P3SBEeO_OJm1zzHjd/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6eMEwGRoZIkUZHA47T1zjLLeA68EVmikcYlRQIBSHsuoMnimRpmobOHSY8XEFV0x6qQS37i44lzczKE06U-cGslKJC25AfZ_Q2XqEtHed5lHzOU7a6cfSu6Oyn9P3SBEeO_OJm1zzHjd/s400/IMG_0895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a MUCH better picture... :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXrCjh8nLi4hLiJk_QFV96mzXumdNpp3JYUiZhHNtgRbJBhaPGWNOaf30U1As1kInRR4Weuo7G71Pzmga5qEXj_rVYZLyjZZDR9D4vipkDvt6K2nUsVyohEHmtMNukxCrHNnGE45vvKwd/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXrCjh8nLi4hLiJk_QFV96mzXumdNpp3JYUiZhHNtgRbJBhaPGWNOaf30U1As1kInRR4Weuo7G71Pzmga5qEXj_rVYZLyjZZDR9D4vipkDvt6K2nUsVyohEHmtMNukxCrHNnGE45vvKwd/s400/IMG_0901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my princess saying, "Mommy, I just LOVE your new bedside tables! And by the way, Mommy, you are just <i>too</i> gorgeous for words!!!" As you can tell, she's very advanced for a 20 month old.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c4F1obds35mesa9ROcmYfQFCXwrXEuhX3CqhHaDvwgz5efGwiMIdOcuVenLCmuKPLSqhS8UgUGSwyb8GJZ_7G7hHQx4_VszYt9unpyRPoVKJ1M_QQQWv-bzVHfg6EXYZlEDEI96dO3Rp/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c4F1obds35mesa9ROcmYfQFCXwrXEuhX3CqhHaDvwgz5efGwiMIdOcuVenLCmuKPLSqhS8UgUGSwyb8GJZ_7G7hHQx4_VszYt9unpyRPoVKJ1M_QQQWv-bzVHfg6EXYZlEDEI96dO3Rp/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all, I'm pretty excited about my new tables. I'm ecstatic about having drawers in which to put my many books. The spray paint on the wicker (on my table in particular) is somewhat blotchy, but in the words of the New Kids on the Block, "what'cha gonna do about it?" </div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-76323543978071150862011-01-14T20:47:00.000-08:002011-01-14T20:47:00.165-08:0010 Minute Painting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwHj7j8o6xVFeNK7pi3LH1x7OTD-4-WQQW0vm7-QZiikdOXXgtFHrucL1AbaNFs4Ai_GdRUBJwC_0OlbV2WuXLI2SSFnxjIEW0clffb-mCoM83FzIEycgQwaRkSz7xm5ZVY287c0-8gkf/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a>Today I painted. I didn't get much done, of course. I painted for a grand total of 10 minutes. I laid a creamy foundation on the canvas I hope to hang above my sewing desk (to be revealed at a later time!). <br />
<br />
Many folks have asked me how in the world I get anything creative done with <a href="http://modderhood.blogspot.com/">three kiddos</a>. The answer is: 10 minutes at a time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaYanXG8GtweQSr2bzBbTkRRJWJ2jHdI2rl7k0Gy6JLWywggNUL0Gf_nenbYyxhfDQIBdI7GBzJIDPkBsukuWN9RqHZDkFK1Ried4OV9LrmP2DsVbYjdqdQkKZcVGGpRkNqyAJxYRZieF/s1600/Collective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaYanXG8GtweQSr2bzBbTkRRJWJ2jHdI2rl7k0Gy6JLWywggNUL0Gf_nenbYyxhfDQIBdI7GBzJIDPkBsukuWN9RqHZDkFK1Ried4OV9LrmP2DsVbYjdqdQkKZcVGGpRkNqyAJxYRZieF/s320/Collective.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div>I've had this canvas for several months and have actually come close to applying paint to it several times. A while ago, I saw this painting at <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4301247">World Market</a> and decided I'd like to make one just like it (but $80 cheaper). We'll see how it turns out. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwHj7j8o6xVFeNK7pi3LH1x7OTD-4-WQQW0vm7-QZiikdOXXgtFHrucL1AbaNFs4Ai_GdRUBJwC_0OlbV2WuXLI2SSFnxjIEW0clffb-mCoM83FzIEycgQwaRkSz7xm5ZVY287c0-8gkf/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwHj7j8o6xVFeNK7pi3LH1x7OTD-4-WQQW0vm7-QZiikdOXXgtFHrucL1AbaNFs4Ai_GdRUBJwC_0OlbV2WuXLI2SSFnxjIEW0clffb-mCoM83FzIEycgQwaRkSz7xm5ZVY287c0-8gkf/s400/IMG_0874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you look very closely at the bottom left hand corner, you can see little scribbles by my little 19 month old gremlin, Scout. She climbed up on a stool while I was on the computer and went to work. She's a little artist in the making. I know this because she has scribbled on just about every surface of my home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's to hoping for 10 more minutes tomorrow...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-32067131688736966062011-01-13T19:22:00.000-08:002011-01-13T19:22:47.919-08:00Simple Felt StockingHalleluuuuuuuuuuuuuuujah!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8y5djYimmtCLzn9XQSfjoDkqK0RUO7d3BDc76blU9UuqxJIjVugNndBcw2pwGW0okcH-ZWme9lsf6yjcidUwPIJGKXIj9ZM1P3RYejZQurPOwSSPV7dwwPmqDgD2-6Yxu8jJ5_hAuRO7/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8y5djYimmtCLzn9XQSfjoDkqK0RUO7d3BDc76blU9UuqxJIjVugNndBcw2pwGW0okcH-ZWme9lsf6yjcidUwPIJGKXIj9ZM1P3RYejZQurPOwSSPV7dwwPmqDgD2-6Yxu8jJ5_hAuRO7/s400/IMG_0788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Finally. Two weeks <i>after</i> Christmas, I finish my first Christmas stocking! I am embarrassed to say that I actually bought the materials to make stockings during Christmas of 2009. I had every intention this past Christmas (2010) to make a stocking for each of the five fine folks in our family, but never got around to it. <br />
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The devil on my shoulder prodded me to hold it off another year, but after writing out my <a href="http://onesietwosie.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-years-craft-olutions.html">New Year's Craft-olutions</a>, I realized that I just needed to get it done <i>now</i>.<br />
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I really like the way this one turned out. My plan is to make very simple felt stockings similar to the ones I adore (but can not afford) at <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod73830052&parentId=">Hable Construction</a>. My only wish is that I could afford nicer felt in cooler colors. But, good wool felt is so stinkin' expensive! I don't know how you felt junkies do it. <br />
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So, one down...four to go. Wish me luck. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKFmMZY80-hYGszi9Z1tRcAjsZnPzg1Qr6jrPStX7vmpozxDKFVx8U_D09aeXK4grKzdRdeY-l_jY7_q-meEurkybsGfjrdYJbrKl5rPfbDnw05ulrPmDpAv34nOAW5qs8-7yFTU0Us1P/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKFmMZY80-hYGszi9Z1tRcAjsZnPzg1Qr6jrPStX7vmpozxDKFVx8U_D09aeXK4grKzdRdeY-l_jY7_q-meEurkybsGfjrdYJbrKl5rPfbDnw05ulrPmDpAv34nOAW5qs8-7yFTU0Us1P/s400/IMG_0785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-84171232719525454682011-01-01T20:10:00.000-08:002011-01-01T20:10:39.343-08:00New Year's Craft-olutionsDo you make resolutions? Lose ten pounds...get organized...stop picking your wedgie in public. Whatever it is, there are no resolutions more fun to make (and break?) than craft resolutions! <br />
Here are my craft-olutions for 2011:<br />
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1. Clean out that stinkin' craft closet...starting with the 1500 yards of .25 inch scrap fabric. Something that looks like this might work:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYRV4eVI_seo0bn1jopkwL1BA_99XWKZKzIm6KgMukTWXBDt2XRETP8rWSO_Pg7Ew5SIwdXL7U1gKbV2N9BSccR4LQEcX6x5zEBVVSO7_gp5Hlj5ZI0oPJ6ubHE7t5eBSXoqfry_T8aDq/s1600/country-living-closet%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYRV4eVI_seo0bn1jopkwL1BA_99XWKZKzIm6KgMukTWXBDt2XRETP8rWSO_Pg7Ew5SIwdXL7U1gKbV2N9BSccR4LQEcX6x5zEBVVSO7_gp5Hlj5ZI0oPJ6ubHE7t5eBSXoqfry_T8aDq/s400/country-living-closet%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Country Living</span></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">2. Finish making pillows for Merrick's bed. Make him some super cool old school car pillows that will rock his world. One idea - make two pillows side by side with a felt car that can come unattached and be raced across the two pillows. Or, <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/06/car-pillow-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> by Noodlehead is a great option as well:<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqYR_Si3WTvcsPdjsUVfxIasKyAOd7ejV_Ls8336xeSneT_RyaDQWtn0rTKzDKeNsrYqJnE465deYCy3nEyascGIgzOFimtTj9k399Vl2XJ_6bOTzzNJQWGPvWyJOpRjVWqiAFR4lgNl9/s1600/carpillowtutorial%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqYR_Si3WTvcsPdjsUVfxIasKyAOd7ejV_Ls8336xeSneT_RyaDQWtn0rTKzDKeNsrYqJnE465deYCy3nEyascGIgzOFimtTj9k399Vl2XJ_6bOTzzNJQWGPvWyJOpRjVWqiAFR4lgNl9/s400/carpillowtutorial%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Make a pouf or bean bag for the playroom. Little Scoutie Girl still goes over and sits in her little pink bouncie chair to read a book. I'd love to make a reading nook for the kiddos in the playroom. This pint sized <a href="http://3punkmom.blogspot.com/2010/05/tutorial-land-of-nod-inspired-floor.html">pouf tutorial</a> rocks my world:</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/AVvXsEgZhmetix1yCaPjpU0HjEq-4u97lNvLnjRkxalwOaXRLOJDfYEzTt47BQuiGp3Fr3uLtZVzowWBfAtqHmOb39bvbjVDzDB5l1gYuBCeT2vw2LR6xgSKP4CUPHyJNASuFSdmnbe7QudtfAQm/s1600/oneseater%252Btutorial%252B083%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhmetix1yCaPjpU0HjEq-4u97lNvLnjRkxalwOaXRLOJDfYEzTt47BQuiGp3Fr3uLtZVzowWBfAtqHmOb39bvbjVDzDB5l1gYuBCeT2vw2LR6xgSKP4CUPHyJNASuFSdmnbe7QudtfAQm/s400/oneseater%252Btutorial%252B083%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
4. Learn how to better use my serger! My hubby was so generous to give me a beautiful (though somewhat complicated) serger for my birthday this past year. So far, I have figured out how to use it for one stitch. I would love to be the master serger-er by the end of 2011.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIaWHhbIQ8jY_8iuWl9VQV47941tgwGnu1Y7ZyMnrbLf4BctjrbItFB30Q3t_-nVNAma60g-813ZjeWzoXFteR9yF8at8Zlu-7jJn8ylsMqgCZ76jprgHFvXUTgA7Y5-kYUkzO9qOzVoN/s1600/singer-quantumlock%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIaWHhbIQ8jY_8iuWl9VQV47941tgwGnu1Y7ZyMnrbLf4BctjrbItFB30Q3t_-nVNAma60g-813ZjeWzoXFteR9yF8at8Zlu-7jJn8ylsMqgCZ76jprgHFvXUTgA7Y5-kYUkzO9qOzVoN/s400/singer-quantumlock%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
5. Finish decorating my craft room. This includes making some silhouettes of my children, a painting for above my sewing machine, and perhaps a cool, gigantic tissue ball/japanese latern poof above my work desk like my one of my favorite online rooms <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2009/06/30/entering-the-girl-world-the-nursery/">here</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqA-EcmPxUIx5QOf8EKHiQZIJe2_Qk_YCy5IBTfAYU-E6PsJZCtQ-7YTuerigNkRBnB0nnzqExfB-S7iA3o1CaqYcTc8J2rLGwtbHhstjpK2h8I3q15iBkv-cgQBzzkAeHq27uzy_KZ2Q/s1600/440x372blue-bennett-canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqA-EcmPxUIx5QOf8EKHiQZIJe2_Qk_YCy5IBTfAYU-E6PsJZCtQ-7YTuerigNkRBnB0nnzqExfB-S7iA3o1CaqYcTc8J2rLGwtbHhstjpK2h8I3q15iBkv-cgQBzzkAeHq27uzy_KZ2Q/s400/440x372blue-bennett-canvas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.smallcreatures.net/orderform-stationery.html">Small Creatures</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Make a barrette holder for all of Scout's little hair thingys. Along with that, I want to have another Girl's Craft Night where we make tons of bows (instead of paying $10 a piece for them at the local boutique)! Check out this bow holder on sale over at Etsy:</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/AVvXsEgXkgus9dZ04-j7lfW46mEgdYbEC6XgHkBrizNc7dfy1-9O8NP-lNM4rZ-m6xxNqWyLVDVa3t1qkC2eXc-va3DpcLwcXk0KUDztQ-yBgG62r8f5WJSwkZVKonlhhwwMWa5AKQR-PWj-PHl8/s1600/il_fullxfull.191815036%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkgus9dZ04-j7lfW46mEgdYbEC6XgHkBrizNc7dfy1-9O8NP-lNM4rZ-m6xxNqWyLVDVa3t1qkC2eXc-va3DpcLwcXk0KUDztQ-yBgG62r8f5WJSwkZVKonlhhwwMWa5AKQR-PWj-PHl8/s400/il_fullxfull.191815036%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61504380/sale-custom-handpainted-boutique"><span style="font-size: x-small;">TTotBoutique</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7. Finally...finally...scrapbook the twins' first year. I bought them each a beautiful scrapbook from <a href="http://www.aimeej.com/">Aimeej Keepsakes</a> and, a year and a half later...they are completely empty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_ch-Jl9V2RFnkWp1dqrJlSfRXRskALRC0ySIsDbeim89EtdY-TvqAabmTbTb-NiMsm0pQPTiz78bndqA2c9nWz7TOstLHZBSdF0-uplij-tZjd2RK_0Ryi8XoqHo_Rq098u5fgwtlb2L/s1600/AimeeJ-12X12-KA-LX-2%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_ch-Jl9V2RFnkWp1dqrJlSfRXRskALRC0ySIsDbeim89EtdY-TvqAabmTbTb-NiMsm0pQPTiz78bndqA2c9nWz7TOstLHZBSdF0-uplij-tZjd2RK_0Ryi8XoqHo_Rq098u5fgwtlb2L/s400/AimeeJ-12X12-KA-LX-2%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. Paint a few mixed media paintings for above Scout's crib. Originally, I had a freaky cool (and pretty huge) custom metal art piece there, but took it down when it fell down and almost squished my baby girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurlrG0sN0E2z8mkqtDYJuFOBV0E31Jhe-u_DkIEdL43jSGxqYa8mbYMH7nMu3VvQT5mCJkIVk_cdTOZL_7ULvb8D_zUTcHYCE6jQkTFZ3wiiipqaEuuFDQ8MqFBbMuCD6sabQMH55tJwL/s1600/031_Fly_web_folksy%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurlrG0sN0E2z8mkqtDYJuFOBV0E31Jhe-u_DkIEdL43jSGxqYa8mbYMH7nMu3VvQT5mCJkIVk_cdTOZL_7ULvb8D_zUTcHYCE6jQkTFZ3wiiipqaEuuFDQ8MqFBbMuCD6sabQMH55tJwL/s400/031_Fly_web_folksy%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/1149229-Pink-Flying-Fairy-Art-Print-from-an-Original-Painting-by-Sascalia-">Sascalia on Folksy</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. Make some huge floor pillows and a painting above the mantel in the living room. We have new furniture in the room as of yesterday and I can't wait to complete the look! I really like these paintings below. I'm thinking about doing an abstract longhorn in blues and greens (the colors of our living room decor).</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/AVvXsEiv-l4bvtH7gEtfvYhlXSmT6JSTanNQ3Sw31epx_kkiMJrWbTw7-YMK2dbcG5DMHIDQ6zR0AUemRBf4j_mdjy1tLhOMqyqQLmP49kX-r0T_c7aHHnr0RIJ6LjBxhDZXuPJhCgxQf497wfZa/s1600/blue-green-markings%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-l4bvtH7gEtfvYhlXSmT6JSTanNQ3Sw31epx_kkiMJrWbTw7-YMK2dbcG5DMHIDQ6zR0AUemRBf4j_mdjy1tLhOMqyqQLmP49kX-r0T_c7aHHnr0RIJ6LjBxhDZXuPJhCgxQf497wfZa/s320/blue-green-markings%255B1%255D.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi4za_JKjsmdUTw5v0m8c-CK1uDYSn-0D997bSTgbcds1B1Kzswgp0LVU3w3mberCjOI9IIpb7lvw5dYX7nu-dyH2D69-iMgGCD3v3n1Jo-vzzGIrJhxQaXmN-ftFVWYUTHZ011iqKF_c/s1600/4702570041_ed7d4ae9b1%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi4za_JKjsmdUTw5v0m8c-CK1uDYSn-0D997bSTgbcds1B1Kzswgp0LVU3w3mberCjOI9IIpb7lvw5dYX7nu-dyH2D69-iMgGCD3v3n1Jo-vzzGIrJhxQaXmN-ftFVWYUTHZ011iqKF_c/s320/4702570041_ed7d4ae9b1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://billjacksonfineart.com/paintings/blue-green-markings/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bill Jackson</span></a> <a href="http://www.robertjoynerartist.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Robert Joyner</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. This is a true resolution: finish making stinkin' Christmas stockings for my poor stockingless family. I bought the supplies to make a mantel full of stockings in 2009. I am about half way through <em>one</em> stocking. My goal is to start getting ready for Christmas in <em>July</em> (which means I need to start sewing Halloween costumes in April, which means I need to start preparing for my three childrens' birthday parties by January 1st...today).</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/AVvXsEi1aUfugNrmGPileqP9E3le8lRGZctLpoPB4LjfDwYkF5QsK0W7rIgSW5z6s_D7fLrj1UyTEVOQQBKHFUYOg2O_iDnqoCNSELyD7jS8rd98QwYpj-3mQdQ850MNTdOYE1nOFHQReQOE32LA/s1600/T_WithZoom%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aUfugNrmGPileqP9E3le8lRGZctLpoPB4LjfDwYkF5QsK0W7rIgSW5z6s_D7fLrj1UyTEVOQQBKHFUYOg2O_iDnqoCNSELyD7jS8rd98QwYpj-3mQdQ850MNTdOYE1nOFHQReQOE32LA/s400/T_WithZoom%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.garnethill.com/hable-christmas-stockings/bedding-home/holiday-decor/169424"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hable Construction</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What are your Christmas resolutions?</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-634305146741115676.post-51656836802317248422010-12-29T12:07:00.000-08:002010-12-29T12:07:23.010-08:00Mama's Christmas Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Christmas held some unforgettable moments. One, for example, was when I learned that my husband's Tia Mirna has no sense of smell...right after I gifted her the most incredible caramel amaretto soy based candle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another unforgettable moment was when my mom opened her Christmas gift from me. It wasn't a surprise, of course. She told me flat out, "Leslie, for Christmas, make me a subway art sign." She promptly followed up with an email with all the words and sayings she'd like on the sign. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Christmas day, she sat beside me on the couch and, after all the children had opened their presents, she looked at me and said with a grin, "Leslie, where is my gift from you?" "Ooooh no..." I started. I tried pretending that I had forgotten to bring it, or worse, that I had completely forgotten to make it. "Nice try," she said, "I was just in the garage and saw it. Get off your lazy bum and get me my present."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> What made this Christmas present so special was not that I made it for her from scratch. I have made many-a Christmas presents for my family. Every time I learned a new skill - crocheting, knitting, oil painting, sewing - I became obsessed with making homemade gifts for my family. They were all grateful, of course...then asked me what the gift was as they inspected it looking for clues. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year, when my mom opened her gift, I could tell that she was sincerely and completely ecstatic about it. I could tell the difference. She showed it to my grandmother with great pride, walking her through the process of how it was made, step by step. Originally, she had plans get a new piece of furniture and hang it above that. But, the next day, she called me and announced that she was thinking of hanging it above the mantel. "It'll change the entire feel of that room, make it more transitional and not so formal-feeling."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It feels so good to make something for someone that they truly love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Merry Christmas, Mama. </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/AVvXsEjLZ9rRY15a_7vFVKbvL7h_LMGDa5WvIvWV0PyeNk_dD0JO3vBSRKhFXuS_V5whuNOwY9y3TNwicFMyFP7b-z4rmqlZWovwL54Rqid2F6sKrajouno61L2NfIzTiFpU_dxcHiUhAA2muSs1/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ9rRY15a_7vFVKbvL7h_LMGDa5WvIvWV0PyeNk_dD0JO3vBSRKhFXuS_V5whuNOwY9y3TNwicFMyFP7b-z4rmqlZWovwL54Rqid2F6sKrajouno61L2NfIzTiFpU_dxcHiUhAA2muSs1/s400/IMG_0451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsOmLf3JeiEuGmsL6djOvfIdLljHkbjyaFG73KyLbrHV-ZnUb-3OJh5-ySqQ7lMccLZbozCBu46Y_CJ2JL5zBxNmzzPJjRRwnA_let17XKtA5LSRtV6aC5uuom6hTwBJ1YopNuZqkAQZ6/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsOmLf3JeiEuGmsL6djOvfIdLljHkbjyaFG73KyLbrHV-ZnUb-3OJh5-ySqQ7lMccLZbozCBu46Y_CJ2JL5zBxNmzzPJjRRwnA_let17XKtA5LSRtV6aC5uuom6hTwBJ1YopNuZqkAQZ6/s400/IMG_0452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgOFquTiPgEBPyT5fVPwKlBxlkg9e2ATG2672fYjHkYbuecY04ldcnxFsupg8JZ7YUWCvDJCm-F_OamkcbqXT-XCj_D65orqiXKGU6RbAsapnmkE2_4hoj2jg6HxFIMaqi15R35DVJtA4/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgOFquTiPgEBPyT5fVPwKlBxlkg9e2ATG2672fYjHkYbuecY04ldcnxFsupg8JZ7YUWCvDJCm-F_OamkcbqXT-XCj_D65orqiXKGU6RbAsapnmkE2_4hoj2jg6HxFIMaqi15R35DVJtA4/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641813940036910213noreply@blogger.com0