My Favorite Candle

My Favorite candle - for over a year now and I swear I think they have butter in it :)



http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-room/993434.jsp#/

Its that time of the year..Fall!!!

Fall is just around the corner   And my favorite candy too!!!   What's your favorite ?  Chocolate Indian Corn is my all time favorite.    

Paint color Monday SW Watery

I love color and I love paint. There are way too many beautiful colors out there so....I plan to introduce the most sought after paint colors every Monday.   

This gorgeous piece by Cottage Instincts in Sherwin Williams  Watery   I love this piece and adore the color !   What a wonderful creation she has made :)


See That pantry door from Willow Hill Farm Girl:)   It's Watery too!  Talking about making a statement here!!!

Just such a pretty color   :)  From the painted parsonage
another beautiful creation with this color!

I love this color and am so inspired that I bought a sample pint today :)   I will share my creations with you soon!!!!!

Gold Glitter Blast!!!

I am loving Gold right now - especially with some glitter.   I am talking some serious Glitter love And, there is nothing more fun than some Krylon Gold Blast Glitter.  Because it does BLAST - my backyard is proof of that.  But, as I will share soon, it can lightly add glitter to any painted piece
First up is my newest sign - Navy with Glitter!  And  YES!  Always know you are  a Big Deal !!!
I created this sign by making a stencil with my Silhouette Cameo.   

But, no worries if you don't have a Cameo. You can print this on Freezer paper (be sure to use Mirror Image) and cut it out yourself.  I have to note here that I did it by myself for a long time because there were too many things my kids needed   Once I was finally in a position to buy one of these amazing creatures it paid for itself in less than 5 month with Etsy sales.   So, just saying, if you are hesitant to get one trust me.  Go for it!   If nothing else, the drawing and design program is so easy to understand and work with.  It has been a life changer for me :)   And, I am just offering my own opinion - I am not affiliated with Silhouette America in any way.  But, I love this machine !!!!!

And, my favorite Elephant, painted with Krylon Dual Gold then sprayed with some Gold Blast!!!  He is my favorite photo prop right now.  He's looking good with my Golden Wake Up and Be Awesome signs :)

So, this is how it happened.  Bought the plastic Elephant at Target for $3.00.  Painted him gold with Krylon Dual.   (You could use any good Gold or other metal color - there are so many good ones out there)   Then, added some Krylon Gold Blast.  And, BLAST it does,   There is glitter all over my back yard (And that's not a bad thing - its a fun thing!)   As for the Elephant,   I have to say I love this guy :)   He is my favorite prop for my golden Wake Up and Be Awesome signs.

More Gold projects in the works   Gold Foil and Gold Heat Transfer  soon

Love learning Creative Lettering check out this link

Well Hello there all!!! I have a few new ideas getting ready to happen.   First is my favorite thing in the world - drawing and lettering :)   I am new to this and excited to start creating beautiful lettered signs and cards.  This post will list some of my biggest inspirations!

dawn nicole

And one of the best places to find the best of the best is here right in the Gboro

https://www.johnnealbooks.com/

I will add more to my list soon.  Once I figure out how to get my Brause Rose nib to work.  

Been Gone for a while Actually a Real Long Time....But, ready to shout out and make a differenc

First Post Back   loving my new sign

A Dollar Tree Merry & Bright Christmas Candle

Last year (2012) Holiday Season I spied some glass decorative candle glass holders in a local shop. Beautiful mirror and glass that I couldn't stop thinking about   So..... I created my version and here it is!

For this project you need:

Krylon Looking Glass Spray  (Usually in the floral section of craft stores)

Rustoleum Frosted Glass Spray

Dollar Tree  7" tall Vase or any glass vase, wine glass, etc you want to use.  

Stencil - I created mine with my Cameo but there are many ways to create designs.  wrap tape, rubber bands, etc  There are also some great adhesive stencils at your local craft store.

This is what I did

Cleaned the glass vase.  Then,  I used a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to get rid of any residue.

Created my "merry & bright" stencil with the Cameo.  If you don't have a Cameo or vinyl cutter no worries!!!  There are many adhesive stencils out there - Martha Stewart has several that work very well.  Or, as I said earlier, create abstract designs with tape, wrapped rubber bands, and anything that can be used as a stencil.

So, on to what I did:

I placed the stencil on my vase and used some painter's tape and Glad Press and Seal to keep the Looking Glass spray from "wandering"  

QUICK NOTE HERE - the Glad Press and Seal is one amazing tool you need in your DIY Arsenal!  I will let you know why (if you don't already know)  in a future post.

When you spray the Looking Glass spray, be sure to lightly spray each coat.  I think I actually sprayed 6 coats.  This stuff can really drip if used too heavily.   As you know, I am NOT a patient person.  But, I have learned the hard way that this amazing paint can't be rushed.  Trust me on this.  Also, do not touch the letters once they are finished and before the Frost Spray.  (I know this because I messed some letters up - I am messy and that's all I can say.)   But, this was an experiment so I charged on...

I let the Looking Glass spray dry well.  Then, I turned the vase up side down to be sure the Frost spray only covered the outside of the vase/candle holder.  

I have to say I am very pleased with the results!  For once, my little project has turned out the way I imagined :)  

I really love how this turned out!  I do want to try this again with a little smaller font.

As always, thank you for stopping by!

                 And, don't forget to SHINE ON!!!!

Linking up to: Debbiedoo's and Fox Hollow Cottage's Dollar Tree Christmas Party

Vintage Tennis Racquet Makeover - Jewelry Organizer!

This is a great project for all you tennis lovers out there.  Especially, the younger players that never had to swing the old wooden ones!!!

I have been finding and buying old wooden rackets (racquets?) the past year.  I love old vintage sports equipment like these rackets, as well as, the old wooden persimmon golf clubs from my great grandfather.  Most of them are beautiful and I wouldn't want to change a thing about them!  But, some are just right for transformation!

First, I make sure the racket isn't too warped (it's okay if it is just slightly warped)  

Clean it up as well as you can - it might need some light sanding for those areas that might have taken a little frustrated abuse (say, hit the net a few times or, like my husband did, toss it into some trees)

Prime it.  Just because it has been held and tossed a bunch.  Keep in mind this sweet racket could have lots of sweat and tears that you don't want showing up later.  I primed this racket in our old company painting room.   It looks yucky but there is a huge ventilation draw and I can paint no matter the weather!

I like to add large cup hooks to the handle for necklace/bracelet storage.  Most rackets hold 5 easily but, you could add more or less.  I think 5 is a good number - it's not too crowded and not too sparse.

Then, I spray paint the racket with 2 coats of whatever color I want.  Follow that up with a few coats of poly sealer for a long life.   (Note: spray is best for this project)

And now you have a unique one of a kind piece for that tennis star in your life! Or, maybe keep it for yourself?

Thank you for being here!  

Messy

Warm Hands make Warm Hearts

Just another quick tute on making rice hand warmers.  I'm sure you have seen these around for a good while and, I have to confess I have made quite a few as well as larger ones for soothing backaches and sore shoulders.  This set is a small gift for my daughter on Valentine's.  She is an assistant Div. I golf coach and they use hand warmers quite a bit.  This set was made from scraps from my latest pillows.  I keep saving scraps and finally made myself make something with some!  I have another project using scraps for my other daughter that I hope to share soon!

So, it's for Valentine's Day, right?  Why not a heart hand warmer?  

Make a template.  Remember how you cut out hearts as a kid?  Fold the paper and cut out half a heart so it is symmetrical.  But, it doesn't have to be perfect.  No, not at all!  I think next time I will   get a little more dramatic and have fun with it

Materials used:

100% cotton fabric. pre-washed

100% cotton thread

dry rice

You need to use 100% cotton fabric and thread because these babies are gong into the microwave to heat.  You don't want your fabric and thread to have a meltdown in there - trust me on this.

Trace the template onto the wrong side of the fabric.  I took a shortcut and pinned all 4 pieces together to cut.  Oh, I forgot to mention you need 4 fabric heart pieces.  But, you probably already figured that out :)  Pin 2 heart pieces together with right side of fabric facing each other.

I started sewing (back stitching at the start)  on one side of the heart

Sew all around the heart leaving a 1-1/2" or so opening.  Back stitch again to keep this from unraveling when you turn it right side out.

Turn them right sides out, then press.

Now, it's time for the rice (or other dry bean, lentil, or grain filling you choose.  I used rice this time but I have also used lentils.  I think they seem to hold heat longer.

I rolled up my template to use as a funnel.  Sorry, I didn't measure it out- just filled until I thought it was a good amount to hold in your hand.

Did I mention that I often "wing" it?  I'm bad about taking some shortcuts.

You could stitch the opening up by hand but I was too lazy to go search for my needle so, I stitched very closely around the edge of the hearts.

NOW A NOTE BEFORE YOU HEAT THESE:

Please test for 15 seconds carefully.  Microwaves vary and you don't want to burn anyone or anything!  Heating time can also vary if you are using a different filler. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Mimi  

Peat Pots and Gesso Love - To the Moon & Back!

Short and simple post here.  Take some 5" peat pots.  They are popping up everywhere in anticipation of Spring!  I used Jiffy Pots for this project.  These came in a pack of six

   Paint one layer of Gesso over the pot.  Let dry.

Design your text (I used Microsoft 2010)   Use different fonts and sizes to make your quote interesting.  Or make it all the same - it is all up to you and what you want and love!

Then, print it on regular copy paper but, be sure to make it a mirror image.  Most printers have that option in the advanced settings for printing.  For my printer, I go to advanced settings and where it has the option for mirrored image, I choose ON.

Print image.

I then cut out each line just because I didn't want the large space my printer used between each line.

I started with the top line - added a liberal layer of Gesso to pot 

and thin layer to printed side of text. 

Applied  the text where I wanted and rubbed it a few times to stick to pot.  This is where it is a little touch and go and you really should test this on something first.  I tested this on a peat pot that had a tear in the back side.

I found that using the back of a spoon to burnish for a bit was good.  But it didn't stop there.  It actually seemed that the transfer started to really happen once the paper was a little more moist from soaking up the Gesso. I burnished with the spoon then carefully used the edge of the spoon to rub more.   Once the image looks darker it means it is starting to transfer.

 At this point,  you can gently peel back the paper to see if it is starting to transfer.  I had no problem laying the paper back down if it needed more help to transfer.  You can work with this as much as you want as long as it doesn't start drying on your peat pot.  And REMEMBER - this is NOT going to be a PERFECT transfer.  It is going to look distressed, antiqued, shabby, or whatever you like to call it.  But, it will have lots of charm that you can't buy in a store!  If needed, if really needed, you can touch this up with a fabric paint pen or Sharpie pen.

Once you have your text on the pot, paint the rest of it with Gesso, if you want, to keep it more consistent with 2 layers all over. 

Enjoy!

Well, as you know I love some Anthropology creativeness.  A few months ago, I was enjoying a look/see in our local Anthropologie store.  Their creations never cease to WOW!    And yes, please, I want one of e.v.e.r.t.h.i.n.g!   But... as much as I love their dreamy products, I have so much fun checking out their window fronts and other displays.   I will go so far to say that in my next life, that is my dream job! 

I was inspired by their fabric cactus.  Here is my small effort!

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After washing my dropcloth I watered down some Leaf Green Acrylic and painted it.  Added a few other green paints with dry brush to give it a little more depth.

Made a pattern out of an old cereal box.  Folded the fabric over (painted sides facing) and traced the pattern with chalk.  Cut it out - ending up with 2 pieces.

stitched them together with right sides facing out.  Sort of the opposite of what you would normally do.......

a little gesso on some peat pots.  (Any of you that have followed this far - well thanks for being here!  You are so special and I hope you will leave a comment so I can follow you too - if I'm not already following you!)

Okay - back to the next step.......I've had this project stuck in my head ever since I saw the fabric cacti all over our Anthropologie store.  How to put this all together?  I decided to reuse paper grocery bags.  Cut it into strips, crush them up and use them to support my fabric cactus. 

Cute - but I also tried topping it off with some pebble stones leftover from another project

Love it either way!   

Thanks so much for being here!!

New (Trouble with Trouble) drop cloth pillow!

Finally finished my newest pillow with one of my favorite quotes!   

This pillow is made of drop cloth that I pre-washed   Then created a mirror print on our laser printer at the office.  (You can do this by going to Advanced Properties with most laser printers.)   I do have one stubborn one at the office that won't let me do this.  Grrrr  If your printer doesn't let you mirror the image there are a few other options.  Let me know - I would love to help if I can.

Taped it to the center of pillow and dabbed some Citra Solv with a cotton ball.  If you don't already know the drill check out this tutorial from Lil Boo Blue.  Or Google for many more :)  It's a great technique but, I found that putting the Citra Solv (CS) on the print in a small area, rubbing hard with the back and side of the spoon, check to see if it worked then, move to the next few words rubbing lightly with the CitraSolv cotton ball as you go worked best for me.  It gives the print a nice worn look.  

And, you know it is so true..........trouble does start out as fun :)

Geeking up some coasters and helping reduce e-waste!

I never knew - never had a CLUE what wonderful equipment was sitting right under my nose at our family manufacturing plant until I started blogging in November 2010.  All sorts of saws, metal equipment painting booth silk screening area and so much more.   Plus vintage metal desks and chairs (like my Red Rooster Drafting stool) and shelving just screaming for new life in gorgeous colors!  (Oh, how I wish there were more hours in my day!)
For a quick indoor project (yes, we are also having record highs in the 100s and Code Orange air all week like so many of you)  I grabbed some old circuit boards and glued some thin cork on the bottom. These are 3-3/4" x 3-3/8" in size. 

Turned them over and coated them with acrylic sealer to waterproof them, then tied them up with some twine laying around.  This is a gift for one of my sweet geeky friends!

And just in case you didn't already know, e-waste (electronic waste) is a very fast growing waste problem for the earth   (But, I bet you already knew that!)  We have hundreds of obsolete circuit boards at our company alone.  So, look for more circuit board projects, both large and small, to be posted soon!  

Happy rest of the weekend!