.

I had been searching and searching for the perfect dining table centerpiece forever and a day!

 

After browsing the lovely Pinterest world I ran across an idea I loved where someone turned a light bulb into a vase!
Unique and simple.

So I got busy transforming my oversized light bulbs.

Then I quickly learned that I was going to need something to put the bulbs in so they had a stable and sturdy base.

I first dug out some old napkin rings I had from years past and used those.


But then I decided I wanted something with a little more oomph to it.

I settled on the idea of a box.
A simple box
with 3 holes to hold my 3 bulbs

After many many months of talking about said box; I FINALLY had a craft night with a dear friend and got the box knocked out!

I am thrilled with how it turned out!
And the bonus part is...
A). I am now addicted to the circular saw. And am currently racking my brain on my next wood project.
B). this project only cost me $6...YAY!!!
C). The look of this particular craft can change with a simple switch out of the flowers :)
 

It's no secret that I like to craft!

I like to take something old and unloved and turn it into something new and lovable

or creating something that cost a LOT less if I made it with my own hands!

 

It's a passion....

it's my relaxing afternoon of golf

my cup of joe on the porch

it's my way of escaping the crazy of the day :)

 

I have been dying over all the chalkboard madness that has taken over 99% of America's homes!!

and I had been going back and forth with G about what we wanted to do

My first thought was our entire kitchen wall....I was quickly shot down

I debated on making a 6' leaning chalkboard to take up an empty wall in the living room....again, shot down

 

then one day while thrift storing with family in AR, I ran across an old window for $8...PERFECT!!!

For $8 I wasn't in the market for a second opinion..so without hesitation I loaded that bad boy up and carried it home :)

 

So I grabbed the necessary tools...

protective eye wear

face mask

sander

caulk

screwdriver

frog tape

Rust-Oleum Magnetic primer

Krylon chalkboard spray paint

Rustoleum "Sun" yellow spray paint

and WINE!!! - yes, wine is a must :)

I love the fact that it doubles for a magnetic board, too!

I am a picture fanatic and to have additional places to put my favorite photos is a winner in my book!



GUEST BEDROOM UPDATE!!!!!

I know, I know....my habit of completing a project in a timely manner is less than impressive, BUT it is closer to completion and I could not be more pleased with it!

First, lets see the inspiration!

and not to toot my own horn or anything -TOOT, TOOT- but I have to say for my first furniture renovation, I do believe it turned out beautifully!!!

 

Nothing is perfect, we are still missing a bed skirt and lighter curtains..

but at this point we have this....

 

 

 

Complete with a handmade duvet cover, pillows, HEADBOARD, freshly painted walls and newly stained dresser!!! I do believe I could live with this for a little while :) Well, I guess until I decide Im tired of green :))) 

Yesterday was an exciting day around my house!!!

Yesterday, I FINISHED my duvet cover!!!! Yep!!! You heard me!!! I really did it! And I didn't give up -although at times I debated whether or not to chunk my sewing machine OUT THE WINDOW. 

WOW, so after making this list I don't feel near as accomplished as I thought I was!!! BUT I am still very much proud of myself for completing my FIRST, yes my first, sewing project and for it actually resembling what it is actually suppose to be :)) woohoo GO ME!!! Yes, I may or may not have battle wounds from my occasional fights with the sewing machine -the sewing machine obviously WON- but I have a finished product made with my very own hands!!

But for now, I have to step back and temporarily put this project on hold to help the hubby finish the deck!!! YES the deck must be complete before I fall any further into a NEW project!

I had so much fun making this diaper cake. It's fairly easy to make and the possibilities are endless. 

First, find out what the theme of the baby shower is going to be or what colors the host/hostess is wanting to use.

3 packages of 24 count diapers

-I used two different sizes-

4 shades of ribbon

-use 1 1/4", 1/2" and 1" ribbon

bottle of wine or large baby lotion (for center of diaper)

Stuffed animal

Any toys, baby gear or baby supplies you want to use.

Step 1:

 I took the largest platter I had in the house and laid it onto a cardboard box I had.

Then I Greg used a razor to cut the circle out of the box.

(Isn't he so sweet)

I cut approximately 1" strips out of some fabric I had around the house -you could also use rubber bands-

roll each diaper and secure it with your fabric or rubber bands.

After rolling A THOUSAND DIAPERS!! the fun begins.

 Take your cardboard cutout and place you wine bottle (for mommy) or large baby lotion in the center.

Begin placing your diapers around your bottle until you reach the end of the cardboard.

 -I would secure this bottom layer with hot glue-

I then tied a ribbon around the entire layer to keep it in place. -I didn't have a glue gun-

Continue on to the second layer and finally the top layer until all 3 tiers are complete.

I used my main colored ribbon on all 3 layers the added the second largest ribbon to the center for a splash of color.

I also added the baby's name to the middle layer to personalize it!

Then take you TWO smallest ribbons and begin tying on all you little goodies! There is NO right or wrong way of doing this! Whatever strikes your fancy! 

 Do this for the ENTIRE cake!

 When you finished with this, the last step is to attach you stuffed animal as the cake's topper.

 I secured my teddy bear by sticking straight pins through his legs into the diapers under him!!

 and VOILA!!! you have yourself a wonderfully BEAUTIFUL handmade diaper cake!!

Let me start out by saying that I am in NO way an artist! But I like to be creative and if there is something I love but is too expensive or cannot be found for purchase, I tend to try to create it myself!  (Sometimes)

So,with this being said, when my friend told me of her upcoming baby shower and that the theme of her precious baby boy's room is going to be Dr. Seuss, I went straight to the world wide web in search for the perfect shower gift!!! 

After searching for a few hours moments I came across this photo of an art piece displayed in someone elses baby room, it was perfect! I then went in search of where to find this beauty, only to find that I couldn't! I looked at baby stores, Etsy and even tried googling Dr. Seuss artwork, but nothing took me to this picture I was desperately trying to find! -in my mind, I just knew my friend would love it.

So I got to thinking and looking twice over the photo that I had found and it dawned on me, "I'll just make it!!!" So, that's exactly what I did! -disclaimer: it is not perfect but it is perfectly handmade with love. So for me (and the hubs) that makes this gift EVEN BETTER-

Its just one of those weeks already that time seems to be standing still. BUT I guarantee that when the weekend gets here it will fly by so fast that my head will spin!!! 

Yea!! Its one of those weeks :)

But on a better note, I have decided to embark on a crafty little side gig!! I havent made anything yet but I will sure keep you posted when something is complete. I am so excited about this new adventure and I am MOST certain I will help bring happiness to others :) 

(More on this later)

I am also loving this little ditty!!!

It looks really easy to make and a very cute, must have for my humble abode!!

I leave you with a quote I will be repeating for the next few weeks!!!