Create

Funny how things just happen. OK...So I don't really believe that things just happen. I believe they happen for a reason. I have some amazing girlfriends back in MN. It seems as if I always one step behind them in fabulosity. They decided, a couple years ago, to train for a race. I let my inner critic stop me from joining them....until the next year. I was amazed at what I could accomplish when I put that nagging voice of self doubt to the back where it was harder to hear. For the past few years instead of making New Year's Resolutions....they chose one word to help them focus on the things they wanted to change in their lives. They have used clean and quiet among others. Again...I resisted. Until this year...This year I have been thinking of a word that I could focus on that would help me make a better life for myself and for my family. About two weeks ago I decided on the word CREATE. I love to make things and create a nice space for my family to live. I've also been thinking about using CREATE to define how I want to create a new me....maybe not a new me....but an improved one. So as all of this is going through my head I stumble across this.....I found it on one of my favorite blogs....but it is also on YouTube.




This pretty much cemented my resolve to use this word. CREATE is the word for me this year. Not just craft-wise.....but in all areas of my life. Did you make any resolutions? Do you usually stick with them??

A Little Change

A while back I ran across this blog. I fell in love with the wreath she created and saved a pic so I could make one when the mood struck. Well.....it hit me like lightening the other day and so here is number one in the trilogy. I gathered some cheap felt, yarn scissors, glue gun and a wreath form I bought at the dollar store.
I cut different sized circles (bigger than a CD down to the lid on hubby's sippy cup). For the first couple circles I cut them into uniform spirals. They turned out ok....but the ones I like best had more of a wavy pattern instead. So instead of spiraled circles they were more spiraled amoebas. I used the yarn to wrap around the wreath base (or floral foam....whatever). It took forever quite a while to get that part of the project finished.
Then picking out my favorite rosettes I began to hot glue them to the yarn. I will tell you that I used 3 sheets of soft pink and 3 sheets of bright pink.
I also made some red and white rosettes....but now I have to buy some black yarn. That will be for the second of 3.......
Here is the "grouping" before. See the tassel on the left? I've never been a tassel fan until I found this at Hobby Lobby in the 65% off section. I fell in love with it's soft pink ribbons and frilly girliness.
Here is the new wreath hung up for all to see. Not sure if it will stay there yet. I'll have to think about that one.
A close up of the soft textures and roundness of it all.
I do like the way it turned out and can't wait to start on it's sisters!
I am linking with Met Monday and I Made THIS Tuesday.So make sure you check out the projects there.

For the Door

First off....this cute little face...This is what I've been dealing with today. She is as demanding as any two year old (that you can lock in a box and go to town). She is sweet and snorty, sassy and sublime. I love this little smoochy face. That being said.....
This is what else I've been dealing with today. Both have made me fake curse (because I'm trying to cut down on the real thing....so not lady like) today.....Both have held my attention for the better portion of the day. In fact, as I write this, I am still in my jammies. Don't judge.
I took a floral wreath base..the kind with the square sides....and wrapped yarn around it. Took a while....a long while.
Then I made some rosettes from strips of fabric. I glued some buttons and a wooden heart to the front and....TA DA!
Not bad for a Valentine greeting.....that doesn't scream "HEY!! YA BIG DUMMY!! IT'S VALENTINES DAY!!" And of course I am loving the pink. It does make me happy. You could use any color for this. It was easy and fun. And I highly recommend that you try one. (And send me a pic....I love to see your projects!)
I am linking to Simply Link at Simply Designing, Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design, I Made THIS Tuesday at This and That and Whatever Goes Wednesday. Hop on over and check it out!

A Little More

So in my quest to achieve sanity in an insane world I have made yet another wreath. Another sock wreath to be exact. So to keep from boring you I will save you the details on the "How" and just let you read that here.....if you've a mind to.....Buddy Liz and I made another wreath today as well....a yarn wreath. I'll let you see it when we are finished. Until then....this is how the Valentine's Day decorating is coming.....
Knee socks rock....just in case you wondered!
The rosettes were made from left-over sock parts.....feet and such. Cute!! Thanks for the help, Liz!!!
I have linked with Somewhat Simply: Strut Your Stuff, Simply Designing: Simply Link Party I Made This Tuesday at This and That and Show and Tell with Blue Cricket Design. Do head over and check it out!!

A Start

I don't usually decorate for Valentine's Day. I find it offensive (the day in general...and decorating for it).....or I used to. Call it sour grapes or whatever.....it just didn't happen. But ever since Mom went and passed away on Valentine's Day 2008....I have been needing something to lift my spirits every February. I do like pretty things. No joke....I am drawn to pretty, lacey, frilly or just plain good-looking stuff. And I can also see the potential in the truly ugly. Take these shiny orange/gold candle holders. I picked them up at Target for 75% off. Not bad....made 'em less than 3 bucks.
A little spray paint later.....(Yes! In January....spray paint!!)
A much needed improvement. But not quite ready for the Valentine's Day grouping I am envisioning.
Red candles are a start. But still not a winner.....
Ah...ribbon. I do like the frilly touch of ribbon. Now they are ready for me to get together the other projects I am in the middle of and bring a little pretty into February.
I have linked to a party at This and That....I do hope you will follow me there and and look at the great projects!!

The Rule of Three

The Rule of Three started out as just me messing around and being too OCD for my own good. I love making things...but I also like them to look really good. Well, I'm not the kind of crafter that follows rules or patterns has everything turn out just right on the first try. So usually I make three of everything. That way by the time I crank out that third project it is just right....I guess it could be the Goldilocks trial and error program. "This one is too hard....This one is too soft....This one is...." Well, you get the idea. I use this rule almost every time I make something I've never attempted before. So here we have the "inspiration project". I love the uses for this as a gift....photo holder, recipe stand, posh bill collector.....the list goes on and on. Here are most of the things I used. Not pictured....a small can of stain and some metal clasps.
First of all, paint your wooden pieces. I used black and cream and aqua....(I used the aqua under one of the black holders and under one of the white holders). Then use some stinkin' strong glue and glue your 2x6 onto the candle stick holder and the candle holder onto the base and the finial on the very top. It's a good idea to let it dry for a few hours....even over night. Then give everything a good sanding. Wipe it all down and glue your painted clasp and decorative wooden thingie onto the 2x6. As a final touch I went over it all with some stain....just to darken the exposed wood and make it a little shabby.
After it is dry you can use it to hold Christmas cards.....
Or a picture of you and your honey...
I left a lot of aqua showing on this one....
The aqua on this holder is a little more subtle.
Just a touch here.....
And there.....
This one is just black....kinda classy....
And still a bit shabby.....
And now they are ready to go.....Yes, I realize there are four. I needed two for gifts and I can't very well give a first or second attempt away.....they aren't quite right....

A Laundry Room Wreath?

I decided to use some of the Christmas ornaments that I bought after Christmas last year. I got them for 75% off!! I have a bunch of them...so I NEEDED to make something. I started with some styrofoam balls and wrapped them with some lovely lime green yarn.
Then I assembled the rest of my supplies.
I arranged them on a wire wreath form.
Then I just started filling it in. Trying not to be too perfect, not too symmetrical.
Filling and gluing and arranging and admiring.
I found some mini ornaments and filled in the gaps. Added some joy, and there ya have it! I Love the way it looks in my aqua laundry room. The different textures make it more interesting (in my opinion).
Gorgeous. And to think....I almost scrapped this project....It's true. I didn't love the colors at all with the wall color in the living area of my home. I am SO glad I hung it on the laundry room door for pictures. I LOVE it!
I am linked up with BNOTP. There are so many great ideas out there!!