thanks living.

i cannot quite recall how i came across the Thanks Living Challenge but i am really glad that i did!  it has helped me focus on the things in my life that i am thankful for instead of dreading on what i cannot have nor change.  i periodically write down things that i am thankful for so i can use them in each challenge.  Erika gives tips & ideas for the challenges [ i think she works for Creating Keepsakes?]. 

i chose to share this layout with my [only] follower haha...i've just started my blog & i am thankful for learning how to do that! :)  

Here are the details on Feburary's challenge.  join in! it's never too late!!

 

thanks for coming by today & checking out my blog! have a great day!

backlog.

since i'm just now enlightening myself to the world of the blog, i thought "what can i create now?!"  instead, i compiled a list of things that i could showcase that i've ALREADY DONE! :)  genius!

1. table runner turned headboard/decor:

before we last moved, i was deciding what color to decorate our room.  it was the last room we did not have a 'theme' for!  [we do live in an apartment, so we cannot paint...]  the table runner i found at Marshall's/TJ Maxx.  i love the ribbon-y flowers however i needed to split it in half to showcase both ends.  i simply cut it in half!

i purchased a small dowel rod from my local craft store [Hobby Lobby, i think!] and also split it in half.  next, i made a seam along the non-flower end wide enough to fit the dowel in.  then, i simply nailed them to the wall!  [i did not want to use string or anything; i used the rod to keep the top from bowing].


***side note:  just before making this, a friend gave me her sewing machine solely for scrapping.  i wanted to sew on pages, and did not think i would use it on clothing!  however, once i thought of this project, i knew i could make a seam...

as you can tell, this was CLEARLY my first time sewing!! haha!  i even texted my grandma [an avid quilter] a picture of it so she could have a great laugh!  she admitted it was not too terrible...


so there it is!  a grandma-approved first attempt at a seam! :)
now, get to the discount store and get yourself a table runner to alter!

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2. scrap paper canvas art:

as an avid scrapper [well, i typically have more IDEAS of scrapping & crafting than actual scrapping!]  i cannot recall how i came across this idea, but after i decided our room accent color would be green, i sifted through my scraps.  this resulted:

  

the canvases i got at a yard sale for A QUARTER EACH!  i used modge podge for the first time [wish i would have seen this first: homemade mod podge!]  didn't turn out too bad, but i did learn not to put them together for storage until they are completely dry!! [notice the edges...whoops!]

not bad for beginner art, i guess!  have not hung them on the wall, but simply rest them on top of the horizontal mirror above the dresser.  maybe one day i will try some other modge podge ideas!


for fun, here is my favorite canvas...it turned out the best, and i think the colors are the most vibrant.  [the other two scraps were already 3x3 squares of paper...the circles i cut myself with the Martha Stewart Crafts Simple Circle Cutter which was a gift from a friend].  

so now, get those scraps on your wall instead of in the drawers or on your craft table or in a shoe box or in a vertical file...haha you get the idea! 

inspired.

UPDATED!!  [see bottom of post!]

well, here it is folks!!!

i've been inspired to make a blog, helping to showcase my creativity.  i have no idea how often i'll be able to update it, or who will even want to follow, but at least it will be fun! [thanks for the push, bonita rose k!]  i will attempt to add my projects & document stuff that i create.  [i know this is trite, but i've never done this before, ok!?] :)

the first project i am going to showcase is my attempt to build a scrapbook supply storage tower from 2 candlesticks & 3 vintage baking pans:  [inspired from pinterest, of course: Candlestick holder & tins ]

i picked up the supplies today on my lunch hour at my local goodwill store for $8.95.  i plan to prime/spray paint [all in one, of course...i mean, who has time to do it in more than one step?!] with krylon dual satin in ivory [from walmart].  i think i will attempt to attach the pieces together with screws i have in the junk drawer, but may end up using various forms of glue [but don't fret, i will avoid using duct tape, despite the awesome colors available now!]

i will post in-progress & finished product pics as i go!

enjoy!

:)

p.s. does this mean i get to participate in blog hops now?! :) 

UPDATE:   

OK, MISS ASHLEY ROCK! HERE'S AN UPDATE! :)

 and since you're currently my only follower, i MUST keep you intrigued & returning to my blog!! haha

i spray painted the pieces.  i sanded the wooden candlesticks, but not the metal pans.  & i think i really like the color!

[i'm thinking that i should have sanded the pans, but i didn't want to buy more sandpaper to start with a coarse grit to a fine grit...]  here's an up-close of the largest pan:

 & here you can see where paint may chip probably sooner rather than later!  oh well, you live and learn!  

i still have to paint the insides & maybe do another coat of paint...but first i have to do some homework...