Various projects in the works....

     I started on a lot of various projects, as well as thinking about some new ones.  I made a decision to go in a different direction with the rug pattern in B and C's new room.  I really wanted stripes on their ceiling but realized it wasn't going to work out, so I thought the next best thing would be to purchase Dash and Albert pink stripe rug.  The problem is I purchased the Pottery Barn Kids Rugby pink striped duvet for both beds, and with the chevron wall pattern it would just be to much.  I found that Ikea and Target both carried a similar pink shag rug.  This is just a glimpse of it under a pile of 4 white curtain panels, clips, a huge bag of quilt batting, and the pink and white striped fabric I will be using to make 2 window pelmuts.

 

                                          A close up of the striped fabric.

 

The plywood is sitting in my dining room and has managed to make my whole downstairs smell like a lumber yard.

 

 

I fell in love with this Greek Key trim.  I purchased just a yard to test it out.

 

 

 

                                                

 

I fell in love with this HGTV fabric I found at Joann's.  I purchased a yard to test it out but it's looking like I'm going to make these into curtain panels for my dining room and living room.

 

 

I played around with some fabric remnants from my Ikea footstool.

 

In the end though, I think I might stick with my white bed skirt.

I created some new and simple art for the gallery wall.

 

 

My materials included a white frame, a white piece of paper, a pink Agate (found on Etsy), a hot glue gun, and my gold Krylon marker.

 

 

I used the marker to color around the border of the Agate.

I placed the white sheet of paper inside, but in the future I am going to swap it for a turquoise piece of scrapbook paper.  I hot glued the Agate to the plexiglass on the frame (no fancy glass on this frame).

     

Yup, I changed my bedroom art once again.  I found a use for the chipboard letters from Target.  I used my gold Krylon marker and just colored them in.  This one says "Love", the final reveal will come soon and you can see it finished there.

 

 

For my husband's side of the bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Holiday Decor Inspiration..

    Here come the holidays, ready or not.....

      I've spent the morning with my 2 yr. old cuddling under the blanket and watching "Barney's Christmas" movie. It's cold today and yes I know it is November after all, but I am being a cold weather wimp.  It's the kind of day where you curl up on the sofa, coffee in hand, and look for inspiration on Pinterest.  You know what I mean? Oh and play a game of peek-a-boo.

     For years I use to buy holiday decorations right after Christmas.  My house looked and felt like a department store. Every square inch of my home had something to remind you of what time of year it was, just in case you forgot.  What I cherished most then, and still do, are the hand-made ornaments my children have made throughout the years.  They are always prominently displayed on our Christmas tree.  Each of them delights in placing their own ornament and sometimes will secretly move the other's ornament out of the way to spot light their own.  Kids, what are you going to do? 

     I've started to move away from the commercial aspects of the Holidays, and really reflect on what I want to give my children as warm, happy memories.  I find myself gravitating towards a more hand-made, relaxing and use of natural elements in my  home decor to bring out the true meaning of Christmas.  An oasis of calm and peacefulness inside, where we can shut out briefly the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

     This year I'm going to focus more on affordable, simple, DIY, holiday decorating that I can make. I've turned to Pinterest to find many inspiring projects, and I hope you as well find something to be inspired by.

Click here for the full tutorial.

Click here for the full tutorial.

 What a cute and simple ornament to have my children make.  They can even personalize it.  Click here for the full tutorial.

Here's the how-to on this one.

1.You should be able to find these large styrofoam balls at any craft store.

2.  I suggest spray painting these first in your desired color.

3.  Use a spray adhesive,  (Something you can find at your local craft store).

4. Sprinkle some glitter and then spray a sealant to keep the glitter on your DIY ornament.

 Click here for more information.

 Click here for the full tutorial.

I think I'm going to have a fun and festive weekend of DIY projects.  Share with me any creative ideas you might have for the upcoming holiday season.