Lately...

Over the past 48 hours since the disastrous storm made its way through Alabama, crafting has been far from my main focus. Since volunteer efforts are still in the stage of organization, my family and I are currently trying to provide essential items to people in need. Although I know the food and water and toiletries are very useful, I want to do so much more. For now, here is a look at my past week of crafts and thrifty finds...

I had spools of ribbon all over the place. Every time that I would need a certain color of ribbon for a project, it was easier to buy it rather than search for it around my house. I'm sure I still haven't found all of it, but at least I now have a system of organization. I actually found the frame on the side of the road. It is part of a wine crate and worked perfectly for making a ribbon holder. I got the wooden dowels and wooden knobs at Hobby Lobby. My dad cut the dowels down to the length that I needed and drilled holes in each side. How I love organization projects!

On the subject of organization, I tackled a massive amount of fabric. My mom has always sewn and over the years has accumulated 5 large tubs of material. I pulled out every last piece, tossed what I labeled as "hideous", and set to work. I cut a sample-size square out of each material before neatly folding back into a storage tub. Then I threaded the upper left corner of each square on to a safety pin. Each safety pin of fabric swatches corresponds to a particular tub. I was excited to find quite a bit of lovely fabric. I can't wait to put it to use.

I have been making these wreaths/door hangers for a while now. I've painted collegiate, Christmas, and family name themes. My cousin asked if I could make an "It's a boy" wreath for her sister-in-law and I thought that it turned out to be quite adorable. I decided to list a few on Etsy and hey have been a hit. Although my dad doesn't delight in the craft scene, I have to give him credit on this project as well as the ribbon holder. He cuts all the wreath shapes out of plywood and sands them to create smooth edges. Yea, he's awesome!

Last week's thrift store adventure was well worth the trip. I found a few other good deals but they were all shadowed by Mr. Beethoven. When I spotted the Beethoven bust, I went to grab him off the top shelf. I had no clue he would be that heavy. I also did not expect the cheap price of $6.88. I'm not a huge  Beethoven fan or anything but I find my statue to be rather handsome. I'm still searching for a female bust to drape my pearls over because they looked a bit silly on Mr. Beethoven.

Still praying for all of the victims of the tornados and all of their loved ones!

Devastation

I like to think that most of posts are light, fun, and positive. I am generally a happy person and I want my blog to be a happy place as well. But today my heart is heavy for all of the people affected by the devastating storms throughout the southeast. Thankfully, my family and friends are safe and my little suburb of Birmingham was not hit. It is horrible no matter where a tragedy like this takes place but the damage in Tuscaloosa, AL (my college town) just breaks my heart. I spent 4 1/2 years in Tuscaloosa and have so many memories there. Places that were part of those memories are not there anymore. The last count that I saw confirmed 128 deaths and the search has just begun. I almost feel guilty looking at the sun shining out my window, sitting in my fully intact house with electricity, and still having all of my treasured belongings. For now they are saying the best thing you can do is donate to the Red Cross disaster relief fund, since roads are blocked and rescue workers are searching for missing people. I have done what I can do in that aspect but it doesn't seem like nearly enough. I will continue to pray for all of the people who have lost their loved ones and their homes. I cannot even imagine the despair. 

Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

He is Risen

I make and sell hand painted wreaths for all occasions, but for Easter, I wanted to do something a little different. I decided on a cross shape with a sky blue background, white polka dots, and black trim. I ended up giving this one to my boyfriend's parents for their front door. I hope everyone is having a fabulous Easter weekend!

Burlap Carrot Door Hanger

I usually don't care too much about decorating for Holidays, aside from Christmas. Not only do they sneak up on me too quickly, but most holiday decor is too busy for my taste. That being said, the only Easter decorations that I planned on were my two stone bunnies that I put out for Spring. Then I came across a tutorial for a burlap carrot door hanger at Frou Frou Britches, and I am a sucker for anything burlap. I loved the shabby, yet sophisticated look of the simple carrots. While I didn't actually plan to make these, I came across my burlap amidst another project and it just sort of happened. Tanya has written a great tutorial with pictures on her blog, Frou Frou britches. I mostly followed her steps, with a few minor changes. I decided to hot glue my carrots together, instead of sewing, to save time. She stuffed hers with poly-fil but I opted for crumbled newspaper (resource at hand) and then I tied mine together with jute string. I think these are adorable hanging on the door. Too bad there is not even a week left until Easter.

New tags

This past Christmas, I received a personalized self-inking stamp made by Three Designing Women. My very crafty cousin knew that I would absolutely love this. She also gave me a gift card to order a custom made stamp of my choice. I decided to get a design that I could use to create tags for my handmade creations. I bought some tags at Hobby Lobby and added a thin piece of jute string. I think it adds such a personal touch to handmade gifts and also to items that I am selling on Etsy. I can't wait to order more of these awesome stamps. You can find local and online retailers on the website for Three Designing Women to get your own.

Thrifty Finds

Today, I kicked off the morning with a little thrift store action. I didn't find anything life-changing but I did buy a few cute treasures at AMAZING prices. 

I immediately spotted this dainty little bull skull. I love the turquoise and gold detail and the fact that it was $1.49. I'm thinking it will probably end up in my bathroom on my perfume tray.

Next, I came across this set of gold horse book ends. I already have one set in the living room but I happen to be on an equestrian kick right now. Plus, they were $1.48 each so I am sure I can find a spot for them some where. 

In the middle of an aisle filled with baskets, I saw a little head peaking out of the cluttered shelf. I moved a few things to discover that it was a Willow Tree couple figure. This one is called "Together" and is "for those who have found their true partner in love and life". I'm pretty sure it is meant to signify marriage but it reminds me of my sweet boyfriend, who is most definitely the love of my life. I have already found the perfect spot for it in my bedroom by our picture. This figure retails for $29.99 and I got it for $6.48. 

My last find was a Carmen Marc Valvo dress. I absolutely loved the style, pattern, and the coral color. When I got home, I tried it on and it fit perfectly! I knew it was meant for me because nothing ever fits me perfectly. I would guess that my mom has probably altered over 50% of the clothes hanging in my closet. The dress was $2.48. At Saks or Neiman Marcus, you won't find a Carmen Marc Valvo dress for less than $300. I pranced around the house in my "new" dress and nude-colored pumps for a few minutes. Then I decided it was time to change back into the comfy clothes and get to work on some outdoor projects. 

I believe in pink.

I have always been an Audrey Hepburn fan and this is one of my absolute favorite quotes. I decided to create a print to hang in my bathroom. I am slowly collecting fun, unique pieces to create a gallery wall. I love the neatness and simplicity of the framed print and the quote makes me happy every time that I read it. It really compliments the modern, feminine style that I am working towards in my bathroom. My photography skills are pretty limited, hence the shadows and reflections from the glass. I will get better pictures once my bathroom is finished.

Union Jack Pillow

Union Jack decor seems to be popping up all over the place. The trend is being displayed in the form of painted furniture, art prints, clothing, rugs, and pillows. There are many trends that I can't quite get into, that just aren't me. At first, I was pretty sure this was one of them. As the trend started to grow, I began seeing very creative uses of the union jack in home decor. Then I decided that I actually liked the style. But, there is just no place in my house for those red and blue colors. And then I started seeing the union jack in other colors including pink and neutral. The neutral concept is what really won me over. That would be perfect in my living room since I am going for a neutral, semi-rustic feel. I knew that I didn't want anything too large or too bold, so I decided a simple pillow would do the job. I designed my pillow using leftover linen-like material from another project. I made my stripes using two shades of burlap and a flour sack dish towel. I happened to have a pillow form that was the size I wanted so this project ended up costing me nothing at all. I was impressed with how such a small design could really add interest to a room. 

Twenty-Three

My birthday was actually last week but I am just now getting around to posting about it. It was the big 2-3, which is not very big at all. It doesn't feel any different from 22. Although the age wasn't all that exciting, it was still a wonderful birthday. Since it actually fell on a Monday, we celebrated last Saturday night. The boyfriend and I, along with both sets of our parents, went out to eat at McCormick and Schmick's. It was kind of a last resort because I waited too late to make reservations at all of our local favorites. The food was still good, and the company even better. Afterwards we met my best friend (since 2nd grade) and her fiance  at a downtown bar and ended the night at The Wine Loft. We always have an amazing time out with them. 

My sweet boyfriend skipped his Monday class so he could spend my actual birthday with me. He came to my house with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He said we could do whatever I wanted to, so we ended up at Whole Foods. I know, I know. Who chooses to spend their birthday at a grocery store? We ate lunch from their incredible salad bar and then roamed the aisles a bit and he bought me a huge hydrangea that I fell in love with. 

My boyfriend's entire family is absolutely amazing and his sweet grandma sent me this beautiful, little crystal piece that is now being used as a vase on my bathroom vanity. 

My big present this year is something that I have wanted for so long. Everybody just gave me money to put towards it and they were probably glad that I had something in mind because I am pretty hard to buy for. After combining my money, I went to Saks and bought my first Louis Vuitton bag. I ended up choosing the Monogram Speedy 35 and I am definitely not lacking for space. It is such a classic piece that I will keep forever. I know that possessions shouldn't mean anything, and compared to many other things, they have no meaning to me at all. But, I have to admit, I am in love. 

Jute Frame Picture Holder

In one of my earlier posts about my bedroom make-over, I showed this picture of my basket with a burlap #3 and a wooden frame. If I am not completely content with the placement of something, I will move it a million times. Well, I did move this frame everywhere that I could think of and I still didn't like it so I threw it into a pile of craft scraps. 

I knew that I would have a use for this frame eventually. Many people have made these Pottery Barn inspired wire frame hangers. While I think those are incredibly cute, I wanted to do something a little different.

First, I sanded and painted my frame white. After it dried, I added a light gray glaze. Then I decided to use jute string in place of wire. I tied knots in each end of the three jute pieces and glued them onto the frame. Finally, I used paper clips to attach  a couple of pictures of two of my favorite people (the best friend and the boyfriend). This is probably going to hang in my bathroom, as I am going for an eclectic chic look. For such a simple project, I think it turned out to be quite cute. and very cheap.

I am working on so many wedding projects that I can't wait to share. None of them are quite finished, but it won't be long!