Update Through Pictures

I realize that I haven't posted in FOREVER, well since March, which is basically forever in the world of blog posting. Anyways, I am really going to try to get back to posting more regularly. For now, I will give you an update through pictures of what I have been up to lately. I feel like it has just been weddings, weddings, weddings (which is good, since that's what I do), but looking back through pictures, I realized that I have snuck a few other projects in as well. I have many wedding and interior design jobs to share with you but they have quite a few pictures and each deserve their own post, so those will be coming soon. 

I made this wreath just before Easter. Being a southern girl, I love the natural appeal of cotton so I added it to a grapevine wreath and tied it off with a burlap bow. 

In the midst of planning weddings, I also planned a sock monkey themed first birthday party. These were the custom party hats that I designed. I have many more pictures from the photographer to share later.

One of my clients had an unfinished toy chest that I repurposed into an elegant, mirrored piece for her dining room. It's amazing what you can do with some metallic spray paint and mirrors.

For a client's bedroom, I made a drop cloth covered headboard with nailhead trim. I also designed the bedroom and painted several furniture pieces.

A client's dining room got a make-over, keeping the antique furniture and adding modern elements including a leopard print rug, abstract painting, and mercury glass.

In March, the boyfriend and I flew out to Dallas (which I completely fell in love with) to search for an apartment for him. After two days of hunting, he decided on this building which is in the trendy Uptown area. It has a basketball court on the third floor, an incredible fitness room, and is within walking distance of about 60 restaurants, not to mention all the little shops. 

In May, I was able to fit in a family beach trip to Destin, FL. It was a super relaxing week spending quality time with all my favorite people.

The boyfriend despises taking pictures but since his mom insisted and he knew I was wanting to play with my camera, he cooperated for a few graduation shots around Auburn University. This was one of my favorites, because apparently this is his "smart" look, which is appropriate since he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering.

My best friend is 6 months pregnant! I can't believe how time flies. With only three months left until her little girl arrives, I am designing her nursery with custom bedding and furniture. I am so excited to see it all finished and put together.

So that pretty much sums up my life as of lately. More to come as soon as possible!

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!

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!

Moss Covered Initial Wreath

I had seen these initial wreaths on Etsy and thought they would be the perfect wedding decor. I have seen them used on the church doors and also hanging on the back of the bride and groom chairs. The large wreaths sell for around $150 for two on Etsy so I decided I would make my own.
To make an initial wreath you will need the following supplies: large piece of foam board (Lowe's)green spray paint yard stickpermanent markerbox cutterglue guna lot of glue sticks3 bags reindeer moss (Hobby Lobby)burlap (or other material for bow)
The first thing that you need to begin this project is a large piece of foam board. I found this at Lowe's and had them cut the board into 3 equal pieces so that it would fit in the car.

This picture shows 1 of the 3 pieces and I probably only used about a third of it for one letter. Next, I used a permanent marker and a yard stick to free hand the letter "D". The letter doesn't have to be perfect because once it is covered with moss, small imperfection won't show.

Then I took a box cutter and cut out the letter on the lines that I drew. The board has a plastic film over it that can be difficult to cut through so I peeled it off before cutting all the way through.

Next, I spray painted the letter with green paint. This step isn't necessary but I figured it would be better to have a little green, rather than blue, showing through if I missed any spots with the moss. 

Once the paint dries, you are ready to start glueing. I began glueing large patches of moss on the front side. Then I did the same to the back. Next, I added moss to the outer and inner edges. With the leftover moss, I filled in any holes or places that I had missed. To keep the moss from shedding, I took it outside and sprayed it with aerosol hairspray. 

In order to hang the wreath I cut burlap material into a long strip about 6" wide. I used this to make the bow and then I secured the center of the bow with some hot glue. Next, I cut a more narrow strip, ran it through the "D", and glued it together. I attached the bow to the narrow strip with glue and hung the wreath to see my final product.

I was quite satisfied with the finished wreath. I gave to my friend at her bridal shower, where we also used it for decoration. I got a ton of compliments and the bride-to-be loved it. Now I am making two more for another friend's wedding.