We spend so much time decorating our homes, then paint all the ceilings white. What? I'm not saying we need to do something different on every ceiling but come on now, lets quit ignoring them and go for the gusto. The possibilities are endless and what an impact a strategically decorated ceiling can make. Check out these great examples:
While playing with tin, making little book pendants with mom, I started thinking of what else I could make. For some reason a whale popped into my head but this can easily be converted into another design. The first thing I did was draw my whale and his pieces. I made the body, a fin and a tail. I cut out the pieces and marked on the body where I wanted them to fit as well as the connection spots.
Using the paper templates I marked and cut the pieces out of tin, sanding the edges with a file.
Punch holes for connections.
Use rivets to make connections.
I used cardboard packaging as a spacer so I could leave a little room while riveting the tail so that it could move. Turned out so cute.
I added an eye and an eyelet for hanging.
I wanted to decorate the back in some way so I used pattern paper. It leaves a very sheer, tissue paper look allowing the gold color of the tin to shine through. Really pretty and simple finish.
Now, how am I going to use it. Haven't decided quite yet but it'll become part of a necklace someday. I'm thinking of other animals that'll work; monkeys, birds, frogs, a butterfly? What do you think would be cute?
Another week has flown by and we've been working hard trying to get site work done so we can move on to footings and get this building started. It is really exciting to see how much progress we've made.
On Saturday I was a little depressed, we'd worked all day, my shoulders were throbbing and the rest of my body ached, yet it didn't feel like we'd accomplished much. Well, it's amazing what a couple more nights of work can do.
Here's a quick reminder of where we started and a look at the progress we've made.
I have been dreaming about my own shop for years, but never really pinned down exactly what I wanted to do, until now.
Last week we closed on a piece of commercial property and have begun site work for our newest adventure: The Chirping Frog, an antique, collectibles, vintage, home decor, furniture, artisan wares and more shopping mall in a great location right off a major interstate. I also plan to host classes in a variety of fun topics; such as mosaic, hypertufa, jewelry making, paper arts, etc. I am so excited and a little terrified all at the same time.
Last week I got to spend some time with my mom, playing with a variety of craft projects. Boy did we have fun! Here's one of the many journals I worked on. This time I made a paper bag journal. I am really finding this to be one of my favorites.
The flap, which I've got covered already is a piece of card stock that I've cut slightly smaller than the size of my bag and using score tape, added it into the fold of the paper bag. (Don't worry, if you can't follow my train of thought, I'll post the best youtube video series that explains the whole process at the end of the post).
Next I'll be covering the front and back of the paper bag, including a small "pocket" made from the bottom of the bag.
Here I've got five of the six pages together with their flaps and am picking out coordinating fabrics to finish the base layer of papers.
Once all your papers are in place and your bags and the flaps are all covered, its time to make the binding and your front cover. I cut my cardstock leaving 3/8" between the pages so I have plenty of room for memorabilia to be added into my journal.
Now I've got them glued together and have my score tape ready to put in the pages (after I get it attached to my book cover that is).
So here's my finished product, well, almost finished. I am still debating on a closure.
This is the inside of the front cover and the front flap of page 1. I've added a tri-fold piece of paper for some journaling space in a little tuck spot and left the gorgeous purple paper alone. I just love the paper.
Open the flap and you've got a small pocket with a tag and a picture mat as well as a larger journaling/picture mat in the bag itself. Lots of room to add goodies.
The front flap of page 2 and the back of page one with multiple photo mats and lots of journaling space. Open it up and you've got more photo matting and opportunities to add memorabilia as you see fit.
More journaling space on the back of page 2 and a cute little pocket I made from paper stock on the flap of page 3 with a cute little inspiration tag and room to add whatever strikes your fancy. Open it up to find more journaling cards (with cute little punched hearts) and photo mats.
I love the use of envelopes, that's the great poppy paper you see on the bag of page 3. Page 4 begins with a pocket and journaling paper on the front flap. If you flip over the envelope you'll find a journal spot with cute little punched corners.
Here's a view of the full layout for page 4. Multiple tuck points and plenty of photo mats or journaling opportunities.
Page 5 begins with an inspirational card on the flap with plenty more on the inside.
Page 6. I added some journaling paper on the back of page 5 and left the flap of page 6 alone. I just love the paper. When open there's plenty of journaling space and tuck spots for goodies.
The back of page 6 and the back cover. I used a piece of corrugated cardboard to stamp lines on the paper. I am really happy with the way it turned out. On the flap I've added an envelope with a tuck point containing a photo mat.
Open the envelope and you'll find another journaling spot.
I really love how bright and playful these papers are. I had so much fun putting this all together. Such an easy, unique project and a great way to keep track of a special occasion or just day to day life in a fun, artistic way.
Here's the youtube series I mentioned earlier that has wonderful directions for how to make your very own paper bag journal and should answer any and all questions you might have. This is part 1a (I believe its a 6 part series). Well worth the watch.
Here's a couple more journals I hope to show you over the next couple weeks. Except for closures they're done. The one of the left is bound with ribbon and made from a cereal box. The blue floral is made in the same fashion as the one above except the papers are sand and sea inspired.
I am also trying to finish up a couple small pendant journals for necklaces. Can't wait to get them done. So cute!
When we built our home 8 years ago we had a concrete retaining wall poured when the basement walls went up. I always had plans for that wall (anyone who knows me knows I can't just leave it a plain concrete retaining wall, that would be a crime). It took me nearly 6 years, probably closer to 7 to get to it, but plans none the less.
We started building our home in the Spring of 2007 and moved in the end of January 2008. My husband works in the construction industry so he managed the build and we did quite a bit of the work ourselves. Lots of sweat, time and energy went into our home and for me, even after seven years (just passed eight years now), there's not much I'd change.
Here's a little reminder of where we started....
Have you ever built a home? Any regrets or things you'd do differently? Would you ever do it again? I'd love to take you through our experience and give you a look at our finished product, definately a lot of work but so worth it!
Here are some links to get you caught up if you'd like:
Part 1- the basement is poured and the beams are in, time for framing to begin.
Part 3- Windows and doors and a few small concrete projects
Part 4- Lots and lots of wiring and plumbing. The guts of the project, and the drywall is up and painted.
Part 5- Three main projects with lots of "behind the scenes" work getting completed; the fireplace, the staircase and I started tiling in the master bathroom.
Part 6- Tons of tile work, cabinetry is installed and a unique concrete vanity base in the hall bath.
Today, countertops galore! I don't have a lot of pictures of the process for the concrete countertops we built in the basement, what was I thinking? In all honesty, I was too busy and too overwhelmed to care at this point. Building a house is a lot of work and about this time I was quite ready for our little adventure to be over. Physically, mentally, emotional, I was ready for a long vacation.
Here's the pics I do have:
Kitchen
This is the main countertop area with the sink for the island. It was poured in place. The rebar poking out of the wall behind the sink is for the bar top.
