tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15096623593554058652024-03-25T10:05:52.737-04:00finding beauty @ homemy journey of making a homeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-16277111838985274192010-04-23T17:20:00.009-04:002010-04-27T16:55:56.188-04:00Sew Excited<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRHAlOK6I/AAAAAAAABaU/bHd4fmByaPw/s1600/table-runner-grouping.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRHAlOK6I/AAAAAAAABaU/bHd4fmByaPw/s400/table-runner-grouping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463448110066707362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Today I went shopping for upholstery fabric. I had picked it out a few weeks ago with my mother-in-law and as the sale ended this weekend, I thought I'd better get it purchased. We have a very comfortable well-worn armchair that has seen better days and she offered to help me recover it. But that's a project for another day. I guess that means a blog post for another day too.<br /><br />As is often the case, I go into a crafting store for one project and get sidetracked into purchasing supplies for another. My daughter and I have been eying all those cute trendy aprons out there and I thought I'd pick up some fabric so that we could create one together. After finding some very cute fabric, I thought it just might make a cute table runner as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IQYGJs04I/AAAAAAAABaE/FseIaw6Xdxw/s1600/fabric-pile.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IQYGJs04I/AAAAAAAABaE/FseIaw6Xdxw/s400/fabric-pile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463447304108036994" border="0" /></a>Isn't it darling? I love the fresh colors for spring and summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRGZHl97I/AAAAAAAABaM/nqpq9u9G6HQ/s1600/table-runner-stitching.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRGZHl97I/AAAAAAAABaM/nqpq9u9G6HQ/s400/table-runner-stitching.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463448099473455026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So in my usual creative mode, I had to get right to work. Never mind the dishes, I was on a mission. I tore strips of fabric in varying widths and then cut them all 17" wide. I actually have no idea how long it is. Just pieced it together in strips until I reached the right length. I knew I had some leftover white cotton for the backing. I was totally shocked that I had a piece leftover from a white smocked dress I had created ten years ago. The unbelievable part was that it was EXACTLY (no kidding!) the right length and one inch too wide.<br /><br />Seriously. What are the odds?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRHXgFj_I/AAAAAAAABac/rypfQ9PyKmY/s1600/tablerunner-left.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRHXgFj_I/AAAAAAAABac/rypfQ9PyKmY/s400/tablerunner-left.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463448116219187186" border="0" /></a><br />So here's my super easy sewing project. It felt so good to sew again. I think I'm going to have to get back to more stitching.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRHpQnwzI/AAAAAAAABak/0OFiUaQ5PTQ/s1600/table-runner-right.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRHpQnwzI/AAAAAAAABak/0OFiUaQ5PTQ/s400/table-runner-right.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463448120986157874" border="0" /></a><br />While I was at it, I rearranged some of the stuff on the dresser. This was the<a href="http://findingbeautyathome.blogspot.com/2009/11/painted-dresser.html"> old dresser I picked up</a> and painted and am using as a sideboard in my eating area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IUI6sjr5I/AAAAAAAABa0/7HE0J2euo30/s1600/IMG_9304.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IUI6sjr5I/AAAAAAAABa0/7HE0J2euo30/s400/IMG_9304.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463451441381486482" border="0" /></a>This is what it looked like late fall. I had just been thrifty and folded an old tablecloth into a tablerunner type thing. I loved the warm color addition then...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRIBtv_zI/AAAAAAAABas/5e5WKxkmdFs/s1600/table-runner-side.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9IRIBtv_zI/AAAAAAAABas/5e5WKxkmdFs/s400/table-runner-side.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463448127550783282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But I'm totally lovin' the fresh look of these prints now for spring and summer. Best of all, the project took me less than an hour. That's something to be excited about.<br /><br />This post links up with Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Night Special...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-04-25T17%3A36%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 219px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S9dPQkHkSkI/AAAAAAAABa8/eSIzaiRjPy4/s400/satnitenew150w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464923818829302338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Have a great weekend!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-80404477115561211972010-04-14T09:07:00.000-04:002010-04-14T09:25:29.178-04:00Refinishing the Hardwood Floor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5T3Kot3LDI/AAAAAAAABZc/tpNgd048v-I/s1600-h/floor-sander.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5T3Kot3LDI/AAAAAAAABZc/tpNgd048v-I/s400/floor-sander.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446249611498302514" border="0" /></a><br />The weeks have been flying by and I've actually been getting some queries as to whether I've fallen off the planet. I'm still here! I'm sorry this poor blog has been rather neglected but unfortunately I just can't do it all. I'm still hoping to keep this going but my reality is that I need to keep it down to a few posts a month.<br /><br />In case you don't know, this is my second blog. My ramblings of home, family and a hobby. My first blog is one that I update almost daily with paper crafting inspiration. It's called Belle Papier and if you're into that kind of thing...check it out.<br /><br />But back to the renovation. I'm excited to say that it's almost done! Yay! We actually have started using it again while we finish off the last touches and I have to say I love it. It may seem a little silly but I'll go out of my way just to go through that room and smile at it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5T4SjinOyI/AAAAAAAABZs/DF5WSOEeylM/s1600-h/sanded-family-room-floor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5T4SjinOyI/AAAAAAAABZs/DF5WSOEeylM/s400/sanded-family-room-floor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446250847059524386" border="0" /></a><br />But since I've been so neglectful of keeping you up to date.... let's back track a little. Today I'll show you refinishing the floor.<br /><br />All in all, refinishing a hardwood floor is really not that difficult, just time-consuming. Depending on the condition of your floor it can take quite a while to sand. Basically, the more time you put into it, the better it will look. Our flooring was in mediocre condition when we moved in 11 years ago. Add five kids and lots of use and a major renovation on top of that...you have quite a bit of work to do.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5T4SRFkv9I/AAAAAAAABZk/c6hVOtJ2euc/s1600-h/sanded-floor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 257px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5T4SRFkv9I/AAAAAAAABZk/c6hVOtJ2euc/s400/sanded-floor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446250842105888722" border="0" /></a><br />Hubby rented a floor sander from Home Depot and then proceeded to put in 16 long hours sanding the floor. You start with a heavy grit sandpaper on the bottom and then slowly change to a medium grit and a finer grit. You need to remove all the finish, then the original stain and finally any gouges or dints in the floor. While yes, there was some dust from this project, I was surprised at how well the bag on the sander kept it down to a minimum.<br /><br />To get close to the baseboards for a good edge finish, hubby removed the small trim at the bottom of them and then re-trimmed after the floor was finished.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5T4TCXRfSI/AAAAAAAABZ0/oHCn-XJJA_I/s1600-h/stained-floor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5T4TCXRfSI/AAAAAAAABZ0/oHCn-XJJA_I/s400/stained-floor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446250855333461282" border="0" /></a><br />You may want to open a few windows when staining the floor. Wow! Made my eyes water. We used a mixture of two colors of stain on this floor. We couldn't decide between the two so just stirred them together. I love it.<br /><br />To finish off the floor, we applied three coats of Varathane to the floor. Just follow the directions on the can and sand with a fine sandpaper before your last coat. I'm thrilled with how soft and smooth it feels.<br /><br />Now in case you think we forgot about the portion of floor between the two windows, we didn't. I forgot to take photos of that step. Hubby purchased a bit from Lee Valley and made his own oak flooring to fit in that spot. Same finishing process and it all looks like new. Once we'd gotten this far, it was so hard to wait a few days before moving in some of the furniture. It takes a little while to cure and if you take the time, you won't be disappointed after your hard work.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Thanks for stopping by!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-74852884353528262422010-03-13T20:57:00.004-05:002010-03-13T21:17:14.115-05:00I Knew ItI just knew there was a reason I was hoarding all those candles! I seem to have a candle addiction these days.<br /><br />Votives, tea lights, pillar candles, jar candles...I just can't seem to resist them. Now what I really want still is an oil lamp. And I have very good reason for one more addition.<br /><br />You can light two dozen candles and still not have much light.<br /><br />Now I've never done this before but today the weather was cold, wet and the wind howled all day. And then the power went off just before dinner as it was getting dark. Out came all those wonderful candles. They looked beautiful and shed some light and the little kids were so excited to see them all lit. Who am I kidding? I was lovin it too.<br /><br />Dinner by candlelight...how fun! Of course, it was only hot dogs on the menu as they'd eaten VERY well all week. We were thankful that the gas stove will still work without electricity.<br /><br />Here's some of our pretty candles...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5xHC4nSaCI/AAAAAAAABZ8/Iyl7vcvhsuo/s1600-h/candles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5xHC4nSaCI/AAAAAAAABZ8/Iyl7vcvhsuo/s400/candles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448307764093937698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And then the power came on just as we were sitting down to eat. Oh well. A bit of a relief but a bit of a disappointment too. I blew out most of the candles to save for another day.<br /><br />I did learn a little lesson today. I was doing housework all day and getting just a little bit grumpy about how much had to be done. Having the power go out, ever for a short time makes me appreciate my modern conveniences. It was a different world without power. I wouldn't want to go back to it. I did however think about the quiet evenings that people used to have. Time to stop and think. That's something I often miss out on and I'm wondering if all our conveniences are such a good thing sometimes. A mixed blessing to be sure. I realized I need to slow down a little, enjoy my candles and enjoy some quiet time.<br /><br />I learned something today...all those candles were a good and useful addiction and when I light one again, I hope I remember to slow down a little and take time to remember the important things in life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-51917477921642595312010-03-08T06:53:00.009-05:002010-03-08T08:06:45.538-05:00BaffledI must say, I'm just baffled as to where the past month has gone to! I know it's trite but time flies. My apologies for being a very bad blogger here but between the renovation and some paper crafting commitments and my family life, I just had to take a break. It's important to prioritize and figure out just want is most important in your life and stay true to that.<br /><br />Jumping back in, I find I left you here with some recipes and the drywall just going back up on the ceiling. Then came the taping and the drywalling "mudding". A big job to be sure. Hubby did an amazing job.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5Tn97gdonI/AAAAAAAABY8/c4tCX__F0ro/s1600-h/ceiling-painted.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5Tn97gdonI/AAAAAAAABY8/c4tCX__F0ro/s400/ceiling-painted.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446232900529660530" border="0" /></a><br />Doesn't it look great? It's looking like a completely different room. Much larger and that ugly popcorn ceiling with its bowed drywall and holes is gone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5Toos8i7LI/AAAAAAAABZE/_qwjAhc6Kmg/s1600-h/patched-wall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5Toos8i7LI/AAAAAAAABZE/_qwjAhc6Kmg/s400/patched-wall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446233635355290802" border="0" /></a><br />And the wall where he replaced the old wiring is fixed now too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5Tp7IbokjI/AAAAAAAABZM/-iTh-jKiLDM/s1600-h/ceiling-fan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5Tp7IbokjI/AAAAAAAABZM/-iTh-jKiLDM/s400/ceiling-fan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446235051482714674" border="0" /></a><br />Hubby wasn't happy with the near perfection of the ceiling and we had a California Knock-Down finish applied on it. I wasn't thrilled at first but it's growing on me. I do adore the new ceiling fan though. My daughter and I hunted high and low for one we were happy with. It was difficult to find one as large as we needed and we wanted something that looked classic but 2010 too. It looks awesome in the vaulted ceiling. Notice the rest of the room is not complete but we already have the speakers installed in the ceiling. That's my man for ya.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5Tq4qUic0I/AAAAAAAABZU/h1LGLalypio/s1600-h/fireplace-gone-photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S5Tq4qUic0I/AAAAAAAABZU/h1LGLalypio/s400/fireplace-gone-photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446236108551779138" border="0" /></a><br />My other huge excitement was the removal of the fireplace. See? No more nasty faux brick and we can actually arrange the furniture better in the room now. That did leave an extra job though. That floor has to be patched and as the hardwood really needs refinished...that's our next big job.<br /><br />I'm sure excited as I finally feel as though we're in the home stretch. We're aiming to be done by the end of March and I really think we just may do it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Take care!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-74353015079687896482010-02-09T19:14:00.000-05:002010-02-09T19:16:05.088-05:00Casseroles and Welsh CakesI've been busy doing some baking and cooking. There's nothing like something warm on a cold snowy day. I find I cook a little differently in the winter.<br /><br />It's been a while since I've shared any recipes so I thought I'd share a couple with you today. My husband thinks it's a little bizarre that I blog about my recipes but as I always love a good recipe and I know of one reader who tries out every recipe I post. Her family loves them. I don't share anything fancy...just recipes that my large family will eat.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Welsh Cakes</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3HTZnKqwGI/AAAAAAAABY0/XyYCf8HUHnQ/s1600-h/welsh-cakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3HTZnKqwGI/AAAAAAAABY0/XyYCf8HUHnQ/s400/welsh-cakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436358662176817250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Welsh Cakes are sweet little cakes that are about 2.5" across. They are cooked on top of the stove, very much like a pancake but they are sweeter and pretty much the equivalent of a scone. Even my non-raisin-lovers like these. I actually ended up hiding the last three so that I could take a picture of them. Speaking of which...I picked up this gorgeous little oblong plate on sale at Pier 1 the other day. Isn't it purdy?<br /><br />2 cups flour<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 cup butter<br />1/2 cup raisins or currants<br />1 egg<br />1/2 cup milk<br /><br />Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Beat egg with fork. Add milk and egg to mixture. Stir in raisins. Roll out 1/4 inch thick onto floured surface. Cut into 2.5" rounds with cookie cutter or glass. Fry in frying pan over medium heat. Brown on both sides. Pan should allow drops of water to sizzle but not bounce around on pan. Remove to cooling rack.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Taco Rice Casserole</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3HS-g5iewI/AAAAAAAABYs/cL8dUGKyD5o/s1600-h/taco-rice-casserole.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3HS-g5iewI/AAAAAAAABYs/cL8dUGKyD5o/s400/taco-rice-casserole.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436358196637891330" border="0" /></a><br />Everyone in the house will eat this and it's a great casserole to make ahead and then cook when you need it. This one is just ready to go in the oven. I serve it with tortilla chips and a salad and it's great for a potluck.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Taco Rice Casserole</span><br /><br />1 pound ground beef<br />1/2 cup onion chopped<br />1 green pepper, chopped<br />1 package of taco seasoning mix or Taco Seasoning Blend below<br />1 1/2 cups water<br />8 ounces of tomato or spaghetti sauce<br />3 cups rice, cooked<br />1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded<br /><br />taco chips<br /><br />Brown ground beef, onion and green pepper. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water and simmer for at least 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and cooked rice and spoon into baking dish. Top with grated cheese. Bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Immediately before serving, top with broken taco chips.<br /><br />And because packaged Taco Mix doesn't agree with me, I found this recipe for some that tastes just the same but will cost much less. It takes only a minute or two to put together.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Taco Seasoning Mix</span><br /><br />1 tbsp onion flakes<br />2 tsp chili powder<br />1 1/2 tsp salt<br />1 tsp garlic powder<br />1 tsp corn starch<br />1 tsp cumin<br />1/2 tsp cayenne pepper<br /><br />Mix together. Makes the equivalent of one package of taco seasoning mix.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Happy cooking!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-64215366691911990992010-02-08T10:18:00.000-05:002010-02-08T10:21:42.071-05:00It's a Beautiful ThingOne sheet of drywall.<br /><br />How could one sheet of drywall be such a beautiful thing?<br /><br />Because it means progress!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3AIg6CZ_pI/AAAAAAAABYE/NQ383dZvtV8/s1600-h/one-sheet-of-drywall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3AIg6CZ_pI/AAAAAAAABYE/NQ383dZvtV8/s400/one-sheet-of-drywall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435854111664373394" border="0" /></a>The insulating is done. The vapour barrier is up as you can see.<br /><br />The wiring is done and the old aluminum wiring replaced with new copper. Don't mind those two remaining dangling wires. They are for speakers in the ceiling. So excited on this one as it means no more speakers flanking the sofa.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3AIhYK31nI/AAAAAAAABYM/nzMgq_zSyrA/s1600-h/first-drywall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3AIhYK31nI/AAAAAAAABYM/nzMgq_zSyrA/s400/first-drywall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435854119752947314" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a full shot. Did you notice that strange looking contraption in the bottom left corner? I'm telling you THAT is a beautiful thing. I've helped install more gypsum board than I ever wanted to. It is super heavy! And ackward! If you're planning on drywalling a ceiling this would be money well spent. It's a fifty dollar rental for the day at Home Depot but depending where you live, I'm sure you could get it cheaper. We gladly paid it though. It saved me a massage appointment for my back. It saved us the cost of paying someone to help board this difficult ceiling. Yep. Money well spent. It's not pretty but in my eyes, a beautiful thing.<br /><br />Look how great it works on the angle...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3ArAKmQzhI/AAAAAAAABYU/694Zrv5A-2k/s1600-h/drywall-lift-in-use.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3ArAKmQzhI/AAAAAAAABYU/694Zrv5A-2k/s400/drywall-lift-in-use.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435892032081022482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And finally.... one sheet of drywall leads to another...<br /><br />and another...<br /><br />and another...<br /><br /><br />et voila...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3ArAcBxLmI/AAAAAAAABYc/Y14uH1T5pAs/s1600-h/drywall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3ArAcBxLmI/AAAAAAAABYc/Y14uH1T5pAs/s400/drywall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435892036759793250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />the ceiling is done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3ArA_NwjXI/AAAAAAAABYk/9txiRnfbpv8/s1600-h/drywalled-ceiling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S3ArA_NwjXI/AAAAAAAABYk/9txiRnfbpv8/s400/drywalled-ceiling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435892046205324658" border="0" /></a><br />Or at least ready to be taped.<br /><br />I finally feel like we're getting somewhere. And that's a beautiful thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-70343803238443732402010-02-06T17:50:00.009-05:002010-02-06T19:44:09.618-05:00Keeping it Together and a "new" magnetic board<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23y3F3ZDoI/AAAAAAAABXc/GHM9uktJBLI/s1600-h/kitchen-magnetic-wall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23y3F3ZDoI/AAAAAAAABXc/GHM9uktJBLI/s400/kitchen-magnetic-wall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435267353587289730" border="0" /></a><br />Some weeks just fly by...just like my last one. I was feeling a little guilty that I didn't have a project to share but then I reminded myself, this should be about having fun and fitting into my life as I know it. Priorities are something that I believe everyone struggles with. How do I get everything done?<br /><br />Here's the reality: you just cannot do everything you want to. I don't know if you've noticed a little quote I have on my sidebar. It's there because it is something I need to continually have to remind myself.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>I forgive myself for all the things I don't have time to do.</blockquote><br /><br />I'm not quite sure where this came from. Someone had clipped it out of a magazine and put it on the bulletin board at my massage therapist's office. I just had to write it down.<br /><br />This is something I try and teach my kids as well. Having one perfectionist daughter can make for lots of stress when all the school assignments arrive at the same time. Once again it's all about priorities, getting the most important things done and forgiving yourself for the rest.<br /><br />I did finally get around to one project that will help keep me organized and it's been one I've had on my to do list for months. I had this metal sign I picked up at Michael's in my kitchen before my reno. I loved it but hanging it above my sink was not a great plan as it ruined the decorative paper on the sign. I knew I could make it over though so I kept it. Here's what I did this afternoon...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23zCltTjkI/AAAAAAAABXs/2buxkj0ZJn8/s1600-h/home-magnetic-board.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 357px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23zCltTjkI/AAAAAAAABXs/2buxkj0ZJn8/s400/home-magnetic-board.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435267551113481794" border="0" /></a><br />To start I peeled off the loose edges off the sign and then sanded off any bumps in the paper. I wanted to be able to get a good bond.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23zCVcuUzI/AAAAAAAABXk/gfwQy4ADIEY/s1600-h/multi-medium-adhesive.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23zCVcuUzI/AAAAAAAABXk/gfwQy4ADIEY/s400/multi-medium-adhesive.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435267546748965682" border="0" /></a><br />I actually got pretty excited about putting this project together quickly so this is a photo from another project I have yet to share but it uses the same idea. I used the Claudine Hellmuth Multi-Medium as an adhesive. You can also use things like ModgePodge or collage glue but I used what I had on hand and it worked well. Just brush on your surface generously and apply the paper quickly and smooth out any air pockets or wrinkles. It should dry quite quickly.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23zDUNN_CI/AAAAAAAABX8/DPANznL1GyY/s1600-h/note-this-tag-and-board.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23zDUNN_CI/AAAAAAAABX8/DPANznL1GyY/s400/note-this-tag-and-board.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435267563595365410" border="0" /></a><br />I used a patterned paper by Graphic 45 for this project. I cut it down to size and after adhering and drying, I sanding the edges for a distressed look. A sanding block is a great tool I use a mini one by Tim Holtz but you can use a larger one from the hardware store as well.<br /><br />For this project I also stamped and inked up a quick tag to embellish the simple project. By layering the inks I came up with an almost exact match for my paper. Most of the stamps are from a stamp set I designed for Cornish Heritage Farms called On the Desk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23zC8HNNaI/AAAAAAAABX0/dHx7ztwADfc/s1600-h/kitchen-magnetic-board.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S23zC8HNNaI/AAAAAAAABX0/dHx7ztwADfc/s400/kitchen-magnetic-board.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435267557127697826" border="0" /></a><br />And here's my final project all hung up on a little piece of wall in my kitchen. Because the board is metal, I'm going to make some coordinating magnets and hang up photos or important notes I can't forget about.<br /><br />That's it! Just breathing a little bit of new life into an old piece using things I already had on hand. I'm lovin' it! I'm so glad I found a little beauty here today.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Have a beautiful day!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia<br /><br /></span><span>This post links up with <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/02/sns-16-brings-you-rusted-chain-glamour.html">Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Night Special.</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-78341909184039186442010-01-31T12:12:00.000-05:002010-01-31T12:18:07.838-05:00Vinyl ScrapsI have a hard time throwing things away. It's always amazing that there can be so many uses for one product. The other day when I was creating some vinyl wall art, I was left with some scraps of vinyl that were too small to work well in my Silhouette Craft Cutter. This got me to thinking about whether I should throw them away or whether I could use them for something else.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2AwtkG4S6I/AAAAAAAABWc/CrVoyp8oaOk/s1600-h/supply-photo-vinyl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2AwtkG4S6I/AAAAAAAABWc/CrVoyp8oaOk/s400/supply-photo-vinyl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431394709953596322" border="0" /></a><br />I could cut these pieces by hand, with a paper trimmer or I thought it would be fun to try running them through my die-cut machine, the Cuttlebug. I found the above sweet little die and tried it out.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2Aws5GN2_I/AAAAAAAABWM/qCR0btjN7MI/s1600-h/die-cutting-vinyl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2Aws5GN2_I/AAAAAAAABWM/qCR0btjN7MI/s400/die-cutting-vinyl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431394698408090610" border="0" /></a><br />The Cuttlebug is super easy to use and you can just layer your die over the vinyl between two B plates. If you don't have a die cut machine, usually a local scrapbooking store will allow you to use theirs for a small fee or if you take part in a crop night. Just turn the handle and the die will pass through the machine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2AwtH1ZnrI/AAAAAAAABWU/EeFzPlwncAo/s1600-h/die-cut-vinyl-shapes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2AwtH1ZnrI/AAAAAAAABWU/EeFzPlwncAo/s400/die-cut-vinyl-shapes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431394702364090034" border="0" /></a><br />This die left me with both a positive and negative shape. I'm actually loving the negative shape best but I'm going to use them both up. The flower ended up on a little tin...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2AwtnlcjMI/AAAAAAAABWk/pQ8tje2mh98/s1600-h/vinyl-on-can.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2AwtnlcjMI/AAAAAAAABWk/pQ8tje2mh98/s400/vinyl-on-can.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431394710887107778" border="0" /></a><br />and my negative shape was super quick to apply to this tin canister I use for storage in my craft room. Here it is on the shelf...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2Awt1jIGmI/AAAAAAAABWs/JdAz1kX0Xvw/s1600-h/vinyl-tin-wall-shot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2Awt1jIGmI/AAAAAAAABWs/JdAz1kX0Xvw/s400/vinyl-tin-wall-shot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431394714635475554" border="0" /></a><br />Wouldn't this be a fun idea to personalize things with? How about letters on storage containers in a kid's room or to organize things in the back hallway? To personalize a vinyl binder? Hmmmm.... I wonder what else I can come up with!<br /><br />Do you have some fun ideas for vinyl?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Happy creating!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-66717367246894467442010-01-30T16:21:00.007-05:002010-01-30T17:00:18.552-05:00moving furniture...Unfortunately, I'm not goign to be showing you us moving our furniture back into the family room or tips on how to do it. We're still chipping away at the huge to do list for renovating the family room. As with all renovations, one thing always seems to lead to another. Hubby decided to do a little more electrical than originally planned. He wants to get rid of all the aluminum wiring and replace it with copper. I guess if you're going to do it, now is the time!<br /><br />I'm lovin the new look on our walls...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2SrrStcqdI/AAAAAAAABW8/1ruRG_rpdOc/s1600-h/rewiring-the-walls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2SrrStcqdI/AAAAAAAABW8/1ruRG_rpdOc/s400/rewiring-the-walls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432655810760845778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have been moving furniture however...on paper. It's a great way to plan a room for new furniture or a renovation. I put a lot of effort into finding free programs on-line to do this for me but one or the other all had some kind of difficulty with them. This room was too large, or too complex or there were limited furniture options so I decided to try moving things around on paper. I found a great little tool on the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/stylehouse/tools/roomdesign/">Pottery Barn web-site called Room Designer.</a> You don't need to be technically savvy. You just need to be able to measure and sketch out your room and then do a little cut and paste.<br /><br />Here's what I came up with...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2SlY8bKbDI/AAAAAAAABW0/VD8oC7MbFIQ/s1600-h/family-room-sketch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2SlY8bKbDI/AAAAAAAABW0/VD8oC7MbFIQ/s400/family-room-sketch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432648898471160882" border="0" /></a><br />One of the things I'm most excited with about this renovation is the removal of the existing gas fireplace. It was in such a difficult place to arrange furniture around. I suppose if it had been a living room it would have been easier but this is our family room and we needed to arrange around the main uses for this room...watching videos, the stereo and playing games. This allowed me to turn our furniture 90° to the left and it should flow much better. It also centers on the room nicely with the peak of the cathedral ceiling running right through the middle of the room...horizontally in the above sketch.<br /><br />Another great thing about planning ahead for furniture placement is the ability to place power outlets in the floor just where you need them. I'll have one in the floor just under where the sofa will be to allow for a lamp for reading. I can't wait to turn this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2SrruRGBnI/AAAAAAAABXE/OQiS8G2gcXo/s1600-h/slow-progress.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S2SrruRGBnI/AAAAAAAABXE/OQiS8G2gcXo/s400/slow-progress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432655818158114418" border="0" /></a><br />...into my nice cozy family room.<br /><br />So. How do you move furniture? The old fashioned way, on some paper or with a computer program? I'd love to hear about it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-29560863529555247372010-01-26T06:37:00.000-05:002010-01-26T06:37:00.183-05:00c is for....create<br /><br />I'm just finishing up some of those pesky little details so that I can call my creative space finished. Or mostly so for now. I'm sure along the way I'll may a few changes but there were a few things let undone that were driving me crazy.<br /><br /><br />You may have noticed my C the other day and wondered what it was for. None of my initials start with C.<br /><br />I found this C vinyl wall decor in Home Sense a couple months ago. I think Home Sense is the Canadian equivalent to Home Goods but am not quite sure. It had been marked down to $5 and I loved the big square shape. I do have a Silhouette Craft Cutter that I'm having fun cutting vinyl with but it just doesn't cut that wide. I decided to bring it home and mix the two.<br /><br />This is the original vinyl tranfer...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nMRVgL3aI/AAAAAAAABTU/CB3QDli6re8/s1600-h/door-view-craft-room.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nMRVgL3aI/AAAAAAAABTU/CB3QDli6re8/s400/door-view-craft-room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429595423973825954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here it is with a little diy love added to it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nMQnW3JiI/AAAAAAAABS8/M7SxadQTxfU/s1600-h/create-closeup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nMQnW3JiI/AAAAAAAABS8/M7SxadQTxfU/s400/create-closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429595411586688546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />NOW it makes sense in my craft room and added some very inexpensive decoration. I didn't even worry that the two black vinyls were a little different. One is glossy, the other matte. Unless you stand at a very strange angle...you just can't tell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nMQx-Jt_I/AAAAAAAABTE/RVvGKBopJcU/s1600-h/vinyl-shine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nMQx-Jt_I/AAAAAAAABTE/RVvGKBopJcU/s400/vinyl-shine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429595414435837938" border="0" /></a><br />So now if I can just get the last door handle installed...I'll be a happy girl!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you like vinyl wall decor? Have you ever altered it?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-74822395300778297192010-01-25T06:01:00.008-05:002010-01-26T07:19:24.557-05:00my creative space<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFnKkf6-I/AAAAAAAABUU/9FfN9V4PHMk/s1600-h/craft-room-welcome.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFnKkf6-I/AAAAAAAABUU/9FfN9V4PHMk/s400/craft-room-welcome.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430010314879921122" border="0" /></a><br /><br />welcome...<br /><br />...to my new creative space.<br /><br />I'm super excited to finally be able to share it with you. Two and a half years in the making since hubby and I were standing in a hole beside the house under where our porch used to be. We were pacing it off and planning the bedroom that we'd need to get baby #5 out of our bedroom and over top would be our new back hall and eating area. It went a little something like this...<br /><br />She said: Hmmmm.... looks like a pretty big bedroom to me. Does child #3 <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">really</span> need a bedroom this large? It's larger than our master bedroom.<br /><br />He said: No...we could make it two rooms. One nice sized bedroom and a smaller room...for studying, maybe?<br /><br />She said: We have a study that we already have the computer in and the older kids all have desks in there rooms. (she hesitates a little and gingerly suggests) What about a craft room? It's not as large a space as I'd like but I think I could make it work.<br /><br />He thinks.<br /><br />She holds her breath.<br /><br />She said: It would get all my stuff out of the family room....<br /><br />He said: OK We can do that.<br /><br />She said: (scream) I'm so excited! I love you! You are the best hubby ever...blah, blah, blah, blah.....<br /><br />(she jumps up and down, runs over, big hug and kisses etc.)<br /><br />You get the idea.<br /><br />In the meantime we've been busy with more crucial parts of the addition/renovation.... <a href="http://findingbeautyathome.blogspot.com/2009/11/step-by-stepthe-long-road-to-new-craft.html">whole story here</a>.... and while we worked away, I planned out my little creative space eking out the most use from an 8x8 foot room. Here's my plan...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tZUBiZScI/AAAAAAAABWE/05vkr7VC-UA/s1600-h/jks-studio-plan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tZUBiZScI/AAAAAAAABWE/05vkr7VC-UA/s400/jks-studio-plan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430031976270219714" border="0" /></a><br />And finally welcome to my space...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nTFk8ZkZI/AAAAAAAABTc/L33qS3hRIbg/s1600-h/door-view-craft-room.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nTFk8ZkZI/AAAAAAAABTc/L33qS3hRIbg/s400/door-view-craft-room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429602918541660562" border="0" /></a><br />It turned out just as I designed on paper and I couldn't be more thrilled. I think what makes my room so workable for me is that I really considered how I design, exactly what my needs were for workspace and storage and how best to squeeze it into my creative space. Hubby agrees with me that the photos actually make my room look larger than it actually is. Two people would have difficulty working in this space together. It could be done but as I usually create alone, this works for me. I can turn around in my chair and reach into the drawers behind me, pull things out of the storage carts to the side or quickly stand up and grab my cardstock from its shelves.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFnULrOzI/AAAAAAAABUc/7V5Rg194ZNQ/s1600-h/desk-area-craft-room.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFnULrOzI/AAAAAAAABUc/7V5Rg194ZNQ/s400/desk-area-craft-room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430010317460159282" border="0" /></a><br />My desk is the place were I spend most of my time. It usually doesn't look like this. I usually have some stamps, ink, a paper cutter, scraps and a project in progress. I have everything I use most within reach. My desk isn't terribly pretty but it was a gift from a friend who no longer needed it. The drawers are great and it has a great large worksurface. I'm thinking it may get a makeover down the road but for now...it works for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX5PaMKCI/AAAAAAAABV0/11vb95UmhAc/s1600-h/supply-carousel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX5PaMKCI/AAAAAAAABV0/11vb95UmhAc/s400/supply-carousel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430030416625805346" border="0" /></a><br />One of my favorite storage solutions for crafting is this Making Memories Storage Carousel. It's amazing how much it fits into one space, I can see and find my most used items and I think it still looks pretty. Love how it smoothly spins around. I picked mine up at Michael's with a 50% off coupon and liked it so much, I bought another next time it was on sale.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX49PNWtI/AAAAAAAABVs/SYp7APl3PBM/s1600-h/ink-pad-storage-shelves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX49PNWtI/AAAAAAAABVs/SYp7APl3PBM/s400/ink-pad-storage-shelves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430030411747908306" border="0" /></a><br />Above my desk within easy reach is my ink pads. Ink pad storage has been a bit of a trial for me since I started stamping about 7 years ago. They can be difficult to store and if you stamp a lot, you'll want easy access. I tried a few different solutions but this one is the winner for me. I have three ink pad organizers that each hold 48 ink pads. I know, I know...that's a lot of ink but I do use them all. I still have a few empty spaces but they are great for holding various acrylic blocks, twine and I have a row saved for some new Distress Ink colors being released soon. <a href="http://organizemore.com/programs/shop/estore.cgi?category=Classic_Organizers&showitem=302">Organize More</a> is a fabulous solution for me. They also sell ribbon organizers and other craft storage solutions.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX4Jg_GmI/AAAAAAAABVc/cF4OmumMdWM/s1600-h/craft-room-inspiration.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX4Jg_GmI/AAAAAAAABVc/cF4OmumMdWM/s400/craft-room-inspiration.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430030397863828066" border="0" /></a><br />When hubby installed my ink storage for me, I got him to make a nice little shelf to go over the top. I have some pretty frames, my clock and some crafting items up there. Things that make me smile. One of them is this stamp I've saved from an old Stampin Up set. For me it's the perfect decoration... inspirational, unique and using what I have.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tGiz-WB1I/AAAAAAAABVU/lBsctwkSp70/s1600-h/magnet-boards.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tGiz-WB1I/AAAAAAAABVU/lBsctwkSp70/s400/magnet-boards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430011339606460242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's my magnet boards where I keep receipts, work in progress and sometimes a layout I like.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX4b9cHFI/AAAAAAAABVk/-X7fZUr5qh8/s1600-h/craft-room-storage-closet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX4b9cHFI/AAAAAAAABVk/-X7fZUr5qh8/s400/craft-room-storage-closet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430030402815007826" border="0" /></a><br />In the corner of my craft room, just behind the entry door, I have a little cupboard to store extra things. I have magazines, alterable items and other misc. craft things in there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFnq5uIeI/AAAAAAAABUk/5pAzN1IyIJw/s1600-h/clip-it-up-storage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFnq5uIeI/AAAAAAAABUk/5pAzN1IyIJw/s400/clip-it-up-storage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430010323558867426" border="0" /></a><br />If you come back to my desk and turn left this time, you'll find two of my favorite craft storage pieces. I am totally amazed at how much these hold in one area. So much better than drawers and iris carts. The drawer units are from <a href="http://www.bestscrapbookshelf.com/">Best Craft Organizer</a> and the shallow drawers are fabulous. I keep embossing powder, paint, rub-ons and just about anything small in these drawers. If you pull them out, they will also stack if you want to bring them to another area to work on. The area is a little tight and the area really only works because the carts are on castors. I knew this on my original plan but with my smooth hard floor, they easily move closer to my desk if I need better access into the cupboard on the left.<br /><br />My two <a href="http://www.clipitup.com/">Clip-It-Ups</a> fit perfectly on top of the craft organizers and are invaluable. One of them I ordered from the US and the other, I purchased at my local scrapbook store with a store credit I had. They are a little expensive but worth it for me. I can see what I have and use it rather than it getting creased or dated in a drawer. One of my Clip-it-Ups holds my unmounted stamps and the other, embellishments.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFnw3AoAI/AAAAAAAABUs/nmGplylPiho/s1600-h/counter-right-area-craft-ro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFnw3AoAI/AAAAAAAABUs/nmGplylPiho/s400/counter-right-area-craft-ro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430010325158109186" border="0" /></a><br />I like to keep my counter space as clear as possible so that I can have additional space to work. This end I use for die cutting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFn5W0DtI/AAAAAAAABU0/2SLCj7O16K4/s1600-h/craft-counter-left.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tFn5W0DtI/AAAAAAAABU0/2SLCj7O16K4/s400/craft-counter-left.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430010327438986962" border="0" /></a><br />This side holds various craft supplies and a circle cutting system.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX5eNnPzI/AAAAAAAABV8/s1shkgyhGUM/s1600-h/craft-room-counter-space.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tX5eNnPzI/AAAAAAAABV8/s1shkgyhGUM/s400/craft-room-counter-space.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430030420599586610" border="0" /></a><br />My counter is 8 feet long and just barely squeezed into my space. I had originally planned on a different counter top but one Saturday after installing the counters, hubby told me I could order one and wait for it to come in or go to Home Depot and pick one from stock. He would install it that night. Hmmm.... I rushed off and this counter was quite similar to my original plan. I love the subtle color variation and texture. I did splurge a little on the hardware and I'm glad I did.<br /><br />You can see where I did cut some corners in this photo...I've reused my old kitchen fluorescent light fixture. My flooring is also pretty much non-existent. It's just the concrete floor painted with epoxy paint designed for garage floors. We decided this was the best solution for me as I've been known to drop permanent ink pads onto flooring and drop adhesive glue dots on it too. This is so easy for me to clean up by sweeping up scraps, my chair slides easily and if I stain it...I can just repaint. My floor is also super warm as it has infloor heating. With the bright south-facing window, I hardly feel like I'm in the basement at all.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tF0sgAdyI/AAAAAAAABVE/oOfnVqKrDYc/s1600-h/iris-paper-storage-shelves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tF0sgAdyI/AAAAAAAABVE/oOfnVqKrDYc/s400/iris-paper-storage-shelves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430010547326187298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of my biggest problems in my old corner was paper storage. I love patterned paper and like to store it in these Iris cases from Michael's. They work great and I can pull down the case I need and then put it right back. I designed this shelf system to hold them and hubby did a great job of giving me exactly what I needed. It's not the prettiest storage (hubby wanted to put doors on it) but making things easy access is key to me putting things away and finding exactly what I want. It's only functional if it works for you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tF0d7cZ1I/AAAAAAAABU8/2NtbUrlR-K4/s1600-h/cardstock-storage-shelves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1tF0d7cZ1I/AAAAAAAABU8/2NtbUrlR-K4/s400/cardstock-storage-shelves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430010543414732626" border="0" /></a><br />And now we're full circle at the door and you can see my last storage area. This space backs onto the basement stairs and we were able to carve out a little space to hold my cardstock. I'm thrilled with how easy it is to find what I need. Each shelf will hold a 12x12 stack of paper and an 8.5x11 stack as well.<br /><br />That's my space and I hope you've enjoyed the tour. I'm thrilled to finally share it with you and I hope you've found a few ides for your own space.<br /><br />Do you like my space? Was it worth the wait?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks for visiting!<br /><br /></span><span><br />This post links up with the Twice Remembered Cottage's <a href="http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-your-monday-week-10-add-your-link.html">Make Your Monday.</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span><br /><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-54th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Metamorphasis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Porch<br /><br /><a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-it-for-monday-9.html">Make it for Monday</a> at Cottage Instincts<br /><br /><a href="http://sanctuaryart.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-first-big-project-of-new.html">First Big Project of the New Year</a> at Sanctuary Arts<br /><br /><a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/01/diy-day-with-kelleigh-ratzlaff-designs/">DIY Day</a> at A Soft Place to Land<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-57501101115954895612010-01-24T11:34:00.000-05:002010-01-24T11:34:00.306-05:00progressRemember this?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nT_eVDjsI/AAAAAAAABTs/rQ-Esjdgyfc/s1600-h/hole-in-the-ground.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nT_eVDjsI/AAAAAAAABTs/rQ-Esjdgyfc/s400/hole-in-the-ground.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429603913198440130" border="0" /></a><br />And this?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nT-4wQToI/AAAAAAAABTk/Psxr_Ex38UU/s1600-h/under-construction.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nT-4wQToI/AAAAAAAABTk/Psxr_Ex38UU/s400/under-construction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429603903111974530" border="0" /></a><br />It's done! It's been a long process with many side trips but I can now sit in my room and just love it. My very own creative space. I couldn't have asked for a better gift. Seriously...I even get a little sappy and get tears in my eyes.<br /><br />So I now have it all tidied up and photographed and I'm just working on getting a very long post ready for tomorrow.<br /><br />In the meantime...here's a sweet little frame I created for my room. It's made from Craft-a-Board...a chipboard like product and some scrapbooking supplies. I think I'm going to have to make some more as I love this one so much. Grandma would love one for a gift I know.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nUjuHKzKI/AAAAAAAABT0/AU6v4vxdzbg/s1600-h/frame-on-angle-photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1nUjuHKzKI/AAAAAAAABT0/AU6v4vxdzbg/s400/frame-on-angle-photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429604535910452386" border="0" /></a><br />Tutorial and step outs for this project can be found in <a href="http://ellenhutson.typepad.com/the_classroom_new/2010/01/craftaboard-frame-by-julia-stainton.html">the CLASSroom</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">See you tomorrow!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-43070775978709445352010-01-23T07:48:00.001-05:002010-01-23T08:16:44.480-05:00Nine Nifty Magnets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1msWDbsfzI/AAAAAAAABRE/IR3Y-q3N7J0/s1600-h/nine-custom-magnets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1msWDbsfzI/AAAAAAAABRE/IR3Y-q3N7J0/s400/nine-custom-magnets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429560320650411826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been collecting for my creative space for a very long time. A few years ago I had a store credit at my local scrapbooking store and invested in this great Making Memories Magnetic Boards for my room. They've been patiently waiting in a closet and are so glad to be out in the sunlight. I've hung them on my craft room wall right beside my desk to help me stay organized.<br /><br />My little boys had taken them over but I cleaned all the lovely crayon drawings off the other day and reclaimed them for myself. I didn't have any magnets so I picked up a package of blank magnets and set out to make my own. Now if you're worrying about the prolific artwork pile and some hurt feelings...it's all good. Mommy has a plan for them that they are excited about. I just need to find a little more time to work on that next.<br /><br />So here's how to make nine nifty magnets....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flowers:</span> simply hot glue them on the magnet. Isn't this Prima flower stunning? What more could you need?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mt8fVpm8I/AAAAAAAABRM/jXW2BXZveFY/s1600-h/flower-on-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mt8fVpm8I/AAAAAAAABRM/jXW2BXZveFY/s400/flower-on-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429562080487906242" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Buttons:</span> For this sweet and easy magnet I wanted a vintage look. This darling little chipboard button was tied and then adhered over a white blossom. Simple and sweet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mt8jE_WTI/AAAAAAAABRU/l-jHIbybnqA/s1600-h/hotglue-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mt8jE_WTI/AAAAAAAABRU/l-jHIbybnqA/s400/hotglue-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429562081491769650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mt8kWNh5I/AAAAAAAABRc/uF7cKEvkXOk/s1600-h/white-classic-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mt8kWNh5I/AAAAAAAABRc/uF7cKEvkXOk/s400/white-classic-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429562081832437650" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stickers:</span> Add some letter stickers to personalize a purchased magnet. I picked two of these up at Michaels. (Note to self: ceramic magnets don't do well when dropped on concrete floors.) I did rescue it and turn the magnet into the stamped magnet variation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1oxtZJXmrI/AAAAAAAABUE/7vM39dJJujA/s1600-h/ceramic-personalized-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1oxtZJXmrI/AAAAAAAABUE/7vM39dJJujA/s400/ceramic-personalized-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429706956662610610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Printed Chipboard:</span> I have a lot of beautiful chipboard pieces. Glue together, add a little heart and you're done.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mvabiN8UI/AAAAAAAABRs/oJG19cHYwtY/s1600-h/chipboard-pieces.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mvabiN8UI/AAAAAAAABRs/oJG19cHYwtY/s400/chipboard-pieces.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429563694374580546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mxJC3vaGI/AAAAAAAABSM/funkYG5g5Lw/s1600-h/chipboard-love-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mxJC3vaGI/AAAAAAAABSM/funkYG5g5Lw/s400/chipboard-love-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429565594719447138" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">This and That:</span> Mix it all up. I found all these sweet little pieces in a box of loose embellishments. Layer, layer, layer and use it up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mvaBm3juI/AAAAAAAABRk/vUnHl9K0g88/s1600-h/butterfly-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mvaBm3juI/AAAAAAAABRk/vUnHl9K0g88/s400/butterfly-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429563687414763234" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stamped Magnet:</span> Stamp and ink up a piece of chipboard, cardboard or whatever and add some goodies.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mvagYX31I/AAAAAAAABR0/xZ6rldNHy8k/s1600-h/chipboard-process.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mvagYX31I/AAAAAAAABR0/xZ6rldNHy8k/s400/chipboard-process.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429563695675465554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mva-W4QtI/AAAAAAAABR8/JZ5jpVD9g0I/s1600-h/stamped-chipboard-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mva-W4QtI/AAAAAAAABR8/JZ5jpVD9g0I/s400/stamped-chipboard-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429563703722263250" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabric:</span> Now I think this one is my favorite. A piece of Prima canvas fabric is adhered to the back of the acrylic piece. (I used Ranger Glossy Accents but any clear liquid adhesive should work). Allow to dry and then adhere a few found items from your drawer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mxIztlhJI/AAAAAAAABSE/Xaq4HeQ60J0/s1600-h/acrylic-on-fabric.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mxIztlhJI/AAAAAAAABSE/Xaq4HeQ60J0/s400/acrylic-on-fabric.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429565590650324114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mxJYP1SrI/AAAAAAAABSU/aYjANaE4ABM/s1600-h/memories-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mxJYP1SrI/AAAAAAAABSU/aYjANaE4ABM/s400/memories-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429565600457640626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Felt:</span> I love these colors! Stack the felt, add a button and you're done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1myHk2wKJI/AAAAAAAABSc/5XKRgGAjLAY/s1600-h/felt-stars.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1myHk2wKJI/AAAAAAAABSc/5XKRgGAjLAY/s400/felt-stars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429566668993996946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1myH8CjfII/AAAAAAAABSk/MdalEYncN4c/s1600-h/felt-stars-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1myH8CjfII/AAAAAAAABSk/MdalEYncN4c/s400/felt-stars-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429566675217513602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ribbon:</span> I love ribbon! Here it's mixed up with a flower and some sweet Maya Road scrapbooking product<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1ouvGV0CGI/AAAAAAAABT8/k__dQNfDrTs/s1600-h/clock-magnet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1ouvGV0CGI/AAAAAAAABT8/k__dQNfDrTs/s400/clock-magnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429703687439386722" border="0" /></a><br />So here they are all together...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1myoOUfUpI/AAAAAAAABSs/B1_DR9D9JnM/s1600-h/magnets-closeup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1myoOUfUpI/AAAAAAAABSs/B1_DR9D9JnM/s400/magnets-closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429567229880390290" border="0" /></a><br />And here they are beside my desk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mzKaBu5WI/AAAAAAAABS0/d9SsqAg5AB8/s1600-h/magnet-boards.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mzKaBu5WI/AAAAAAAABS0/d9SsqAg5AB8/s400/magnet-boards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429567817138496866" border="0" /></a><br />The best things about this project, they used up scraps of stuff I had on hand, they personalize my space, keep me organized and it was a super quick project. I'm pretty tickled with how cute they look.<br /><br />Which one do you like the best?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have a great weekend!<br /><br /></span><span>This post links up with <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/01/followers-event-draw-6-old-post-road.html">Funky Junky Interi<span>or's Saturday Night Special</span></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/01/followers-event-draw-6-old-post-road.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 219px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1r2kAe1bQI/AAAAAAAABUM/rheIeuABNUM/s400/satnitenew150w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429923399213608194" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-48587660762023890652010-01-22T07:09:00.003-05:002010-02-20T09:31:51.874-05:00color my world<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UY1XWP-DI/AAAAAAAABPU/HIQ00l7PdV0/s1600-h/color-my-world.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UY1XWP-DI/AAAAAAAABPU/HIQ00l7PdV0/s400/color-my-world.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428272230944471090" border="0" /></a><br />I've always meant to keep a record of my paint colors...just in case I needed them again. When I first moved into this house almost 11 years ago, I was organized. I only had three kids and all of them were in school. I had a file as to just move into this place, a lot of work had to happen first.<br /><br />But life happened and I didn't keep it up. When I saw that Stephanie from Frugal Home Ideas was having a paint color party...I thought it would be fun to join in and also get my paint colors all in one place.<br /><br />It was interesting too. Seeing all my colors together in one place tells me a little more about what I like. Here's a peek into the colors of my world...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">my kitchen:</span><br /><br />Benjamin Moore Herbes de Provence CC-634<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UHhxph19I/AAAAAAAABOU/ICHWO-Iyuzk/s1600-h/benjamin-moore-herbes-de-pr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UHhxph19I/AAAAAAAABOU/ICHWO-Iyuzk/s400/benjamin-moore-herbes-de-pr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428253202709600210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UIa6S_fmI/AAAAAAAABOs/DWeU-82wXFQ/s1600-h/IMG_9304.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UIa6S_fmI/AAAAAAAABOs/DWeU-82wXFQ/s400/IMG_9304.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428254184283536994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">painted dresser:</span><br /><br />Behr Black Suede<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UV3FVNLQI/AAAAAAAABPE/2GHIo7usBe8/s1600-h/Behr-Black-Suede.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UV3FVNLQI/AAAAAAAABPE/2GHIo7usBe8/s400/Behr-Black-Suede.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428268961933110530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">my livingroom/dining room:</span><br /><br />Benjamin Moore HC 30 Philadelphia Cream<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T_8IIi9fI/AAAAAAAABN8/nytrYOGuch4/s1600-h/benjamin-moore-hc30-philade.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T_8IIi9fI/AAAAAAAABN8/nytrYOGuch4/s400/benjamin-moore-hc30-philade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428244859328853490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UIPe11zDI/AAAAAAAABOk/nTLysZ3mai0/s1600-h/sweater-pillow-living-room-.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UIPe11zDI/AAAAAAAABOk/nTLysZ3mai0/s400/sweater-pillow-living-room-.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428253987934948402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">master bedroom:</span><br /><br />Benjamin Moore Heavenly Blue 709<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T-zSq8iOI/AAAAAAAABN0/8zOUmqfbbJA/s1600-h/benjamin-moore-709-heavenly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T-zSq8iOI/AAAAAAAABN0/8zOUmqfbbJA/s400/benjamin-moore-709-heavenly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428243608027039970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Basement and Back Hall:</span><br /><br />Bar Harbour Beige CC-320<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UHiVL3SFI/AAAAAAAABOc/dp2ZuAdBCIc/s1600-h/benjamin-moore-bar-harbour-.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UHiVL3SFI/AAAAAAAABOc/dp2ZuAdBCIc/s400/benjamin-moore-bar-harbour-.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428253212248852562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UI6mvuZDI/AAAAAAAABO0/4VV8E6xI2Xg/s1600-h/back-hall-winter-table.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UI6mvuZDI/AAAAAAAABO0/4VV8E6xI2Xg/s400/back-hall-winter-table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428254728791155762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upper Bathroom:</span><br /><br />Benjamin Moore Bradstreet Beige HC- 48<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UDVW20jII/AAAAAAAABOE/AX-i9O5btfw/s1600-h/benjamin-moore-bradstreet-b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UDVW20jII/AAAAAAAABOE/AX-i9O5btfw/s400/benjamin-moore-bradstreet-b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428248591312653442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upper Hallway:</span><br /><br />Benjamin Moore Sand Dunes 1072<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T9IXDwDxI/AAAAAAAABNs/PpMJHyjwmRU/s1600-h/benjamin-moore-sand-dunes-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T9IXDwDxI/AAAAAAAABNs/PpMJHyjwmRU/s400/benjamin-moore-sand-dunes-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428241770958819090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">laundry room/bathroom:</span><br /><br />Benjamin Moore Heather Field CC-970<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UV20B_fXI/AAAAAAAABO8/9b9H1rJ--FY/s1600-h/beanjamin-moore-heather-fie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UV20B_fXI/AAAAAAAABO8/9b9H1rJ--FY/s400/beanjamin-moore-heather-fie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428268957289119090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UWtkdBeaI/AAAAAAAABPM/eld7UWfkAlQ/s1600-h/laundry-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UWtkdBeaI/AAAAAAAABPM/eld7UWfkAlQ/s400/laundry-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428269898000333218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">my creative space:</span><br /><br /><span class="productnamecolorLARGE colors_productname">Benjamin Moore™ 2051-60 Birds Egg</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T7qM1lUXI/AAAAAAAABNc/NZ6HlpNvPEA/s1600-h/benjamin-moore-bird%27s-egg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T7qM1lUXI/AAAAAAAABNc/NZ6HlpNvPEA/s400/benjamin-moore-bird%27s-egg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428240153307337074" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mWhn5wnGI/AAAAAAAABQ8/OWtXjkdQ7kI/s1600-h/ink-pad-holder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mWhn5wnGI/AAAAAAAABQ8/OWtXjkdQ7kI/s400/ink-pad-holder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429536330162936930" border="0" /></a><br />I'm almost done! Full pics coming in a couple days.<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daughter's Bedroom:</span><br /><br />Benjamin Moore Flagstone CC 516<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UD6B2trnI/AAAAAAAABOM/qeVS2JUsYyo/s1600-h/benjamin-moore-flagstone-cc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1UD6B2trnI/AAAAAAAABOM/qeVS2JUsYyo/s400/benjamin-moore-flagstone-cc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428249221330218610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">my family room to be:</span><br /><br />Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray HC 146<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T8L6H4yJI/AAAAAAAABNk/wAvjecz5u0I/s1600-h/wedgewood-gray-Benjamin-Moo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1T8L6H4yJI/AAAAAAAABNk/wAvjecz5u0I/s400/wedgewood-gray-Benjamin-Moo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428240732399388818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A few color notes:</span><br /><ul><li>Flagstone is the yummiest color ever. My daughter and I adore it in her room and I'd recommend it to anyone</li><li>I'm totally lovin' my Bird's Egg creative space. It's a wonderful blue...fresh and inspiring.</li><li>My living room color is nice but it's too light. It's getting painted this spring.</li><li>I like my funky purple bathroom.</li><li>My kitchen color is beautiful...even with dark cupboards. Herbes de Provence is so soothing. If you buy it...beware...first coat will look nasty going on but hang in there...it will be gorgeous.</li></ul>So I've decided I like cozy mid-toned colors with a touch of grey in them. Soothing colors in my mind.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are your favorite colors to paint with?</span><br /><br /><br />This post links up with <a href="http://frugalhomeideas.blogspot.com/2010/01/paint-color-party-and-giveaway-today.html">Frugal Home Ideas Paint Color Party</a>...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://frugalhomeideas.blogspot.com/2010/01/paint-color-party-and-giveaway-today.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1mUx3KtFoI/AAAAAAAABQ0/F6R3ExshkjM/s200/paint+color+party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429534410115192450" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-67168911997737081392010-01-21T11:24:00.001-05:002010-01-21T13:43:35.347-05:00Simple Custom Photo Frames<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h7ifLXLNI/AAAAAAAABPs/sVLsdZUgjRI/s1600-h/life-is-good-frame.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h7ifLXLNI/AAAAAAAABPs/sVLsdZUgjRI/s400/life-is-good-frame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429225183210056914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm busy trying to get over the flu, get caught up around the house and squeezing in a few minutes here and there to finish up my creative space. I'm so excited...it's almost done! The other day I came up with this super simple project to customize one of the photo frames that I purchased for my room.<br /><br />I bought it on sale, of course, and loved the clean lines and great look. I have this thing for square photos. Now this frame is not square but the photo opening are and I just love it. I brought it home and sat it on the shelf. It looked great but then I got the idea to give it a finishing touch.<br /><br />Rub-on transfers look beautiful on glass. Did you know that? I've used them on frames before and thought that I'd show you just how easy it is. Rub-on transfers have been a bit part of the scrapbooking/crafting market over the past few years and I've amassed quite a collection. I love how clean and easy they are to work with and they can be rubbed onto a lot of different sufaces. Glass, ceramic, paper, cardboard, plastic, wood. Fun huh?<br /><br />This particular rub-on was found in my drawer. I love the sentiment...Life is Good and the very pretty ornate border. While the style does contrast with the clean lines of the frame, the shape coordinates well and I love mixing up past with present. You won't be able to find this particular rub-on transfer any longer as Daisy D's has gone out of business but a visit to your local scrapbooking store should give lots of options.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h7i76eH-I/AAAAAAAABP8/M91OFpCtiC4/s1600-h/nexxt-frame.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h7i76eH-I/AAAAAAAABP8/M91OFpCtiC4/s400/nexxt-frame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429225190923837410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />May sure your glass surface is very clean and dry. No fingerprints, dust or oils as they will interfere with the adhesion.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h7igFBaiI/AAAAAAAABP0/2xWBDDKUavs/s1600-h/rub-on-centered.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h7igFBaiI/AAAAAAAABP0/2xWBDDKUavs/s400/rub-on-centered.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429225183451900450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Trim out desired rub-on from sheet. Remove backing and carefully apply where desired.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h7iCls4VI/AAAAAAAABPk/w7c1HTc8jkw/s1600-h/apply-rubon-to-frame.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h7iCls4VI/AAAAAAAABPk/w7c1HTc8jkw/s400/apply-rubon-to-frame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429225175535903058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Use a popsicle stick (most packages come with one) or a rub-on transfer tool to rub firmly onto glass. Be careful not to shift the rub-on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h8TWsOZAI/AAAAAAAABQM/eH6mCzAuvqc/s1600-h/transfer-rubon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h8TWsOZAI/AAAAAAAABQM/eH6mCzAuvqc/s400/transfer-rubon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429226022745564162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Keep rubbing until all of the design is transferred. You will see the image become lighter. Remove film carefully.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h8TeX7hwI/AAAAAAAABQE/MrCjKioo4GE/s1600-h/finished-frame.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h8TeX7hwI/AAAAAAAABQE/MrCjKioo4GE/s400/finished-frame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429226024807925506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Turn film over and lay over your rub-on. Lightly burnish to make sure you have a good bond.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h8TpFKjWI/AAAAAAAABQU/aXeOT1hwy7o/s1600-h/life-is-good-angle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 345px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1h8TpFKjWI/AAAAAAAABQU/aXeOT1hwy7o/s400/life-is-good-angle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429226027682008418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And that's it!<br /><br />Enjoy your pretty frame.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Happy creating!<br /><br /><br /></span><span>This post links up with<a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/01/diy-day-with-imparting-grace/?"> Kimba's DIY Day</a> at a Soft Place to Land</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-50568438579398927732010-01-19T11:44:00.000-05:002010-01-19T11:44:00.066-05:00just playinI'm just taking a little break from painting my craft room trim. Yes...I finally broke down and am going to finish the job. That's what happens when you stop for the holidays. We moved onto bigger things and left that little chore dangling. It's already the 19th though and I'm itching to get it crossed off my January To Do List. Seriously...hubby has way more of the list than I and he's making some great headway.<br /><br />I found a few on-line color sites to play around with. First one...Benjamin Moore. Love their paint. I've tried others but end up being frustrated and wonder why I strayed. Their <a href="http://www.benjaminmooreonline.com/index.php/colortool">Personal Color Viewer</a> is so much fun to try out paint colors with no mess. Apparently you can upload your own photo but as my room is totally torn apart...I'm not going there right now. Maybe once the drywall goes on.<br /><br />Here's a few different rooms I tried out with Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray HC- 146 ...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0CCJfjuI/AAAAAAAABMs/c0v2r4x3Hxk/s1600-h/wedgewood-preview-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0CCJfjuI/AAAAAAAABMs/c0v2r4x3Hxk/s400/wedgewood-preview-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428091029173538530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0B7TaBAI/AAAAAAAABMk/HcQQOlToJxE/s1600-h/wedgewood-gray-color-previe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0B7TaBAI/AAAAAAAABMk/HcQQOlToJxE/s400/wedgewood-gray-color-previe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428091027336070146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0Bt-OP_I/AAAAAAAABMc/JsPjN9mQ_Eo/s1600-h/wedgewood-color-preview-one.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0Bt-OP_I/AAAAAAAABMc/JsPjN9mQ_Eo/s400/wedgewood-color-preview-one.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428091023757557746" border="0" /></a><br />It's interesting how it looks a little different in each photo depending on the light.<br /><br />Next I discovered <a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/colors/welcome-to-color-a-room/">Color-a-room</a> at bhg.com They don't use Benjamin Moore colors so I went with a close approximate. In this program you can pick a room to color and even change up the decor colors. I tried to make this room have a burgundy/wine sofa but it fell a little short. I just couldn't get the depth of color but really...not bad. I was getting some idea how it might look. My hands are tied right now designing around it but oh well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0CkV1Z7I/AAAAAAAABM0/TQ8pmXe53mY/s1600-h/color-a-room.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0CkV1Z7I/AAAAAAAABM0/TQ8pmXe53mY/s400/color-a-room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428091038352107442" border="0" /></a><br />And here's the <strike> hideous</strike> still functional reclining sofa. It was a gift, never my choice, but it fit the budget at the time. Unfortunately...the budget still says it needs to stay a little while longer. I must say, it is comfy the rare times I actually sit in it to watch a movie. You may be wondering at the weird angle. It's currently situated in my dining room for the duration of the renovation along with other various things from the family room. A little judicious cropping was in order.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0eu5F3PI/AAAAAAAABM8/MwVNmwO6rSE/s1600-h/sofa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1R0eu5F3PI/AAAAAAAABM8/MwVNmwO6rSE/s400/sofa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428091522220678386" border="0" /></a><br />OK one last try...for this image I did a little retouching in Photoshop Elements. I found this living room set image on-line somewhere with soft white walls and then changed them to my color or something close. I also "stained" the hardwood darker to get closer to my existing flooring. It's not perfect but I wanted to have some idea how it would work. It's not a perfect representation but I think it will work ok until I can replace the sofa.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1SpYIjoT-I/AAAAAAAABNM/61aR2k4ZxMQ/s1600-h/living-room-digi-painted.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1SpYIjoT-I/AAAAAAAABNM/61aR2k4ZxMQ/s400/living-room-digi-painted.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428149682967171042" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sure there's lots of other fabulous on-line tools out there. If you have any links...I'd love to try them out!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Off to finish up another coat,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-25992279276693595532010-01-18T09:14:00.004-05:002010-01-18T10:23:11.644-05:0012 ideas for making chores enjoyableWhile some may like to clean, there's the rest of us who just do it because we have to. It's a necessary part of life. I'd much rather be creating.I have a few tricks that work for me for motivation or to just plain make it more enjoyable. Nothing terribly earth shattering...in fact, I'm surprised I'm writing this as I'm more often sidetracked than not.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RsojzC5VI/AAAAAAAABME/6FiHCzxqqCw/s1600-h/candle-at-the-sink-window.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RsojzC5VI/AAAAAAAABME/6FiHCzxqqCw/s400/candle-at-the-sink-window.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428082894948197714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />1. Make it pretty</span> - Doing dishes is not my favorite thing. They seem to multiply whenever I turn my head. I do love spice-scented candles though and their warm glow. I have one on my kitchen window to light and enjoy while working at the sink. Last week I also purchased a lovely new ironing board cover. Mine needed a new one and I saw a lovely black and white damask pattern one. Love damask. Now I enjoy my pretty new cover while tackling the ironing pile.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RbEcCbbTI/AAAAAAAABLM/UOYGkyS4GDg/s1600-h/dettol+bottle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RbEcCbbTI/AAAAAAAABLM/UOYGkyS4GDg/s320/dettol+bottle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428063582692273458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Enjoy the Scent</span> - I may be a little strange but I love the smell of certain cleaning products. They just smell so "clean". Lemon scented furniture polish, Pine-sol and here's a strange one...I love the smell of Dettol. I think it's one of those childhood memory smells as my mom used to use it. One thing about it is I know everything is not only clean but disinfected when I use it. I purchase a huge bottle from the local pharmacy. They keep it behind the counter for some reason but it's much less expensive that way. Dettol may not be your "thing" but find something that is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RlqRtM7YI/AAAAAAAABLU/cUlPszASJoI/s1600-h/timer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RlqRtM7YI/AAAAAAAABLU/cUlPszASJoI/s320/timer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428075227870195074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Use a Timer</span> - <a href="http://flylady.net/">Flylady</a> has some fabulous tips. Great motivation too. I'm a lapsed flybaby at the moment but one thing that has really stuck with me is to use a timer. Setting it for 5, 10 or 15 minutes in a room really motivates me for some reason. Hubby just shakes his head but hey...it works for me so why knock it?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1Ras2mwvEI/AAAAAAAABLE/571aHq-m-Vg/s1600-h/jan-to-do-list-photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1Ras2mwvEI/AAAAAAAABLE/571aHq-m-Vg/s320/jan-to-do-list-photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428063177507126338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Make a List -</span> I love lists. It's so much fun crossing them off. And they keep me on track. Are you sensing a theme here?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RuMS0HPMI/AAAAAAAABMU/ICz8-T6ZrHU/s1600-h/laundry-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RuMS0HPMI/AAAAAAAABMU/ICz8-T6ZrHU/s400/laundry-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428084608376192194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Automatic Program -</span> There are certain things that I just automatically do so that the work doesn't pile up. Laundry is one of those for me. Every morning I throw in a load as soon as I'm up. It never piles up to insurmountable heights that way making laundry and other tasks much more enjoyable.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Don't Procrastinate</span> - Everything is much harder the longer you procrastinate. I shake my head and think...why on earth didn't I just do that right away?!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Reward Yourself</span> - Celebrate getting a big job done with a cup of coffee, some chocolate or some creative time. Doesn't that sound enjoyable?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Have company </span>- Nothing motivates you quite like inviting some company over. It's win-win. Enjoy a clean house, some fun with friends and maybe even some leftovers.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Play Some Music</span> - Put on something upbeat that you like to get you moving.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RotxTY6dI/AAAAAAAABLk/DOMaqHS2W_c/s1600-h/Gwlogo.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RotxTY6dI/AAAAAAAABLk/DOMaqHS2W_c/s200/Gwlogo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428078586426354130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Declutter</span> - Clutter is SO hard to clean around. You spend more time moving it than actually cleaning. That is not fun. Get rid of the excess and things will run much smoother. Flylady has some awesome tips on this. In an old house, I struggle with this as their are few storage options. Slowly I'm decluttering and investing in better storage options and donating the rest to someone who can use it.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11. Get help -</span> Everything is so much better with two. My daughter was a huge help this holiday season and it was so much fun to work alongside her. I used to help my mom with big jobs too. If you have a huge home project, a friend may come help you and you can return the favor. I'm thinking those pioneer ladies were onto something with their canning and quilting bees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RteNOHIhI/AAAAAAAABMM/t2bxxIEKWcI/s1600-h/piles-of-stuff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RteNOHIhI/AAAAAAAABMM/t2bxxIEKWcI/s400/piles-of-stuff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428083816600642066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">12. Be Realistic </span>- I would love my house to be perfect. Everything clean, ready for company at a moment's notice. I've had to let go of that though as right now, at this point in my life, that is just not going to happen. It's a busy house with five kids and a non-stop schedule. More often than not I find the piles of the above photo. I do my best and give myself permission to not be perfect.If I didn't I'd probably go crazy trying. As<a href="http://www.thenester.com/"> the Nester</a> says...."It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." Seriously...I need to think up my own line but hers just works for me.<br /><br />And now I'm feeling inspired to do a little cleaning and organizing myself. The laundry is on, timer and list in hand...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Happy cleaning</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span><br /><br />This post links up with <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-fresh-and-so-clean-party.html">Thrifty Decor Chick's So Fresh So Clean Party.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-fresh-and-so-clean-party.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 315px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1RmMXW_UoI/AAAAAAAABLc/i3YGK9tmeU4/s320/so+fresh+so+clean+party.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428075813503193730" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-79719541171870260972010-01-16T18:27:00.008-05:002010-01-16T20:22:39.847-05:00baby stepsI managed to make a little progress on the huge <a href="http://findingbeautyathome.blogspot.com/2010/01/janurary-2010-home-to-do-list.html">January To Do list</a> today. My daughter and I went shopping and picked out a beautiful ceiling fan. I just have to take hubby back to see it but I know he'll love it. Ceiling fans are one of those difficult things to purchase. At least in Canada. It seems as though most of the options would suit better a couple decades ago. The one we found is 60" wide with a hefty price tag but when we've put this much time and material into redoing the ceiling, I'm not wimping out on the light fixture. It will be there for years and I just want to be able to love it. This room is going to be a bit of a long term project. I know that I have to live with the furniture I currently own for a while and add piece by piece. That's OK though. It will make me appreciate it more!<br /><br />One of the things I've been totally stressing over is the paint color. My current furniture was a gift and not quite what I would have chosen. It's been well loved for the past 10 years though. Probably the best choice would be to go neutral with it but I'm so tired of BEIGE!<br /><br />I decided to do a little surfing this afternoon and hit the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/charleston-love-seat/?pkey=call-sofas">Pottery Barn site</a>. Can you believe I'd never heard of it before a couple months ago. <strike>There are no Pottery Barns in Canada and that's OK.</strike> I probably wouldn't be able to shop their anyway. OOPS! I stand corrected...there are! Hmmmmmm....<br /><br />well, I still can't afford it probably.<br /><br />I CAN window shop though for inspiration. Flipping through I found this wall color....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1JLyatqVqI/AAAAAAAABK0/5WgUM2uAaag/s1600-h/pottery+barn+love+seat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 344px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1JLyatqVqI/AAAAAAAABK0/5WgUM2uAaag/s400/pottery+barn+love+seat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427483830471251618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1JLfXtSLHI/AAAAAAAABKs/XvZoyhqNYG0/s1600-h/wedgewood-gray-Benjamin-Moo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1JLfXtSLHI/AAAAAAAABKs/XvZoyhqNYG0/s400/wedgewood-gray-Benjamin-Moo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427483503246847090" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Benjamin Moore HC-146<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Doing a little more surfing I found this is quite a popular color on some DIY blogs. I like what I've seen so I think I'll give it a whirl. I love the contrast of it with the white trim. I have lots of wide white trim in this old house. Pro number two...it's a historical color so it should work well in my century old home. Pro number three...a LOVELY change from this pink!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1JPLTPp2fI/AAAAAAAABK8/NiTgvRyD__k/s1600-h/family-room-north.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S1JPLTPp2fI/AAAAAAAABK8/NiTgvRyD__k/s400/family-room-north.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427487556497955314" border="0" /></a><br />before picture at the start of the reno<br />I know. Scary huh?<br /></div><br /><br />Yay for two things crossed off my list. I also spied a couple lamps for my bedroom that I'm putting on my birthday wish list. I had hoped to get my craft room window painted but I ended up getting derailed by cleaning it up. Oh well. Step by step it will slowly come together.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Enjoy your weekend!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span><br /></div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-47848581399735282142010-01-13T10:40:00.001-05:002010-01-13T10:41:52.802-05:00the renovation process<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S03kth8sSII/AAAAAAAABKc/DR1E9zjcInM/s1600-h/construction-hand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S03kth8sSII/AAAAAAAABKc/DR1E9zjcInM/s400/construction-hand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426244596909492354" border="0" /></a><br />I have a love/hate thing going with renovations. Love the end result. Love the planning. The dreaming.<br /><br />The process? Not so much.<br /><br />It's messy. Hard work. And while we always get off to a great start. Life happens. Construction stalls. Or maybe it just seems to. We're still hard at work. The wiring is slow. Installing the ductwork. The insulation. All that is not glamorous but so essential. It's worth the wait and hard work because the end product just would not be the same without it. Just an empty shell. A film set.<br /><br />It occurred to me the other day that my life is just like a renovation. Some of the parts I'd rather just not go through. The hard days. The things that seem senseless. The pain and the trials. Just like a renovation, I need to learn more patience.<br /><br />We've all heard the saying...Please be patient with me... God isn't finished with me yet. How true is that? I know that inside there's still a lot to be done. How about a little more patience. More love. More worship. A million other things too.<br /><br />What inspired this whole thought process? On Sunday I was listening to some ministry on Romans 8:28<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.</blockquote><br /><br />God has my best interests at heart. Even when I can't see where this is going. He has a plan. A blueprint. And it's far greater than anything I can ever imagine. I can trust Him. How amazing is it that there is a particular plan for me? That God is interested in every aspect of my life?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S03lHBGv72I/AAAAAAAABKk/YXKUbAG8OA4/s1600-h/a-father%27s-hand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S03lHBGv72I/AAAAAAAABKk/YXKUbAG8OA4/s400/a-father%27s-hand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426245034769903458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And so along the way, I still have laundry to do, lessons to learn, a light to shine, love to bestow, a life to live and lumps to be carefully smoothed away by the Master's hand. My Father's hand.<br /><br />So I'll hold on and trust. I know He'll never let me go. And I know that while the process may not be what I want much of the time, it needs to be done and I'm looking forward to seeing the end result. It's all going to be worth it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Just a few simple thoughts from a life under construction,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-19236512549920055922010-01-12T21:44:00.004-05:002010-01-12T21:50:24.121-05:00This is CoolEver wanted to design some wall art? Dayspring has the coolest new customizable plaques. Beautiful, classy and I can personalize it. How cool is that?<br /><br />Wouldn't this be a lovely inspirational verse? Seeing this each morning would make me smile...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S00z7LmD1wI/AAAAAAAABKU/feIA_o52Ev0/s1600-h/love-hope-peace-dayspring-p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 181px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S00z7LmD1wI/AAAAAAAABKU/feIA_o52Ev0/s400/love-hope-peace-dayspring-p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426050217869039362" border="0" /></a><br />I love this one for my back entrance. It still needs a little love. I'm thinking over the photo frames above the console table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S00z63FaNEI/AAAAAAAABKM/HLXu0uPTXh0/s1600-h/welcome-dayspring.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S00z63FaNEI/AAAAAAAABKM/HLXu0uPTXh0/s400/welcome-dayspring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426050212363383874" border="0" /></a><br />Want to make your own? <a href="http://store.dayspring.com/pegiandhode.html">Click here.</a><br /><br />I think they'd make a seriously great shower gift.<br /><br />The Nester has a great giveaway so if you'd like to join me and try to win one, check out the <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/01/customized-signs-for-your-home-a-giveaway.html">details here.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Happy designing!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-22420144517622306972010-01-11T08:45:00.003-05:002010-01-11T08:56:25.700-05:00Banner Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0sreYw4YKI/AAAAAAAABJs/eTTmPyyFCdA/s1600-h/final-banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0sreYw4YKI/AAAAAAAABJs/eTTmPyyFCdA/s400/final-banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425477977141436578" border="0" /></a><br />Banners are super hot right now and sooo fun to create. I like the idea of making one that you can leave up all year though. How about a magnetic banner? Sound fun? This banner is made from Magnetic Masking Material and I've placed magnets on the back of my letters so that I can spell whatever I wish, whatever the season. I started off making three pennants but I'll be adding more. I'm thinking WISH, DREAM, CREATE, LOVE, GROW etc. depending on the season.<br /><br />This is a project I created for the CLASSroom. You can check out the<a href="http://ellenhutson.typepad.com/the_classroom_new/2010/01/magnetic-banner-by-julia-stainton.html"> tutorial and step outs here</a> if you wish.<br /><br />This post links up with <a href="http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-your-monday-week-8.html">The Twice Remembered Cottage's Make Your Monday</a> linky party.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-your-monday-week-8.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 131px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0stv7P24qI/AAAAAAAABJ0/GuorfLEGBmY/s200/makemonday1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425480477479199394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Happy Monday!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-41344821643033556462010-01-10T12:08:00.006-05:002010-01-30T14:44:21.583-05:00January 2010 Home To Do List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0oJIJPk-uI/AAAAAAAABJk/NBY9LYdyxlM/s1600-h/jan-to-do-list-photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0oJIJPk-uI/AAAAAAAABJk/NBY9LYdyxlM/s400/jan-to-do-list-photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425158736646044386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I actually started off this post as a 2010 to do list.<br /><br />Then I scared myself.<br /><br />It was huge.<br /><br />So in interests of my mental health...I've decided to make a monthly home to do list. Much more manageable in bite sized chunks of work, don't you think? This month poor hubby has the lion's share of the work<br /><br /><ul><li><strike>wire family room</strike></li><li><strike>finish insulating</strike><br /></li><li><strike>install vapour barrier</strike></li><li><strike>hook up central vac to 2nd floor</strike><br /></li><li>board family room ceiling</li><li>tape and mud drywall</li><li>remove gas fireplace</li><li>patch floor<br /></li><li>hang and trim closet doors in family room<br /></li><li><strike>buy ceiling fan</strike><br /></li><li><strike>install pot lights</strike><br /></li><li><strike>pick paint for family room</strike><br /></li><li>prime and paint family room</li><li><strike>finish painting trim in craft room - yes I really do want to finish this so I can show you!</strike><br /></li><li><strike>finish packing up the Christmas decorations, just a couple strays still kicking around</strike><br /></li><li><strike>hang blinds in back entrance</strike></li><li><strike>plan window coverings for family room</strike></li></ul>Hmmmm...it will be interesting to see how far we get. I see a lot of busy nights and Saturdays in our future and I'm thinking some of this list will probably run into February.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wish me luck!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-26984771440669801032010-01-09T11:42:00.008-05:002010-01-09T12:46:16.454-05:00love my honey and french silk pieIt's been a busy week. Back to school. Back to a schedule. Back to getting on track with design work. Back to being healthy for my hubby. The Strep Throat is now under control and he's back at work. Today he's getting back to the renovation too. I'm excited but poor man, it's his birthday and he's working as hard as ever. I'm treating him with some of his favorites today. Waffles for breakfast and meatballs for dinner. Instead of a cake, I've been busy baking up a couple pies.<br /><br />Just so you know, it pays to live with your camera ready at all times. Look what I noticed in his orange juice glass this morning. Totally random and so sweet! How's that for a nice way to start your birthday? Can you see the heart? Just goes to show that he's such a sweetie even the orange juice knows it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAMp-1g6I/AAAAAAAABJM/Uszfm4ZBR1c/s1600-h/orange-juice-heart.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAMp-1g6I/AAAAAAAABJM/Uszfm4ZBR1c/s400/orange-juice-heart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424797074828133282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Since I haven't been able to work on anything around the house this week, I thought I'd share the recipe for what I've been baking for the birthday dinner instead of a cake. He loves French Silk pie and so I've whipped up a couple for tonight. It takes quite a while to beat it all up but it's a great time to practice your photography. ;) I guess I should have been doing the dishes but....whatever!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAMIOJ8eI/AAAAAAAABJE/nwcMSo2j8Ko/s1600-h/brown-eggs-in-bowl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAMIOJ8eI/AAAAAAAABJE/nwcMSo2j8Ko/s400/brown-eggs-in-bowl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424797065765581282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAL1JzxjI/AAAAAAAABI8/XPihhXRfXVE/s1600-h/baking-photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAL1JzxjI/AAAAAAAABI8/XPihhXRfXVE/s400/baking-photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424797060647077426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAM-TQj0I/AAAAAAAABJU/ktqzAqbSC-w/s1600-h/mixing-the-filling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAM-TQj0I/AAAAAAAABJU/ktqzAqbSC-w/s400/mixing-the-filling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424797080282500930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">French Silk Pie</span><br /><br />2/3 cup butter<br />1 cup granulated sugar<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />3 oz. semi-sweet chocolate melted<br />1 tablespoons cocoa<br />3 eggs<br /><br />1 baked pie shell<br /><br />Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Mix in melted chocolate and cocoa. Beat in eggs one at a time mixing 5 minutes after each addition. Pour into pie shell. Chill 4 hours or overnight.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note: </span>This pie contains raw eggs so be careful to keep well refrigerated.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAMy8alrI/AAAAAAAABJc/2C6nCAVGQiU/s1600-h/pies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0jAMy8alrI/AAAAAAAABJc/2C6nCAVGQiU/s400/pies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424797077233899186" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">OK so this isn't the best photo. I should have carried the pies over to some natural light but oh well. Trust me. They taste better than they look. I know, I licked the batter.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Have a beautiful Saturday!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-59118985112483793772010-01-04T16:27:00.003-05:002010-01-04T16:36:22.863-05:00We Interrupt this Renovation...We interrupt this renovation for a sad case of strep throat. Poor hubby was working madly until Saturday evening when he called it a night. As is often the case with strep throat, it came on seemly out of nowhere with a high fever and sore throat. Totally knocked him for a loop. Thankfully he got into the dr. today and got some meds and will hopefully be on the road to recovery soon. Don't be looking for those drywalled pictures this week though. Taking Monday off is not going to translate into being able to take Friday off as well.<br /><br />I guess I'll just have to be happy looking at this in the meantime...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">huge batts of insulation waiting to be fitted between the joists<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0JebTUSDNI/AAAAAAAABI0/7NPHWlCJLnQ/s1600-h/insulation.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0JebTUSDNI/AAAAAAAABI0/7NPHWlCJLnQ/s400/insulation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423000724442320082" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday brought a big change in the temperatures as one layer of insulation was placed over the framing and all those dangling wires are roughed in electrical.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0JebGC6PiI/AAAAAAAABIs/xebOLiComLU/s1600-h/insulation-installed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/S0JebGC6PiI/AAAAAAAABIs/xebOLiComLU/s400/insulation-installed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423000720879795746" border="0" /></a><br />At least things are much warmer!<br /><br />And I can always learn a little more patience.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Take care,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1509662359355405865.post-5805223474454901972010-01-02T08:38:00.000-05:002010-01-02T08:38:44.774-05:00Framing the Catheral Ceiling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bOCWF2kI/AAAAAAAABH0/ZEuuU92UaM8/s1600-h/man-at-work.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bOCWF2kI/AAAAAAAABH0/ZEuuU92UaM8/s400/man-at-work.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421941666850658882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's amazing how far you can come in three days. Of course, when renovating, it never does seem fast enough! I'm thankful we did take New Years Eve off and spent time with some dear friends welcoming in the new year. An awesome potluck and fun games really made for a nice break. I hope we won't spend the ENTIRE year renovating though as this is how we've spent the first day of the new year.<br /><br />I hope you're not entirely sick of seeing construction photos here. I promise, the wiring and heating etc. will start soon and there won't be any great progress shots then. Hubby will also be back to work on Monday so that will put a damper on things as well. I'm praying that the insulation will be back in before then. You should see the weather we're finally getting. It is cold and snowy. Beautiful to look at out the window but I don't want to even think about how much heat we're losing through that roof right now.<br /><br />Here's a few details from Thursday and Friday...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">starting to frame in the new ceiling<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bOQcplcI/AAAAAAAABH8/weQfurDiiVw/s1600-h/framing-the-ceiling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bOQcplcI/AAAAAAAABH8/weQfurDiiVw/s400/framing-the-ceiling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421941670636262850" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">almost finished removing the old trusses<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bbYwR0pI/AAAAAAAABIc/wNMq1bCRbFg/s1600-h/almost-removed-trusses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bbYwR0pI/AAAAAAAABIc/wNMq1bCRbFg/s400/almost-removed-trusses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421941896204374674" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">the weather outside is frightful...and baby it'd cold INSIDE<br />there's snow coming in the roof vent<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bPJQf2iI/AAAAAAAABIM/nvNY-CLcmTg/s1600-h/snowy-view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bPJQf2iI/AAAAAAAABIM/nvNY-CLcmTg/s400/snowy-view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421941685886114338" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">my 19 yo finally decided to wake up and help bring insulation from the shop<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bO03e15I/AAAAAAAABIE/YxLD33cXBOw/s1600-h/insulation-delivery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bO03e15I/AAAAAAAABIE/YxLD33cXBOw/s400/insulation-delivery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421941680412481426" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">construction inspection team<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bN8mhWUI/AAAAAAAABHs/IGeL3_WZ870/s1600-h/inspection-detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bN8mhWUI/AAAAAAAABHs/IGeL3_WZ870/s400/inspection-detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421941665308956994" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">framed ceiling pretty much complete<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bbOAY9OI/AAAAAAAABIU/P_3Og3BOQl4/s1600-h/mostly-framed-ceiling.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TXTaCRMHILM/Sz6bbOAY9OI/AAAAAAAABIU/P_3Og3BOQl4/s400/mostly-framed-ceiling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421941893319161058" border="0" /></a><br />Today I'm excited that the insulation is going back into the ceiling. Should be a little easier working conditions and also on my heating bill. After that, hubby starts wiring.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I'm off to get a turkey in the oven. There's a huge one in my fridge and I think they deserve a treat.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Have a beautiful day!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Julia</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178435737054717503noreply@blogger.com3