Valentine Banner: Simple Projects

This was super simple...(the Valentine banner hanging from the shelf)

I found a few packages of colorful tags at Michael's for $1 per pack of 12. 

Add some red letters and jute twine and make a simple, yet super cute Valentine banner!

Digital Design: More Christmas Cards!

Christmas cards designed for 2011!!

These are showing the front of the card on the left/top and back of the card on the right/bottom.

iLoveToCreate: $1 Michaels Heart Frame Chalkboard

This is a super simple Valentine's Day project that is easy on the wallet as well.  This would make a great gift for a teacher, gradparent, or friend.  It is also a great little project for decor in your own home!

 Supplies:

• $1 wooden frame (Michaels)
• Scrapbook Paper
• Collage Pauge (I used the matte finish)
• Chalkboard paint
• Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue
• Stain (I used a stamp pad)
• Scissors
• Sandpaper
• Foam paintbrush (or two)

Remove the center cardboard shape from your frame and SAVE for a little later.  Trace your entire frame onto the scrapbook paper and cut out; line up the frame and trace the inside shape and cut out.

Use the foam brush to paint on a layer of Collage Pauge directly on both the frame and the back of the scrapbook paper, work quickly to adhere the paper to the frame.  Sand all the edges to make sure the scrapbook paper is not coming over the edges and it all looks even.

Use a stamp pad or some stain aroud the edges of the whole frame and the inside shape.  Paint on several more layers of Collage Pauge and allow to dry completely.

Paint the inside cardboard shape with several layers of chalkboard paint.  (I think I used about 6 layers of paint to get the look I wanted)  Let the shape dry completely.

Turn over the frame and add a thin line of Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue to the inside rim where the chalkboard painted heart will go.

 Insert the heart shape and allow the glue to dry completely before using the chalkboard.

 Display in a plate holder or easel.

Fabulous Finds: Scales

A few fabulous finds over the past few months!

I have been on the lookout for reasonably priced scales for awhile.  I was planning on using them for decoration, but some of the prices on Etsy were a bit high (in my opinion). 

I was up in Coarsgold (a small community on the way to Yosemite) doing a photo session and stopped at a side of the road antiques/junk sale and found this beauty... $5!!  It doesn't exactly work properly, but it has the look I was going for, so I was happy.  John actually painted the top and dial a oil-rubbed bronze color and cleaned up the face a little...perfect!

This scale was found (by John) in an antique store in Oakurst (another small community in the same area) for $28... we had seen some similar on eBay and Etsy for anywhere from $50-$200 so I was so excited by this find!  This one really does work and looks great in our kitchen.  We use it to weigh the produce we have gotten from our citrus trees this winter. 

You never know what you can find and where... plus having a hubby that travels daily has it's perks ;-)

Upcycled (Refurbished) Bottom Box/ Tool Chest : John's Project

Last July, John found this bottom box/ tool chest at ReStore for $20.  It just seemed like too good of a deal to pass up, so he went to work cleaning it up and brainstorming ways to use it.

 His idea was to make a countertop for the piece and make it be a sort-of work station that could be used either in the garage or in the house somewhere. 

Here the sides and bottom door have been painted a flat black and the top counter was made out of 2x4s.

 He sanded the countertop and rounded the edges so it was nice and smooth.  Then he distressed the wood.

 A coat or two of stain and some clear coat.

 And, the finished product!  A nice work station and tool box. 

Right now we actually have this in our office as storage for paper and other extra office supplies.  Our office is very industrial, so it goes well :-)

Featured! Felt Rosette Ball

I love being featured on other blogs!  Benzie: A Fanfare of Felt chose to feature my Felt Rosette Ball from last year in a Valentine's Day inspired post.

Check it out!  I see SO many other fun uses for felt. 

I am getting inspired.... ;-)