Back to work...

So I recently went back to work full time so I haven't had as much time for the projects, not to mention I didn't want to be working in the garage in all this heat! So here is the next finished project. I had no intention of doing one of these, but a friend of mind sent me a link in pinterest and said she wanted one but didnt know how. Being the good friend I am, I quietly made one and sent her a picture when it was done....just because I can. ;-) I think I would like it more in a rectangular shape so I may be making a new one soon.  I made each piece due to Micheal's being out of stock on the crates. If you aren't that skilled with a saw, you could wait till the year 2037 when they get them back in stock (ok, maybe a little exaggerated but not by much) and this becomes a much easier project.

stop to smell the flour....and sugar and coffee

Today was a slow day so I decided to knock out some little things I had seen on pinterest that I have been wanting to do. Growing up my mom had these glass canisters and I have been looking for years to find them. I found the larger ones with the colored rings at Tuesday Mornings and the smaller ones at Michael's. Someone had pinned these labels and made them available for download, so I purchased some transfer paper and well, you can see the end result. Just to give credit where credit it due, here is the link: http://thepaintedhive.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/magic-decal-transfer-tutorial-with-free.html

The second project of the day, was to make my own dishwasher detergent. This is fairly inexpensive and will last me for a very long time. Again, to give credit...here is the link: beingcreativetokeepmysanity.blogspot.com/2011/01/dishwasher-detergent.html

Oh, by the way...

Did I mention I am getting married? Well, I am and since we are less that a year out I guess I should start planning. Being the penny pincher I am, I am determined to make as many things as possible myself without having it look like it (hopefully). So I have been doing my pintersearch (pinterest research for you non-pinners) and have started adding ideas to projects. First one up, the centerpieces. I am going with cherry blossoms for the flower and I found a glass centerpiece that I wanted and next thing I knew, I was off to the craft store. So, it's not exactly like what I found, but its close and I think it came out pretty good. So I am accepting any and all comments and suggestions on what you think...or don't think...whichever. :-)

Bedroom Complete :-)

I know I have been overloading with projects lately, but these are things I have been dying to get done and now I have the time and the work space to do it. This morning I finally have a headboard after almost 3 years without. I had been throwing ideas around for a while and not real sure what to do. Then while moving, I came across a pair of euroshams that came with my bedding that I dont use because I just couldnt find 24x24 pillows to go in them. Then it hit me, what if I used them to make a padded headboard? So this morning after dropping the kiddo off to daycare, I headed to Lowes and in just a few hours, I now have a complete bedset. :-) Its a simple design and I would classify it in a beginners-intermediate category if you wanted to do something like this. I made a collaboration of pics to share....enjoy!

Getting close...

Finally have had the time and space to make my benches so I can do bigger projects. I have a little more unpacking and organizing to do out there, but once that is done...its on! So, what you are looking at here are two 2' x 5' mobile benches that when put back to back, latch together at the ends. I can then lock the wheels and have a stable 4' x 5' work table. :-)

little off beat....

I know this didn't take any real effort and isn't really a "project", but I am all about organization and I had to share. I was needing a place to put my daughters paints and other arts and crafts stuff. Its's been getting pushed around the counter and today after buying curtains, it hit me. The bag the curtains came in would make a great storage container that can be hung on a rod! So, the paints and brushes conveniently fit just right, I already have a rod under the kitchen cabinet to hang spray bottles on, and voila....great storage for craft supplies! So next time you buy curtains from Wally-world, save the bag...you never know what use it may have!

Almost a complete bedroom!

So yesterday was the bed...today was the dresser. I made this dresser about 10 years ago and it has been tucked away for the last few due to various stains, water marks, a sticky substance covering most of the top and whatnot other reasons. So today it was sanded and given new life and for the first time since I was little, I have a matching bedroom set! Check it out...before and after.

Ahhh...I have a bed again!

I know I just posted something yesterday, but I am trying to put the house back together and damnit, I want my bed back! I have been wanting to refinish it for over 3 years now. So I figured while its apart, I might as well get it done! Only took about 3 hours total from sanding to finished assembly in my room. So here you are...the before and after!

Back in the game!

So...after a long break, I'm finally back. I'm still unpacking from the move, but for the most part I'm done. So back to my little arts and crafts corner I go. First up, is a little entry way mat I made using river rocks. Not bad for a first try. The hot glue didn't adhere so well to some of the rocks, so it may be remodeled at some point...not to mention its not as wide as I wanted. Its not completely finished either (missing grout), but I figured close enough for you to get the idea.

Canning is in the air!

Ok, so I may not be able to do any of my larger projects right now, but that doesn't mean there isn't still other great things to be done! This past weekend was the local strawberry festival. I took my daughter out to a pick your own strawberry farm and were able to get 5.15lbs for $6.80! We also acquired some tomatoes for canning and some fresh green beans and potatoes for dinner. My daughter had a great time and even muttered the words "this is way better than watching tv!". So here are the profits of yesterday's picking.....

16  one pint jars of strawberry jam
6 one quart jars of tomato sauce
5  half quart jars of tomato sauce
5 one pint jars of strawberry honey butter

my share after being split with a friend who helped.

All dressed up and no where to go....

So I just started this blog with enough ambition, ideas and time to keep it going for a while. As my luck goes, all that may have to be put aside for another time. I will be moving earlier than expected and in temporary housing until we get our house built. :-(

I may still be able to put up some smaller projects from time to time, but until I get a fully functional garage/work space back....you get the idea.

So I first saw this about 2 years ago as a lighting idea and I decided today was the day to finally make it happen! Its a glass luminary box using plexiglass, silicon and glass tiles. This box happens to be 8 x 10, but can be made to any size. This one is currently sitting on my end table with an LED touch light in it to be used as a house night light.

Picture of the box lit up with an LED light inside.

So my first completed project is an upholstered storage bench made from pallets. This was a practice run and I have learned a few things that I can tweak for any future builds. Once I obtain a better camera, there will be better pictures.....

Welcome and hello! I'm not normally a blogger, but thanks to the wonderful world of pinterest...here I am! I am the DIY type and I enjoy building my projects and sharing. I am sure as I figure this blog out, you will be some more info about me and my boring, but project filled life. So until then........