Best of My Days

Yesterday I was able to sneak away from the craziness that is the holiday season and spend time with a few of my favorite people. This group of ladies have been such a blessing to my life that I cherish every time we can get together.

This year we met close to Christmas so I wanted to give them each a little something. When Ashley posted "the Best of My Days" on her blog as a free printable, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for.

Once printed and mounted on cardstock, all I had left to do was make them look cute.

Thankfully I have a pretty well stocked craft room to dig through. I found folded white paper doilies to use as the base. Then wrapped ribbon and strings around all of the whole thing. To finish them off I added a mini clothes pin and a cardstock letter to match their names.

It was so fun and simple, I am so glad Ashley posted these.

~ Cassi

Paper Clip Tassels - Tutorial

This year for work we are doing a favorite things gift exchange. This means I needed to buy a gift that represented my favorite things. Since none of my coworkers in this exchange draw I didn't think a sketchbook and pencil set would be the best gift for them. Instead I went for Moleskin mini notebooks. I love mini notebooks that you can throw into any bag.

The notebook was great but I needed a bit more to finish the gift. I decided to make tassel paperclips.

Start with embroidery floss. I cut mine to twice the length I needed. This way I could fold it over and make an even thicker tassel. Take the folded end and slide it through the paperclip to the midway point and fold over the end of the paperclip.

Once at this point to take a small length, I used about two inches of floss and tie it around the rest of the floss as close to the clip as you can. I had Steve hold the clip while I did this part and still needed two hands so I have no pictures. Then wind the floss in opposite directions to make a small base then knot the floss again, cutting off any extra.

Then you are done. I wish I would have made these a bit thicker but I am not sure, small might be better for throwing around in a purse. To finish off the gift I added some gel pens in coordinating colors. I also hope to add some post-it note flags, if  can find ones to match.

 

~ Cassi

DIY Name Tags

 When you are planning a workshop for a bunch of women, you know you need to have cute stuff. If those when are bible journalors, so you know they are visual by nature, then you really need to step up your game. One of the areas I knew I could make look cute for them was with the name tags. I wanted to represent what we do within the name tag and at the same time keep to the color theme I was going with. Thankfully Shanna so graciously offered the Illustrated Faith lanyards so all I needed to make was the inserts for the name badge.

I started with card stock in pink and orange cut down to fit in the badges. I added the smeared paint to half the tags, I thought this looked like Shanna’s style of bible journaling.

But I couldn’t stop there, I wanted to add some layers to the tags. I started with cutting up a paper doily, using double stick tape I adhered it to the tag. Then across the bottom I added some washi tape in gold stripes. Because, who doesn’t love washi tape.

In the end I added some felt flowers to the tags, once those were added the tags finally seemed done to me. I think they went over pretty good. 

~ Cassi

Pin It

Tissue Paper Garland

For the Illustrated Faith Workshop last weekend I wanted to make the space look special for the attendees and Shanna. I started by choicing a fun color palatte of Orange, Pink, Teal and Gold. (These might be the colors of my daughter's new room design.) The area I had the most to decorate was the food table. I started with the idea of a paper garland.  

 To make the tassles, start with one piece of tissue paper folded length wise. Then fold it in half width wise. You will then cut 1/2 inch strips in the paper stopping before you get to the fold.

Then unfold the tissue paper and refold width wise. This will have the strips along the outside of the with a center that is not cut. The roll the tissue paper starting at one end going to the other.

This takes time and can get a bit frustrating. I kept folding mine together more so there would be less rolling. I am not sure that was a great idea but it made the process faster. Once rolled you will then folded the rolled tissue in half.

This will make your loop to hang it from. wrap the fold in tape. I used plastic washi tape. It didn't hold well. Next time I would use a stronger tape and cover it in the washi.

Then string the rope through the loops. I tied each of mine to keep them at the right distances apart. Then you are done. I finished off the table with some frames strung with wire to show off different bible journalings I found on Instagram.

 

 ~ Cassi

Pin It

DIY Quiver

When Mouse decided she wanted to be an archer or ‘hunter’ as she calls it for the Ren Festival. I was both disappointed and proud of her. Disappointed because I wanted a reason to get a really fun fairy costume. But proud of her for choosing a costume that fits her not my expectations or societies for that matter.

In past years I have made her costume, (Harry Potter, Pirate, Gypsy) but this year I knew I would not have time to make one. So Amazon came to the rescue, her and I agreed on the silver huntress costume. The only bad part was that none of the costumes came with a bow and arrow. How can you be a archer/ hunter without a bow and arrow set. So, we are start a new search for a bow and arrow set. I, and Mouse, wanted one that would work with the costume and not be to kid-ish. And again Amazon doesn’t disappoint. We found this wooden toy set that actually works! Not only does it work but it looks cool and the arrow have tips. Most kid sets have suction cups at the ends instead of points. Yes, we had a long chat about safety, and she has had two weeks of archery courses. With that I was pretty sure she could handle this set, since it is toy quality. I would recommend it anyone. We just love it.

 The only disappointment was that it comes with a tiny wooden quiver. Since, that wouldn’t work I made her one and here is how:

Take one Pringles can, empty it that is the fun part, then toss the plastic cap. Mouse picked out a black fur and silver patterned fabric I had on hand. Yes, this project is easier when you have a lot of fabric around the house.

First off the Pringles can was not tall enough for the arrows. So I wrapped the whole can in a stiff felt fabric that when over the top of the can by about 3 to 4 inches. I then cut the black fur to go around the Pringles can which I hot glued into place.

After the fur was in place I cut around piece of the silver fabric that fit over the top. I cut an X in the center of the circle and glued it around the top of the can. I would not recommend that for future. It didn’t sit right at all but she said it was fine. Then on the bottom I just cut a strip of the silver fabric and glued down the edges. I then took this fabric and glued it around the bottom edge of the can.

Once the main part was done I glued a strip of webbing to the bottom of the can. At this point I held it up to Mouse’s back and measured the length of the strip to hold up the quiver correctly. Then glue it to the inside of the top of the quiver. At the end I covered the base with a piece of black fabric cut into a circle.

Then as part of the Festival rules all weapons need to be peacified. I glued a piece of floral Styrofoam to the inside bottom of the quiver. Then I pushed the arrow tips into the foam. This worked great for two reasons the arrows where peacified and they stay in place while she ran around the grounds.

That was it the quiver was done and she loved it. Days later and she is still playing with the bow and arrow set with the quiver.

~ Cassi

Pin It

Jewelry Holder / Shadow Box

 

 

Mouse's jewelry was getting a little out of hand this past year. She had them in various boxes, bags and just thrown around between her bedroom and bathroom. While doing a bit of Pinterest searching I saw a great idea for a jewelry holder using an old frame. Now it was just looking for an old frame, Oh wait I have an entire box downstairs. Don't judge I may be a semi-hoarder when it comes to future arts and craft stuff, I get it from my parents.

After digging through my collection I settled a  pretty simple one and Steve put together the box frame for me. Praise to all the woman who can do this on their own, I learned I am not one of them. For numerous reasons I am not. But lets just end with saying he needed to extract the nails I put in and redo it then wood putty over the nail holes I made before I could paint it. I learned a lesson just let him do it. It will save me a lot of frustration and pain.

After the frame was done I did a bit of Mod Podge on the backer board with some scrapbook paper that matched the wall. Mouse really liked the paper. I did make sure I sealed this part since this will be housed in her bathroom. And the girl takes really hot and really long showers causing a lot of steam.  

For the storage part I added three rows of 3M mini-command hooks and four plastic bins at the base. Then came the fun part gathering all her jewelry and purging it. I love purging almost as much as I love the hoarding part.  

The first picture showed it on the wall like we had planned but Mouse couldn't reach it well from there so it was moved to the counter top. Thankfully she has a really big counter in her bathroom. And yes that is still a box next to it of more jewelry, even with purging we couldn't fit it all on the new box. Mostly because the third row I added was suppose to be for bracelets but all of her bracelets where to thick for the mini-hooks. But over all I really like it and it looks so much better than the old box. I should have taken a before picture.

~ Cassi

Pin It

Old Suitcase = Cat Bed

It has been ages since I posted a DIY project. Mostly because we have really finished a single project and secondly we haven't had a lot. This one we decided had to be finished now that the new cat joined the house. We made one for Frankenstein so he feels important still and then one for our room for any of the cats.

First we took apart a vintage (retro) suitcase, that yes we just happen to have laying around the house.

One issue we had with that is it left two rough edges on each half of the suitcases. The side with the hinge took some funky sewing to hide but I figured it out.

For Frankenstein's bed pillow I wanted it to match Mouse's room, which is pink upon, pink, upon, pink with a bit of black and white. She picked out this hot pink zebra print fabric and I added the black trim to tie it all together.  Then I stuffed it with the filling of an old comforter we had. Hmmm... I sound a bit hoarderish right now.

Steve added small table legs to the base of the suitcase that I had painted white. He just drilled a hole and added the washer and nut on the other side.

Then I made this fabric roll to cover the back hinges. We won't go into that part because it was a mess.

Here it is in Mouse's room, she loves it and Frankie is still deciding on it.

~ Cassi

Pin It

Best of DIY of 2013

I have to say we really didn't rock the projects this year but the few we did get done I am quite happy with. 

Here are the top three we did this year.

 Colorful redone dining room chairs

Faux Pallet Headboard

Re-purposed painting to chalkboard

~ Cassi

Pin It

Repurposed Art to Chalkboard

 

 One of my good friends was moving, in doing so she also wanted to get rid of her old decor. I snatched this artwork up right away. I just loved the frame. I knew right that it would make a great chalkboard.

I first started by painting the frame white. Then I added the chalkboard center.

I wasn't really happy with the over all look. In talking with my Dad he suggested using model acrylic for the accent paint. He got me a bottle of this silver and it worked perfectly.

Next up was deciding what saying should go on it. By this time we knew this piece was going in our bedroom, which has a subtle sea theme. Thank you Pinterest for numerous ideas on quotes. I took one of those and planned it out on the computer. I then hand drew the quote on to lots of taped together paper. To transfer it on to the chalkboard, I chalked the back of the paper.

Once I flipped this over , I traced over the letters with a pencil. This transferred a light outline of the design.

 

Then I traced over those markings with a chalk marker. Chalk markers are odd to work with they go on clear then dry white. They are also very hard to erase so try not to make to many mistakes. 

 

At this point I could have been done, but we thought the ride sided needed a something. So back to Pinterest for shell drawing ideas. And here is the final product up in our room. 

 

Love it. It finishes off that side of the room perfectly. 

~ Cassi

 

 

Pin It

Multi-Colored Chairs

Oh man, we started this project soo long ago. We have a tendency to do that...headboard, basement, it might be a theme. But at least I can say we do finish them.

Through out the year Steve and I have been collecting random chairs from thrift shops and garage sales to replace our current chairs. We decided on the multi-colored and design look.

 First we took apart the old chairs and gave them a thorough clean. 

 Next we painted each one with a white primer. The final steps was one to two coats of paint. This one we used spray paint.

 We finished of two of the chairs with a pale beige cushion.

 These next two we used a spray gun with interior paint in it. 

The final one we used a brush and interior paint. But it left too many brush strokes on the chair so we didn't do the rest of them like that.

 Thankfully Steve's Dad gave us a spray gun. 

 I love the pops of color it brings to our very wood based dining room.  

 Check out links page to see where we posted this project to.

~ Cassi

Pin It