Sunday, November 6, 2011

Pinterest Challenge Project

Last week, Sherry from Young House Love and Katie from Bower Power announced the fall addition to the Pinterest Challenge Project (not sponsored by Pinterest or anything). They shared theirs Wednesday, but since I was working, I decided I would share mine today. So enjoy and also, go take a look at Sherry and Katie's projects, plus their two cohosts Ana and Erin's projects.
I actually did several projects that have been on my list. What can I say? I'm an over-achiever. (Yeah right) First up, I made some Fall wreaths. These weren't really from Pinterest, but one of my friends made one and I wanted to try. So I made myself one then my mom and gifts for two people who helped me so much with my wedding and reception. I got everything I needed at Hobby Lobby and pretty much everything was half off. Also, always print out your 40% off coupon. You can also pull it up on your phone and show it to them at the register. The supplies I needed were a grapevine wreath, a letter, ribbon, and fall accessories that are made to stick right into the wreath. SO EASY!
All the inserts I used.

The wreaths before I put on letters.
Here is the wreath I made for our house! I love it!

I may have an obsession with making wreaths. This next one is a yarn wreath I made for one of my friends who is expecting a sweet baby boy at the end of December. (Crystal, if you don't want your surprise spoiled, don't read any further.) I wanted to make them special to hang on their hospital door. You can see my original inspiration here. I wanted to do a yarn wreath and I saw one that has a small chalkboard in the  middle to write the weight, length, etc. I thought that was so cute!

This is the wreath and yarn I used.
 I found a great and easy tutorial through Pinterest. It's pretty self-explanatory but I like to make sure to do it right the first time. Like she did, I marked off lines so that I could make sure all my sections were even. From there I just wrapped, and wrapped, and wrapped some more.
Next, I painted a wooden frame with chalkboard paint and tied it on. I also painted a wooden letter and attached it with some hot glue.
I think it turned out pretty cute and I can't wait to give it to Crystal and Drew!

Next up, I wanted to do a Christmas countdown. I ordered a decal from a website for super cheap so I'm still waiting to get that. But here is what I have so far.

I like it so far and can't wait to show you when I get my decal!

Last, is my favorite project! It is something one of my best friends, Michelle, and I have been wanting to try. Here is where I found great instructions.

Supplies needed are Matte Mod Podge, a sponge brush, any pattern of scrapbook paper you want, and a canvas and picture that are the same size (I used and 8x10). You want to make sure to cut your scrapbook paper to the size of the sides of the canvas, It's best if they are narrower and shorted than the actual size. Same with your photo. I printed my picture from CVS and it worked out great. No smudging or anything. Photo from our amazing wedding photographer, Amanda Pair.

First, glue on the strips with the Mod Podge. (I know this is different paper, but I did two. The one with this paper is a gift for someone for Christmas and I don't want to spoil the surprise. It's my favorite though and I'll be sure to share later).
Next, put Mod Podge on the canvas and back of your photo. Be sure to apply enough to the corners and edges so it won't lift up. Then once your photo is on the canvas, apply the Mod Podge on top of the photo. You can kind of see the streaks in this picture. It will look milky but it will dry clear, promise! Let that dry for about 30 minutes or until you think it is dry. Then go back with black, brown, or any color of paint you want. Fill in the places where the canvas is showing through. I also smudged it on the photo to give it an antiqued look. You really cannot mess this up.


I love the finished product. It looks even better in person!

So that's it! I made several things and I love all of them!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

I heart HD

Another giveaway I found for everyone! Hurry because it ends Friday! It's a $25 giftcard to Home Depot! 1-Who doesn't love HD? 2-Who doesn't love gift cards? So go visit Dream Book Design and enter to win!

Giveaway!

I found a great giveaway I thought I would tell you about! I'm actually on a break at work, so I'll make this a quick one! Go to BDG Style Blog. Since I'm at work, I don't know how to post pictures and all that jazz so basically the giveaway is 2 beautiful, gold scroll pillows by Villa Home Collection. They are gorgeous! They wouldn't necessarily match anything in my house but they would be a great gift for Christmas! Go to this website and there are three ways you can enter: join/follow the blog, "like" the page on Facebook, and/or post about the giveaway on your blog! And you can do all three for separate entries, which is what I'm doing. So there ya go! Good luck! Happy 4am post!