refined designs!

hi friends! sorry it's taken so long for me to update but i have a wonderful project for you all to try!! my mother found this old window panel at a garage sale for $5 and figured i would enjoy getting creative with it --

--- the first thing i had to do was strip the paint on the glass. i did this buy using a simple razorblade and holder to scrape it off. i found that it works best when you go against the strokes of the paint brush.

--- the next step was to tear up the old cocking that held the glass in (because it was really nasty and covered with paint). then i had my dad re-cock it for me since he knows what he's doing and i dont!

--- after that step, i painted my base coat! i figured using an ivory paint underneath the sea-green color would give it an extra layer of cracking paint and look very antique. after that, i began painting my sea-green color --- love it so much!

--- after i painted both coats, i used several types of sandpaper to rough it up and create a weathered look on the paint. i sanded each edge that was visible and coated it with a darker stain. this gives it a very unique and antique look!

--- the last step was to add on a wooden decal on the top of the window panel to give it more character. after that was glued on with some simple wood glue, i polished it off with glass cleaner!

here's the final product!

i hope you love it and are inspired to try it for yourself!!!

have a lovely week!

--- michelle

bows bows bows bows!

This year's summer project will be all about bows! I will be making and selling all sizes and colors! I also plan on attempting to make necklaces and shoe clips that will look similar to these........

please stay tuned!! ...xooxo

what time is it? check yo record clock!

these record clocks are the easiest, most unique little things!!!!!!!! i love them. all you do is pick out vinyl that you love, found at hastings and most thrift stores and add clock pieces in the middle!!! you can usually find the clock pieces at random places like walmart, hardware stores, or possibly hobby lobby! you just have to make sure you buy the clock parts with the shortest shaft, usually about 1/4 of an inch long works. then all you do is follow the instructions on how to assemble the pieces and add a battery! and of course its optional to paint the clock hands. here's what you get: !!!

love them as much as i do!!!

hey, quit scheming around!

more often than not, i have a really great project idea but can't decide what color(s) to use. lately i keep coming across color schemes that i love, so i decided i would share them with you! hopefully they inspire you and the next project you make! let me know how it turns out if you use them!!!

ps --- thank God for this beautiful weather. it's perfect for painting outside ;)

FIRST COLOR SCEME:

turquoise + bright purple + canary yellow + wood textures = HEAVENLY!

SECOND COLOR SCHEME:

pale pinks, peaches and ivory.

i hope you are as obsessed with them as i am!!!!!! have a lovely rest of the week.

Guy's charm necklace

ladies! and gents. in honor of valentines day I wanted to share a handmade necklace with you! if your boy likes urban outfitters at all, and if you think you can start making him wear trendy men's jewelry, this project is perfect for you!! I was inspired by the below necklace from Urban but when I wanted to get it for Ross is was like 36 dollars and I figured I could probably make something pretty similar. SOOOO....this is what I tried and made for half the price. Plus it's handmade!! What's better than that?

WHAT TO BUY:

1. I went to hobby lobby (in the bracelet section with all the beading and wire) and picked out a dark brown fake leather cord to use as the "chain"of the necklace.

2. Pick out the charms you want (this will help you decide what color clasps to use). I just picked out simple design tags that were metal pieces in different shapes and sizes.

3. After deciding on types of metal, pick out the necessary clasps. this will differentiate depending on how you want to attach your ends, but I bought little clasps that wrap around the ends of your cord -- you'll have to squeeze them on tight with pliers.

4. Pick out big enough ovals to hang your charms/tags on. Choose ovals big enough to fit your cord through, while still leaving enough space for your tags/charms to move around.

5. Pick out a dark stain. (optional)

HOW TO:

1. Measure out how long you want your necklace to be and cut it. Men usually prefer them longer.

2. Attach your clasps on each end. Again, make sure they're really tight using pliers.

3. Because my design tags were flat and somewhat boring, I decided to give them an antique look. I started out by rubbing a little bit of dark stain onto each piece in random spots and then wiped off the excess. Next, I laid them on my concrete driveway, placed nails and screws on them, and hammered designs into them. I also just hammered the corners flat and it gave it a really rough feel -- much more manly.

4. Let the tags dry, then attach each charm to the ovals.

5. Slide the pieces onto the cord and when they reach the middle of the cord, tie the cord into a slip (or running) knot.

6. Put the necklace on and clasp it! You're done!

This is what mine ended up looking like. Sorry if these steps were somewhat confusing -- if you have any questions contact me or leave a comment and i will try to explain myself!!! Your man will love it. Ross loved his and wears it all the time.

ps -- if you try this, please show me a picture of what you choose to do!! I would love to see :):)

cork board door hangers

these cork board door hangers are my favorite!!! I bought these at the student union and decorated them with scrap lace, fabric, buttons, etc. the top photo is an example of a cork board I edged with lace and added yo-yo flowers to the corners, (also a little skeleton key). my big, morgan, taught me a great way to make cute button tacks -- which are great and make all your little post it notes look much cuter :)

this cork board is much more simple, but still very cute (I think!). I tore up a piece of recycled paper and wrote "Encouragement" on it in Hebrew. when anyone writes me an encouraging note, or verses, I hang them up here right by my door so I am constantly reminded. I used a staple gun to attach ribbon on the back and tied it in a bow.

in the process...

When I went home this Christmas break I was telling my mom about all the crafts I had been making last semester and she laughed and said it sounded like I needed a sewing machine. Coincidentally, she bought me one for Christmas and taught me everything she knew about sewing. It was such a blessing -- I decided I wanted to make a pillow and she sat by my side and taught me exactly how. This is the pillow I have begun to sew! The case is done, however I'm adding fabric roses (made by hand sewing each petal together) to make it more elegant. I loooove this idea, however it's taking a really long time.. so I will put up pictures if I ever finish :)

Thanks Mom.

Top photo: Front

Bottom photo: Back