Feeling Crafty

I did another letter for my old school friend Amy.  I hadn't done anything for her since she bought her new house and I thought this would be something fun to give her.  She's trendy and I was worried that this might be too cutesy for her but I went with it anyway.

 

I'm not quite sure how I feel about the burlap in that place.  I tried hanging it up to see how it looked.  it's OK.  I'll let Amy figure out what she wants to do with that, she's good at those kind of things.

Glory, Hallelujah!

This past month I was on a crafty kick which also means I was frustrated, in creative overload and hating my husband because I don't have enough money. 
Of course, all these things past, but as much as I love crafts and creating things, it always comes with a price.  It cost to do them and my house pays the cost of neglect.  I've gotta get a better system.
I'm not poor, but I live on a budget.  Being creative is not easy to live on a budget even with the DIY projects.  It's why in most cases I avoid doing too many crafts or any project because the moment I walk into a Hobby Lobby/JoAnn's/Michaels, I leave wanting it all and thinking what can I sell on craigslist to get more money.  It's never a good thing.  I feel guilty for wanting.

On a happier note. . . I still craft regardless.  I've decided if you hold a creative person back and don't let them use some of their creativity juices, they will explode and you mine as well had put them in a mental institute.  :)  Can't hold me back.

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With this past project, it was a little unexpected and probably the most challenging project I've done in the tote bag world. 
My mother-in-law asked for one of my bags for here birthday.  I wasn't sure if she was serious.  I hesitated.  Then I panicked.  She is one of the best seamstresses I know and she is very particular.  She may say she isn't but I've watched her sew!  I'm not a good seamstress.  I don't follow patterns.  I just like to do color combos on something useful.  As long as she could look pass all my stitching, we would be good.
The challenge began.  I wanted this bag to represent Gloria and still have my touch to it.  The colors she loves were easy.  Finding that perfect color combo was not.  She likes things with bling but she never wears anything with bling.  She loves to quilt but never seems to buy colors that she is purely satisfied with.  I needed to find something in the middle--not too bright, with bling, pattern but conservative and style.  Once I found the perfect fabric it was smooth sailing from there. . .not so much.
I felt like I was on some kind of design TV show and my next design was going to keep me or cut me.  I changed the layout at least four to five times.  Gloria loves blues and purples and reds but more in the burgundy department with the reds, essentially all cool colors.  I finally realized this purse needed something to balance it, something. . .warm.  I could not resist I had to add some gold.  It was in the fabric in little spouts throughout the design.  Once I added it I finally felt satisfied and was ready to sew.

 This navy fabric I found was so cute that I had to buy it!  I was aching to use it somewhere on this bag but it never seemed to work.

 The navy fabric finally got cut.  It will show up eventually somewhere in one of my projects.

I changed it about three or four more times.
In the end, I was happy with the result and Gloria seemed to love the fabrics I chose which was what mattered most to me.  The bag turned out larger than I planned (I've really got create my own pattern).  A lady of only 4'11", a big bag is not ideal.  I added a pocket and an extra piece at the top to give that binding look you might see on a quilt.  The pocket I thought would be simple but trying to blend it in with the fabric was more difficult than I thought and I know have a great appreciation for people that work in upholstery.  I was grateful for this challenge.  It opened up the Pandora's box of my brain with new things and ways to go with my bag designs.  Though it took me almost two months to make this bag, I am so glad I did.

 

 

As I heard the Battle Hymn of Republic strum through my mind when I finished this bag, and felt like I had won the war, there was no doubt this bag was getting named Glory, Hallelujah!

The other project was Pinterest/mother inspired.  I went to help my mom make a door hanging for her visiting teacher and it turned out so cute I decided to do some.
It was one of my sister's that I visit's birthday this past month. As I've been getting to know her I knew this would be something she liked.  I was so excited to give it to her! 
She was so cute and surprised when I gave it to her.  She said only one other person ever got her anything.  I was so glad then that I had done something to let her know that I think of her and that she is loved.

 

I was thrilled with how this turned out!  Now I've thought of about 20 more I would love to do for others.  Now that, I don't have the money for!

BOO

There is nothing more flattering than someone asking you where you a bought an item only to tell them you made it.  Okay, there are a few more flattering things but that is definitely in the top five.  Especially, when that compliment comes from a male.

Now that I am living closer to my mom and she has unfortunately lost her job, we have been able to spend more time together and do a few things.  One of those was to make "BOO" signs to put up for decoration during Halloween. 

I was hesitant about this project because I felt the "crafty" look wasn't going to look so swell in my house and the scrapbooking-patchwork-kind-of-cutesy-items just weren't my thing anymore.  Halloween is one of those holidays I kind of skip when it comes to decorating.  I could come up with lots of excuses, but I thought I would give it a try anyway.

It was pleased with the result.  I got kind of excited and now have made plans to add to the setting next year.  And you can't really see but there is a vase full of sticks on the right side.  I had seen several "trees" like this on Pinterest and in the store.  I decide to create my own version and collect some sticks from the backyard and spray paint them black.  Total cost on that project, $1!  I've decided spray paint is a staple around the house when it comes to crafts.

I have had several people that thought I bought the signs and then some proceeded to tell me that I could sell them.  My ego hit a high that day.

Pure Nothingness

I'm sitting here home alone.  Lonely.  OK, well not totally alone but my hubby is out of town so it's just me and the kids.  I dont' sleep when Jarom is gone.  I watch an amazing amount of TV (chick flicks), eat junk, and try to chat with whoever is desperate enough to chat with me on Facebook so I don't get freaked out.  I can't handle it.  I seem to hear every noise.  It's like I'm a little girl.  I feel like a little girl.  I do not get random things done that I wouldn't normally do because Jarom is home but even then it doesn't make too much of a difference.  I hate when he's gone.
In the meantime, while I try to type myself to sleep.  Can you do that?  I was reading this book that one of the teachers at the boys school recommended.  Sarah's Key.  I love a good historical fiction book.  This one had my emotions pulled in so many directions I wasn't sure how to feel.  It was during the Holocaust and one of the roundups in Paris, France.  I followed a child's story.  It wasn't the most uplifting book.  Kind of depressing no matter how much you wished and hoped. . . I didn't finish it.  Yes, it was depressing but somehow still captivating that I wanted to read it but I couldn't.
 It dropped the "F" word. 
Yep, I couldn't believe it. 
Not once. 
Twice. 
Now some have this ability to read right over it.  Not me.  The first time I read it I just has to stop all together.  That word was like stamped in my head.  But the next morning I wanted to find out what was going to happen.  I was half way thru!!!  So I pulled it out while eating breakfast.  I opened it up on top of my scriptures.  It wasn't long that the word popped up again.  Honestly, my conscience just couldn't bare looking at my scriptures I just read earlier that morning and proceed with this book. 
I finally stopped. 
That took a lot of effort . 
More than it should. 
I returned the book to the teacher today and told her how I felt.  We laughed and still discussed the story (she filled me in).  I'm glad I didn't read it.   There are so many great books out there that I shouldn't have to accept the language.  It doesn't make that book any better than a movie with bad language.  However, I will go rent the movie (since I have an editor).
You know it really bothered me how many people recommended "The Help" to me.  I heard how it was filled with "GD" throughout the whole book but yet tons of members of my faith read and recommended it still.  I'm glad I didn't read it.  I know how my mind works.  I'm sure I wouldn't start blurting out swear words but they would be in my mind.  I don't want that.  I already have enough weakness and do enough editing in my mind, so why add to it?

Sweet 16

Ah, I love a good party.  Even better I love throwing them!  And I look for just about any reason to throw one. . .ironically though I don't do birthday parties for my kids.  Can't explain that one.
Anyway. . .
There is an amazing girl in my ward and I'm pretty much besties with her mom.  I couldn't resist throwing her a big surprise party.  Well it wasn't huge but still a surprise and fun.
Her favorite color--purple.  This was easy because my brothers wedding reception was done in purple.  I knew just what I was going to do.
The mom did the baking (thank goodness) and I did the decorating with some help from the girl's friend.  We had a fun time.
Then we put together food items that were her favorite and voila!

My Tree and Me Remakes

{It's way past my bedtime. I should be getting all the rest I can, but I can't. I don't sleep well when my hubby's out of town. I seem to lose all security. I don't eat as well, I don't get much done, and I don't sleep. The only advantage is I get to update my blog. It's crazy how much I need him. How I can hardly function in some areas without him. He really does keep me going. When I think about it he gives me a reason to do certain things. Even though I have kids, it's him that's my main source of energy. How do people do it alone?}

BUT that's not what I'm blogging about. I've recently been called to serve in the Young Women's presidency and loving it. Tonight was a personal progress night. We had been talking about genealogy and our heritage and such for a couple of Sundays now. I thought it would be nice to do something genealogy related and make a family tree. Sounds boring until you check this site out. I have several of these "trees" on my wish list.

I decided that three of these family trees were do-able. I thought they turned out pretty well.

Do you ever wonder?

I recently finished a book called The Forgotten Garden (I can never remember if that's to be italicized or underlined, oh well) and it was great! It really got me thinking about where I get my little quirks and such from. A couple of weeks ago I had family come in town for Marshall's baby blessing. I love having company (I definitely get that from my mom) but I can't stand to have people in my kitchen or helping. I have always had this attitude that that's not "Southern hospitality" making your guest work. But I had to learn that from somewhere, right? Who knows. Then again, my Me-maw, wouldn't let a soul in her kitchen to cook or clean. I think I got that gene. Because I had to surrender to nursing and leave it to the ladies of company. I honestly about had a heart attack. They did nothing wrong but they were IN MY KITCHEN! A few weeks before that I went to my mom's over the kids' Spring break. I decided to take a few pics around her house. And if anyone ever wondered where my love for color came from, here's your answer. Might I also add I have a thing for dishes. . .thank you Mother.

You will never find solid white dishes at her house. It's called Nectarine. Delicious and cozy.

Never underestimate the power of BLING.

I snatched those yellow bowls and I really love that depression glass. . .hint, hint.

Kids bathroom, love it.

The lighting was weird in this room for the picture but the walls and towel are shades of lime green. She's got orange and turqouise towels too.

The lighting here makes this yellow look mild. Believe me when I say it's like the sun! Bold and absolutely perfect.

I love color and I love my mom.

House of Beauty

If there is one thing I love it's color but next to that is beautiful architecture in homes. It fascinates me. Put those two together and I am placed into another world. A trance I can't break free.

While we were in New Mexico I decided to actually make the time and take pictures of things that I really loved. It's easy for me just to take pics of the everyday normal things. But I wanted to remember some of the "detailed" beauty that I enjoyed. The Southwestern style is growing on me.

One day I kind of skipped out all together on any of the offered activities to roam the grounds to enjoy the soft grass and beautiful gardens. I actually found the gardener and had him give me my own personal tour. The little things that excite me.

Then a couple of days later I took the tour of the actual home. That was possibly not the best idea. I wanted every rug and curtain that was in that home. I might need to ask for forgiveness.

I wonder why can't homes be built like this today without all the extra cost? Homes back in the day always had some fine detail in their homes, whether it be in the trim, the floor or even the ceiling. It was quality never overlooked. Now to get any extra detail you will PAY for it. It's almost disappointing. I will just continue to dream.

Here were just a few things that stood out to me at the St. James Hotel. No detail spared even if it was in the middle of nowhere.

1. The ceiling at St. James Hotel. 2. The decor inside the money safe. It reminded me of Russian design. 3. details on the stairs 4. Each room had stained glass pictures above the door. All different. It was like it told a story.

Party Planning 101

Once I heard the announcement of the engagement and official dates, I was all on it! I love throwing a good party and it's even better when it's not my money.

I knew I wanted something modern/contemporary. I need it to pop but very simple. Nothing too ornate.

Poor Linda couldn't really decide on her colors except for olive green. I knew her favorite color was purple and she loved cala lilies. So I just took the initiative from there. Told them to trust my mom and me.

First things learned in this process. It's time consuming! Second, you need to have a team of helpers that are on the same page as you. My mom had some great sisters from the ward willing to help but getting them in the same frame of mind as us was kind of difficult. We trying really hard to get out of the "norm" for a Mormon reception. We like some twist. Lets just say we took a few things down that they put up.

I created the layout and my mom covered filling in all the empty spots. The palms were a genius filler. Plants are such a necessary item to any party.The tall centerpieces my mom decided on and I wasn't sold on completely. I was glad she convinced me because I thought they worked perfectly. I picked the flowers and beads and the table coverings. However, my mom had to do all the hard work of putting them all together since I couldn't get in town until later in the afternoon.
Then we had the centerpieces for the serving table. We bought so many vases. It got a little out of hand. Every vase was different and every arrangement. All in shades of purple, whites and green. Yet, each setting was the same. I had a vision and my mom let me complete that vision. Thank you, Mom. We had to make a few adjustments, as in any case, but the arrangements still turned out. You would never guess that I mixed fake and real flowers together.

The caters started to add the food around the arrangements.We wanted monograms somewhere. After spending money on everything else we just couldn't figure out how to work it out or in. We thought maybe it would just be too much. I knew I needed to buy candles. So, I called my friend up who has a vinyl business and asked if it would stick to wax. She wasn't sure. We designed a simple design and it worked beautifully. Candles and monograms cost all of about $20.The cupcake-cake in the center, I loved. We just wrapped boxes in a real pretty wedding paper, trying to give the appearance of a cake with a purple ribbon on the edges.My Dad was very patient with the hanging lanterns. I gave him the design and he had to hang them. Then when I got there later and would have him move them around. I was driving him insane. Love you Dad.