The Laundry Project

I've recently been working hard on getting back into a routine of blogging again.  Social media became kind of a distraction by allowing me to share quick thoughts here and there, but lately it just hasn't been cutting it for me.  I've missed blogging.

A couple months back (February), I finally had reached the point of HATE for my laundry room.  It just wasn't working for me!

After living here for three years in this home, I had enough time to know that something had to change.  I just ignored it because for the first year and half of that time I thought we were moving and our house was for sale.  It wasn't worth making any effort.

That is not longer the case.

One week Jarom had to travel for work, taking him away from the home for three days.  I had finally sold some stuff on Craigslist to get some money to do something.  I told Jarom that I really wanted and needed to repaint the laundry room.  And I did. 

I also decided that it was time for the change.

My plan wasn't fully thought through, other than I had to get this done before Jarom got home so he didn't kill me.

I first ripped out the original counter top and cabinet that was there.  I got it removed from the wall and then stuck with 6 feet of cabinetry and counter top I wasn't sure how I was going to get out of the house into the garage.  My mother came and saved the day.  I didn't have time to think about a before picture.

Check.

Now I had this large empty space with no tile just sub floor.  Uhm, I don't know how to tile, especially not with the special stone that had been laid on the floor and I didn't have any colored grout.  Nor the time.  Plan B?  I needed a leveled floor, so I bought ply wood and had it cut to the dimensions to level the space.  Tacky, but it will do.  I bought two door rugs and duct taped them together to cover the floor change.

Check.

Now I needed to paint.  I've got a four year old and 1 year old, no biggy, I've done this one plenty of times before.  No other one year old has been like Bret.  My dear mother-in-law, had sympathy on my enthusiasm to do this project, and came to help clean my house, watch the boys and do errands for all the little things I would realize I forgot.  Did I mention  I had not thoroughly thought this thru? 

Oh, and I forgot my visiting teachers were come as well.  The shared a great message and supported my craziness.  What more can you ask for!?

Oh, and I was coaching soccer and the boys soccer practices as well.  My time frame was becoming crunch time!

Check.  Check.  Check.

Paint dry.  So, SO happy that I repainted with an eggshell over the hideous flat paint.  Fingerprints are practically unheard of now.

Now the final part, the most important part, putting in a better laundry/back entry/mudroom than before.  I knew I needed more space, so that when you walked in the door, laundry wasn't in the way, backpacks, shoes, cleats all weren't in the way of the walking area.  I needed to be able to freely walk into the back door without hitting or tripping over something.
I knew I wanted a bench, with space beneath for baskets.  I needed more shelving that I could actually reach and hooks to hang bags, jackets, etc.  I also needed a place to sort my laundry since that was completely gone.  After thousands of Pinterest pictures, I created my own design and took it to Lowe's.
At Lowe's the guys there helped me stay in my budget, showed me the best way to build supports, and cut all my wood to the size I needed.  They saved me!
The process began and Voila!  I now have five feet of space instead of three...major difference.

It's not pretty or perfect but I love it.  It does all the things I need.

I didn't finish before Jarom got home, because he came home early.  But I was close enough. 

He never commented, but I can tell you 7 months later, I haven't heard a single complaint.  There is no doubt he enjoys the space.

So the budget break down:
I sold $120 worth of tile.
That bought--a gallon of paint for the walls, a quart of paint for the shelving, two rugs, and all the wood and some hooks.
Over budget I spent $30 more dollars to buy the rest of the hooks, supports for shelves, and the laundry sorter.  Which I could spare from my grocery budget, since it was the month of February.
And I did it three days.

I love my new space.

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!

Better Late Than Never

My life seems to be backing up, piling up and I'm somewhere lost in all the mess.  I admire all those super punctual, organized people who have it together and they have these wonderful systems to get through life without lacking behind.
 I'm not one of those people. 
Not even close.
A matter of fact, my mind runs so fast I can't even keep up with my own thoughts.  This may be a sign of a mental issue, it may be normal, regardless it's me.  I'm pretty sure the world of technology and ideas for just about anything at my fingertips, does not help my case.  Maybe one day it will get better.
Until then, I will remain a gazillion days behind on all my thoughts and projects and hope that my duty of motherhood is a fair enough excuse for all the lagging.

Now that I've got that out of the way. . . refocus. 

Last school year I decided to attempt my teacher bags again.  I wasn't quite as enthused but they turned out.  Several things had piled up into this last week of school.  One was our house had officially gone under contract and we were in the process of possibly moving with a very close deadline.  Then we decided this may not be the right decision.  I was emotional stressed and distracted.
On the bright side of things,  I was more involved and got to know the teachers a bit better this year.  This helped in the process.  I cannot make a bag without some inspiration from the actual person.

SHARP
She was an outgoing and easy going person.  She loved Liam.  He loved her.  She loved bright colors I could tell just from being around her.  Then she said her favorite colors were pink, red and lime green.  When I saw this fabric I couldn't resist.  I lined it with lime green.  The front I added some 3-D effects that flowed with the flowers.  I loved this bag so much I almost kept it for myself!

DAVIS

This one was easy.  Mrs. Davis is the perfect example of Southern, classy lady.  Sweet demeanor, soft spoken, always smiling and stylish.  Favorite color was a teal green.  I saw this beautiful material with all the soft colors, BINGO.  I made this tote smaller than my normal bags.  Enough to hold a book or two but not large.  The bottom was something new That I tried.  It wasn't going together as smoothly as I envisioned, but it ended up with the result I wanted.  Chevron is a beast to work with, I might add.  I chose a flower with points instead of round like the previous bag to flow with the bohemian pattern. The sash was something I decided at the last minute to throw in to create a simple finishing touch.  I couldn't decide which side to put it on.  What do you think?

 

CHRISTOL
This bag just turned out cute and the response from the teacher was worth every minute put into the bag!  This is probably the simplest bag I have ever put together.  Not ruffles, flowers, or 3-D extras.  This was plain and simple.  This bag was large because I knew the teacher still had little children.  We need large bags with small kids!  Her favorite colors were the school colors--red and blue.  I had to be very careful to avoid a patriotic bag.  I also have a rule to never use just two colors-- never.  I needed a third color.
She decorated her class with Snoopy and I kept thinking of the yellow bird like things on the cartoons.  Mrs. Christol is also one of those people you meet and know she teaches elementary school.  So, when I came across this awesome gold polka dot fabric I knew I had to use it with something.  Her bag.  I was pleased with how it turned out.

Leslie

I have so many things I want to blog about or at least get some of my thoughts down and never do.  I wish I had one of those magic feathers like in Harry Potter that wrote down everything while you spoke.  I need one of those while I'm doing dishes and cleaning when all these little thoughts come to my mind.
Until then, I at least wanted to post some of my most recent projects. 

LESLIE
This bag was not easy for me to do.  I couldn't be satisfied with the fabric and then I kept changing the design of how I wanted it to look.  I knew I wanted to get this done in time for me to deliver over the holidays.  Leslie was our neighbor that let us stay with her and her family while we were in transition of moving.  She helped watch Marshall for me while I made bags for the teachers.  I knew then I wanted to make her one I just didn't know how I wanted to do it.
She is one of the kindest people I know, who is a good mother, strong faith, loves pink, looks lovely in purple, sentimental, thoughtful, loves babies, works hard and enjoys gardening.  And with our time together at her home I learned she liked ruffles.  She's very girly.

 With this bag I was going for a different shape.  At first the bag seemed so big and it was big!  She likes the  big kind of bags, I've heard her say but I was still kind of leery about it.  (Later I realized it was big because I had made the bag with the leftover fabric not the part that I had originally cut out.)

 I also tried my seams in different places.  I did one in the back and one on the bottom instead of two on the side.  I also have to do this so that I don't have upside down fabric anywhere.  I didn't think it would make to much of a difference but I was wrong.  I still liked it.

 I always do something vertical or horizontal on the front of the bags I make.  With this particular fabric I couldn't seem to find anything that coordinated the way I wanted or didn't hide/take away from the pattern.  Then I thought I would try a 3-D effect going with the leaves and flowers, but I knew I needed the flower to pop and that's where I put a completely different color, purple. . .because I think Leslie looks beautiful in purple.

I was pleased with the outcome, but doing this bag differently than my others I realize several things I will do differently if I try this design again.  I just hope her bag doesn't fall apart.

Jane

This is my most recent diaper tote:  JANE.

Can you tell there are a lot of babies being born in my circle of friends?

I had a hard time picking out just the right style for this friend.  She loves blue I can tell simply because she wears it all the time.  I could find nothing blue that would satisfy what I was looking for for her.  Black, white, damask. . . they all seemed very classic, traditional and timeless.  I also know that her kids are like Strausburg clothing advertisements.  She's a true Southern classic.  I was going to have to pull my sister-in-law Celeste in for this one because this were her style to a tee.  I was afraid to go too whimsical.  She helped decide on pink and even some green.  I wasn't going there but I'm glad I did.

Then I found some pink gingham ribbon in my stash and I was finally satisfied with taking on the pink.  I think it is sooooo my friend (and I hope I'm right).  It was just what I needed, another pattern to break it up. 

 

 But then, to complete it I had to throw in a little green.  You can't be more Southern than initialling your things.  I thought I would just make a little tag to hang from the back.  I stitched the "J" because my embroidery doesn't make letters that big.  That's okay because I actually kind of enjoyed the stitching.  I was surprised it turned out as well as it did.  I think I might start tagging all the items I make.  Like my own little touch to know it was made by me.

LB

I finally got around to doing a little sewing (I still have several things in process).  This is my version of a diaper tote.  Take it out when you don't want to have to haul the whole diaper bag but able to keep the diaper, wipes, and changing pad all together.  I can't claim it as my idea but I've tried to make some adjustments to make it my own.
This one I call LB.
I couldn't resist.  The mommy's name started with "L," the baby's name started with "B," and those are my initials.

Thank goodness for pinterest so that I can better stalk people to make something that is just for them.  It's my favorite part of making things.  This happen to be my sister-in-law, who is stylish, chic, LOVES color, fun, likes homemade things, and now I know has a things for flowers.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do the moment I saw the fabric.  This was going to be easy.

I should know by now to NEVER say "this will be easy."  In my mind I know exactly how I want things and actually doing it is ALWAYS a different story.  Chevron is a beast.  Trying to line the pattern up and making sure the pattern was straight added more time than I had anticipated.  However, this was still a very simple and quick project.
I'm still thrilled with how it turned out and hope that Linda enjoys it. 
I feel I am slowly getting better at my sewing skills.

Need. Want. Gotta Have.

PINTEREST

Life right now seems to be all about Pinterest.  I don't know how many people have told me to check it out, I would love it. 
I'm sure that I would.
I've gotten virtual invites to join pinterest.
I'd have to keep turning it down.

I had set goal in 2011 to lessen my desires of things.  I had to give up HGTV to cut back on my project inspirations.  I didn't even renew my subscription to Southern Living magazine.  That about broke me.  I tried to shop less and browse less. 

This was not easy.  I didn't do really any projects this entire passed year. 

The nice thing was that I think it helped and even almost worked.  Sure I still like to have things but I can control it.  I don't have to HAVE it anymore.  And I'm not constantly thinking of how I can make some money to get those things.  I HAVE much.  Anything I add to my plate at this point is all dessert.  I learned to be satisfied with what I HAVE.  I don't NEED it.

I missed the projects in the sense that I love to do something with my hands and see the ended result.  I love the adventure of trying a new recipe or changing something in my house.  But so much of it was just unneccessary.  I don't think I was even try keep up with the Jones' persay but trying to out do them all together.

I feels good to say that I have accomplished my goal.  I've changed the way I look at things.  Allowing more time to focus on other things.

For 2012 I can now join Pinterest.  I can join it with confidence.  Hopefully I can pass my personal test and keep my focus in place.

Wish me luck.

Pinterest, here I come!

Hot and Cold

So I guess I've kind of started a tradition by making bags for my kids' teachers. This year I decided to take the boys with me and let them pick out the fabric. I told them to pick out what made them think of their teacher the most.

Lesson #1: Do not go fabric shopping with four boys.

Lesson #2: I love that my boys have a love for color as I do. But arguing with an 8 year old over what matches best can be exhausting.

Over all they both had a great eye for what looked good and suited their teacher best. Their teachers were both excited and loved their bags. (It was also a nice report to get from last year's teacher that she still uses her bag, has washed it, and it's still going strong. That's a relief. I always worry about them falling apart.)

These bags I call HOT and COLD. One, the boys are polar opposites in everything they do and their teachers pretty much are too. But I also chose these names because the colors of the fabric that were chosen.

HOT--Ms. Sherrod

This was picked out by Tipton. His teacher loves all colors but Tipton said she loves Tennessee football. What's more appropriate, right? I almost wouldn't mind having this bag for myself considering my favorite color is orange. Especially the fabric on the strip and handles. . .I need to find a place for that fabric in my house. I loved it! Tipton approved my design and requested that it have a ribbon. I randomly came across this hot pink gingham ribbon on my counter. He thought it looked great and I have to say I liked it myself. But it was still standing plain so I decided to add a simple pink flower to finish it off. Normally, I like to add some cool colors to balance things out but the two purple strips were just going to have to do I felt nothing else was needed. So we loaded it up with some chocolates, and card and story written by Tipton. He could not WAIT to give her her present. COLD--Mrs. Ownby

Blue's her favorite color. She and her husband are TN football season ticket owners. I knew just where to go with this bag after Liam and me finally came to an agreement on fabric. Liam put a lot of thought into these fabrics. He thought of her lunch sack and clothes that she wears. He was very pleased when he found this fabric. I think it's quite beautiful myself. His teacher is a little more frilly, traditional, reserved. I wanted to put all that in this bag. She also loves to read and scrapbook so I knew that I needed this to be a deep bag to fit all her goodies. I couldn't resist adding some purple just because and I needed just a little pop of warmth to be satisfied with this bag. . . surprise! I chose orange. It just seemed fitting.

Fireplace. . . complete

It's FINALLY done! This project went longer than planned, as all projects due. However, not doing this one myself I really can't complain.

I was excited to see this project through and the contractor was great about letting me be involved. He knew that I knew what I wanted. I learned a lot in the process of things that work and don't work.

The best part is even if I didn't get to do it by myself it is still MY design and to see it completed from my head, to paper, to finish is pretty awesome.

Funny story, well it is now. If you want to avoid possible marriage counseling get your measurements right. Jarom has been so patient with my projects throughout the years and kindly funds most of them. This one he agreed to as long as I had a place for all the "equipment." I clarified that it was covered, not to worry. After measuring a gazillion things when the project was complete I had measured my cabinets not deep enough. I'm still baffled by how I was so off on those measurements. And when Jarom went to put everything together just to find that none of it fit. . .let's just it was not a happy moment. He was LIVID!

On a happier note, despite the fact that I ended up over budget because I had to have my shelves replaced I was able to incorporate a little more design without demolishing the shelves altogether. The contractor was kind and on board with my idea. In the end, Jarom liked the new design better.

I had the shelves curved to extend the depth 3 1/2 more inches without looking weird.

I'm still in debate on my color choices (there is always something, right?). . .my cabinets should probably be more of an off-white than pure white, and I'm not crazy about my yellow with the tile. I do LOVE the tile and it was one of those last minute changes (when I realized my budget allowed) but the paint had already been purchased. Nothing I can't change down the road.

Overall, I'm really happy with the outcome. The TV still remains GINORMOUS but it's not uncomfortable for us to watch and I've gained about 3'x8' in my living room.

What to do for my next project?

Fireplace

There's nothing like a cozy fireplace at the heart of a home. But let's be honest, the kitchen is where my heart really is and the TV. I'm sure I watch way too much. HGTV, for sure! That's why I come up with these crazy ideas.
Long story short. . .my fireplace is abnormally huge and so is our TV. In design, to me it's all about balance. My family room hasn't been balanced since we moved in 5 years back no matter how many times I've rearranged furniture.
This picture is just to show how the fireplace looks. This room actually has already been overhauled. . .wood floors, different furniture, rearranged, etc. Now this is my plan to change. I know they say the TV shouldn't be the FOCUS of a room but how unpractical is that!? Sure it could be covered but why waste my money on doors that will never be closed. I say, "So what!" Let the TV be my focus with the fireplace. I just want balance and use of a currently useless wall.
The illustration doesn't show everything well because most was done in pencil and various cutouts (hence the crooked TV), but there would be the same cabinetry on both sides. This is drawn to scale.
Master Plan:

with TV "A":or TV "B":

I just hope I can really have what I've created in my mind. That's still in process. I'm too scared to attempt myself.

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.