She's Crafty

My lapse in posts can be linked directly to the stress of the end of the craziest school year imaginable and a full throttle job search.  (yes, I realize it is usually in bad taste to post that you are seeking a new job, but I just got my Master's and my boss is fully aware of the situation-- after all, he was in my shoes once!)  I could not even begin to express all the emotion, exhaustion, exasperation, etc. that make up this process, just know it's been grueling.

In order to avoid a full-fledged nervous breakdown, I have thrown myself completely into distraction.  It's officially summer break, so I've engaged in creative overflow.  Whatever I can paint, craft, repurpose, organize, or beautify- I will.

My first order of duty was a Craigslist find.  Somehow, I randomly found this mirror:

Love.  I really like the fun lines and whimsical shape.  However, I cannot leave good enough alone, so I put my stamp on it and produced the following result:

This is hanging in the blue bathroom now and I love the pop against the vivid wall color!  This is the second change I've made in my restroom.  This one is following the framed wedding invite:

Voila!  Free art in inexpensive Hobby Lobby frame and matte.  I am very pleased with the results.

Then, there's the laundry room.  I decided the laundry room was looking tired, uninspired, and worn out.  Yes, I know it's just a laundry room, but trust me- a fresh coat of paint was the least of it.  I also busted out the tools and made needed repairs. 

I decided the walls needed a cool shade of gray.  The walls were white, which I believe was probably original to my 1977 house, and dingy.  I am not a fan of white walls.  Even in a well decorated, well planned room, it often seems sterile, cold, unwelcoming to me.  After painting, I decided to incorporate yellow to balance.  Yellow and gray are a fabulous pairing.  Imagine my excitement when I found the following at Hancock Fabric- discounted!

This was perfect and exactly what I hoped to find!  I decided to get pinterest level creative and did the following:

These frames sat in my garage for longer than I can remember, so it felt like I got them for free : )  I chose two of my three fabrics to create custom framed art.  The third fabric has a plan already, which I hope to unveil in a future post.

So, I may be living completely up in the air, not knowing what is to come, but at least I am finding creative and productive means to keep myself occupied!  I am very pleased with the completed projects and hope to have a 'constructive summer' (that phrase is a nod to the husband ; )...)

Ruby Slippers

Indeed, there is no place like home-- not your 'house', but your HOME.  A house is a structure composed of walls and intended for dwelling.  A home is where you feel 'just right'.  I am, most definitely, ready to put on my ruby slippers, recite there's no place like home, and feel 'just right'.  However, this post is not about that.  I think it is no secret that I love houses!  I love uniqueness of structure, quirky details, designs, creativity, and personality used to dress a house and make 'just right'.  I am constantly wanting to tear things up, eliminate clutter, create more functional living spaces and make a house more lovely.  Because of that, I am linking to some home blogs I enjoy reading-- just in case anyone else also enjoys houses.

YOUNG HOUSE LOVE
http://www.younghouselove.com/

Young House Love is a love story, a family adventure, and a Do-It-Yourself journey.  Sherry and John are a young couple, parents to Clara-- yes, I like that it is close to my daughter's name, Claire!  They have owned two quaint, cozy homes in Virginia and worked tirelessly to update, personalize, and customize them.  The style is a combination of traditional, modern, and eclectic.  My biggest props to them would have to be: 1) How much they accomplish building and blood, sweat, tears physical work--with a toddler, to boot!  2) Vivid use of color! 

Photo 1: Love the dynamic colors with the crisp white linens.  The room exudes cozy!
Photo 2: The room was originally red brick.  I like red brick, but in this den, the red consumed the space and appeared quite dated.  The soft cream totally opened up the space!  I love/ prefer white woodwork and feel it complements cream because it is analogous and soothing.  The auburn-toned wood floor brings warmth.

THRIFTY DECOR CHICK
www.thriftydecorchick.com

Sarah, the blog owner, and I have quite similar taste.  From what I have read, we have some similar personality quirks, as well ; )  I relate to her as well- she's a married mother of a young child. She is an expert at personalizing spaces and describes ideas, projects, and activities in a very approachable manner.  I'd describe her taste as traditional, warm, and practical.

Photo 1: I enjoy the vertical stripes and I am glad they gave me the idea to juxtapose different colors.  I never would have thought to put those colors together.  I am enjoy the floral bedding with it.  Though it is not visible, there is a fireplace in that room!  Meow!

Photo 2: Anyone who know me should realize I am head-over-heels for beadboard.  To realize this love, would be- simply- to step foot in my kitchen!  I also enjoy the butcher block surface on the island, which is from Ikea!  The whole room is clean and has a farmhouse appeal. 

VINTAGE REVIVALS
www.vintagerevivals.blogspot.com

Blog owner, Mandi Gubler, is a ray of sunshine!  There is something completely genuine in her personality- something that makes me feel as though it would be easy to talk to her.  She is also married and a mother.  Her story is touching, but I won't get into that here- you'll have to visit her site for yourself!  Mandy is the project queen!  She constantly has decor ideas and they are always affordable!  She frequents Goodwill and Homegoods (wish there was one close to my house!) and prides herself on turning 'crap' into 'crap-tastic- which is clearly better!'  Her style can be more modern than mine, but I am attracted to her eclecticism and creativity!

Photo 1: This picture inspired me to try my own hand at the frame display.  I wish I'd succeeded!  Hers is much better!  I am a huge fan of painting a piece of furniture a fun and unexpected color.  Exhibit A:

This is my Goodwill telephone table!  It was white and boring.  I added a glass knob because I love glass knobs!  It's like my table is wearing a diamond!

Photo 2:  I love the combination of color, texture, and pattern!  The paisley bed pillows were made from a skirt and I always enjoy repurposing!  I like the soft brass color of the bed- I am not a brass girl, but this is brass done right!


Home sweet home, I am clicking my heels three times!  I want to make a house a home.

Have a wonderful week!
Lindsay