Back to Reality.

After a wonderful and refreshing vacation, I jumped right back into the grind.  With two ten hour shifts under my belt for the past two days, I would say I'm already back to real life.  Of course with real life, comes making something for the week.  That being said, my craft of the week was inspired by these;

Antique French Silver Boxes

Seeing as how storage and organization is always something I need to improve upon, I made my own version of this which looked like this;

Faux Silver Box - Project #22

It was a really easy project in the end.  I used Mod Podge to secure aluminum foil onto the box, and then rubbed a black marker on top after all the glue had dried.  To make it look older I used rubbing alcohol to take most of the marker off leaving it only in the creases.  Easy, and much better looking than this;

The Original Storage Box.

Hooray- one more project complete.

Also to the wonderful Mommas out there - Happy Mother's Day!

A rarity to get her in front of the camera - but looking radiant as ever, lighting a candle for a cake she made me like she does every year.  Thanks Mom for everything you do!

Another Mother who needs some appreciation today is my Mema, who made me countless amounts of Coke floats at my request, and always took care of my Mom and our family.

Last but not least - Happy Step - Mother's Day to my Step Mom who has been such a wonderful and great presence in my life.  What would I do without all of these beautiful inspiring women in my life?!

Wizarding World.

Three Broomsticks.

We did it, we finally made it to Harry Potter World!  It certainly did not disappoint.

It was pretty much the best day of my life.

Just living the dream - Butterbeer in hand.

Warmth Finally.

Project #21 - Embroidery

As you may know, I am now (finally) in the sun and loving every second of it.  It has been nothing but beautiful vacation weather down here, and maybe I am enjoying it a little too much (why this weeks craft is a little late - woops).  

This was my first time making a design come to life with embroidery, and I really like doing it and the end result.  This tree came to life via Doodle Stitching by Aimee Ray - I love this book, and I love my doodle stitch.  Perhaps there will be a future doodle stitches on leather?  The world is my oyster.  

As if I don't have enough hobbies already - let's now add embroidery.

Here is the happy vacation family!  

Tan & Cute.

Note - We are happy!  That's what sun/warmth/family will do.

Around the World.

Cheap-o metal globe - Before

Chalkboard Globe After - Project #20

I have to admit, I saw the DIY for chalkboard globes on Design*Sponge - and fell in love!  I put my own spin on it, and I love the end result.

It actually took quite a bit of time to paint the whole thing and as it would turn out chalkboard paint needs about 18 coats to cover over the surface completely.  Well, more like 3, but still, quite sassy stuff.  Now I will circle and highlight every place I need to go - starting with Florida next week!  I cannot wait.

Eighty degree weather here I come.

Bon Voyage!

P.S. Happy Happy Easter!   - From our little handsome Wally bunny bear.

Italia.

American Girl in Italy - by Ruth Orkin

Recently I've been thinking a lot about my time abroad, and of course missing it.  This is one of my absolute favorite photos that I first saw while I was in Siena, and fell in love with all things Italian.  I think I'm due for an Italian vacation.

Buona Sera.

Color Pops.

Before - Old Coffee Tin

After - Project #19 - Bathroom Canister

This project was an easy one that I had done a little while ago, however am still enjoying now quite a bit.   

I used some Mod Podge and some pretty paper I had laying around, and voila.  Now it houses my cotton balls - mostly to keep them away from my little demon kitty who batted them around the house before this lovely little canister.  

I think it fits in perfectly with the decor of the room, and of course adds function.  Adding these little pops of color throughout the house really help with how dreary it can be around here sometimes.  That, and I love love love color.

 

I will admit that using a little project that I had already done is a little lame, but this week was sort of crazy in that my boyfriend, doggie and I went on a little vacation - meaning no crafts for me.  However we did enjoy some beautiful SPRING weather, just to come back to some snow flurries here for the past two days.  Gotta love that.  

Well, until spring hits the Adirondacks, here is a picture of a little hike we took on our vacation.  Think spring!

Chautauqua Gorge

Birthday in a Box.

Birthday Party in a Box - Project #18

One of my dearest friends just left me and moved to San Francisco, so I decided that since I would normally be celebrating with her, that I would send her all things required for a birthday party.  I wrapped it up and sent it across the country.  

Contents of Birthday Box.

Everything that you need to celebrate a birthday.  I made the party hats, the mustache straws, and the paper flags.  Everything else I picked up at various stores.  Punching balloons - how fun is that?

The Birhday Girl Herself.

I think it was a success.  Look at that punching balloon go, and dino tissue centerpiece.  Happy birthday to you!

P.S.  My boyfriend, doggie and myself are on a bit of a spring break road trip.  That is why I was a slacker this week and posted a day late.  On a brighter note, it's finally spring!  Enjoy that beautiful sun -  I know we are.

Things I Like.

From this wonderful Blog.

One of my very bestest friends is also a victim to this and shared this with me.  We just can't help it.

How novel? - From The Riot

Stumbled upon this just the other day, and I love it.  Why on earth do people catcall?  Enjoy!

P.S.  Happy happy happy birthday to my wonderful Boyfriend!  You deserve the best day ever.

Making Everything Interesting.

A giant watermelon on the hillside. 

Japanese local gas companies sometimes add a little bit of character to their giant gas containers throughout the countryside.  It adds a little humor to something otherwise boring.  

In other thoughts, I'm still wishing good thoughts to those in Japan.  Hoping things will get easier for those over there, and not any worse than the nightmare they've been living.

You can see more gas container decorations here.

A Litte Before & After.

Before - Plain, Stupid.

After - Cute, Personal - Project #17

I've recently fallen in a little bit of love with Lotta Jansdotter.  She takes everything in her life, and makes  it beautiful and extraordinary.  She has inspired me to do that whenever I can.  So here is something that I did to make plain glasses we had laying around, a little more like us.

P.S. It's starting to feel like spring around here - I don't want to jinx it, but it has been SO wonderful.
Let the sunshine in.