tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23898493558067091502024-03-14T01:18:35.755-07:00Easy Peasy PieMy adventures in crafting, sewing, DIY projects and anything else that's easy peasy pie!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-15957667108523205962014-05-28T12:12:00.000-07:002014-05-28T12:12:34.826-07:00Dresser MakeoverHere was a quick update I did to a dresser I found at Goodwill for $50. The dresser itself was solid wood. All the drawers worked great except for three that needed new drawer guides (which I bought at Home Depot for a couple dollars).<span id="goog_1010795898"><br /></span><br />
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I took the drawers off, removed the hardware and sanded down the paint where the flowers were. I wanted a nice smooth surface. Then I took a tack cloth to remove any dust and gave them a nice even coat of aqua spray paint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6cVxEfqotbz1VeHQ3lr89jjLWlcckVKXRio2X3dK7Dm99YbnBxKrNBZiWxEcQtBG0MQlaNAwmgm5ByCr3AqHxM9InoWArrtBBgQ52_t1_8vjN6bmjF7qUBpJE9IHtv1wiG9PTnMSE8nv/s1600/aqua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6cVxEfqotbz1VeHQ3lr89jjLWlcckVKXRio2X3dK7Dm99YbnBxKrNBZiWxEcQtBG0MQlaNAwmgm5ByCr3AqHxM9InoWArrtBBgQ52_t1_8vjN6bmjF7qUBpJE9IHtv1wiG9PTnMSE8nv/s1600/aqua.jpg" /></a></div>
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I decided to keep the rest of the dresser the original color. Besides a few dings and scratches the paint was fine. And truth be told, this dresser was going in my daughters' room. My kids aren't always easy on furniture anyway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQdYWxZwEbg6TQhivHBq3yMkBr_UuOq1AGmCr126A8URBO4XQfs2Llgu8RiQBTVyw3F804TW1dqkrxFmQb-omjm8H0gmY3xA7isH-YTTW0wSLXaf8HxVIWMVudd1N9CtWMoIcEachFXL1/s1600/Shailey's+Dresser+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQdYWxZwEbg6TQhivHBq3yMkBr_UuOq1AGmCr126A8URBO4XQfs2Llgu8RiQBTVyw3F804TW1dqkrxFmQb-omjm8H0gmY3xA7isH-YTTW0wSLXaf8HxVIWMVudd1N9CtWMoIcEachFXL1/s1600/Shailey's+Dresser+After.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to spray the hardware as well. I had Heirloom White on hand which matched the rest of the dresser so I just used that. I had just enough to do the job. Overall, I'm very pleased with the result! It was a very easy update and it made a huge difference! And my daughter loves having a bigger dresser for all her clothes.<br />
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Happy DIYing!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: none; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-68364840934816529362013-11-05T09:34:00.001-08:002013-11-05T09:35:38.716-08:00The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care<div style="text-align: center;">
I know I've been MIA for awhile. Things have been pretty busy over here. </div>
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Mostly because of this.</div>
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Yep. I'm almost 31 weeks pregnant with a little girl. We're so excited! But because of this impending bundle of joy, my little blog here has fallen by the way side. And in an effort to get ahead of the holiday game (while I still have the energy), we've already begun our Christmas decorating </div>
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(which is really early for us--I'm a "day after Thanksgiving" kind of girl).</div>
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We normally travel to Oregon to visit our family for Christmas. This year is different. Since I will be about 38 weeks on Christmas and my last three babies came at 38 weeks ... well, no traveling for this momma. So this will be our first Christmas EVER spent at home. </div>
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And I realized ... we need stockings.</div>
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So I pulled out any spare fabric scraps, old sweaters, trims, anything I could find ... and this is what I've come up with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1JFR3qqSilu1yUvbzeebNbN_MUSbMAPMZNgq-fLp8EqXtiGX9cPnjniR9TJ7pQdF8MFlbHvbsbQV6YzQuamPNNg3lyvSYXpKrlb7OSO3_KJmUQYBcdconA02pU1z7_iiBAgL0uNEs5wO/s1600/Stockings+(web).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1JFR3qqSilu1yUvbzeebNbN_MUSbMAPMZNgq-fLp8EqXtiGX9cPnjniR9TJ7pQdF8MFlbHvbsbQV6YzQuamPNNg3lyvSYXpKrlb7OSO3_KJmUQYBcdconA02pU1z7_iiBAgL0uNEs5wO/s400/Stockings+(web).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the way they turned out! They were very easy to make. I traced an existing stocking onto some craft paper for a pattern. These are fully lined so I did two patterns (one is slightly smaller than the other for the lining.) I just whipped up a bunch of cuffs, stitched on different trims to each cuff (the last "bow" stocking doesn't have a cuff), then sewed them together with a loop of fabric for hanging. Easy peasy.</div>
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I still need to make little nametags that will hang from each one. I found cheap little wooden name tags at Michaels that I'll paint and decoupage. </div>
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And I'm still not sure what baby girl's name tag will say. </div>
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Maybe that's the next project I should tackle!</div>
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Happy sewing!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-84921414220569161492013-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:002013-05-13T09:52:56.957-07:00DIY Bamboo Skewer Mirror<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcs9yZqZYYmsBlukn4V2E0Yg9ppgB0CZG6PNg6AdBgG48SmmvAKbDGOOcBDkF0xCK0GSxZe0dVJtQVJAxXG9aAq8i1o3WWFLt2LajqLwnEDqklpQa_TCckzNb3uCePLXxnwgNYB_ckxaS/s1600/Bamboo+Skewer+Mirror+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcs9yZqZYYmsBlukn4V2E0Yg9ppgB0CZG6PNg6AdBgG48SmmvAKbDGOOcBDkF0xCK0GSxZe0dVJtQVJAxXG9aAq8i1o3WWFLt2LajqLwnEDqklpQa_TCckzNb3uCePLXxnwgNYB_ckxaS/s400/Bamboo+Skewer+Mirror+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wanted a mirror to go above our fireplace mantle but didn't want to spend big bucks for one, either.
It seems that the larger the mirror is the more money stores want for it, which I understand. But my thrifty self couldn't justify spending a couple hundred dollars just for a decorative mirror. Well I found a way to spend less than $20 to get a nice large mirror to fit my space nicely. Here's what you need:<br />
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-a small round mirror (I found mine at good ol' Walmart on clearance for $10)<br />
-a few packs of bamboo skewers ($1 each from the Dollar Store)<br />
-a wooden wreath frame (at Michaels for a few dollars)<br />
-a glue gun and glue sticks (lots of glue sticks)<br />
-a pack of <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-20-lb-Zinc-Plated-Narrow-D-Ring-Hangers-with-Screws-3-Pack-50206/100004803">D-ring hangers</a> (not pictured)<br />
-metallic paint of your choice (I started with craft paint, as pictured, but switched to spray paint--so much easier!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPVudJxBPUgh27596r0SdAIAD1wxz74c0HNuBnzB8-_l1Cm0VoyQaf4QebWNy92vii2_OeCw7TM7gebRJwftUuAQSK74ouqmZRPNlIIJFgmH2J4Xpl2U8B3bIohbKESTowTq3t8tYWvx_/s1600/Bamboo+Skewer+Mirror+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPVudJxBPUgh27596r0SdAIAD1wxz74c0HNuBnzB8-_l1Cm0VoyQaf4QebWNy92vii2_OeCw7TM7gebRJwftUuAQSK74ouqmZRPNlIIJFgmH2J4Xpl2U8B3bIohbKESTowTq3t8tYWvx_/s400/Bamboo+Skewer+Mirror+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was pretty simple to construct. I first went through the skewers and threw out any that were too bent. They're so cheap it was no big deal. I then started gluing bamboo skewers all around the wooden ring (pointy side in) trying very carefully to keep them even and trying even more carefully not to burn my hands. They aren't perfectly even but in the end it looked fine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqK2nCzqBU41AWwo4cIUzPU4Mc_8QtjX9Z8FSTpo5bR06yDivCKUdF1SNnzAiNT9fqqcdwGdXFCAo-A5MD5xrQvbEUuPIDMN66CDtyOyk1mfMg_9Yhg3SfBFOAKVokUe_Upe0EWgJQKqZ/s1600/Bamboo+Skewer+Mirror+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqK2nCzqBU41AWwo4cIUzPU4Mc_8QtjX9Z8FSTpo5bR06yDivCKUdF1SNnzAiNT9fqqcdwGdXFCAo-A5MD5xrQvbEUuPIDMN66CDtyOyk1mfMg_9Yhg3SfBFOAKVokUe_Upe0EWgJQKqZ/s400/Bamboo+Skewer+Mirror+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once you have them all glued down, it's as simple as gluing the skewer frame onto the back of the mirror making sure it's centered. Then just tape off the mirror, paint to your heart's desire and add the D-rings onto the back. I know I don't have pictures of the rest of this process but it really is pretty self-explanatory. The key is lots of hot glue. You want to make sure the skewers are securely attached to your mirror. The D-rings can just screw right into the bamboo-wooden frame part. And that's it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zfVLVLWkRIlCvJNfrPCtUMMNHeOA7RASLSZI3XPOLXiODp-23cuuAU7hu4HkH4bXJv8gwkXv5r35YGGcRGBFEkJfa2AH9Ovg1c4NMep4QRYIgzP7u5i5S3T9qbgTHKvj_N99zvpBKqz9/s1600/Bamboo+Skewer+Mirror+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zfVLVLWkRIlCvJNfrPCtUMMNHeOA7RASLSZI3XPOLXiODp-23cuuAU7hu4HkH4bXJv8gwkXv5r35YGGcRGBFEkJfa2AH9Ovg1c4NMep4QRYIgzP7u5i5S3T9qbgTHKvj_N99zvpBKqz9/s640/Bamboo+Skewer+Mirror+2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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You can see how the original mirror on it's own would have been much too small for the space. The bamboo skewers add just enough to the diameter to make it fit perfectly. And having it all painted in a metallic finish makes it looks like one very nice (and expensive) mirror for less than $20! What other things could you substitute for the skewers to have a similar effect? </div>
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I'm sure the possibilities are endless!</div>
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Happy crafting!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none !important; -webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background: transparent; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-57150716752823878202013-05-10T11:11:00.001-07:002013-05-13T09:51:54.237-07:00Master Bedroom Nightstand RedoGood things come to those who wait. And I've been waiting for a long time for a matching set of nightstands for our bedroom. In all the years we've been married, we've never had a matching set, actually. The past few months I've been searching craigslist and thrift stores for the perfect pair. Well, it's surprisingly difficult to find a matching set. There are tons of single nightstands out there, but matching ones? Not so much.<br />
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Well, my luck turned around when I found these glorious, hunter green, log cabin-style nightstands. Beautiful, right? They were solid wood and had minor dents and scratches. Did I mention they were solid wood? The drawers were also in good shape (nothing wonky or wobbly). And the best part? They were only $20 each. Yup. They just needed to be made pretty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjOoD8gSITdDDO51mShnwimoNCw8a6_PLm68h4KDK97ftPaS5_dwc3Zkc8HCqR9c5cVeMM-jq3L37X9QiflXwIUUjt8cx4swzh6W7o8sXMJalC7ooFNFzSHenxmmeWOVFlixPnBjL5Opf/s1600/Nightstand+Before+(web).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjOoD8gSITdDDO51mShnwimoNCw8a6_PLm68h4KDK97ftPaS5_dwc3Zkc8HCqR9c5cVeMM-jq3L37X9QiflXwIUUjt8cx4swzh6W7o8sXMJalC7ooFNFzSHenxmmeWOVFlixPnBjL5Opf/s400/Nightstand+Before+(web).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't have any pictures of the process, but it's pretty easy (you just need to be patient and wait the recommended time between coats of paint, stain and finish). I used wood putty on any dents and then sanded the whole piece. I completely removed the finish and stain on the top portion and just roughed up the rest. I added some trim to the drawers that was left behind by the previous owners of our house (thank you previous owners!). I filled in any cracks or nail holes with painter's caulk. I used Rustoleum's Heirloom White on the body, and Dark Walnut stain on the top. After a few coats of Polyurethane, they're good to go. I also lightly sanded inbetween coats of paint, stain, and Poly to get a nice smooth finish. I bought simple oil rubbed bronze pulls to replace the old wooden ones. Now I just need to move them into their new home: my bedroom!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXWmhZxOxuGo9YGQV8DipdlPfdiAUn6qNdUwq36WHK1meAb4oMXASJLE_xQg9DeLAwC-VSUQqZwSYXOvucj_FkkG2J_EnyukXx2Fk0890TeOT9dwRsHXHAGZpzCDeyCyVpJ0GLWyk-GSI/s1600/Nightstand+After+(web).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXWmhZxOxuGo9YGQV8DipdlPfdiAUn6qNdUwq36WHK1meAb4oMXASJLE_xQg9DeLAwC-VSUQqZwSYXOvucj_FkkG2J_EnyukXx2Fk0890TeOT9dwRsHXHAGZpzCDeyCyVpJ0GLWyk-GSI/s400/Nightstand+After+(web).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy thrifting and DIYing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none !important; -webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background: transparent; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-28611041803479224642013-04-24T14:31:00.000-07:002013-04-24T14:48:05.878-07:00Clear Glass Lamp Redo<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so thrilled to share my latest thrift store find. This lovely pair of glass lamps were definitely from another decade. But I took one look at them and knew they could easily be updated and be <i><span style="font-size: large;">really</span></i> chic. In fact, I quickly grabbed them off the shelf at Goodwill before anyone else had any ideas. These lamps were MINE!
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They had a thin film of amber-colored glass glaze that was flaking off. So I used a razor blade to scrape it all off the glass so they were completely clear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3xJGPTAlPTe6quSzJEACrTqwNQ5zAw0_RnJ1vMGgv3IBYz9HPPCiNhb2m6b12rXVDgdvZ9XHP8k26athMnKc4EVGCORQ8VPodUFYDMbQIslRFg6Nb2CVVmGDj-_Ftz3KVnLYQ_qNgm3f/s1600/lamp+glass+before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3xJGPTAlPTe6quSzJEACrTqwNQ5zAw0_RnJ1vMGgv3IBYz9HPPCiNhb2m6b12rXVDgdvZ9XHP8k26athMnKc4EVGCORQ8VPodUFYDMbQIslRFg6Nb2CVVmGDj-_Ftz3KVnLYQ_qNgm3f/s640/lamp+glass+before+and+after.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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Better already, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUkmBRrLEaS6jWKGELlfmmPrSO-1SmETTUJ5VNVqe_WwLd88UAliYwun_2hXkdsRxP521KOHQM07bL0t6MvKlZPhTRM5LqFljnmuxX3M3gkQEq79satRR8Z4RqX5BMUr0W6Tvr4odSMp3/s1600/Lamps+After+Scraping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUkmBRrLEaS6jWKGELlfmmPrSO-1SmETTUJ5VNVqe_WwLd88UAliYwun_2hXkdsRxP521KOHQM07bL0t6MvKlZPhTRM5LqFljnmuxX3M3gkQEq79satRR8Z4RqX5BMUr0W6Tvr4odSMp3/s640/Lamps+After+Scraping.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Then I took out the old wiring (I was worried about them being a fire hazard) and replaced them with new cords. I also spray painted the bases and all the metal pieces with a Rustoleum Satin Nickel spray paint. After reassembling I just popped on a new shade and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>BAM!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Gorgeous.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0p0feKDCfoZ2Xgjy10Vv3F-deEua72unbAbmMA7A45rsw_8rIA2gTcN9qKx0PPdxUhvE-J6ujzp9gS6WBKzFUbg8TPXoL5STD6rKBge6iYnHUylAD09J9yMHceF8z5IHjdApHlqU9PeZ/s1600/Lamp+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0p0feKDCfoZ2Xgjy10Vv3F-deEua72unbAbmMA7A45rsw_8rIA2gTcN9qKx0PPdxUhvE-J6ujzp9gS6WBKzFUbg8TPXoL5STD6rKBge6iYnHUylAD09J9yMHceF8z5IHjdApHlqU9PeZ/s640/Lamp+After.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Can you believe that these lamps were only $10 a piece? Add another $11 for each lamp kit and $15 for the shade and you have a grand total of = <b>$36 per lamp</b>!! That's a lot easier on the wallet than this one from Pottery Barn for $199...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sVnFkeqs2DTuHVSnYo5xX4FFujwvSK2tzCCjEzBytTuBevF31Txdprrpdsl5manZl2GzhRlsJdbi4DUll2c7shqSjKyMAA61mRGqq-3xLABcOF8G1VFzPfAwp1HDtyWmvyyFdOA-aWoJ/s1600/pottery+barn+lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sVnFkeqs2DTuHVSnYo5xX4FFujwvSK2tzCCjEzBytTuBevF31Txdprrpdsl5manZl2GzhRlsJdbi4DUll2c7shqSjKyMAA61mRGqq-3xLABcOF8G1VFzPfAwp1HDtyWmvyyFdOA-aWoJ/s400/pottery+barn+lamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bacchus-table-bedside-lamp/?pkey=e|fillable%2Bclear%2Bglass%2Btable%2Blamp|17|best|0|1|24||17&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(image source)</span></i></a></div>
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And that's just for the<i> <b>lamp base</b></i>, folks.</div>
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Happy thrifting!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none !important; -webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background: transparent; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-59341446678213614092013-02-08T10:25:00.000-08:002013-02-08T10:45:29.108-08:00Heart Doily ShirtIt's been quite awhile since my last post. Heaven knows I've been busy. It hasn't all been bon bons and soap operas (not that I watch those anyway.) Besides my family, most of my time has been spent fixing up our first home! It's been wonderful to be able to take on projects we couldn't in a rental. I love being able to choose paint colors, fixtures, lighting ... whatever! I'm sure as time goes on, I will be filling up this blog with a lot of my DIY projects and "before and afters"!
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But for today, let's talk Valentines. About a year ago I was stalking Dana over at <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/">MADE</a> (surprise, surprise!) I just love her style. Her home is gorgeous. Her kids are adorable. And she comes up with the cutest ideas. Well, while searching for a cute shirt I could DIY for my daughter for Valentine's Day, I came across her post for the <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/02/tutorial-doily-heart-shirt.html">doily heart shirt</a>. It was adorable! And super easy.<br />
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First, gather everything you need.<br />
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-old t-shirt or scrap piece of jersey knit (for painting on the stencil)<br />
-piece of cardboard to go under your stenciled fabric<br />
-white fabric paint<br />
-paint brush<br />
-paper heart doily<br />
-glue stick<br />
-new t-shirt <br />
-scissors<br />
-sewing machine<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcUHUFSbPpPLc7Yx-TYCXNeYXL1QMzrGO1aQ7Vm-sDjzmAjDz8nOPZtU-tXdXTAKYkBHNkZWmdqNVu5RjLaoMBPNFHXrTzIfVhZXGwWsZgAMtxstn27WcKDhWAwHQD1M5GerwHKAogfnx/s1600/doily+heart+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcUHUFSbPpPLc7Yx-TYCXNeYXL1QMzrGO1aQ7Vm-sDjzmAjDz8nOPZtU-tXdXTAKYkBHNkZWmdqNVu5RjLaoMBPNFHXrTzIfVhZXGwWsZgAMtxstn27WcKDhWAwHQD1M5GerwHKAogfnx/s400/doily+heart+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then apply glue to the back of the doily and position it onto your old t-shirt or scrap piece of jersery knit fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE3Qxc3QdEF_JGdK__v9ObJL83K_Zed5rwfpagEeFq9jxvWW24P38MsSC3v71ukBfUISNxLX3eYYnYReM4TT1ISkzQH9jwyZ5N1Ao_QpPst5Sz05EqzV0TglmGV2xajLiLvSu3j8Ik5CV/s1600/doily+heart+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE3Qxc3QdEF_JGdK__v9ObJL83K_Zed5rwfpagEeFq9jxvWW24P38MsSC3v71ukBfUISNxLX3eYYnYReM4TT1ISkzQH9jwyZ5N1Ao_QpPst5Sz05EqzV0TglmGV2xajLiLvSu3j8Ik5CV/s400/doily+heart+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWK-c-kBeXzXhpwiQEGfzVzYo2ngFpaLwGrOKMPsYYieJ6AnOFOfOjxoHmBeX5J8D2Lt0Qd3J1bkkzYPv_pdrEGfJB1lAg8scOGhfpob7x2fso9KdEeZIHuKyOjOmSZxbEBT7Ip5Biauz/s1600/doily+heart+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWK-c-kBeXzXhpwiQEGfzVzYo2ngFpaLwGrOKMPsYYieJ6AnOFOfOjxoHmBeX5J8D2Lt0Qd3J1bkkzYPv_pdrEGfJB1lAg8scOGhfpob7x2fso9KdEeZIHuKyOjOmSZxbEBT7Ip5Biauz/s400/doily+heart+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This next part takes a little time. When you're painting don't just glob it on. And make sure you fill in every little hole on that doily!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZowTAL_RcXV9A_xaMIxDHbJ9kkHA7RaafwUoMXB-t5cx46eJzlHMZffokwyUNRTC9QsquaiUz-q6HgUQ_5Onye15R30_Cr33VM5SurYdxNpRZjcMPrOoyspXp8OT3Z9z3xIfra-jtDwE/s1600/doily+heart+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZowTAL_RcXV9A_xaMIxDHbJ9kkHA7RaafwUoMXB-t5cx46eJzlHMZffokwyUNRTC9QsquaiUz-q6HgUQ_5Onye15R30_Cr33VM5SurYdxNpRZjcMPrOoyspXp8OT3Z9z3xIfra-jtDwE/s400/doily+heart+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To help the drying process you can use a hair dryer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhMFRXfwuwy42NoGLsRRNpM1m0wz7ypD-4owrfmm3-Ie01YoKEGJ76AZzADhMyh3Twe_6WKOUJnOB197l3bK01Pza5qSsDQVZbVbQotXdMrHaSZC9wxo0PfQQeUSlELR6XtbBZ82w8Jm5/s1600/doily+heart+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhMFRXfwuwy42NoGLsRRNpM1m0wz7ypD-4owrfmm3-Ie01YoKEGJ76AZzADhMyh3Twe_6WKOUJnOB197l3bK01Pza5qSsDQVZbVbQotXdMrHaSZC9wxo0PfQQeUSlELR6XtbBZ82w8Jm5/s400/doily+heart+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once it's good and dry carefully peel off the doily. You may have little pieces that stick here and there. Just peel them off as best you can. I'm sure anything you miss will wash off in the laundry. Make sure you heat set your newly painted heart. Just follow the directions on your bottle of fabric paint to do that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjkhpbWDQ6kzRA4nBK7zU9A6qz7f_W3Wxj6T4j7bxAwy4atNZDeGRatOZJq2j3VQHmKhMA-D5WVydVaqUHLs0JxF8tkhbOZxOJTTJn5mnVQDuohbsGXs_6ShM3XQUpeDy66ctis4LhCcd/s1600/doily+heart+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjkhpbWDQ6kzRA4nBK7zU9A6qz7f_W3Wxj6T4j7bxAwy4atNZDeGRatOZJq2j3VQHmKhMA-D5WVydVaqUHLs0JxF8tkhbOZxOJTTJn5mnVQDuohbsGXs_6ShM3XQUpeDy66ctis4LhCcd/s400/doily+heart+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3mO3t7GH2VKARA-vNKkq2d9W9Vp8V0AOO8W8SBO-BYQLKcwE8Eq9Jlz4lL1L7rcoTV5EkHZy3EW72pnuzGamAQOWQCHegt5pn-3bWQOtsS8yz3hyphenhyphen7Y1mYdSlToL1a-gcExKCyTjy8bcl/s1600/doily+heart+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3mO3t7GH2VKARA-vNKkq2d9W9Vp8V0AOO8W8SBO-BYQLKcwE8Eq9Jlz4lL1L7rcoTV5EkHZy3EW72pnuzGamAQOWQCHegt5pn-3bWQOtsS8yz3hyphenhyphen7Y1mYdSlToL1a-gcExKCyTjy8bcl/s400/doily+heart+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now decide where you want to position the heart on your new shirt. Then pin and sew around both the outside and the inside of the heart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_aYzgw3D13qUfruAptqBEw9Qxjzq0FiYesrXnvQRYjkSvRvdC-zR-ivqz0BTVCQR6Sfcu2daHjdOPaoklAM19QNO7aWjglzoOGZR0NuAr_tG7jVPBjuOGljeBzN4vztEbKwFhFxEHuKr/s1600/doily+heart+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_aYzgw3D13qUfruAptqBEw9Qxjzq0FiYesrXnvQRYjkSvRvdC-zR-ivqz0BTVCQR6Sfcu2daHjdOPaoklAM19QNO7aWjglzoOGZR0NuAr_tG7jVPBjuOGljeBzN4vztEbKwFhFxEHuKr/s400/doily+heart+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wanted to try something a little different so I very (VERY) carefully cut out the center of the heart also. I like the pop of pink in the middle. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SjaReHobq-XIsFiI7955grRZJax6sh26u863oy3cowuzWcBfxbafoILI-PYtpbKQiuJNSvE-0O3tFtX7T2N5t6TcpZLi-FzcthnApb8qKoR3YrG5G8LucjFNU4X5z4_YGtUNw6CcQ1BV/s1600/doily+heart+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SjaReHobq-XIsFiI7955grRZJax6sh26u863oy3cowuzWcBfxbafoILI-PYtpbKQiuJNSvE-0O3tFtX7T2N5t6TcpZLi-FzcthnApb8qKoR3YrG5G8LucjFNU4X5z4_YGtUNw6CcQ1BV/s400/doily+heart+9.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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And that's it! Now you have an adorable new shirt for Valentine's Day! This could be done in several color combinations and be so cute! I'm dying to try it out in something a little more ... NEON!</div>
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Happy sewing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-31855110015395027082012-04-20T13:05:00.000-07:002012-04-20T13:05:53.467-07:00Faux Chenille Baby Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfWyYLnZH3gTFlt5dv8SHjFGmxG4eWpQsD4dx12Cb_JjFekUiw2cXomflxWcG5UkDxq_C7ZT_g5Bjm-yPkTCJ-z0oedlLzoLiJJVVC0XSOQpyjLV051JJr3XkTpa1mbKnPHiODfFQWZ1S/s1600/faux+chenille+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfWyYLnZH3gTFlt5dv8SHjFGmxG4eWpQsD4dx12Cb_JjFekUiw2cXomflxWcG5UkDxq_C7ZT_g5Bjm-yPkTCJ-z0oedlLzoLiJJVVC0XSOQpyjLV051JJr3XkTpa1mbKnPHiODfFQWZ1S/s400/faux+chenille+5.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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When I first came across the <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-faux-chenille-blanket.html">Faux Chenille Baby Blanket tutorial on MADE</a>, I knew I wanted to try it. It looked so cool! So I waited for the perfect opportunity to come along. Because heaven knows I don't have time to tackle another project <em>"just because".</em> </div>
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This past week I was finally able to give it a go. A friend of mine had her first baby recently. I used the printed fabric from my fabric stash and made a trip to JoAnn for some snuggle flannel (on sale!). All of the material was purchased at JoAnn </div>
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(even the printed fabric, which looks very designer to me--score!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6skhtifjnpUeLENn1UaaT3AtB5F4gjUNZaiowrzGPFvOQcVeuy4lSwOL6e1aKKxqKWTtSE_Yua1zY5k4e4pno-3tIhQYRwzrm1xaP_bqnQXeoDjPkIy-ceTB6UhuyvCX46hV1MiDMSwo/s1600/faux+chenille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6skhtifjnpUeLENn1UaaT3AtB5F4gjUNZaiowrzGPFvOQcVeuy4lSwOL6e1aKKxqKWTtSE_Yua1zY5k4e4pno-3tIhQYRwzrm1xaP_bqnQXeoDjPkIy-ceTB6UhuyvCX46hV1MiDMSwo/s400/faux+chenille.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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As explained in both <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-faux-chenille-blanket.html">Dana's tutorial from MADE</a> and <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2010/08/sewing-heirloom-cut-chenille-baby.html">Anneliese's from Aesthetic Nest</a>, this blanket takes a l-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-n-g time to sew. It took me a good chunk of my day just to sew the rows.</div>
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The cutting went faster but still took an hour or two. My hand kept cramping up so I had to take frequent breaks inbetween rows. I was wishing that I had <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Slash-28mm-Rotary-Cutter/dp/B001CEALZM">this tool</a>. My sister ordered one. Too bad we live about 900 miles from each other. :) It's on my wish list now.</div>
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The binding went a little slower because I wanted to add this <a href="http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=38bd168e-07df-4bae-985d-d46736a1151a">yellow pom pom trim by Riley Blake</a>. I wasn't sure how it was going to look but I love the result! It adds just a little more fun and whimsy to the blanket. The light gray bias tape was purchased at JoAnn. One of these days I will make my own!</div>
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All in all, I am so thrilled with how this blanket turned out. Next time I make one I will take my time and drag it out over a week or two. I was so anxious the see how it would turn out that I worked on it every chance I got and finished it in a couple days. I don't think my family liked that. ;)</div>
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I really hope my friend (and her little baby!) enjoy it as much as I do!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jpJb161eMHZh2SvzmidZVP_zwyapxEMy1lwHQ46yKAe83eGgkACEwj8QlyhEapS57o6dSZqPqp8_5qqfWD3zm9WP1sIdn3KLlK5JlCHQJ0obkMlJKUcc_9rcl6uSvRRkrCX8m7gwI7i5/s1600/faux+chenille+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jpJb161eMHZh2SvzmidZVP_zwyapxEMy1lwHQ46yKAe83eGgkACEwj8QlyhEapS57o6dSZqPqp8_5qqfWD3zm9WP1sIdn3KLlK5JlCHQJ0obkMlJKUcc_9rcl6uSvRRkrCX8m7gwI7i5/s640/faux+chenille+4.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Happy sewing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-31129815881952212622012-04-12T13:50:00.000-07:002012-04-13T20:06:48.611-07:00Matching Tile GameA while back I was looking though my email and found one from Martha Stewart. Oh Martha, how I love your ideas. It was a very adorable <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/267083/matching-memory-game-craft?xsc=eml_crd_2012_02_22&czone=crafts/crafting-tools-center/crafting-tools-projects&center=276982&gallery=274817&slide=215786&om_rid=Dys-cK&om_mid=_BPROf-B8d$LaKa">matching tile game</a> for kids using wooden tiles. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEmUZWgQbBMeQdbhrm1pyFPGa8ST22Ala-AwY6_HHmf4SNt1OXa2ap7B8fX7jYebnwQrZKpexPG_1pwEEsxyXJV9yiaZWIvEwPwb9OANd-Xbcway7OwpCoR3V69reQdQ_VpERQhhAeaVW/s1600/262827328223523910_SLK3CY8C_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEmUZWgQbBMeQdbhrm1pyFPGa8ST22Ala-AwY6_HHmf4SNt1OXa2ap7B8fX7jYebnwQrZKpexPG_1pwEEsxyXJV9yiaZWIvEwPwb9OANd-Xbcway7OwpCoR3V69reQdQ_VpERQhhAeaVW/s320/262827328223523910_SLK3CY8C_f.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/267083/matching-memory-game-craft?xsc=eml_crd_2012_02_22&czone=crafts/crafting-tools-center/crafting-tools-projects&center=276982&gallery=274817&slide=215786&om_rid=Dys-cK&om_mid=_BPROf-B8d$LaKa">Martha Stewart</a></span></div>
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I love to decoupage anything I can get my hands on and I adore cuteness. So this was right up my alley.<br />
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I bought wooden tiles at Michael's for about $0.30 each. I used a coupon for the cupcake punch and paper from my paper stash. The bag was made from leftover fabric from the <a href="http://easypeasypie.blogspot.com/2011/02/play-kitchen.html">play kitchen</a> curtain. Now normally I would have just used my Cricut to cut something out instead of spending money on a punch, but our family was cooped up in a hotel for a week while we had plumbing repairs done so I didn't have access to my Cricut. <em>(Oh, and I'm sure the housekeeping lady that cleaned our room everyday hated my little craft messes--I brought my sewing machine along, too!)</em><br />
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Inexpensive. Adorable. Fun. My daughter loves them. She's always asking to "Play cupcakes!" <em>(Sometimes she forgets and calls it "pancakes", ha ha!)</em><br />
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Happy crafting!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-79804145337553466482012-03-12T13:27:00.000-07:002012-03-12T13:27:18.401-07:00Revamped Lamp!I had a lamp that was kind of blah. I wanted a new lamp for my desk--something with a bit more color and pizazz. So instead of spending a bundle on a nice new lamp, I decided to revamp the one I already had.<br />
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Here's my lamp. Boring. Blah. Uninteresting. The lampshade doesn't even fit in porportion to the lamp. It's in need of a revamp.<br />
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So with a little help from my friends Rust-oleum, Design Master, and Krylon...<br />
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I taped off <em>(and no, I'm not advertising for Target...but yes, I really love to shop there!)...</em><br />
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And primed, painted, and finished...<br />
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And a $10 lampshade from Walmart with a little bit of $1 ribbon from Michael's later...<br />
I now have this. <br />
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<em>Ahhhhhh</em>. Much better! Now if I could just give my desk a revamp. <em>Sigh</em>. Another project for another day.<br />
Here's the before and after.<br />
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Happy DIY-ing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; box-shadow: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-41451457541987666452011-09-23T16:57:00.000-07:002012-04-20T16:32:30.759-07:00Yellow and Grey Maxi Dress<br />
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I made possibly the most comfortable dress last week--a jersey knit maxi dress. Seriously. I want to live in this dress. For the rest of my life.</div>
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I started with an XXL long sleeved striped grey t-shirt from Target on clearance for a few bucks. I considered using it to make a dress for Olivia but decided to be selfish and use it all for me! </div>
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ME! ME! ME! ...Ahem. </div>
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First I removed the sleeves (sorry I don't have any pictures of the process. I always forget that part). Then using an exisiting t-shirt as a guide, I folded the striped shirt in half and cut and sewed the sides to make it fit. Using another old t-shirt, I removed a cap sleeve and used that as a guide to make new sleeves. Oh, and I cut the sleeves from the bottom of the shirt since it was already hemmed. I'm all for making my life easier.</div>
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The yellow jersey was purchased for a few bucks (wish I could remember how much) at a local fabric store that was closing. I basically measured my waist and mutiplied that number by 1.5 and cut my jersey that wide. I left the length reeeeeeaaaally long so I could cut it and hem it later to be the perfect length.</div>
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I stitched up the long sides of the jersey together and gathered the waist. Then I attached the skirt to my striped shirt (which I had now cut off to be shorter.) Make sure you use a stretch stitch when sewing with knits or you won't be able to stretch it. And that, my friend, does not make for a comfortable dress...or anything for that matter.</div>
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Anyway, after I attached the skirt, I decided it needed a little more. So I added a sash. The sash is mostly attached but can be adjusted a little (it's not totally straight in the pictures...grrr). </div>
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Then I decided it needed even more still. So I added ruffly flowers. Everything is better with ruffly flowers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZC2fnGh__FIwhlV1f11vlXW0YeN6nTfqaOJXVpRSnvlYeK75IGZzUG3ocFCe4W2lptwfB-h9RSYyncbqR-nB5ZX4PwqYVynRKtPjhmyP0UCSxHzaDAuQL9mcAXkQ0d-UOfR3CUduDO4A/s1600/Yellow+and+Grey+Maxi+Dress+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZC2fnGh__FIwhlV1f11vlXW0YeN6nTfqaOJXVpRSnvlYeK75IGZzUG3ocFCe4W2lptwfB-h9RSYyncbqR-nB5ZX4PwqYVynRKtPjhmyP0UCSxHzaDAuQL9mcAXkQ0d-UOfR3CUduDO4A/s640/Yellow+and+Grey+Maxi+Dress+3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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There. Better. <em>Did I mention I want to live in this dress?</em></div>
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Oh. And I think it's time for a haircut. Ponytails everyday? Yup.</div>
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Happy sewing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-35250971362352925172011-09-14T17:20:00.000-07:002012-04-20T16:32:57.185-07:00Two-tiered Yellow Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxEIx2sV4eECpCiOM39eklRoGiWSUHVXx9LJ7vQrntoKdhvFl4HYGuEAzveKTsdrK1ykLrfu7rOZYULE_AUUubzRQKW6rULH2IXmHHc7IegR5Z0gZQAFpD3xYGf3g2kwLS23FxLW1yeGr/s1600/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxEIx2sV4eECpCiOM39eklRoGiWSUHVXx9LJ7vQrntoKdhvFl4HYGuEAzveKTsdrK1ykLrfu7rOZYULE_AUUubzRQKW6rULH2IXmHHc7IegR5Z0gZQAFpD3xYGf3g2kwLS23FxLW1yeGr/s640/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found a top at Goodwill that was made from a fun yellow floral. I didn't like it as a top (not to mention it was an extra large) so I turned it into a skirt. <br />
See all this <span style="font-size: large;">yummy yellow goodness?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE0HtkjlKaFXqeQWDeakClq66fd5-g-oLxIV1MIIeY785IW9k0za6jm25tlHDWpVp26L0iqs3epEp5hgoTdoIXizWezcmVFtFtbe-1Fz0xCcvyEdQuGhJZNIGoe503Lk2OKPlprQCV88s/s1600/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE0HtkjlKaFXqeQWDeakClq66fd5-g-oLxIV1MIIeY785IW9k0za6jm25tlHDWpVp26L0iqs3epEp5hgoTdoIXizWezcmVFtFtbe-1Fz0xCcvyEdQuGhJZNIGoe503Lk2OKPlprQCV88s/s640/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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I took it apart and put it back together by adding another layer of white fabric underneath. It needed to be lined anyway plus I wanted it longer. The felt flower is one I made awhile back and is just pinned onto the sash part of the skirt. I can easily remove it if my mood calls for more simplicity. (I happen to really like adding a flower to my outfits though!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ_OD6EyesS1KYz3H-NytuUSfhPbFehqBUtgdAJJ3FqfA59XgZGcSV0okV4tTSxYHNx_LtU9hZl7A_v2sqZ-Tb-vXuOSckMelu4vH9h2u4fZuO-2GuGmm2slI2_YLJmphw4NAyfVQ5XRs/s1600/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ_OD6EyesS1KYz3H-NytuUSfhPbFehqBUtgdAJJ3FqfA59XgZGcSV0okV4tTSxYHNx_LtU9hZl7A_v2sqZ-Tb-vXuOSckMelu4vH9h2u4fZuO-2GuGmm2slI2_YLJmphw4NAyfVQ5XRs/s640/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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I also added a little bit of elastic in the back to make it easier to put on. I love it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_llnsFnjju2nv5fil4xk4CPPZyy24ptVHjAcHDuTsF_t-fghbWZR7J1WOgQG68VJv0vKd50zV_xbaACTl3-a8Oo8MPVmkITczAY3Y9csGlV35X1gkKy7-vsCvYzbE92sC9_vAqKVz60u/s1600/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_llnsFnjju2nv5fil4xk4CPPZyy24ptVHjAcHDuTsF_t-fghbWZR7J1WOgQG68VJv0vKd50zV_xbaACTl3-a8Oo8MPVmkITczAY3Y9csGlV35X1gkKy7-vsCvYzbE92sC9_vAqKVz60u/s640/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+4.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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I know summer's almost over, but yellow makes me happy. So I will definitely be sporting my sunny yellow two-tiered skirt well into the cold season. :o)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcST42oCzOy7TzXCE0_FCdIsVsorK3_21p1Gu9lv0KOZgvhdT7_uejlgUlSbgIZkcMfNUyr1TNx_3o8QgCKQ4R_utPzDtHnfM4f1O728icrugC56PU7q50E1_nJ1Fwk7dlnRJHWWvb3lUb/s1600/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcST42oCzOy7TzXCE0_FCdIsVsorK3_21p1Gu9lv0KOZgvhdT7_uejlgUlSbgIZkcMfNUyr1TNx_3o8QgCKQ4R_utPzDtHnfM4f1O728icrugC56PU7q50E1_nJ1Fwk7dlnRJHWWvb3lUb/s640/two-tiered+yellow+skirt+5.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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By the way, my eight-year-old daughter took all the pics of me. A photographer in the making perhaps?</div>
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Happy sewing!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-57378373343148880312011-09-12T13:52:00.000-07:002011-09-12T14:40:40.131-07:00Footstool Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls90wu9xFCUt9unArjj9-sCHaZtWbOsKLS6gBbACqzMpQbYz7jTmI7gLyMXvW3qFv4eECNPfcrh8uvzuf6h4zyLweLI861CNt4Qqg4jbyMcP709fn6UjXhNBUJo863OQLvGVI2LAjApOA/s1600/oregon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls90wu9xFCUt9unArjj9-sCHaZtWbOsKLS6gBbACqzMpQbYz7jTmI7gLyMXvW3qFv4eECNPfcrh8uvzuf6h4zyLweLI861CNt4Qqg4jbyMcP709fn6UjXhNBUJo863OQLvGVI2LAjApOA/s1600/oregon.gif" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Over the summer the kids and I made the long 900 mile drive up to Oregon so we could visit my family. While there I took advantage of the numerous thrift stores available to those lucky Oregonians (it really isn't fair--I have one measly little Goodwill down here.) Anyway, I found this footstool at a thrift store for $3.99 and thought it had good photo prop potential. So I happily paid for it and packed it away in the van for the drive back home.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvjy-9Ia4clg0fYjrYrYsl2KWFUbbHfZ4evjvB3be1d7N72WwZlngcBVod0MTjY4SAO1EtCHiRyAsCCkGCy_kZLlQcfRNl4yXSUPXsf5xuaTUuzlsDl7xpfH0GK0WCrHBsaRSnPiTIMgV/s1600/footstool+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvjy-9Ia4clg0fYjrYrYsl2KWFUbbHfZ4evjvB3be1d7N72WwZlngcBVod0MTjY4SAO1EtCHiRyAsCCkGCy_kZLlQcfRNl4yXSUPXsf5xuaTUuzlsDl7xpfH0GK0WCrHBsaRSnPiTIMgV/s400/footstool+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I finally got around to transforming this ugly duckling of a footstool the other day. I made a fun discovery while taking apart the seat portion. It was padded with shreds and shreds of old newspaper from the 1950s! How cool is that? I got to try and piece together little advertisements like "gloves for $0.77" and "plaid shirts for $1.34". My favorite one was for "Rayve" permanent for your hair. The movie show times were fun to look at... although the only movie I recognized was Disney's "Treasure Island".</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2h4OR8PS-q_mdzVuPkm2WrzyOf_hY0UuQUnzTzekA6QhWLh41fCTGuGpMzNBMAZDWBBfdT5uT1aTf2-o4ktJ9PfGD6Xw0kGoVYtSo95ufpBA6Jl_-ziGIMe_3_mCWFYn-UUA7bCm8m7j/s1600/rayve+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2h4OR8PS-q_mdzVuPkm2WrzyOf_hY0UuQUnzTzekA6QhWLh41fCTGuGpMzNBMAZDWBBfdT5uT1aTf2-o4ktJ9PfGD6Xw0kGoVYtSo95ufpBA6Jl_-ziGIMe_3_mCWFYn-UUA7bCm8m7j/s400/rayve+ad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, back to the footstool. I took it apart then sanded and painted the wood frame. I decided to give it a distressed look. Then I recovered the seat with some Amy Butler lovliness. This is from the Midwest Modern collection. Love her fabrics.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3dYKucoGlGfZ0t7pMZcOAC3b3LnuxVrBM3iHPoabc4MwiWJVc8MQlTcN6sUMc3GXgY3j8QOc_cmbY_qq6wcnXG_60ltOjb2oEAtQfS8dsboBg6K_5wfPzrOStnU_jQLQ-a1Zmmlu9Lqm/s1600/footstool+6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3dYKucoGlGfZ0t7pMZcOAC3b3LnuxVrBM3iHPoabc4MwiWJVc8MQlTcN6sUMc3GXgY3j8QOc_cmbY_qq6wcnXG_60ltOjb2oEAtQfS8dsboBg6K_5wfPzrOStnU_jQLQ-a1Zmmlu9Lqm/s320/footstool+6.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Using the staple gun made this a breeze. Then attach the seat back onto the frame with screws and DONE!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP0uczkvtM5ABnObYCr6PEvithYUAyQzAHmHlG_arpUUjTa5VMwuAXgi3XIjddzUyLnC_TqKkn_7daUOONvwu6UezDO5NaK6ZIk9ve0a3rIIrKJLmB3MNgaKWQhfYEYxHiZ4OvT88wka4/s1600/footstool+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP0uczkvtM5ABnObYCr6PEvithYUAyQzAHmHlG_arpUUjTa5VMwuAXgi3XIjddzUyLnC_TqKkn_7daUOONvwu6UezDO5NaK6ZIk9ve0a3rIIrKJLmB3MNgaKWQhfYEYxHiZ4OvT88wka4/s640/footstool+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This one really was easy peasy pie.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And guess who uses it to reach the <a href="http://easypeasypie.blogspot.com/2011/02/play-kitchen.html">play kitchen</a>?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">She loves being able to reach the sink and stove now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's one last before and after!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Mb437plJ2ZoZlh2EhQBsELGEkgggaoiYOsP-xWPecXh9cEofLdoSFLSqAh6JFeftM24P1W3Dbza19crCfkn8O7KudTuYncbQ2fCnbtrtiuhnIQNOdYRtNtZeNyS0B6JjOMiSh6b_dh_4/s1600/footstool+9+%2528before+and+after%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Mb437plJ2ZoZlh2EhQBsELGEkgggaoiYOsP-xWPecXh9cEofLdoSFLSqAh6JFeftM24P1W3Dbza19crCfkn8O7KudTuYncbQ2fCnbtrtiuhnIQNOdYRtNtZeNyS0B6JjOMiSh6b_dh_4/s640/footstool+9+%2528before+and+after%2529.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy crafting!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; box-shadow: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-61703948266546946222011-06-23T19:36:00.000-07:002011-06-24T03:05:29.459-07:00Clothespin ArtI've been working on getting organized this summer and one of the many rooms on my to-do list was the laundry room. As I was washing load after load I noticed a big blank wall that I hadn't really paid much attention to before. Maybe my natural distaste for doing laundry prevented me from seeing the potential in my bare little wall. So today I decided to dress it up a bit with some funky art that I made with materials I just had laying around.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepwXheF8Pg83aq17gFlMdxsizWWqCyrkKlCYwn0cJCKchFBJwWQ1LBKSMlMLBibdNIae6PxekdqbDIG10IcW6wSoJlIPMLdQh3ae70gQizDiIaEGET-lUzQstOfCWuKB45hZGLUS27fmF/s1600/clothespin+art+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepwXheF8Pg83aq17gFlMdxsizWWqCyrkKlCYwn0cJCKchFBJwWQ1LBKSMlMLBibdNIae6PxekdqbDIG10IcW6wSoJlIPMLdQh3ae70gQizDiIaEGET-lUzQstOfCWuKB45hZGLUS27fmF/s640/clothespin+art+2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
I used craft paint in light blue, yellow and grey, two different clothespins for stamps (I got the jumbo one in the dollar section at Target--yay Target!), and a canvas I bought a long time ago at Michaels when it was on sale (it's been sitting in my closet for a LONG time). After I finished it, I wished I had waited and bought a different blue color, but oh well!<br />
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It was a little bit time consuming to stamp each one on since I had to clean it inbetween colors. After I stamped them all on I went back in to paint the little metal springy part on with a brush.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VAOqhQsKxUn8oKHnlmiCU2J-gafvjsA5cgy-TD4QFm_-pwMCSCJwh8VwElmRAO-Dv_6XaryWr28A0s2k3loSDxwUvYdisJv-Hulj6V7Z5d8KUUl2HdRpR00aPitXqMiBLeWo1ew3Pris/s1600/clothespin+art+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VAOqhQsKxUn8oKHnlmiCU2J-gafvjsA5cgy-TD4QFm_-pwMCSCJwh8VwElmRAO-Dv_6XaryWr28A0s2k3loSDxwUvYdisJv-Hulj6V7Z5d8KUUl2HdRpR00aPitXqMiBLeWo1ew3Pris/s400/clothespin+art+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Maybe now that I have a fun piece of art in my laundry room, doing laundry will be fun! Then again...it <em>is</em> laundry. :o)<br />
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Linking up here!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2011/06/flaunt-it-friday-60.html">Chic on a Shoestring</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2011/06/frugalicious-friday-giveawaypick-your.html">Finding Fabulous</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mommaskindacrafty.blogspot.com/2011/06/fantabulous-friday-624.html">Momma's Kinda Crafty</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/2011/06/feature-yourself-friday_23.html">Fingerprints on the Fridge</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-hodgepodge-friday_23.html">It's a Hodgepodge Life</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.504main.com/2011/06/tickled-pink-no-53.html">504 Main</a><br />
<br />
Happy Crafting!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; box-shadow: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-76715815804077052902011-05-23T10:49:00.000-07:002012-04-20T16:33:20.640-07:00Pillowcase Dress from a Woman's Blouse<div style="border: currentColor;">
I thrifted this woman's blouse for about $3.50. It didn't fit me but I loved the fabric and the colors (red and grey are one of my favorite color combinations). And I loved the pleated detail on the front. I bought it thinking I would cut it up to make a skirt for Olivia but changed my mind. I decided to make a simple pillowcase dress instead.</div>
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Here's the before and after.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45p1ca26g5IBuUW_1AKnPjUriNz3uL__dDIDswvu7xW20ttMuHup-MiVlIM-ZScVXo0411FJcjWzTL3K7H_sz_yqUCp-2GxOM70ngw6FiEUtwZvr6l1QA7fmBbkJJKMlrWMMQQ329tbkE/s1600/Pillowcase+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45p1ca26g5IBuUW_1AKnPjUriNz3uL__dDIDswvu7xW20ttMuHup-MiVlIM-ZScVXo0411FJcjWzTL3K7H_sz_yqUCp-2GxOM70ngw6FiEUtwZvr6l1QA7fmBbkJJKMlrWMMQQ329tbkE/s640/Pillowcase+Dress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuqbmlB9_t6GNS8W60l6Kpz1a2ddrsHHQnV32Ouys0QEvpPq-K-qcBE1ax35pibVBzsnrZ8JVj23iXEfAFNC7XdKQaaAQ5h8yXkD7kCWX11RfOezev61pYFfwhhBOc586BDF0XyS-JWSY/s1600/Olivia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuqbmlB9_t6GNS8W60l6Kpz1a2ddrsHHQnV32Ouys0QEvpPq-K-qcBE1ax35pibVBzsnrZ8JVj23iXEfAFNC7XdKQaaAQ5h8yXkD7kCWX11RfOezev61pYFfwhhBOc586BDF0XyS-JWSY/s640/Olivia.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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Coincidentally, that little flower clip she's wearing, that just so happens to match this new little dress perfectly <u>and</u> that had been in my Etsy shop for months with no interest was purchased the same day I finished the dress. :o) Oh well!</div>
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To see the a tutorial on how I made it, go <a href="http://easypeasypie-tutorials.blogspot.com/2011/05/pillowcase-dress-from-womans-blouse.html">here</a>!<br />
Happy sewing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-27313949011588772532011-05-02T11:58:00.000-07:002011-09-12T14:37:09.682-07:00Refinished TV Stand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several months back we started shopping around for a TV stand. We had some money set aside as "fun money" to buy a new TV but we didn't have anything to put it on. I don't know if you've shopped around lately for entertainment centers but most pieces that were reasonable in price were not even solid wood! To get solid wood, you were looking at spending hundreds of dollars. So we started checking craigslist. We came across an old mid-century dresser for $100. It had good bones and it was solid wood. The finish was old but we had planned on refinishing whatever we found anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we got to work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what the old finish looked like (you can see I already started sanding the side).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJDMIQc5-p5QzDVT-qy1_sSoa0JcF7rgP5CnN3pkflmRwsdzdlAKCGlDgwnL-UX2LzwQIdiDzhBvAfNK-CR_SEi7UdyBp5KVUGHpRdFXf7Nm_whyphenhyphenePluZxedkxMRTlKMrWJ9DYFCD2VHv/s1600/tv+stand+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJDMIQc5-p5QzDVT-qy1_sSoa0JcF7rgP5CnN3pkflmRwsdzdlAKCGlDgwnL-UX2LzwQIdiDzhBvAfNK-CR_SEi7UdyBp5KVUGHpRdFXf7Nm_whyphenhyphenePluZxedkxMRTlKMrWJ9DYFCD2VHv/s400/tv+stand+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B1fALNDC0kz7kspK37sjqaapVKd26zUe0_kbvmHcXnhHSIOpJp2wmdpWtRveFPayacg-hozYXCDfEYmGdCdsW4M4mAKC18q-eS677Hw2b41Z32yALbcN5O0Xe20EJe1MgmXgg_sKuuy8/s1600/tv+stand+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B1fALNDC0kz7kspK37sjqaapVKd26zUe0_kbvmHcXnhHSIOpJp2wmdpWtRveFPayacg-hozYXCDfEYmGdCdsW4M4mAKC18q-eS677Hw2b41Z32yALbcN5O0Xe20EJe1MgmXgg_sKuuy8/s400/tv+stand+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This is after it was completely sanded. Sanding is a lot of work, by the way (even with a power sander).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtD1yytYMBQRTHaUfiwJBbxS8jiKAfBa6KtQkwGTfdscOnXC6yhs1zMLz-iQVF1PQ66NXqOf-U4_idd39jkQNA9tHNFV4M4-rAITMjh5XxoCWMQsZn6Y1OXxdGW-VZQLzPK4Htce_aT9fF/s1600/tv+stand+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtD1yytYMBQRTHaUfiwJBbxS8jiKAfBa6KtQkwGTfdscOnXC6yhs1zMLz-iQVF1PQ66NXqOf-U4_idd39jkQNA9tHNFV4M4-rAITMjh5XxoCWMQsZn6Y1OXxdGW-VZQLzPK4Htce_aT9fF/s400/tv+stand+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here it is after the stain was applied. Staining is a lot of work, too, ha ha! There were some areas that the stain didn't want to "stick" to as well. It just gives it a slightly distressed look which I love.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR84p1qaqpJchgICZD-DAnuhTxEkLkqh-AuJ3wwj2CaSemEosYEYTvfkKDoQLEwOUPJZaJ8sQCQngm8NpMO-yEnfh-LMDgv2gmVPAX02bUwrlQCTIILpEO12Tnm6TYvwhS8OSMrHpqs2C_/s1600/tv+stand+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR84p1qaqpJchgICZD-DAnuhTxEkLkqh-AuJ3wwj2CaSemEosYEYTvfkKDoQLEwOUPJZaJ8sQCQngm8NpMO-yEnfh-LMDgv2gmVPAX02bUwrlQCTIILpEO12Tnm6TYvwhS8OSMrHpqs2C_/s400/tv+stand+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">After the stain we applied three clear coats of polyurethane and then all the hardware!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje97JsLHPpOlsFathdLUB27xA-IWDelEmZ7VgzVBwFA-ES1gRa3w9IbCqmE7MO_fziO9MCVDXEeQDirfIlTiK2pptrQ4abkc-82gqGRHsDzRD-98mU38RpkLPtMTH1cLA4-L6RiVfD8XyZ/s1600/tv+stand+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje97JsLHPpOlsFathdLUB27xA-IWDelEmZ7VgzVBwFA-ES1gRa3w9IbCqmE7MO_fziO9MCVDXEeQDirfIlTiK2pptrQ4abkc-82gqGRHsDzRD-98mU38RpkLPtMTH1cLA4-L6RiVfD8XyZ/s400/tv+stand+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And here it is in the living room with our new TV.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGb11hgzwojTgehxm2Q8tMC35FM_rsyp7rIqqazQCKQH4BvuZbi2h6-NzE1yzY3I9NfX-EBxyQs50v0ai8xziTdr9Q8qexFMwiqY7RbDpPcCl1oR-ZRqGvV4zrenboQkXRXpLNWMn-laM/s1600/tv+stand+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGb11hgzwojTgehxm2Q8tMC35FM_rsyp7rIqqazQCKQH4BvuZbi2h6-NzE1yzY3I9NfX-EBxyQs50v0ai8xziTdr9Q8qexFMwiqY7RbDpPcCl1oR-ZRqGvV4zrenboQkXRXpLNWMn-laM/s400/tv+stand+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-sRL6j8xcg81F_Hn4nkT_Ego75tfSEZq5RYa3LFDhHqzpgOWzNjNyurEuckGYVhyphenhyphen0KArff3EZNYPpMTHWWAvUYuTKClKkA2yXviHnss-8gl9aDgkbmnaH-ki12pb8U72jJChaYLNZb5p/s1600/tv+stand+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-sRL6j8xcg81F_Hn4nkT_Ego75tfSEZq5RYa3LFDhHqzpgOWzNjNyurEuckGYVhyphenhyphen0KArff3EZNYPpMTHWWAvUYuTKClKkA2yXviHnss-8gl9aDgkbmnaH-ki12pb8U72jJChaYLNZb5p/s400/tv+stand+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTVpVpWV6vVCgGIKCg1tzqfKO94DDj717cQlzRxeq0DHcDlUS23W_PijnNJSeO1A_QFbnk4bUY7qSF79IjVBvDD57wdHxSGSwWZzdc96xGkf5943Rkjurjy40Okb82jatmEs7ComdeLX3/s1600/tv+stand+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTVpVpWV6vVCgGIKCg1tzqfKO94DDj717cQlzRxeq0DHcDlUS23W_PijnNJSeO1A_QFbnk4bUY7qSF79IjVBvDD57wdHxSGSwWZzdc96xGkf5943Rkjurjy40Okb82jatmEs7ComdeLX3/s400/tv+stand+8.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FqjLrb9rJKmZm9C100CNvf6yPqz-gRibb1v1-F3oaddQ-mxbYjXaSwnQLk1FYsALMCGFOj-Vv1otaG6zGuUg60EADwePR75n84TGUH3y9l2ojYP-_6j8Exs3fQVkIg043PLr6Fl0RGnl/s1600/tv+stand+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FqjLrb9rJKmZm9C100CNvf6yPqz-gRibb1v1-F3oaddQ-mxbYjXaSwnQLk1FYsALMCGFOj-Vv1otaG6zGuUg60EADwePR75n84TGUH3y9l2ojYP-_6j8Exs3fQVkIg043PLr6Fl0RGnl/s400/tv+stand+9.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It holds all of our DVDs. In fact, we have plenty of room to spare. The drawers are deep enough to hold two rows of DVDs.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx_G-UAwsl6TTDnzxpLchgugQzNXOT8C4SgBf2USzqFJjeEvZgO7PkP-3x-sVlxRKsG-UCvuSjxOl4R_Lozjp6BJHL5lCYb6jCAF3mZInvzufWrVGqdoKuDZDDxfIgU0NFFItVlpn9DyE/s1600/tv+stand+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx_G-UAwsl6TTDnzxpLchgugQzNXOT8C4SgBf2USzqFJjeEvZgO7PkP-3x-sVlxRKsG-UCvuSjxOl4R_Lozjp6BJHL5lCYb6jCAF3mZInvzufWrVGqdoKuDZDDxfIgU0NFFItVlpn9DyE/s640/tv+stand+10.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scriptures go here...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4K28UI5paLuVbGKK5daPyb63C60xXY13fnN63bIttk_r_GgjjC5SpWS4zTztRiNOpXxDcXNNTqpgYfRBf5wN2RMZcDAFH-aGhzSbFkD128sdUNUsPvfNPe9Nmb28qYT17h6tqwLgyUf_q/s1600/tv+stand+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4K28UI5paLuVbGKK5daPyb63C60xXY13fnN63bIttk_r_GgjjC5SpWS4zTztRiNOpXxDcXNNTqpgYfRBf5wN2RMZcDAFH-aGhzSbFkD128sdUNUsPvfNPe9Nmb28qYT17h6tqwLgyUf_q/s400/tv+stand+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Remotes go here...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI9g2M-gK7LWFv5BWfmvQ-FwwBi3ldStuIggKtl5EN5IBoayUBpaLziEtuWqlePhTuwSk6AH9JWsnOuPpucx33GzapOlLH2EtyEBn98Q1jZiyrT-CoMeWRuFjlTUBKg6mXU5hg9w3gPdX/s1600/tv+stand+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI9g2M-gK7LWFv5BWfmvQ-FwwBi3ldStuIggKtl5EN5IBoayUBpaLziEtuWqlePhTuwSk6AH9JWsnOuPpucx33GzapOlLH2EtyEBn98Q1jZiyrT-CoMeWRuFjlTUBKg6mXU5hg9w3gPdX/s400/tv+stand+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Video games systems here...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhOaCPde5V57O3cc64tR1XH62N0V99_atj7IvTB6g384mMfbTe1KNRlZmHDBkiu5fX8dKUYBXbnXSGgqNJiNkPhaDdMzrz7yEvUaU9RPehSbmqmkbJ7eLtSPagUQjMmv-Qj4DRrTIuL55/s1600/tv+stand+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhOaCPde5V57O3cc64tR1XH62N0V99_atj7IvTB6g384mMfbTe1KNRlZmHDBkiu5fX8dKUYBXbnXSGgqNJiNkPhaDdMzrz7yEvUaU9RPehSbmqmkbJ7eLtSPagUQjMmv-Qj4DRrTIuL55/s400/tv+stand+13.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And video games in here...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRv1rwLGlmvnlBYg8b_EXwKWhQ7pFTP5bAtAxXcZjx24kaEy76utaGbMxp6cEbMDhfrbx1x1a5DdwiV1PrXbYoP3mG78FYVIEKsQn4MfYgxG9G7H5RtJfBdhDhYG8vQBYkvXWdkGa4ujp/s1600/tv+stand+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRv1rwLGlmvnlBYg8b_EXwKWhQ7pFTP5bAtAxXcZjx24kaEy76utaGbMxp6cEbMDhfrbx1x1a5DdwiV1PrXbYoP3mG78FYVIEKsQn4MfYgxG9G7H5RtJfBdhDhYG8vQBYkvXWdkGa4ujp/s400/tv+stand+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And lastly, we removed the drawer that goes here and converted it into an open shelf for our DISH receiver. Our DVD player doesn't fit in there but it's so slim that we just set it on top by the TV. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgglgxjj4Iozy8O8z_A_WzLnYg80L6vpP76V19Vbf8uGyBGKhZnx5N0vZVQiWFsTGw1RnX2BQx2_yiDMWXjk3PfPcI3TsRFcnn9NAHc4JVzpqfh0mFwPqv82RlxToBrjWQssBr6DYPSJk/s1600/tv+stand+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgglgxjj4Iozy8O8z_A_WzLnYg80L6vpP76V19Vbf8uGyBGKhZnx5N0vZVQiWFsTGw1RnX2BQx2_yiDMWXjk3PfPcI3TsRFcnn9NAHc4JVzpqfh0mFwPqv82RlxToBrjWQssBr6DYPSJk/s400/tv+stand+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Overall, we're really happy with the way it turned out. It was <em>a lot</em> of work but worth it. We ended up spending about $150 total (that includes the price of the dresser, all new hardware, stain and supplies.) We saved hundreds by doing it ourselves! So next time you're thinking of buying new, consider buying old instead! It's a bit more work but very satisfying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje97JsLHPpOlsFathdLUB27xA-IWDelEmZ7VgzVBwFA-ES1gRa3w9IbCqmE7MO_fziO9MCVDXEeQDirfIlTiK2pptrQ4abkc-82gqGRHsDzRD-98mU38RpkLPtMTH1cLA4-L6RiVfD8XyZ/s1600/tv+stand+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje97JsLHPpOlsFathdLUB27xA-IWDelEmZ7VgzVBwFA-ES1gRa3w9IbCqmE7MO_fziO9MCVDXEeQDirfIlTiK2pptrQ4abkc-82gqGRHsDzRD-98mU38RpkLPtMTH1cLA4-L6RiVfD8XyZ/s400/tv+stand+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy DIYing!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; box-shadow: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-26430781510530745922011-04-14T11:09:00.000-07:002012-04-20T16:33:38.973-07:00Cute Little Camera Bag<div style="border: currentColor;">
I've been looking around lately for a pretty camera bag that was cute and functional. Unfortunately, "cute and functional" on a camera bag also means <u>expensive</u>. <a href="http://jototes.com/handbags/rose-marigold">Here's a bag</a> that I <em>loved.</em> I wasn't, however, loving that price. I've seen other bags for that much and even going up into the hundreds of dollars. No thanks. I don't want "cute and functional" <em>that</em> bad.</div>
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So, like I do with many problems like these, I made my own. :o) Now, I only made the<em> insert</em> on this bag. The bag itself is just a standard purse that I bought at Ross. Nothing fancy. But I love it! It's the perfect size and will hold my camera and all its accessories. And I definitely think it's cute and functional.<em> </em></div>
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<em>(And I do apologize for the icky quality of the photos. I had to use my old point and shoot. Am I glad I have my DSLR now!)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUmAxMAADY6I-intKZ4QQSoBgn4k89bLnakO420hOedybqzCOKS08OjKnZi4ebeaqThz0s9PEJ5_QcXxhDITxf6BqVVB3yeEKy4_afHdFHe13mgQ5gEgbaqfcmD5zk3zidC9X5beFXjW0/s1600/Camera+Bag+1+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUmAxMAADY6I-intKZ4QQSoBgn4k89bLnakO420hOedybqzCOKS08OjKnZi4ebeaqThz0s9PEJ5_QcXxhDITxf6BqVVB3yeEKy4_afHdFHe13mgQ5gEgbaqfcmD5zk3zidC9X5beFXjW0/s400/Camera+Bag+1+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I lucked out since foam was on sale at JoAnn at 50% off when I went. So I paid about $5 for 1 yard of 1/2 inch foam. The fabric I bought was 30% off and cost me about $5 for one yard (and I even have a little left over for another project!). Add in $1 more for velcro and my supplies came to $11! Love that price! </div>
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(I also love all the scribble marks on my cutting mat. We have a budding artist in our family.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2NSGgfdrQm6aln9vTgYIbQkcL3l-tHECnXLkaMd6T1R6ehpjt3p5EeP8oR24SxSNPWZDDye8oR217ZNvWgXVs_-3oGdfOYZ5-6XR7VLQF2jXvgFd_MsSfK6zaeV8Y2vjDTSMmjJYozNK/s1600/Camera+Bag+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2NSGgfdrQm6aln9vTgYIbQkcL3l-tHECnXLkaMd6T1R6ehpjt3p5EeP8oR24SxSNPWZDDye8oR217ZNvWgXVs_-3oGdfOYZ5-6XR7VLQF2jXvgFd_MsSfK6zaeV8Y2vjDTSMmjJYozNK/s400/Camera+Bag+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sewing this bag together was very similar to sewing bumper pads for a crib, just with smaller dimensions (and no crib ties, obviously!) The insert is completely removable. It just drops right into my bag. I can take it out and could even put it in a different bag if I wanted to (provided it fit). The sides are all 1/2 foam. I doubled up on the foam at the bottom of the insert so it would be extra padded.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG_b-qnkCWOKdXVC4Vp55r6qerpTXDUJhd6WjTPnAvkGe33dUdWzlPIsIpJCBYTn2MOIPVBsu2EDkzwiOthljt7Vuk7t2nOkzBkyvlD45bu1MO-6MfbaM6DPARFLTHO_QGopgZlsYbFDY/s1600/Camera+Bag+2+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG_b-qnkCWOKdXVC4Vp55r6qerpTXDUJhd6WjTPnAvkGe33dUdWzlPIsIpJCBYTn2MOIPVBsu2EDkzwiOthljt7Vuk7t2nOkzBkyvlD45bu1MO-6MfbaM6DPARFLTHO_QGopgZlsYbFDY/s320/Camera+Bag+2+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have five padded dividers, two small and three large. Each have velcro in strategic places so I can move them wherever I need them to be in my bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKZxL2jp__L7qflYiwCnXTSny7pfpodbcaEP-vguS5SbYT5uebVPh14JqnK2NB8kWisM-8rrishAyqtOYVcQMuErsbuR8cc9TL0BNJper9AzYqJAKpBiZ9EIGYHJPxMFdL2b2yV68xBqP/s1600/Camera+Bag+3+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKZxL2jp__L7qflYiwCnXTSny7pfpodbcaEP-vguS5SbYT5uebVPh14JqnK2NB8kWisM-8rrishAyqtOYVcQMuErsbuR8cc9TL0BNJper9AzYqJAKpBiZ9EIGYHJPxMFdL2b2yV68xBqP/s320/Camera+Bag+3+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrHjicaZkvgOrXtPgvdmRE2d_JPvSN_5j3zoi1kg1YxoyWqmFayb3C2qw01bW9CIJMqF342rTBzb4o97UmTmJEVA0rM6k5mXJlMkLKPWVYgmraSAUyaP30z20Wi6sxLbvqRcUNAaj4l7N/s1600/Camera+Bag+4+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrHjicaZkvgOrXtPgvdmRE2d_JPvSN_5j3zoi1kg1YxoyWqmFayb3C2qw01bW9CIJMqF342rTBzb4o97UmTmJEVA0rM6k5mXJlMkLKPWVYgmraSAUyaP30z20Wi6sxLbvqRcUNAaj4l7N/s320/Camera+Bag+4+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see that the extra lens I have fits perfectly in my little sectioned spot. And see that little section below it? Hopefully I will be putting a (new to me) lens there soon. I'm in the market for a 50mm f/1.7 lens. (Wish me luck on ebay today!)<br />
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So the next thing I will be working on for it is some kind of shoulder strap that I can attach onto it. That way I can easily carry it around while outdoors and I don't have to worry about someone trying to take it. And I love that this bag is a regular purse that comes with other extra pockets inside. I can just throw my keys, wallet, phone, gum, chapstick...whatever in there with my camera stuff and go! Simplifying is always a good thing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1tJNdZpOayz1HHtZEoaOuh3MGdrvQ_T4xbLSKcPZodeQ1UcUuVUIr6VVAt_j8krEMs0DVm_hnsC7KmH9eYWT-3zL3BvDuW4OKWOdg2zWU860_xNkKZmnsohpwJamD8q13htN-F9X8XPY/s1600/Camera+Bag+5+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1tJNdZpOayz1HHtZEoaOuh3MGdrvQ_T4xbLSKcPZodeQ1UcUuVUIr6VVAt_j8krEMs0DVm_hnsC7KmH9eYWT-3zL3BvDuW4OKWOdg2zWU860_xNkKZmnsohpwJamD8q13htN-F9X8XPY/s400/Camera+Bag+5+%2528with+stamp%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-56661271940861857592011-04-05T13:42:00.000-07:002011-05-02T13:14:43.238-07:00I ♥ RAW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWam8E8OLZ_1lSgk26XTa7MN-J0O25DIqwVF3p4oAPQ_OBmwuYWPemZP9Jtm3DQ0izMg_SxKUT5IPZsVQJSmgsNOtNaJQK4ZkkK_vpp6XkSyCFKboZ9_MEe6bC5xDAptzX1Y7hwXkfy3oe/s1600/I+heart+raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWam8E8OLZ_1lSgk26XTa7MN-J0O25DIqwVF3p4oAPQ_OBmwuYWPemZP9Jtm3DQ0izMg_SxKUT5IPZsVQJSmgsNOtNaJQK4ZkkK_vpp6XkSyCFKboZ9_MEe6bC5xDAptzX1Y7hwXkfy3oe/s400/I+heart+raw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've been doing research lately on the benefits of shooting in RAW as opposed to JPEG. If you aren't familiar with what RAW is, I will try to explain it as best as I can.<br />
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When your camera is set to JPEG format, you are basically allowing your camera to make all the decisions on how you want your image exposed (exposure, white balance, sharpness, brightness, etc.). Sometimes your camera gets it right, and sometimes it doesn't. A JPEG is also a compressed version of your image. Setting it to shoot in RAW allows <em>you</em> to make all the decisions and adjustments you want to get a correct exposure. Because of this, RAW files are considerably larger and you need editing software that will allow you to view, edit and convert them to JPEG (luckily Photoshop Elements does all this for me!)<br />
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There is plenty of info out there on the benefits of shooting RAW. So I finally decided to try it out for myself. I did a little test. My camera has a few different settings: Standard, Fine (what I usually shoot in), RAW + JPEG, and RAW. I decided to switch to RAW + JPEG for my experiment. This meant that when I took a picture, it recorded it in both a RAW file and JPEG. That way I could have the exact same image in both formats and edit them side by side (making the same or similar adjustments) to see the difference.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here's my SOOC (straight out of camera) image. Pretty terrible, huh? Olivia was walking out of the bright sunlight into the shaded patio area. It's terribly underexposed but it's going perfect for my experiment. :o)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXDHXqsIputJFmtXkSiZ-EBPscGBcbzppZsz7y48UQWz_f5_VSAXTV9QDN0BowtB-C3I88e75XcSlGrphCavjWf7DbhF76_xiYt3rnXMBYu17KmpvX6htfMFy2y97kHVMFFtiw7tB_lcn/s1600/Olivia+Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXDHXqsIputJFmtXkSiZ-EBPscGBcbzppZsz7y48UQWz_f5_VSAXTV9QDN0BowtB-C3I88e75XcSlGrphCavjWf7DbhF76_xiYt3rnXMBYu17KmpvX6htfMFy2y97kHVMFFtiw7tB_lcn/s400/Olivia+Original.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here is the JPEG version. I did my best with it to fix the exposure and coloring. But it still isn't quite right. See the weird coloring around her eyes, face and in her hair? She looks a little greenish.<br />
It just doesn't look right.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAiYCtw3iXJTmsAcG5xl-kfd-ZY9WqLSAutVLhkJlvh4xWaOBj08VXNJsceuoSed8XYl21OpOo_ILnGzXQ_dYQVvkWgH6ftkpq5wx_J1GGU8w9ukYA9AcG2uNpjZuRj-B3jCu-R0mStkf/s1600/Olivia+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAiYCtw3iXJTmsAcG5xl-kfd-ZY9WqLSAutVLhkJlvh4xWaOBj08VXNJsceuoSed8XYl21OpOo_ILnGzXQ_dYQVvkWgH6ftkpq5wx_J1GGU8w9ukYA9AcG2uNpjZuRj-B3jCu-R0mStkf/s400/Olivia+JPEG.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Finally, here is the RAW image that I adjusted myself on the computer. Notice how the coloring and exposure look so much better? And it was so easy to make these adjustments. I don't think I will ever go back to JPEG, again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCx__bLt0i0iTLU042XaHd4G7NMQKzP64PfeN0BewAj3C-nMzrlZOmip2tARoKQ0H2qIZp4aRbhzhjjrF8n4enD87S8TJgwBQqqrj0UFtMBshCTvSrvNIq87DZFCZWaljMYyI7HvTYHUK/s1600/Olivia+RAW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCx__bLt0i0iTLU042XaHd4G7NMQKzP64PfeN0BewAj3C-nMzrlZOmip2tARoKQ0H2qIZp4aRbhzhjjrF8n4enD87S8TJgwBQqqrj0UFtMBshCTvSrvNIq87DZFCZWaljMYyI7HvTYHUK/s400/Olivia+RAW.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here's one last side by side comparison. <em>(Click on it to really see the differences.)</em><br />
Do I have you convinced? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPbyihDxPSBDfifxkvS0PAq7mgWkt6i4nt1Yz6Xsr4695tmtS7TpthaqVOwLl54SuA0Uo0j3ZY5LbYIxgQQhQYjLRPWwpWMNG0LW2hLP7NmhNvAfmyBMpVnHzqOFknv8oKZy_uwcOpNvQ/s1600/side+by+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPbyihDxPSBDfifxkvS0PAq7mgWkt6i4nt1Yz6Xsr4695tmtS7TpthaqVOwLl54SuA0Uo0j3ZY5LbYIxgQQhQYjLRPWwpWMNG0LW2hLP7NmhNvAfmyBMpVnHzqOFknv8oKZy_uwcOpNvQ/s640/side+by+side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Happy picture taking!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; box-shadow: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-59474744137425978142011-03-29T10:47:00.000-07:002013-11-21T09:42:16.526-08:00Backdrop Stand<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you like to take pictures? Me too. Do you have a gorgeous house with gorgeous floors and modern walls? I don't either. But I have found the solution! A totally affordable, mobile backdrop frame! With just a few items from your local Home Depot or Lowes and for about $15, you can have one, too. The best part? You can completely disassemble it and store it away. Check out how to make one <a href="http://www.diyphotography.net/diy_studio_equipment_backdrop_stand">here</a>. </div>
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I modified mine a bit so I could have the baseboard, too. The fabric just hangs down, is pulled taut inbetween a baseboard and regular 1 x 4 board and clamped together. My "floor" is a bamboo rug I purchased <a href="http://www.naturalhomerugs.com/natural-rugs/bamboo">here</a>. I love it since I can roll it up and store it wherever. My "wall" is a tablecloth I found on clearance at Target (I hadn't ironed it yet, as you can see).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQDkceeOel03Y4a9l-_RwihNxUtapyltdVnXvGGIH-Q3pq-z1CMfYtb5lIRDoIeJDvd6MxiffMOdpF8fn6Rwqjoa6-3ODd4iFXp93bDVTAnacb5i7TAW9ggpTBLUdAfRUqdvQVhFkS6lp/s1600/backdrop+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQDkceeOel03Y4a9l-_RwihNxUtapyltdVnXvGGIH-Q3pq-z1CMfYtb5lIRDoIeJDvd6MxiffMOdpF8fn6Rwqjoa6-3ODd4iFXp93bDVTAnacb5i7TAW9ggpTBLUdAfRUqdvQVhFkS6lp/s640/backdrop+frame.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Now I can take beautiful photos in what appears to be my fancy-shmancy house. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPQEnZOO-XMAvD742YzopnE6mNvtCi-4KBWmKcOu9LWbW_HmTTYptiJGBqUcpHxiaIu7rKSiP9_dY3apogqmez_oG6JIm8zMZbqZ_7uJ9YHQyYg_NVDoyUO-rbZSz3Hu7_YKqJhbz6Pvf/s1600/backdrop+frame+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPQEnZOO-XMAvD742YzopnE6mNvtCi-4KBWmKcOu9LWbW_HmTTYptiJGBqUcpHxiaIu7rKSiP9_dY3apogqmez_oG6JIm8zMZbqZ_7uJ9YHQyYg_NVDoyUO-rbZSz3Hu7_YKqJhbz6Pvf/s400/backdrop+frame+2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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Wait a second... did we switch rooms?? Nope! Just backdrops and floors. The floor in this photo is actually a roll of paper purchased <a href="http://www.mardel.com/fadeless-paper-weathered-wood-48x12.aspx">here</a> (although if you're lucky you may be able to find it at your local Michaels or Joann stores in their "teacher supplies" section -- I recently found another roll at JoAnn for about $8.00) and the wall is about 3 yards of fabric from JoAnn. I would recommend a hard surface under the roll of paper so it doesn't bend and ripple. I just roll it out over my bamboo rug and it seems to work just fine. <br />
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With just a few minutes worth of work I can have a completely different look. The combinations are endless! Isn't it great? Now go make one for yourself and have fun fooling everyone, too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRKRydj2Sr6xcmZK_gUDxaNYbERM72bza7FqEt8BTrI8q0F2GrBTnKjHsvBB6A7cSQjUdi5eh6Xqt0W7kxiA7Z4JdQg_QhpAGiWVaOroRnmF0TlaHi8CR7lqZcMplFVUjO9pDua5Jb0TY/s1600/Finley+19+-+edit+butterscotch+%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRKRydj2Sr6xcmZK_gUDxaNYbERM72bza7FqEt8BTrI8q0F2GrBTnKjHsvBB6A7cSQjUdi5eh6Xqt0W7kxiA7Z4JdQg_QhpAGiWVaOroRnmF0TlaHi8CR7lqZcMplFVUjO9pDua5Jb0TY/s640/Finley+19+-+edit+butterscotch+%2528web%2529.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
Happy crafting!<br />
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<em>EDIT: I've had a lot of questions about how to add the baseboard to the backdrop. It's really easy! Think of it as "sandwiching" your fabric between a baseboard and a regular board and then clamping it tight on the sides. Just make sure that your regular board is about the same width as your baseboard.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7PqhuFm0YG6zBsAskWDb8RevqCUGCax5oCfu52nNp5GkGlUfd2xd8i3d8xY_K9zYIL9GVWwoatqxqh_EHyO3RudRi2o4bL6lStqXDXN_QJvM7VEScw5igWIhKXN4hDI2eQTyfWLl-Vwb/s1600/backdrop+how+to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7PqhuFm0YG6zBsAskWDb8RevqCUGCax5oCfu52nNp5GkGlUfd2xd8i3d8xY_K9zYIL9GVWwoatqxqh_EHyO3RudRi2o4bL6lStqXDXN_QJvM7VEScw5igWIhKXN4hDI2eQTyfWLl-Vwb/s640/backdrop+how+to.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<em>See all the extra fabric on the floor behind the backdrop? That's a good thing! Once your boards are clamped, pull all that extra fabric nice and tight! That will help minimize wrinkles. I even like to pull the fabric on the sides to make sure it's super tight. I hope that clears up any confusion! Good luck!</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-40363298154372041842011-03-14T18:03:00.000-07:002012-04-20T16:34:04.422-07:00Shabby Chic Baby Bench<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJop_W9vJAe1MpGVS6XhoDV2IjEknGhkSjMtqbPunRUvaKlJLOfBeDUEWmiZS22pvlkV8vNlZRB14yG4_DTva-sinbcGUe__9jRA2flQYO21SjuAfi3yzDUv3vdMzAXveqmVqgSl8d24W/s1600/DSC09843+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJop_W9vJAe1MpGVS6XhoDV2IjEknGhkSjMtqbPunRUvaKlJLOfBeDUEWmiZS22pvlkV8vNlZRB14yG4_DTva-sinbcGUe__9jRA2flQYO21SjuAfi3yzDUv3vdMzAXveqmVqgSl8d24W/s320/DSC09843+edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lately I have been fascinated with do-it-yourself photo props and backdrops. Since I dabble a bit in photography and have a couple of upcoming sessions, I thought I'd try my hand at a few of my own photo props.<br />
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Flickr is full of gorgeous photos of babies asleep in doll-sized beds, and they are darling! I wondered how hard it would be to make my own. But I thought, for practicality's sake, it should probably be something that I'll use for purposes other than photography. So I built a bench that is Olivia-sized! <br />
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If I had found <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/11/another-farmhouse-bed.html">this awesome plan</a> before beginning my bench I may have considered it... but then it would probably just sit in the garage between photo shoots. As it turns out, my little bench cost me about $11 to make so I guess I can't complain. Maybe someday I'll still build that little bed. It's super cute.<br />
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I started with a section of border fencing I found at Big Lots for $6. I liked the cute detail on it and thought it would work well for the back of my bench. </div>
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I used some scraps I had laying around for the basic structure (thank goodness for the chop saw and the nail gun!) and built the frame. I had to buy the wood for the slats which cost me another $5. A few cuts, screws, nails and wood glue later and I had this.</div>
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After filling in the holes and sanding everything down, I painted it white. I thought about using the paint I had leftover from the play kitchen. But I decided the bench would be more versatile if I left it white.</div>
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I sewed together a little seat cushion from some fabric I already had. And for a final touch of cuteness, I made a super fun and frilly accent pillow out of old t-shirts (I love re-using stuff!!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcnwVBdtTmIh8CGoKyFAj9UOPs1kx2IeSGVT9tiktK22rbBa2IrbbfdeERa5JRGa2Y7YLqvjv7bGcEcoWLcrjhR52-XH4B64cC9CJARykKquAD4eYo0nzahRio79dCHjnpknKQ-l7rGRg/s1600/DSC09847+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcnwVBdtTmIh8CGoKyFAj9UOPs1kx2IeSGVT9tiktK22rbBa2IrbbfdeERa5JRGa2Y7YLqvjv7bGcEcoWLcrjhR52-XH4B64cC9CJARykKquAD4eYo0nzahRio79dCHjnpknKQ-l7rGRg/s320/DSC09847+edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJop_W9vJAe1MpGVS6XhoDV2IjEknGhkSjMtqbPunRUvaKlJLOfBeDUEWmiZS22pvlkV8vNlZRB14yG4_DTva-sinbcGUe__9jRA2flQYO21SjuAfi3yzDUv3vdMzAXveqmVqgSl8d24W/s1600/DSC09843+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJop_W9vJAe1MpGVS6XhoDV2IjEknGhkSjMtqbPunRUvaKlJLOfBeDUEWmiZS22pvlkV8vNlZRB14yG4_DTva-sinbcGUe__9jRA2flQYO21SjuAfi3yzDUv3vdMzAXveqmVqgSl8d24W/s400/DSC09843+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And voila! Super cute, shabby chic baby bench for photo sessions...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryIrk_h96QiIVaKhkvnCCnY9_jkNoPFD0QHS5uiy5uRdqca2Jd9nPC-ZRQibAhFHgxhGU2xJQzyxYjNehN9lIHHskBVGUYZaNkKe785F4d47nePKrpy2BlKWo2Z5mqR3h2Vu6g_4_e2Or/s1600/I+love+to+read%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryIrk_h96QiIVaKhkvnCCnY9_jkNoPFD0QHS5uiy5uRdqca2Jd9nPC-ZRQibAhFHgxhGU2xJQzyxYjNehN9lIHHskBVGUYZaNkKe785F4d47nePKrpy2BlKWo2Z5mqR3h2Vu6g_4_e2Or/s640/I+love+to+read%2521.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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...or whatever! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4654HrUG99hupL8OASAC7KU0nG6cVmjzq7uhjBr9NEnvqHWva58s83fzv7arMOLadz8-7sCuLp126bXrPqV__nmbgDMWzT7iro3zki5M1bg6vFwWWBO7b8N7OTYdPBCwPRAzjn67gjpx/s1600/DSC09859+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4654HrUG99hupL8OASAC7KU0nG6cVmjzq7uhjBr9NEnvqHWva58s83fzv7arMOLadz8-7sCuLp126bXrPqV__nmbgDMWzT7iro3zki5M1bg6vFwWWBO7b8N7OTYdPBCwPRAzjn67gjpx/s400/DSC09859+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-45646997874402412552011-02-24T11:33:00.000-08:002011-06-23T19:37:20.080-07:00Bonjour!<div style="text-align: center;">Shailey had to make a clothespin doll representing a country from her family history. We chose France! I used the tutorial I found at <a href="http://goingsewcrazy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/02/clothespin-doll-tutorial.html">Going Sew Crazy</a> to use as a general guide, and we came up with this darling little doll. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oooo-laaa-laaa!</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cL5T5qdAOQMGEmJsn9Vn861IcHvHUehE8DnMIdpMaQQPPoAC3zp2yWMwAaSVE7yvtxAav2trKSFQ5mYIDWWJ71oc7FnaYRhiuQM_ztapFNLxifh6rR3N9nGO1FO3CRyrlOMwcg1uAv0-/s1600/shailey%2527s+clothespin+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cL5T5qdAOQMGEmJsn9Vn861IcHvHUehE8DnMIdpMaQQPPoAC3zp2yWMwAaSVE7yvtxAav2trKSFQ5mYIDWWJ71oc7FnaYRhiuQM_ztapFNLxifh6rR3N9nGO1FO3CRyrlOMwcg1uAv0-/s400/shailey%2527s+clothespin+doll.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had to make a few modifications since I couldn't find any doll heads or dowel caps at the craft store. But we're happy with the way she turned out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy crafting!</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; box-shadow: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-54255497515422506732011-02-23T10:34:00.000-08:002012-07-11T09:32:34.437-07:00Play Kitchen<div style="text-align: center;">
To kick off this creative blog, I have a monster of a project. It took a month to complete which I should have expected with four kids. But I am so happy that it's finally finished!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The play kitchen!</span></div>
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After getting tons of inspiration online (just go <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/11/inspiring-play-kitchens-and-a-smaller-fridge.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1000474@N22/?added=6">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/pkbuildalong/">here</a> for some fun play kitchen eye candy!) and searching craigslist for the perfect piece of furniture, I found this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq6FzpRnVyeDOaygg4Ytg5VW3_wxWLynLrLaFoLPo7MEdXUcRNKQp-h5k5TiZnR5XucVSy5bIK_2ANg-tZ59eViloZS-m5OC_2j689MSdcu8u0nDaSga9HXGbd97KrcZfbiBzjq6GDuqP/s1600/Play+Kitchen+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq6FzpRnVyeDOaygg4Ytg5VW3_wxWLynLrLaFoLPo7MEdXUcRNKQp-h5k5TiZnR5XucVSy5bIK_2ANg-tZ59eViloZS-m5OC_2j689MSdcu8u0nDaSga9HXGbd97KrcZfbiBzjq6GDuqP/s400/Play+Kitchen+Before.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took one look at it and knew it was meant to be a play kitchen. The lady I bought it from was so nice. She sold it to me for $60. I was so excited! </div>
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The hardest part of the entire kitchen redo was cutting out the holes for the sink and burners. I thought I was going to die. My jigsaw blade snapped off once (my heart stopped for a second there) and then after a few seconds of cutting, there would be so much friction that the wood would start smoking. I thought the whole thing would catch on fire. This is when I find out this thing was solid oak! </div>
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When I was down to the last few inches on the last hole and didn't think the jigsaw (and my nerves) could take anymore I just drilled several small holes along the cut line and hammered it out. I sanded it as much as I could. It isn't pretty but you don't even see it anyway so who cares?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLwU7mT7i7ndHJEAHTRzAkoHrJt2hsaukCVgtWL9LC8Iuxg5FwF_r1SiN4AWM3TFznF4tbSpshHi8KbsF5rtS-Q1Q23o0jxM_YB4qiJX_q30wCfzkAp2i_VO2Mrbcb8R0LN6AXQP4yef_/s1600/Play+Kitchen+Before+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLwU7mT7i7ndHJEAHTRzAkoHrJt2hsaukCVgtWL9LC8Iuxg5FwF_r1SiN4AWM3TFznF4tbSpshHi8KbsF5rtS-Q1Q23o0jxM_YB4qiJX_q30wCfzkAp2i_VO2Mrbcb8R0LN6AXQP4yef_/s400/Play+Kitchen+Before+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I added some trim here and there and then painted the whole thing. <em>(EDIT: For anyone interested, I used Behr's Seafoam Pearl to paint this kitchen.)</em> The back splash is just a 1 x 6 painted and découpaged with paper squares. I just so happened to have a square paper punch handy so getting uniform squares was a breeze. I chose colors that matched the fabrics I had already purchased (the main fabric used for the curtain and hot pads is from Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms collection).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn5tXgn11CAynKBGHs-7p1fJ_XgOJ-12SFhtnHcVvXpdAKkPfP2vqCZaxuqurYOhDd5W2YtI96IiqNM0g-9fArflVqFhOyaUdSQbAk5jYwnCrMZ9ePqqN7hW3hCNxXX7aAbiWlUgoYGFJ/s1600/Play+Kitchen+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn5tXgn11CAynKBGHs-7p1fJ_XgOJ-12SFhtnHcVvXpdAKkPfP2vqCZaxuqurYOhDd5W2YtI96IiqNM0g-9fArflVqFhOyaUdSQbAk5jYwnCrMZ9ePqqN7hW3hCNxXX7aAbiWlUgoYGFJ/s400/Play+Kitchen+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sink is just a metal bowl from the dollar store with an added sink strainer (also from the dollar store) screwed to the bottom to give it a more "sink like" appearance. The faucet, burners and knobs were purchased at a recycle center. The faucet was $5.00, the burners were $1.50 each (including the drip pans) and the knobs were $0.75 a piece. The burners were spray painted to look newer and the knobs and faucet just needed to be cleaned up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAN0gbUc3fmZgMlx075zd4uJDrYdF9C6TOCt8Zz5brmI147UKNZGN6YW_6jlmzA-CT-_cJrpIG2kfGRhQOXLTs6ZTqE1y6nxGXUt_rcmmDcl9THeDJGpd9N5LZOPf2yfxc-2RhzAc8Kca/s1600/Play+Kitchen+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAN0gbUc3fmZgMlx075zd4uJDrYdF9C6TOCt8Zz5brmI147UKNZGN6YW_6jlmzA-CT-_cJrpIG2kfGRhQOXLTs6ZTqE1y6nxGXUt_rcmmDcl9THeDJGpd9N5LZOPf2yfxc-2RhzAc8Kca/s640/Play+Kitchen+13.jpg" width="427" /> </a></div>
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The window was something I already had that my grandpa made for us. I just sewed the curtain and added little scallop trim underneath the window sill to help hide the lighting. And speaking of lighting...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJOeVipk7vaeiqezNI4hJltGP-L_ckEqiGvdfX0Nu37qNkREa3UwH5BM0ZLvEGAeDyvJ5UNlB0b6jG_HPbdR5dSui9rL8FojalCCyhGFjyoU226MLb2mKXfO5LsvsIQKzgPmOlLEz9G0e/s1600/Play+Kitchen+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJOeVipk7vaeiqezNI4hJltGP-L_ckEqiGvdfX0Nu37qNkREa3UwH5BM0ZLvEGAeDyvJ5UNlB0b6jG_HPbdR5dSui9rL8FojalCCyhGFjyoU226MLb2mKXfO5LsvsIQKzgPmOlLEz9G0e/s400/Play+Kitchen+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used rope lighting under the window to create down lighting on the countertop and then had that wrap around to the back and back through into the stove (idea came from my mom). I coiled it on the stove's ceiling to create a nice light-up effect. I only wish I could have had an on/off switch for the lighting. I have to plug and unplug it everytime. <em>(EDIT: A reader suggested using one of those push button on/off switch plug-ins you can buy and around Christmas to plug the lights into. I found one and now can just push that little sucker to turn the lights on and off!)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIobI2iqOHIECKWWqC86ds_-xarC2pYD9r-Laqtc_AytGbZSNMKeY0ywiF59XbQBlBQfowCE44vgTCByiQgdph321vCSV-qAfW_yL1gIH36TbXDyFVFJf5lsFrhlfU9cyos1Sx0tUQqyE/s1600/Play+Kitchen+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIobI2iqOHIECKWWqC86ds_-xarC2pYD9r-Laqtc_AytGbZSNMKeY0ywiF59XbQBlBQfowCE44vgTCByiQgdph321vCSV-qAfW_yL1gIH36TbXDyFVFJf5lsFrhlfU9cyos1Sx0tUQqyE/s640/Play+Kitchen+7.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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I built a platform for the cookie cooling racks, a.k.a. the oven rack, to sit on.<i> </i>The oven door is a piece of MDF that I had cut to size. I cut out the hole myself though with the jigsaw. I bought a piece of plexi-glass from a local plastic supplier for about $6.00.<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wih33CRZZFWZmuC9AayfJdZzwo6kGxKsspHKA8sub91VBvFul6xQ3KGfxcN52Mp2T4LZ9T0OiR5urc_WGfcRVmG_eDNW_OrRKgqZpWv0Xtm0Gm4y5RaMXm0v-QQdpGvUm_lgeboALTH3/s1600/Play+Kitchen+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wih33CRZZFWZmuC9AayfJdZzwo6kGxKsspHKA8sub91VBvFul6xQ3KGfxcN52Mp2T4LZ9T0OiR5urc_WGfcRVmG_eDNW_OrRKgqZpWv0Xtm0Gm4y5RaMXm0v-QQdpGvUm_lgeboALTH3/s400/Play+Kitchen+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Mmmmm. Pie anyone?</i></div>
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For the oven knobs, I bought some old oven knobs at the same recycle center that I bought the burners, faucet and stove knobs from. I just removed the old yucky knob part and replaced it with a washer and a sparkly $2.00 acrylic knob from Michaels. Doesn't it look pretty? Even if you can't twist them, I love how they turned out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACISxueCsDGNuTueaFzFzwUERLhiotCRxiDmVThBQ3HmWF0sj1Es2UyKX2ytCU08LecKSr9lYshMo9u2WiwND1rz8XrGzMBpMTbQLs3PaDDfk_hIF3GHjHhdc6ZwuktcASCTWtqDfN7W7/s1600/Play+Kitchen+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACISxueCsDGNuTueaFzFzwUERLhiotCRxiDmVThBQ3HmWF0sj1Es2UyKX2ytCU08LecKSr9lYshMo9u2WiwND1rz8XrGzMBpMTbQLs3PaDDfk_hIF3GHjHhdc6ZwuktcASCTWtqDfN7W7/s400/Play+Kitchen+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also picked up a couple more acrylic knobs from Michaels for the cupboard/refrigerator doors but I chose the lime green color for variety.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmOliSN_lhsRBfv3FflqBwNgVzNf8yV2AXO9jYmx0x8BcrjtV99OgTykntSzsC4vqJdL9Vvb09SeeaSbnf158-JyFQN86ULvNLIaWzeL0WZ2tSgZar-KkT0tEEzqUiwQ0S-Dsr5ORqTnt/s1600/Play+Kitchen+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmOliSN_lhsRBfv3FflqBwNgVzNf8yV2AXO9jYmx0x8BcrjtV99OgTykntSzsC4vqJdL9Vvb09SeeaSbnf158-JyFQN86ULvNLIaWzeL0WZ2tSgZar-KkT0tEEzqUiwQ0S-Dsr5ORqTnt/s640/Play+Kitchen+6.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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And the cupboard is big enough to hold all the play food, play dishes and any other toys that don't have a home yet.</div>
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For the side of the kitchen I added a magnetic whiteboard and hand made wooden clock. I bought a whiteboard but didn't like the plastic frame it came in. So I took it apart and built my own frame. It's not perfect, but I don't care!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_IVC0lCPvSpZfavCJN39LpUePLxHBZw-oTPEyN-znuWwp5h0TWFVufRt2ARq1aPVLxQ98lnYEMIjdzbHInqNefL0hjNKZrgM33aWXZLEYRwQy5BOKkQpmErrHLrg2K8KgqjRhNCcFrnF/s1600/Play+Kitchen+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_IVC0lCPvSpZfavCJN39LpUePLxHBZw-oTPEyN-znuWwp5h0TWFVufRt2ARq1aPVLxQ98lnYEMIjdzbHInqNefL0hjNKZrgM33aWXZLEYRwQy5BOKkQpmErrHLrg2K8KgqjRhNCcFrnF/s640/Play+Kitchen+18.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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The magnets (except for the kitty one and the flowers) were hand made by me using découpage. The clock was also découpaged with scrapbook paper and numbers cut out on my cricut. The clock's hands are movable so the kids can practice telling time! Pretty <i>and</i> practical!</div>
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The whole kitchen sits on our hearth blocking the fireplace we never used anyway. Oh, and see that cute little apron hanging up on the side? My mom made that for Shailey for her birthday using a second hand blouse. She's in the process of setting up her own Etsy shop selling fun things made from second hand clothing. Keep checking <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SecondChancesbySusan?ga_search_query=second+chances+by+susan&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Second Chances by Susan</a> on Etsy because she plans to set up her shop soon! <em>(EDIT: For those wondering about the little pink phone, it actually works... when it's plugged in. It used to be a cream color but I spray painted it pink!)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFgziRsQekCKN2e9ZQD9LjES1babfeMpLE9i9ep75evOv1xsIgcd9ktoRoA8Sx63GxRVr0iU8K5BD7xtKuMBFWvqaV8v8jznW7l_Ec5a1a66CBAvHXAbEABKCyi6uJKBhbZTzJVuxoVbm/s1600/Play+Kitchen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFgziRsQekCKN2e9ZQD9LjES1babfeMpLE9i9ep75evOv1xsIgcd9ktoRoA8Sx63GxRVr0iU8K5BD7xtKuMBFWvqaV8v8jznW7l_Ec5a1a66CBAvHXAbEABKCyi6uJKBhbZTzJVuxoVbm/s640/Play+Kitchen+1.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Overall, I am so happy with the way it turned out. It was worth all the time and effort that went into it. Thanks to all the wonderful inspiration out there! Keep making beautiful things and inspiring others to do the same! Happy crafting!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; padding: 0pt;" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389849355806709150.post-15397927134770531902011-02-09T18:29:00.001-08:002011-02-16T10:33:14.552-08:00New Creative BlogI hope to post all of my little creative projects on here. Now where to begin?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/79/C6C40545071277B2597062363BA05496.png" style='padding: 0; -moz-box-shadow: none !important; -webkit-box-shadow: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; background: transparent;'/></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767163873071632064noreply@blogger.com3