Inspiring Projects

Since my "Door Project" isn't ready to post, I thought I'd share with you a few projects that I've seen in blogland that I REALLY like.

The first one is the concrete countertop that Dawn at Creative Cain Cabin did. I absolutely LOVE it!! It's beautimous!! Dawn - you and your hubs did a wonderful job!! I love the color you chose!!!


You can get Dawn's full post here!!


These drop cloth pillows are too stinkin cute!!!



Flann over at Three Sisterz posted her project using drop cloths.  I am seriously lovin' anything 'drop cloth'!  Go see her full post here!


I am so lovin' this bathroom redo.  I love how Susan used all the baskets and how she made the tags!!



Great job!  Go visit Susan's post at http://www.homeroad.net/

And last but not least - - check out these pictures!!  They are AWESOME, and they're NOT what you think they are!!!



Read Jane's post about these fun pictures HERE!  Her blog "Little House of Projects" is really cute!

That's all I have for now - - I'm heading to the basement to work on a couple of my projects!!

Hugs ~~ Suz

I Believe In Miracles

Spring is surely around the corner, even though Mother Nature seems to be trying to give us an extended winter this year.  With Spring, the world becomes alive again.  Beautiful flowers.......  singing birds......  fresh air............  All wonderful signs of renewal and rebirth.................  and hope.

Spring is also a time that many communities hold their annual Relay for Life events......... This event celebrates life and birthdays, and honors loved ones that have lost their battles with cancer.  In January, I posted about cancer and all the loved ones in my life that have been affected by this disease.  The list, unfortunately, is too long.

And I didn't even tell my sister-in-law's story.  She has lost her mother and two sisters to breast cancer.  My niece, Abby, and her cousins have formed a team and they participate in the annual Susan G. Komen walk in St. Louis.  They have formed a very tight sisterhood through their experiences. 

This weekend Abby is having a surprise birthday party for her mom.  I had several ideas for a gift for Les, but nothing I was over the moon about, until I saw Audrey Hepburn's quote that is being used in this year's Pink fight against cancer.  And then I knew what I wanted to do.

I had this frame, but never had used it for my original idea, so I used it tonight.   The decorative paint around it had a lot of gold and brown tones so I decided to paint it -- I wanted something lighter.  After I taped off the glass and the outside edges with blue painter's tape, I painted a layer of pink metallic acrylic paint.  After it dried, I dry brushed white over it.  After that had dried, I gave it a good coat of Mod Podge. 

While everything was drying, I printed out the quote I used. After the Mod Podge dried I removed the tape, cleaned the glass, and inserted my quote.  Here's the finished product.

I don't know how well you can read the whole quote, so here it is:

I believe in Manicures.
I believe in Overdressing.
I believe in Primping at leisure
and wearing Lipstick.
I believe in Pink.  I believe that
Laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in Kissing; kissing a lot.
I believe in BEING STRONG
when everything seems to be going wrong.
I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day, and
I Believe in Miracles.
                                  Audry Hepburn

Thanks for checking out my project!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs ~~ Suz

I'm posting at these Linky Parties!!

My Lamp Was Featured!!

Amanda over at Craft Gossip commented on my 'Another Lamp' post to let me know she picked it to be featured with 8 other lamps on her page. Here's a link to get you over to CraftGossip.com.  I feel so honored to have had my little lamp chosen considering all of the talent I see every day.  I get my ideas and inspriation from all of you.  So, really - - we were ALL featured!!!

 I worked on 4 different projects yesterday.

1st:  Mr. Inspiring's grandma is in an assisted living home.  We have a picture of her and a picture of grandpa that we want to put on one of her walls.  So, I cut some vinyl to put in between the pictures.  (I'll post a picture after we put them up this evening - I can't wait!  It's gonna be so cute!!)

Ok - - Put Grandma Inspiring's wall together last night.  She sat on her bed and watched as me and Mr. Inspiring put it all together.  She LOVED it!!!  I'm so happy.  She was telling me how nice it looked and thanked me a few times for all the time I put into it.  (If she only knew how EASY the cricut and SCAL made it for me!!)  Here's a picture of the wall!!  (Taken with my phone......)

2nd: Grandma mentioned that she would like to have her name on her door.  Well, my SIL decorated her door for valentines day, and I think Grandma liked it - - no one else had a decorated door.  So I think that's where she came up with having her name on it.  Anyway - I had a poster frame (18" x 24") that I had used for anything and thought it would be perfect for this project.  It turned out cute (if you ignore the fact that I only have 12" x 12" paper!)!!  We're going to hang that this evening, too, so a picture of it will be coming soon!

Got her name sign on her door.  Grandma Inspiring was really happy with this, too.  She's so cute!!  I don't think anyone will have a problem finding her room!!  She thanked me for this a few times, too, and mentioned how much time it took me to make it for her.  (I used my cricut and SCAL for this one, too.) 

Since it was a poster frame, the black 'frame' is actually 4 pieces of plastic that kind of wrap around the edges.  They slide off and on pretty easily.  Well, I didn't want to have to worry about this falling apart or the 'frame' sliding, so I hot glued it in place to keep it all together.  The ribbon was just white cotton-ish ribbon I had laying around, so I stamped it with my "Live Laugh Love" stamp.  I didn't embellish it too much because with all the flowers on the background paper, I thought that it would be 'over done', and not be so easy for Grandma to read.  I think it turned out pretty cute. 

And just so's ya'll know - -  you CAN'T use dry erase markers on plexi-glass.  Found that out when I made Grandma's perpetual calendar.  You can see that here. 

3rd:  I stripped more paint off of my old window that I want to put up in my bedroom.  The old paint was chippy and I loved the look, but the paint was chipping off and since it's old, I figured the paint was probably heavy with lead...........  I figured it's better to be safe than sorry.  Plus, some of the wood is really REALLY dark - looks like it had been wet for a while - and I wanted to sand it a little to see what's up.  The paint stripped didn't get it ALL off, but the rest is NOT chipping or flaking.   

4th:  Mr. Inspiring brought in the door that I'm going to use for my headboard.  It was never painted and I believe the wood is a heavy pine of some sort.  Anyway - it was pretty dirty around where the knob goes and since it hadn't been painted, I figured if I just washed it, the wood would soak up the water and maybe stain it more.  I sanded it with some 150 grit paper and WOW - - it looks like a brand new door!  I can't wait to start layering my paint colors and work on distressing and aging it to make it look like an old door!!! 

Did I mention that I found this door on Craigslist?  The guy wanted $50 per door, and I ended up with 4 doors for $100!!  I think he thought I was nuts when I told him I wasn't going to hang them as doors.....

This is almost a brand new door!  Never painted or anything!!  The windows still have that protective plastic wrap on them - - on both sides!!  That will help when I'm painting!!!  WOO HOO!!

That's what I did yesterday!!  Have a great week, everyone!!  Stop by and say hi!! 

Hugs ~~ Suz









 

Perfect Timing!!

Late last week, a produce truck carrying pineapples and strawberries overturned on the on-ramp on the way into our town. No one was hurt, but apparently, when something like this happens, they can't just scoop their load up, transfer it to another truck, and deliver the goods. So while the fruit was all still good, it was just all going to be tossed.

The guy that runs the wrecker service salvaged the goods. One of our good friends was able to get a whole pick up bed full of strawberries. Then he was like Santa, delivering them all around town. And yes!! We made the list!! I ended up with 35 pounds. Yes POUNDS of fresh strawberries!!! OOHHHH YUM!!! I gave away 18 pounds. I cut the rest up and froze so I can make strawberry jam in a few weeks (My families FAV!!). While I was cleaning them, I picked out the prettiest berries.

And made Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

No Recipe (Super easy - - don't need one)
Not sure if I really even ate one before. But, it was Valentines weekend, so I gave it a whirl!

Oh My Gosh!!! Love them!!

Here are my pics....

All I did was melt some chocolate almond bark in a double-boiler.  Grabbed the strawberry by the stem and dunked it..........  Placed it on parchment paper to set.  Then I melted some white/vanilla almond bark in a zipper bag (just put it in boiling water).  When it was melted, I snipped a small corner off and just drizzled it over the chocolate part.  Soo stinkin easy!!

Perfect timing - - I was able to give a few of these babies out for Valentine's day!!  What a special treat!!

I also tried to make cake balls.  At the time of inspiration, I only had strawberry cake mix (wish I had chocolate....)  I think in my excitement for making them, I didn't let them set up in the frig as long as I should have.  It didn't affect the taste at all, but they just aren't as pretty as some I've seen you all do!!  But...

Like I said - - the taste was NOT affected!!  Now - -I just can't wait to try chocolate one!!!

I followed Bakerella's recipe and Jen at CraftOManiac..... Their's look a lot (A LOT) yummier!!!

Thanks for visiting!!  Have a great day!!

Hugs ~~ Suz

I'm Joining These Linky Parties:

My First Award

Stacey over at Embracing Change sent me a sweet note and let me know that she sent me "The Versatile Blogger" award.... What a nice thing to wake up to this morning! Thank you, Stacey!



Here are the rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Answer 10 questions.

3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy.

4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award.

And the 10 questions are:

1. Why did you create your blog?
I created my blog so that I would hold myself 'accountable' for all the projects I want to do.  And - it is helping me!!  I love posting on weekly linky parties and I hate it when I miss a week!! 

2. What kind of blogs do you follow?
I love following all of you creative people!!  Crafting (any kind), decorating, furniture re-do's, cooking/baking, card making, quilting..........  I love them all!  What everyone comes up with is so amazing to me!!

3. Favorite brand of make up..
Well.... that's kind of a 'left-field' question......  I don't think I really have a favorite.  In fact, when I'm creating, I tend to forget that make up exists...... YOU know how that is...... in the middle of a project and run out of something or can't find something you thought you had, so you just make a quick trip to WalMart.......  and isn't that ALWAYS the time you see everybody and their brother that know you???  I'm working on that.  I promise.  One of my good friends told me, when we were first becoming friends, is that she always wears her make up.  NEVER leaves home without it.  She said (and I know it sounds so cliche) that you only get one chance to make a first impression.  What if that person you just met has a job opening for someone with your skills.........  Anyway - - I'm working on it.  I NEVER go to work without makeup...

4. Favorite brand of clothing.
Trends come and go......... Remember The Limited and their Outback Red label??  I loved it.  Casual Corner - There was a time that was all I would wear to work.  However, through the years, I have always loved Levis jeans.  They are the only brand of jeans I wear.  I'm also sort of getting into Tommy Hilfiger - - that I buy on an extremely good sale at the outlet..... NEVER full price.  EVER.  NO....   But my FAVORITE BRAND is  anything that is comfortable and fits well and looks nice. 

5. Indispensible make up product.
Most indispensible that I put on everyday....  that would be a smile and a great attitude.   Ok, not a product, but.........  it's more important that a product.  Outside beauty/looks fade.  People remember how you treat them for a long time.........  Great attitude is timeless...........

6. Favorite color.
I think this is the hardest question....  It depends on what you're referring to........ clothing? wall color? crayon?  Its probably easier for me to tell you what is my least favorite..........  Pink...........  I think I had a pink sweater my Junior year of high school that was my FAV........ and then my Senior Prom dress was Barbie Pink..........  I think I just got my fill of the dang color.......

7. Favorite perfume.   Tommy Girl  or Body by Victoria

8. Favorite movie.
I so have to agree with Stacey on this one.  The Notebook.... I *sob* everytime  yes EVERYtime I watch it.  It just gets to me.  It just describes what I think is absolute True Love.   Sound of Music and Pretty Woman rank up there, too.

9. What country would you like to visit and why.
Wow....... is it really even safe to travel to another country..........  I think it would have to be Australia.  I'd love to go 'down under'.  Or Italy - - I could eat my way around the country!!!!  I love Italian food!!

10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?
I'd rather forget blush.........  It's pretty noticeable when someone forgets mascara!!!

Now to pass along this award to those blogs I am currently enjoying...here are my nominees:

mom24boys Here is a link to her blog - - check it out!  She's really made it cute!! 
Krista at Blissful Craziness - Click here to go visit her!
Deb at DeJaRenew - Check her out here! She made a new button and it's soo cute!!  Great Job!!
Sara at Faded Country - I love her blog and all of her pictures!!  Cute family!!
Lesa at Home Frosting - check out her Tile Backsplash!! Click here!
Nan at You Could Make That will have a give away when she hits 100 followers!  she's at 91!
Tina at Scratchy Cat Crafter - click here to visit her cute blog!!

Those are my 7!!  Please let me know when you post!!

Hugs ~~ Suz

Better Late Than Never!!

Last week I posted my 'tute' on painting stars, but I didn't say what I was painting them on, now, did I???

hhmmmmmmmmmm  what could it have been??

Well............. get ready!!!  And I'll tell you!!

I (finally) jumped on the 'Drop Cloth Curtain' bandwagon.........  I know that some of you are thinking
"That was, like,  ssooo two years ago...."  I can't help it - - I only started blogging in December and I never heard of doing ANYTHING with dropcloths, except using them as, well, dropcloths!!!

My window is 9.5 feet wide.......  and since I wanted the curtains to kind of 'pool' on the floor, I needed them to be 7.5 feet long............  I ended up getting a drop cloth that was 10' x 14' (I think) and it shrunk.  After I washed it, I needed to cut it in half.  I found out, though, after I washed it, that it already had a seam right down the middle.  I didn't have to cut it after all!!  I just needed to take apart the seam!

Then I ironed it.  And ironed it.  And ironed it some more........ and by looking at some of my pictures, you can't even tell that I ironed it........  But it's ok, I don't want pristine, starched curtains......  I really like these.

Then I painted the stars.  The tutorial is here, in case you missed it last week.

I sewed the sides back up that were sewn together, and I hemmed the flap under the stars.  I wanted to be sure that I hung them strait, so I measured the star flap 17 1/4" and stitched about a 1/4" inch from the fold.  I clipped my curtain clips on and slid them on the rod and ............ here they are!!!

Please excuse the sheets we have on the furniture.  I love our furniture, but..... so do our cats.......  and they are a pain to vaccuum.  So is the furniture!!  Just Kidding!!!  It's just easier to have the sheets on there from day to day, so if company does stop by, I can pull them off and not worry about hair all over their clothes!!!

Anyway - - those are MY drop cloth curtains......... I hope you like!   ( I think I might have hubs raise the rod about an inch or so - - not sure if I like the window casing showing at the top....)

These were sooo easy and.......... not expensive at all!!  I think the drop cloth was $24.  I had the paint and everything else........  I did have to buy a new curtain rod.  I REALLY wanted to used galvanized pipe to hang them up on, but, since we're planning on putting the house up for sale, I didn't want people to see it and think.......... hhmmmm  what weird people live here!!!  I'm going to save the galavanized pipe idea for the new house, and I can't wait!!!  I got this curtain rod at Kohl's, and it was the most expensive part of the whole project!!! 

Thanks for looking!!!

Hugs ~~ Suz

I'm linking these up at:


















































































On 8/13/11, I linked up here: