tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47294257820647166852024-02-19T05:23:50.142-08:00glue and paperThis is a love story... and it starts when glue meets paper.Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14352474771804198801noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-4824019585588831522016-02-02T09:07:00.002-08:002016-02-02T09:07:50.439-08:00Thin Mint Rice Squares<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This recipe is inspired by Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies (which I used to love). But this version is gluten free and vegan and takes just a few minutes to make! And once you taste this head to head with the cookie, you may never order thin mints again. (Sorry Girl Scouts.) Use quality cocoa, chocolate chips, and peppermint oil for the best flavor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u11H2oxwnSnjewrMAqwYamSYUy28RvfWxMH4UDIA3O_N-YuIZ9oML_fF_9wft2gqXPul8HBwPn_EUszuU9crkbEsHGdGnwnjFmDj9GwAAapwcOL0mS0wEF51Q19DZpjO8dx8HM1cpgc/s1600/_DSC1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u11H2oxwnSnjewrMAqwYamSYUy28RvfWxMH4UDIA3O_N-YuIZ9oML_fF_9wft2gqXPul8HBwPn_EUszuU9crkbEsHGdGnwnjFmDj9GwAAapwcOL0mS0wEF51Q19DZpjO8dx8HM1cpgc/s640/_DSC1396.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>100 Calorie Thin Mint Rice Squares</b></span></div>
1 tsp coconut oil<br />
2 Tbsp semi sweet chocolate chips (or chopped up chocolate bar... I used Kirkland Signature chocolate chips)<br />
2 drops peppermint oil (use a good essential oil for best flavor... I used DoTerra Peppermint oil)<br />
1 T powdered sugar<br />
1 heaping T cocoa powder (I love Rodelle cocoa)<br />
1- 1/2 cups rice squares cereal (ie- Chex, but I used Aldi brand rice squares)<br />
<br />
In a microwave safe bowl, melt coconut oil and chocolate chips together (about 30 seconds at a time until melted). Add 2 drops of peppermint oil and mix well. Add 1-1/2 cups of rice square cereal and mix gently until the cereal is evenly coated with the melted chocolate mixture. Add the powdered sugar and the cocoa powder. Mix gently until the cereal is evenly coated.<br />
<br />
Nutrition information: If you divide it up into three servings, each has about 100 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 1 gram of fiber. Not bad.<br />
<br />
I prefer my chocolate dark, rich, and not too sweet. You can tweak this recipe's sugar/cocoa powder ratio if you like it sweeter: 1 T cocoa powder and 1 heaping T powdered sugar. This will add to the calories slightly.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-32862905584006526612014-04-08T07:38:00.002-07:002014-04-08T07:38:54.416-07:00Spray paint season!I must admit, with the weather warming up, I am getting excited for spray paint season! <br />
Who's with me?!<br />
<br />
I have a bunch of spray painting projects just waiting for the 70 degree weather. <br />
Bring it on!<br />
<br />
Until then, here is my latest project...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ-PqqJu-tfH6qPJaNqcLtqMiwRW1UIz__eOVc-PjhoxvB_T36P08wJPjpmUiPpjlTZ6tobua3tmrubikhb0kGIGxVoSr0cLl0ORkCzEcNXBj4MC1qdj1is6rRD2BK9ecCt5ZGEwHf7k/s1600/untitled-170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ-PqqJu-tfH6qPJaNqcLtqMiwRW1UIz__eOVc-PjhoxvB_T36P08wJPjpmUiPpjlTZ6tobua3tmrubikhb0kGIGxVoSr0cLl0ORkCzEcNXBj4MC1qdj1is6rRD2BK9ecCt5ZGEwHf7k/s1600/untitled-170.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(We make cute babies.)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And speaking of spring... we got to play with lambs! More pictures and the story <a href="http://nicollfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-lambs.html">here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcD3QcFIQfgWRHRge3lfZEafgEF6vr5BrOWyvtjAwP3tTCVoarqytewcNP7calPNMVU4btytxfMXNbS6sgxOENKpzxzCx1ACoT8mi5ZNpklUt2JLE5O-rMFPmGp-hZUgsjKnw0JmCYdc/s1600/untitled-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcD3QcFIQfgWRHRge3lfZEafgEF6vr5BrOWyvtjAwP3tTCVoarqytewcNP7calPNMVU4btytxfMXNbS6sgxOENKpzxzCx1ACoT8mi5ZNpklUt2JLE5O-rMFPmGp-hZUgsjKnw0JmCYdc/s1600/untitled-117.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(If this picture doesn't thaw out your winter chills, nothing will!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-30023608396907100712014-02-22T12:42:00.000-08:002014-02-22T12:42:06.419-08:00Baby bassinet remixOne week (or so) until baby comes... hopefully sooner.<br />
We got rid of baby stuff long ago. So we are starting over with the gear.<br />
The thing is, I already know how quickly babies grow out of stuff, and that we are probably done having babies, so I didn't want to spend a fortune on equipment.<br />
So I have been searching Craigslist. (Yikes.)<br />
I found a crib for $50 that sounded nice enough, new enough, and good enough (I made sure there were no recalls on the make/model). It turns out a family from our elementary school was selling it... and for $50, I got the crib and they threw in this bassinet (it converts to a changing table) for free! And they delivered it!!! <br />
First, I washed every scrap of fabric on the bassinet. There were lots of snaps, velcro and zippers, but it all came off. Once it was washed and put back, it looked good as new... but really neutral...<br />
and boring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLrIbNkwwM6r8e76t3AtVIB9EDJawXakbG_FQ54DYRwWYYsEO5HZ6x_KR80b0FucDdHwuRdmg2fI4KClN970NfYqfCyCM_JXaivdIIuYWEi2OVc0fgHo8FwA5xFJy-_mizwSnlHNbWeU/s1600/untitled-041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLrIbNkwwM6r8e76t3AtVIB9EDJawXakbG_FQ54DYRwWYYsEO5HZ6x_KR80b0FucDdHwuRdmg2fI4KClN970NfYqfCyCM_JXaivdIIuYWEi2OVc0fgHo8FwA5xFJy-_mizwSnlHNbWeU/s1600/untitled-041.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
And then I got an idea...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7PFxAnQdIGEBsuniNftDOeRfNT2uwDY5BhdqZIrqPv_j3q7igYG9LpGmpFl6aWHdv8TuCKRaezkbMwDsn3bOACrpskMPb1BTk3jotAJ2dpjxdUDMXAlykFo5yk6RAaJV_QJJuDEcdGM/s1600/untitled-048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7PFxAnQdIGEBsuniNftDOeRfNT2uwDY5BhdqZIrqPv_j3q7igYG9LpGmpFl6aWHdv8TuCKRaezkbMwDsn3bOACrpskMPb1BTk3jotAJ2dpjxdUDMXAlykFo5yk6RAaJV_QJJuDEcdGM/s1600/untitled-048.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then I got fabric...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj7YwG6JqL93hyPa-OZEE3qFcu792X1hEra_nH-79XuURuJXy8p3w_TV8US5iyUARIbDBHKpHfLMcIWf2QOds1f9o4VJI4Y5iPaIT3t8VwG-6fgjojLQbch9uyhP6vTo8v7UtycKrJm4/s1600/untitled-049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj7YwG6JqL93hyPa-OZEE3qFcu792X1hEra_nH-79XuURuJXy8p3w_TV8US5iyUARIbDBHKpHfLMcIWf2QOds1f9o4VJI4Y5iPaIT3t8VwG-6fgjojLQbch9uyhP6vTo8v7UtycKrJm4/s1600/untitled-049.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made long covers for the sides of the bassinet. I cut strips of fabric about 6 inches wide, folded them over about 1/3 of the way down, so that both the right sides and back sides of the fabric strips showed (I like how the back side shows the pattern and colors, only softer... so sometimes I make the back side of fabric show on purpose), and then I ran a long stitch long the folded side. Once I had the long stitch across, I gathered the fabric by pulling on the top thread... to make ruffles. Lots of ruffles! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4oSYZBjCs66jRr5k5A6hjh6oeyUNUN3-fk6e5krsvnPS05a6TKlNYDI2wCOPrTqm7wHdBoh1O1Ezyg-XuMzavKRkYRhpXcpElu2TzhzacEA_p6-QJ8pItJ5koeplvgc11HTIdoU0708/s1600/untitled-046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4oSYZBjCs66jRr5k5A6hjh6oeyUNUN3-fk6e5krsvnPS05a6TKlNYDI2wCOPrTqm7wHdBoh1O1Ezyg-XuMzavKRkYRhpXcpElu2TzhzacEA_p6-QJ8pItJ5koeplvgc11HTIdoU0708/s1600/untitled-046.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
I added a ruffle to the hood, and pinned a cute felted wool flower to the inside (for baby to look at) and onto the hood (for cuteness).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ3HRva7fHDi_6mbrSybyPF-3xliGvvYXMU11OjUvFSo8Md58-BgZLgcx8g28J_iHVG3MSLKG3cM_NaVP4qkjdtueTGl2izPfi_FdEBxFGNByOeMvKZpsthYPmAMIXjaLSy1lIuOrc-4/s1600/untitled-047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ3HRva7fHDi_6mbrSybyPF-3xliGvvYXMU11OjUvFSo8Md58-BgZLgcx8g28J_iHVG3MSLKG3cM_NaVP4qkjdtueTGl2izPfi_FdEBxFGNByOeMvKZpsthYPmAMIXjaLSy1lIuOrc-4/s1600/untitled-047.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
I pinned a few felted wool flowers (I made a bunch of these for Valentines Day, these were leftovers) over the embroidered words on the organizer... much better. And I stocked up the organizer thing with diapers, wipes, burp cloth, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgXNveFjw52i8WaA96uOX9XfsA0Zk4AqbZPhsHq6T9ANsREnsQ3ak99QLbPanDxqGB46Umk3w-tQrISfdgBwicph1CazkuiOIbj1JAsT-YR1wJKVs4J1PM8njsnNjtzkt8GgzVqtRy5U/s1600/untitled-058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgXNveFjw52i8WaA96uOX9XfsA0Zk4AqbZPhsHq6T9ANsREnsQ3ak99QLbPanDxqGB46Umk3w-tQrISfdgBwicph1CazkuiOIbj1JAsT-YR1wJKVs4J1PM8njsnNjtzkt8GgzVqtRy5U/s1600/untitled-058.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Okay, now baby has a nice place to dream. Doesn't it look cozy?<br />
Ruby immediately pulled up a stool to check it out. Ruby approved.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSw3AGyDTSysUle3aLUezb-HYE4UdT-mguklPuJizf6hCOIkVDUVeSrSpFEuZ4xHSr8Qp33QIv0r_QuKtxBdM1KE4JKb8znW_cYIpuSOFp9pb63wiB6KAKEu16y5WixC8UwWnlXI3c4s/s1600/untitled-061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSw3AGyDTSysUle3aLUezb-HYE4UdT-mguklPuJizf6hCOIkVDUVeSrSpFEuZ4xHSr8Qp33QIv0r_QuKtxBdM1KE4JKb8znW_cYIpuSOFp9pb63wiB6KAKEu16y5WixC8UwWnlXI3c4s/s1600/untitled-061.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Anytime now, baby. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-40300156278021883472014-01-17T14:15:00.002-08:002014-01-17T14:15:40.006-08:00A Harry Potter Birthday Party... on the cheapAlli turned ten this year... which is a big deal. And she wanted a Harry Potter-themed birthday party. <br />
First we checked out Pinterest. There are some great ideas out there. But I was trying to keep this party cheap, fun, and not too time-consuming.<br />
<br />
To decorate, we gathered up stuff we already had... books, a bird cage, stuffed owl, round plastic glasses, a witch broom, a wand (stick), a witch hat. Alli sewed a golden snitch out of felt. (I spent $0 on this.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8PMS00lhfMVFkYaM5MsWo_R45IF6QB6X60wWMubl2qvPE5O-lR5n7gLeVIDhE2rRIQGWCWryP6TdOWFl6S2onARJF1Br_tfvaqTt8_2TerBNg5jUN9-Cz5w62SRQRdx11MnVLlM4GJ8/s1600/TN9A2978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8PMS00lhfMVFkYaM5MsWo_R45IF6QB6X60wWMubl2qvPE5O-lR5n7gLeVIDhE2rRIQGWCWryP6TdOWFl6S2onARJF1Br_tfvaqTt8_2TerBNg5jUN9-Cz5w62SRQRdx11MnVLlM4GJ8/s1600/TN9A2978.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alli made a sign for the front porch that said, "Platform 9-3/4." She just used a chalkboard and chalk. It was cute. I failed to take a picture of that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also hung a bunch of streamers. I like to pick up packs of streamers at the local thrift shop. They are super cheap that way. I have a box in a closet with all colors of streamers. It is a great way to make a big visual impact with minimal impact on the wallet.</div>
<br />
The big project was in the dining room. The floating candles idea was from Pinterest. I purchased 24 LED tea lights from Amazon (about $12). We covered toilet paper and wrapping paper rolls with cream-colored paper, glued a paper bottom on, and made a little sling across the top so the candle wouldn't fall in too far. Some of the candles had wax drippings down the side made from the hot glue gun. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrPB2fYEUHDoC36wwlv-fM7VMPRpZhoNtHkmJbtcf_dp3Z18f8eySSx32qxo89Vu-4YujvdA8TXv_xWm5esOMBgZWtld0Y-EyMvvDXn5WuGLs4TK1IRPhyphenhyphenG1Y02X7zpPFHTMQXD7Jzp0/s1600/TN9A2980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrPB2fYEUHDoC36wwlv-fM7VMPRpZhoNtHkmJbtcf_dp3Z18f8eySSx32qxo89Vu-4YujvdA8TXv_xWm5esOMBgZWtld0Y-EyMvvDXn5WuGLs4TK1IRPhyphenhyphenG1Y02X7zpPFHTMQXD7Jzp0/s1600/TN9A2980.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We hung them up with clear nylon thread and white masking tape on the ceiling. They were awesome, but took some time to put together, hang, turn on, and turn off... overall it was worth it. They were pretty magical.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXsRhyGCL7OnrtGWEnqO1mRcJw4KwUi0RN_iRH6TIyO0qCPfsqvUsiFNutnS81WIUm4CR3z5QAFbqc3wD89W7ke6ay43ctnG2F91heXN3u7AzIuTWpgE__R3urP0BLt3RktfUo5mjDWY/s1600/TN9A2981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXsRhyGCL7OnrtGWEnqO1mRcJw4KwUi0RN_iRH6TIyO0qCPfsqvUsiFNutnS81WIUm4CR3z5QAFbqc3wD89W7ke6ay43ctnG2F91heXN3u7AzIuTWpgE__R3urP0BLt3RktfUo5mjDWY/s1600/TN9A2981.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We decorated the mantle a little... candles, books, bust statues, old paintings. Okay, the paintings were already there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTb4sXmz54kMT6VaYncCbBTmDJDsJ2En_fkKaEuFCK8ygZmX59zqdza_joTnOhQY-6DyhE7Ehj5jZ8tvfkiBK-2nlpleDFKExiva9sxFZRaYMnBUnJEYbmeC-EcNENifYBikNRPBN1y8/s1600/TN9A2982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTb4sXmz54kMT6VaYncCbBTmDJDsJ2En_fkKaEuFCK8ygZmX59zqdza_joTnOhQY-6DyhE7Ehj5jZ8tvfkiBK-2nlpleDFKExiva9sxFZRaYMnBUnJEYbmeC-EcNENifYBikNRPBN1y8/s1600/TN9A2982.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We dipped pretzel rods in chocolate and decorated them to make wands. Each kids made one. We wrote named on the parchment so we knew who they belonged to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTK-25VF_MdCA8YX5ROemT8m5zy1aYxGkm9ZTIzYpCJyGM6kjccrNeUhKr7Iltj1GiHgVVFIIJTCEr3AB1kNZWPP7fE4tQpeUEZaDTKwsWXh_SNgfwsROWfb-u4pf8RGZ3MSpyUXquZg/s1600/TN9A2992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTK-25VF_MdCA8YX5ROemT8m5zy1aYxGkm9ZTIzYpCJyGM6kjccrNeUhKr7Iltj1GiHgVVFIIJTCEr3AB1kNZWPP7fE4tQpeUEZaDTKwsWXh_SNgfwsROWfb-u4pf8RGZ3MSpyUXquZg/s1600/TN9A2992.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Alli wanted a cake like the one Hagrid made for Harry. She said pink frosting with green letters saying, "Happy Birthday Alli!" <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjACylrmT8K0mqV612HGghb6EXDwQMHLtcN5jEhF_kiU4vC5oOrGAqTIN1OA4b93K6R5F4opcZE_oNtg-Ogf7lVSsj5hHt12eOsvIgjjfNmkdi9kBwr80lsJBXc88mkkwpdWYCjYdVDj8/s1600/TN9A2993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjACylrmT8K0mqV612HGghb6EXDwQMHLtcN5jEhF_kiU4vC5oOrGAqTIN1OA4b93K6R5F4opcZE_oNtg-Ogf7lVSsj5hHt12eOsvIgjjfNmkdi9kBwr80lsJBXc88mkkwpdWYCjYdVDj8/s1600/TN9A2993.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
I guess Hagrid's cake was sloppy... oops.<br />
Alli wanted a lemon cake. I had a yellow cake mix, so I added a few drops of food grade lemon essential oil. Between the layers I put raspberry-peach preserves. It was delicious.<br />
<br />
It was hard to wait for the wands to harden. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GKAZwvB9ofe-ChvJuU9ZhqjD5FWrk0RixnNcisfFbcjOze7evtbHDHmE2d4-uobijRrbKQ4NdhMJpJTuEM2bdtioZThtLmRxUvxRHrYa7vH_o1dfa2-rk-zRkBN9xn4tu7LZSET3oHA/s1600/TN9A2994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GKAZwvB9ofe-ChvJuU9ZhqjD5FWrk0RixnNcisfFbcjOze7evtbHDHmE2d4-uobijRrbKQ4NdhMJpJTuEM2bdtioZThtLmRxUvxRHrYa7vH_o1dfa2-rk-zRkBN9xn4tu7LZSET3oHA/s1600/TN9A2994.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They ate lunch with the lights out... candles only. I made butter beer... it was melted butterscotch candies (about a dozen in a cup of water or so), a 2-liter of cream soda, and a 1-liter of seltzer water... topped with vanilla ice cream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2gpI7bb_xeVxJxhi5Ais5UMw7kOmoy5UBOSbMU6XVBxOEluB0zCvNgf_dTQy-8MtBf6OFAq46VEZQER5jSh_v6lff0VKHuN24wp434LSXgH3cPaVJRUjiqGTQx0HvbdQNBHBoL1ideU/s1600/TN9A2996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2gpI7bb_xeVxJxhi5Ais5UMw7kOmoy5UBOSbMU6XVBxOEluB0zCvNgf_dTQy-8MtBf6OFAq46VEZQER5jSh_v6lff0VKHuN24wp434LSXgH3cPaVJRUjiqGTQx0HvbdQNBHBoL1ideU/s1600/TN9A2996.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then they played a tasting game. I bought a small pack of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans and a bigger pack of Target brand Jelly Belly beans. The Bertie Bott's Beans are expensive and they include gross flavors. I put the good jelly beans in a bigger bowl and the Bertie Bott's Beans in a smaller one, so the kids who were braver could try nasty flavors and the kids who were sensible could try pleasant flavors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEnlBmL3YsBgUqfhu1covxhnvpKMs9IKsTwcmkcJA3Ipfu7TKzJDvJlxw2DCsFuu5JP73aSqL7ttOTzZqeNE8MFcAT9K7A9vW6hrPuYNlw82RcNY3r-vI0W43LUX9EbJ_HWY_5TqevYI/s1600/TN9A3009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEnlBmL3YsBgUqfhu1covxhnvpKMs9IKsTwcmkcJA3Ipfu7TKzJDvJlxw2DCsFuu5JP73aSqL7ttOTzZqeNE8MFcAT9K7A9vW6hrPuYNlw82RcNY3r-vI0W43LUX9EbJ_HWY_5TqevYI/s1600/TN9A3009.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Alli had ten tall, skinny candles on her cake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNqq8jeIFXrZJ3M6x2LfYtWSjWHWz1BbmGmiyEyDTUbhfa10v28vpY_uXjBdlAB79SEgoTK0wXimXNJIoVmMR2sAJJiXzIO2mHQxDfcGZQaMAUBYUEPByZ_Ea1WATuLXfr9b47NNZMVc/s1600/TN9A3029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNqq8jeIFXrZJ3M6x2LfYtWSjWHWz1BbmGmiyEyDTUbhfa10v28vpY_uXjBdlAB79SEgoTK0wXimXNJIoVmMR2sAJJiXzIO2mHQxDfcGZQaMAUBYUEPByZ_Ea1WATuLXfr9b47NNZMVc/s1600/TN9A3029.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The gifts were opened...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZibHRU4IF9tsC0LBCwmr_ztpmiI74h8e1_I6UOt62a0mUMs_y8GByP9Q_qpLf-PuCrYk3GWKkL0pjdV20zJbXHFxlihq0_n0AOEeQoov-uKMtjxiwIlaoCTA8kdUBfg2y6Rblcickz1U/s1600/TN9A3071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZibHRU4IF9tsC0LBCwmr_ztpmiI74h8e1_I6UOt62a0mUMs_y8GByP9Q_qpLf-PuCrYk3GWKkL0pjdV20zJbXHFxlihq0_n0AOEeQoov-uKMtjxiwIlaoCTA8kdUBfg2y6Rblcickz1U/s1600/TN9A3071.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I made chocolate frogs... after Christmas is a great time to buy melting chocolates. These frogs were stuffed with marshmallows. The candy mold cost about $5. They were a hit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4xJraDbgpRw-kj99mrVwfIsnvx05d4F9Gpd3Xct_DBo7Zt2aBvdQZLBzB4RKbmHi_Zf5Gdb81ni6kAEyrQ8WBwGrJ1iW7an77WWziWQRzxBNDBefmwu4UcUpJev_1Hojrmgegfs0Yaw/s1600/TN9A3076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4xJraDbgpRw-kj99mrVwfIsnvx05d4F9Gpd3Xct_DBo7Zt2aBvdQZLBzB4RKbmHi_Zf5Gdb81ni6kAEyrQ8WBwGrJ1iW7an77WWziWQRzxBNDBefmwu4UcUpJev_1Hojrmgegfs0Yaw/s1600/TN9A3076.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We made golden snitches as a craft activity. I purchased a bunch of golden Christmas ornaments (after Christmas 90% off!) and a bag of white feathers. For $5, each girl got to make at least one... most made two.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qaQe8HrZHZ6bet5w7nWB1wjwmHIiZCMYovXETU4E9VVrQruQrXvjSWsmuXv7zcTJCKy3b-bVt8QSzu7opMboYVUzdt-99ur6_GULxgV0AyRb88q_2nb6ACQAHJqmEwd39sACRQer27E/s1600/TN9A3077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qaQe8HrZHZ6bet5w7nWB1wjwmHIiZCMYovXETU4E9VVrQruQrXvjSWsmuXv7zcTJCKy3b-bVt8QSzu7opMboYVUzdt-99ur6_GULxgV0AyRb88q_2nb6ACQAHJqmEwd39sACRQer27E/s1600/TN9A3077.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is Alli's snitch... we hung it on clear nylon string.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNLE9QAVQb2Vig7p52RGXlgnREk5oXe30FrE_bjsPhdAjxB9uqqI1VkNlnwoQRjXRBsBV21J8AatVq506ohHp3fCOTMLrdI4cQzW-CvXIrRPafh3dIv-RajJXB9CjKa0N0FR9rDWrxsA/s1600/TN9A3079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNLE9QAVQb2Vig7p52RGXlgnREk5oXe30FrE_bjsPhdAjxB9uqqI1VkNlnwoQRjXRBsBV21J8AatVq506ohHp3fCOTMLrdI4cQzW-CvXIrRPafh3dIv-RajJXB9CjKa0N0FR9rDWrxsA/s1600/TN9A3079.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
The goody bag included gold coins from Gringott's bank, a chocolate frog, jelly beans, the pretzel wand, and some mints (the coins, chocolate, and mints were all Christmas clearance finds).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDQU8Gqd_IsRdeIx9NrEfJ4_nhXIAnLMLNzXSvJvC3UQfZB1UMCbJ265RrsDmIrUcWUZX1scqC1vyOYuZC9SLptPT376zHKrPm_zzGOdtadSyS5CgxWPgvVzGslVebC-DH8xtCKxS_hA/s1600/TN9A3083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDQU8Gqd_IsRdeIx9NrEfJ4_nhXIAnLMLNzXSvJvC3UQfZB1UMCbJ265RrsDmIrUcWUZX1scqC1vyOYuZC9SLptPT376zHKrPm_zzGOdtadSyS5CgxWPgvVzGslVebC-DH8xtCKxS_hA/s1600/TN9A3083.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So that was the party. You can read more about it <a href="http://nicollfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-big-1-0-harry-potter-style.html">here</a>.</div>
Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-4729226639040064042013-08-27T10:05:00.000-07:002013-08-27T10:05:08.554-07:00Up-cycled purse I got a vintage Coach purse at a yard sale for 50 cents. I loved that purse. It was sturdy and big enough to tote all that stuff I need. It has served me well for two years or so.<br />
Well, over the weekend, an entire water bottle was spilled in my purse. <br />
Sad day.<br />
I set everything out to dry... check book, wallet, coupons (some of those got tossed)... and the purse was set by a sunny window.<br />
It dried like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwot2CaHGMJfTracF1VCoQ8BAF9b57_7sTyjhfDR37KcovmsH9EjpdZ_9Bz3X0B70INZzNxJ933l54wDUtu2ZP3lzdgw5R916W5UdIMm-UUpOqSOAtGiiw8D8jp2u2SFX29RHXgeoLoCA/s1600/TN9A4930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwot2CaHGMJfTracF1VCoQ8BAF9b57_7sTyjhfDR37KcovmsH9EjpdZ_9Bz3X0B70INZzNxJ933l54wDUtu2ZP3lzdgw5R916W5UdIMm-UUpOqSOAtGiiw8D8jp2u2SFX29RHXgeoLoCA/s320/TN9A4930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Um. Not what I want my bag to look like.<br />
I tried cleaning it. No luck.<br />
And so, inspired by my crafty friend Jill, I painted my purse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8D_oBhzu_vk0fWk6lTato1Oy_8KNRK2h93mwFB_0F7WCnvxYoAG2oy5IlHta_jj6TgL5DUU36d6hK56Lm9sykopJNOpHKtfMMmyr5jpr8OMKI1QsQVjTU1vtv6zKjIMno5grXRG-zKE/s1600/TN9A4932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8D_oBhzu_vk0fWk6lTato1Oy_8KNRK2h93mwFB_0F7WCnvxYoAG2oy5IlHta_jj6TgL5DUU36d6hK56Lm9sykopJNOpHKtfMMmyr5jpr8OMKI1QsQVjTU1vtv6zKjIMno5grXRG-zKE/s320/TN9A4932.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
To paint on leather (first of all, paint on something that you won't be crushed if it is ruined... lucky for me, my bag was already ruined... I had nothing to lose.) mix water and acrylic paint to a VERY thin consistency (about a 2:1 mix) and paint on with a large soft, flat brush. That is like a primer. It softens the leather and opens the pores so the rest of the paint will soak in. Next, mix a little more paint into the water/paint mixture and paint the bag again (1:1 paint/water). And keep going with thin layers of paint until you get the look you were going for. On my bag, the primer layer was a warm grayish tan, and with each layer I added more colors and some metallic paint. I also painted some of the final layers and rubbed some of the paint off with a rag. I used about nine different paints to get this color (cerulean blue, phalo green, yellow ochre, alizeran crimson, dioxazine purple, metallic silver, metallic gold, white, black). Took me back to my color theory class in college. :)<br />
<br />
When I told my husband that I painted my purse, he was shocked. "But that was a GOOD purse!" I know. I was trying to salvage it.<br />
(Mind you, whenever we see a home makeover show and someone paints over wood furniture, he cringes. So I can see how that carried over to painted leather.)<br />
But I think it turned out quite nice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBckJAjO2NCfGyPIkZqvKOm-MT9iAGktHxql6W27tfMCyRxzDucHxmSP1H1WDocOzvpXfdLPU7mqN4wElhfLGIQUqNKWyE3ad6GigReRiDRz758Lur-oE7xboJfoiLt8tlFGK1cECt1s/s1600/TN9A4935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBckJAjO2NCfGyPIkZqvKOm-MT9iAGktHxql6W27tfMCyRxzDucHxmSP1H1WDocOzvpXfdLPU7mqN4wElhfLGIQUqNKWyE3ad6GigReRiDRz758Lur-oE7xboJfoiLt8tlFGK1cECt1s/s320/TN9A4935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And I will carry this beauty for another several years. <br />
<br />Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-26192091786667045472012-12-12T07:43:00.001-08:002012-12-12T07:43:47.132-08:00Ikea shelf hack: American Girl Dollhouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbUHzaaPqXho00K8rx1Vijsxek2EzXhzQa75B4addh2M2inVYYTrN5st3ySfD5BBWtEfZvZgFio9AXcR2P7-e8NksCo3T8Sx7CHxHBdUthU_oWwCBwJ-1yKHGwCWUukkRpQ2-3041nQM/s1600/IMG_2873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbUHzaaPqXho00K8rx1Vijsxek2EzXhzQa75B4addh2M2inVYYTrN5st3ySfD5BBWtEfZvZgFio9AXcR2P7-e8NksCo3T8Sx7CHxHBdUthU_oWwCBwJ-1yKHGwCWUukkRpQ2-3041nQM/s320/IMG_2873.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Alli has an American Girl Doll. Kit.<br />
Ruby has a faux AG doll. Kat. <br />
Alli has a bunch of Kit's stuff too. She wasn't playing with it that much, and I was about to pack it up and put it in the basement, but then... inspiration!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMYGreJeFTJLAiqyyZ-p4MZf5C-gnAfgdMqbPvPuj1oJn1h1r6L20h3EwlGXp4EXzKzM2Sv9Bgm16tT6K6ONIejo1u_Kj1CQbR2BLQJsSwNPCxgz2Fp3J-qSuMPDmqEer37sO0G-5VZA/s1600/IMG_2876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMYGreJeFTJLAiqyyZ-p4MZf5C-gnAfgdMqbPvPuj1oJn1h1r6L20h3EwlGXp4EXzKzM2Sv9Bgm16tT6K6ONIejo1u_Kj1CQbR2BLQJsSwNPCxgz2Fp3J-qSuMPDmqEer37sO0G-5VZA/s320/IMG_2876.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We had an empty bookshelf that I was moving from the art room to the basement. I took the shelves out and set the bookcase on its side to push it down the hall. On its side, the bookcase made two little rooms that an AG doll could stand in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgF5ewNoWVz86CqErMAHowRv3Ff3jyOKplvFtQmtybhyy7sXYJpP0GHeu3sW8JbBERPaarF9OyAJ0iltDgHl64L64cwnfnFPyGplewpgLK50fR5J21JuDwwx8lmxd3ORnGbnvY_5nHPg/s1600/IMG_2874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgF5ewNoWVz86CqErMAHowRv3Ff3jyOKplvFtQmtybhyy7sXYJpP0GHeu3sW8JbBERPaarF9OyAJ0iltDgHl64L64cwnfnFPyGplewpgLK50fR5J21JuDwwx8lmxd3ORnGbnvY_5nHPg/s320/IMG_2874.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The shelf was moved to the playroom, where the girls immediately set about to decorate it properly. We set the loose shelves on the floor in front of the bookcase to make more floor space for the dolls. They colored pictures of windows and taped them in. They found a jewelry box to be a dresser. They expanded the house with other tables and blankets... hours of fun!<br />
<br />
<br />Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-49542815065174781032012-07-11T06:27:00.002-07:002012-07-11T06:27:44.725-07:00Angry Bird pajama party! I like our kids to be involved with the planning of their birthday parties. When I asked Ruby what kind of party she would like, she said, "Angry Birds pajama party!" I did not want to do a sleepover party. And so we had a breakfast party with friends in jammies.<br />
The first activity was to make Angry Bird bean bags. I had made the basic red circle bean bags in advance, and the kids just hot glued (with adult assistance) the white patch, eyes, feathers, beak, and eyebrows onto the bean bags.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zGquqWSXeogc6JunSqUbYM4HNNz_XntsrmRgBk7bS7yyPtFMoSEBqetx4GmP8Qv-wxt8pi41kHan_ZgnU_LcdISbFLVK8qfkDwfNC4OiVLGS0ATvhRxBooLg-_uCKMaXY7-ufd1zOp8/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zGquqWSXeogc6JunSqUbYM4HNNz_XntsrmRgBk7bS7yyPtFMoSEBqetx4GmP8Qv-wxt8pi41kHan_ZgnU_LcdISbFLVK8qfkDwfNC4OiVLGS0ATvhRxBooLg-_uCKMaXY7-ufd1zOp8/s320/IMG_2630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then Grandma Utah painted faces. She is a professional. (If you live in Utah and you are throwing a party, call her.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK9Hls4KHsAdnI7xAQ5C-a-gEVZbEx_n-_fAN84YHtgrHR6krR7UsQEXgeBsMyt0oh5P3vD4bEnlnLlwGXCWMeL6dMiYHLXffpbO0IZ5DN3vH__sVxC1KkxhGeZBz-xPQrbd1-Dl_cro/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFK9Hls4KHsAdnI7xAQ5C-a-gEVZbEx_n-_fAN84YHtgrHR6krR7UsQEXgeBsMyt0oh5P3vD4bEnlnLlwGXCWMeL6dMiYHLXffpbO0IZ5DN3vH__sVxC1KkxhGeZBz-xPQrbd1-Dl_cro/s320/IMG_2595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Once everyone was done making their Angry Birds, we played the game. The kids tossed their bean bags to knock the pig balls off of the boxes. We played several rounds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwlBFKTjm1IZ3GKwTzHp7pLvgI9kGr-ftK7PhgHwdbkr3hNHBW6LSZwEGuqMKTq9U_EdL6BSQvckqwivBtf2-yUgKVRVYLtUB1VZuAVM9rKYPGPHzPJkTFbos81sC8gj0unW55r2_Q5U/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwlBFKTjm1IZ3GKwTzHp7pLvgI9kGr-ftK7PhgHwdbkr3hNHBW6LSZwEGuqMKTq9U_EdL6BSQvckqwivBtf2-yUgKVRVYLtUB1VZuAVM9rKYPGPHzPJkTFbos81sC8gj0unW55r2_Q5U/s320/IMG_2627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The green balls were from the dollar store. I painted pig faces on them. Each kids got to take one home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWKIbfblybXGNGD4PLa3kf-NF__BhEI3Bq2FZ5e3laX8xQOvHxbg44CeDiPkw5TciDdF1u5U8Z5ub9EUfPdi7ZJNNqv2j0AlB_6RLkXTyxNdCQhYUSVNlGaDl0iwdDSUcMevrG23ej5o/s1600/IMG_2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWKIbfblybXGNGD4PLa3kf-NF__BhEI3Bq2FZ5e3laX8xQOvHxbg44CeDiPkw5TciDdF1u5U8Z5ub9EUfPdi7ZJNNqv2j0AlB_6RLkXTyxNdCQhYUSVNlGaDl0iwdDSUcMevrG23ej5o/s320/IMG_2581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we had breakfast. How about that Angry Bird fruit platter?! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHlLaeAPZQf4byzrIBBF7ouBH2MHHK9iumMXkDVl6lQ3e5g1Doff5_NSAuVZq52YDr-lCwKsdjYW3t1Io387yAqqHx_4jBdYqe_e6j08_IzPrqFaYfazlaMwaQVgKTdmknr1H9VmYRTI/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHlLaeAPZQf4byzrIBBF7ouBH2MHHK9iumMXkDVl6lQ3e5g1Doff5_NSAuVZq52YDr-lCwKsdjYW3t1Io387yAqqHx_4jBdYqe_e6j08_IzPrqFaYfazlaMwaQVgKTdmknr1H9VmYRTI/s320/IMG_2605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We served bacon and eggs (pigs and birds, get it?!) and fruit with the first course.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvjNc87hYldZPJJ50ixFWnNHoIBt4li0oQ7P_sGA4RgWyGNsT_Rjc25kajLqZTtIpCvqPYHyldtfX9rL2woKCdWejDeXV15h_U395uWkf-zRPjVQ985PlbISnOa_UmDrONvGaFi4ykZs/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvjNc87hYldZPJJ50ixFWnNHoIBt4li0oQ7P_sGA4RgWyGNsT_Rjc25kajLqZTtIpCvqPYHyldtfX9rL2woKCdWejDeXV15h_U395uWkf-zRPjVQ985PlbISnOa_UmDrONvGaFi4ykZs/s320/IMG_2610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we had waffles and ice cream. Ruby did not want a cake, so we made waffles with cake batter. Yum. We did put candles in her ice cream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAi-c8M92uaU0OXCOKljExVaAjOl6MZMQ7Go1UaOyNF5yUFcQA7xTIebpZ5AAQFuccvU78sczY2TsGi6mafj-oJpZGu_4k9jXtZgb64m-abSXpUyg4srXzILsSDWURSchPzSODI_cRI4/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAi-c8M92uaU0OXCOKljExVaAjOl6MZMQ7Go1UaOyNF5yUFcQA7xTIebpZ5AAQFuccvU78sczY2TsGi6mafj-oJpZGu_4k9jXtZgb64m-abSXpUyg4srXzILsSDWURSchPzSODI_cRI4/s400/IMG_2618.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
Ruby had her face painted like a "rainbow tiger" which became quite popular. Most of the kids looked like colorful tigers.<br />
Then there was a pinata. A pig, of course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXlRRn4dm6t8hmKW7pGMiImua-rYxHw-_peP4D6RiIpWyHmLGsM4S693FHh09pKhWnCnZxLiAZZmh22LTAxLHw204MysbIQHtL-Nuu4U0cCt-mfq5t802lvkIV2ot5EtrdvlWUurvVTQ/s1600/IMG_2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXlRRn4dm6t8hmKW7pGMiImua-rYxHw-_peP4D6RiIpWyHmLGsM4S693FHh09pKhWnCnZxLiAZZmh22LTAxLHw204MysbIQHtL-Nuu4U0cCt-mfq5t802lvkIV2ot5EtrdvlWUurvVTQ/s320/IMG_2632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Pinatas scare me... actually the child swinging a stick near a bunch of other kids scares me. But it all worked out without injury.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEukOMO6WlBNY08aPd8INp6QG3I43CQzvT7NKfBKXnNswbTl1WpKDsRexAze336s85fPmBOFh5ZkhSr9bQ-UIPoP9xF0EE0dNQ-7F-za37QOXp23s1vctfxoJTiSxp7jtY3OzX1YyVc1w/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEukOMO6WlBNY08aPd8INp6QG3I43CQzvT7NKfBKXnNswbTl1WpKDsRexAze336s85fPmBOFh5ZkhSr9bQ-UIPoP9xF0EE0dNQ-7F-za37QOXp23s1vctfxoJTiSxp7jtY3OzX1YyVc1w/s320/IMG_2639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The kids got goody bags to put the treats into. And they took their pig balls. And they went home happy.Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-13707370713224149022012-03-28T14:24:00.001-07:002012-04-20T05:28:16.963-07:00I ain't LION<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
I got these beauties for a dollar or two. I forget.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnA5hf3C_Qh4L2M9VHgImrTvNq_AYJoXC9EL7Y-JYnbijhMfPJPsew5iY3PgkLXGoA4nwczVOrKAKl9Z0bv_OAK3dpzAneZb-1_DdE_VpwqxuoOG3OMNK4uWoN3qrsJ5XT0dwQH-cQfA/?imgmax=800" style="max-width: 800px;" /><br />
My husband thought I was nuts.<br />
<br />
I waited and waited for the right weather for spray painting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIahtVrldzzGLajWrawMPc7bX6HBjZCkgrZMJsPDbyaclxnRUTWSyn4TE9l1bNEzwAdXFgIzJqx5EpiqQWFipMU1LkBnKrRUFf3yovnlqzJ7lHMCr6LYhj2Z-ZdGrhlPAAMYGYVn3BTc/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIahtVrldzzGLajWrawMPc7bX6HBjZCkgrZMJsPDbyaclxnRUTWSyn4TE9l1bNEzwAdXFgIzJqx5EpiqQWFipMU1LkBnKrRUFf3yovnlqzJ7lHMCr6LYhj2Z-ZdGrhlPAAMYGYVn3BTc/s400/IMG_0404.JPG" width="266" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Regal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here is the pair flanking our fireplace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CcROurHY4Honm_afqMZBFjpwHRXpFUcU_QBx999-1-aUtGy_FHsDzYD50x_pkYWMheKMP2H6a4wutytzFxpbw9GyNxdGTzdevUi9ttQi2KlnJTdbm9tRPaOwxwecBwk0oRQiwNkXW1U/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CcROurHY4Honm_afqMZBFjpwHRXpFUcU_QBx999-1-aUtGy_FHsDzYD50x_pkYWMheKMP2H6a4wutytzFxpbw9GyNxdGTzdevUi9ttQi2KlnJTdbm9tRPaOwxwecBwk0oRQiwNkXW1U/s400/IMG_0405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Right now they are primer gray. I may paint them turquoise or red. Loving them for now though.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-37912611151758738892012-03-28T14:17:00.001-07:002012-07-11T06:28:11.805-07:00the GIANT canvas is done!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABArlpCDJNs3SYkkUfFatSezceH4c6qml4mAGN5dA71a95vh5KnyPWmG_eWsV8LfDTTmWXvf2Q3amQoHpNcbAyDfe4aYsL5vWMxGRqgdv2W2L_XmTOfCHSAtQhQmxLheI8sFj5gAhyphenhyphennU/?imgmax=800" style="max-width: 800px;" /><br />
A few months back, my sister-in-law found a large (about 4x6') framed canvas that her neighbor was throwing out. She knows I like trash... so she grabbed it for me. The painting was hideous and very textural (lumpy). I didn't take a before picture... you might have gagged. I tried to scrape off the thick paint, but quickly realized it wasn't worth it! <br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2K6EYj415ksR-rQ_tVU7X280NjJ2ixEeeVFDSC1FlniOsgeprurKDTAhV2n3PbONGELOG_VNVbErUoqLGDKEzdGX3kBF66z7onmh3dFtVtbOB7_2l4l0QweKH1ZzT2L9tIrP_R1gwjM/?imgmax=800" style="max-width: 800px;" /><br />
I took off the mauve frame and spray painted it a blackish-pewter color. I stripped the old canvas from the stretcher. Andy helped me stretch a fresh new piece of canvas onto the stretcher bars. That was a workout. (Seriously, I was sweating.) Eventually, the canvas was stretched tight enough to play like a drum... or at least tight enough so it wouldn't sag while painting.<br />
I primed the canvas with gesso. I painted it with acrylic paint. I used a stencil to make this chevron pattern.<br />
To make the stencil, I folded a 12x12 paper in half and cut two diagonal lines... so when I opened the paper, there was a chevron. <br />
I drew light guidelines with a pencil (to keep everything straight), then traced my stencil over and over until the canvas was filled.<br />
The painting is now on top of our entertainment center.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1RRqXJ1drZct0v0SsJ9ctou26zR8Jj1lHDhFu0IrpHx2IFusp2EdJAykQoC-q0A0LlpQ5d0m3THZxQEFv-4ICBder4MQZb5cNHRTvRxT0Vc2AIHbYN0LT2wML-6BWfQR1VhnWUF6csg/?imgmax=800" style="max-width: 800px;" /><br />
<br />
I can easily pull it down when I need a yellow chevron backdrop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRDbpmoZNBHet0bBViBpIuxoU085DKnlLqJ5UNuKflhdU_eLp_8A8VDBk-fhXWIeFeYs_4f5fJYG52njYb9yNgjCtum_HiKN0GwKZ8AuvDY2fSk_7M6L_if8QqBVI0XQFow7YSQq_abs/?imgmax=800" style="max-width: 800px;" /><br />
This is Ruby's stink face. Don't upset her.</div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-69848363224539016322012-01-26T08:05:00.001-08:002012-01-26T08:05:53.736-08:00Organizing winter gear<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCzv57ri9UxA7p29L9snc1ThNTNIY3AuKdVtSA4QQnYoJEGPDFxCT_BxOQDE0DDuJT1TEurA5wkKQxixzwvvn8FpytQhjqdbjEmm8gfa132rN848xoLaAiUcrE1wUDfQd04MWaLrkwyg/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I should have taken a before picture of the closet, but it would have been embarrassing. We have a small closet in our entry. It came with a basic wire shelf... we can set stuff on top and hang hangers.<br/><br/>I have installed hooks on the inside of the closet where the kids can reach... that helped a bit. But the winter stuff was a problem. I kept it in a bin on the shelf... which was way too high for the kids to reach. I am all about independence... if you want to play outside, go get your mittens. But the kids couldn't get their winter gear out or put it away... so there was always a mess. There is no room on the floor of the closet (that is where boots and a skinny bin for umbrellas are). The only place left was the door. The closet door is extra skinny, and I needed lots of little pockets for the little mittens, legwarmers, etc. <br/>And so I made my own customer closet organizer with scraps. There are some bigger pockets and some small ones. I put the grown-up winter gear at the top and the kids' stuff within their reach. The organizer is attached to the door with velcro Command Strips. I actually stapled the strips to the fabric of the organizer so I wouldn't have to sew through the adhesive and get my needle all gummy.<br/><br/>This organizer has been in the closet for almost a month now, and I am happy to report the closet has stayed pretty clean. The kids can get their stuff out and put it away. And even though the organizer is made from scraps and not all matchy, I think it is fairly cute.<br/><br/>Success all around.<br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-84947608276319847582012-01-26T07:53:00.001-08:002012-01-26T07:53:27.808-08:00cardigan sweater pillow cover<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvghCNa4_77Nm2YM41Th1k3wrQhDTqpzkDkHdB4v53IC-jG7vaPrltmohfAs8q__-7phFgpMjc70HLT7CeTeZe22VEMu1MKSxGfIEDxSU7c8S6rMCHzcVld7whUVk21WQMPO7kInstX_s/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>Oops. When I exported my photo from Lightroom I left the watermark on. Shameless advertising for <a href='http://knicpics.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>my photography</a>, I know.<br/>Anyhow... I found a darling wool sweater cardigan at the thrift store. I loved the colors and the big buttons... but I wouldn't have worn it (it was too big anyhow). I washed it on hot and dried it in the dryer to felt the wool. Then I laid it out and cut a square to fit my pillow. I sewed around the four sides (leaving the center button unbuttoned so I could flip the right side out. <br/>I can take the pillow out of the cover by unbuttoning it. It will look cute in the fall with my pumpkin pillows!<br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-83560504923555321542012-01-26T07:45:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:46:02.242-08:00kitty<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks81EAgvy332pKTwUNC52vSbcKs6JHEyIwwyVBE9LxAolFAqlaP6MFej4ucGO6B5Erq7RxsgZ_L5KCQaEdTOIHXJPJFZSCkAj95tDdK0slAk8J4oMKo6l6wwZajJ6oz5ahrYlykBmt-4/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>Here is a little Christmas present I made for June. I up-cycled a wool sweater and made a tiny kitty for her. The bottom side is fleece. The nose is felt. Button eyes.<br/>June named it Lily.<br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-1063116773313168072012-01-05T19:32:00.001-08:002012-01-05T19:32:26.544-08:00a fabric sample book turned into a quilt<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>A while back I got a bound book of fabric swatches... for free. The colors were all in rainbow order. It was so neat... but useless and silly to display.<br/>So I cut that book of fabric up into quilt blocks. I arranged the colors chromatically from white in one corner to black at the opposite corner... rainbow order from top to bottom. <br/>I pieced it all together...<br/>and then I sent it away to be quilted.<br/>And I forgot about it.<br/><br/>Fast forward several months... I got a package.<br/>It was magic.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn2fLJhiAskFA0A8cv97GN-PkFjkF5XKqYFTABbrDfXS9IjcOlxyNNEDjEkWnbkNJSqM89_T2Dmo97BhUWnv84L00WsvjpsnjZQKX4whBlfDbVFcjLEgz-LQnUCmD9AImEPWANyQ1H1U/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><br/>My quilt came back! I finished the edges and stitched my name on it (which felt a little like cheating since I sent it out to be quilted).<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57koTw_odRd-nT1Hr-HMm5hc6eDhdlCw4XvGuihSvu_Fbeklo7eITBkUAIvCf0WDdzNUViQPfJQtHFaIxc0JLXHChfcD0qifhWLJNRlwY9bAdiIPiZbdQAhm95SvG828hBfSPJdRgJkc/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>Oh, I love it! My girls love it too. It is the new favorite cozy thing. Unfortunately it is small... like a lap blanket.<br/><br/> <img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAWttD55NzKuQfp7ajgZMCSSQFMyGK39AdNfFu11ppviV60dWdIgtRNUyAk_mkJOkv6ySkrP2koEd_jFTA82TySC-UIqokk7oy5zvfGPfF2TLTjBwHFOIbx3s-XwWjjqB5tozDsbke-I/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><br/>Too bad it isn't big enough for our bed... someday I'll get that ambitious!<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-54588200890403449792011-12-02T11:47:00.001-08:002011-12-02T11:47:39.355-08:00Christmas Painting<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>We have a big frame in our dining room... two feet by four feet. I have made several seasonal paintings to go into the frame using inexpensive underlayment board from the home improvement store. I bought two four-by-eight foot sheets (about $10 a sheet) and had them cut down into eight two-by- four foot sections. I primed them and painted them. So I have several paintings that fit the frame, and throughout the year, the painting gets switched.<br/><a href='http://glueandpaper.blogspot.com/2011/05/fun-with-paint.html' target='_blank'>Here is the summer painting</a>.<br/>And if you click <a href='http://glueandpaper.blogspot.com/2011/04/fancy-bench.html' target='_blank'>here</a>, you can see the Thanksgiving painting in the bottom photo.<br/>Anyhow, last December I started a Christmas painting... and I didn't finish it in time... actually it wasn't really finished at all. I made a good start. This year I pulled out that painting and got to work on it. I repainted most of it. The composition stayed the same. The subjects stayed the same (except the goat that was turned into a pony per a little girl's request). <br/>This morning the paint was dry, so I popped it into the frame and put it up.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaocwmCpqLvONvZffDIiRw2HqqwjJutLU9owNFcqcCaOZz0dZB92PUzQ6bp65lqGsd9peOI0qmvr2y6aFTo3I79tw-336PAl9uqDVCUC0FXGHvQ5vtAPRcAU_L8HB1ozHTPIXJO-Oej6o/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><br/>And here is another angle...<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3dr17dz6DSaBm0yDPl-8SyaZXxpKE3T18toB1cL9c3i3DYFbmWSKRQxkh4xaklHnPeX1OMc9KuYruMrA2TDqtTt-aiNFaMOk7GwUa1RTVPGnxoSsvvv2Zisa1tijL5npo5weuqwdhJQ/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I'm pretty happy with it.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-55390001189069550222011-12-02T11:22:00.001-08:002011-12-02T11:22:38.463-08:00shirt re-do<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br/>Hello friends! It has been a while. Here is a comfy t-shirt dress that I made for my daughter. The t-shirt was an adult size small and after I was done, it was a kids size 5/6 dress.<br/>Easy peasy.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c_h_ZvxpxC6bK9X1A1AcLBfgJSvj2P6zqyhLFGKKtgWohCWyXdfLqx-WiXYGLnlKXdosHQZ7Ks-1xhmD0oN93nY2IacHuSU4KJNuc9i-S59fJec88sghPf99c-ZR8ibNnc7M-VAkC48/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I am making another one and taking tutorial photos as I go, so stay tuned!<br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-61295382599260299722011-10-06T19:03:00.001-07:002011-10-13T13:04:01.001-07:00my romantic dollar<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I scored this couple for $1 (they were originally $4, marked down to $2, and it was half-off day) at the local thrift shop. I couldn't resist them as they stared at me from the shelf. They were probably once boring bookends that ended up getting sent to the thrift store.<br/>I brought them home and perched them on a book in front of our window... oh, and I turned them to face each other.<br/><img width='400' height='266' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yPvk_hT1ouWvlv934G947jCW-8Tw5nA5zS1Zf6XlFdD2aacGd45SG0e-8M3vd6sgGAwfu1oYVxF-Dw7qaIDueDp1FNADQr_b1XCLUoojL2PU2w1i_JYb_Iq0dfQ87lk1hyphenhyphenFd91KtiBs/?imgmax=800'/><br/>In front of the window they turn into silhouettes.<br/>I love the space between them...<br/><img width='393' height='261' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_MP4EUiY2wStDtEYvQuU3MS8rmOm_waV_krGrJtWr4pl2reBOXGxpH1PgZtiUqUPwvs6A_OcOSTiEq9oOgLW2p8dyNZeGnIIQU-ZS6FMH9HpS481_4wAOS-EpKLZOG81ECnWn5zIgqA/?imgmax=800'/><br/>Can't you feel the electricity!? <br/><br/><br/>Probably one of my best $1 purchases ever.<br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-5087835708450334342011-09-13T08:52:00.001-07:002011-09-13T08:52:12.513-07:00$2.99 shoe redo<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br/>I got these shoes for $2.99 a pair (at Marcs). My girls do not like plain things, but for $2.99 I knew I could make them work.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFaQOLA-Ra-A1uzoh6I8DECskpCpkXWmVu77UCCCM0rCFXDGtZ28jKhDZYw9wLdS-bXYA93CHA_xTxDGjZRfrZlYCdy0n0WMsEUkGruKasxZuJOyZ7kH5C8WOd48kE3Xnkxi7LZDYJnA/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I like Converses. They hold up much better than other, more expensive brands. Last Christmas we bought Alli a pair of sparkly Stride Rites (good shoes, right?!). Well, by the end of February they looked like hobo shoes... complete with falling off rubber pieces and holes. (And Alli had been wearing her boots to school since it was winter, so they were only worn indoors.) They were replaced with Converses which she wore and loved and outgrew... and they still look great seven months later. (I will save them for Ruby.)<br/>Anyhow...<br/>I painted the shoes.<br/>To do this, I removed the laces. I used quality acrylic paint (it comes in tubes and is pretty thick). The better paint holds its color better and is less brittle. I watered the paint down to the consistency of salad dressing (runny, makes a puddle, but not too thin). The paint should spread easily and soak into the fabric a little. but not all the way through to the inside lining.<br/>Painting on shoes isn't too difficult. I used a small brush near the edges and around fine details, and I used a bigger brush to fill in the rest. I kept a wet wipe nearby for when I got paint on the rubber part.<br/>The girls picked their colors. And Alli wanted stripes on her tongue and Ruby wanted polka-dots.<br/><br/>We let them dry for about an hour. It was tough waiting.<br/><img width='405' height='270' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFDO4yYoRQnL7kKi1wrNo0xznOZI1Y17EQqxtiGoyFqdPTc9s8F0NId1LzTPOL86GFsWaye5XkagwCSZqxTV-wm7V10UR1_O90k189EgGzvMA6GlbTAB5npynoDAzp8DRf9daJR5f_qY/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><img width='406' height='271' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1W936JQWiJc0eEn9IPbN9xZ2zx5L7J4uZQG5E_ZIHTE6ZOYvgpQk33bEolj7QGwN3szUA5pWp0fqpCImRK4dCR66daZV_FfPeTMo0g4uQBhNQDlDDLbaHoclEWDyr_3Srdcifr7kSAo/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>Worth the wait.<br/><img width='455' height='303' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiaTmT0ndQWUbXBgS-vCOizwonQdxf_k1ZMoi6QkkXthTKSIDelRXxzZO7BRllaML1W2TuLHNKO_d57JmB3nAlkHwOdRNKZwOXde2JiYU-M2aDardEwRXZ5NImFRxvNzcbBZzTs_LrBw/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>We laced them up... and then the girls checked to see if they could run faster with their new shoes.<br/><img width='456' height='304' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Kg8taHowgi0gCwMLWGaZxchpGBFlvAS2EsPXPa4IqSIkQQFf-dbJ2OjOHIkxGQ3JgZ_Q_QqcGStaO0ews14Ns1vtRYcjJrXxkIDT-dt_SFUfOqVPLQPjOYqT_Y8M6a5UTxH4I5oKZ3w/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>They were pretty fast.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvhpCcyviiTJW9pEMlgFqWdgH06TuBqYnrT7ecAsveidouaLFtoi7DCBveCpU2mgKdVGDhkIrNYtzDgARlXrQL_kLvQNrd83eIMhfuA8q9Zzq2F1rDCeiedRFs7VsRw1s6_9ADTLeIvA/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>Ruby said she would wear these shoes forever. (Not likely.)<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifloQbWLYo_j-cPsh5mrXxX0mRV7Z1KUPmWcN2bJmA6-QQEst0icBlNvhDLX9HfuyhldtqTHV3yqdaUMH-yEdDRNiz8z_t5RN5flC4IyeNFqYPhe-c_KT-xeCzk_03x1V-fEnAJh4KQ4M/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>All smiles for Alli.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzz6_qlw9c8nPTCV01qVtbhN1ADqhG1h7SrrwEKRhLphWjhepIUyctf-yWDp2-K1x3dErEaEr0wAwtkg8OvffnzsQVardIFaJ_RoNjz6-prCrZ9T8JKUESlR8Vi54jFWij_3sgvKM148/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I'm thinking I should go back and stock up on bigger sizes.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-36421344789530892902011-08-05T15:17:00.001-07:002011-08-05T15:17:35.129-07:00a purse that used to be a sweater...<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><br/>My niece found a sweater at a thrift store. She loved it, but it was a bit too small. So the beloved sweater ended up in the giveaway pile that goes from my sister's house to my house. It was too big for my kids and too small for me, and so I recycled the sweater.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vCxxt4vTkKthYdRVG5B1H5Qm3vQT3D0mAxauGcMbQ0ie4uVZUm5FDFFc-LNm0lhGLozXv5SeR_C5ZMbJPE2x3-Yt9kVEA8RudDTybI-UrLJBAgmlyIPnMWktZ6-VLqOl8u_Ze-QuxEw/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>And now the thrift sweater has a new life as a purse.<br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-12379305605651423062011-07-13T20:16:00.001-07:002011-07-13T20:16:56.751-07:00I made this dress<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKPzdXJv33c6-3IdLB1J2X0li24EXV8SqnYKu2M5bpZ3n3MHvAD1Mw1wSKLF10S37LT3HjbEKWfZ1KwMngCHBJQHKn5YhUFOlHapkAYx9J_Ha9_xNyd4mQbJ1Ca-W4fsd0T9kyVDChDk/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I made this dress for June out of designer fabric samples... the kind that come bound in an 11x17 book. Not much to work with.<br/>I pieced my favorite toile prints together. There are at least seven or eight different toile prints combined on this dress. I tried to stick with patterns based on red, yellow and blue. <br/>I have to admit, there were moments while making this, that I wondered if it would be cute or hideous. There is no middle ground here. I kept plugging away at it with the voice of <a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Gunn' target='_blank'>Tim Gunn</a> saying, "Make it work!" in my head.<br/>The three red rosettes were made from strips of the same red fabric used on the band. I found the tutorial online. <a href='http://www.creationsbykara.com/2010/12/homemade-gifts-fabric-flower-rings.html' target='_blank'>Here</a> is one tutorial... I couldn't find the original one I used. Same idea, but I didn't use glue. I stitched it all.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQPewHMenMjP1lAtMYAPgRrPA3ZzZtP8CPZl5yoRiinKC-xOXshhcck0o40hhO3BqHT67nCoDycOu260EGsKXvkZhSP8sLQqn8kdi1FBbzTf0H43Ibg7gn1l0DWe-y2rT6ynR3bHUw28/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I added a pocket on the front for the little treasures June finds here and there.<br/>The red rosettes, the trim on the pocket, and the band at the bottom pull it all together. <br/>It is sophisticated and whimsical.<br/>And I think it works.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-34839812360359631772011-05-17T12:14:00.001-07:002011-05-17T12:14:21.936-07:00Pink.<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img width='347' height='521' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju79_Rjb3_HXBZX2Beffx097KoFgIaH1OvLZ-5WvYo0YDrgRLA29D5XR0EK9kEcHrpob6CoFHb7V9Hech7CJ_rUlooK8oKx16y92uc0iC7U3XsKvbCP7BqyeBTwuCPwjaVKGoWfHaOX2U/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>When Grandma Utah was in town, she painted Ruby and June's room pink. Bold pink. I love it, but now I need to get new curtains for their room. The current curtains match, but the saturated color and the busy, colorful pattern are too much. So I am looking for a white cotton fabric with large white polka dots. Anyone have any suggestions? Wal-Mart had a similar type of curtain... but the fabric was cheap and it would have cost me $40 for four panels. If I can't find what I am thinking of, I will have to figure out a way to make it. <br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-73601770697818086332011-05-08T19:39:00.001-07:002011-05-08T19:39:09.920-07:00fun with paint<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img width='391' height='489' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpntFcWrx-zHTIDq4LY5rV7qfTAEE-xOCtxbyKlKpiK657kMFI5eJwca3E6ICjTmiWvmxEW9zqpb7QlH8nUuxPEsrQ5H1cgXXujtnQNfNDmUqJyNkCN41nCyfMQ6a0E0uYUCxpgfsEq0/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I finished a flower painting for our dining room.<br/>And Grandma Utah painted Ruby and June's room.<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWReQnAwTFGmAU9OhYoeYBNDTwfs6sFDYFOxZwCbhlm1MEc-mLg4ZxTnwkUgqylyLa5Es_i3k6Iq7ZvxeVHGvexi3ox3Qqp1G-3IXtiDGIyF2LM-_njskmoVuhWwsiTfvAMXnxBCd0VPk/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>Pink is an understatement.<br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-56365251123963256472011-05-08T19:21:00.001-07:002011-05-08T19:21:45.509-07:00For my Mom<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img width='501' height='334' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0HTUEaBX4GT4wS5VQY-_ktFmrURGe4kqknQdUmioBfV6oINK-gUkfGLudAVMB2PNcOU67bA36nq8cAmAhWbJZin9ibyEASQSNJU26dk8E0UfWzKDIq7FqpJrpwy96l3BDGZQb_VKNXo/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I made this for my Mom. She deserves a comfy and stylish place to prop up her feet.<br/><img width='508' height='339' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiaAtKWK6AdL0d7i_ZbY5NJAOeWEZzD2BrZ8L1A3MIoeycL4bqk5khi6DzJ3ZZn8u3kde7tLByXI1cvFpz_SLVfFKYH85RqHHpDthu3wUpuB19PjOl4SBfyGF1_eNdjpT6hKBMuMshSw/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I found this wonderful crewel fabric remnant at Chelsea Design House in Columbus. I love the rich texture and jewel-toned colors. The bird and bugs are playful, but the fabric has a very classic look.<br/>A whole bag stuffed full of fabric samples costs $5. For real.<br/>The wood base came from a broken tray table we had. $0.<br/>The curvy brass legs came off of another footstool that had broken. The old footstool cost about $8 from Goodwill.<br/>The stuffing is a cheap pillow.<br/>You may be thinking, "Wow Karyn. You are cheap."<br/>My Mom calls it "thrifty."<br/>And she taught me all I know about thriftiness.<br/><br/>Happy Mothers Day!<br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-81659310781134488652011-04-08T19:49:00.001-07:002011-04-08T19:49:48.972-07:00A Fancy Bench<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>My sister-in-law gave me this bench. It had been given to her... she wasn't quite sure what to do with it. So she gave it to me.<br/><img width='452' height='302' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp_yt-LggDCOcyN6RGhfxeTMyS-W8qhMngkiU52Zbnu1l5913SSL3PVIwHkBxZn5435DAw3PxYKKQvDiFR7w3QpCvh0T4xbHgRg8GwXN2tRl_exL0cM_-0ByQBEd0bc2cX1clB8GFiOA/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>The fabric was filthy, faded, and worn.<br/>But check out those legs!<br/><img width='336' height='504' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmQchw8rAhS0W73Xb-TDQPahNG9lbljC_-4xRqH6MikJ9GAYnCG3j4gziMnsiXSktRFC-w4DPdDIo8nyGynosP3DYxpDDSWsqsS96akTZW6AW2k9OIUEk_miarYWCcaXhAg5gqaA-e_k/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>(Imagine cat-call here.)<br/>So I pulled out my bins of fabric, and I found a piece of silk/linen blend that wasn't quite big enough, but I had several small samples of the same fabric in different colors.<br/><img width='549' height='368' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqGFKCVTXo8HAGh8rFcZ7JypgXV0hhQzXCyBFYSbidhwl4kf69kHQTk9l7vm90KxXtoN8y1Hu6BmPVmnSq64WjCblYLnWzu22VPcl2ut1Y5uwe-umtdTfymFvPlD2Sr1xdabMHznb2u0/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>So I ironed them and sewed them all together. And ironed it all again.<br/><img width='540' height='360' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv3qNNPndklQ8xLKCcPXNue8UtCRkqGh7b0gqQGBPvisb9uwIG-gHjStQNmKtK9IYL0fP5FGkR0WCrqHvPyoqearImxiIIgzUb7TXkLsOZYsm62F6XtucfiT3SzstuBmY1G-M0UweyUY/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>The strip of colored fabrics is off center. I like it like that.<br/>Now for the dirty part...<br/>I took off the legs.<br/>I pulled off the old fabric and carefully took out the old nails. The nails were original square-shaft nails that had been hand-crafted long ago. I wanted to save them to tack the bottom lining back on.<br/>The padding under the old fabric was made from straw. I kept the straw cushion, but added two layers of batting to make it cushier. I kept the vacuum handy for this part. There were bits of straw and shreds of fabric everywhere.<br/>I stretched the new fabric onto the seat, working from the center out.<br/><img width='388' height='583' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T-AURHfWEOzM2i2tbP_PNi10KOzhoLint1uKgxVwwztDm7Qx8MBMjrXxcFmCKYpYh9kkbh93NEHNQZ8Gez7-EhgbxiiVBhnM7JG0vC4vCWfjyQG0hcYSOXD8pxNPzQHVbpNzvH8cfGo/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>I used the staple gun to tack the cloth on... making sure to trim around the bolts where the legs attach.<br/>Here's a look at a corner...<br/><img width='282' height='423' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXPd_G6vc3OTDGG4CdRwK0AdgGETjfnLqoVBpfwXGPHsz211mvPLl4VpM1PMKB_NAsqXKaAtQm5ifmz94P6irMbRwavQTXBgzu5pcbkR2zveXgsHc9KColp1u7U_QnopzCdArlatGfuA/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>To finish it off nicely, I covered the bottom with a lush piece of burnt orange fabric. Using the original nails that I had pulled out of the bench earlier, I tacked the orange cloth onto the bottom, covering the staples and edges of the silk/linen fabric. I love the old nails on this piece. They make the fabric look like it has always been there.<br/><img width='435' height='290' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcHDoRzyhWixPSsKqc_K4Ia_PSZZIwhNQl24yiftO3o-4am_rP1fLkU8zkirtPybEt9yEWhcdXSaNru9-LHpzzGgmeI-r-ME1xxjbDvaCKr0fdVyRifCQ_ZV6pWNGxSWQsZCntlhMpco/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>Of course, as soon as I am through, June has to try it out.<br/><img width='561' height='374' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQW5z6-hpTZbFHSdPjfXweEcn3BihRskqbf381dkuRqbUDaXAjYJNgwc8E3sNv6kc1q26n0X2Y51cx1NXFtkq8KmYwGCQs5RRidMOgJetB2Qd9mSYWEjfx5Dop90NxZ4mqmLZ9wksbjQ/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>(Yes, the art room is a mess... a productive mess.)<br/>And here is the bench in it's new spot...<br/><img width='480' height='320' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDDHYsxBJDStT_-qtN5jPQscVNuXu2xLn3aJjHGmsc8uFjb0rtnwTDqGw4jMa27BUIkic-X04k-F0objgIrIWuskGNBODACfJlJuCE4pTAGYDCdiv5ew0xnLIDX1Bfpb6cavOI4da8Fg/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-87962865402479012212011-03-29T11:08:00.001-07:002011-03-29T11:08:30.462-07:00Designer Outfit, Thrifty Price<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>A few years ago, I splurged on a sampling of fine dark chocolates from around the world (hooray for Costco!). Ever since then, I do not like Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Hershey bars, etc. Halloween candy doesn't really tempt me. I want the good stuff.<br/>When we lived in Chicago, there was a tiny thrift shop across the street that was a gold mine for designer duds. I quickly developed a taste for designer jeans. Ever since then, I do not like Old Navy jeans. Not even tempting. I want the jeans that fit perfectly, last for years, keep their shape, and have well-crafted details. Luckily for my husband, I am cheap... too cheap to shop at Nordstrom. I get my designer fix at the thrift shop or deeply-discounted stores.<br/>The jacket is from my Chicago thrift store. I got it at a fill-a-bag-for-$5 sale. ($5 divided by a paper bag stuffed with clothes= super duper cheap.) I love the bright, bold pattern, the large squarish buttons and the purple piping on the inside seams. The necklace is from an estate auction: $3. The brown t-shirt was from MJR sales. It was 75% off of $5... it had a tiny hole that I had to stitch shut. My jeans are Rock & Republic from my Chicago thrift store: $6. My strappy gold wedge sandals are from a thrift shop in Columbus: $3. They were almost brand new. They are quite comfortable and darling.<br/><img width='307' height='460' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr51tz2KqNWBaBs75TxvycZhmRRfEfAs3gLYCmyXaNYf8rqiC79cM6hFkG5GwYk_VOosuxTtCF4gq67Nn6H88uCNxCyGrltibwPCJYAOxdc5Fg-FpWSzyrOHsFR6V5BV1vxzhoLRU6Js/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>This outfit cost less than $20.<br/><br/><img width='374' height='561' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoktUhYObjsDmxyfOQCIYR-CXrZrgudoLWn30NmzPuNz3e32fXtY2X0eBB1xQ245IzSvaxpUsuDuxp4rj9fTUAU_uwvI8GK19QT66IEFlu60lwD2PzVQl6jaSOSnBPfqi4PFLCCOWeCc/?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/>As a bonus, the chair was $1 at an estate auction. That's right.<br/>And I made the pillows.<br/><br/>If you are thrifty with your fashion, there is a nifty contest <a href='http://www.cardiganempire.com/2011/03/thrifty-penny-week.html' target='_blank'>here</a>.<br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4729425782064716685.post-56281863188006390032011-02-18T06:46:00.001-08:002011-02-18T06:47:08.752-08:00Alli's new room!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Alli turned seven this year, and the big gift was her very own room. She got the room that June used to have (and June now shared with Ruby). The room started out pretty bare... beige carpet and walls. The crib came down and the rocking chair found a new spot. It was a blank canvas. And so the makeover began...<br/><img width='310' height='466' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VHfK7RjVDp0hfFMRi4fW5f4eVsMHj4ghj1IjeWxznXKrVyKoNB0ltuctI2vvzZM_NVFJ_TGL8r_uIWYK1VtxgYqkF8iMOonb4QiYwjTJm_tiiuoaiID5tHVe5O53UVdmWdCGztQ7MuA/?imgmax=800'/><br/>The new room was going to be a surprise, but it is hard to keep a room secret. Alli found out, and then she had all kinds of ideas of what it should be like. She made a sketch and I made a sketch and we worked together to get it just right.<br/>She wanted a place to display her drawings and hang her calendar. I got this bulletin board for $5. It was used, but I painted the cork with Modge Podge and covered it with fabric and then painted a second layer of Modge Podge on top. It is cute with or without papers hanging on it.<br/><img width='368' height='552' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvBZ_xovKzfbn_NJdEoo_-dv35IefJH2WAof08LICsCJ68eHOET8j8RjWRLGxuqeejW2iWYrbwa1PyDICQbBFn3lvoe9wiDrM0b5zyCuhq9tx9iy163NMuNlwHZ_RoCtrmWpP2yX6rTA/?imgmax=800'/><br/>Alli really wanted a nightstand. And we had one that wasn't really being used in our guest room. This nightstand came from an alley in Chicago. Free. With a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, and some distressing around the edges, it is as good as new.<br/><img width='342' height='514' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo349bMIOu-7ki-aO84L9fFjOrU1vMrBIfrb-TQZN85zbM8hZlA8TCrn1jA9Idf4RyIpMv-I2gLa9hQrsGNQI21vY3bd5nCewG2blWCczCVoLmhfMRo7Ja8KJmXQ7iNctWznD-KRCeLD0/?imgmax=800'/><img width='342' height='514' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjE23roVLmn9tXda9GDITvIYTyBCVetg2ylU1Fn863r9G_MKWuJOVqv2kGSmn9JfTszG_aANUGuVk5LbN1lU6c9MQceOUJtQ5_pNU-RexzrBaxNCZblvOWSXcnv3SFNDnKGOs2vmIiUE/?imgmax=800'/><img width='371' height='247' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkVgFw-Im9tXw_lhoF0xX37rcYKsVEX4ngAuKz8x3mxMRfWoYjYCQ5Ti6tcJhAM5qJ9PK_lhu6bBDJo7t2jzeUzDexJ2OzJOtWahJvWi8Wa7xepigpOCeefDUzqdJuxjQSS0CtVYm4V0/?imgmax=800'/><br/>Alli keeps books, her journal, pencils, tissues and other necessities in the drawers. She keeps a little vase with a note from Ruby, a lamp, and a picture of her friend on top.<br/>The lamp came from an estate auction. It cost about $5. It was purple when I got it. Inspired by <a target='_blank' href='http://www.eddieross.com/'>Eddie Ross</a>, I fancied-up the shade. I added pink circle stickers to the shade to made it pop. I made the stickers with some pink sticker vinyl that I had and the QuicKutz Revolution die cutter. The polka dots are so whimsical and fun, best of all, it was so easy to do!<br/>Above Alli's bed is a fairy painting. She found an illustration in a library book that she just loved. I painted the picture on canvas board put it in a simple wood frame. I love how the fairy looks down on the bed.<br/><img width='374' height='561' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYFwK0Ytmcc6TTPoQcmjE_5woZSi_FJZcj26NOUp39IgLWUVobDVvPx3k4_15tGQIaYqONy5jmU1FipOT9XfjNL2hqqPcXiJtG_VfIlvOA6HCVptc3-XhS08ZJ-J3NZH_-HNdejcKAb8/?imgmax=800'/><br/>The owl on the bed was a Christmas gift. Alli asked for something homemade. And she asked for a Pillow Pet. So I made a pillow pet for her (which wasn't quite what she had in mind... but she loves it now).<br/>The bed was purchased years ago when Alli graduated from the crib. It is a magenta sleigh bed with a trundle. I got it for $75 off of Craigslist. Alli did get a nice new mattress. I was able to get it for $75 (50% off!) using a <a target='_blank' href='http://www.groupon.com/'>Groupon</a> deal at <a target='_blank' href='http://www.dfwfurniture.com/'>DFW</a>.<br/>The square pillow came from <a target='_blank' href='http://www.marcs.com/'>Marc's</a> for $3.99. It is a down pillow. I made the cover from a sample of designer upholstery fabric. A bag-full of fabric samples is $5 at Chelsea Design House Warehouse in Columbus.<br/>Alli's duvet cover is made from a king-sized sheet folded in half and sewn up the sides. There is an opening at the bottom of the blanket to remove the feather blanket inside. I purchased the sheet at a thrift store for 75 cents. I loved the color and the bold, graphic pattern.<br/>Alli's dresser is from an estate auction. I think is was $3. With paint and a little distressing around the edges... and some gluing and repairs on the drawers by my handsome handyman... it is adorable and functional.<br/><img width='392' height='588' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRtpdyHcATiUD4N8a95Ctw29DZpCXtiCrXaJ7qmhEDn1_kJAOtijw2BznwrbpdTcJ57fnjUdDw2P7y7qKCaNTJ7uYn4k8PIV2JCndaP5_Kz7lt0v0ey__hMaL-8JW-hI9OT7_r6tz9l0/?imgmax=800'/><img width='444' height='296' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrEm7DocppUf8FF9qQY1WQQKrjVwrfQ2pe1fvPuKlz_MtyTGHC84hyphenhyphenZqUSHKgeIbKfYeblAlNuCuicdmt4hB3uJ7sXuCJldGGZ_1g3Jegalq2r22WOuP8CzeGqRUU5XC5y4fb7ZYaM8s/?imgmax=800'/><img width='445' height='297' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmE5qU18w-_6X0Pw7lsos8J-s3gem3TO4wqTWdsGfmcnIaO3KXW2OwCdwOqFg0Ssav7R_SiJcTjTmJNr2P8-OQOaet_UWNVdBXjEFmiKGkJ8N8oYjk9uWMli80NtDhe8HK_qorEpUVqk/?imgmax=800'/><br/>For a laundry hamper, I used some heavyweight oil cloth and sewed a tote with handles. It is easy for Alli to bring her dirty clothes down to the laundry room. And it is a cute tote too.<br/>My sister gave me the vintage mirror above Alli's dresser. Alli keeps a few of her treasures on the dresser: a diorama, her piggybank, the alarm clock, and her CD player.<br/>Of course there is a bookcase in Alli's room. My brother Dan made this a few years ago. It needed a fresh coat of paint, and I decoupaged some fabric on the roof.<br/><img width='370' height='555' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZCaLvc_6WZoaeGBWURzkn-pKYAvE8fSnGt0ecTulNcJeULeh_M5v10Eng1grwoRajGep5gMOoRKDfikTgt-FFS96HLWYCEsS5BulIsdpLP4fK403_yAL8-fVMyuBCg4sCuuOIpvyLfc/?imgmax=800'/><br/>Everyone loves the book shelf.<br/>And no big sister's room is complete without little sisters trying to get in!<br/><img width='294' height='441' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qucadbz94vu15JXFHTPb5nRGtu-JmiTGl2zaSUAzlNpK3oivOG3Y-uRbMa3yeZmop-D4oklHKsYgd5v6v43oQa35XtzV7aS_Y4n90JA8WXkPeZ10mCxGx1ZJ0_iywkDBnED0dnzd19o/?imgmax=800'/><img width='296' height='442' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q__qQPSk6OYXiYkpWPTBiPAebXri47k96-gD9wLPv6YDiJybs7Ec9ZYKGvb1B7S0N33aYu8KsxbNrrn4kgTWdH7jxmV_UnhLV6deUEpb_KcQwLrC7vmTntyUKQsWlT5MbclnFu6x4Fo/?imgmax=800'/><br/>Alli loves having her own space. This room is Alli through and through.<br/><img width='382' height='256' style='max-width: 800px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyj1MkJZghRmnEPAMombSmX15ytkYwaEdAedG51TrcZcARJtz4nNYoBwB5qzks2Jr8QIAQOXmamSzvOBzOXc-gTN6WtOlszVeWSS8S1Qwj130F1kjBgKQnUWsfIk8miJaW-JjYGlS8gI/?imgmax=800'/><br/>After reading this, you may think I am cheap. I sort of am. I like really nice stuff, but I don't want to pay full price for it. If you take the time to hunt down the bargains, design can be done for cheap. This whole room was painted, furnished, and decorated for about $250. Not bad.<br/><br/><br/><br/></div>Karynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315732446561860177noreply@blogger.com3