It's easy for life to get out of focus but it's the little reminders that help refocus me.
There is also beauty in not having a super focused life.
I guess that's what makes our lives more interesting.
Linking Up To:
Friday, June 29, 2012
Focus
I missed writing yesterday and was actually okay with having a break from the blog. The amount of energy it takes to have a blog is crazy and I'm realizing how it can be a full time job for a lot of people. There are days I'm so excited but other ones where I'm so exhausted with everyday life I can't bare to sit and type. Luckily, over the past couple of days I have been able to take some time and work on projects I'm excited about which is what I've been needing. I sometimes need to realize that my blog as huge as it is for me is a pinon to comparison to the other blogs in virtual land- and that's okay. I didn't start a blog to be big, I started it as a way to make me accountable for bringing creativity back into my life. When I look at everything I've done since the start I can't be anything but proud of myself.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Metal Link and Leather Bracelet
I finally was able to start dabbling into my bag of goodies I bought in NYC. I love it when the first idea that comes to my head works! BTW...no 'pin' today all from my noodle! Although I set aside some time to work on the bracelet, I really only needed 5 minutes so I started another bracelet that's still in the works.
Right now I'm really into the mixing of materials- the hard metals with softer fabrics or leather. I'm not a huge head-to-toe accessories person but think a unique bracelet or eye catching necklace is all you need to update an outfit. Oftentimes, my boring outfits survive by a bracelet or necklace. This bracelet will do just that. It was so cheap and easy (3 steps) to make plus the combinations between the metal and fabric are endless. Total for the bracelet $6.25!!!
My Results:
Strip of leather or faux leather in a color you'd like to pop
Metal link bracelet (I found mine at a wholesaler but you can buy them online or at a craft store)
1. Cut link bracelet to desired length with metal cutters (~ 6")
2. Cut leather strip leaving additional inches for tying (~ 10")
3. Weave leather strap in and out of the bracelet.
4. Optional: You can add a clasp or leave the leather long enough to tie. I prefer this look.
Right now I'm really into the mixing of materials- the hard metals with softer fabrics or leather. I'm not a huge head-to-toe accessories person but think a unique bracelet or eye catching necklace is all you need to update an outfit. Oftentimes, my boring outfits survive by a bracelet or necklace. This bracelet will do just that. It was so cheap and easy (3 steps) to make plus the combinations between the metal and fabric are endless. Total for the bracelet $6.25!!!
My Results:
Strip of leather or faux leather in a color you'd like to pop
Metal link bracelet (I found mine at a wholesaler but you can buy them online or at a craft store)
1. Cut link bracelet to desired length with metal cutters (~ 6")
2. Cut leather strip leaving additional inches for tying (~ 10")
3. Weave leather strap in and out of the bracelet.
4. Optional: You can add a clasp or leave the leather long enough to tie. I prefer this look.
SERIOUSLY?!?!
Linked Up To:
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I {heart} Ohio String Art
Happy Tuesday to you. After about an hour of trying to get my coffee maker to work this morning, I'm finally sitting down with a warm cup and ready to get the day started. Don't get me wrong, I've been up since 6:30am but after making my husbands lunch, the girls breakfast and putting the dishes away it's already 9:00am. I never quite liked coffee as I do now as a stay at home mom. I think it's the routine of making the coffee and the warm mug in my hand that helps calm me down preparing me for the day ahead. This is until the girls are screaming at each other and I forget I even poured myself a cup of coffee.
2. Print out a map of the state you'd like to use. I found this map site to be the best: Maps Of.net
3. Cut out the shape of the state.
4. Cut out a heart by placing a heart die cut on top the area of the map you want omitted.
Note: this part is optional but I really liked the look of having a heart.
5. Using tape (painter tape would work well) tape down the map in the position you desire.
6. Now's where you need to take out your muscles...hammer in the nails evenly spaced around the perimeter of the state and heart. Make sure the nails go in directly up and down and not on a slant.
7. Once you're satisfied with the amount of nails, remove the map and tape. An Exacto knife works well here.
8. Start at the upper left hand corner, tie and knot the thread.
9. Start wrapping from the outer edges of the state to the outer edges of the heart. Over and over and over and over....you're wrist will get tired!
10. Tie off the end of the floss when you're happy with the amount of woven string and trim.
11. Enjoy your masterpiece! You deserve it with all the time you spent on it.
To the 'pin'....
A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to be asked to donate a piece of art for a silent auction benefiting the Citizens Committee for a Lakewood Animal Shelter. The work they are doing is amazing for the abandoned animals in Lakewood, Ohio. Since the shelter is in Ohio and I'm from Ohio, I wanted to do something with an Ohio Theme. I've 'pinned' several string art ideas on Pinterest so decided I'd make one for the silent auction. I've very happy with how it turned out...many, many hours later :)
Pinterest Inspiration:
My Results:
Wooden board (I bought one at a craft store that already had finished edges)
Paint
Nails (I used wood nails because I liked they were brown)
Hammer
Jewelry floss (I used 75% of a brand new spindle)
Printout of your design
Scissors
Exacto knife
Tape
1. Paint your board and let it dry.
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| I only added one coat because I liked seeing the wood grain. |
3. Cut out the shape of the state.
4. Cut out a heart by placing a heart die cut on top the area of the map you want omitted.
Note: this part is optional but I really liked the look of having a heart.
5. Using tape (painter tape would work well) tape down the map in the position you desire.
6. Now's where you need to take out your muscles...hammer in the nails evenly spaced around the perimeter of the state and heart. Make sure the nails go in directly up and down and not on a slant.
7. Once you're satisfied with the amount of nails, remove the map and tape. An Exacto knife works well here.
8. Start at the upper left hand corner, tie and knot the thread.
9. Start wrapping from the outer edges of the state to the outer edges of the heart. Over and over and over and over....you're wrist will get tired!
10. Tie off the end of the floss when you're happy with the amount of woven string and trim.
11. Enjoy your masterpiece! You deserve it with all the time you spent on it.
Linked Up To:
Monday, June 25, 2012
Recognition
There is nothing like waking up on a Monday morning to see that you were featured on someone's blog. What a surprise! These little bits of recognition are enough to push me through the week. The feeling of recognition has always been difficult for me to accept but has become more important in my life as I stay at home. I know what most people say...staying home and watching my children grow should be all the recognition I need but is that true?
When I take a step back, look back at my girls and see how kind, loving and caring they are I'm one proud mamma of course. There is also a part of every human who likes to receive praise for other aspects of their life even down to how cute they look today. Who doesn't like being complimented? You're lying if you say no to this! As I sat her and smiled at the small recognition I received, it made me wonder- do I recognize the big and small achievements of my daughters on a daily basis? Do I plant the seeds of happiness within them when they've not only done something good but kind? If one bit of recognition has giving me lasting power for the week, I think of what daily praise can do to my young girls.
I found a lot of 'pins' that I'm going to try out with my girls and thought I'd share them with you all. Have a great week!
When I take a step back, look back at my girls and see how kind, loving and caring they are I'm one proud mamma of course. There is also a part of every human who likes to receive praise for other aspects of their life even down to how cute they look today. Who doesn't like being complimented? You're lying if you say no to this! As I sat her and smiled at the small recognition I received, it made me wonder- do I recognize the big and small achievements of my daughters on a daily basis? Do I plant the seeds of happiness within them when they've not only done something good but kind? If one bit of recognition has giving me lasting power for the week, I think of what daily praise can do to my young girls.
I found a lot of 'pins' that I'm going to try out with my girls and thought I'd share them with you all. Have a great week!
This website has metals for all characters such as kindness, love, thoughtfulness. There is even a printable certificate you can fill out to celebrate their achievements.
The website below lists the {The 19 things we should say to our children}
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Sunday Reflection
Last weekend I was so blessed to be in NYC with my mom. It's been the first time since I've had children since she and I just had a girls weekend away. The bond we have is so strong and I can only hope my daughters and I have the same meaningful friendship she and I have. When I think back on the last time my mom and I traveled together I think it was the last time we were in NYC and my first year of college at FIT (this could be wrong but I'm trying remember back 15 years).
I transferred colleges after the first semester but still feel a very strong pull and connection to the city. Stepping out of the cab from the airport brought back all the feelings I had when I left. To me, it's a place of individuality, creativity and passion. The smells are so intoxicating they flood my mind with memories of school and traveling to the city for work. Although I had been back to the city several times with work, I was never able to go to Ground Zero. This trip I was very thankful to be able to visit the 9/11 Memorial. If you are ever in NYC, I'd highly recommend going or at least checking out their site 9/11 Memorial. I took this excerpt from the website:
Shared On:
Weekly Top Shot
Paper Heart Camera
I transferred colleges after the first semester but still feel a very strong pull and connection to the city. Stepping out of the cab from the airport brought back all the feelings I had when I left. To me, it's a place of individuality, creativity and passion. The smells are so intoxicating they flood my mind with memories of school and traveling to the city for work. Although I had been back to the city several times with work, I was never able to go to Ground Zero. This trip I was very thankful to be able to visit the 9/11 Memorial. If you are ever in NYC, I'd highly recommend going or at least checking out their site 9/11 Memorial. I took this excerpt from the website:
The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size
and feature the largest man made waterfalls in the North America.
The
pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood.
The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are
inscribed into bronze panels edging the Memorial pools, a powerful
reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on
American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue personnel in
American history.
Being able to pay tribute to the men, women and children who lost their lives puts your life into perspective. Other than a single wall to get an information pamphlet, the site bared no other words other than the names of those killed. The simple design was very impactful and set the solemn mood. I don't think one person left not feeling appreciative for the life they still have.
Shared On:
Weekly Top Shot
Paper Heart Camera
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Knotted Hair Ties & Headbands
If there is one request my husband always has for me, it's to keep my hair down. This unfortunately never happens. I've never been one who could walk out of the front door every morning and have that Salon Selectives type of hair that bounces when I walk or curls perfectly at the ends turning heads as I pass by. Let's face it, I wasn't born with a great head of hair. There are also some other factors:
Pinterest Inspiration:
1. Timing..10 additional minutes for myself or 10 minutes in front of the mirror blow drying my hair???
2. Convenience..I'm always out running around. I do not want my hair in my eyes.
3. Ease...It's so much easier to just throw unwashed hair into an elastic.
My newest obsession has been anything for my head that can make people believe I actually spent time on my hair. While in NYC, Anthropologie had these great knotted hair ties and bands. They are make of a soft elastic and come in great colors. Instead of buying them for $12 and $15 respectively, I found similar elastic in awesome colors at Mood (designers...sorry had to do it!). If you're ever in NYC, I suggest you check out Mood. It's any fabric, button, embellishment or elastic you can think of.
I found three colors I liked at $1.23 a yard and was able to make 4 hair ties and 3 headbands all for the price of $3.69!!! Check out your local fabric store and look in the elastics area. There are some beautiful finishing elastics that make easy hair accessories.
Pinterest Inspiration:
My Results:
1. Wrap elastic around your head to find a good fit. For me I used: 10" per hair tie and 21" for the headband. Aren't the colors pretty!
2. Cut elastic with sharp scissors.
3. At this point you can add beads or put two of the colors together but all this is optional...maybe for a fancier look :)
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| Beaded Option |
 |
| Two bands together for a headband |
4. Put the two ends of elastic together making a loop and do an overhand knot at the end.
5. Heat seal the ends of the elastic by warming the ends with a
lighter. You only need to do this until you see the elastic ends heat
up...it could catch on fire. Doing this will keep the ends from fraying.
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| This is how a heat seal should look...shiny at the end. |
6. Wear and enjoy your dressed up updo! Pardon the photos of myself but I wanted to show you the end product...I love them!
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| Two bands. |
 |
| Had to show you...one band. |
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The Ivy Cottage
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