Always a Project

Kimberly and I have decided that Lowe's is the new Michael's. They have creative solutions for just about every project.

We had a lunch date at Lowe's this week to pick through their wide variety of washers - of the metal disk kind, not the clothes washing sort.

We were a sight to see - kneeling on the floor, laying out patterns with washers, in heels and skirts.

Our inspiration came from this project pinned on Pinterest, courtesy of wherethelovelythingsare.com.

All I needed to complete this project were washers and embroidery thread. I had chain and jump rings left over from my previous necklace project to finish this one.

I wanted to go for an ombre effect with my color scheme.

{The other thread pictured is for a second necklace.}

It took an entire skein of thread to wrap my large washer, which I did first. In retrospect, I should have started on the smaller washers to refine my technique. I would highly recommend for you to do the same. You want your focal point to look it's best!

I threaded a large needle to facilitate the wrapping process.

I used Super Glue to secure the end of the thread to the back of the washer. I also used a bit to hold the threads in place when I finished wrapping.

To join the pieces together, I did two figure 8's between washers.

I added a jump ring to the last washer on each side. No special process there. I just wove it into the threads as I was wrapping.

Like it? Pin It

I added my chain and a lobster clasp and it was done! I love the sheen of the thread. I don't think you would ever know that basic washers were underneath it all.

Aren't we lucky to live in such creative times? I love the handmade movement. It's such a great way to express your own perspective and to give someone something really special.

On an unrelated subject, I have exciting news to share! We're moving into our new house next week! It has been exactly one year since I saw my belongings. To be honest, I haven't really missed a thing - except my serger.

I'll have to share some pics of the finished house. Talk about one massive, exhausting, creative project! I'm so glad it's nearly done. Please say a prayer for me that the move goes smoothly.

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great week!

Our Modish project this month was a magnetic memo board. I love this project - especially for the kitchen because my refrigerator is stainless steel so I always need a way to display the kiddos' artwork, my endless supply of lists, and various other lovelies.

This one is going into the office space that I share with my husband. It couldn't be too girly or I'd never hear the end of it!

All you need for this project is a large scrap of fabric, a pizza pan (or cookie sheet), Mod Podge, scissors, and a ribbon.

I also added an initial that I cut with my Silhouette from a sheet of Duck Tape. Did you know you can buy sheets of Duck Tape?? Imagine the possibilities!

Coat the back of your pan with a generous coat of Mod Podge. I used a child's foam brush to apply.

Lay your fabric over the Mod Podge and smooth into place. Add more Mod Podge around the edges and into the creases and press your fabric into place - working around the edge a little at a time.

I recommend working slowly so that your fabric stays in place as the glue dries. If you work too quickly, you run the risk of pulling the fabric loose.

Once your fabric is in place and the bond has started to set, trim around the edges. Try to maintain an even selvedge of about 1", but don't worry about perfection. This will be hidden on the backside of the pan.

Clip into your allowance about 3/4" all of the way around the pan. This will help you secure the edges into place and keep a smooth fit with little bulk.

Flip your pan over and use more Mod Podge to secure the tabs in place, keeping a tight fit around the edge as you go around the pan.

Add your embellishments.

Glue a ribbon to serve as your hanger. I used the twill tape I had left over from the boys' tee-pee.

{Hooray for scraps!}

Voila! You're done!

Forgive my lame styling for this photo. All of my fun accessories are packed away until the move. I did have these magnetic tins on hand, which are perfect for paperclips, buttons, pins, etc...

I'm finishing up a fun, super simple project to share with you tomorrow. Pinterest-inspired, of course. Want a sneak peek? Any guesses?

Hello friends! Can you help me with a project? Sure, I could Google it, but I'd much rather hear from you. That's why we have each other, right?

{big hug}

I have a pair of dress pants that I'd like to turn into cuffed shorts. They are now about 2 sizes too big {yay!}, but I'd like to try a re-fashion instead of getting rid of them.

The waist will hit lower on my hips, which is fine, but they will still need to be taken in some. Can I do this through the inseam? Or will I have to totally rework the waistband? I'm also thinking of adding belt loops and creating a sash belt out of the material that I cut off from the legs.

Are there any good tutorials that you know of for this type of project? I'm aces with putting patterns together, but reworking a finished garment to fit is uncharted territory for me!

So, you've experienced the magic of Pinterest, right? Just when you think you can't handle one more internet time-suck.

Here is my emotional reaction to Pinterest.

Inspiration. Tears. Laughter. Disgust. Hunger. Stupidity. Wonder. Jealousy. Lust. More Hunger. More Inspiration.

And that's only in the first 2 minutes of logging on.

Seriously, are you on yet?

I have one board to "pin" projects that I want to tackle. I added this Nicole Miller necklace a few weeks ago. I love this one, but something about it inspired me to try to make my own.

I had a spool of chain that I purchased on clearance several weeks ago. All I needed to make my interpretation was leather, a lobster clasp, and super glue.

It is nowhere near as awesome as the Nicole Miller {there's a lot to be said for quality chain}, but I like it!

If you're on Pinterest, let's link up!

I finished it!! Finally! The tee-pee for my boys' playroom is complete.

This was a tough project to finish because I'm so limited on working space right now and it required a lot of fabric.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I decided to use a painter's dropcloth for this project. It was the perfect solution - affordable and paintable. I really wanted to get Dylan in on the creative process and it was a blank canvas for us to enjoy together.

I set no expectations for the creative touches so Dylan had free reign to paint whatever he wished. I'm not sure exactly what his plan was, but we worked it out together!

I'll be honest... it was tough to let him do his own thing. I worked so hard on the construction of this piece. I suppressed my instinct to say, "Why are you painting a big yellow blob like that?"

I used Butterick Pattern #4251 and didn't deviate much from the instructions. I did add pole covers to the top. I just didn't like the look of PVC pipes sticking out.

To create the pole covers, I cut six strips of canvas, 3" x 37". I hemmed the short ends 1/2", sewed 1" button holes about 6" from each end to align with the drilled holes in the pole, folded the strip in half with right sides together, stitched along each long side, and turned right side out.

I also used 3/4" pipes, rather than the 1" pipes the pattern called for. That small change saved about $2 per pole.

I love the effect.

And the boys LOVE the tee-pee!

Mark one more item off of my to-do list!! Onward to the next project!

The Indie Craft Experience is always a good time. Jenn, Kimberly, and I were able to enjoy it together. We saw everything from vintage jewelry to paper art to felt poop mounted on a plaque.

{Yeah. I guess there's a buyer for everything.}

And I am in awe of the talent that these artists possess!

Just a few sights from the day: