DIY/Decorating Bucket List

Matt and I have recently been adding to our personal bucket list, and it’s got me thinking about a DIY/decorating bucket list.  Although some of these may be pie-in-the-sky dreams, as well as expensive, extravagant, and a loooong way off, I find that writing down my goals motivates me, so for what it’s worth, here’s the list (in no particular order), along with some eye candy. 

Board and batten

Chandelier in a bedroom

Built-ins

Logs in a fireplace (although I think I’d prefer a working fireplace, if given the choice)

Dark window panes

Mudroom

Stairway runner

World wall map

Bedroom wall sconces

Plank wall

Pergola

Outdoor string lights

Stain cement

Wallpaper

Crown molding

Finally, I would love to create a room using only second-hand items.  While I don’t have an extra space to decorate at the moment, I plan to do this at some point in the future.  It would basically involve scouring thrift stores, Craigslist, yard sales, and even our own basement storage.  I would be restricted to used items, but I’d be able to update them with paint.  Look at my rule-setting self.  : )  I’ve even wondered if it would be possible to sell this type of creation as a “set” on Craigslist, but I have a feeling that it wouldn’t work well, since Craigslisters tend to be looking for cheapo stuff.  Do you think it could work? 

I realized once I started writing this list that there are a bazillion more projects that I could add on both a big and small level, but I think this is a good place to start, as these things tend to ebb and flow.  I really don’t expect all of these to happen, but I’d be happy to work them into our living space, a friend’s, or even a house staging.  Or perhaps just a blog post.  : ) 

So what about you?  What are your DIY dreams and schemes? 

Linking Up for Thanksgiving

These are the words I’m mulling over this Thanksgiving week.  I hope you’ll take a few moments to let them settle on your heart as well. 

ThanksLiving (Written by blogger Kate Conner)

Giving Thanks is the Only Response (Written by blogger Ann Voskamp)

On that note, I’m thankful that Liam enjoys reading with Matt!

DIY Christmas Cards

While it feels a little strange to post about the holidays after Christmas, I wanted there to be some surprises, so I waited until after the big day to share these hand crafted cards.  Still, this idea can be modified and used throughout the year and certainly can be filed away until next year rolls around, thanks to Pinterest! 

We all know that Christmas cards are so fun to send and receive, but I had a hard time swallowing the dent they would leave in our budget if we went the route I originally desired (which involved custom made cards on the adorable Tiny Prints website), so I decided to come up with a Plan B.  It basically involved searching for simple DIY ideas on the web and then raiding my supply of craft paper (which I bought at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby in high school and seems to be endless).  These cards were a snap to make and I loved putting together various colors and patterns to fit with the personalities of those receiving them.  *Just for the record, I mainly made these cards for family members, as time got away from me, leaving me unable to make and send them to all of our friends.* 

 

You can see how simple these were to make.  First, I basically cut a long triangle out of craft paper.  Then I cut it into strips to make the body of the Christmas tree.  Next, I used a different color and pattern to make a skinny tree trunk.  Then I just used a glue stick to adhere them to some colorful paper.  Even though they are all the same basic design, I love how they are each unique!  Oh, and I clearly didn’t stick to just “Christmas colors.”  Why limit yourself when there are so many fantastic possibilities? 

*The yellow tags helped me keep track of who was to receive each card.*  Did you make your own cards this year?  With all the ideas on the web, there are endless ways to get creative!

Give Me a ‘P’!

Give me a ‘p’… ‘o’… ‘m’!  Pom pom!  Yes, dear readers, it’s true.  During a short stint in high school, I was a cheerleader.  Which means I know a bit about pom poms.  Fortunately for you, these mini poms are way cuter than what I used back in the 90s and there are no splits involved—unless, of course, you have a hankering to break out the moves in your own living room.  Anyone?

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll let them speak for themselves.  Don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of photos, as this is a really easy project that adds instant cheer (pun definitely intended) to any gift. 

Be sure to give the pom a haircut to trim up loose ends!

Thanks again to my sis Hannah for sharing her creativity with us.  Happy pomming! 

It’s a Wrap

It’s a wrap for 2011, that is.  Onward to 2012!  I don’t know if it’s the fresh start of a new year, the fact that I’m now in my second trimester, or being back under the delicious sun and blue skies of Colorado, but I’m just itching to do things!  I’m back to making lists, hunting down bargains, planning meals, spending time with friends, and just plain enjoying life.  It’s been great!  Some of that is probably also due to the delightful pampering of being at my parent’s house for 10 days, enjoying some of my favorite people, good eats, a golden birthday on December 28, and of course, the annual (err…multi-annual?) shopping excursion.  What about that wouldn’t make a girl feel energized going into the new year? 

Over Christmas, my sister, Hannah (cutie on the left—would you ever guess I’m older by eight years?), who is a sophomore at Purdue University, wrapped all her packages using brown butcher paper, twine, buttons, maps, pom poms, and hand made chalkboard name tags. 

Here’s a peek at them just sittin’ pretty under the tree.

Take a closer look…

(Lest you think we just snapped these photos on the fly, it was quite the contrary.  Since we decided to host our photo shoot near midnight, we had to improvise on the lighting.  It was comical, to say the least.) 

I love the natural, easy look of these gifts, plus the recycled embellishments!  This type of gift wrap can be used all year round, and it won’t lighten your wallet too much either.  The butcher paper came from Walmart at under $5 for a roll that apparently lasts forever, the maps stem from an atlas found in a used bookstore, the button was a lost soul without a mate, the tags were wooden ornaments from Michael’s—painted with a tiny bottle of Martha Steward chalkboard paint—and the pom poms were hand made using stolen leftover yarn from Mom’s knitting bag.  *I’ll be posting a pom pom tutorial soon!*

Snootz, thanks for sharing your creative juices!  I’m headed to Wally World tomorrow to snag some of that butcher paper and twine, and I’m definitely keeping my eyes peeled for an old atlas. 

Don’t you love how one person’s ideas and projects can inspire you to tackle your own?  Inspiration simply leads to more inspiration.  And that, folks, is a wrap!

I’m Dreaming of…

 

That’s right.  Baby nurseries.  Any guesses why?