Grandpa's Garden

Today I took the boys to my grandparents' farm. While I was there I took a few pictures of my grandfather's garden. Looks like there will be a ton of okra in a few days. 

Handmade Coasters

I thought today I would share a simple DIY project someone showed me - custom-made coasters. You can get as elaborate as you want with these. Here are the instructions:

1. Go to a supply store such as Lowe's or Home Depot. In the floor tiling section there are boxes of plain white tiles, (they also make black sometimes too). These are the perfect size for coasters, as well as other crafty projects like mosaics. They usually run anywhere from 15-50 cents a piece. I would by 4-6 for each coaster set.

2. Next decide on a design for the coasters. The easiest way is to choose the large pieces of scrapbook paper you can buy in packs or separately at scrapbook supply stores. I would buy at least two to three sheets of the same color. You can get up to four coaster patterns on one sheet, but I would have extra in case of mess-ups.

3. Everyone seems to do their decoupage mixture differently. I have used the already mixed, name-brand, but have found that just a cheap mixture of equal parts glue and water works just as well. I don't even buy the name brand glue. So usually this part of the process only runs about fifty cents.

4. Using the coasters as guides, draw out four shapes onto the back of your scrapbook paper.

5. Carefully cut out the squares and lay aside.

6. Using a strong paintbrush (I
 have one I strictly use for decoupage), paint the white tile. Next, lay the scrapbook paper on top of the tile. Then paint another coat of the glue mixture on top of the scrapbook paper. Allow to dry an hour. Repeat the process.

Note: You will have to smooth down the edges of the paper around the sides of the coaster.

7. The finished product should look somewhat like the example below. The coasters can be as simple or elaborate as you'd like them to be. However, when you finish your design, it is important to take them outside and spray them with a clear craft sealant (can be found in the craft section of Wal-Mart or Michael's).

Finding My Focus

I can honestly say this has been one of the most laid- back, restful summers I have had in a long time. I took a break from the classroom, my blog, and the day-to-day wind and grind of real life. I was able to find my focus (both mentally and spiritually), hang out with true friends, and most importantly spend some much needed time with just Beau and Ryan. We had several adventures; whether it was leaving the state or dodging mosquitoes in our own backyard. I think they would tell you we enjoyed every second of it. Now with only one week left of vacation, I'm already beginning to prioritize for the upcoming fall. In short, this summer has been a job well done.

I plan to restructure this blog. The first few dozen posts have been about learning to blog, finding my creative niche, and experimenting. Now I'd like to focus on just three things - finding unique vintage treasures, creating mixed media art pieces and repurposing furniture and other findings. I am not saying the jewelry is through (I've got a TON of material from last spring's ventures), but I just want to spend my time creating pieces of art and functional furnishings that are inspirational and easy to do yourself.

I have also gone back to my first true passion, writing. This summer I began writing a novel with a fellow middle school teacher. I love going through the writing process and figuring out how to maneuver through the many steps of creating a story. I think this will be a long process, and I'm not ready to share details, but I am excited about the possibilities it may lead to.

Spring Break Projects

 It was a very cold and rainy spring break, but because I was not tempted to spend it outside, I got a lot done around the house, cleaned out my little white shed to start preparing my new "studio," and made several attempts at what I call "cheater art" or things that look like art, but are VERY simple to design and make. Here are some examples of the fun I've had the last few days.

Reading for Beading Inspiration

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book Jewelry Inspirations: Beads, Baubles, Dangles, and Chains by Sandra Salamony. 
Flipping through it on my Nook has been just as enjoyable as a Pinterest-a-thon.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1000-jewelry-inspirations-sandra-salamony/1100223844

Spring Break Jewelry Jam

The Flora

Spent some time coming up with new designs today. Went out of my comfort zone with these three necklaces. I am also testing out new clasps.

I can't wait to start selling, but on the other hand, I'm still not sure I want to part with any of my creations yet. I am also going to take an extra creative step and name my jewelry, since they're all one of kind anyway...

The Maxi

Tomorrow I'm really going to work on my jewelry photos...Either I need to stop taking pictures right after I make them (because I'm tired) or I need to change the lighting...

Repurposed Jewelry

I haven't written in awhile -- mostly because I've been busy with my classroom. But this week is spring break so I have a little more time than normal.

One thing I have been working on is my repurposed jewelry. This week I will be opening an Etsy shop to try to sell my work. I try to make my jewelry with fifty percent recycled materials and fifty percent new materials.

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Mystery Middle Eastern Plate

Made a cool discovery at the GW yesterday:

It's a pretty large platter with a Persian relief. Although I cannot pinpoint the characters in this relief, I have found the same scene while searching typical ancient Persian design. The back says "Made in Iran" on an old typed label barely hanging on the metal.

If any readers are knowledgeable on Persian history, and can identify this scene, let me know!

Bed and Breakfast at Mountain View

The boys and I took an impromptu trip to Mountain View, Arkansas this weekend. We had an awesome time. Beau got to explore the Ozark National Forest, and I got to stay in one of the cutest bed and breakfast cottages I've ever seen! Here are a few pictures from our trip.

We went the long way home and drove through Batesville. I took some great snapshots while I was there too.

Button Art

I think I've got my creative spirit back tonight. After days of feeling blah, I had a sudden burst of energy tonight. I worked on two canvases. The first one is an iron on patch that I glued on top of a canvas I painted blue.

Then I painted another canvas cornflower yellow and then drew a tree using silver acrylic paint. I then glued buttons to the end of each branch. I think this one is my favorite.

I went to a birthday party at an art studio earlier today and bought a cute print from one of the owners. I put it in this double frame I stuck together out of two salvaged frames I bought at Good Will. The finished product turned out really well.

It was a pretty productive day...I even got to spend it with one of my main men, Beau Dillon, who posed for a few pictures while we were out.

Owl Necklace

Owl Pendant with beads.

My Indigo Cottage: Simple T-Shirt Scarf

My Indigo Cottage: Simple T-Shirt Scarf: Here is an easy and inexpensive way to dress up a plain shirt and jeans. I started making these last year, and now I wear them with ever...

Repurposed Bookcase

I had a productive weekend thanks to my husband and a retired art teacher. 

I decided to show my paintings to a friend of mine who recently retired from elementary art. She wasn't negative but gave me lots of tips and tricks for starting to learn how to paint and draw. She also gave me four assignments - a still life, a portrait, a landscape, and a figure - to complete before we meet again. I know I'm not going to be a professional, but I feel like a kid again learning something new.

In other business, my husband watched the boys while I finished a project that had been on a my mind. I had   a boring, "catch all" bookcase in my living room and while watching HGTV, got the idea to upholster it.

Here's the Before:

I found a great fabric at Hancock's yesterday. I just used a staple gun to secure it to the backboard of the bookcase.

I also finished a new necklace to match a navy and fuisha dress I bought Saturday.