tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35842125049362333542024-03-13T04:48:25.225-07:00create.love.growcrafting. cherishing. navigating faithfulness.whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-20286424957026659532010-11-21T15:58:00.000-08:002010-11-21T17:34:34.196-08:00create: my hodgepodge fall wreath!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOnIlgq279I/AAAAAAAABCQ/KUU4WuMAX9k/s1600/WREATH%2B019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542181363206516690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOnIlgq279I/AAAAAAAABCQ/KUU4WuMAX9k/s400/WREATH%2B019.JPG" /></a><br /><div>so about a month or so ago, I gathered some fabric scraps and made this simple fabric scrap wreath:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmyvoMsPMI/AAAAAAAABCI/ezpUCt8l3E8/s1600/WREATH%2B004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542157347770350786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmyvoMsPMI/AAAAAAAABCI/ezpUCt8l3E8/s400/WREATH%2B004.JPG" /></a> it felt off...lame...so i removed it from the wall last week and replaced it with this festive angel made from branches and berries (no, i cant take credit for it...thanks goodwill!)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmyvEHfOWI/AAAAAAAABCA/_tPofApsCBo/s1600/WREATH%2B006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542157338084850018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmyvEHfOWI/AAAAAAAABCA/_tPofApsCBo/s400/WREATH%2B006.JPG" /></a> but this weekend, i was inspired to finish my fall wreath in time for thanksgiving...i hunted through my craft closet and came up with this crazy, hodgepodge wreath that i just LOVE LOVE LOVE....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmys4XrhRI/AAAAAAAABB4/JD0MjGmCkTY/s1600/WREATH%2B020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542157300571800850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmys4XrhRI/AAAAAAAABB4/JD0MjGmCkTY/s400/WREATH%2B020.JPG" /></a> basically, i took my original fabric scrap wreath and hot-glued yarn poms and lotus pods around the interior....the yarn poms were SUPER easy to make (see a tutorial <a href="http://belladia.typepad.com/bella_dia/2006/03/post_1.html">here</a>...i left mine shaggy!) and the lotus pods i found at a local antique mall for $2....<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmysLLzRlI/AAAAAAAABBw/fiNEkwkG53Y/s1600/WREATH%2B019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542157288442381906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmysLLzRlI/AAAAAAAABBw/fiNEkwkG53Y/s400/WREATH%2B019.JPG" /></a> so the berry-and-twig-angel has been demoted, and my super fun fall wreath has once again earned its place back on the wall....i know this may not be everyone's style, but i just LOVE the fabric scraps, shaggy yarn poms, and lotus pods together....<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmyrqJx9fI/AAAAAAAABBo/Nlx8WeoLPQ0/s1600/WREATH%2B018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542157279575537138" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TOmyrqJx9fI/AAAAAAAABBo/Nlx8WeoLPQ0/s400/WREATH%2B018.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><br />...to me this just screams HAPPY FALL!</div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-6588810122170361552010-10-22T09:44:00.000-07:002010-10-22T09:59:16.151-07:00create: thanksgiving table decorso i know i am a little early...but i am in charge of table decor for our family thanksgiving meal this year, and i felt inspired this morning...i poked around the house for things to use, and here is what i came up with...and since i used things from around my home, it cost me $0!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAhoJr0eI/AAAAAAAABBg/U_iBlrLjvRg/s1600/thanksgiving+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530913501333934562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAhoJr0eI/AAAAAAAABBg/U_iBlrLjvRg/s400/thanksgiving+003.JPG" /></a> i had these doilies from the Dollar Store that I had picked up a few weeks ago...i found the yellow color kind of obnoxious, so I used the back...the photo <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">doesnt</span> show it, but the yellow still shines through :-)<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAhNxZuyI/AAAAAAAABBY/2Ax654LRb3M/s1600/thanksgiving+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530913494252763938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAhNxZuyI/AAAAAAAABBY/2Ax654LRb3M/s400/thanksgiving+015.JPG" /></a>using a sharpie, i simply wrote out the word "thanks"....then using clothes pins that I had painted previously (click back to my chicken wire memory frame)...i clipped each doily onto a twig (that I pulled from a floral arrangement in our living room)...<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAgyJMjqI/AAAAAAAABBQ/o4SuZzzxz0Q/s1600/thanksgiving+017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530913486836371106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAgyJMjqI/AAAAAAAABBQ/o4SuZzzxz0Q/s400/thanksgiving+017.JPG" /></a> the twigs are secured in mason jars (found in various places around our home)....i raided my kitchen cabinets for autumn-friendly filler....i came up with popping corn, beans, and lentils.....the jars are then each decorated with a little piece of frayed fabric (leftover from a wreath i made a few weeks back)<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAgRBjjYI/AAAAAAAABBI/TjxDQGXpfF0/s1600/thanksgiving+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530913477945953666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAgRBjjYI/AAAAAAAABBI/TjxDQGXpfF0/s400/thanksgiving+010.JPG" /></a> i think they turned out pretty cute! and the best part is, I can spell out "thanks" or "giving" or any other 6-letter word on the reverse side (clipping another doily onto the back) so that family on both sides of the table can enjoy the decor!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAgAcCKDI/AAAAAAAABBA/64_tRrFRN0s/s1600/thanksgiving+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530913473493608498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TMHAgAcCKDI/AAAAAAAABBA/64_tRrFRN0s/s400/thanksgiving+014.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">im</span> sure as thanksgiving gets closer, i will be posting more ideas....i have about 5 tables to decorate....</div><div> </div><div>happy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">friday</span>!</div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-84090276496703610392010-10-10T06:26:00.001-07:002010-10-10T06:35:42.318-07:00love: painted pumpkinsi love pumpkins. but i hate the ooey-gooey-mushy-stringy insides....so when thinking of decorating for fall, i was delighted to come across these beautifully painted pumpkins....full pumpkin enjoyment without the mess of carving...enjoy!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_fJYneRI/AAAAAAAAA_w/qpQNpqE6D9o/s1600/lots-of-painted-pumpkins1.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526408759576328466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_fJYneRI/AAAAAAAAA_w/qpQNpqE6D9o/s400/lots-of-painted-pumpkins1.gif" /></a> i LOVE this...simple coat of spray paint, then design is carved into the skin of the pumpkin...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_enowqxI/AAAAAAAAA_o/ZbnoC7vpWsM/s1600/72.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526408750517234450" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_enowqxI/AAAAAAAAA_o/ZbnoC7vpWsM/s400/72.jpg" /></a>plaids and polka-dots....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_eX31wnI/AAAAAAAAA_g/QRK1eH-pmEQ/s1600/ad-pumpkins-bhg-painted-e1284006077962.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526408746285515378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_eX31wnI/AAAAAAAAA_g/QRK1eH-pmEQ/s400/ad-pumpkins-bhg-painted-e1284006077962.jpg" /></a> numbers, bats, and welcome pumpkins....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_S6XJGfI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/GMQHzkmQU-0/s1600/bhgparents_pumpkins_numbers.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526408549385181682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_S6XJGfI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/GMQHzkmQU-0/s400/bhgparents_pumpkins_numbers.jpg" /></a> Country Living's take on painted pumpkins....<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_SaeI3VI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/xVZGv_74OUU/s1600/painted-pumpkin-1009-de.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526408540824591698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_SaeI3VI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/xVZGv_74OUU/s400/painted-pumpkin-1009-de.jpg" /></a> use stencils from other crafty projects....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_RwR1iaI/AAAAAAAAA_I/0gebSI6q0Sk/s1600/pumpkins_gif.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526408529498704290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_RwR1iaI/AAAAAAAAA_I/0gebSI6q0Sk/s400/pumpkins_gif.jpg" /></a>more stencils....<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_RCv7mAI/AAAAAAAAA_A/lQicW6Li27U/s1600/stenciled.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526408517276899330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_RCv7mAI/AAAAAAAAA_A/lQicW6Li27U/s400/stenciled.jpg" /></a> painted pumpkins with decorative nails and studs....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_Q1QvcbI/AAAAAAAAA-4/kNaB_VMrEVM/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 381px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526408513656418738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TLG_Q1QvcbI/AAAAAAAAA-4/kNaB_VMrEVM/s400/untitled.bmp" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />happy autumn!whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-42661287192258415322010-09-21T05:40:00.001-07:002010-09-21T05:54:53.598-07:00love: the DIY tshirt necklacemy current dirt-cheap obsession: DIY tshirt necklaces...google it for a tutorial...there are a million out there...here are some of my favorites from Google Image....<br /><br />the braided tshirt necklace:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJio0FiPrZI/AAAAAAAAA-w/80ZKcrUEP-Q/s1600/esprit.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519346956135017874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJio0FiPrZI/AAAAAAAAA-w/80ZKcrUEP-Q/s400/esprit.jpg" /></a>elaborately draped with fabric beads:<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJioz2X_s5I/AAAAAAAAA-o/CwOOAMu9zAM/s1600/t%2Bshirt%2Bnecklace%2B2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519346952065495954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJioz2X_s5I/AAAAAAAAA-o/CwOOAMu9zAM/s400/t%2Bshirt%2Bnecklace%2B2.jpg" /></a> classic, in charcoal gray:<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJiozoFt9sI/AAAAAAAAA-g/IrW_X99oSWc/s1600/100408204532984068.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 330px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519346948230739650" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJiozoFt9sI/AAAAAAAAA-g/IrW_X99oSWc/s400/100408204532984068.jpg" /></a> beaded, studded, and layered with other colors:<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJiopFyei1I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/YgL8KJIQbvc/s1600/T-Shirt+crafts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519346767224539986" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJiopFyei1I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/YgL8KJIQbvc/s400/T-Shirt+crafts.jpg" /></a> classic style, yummy green color:<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJioo_HEy-I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/vSRqOVjLnkI/s1600/t-shirt_necklace-thumb-400x300-290.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519346765431884770" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJioo_HEy-I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/vSRqOVjLnkI/s400/t-shirt_necklace-thumb-400x300-290.jpg" /></a> whimsical, with charms, keys, pearls added:<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJioohL4cpI/AAAAAAAAA-I/jzejpN-mnVA/s1600/t-shirt-necklace.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 175px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519346757398983314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJioohL4cpI/AAAAAAAAA-I/jzejpN-mnVA/s400/t-shirt-necklace.jpg" /></a> i LOVE this teal color:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJiooSKQebI/AAAAAAAAA-A/fU7h2alvZcE/s1600/t-shirt-necklace2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519346753365637554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJiooSKQebI/AAAAAAAAA-A/fU7h2alvZcE/s400/t-shirt-necklace2.jpg" /></a> two of my favorite fall colors:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJiooMY9d7I/AAAAAAAAA94/2CvJ_0HtfnM/s1600/Tshirt-necklace-blog-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519346751816693682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJiooMY9d7I/AAAAAAAAA94/2CvJ_0HtfnM/s400/Tshirt-necklace-blog-1.jpg" /></a> i tried my first DIY tshirt necklace last night...nothing to blog about...but i did learn a few things that i will share with you if you are considering cutting up an old tshirt of your own and trying this out:</div><div> </div><div>Basic Tutorial: take tshirt. cut straight line across it under neck and arm holes, so that the top is taken off and you are left with a rectangle. then cut rectangular piece into strips...stretch strips out so they roll up into themselves...fashion into a necklace. thats it!</div><div> </div><div>1)if your tshirt is the same color inside and out, then you can cut your strips any way you like: up-and-down or across.</div><div>2) if its not the same color inside, then you need to cut WITH the grain (usually up-and-down)...</div><div>3) its best to choose a shirt without side seams...these dont roll so well...</div><div>4) it might be a good idea to stop at goodwill and grab a shirt that is XL or larger...i used a Large, and the necklace is of average length...if you want to layer it several times, a larger shirt will work better.</div><div> </div><div>hope this helps! let me know if you make one! happy tuesday!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-47871565624357190002010-09-17T09:46:00.000-07:002010-09-17T10:12:39.976-07:00create: upcycled shipping cratebefore: vintage international shipping crate that i found for $5 at my favorite STL antique mall (on Big Bend)...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOe_xA_4sI/AAAAAAAAA9I/3A4_mVOx8wE/s1600/shipping+crate+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928786785460930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOe_xA_4sI/AAAAAAAAA9I/3A4_mVOx8wE/s400/shipping+crate+001.JPG" /></a> after: add a little fabric, and becomes the perfect storage chest!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOe_dNgBzI/AAAAAAAAA9A/QJRVu7HltQ0/s1600/shipping+crate+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928781469189938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOe_dNgBzI/AAAAAAAAA9A/QJRVu7HltQ0/s400/shipping+crate+011.JPG" /></a> i saw this crate, and the $5 price tag, and i knew it had a ton of potential...after a little vacuuming out the cobwebs, it was prepped and ready for its makeover...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOe-THnDOI/AAAAAAAAA84/8QC3k9O-Njg/s1600/shipping+crate+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928761580260578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOe-THnDOI/AAAAAAAAA84/8QC3k9O-Njg/s400/shipping+crate+002.JPG" /></a> the exterior of the trunk is covered in all types of authentic shipping labels...like the one you see below...<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOe96QW1II/AAAAAAAAA8w/tTZywJjV0dk/s1600/shipping+crate+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928754906059906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOe96QW1II/AAAAAAAAA8w/tTZywJjV0dk/s400/shipping+crate+003.JPG" /></a> here are my tools: some clearance fabric from Hancock's (sorry Hobby Lobby....i still love you, but you dont sell beautiful prints for $1.50 a yard)...my staple gun, scissors, and my DD chai latte (it was early!)<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOenyq55rI/AAAAAAAAA8o/1Y4G4rXRpRQ/s1600/shipping+crate+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928374912804530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOenyq55rI/AAAAAAAAA8o/1Y4G4rXRpRQ/s400/shipping+crate+005.JPG" /></a> now i suppose if you are one of those have-things-well-thought-out-before-you-start types, you would measure the dimensions of the crate, cut your fabric to size, then proceed....i however, loathe accurate measurements, and thus I just took my fabric, began draping and stapling, cutting the excess as I went....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOenRLdo1I/AAAAAAAAA8g/rPs3Fs0rJp0/s1600/shipping+crate+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928365922558802" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOenRLdo1I/AAAAAAAAA8g/rPs3Fs0rJp0/s400/shipping+crate+007.JPG" /></a> example A:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOemF1eJxI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/hLdSPA7Yyus/s1600/shipping+crate+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928345697658642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOemF1eJxI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/hLdSPA7Yyus/s400/shipping+crate+006.JPG" /></a> i started with the lid, moved to the large sides, then the small ones....here is a close up of one corner....i love the contrast between the worn, aged, imperfect wood and the lovely floral print behind it....<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOelqirrcI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/KIeOcIetWF4/s1600/shipping+crate+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928338371096002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOelqirrcI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/KIeOcIetWF4/s400/shipping+crate+010.JPG" /></a> so here is my finished crate! i think i am going to use it at the foot of our bed to hold blankets/bedding, etc....you never can have too much [adorable] storage space!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOelKZecuI/AAAAAAAAA8I/kutpuMDXvsg/s1600/shipping+crate+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517928329742545634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJOelKZecuI/AAAAAAAAA8I/kutpuMDXvsg/s400/shipping+crate+009.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-26456428314702720192010-09-17T06:52:00.000-07:002010-09-17T07:11:05.778-07:00create: silverware hooksif you have been a faithful reader of my blog posts, you may remember seeing this ABC-silverware hook-business in one of my earliest posts....the photo in that post was blurry, dark, the hooks had yet to be put to use....these days they are sitting pretty in our kitchen, holding an array of vintage pot holders and oven mitts...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJN0mPgEIaI/AAAAAAAAA8A/AxEscnHE-So/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517882168803860898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJN0mPgEIaI/AAAAAAAAA8A/AxEscnHE-So/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+037.JPG" /></a> here is a close up of the hooks....basically, i scoured my goodwill for beautiful silverware pieces (forks or spoons...knives are too thick to manipulate)...used two pairs of pliers and broke off the head of the utensil, bending the remaining end into a slight curve....once bent, i arranged them on my ABC board (another goodwill find) and glued them down with Gorilla Glue (sealing all the edges in the back with hot glue)....<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJN0lkY9y2I/AAAAAAAAA74/aSUjQztgPUE/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517882157231360866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJN0lkY9y2I/AAAAAAAAA74/aSUjQztgPUE/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+038.JPG" /></a> i had tampered with boiling the silverware prior to working with it, but i found it didnt make much difference....patience, a little arm strength, and a steady hand made the most difference...also, i found that the older the silverware, the more likely it is to be made of a pliable material....these days i dont know if i could bend my ikea spoons if i tried!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJN0lcXg9uI/AAAAAAAAA7w/jej_Xw8vqec/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517882155077793506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJN0lcXg9uI/AAAAAAAAA7w/jej_Xw8vqec/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+039.JPG" /></a> this is totally unrelated to silverware hooks, but isnt this little basket of apples adorable?... call me crazy, but i have found that the more adorable my fruit looks (piled in a basket vs. hidden away in the crisper drawer) the more likely i am to eat it....silly, i know, but it works for me :-)<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJN0kn4HmMI/AAAAAAAAA7o/qzPZ34I9By0/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517882140987463874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJN0kn4HmMI/AAAAAAAAA7o/qzPZ34I9By0/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+035.JPG" /></a></div></div></div><br />happy friday! eat an apple and bend your own silverware hooks this weekend!whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-26805917724053088142010-09-16T06:18:00.000-07:002010-09-16T07:21:38.335-07:00create: cheap bookcase makeoveron the same note as the mid century table that i made over earlier this week, here is a project from a few weeks back using decoupage and book pages....<br /><br />if you were perched in my windowsill, this is the view you would have of the living room wall.... (yes, i am perched as i take this photo)...the sign that hangs above our doorway is the one that i painted and used to direct guests into the parking lot at our wedding....a lasting memory from a lovely day :-)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIbLWRpwvI/AAAAAAAAA7g/rtAJw1d2v6A/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517502375254409970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIbLWRpwvI/AAAAAAAAA7g/rtAJw1d2v6A/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+006.JPG" /></a> we were desperate for bookshelves (my husband and i = massive book hoarders)...so we finally broke down and bought <a href="http://www.target.com/Room-Essentials-5-Shelf-Bookcase-Espresso/dp/B003SVUAQW/ref=br_1_7?ie=UTF8&id=Room%20Essentials%205-Shelf%20Bookcase%20Espresso&node=3527991&searchSize=30&searchView=list&searchPage=1&sr=1-7&qid=1284643208&rh=&searchBinNameList=finish_types-bin%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice%2Ccollection_name-bin&searchRank=price&frombrowse=1">these cheap ones from Target</a>...i liked the espresso color, but the construction left a little to be desired....so i grabbed a duplicate copy of Jane Austin's Emma, ripped out the pages, and decoupaged the interior of these cheap Target shelves... in addition to the decoupaging, i overloaded the shelves with fun junk like candles, decorative balls, quirky little figurines, etc.... above this bookshelf hangs this AMAZING antique bubble frame photo of my great grandmother and her brother...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIbK1olWPI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/lvDfPanI9Vg/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517502366492219634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIbK1olWPI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/lvDfPanI9Vg/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+009.JPG" /></a> a close up of the 2nd book shelf....you can see the book page background a little more clearly....and do you notice those silly president busts from an earlier post? i think they look quite dashing on my bookshelf :-)<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa82_iYfI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/W-HHuh_r0Y0/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517502126338761202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa82_iYfI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/W-HHuh_r0Y0/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+012.JPG" /></a> as you may notice in the first photo, i hung these fun grapevine baskets on the sides of each bookcase, filling them with yummy red and orange foliage (hurray for autumn!)<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa8accpxI/AAAAAAAAA7I/xwy4PZzh1mQ/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517502118675392274" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa8accpxI/AAAAAAAAA7I/xwy4PZzh1mQ/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+007.JPG" /></a> another close up of the Emma pages....a fun bookend (hobby lobby, 60 cent clearance find) and decorative ball (salvation army)...and a copy of "Godless Morality", if that interests you :-)...i suppose i should have chosen some less weighty reading to photograph...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa740d45I/AAAAAAAAA7A/67IX1sF2fIg/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517502109649331090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa740d45I/AAAAAAAAA7A/67IX1sF2fIg/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+008.JPG" /></a> president truman hanging out with a few votives from my "crazy-awesome-vintage-votive-holder" collection...and a copy of Winnie the Pooh...also the Jesus Storybook Bible...this is our "kid section" if you hadn't noticed...no "Godless Morality" here :-) <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa7a60zII/AAAAAAAAA64/PJmYCtr-yb0/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517502101622934658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa7a60zII/AAAAAAAAA64/PJmYCtr-yb0/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+010.JPG" /></a> so thats just about it....a simple bookcase makeover....thank you Jane Austin. thank you President Truman....thank you cheap Target bookshelves.... <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa7PUaMVI/AAAAAAAAA6w/dPk5jP4oX3c/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517502098509017426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TJIa7PUaMVI/AAAAAAAAA6w/dPk5jP4oX3c/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+046.JPG" /></a>P.S. one last plug for the Jesus Storybook Bible: do you have kids? do you own this? if not, RUN out and SNATCH up a copy....im telling you, this is the most amazing child-themed story of salvation i have ever read....as in: i cant make it through one story with out losing it and crying all over the place...your kids will think you are nuts for becoming so emotional over a children's book, but its AMAZING. i just thought i would let you know :-)</div><div></div><div> </div><div>happy thursday!</div></div></div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-84580808740432000842010-09-14T06:17:00.001-07:002010-09-14T06:37:51.606-07:00create: mid century side table revampSo our friends Todd and Juliette (their blog love:stl <a href="http://lovestl.blogspot.com/">here</a>) gave me this mid century side table that they found out by their apartment dumpsters... it was dusty, worn, and covered in blotches of random white stuff (i hope it wasnt bird poop!)...but it certainly had potential. I was excited for the opportunity to glam it up and pass it on to someone else....share the dumpster-treasure love, i suppose :-)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI92X897HyI/AAAAAAAAA6o/uZLRtCx3D9A/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516758222427070242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI92X897HyI/AAAAAAAAA6o/uZLRtCx3D9A/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+017.JPG" /></a> So first step: sand. wash. dry. then i covered the table in a few coats of gloss black spray paint...because the faux wood veneer business was so worn, black was really my only option...i tried and failed to use a lighter, more burnt orange shade...but the table was having none of it...so black it was!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI92XWqKMnI/AAAAAAAAA6g/4lGXs-ZduxQ/s1600/mid+century+table+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516758212143624818" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI92XWqKMnI/AAAAAAAAA6g/4lGXs-ZduxQ/s400/mid+century+table+007.JPG" /></a> then i broke out my decoupage and used these pages from a 1909 copy of the Sears-Roebuck catalogue...a $1 find at <a href="http://www.dunawaybooks.com/">Dunaway Books</a> on South Grand...i loved these pages because they were so worn and water-damaged that they gave a great multi-dimensional feel to the table....<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI92W7xGxpI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/q3WiOjj_luo/s1600/mid+century+table+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516758204925003410" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI92W7xGxpI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/q3WiOjj_luo/s400/mid+century+table+014.JPG" /></a> once decoupaged on to the table, i finished it with a few coats of triple-thick gloss sealer...making it waterproof, shiny, and ready to adorn someone's living room!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI92V1VtodI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/cjalj_1qx-0/s1600/mid+century+table+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516758186019627474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI92V1VtodI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/cjalj_1qx-0/s400/mid+century+table+010.JPG" /></a> *one last plug for Dunaway Books....scour their shelves, and you will find vintage and antique books that, due to their damaged condition, are priced anywhere from 25 cents to $1! A great find for crafters like me that simply want to tear the pages out of the books anyway! If you stop in, peek at the children's books....so many amazing vintage storybooks with beautiful artwork just waiting to crafted into something amazing!</div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-52518979891143219442010-09-14T05:31:00.000-07:002010-09-14T05:59:27.757-07:00love: fall wreathsso as my crafty friend Marti suggested, here are some of my favorite ideas for a fall door wreath....<br /><br />Rachel (from P.S. I Quilt) put together this super cute <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/11/fabric-wreath.html">fabric scrap wreath</a>:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ut4243sI/AAAAAAAAA6I/e4mxx98w5hQ/s1600/fabricwreathtut8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516749803187920578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ut4243sI/AAAAAAAAA6I/e4mxx98w5hQ/s400/fabricwreathtut8.jpg" /></a> V and Co.'s <a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2009/09/guest-blogger-v-and-co-pinecone-wreath.html"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pinecone</span> wreath</a>:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9utKttmiI/AAAAAAAAA6A/lBkFDbfO1Aw/s1600/2009+09+29_9616_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516749790801402402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9utKttmiI/AAAAAAAAA6A/lBkFDbfO1Aw/s400/2009+09+29_9616_edited-1.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Centsational</span> Girl's <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/09/magnolia-tree-fall-wreath/">magnolia wreath </a>(created from leaves she gathered at the park!):<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9usll-alI/AAAAAAAAA54/SQMubnJBOc0/s1600/cgfrontdoormagnoliawreath_thumb4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 392px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516749780836837970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9usll-alI/AAAAAAAAA54/SQMubnJBOc0/s400/cgfrontdoormagnoliawreath_thumb4.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reynie's</span> southern <a href="http://southerngirlrambling.blogspot.com/2009/01/wine-cork-wreaths.html">wine cork wreath</a>: (You can also find a good tutorial video from Nikki in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Stitches</span><a href="http://nikkiinstitches.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/how-to-make-a-cork-wreath/"> here</a>.)<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ukVXcsvI/AAAAAAAAA5w/LHz0XmpLuEA/s1600/DSC04568.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516749639041987314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ukVXcsvI/AAAAAAAAA5w/LHz0XmpLuEA/s400/DSC04568.JPG" /></a> T. Matthews' <a href="http://tmatthewsfineart.blogspot.com/2010/04/paper-rose-wall-hangings-tutorial.html">recycled magazine wreath</a>:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ukApB48I/AAAAAAAAA5o/q1BgRHP7l1U/s1600/WIP+12+(black).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516749633478583234" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ukApB48I/AAAAAAAAA5o/q1BgRHP7l1U/s400/WIP+12+(black).jpg" /></a>A new way to reuse an old grapevine wreath...Super <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">QT's</span> <a href="http://superqtonthehill.blogspot.com/2010/07/cristmas-in-july-wreath.html">burlap wreath</a>:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ujixLDLI/AAAAAAAAA5g/EfQcLP6Kues/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516749625459674290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ujixLDLI/AAAAAAAAA5g/EfQcLP6Kues/s400/IMG_0966.JPG" /></a> Alisa Burke's <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2010/04/rustic-driftwood-wreath.html">driftwood wreath </a>(Anyone want to scour the shores of the Mississippi with me?):<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ujOdwvhI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/ECZ2nF-vYn4/s1600/IMG_5177.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 356px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516749620009549330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9ujOdwvhI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/ECZ2nF-vYn4/s400/IMG_5177.jpg" /></a> And finally, my favorite and most quirky design of the bunch..... Sunset's farmer's market <a href="http://www.sunset.com/home/decorating/how-to-make-radish-wreath-00400000041407/">radish wreath</a>:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9uipHscdI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/93uWYM3KTGg/s1600/radish-wreath-m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516749609984881106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI9uipHscdI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/93uWYM3KTGg/s400/radish-wreath-m.jpg" /></a> finding these fun ideas makes me want to go wander the aisles of my local grocer to find my own quirky wreath making supplies! Maybe you will see my own fall wreath up in a few days!</div><div> </div><div>Happy Tuesday!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-5808878843065232632010-09-13T06:43:00.000-07:002010-09-13T06:58:02.070-07:00create: chicken wire memory framehere is a super fun and easy project that i got from ashleyannphotography.com...click <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2010/08/05/diy-chicken-wire-frame-memory-card-clips/">HERE</a> to see her original design....<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">heres</span> mine:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI4rKoqc9gI/AAAAAAAAA4g/6wePIa_cuFI/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394055289599490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI4rKoqc9gI/AAAAAAAAA4g/6wePIa_cuFI/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+031.JPG" /></a> basically, take an old frame (i found mine in a dumpster)....paint it up with your favorite color (i used the same yellow that was used for my shutter headboard)....while you have your paint out, go ahead and paint up some clothes pins in complimenting colors (mine are barn red, avocado green, and yellow).....staple some chicken wire (thanks Ace Hardware!) to the back, along with something to hang it with (i chose knotted twine)....mount on the wall, clip up your photos, and you are done!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI4rKGjJ2yI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/WLU_pkJpu3M/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394046132181794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI4rKGjJ2yI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/WLU_pkJpu3M/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+026.JPG" /></a> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">heres</span> the best part about this project...my step-sister-in-law (long title!) gave me these BEAUTIFUL frames this past weekend...which will be perfect for trying out variations of this project...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">im</span> thinking...smaller chicken wire could turn this into an earring/jewelry holder? does anyone have any brilliant ideas of how else to use these lovely frames?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI4rJdGIKRI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/xai6Brdkl2A/s1600/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516394035004582162" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TI4rJdGIKRI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/xai6Brdkl2A/s400/SEPTEMBER+CRAFTS+033.JPG" /></a></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-65159894343796814782010-08-24T12:53:00.000-07:002010-08-24T13:13:39.735-07:00create: upcycled shutter headboardi found this photo a while ago...fell in love...and vowed to recreate it in my own home...eventually :-)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlNJIQe_I/AAAAAAAAA4A/rwNgVGy-xPU/s1600/shutter-headboard-via-mysweetsusannah.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509069151900040178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlNJIQe_I/AAAAAAAAA4A/rwNgVGy-xPU/s400/shutter-headboard-via-mysweetsusannah.jpg" /></a> so when i noticed some old broken shutters leaned up against a dumpster near our house, i IMMEDIATELY enlisted my husband to carry them home!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlM6A2WbI/AAAAAAAAA34/phAomXVtEKM/s1600/AUGUST+CRAFTS+047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509069147842435506" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlM6A2WbI/AAAAAAAAA34/phAomXVtEKM/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+047.JPG" /></a> they were a dirty white color, so i brought them to life with this fun antique yellow...a color inspired by our new bed linens (thank you Better Homes and Gardens!)<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlMZJAcHI/AAAAAAAAA3w/0O8hBZk7TCU/s1600/AUGUST+CRAFTS+041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509069139018281074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlMZJAcHI/AAAAAAAAA3w/0O8hBZk7TCU/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+041.JPG" /></a>so i brushed a quick, imperfect coat of paint over the shutters, let them dry, then brought them in and stood them up behind our antique sleigh bed (thanks craigslist!)...they seemed a bit plain, so i grabbed a stack of old frames, and a family name plaque i had painted up a while ago...everything is attached with twine (my favorite of craft supplies)....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlL9LCCTI/AAAAAAAAA3o/NBd0kfhwsyo/s1600/AUGUST+CRAFTS+048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509069131510581554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlL9LCCTI/AAAAAAAAA3o/NBd0kfhwsyo/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+048.JPG" /></a>the family name plaque is hung with a long, oddly knotted piece of twine...i honestly couldnt explain to you how it worked out...but for the rest, i used my staple gun to attach a short piece of twine to the back of each frame, then strung it through the shutter slats and tied it in the back...super easy, minimal tools needed....<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlLomYWdI/AAAAAAAAA3g/W8Ebwio_ioc/s1600/AUGUST+CRAFTS+039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509069125988145618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THQlLomYWdI/AAAAAAAAA3g/W8Ebwio_ioc/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+039.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div><br /><p>you will notice that some frames are empty, while others have doilies inside...i simply grabbed some scrap fabric, doilies, and placed them behind the glass (well, plexiglass type stuff actually...i feel safer having that suspended above my head!)...</p><p>and there you have it...old shutters reborn! i love the color that they bring to our room (since we decided not to change the boring white walls)...and the backdrop they provide for all my mismatched picture frames...</p><p>happy tuesday!</p>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-39435806389893990942010-08-21T13:07:00.000-07:002010-08-21T13:24:00.378-07:00create: alphabet graffiti table revamptoday was a productive saturday....in addition to doing a lot of apartment cleaning, i was able to sneak in a few projects :-) during an early morning run to my local Dollar Tree, I was delighted to snag this super-fun alphabet stencil....which i promptly used to give new life to a tired, old sewing table my hubby had found on the side of the road....<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507958717319221010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzRV9UDxI/AAAAAAAAA24/hG0XecFPJ3U/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+024.JPG" /><br />basically, i attacked this project with no preparation...just me, the table, stencil, can of spray paint, and a drop cloth....i half-hazardly held the stencil up against the table, spraying a quick coat of white spray paint as I went...as you can see, the paint job is FAR from perfect, but that was exactly the look i was going for....something a little crazy, a little fun.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzTXke31I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/oAf3xiBDB3M/s1600/AUGUST+CRAFTS+033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507958752111681362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzTXke31I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/oAf3xiBDB3M/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+033.JPG" /></a> once dry, i brought the table back inside and fitted it with a wooden knob that compliments the other navy blue furniture in the room....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzS_SMOxI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/HER_AMX_SKY/s1600/AUGUST+CRAFTS+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507958745592511250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzS_SMOxI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/HER_AMX_SKY/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+030.JPG" /></a> heres a close-up of the legs: basically, i just held the stencil up, sprayed randomly, and hoped that i didnt miss any spots :-)<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzSats4yI/AAAAAAAAA3I/FT3TYVk8_So/s1600/AUGUST+CRAFTS+029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507958735775785762" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzSats4yI/AAAAAAAAA3I/FT3TYVk8_So/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+029.JPG" /></a> so, im kind of in love with this little table...if you reference the first photo at the top, you will see that it compliments the mismatched chairs in our little sitting area very nicely....one spray-painted the same shade of white, and the other whose seat is covered with a burlap "leap frog" bag left over from the potato-sack races at our wedding reception picnic (if you were there, you may share my fond memories!)<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzR-QFZGI/AAAAAAAAA3A/ep5hO8bUp_Y/s1600/AUGUST+CRAFTS+027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507958728135369826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/THAzR-QFZGI/AAAAAAAAA3A/ep5hO8bUp_Y/s400/AUGUST+CRAFTS+027.JPG" /></a> happy saturday!</div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-52591028273345882932010-08-19T08:16:00.000-07:002010-08-19T08:27:02.987-07:00create: nightstand revampso my parents will be visiting us for the first time down in STL in two weeks...which means i have two weeks to get life in order, finishing several projects that have remained 1/2 done over the last months....<br /><br />one such project is a makeover for our nightstands that we found on craigslist....i was drawn to them not only for the ridiculously low price, but the rustic feel...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TG1LeOxY0wI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/u2efZwiqZWw/s1600/nightstand+and+chairs+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 393px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507140902077387522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TG1LeOxY0wI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/u2efZwiqZWw/s400/nightstand+and+chairs+001.jpg" /></a> i spent a while searching for the right handles, but i thought it easiest to follow suit with my red dresser, using twine to create a handle...<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TG1Ld33cEnI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/9lb0vC9mfCE/s1600/JULY+CRAFTS+023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507140895928750706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TG1Ld33cEnI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/9lb0vC9mfCE/s400/JULY+CRAFTS+023.jpg" /></a> i simply took three strands of twine, braided them, then secured them inside the drawer with double knots...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TG1Ldh72v0I/AAAAAAAAA2I/KmRPBp895xk/s1600/JULY+CRAFTS+040.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507140890041696066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TG1Ldh72v0I/AAAAAAAAA2I/KmRPBp895xk/s400/JULY+CRAFTS+040.jpg" /></a> for the rest of the "revamp" i simply brushed a coat of my favorite antique gold paint on the interior of each drawer, as well as the little decorative wooden knobs on the corners and lining the top. Once dry, I used a little square of sandpaper to rough-up the paint job...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TG1LdcsAkQI/AAAAAAAAA2A/iDbb2MwKoiM/s1600/JULY+CRAFTS+035.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507140888633053442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TG1LdcsAkQI/AAAAAAAAA2A/iDbb2MwKoiM/s400/JULY+CRAFTS+035.jpg" /></a></div></div></div><br />so thats my super-simple nightstand revamp....you will see more bedroom projects in the coming days....a new bed set, throw pillows, shutter decor, etc....whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-63984267146675180192010-07-28T07:45:00.001-07:002010-07-28T08:02:33.260-07:00love: new book and grocery fun!so i picked this book up the other day...100 Best Health Foods...and i fell in love with it...its a quick read, an easy reference, and best of all, the 100 foods in this book are all normal, everyday foods that one could pick up at their local grocery...we have already tried some of the easy recipes, and they are all packed full of flavor!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCz8B4i4I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Zyi8KeeCXv8/s1600/9781407564456-l.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498968605074164610" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCz8B4i4I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Zyi8KeeCXv8/s400/9781407564456-l.jpg" /></a> one thing i gleaned from reading it was a better understanding of the health benefits of cooking with many herbs and spices....who knew that a sprinkle of this or that could give you so many vitamins and minerals??? i tend to gravitate toward the same garlic, onion, and pepper routine, but this book has made me want to be a little more adventurous with my seasonings!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCzGCCnbI/AAAAAAAAA1I/3DfhmsVTbEY/s1600/spices.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498968590579310002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCzGCCnbI/AAAAAAAAA1I/3DfhmsVTbEY/s400/spices.jpg" /></a> so i got on a kick to revamp my spice collection, and someone had told me to try Jay International Foods on Grand (near Tower Grove Park if you are familiar with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">STL</span>)...so last night, my husband and I stopped by....i spent a VERY long time browsing aisles that look something like this...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCygK03OI/AAAAAAAAA1A/_-t0LvvzP1A/s1600/extreme-eating-international-food.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498968580415610082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCygK03OI/AAAAAAAAA1A/_-t0LvvzP1A/s400/extreme-eating-international-food.jpg" /></a> so many crazy foods...so many languages....it was all so exciting! after about 45 minutes, we left with a huge basket of freshly packed spices (1 pound containers for around $1.50/piece! I should never run out!)...garlic, rice noodles, south <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">american</span> coffee, and other goodies....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCyL4nV5I/AAAAAAAAA04/k4qmxxcUwf4/s1600/Gingerbread+Cookies.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498968574970517394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCyL4nV5I/AAAAAAAAA04/k4qmxxcUwf4/s400/Gingerbread+Cookies.jpg" /></a> on our way out we grabbed some sesame seed honey candy....so addictive! and did you know that sesame seeds are a major source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc? and if you have any struggles with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">arthritis</span>, the copper content should ease your pain (or so my book says!)<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCxm7zB5I/AAAAAAAAA0w/zbmTRR8i8RE/s1600/sesame-seed-sweets.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498968565051754386" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TFBCxm7zB5I/AAAAAAAAA0w/zbmTRR8i8RE/s400/sesame-seed-sweets.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div><br />so if you live in/near <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">STL</span>, make sure you try out Jay International Foods...and if you are interested in knowing what/why you are eating the foods you are, try out this book...not a life changer, but good for the regular types like me that simply wanting make informed cooking/eating decisions without having to shop at high priced specialty food stores...plus, they have some really great recipes (try the artichoke salad...great with steak!)whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-40157975425066327732010-07-27T11:02:00.000-07:002010-07-27T11:18:41.401-07:00create: DIY shutter room dividersso i thought one, pre-finished photo was better than no photos at all...my blog could really use a posting....<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498648295104463618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TE8ffcaCQwI/AAAAAAAAA0o/oHfoGFk8HhI/s400/SHUTTERS+AND+TABLE+008.JPG" /><br />these are the shutter door room dividers that I have been working on...basically, the inspiration for this idea came from the fact that we have moved into a one bedroom with two living spaces, and thus we want to have a way to close off one living space, so as to host guests there without them feeling like they are sleeping in the middle of our lives...you know? and while the divider is not being used, it sits comfortably behind our sofa, offering an easy, no-nails-in-the-walls approach to wall decor....plus, its a great backdrop for my <a href="http://createlovegrow.blogspot.com/2010/03/create-book-page-wreath.html">book page wreath</a>!<br /><br />so i found my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore (if you are not familiar, you MUST google it, find your nearest one, and visit!)...basically, they sell everything you could ever want for home remodeling (its all used and random of course, coming from homes they rehab, as far as i understand it)...so like a thrift store, any given day you will find totally different items....on the day i went, i was lucky enough to find all these shutters, plus the screen door in the middle for $5 or less each....i was even able to pick up the hinges i needed...something like 5 for a dollar...crazy cheap....<br /><br />this photo is "pre-finished" seeing as i put on the hinges later...i am still waiting on some brilliant idea to come to me on what to cover the screen part of the center door in.....im thinking, burlap...though thats a lot of brown....a antique yellow would be yummy.....hmmm...any ideas?whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-45004737309550622112010-07-22T06:52:00.000-07:002010-07-22T07:12:28.986-07:00create: $8 vintage dresser revampsince most of our furniture is found curbside or in a thrift store, we didnt feel the need to hang on to a lot of it when moving down to STL....this was true for our dumpster-dive dressers that we used to have, which we gave away before our big move....so when we got here, we had lots of clothes and no dressers to put them in....but then we found this beauty for $15 at our local Salvation Army thrift store....a diamond in the rough, you could say....<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNx7tanNI/AAAAAAAAAzw/tHKKiuc0gNE/s1600/new+home!+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496728865442798802" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNx7tanNI/AAAAAAAAAzw/tHKKiuc0gNE/s400/new+home!+010.JPG" /></a>as you can see, its pretty gaudy retro...fitted with handles that dont actually fit....and if you look closely at the bottom, you will see that someone had began to paint it red, but then became discouraged (i can only infer)...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNxY1Gk9I/AAAAAAAAAzo/ZFDsTELZ_cU/s1600/new+home!+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496728856079799250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNxY1Gk9I/AAAAAAAAAzo/ZFDsTELZ_cU/s400/new+home!+008.JPG" /></a> that red paint, however, was exactly in the inspiration i needed...i picked up my favorite barn red color ($2 for the big bottle!), and here is the "after" shot (sorry that the lighting is terrible):<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNxEGNloI/AAAAAAAAAzg/stUsAhuL3b8/s1600/JULY+CRAFTS+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496728850514417282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNxEGNloI/AAAAAAAAAzg/stUsAhuL3b8/s400/JULY+CRAFTS+018.JPG" /></a> so to start, i rubbed a thin layer of paint into the wood, let it dry, then sanded/scraped it off...the designs on the drawers that were previously very "Mad Men" have now become quite rustic!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNnuWT9DI/AAAAAAAAAzY/XH13TwLsssc/s1600/new+home!+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496728690057540658" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNnuWT9DI/AAAAAAAAAzY/XH13TwLsssc/s400/new+home!+014.JPG" /></a> this is some of the wicker detailing around the mirror...i simply ran a pocket knife over the wicker to distress it....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNnIDDsbI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/mS8AWcxnOeM/s1600/JULY+CRAFTS+019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496728679776235954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNnIDDsbI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/mS8AWcxnOeM/s400/JULY+CRAFTS+019.JPG" /></a> once painted and distressed, i needed to tackle the handles....being a retro dresser, the handle holes were only 2 inches apart...these days almost everything comes in 3".....so after weeks of trying to come up with elaborate plans for an alternative to traditional drawer pulls, i went back to my old faithful: twine.....which i always have on hand, so it cost me nothing!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNm6CbckI/AAAAAAAAAzI/1wJDnRpqPLQ/s1600/JULY+CRAFTS+023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496728676015501890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNm6CbckI/AAAAAAAAAzI/1wJDnRpqPLQ/s400/JULY+CRAFTS+023.JPG" /></a> i simply strung two pieces of twine through each hole, tying a knot on the inside....super simple, and easily changed....plus, they didnt take a huge bite out of my budget....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNmKS_LCI/AAAAAAAAAzA/6Dn23Jx19xQ/s1600/JULY+CRAFTS+014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496728663200050210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNmKS_LCI/AAAAAAAAAzA/6Dn23Jx19xQ/s400/JULY+CRAFTS+014.JPG" /></a> so if you are counting, i said this was an $8 project...$2 for paint, and the other $6 was spent on these beautiful flower handles from Hobby Lobby...though i love twine to death, i didnt want this dresser to look like it actually belonged out in a barn...the glossy handles really POP against the red and make it a little more sophisticated....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNl5wwF4I/AAAAAAAAAy4/HRxjJ9SvGxw/s1600/JULY+CRAFTS+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496728658761488258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEhNl5wwF4I/AAAAAAAAAy4/HRxjJ9SvGxw/s400/JULY+CRAFTS+016.JPG" /></a> so that is my $8 dresser revamp! and now i have a beautiful place to put all my clothes (which have been hanging out on the floor and in rubbermaid containers for some time now!) i hope you feel inspired to revamp your own tired vintage dresser!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-51611525165807740732010-07-20T07:38:00.000-07:002010-07-20T07:46:47.194-07:00grow: where i've beenso my google reader is alerting me that my readership has plummeted...i suppose i should be alarmed, but i think i deserve it....my silly dog (see below) and i have been traveling a lot, leaving my blog neglected and full of old entries....if i were you i would stop checking back every day too!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEW1LnAFX1I/AAAAAAAAAyw/HQL3oiB3EdE/s1600/PROJECTS!!!!+029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495998131328081746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEW1LnAFX1I/AAAAAAAAAyw/HQL3oiB3EdE/s400/PROJECTS!!!!+029.JPG" /></a> but as you can see from the photo below, my blog is not the only thing neglected....my poor plants...brittle and dying...begging for water....is it too late?<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEW1LOR89jI/AAAAAAAAAyo/M4q4GeXP5Ks/s1600/PROJECTS!!!!+038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495998124692141618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEW1LOR89jI/AAAAAAAAAyo/M4q4GeXP5Ks/s400/PROJECTS!!!!+038.JPG" /></a> when i am not traveling, i am slaving over this: my mosaic table top project...the top of the patio table is currently covering our dining table (yay for eating every meal in the living room!)...i have got to finish it...these little ceramic pieces are taking over my life...slicing up my fingers....and keeping us from dining like normal grown ups....i will post more once i finally grout and finish it...this week? perhaps.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEW1K94jy-I/AAAAAAAAAyg/ktGbVYyLGPU/s1600/PROJECTS!!!!+026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495998120290667490" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TEW1K94jy-I/AAAAAAAAAyg/ktGbVYyLGPU/s400/PROJECTS!!!!+026.JPG" /></a></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-26690835300222816052010-07-13T06:56:00.001-07:002010-07-13T07:12:33.252-07:00create: alphabet magnetsso i thought i would break my blogging fast with an easy project to post...my alphabet magnets!<br /><br />after experimenting with decoupage, acrylics, and the like, i decided just to do what i am good at: spray paint and distressing :-)...perhaps these are predictable (if you have been looking at my blog for any sizable amount of time, you know that i use WAY too much spray paint and I enjoy distressing EVERYTHING I SEE...)<br /><br />so with that disclaimer, here are my magnets...<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493389848760724098" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TDxw9lQeqoI/AAAAAAAAAyI/ohnCZuHjQMk/s400/magnets+005.JPG" />i simply painted them with two coats of my favorite krylon color....once dry, i peeled away some of the paint on each letter....then i finished them with a coat of clear sealer (to reduce excessive peeling)....<br /><br /><div> i couldnt get a very good photo....a white refrigerator isnt the best backdrop....but here is a message i spelled out for my hubby...</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493389860165206962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TDxw-PvhQ7I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/qfxBAX6jQwE/s400/magnets+001.JPG" /></div><div>one problem i encountered was that in my haste, i sprayed the clear sealer on before some of the spray paint was completely dry....as you can see on the letter below, this caused some of the paint to bubble up...making it look a little more moldy than distressed :-)<br /><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TDxw9TYARzI/AAAAAAAAAyA/kgoDqR_LWLw/s1600/magnets+008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493389843960448818" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TDxw9TYARzI/AAAAAAAAAyA/kgoDqR_LWLw/s400/magnets+008.JPG" /></a></div></div></div><br />but regardless of the bubbling, my boring white fridge is now decorated with some lovely distressed alphabet magnets...spelling out messages....some lovely, some silly....for all to see :-)whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-58002839160313762182010-07-08T11:31:00.000-07:002010-07-08T11:43:00.031-07:00grow: must blog...eventually....<div>i just wanted to drop a note to say a big I AM SORRY for being so absent....i could tell you that life is crazy, but the truth is that it has settled down significantly....and i have actually been doing a lot of crafting....but alas, no blogging....so now i have this overwhelming list of projects to blog....here's a preview:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>....DIY room divider from shutters/screen door.....</div><br /><div>....photo transfer plaques.....</div><br /><div>.....patio set revamp (mosaic table top?).....</div><br /><div>.....my alphabet magnets!.....</div><br /><div>.....and several other smaller projects that are slipping my mind currently.....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>so i promise to start blogging about these things soon....</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491607535718737090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TDYb9TxfpMI/AAAAAAAAAx4/s9-mqSozTOA/s400/lemongrass.jpg" /></div><div>...while you are waiting though, hop over to <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Pioneer Woman </a>(if you havent visited)....try out one of her recipes, drool over her photography, or simply be entertained by her commentary on life....and while you are at it, submit your name (along with 22,000 other hopefuls) to <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2010/07/fiestaware-for-you/">win a full FIESTAWARE SET</a>!!!! (and if you win, you are obligated to send the set my way....just kidding....sort of....not really....)</div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-87948559534269762812010-06-28T07:02:00.001-07:002010-06-28T07:17:00.138-07:00love: alphabet magnetsthis weekend i was browsing the dollar aisle at Target (one of my favorite places!) and i came across a set of these little plastic alphabet magnets....as of late, i have been obsessing over alphabet decor....and though there are no little school aged children running around my house (yet!), i decided to come up with some brilliant way to use these ABC magnets to decorate my fridge....<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisYn_ZUsI/AAAAAAAAAxw/fzK40yLKec4/s1600/maddox5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825685002670786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisYn_ZUsI/AAAAAAAAAxw/fzK40yLKec4/s400/maddox5.jpg" /></a> looking for inspiration, i started googling...this is a taste of what i found....first, DIY burlap letter magnets from <a href="http://mygratitudeattitudes.blogspot.com/">this blog</a>....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisYf9Qu6I/AAAAAAAAAxo/ZrXzCXG1B4o/s1600/abcburlap.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825682846235554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisYf9Qu6I/AAAAAAAAAxo/ZrXzCXG1B4o/s400/abcburlap.jpg" /></a> ...then i found several blogs walking you through the process of sewing your own alphabet magnets....a little to involved for my taste, but adorable none the less!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisYHL5lDI/AAAAAAAAAxg/8BFB1rs9bkI/s1600/Alphabet+Magnets5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825676196746290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisYHL5lDI/AAAAAAAAAxg/8BFB1rs9bkI/s400/Alphabet+Magnets5.jpg" /></a>...or what about this adorable wall decor using all types of letters....and look at the "O"... a giant button! TOO cute!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisX3tjl9I/AAAAAAAAAxY/RwPhxlR3jPM/s1600/2009-09-14-abcs.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825672042944466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisX3tjl9I/AAAAAAAAAxY/RwPhxlR3jPM/s400/2009-09-14-abcs.jpg" /></a> ...i found several places where people simply take traditional ABC blocks (you can find them at any craft store) and glue a magnet on the back, making a quick and easy alphabet magnet set....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisXXA-PZI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/MrcgI_91lS8/s1600/alphabet-blocks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825663266012562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisXXA-PZI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/MrcgI_91lS8/s400/alphabet-blocks.jpg" /></a>...or i could give a nod to my college days by using the greek alphabet :-)<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisKzHwqZI/AAAAAAAAAxI/b2KAcP7VZHk/s1600/alphabet_blocks.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825447472376210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisKzHwqZI/AAAAAAAAAxI/b2KAcP7VZHk/s400/alphabet_blocks.jpg" /></a>...these are fun...thin chipboard letters (found in the scrapbooking aisle)...mini magnets attached to the back...a very "Crate and Barrel" approach to ABC magnets :-)<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisKohMm9I/AAAAAAAAAxA/AtGkQC5zlqo/s1600/alphabet.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825444626275282" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisKohMm9I/AAAAAAAAAxA/AtGkQC5zlqo/s400/alphabet.gif" /></a> ...this has nothing to do with magnets, but i am a sucker for anything wooden...with little drawers...and the ABC's?!?!?!? [drooling]<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisKcrVF0I/AAAAAAAAAw4/mXPASRXvcoA/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 393px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825441447548738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisKcrVF0I/AAAAAAAAAw4/mXPASRXvcoA/s400/untitled.bmp" /></a> ...this last one is from etsy...probably the most directly inspirational pic i have found for my project...these little plastic letters were simply decoupaged...and are now being sold for $20/set!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisKOhV3YI/AAAAAAAAAww/NUtFwxVWYh4/s1600/il_fullxfull_11461166.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825437647560066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisKOhV3YI/AAAAAAAAAww/NUtFwxVWYh4/s400/il_fullxfull_11461166.jpg" /></a> ...so my goal this week is to make time in my life for several projects, including transforming my dollar aisle ABC magnets....check back to see what I come up with!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisJkJj9oI/AAAAAAAAAwo/rtsN2tQfEuM/s1600/ABC_magnets_200px.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487825426273531522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TCisJkJj9oI/AAAAAAAAAwo/rtsN2tQfEuM/s400/ABC_magnets_200px.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-44880347992372671682010-06-21T10:42:00.000-07:002010-06-21T11:33:20.529-07:00grow: meet our new pup!This weekend, we met Jack (also known as Pavlov), a one-year border collie/spaniel mix discovered living outside the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">STL</span> Science Center a few months back. He was rescued by Stray Rescue of St. Louis, and you can read his story <a href="http://strayrescue.org/content/science-center-stray-rescued-meet-pavlov">here</a>. Long story short: Jack eluded rescue attempts by Science Center employees for weeks, preferring instead to run and play in the parking lot, soccer fields, and sprinklers on the grounds....but since being rescued, he has turned out to be an incredibly loving, intelligent, gentle, playful, cuddly little guy!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-ptQLWVWI/AAAAAAAAAwY/-W1sJSGVXC4/s1600/jack+home+034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485289466062329186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-ptQLWVWI/AAAAAAAAAwY/-W1sJSGVXC4/s400/jack+home+034.JPG" /></a> Stray Rescue, from what I have learned, is an AWESOME organization. If you click through their <a href="http://strayrescue.org/">website</a> or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> page, you will quickly see the amazing good that they do for stray dogs in the city of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">STL</span>. And if you have a VERY strong stomach, find the album on their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> page of "Before and Afters"...it will just break your heart...and make you want to join their organization!</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485290038637684514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-qOlL85yI/AAAAAAAAAwg/efxeQXLGMe8/s400/stray.jpg" />So thanks to their efforts, and the efforts of the many employees of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">STL</span> Science Center, Jack is no longer a stray! He is currently staying with us, on what they call a "Rent-A-Pet" basis...basically, before the adoption is complete, there is a one-week period where he lives with us...we adjust to each other...and make sure that we are a good fit for each other....</div><div></div><div>i think this is a BRILLIANT idea, as so many shelter dogs are adopted before the new owners have a chance to REALLY get to know them....</div><div></div><div>...in my own experience, so many dogs that I would visit in shelters would come across so sedated and depressed....i figured that probably <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasnt</span> their typical personality but i had no way of knowing how the dog would be at home, or at a park, or with kids, etc...</div><div></div><div>Jack has proven to be an amazing fit for our family...so when our one week is up, Jack is ours forever! He is such a beautiful dog...here are some pics I took as he explored our home...</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-pfY4rr9I/AAAAAAAAAwI/DyYMsXrNdcQ/s1600/jack+home+016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485289227881787346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-pfY4rr9I/AAAAAAAAAwI/DyYMsXrNdcQ/s400/jack+home+016.JPG" /></a> Jack and my husband playing in the yard...that dog can jump!<br /><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-pYxdXyKI/AAAAAAAAAwA/h7y34n9PiVg/s1600/jack+home+025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485289114219038882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-pYxdXyKI/AAAAAAAAAwA/h7y34n9PiVg/s400/jack+home+025.JPG" /></a> sniffing out the neighborhood....i just love his beautiful coloring...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-pUJRnU_I/AAAAAAAAAv4/bV5HTW8qSA0/s1600/jack+home+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485289034712830962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-pUJRnU_I/AAAAAAAAAv4/bV5HTW8qSA0/s400/jack+home+010.JPG" /></a> so i am sure in the coming months, you will hear more on Jack at create.love.grow....i already have a project up my sleeve to turn an old WWII storage trunk into a super cool dog bed....but more to come on that later!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-o7JoVT2I/AAAAAAAAAvA/DpHwq0hkRvA/s1600/jack+home+027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485288605311389538" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TB-o7JoVT2I/AAAAAAAAAvA/DpHwq0hkRvA/s400/jack+home+027.JPG" /></a> and i promise, i wont humiliate him by sewing him any ridiculous dog clothes or anything of that nature....i can just hear my husband groaning as i type this :-)</div></div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-73505013731006021692010-06-18T07:59:00.001-07:002010-06-18T08:09:32.962-07:00create: patchwork cafe curtainsso heres a little project i started a few days back... we have this super tall window in the kitchen behind the sink...and i have been wanting to rig up some kind of cafe curtain for it....so the other night I gathered some vintage hankies and this vintage pillowcase, whipped out my sewing machine, and went to work...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBuJ_18cuzI/AAAAAAAAAtg/X2BJJq8SF5w/s1600/curtains+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484128701159095090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBuJ_18cuzI/AAAAAAAAAtg/X2BJJq8SF5w/s400/curtains+001.JPG" /></a> I simply made a 2x2 grid, sewing the hankies together and cutting the pillow case into squares coordinating with the size of the hankies. (if you like to measure, then feel free!)...I added a wooden button in the center where all the corners meet...this reminds me a lot of my <a href="http://createlovegrow.blogspot.com/2010/04/create-patchwork-shower-curtain.html">patchwork shower curtain </a>i did a few months back....<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBuJ_edr-mI/AAAAAAAAAtY/04vKDZa0Jpk/s1600/curtains+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484128694856055394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBuJ_edr-mI/AAAAAAAAAtY/04vKDZa0Jpk/s400/curtains+004.JPG" /></a> to attach my newly sewn cafe curtain to a tension rod, I simply made loops with twine (my favorite crafting tool!), stringing them first through the hankies with a needle then tying a simple knot around the tension rod....<br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBuJ_GoVgTI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/a7ddfUl8dH0/s1600/curtains+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484128688458268978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBuJ_GoVgTI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/a7ddfUl8dH0/s400/curtains+005.JPG" /></a> i finished my first curtain and was too tired to get started on the second...so that will come later! But I thought this was a good start...and knowing myself, if I wait to post, then I never will! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBuJ-kSW1tI/AAAAAAAAAtI/0SuU1_4m-_E/s1600/curtains+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484128679239276242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBuJ-kSW1tI/AAAAAAAAAtI/0SuU1_4m-_E/s400/curtains+002.JPG" /></a>happy friday!</div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-63228554322032805622010-06-17T07:15:00.001-07:002010-06-17T07:33:20.957-07:00love: forever 21<div align="center">at what age are you too old to shop at <a href="http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dress&page=1&pgCount=100&price=&size=&sort=">forever 21</a>?</div><p><br />...i wondered this as i bought this lovely dress yesterday [see first picture below]....as i was at the check out, i looked around and realized that I had a good 5-10 years on most of the girls in there....then i second guessed my choice to indulge in forever 21's glorious stock of pretty summer dresses....<br /><br />...thankfully, the 40-something woman at the checkout reassured me that the dress I chose was modest enough....especially if I wore it with leggings :-) haa haa. good thing i bought those too!<br /></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBoubug9VhI/AAAAAAAAAtA/XSdiihsW93c/s1600/00001411-02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483746550154614290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBoubug9VhI/AAAAAAAAAtA/XSdiihsW93c/s400/00001411-02.jpg" /></a> so even though i may be approaching the "too old" mark for shopping at forever 21, i wanted to give you a sampling of some of their new summer dresses that i love so much... </p><p>(and please note, all these dresses may be worn with leggings!)<br /><br /></p><div align="center">these are all around the $20 mark:<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBoubQyYJ-I/AAAAAAAAAs4/SSXzrj7Nkek/s1600/75803893-01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483746542174611426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBoubQyYJ-I/AAAAAAAAAs4/SSXzrj7Nkek/s400/75803893-01.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouUHNVVXI/AAAAAAAAAsw/3A93s5hDEuw/s1600/55985006-01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483746419344233842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouUHNVVXI/AAAAAAAAAsw/3A93s5hDEuw/s400/55985006-01.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouTwM5nvI/AAAAAAAAAso/gybja92zyck/s1600/72191635-01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483746413168402162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouTwM5nvI/AAAAAAAAAso/gybja92zyck/s400/72191635-01.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouTfor4HI/AAAAAAAAAsg/WkCeNzo2Yis/s1600/76022935-01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483746408721539186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouTfor4HI/AAAAAAAAAsg/WkCeNzo2Yis/s400/76022935-01.jpg" /></a> these last two are less than $15/piece!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouTLK7tKI/AAAAAAAAAsY/J93ruEURLGU/s1600/72047284-05.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483746403228038306" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouTLK7tKI/AAAAAAAAAsY/J93ruEURLGU/s400/72047284-05.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouSiWGgCI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/FUiYx1w9-aA/s1600/74974165-04.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483746392269029410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBouSiWGgCI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/FUiYx1w9-aA/s400/74974165-04.jpg" /></a> happy shopping, all you post-middle-school-forever-21-aholics!</div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-14855373316573398422010-06-15T11:48:00.000-07:002010-06-15T12:03:23.573-07:00create: chalkboard herb potsso i just wanted to post this fun project that i whipped up last weekend....i picked these herbs up at the Soulard Farmer's Market.....and though i dont have a green thumb (its more a shade of brown...withering...you get the picture...)...i love the idea of cooking with fresh spices...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBfMqDJcK2I/AAAAAAAAAsA/wkxeH0J390o/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483076094118341474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBfMqDJcK2I/AAAAAAAAAsA/wkxeH0J390o/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+013.JPG" /></a> i found these clay pots up at my *newly* local Salvation Army....35 cents a piece! I was short on foam brushes, so i actually used an old scrap of towel to apply the paint...it gave it a cool texturing effect...anyway, i applied the colors of my liking (acrylic)...let them dry...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBfMp5kMAqI/AAAAAAAAAr4/fI6nWI3twwA/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483076091546174114" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBfMp5kMAqI/AAAAAAAAAr4/fI6nWI3twwA/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+007.JPG" /></a> then i used masking tape to tape off a little rectangle on each pot...sprayed them with some chalkboard paint...let dry, then scratched on the labels with a piece of chalk....i love how the chalkboard labels allow me to switch out types of herbs...you know, if one dies ;-)<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBfMpRHj1vI/AAAAAAAAArw/l956ChDYeBY/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+006+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483076080688682738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBfMpRHj1vI/AAAAAAAAArw/l956ChDYeBY/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+006+-+Copy.JPG" /></a> a lovely addition to my kitchen, if i do say so myself :-)</div><div>now i just need to remember to water them!</div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584212504936233354.post-41791732331989992002010-06-14T06:37:00.000-07:002010-06-14T07:28:14.546-07:00love: handmade weddingsthis weekend i was blessed with the opportunity to stand by my girl <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">leigh's</span> side as she said "I Do" to her beau, Joel...here is the happy couple, post nuptials!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY36KYNnvI/AAAAAAAAAro/j4aNYSlllfc/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482631068728008434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY36KYNnvI/AAAAAAAAAro/j4aNYSlllfc/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+084.JPG" /></a> their beautiful handmade reception was held at the art center in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">indy</span>... a super fun and fitting location for the two of them!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY35qay5lI/AAAAAAAAArg/1Qmx6MmtIqE/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482631060148905554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY35qay5lI/AAAAAAAAArg/1Qmx6MmtIqE/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+021.JPG" /></a> here are some elements of the affair...starting with the guest book table....<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY35ePtRdI/AAAAAAAAArY/H899WnuvWRU/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+131.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482631056881173970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY35ePtRdI/AAAAAAAAArY/H899WnuvWRU/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+131.JPG" /></a> the welcome table was decorated with our bridesmaid bouquets....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3uevqDVI/AAAAAAAAArQ/CM2z08Kz1ms/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630868036619602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3uevqDVI/AAAAAAAAArQ/CM2z08Kz1ms/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+032.JPG" /></a> the "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">quotester</span> coasters" were adorable...each one inscribed with a quote from the happy couple...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3uGjP8AI/AAAAAAAAArI/xi4NO9nDCxA/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630861542125570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3uGjP8AI/AAAAAAAAArI/xi4NO9nDCxA/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+022.JPG" /></a> a close up of a few....<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3s3h579I/AAAAAAAAArA/unn-ibj_6Wo/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630840330088402" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3s3h579I/AAAAAAAAArA/unn-ibj_6Wo/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+023.JPG" /></a> and my favorite....<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3sq4Un4I/AAAAAAAAAq4/JysBaJfvdKQ/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630836934451074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3sq4Un4I/AAAAAAAAAq4/JysBaJfvdKQ/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+139.JPG" /></a>and the lovely programs...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3sFSQiSI/AAAAAAAAAqw/0wHsdx8XgQ8/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630826842687778" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3sFSQiSI/AAAAAAAAAqw/0wHsdx8XgQ8/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+024.JPG" /></a> book mark favors modeled after library circulation slips....so cute...SO <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">leigh</span>!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3cPwKcJI/AAAAAAAAAqo/oMebOC8_bzc/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630554774565010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3cPwKcJI/AAAAAAAAAqo/oMebOC8_bzc/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+027.JPG" /></a> photos of the couple....and the beginning of scrabble themed decor.....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3bxystoI/AAAAAAAAAqg/II4Qn7gMgtM/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630546732136066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3bxystoI/AAAAAAAAAqg/II4Qn7gMgtM/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+029.JPG" /></a> "Memory <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moleskins</span>".....<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3bSNbVKI/AAAAAAAAAqY/j-iuBK4Jyl8/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630538254308514" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3bSNbVKI/AAAAAAAAAqY/j-iuBK4Jyl8/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+030.JPG" /></a> and for the little ones....library and wedding themed coloring pages!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3bNX-4_I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/FBfZaCocf00/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630536956404722" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3bNX-4_I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/FBfZaCocf00/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+031.JPG" /></a> a spitting image of the bride and groom!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3a1DCl6I/AAAAAAAAAqI/wfpTKRGLIxk/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630530426116002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3a1DCl6I/AAAAAAAAAqI/wfpTKRGLIxk/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+038.JPG" /></a>and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">heres</span> a close up of the table decor....they utilized old books, bottles, and teacups....<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3NbdjhqI/AAAAAAAAAqA/3x58xPqO0dw/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+137.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630300219704994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3NbdjhqI/AAAAAAAAAqA/3x58xPqO0dw/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+137.JPG" /></a> another close up....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3M5lIsAI/AAAAAAAAAp4/QoH6ugm66dg/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630291124695042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3M5lIsAI/AAAAAAAAAp4/QoH6ugm66dg/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+034.JPG" /></a>and a third....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3MnZzM1I/AAAAAAAAApw/ptuNydLKPto/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630286245311314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3MnZzM1I/AAAAAAAAApw/ptuNydLKPto/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+143.JPG" /></a> other tables were graced with these book planters...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3MLbpLTI/AAAAAAAAApo/t1ikMpqws_M/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+133.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630278736850226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3MLbpLTI/AAAAAAAAApo/t1ikMpqws_M/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+133.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3L5m55NI/AAAAAAAAApg/dxs_31Cp6uU/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+134.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482630273952244946" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY3L5m55NI/AAAAAAAAApg/dxs_31Cp6uU/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+134.JPG" /></a>a close up of the bridal party table...<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY26PR-F_I/AAAAAAAAApY/wRllnXYCX1w/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629970532374514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY26PR-F_I/AAAAAAAAApY/wRllnXYCX1w/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+042.JPG" /></a> the bride and groom's table...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY25-A6_dI/AAAAAAAAApQ/nlxT9tpK88Q/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629965897465298" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY25-A6_dI/AAAAAAAAApQ/nlxT9tpK88Q/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+037.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY25trmCQI/AAAAAAAAApI/TEl-cTlApGI/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629961513044226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY25trmCQI/AAAAAAAAApI/TEl-cTlApGI/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+141.JPG" /></a> the brides bouquet...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY24NYbYfI/AAAAAAAAApA/Dz5UMyc4OGs/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629935662850546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY24NYbYfI/AAAAAAAAApA/Dz5UMyc4OGs/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+044.JPG" /></a>his and hers chairs...<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY23wG4y7I/AAAAAAAAAo4/0XiV40ujmkQ/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629927804652466" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY23wG4y7I/AAAAAAAAAo4/0XiV40ujmkQ/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+138.JPG" /></a>the dessert table, complete with a homemade cheesecake decorated with scrabble <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">x's</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">o's</span>....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2gnsTA-I/AAAAAAAAAow/bUTbshcfxno/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629530408649698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2gnsTA-I/AAAAAAAAAow/bUTbshcfxno/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+073.JPG" /></a>a message at the dessert table...<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2gbQPTAI/AAAAAAAAAoo/JYWAYxVRs_4/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629527069740034" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2gbQPTAI/AAAAAAAAAoo/JYWAYxVRs_4/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+067.JPG" /></a>cutting the [cheese]cake.....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2fwVuuFI/AAAAAAAAAog/-2j0MjfVmXw/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629515550046290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2fwVuuFI/AAAAAAAAAog/-2j0MjfVmXw/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+068.JPG" /></a> outside, the dancing area was decorated with this book page heart garland...so simple but so beautiful waving in the wind....<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2fo8XbqI/AAAAAAAAAoY/xjzrM1WkqA8/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629513564614306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2fo8XbqI/AAAAAAAAAoY/xjzrM1WkqA8/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+055.JPG" /></a> a vintage record player to set the mood on the dance floor!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2fQ5hFII/AAAAAAAAAoQ/0AseZzzh-Dg/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629507110212738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2fQ5hFII/AAAAAAAAAoQ/0AseZzzh-Dg/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+051.JPG" /></a> my hubby, the bride, and others <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">bustin</span> a move....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2Mk01rII/AAAAAAAAAoI/lpiX7zf9Ozc/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+130.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629186041785474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2Mk01rII/AAAAAAAAAoI/lpiX7zf9Ozc/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+130.JPG" /></a>apart from dancing, the lovely grounds of the art center afforded guests the opportunity to explore and be their own photographers....<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2MdUDf3I/AAAAAAAAAoA/M-oLCIR07Zc/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629184025231218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2MdUDf3I/AAAAAAAAAoA/M-oLCIR07Zc/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+078.JPG" /></a> remember these frames? here they are in action at the wedding guest photo booth....<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2L4wQOsI/AAAAAAAAAn4/BfG45pftSCc/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629174211394242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2L4wQOsI/AAAAAAAAAn4/BfG45pftSCc/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+080.JPG" /></a> a message for the bride and groom: WE CANT WAIT FOR RED HEAD BABIES!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2LTHBFuI/AAAAAAAAAno/P8VoKxIibIg/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 334px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482629164106323682" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY2LTHBFuI/AAAAAAAAAno/P8VoKxIibIg/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+081.JPG" /></a>the garden was decorated with several sculptures...offering a fun playground/hang out spot for the kiddies...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY13YjrjDI/AAAAAAAAAng/1LiVvRzykQw/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+076.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482628821971340338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY13YjrjDI/AAAAAAAAAng/1LiVvRzykQw/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+076.JPG" /></a>there was this beautiful trellis walkway perfect for kissing....<br /><div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY1215NUKI/AAAAAAAAAnY/ZmEDIPGUb0U/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+098.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482628812666392738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY1215NUKI/AAAAAAAAAnY/ZmEDIPGUb0U/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+098.JPG" /></a> ....or climbing.... :-)<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY12oJKmLI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/w4_EgToR3Eo/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+065.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482628808975227058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY12oJKmLI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/w4_EgToR3Eo/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+065.JPG" /></a> ....or just taking a cute photo with the bride!<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY12C6ksmI/AAAAAAAAAnI/0sxfjy7hQwI/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+064.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482628798981911138" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY12C6ksmI/AAAAAAAAAnI/0sxfjy7hQwI/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+064.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY119N9esI/AAAAAAAAAnA/kkG1IUTAXds/s1600/wedding+new+home+engagement+063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482628797452614338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G_LsCyL80Lk/TBY119N9esI/AAAAAAAAAnA/kkG1IUTAXds/s400/wedding+new+home+engagement+063.JPG" /></a> congrats on your beautiful wedding, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">leigh</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">joel</span>! we love you!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161086560114187689noreply@blogger.com2