Wooden monogram

Hi guys! I finally finished the large wooden monogram letter I had been working on as a Christmas gift for Lauren, one of my "almost" daughter in laws :) I'm fairly certain she has never read my blog so I feel relatively safe posting this. And of course if she were to see it I don't think it would be that big a deal. But still, I'd like it to be a surprise so let's all keep our fingers crossed lol.

I picked up the giant wooden letter from Hobby Lobby...normally priced at $12.99 I think. But, it was my lucky day because the day I was there they actually had them at 50% off--WOOT! The dimensions are 18 inches in height and approximately 13 1/2 inches across so this is a good sized monogram.

I tried to pick out the smoothest one I could find but still had quite a bit of sanding to do before I could even begin the process of painting. Eventually though, I had it sanded and ready for paint!
I used a plain black acrylic paint from my stash and Glossy Mod Podge for my sealant.
Basically, I painted it a couple of times to get good coverage and then covered with a coat of mod podge,  I then added the lettering and photos and mod podged that a couple more times as well.
Eventually, after making all the flowers and working the pearls and flowers together, it was FINALLY time to start the fun part of putting it all together and trying to create something beautiful. I am happy with the finished project and I hope that it's something that Lauren will be proud to display in her home for a long time to come. It's always a surreal feeling when you take something as plain as a raw wooden letter and turn it into something to, hopefully, be cherished.

Here are a couple of photos and (gasp!) a video as well! I really stepped outside my comfort zone making and posting a video but I figure it's nice to do that every now and again ;)

link to youtube video <<<-------CLICK HERE



First, here's a BEFORE photo...just to give you an idea of where I started. The photo is slightly deceptive in that the letter looks completely smooth when, in fact, it wasn't. The grooves were especially rough. I guess I'm going on about the sanding because I wasn't expecting to do quite so much of it lol.

I really hope you enjoyed today's post and I hope you come back soon to see what else I might have going on!

Rhonda

Wrapping paper bows

Oh my, Thanksgiving is just 2 days away and Christmas will be here before we know it! I admit that I've been antsy to get my tree up but the big guy nixed me at every turn. He insisted we had to wait until after Thanksgiving before any Christmas decorations could make an appearance and I grudgingly admit he's right lol. But, next week my tree will be up and in anticipation of that, I decided to get a head start on wrapping some of the gifts I've gotten already. I actually bought my first gift in September and I've been getting a couple here and there ever since. It just made sense to me to start early to avoid the stress I've endured in the past by waiting until the week before Christmas. YES, that's been me more times that I'd like to admit. But no more! When the holiday became so stressful that it was no longer enjoyable I knew it was time to make a change. It's also much more cost effective to do it this way, rather than trying to come up with hundreds of dollars in a week or two.

But that's not really what this blog post is about....As I was wrapping today and making some paper ribbon bows to adorn my wrapped packages, I thought it would be a good time to share with others who maybe hadn't thought of it or had seen it before but had forgotten to try it.  I like to decorate my packages so that they look attractive underneath the tree and we all know that buying pre-made bows can be expensive if you buy the prettier ones. So, what I've been doing for the last few years is taking my wrapping paper and cutting it into strips of about 6-8 inches long and maybe a quarter inch in width. I then use my scissors to curl it just like you would do for strips of ribbon. Usually, I add just a small amount of ribbon as well to enhance the way it looks but it's certainly not necessary. I take all the strips and layer them the way I want them and I use a stapler and staple them together before attaching them to my package with a small piece of clear tape.  THE best thing about doing this is that you always have the perfect "ribbon" for your gift!

*NOTE: I'm not sure how well this would work with cheaper wrapping paper, but it works perfectly with the heavy duty paper I use. I get most all my wrapping paper from Hobby Lobby...on sale you get 100 sq. ft for about $4 and it literally lasts for at least 2-3 years so it's well worth the price.

Here are a couple of examples from some gifts I wrapped today.

I hope you can understand what I'm talking about
and this serves as a decent example. 

Your strips absolutely do not need to be completely uniform in size
either as it's virtually impossible to tell once they're curled and
on your gift!

ETA: Here are a couple more examples of wrapping paper bows I made this year. And really and truly the photos do not do justice to these bows. Give it a try and see for yourself!

For these I cut the strips about 12 inches or more in length and also more of them. You can really be as extravagant as you want with these...the more the better!
As always, thank you so much for stopping by and be sure and check back next week to see what's new!
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

Rhonda

Sorry for the glare...I used some thin silver ribbon on this one
and the flash got it. I know it's hard to see much of the detail but
hopefully you get the general idea. And I only used a few strips on this gift ...just
enough to make a small "bow". 

Craigslist SCORE for me!

Sometimes I just peruse Craigslist with no idea of what I'm looking for, just seeing if anything jumps out at me. I've picked up several things that way and I've been happy with all of them. So on Sunday before last I was doing just that, looking through the ads figuring I wouldn't really find anything when an ad came up for a shelf that was almost identical to one I had been looking at when we bought our couch. I immediately sent a text message to the number listed and we drove straight to Knoxville to pick it up. I was thrilled with it even before I saw it. I knew it was a black shelf and I had wanted a white shelf but hey, I have a lot of experience painting haha. So here is the shelf sitting in our yard after we got it home.

 How awesome is that bad boy? And did I mention that it was an absolute STEAL at the incredibly amazing price of $20???? Yes, I said twenty dollars!!

I wanted to get regular paint and use a roller and paintbrush but my husband who is usually pretty smart about this stuff insisted that spray paint would give the cleanest look so we picked up a total of 8 cans of paint and he did all the painting. Unfortunately, the spray paint wasn't the greatest idea for this particular project and we actually wound up getting regular paint to finish it up. I absolutely love how it turned out!
The only downfall with the entire project is that the shelf doesn't even come close to fitting into the spot I had designated for it. So after moving it a couple of times I decided on this placement and although it took me a couple of days to get use to it, I actually really like it here. I've always wanted some sort of divider between the living room and kitchen and now I have just that. I still need to get more "shelf stuff" to fill it but here is the finished product!!

This is no lightweight shelf --it is very heavy and well made. I am thrilled with my latest Craigslist find! Even with the paint we spent considerably less than what we would have paid for this shelf new in the store. This may be my favorite find to date. What have YOU found that you love on Craigslist?

Thanks for stopping by and come again soon!

Rhonda

Halloween at our house :)

We use to live in a small subdivision that was the hub of all trick or treating in our town. I'm talking--if you went trick or treating then our neighborhood was *the* place to be. The kids would start coming at around 4:00 p.m. and would continue coming until at least 9:00 p.m. To say I loved it would be an understatement of great proportions lol. Unfortunately, we now live on a little side road in the country (3 miles from town) and we have lived here for right at 6 years. And in all those years we've gotten ONE trick or treater and that was because I begged on Facebook haha. And yet, every year I buy loads of candy "just in case" with the knowledge that there has always been enough people here to devour the leftovers. And of course, this year was no exception. I got out the cackling witch hand candy bowl (bought on clearance from CVS a couple years back) and filled it to overflowing with candy.

It was a cold, ugly, rainy Halloween this year so I knew this wouldn't be the year of the sudden influx of trick or treaters but that was A-OK because THIS year I knew the grandkids would be here :) And let me just say they WIPED US OUT of candy hahaha.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from Halloween 2014.

This is the first year that I have dressed up since Tim and I went to a Halloween party several years ago. I think I did a pretty bang up job on my witch face lol

Our grandson...the spooooky skeleton lol

2 of my *daughter-in-laws* and our step granddaughter
I LOVE all these girls <3

Our second son, Brandon. He had to change a
flat tire in the cold and rain which is why
his pants aren't too clean looking lol. He was a
trooper though and still went with the kids trick or treating :)

Danielle is taking her turn wearing my witch hat

This little girl may have only been in our lives
for a year but we love her so much and consider
her our granddaughter. And didn't her mom
do an awesome job on her makeup???

Nothing scary about this little cutie pie <3
She was the cutest Lambie in the whole wide world :)

Had to toss in this picture of Chris showing Cadence
a video. He is so amazing with these kids and it makes
a mama's heart happy :)

And there you have our Halloween--Perhaps next year will be the year
that we get bombarded with trick or treaters, but if not, I think we are perfectly
content with our little entourage of spooky spooks :)

Thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

Rhonda

Happy fall, ya'll!

I'm very excited to tell you guys the great news! Ok, it's really only great to ME lol, but we FINALLY got a new couch!! The old couch had become the bane of my existence. It was a great couch in its day but it had surely been put through the wringer and it was past time for it to go. 

I had been searching out prices at different places for a couple weeks and finally settled on going to Knoxville Furniture Distributor's and I'd recommend them to anyone local. Their prices really were the best I could find and as you guys know, we are all about saving money where we can. They have nice name brand furniture at warehouse prices. It's a no frills place but I really don't need fancy staging and lights to pick out a piece of furniture--but if that's what you like then this place is definitely not for you. 

We drove to Knoxville on Thursday and I picked out the couch I loved...it was SO SO pretty and I had my heart set on it. But, in the back of my mind I knew...somehow I just knew it wasn't going to be couch for us. And, after asking my friends and all the kids, I knew I had been right ((sigh)). So we went back on Friday and after much debate between myself and Garrett, who met us there, I picked out my new couch and we loaded that bad boy up and brought it home! It looks a bazillion times better than the old couch and that makes me very happy. But, I admit that as I watched Garrett and the crew at the convenience center (aka dump lol) toss it into the container it sort of broke my heart. I have a terrible tendency to become attached to things and that couch bore so many memories for our family. I cried most of the way home with only a few snickers from the boys. And then I came in and saw my new couch and I felt better. And here it is! 

NOTE: We only got the couch this time as the recliner will have to wait a little longer to be replaced. But it's next on my list ;)

As I said in my last post, I seriously debated about whether to dig out the totes of fall decorations this year. But, in the end, it was decided for me when Garrett said that it wouldn't "be the same" if I didn't. And really, how I could I argue with that? :)

I will say that I had a harder time with the decorations this year than any other year that comes to mind. I'm not sure if it was the fact that my heart wasn't really and truly in it or something else. But, either way, I struggled. 

I had to start by packing and putting away all the normal stuff I keep in the living room. On the plus side of that, I always enjoy getting it all back out and into place after Christmas. 

As I was taking pictures of the decorations to share with you all, I couldn't help but wonder how other bloggers get such incredibly perfect photos of their homes, projects, decor, etc. I apologize that my pictures aren't perfect but I'm not a professional photographer or blogger. Anyway, I hope you get the idea as they truly do look better in person. 

The first photo is an over-all look from the kitchen and then there are some close ups of some of my favorite decorations.

The colors on this are so very vibrant in person! I picked it up at Hobby Lobby a few years ago and still love it just as much!

I got her on clearance one year a few years back but I can't
for the life of me remember where. I absolutely LOVE her!!
I only add a few hints of Halloween in with my fall decorations
but she is one I can't wait to pull out ever year. She is so gorgeous!

I found these two candles at separate times...the larger
one I got from Cracker Barrel about 4-5 years ago and the
smaller one I got in Gatlinburg. I love candy corn and these
are two of my very favorite decorations!

I actually think I got this little beauty at a yard sale a couple years ago.
She looks like a cantankerous witch but I love her. I've never tried putting batteries
in her but maybe I will this year. I thought I got all the decorations dusted when
I took them out of the totes but I guess I missed this one lol, sorry about that.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to keep checking back!

Rhonda

Synopsis of September

Hi and HAPPY FALL! This is the 2nd day of fall and the temperatures are certainly feeling fall-like here in East Tennessee! I've actually had to use the heat in my car every morning this week, brrr!

I admit I haven't had a whole lot to blog about the last couple weeks as I've not been particularly crafty nor has there been a lot going on.
At the moment I'm debating on whether to even decorate for fall this year which is odd in itself because I so love the fall decorations. The colors of fall are almost hypnotic to me and I've always decorated for the season...some might even say I go overboard (as if that's possible). This year though, there are the grandkids to consider--especially the 21 month old lol. Let's just say he's "curious" and possibly "mischievous"  and I can foresee a battle or three with him over scarecrows and pumpkins. On the other hand, he'd probably enjoy the pretty colors as much as his Nana :) But, that's still up in the air and really it's only September so there's plenty of time.

I have started Christmas shopping--yay, GO ME!! I've started early the last couple years and I think I started even earlier this year. Tim says our Christmas list keeps getting longer and longer lol and I suppose he's right. But oh how I've always loved Christmas. For someone who stresses so much over the actual gift giving, I absolutely love seeing everyone open their gifts on Christmas morning. Amazon gets very little business from me throughout most of the year but I tend to do at least 80% or more of my Christmas shopping on Amazon. Free shipping and I don't have to leave home? Yeah, that's what I'm talking about lol.

Garrett has settled into somewhat of a routine at school and things seem to be going smoothly. I think it's still a struggle for him (and ME! lol) but he's adjusting. He came home this past weekend and I got a couple pictures of him when he was getting ready to leave.

It's still difficult watching him drive away and I still miss him but I don't dwell on it and I don't go into his room unless I have to lol--THAT is the hardest thing I've encountered so far--that quiet, empty room.

This past weekend there was an extremely rare occasion where Tim was together with his sister who lives in Ohio and one of his brothers that we rarely see--the occasion itself isn't a happy one but I won't go into that right now.
Here are a couple of the pictures I took--they were taken with my phone so not great but thank the good Lord for whoever decided to put cameras on phones lol.
Also pictured is their aunt who is 88 years old and the matriarch of their family--their dad's only remaining sibling.

Now, I do have a few scrapbook layouts from the last several weeks I want to share. I didn't bother scanning them because I've found the color and texture just don't come out in the scans so I just took some photos so please excuse the cropping or angles...and also the glimpses of grass peeking in lol.

I did a lot of sewing on this page and I used some stickles as well on the titling but of course it doesn't really show in the photo. Love those pictures of Chris!

Seriously love this guy and can't imagine our lives without him!

I used a lot of glimmer mist and sequins on this layout and again, it's hard to discern from the photos. All the doodling around the edges are freehand--haha, like it isn't obvious LOL. 

Don't you love the little deer? Oh and also the little "dear" :) I added this close up just to show the liquid pearls dots I added for texture...makes a big difference I think in person.

I know this post was more on the personal side rather than craftiness but hopefully I'll start creating some crafty goodness as the holidays draw nearer and I have start working on the handmade gifts :)

As always, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to give my blog a read :) It always means a lot to me! Please check back soon!

Rhonda

Painted canvas

Yes I'm still here! Didn't mean to be ignoring my blog but it has been a wonky 2-3 weeks just trying to get adjusted and settled into a new routine. My emotions have been somewhat of a yo-yo recently and I've had a bit of trouble shaking it off but I think I'm just about there! So thank you for hanging around while I pull myself together!

Last weekend my college boy *finally* came home for one night before rushing back out the door barely 24 hours later...but I digress :)  It was wonderful having him home if even for just one night. He spent a couple hours like this---(and if you follow me on Instagram you've already seen this and I apologize). It's amazing that you love your kids just as much lying here sleeping at this age as you do when you are cradling them in your arms and looking into their precious tiny faces--and you moms *know* what I'm talking about :) <3  A mother's love never changes.

Later in the day we had a house full and oh how I loved it :) There's nothing like having all your kids, most of their significant others and your grandkids all under the same roof. It was loud, crowded, hectic and wonderful!

 And I love this picture of the grandbabies. I dare anybody to look at this slice of adorableness and not smile.

AND now that I've got all the mushy gushy stuff out of the way I'll move along to the crafty part.

I've always wanted to paint a canvas but to be honest, I was terrified. Of what? I have no idea lol. I've never had much faith in my artistic ability. I have a hard time even drawing the simplest things but I saw a piece of art on Pinterest (yes, AGAIN! LOL) and decided that I already had every supply I needed so why the heck not give it a shot. The very worst that could happen would be to ruin a $3 canvas. I was timid and wary as I put the brush to the canvas and even though it is far from perfect and fairly dissimilar to the way I had it pictured in my head, I still love how it turned out! I see a couple things I'd like to change but over all I'm thrilled with it and it will definitely not be my last painted canvas!

NOTE: the dragonfly is not painted...it is actually a punch, painted with watercolor paint and covered with glitter.

I first covered the canvas with a coat of Gesso because, well I think it is supposed to help the paint adhere and not bleed through or something lol. Remember, I'm not an artist, just a crafter who loves to create!

 After the Gesso dried completely (with a little help from my handy dandy heat gun) I used all acrylic paints to paint with. Some brands from WalMart and some from Making Memories...but all acrylic.

I really needed a teensy tiny brush for the lettering and I'll definitely pick one up for next time.

 Now, if I can do this, anyone can do it so don't be afraid--and I'd love to see what you create--Post it here or shoot me an email!

Thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

Rhonda

(almost) Empty Nest Syndrome anyone?

I'm sure this month has been or will be a difficult one for many moms and dads as we watch our babies pack up all their belongings as well as their most prized possessions and head off to life on a college campus. I know I, for one, have dreaded it more than I could put into words. Sometimes I fear that I'm too much of the overprotective clingy mom...and yet I don't know how to not be that mom. From the time my oldest son was born I vowed that nobody would love and protect their children more than I would. I wanted to be *the* mom...you know, the one who was always volunteering, the one who was the most supportive and the one who was always cheering the loudest. I'm not ashamed to say that for the most part I have been that mom. I've served a lot of hours working in concession stands, going on field trips and working at school carnivals. I've sat for countless hours at baseball games, basketball games, football games and even a few track meets. My husband and I continue to strive each day to unconditionally love and support each one of our children.
So, while I do still(thankfully!!) have one child left at home, yesterday was still a very difficult day for this clingy over protective mom.
It was the day my "baby boy" moved into his college dorm to begin a new chapter in his life. He is now living his lifelong dream of being a college athlete.
I can only imagine how scared, nervous but most of all, EXCITED he is! And, make no mistake, I am excited for him. And so very proud of him as well!

But, I'm also dealing with some major emptiness in my life that is accompanying the excitement and pride. It's now just my husband, our youngest son and me and there is a definite emptiness in our home. Not only is Garrett not here, but  his friends aren't here either. He's not just down at the courts playing basketball or out running. He's not at his girlfriend's house. He didn't run to town for this or that. He really won't be home again for awhile.
There is a quietness that is out of the ordinary for our home. His absence is almost palpable. His room sits empty just as he left it 2 days ago. His personal items are absent from the bathroom. His car is not in the driveway. Nobody is sitting on my bed beside me saying "mom, you have to watch this" or "you have to hear this" as he shows me his favorite new song on youtube. There's nobody doing laundry at midnight because he needs a shirt for school the next morning.
 I could keep going but I won't...I can barely see through my tears to type at this point. Garrett is special...he annoys me more than I could convey at times, but he also evokes a love in my heart that is beyond expression. His personality is bigger than life and I guess I miss not only his presence but also his very essence.

But, like the millions of moms before me and millions who will come after me, I will get through each day and cherish the fact that his dad and I have raised an amazing young man who is on his journey to make his mark on this big old world. I know we have guided him to the best of our ability and he's as ready as he'll ever be to face his future. Go get 'em son...and know that we are here for you always, no matter what! Love you big as the sky, Garebear!

This will be his home for the next 9 months or so

And THIS picture brings tears to my eyes every single time I look at it. I took this after we said our goodbyes in the parking lot and he headed back upstairs to his room. He stopped at the window to give me one last wave. Right as he turned around and walked away from the window he also gave me the "I love you" sign. Gosh, I love that kid...he's got me wrapped and he knows it lol.