No pics today but...

I have several more to put up when I get the chance to download them. This morning when I woke up--the only light on was in the foyer over my red shadowbox frame and it was stunning. Really it was. So much so that I took a picture before I did anything else. Can you tell that I just please as pie with it? Now if I could just get out the frames people have already ordered I would be in such a good place. Most likely it will happen today.

Tonight I am hosting what is called a coffee at my home. It is a gathering of military spouses for the simple pleasure of socializing. They are supposed to be done monthly but ours fell apart for some reason, so I am trying to revive it by hosting one again at my home. We are actually going to play bunco so it should be a good time. I ordered all the food from various places so that I don't have to cook and I have just a few things left to clean and pick up. Usually on days like this I would be freaking out at this moment trying to get everything done, but today I feel total peace--- everything is done!

What I am not feeling peace about is what I need done by Saturday! Swanky Graffiti is going into a craft store full time and I am still struggling with pulling everything I need into one spot. So I have come to terms with I will get done what I can-- and keep improving on it when the moments present themselves. So basically on Saturday morning, I will set up what I got and move on from there. Not another thing to beat myself up for.

My own photobox

I love it! And its all mine

Isn't it cute!
24 inches by 24 inches
Tuscan Red
Isn't it beautiful?

A Tisket and Tasket

I got some more baskets. Just what I needed but for some reason I can't resist them especially if they are different and interesting. In the past 2 years, I have purchased about a dozen baskets even though I never considered them to really be my style. Everything from Longaberger to one handmade by an 80 year old woman to the really old one that falls apart just by looking at it. I should do a blog just on my baskets because I love each one- they are sooo my style!

Anyhow, Keith had a couple days off work so we did some major shopping around Texas. The most fun and interesting was this little town of Salado where all this stuff I am going to share with you comes from. First my baskets.

I have no idea what I am going to do with this one or where I am going to put it but I have not seen one like it so I just bought it to figure out for later. I might use it as a serving piece instead of for decor-- for bread or something like that.

This little cutie I had a plan for-- to contain the mess on top of my washer.


I also got this because I just couldn't walk out of the store without it

I was thinking about getting several in different sizes. Then you can place cute little knick knacks under the glass like the little bird nest that in there now. At the store they had some tiny chocolate rabbits and green grass in it- so cute. Since I don't like a lot of extra stuff around to decorate for the minor holidays (hate packing it everywhere we go) this would be fun and not very over the top. I love things in minature.

Keith bought me cup and for good reason. Every travel mug that comes into our house he takes to work and leaves it there- or loses the lid so its not so travelable (??). If you are ever wondering what to get Keith as a gift-- a travel mug would be great because you can bet he has lost the last one you gave him! He even took one of mine that had flowers at the top and covered it with white tape so he could use it. It was a gift that I was excited about because I thought for sure that it was all mine and couldn't be shared. (There is a reason I bought a pink Ipod instead of the apple green one that I really wanted). So when I reached for a travel mug just the other day to find none- I was slightly irritated.

Keith saw this one and knew for sure he wouldn't be caught dead carrying it-white tape or not, so he got it for me. Supposedly its safe.


I took a picture of the roses Keith got me for V-day-- they are on the last leg as you can tell I am holding it together for the picture- but I loved the color


And lastly, I made the CUTEST sign the other day that is hanging somewhere else in Killeen now.

I really like this one and see more in my near future!

Even more projects

I swore I was going to get some things done for my own house before I went crazy to do everyone else's and I have been good to get a few things accomplished. An even mix I would have to say-- and I am feeling the need to kick it up a notch on others now. I did want a show a few things here.

First would have to be these alphabet boards. After much trial and error, it was decided that decopauge would be the way to go. The thing is, once I started this I almost can't stop. I want to decopauge everything now!!


This is not quite the finished product as they were aged a bit more with paint and sealed since I have taken this picture. But still cute all the same to hang in a little girls room, Lily's to be exact.

Then I made this for myself

I love the whole monogram thing but I decided that I wanted mine on wood so it will be permanent. I got this round table top from Lowe's and painted it Linen with red underneath. So I think for now I am going to leave it on top of my TV armior but in the future I could attach picture hanger hardware and put it anywhere. I kinda dig it.

These next pics have a nice little story to go along with them.


I was contacted by a lady on Etsy that wanted to do something nice for someone she doesn't even know, but feels like she does because she reads her blog. This nice lady wanted to buy a Sunshine song boards for this woman who lives in Australia because she lost her daughter very tragically and this song was sung to her and will remind her of her daughter. If you want to see the blog the address is http://sheyerosemeyer.blogspot.com
So sweet that complete strangers can reach out to this woman who is for sure hurting and brighten her day and it all started because of a blog. I love that. There are a few blogs that I read that I know if I saw the person on the street I would call out their name and run up and hug them because I feel like I know them. These words we share can be very powerful (sometimes).

I spent a little extra time wrapping it all up in tulle so the presentation would be nice and sent it on its way this morning.

Talking about presents from people you know via the internet...I got one the other day! Yes I did and it really made my day because it was totally unexpected. I met Marilyn via Etsy and we have set up a mutually beneficial relationship. She has an embroidery business and wanted to dabble in vinyl with her customers- so I have helped her do that. Anyhow she sent me this cute cozie and my picture bites-- but it really cute. Pink, black and white with my name and ribbon. Love it.


And lastly, more decopauge (I really need to learn how to spell it). This is a metal magnet boards that was just plain jane grey. I bought one for each kid so that they could put things up in their room without using tape. This particular one is for Bridger.

I haven't decided if I am actually going to put vinyl on it-- I was thinking about making some for my 'message center' I want in my laundry room. Then it would be really cute to actually write that on it.

I was thinking for the future retail of these items that I would make up the instructions on how to do them along with a ton of pictures so one could just look at them step by step and never have to read anything and then just sell the vinyl that would accompany it. So for the price you vinyl and the greatest instructions ever. I also realize that some people have no desire to decoupage (that is how you spell it!!!) so I will go both ways----
People must have options!

A Project that I am Excited About

I sure must be excited to spend my Friday evening up to my elbows in paint and decoupage. I saw this concept somewhere on the web and I recreated my own version of it and I LOVE it.

I had bought a couple canvas' and was thinking of what I could do with them-- Definitely not enthusiastic about recreating my Amazing Grace but was trying to think of a twist on it. Well I found one. And here is the process.


Painted the canvas and started attaching scrapbook paper squares. I just picked out paper from my collection that I love with no thought as to color or pattern, and it just worked.


About halfway done


All the way done, just need to trim edges and add vinyl.


Oh but wait, I temporarily lose my focus when I should be adding vinyl to it and decide that I need to make another one right away. Have a baby shower to attend tomorrow and I need a cool gift that involves vinyl. They expect it. And yes, the baby is a girl, so I picked paper that has mainly pink but wanted a little green because that is what her room in done in. The squares are a tad bit bigger also.


Ok, now I can add vinyl. Knock them out both at once, right? This is going to go on my soon to be shelf in my foyer. That is in the garage waiting for final touches too!! I need a clone.


Mega cute- I just can't stand it.


Everyone should have one