Flashback Friday…Ivy Valentine Heart

Here is a very simple project I first made and shared back in February 2012!

 

 

Follow these simple directions to make your own…

 

Supplies:

a glass vase – or re-purposed sparkling water bottle like I used

some floral wire – preferable in a natural color to blend with the ivy stems

2 sprigs of ivy from your yard or indoor topiary

5 minutes – seriously, who doesn’t have 5 minutes to spare?!

 

Directions:
Wind your ivy around the floral wire – be sure to leave both cut ends at the end of the wire so they will go into the water. Also, strip ivy leaves from stem that will be submerged in the water.

 

 

Next, bend your wire into a heart shape…and put into your vase. The Ivy Heart will last for at least a week…especially if you refresh the water a few times.

 

Simple and natural…my favorite way to decorate!

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty in Pink…

I am the youngest child of 5 in my family. I was born 4 years after the 3rd boy. My mom was thrilled to finally have another baby girl. All that said…she surrounded me in pink!

Peonies in Paris

 

 

My childhood room was a vision in Pink & White. Imagine…blush pink walls, white canopy bed with LOTS of ruffles, and pink shag carpet! Yes…I was destined to become a “Girly Girl”!

source

This is not my actual bedroom…oh how I wish I had a photo of it!

 

 

For the longest time, I have avoided the color pink. I have never used it in my décor…not since I was 8yrs. old any way. I rarely ever wear it. I have even shied away form buying pink flowers and plants for my yard. Thanks Mom!

However, lately I have found myself being drawn back to this beautiful feminine shade…

 

via

 

 

I especially like it when it is mixed in with aged and vintage pieces…

 

 

via

 

 

 

via

 

 

As a mom of two boys myself, there has not ever been a lot of pink in my home. I remember thinking I will never be able to shop on the “pink aisle” at the toy store! You know the one, with all the barbies, dolls, ponies, and such! To be honest…I was OK with that. But now, as my boys have grown up, I am ready to add some shades of pink into my world.

 

There are some simple ways to start adding more pink into my home, like flowers and accessories…

 

 

via

 

 

 

via

 

 

 

via

 

 

I am even ready to add more pink to my wardrobe…

 

 

via

 

 

 

 

 

 

via

 

 

So how about you? Are you ready to get more “girly” with me this year? See more inspiring images on my Pinterest board Pretty in Pink.

 

 

 

Valentine Chalk Art…

 

 

Here is my simple chalk art design for February. I created my new chalk art with my perfectly pointed chalk tip…as shared in my last post…see it here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Love Everyday!

 

 

 

 

Sharing at...Serenity Now, Whipperberry 

 

 

 

How to Sharpen Chalk…

For those of you who follow me here…you know I have a chalkboard canvas that I love to doodle and draw on. I first shared how I made my chalkboard in this post. I have been posting my almost monthly creations and drawings…see here, here, and here, for a few of my favorites.

 

Today I want to share a quick little tip that makes chalk art and lettering so much easier!

 

 

As most of us know, chalk comes out of the package with a blunt, flat end. Not the easiest to use when trying to make precise lines and letters. There are chalk pencils you can purchase, but why buy the more expensive option when I have just the tool I need…a good old fashioned pencil sharpener.

 

 

 

 

I have had this sharpener for years…and it is perfect for two reasons. It has a regular pencil size opening and a larger opening…just the right size for a standard piece of chalk. It also has a plastic case attached to catch shavings and very fine chalk dust. Just a few turns and your blunt chalk comes out perfectly pointed.

 

 

 

 

 

So much easier to make those straight lines and details with the pointed tip. Sometimes it is the simplest tips that make the biggest impact.

 

 

I am currently working on my February chalk art, and shared this sneak peek…

 

 

via Instagram

 

 

Can you guess the theme? Finished photos will be posted on Friday…see you then!

 

 

 

Pinterest ~ Fashion Inspiration…

So, I am pretty sure we all know about Pinterest by now…if not…where have you been hiding?! I love browsing Pinterest for inspiration on many levels…my latest is “What to wear today?”

 

 

My Style Pinboard is a place where I collect images and inspiration on clothing, jewelry, shoes, and all things fashionable that I love.

 

 

 

 

 

Often, while browsing and pinning, I find an outfit that catches my eye….

And I realize…I have all those pieces…no wonder I like it! I have already bought it! Now I am going to wear it….

 

 

Last Friday I went to the movies with a friend…American Hustle is a MUST see BTW…and put together my Pinterest Inspired outfit for the day.

 

Outfit Sources:

Orange Swing Jaket ~ TX Maxx

Striped Sweater ~ H&M

Leggings ~ Hue

Boots ~ Sam Edelman

Purse ~ Emma Fox

Watch ~ Michael Kors

Coffee ~ Starbucks

 

So now you know…Pinterest is a great place for inspiration on so many things…including fashion. Create your own inspiration board…you may find new ways to pull together pieces you already have. Visit My Style Pinboard to see more of my fashion favorites.

 

 

 

The Painted Basket…

This is my first DIY project of 2014!

I started with a $3.00 basket that I found at a local thrift store…

 

 

I found my inspiration from the Threshold Spring 2014 collection at Target…

 

Next step…grab my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White…

 

 

I just painted a wide strip around the top of the basket…inside and out. I did not even tape it off…just eyed it. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I did use a smaller, craft brush to get into the crevices of the basket weave…

 

 

 

 

Then finish with a light coat of Annie Sloan Soft Wax in Clear – and buff with a clean rag…

 

 

 

 

Done! It makes the perfect little laundry basket in my new walk in closet…

 

 

 

 

As I posted the above photo…I realized that I have not even shared my (mostly) finished walk in closet project and after photos. Consider this a sneak peek!

 

 

Chalk Paint can be used on almost any surface...wood, glass, fabric, leather, and woven baskets! It truly is amazing stuff. See this post for more info on all the things you can paint with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

This was such an easy and quick project...I even did it at the kitchen table on Sunday while watching football. Go 49ers!


Sharing at ~ Serenity Now,