DIY: Crafting??

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before or not, but I am craft challenged.  My attention to detail is lacking and I have little patience with tedious projects where I need to read instructions on how "to do". However, the completion of our small home addition has motivated and inspired me to try.

Adding to the need to "fill" the walls, the construction of the sunroom has also left me with some good, usable wood (we had to tear down the existing deck). Now before you get all excited, I must tell you that I'm starting at the beginning! The wood pile shall remain stationary til I build some confidence, get some help or just feel straight up crazy!

First Project: Memo Frame

This frame sat untouched for the last several years in our building out back. The glass was cracked and the picture was stained and rotting.   So, I went about the simple task of kicking out the old picture. That was easy. Crafting might be fun after all.

Now for the twine. With my broken staple gun I proceeded to staple my dearly loved twine (I use it on most gift wrapping as it seems to make the most haphazardly thrown together package look cute.) and staple it to the back of this frame. Here's where I get all exact and stuff. I took my tape measure and marked off where the twine would be level - wow! Yes, I am making fun of myself here. But it's true. I was proud of myself.

So here you have it. Project one complete. Thank you pinterest.

BTW, I did not paint the little sign. That was last year's birthday gift from a friend.

Cost Breakdown:

Get pics printed: $1.50
Mini-clothes pins: $2.25
Total: $3.75

Second Project: Memo Board for Boys' Room

I found this Pottery Barn memo board at GoodWill a couple of months ago with no real idea of where or how I would use it.

I spray painted it grey and then made pinwheels with twine (oh, I just love twine!), jute and hot glue. (I actually own a glue gun!)

I was going to stencil "Brothers", but a sweet friend offered to cut them for me on her cricket. Yes! A quick trip to Costco for prints and I was ready to hang the finished product.

Cost Breakdown:

Board: $3.50
Spray Paint: $3.75
Prints: $1.50

Total: $8.75

It would seem silly to blog about simple pieces such as these, but there may be others like myself who are less than confident when it comes to making your own art, etc.  I must admit that it felt great to not only save a few dollars, but that the pieces are somewhat unique. Of course my confidence has grown a notch and I feel ready to try again. Next project may be painting the brown medal folding chairs, as I'm still not sure I'm up for the woodpile.

Are you craft challenged? Or do you have some great tips to share with a beginner such as myself?

Chrissy

What I Wore Link Up

Hello! As I begin my correspondence to cyberspace (and hopefully a few friends!), the fragrance of one single hyacinth flower permeates the entire sunroom. There are few flowers in our yard, but I'm so thankful for those perennials that know just what to do each year.

Yes, it's that time again! Time to get out in your yard and get to work! And boy do we have some work this year. I look forward to sharing before and after pictures of our post-construction-war-zone of a backyard, if not for anything else then to motivate me to get it done! :)

A little cooperation with the weather would help! The weather wasn't suitable to work in the yard this past weekend so what better time to start looking for clothes to keep the boys suitably dressed.

Shopping For the Boy's Easter Clothes

 Grey Cardigan: Banana Republic
Multi-Color Top: Boutique
Skinnies: GAP
Red Purse: Cast Off
Red Flats: Famous Footwear
Scarf: Bangladesh (hubby picked it up for me while on a mission trip there)

Sunday Church

This polka dot blouse is actually a dress that I tucked in my skirt.  I thought the added striped cami and pop of colored accessories kept spring alive inspite of the chilly weather that day.

Blouse/Dress: Zara
Cardigan: New York & Company
Belt & Skirt: Loft
Shoes: Chico's Warehouse ($3!!!)

Lazy, Dazy

It definitely was not a kick back day, but why not let the clothes be??

Grey Top: Nordstrom Rack
Boyfriend Jeans: GAP
Ballet Flats: Nine West
Wrap Bracelet: Premiere Jewelry

Bible Study Group

Grey Cardigan: Chicos
Striped Top: WHBM
Skinnies: GAP
Red Wedges: Target Clearance
Necklace: Thrift Store

Well that is all for this week! Do you have a favorite, tips, tokens of wisdom? Well, please feel free to share. I love to hear from you, as all bloggers do!

Chrissy

Excited to be linking up with www.thepleatedpoppy.com

Granola & Lacy Skirt

Spring is most definitely making appearances in these parts! Our cherry tree believes it to be spring, as made evident by the white blossoms quickly apprearing. And after a series of miserable dreary days, the sun shone brightly last week. It made me think of lyrics from a current song that plays on the radio, "you only miss the sun when it starts to snow" (in this case when it continues to be dreary).  Then I was reminded of yet another truth. We wouldn't appreciate the sunny moments if it weren't for the cloudy ones.  So, for those unplagued by insufferable allergies, go ahead and step outside. Breathe in the beauty of spring. Take a moment for the gentle breeze to caress you, while you listen to the birds make ready. What a wonderful time of year. And me? What shall I be doing while you appreciate spring?

Hurry up!! Oh someone send me some sod!!

Just watching and waiting for our grass seed to germinate, sprout and GROW!!

Ok. Enough of my silliness. (yeah right.)  

The first day of spring was so beautiful here in Georgia I felt it only fitting to bring out these floral leggings. And I could not help (nor did I want to) the lightness and bounce in my step. Running errands never felt so good.  So with out further ado may I present my first outfit of spring...

Sunglasses found at LOFT for $4.98 

Oh, if only all days could feel like this one! I know...They would lose their luster if it were so.

There you have it.  A mixture of hand-me-downs, purchases from last year and a few gifted items. The only new article in the mix? Those sunglasses I purchased with a $10 credit at LOFT. In fact, I found two pairs for $10.  What a deal! And I thought this would be the year when I invested in some GOOD sunglasses. (Maui Jim or something) Maybe next year.

Outfit Breakdown:

Leather Jacket: Michael Kors (gift)
Top: Cast-off
Skirt: Wet-Seal (last year)
Floral Leggings: Some Country store in the mountains ($5)
Ankle Boots: Target
Necklace: Khols
Ring: Kate Spade (cast off)
Sunglasses: LOFT (4.98)