Wood & Wire Photo Boards

Hello everyone! Sorry I have been gone for so long. July has been a stressful month, but I have more free time now to focus on HWTH so be prepared. I hope yall are surviving the heat and staying cool. We have been stuck in the house getting stuff packed so thankfully we have avoided it some. I do have a fun new project for you to try to keep your mind off this sticky, hot summer.

One thing that I love and it's displaying pictures. I wanted to find a new creative way to display them on this nice blank wall in my kitchen without being overwhelming in such a small space. A little rustic wood feel was what I was going for, but did not want to make a lot of picture frames from scratch or buy $15 4x6 frames at the store. When I came across this post by Liz Marie, I fell in love. It's so different and eye catching.

Supplies
2x6x12
Stain
Foam Brush
Old sock or Rag
Eye Hooks
Picture Wire
Command Strips

I rummaged through the wood at Lowe's to find the best piece while the hubby was off entertaining Raleigh in the lighting aisle. Once I found the perfect piece, I had the guy at Lowe's cut it into (3) 4' sections since it was free. I got right to sanding each piece so there were no splinters trying to stab me. If you haven't stained anything before then I have a few steps here.

Measure and mark the exact center of the board on both ends so you know where to put the eyes. Take the eye hooks and screw them in where you marked. Next, twist the picture wire connecting both ends. Make sure it is as tight as it can get. 

Finally you can start clipping your cute pictures, sayings, or kids artwork up on the wall. Now I have to find a spot on my wall for it ;) It's a lot easier to change these pictures out rather than A regular collage frame.

 Please ignore the grainy pictures. A little girl I know stole my camera and hid it that day. Hope you like me little project. Until next time. 

PB Inspired Growth Chart

Goodbye winter weather & HELLO SPRING FLOWERS!

I hope everyone is enjoying this nice spring weather. It's raining here in Tennessee today but I'm not fretting because I know I won't freeze my toes off when I walk outside. I  am excited to work on more projects now because I won't have to bundle up in 3 layers to go outside. I did manage to get in a few projects this week while it was raining, the porch has now been taken over ;) hehehe.

I have already gotten several compliments from friends that have seen my new growth chart. I got the inspiration from Pottery Barn's growth chart that's here. I was not so fond of the colors or price. I knew that I wanted it to be a beautiful wood tone, so I went with this one. I also had two other projects lined up with wood so I got the quart size.

Supplies:
Stain
Foam brush
Sock/Rag
Sander
Measuring Tape
Decal
1x6x6

First, I sanded down the board so it was perfectly smooth, then started on the stain. Now doing stain you should have a rag or old sock that you don't mind throwing away after using it. Apply the stain with a foam brush, I used one of those cheapy ones. After about 10 minutes, wipe the excess off with the sock. I did 2 coats on each side so it was a perfect walnut color on both sides.

I don't have a machine to make decals, but I know I would probably use it a lot if I had one. Hmmm…maybe I need to do some shopping. So I purchased mine off Jane.com from Shelby's Boutiques on Etsy, I got mine when it was on a great sale, but they are still on a good sale on her page…here. Most of the decals like this that I found on Etsy were almost $20, hers is only $14! She also sent great, detailed instructions on how to apply the decal too. If I ever do one of these again for friends or family then I will go through Shelby again.

I applied the decal & peeled it off. All done! It was quick and painless. I don't have a definite place for it yet, especially since I am bringing 2 other creations in this week, but I will find a permanent home on my wall for it soon. And no I don't keep it outside; I couldn't get a good picture inside because it was such a dreary, gloomy day. This was the best I could get at the time.

Maybe here?

Another thing I love to do is chalkboards. I am making a big chalkboard now, but until then I use my vinyl fridge chalkboard. Here is a fridge chalkboard that I got done a few weeks ago. I learned a few new tricks & love the way it turned out. Check out my Instagram for more chalkboards I've done & some cute baby pics.

 I have to say 18 months is probably my favorite age right now. Raleigh loves brushing her teeth.

Thanks for stopping by & checking us out. Let me know what yal think below in the comments. :)

Enjoy this beautiful Spring weather!

Upcycled Diaper Boxes

If you are like me then you accumulate a ton of boxes. Diaper boxes, wipe boxes, boxes of things you shouldn't have bought online but couldn't help yourself :D. I have a lot of boxes stacked near the trash that drive me crazy. I had seen a few posts about up-cycling your boxes into cute storage. I like that much more than spending a lot of money on baskets that you can't customize. This way I could pick out my patterns and colors.

I decided to go with neutral & simple so I can move them from room to room if I want. I got some 12x12 scrapbook paper, which was big for my boxes so I had to cut it, for about 30 cents each.  I did not care about the sides as much since they are going to be on a shelf next to each other and up high so I wont even see the sides.

Supplies
Scrapbook paper
Exacto knife or Scissors
Modge Podge
Applicator brush
Spray paint (optional)

Set the box upside down on the scrapbook paper. Pretty side down/white backside up. Trace the outline of the box so you know where to cut. 

Cut as close as possible. 

Spread a layer of modge podge on the front of the box. 

Then immediately put the scrapbook paper on. Smooth out all the bubbles and let dry. 

 Before spray paint:

Valentine's Glitter Garland

This year I am determined to have more festive decorations, but I have to do it with a small budget. *sigh* If only we had unlimited funds to spend, but then I don't think I would ever leave Hobby Lobby or Target. I will gradually add to my holiday themed decorations over the years and Raleigh can help me in the coming years. 

One thing I saw and fell in love with was glitter garlands/banners! I had seen it on other blogs but didn't want to spend the money on them when I knew how easy they were to make. So you can imagine where I went to get my supplies…Walmart?…noooo Hobby Lobby. 

Supplies:
Twine or String
Glitter Scrapbook Paper
Hot Glue Gun
Exact-o Knife

First, I printed out a template to trace on the back of the scrapbook paper & cut it out from the back.

 

Find out how much string/twine you want, cut, and lay out your letters to see how it will look.

Finally, break out the glue gun and get to work! 

I wanted my garland to go with an empty frame I have had stashed behind my couch for months. It stared at me for weeks and I couldn't figure out what to do with it so I hid it away. I put it to good use now on my table with this pretty banner. I found two beautiful windows this past week that I've been hunting for to decorate with around the house. I punched a few circles out too so this window didn't feel so boring. 

I had bought 2 sheets of the glitter paper, just in case, so I had a whole sheet left over. I found another frame that had been neglected to be hung (hubby is a procrastinator like me). I put a piece of black and white scrapbook paper in and cut out a heart on the glitter paper. I used a cookie cutter as my template which turned out perfect.

my preview from Instagram

ALL DONE!

It's simple and to the point. I love this set up and it only cost me a few bucks! 

What do yal think?

I have a lot of old diaper boxes in Raleigh's closet that just got a makeover. I will try to get that up by tomorrow, if I don't get distracted with more painting. :D hehehe

Photo Canvas Transfer

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

I'm Back! I know I have been gone through the holidays. You know how busy, hectic, I wanna pull my hair out kind of crazy it gets. We enjoyed the holidays the best we could this year since we had a few people missing from the celebration. We ate lots of good food, had a few drinks ;), and just enjoyed being around the family.

This year I didn't get to do a lot of homemade gifts like I wanted to do, but I did one in particular that I love. I transferred blown up photos to canvases for two sweet little boys I know. They are both football players and they are about to get a makeover in their room in a sports theme so I thought it would tie in perfect.

Supplies:
12x16 canvas (Walmart)- $9.67
Modge Podge (on hand)
Foam brush (on hand)
11x14 pictures (Walgreens)- $10.99each  $7.26each with coupon

I did not know how well it would work out with the difference in the size of the canvases and the prints but being so close to Christmas, everywhere was sold out of the size I did want so I had to compromise.   I liked how they turned out though because there was enough room for their names.


1. Painted the edges of the canvas & sides that would show because the picture was too small.

2. Find out where you want the picture to be on the canvas

3. Spread Modge Podge on the empty canvas generously!

4. Lay the photo on the canvas exactly how you want it, smooth out any bubbles underneath. 

5. Let dry, make yourself some coco or coffee because it doesn't take long.

6. Put on another layer of Modge Podge over each picture. (Don't worry it wont stay cloudy)

7. Let dry.

8. You can draw or paint on there now. I used chalk since it was a matte black paint I used. (It got smudged in the traveling on Christmas) 

The boys were so excited and their parents were amazed too. Their mom did awesome homemade gifts too so we got homemade scarves (sooo soft! it was like butter, but not slimy), a baby infinity scarf, a baby headband, and some chalkboard mason jars! She knows me well I think ;)

I am also working on a weekly cleaning checklist to get more organized and on a better schedule this year. I hope I stick to it; I tend to procrastinate…a lot.

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend! Today is hump day for me, but I see the finish line. Also keep my little Raleigh in your thoughts. She has been sick for awhile now and it's just getting worse so she is going to those nice white coat doctors today for help.

Pottery Barn Inspired Mason Jar Pendant!

I know some people have guessed on what my DIY project was this week, and finally it's done. A Pottery Barn inspired Mason jar light fixture! It is my main light in the kitchen and it couldn't be more perfect. I found several tutorials months ago and decided that's what I wanted above my island. When our fluorescent light went out in the kitchen, I took it as a sign that it was time to do it. I should've taken into account that my hubby would wait a few more months to actually do it. I don't know anything about wiring or electricity so I had to wait for him to help because no way was I going to get electrocuted.

We got the rest of our supplies on Sunday and got to work. The one at PB is huge with 16 lights. My kitchen is definitely not big enough to accommodate a light fixture of that size and neither can my wallet accommodate the $400 price tag. So we narrowed it down to 10, then the jars we wanted came in a box of 9, then we lost a socket in the never-ending abyss of the truck so we ended up using 8 jars. It lets off the perfect amount of light so I am happy with it. 

What you need:

8  Mason Jars (pint & half)- $10.24

8  Light sockets (this is the one we used)-$24.80

8  25-watt light bulbs (we used these)-$11.96

2  25-ft 18gauge lamp wire (we used this one)-$8.98

50  wire nuts-$5

3 sticks  3/8 pvc pipe (optional)-$5.94

Black spray paint (had already)

Drill (had already)

Wire cutter (had already)

Phillips screwdriver (had already)

Wood-$20 (we got the big piece bc we needed it for another project)

TOTAL: $86.92

This picture makes the lights look fluorescent almost but they aren't. I used 25 watt bulbs because i knew anything higher than that would light up my house like a beacon in a lighthouse. They ended up being the perfect wattage. 

So this is how we did it!

First, we took down all the old light fixture stuff, all the way down to the hole with wires coming out. Whoever previously installed ours didn't know what they were doing because it was hanging on by one screw and it wasn't even in a stud...just drywall. I'm surprised it hadn't fallen already. 

Next, cut a piece of wood that fits into your previous frame or build a box if you didn't have one. An Adams Thing did theirs out of metal. Make sure the wood isn't too flimsy or the weight of the jars could make it bow. Start to map out where you want your jars, mark it, and decide if you want staggered. We did staggered so we knew they wouldn't bump into one another. 

Then, drill a hole where you want each pendant; make sure it is big enough for the wire to go through. Feed the wire through and snip off. Use more than what you think you should. You can adjust the height later. 

Time to start the wiring. AHHH! My hubby got started and he patiently showed me how to do it all. Connect one small piece of wire to each hole. Slice & strip the wire up an inch or so then twist the ends together. Make sure you twist the HOT with HOT, this chord has ridges on one side so make sure those stay together when you connect them. Once all three HOT ends and COLD ends are twisted then put a wire nut on each end. The three ends should but the 1 going in the hole, 1 coming from the left, and the one coming from the right.

Next, measure out how long you want your lights to drop down. We did about 16 inches from the board. We cut them to 17 inches because you still need a little left to wire the light socket in. 

Now let's go over to the mason jars. Drill a hole in the center of the lid for the wire (get as center as possible) then more holes around for the heat to vent out. DO NOT forget that part or they could overheat and explode. 

Put the wire through the mason jar lid. To wire the light socket, split and strip the last inch of wire again. Then twist the wires around the screws and tighten down. Do this 8 times…it seems like it took forever.

 If you want the pipe to give you a straighter look to the pendants then make sure those are cut and spray painted. Measure and cut those to fit between the top and the lid. We forgot to put those one before we attached the sockets so we had to do it all over again…ugh. 

Without the pipe

With the pipe

Then finally mount it on the ceiling. My hubby did not want it to be attached by screws because if something had to be fixed in the future then he wanted easy access to it. He used door hinges and 2 I hooks. Genius. I'm going to spray paint that soon & stain the wood to match my future countertops ;)

It's a great amount of light and it goes with the country theme I am wanting to do. Next is the countertop, then the sides of the cabinets, and finally the white plank wall. I can see it all coming together. Almost done! YAY!

What do yal think about my new light? My mother-in-law is already requesting one. :D

Thanksgiving, Family, and a Sneak Peek

Hey yal! I am so sorry that I have been gone since before Thanksgiving. The trip to Iowa went great; Raleigh had a blast, but wore me out since I didn't have daddy there to help. I had lots of little cousins to pick up the slack though, because as soon as we got there the little girls were wanting to play with her constantly. It has been 4 years since I have been up to Iowa. The last time we went was when Koby & I announced our engagement to some family members. It was nice to see my distant family, but also very nice to see my mom who lives in Cali so I rarely see her. Mom hugs make everything better...nothing like them. Here are a few pictures from our trip. Also more on Instagram & Facebook: 

 Nosey rosey. She likes playing with the people behind us.

 She went straight for the John Deere section in the gift shop.

We also had a few deaths in our family this week. Three days after getting back we lost my husband's grandfather, he spent his last moments with us, enjoying a late second Thanksgiving dinner that they planned for me and Raleigh since we missed the first one. It has been a rough few days filled with tears, laughs, and family, but that's what we need right now. This song describes him perfectly and made all of us bawl even harder at the service. Please keep our family in your prayers.

We also lost my great grandma as well, she lived out in Colorado with my father's family. She was a heck of a scrabble player and could out fish anyone. She was 98 and lived a long full life. Sending my love to my family in Colorado and Iowa, sorry I couldn't make it back.

Post coming today or tomorrow of my new Pottery Barn inspired Mason jar pendant! I am in love with it! My hubby and I worked on it last night to keep us busy. He finished it about 2am and woke me up to see because he was so excited. I had work today so I crawled into my warm bed early. 

Sneak Peek

Check Instagram & Facebook for 2 other sneak peek pictures.