tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63413541468164532942024-03-13T21:45:27.471-07:00The Posh 'PossumKH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-16726461381992065182013-07-15T12:13:00.002-07:002013-07-15T13:25:02.922-07:00Super Soft Burp Cloth Tutorial. Another T-shirt craft.I <strike>hoarded </strike>saved a bag of old t-shirts. Eventually, they might become garage cloths or a scarf or one of the nine millionty billion t-shirt recycling crafts on Pinterest and the interweb, right? Or they could just be one more box of "junk" to move from Alaska to wherever we go. Anyway, I have been looking through my pins to make some cute burp cloths and bibs for Toots. She'll be here in just a couple of months now, and even though she's our second baby girl, we don't have stuffies left over from big sister because she's 12 now. Those things have long since been handed down to other babies. I was brainstorming about what to use for backing on these since they need to be absorbent, and I really don't feel like spending more on pre-fold diapers. While they make cute burp cloths, they are just as expensive as buying ready made cloths in the store. I finally remembered the bag of t-shirts. What's more absorbent and soft than an old t-shirt???<br />
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So here's my project. Super simple. I don't claim to practice the voodoo that is real sewing. I am not a seamstress, nor do I get paid to portray one on television. I make things stick together with stitches. If you can sew a semi straight line, you can do this. <br />
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Step one: cut fabric rectangles. Mine are 11x14 because I had a nice cardboard template. (pssst...It's the back of a watercolor pad) I used the t shirt for backing and a pre-washed flannel for the other side. Both absorbent. Using a rotary cutter, I simply placed the cardboard on the fabric and cut my pieces. You could also use a straight edge and measure, or just use scissors, but I'm for the fast way. <br />
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Step Two: Sew front and back together with right sides facing. Leave a three or four inch opening to turn the 2 ply cloth right side out. </div>
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Step three: Snip the corners so they will be square when you turn them and turn the whole thing right side out through the opening you left.</div>
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Step Four: When your project is right side out, it will probably have wavy edges and it won't be aligned. You can use an iron here to flatten your seams. I didn't have much luck ironing a stretchy t shirt, so I opted to roll the edges out and pin the perimeter. <br />
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Step five: Top stitch about 1/4 inch from the edge of the entire perimeter. If you want, you can make this a double seam. I usually run two or three lines on quilted blankets, but I left these cloths at just one top stitched seam.<br />
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Note: I planned to have these little crocheted flowers on my cloths, but I sewed one together before adding this to the top layer. If you want to add embellishments like this or embroidery to your cloth, I suggest you do it to your top layer of fabric BEFORE you sew your layers together, otherwise your stitches will show on the back. Duh. I figured that out on the second one. Of my set of four cloths, I have two that are embellished and two that are not. We might not feel like barfing on flowers every day. : )<br />
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Here's the finished set. I got four 11x14 cloths from one old t-shirt and about 1/3 yard of flannel. The crocheted "flowers" are from Michael's. I bought them about 6 months ago on clearance for 25 cents each, and used scrap ribbon for the stems. I kind of think these would be cute placemats, too if they were larger. Remember to pre-wash your fabric so it doesn't shrink and wrinkle when you wash your final project. <br />
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I'd love to see your baby projects. Link up in comments below, or like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KHKart" target="_blank">KH Kellum</a> on facebook and share there.<br />
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<br />KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-26589004172606410062013-07-12T08:17:00.002-07:002013-07-12T08:42:44.641-07:00Oh Olivia! Nursery RevealSo, it's been a while since my last blog post, but I assure you I've been busy as a bee. Where was Pinterest when I was pregnant 12 years ago? That's right, TWELVE years. Over a decade. How things have changed in our lives since then. We are so excited to be welcoming a new member of the family around October. Being a military family, we move. A LOT. I couldn't even begin to think about a nursery for Olivia until we got settled in our new place 4,000 miles away from our old place. We've been here almost three months and we find out next week (fingers crossed) where we will go (AGAIN) in January. Needless to say, Oli will never remember this house where she will spend the first few months of her life, and she won't be born in our home state close to family like our first daughter. It's a little bittersweet, but still exciting. I'm just glad to have her even if we live on Mars. ;)<br />
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With the thought in mind that she won't be born "at home" I tried to come up with some ideas for her nursery that incorporated things from our family and her unique heritage. I'm not big on Winnie the Pooh and all the other pre-fab nursery junk out there. I can't help it. I just want to do things my way. I love Winnie the Pooh, especially his friend Tigger, but I don't like the over commercialized versions of him hanging off all my walls. While we were in Alaska I searched and searched for ideas for the nursery. Thank goodness for secret boards so I could work on Pinning before we made the announcement.<br />
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The first item for the nursery was a painting by my husband's grandmother. We had it framed and hanging in the loft area of our previous house. I started working on the nursery before we knew the gender, but I have always leaned toward gender neutral baby things. The painting below is full of greens and blues which are common throughout our home.<br />
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Another piece I knew I would use in the room is a little dresser built by my Great Great Grandfather for my Grandmother. It was used in my nursery, and I found it in my grandmother's garage when I was in high school and re-claimed and refinished it. The base has been many colors over the past 20 years, but now it is a soft light green. When we knew we were having a girl, I had my daughter switch out the knobs with these Poppy pulls that I'd been hoarding for just the right thing. <br />
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I love that we didn't have to repaint this piece to use it here. I've learned that no matter where we go, we are never going to get the same floorplan twice. All our furniture and accessories need to be useful and matching in any room. It's a good thing we have an eclectic style that affords us some flexibility. Anyway, I feel like this is a room that will grow with this girl for quite a few years. Speaking of years. Here's another piece from my childhood. My paternal grandmother's rocking chair. It was actually her mother's chair. I might drag it out and put another coat of paint on it for protection, but for now it's as is. I think the seat has about 15 layers of fabric. Our daughters may never meet the grandmothers we knew, but we will do our best to keep their memories. <br />
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Many other things in the nursery are from Olivia's big sister, Emily, like this doll house book shelf. We still have all the Barbies in a box, too.<br />
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The books are new and old. From as far back as my parents' childhood days. We read them all with our first daughter, and I'm sure she'll help share them with her little sister. She even bought Olivia a Dick & Jane primer so she can teach her to read. The painting is from Emily's last room makeover in Alaska. We covered her walls with matching fabric instead of painting. Painting is allowed in some army housing, but we just didn't feel like doing it. Besides, we have enough junk to cover any wall they give us.<br />
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Because of Pinterest, I've seen many projects using chevron printed fabrics. I ordered (way too much) fabric and made a simple quilt and dust ruffle to go on the gorgeous convertible crib Olivia's daddy picked for her room. I had something much "fluffier" in mind, but, in the end, simplicity won. I just didn't feel like hiding this pretty piece of wood. Her crib bumper came from a garage sale for $2.00! She'll actually use the quilt on the floor for playing, but it will fit her toddler bed, too. <br />
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I'm sure you're wondering at this point, "What is your theme??? All nurseries have a theme, right?" It was kind of an unintentional theme decided after gathering some of the parts and working them together with a few accessory ideas from Pinterest. I still haven't been able to pinpoint the right words for it, but being that she was conceived in Alaska, will move all over the USA, possible internationally, and we want to keep both our children rooted in tradition, this is what we came up with.<br />
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We want both our childrens' lives to be a celebration. Celebrate love, life, nature, and everything that goes with those things, the good and the bad. Never be afraid to dream big and go where you want, but always remember home and family. Here is one of the projects that help convey that theme.<br />
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All three of these projects were Pinterest inspired (Pinspired, ha) and I'll probably write/link to tutorials in the coming weeks. There are lots more projects in this little room, too. Mostly textile related. I told you I bought too much fabric. :)<br />
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Finally, I give you a couple of photos of completed areas. I can't wait to get this girl home.<br />
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The crib wall with more canvas from big sister's past rooms.</div>
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The window wall with the "nanny" bed. We don't have a nanny, but I feel like someone will be in there frequently even if it's just big sister getting kicked out of her room for company. The only NEW pieces of furniture in this room are the crib and its matching dresser. Everything else is repurposed, thrifted, or hand-me-down. Can you tell I'm excited about bringing her home? </div>
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What's your favorite baby project?</div>
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<br />KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-48346205027002825152013-06-03T06:22:00.000-07:002013-06-03T06:23:56.457-07:00Annie Sloan Furniture MakeoverI'm finally out of Alaska. Yes there are beautiful, glorious, wonderful things I'll miss from that great big wild land, but I'm glad to have a break from the land of no junking. Seriously, they are the home of the most overpriced garage sales and antique stores I've ever shopped. I am so excited to spend a little time in Missouri where junk is queen! I've spent a couple of weekends picking and let's just say I'd love to have a trailer to pull behind my giant junk mobile.<br />
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Now comes the work part. All my junk needs a renovation. What to do, what do do? <br />
I've seen Annie Sloan Chalk Paint all over the internet, so after reading the benefits, (no sanding, no priming, etc.) I decided to give it a go. I found this brilliant stockist, <a href="http://www.thepurplepaintedlady.com/shop/category/annie-sloan-chalk-paint-2/" target="_blank">The Purple Painted Lady</a>, and I placed my order. No, there's not a special discount, but TONS of perks. You can even call her on the phone to ask questions if her online tutorials and videos don't help you, or if you didn't read the information sheets she includes with your order. The added value of her expertise is immeasurable.<br />
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Now, being a painter, I was skeptical of the claims this paint was making. Self leveling paint you say? With a bit of doubting I began testing my first project. A 1960's vintage desk in that classic French Provincial style that was so popular. Complete with laminate top. Ugh. I've painted these laminate tops before, and I've sworn never to do so again. <br />
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I started brushing on the first coat of this costly paint and it did go on so smoothly what started as a test patch became the whole desktop. This was with no prep work. Sadly, I went out the next morning and scraped it right off the laminate with my fingernail. :( I really, really hate losing money, so I (easily) sanded the paint off and scuffed the top of the laminate. Not wanting to do this again, I kept my respirator on and used a similarly colored can of spray paint I had on hand to "prime" the top. I know...no sanding, no priming, but I abhor peeling paint. A very light dusting of the paint which promises to adhere even to plastic cured on the desktop. Ahh. I came back with my brush and painted ASCP right over it. Such coverage! <br />
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I didn't do a great job taking photos of the steps involved in this makeover because I was so excited to see a finished project. I'll do better next time, but I can tell you the steps I took. <br />
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You've already gotten the low down on the laminate. We can call that step one.<br />
Step two: Paint the whole piece with ASCP. (Paint any details like the gold trim, mine is a base coat of copper acrylic and a top coat of gold acrylic, both metallic)<br />
Three: Apply CLEAR wax (for this I used a brush and wiped. I'll be upgrading to the AS wax brush)<br />
Four: Distress (I used a hand held power sander with 200 Grit paper on the edges and high spots)<br />
Five: Apply DARK wax. (I did this step by hand with a lint free cloth and gloves)<br />
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Here's the piece after the clear wax was applied</div>
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This is a close up of some distressing. </div>
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The dark wax really picks up these differences beautifully.</div>
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And here's the finished project!</div>
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Yes, I'm naming this set "Ever After" like the Drew Barrymore Cinderella movie. For some ideas on complimentary bedding or rooms this would look great with you can check out my Pinterest board <a href="http://pinterest.com/khkellum/furniture-re-do/" target="_blank">Furniture Re-Do</a>. <br />
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This piece and matching dresser with mirror will be for sale at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GildedPossom?fref=ts" target="_blank">The Gilded Possum in Smackover, AR</a> this month. (mid June 2013)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsjzSN5sq9c/UayXOo9Z7vI/AAAAAAAAAII/XDepJhWe7hU/s1600/Ever+After+Desk+PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsjzSN5sq9c/UayXOo9Z7vI/AAAAAAAAAII/XDepJhWe7hU/s640/Ever+After+Desk+PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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If you are thinking of updating some cruddy furniture, do check out the tutorials from The Purple Painted Lady. You'll be glad you did. I fully stand behind my purchase of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Wax. Oh, and tell me what you're re-doing. Remember, the furniture you re-do is cutting back on landfill waste AND saving you money. That's what I call a win win. Same goes if you are purchasing upcycled vintage items. :) Wax On, my friends. <br />
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<br />KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-53912116418992400422013-01-24T12:51:00.000-08:002013-01-25T11:48:00.866-08:00CALL FOR ENTRIES: Valentine Contest<div style="text-align: center;">
With all the new likes/followers on Facebook, </div>
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I keep thinking of this quote from one of my very favorite authors.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small
people always do that but the really great make you feel that you too
can become great. When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition it
is important with whom you regularly associate. Hang out with friends
who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose-filled lives.
Similarly be that kind of a friend for your friends.” </span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;">-Mark Twain</span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me tell you a little story, or make a confession, actually. I was afraid to start this style of marketing on Fa<span style="font-size: small;">cebook where crafters <span style="font-size: small;">"like" <span style="font-size: small;">o<span style="font-size: small;">ther crafter<span style="font-size: small;">s' pages and then share the new page. I thought this would water down my market and only help the really established pages in the long run. I thought <span style="font-size: small;">I would start to creat<span style="font-size: small;">e things based on what other people are selling and not stay true to my own style. I thought there would be too much competition. I was wrong. Dead wrong. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've added new likes for sure, but <span style="font-size: small;">more importantly, I've surrounded myself with people who are trying to do what I'm trying to do. Build their own business from home. I see <span style="font-size: small;">the<span style="font-size: small;">ir posts, I learn what <span style="font-size: small;">works, I share in their ups and downs but most of all</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'<span style="font-size: small;">M INSPIRED!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<span style="font-size: small;">t really does help to surround yourself with peo<span style="font-size: small;">ple moving in the same dire<span style="font-size: small;">ction. <span style="font-size: small;">It makes it easier to "go with the flow<span style="font-size: small;">." <span style="font-size: small;">So, now that you've <span style="font-size: small;">heard from m<span style="font-size: small;">e</span> on my soap box, I'll tell you about the contest. Because I KNOW there are so many <span style="font-size: small;">creatives</span> out there who love a good challen<span style="font-size: small;">ge, here it is<span style="font-size: small;">._</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/urWj5" target="_blank">------------>Subscribe to my email list<-----------</a> and get this FREE Downloadable PDF Va<span style="font-size: small;">lentine. It will print out to a hal<span style="font-size: small;">f fold card. This is the front. You can use all or part of it in the <span style="font-size: small;">contest. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
want to see how YOU embellish the card or use it in a project!! <br /> I'll
let you all vote on facebook and on my blog for your favorite.<br /> The only rules are <br />1.You must use a recognizable portion of the PDF, <br />2. You must credit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KHKArt?ref=stream&group_id=0" target="_blank">KH Kellum</a>
for the parts you use, <br />3.<span style="font-size: small;">D</span>on't share the PDF. It is for email subscribers
only. <br /><br />You can alter the Valentine in ANY way you see fit including but not limited to</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> mixed media, journaling, decoupage, fiber arts,<br />sewing, whatever you can think of. I know I'm
surrounded by so many creative people, <br />I just can't wait to see what you
do! <br /><br />Email <span style="font-size: small;">a high quality photo of your entry so I can <span style="font-size: small;">share it for voting and viewing in the <span style="font-size: small;">cont<span style="font-size: small;">est photo album on the blog and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/khkart" target="_blank">my Fa</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/khkart" target="_blank">c</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/khkart" target="_blank">ebook page</a><span style="font-size: small;">. Don't worry, you'll be credited for your entry as well, so be sure to give me you<span style="font-size: small;">r name and your business page t<span style="font-size: small;">o tag</span> if you have one. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Due FEB 13th 12:00 midnight (Alaska Time)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br clear="all" />I'll be creating a special prize for the winner! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </h1>
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KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-39090571121554638152013-01-22T08:00:00.002-08:002013-01-22T08:02:21.689-08:00HUGE Giveaway! 58 prizes!Link here to a massive giveaway. All the businesses featured in ReBlinged's Warm Your Heart Giveaway are work from home artisans or crafters. Most of us are moms, sisters, wives, etc. building a dream and helping support our families. For me building my business contacts is important because we are a military family and we are constantly moving. How wonderful is it that I could have the opportunity to take my job with me wherever I go? Here's your chance to be inspired by 58 new businesses that offer things you aren't going to find in big box stores. Consider purchasing items for your home as well as gifts for all occasions. <br />
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Check it out, and be sure to thank Sue at ReBlinged for her hard work on putting this giveaway together.<br />
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Here's the link to her blog and the giveaway! </div>
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<a href="http://reblinged.blogspot.com/2013/01/giveaway-test.html" target="_blank"> First Annual ReBlinged Warm Your Heart GiveAway</a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HamgYCVieQw/UP62yEbNG6I/AAAAAAAAAGc/xkjyFG8l4BU/s1600/alice+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HamgYCVieQw/UP62yEbNG6I/AAAAAAAAAGc/xkjyFG8l4BU/s400/alice+edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you win my prize, you'll receive THREE hand colored Alice in Wonderland prints on vintage book paper!</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/khkart" target="_blank">View more prints on Facebook</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KHKellum" target="_blank">View items for sale on Etsy</a></div>
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Did you make something beautiful today? I'd love to hear about it. Leave me a comment. : ) </div>
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~Kim</div>
KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-63971834019673246082012-09-23T14:30:00.001-07:002012-09-23T14:30:40.299-07:00COUPON CODE: Etsy!<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I have a coupon for you. </div>
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While you're clipping away from your Sunday news, start thinking about Christmas gifts. </div>
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Here's 20% off your entire order. </div>
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Use the code FALL4FISH until October 1st, 2012</div>
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at this shop </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrozenFishInk" target="_blank">Frozen Fish, Ink</a></div>
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You can get something like this....</div>
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<a href="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/68169D64-orig_zpsa07d283d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/68169D64-orig_zpsa07d283d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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or this</div>
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<a href="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/81A590F7-orig_zps86074f5d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/81A590F7-orig_zps86074f5d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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or this</div>
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<a href="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/A7AFF56F-orig_zpsb8bdf36d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/A7AFF56F-orig_zpsb8bdf36d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Everything is hand painted, of course and most items use recycled materials of some kind. I love doing this kind of work, and I try to promote the handmade industry as much as possible. In fact, if you don't find something you love in my shop, keep browsing Etsy and make a wish list of favorites from any of the thousands of craftsmen there. And don't worry, I'll keep posting tutorials here. Like I said, I love this stuff, and I love sharing it with you. <br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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If you are a shop owner, feel free to post your shop link in the comments below. </div>
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Don't forget your coupon code!</div>
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KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-44336687526935895542012-09-20T09:56:00.000-07:002012-09-20T09:56:46.337-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Discount Door DecorI'm late posting Wordless Wednesday. Oops. Better late than...haha. Here it is. Easy peasy. Don't throw out everything you have because it looks old. This one combines some old and new. Takes about 15 minutes. The wreath is new to me. I got it on 90% off end of season clearance two years ago, but the other stuff is either scrap or already in one of my holiday boxes. Remember, this is WORDLESS, figure it out, experiment, don't be afraid to screw it up, just start over and try again, that's how you learn. :)<br />
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There you go. Save some time, save some money, reuse something instead of throwing it away. All you need to do is rethink the way you're using things sometimes. All I did was fluff up the $2.00 wreath from last year and add some trendy items (burlap/zebra) that can be easily removed later. KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-8255192217819844802012-09-12T15:02:00.003-07:002012-09-12T15:02:59.860-07:00Wordless Wednesday (Maybe): Doormat Do OverTo introduce this post, I got the idea for Wordless Wednesdays from MrsMamaHen. She posts beautiful photographs of what's relevant right now. I need to post more frequently, and this may just be a way for me to do it. I have realized I use instagram about 9,572 times a day, so photos I have. Anyway, I'm going to try to "show" you a simple craft mostly through photos. WW #1 The Doormat Do Over. The victim, my two year old sisal doormat. It's been left out to "weather, patina, age with grace" for two years. Two ALASKAN winters. Anyway, I mostly ignore it except to wipe huge chunks of ice off my boots. I want to make my entryway sort of cute for the holidays this year. This thing's gotta go. Or does it?<br />
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Step 1:GOOGLE! I found BHG.s cute fall entryways, no more words. :)<br />
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<br />KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-68200670507541656502012-06-20T15:23:00.000-07:002012-06-20T15:53:48.410-07:00Recycle Remix: Can the Counter ClutterI LURRRRV going to the thrift store. You already know that, right? I really, really do. Before my allergies dropped acid, got in a tiedyed microbus and ran over my face about a month ago, I took some wadded up one dollar bills and a few quarters and a slightly unwilling Mr. and Little Possum to the Value Village and got some goodies. They have been sitting waiting for me to recover from the 1700 pollen count ever since. The craft supplies, that is. Not the slightly unwilling possums. They have been playing Minecraft. Well, guess what? I'm back, BEBE! I'm off to a slow start, so here's an easy one for ya!<br />
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When I get sick, I clean. I'm pretty sure in my twisted mind, that some form of dirt,dust, pollen has made me this way, so I'm going to clean it out of my house. haha ha ha ha. I laugh because, well, let's just not get into what a terrible project this can be for a possum with ADD. Anyway, one of the things I notice is how much stuff we keep on counters. Really. We have cabinets in this house, people!! oh well, I give up. You can keep your lotion, toothpaste, gel, soap, brush, comic book, life savings, rock collection, candy bar, bottle cap, thingamajig, whatever on the counter. UGH! No, it's easier to clean AROUND all that stuff. Seriously. <br />
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So obviously, I'm not going to win the battle of keeping it in the cabinet, but maybe I can keep it in one big container? Then there's just one thing to work around and only one clutter. I have just the thing! I got this big cookie tin thing for 69 cents!! Yep. I left it in the garage too long and the lid got smashed during an oil change, so I really didn't know what I was going to do with it because I originally planned to use it to store extra K-cups. No lid kinda made that moot. It was some ugly outdoorsy Christmas scene , so I covered it with some self stick shelf paper I had. (I picked up a couple of rolls on clearance for $2.97 at Jo-Ann) The Scotch tape you see in the picture is for taping down the edges of the paper inside the can and on the bottom. It needs a little help staying down on the edges.<br />
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Also, a helpful hint: when you are folding down around a curved edge it helps if you will cut the flap down to the edge every 2" so you are folding down smaller pieces. Otherwise you will get wrinkles.<br />
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Try to get a can with straight edges, not angled. I have one that is bigger on the top than the bottom and that was much harder to cover, and I had to make a different design in the middle to cover it up. With straight edges you can just roll your paper right on. <br />
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A little hot glue and some ribbon for embellishment<br />
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Fill with clutter and clean the counter!! <br />
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See? It's too easy. Little Possum can still get to the soap and lotion pumps without taking them out of the bucket. We still have some shelf paper, so we could make a smaller matching one for Q-tips or something if we needed, but the point was to get stuff off the counter. Really inexpensive and you could use these in an office or kitchen, too. They would be good organizers for art supplies or kids toys...hmm...I might have to go get some more tins, now. Most Salvation Army stores sell these for 25 cents. Value Village is a little pricey for me, but it's what I have for now. Happy crafting! What did YOU reuse today?<br />
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Oh and don't forget to go like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KHKArt/app_102515556471926" target="_blank">KHK Art on Facebook</a> to be entered in this month's giveaway!!<br />
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Let's face it...I was never going to get the house ALL THE WAY CLEAN. </div>
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I mean, I live here. With other people!!</div>
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Anyway, I am talking about that because there is a stack of prints sitting here beside me waiting to be painted. Or hand colored, whatever you want to call it. That's what I decided to do instead of clean house this week. I decided to start selling paintings again. Yep. I am now a licensed business owner in the state of Alaska. The funny thing is, I'm blogging. Why? Because I had to stop in the middle of learning how to screen print and set up a business and open an Etsy store, and so now obviously I have to stop and blog about it, gah. And that is why my house will never be clean. And that is why I will never be caught up on all my wonderful blog posts. </div>
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Here is a link, though...</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrozenFishInk?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Frozen Fish, Ink.</a></div>
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That is my registered business name in Alaska. Me. I'm a fish. Pisces. Plus I like William Faulkner. (That is a reference to As I Lay Dying.) I live in Alaska, and I have become part of the permafrost, and this new line of prints I think is reflecting that new absurdity. (Well, really I'm sure it was always there, it just becomes harder to hide it with a good case of cabin fever and Army-wifitis.) Ink, because... there is INK involved in printing, slowness, and also because if you use INC or LLC or DBA in your business name then you have to do extra paperwork, so HA! Stick it to the man! I have not even had coffee today, people. Midnight sun does things to you. Truly. Just ask Super Husky.<br />
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Here she is featured in this original screen print</div>
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"Howling at the Midnight Sun"</div>
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although, if you ask me, she sort of looks like she's laughing. I think a couple of winters in the interior can do that to you. I find myself waiting impatiently for the sun to return. I actually did this dance under the aurora borealis display we saw one night and called it my "break up dance." No, not my "break up with my hubby dance". Break up is what happens when all the snow and ice "break up" and go away. I really did look as crazy as the dog over there. No kidding. All that silliness aside, it's been a little hard adjusting to life up here, but I know there are things I will really miss when our time here is done, so for now, my focus will be on capturing those wonderful things in my own crazy way while I still have them to enjoy. </div>
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Don't forget to go check out </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrozenFishInk?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Frozen Fish, Ink</a></div>
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The walls are a little bare right now, but I'm working as fast as I can to add more inventory. Hopefully, I'll send some memories home with the tourists this summer, too. I remember what it was like when we drove in the first time. I wrote long letters home about all of it. We mailed a set to ourselves, too. Thank goodness we didn't open them. I would have edited them after shoveling the driveway this past winter. Aww, FISHSTICKS!!</div>KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-64239638165641431872012-04-28T10:19:00.001-07:002012-04-28T10:22:16.533-07:00Craft Therapy: I NEED a Garage SaleSo, I said I was going to blog. I said I was going to make something beautiful EVERY day. I said this I said that. Yadda Yadda. I have kind of figured out that this artful crafting thing ebbs and flows. I have people tell me all the time, "I wish I could be creative like you." No really, I hear it almost every time I post a new project or recipe, and my overly self critical brain almost always says (inwardly) <i><b>"be careful what you wish for!"</b></i><br />
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Do not get me wrong, I am thankful for my God given gifts. I would be heartbroken if I woke and they were gone. Honest. BUT, we were all given certain gifts for a reason. I think much of the time, my "creativity" (I've told you how I feel about that word) depends on my external situation. My feelings influence what I am able to accomplish. It's almost like a log jam sometimes. I've also told you I'm not a hoarder, but in a way, I think I truly am. Not with stuff, but emotionally. I hoard these emotions, and they stop the process. Today I'm going to blog about that, and show you the artistic process that results. Not really a project, but hey, you get a look inside my world and you get to see what you're asking for when you wish you "had my talent." :O) This isn't a bitter post, just a sharing post.<br />
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Let's go with why this is starting. Today, I miss my brother. Remember when I tell you this is sort of a log jam of emotions. I'm like Shrek the Ogre and there are many layers to this onion. Most people consider it a superficial thing and they only see the first layer when I yell or make a bad face about something. They don't get to that sweet layer on the inside of the onion. Oh and at this point I've got an idea for a couple of projects, but I don't really know where to start, so I go look at my craft supplies, but really don't accomplish much because mostly I'm just looking, my heart isn't in it.<br />
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I'm looking, but nothing is happening. So I walk away, rather, I walk in a circle. About ten times. Like a dog sniffing the air before lying down so I can smell trouble coming. Yeah that's it. OH GREAT. There's something I'm going to have to work through. DADGUMMIT! I wanted to CRAFT! Well, maybe I can work around it. I circle again, and come back to the closet and get out a few supplies so I can do what Mr. Possum calls an EASY VICTORY. He seems to think that will help with what's gumming up the works and get me on to my next great thing. If I get a small win by finishing an easy project, then I will get my motivation back. Hey sometimes it works.<br />
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This time: Not so much. There you see FOUR projects not completed. I started to sew some tiny paper notebooks for a journaling project. My sewing machine oil dried out while on hiatus for a year. Thank you, again, arid Alaska. I stopped and took it all apart, so yes that was a small victory. I didn't take pictures of that, but I did make a glorious mess in the kitchen. YAY! :O) Thank you, Mr. Possum for your generous donation of oil. I also found two frames with mats I kept to use for some Walter Anderson greeting cards I planned to hand color with Little Possum. This is a project that should take me less than thirty minutes even with her involvement, but I just couldn't seem to get motivated in that direction. It's just watercolor pencils and water for Pete's sake! There they sit. In the pile. There's an envelope I brought upstairs with a recipe I was going to blog. When I can't craft, I often turn to the kitchen for release. I told you, ebb and flow. It cycles. Now, note the glue gun and the magazine on the stair rail. Yep. I was going to zone out and roll magazines for a recycling project. Also a NO-GO. Wow, really? I feel like an attempted craft murderer at this point.<br />
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Get it? Attempted murder? Murder of Crows? They say these are Ravens, but whatever? It's funny. It took me a minute when I first saw it with the caption. LAUGH, DANG IT! NEVAHMO, SAID THE CROW!<br />
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So what is the DEAL??? Four days of this bizarro inability to build. I keep walking around looking for my "missing piece" I keep thinking. I really need to go to a garage sale or a thrift store, I need SOMETHING. I am missing a THING, but then I woke up today and realized, I'm not. I bought a fish yesterday. We got a great deal from a friend who was moving. We haven't had a fish in forever, so really, that should help, but it didn't fix any magic thing. Yes, I love our "new" old fish, Toad, but he wasn't the missing piece and neither would be any old new thing I could find at a yard sale. It's not that. I am missing PEOPLE who are important to me.<br />
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I posted a while back about learning from my two moms how to make do with what I had, and that I wasn't treated as a "broken" step child. I was never one of those kids who fantasized about my "real" mom and my "real" dad getting back together in some Haley Mills "Parent Trap" happy ending kind of way. That never really crossed my mind. I don't know why. I just NEVER pictured them together. It probably had something to do with the fact that I had siblings in both families. What I wanted more than anything in the world was to have all my siblings in the same place at once. That was my Brady Bunch happy ending. I HATED leaving one house to go to the other. It felt like abandoning my own children when I had to leave behind my sister or my brothers. I always wanted to grow up and have all of them come live with me.<br />
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Of course that never happened, because they grew up, too and they have families of their own. ;) Which brings us to today's emotional log jam...and the layers of the ogre onion. Some of the extended family don't quite get along. They haven't for a while. So my peaceful Utopian dreams of all us "kids" living happily ever after were shattered. And by shattered, I mean drop kicked, dragged on the ground, lit on fire, thrown off a building, swept back into a pile and packed into a cannon and fired over a sea of hungry sharks, shattered. Being the <strike><i>wonderful big sister</i></strike> naive interfering idiot that I am, instead of keeping my mouth shut and continuing to hear the barrage of "I can't believe this, can you believe what they did to me" phone calls, I said, hey, you know... let's get this out in the open, let's be adults let's work this out let's get this over with and MOVE on. Families fight, but then they move on. VERY LONG story short...that ain't what happened. Now they don't speak to me. Now my brother is deployed and I miss him. AND THIS WASN'T EVEN MY FIGHT! I just said enough of the bickering I don't want to hear it anymore! Well, I don't, but I don't hear anything else, either. So, my something beautiful I will create this week is a letter to all of them. It will tell them about this blog, and how much I miss them all, and how much this affects us all. Then maybe I can clean up some of my other messes.<br />
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I mean this really does look like craft barf.</div>
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And this is for those of you who think my house always looks perfect. It looks like that, because I only choose the best pictures to post on Facebook or Pinterest or the blog. Don't judge me, everyone does it. It's called marketing. ;) Remember that when you're at home judging yourself against Sally Sue's perfect Facebook<strike><i> lie</i></strike> life. One day, I'll post a blog with crafting fails, so you can see how many times I screw up before I post something awesome. <---Yeah, I just said that. I'm awesome. See, I've therapeed myself. Now, You go "say youself you love you" and make something beautiful today. And like Toad the kitchen fish says....<br />
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"Just keep swimming"...Oh okay, he stole that line from another famous movie fish, but he's not "creative" like his new family, but we love his spirit. Really, his heart is in the right place and what he means is that you have to learn how to ride those waves of ups and downs. That's what life is all about. Thank you, kitchen fish, you are so Zen. <br />
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<br />KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-22196377251855505132012-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:002012-04-16T15:53:59.761-07:00PINspiration! Playing Dress UpSo I've had this mirror from Wal-Mart for a while now. Big shout out to Wally World for getting us all the stuff we "need" on the cheap, but by golly this thing is UGLY. I have moved it all over my bedroom, trying to find a balance between convenience of use and not having to look at the dumb thing. I've even had to stack it on top of stuff to be able to see all of myself in it. I get tired of looking at a headless pear, you know? Anyway, Pinterest to the rescue. Someone, actually many someones have pinned this little project from Shanty to Chic. It is SUPER simple it just takes a little time to wait for glue and paint to dry.<br />
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My finished project</div>
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I followed the tutorial found at <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2010/02/cheapo-but-chic-full-length-mirror.html" target="_blank">Shanty to Chic </a></div>
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I made a couple of minor changes because of product availability and personal preference. </div>
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My 6' fence boards are cedar and wider than the ones used on the blog.</div>
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I bought four instead of five (2.39ea).</div>
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I did use gorilla glue to attach the mirror. As always with GG it's going to puff out of the sides if you get too close to the edges. I always stay about 1 inch inside my border. Watch for it to puff out, and you can wipe it off while it is still wet. Note the placement off the floor. I did this because I previously had my mirror stacked on top of something else to make it taller. If you are going to do this, don't trim your 6' boards. The blog mirror is about 5 feet tall. I kept mine 6 feet. </div>
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My wood accent at the top (larger size than the tutorial 10.99) is attached with wood glue and then air nailed in. I know most people don't have an air nailer, but if you wood glue it, you can always clamp it until it's dry. I don't trust hot glue in the temperature extremes we have. ;) </div>
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I also spray painted instead of brushing on acrylic paint. The cedar boards don't soak in an even coat of the paint, so they stay rustic looking. My base color was a matte finish cream by Rust-O-leum(4.39). I brushed on and rubbed off Martha Stewart Home metallic glaze (5.50). The color is Muscovado. </div>
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I bought all these materials at Home Depot. Yeah, I'm $30.00 in on a $5.00 mirror, but really have you priced mirrors? Especially in Alaska. I've already used the two paints for another project, so really I didn't spend ALL that money on this thing. Plus, if I decide I hate the way it looks later, I can always shove it in the closet to keep bugs out. Cedar. </div>
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There's your PINspired Project for today! </div>
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What are YOU pinning?</div>
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<br /></div>KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-45500160059205778582012-04-12T12:01:00.003-07:002012-04-12T12:03:25.647-07:00PINspiration! Mixed Medium Smash UpIn all my pinning frenzy, I have pinned my own projects hoping to generate a bit of traffic to my own website. Yes, like everyone else, I participate in some shameless self promotion. It does a body good. I like when people like me. Imagine my glee when someone actually repinned my funky little picture to a really awesome board. I mean, I go there looking at all these things this pinner has pinned. (by the way, I'm thinking of making a new drinking game where you take a drink every time I use the word pin. PIN PIN PIN PIN. Yay! Crafting is fun!) Anyway, there's some really beautiful stuff, and wow, I made it on this board, too. COOL! I know I sound like a complete amateur, but to me that is a complement. I loved so many of the pins on this board, I stopped in the middle of re-arranging four rooms at the same time to sit down and craft. That was logical, I know. It needed to be done. Anyway, I have a few links to what Pinspired me, and then what I made, and how I did it.<br />
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First up. This quote. Love it. It's kind of my creating philosophy. I was asked about where I learned to do the things I do. I think more than anything, I learned to do or make things because growing up, we didn't have the money to buy them. My mother and step-mother, who are both called my mother (I was never called a STEP child, that means hurt or broken, and I wasn't treated as such.) are both fantastically imaginative and inventive in their use of funds and materials. They didn't get to go buy all new stuff to redecorate a room just because a season changed, but they wanted their homes to stay on trend and beautiful. They BOTH have very differing styles, but are so amazing at what they can make out of practically nothing. I give them credit for my alchemic skills in turning garbage into greatness. I have been dumpster diving so many times, it's not funny. I look at refuse piles on the side of the road and get excited when I see pieces of furniture poking out. I think I will ALWAYS drive a truck. I'm just sayin'. Do what you can with what you have where you are. ~Theodore Roosevelt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/pitterpatterartTRquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/pitterpatterartTRquote.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from Pinterest, art by Pitter Patter Art</td></tr>
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This cute picture of it came from Pinterest. It is no longer available for sale, but she has some other cute pieces with inspirational quotes. Check out <a href="http://pitterpatterart.com/currently-available/" target="_blank">Pitter Patter Art. </a><br />
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Boy...the day I find old sheet music for sale...for now old paper backs will have to do. I like getting mine from the thrift store on post. It supports our <a href="http://www.asymca.org/" target="_blank">ASYMCA</a>. They do lots of projects to take care of soldiers and families. <br />
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This cool board has the paperback page backing. Love the tree, too. I'm thinking of something for this tree. You might see it later. Unfortunately, I could not find the original artist of this piece. If you know who it is, please tell me. (nicely)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/mixedmediacherryblossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/mixedmediacherryblossoms.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from Pinterest artist unknown</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I love the bloom on here. Well, I love all the colors and the message, but specifically for this project, the word bloom...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/bloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/bloom.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from Pinterest artist Joanne Z. Sharpe</td></tr>
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AND HOLY CRACKERS, y'all! She teaches how to letter like this!! For $35 you get 29 lessons and unlimited access! That's VERY reasonable in my book. I'm going to invest in myself and buy in. If you are a journaler or you just want to write something cutesie, you can do this! I think this work is incredible. </div>
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It's called <a href="http://joannezsharpe.blogspot.com/p/online-classes.html" target="_blank">WHIMspirations. </a></div>
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And finally, one more piece went into this Pinspired Project. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/mixedmediazinnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/mixedmediazinnia.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from Pinterest art by Love is in the Details</td></tr>
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This one goes back to another blog called <a href="http://www.loveisinthedetails.ca/classes.html" target="_blank">Love is In the Details.</a></div>
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I didn't find this piece on that site, so I hope it is really there. This resembles the work they are offering classes for, so hopefully, I'm leading you in the right direction. ;) </div>
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AND HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED!!!</div>
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PINSPIRED PROJECT: Mixed Medium Quote Board</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You Can, 24x24 Mixed Medium, Paper, Acrylic, Ink, & ModPodge on wood.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Step 1:</div>
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Base Layer</div>
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ModPodge the underside of the book pages only. If you MP the tops, the paint doesn't stick well.</div>
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I used a paper cutter to trim the edges off my pages, too. You don't really want big white "gutters" from the margins. It will make a really distracting grid. </div>
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Step 2: </div>
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Paper Details</div>
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I used patterned scrapbooking paper to make my flowers and butterfly. You could always paint these on or use stickers (use what you have), but the whole point of this mixed media stuff is to add interest through different layers and different textures. Below, are some of the parts cut out, and I'm beginning to place them on the board. Once they are in place, I make small marks with a sharpie where they are because I'm going to take them all off and paint the back ground. The sharpie marks make it easier to put them back where I wanted them to go in the first place. </div>
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Step 3:</div>
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Detailing the Details</div>
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You might also notice the flower on the right has black lines. This sketchy look is achieved by first outlining a few millimeters from the edge with a regular sharpie that has been worn down. Not quite fine tip. Then use a sharp sharpie and kind of sketch around those fat lines. The lines add dimension to your flat pieces and the sketchiness makes them less static. </div>
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You can also add details like this butterfly.</div>
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If you don't know where to draw lines on a butterfly, google it. I promise you will find SOMETHING you can use. If you are afraid, do it in pencil first. If you mess it up...it's just paper. Try again. </div>
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Step 4:</div>
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The Background</div>
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<a href="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/8CB9D2E0-orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg609/Kimberly_Kellum/Snapbucket/8CB9D2E0-orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It really is just a bunch of watered down acrylic smeared all around. I live in Alaska, and I keep forgetting how arid it is here. I should have used blending gel or floating medium to get better blends, but it is what it is. and I'm not upset about it. It's still cute. I also added the word bloom with white paint and I stamped with ink to add another layer of texture. You can use anything to make texture like this. I happened to have a stamp I liked, but a rolled up rubber band, or a piece of metal fencing, or a piece of bubble wrap can all make texture. Use what you have where you are. The paint is watered down so we can still see the words on the pages remember. What is the point of a layer if you can't see it?</div>
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Step 5:</div>
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Glue the Paper Details</div>
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Use your modpodge and glue the paper details to the board. Try not to get modpodge where you will have to write with sharpie (the word bloom). It just works better to write directly on the paint. </div>
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Fill in any lettering or other details. I put some little curlicues around my flowers. </div>
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Step 6:</div>
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White out and Lettering</div>
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Use blending gel and white paint to cloud out a spot for your quote. This will help it stand apart from the rest of the back ground. Pencil in your quote and paint, sharpie, or paint pen it on. Whatever works best for you. I typically letter with a flat paintbrush, but my second choice is Sharpie enamel paint markers. The paintbrush is faster for me, but everyone is different. Theodore Roosevelt is stamped on with a couple different fonts of rubber stamps. </div>
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Step 7:</div>
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Mod Podge the Whole Doohickey</div>
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Yep. As soon as all of your elements are dry, put your top layer of Mod-Podge on. You are sealing everything together in one layer. Any of your paper pieces that were trying to peel up will be stuck down now, and the whole thing will dry to a glossy sheen. </div>
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That's my take on a few Pinspiring pieces. This guy is next. :)</div>
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Happy Pinning and Happy Crafting! Leave me a comment and let me know what Pinspires you, or find my Request Board on Pinterest where you could Pinspire my next project!!</div>
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<br />KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-20352989741871547792012-04-12T10:15:00.001-07:002012-04-12T10:16:11.428-07:00PINspiration! The Easter BoardThere's no way around it, no doubt about it, stick a fork in me I am totally done, one hundred and ten percent addicted to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. If you have been under a mossy rock somewhere and you don't know what that is, just go on over and get yourself an invite and sign up for the world's best electronic bulletin board EVER. I keep saying I'm not a hoarder, but in all reality, I probably do have a tendency. Pinterest, you are an enabler. I can "keep" all these wonderful projects and tidbits of information in a VISUAL, electronic filing cabinet. It's eye candy, and craft-porn, and over stimulation all in one handy dandy little box on my desktop...or laptop...or tablet...or smart phone. Ah, but enough of my ode to Pinterest. The short of it is this, we pin and pin and pin and save so many recipes and craft projects, and I spend a good amount of time wondering if I will EVER get to actually USE my pins and make some of these things I see and I wonder if I'm just window crafting. That's like window shopping, but just looking at craft projects saying, "someday." NOOOOOOO!!! To avoid this, I made myself a goal. <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make something beautiful EVERY day. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span>I may or may not have actually accomplished this goal, but it has been fun to try. My somethings beautiful are also open for interpretation. For example, inspired by Pinterest, I made a beautiful <a href="http://pinchofyum.com/chicken-tamale-pie" target="_blank">Chicken Tamale Pie.</a> I made a couple of minor changes, but for the most part, I got a great recipe the fam loved and it was so easy to do. Just because I sat here clicking through what my friends were looking at. Anyway, I really got nuts for Easter and pinned a whole board for the holiday. I will have a board for all the holidays. I found things to do, and then forgot half of them by the time it rolled around, and just think how upset I would have been when I saw someone else post their deviled eggs that look like hatching chicks on facebook if I forgot to do mine!! Grrr. Thank you, beautiful filing cabinet! Shiny ADD, enabler Pinterest, again I say, I love you! So here are the projects I DID remember for Easter. I have included links to the original blogs where they exist. Some pins on the almighty Pinterest are just pictures. When possible, I back track to find the original tutorial so credit can be given where it is due. (In fact, if you see a project on here that you KNOW there is an uncredited source for, feel free to leave a NICELY WORDED comment and a link if possible, and I will check it out and try make the hook up. If you aren't nice about it, I will just delete your comment and pretend you don't exist...call me Cleopatra if you will. Rule #1 at PP: Be nice or leave.) </div>
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Pinspired Project #1: Krispie Carrots</div>
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My version looks VERY different from the ones you will see in this tutorial. Hers are much easier to do!! I didn't want to go to the commissary for pre-made treats, so we made them at home. Next time I make these, especially if I do them in bulk, I WILL get the pre-made because I don't like forming these by hand. Just sayin'. Although, they were incredibly tasty. I had no idea that the vanilla flavored candy melts would be so complimentary to Rice Krispie Treats. WowSA! Tutorial is here at <a href="http://blog.thecelebrationshoppe.com/2012/02/20/easter-bunny-treats/" target="_blank">The Celebration Shoppe.</a></div>
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Pinspired Project #2:Strawberry Carrots</div>
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Hey, while we've got the candy melts out...Make sure your strawberries are washed and COMPLETELY dry. Wilton candy melts don't like to have water added. Follow the directions on the bag for melting. This one only had a photo on Pinterest. It didn't link back to a blog, but I googled, and this is a blog I found with some other cute dipping ideas with different colors. Visit <a href="http://www.msflourgirl.com/?p=1303" target="_blank">Ms. Flour Girl</a> for a good how-to.</div>
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Pinspired Project #3: The Hatching Chick Deviled Eggs</div>
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These guys crack me up! Pun intended. I found no step by step for this one other than a video from Rachael Rae, which I didn't watch because it took too long to open. I have a few tips of my own. First, bring your patience. Peeling these is a trick, because you don't really get to hide the ugly side on the bottom of the platter. Once you have your WHOLE eggs peeled, you're gonna slice the caps off. I did this at about two-thirds of the way up. NOTE: You don't always hit the egg yolk at this point, and you have to get creative and dig around a bit with a spoon. I found a grapefruit spoon worked well. After you have separated all the yolks, you can whip up your filling. (Everyone has their own recipe, ours is mayo, mustard, relish, a little salt to taste, mixed til creamy) Do yourself a favor and fill these with a pastry or icing bag. Some of the little caps were too heavy so I had to slice a bit off and position them carefully. Eyes are olive pieces and beaks are carrots. Don't be afraid to play with your food until you get what you like. :o)</div>
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Pinspired Project #4: The Bunny Cake</div>
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Excuse me, Garcon, there is a hare in my cake...OH I LOVE THIS GUY! So there was a pin floating around where this photo had been posted on a cake photo website giving NO credit to the original poster and giving us Pinheads no link back to the tutorial for it. The tips on this REALLY helped me out, people! Be sure to link properly when you pin. It helps us all. I kick myself in the butt all the time when I go back to get a pin and finally "do it" and there's nothing behind my link. Just a photo. Well, Hell's Bells, now I am in project mode and I have to stop and google again. Anyway, click on over here to <a href="http://sillybeeschickadees.blogspot.com/2011/04/original-silly-bees-bunny-cake.html" target="_blank">Sillybees Chickadees</a> and learn how to make this awesome fluffster. Follow the advice about ONE drop of food coloring. It's true. Also, the ear carving is perfect. </div>
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Pinspired Project #5: The Egg Banner</div>
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I love recycling! This project should actually be on the recycle remix category, but it's not an original, so I'll give credit where credit is due. :) This cute idea got folded and put away for next Easter, too. I made three of them, for all my large downstairs windows. These are so on the cheap and can be done with the kids. I plan to make some banners for other stuff too. Birthdays, July 4th...Halloween. The tutorial found at <a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/2012/03/easter-craft-easy-easter-egg-banner.html" target="_blank">CreationsbyKara</a> even has a free printable pattern for the book pages. </div>
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Pinspired Project #6: PEEP-tini Cocktails</div>
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After all that crafting, YES I want a drink. So I tried the original recipe found at <a href="http://feastoffun.com/topics/food-drink/recipes-food-drink/2008/03/20/easter-basket-cocktail/" target="_blank">Feast of Fun.</a></div>
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I do love the idea, but I am NOT a big milk drinker, if you are give this one a try. </div>
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It calls for milk, and honestly while it may look cute in the glass, to me it looks like Pepto-Bismol and tastes like cherry cough syrup. We scratched that and tried again. It's what we call, Back up and Punt. I'm not about to let these adorable glasses OR cherry vodka go to waste. Good thing we keep a well stocked bar. </div>
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Our new recipe: (2 cocktails)</div>
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3 oz cherry vodka</div>
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1 oz triple sec</div>
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dash grenadine</div>
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5 oz ruby red grapefruit juice</div>
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3 oz club soda</div>
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splash of lime</div>
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Shake over ice and serve, and yes I DO realize that shaking club soda can be messy. I am such a child I will opt for a fruity, fizzy base layer in my drink any day of the week. The refreshment is worth the mess. You can just roll it around in your shaker if you want. Don't be too vigorous. </div>
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And there you have it, an adorable, Pinspired Easter. Don't just hoard your pins, try them! </div>
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<br /></div>KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-2175379775097591752012-03-29T09:57:00.002-07:002012-03-29T10:25:58.718-07:00Recycle Remix-Springtime Fake OutI told you I live in Alaska (for now) right? I don't care what time of year you are reading this, there is probably snow on the ground. I live in that wonderful glorious phenomenal part of AK known as the "interior". Not entirely sure why they decided to call it that. I'm going with the fact that during hibernation, I choose to spend a large amount of time in the "interior" of my home. As in, NOT. OUTSIDE. Where it the average temperature this January was 25 degrees BE.LOW zero. AVERAGE. Please forgive me. I am writing to you from a place of extreme cabin/spring fever. Alaska is really amazing, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy outside in five or ten minute increments or when the weather behaves. This Mississippi 'Possum has truly enjoyed her stay and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Anyway, in my need to force springtime last year I came up with this nifty FreeCycling project thanks to a post I saw on YouTube and somewhere else. This isn't an original idea, but I love it and I'll show you how I did it.<br />
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When all my friends and family are back home bragging about their flip flops and fireflies and zippa-dee-doo-dah-days on the boat and in the garden this time of year, I find myself staring longingly at the frozen tundra wishing for a single blade of grass to peek through. Sigh.hhhhhhhh. Alas, I have another month (or two). But wait, this is NOT a sad post. Last year, Little 'Possum and I decided if we couldn't plant flowers we would just make some, and this is what we did.<br />
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These are made from water and soda bottles from the recycle bin! How cool is that??? We didn't have quite enough so, like good little 'possums we hit up the recycle dumpster in our neighborhood, and found a bag of water bottles right on top! SCORE!<br />
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I know...germ-o-phobes...look away now. We did LYSOL the crap out of them, and we wash our hands frequently, so comment away about how many diseases we are going to get. We call it building immunity.<br />
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Now to the how-to. You can look at various YouTube videos (search water bottle flowers or something like that), or this is my step by step.<br />
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Scissors, tape, water bottle...take off cap, peel off label.</div>
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Cut the bottle about half way down. Take the bottom off. </div>
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Not too short. This determines the length of your petals.</div>
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Because Little 'Possum is so freakin' smart, both of these will be a flower.</div>
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The towel and the drawing are totally unnecessary, but I didn't know how else to make this show up on camera. The lines are where you will cut petals. If you draw those lines, they will show through your paint, so don't do it. Free hand cut it. It's just a water bottle. Be brave. You aren't going to cut any parts off the bottle. All the plastic stays on. just cut down to that line. </div>
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The relief, or parts that stay between what you cut are petals, too. ; ) </div>
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Now that you have cut the petals, you can bend and crease them. I bent the big petals down and left the reliefs up. Simply pinch the plastic with your fingers and it will usually make a crease and stay. Play with it. Find your happy place. Happy little petals...Bob Ross moment. "Possum's Joy of Garbage"</div>
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Side view of folded petals. Looks like some kind of wonky bug legged thing to me. </div>
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It will look awesome when you paint it. </div>
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I told Little 'Possum the bottom of the bottle was just too much to waste back into the recycle bin and she came up with this AWESOME TULIP! Here's how. </div>
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Cut many tiny straight strips all the way around the bottom. You are holding the closed part. Think jellyfish.</div>
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Now just use your tape to secure them in a cone shape. We use Scotch Magic tape because it is not glossy and the spray paint will stick to it a little better than super shiny packing tape. We think. </div>
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The next thing you need to do is stem your flowers. I would say do this in a well ventilated area, but really what I mean is GO OUTSIDE. Do NOT do this in your home. We used a soldering iron and made two holes in the part of the bottle where the cap screws on. This is where the floral wire stem is attached. Go through the holes then around the threads. I had to wrap mine around a few times to achieve stability, and I used a 14 or 16 gauge stiff wire. On the tulips, we simply pierced two holes in the bottom and threaded the wire through. Be bold. Experiment with what you have and make it work. That is the whole point of garbage art and it is one of the reasons I will not show you how to do every little nit pickin' thing. ; )</div>
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Now have fun and PAINT AWAY! </div>
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I really do keep this at my house. It is a staple like flour or milk. </div>
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Remember, you can paint the inside and outside of your plastic...you can layer colors...</div>
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groovy baby, and note the placement of the stem wire,<br />
through the melted holes, then wrapped at the bottom</div>
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and you don't have to stick with water bottles...look at our Jell-O cups. </div>
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They are crammed in the bottom of a bottle for a daffodil.</div>
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Oh, and look at that cute button to hold our stem in place. </div>
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tiger lily?</div>
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LP's Amazing Tulips, I wondered if the tape would stay put, </div>
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but these have been on our porch for well over a year now!</div>
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Don't ever be afraid to try something in crafting. If you are afraid to try it, you will never know if it worked or not. So what if it fails, you try again and make it better. We didn't get the stems right the first time, we put several miscut "flowers" back in the recycle bin. It's okay. Keep trying until you get it right. </div>
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Be brave and adapt. Be a 'Possum. You know they've been around like 70 million years???<br />
See, I told you this wasn't a sad post. : ) </div>
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<br /></div>KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341354146816453294.post-415270289573146362012-03-28T15:34:00.000-07:002012-03-29T10:25:58.724-07:00Recycle Remix- Tiny DresserI love going to garage sales. I love thrift stores. I love to find great garbage on the side of the road. I am, after all, a 'Possum. I don't know if furry Opossums are the adventurous kind, or if they just pilfer through trash for mere survival. I like to think it's a little of both, since I see so many on the road. There must be adventure on the other side of the road. I've never seen an Opossum at a garage sale, but that is probably because they do not have money. Did I mention how much I love garage sales? I can spend hours looking at other people's junk! It drives my husband crazy. It drives lots of people crazy, but I love hunting. Like people, I see potential in nearly everything. I think all people have potential, and I think most stuff does, too. I know I'm having a borderline hoarder conversation now. I do watch that show sometimes. Trust me, I don't want to keep all the stuff because I'm hurt. I just want to make it all beautiful and send it on its way to some happier place. I don't think hoarding is the problem. Co-dependency maybe. I do like to rescue.<br />
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Anyway, here in Alaska you can only get a couple good months of garage saling in each year. The rest of the year (9 months of winter) it is just too darn cold. 40 below is not conducive to deal making. Trust me on that one. Now to the sad part of my story. I haven't been to a garage sale in almost two years. Feel badly for me, people. This is serious. Luckily for me though, I did get a couple of things last time I got to go. I stored them in the garage through my husband's last deployment. When he got home, (and wanted to rebuild a truck) we both quickly realized some stuff had to go. I told you this was a sad story. Oh but I am a crafty girl, so I did some clever rearranging and I found some places to stash some stuff a little bit longer. Yay me! Now, I'm gonna show you why I kept it, even though Mr. 'Possum kept saying it was broken garbage. Here's a fabulous furniture recycle remix! You won't be able to copy it exactly, but I hope you can start to see potential in the stuff you already have and apply some of these techniques to your own re-do's.<br />
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1. Start with WOOD or metal when you are refurbishing furniture items.
You can sand and repaint or refinish multiple times. When you are using
pressboard or particle board furniture, you just aren't going to get the
durability your time and effort deserve, so look for REAL wood at
sales. <br />
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These are the little wooden boxes I started this project with. You can see they are faded, rustic, dented, damaged...whatever. They are WOODEN and the set was $5.00 Also pictured are some decorative finials I keep on hand most of the time for projects. They cost about $2.00 per pair at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse.<br />
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The idea for these boxes finally came to me. I bought them because I know I love tiny dressers with lots of drawers. We have a few around the house stuffed with all kinds of treasures, like too many rubber ducks, a rock and mineral collection, playing cards, and strange, tiny things that make us happy. Let's do this.<br />
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2. PILOT HOLES - you need them. This "dresser" is going to need feet...Adorable 'possum feet.<br />
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Enter the finials. The ones I have already have (that I am not hoarding) have screw type ends on them, I just have to put them on the bottom box. These boxes are a very thin wood, so I measured where the wood was and drilled pilot holes for my finial screws. If I just went straight into the wood it would split. It still happens, but this lessens the chance. I used a drill bit that was quite a bit smaller than my actual screws. If you use the same size, you run the chance of "missing" and drilling out the side of the box. Hold your drill very straight, so you don't miss.<br />
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3. SANDING-Normally I would tell you to sand a project, but this paint was soaking up every bit of moisture I put on it while I was trying to clean it. That means it is porous and it's also going to soak up my paint when I spray it on. I skipped this step. It's a judgement call. <br />
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Oh now you see what I'm doing here.</div>
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4. Attaching the pieces. GLUE AND SCREWS. I prefer to screw when I can. (just leave that one alone)<br />
It's more stable and you can take it apart on your next recycle if you choose to do one. In this case, the wood I was working with was so thin it required both glue and screws because there was literally nowhere to screw from top to bottom without interfering with the drawers sliding in and out. My glue of choice: GORILLA GLUE!<br />
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This doesn't look like much glue, but GG expands and looks sort of foamy and crusty. Stay away from the edges of your project, and you won't have such a mess to clean up later. We've repaired many things at the 'Possum house with GG, and keeping a wet wiping cloth handy and checking the piece periodically ensures you can wipe away excess glue as it starts to peek out. It's not pretty and its hard as the dickens to clean off when it's dry.<br />
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5. CLAMPING is very important. The glued pieces want to slide. It's just the nature of the beast. I clamped and placed heavy objects to keep my pieces in place.<br />
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Next I added those screws I promised you. We keepers of junk have a ready supply of odd pieces. In this puzzler, I found an auto radio shim plate. That's what I was told it was. It looked like a perfectly good whatchamahoodler to me and it fit, so that's what it is.<br />
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The whatchamahoodler is spanning the pieces and screwing them together to provide stability. Note the makeshift washers. Don't forget your PILOT HOLES! (Yes, my whatchamahoodler is rusty. RUSTOLEUM spray paint allows me to mostly ignore that. shhhhh)</div>
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6. CAULK can be used to fill holes and that inevitable wood split. These got all cracked up because they are in Alaska and during that 9 months of winter, that is what happens when you have cabin fever, plus there is no humidity. Dry wood splits. Use a sandable, paintable caulk for your project. I use my fingers to work it into the cracks. Wipe away the extra caulk before it dries. Caulking the seams will make your project look much more cohesive and craftsmanly. </div>
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See the white caulk filling the little nooks and crannies?</div>
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7. PATIENCE is key. This is the hardest part. YOU MUST WAIT FOR GLUE AND CAULK TO DRY. It's even more boring than waiting for water to boil, but if you don't wait it out and you rush the project, you are going to have to do it twice because you are going to have to undo the wrongness and re-right it. </div>
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8. PAINTING is the most fun. I had to sleep on this one while I was waiting for the caulk to dry. But first thing the next morning I got to spray paint it! For this finish there are two coats of paint. The first coat was a satin finish aqua blue. After that coat is dry, the top coat of satin finish white was added. The edges were sanded to make it look shabby. Now the blue and some of the bare wood show through. </div>
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You can see the drawers aren't painted with white. They are on the edges, but the inside was left blue for a nice contrast when they are opened. The fronts were not double painted for a different reason. Those are going to be decoupaged with patterned paper and MODPODGE glue. </div>
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9. DETAILS are what make your new piece unique. This little dresser features decoupaged patterned papers which all came out of a coordinated(this means they all go together and you don't have to think about making them match) scrapbook block. It also has updated knobs made from wire and glass beads. The drawer edges were also sanded. </div>
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And here's the finished piece.</div>
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And now I have a new place to hide things. :) This one sits on my dresser with vitamins and ponytail holders and the little bits that clutter that space. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you found something useful or at least a little bit inspiring. I have many more projects to upload, so stick around. Or go garage saling and come back with lots of junk. You can make it pretty.<br />
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<br /></div>KH Kellumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01140770575404214523noreply@blogger.com1