Clip It

A regular barrette is about the only way I can hope to pull my hair back successfully, but it can be difficult to find barrettes that match both my style and my budget. They're generally either too glitzy or too expensive. I had three good barrettes, all of which have bitten the dust within the past few months.

And actually, I'm glad they did.

With acres of thrifted leather at my disposal, I found a small scrap that suited my needs. I kept all of my barrette frames, so that was free to me. The button was a loner in my (newly re-organized) button box. The whole shebang was assembled with a scrap of thread and a glue gun. Other than sewing the button on a leetle crooked, this turned out to be a swift and remarkably satisfying project. 

The only question now is whether I should try vintage buttons or fabric flowers next? Maybe I'll just do both... 

Talk About a Bad Day...

When I think I'm having a rough day, I just think about this little guy. As a squirrel, losing your tail just has to be the ultimate in bad days.

He still does the little angry-squirrel-tail-twitching thing, which reminds me of the way dogs with no tails wag their rumps when they're excited. But the squirrel is more ridiculous, and consequently more amusing.

I could write a whole spiel about how this little squirrel teaches us the importance of pressing on, even when tough times get you down. But you know, I don't think he's even noticed that he doesn't have a tail. So I'll spare you the inspirational pep talk, and wish you a blessed Wednesday!

Canvas, Covered

I had three half-altered mini canvases from Michael's.

I had remnants of the fabric I used for our sofa pillows.

I had freezer paper.

And now, I have printed fabric-covered canvases for our dining room.

This was definitely one of the cheapest home decor projects possible. The canvases were only a dollar in the Michael's bargain area -- actually, they had rather charming images of teacups in bright pastels (Can pastels be bright?). Charming, but nothing I could ever use in our house. I had tried painting them, planning on some sort of decoupage treatment. But that was going nowhere fast.

I've seen so many fantastic projects featuring printed fabrics (like this printed burlap from Domestically Speaking), and I just had to give it a try! The biggest challenge was actually finding a good design for a dining room, since I didn't want anything too flowery or feminine. Since even The Graphics Fairy didn't seem to have just the right images, I turned to my own collection. 

A library book sale find did the trick -- The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide by George Hepplewhite is chock full of drawings of 18th century brackets, secretaries, beds -- and chairs!

Thank goodness I had a bit of fabric to spare, because printing on fabric was a learning experience. But oh, is it ever fun! I only had one jam (which is great, considering that the fabric I printed on is a bit bulky), and using the freezer paper was a snap. In fact, now I really want one of those enormous printers and some ink setter. Can you imagine the possibilities? Okay, the printer is probably out of the question, but I may add that ink setter to my wish list.

 Once the images had dried, it was just a matter of stapling the fabric onto the wooden frame of my mini canvases.

You can't tell from the pictures, but our microwave and a poorly placed electrical outlet are centered right below this little trio -- so I'm especially happy to have something to draw attention away from them! Plus, no more bare wall.

Total cost: $4, including the ink and freezer paper. 

Now, what other fabrics can I print...

Tell Me if This Makes Sense...

During a recent browse at our local Old Navy store, I came across a bodysuit in the clearance section.

On the front: "My First Thanksgiving."

The size: 24 months.

Now, I'm not a math genius, but it doesn't take much brain power to figure out that you will have experienced your first Thanksgiving by 12 months of age. Maybe some people just have really big babies. Really, really big babies.

The really weird thing?

There was only one bodysuit left on the clearance rack. Now that makes me wonder...

   

Promises, Promises

While reading my Bible this morning, I re-discovered this passage in Corinthians. 

What a joy it is to have a God who has power even over death!

Not only that, but he can and will keep the promises he makes.

That last verse made it onto my "inspiration chalkboard," as a reminder that even the little household tasks I have to do today are important if they are done for God's glory.

This corruptible must put on incorruption, 

and this mortal must put on immortality. 

 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, 

and this mortal shall have put on immortality, 

then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, 

Death is swallowed up in victory. 

 O death, where is thy sting? 

O grave, where is thy victory? 

 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 

 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, 

always abounding in the work of the Lord, 

forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

~ I Corinthians 15:53-58 ~