Watch Me Daddy

Monster Valentine's Box

2012-02-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

We whipped up our boys' very first Valentine boxes last night! I love the restored joy brought to holidays when you enjoy them with your children. Their excitement is contagious.

I was completely inspired by the Tattle Monster I saw on Pinterest.

We used shoe boxes -- thank goodness my husband just got a few new pair of shoes / they're Keens... obviously... thank you very much cheapo dollar spray paint from Walmart :) -- and spray painted them.

My boys glued on the dots and eyes... and helped with gluing on the teeth.

They were so excited to take them to pre-school this morning, and even more excited to bring them home filled with sweet Valentines.

I hope you're having a lovely and loving Valentine's day!

What a MESH! -- Valentine's Edition

2012-02-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I think this is going to be it for my mesh obsession. No promises though! In the back of my mind, I do think a mesh for all seasons would be nice.

If after bombarding you with all this mesh (Pumpkin Wreath, 2nd Pumpkin Wreath, Candy Cane Wreath) you're wondering, I like mesh because it's so simple to use, and it's totally fool proof. It covers a world of crafty indiscretions. Plus, the results are always pleasing.

Here's my new Mesh Valentine's Heart Wreath!

I saw this grapevine heart wreath for just a couple of dollars, and decided that would be my base. You can still see the vine through the mesh, but I kind of like that about it.

I started on the the bottom, gathered the mesh, and wired it to the backside of the wreath. Pull it straight across the front, gather the mesh and wire it to the back of the wreath.

Then, bend it back over itself, across the wreath, then around to the back, gather the mesh and wire. Just continue doing that all the way around until the wreath is covered.

Then I remembered I had some extra whimsical white stuff in my Christmas stash. So, I pulled it out and cut it apart and did a little bending to make an arrow going through. I just hot glued that on the back.

Finished product:

I also made one of these for my mom's door, but I used a little different method. (no pics of this one) I just started the same way by gathering and wiring the mesh on the back of the wreath, but then I just wrapped it around and around (no back and forth) with a good wiring every once in awhile. They look very similar, but I think the back and forth method gives it a bit more fullness. Time-wise the wrapping around method is a bit faster, but it does end up using more mesh. It's all up to how you!

Okay, I take back what I said at the beginning of this. There will definitely be MORE MESH in my future. Every time I use it, my addiction to it grows a bit stronger. I think they call that a dependency. :)

My Day Old Child

2012-01-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

My mom read me this poem in the hospital the day after my baby girl was born.

It was so perfect, and hasn't left my mind since. So, I wanted to type it up and share it with all of you!

I'm so grateful to have this little gift from heaven in my life.

Stenciled Wall - plus DIY Stencil HOW-TO

2012-01-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

I did this stenciled wall in my home a while ago, and have intended to post it for sometime now.
Yesterday, I was trying to dive into my insane reader and get caught up on what's been happening for the last month and saw this post about the 2012 DIY trends.
... and what do you know... stenciled/patterned walls!

I know there are dozens of ways to stencil in your home, but this is the way I did it, and hopefully you will find it helpful.

MAKE YOUR OWN STENCIL

I knew I wanted to try stenciling, and I found the perfect spot for it in my house. Then I started my search for just the right pattern. Only, I didn't find it. The ones that I found that were close to it were somewhere in the $40-$60 range.
Why pay $40, when you can pay free?!

So, I just pulled out some trusty freezer paper. You could use any paper that is thin enough to see through when you hold it up to a light or window.

Cut the amount you need. I knew I wanted mine to be a fairly large design, so I cut the full width of the paper (18 inches, I believe) by 18 inches. If you want a design that is more rectangular, just cut it more rectangular.

Start by sketching out on a piece of scratch paper the design you want. I used the back of an envelope (doesn't have to be anything fancy.)

Fold your freezer paper in half, then in half again.

Open it up and you will have four sections.

On the rough side of the freezer paper, draw just one quarter of your design in one of the quarters of the paper. This is such a great way to make your pattern because instead of having to get the entire thing right and worrying about the symmetry, you only have to get one quarter of it just right.

I recommend you use pencil for your first quarter drawing, so you can change it to get it just how you want it, then go over it with something darker.

Fold your paper in half, and tape the already drawn portion of your pattern toward the window.

Now, trace (in something darker, like a marker) the pattern onto another quarter of the paper.

Remove it, fold it in half another way (always with your rough side out,) tape the already drawn portion toward the window and trace the entire half of the pattern.

Open it all the way up and see your stencil pattern!

Now cut it out using an exacto knife, or good scissors.

** be sure to leave it connected in some spots, so the center doesn't just fall out -- whoops! Lesson learned, as you can see by my painters tape holding the middle section in. **

Here's where everyone will differ. It's up to you how you like to stencil. The ones you buy are so great because you can roll right over them, lift them, move them to the next spot and roll again.

I wanted mine to overlap to make the pattern link together, so the lifting and setting wasn't going to work for me unless I waited a long time in between each paint roll before doing my next pattern over the top.

So, I left my stencil just how it is, right on the freezer paper and just taped it up, traced over the entire wall, then finished by hand painting the entire thing with a pretty metallic acrylic. (worth it-- to me at least)

Now that you have your pattern you can do anything you want really. If you want to put it on a more firm paper, like a poster board or plastic file folder you could do that. You can also buy a solid sheet of stencil plastic material, then you'd have the real deal, at a fraction of the cost.

If drawing/sketching isn't your thing, and you want a stencil larger than 8.5 x 11 you can just find an image you love on the Internet then crop it to a quarter of the size, or print it at a much larger scale so you just end up with a quarter of it, then use the same freezer paper tracing technique.

Either way, you won't have to settle for buying a pattern that you don't love just because it's convenient. Making the stencil for my wall took me about 15 minutes, and that was while I was getting juice and snacks for my kids.

Stenciling and painting the wall... not as quick! :)

It took me 2 1/2 hours to trace the stencil onto my wall, and about 6 hours to paint it all with three coats. Enlist a friend or spouse to help you and that time would be cut down significantly.

I'm happy with how it turned out, and even more happy that I could do it for about $4 (the cost of two little bottles of paint.)

Sorry for the late night -- cell phone picture. (we do the best we can, right?)

Now, I just need to get to work on finishing that wall. Curtains, decor, etc. I'll get there. All things with time.

Lunch with Dad

2012-01-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

I think I've picked up a few new readers here over the last few weeks! Haha... that's an understatement. Thank you for the support, you have no idea how much it means to me.

As many of you know I lost my dad back in April, and it has been a difficult struggle for me. This blog is a place that I put things I wish I could be showing him, and also a place that I share things with YOU!

I also write letters to my dad once in a while here. Not as often as I should, really. It's been very healing for me to feel like I still get to talk to him about some of the things I wish I could be talking to him about. I was just thinking this morning, maybe more people should try this. It feels good to get it out of your head and onto paper... or virtual paper, if you will. For me, it's my dad. I can't call him up anymore, or grab a quick lunch and that's painful beyond expression. For you it may be someone you've lost, or someone you think about often, would like to talk to, but just haven't taken the opportunity. Try it. If you want. May bring peace to you like it has to me.

There's just something about the written word, don't you think?

That being said...

Hi Daddy,
This letter is quite difficult for me to write this week. I've been putting it off for some time now because, while the thoughts are there in my head, I'm having a hard time getting them out or in any type of actual order.
I found this picture of us the other day

I love it so dearly.
How can I not hold my sweet new baby girl, look down at her just that same way you looked at me, and long for you to be here. It just doesn't seem fair.
This is where I seem to get stuck. I'm trying to push the hurt from heart, and hold back the tears that seem to come so freely when I think of you. It's just like Mom said the other day, it doesn't feel like any time has passed at all. It hurts as much today as it did the day you passed. I think I'm trying to be strong for her, but I feel the exact same way. Life without you is hard. Unbearable some days. You just meant so much to so many.

If we were having lunch today, I hope I would have taken the chance to tell you just that. Just how much you meant to me. My heart tells me that you knew, but I would have told you, at least one more time.

The holidays were difficult this year. No matter how much pre-preparing I did for Christmas, when the day finally arrived, it just wasn't the same without you here. You can get a lot of things ready ahead of time, but there was no preparing for what it was going to feel like to have that special day without one of the most special people I know.

I was, and am still afraid of the "new year." It was sort of like I felt that if it changed to 2012 then all of this would really be real now. That the more time that passes the more distant our time together was. Will my memories grow faint? Will I be able to hold on to all of the precious moments? The future can be frightening. I guess it's the unknown that is worrisome. You always thought of it as an adventure though. I wish I was more like you in that regard. Maybe I can be, someday.

For now I'll just keep moving forward, one day at a time, one moment and one memory at a time. Trying to do what you encouraged me to do, just slow down and take it all in.

I love you dad. Thank you for giving me a life full of love and happiness and a friend I could always count on.

Love you forever,
Amy

Baby Girl

2011-12-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

My sweet baby girl is here!

So, I'm sorry about the temporary crafty disappearing act, but I'll get back into the swing of things soon, I hope. I'll have to convince her that 11pm to 4am is not the cool time to be awake. That could be a little tricky.

In the meantime, thank you for all of your support!

Come See! Remodelaholic Feature

2011-12-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

You've been to Remodelaholic, right?! Who am I kidding? Of course you have! If you haven't, just stop reading right now and get yourself over there. :)

They're a husband and wife team that pull off some seriously great projects, plus feature other DIY bloggers too!

Guess what else. Today they are featuring my Trellis Walls!

Head on over to check it out.

REMODELAHOLIC

Oh, and stay and hang out for awhile. Hours will pass, the kids will be hungry, but you won't be sorry.

Lunch with Dad

2011-12-08T10:02:00.001-08:00

Hi Daddy,
This morning as I was driving the boys to school the weatherman on the radio described the day as "hazy-sunshine." It's the perfect winter day. It's cold, of course. What more can you expect in December, but as far as winter days go, this is the perfect type.

Most of my days lately have been filled entirely with business. Getting ready for Christmas, my own checklists, the kids, the house, never feels like there's a moment to stop and take it all in.

I literally felt you say to me this morning as I was rushing to get ready, "Slow down." It was so distinct, and so clear.

I needed that. Thank you.

I'm taking in every single moment of this day. There are so many details I don't want to forget. Like the hazy sunshine. Like the boys talking about all the tractors and diggers in our neighborhood as we drove by. Like the steam and smoke rising off the cars in the cold morning air. Like the look on the boys' faces when they woke up. Like the smiles they can't fight when we talked about things that excited them. Like their sweet chocolate milk mustaches.

Like what it feels like to know that you are with me, always. Today more than ever I feel that. Thank you for slowing me down, and reminding me to take in every detail of everyday.

Love you forever,

Amy

Felt Flower Scarf Tutorial

2011-12-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all of the sweet love on my Felt Flower Scarf!

Really, my goodness, I didn't expect so many people to be interested in it.

I'm happy to share this tutorial for you on how to make one of your own!

Materials needed:
1/2 yard of 72" Felt or Felted Wool (this measurement is to be safe... but you'll end up with some extra here for sure.)
Scissors
Needle and Coordinating Thread
*optional - Fast Grab Tacky Glue or Hot Glue
*optional - Small hook and eye

Let's get started shall we?

1. Cut everything out

Start by cutting your long scarf piece.
Mine was 42" long by 4 1/2" wide. You could certainly make it longer or shorter depending on how long you like to wear your scarves. (You'll just need to adjust the number of flowers you make.)

Now, cut a scallop around the edge of your long scarf piece. (This just adds to the fullness of your flowers.)

Next, circle cutting mania.

Each flower will have 6 circles. My largest was 5" and my smallest was 2". With small declining sizes for each of the circles in between.

DO NOT spend the time cutting out perfect circles. Just cut one for size, then hold it over your fabric and cut around it.
For a 42" scarf you will need 13 flowers. So, cut out 13 of each size.

Now scallop all of the circles.
If you like deep looking petals, cut deeper scallops. If you want a subtle look, cut shallow scallops. I like a mixture of both.

2. Assemble the Flowers

Stack your 5 largest circles.

Take your knotted needle and thread and come up through the stack of circles just off-center.

Now go back down through the stack about 1/2 inch away, on the other side of center.

Pull very tightly, you will see this gathers your flower up.

Fold your flower in half with the gather, and make another stitch right over the one you just made, again pulling very tight.

Now make an X. So you'll make another stitch at one of the unused sides of center, and go back down 1/2 inch or so away from that on the other side of center.

Fold the flower in half with the gather and make another stitch directly over the one you just made. Pull very tight. Really, don't break your thread, but pull it very very tight to hold the gather in your flower.

Tie a few strong knots, but do not cut your thread.

This is how your flower will look so far.

Take your smallest circle and gather it together. You can do this a number of ways, but an easy way is to just fold it in half, then fold it in half again.

Hold it in place where you want it on the center of your flower.

Now stitch up from the bottom and grab that center piece at it's point. Secure it with at second stitch.

Pull very tight and tie a strong and secure knot.

Cut thread and your flower is complete!!

Now repeat 12 more times. :)

3. Scarf Making Time

Line up all of your flowers on your long scarf piece with the bottom layer of each flower overlapping a bit. This is what gives it the fullness. Don't be afraid to get them in there close together.

Get all 13 flowers set on just where you like them then pin only the bottom layer of each flower to the scarf.

Stitch a small, but tight circle through the bottom layer of the scarf and flower. Knot tightly. Cut the thread as you finish attaching each flower, and start new with the next flower.

Continue until all 13 are attached.

** This step is optional, but not for me. I have two 3-year-olds, so scarves (and any accessory I own) have to be tough if they're going to survive. I went around on each flower and added a bit of Fast Grab Tacky Glue to make sure they were held in place firmly. You could also use hot glue if you prefer.

** This step is also optional. I hate when scarves move all around when you're wearing them, or when they blow away in the wind.
SO, I put on the scarf, and placed a pin on each end of the scarf where I wanted them to match up. I wanted it to be one flower longer on one side.

Sew the hook on the longer side on the back of the scarf, and the eye, sort of tucked away beneath a flower, on the front of the shorter end of the scarf.

4. Wear!!!

If you make one, I hope you'll send me a picture! I'd love to see the variations you all come up with!

Mesh Candy Cane Wreath

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, confession time.

I'm a MESH ADDICT.

Relax!! I said meSH. Better than some addictions out there in the world I suppose.

I got on a kick with my Mesh Pumpkin Wreath, and then my second Mesh Pumpkin Wreath (I should have seen a problem forming.) I was blind to it though and let my mind run away with all of the things I wanted to do with mesh. Every holiday would have mesh draped upon it in some form or fashion!

A person really shouldn't feel like they have to have contact with mesh in order to make it through the day :) it's just not healthy!

Okay, joking aside, sort of, after the pumpkin wreaths I really wanted to make a Mesh Candy Cane Wreath for my front door.

I'm pretty sure there are candy cane wreath forms out there in the world, but why waste my time looking when I have a few of the most terrible/useful wreath form makers in all the world stuffed at the back of my husband's closet -- thank you 'red hanger'! Oh wait, I mean, um, I wash and press all of my husband's work shirts... really. Um. Anyway...

Wire hangers! Hate them. Can't live without them.

I bent, twisted, and molded two white wire hangers into the shape of a candy cane, then secured the ends together by twisting them then adding hot glue and felt (it's not a scientific thing, but it worked) and began wrapping and wiring my red and white mesh in place.

Three wraps of red, four wraps of white. The red seemed to be taking over the white... that's why the white got an extra wrap.

Finished it off with a quick wrapping of green organza ribbon and mesh scraps left over from the mesh pumpkins.

It found it's place in the basement for a few weeks, while I PATIENTLY waited for Christmas decorating time.

Now it's in a happy spot on the front door with the garland I made last year. (I had to add a few sprinkles of white mesh into the garland this year to tie it in with the candy cane, of course.)

Here is a picture of our front door this year.

The wreaths are another story entirely, but since I'm positive I won't get around to posting it I'll just say I HATED how I did my wreaths last year. Couldn't stand them. So when I pulled them out for this year I just took them all apart and started again. Same ribbon, same ornaments, different lay-out... and of course added MESH!!!

Merry Christmas decorating to you! May all your MESHES ... I mean wishes... come true!

Felt Flower Scarf

2011-11-30T11:23:00.001-08:00

***Update: The Felt Flower Scarf Tutorial is now available!!***

You know what fits in your last little bit of pregnancy? NOTHING!
Don't get me wrong, I'll squeeze my swollen sausage-y self into those maternity pants if I have to, but I'm not going to like it, and I'm not going to be comfortable. Good thing those sweet babies are worth every single second of it all!

So what's a girl to do to feel like she's still making an effort at "getting ready?" Is there a magical pair of earrings you throw on? Or does slapping some lip gloss on do it for you? I try to avoid making direct eye contact with my puffy limbs and face for the last few months of pregnancy, (I swell people... in the Michelin kind of way) so I figured I'd try making a scarf to take the focus off my "swell." :)

Thus, the felt flower scarf!

I bought 3/4 yard of felt at Joann's for 50% off. It was more than double of what I ended up using, so I figure this scarf cost me a little less than $1.50. Plus! Yep, there's more. (I know, I really should have focused my career on info-mercials.) I can still wear it after the baby comes! Love me an inexpensive accessory!

So, go get some felt and make yourself a fun scarf! I plan to do at least one more... of every color available. It's good to be rational about your crafting and accessory needs. :)

Nursery Reveal

2011-11-28T14:08:00.001-08:00

Here is baby girl's room all finished up.

It was so fun putting so many random thoughts together into one project. I hope she likes it! Okay, I realize she's probably not going to care much :) I do hope she feels comfortable and safe in here though!

You can read more about the individual projects in my previous posts.

Old Frame Turned Bow Holder

2011-11-28T09:50:00.001-08:00

Okay, this is the last project from baby girl's room I'm going to show with detail. Time is running out and all I really want to do for the next little while is sit and read books and build train tracks with my boys all day everyday!
That's the stage of nesting I'm in... the "do nothing but soak in life as it is at this exact moment, because it will never ever be the same again stage."

This frame had been in my parent's basement for years. I'd asked about it a few times, but never actually took it until about a year ago. This frame was the beginning of our "1 year" rule at my house.
After a Sunday dinner at my parent's house, my husband loaded the kids in the car and I walked out a minute later carrying this dusty old oval frame. The only thing he said when he saw it was, "No."

I convinced him that it wouldn't just sit around our house forever. (like that's ever happened!!!... oh wait.) Even though I had no plan for it at the time, I knew it could be something really beautiful someday.
I promised that I'd find a use for it within a year or else I'd get rid of it. That was last November. Finished this one just in time! :)

Now, he says this is the project he loves the very most about this room.

So, here's how we did it.

I started by taking out the glass (I'll have to find another project for that part!), removing the nails and hanging wire, and giving it a really good wipe down.

Next, I had my husband give it two good coats of Rustoleum spray paint in Heirloom White. I got really excited when I saw the paint soaking into all of the old damaged frame's cracks and scratches.

After the paint had dried, I added a thin layer of my favorite glaze, Van Dyke Brown, by applying a light amount with a sponge brush then quickly wiping it off with a damp cloth.

I love how it soaked into all the little creases on the applique areas.

Then I just stapled on a piece of scrap wiring from my in-law's farm. Same thing as chicken wire, basically, just smaller openings. I didn't want the wire to scratch up the walls, so I added a trim of duct tape all the way around on the back.

No one will see that part anyway!

Next, it needed a little love over the most heavily damaged area on the left side, so I added a little bundle of fake hydrangeas on that side. I like that it made it a little more feminine, and it also tied it in with the flowers from the Wall Canvas.

Found the perfect little spot for it in baby's room, added new hanging hardware, and here it is!

Clearly I've been a little too excited about making headbands and flowers for this little one. I may have to find another old frame to fix up to accommodate all the "flair."

DIY Wall Canvas

2011-11-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

I knew long ago that I really wanted some kind of flowering tree in the baby's room. My original plan was just to paint it by hand onto the wall above the Trellis. Then I started second guessing myself about the whole thing. What if I love it in my mind right now, but after baby comes and my hormones have settled a little I end up hating it?! Then I have to sand out the wall so I can repaint. Didn't sound like much fun to me. I even thought about doing something in vinyl, but really wanted a more textured look.

Instead, I envisioned breaking it up into three parts and making a continual branch on three separate canvases.

So glad I made that change. It gave so much dimension to the room, plus it was such a quick project I won't feel bad if my ever-changing hormones change their mind (because they have a mind of their own) about it in a few months. :) I think it's here to stay though.

I started by buying three wrapped canvases at Hobby Lobby when they were on sale.
I painted all three with just a single coat of a very pale pink acrylic craft paint. (it didn't dry as pale as I thought it would, but I'm okay with it.)

After they were dry I brought them into the baby's room and set them end to end, then lightly sketched on what I wanted the branch to look like.

Now, mind you, I'm no artist. In fact, I'm not even a doodler. I loved this part of the project though because my dad was definitely a doodler. His harsh pencil drawings were accidentally artistic. I can still see his little pictures of cartoonish aliens on our church program each Sunday. I would try to mimic them, and he would give me tips by redrawing the same thing over and over again, then handing me the pencil to try again. My grandma (his mom) was an amazing artist, and would do little pencil sketches of this and that then just use a thumb tack to stick them up here and there. I felt like I was channeling their abilities for this because really I have no skill in this area at all.

Next, I just filled in the sketch with a dark brown acrylic paint, using heavy strokes to make it look like bark.

Once that was all on, I just hot glued a bunch of fake flowers on there, and then painted a few more leaves and flowers with a metallic acrylic paint I had on hand.

(Hello! That's me in all my rounded pregnant glory :) )

The end product is even better than I imagined it. It really is the thing that ties the bedding, trellis walls, and entire room together.

Here it is laying out on the floor before we hung it.

Here it is, in it's final spot!

Lunch with Dad

2011-11-17T12:25:00.001-08:00

Hi Daddy,
I've been thinking so much lately about all of our "books" we were going to write. Hundreds of books with nothing more than a great title and a few little antics to fill them. I wish I had written them all down. We thought we were so funny. I mostly enjoyed that you thought they were so funny. I was always proud of myself when I'd be having a rough day and something had bothered me and I'd stick some terrible title to the situation and tell you that would be the title of my book about it and you'd laugh. I loved making you laugh. We'd elaborate on it, getting the title just right, and decide then and there that it was on our list of books to write.
I think you were working in your mind on your book, "Things I Think I Know" for the majority of my lifetime, probably longer really. I find myself thinking of that title often. Thinking of you often. How ironic that title was for your life because you were an immensely intelligent man, you really did know a lot. I can honestly say I think you were the most intelligent man I've ever known. I think you just lacked some of the confidence in yourself that you should have had. Your life was more than things you thought you knew. So so much more. Thanks for sharing so much of your knowledge with me. I wish I had been a better student, a better listener, a better me while you were here. I can't change that. I can try harder from this point on to be those things though.
Thanks for watching out for me Daddy. I miss your friendship daily and want you to know how much I love and miss you.

Love you forever,
Amy

Bumper Pad Tutorial

2011-11-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

This having a girl thing is pretty tricky. When I was decorating my boys' nursery before they were born it was simple... blue and basketballs. Basically a sport of any kind would have done, but there wasn't a lot of thought that had to go into it. For baby girl, it's been much more difficult. I just couldn't find any bedding that I LOVED. Why would I have to LOVE it, you ask? I don't know. I didn't want to just like it. I wanted to feel something more for it. Pregnancy does weird things to me.

I did, however, fall totally in love with some fabric at Hobby Lobby before I was even pregnant and had thought to myself that I would totally put that in a baby girl's nursery. So... that's what I did!
I was nervous this would take a lot of time, but it was actually one of the most simple projects in the entire room. It's all about sewing straight lines, and that's about all I can do so it worked out perfectly for me.

So, let's give this tutorial thing a try, shall we? It's new to me... so if it's unclear, or you want more info please just ask!

Supplies needed:
These first two are a bit confusing, but depending on the fabric you choose could end up keeping you from having lots of extra fabric left over (like I did... hence the blanket), plus save a little money.
1. 2 1/2 yards 43-45 inch fabric for the exterior of the bumper pad.
2. 2 1/2 yards 43-45 inch fabric for the interior of the bumper pad
These first two measurements are if the pattern of your fabric runs horizontally -- as in the direction of the 2 1/2 yard cut. You will end up with quite a bit left over, but sometimes that's just what it takes to get the pattern to face the direction you want it to.

If you choose a fabric that has a pattern that doesn't matter which way will be the top/bottom or if your pattern runs the length of the 43-45" then you'll need these measurements:

1. 2 yards 43-45" fabric for the exterior of the bumper pad.
2. 2 yards 43-45" fabric for the interior of the bumper pad.

Off to a rough start on this tutorial already. :) sorry!

Rest of the supplies:

3. 1 yard 43-45" fabric for ties.
4. 13 yards of trim of your choice. (you can make this if you want... I didn't want, so I bought ruffle trim, which was the perfect touch.) ** This step is optional. If you were doing this for a boy, or just wanted a more simple look you could either not put on a trim at all, or you could do a small cording or something less frilly.)
5. 6 pack of Foam bumper pads that measure 10" x 26" x 1" (you can find these at most craft/sewing stores. They run about $30 a pack, so be sure to use a 40% or 50% coupon ... since most craft places offer these. I got mine from Joann's and used a 50% coupon, so it was around $15.)

6. Standard sewing supplies.

Getting Started
My least favorite part of any sewing project (besides trimming all the threads) is the cutting okay, or maybe the ironing. Anywho... my recommendation is to get all of the cutting out of the way right at the beginning. After the cutting is done on this project, the rest goes very quickly.

Cut:
1. From your exterior fabric: Cut six pieces that measure 27" x 11 1/2"
2. From your interior fabric: Cut six pieces that measure 27" x 11 1/2"
This is a lot of cutting, so I just put my interior and exterior fabric together and cut them at the same time.
** also remember when cutting your interior and exterior fabric that if you made the 2 1/2 yard length choice because your pattern runs that way, then you will fit three cuts in your length, then three more right next to that.
** if you made the 2 yard choice, use your 27" length edge along the 43-45" edge. Cut these one right after the other, leaving no space between to ensure you end up with enough fabric. It will be tight.

3. ((optional)) Once your interior/exterior pieces are cut, stack them up, maybe in two stacks depending how sharp your cutter is, and round the corners.
I like the rounded edge for a feminine look, I also like that it made the cover fit nice and snug on the pad.
This is my scientific method to round edges. It works.

4. From your tie fabric: divide the the width of your fabric (43-45") in half. That is your length measurement. So, you'll need 24 pieces that are your length x 3". Confused? :) the width of my fabric was 44" so my measurement for my ties were 22"x 3". I wanted mine nice and long so they could make pretty bows when they were tied. If you aren't worried about that, you can make them whatever length feels sufficient to you. (I wouldn't go shorter than 16")
Cut the tie pieces one right after another leaving no space in between. You will use every last bit of this fabric.

5. Cut six trim pieces 78" each.

Your cutting is done!

Now it's time to sew.

Start with the ties: ((sorry! no pictures of this part.))
1. Take your 24 tie pieces. We'll use my measurement so this doesn't get confusing. One at a time, fold the tie piece in half length-wise with right sides together. So it will now be 22" x 1 1/2". Sew down the open end of your fold and across one edge. Continue this until all your ties are sewn.

2. Clip the corners on your sewn edge, careful not to clip your stitching.

3. Flip the ties right side out. **I use a Kabob stick to reach in the tube and get my corners pushed all the way out. Use whatever method works best for you.

4. Iron the ties so the seam runs nicely along one edge.

Time to layer!

1. Place an exterior piece, right side up.

2. Pin two ties to each 11 1/2" side of the exterior. One 2" from the top corner, and one 2" from the bottom corner. So, you'll have 4 ties per bumper, one on each corner area.

3. Pin trim around the edge of the exterior with the top of the trim facing the center of the exterior. Or in other words, the raw edge of your trim will be lined up with the raw edge of your exterior fabric piece. Start in the bottom center of your exterior and pin all the way around until you get back to the bottom center.

4. Place the interior piece, right side down, on top of your stack. Pin in place.

Now sew it all together.

1. Start by lightly lifting back the interior piece from the trim on the bottom. Start sewing the trim and exterior piece about 3 inches above the center where the trim meets up. Continue on until about 3 inches past the center. End with your needle up.

2. Lift the presser foot and gently fold the interior piece back down. Then put presser foot back down :)

3. Continue sewing all the way around until you reach the spot you started sewing (3 inches from the center.
This will leave you with a 6 inch opening to flip the cover.
4. Flip the cover right side out, pushing out the corners.
5. Stuff with one bumper.
6. Slip stitch the opening shut. (There are a lot of great video tutorials on youtube for doing a slip stitch.)
7. Admire your work! :)

8. Now, do it 5 more times.

To attach the bumper, tie the tie pieces that match up from each bumper on the outside of the crib bars.

OK, longest tutorial EVER! I just didn't want to leave anything out, and with the fear of that I probably over explained.
Oh well, it was fun to try.

Here is my finished product!

I made the bed skirt and blanket too, but seems like this post is long enough without going into more details on those. Maybe another day... or maybe not. This baby is coming out soon, and I still have lots of things I want to get done before her debut!

This bedding adds just the right amount of femininity and elegance to the room that I was hoping for! That's the great thing about doing it yourself... you get exactly what you want out of it. :)

Nursery- Trellis Walls

2011-11-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Baby girl's nursery is finally DONE! What a relief. There's something so comforting about knowing we have a place to put baby when she arrives. Even if she doesn't have a name... at least she has a place to sleep and be fed and loved and cuddled! Who really needs a name anyway?! :)

I thought I'd spend the next couple of days showing you some of the fun projects we did in her room.
Starting with...........

The Trellis Walls

I loved the result of our board and batten in the living room so much that I decided I wanted to do some sort of wainscoting in the baby's room too. Only, I didn't want to do the exact same thing. That would have been much too simple. Nothing can ever just be simple. I wanted to do something I hadn't seen before. That's not to say it's never been done, but just that I hadn't seen before.

So, one day I was thinking about it and I had this image in my mind of big diamonds. Feminine and perfect. Immediately I knew there would be a lot more wood, cutting, and nailing than the last time, but this is my baby girl, no amount of work would have seemed like too much. Although, if I had realized how much math would be involved, I likely would have changed my mind about the whole thing. :)

I pre-painted all the mdf and walls. Only I was a few boards short, and more than a little short of patience, so for the last few cuts I just stuck the primed board in there. So here it is all up with wood filler on.

I did a lot of the manual labor in this room while my husband was at work because I felt self-imposed pressure to get it done by a certain date. Not totally sure why I did that, but I'm glad now that I did because this was a tricky little project. You know, the kind you shut the door on and forget about for a few days at a time to keep your sanity. I'm already a little crazy though, so I figured may as well forge my way through the crazy and get it done.

Although, I did leave the sanding entirely to my husband. He sure loves his baby girl too! Who else would spend so much time sanding down the walls of a room just a few hours after a bottle of peaches exploded in his face, a trip to the ER, and six stitches above his eye! Scary. Such a good daddy.

For this wall, I decided not to add a ledge to the top. I think I've mentioned before just how small the bedrooms are in our house, and I didn't feel like I could give up even an inch more for the ledge. Instead, I decided on just a clean and simple 1x6 for the top trim.

I love how it turned out. Feels so calm and comforting in her room, which is the feeling that I was going for.

I had originally planned to paint the top part of the room in a super pale blush pink, but somewhere along the journey decided that I wanted to keep it tan and just accent the room in pink. I'm not going for pink overload here, just simple calm elegant. I guess I'm trying to get a lot of feelings out of such a little space. It seems to be working though.

Check back soon to see my DIY Baby Bedding!

Warm the Soul - Caramel Apple Cake

2011-11-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season, right?

There is something about waking up to snow on the ground that just makes a person want to stay warm in their pajamas all day and bake.
We've been doing that more than is probably appropriate lately. In fact, the other day at about 7pm my 3-year-old little boy said to me, "Mom, you can't just leave me in my pajamas all day."

Wanna bet? :)

Anyway, I made this cake a few weeks back for a family birthday party and it really was perfect for this time of year. My sister-in-law said, "it tastes like fall in my mouth." I don't know exactly what that means, but she seemed to like it, so I'm taking it as a good thing!

So, if you need a good "fall" dessert recipe, here you go!

Caramel Apple Cake

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
2 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
4 cups unsweetened applesauce
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground all spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325-degrees. Butter and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and one 8 inch square cake pan thoroughly (or just three 9 inch rounds if you have three). ** I don't have three round pans, and I'm not good at stacking my cakes three high, so I made a two layer cake, and frosted the square one separately and sent it to work with my husband. :)

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until combined.

Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves together into a separate large bowl.

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient bowl in three parts. First add a third of the flour mixture, then half of the applesauce. Third of flour mixture, then half the applesauce. Then the final third of the flour mixture. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.

Divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Place the pans on a wire rack and cool for 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and turn the cakes out onto the rack and let cool completely.

Topping

Caramel Buttercream

1½ cups sugar
1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1⁄3 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, soft but cool, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1⁄3 cup plus 2 tablespoons Caramel Sauce, at room temperature

Directions

In a medium saucepan, whisk the sugar and flour together. Add the milk and cream and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil and has thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a standing mixer. Beat on high speed until cool. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter and vanilla; mix until thoroughly incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Add 1⁄3 cup of the caramel and continue mixing until combined. If the frosting is too soft, put the bowl in the refrigerator to chill slightly, then beat again until it is the proper consistency. If the frosting is too firm, set the bowl over a pot of simmering water and beat with a wooden spoon until it is the proper consistency.

Assembly

Place first layer of round cake on serving tray. Spread thin layer of extra caramel sauce over the top of the cake then top with a layer of frosting. Place second layer of cake on top of frosting. Spread another thin layer of caramel on the top of the cake, then cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting. Place in fridge for 30 minutes. Remove and frost entire cake.

Optional -- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the entire cake and dust sides with Heath Toffee Bits. Yum. I say optional... but really? Just do it!

* I originally saw this recipe on The Great Cake Company. She's like an actual chef, owns a cake shop and everything... not like me, I'm just a pretender. So, her recipe is amazing and includes things like homemade applesauce and homemade caramel sauce. I just fake my way through baking, and if there's a way for me to make it go a little more quickly, I do it. I always take a shortcut when it comes to cooking.

So, I've just "shortened" the recipe down a little bit here, but hers is perfect and divine. Looking at her blog makes me want to try everything! One day, when I become more than a pretender, I'm going to make this again with her homemade applesauce. Yum!

Island Makeover & Tips for Painting Beadboard

2011-11-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

When we built our house, for some reason or another, I chose black for the beadboard on our island. Why? I seriously have no idea. It became clear about a minute after we moved in that it was just too dark for me, and that if I could just paint it a lighter, brighter color I would be much happier with the space.

So, as with most projects lately, I didn't really get the bug to get it done until I found out I was pregnant. Then it became urgent! So, since I was very early in my pregnancy, I asked my husband if he would do all the painting so I wouldn't have to breath in the fumes. It's hard for a guy to say 'no' to his newly pregnant wife :)

I chose the color Antique White from Behr. It was just perfect. Not too white, but not too yellowy or creamish. (both words by the way...in my world at least.) Since I bought way too much of this paint, I've ended up using it for several more projects including my coffee table.

I chose not to pre-sand the beadboard because I didn't want to breath in all that dust either. I decided to use Behr Premium Plus with Primer. That stuff is impressive. It only took two coats, and the black was completely covered.

When it comes to painting beadboard, here are a few of the tricks we used.

1. Work in small areas at a time, maybe up to about 5 of the little slats and beads.

2. Start by painting with a brush directly down the beads.

3. Go over the area where you painted the beads and the board in between with a 3-4 inch roller.

Start again with the next small section.

This will keep you from getting air bubbles in your beads, and it will give you a nice smooth finish across the entire surface.

After the painting was finished, we left it for a few weeks and I loved it. I just felt like it needed a little something more, so I went back over all of it with a Van Dyke Brown Glaze (it's a water-based glaze I got from Wood Connection Furniture. It's my go-to glaze of choice.) This was the trick, it brought the whole kitchen together. The antique white just needed a little something to blend in next to my dark cabinets.

The lighter brighter color really did help the whole space.

My Coffee Table

2011-11-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

This was my first attempt at building my own furniture. I knew nothing about how to do it, only that after I saw the plan for this coffee table, I knew I wanted it in my house.

I didn't know if my husband would be on board or not... so... I just didn't tell him about it until it was finished. That's not a healthy thing to do by the way (and I next to never do it. I usually run all my projects by him first... he's a judge of what will work and what won't), but I wasn't in the healthiest place when I built this table so that should explain it. It was about a month after my dad passed away, and coming to the end of my first trimester of pregnancy. I was a tad irrational, and a little lot of crazy. :)

I enlisted my father-in-law to help me and let me use his tools.
Best idea I made in this process. He knew WAY more about building than I did, obviously. If I had done it on my own it wouldn't have turned out this well. He taught me about square building, impact drills, all the essentials for doing it RIGHT.
He's awesome.

I followed the plan from Ana White's site. Have you been there? Go!! You will be lost for hours dreaming of all the things you can build. I love how she makes even a beginner like me feel like I can build anything I want.

The original plan was for a rectangle, but I really wanted a square coffee table, so I just did a little math and changed the dimensions to fit my living room.

After the building was finished, I stained the top with Minwax Dark Walnut (to match my other furniture) and then painted the legs and sides with Behr Premium Plus in Antique White (which I bought way too much of for another project and have spent the last several months repainting pretty much everything in my house to use it up :) I'm the worst judge of how much paint I'll need for a project.)

After it was painted and stained I sanded the edges up a little bit on the legs and sides, then gently rubbed the stain all over the bottom, immediately wiping it away. I wanted to take away the brightness of the white paint, but also have the edges soak up the dark.

I love how it turned out. Love it! Even if it has ended up much more of a toy table/race track for my kids than a beautiful coffee table, I still love having it in my house and knowing that my own two hands put it there.

Linked to: Savvy Southern Style

Lunch with Dad

2011-10-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Daddy,
You've been gone six months now. I've felt everyone of those days. Not one of them has passed that I don't wish I could talk to you or see you.
There are so many qualities about you that I am missing in my everyday life. Your patience inspires me. I took it for granted before, but now that I don't have your calm and rational opinion to lean on, I miss it terribly. When I wanted to jump to conclusions or be upset over something, you always helped me focus on what was real and what was important. I'm grateful for the example you set though because now instead of being a total nut job all the time, I can remember your words and they have made me a more rational person. You set the example, and now I have to stand on my own and try it out for myself.

I was thinking of you at church a few weeks ago, and the thought keeps returning to me. They were talking about honoring your parents. Lots of people commented on how their kids could do that, and how they do it now as adults for their own parents. The comment that keeps returning to my mind though was one from an older man. I know, my perspective on that is not great... because the older I get, the younger "older" people get it seems. So, say this man is probably about 75-85, I'm not totally sure. Anyway, the older man got very emotional then said the way he had spent most of his life was trying to live the way that would allow him to be with his parents for eternity. He then said he misses his parents everyday and it was very quiet for a little while. No one else commented after that.

I enjoyed what he said, because it did put a few things in perspective for me. Although, my mind got stuck on the part where he said he missed his parents everyday. Now, I can't say for certain, but since he is an "older" man I assume his parents passed away some time ago. He misses them so much, even still, that it brought him to open emotion.

What about me?

I'm in my 20's. Now I have to live the rest of my life on earth without you? Will the pain ever dull? I mean, if I were this man's age I would be here maybe 60 more years without you. When I think of how deeply I miss you right now, it brings me to tears. I'm scared to think that it will hurt this much for 60 more years. Why wouldn't it though? I can't expect anything else really, can I?

I guess people find a way to balance. This man found a place for his heartache, but at the same time made the decision to honor his parents and find progression in his life.
Can I do that? I'll have to. It's scary to think about though.

The future is an intimidating thing, I think. Fear of the unknown.

I'm going to do my best to make you proud though, dad. It's like mom and I were talking about the other day. I know all the longing in the world is not going to change what's happened. Sometimes we just think that if we hope hard enough things will be different. They won't be though. The pain that I feel will always be a part of me, but I know you would want me to be and do the best that I can.

Thank you, dad. Thank you for giving me the confidence to know I can do hard things. That is going to be what gets me by. Your many examples will be the tools I use to progress, but the life-long encouragement you bestowed upon me will be what gives me the hope to use those tools.

I love you, dad. Everyday.

Miss you, miss the tacos, miss lunch.

Amy

Pretty SUPER!

2011-10-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

This year for Halloween, my boys told me they wanted to be "Superheroes."

This was great news for everyone involved because I had already made them capes last year for Christmas, so all I had to do for Halloween was finish off the costume.

I read quite a few tutorials for muscle shirts, but just sort of mixed the things I liked from each of them together.

I started by buying new sweatsuits. It's much more difficult to find the one color sweatsuits anymore. When I was a kid, they were everywhere in every color imaginable. I even remember having a peach one. Oh the good ol' days of sweatsuits. Now, you have to order everything online. So, that's what I did. I just got them red and navy, colors that already coordinated with the capes.

** Sorry... there aren't many pictures with this. But it's pretty self-explanatory. I'm still learning to take pictures of things AS I work on them, not just after.

First, draw out how you want your muscles to look on a piece of paper and cut them out. Make sure it's all going to fit on your sweatshirt. It's much easier to have them the right size from the beginning than have to go back and trim them all down a little.

Next, trace the muscles onto a sheet of 2 inch upholstery foam (you know the stuff I mean? The washable, non-mildew, non yellowing stuff.) and cut them all out. Take it just a few layers of the foam at a time or your hand will be exhausted.

Turn your sweatshirt inside out, and use a trusty "washable" glue stick to hold them in place on your sweatshirt.

Place a piece of stretchy fabric tightly over the muscles and pin in place around the edge. Now sew tightly around the outside of the muscles. (I used a zipper foot... for the first time ever... apparently my sewing machine came with one. I had to google what a zipper foot looked like to even know that's what it was :) I'm kind of a professional! )

Next, I went straight down between the pecs. Then a straight line all the way across under both pecs. Then a straight line under that flat muscle thing (I believe that's the correct anatomical name for it). Next I went vertically straight down the center of the abs. Then straight horizontal lines under each ab row.

Trim away extra stretchy fabric and strings.

Turn it inside out and .... ta da... muscle man!

The muscles have replaced the cape as their favorite part of this costume.

To the muscles and capes we added some super pants, and masks made out of extra fabric from their capes. (I knew storing that extra fabric for over a year would come in handy!!)

AND....with the help of some serious hair spiking... COSTUMES COMPLETE!!!

They keep telling me they are going to stop all the bad guys and save all the kitty cats. :) It's a tough job, but someone has got to do it.

A is for Apple

2011-10-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Been slow at posting all of the projects I'd like to get on here... but that's for a good reason.

I've been helping my husband with his "work" costume.

Every year at his work they do a fun Halloween trick or treating for the employees' kids. My kids love it, plus it takes the pressure off of Halloween night because they clean up in the candy department and are in sugar comas by the time Halloween night comes around.

Really though, I think they use the kids as an excuse because they always do a big group costume and have a costume contest at lunch.

Two years ago his department dressed up as "Christmas" for Halloween. Ugly Christmas sweaters and all. They gave out candy canes and hot chocolate to the trick or treaters.

Last year they were "ghostbusters." They get seriously into it... although they still have never won the contest :)

This year... in honor of the late, great Steve Jobs... they are dressing up as Apple Store employees (with a sarcastic twist.) Don't worry if you think that sounds a little nerdy... I've told him that I think it's nerdy way more than once. Cute and fun though.

So... what started as a seemingly simple costume of a t-shirt with some iron on vinyl turned into 27 t-shirts with iron-on vinyl. :)

... and my kids in their pajamas until noon! Yes! :)

They look good though and I'm excited to see everybody in them!
I love this kind of crafty project. I like it when my crafty side collides with something my husband actually NEEDS. I love knowing that I've helped him, even in the smallest ways.

Car Seat Slipcover

2011-10-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

This has been my project for the last few days.

A little fact about me, I hate projects that carry over more than a day. So, for this one I broke it down into three parts: 1. The actual seat slipcover, 2. The canopy, and 3. The finishing touches. Each of these were a one "craft" day project: meaning, when the kids are asleep.

For the longest time I was searching for a tutorial for a car seat cover, but couldn't find one that didn't have you rip your old car seat all apart. I didn't want to do that. I don't have a good reason why, so it's best if you just don't ask, but I just didn't want to.

Finally, I decided to just figure it out for myself. I love these kinds of projects because when they work out you feel even more like you accomplished something so amazing!

All I did was take off my old cover, lay it out as flat as I could and trace the sections. The seat had ten sections. The canopy had three, front and back, so six. I decided, since I have a girl coming, that ruffles were necessary. I just estimated on the ruffles, and it ended out working perfectly!

After I had all my pieces cut out, it was just like a puzzle to put it all together. Now this cover just sits directly on top of my old one. By the way, I had a small anxiety attack when I was putting it all back together and put the straps through the lower setting. ARE THEY REALLY THAT SMALL?!?!? The mind forgets so much about those early months, doesn't it?

I LOVE it! I can't believe it actually worked, and that my sewing machine and I didn't get into some sort of terrible lovers quarrel.
(Another fact... I'm completely self taught when it comes to sewing. Most of the time I just send stuff through the machine and see how it turns out :) The seam ripper is one of my very best friends!)

All that being said, I'm really happy with it and CAN'T wait to put baby girl in there soon!!!

** Disclaimer: Altering your car seat may void your car seat’s warranty.

Fabric Pumpkins

2011-10-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

I made these fabric pumpkins for my "holiday" table last year. I LOVE how they turned out. They are the perfect combination of holiday and decor.

I used this super easy to follow TUTORIAL from Sunshine in my Soul. I picked up a few different fabrics from the red tag section at Joann's, then had a 20% off the entire purchase coupon, so this was a cheap one!

I'm so glad I made these last year. Fall is probably one of my very favorite times to decorate for, but this year (with baby just a few weeks away from her arrival) I just haven't felt the motivation to pull all my Autumn tubs out of the basement. Instead, I just went down, opened up one of the tubs and found these sitting right at the top. Pulled them out, plopped them on the table, and fall was accomplished inside our house!

Board and Batten Wall, Minus the Board.

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

I should call this my "dad" wall.

I had in my mind back in January/February-ish that I wanted to do a Board and Batten wall in my house. Our family room runs straight into the dining area of our kitchen with one big long wall. I never knew how to decorate the wall because it was just too long. I didn't know whether to make the whole thing one big gallery wall, or break it up into sections. When I tried to have small clusters of pictures and things, it just ended up looking thrown together. I'm a little more meticulous than that, so the board and batten idea got better and better in my mind.

I sort of thought I could do it all on my own... people all over the blog world do it, so it certainly must be possible.
My husband was scheduled to be out of town for a few weeks on business, and I decided that's when I was going to make this happen.

Only, I often forget to account for the fact that life is most certainly going to keep happening, despite my plans.
A few days before my husband was scheduled to leave on his trip, my dad passed away.
Life really fell apart for me. I was crushed, devastated, defeated.
My husband still had to leave for his trip the day after my dad's funeral, but I was in no place mentally or physically to work on the wall.
In fact, it didn't even cross my mind. I had been thinking about and staring at this wall for months, and suddenly I didn't care about it at all.

More time went by. More months even.
I just couldn't bring myself to feel like doing anything. My kids were clean, fed, and happy... which was more than I could say for myself.

Finally, one day in July I felt like I was being lifted out of a haze.
I could feel my dad telling me that I had to keep going. This was not the kind of life he had taught me to live.
So I jumped back into life with both feet and back at the top of that list was that dang wall.
Since my husband was home, I enlisted his handyman skills, and we knocked this one out in just a couple of days.

***
I started by deciding how high on the wall I wanted the boards to come up. I knew I still wanted to be able to hang my clock on this wall so I was going to need a pretty good amount of space, but I also didn't want it to be so short that it just looked "off." So I went up about 58 inches (on an 8 feet wall) and taped a straight line all the way across the wall.

Next, I painted the wall AND all of the boards I was going to be using. I HIGHLY recommend pre-painting the boards.

After the paint was dry -- or maybe dryish, it's hard to be patient waiting for things like paint to dry -- I added a 1 x 2 1/2 inch mdf board right above the baseboard that was already in place. (I did this because I didn't want every single board that was coming down to be sticking out from the baseboard. This made a much more smooth transition, I think.

** I used the 1x 2 1/2 inch pre-primed mdf board on all of this wall for a couple of reasons. 1. It was as thick as I wanted it to be. 2. I liked the rounded edges and 3. It was by far the most cost effective way for me to do this project. They come in 6, 8, and 10 feet lengths. I could get two of my vertical cuts out of one 8 feet board.

Next I measured up about how far I wanted the boards to go before the "top trim" went on and nail gunned in another 1 x 2 1/2 inch board.

Then the fun part... installing all the vertical boards. I cut a spacer that was about 13 1/2 inches long (just the space I decided looked right to me... all personal choice.) and started at the laundry room door. I only went about 7 or 8 inches from the door and placed the first board. Then used my spacer for the rest of the wall.
I had to measure out each board individually, but I think you end up with a better fit that way. Not all walls are exactly straight and level like you think they should be, so this is a good way to ensure it's going to look level. In some spots I went over or under the spacer amount, to avoid outlets and such... but I don't think you can really tell. (Don't tell me if you can really tell!!!)

Once all of the vertical boards were nailed in, I put up some of the extra baseboard that the builder had left in the basement when he finished our house above the top horizontal mdf board. Then added the ledge. OH the ledge. I had to do some serious convincing that the same 1 x 2 1/2 inch mdf board wouldn't stick out too far. I wasn't sure yet if I wanted to hang things on the wall above or rest them on the ledge, but I did know I wanted the option of either. So the ledge stayed.
Then I just added a simple trim right under the ledge and nailed it into the baseboard behind it to give it a faux crown molding effect.

Then I let my husband do a serious amount of wood filling and caulking...

We sanded, repainted, and a masterpiece was completed! :)

There are really dozens of great faux board and batten tutorials out there. This is NOT one of those. This is just a general idea of how we did it.

I'm so glad we did it. It has high impact for a really relatively simple and inexpensive project.

I was planning to do a small gallery of pictures above, but after everything was off the walls I loved the simplicity of it so much that I only put a few pictures and the clock back up. (resting on the ledge :) )

I'm grateful for the gentle promptings from my dad to keep moving forward. Heaven knows I need it sometimes!

Lunch with Dad

2011-10-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Dad,
Another Thursday and I'm still missing your company like crazy.
I haven't really been in the mood for talking much lately. Not sure if my brain is just too busy with things, or if it's just so exhausted from thinking so much that it's just shutting down. Either way, this week's lunch may have been a quiet one.

You know how mom writes letters to the grandkids each month? She talks about you in almost every one. She tells the kids how something that they do reminds her of you. I love it.
I've been teaching the boys a few of your favorite songs at bedtime lately.
They love the "little piggies run" song. I love that they laugh so hard at the end. Like they're in on some great joke.

The boys keep telling me you live in the big castle. If I say, "do you know where Grandpa Louie is?" They say "yes, he's in the big castle. That's where he lives." :)
You deserve a big castle, Dad.

I've been so grateful lately for my knowledge of eternal life. I know you are busy working on the other side. You are really the smartest person I've ever known. You must be the most amazing teacher. Your ability to tell stories is mesmerizing. I hope you're enjoying the work.

I love you, Dad. Thank you for watching over me.
Amy

Deja Vu -- Mesh Pumpkin Wreath

2011-10-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

What's a girl supposed to do with so much extra sparkling orange mesh?
Make a second pumpkin wreath, of course!

This wreath looks very different from my first, but I used a lot of the same materials.

I ended up using the great tutorial over at Mardi Gras Outlet, with a few small changes because of the supplies I had. (Their tutorial is so pretty and well put together... someday I'll do something like that.... ah... someday :) )

So, I didn't have a "work wreath form." Although, that is awesome, and a genuinely great idea. I've never even seen one of those before. Genius. I tell you what, some people out there have million dollar ideas.
Anyway, I didn't have one... but this project is completely do-able without.

For my materials list I used:

A metal wreath form (from the floral section at Hobby Lobby)
Orange Sparkly Mesh
Lime organza ribbon
Floral Wire

I followed their instructions by starting at the 2 o'clock position, but used the wire to wrap around my mesh and my wreath form.

Then just gather the mesh, pull it around to the back, and attached it directly below. Wrapping the mesh and the form with another piece of floral wire.

Fold your mesh back over itself and start heading upward. Continue doing that back and forth on the form until you've covered it all.
Then just make sure it is nice and secure and trim the end of your mesh. (just like their tutorial says!! :) )

I didn't have the super cool cord they used either. So, I just doubled up on the ribbon and tied a loop knot.

Poke your floral wire through the ribbon, right under the knot and attach it to the wreath form.

I thought it looked a little bare, so I tied a few more ribbons on, right next to the knot on top.

Here's the finished product! Super cute, don't ya think?

This lovely doesn't get to stay at my house though. Because really, what am I going to do with 2 pumpkin wreaths? I need more doors in my house.

So, this one will hopefully be finding a new loving home at a church charity auction tomorrow.

This wreath took half the time of the first one I made, maybe 35-40 minutes, but it also took double the mesh.

I'm struggling though... now that I'm staring at both, I can't decide which I like better. UH! Focus! It's for charity :) Hopefully someone else will like it as much as I do.

Linked to: Sew Much Ado, Not Just a Housewife, House of Hepworth's, and Somewhat Simple

Mesh Pumpkin Wreath

2011-10-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

I saw a mesh pumpkin on etsy the other day that I fell crazy madly in love with. Like the kind of crazy mad love that you get when you're pregnant and think that every single thing you see is the absolute greatest idea ever thought of. Well, this one truly was. Problem... SOLD. Surely they would make more, but since it was almost October already I realized that if I wanted orange sparkling mesh to adorn my door this month I was going to have to make it happen on my own, and quickly. It was either that, or get in the car and drive across the country to where it said the sellers lived. That honestly crossed my mind, like that would somehow be faster than the United States Postal system. Seriously though.

The first option seemed much more cost efficient, and SANE.
So, here's my version of the Mesh Pumpkin Wreath!

I'm super excited about how it turned out. Not to mention that I think the total cost was around $6. That beats a trip across America! Although I will say the one on etsy it beyond AWESOME. It's so full, and gorgeous and the colors are perfect. I'm still madly in love with it, even with my copycat hanging on my door. These two sisters' precision is perfect. They are masters of mesh!

There was a good amount of trial and error on this project, but total it took half of my kids' afternoon nap to make.

Cost was right. Time was reasonable.

Overall, a fun Halloween/Fall project.

Linked to: Sumo's Sweet Stuff, and Tatertots and Jello

Lunch with Dad

2011-10-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Dad,
I wish we had enjoyed lunch together today.
I had my 30 week check-up today for baby girl. Everything seems to be going how it's supposed to be. That's my cautiousness talking. I'll never tire of listening to her heart beat, and I'll never feel confident until I'm holding her in my arms. She's so active, seems like she's constantly moving. She still doesn't have a name. Why is naming kids so hard? Mom and I were talking the other night about how the two of you chose names. Interesting how it all works out, isn't it?
Mitch and I will keep talking about it, or maybe I should say start talking about it. Seems like such a sensitive topic for us lately. I think because we both feel so strongly for this little girl, and picking something so permanent and meaningful is really very scary.
Anyway :)
Today at lunch I would have talked to you about this blog. When I originally started this blog, you were still alive. I didn't tell you about it, because as past posts have mentioned, I thought maybe one day I would just be able to show you the things on here.
I've deleted several posts. I was putting my crafts and things I was working on up here, but when you passed away, I sort of freaked out and deleted almost everything. In hindsight, that was a mistake. I still want to show you, and I still want to make you proud.
So, I think I'll start putting some projects back on here. Is that strange? These are some of my most heartfelt and personal feelings. Do I mix that with a love for creating? I love reading craft blogs. They are very inspiring, and seem so fulfilling for the people behind them. Crafting is also one of my favorite times for myself because it gives me the perfect chance to reflect on our time together. It's like doing dishes. People always have their biggest epiphanies while washing dishes, don't they? I remember moments of our time together that I haven't thought of in years when I'm crafting. Like my mind is free to soak in and cherish every memory I have of you.
Some people are great at just jumping right in and doing whatever they want. I'm not. I'm an over-thinker.
So, I've thought this to the point of exhaustion, and really I've just come to the conclusion, "why am I fighting myself so hard on this?!"

So, here goes dad. I know you would support me, you always have.
Love you!!

Amy

Lunch with Dad

2011-08-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Dad,
I've been writing letters to you on Thursdays for a little while in my journal, but thought I would start putting them down here. Maybe I can keep track of what I'm saying better, and maybe I won't tell you the same things over and over again. How annoying is that? :)
If we were having lunch today, I'd have so much to tell you about. I didn't write to you last week, but last Thursday was the "big" ultrasound when they told us officially that we would be having a baby girl. You already knew that though. I talked to you about it the day before you passed. I told you to watch out for her. Do you know her? Are you taking good care of her for me? I know you two will always have a special bond. I knew the minute that I said to you, "watch out for 'her'" that it was a girl. I knew that you already knew too. I was only 7 weeks pregnant, but I could sense your spirit telling mine that it was true.
It's funny how you can know something, yet still fight it's truthfulness. I guess that's true in many regards of life. I didn't dare think that I could actually have a girl. I mean, it took you and mom 4 boys before you got to me. I guess I thought that was the path I would take too. By the way, 5 kids?! How did you ever? I know you would say that mom did it all, but she was telling me the other day the gift you had for just standing and rocking us as babies for hours. I remembered you doing that with Rockwell when he was just tiny. Poor kid just cried so much, but you could always get him to calm down and he would just stare up at you as you gently bounced him up and down.
I had to go to the emergency room on July 2. I was so scared I was going to lose her, I feel this tie to her, that makes me feel closer to you. If I had lost her, I'm scared I would have felt like I was losing another piece of you. In the same regard, I can't wait to hold her in my arms in a few months, so I can feel just another moment closer to you. I miss you dad, in the worst possible way. It hurts. I just want you back. I want to do all the things we talked about for your retirement. I want you to come hang out at my house anytime you want. I want you to tell me when I'm doing dumb things. I adhered to your opinion probably more than any other in my life. I just want you around. I miss your voice. I wish so badly we could talk over lunch.
This afternoon, I'll see the doctor again. He'll go over the ultrasound with me. I'm finding myself a complete mess, and completely calm. How can that be possible? Am I just worrying because that is what pregnant ladies do? And man, this nesting thing. I felt like a pretty sane person when I was pregnant with the boys, but this is a whole different game I'm playing here. I have these crazy projects all lined up in my mind. It's too much, I know. I find myself stuck between this want (which pregnancy is insisting is a need) to get these things done, and knowing that I need to take care of myself and more importantly this baby. I know what you would tell me to do. Get that grandbaby here. :)

I love you, dad. I'm feeling all the hurt and loss that I felt the day you passed, but coming more to terms with the fact that it is, in fact, real and that I will need to accept it. Don't rush me. I'll get there when I'm ready, you already know that about me though.
See you next Thursday,
Amy

Better insight than me

2011-07-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

Days are going a little more smoothly for me lately. I can make it through one or two days a week without having silent breakdowns, while rocking in my chair and staring out the window at nothing. That's progress people! :)

I've felt so very blessed for my kids during all of this.

The day the doctor told us that my dad may not make it through the night, I rushed my kids to my in-laws and while driving and crying I was trying to explain to them that Grandpa Louie wouldn't be with us much longer.
I said, "Mama is going to be really sad for a while."
Ezra said, "You sad, mama?"
I told him that I was, but that it was okay because Grandpa would be going to live with Heavenly Father.
Rockwell then said, "Oh!! Too fun!"

I was so grateful for the reminder that my dad would be out of his physical body which had caused him so many problems for the last few years, and that it really would be 'too fun' for him to be reunited with so many people that he loved and that love him.

My dad didn't actually pass away until the next day. While I was at my parents house by my dad's side, I called Mitch, who was with the boys and told him to hurry down, hoping they could see my dad one last time before he passed.

They were almost there when I had to tell Mitch that my dad was gone. Mitch was very sad in the car and explaining again to the boys what had happened.

Mitch told them that we were both very sad and this was very hard.
Ezra said, "Not Grandpa Louie. He's happy!"

I know that he is. I'm grateful for that knowledge.

Kids sometimes just have more insight into spiritual things than we do. They've been so positive about it all, and that helps me so much.

The other morning, not unlike any other morning really, Ezra woke up far too early. So I bundled my huge almost three year old up in his blanket and took him out on the couch to snuggle. We laid there for quite awhile half asleep, half awake. Then, Ezra pulled himself right up into my face, looked me right in the eyes and said, "Grandpa Louie is really really happy, Mama."
Needless to say, that was not one of my days without tears. :)
But, I needed to hear it.

I'm so glad that not only do I feel my dad so close by, but that my kids obviously do too.
What a blessing.

When do I move passed "okay"?

2011-05-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

"I'm great." Used to be my go to answer when people asked how I was doing. Really. I was doing great. Good, at worst. You know, on those days when all your kids had been sick with a stomach bug and throwing up every seven seconds, you'd been through nine pair of clothes and had resigned to the fact that you would all be in pajamas for the day, then you start feeling queasy yourself. Even on those days I was "good." I was alive, relatively well, and life in general was full.
I just can't do it now. I find my go to answer now is "okay." That's the best I can muster up. The truth is, I'm just saying "good" because I know no one actually wants to hear, "I'm terrible. I just want my life back. I want my dad. Can you give me that back? No! You can't!" Would that be too much? Over the top a little probably. Terrifying even, a little bit. So, "okay" it is.
Will I ever feel "great" again? Will this empty spot inside of me, that was once filled with everything my dad was to me ever feel full? Even numb would be better than the pain that's been stuck in there as a space saver.
I mean, how many times a day should a person have to say to themselves, "Pull yourself together. Life has to keep moving forward." Is a million too much?
Luckily I'm blessed with my babies who need me. Gets me out of bed everyday. I find myself lost in them right now. Not much else seems to matter. The house can wait. Dinner can be a quick throw together. They are the thing bringing me joy, and I feel like that's because they are doing what I know I should be doing. Moving forward. Living everyday to it's fullest.
I have to do this. I can't just be sad forever. It's not fair to my family, and it's not fair to me. It's not even fair to my dad, who would tell me to chin up and keep going.
So, for right now I'm okay. Truly okay.
One day I'll be good. Then maybe, somewhere down the road, I can be great again. I'll just have to take it one day at a time until then.

Feeling lost, yet fully comforted

2011-05-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

I lost my daddy.

I can't believe it. It's been one week since his funeral, and I'm in just as much denial now as I was the day he passed away.

I'm having a difficult time comprehending how I'll continue on for the rest of my life without the man that has single handedly had the greatest impact on my life this far.

My best friend.

While I'm overtaken by sorrow, I also can't deny the feeling of peace and joy for my dad. Free from a body that was sick and worn down. Back to his happy joking self, I'm confident of that.

My life is eternally enriched for having him in it. Even if it wasn't as long as I would have liked, I'm grateful for every second I had.

I miss him, so badly.

I was blessed to be able to write his obituary.

Louis Reinwand

1947-2011

Louis Gar Reinwand returned home to his Heavenly Father, April 27, 2011, after losing his valiant battle with liver disease. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family that loved him.
Louis was born July 17, 1941, in Butte, to John Louis and Selena Adams Reinwand. Montana shaped Louis into a strong willed man, and he always had a bit of “Butte” in him.
He served the Lord on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western Canadian Mission. After returning home, he attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degrees in history and library science and met his lifelong sweetheart, Lane Spencer Smith.
They were married in the Oakland, Calif., LDS Temple on Nov. 25, 1967. They enjoyed more than 43 years of marriage, and were the loving parents of five children, in-laws to four daughters and one son, and grandparents to seven granddaughters and six grandsons.
Louis was a fiercely loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had the ability to make everyone he met a welcome part of his life. His concern, love and interest over those he loved were unmatched. Despite being a skilled collector of the many things that interested him, the love of his family and their successes were his most prized possessions.
Louis’ love of reading and books led him through a career that satisfied both his personal interests and professional ambitions. He most recently enjoyed working at the Utah State Library.
His ancestors brought him great joy and he made genealogy a personal endeavor. He learned detailed stories and histories of his family who had gone before. We are confident this made for the most joyous of reunions upon his passing.
Louis was light-hearted and his sense of humor carried him through life’s many challenges. He battled different health issues for the past several years, but rallied back and kept fighting a heroic fight. We are so proud of him and the way he undertook the challenges in his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lunch with Dad

2011-03-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

When my dad and I worked near each other a few years ago, we would have lunch together a couple of times a week. At the time, taken completely for granted. In hindsight, cherished memories of insights into my dad's mind and life.
The days were never set in stone when we would go, but since he worked for the State, and they were sporting the 4-day work weeks, we would almost always have lunch together on a Thursday.

Now, every Thursday, as my kids are throwing their pb & j on the floor, and smashing their crackers into their clothes I think about lunch with my dad.

This morning the boys and I loaded up and went down to see him. It was hands down the most difficult trip I've had there. During my ride, I think of all the things I would tell him if he were alert enough to talk with me. So, I gird (old pioneer-ish word that makes me feel like a strong woman with guts and fervor) up all I've got and decide I'll do that thing they're always telling people to do to their loved ones that are in a coma. Just talk to them --they'll hear it. Only, he's not in a coma. Is that more difficult? I wonder that often. He opens his eyes, but doesn't respond to anything I'm saying. I'm not sure if he's "hearing" me or understanding me. I'm not even sure he knows who I am anymore. I ask him, but he just shuts his eyes again.

So, I march in with all my strength, all my courage. Only, when I turn the corner into his room, I see the most shocking thing I've witnessed to date. There in the middle of the bed is the smallest feeble little man I've ever seen. Only it's not just some man, it's my dad. My daddy. Of course I'm aware of how small he is. He weighed about 190 just 7 months ago. Now he's closer to 135. He's just skin and bones. That old saying means something so different when it's your dad you're staring at. Today was a different circumstance, I saw just how far he's fallen.

My strength and courage were out the tiny window. So, I just sat on the edge of his bed and looked in his eyes for the few seconds he opened them.

I couldn't get out a single one of the words I'd planned to say to him. Not one. I scolded myself for being so weak. Just tell him. Just talk to him like you always have. Do it.

But I couldn't.

Instead, I started writing a letter to him in my head.

It went something sort of like this:

Hi Daddy,
I was thinking that if we were having lunch today I'd tell you about all the dreams I've been having about you lately. Still sick, but not like now. Maybe how you were say two years ago. I don't really dream all that often, but the last week or so it seems like it's every night. You talk to me in my dreams. You give me words of advice and encouragement, all of which I can't remember when I wake up. What I remember is you opening up your arms to me, and me running to you, and you saying, "hey girl." You used to always say that to me when we would see each other or when we'd talk on the phone. My heart rate raced so quickly that it jolted me awake. I really miss hearing your voice.
I find myself grasping at every memory we've ever had together, but I'm trying so desperately that I feel like I'm blocking many of them.
I did remember the other day all the years you worked so far away, driving such long distances so we could go to good schools and live in a good neighborhood. Every night when you'd walk in you'd shout out, "daddy's home." I loved that. I can still hear it in my head.
If we were having lunch today I'd tell you how much I love you, how much you mean to me, and what an important part of my life you are.
I'd tell you that today when I was leaving, I said "I love you, dad." and you nodded your head at me. That was enough. Thank you for giving me that.
I love you, Daddy.

Seems like a simple enough conversation, so why is it so difficult when I'm staring straight at him?
I'll keep working on it. In the meantime, I'll keep writing my Thursday Lunch letters to him.

For my Daddy

2011-01-31T09:18:00.000-08:00

This blog is for my dad.

The greatest friend a girl could ever hope for in life. Someone who believes in things for you that you would never dream to imagine for yourself. Who believes you are the most amazing and accomplished person he's ever met. Only, he has the ability to make every single one of his children, children-in-law, grandchildren, and wife feel that way.

My dad and I have always been very close. That's what comes from being the youngest of 5, 4 years younger than my brother, and wait for it... the only girl.

For years, my dad and I worked in the city. Not together, but very near each other. He would call me almost everyday asking if I wanted to go grab lunch. Most days, when work permitted, I would go. He would listen to me vent about difficult co-workers, struggles with feeling inadequate, and anything else I could think to go on and on about. If I get good, cheap, tacos in front of the man he'll listen all day. He listens so intently, great with eye contact, never judgmental, always simple with his answers. A lot of the time his answer was, "well, screw 'em."

I want to tell you every single thing about my dad, and who knows, over time maybe I will.

For now though, I will say that he's very sick. The kind of sick that only a transplant will bring him back from.

The fact that I would write that out there for the world to see is sort of a breakthrough in and of itself. You see, I'm a talker. I don't avoid the uncomfortable, I'll talk about anything, politically correct or not. This topic though, I don't talk about it much. What a strange feeling to have something fill so much of your brain for so much of your day, and yet scarcely talk about it.

If I keep to the facts, I can keep it together. Thank goodness when kind, well intentioned people ask, the question is usually, "how's your dad?" That way I can stick strictly to the facts.

Here's the heart crushing part. He's not my daddy that I've always known anymore. He's in there, but I only get to see the dad I've always known once in a while. He's sort of lost inside his mind right now. He is sleeping major parts of the day, and is getting his "dream life" confused with his "real life." I get few words from him when I see him.

I know he's still there though. Every time I see him, he takes at least one chance to stare right into my eyes. Then his big steel blues start to get watery, and I've all but lost it.

Last week, he was so worked up about some things that were not actually real. He laid down in his bed and kept going over and over them with me. I told him he just needed to relax, that he didn't need to worry so much. He is being so well cared for. He gave me the silent soul searching steel blue stare, softly grabbed my hand, and said, "I'll always remember you."

He's trying to kill me! I'll always remember him too, and not how things are now.

He and my mom have always been my biggest cheerleaders. I want to show him the things I'm working on and the things I'm making. I know he would be so proud of me, no matter how small or insignificant the project may be, he would think it was great. When I started picking up sewing, he wanted me to wear the things I had made every time I saw him. Seemed like a bit much, but anything to please my dad!

I'm full of hope and faith. Maybe someday things will clear up, and I can take him through page by page on this blog and show him what I've been up to.

I'm not really sure where this will go, but like he has told me on more occasions than I can count, I'll never know until I try.