Nursery Series: Woodland Forest Mural

We unfortunately, did not get any super awesome photos of the wall before we filled the nursery with baby stuff.

I knew from before we were even pregnant, that when we did the nursery that we would paint a mural. I searched and search on Pinterest, and other websites for inspiration and ideas. I ended up starting with one image that I saw, and then searching based on that one to find inspiration that was more in line with our nursery design plan, the general Woodland theme. I knew I wanted greens and aquas, even some blues - despite that we were 'Team Green' and did not know the gender then (we had a little boy), I absolutely love those colours, so even if we knew, I don't think it would have changed this plan at all.

• Our layers are, in Beauti-Tone paint:
• I See Blue (Base wall colour)
• I See Blue + Ainslie's Aqua; ~ 2:1
  
•  Ainslie's Aqua (Small can)
• Calmness (going into greens) (Small can)
• Calmness + Cute Pixie - not sure of the ratio, I started 2:1, but it wasn't dark enough, so added a bit more Cute Pixie. 
• Cute Pixie (large can, it took so much to get it solid).

 The most important part, was ensuring that with the paint that we mixed, that we mixed enough as we would never be able to mix that exact shade again. I used old measuring cups to get a general 2:1 ratio, but having painted so much in my life - I know the slightest change in ratios can really change a colour, and I feel on a big wall, it would be easily noticeable. Always add the dark colour to the light colour, in small amounts. A little dark colour can really change a light colour, but you need a lot of a light colour to change a dark colour.

An easy way around that is to just purchase all the shades, but we needed so little for each layer, that it just seemed like a waste of money. I could have mixed just the main light blue to the main dark green to save even more money, but I really wanted a more true green for the lower part. I put left overs of the mixes into very tightly sealed mason jars, in case we need for touch ups in the years to come - as I mentioned before, we would never be able to mix those colours perfect again.

An important note: paint dries darker than it is wet. When the layers were wet, they sometimes look very close to each other, sometimes even the same as the prior layer - and then dried darker. This sort of can mess with you when you are just trying to get subtle shade differences - what I did was just put a small 'swatch' of the paint on the lower part of the wall that would be covered with the dark green, and blow dried it to see how dark it would dry.

The final layer, the dark green, took a lot of coats of paint to get solid and get rid of patchiness. That's just the nature of a dark colour I guess. It was also sort of frustrating, but we eventually got it all even looking. It was especially hard with the trees where we had to use a paint brush.
 

Super pregnant with Jack :)

 I was fortunate that my husband was 100% on board with this idea. I was working night shifts the week we started the mural. I would come home in the morning and draw a mountain "line" on the wall with a light pencil...and then he would paint it that morning / evening... then it would be dry the next morning when I got home, and I would pencil out the next layer. We used a brush for the 'line', and then a roller for the rest, trying to get as close to the line as possible with it, for the most even coat - obviously harder with the trees.

When we got to the trees, I painted the first coat to get the tree shapes down - I thought it would be too much trouble to draw then out with pencil. That also meant there was no return... I was so incredibly nervous starting this layer - so worried I would mess up the awesome work we had done so far. I started with the tiniest tree. But, once that was done, James painted over it - 4 or 5 times? - until it was even.

I'm so very happy with how it turned out! Once I'm done sharing the other DIY's, I'll share the finished nursery :)

DIY Burlap String Christmas Tree Card Display

Well, it's the beginning of the holidays, and a time for all things crafty! This is the time of year that the arts and craft stores hit the wallets of creative people all around the hardest. But, it doesn't have to be that way! Looking around your house for items that you already have and reusing them can make a big impact on your holiday displays without touching your wallet (very much, at least).

In our home, we always display the greeting cards that we receive from friends and family.  Every year, we try to display them differently. Some years are more creative than others. But, I think this year is the best so far!

This Christmas Card display is so easy to put together, and just too adorable. We have twine at our house from all my gardening, and what a better way to use it! What you will need:

• Twine (or thin tinsel would be so pretty too)
• Damage-free hanging hooks (I used about 10-12)
• Clothespins
• Tape 
• Optional: light ornaments, and paint for the clothespins

That's all! All the rest, is just extra! So let's get started! You're going to first choose you wall. You will need a fair amount of space - but it depends on how many Christmas cards you are expecting. Once you have decided where, we create an outline with the string and some tape. This way, when you create your tree, the shape will be correct.

I choose a wall that we usually have two small paintings hung up on, so there are already two hooks that I could use (that's why my shape isn't a perfect triangle, but you will see in the end that doesn't matter). I just play around with the string until I'm happy with the shape and symmetry.

Next, we affix the damage-free hooks to the wall. You could also use push pins, but I didn't want that sort of damage on this wall. Just follow the directions on the package:

This product required me to stick all the sticker backs to the wall first, and then the hooks on top of them. So I went along my string on either side and "zig-zagged" the stickers of where I would want my hooks. You want to ensure that the stickers make good contact with the wall. I washed my wall first to make sure these won't fall off later when there is the weight of a bunch of cards.

And then I took down the string, and attached all the hooks to the stickers.

I know, it doesn't look like much now. But, it is time for this tree to take shape!

I tied a small slipknot into the beginning of my twine, and attached it to the top hook, leaving a little bit of twine. Then, working my way down, I would wrap the twine around each hook - stringing it back and work between then. When I got the bottom, I worked my way back up to the top. I then tied this to the little bit of twine we left and presto! We are done!

Folks: you have yourself a lovely twine Christmas tree!

I then proceeded to put clothespins all along the twine for when we get cards. Mine are painted in the Christmas colours red, green and white. And, using some of those clothes pins, I attached some glittery snowflake ornaments to dress up my tree while I await more cards in the mail :)

You could add any small ornament to your tree. Just make sure not to load it up with too many heavy items - when you start adding greeting cards, those will add some weight and you don't want the whole thing to topple down!

Happy Holidays and DIY-ing! :)

DIY: Metal Plant Markers

Today I'm sharing with you an easy DIY for all your little seedlings. This DIY was originally shared over at Sweet Domesticity (go check out her amazing blog!). I had been experimenting every year with plant markers, and this year I am trying her methods with the metal. I do mine a little different than her, so I thought I would share with all of my lovelies on here :)

These markers are made with Aluminum tape - found at any hardware store. Please do take a peak around your garage / basement first...my hubby informed me after I purchased some that we had some lying around from the previous owner.

I first start by cutting off a strip. The length is about "two-markers" long - so take how much you want one marker to me, and then double it.

Next I found it lengthwise onto itself two times, so that that I have two creases, and three sections. Do this before you take the backing off, as it is quite sticky and your folding will not be as nice. After I have creased my fold lines, I remove the backing.

 I carefully fold it onto itself two times, so that I'm left with a long, skinny piece of the Aluminum. Make sure it is stuck well together, and all the air bubbles are out and it is nice and smooth.

I then cut the piece in half, on an angle. Cutting on an angle ensures that I will have a 'pointy-end' to stick into the soil.

Because I start my seedlings off in such small containers (and then pot-up the strongest), I want my markers a little smaller yet. I cut each strip lengthwise to give me two markers. If you wanted, you could keep the markers thick.

Then you use a ball point pen to write on them and it 'engraves' the writing into the marker - no need to worry about sharpie ink fading (my issue last year, resulting in many plants of unknown variety).

It takes a little time to get a flow going, but you know these markers will not fade. You can even reuse them for the following year if you are planting the same items. Or, you can recycle the aluminum.

Poor Chewie was quite bored when I was doing this... heheh.



Wedding DIYs...an introduction

As some may know, we are getting married this New Year's Eve. I haven't shared too much of our wedding yet - and it's not that nothing is going on in regards to it - so much is going on, on the go and yet to be started.  It's also the reason I haven't shared any of anything lately - because it has kept me so busy!

Being crafty, it was only natural that there are some DIY's in this wedding. I would be lying if I didn't say that I immediately began to search out all of the goodness on pinterest, and put together a secret 'wedding board' full of way to much to do. 

And then, as a bride I sit and look at this massive to-do list that I had created for myself, and begin to cross things off that maybe don't really need to be done, or a part of our wedding....really, would anyone even notice that super small detail? Probably only one or two. So, should I really 'waste time' on that? ....uhmmm.... I probably will. *Shakes head*

Thing is, I haven't shared, mostly because I want everything to be a surprise for those involved. So, after the wedding I will have some things to share. :) And, everyone will get to see how they fit into the whole scheme of the wedding.

 But for now, I have these beautiful engagement photos that we took earlier in the summer.  They demonstrate the most important part of this whole process - you just have to have fun ;)

Art Journal: Happiness is a Cat at Home

I've been pretty good about working in my Art Journal - of course, we've been snowed in all those days. And more is on the way, fingers crossed I'm not surrounded by closed roads for days again... I videotaped this particular art journal creation. It's not an instructional one - it just fast-forwards through everything with some cute music. I was just creating with headphones on, not so much in the talking mood that day heheh.  I've listed the supplies below the video, and if you have any questions about the process, please just ask below in the comments, and I'll answer them the best that I can :)


Supplies:

• Decorative paper
• Mod Podge
• Faber-Castell artist PITT big brush pens
• Unity Stamp Co. Stamps 
• Black Ink
• Neon acrylic craft paint paint: pink
• Craft Paint: white and teal
• Princeton Catalyst wedges #1
• Washi tapes
• Date stamp

The process was a pretty simple one: collaged background, add more layers (markers, stamps, washi tape and acrylic paint to bring it together). I then outlined the cat, and painted white all around. I dabbed with towels, and scrapped with the wedge to be sure some of the texture and colour of the background peaked through. The wedge allowed the white paint to catch on the edges to really emphasize texture. The I added a few words (I wrote them out on pencil first), and it was done!

Oreo seems to like it :)

Mixed Media Valentine Garland

I'm super excited to be sharing with you my first instructional video! I thought I would keep it easy - being new to video editing and the whole teaching-via-video-process. So today, I bring you my Mixed Media Valentine Garland, via video :D I hope you all enjoy it :)

The best part about this project, is that as long as you have the coffee filters - it doesn't matter how, or with what, you design them. Basically: colour the filters, glue them together with a clear medium (ex. mod podge or gel medium), let dry, cut out hearts - or any shape, and string together! Ta-da! Instant mixed media garland goodness!

Please excuse my "bare" window...we haven't gotten to putting up many curtains yet in our new house...still
planning the decor for this room before we hang things up :)

Materials (note you do not have to use all of these, it's just what I had around to grab and use):
*Coffee Filters
*Faber-Castell PITT Big Brush Pens
*Letraset Auqamarkers
*Spray inks
*Gelli printing plate
*Acrylic craft paint
*Catalyst wedges
*Stencils
*Big bubble wrap
*Black pen
*Mod podge
*Workable fixative
*Baker's twine
*Stamps
*Ink pads
*Wax paper
*Small hole-punch

Instructions:

1. Take out your coffee filters and flatten as many as you think you'll need. You will be able to make two hearts per filter. I used 6 filters, for 12 hearts.

2. Start decorating them with your colourful materials. My order was : markers, spray inks, gelli printing, pen, stamps and then more paint. Let these dry.

3. Once dry, fold in half to make a crease. Working on top of wax paper, mod podge the halves together, and then proceed to mod podge the top. When that is dry, flip the coffee filter around and mod podge the back. Let dry completely. Depending on what clear medium you used, it may feel sticky - spraying a light coating of workable fixative helps with that. Be sure to do so in a well ventilated area.

4. Next we're going to cut out our hearts! I fold the half filters in half once, and then twice. On the folded side I cut a half heart. This gives me two full hearts when unfolded. I continue to cut all the filters, using a previously cut heart as a guide to ensure they're all similar. Or create some drama making all the hearts different!

5. Next use a hole-punch to punch along the tops, and string your baker's twine or ribbon through.

6. Hang up your garland in front of the window to fully enjoy all of it's beautiful colours and translucency! :)

You can use this technique to create fun, every day garlands too! Just have fun with the colourful materials you have on hand. This is a perfect project for little hands too: get them to decorate the filters, and then you assemble their creations.

My Tacky Snowman Christmas Sweater

The perfect ingredients to Christmas sweater goodness!

On an annual basis, we have been attending an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party. The first year, I wasn't able to find anything I liked, so I made my own. I decided on the same path this year. Although, I have to say this sweater (vest) isn't exactly 'ugly'...just a little on the tacky side...but wait...

It lights up!! Yup! That's right! I wired my Christmas sweater. It also plays music, but that part is only cool for the first couple minutes, then I just switch it to lights on...the repeating two verses wear on you after awhile.

 I'm so happy how this year's vest turned out :) So super cute! Now, if you ask me how I did this all you may laugh. I don't own a sewing machine, and I haven't the patience for hand sewing this much - especially during this very, very busy time of year. So it was completed and created with a glue gun. Yup, it's all glue gunned into place. I've become quite handy with it; and it does the job just right for me :)

DIY Winter Wreath Tutorial: Frosted Succulents and Rustic Burlap

It that time of year, where wreaths are especially seen on doors! There is no reason for you to only have a wreath around the holiday season, and an easy way to ensure your wreath is appropriate throughout the entire winter - is to make a season-themed wreath, instead of a holiday-themed wreath :)

Firstly, you need to gather all your materials. Nothing is worse than starting a project and then having to stop because you don't quite have everything. I used a grapevine wreath pre-made from a craft store for my base. After that - only your creativity is the limit! I decided to use all "fake" items, so that my wreath lasts a little longer, and can withstand the harsh winter elements where I live. I started with bunches of silver dollars, glittered leaves, and pearl and red beaded plants. As well, I purchased a package of "frosted" succulents and some burlap.

Before you begin, just lay all your elements around on the wreath in different combinations until you find one that you really like. Above was one of those combinations - I didn't decide to do this one in particular, but it just demonstrates the thinking process. 

I begin by pulling some of my elements apart. I separate the silver dollars and glittered leaves into two stems - this may require heavy duty wire cutters depending on what you've chosen to use. The beaded plants just ripped apart easily into small stems. I will be tucking those into any area that need more coverage (all the "holes"), as well as around the succulents.

I once again place everything to be sure I'm happy before I attach them to my wreath base. And then I start using my trusty glue-gun to adhere everything very securely to my wreath. Plant bits with long wire stems are trimmed, and then "tucked in" to make them look like they are part of my base.

My order of "layers" on the wreath are silver dollars at the back, then the glittered leaves. Next, I affix the succulents at the bottom in a random order. Lastly, I take the little bits of beaded plants and insert them evenly at the base with the succulents, and a little upward.

Sometimes tucking in the larger parts make their upper component 'pop' forward. This is easily fixed by choosing a part of the stem, that is hidden by other foliage, and gluing it to the base with your glue gun. You may have to hold this until the glue is dry.

I'm going to take a second here to note as well - when you are using grapevine wreaths, they are messy. Please do not do this project on your carpet. A hard, easy to clean surface would be best...or else you may be finding little grits of wreath of some time after.

Next I make myself a burlap bow for my wreath. I thought about just putting it at the top, but there's just so much doing on, I use the burlap as a sort of wreath holder and then attach the bow to that.

I thought about just putting it at the top, but there's just so much doing on, I use the burlap as a sort of wreath holder and then attach the bow to that.

And there we have it! A winter wreath! It takes a little fiddling to place everything together. Remember: always place, take a look and then glue. This project took me about an hour and a half, but I didn't have the heavy duty wire cutters for my foliage, so I spent a lot of time fiddling with those, and trying to tuck the long wires back into the wreath.

The frosted succulents are definitely the star of this wreath! I love that I found them (at Michael's!). 

A little more of a close up of the finished wreath. I love the contrast of the rustic burlap against all the glittery / frosted foliage. 

And the lovely wreath hanging (we haven't taken out out holiday stuff yet, so I couldn't find my wreath hanging to show it on the door.