happyGIRL: Danielle Donaldson Artwork

For Christmas I asked my parents for a piece of artwork from Danielle Donaldson. And once a variety of ideas were sent to her, she created this masterpiece which I completely adore.

(Photo sent from Danielle as a sneak peak)

When her whimsical self arrived, I knew exactly where she would be placed.... In a frame with vintage fabrics. 

I placed the painting on top the fabric and then covered the edges with more of the same fabric before placing it in the frame. 

WHAT A DAY: December 8, 2013

Yeah for the weekend, and holiday fun!!  Catherine Anderson invited us to her studio for an Open House. Add that to the fact Judy Sy was going to attend, Melissa and I were sold.  So we ventured out in the brisk, rainy afternoon.

Catherine is such a sweet soul & so glad she has played a part in my life's journey.  Her studio is a great retreat for all walks of life & her family is a great host.  Her mother (recognized by her wonderful accent which I would like to acquire) greeted us so kindly when entering and made us feel at home.

We quickly took her up on that offer and gathered some fabulous tea & goodies.  Melissa and I attempted to have some tea drinking etiquette, but not sure how successful we were in that.

This tea is sooo yummy ...and yes, it tastes like Chocolate.

Catherine even had some simple, yet fabulous craft project available for us to do.  So love the concept.  She displayed her paper trees on a platter with glitter underneath. So simple, and such a statement.

And the food just kept appearing thanks to Catherine.  Olive bread was a huge hit.  It was so warm and yummy.

And finally Judy Sy made her appearance...Geesh, about time (only 2 hours after her guesstimated arrival time) but she did have a fabulous gift for us.  A super small screwdriver set called "Teeny Turner"

THANKS JUDY!!

After catching up a bit, Catherine, who is from South Africa,  had a special song for us to remember Nelson Mandela & to remember life is a celebration.

Around 4:30, we gathered our goodies, said our well wishes and headed to grab a bite to eat at Penn Station East Coast Subs.  Love their Philly Cheesesteak.  (And part of the meal's conversation was on beauty products to which I said I wash my face at night with whatever soap is at the sink aka hand soap, soft soap, etc.  Boy was I berated for that...but it works for me and it is, what it is.)

However, before leaving we did stop to capture some of Catherine's glorious landscaping and decor.

And coincidentally got mobbed by the papparazzi aka Judy Payne Sy.

Since Melissa and I are participating in a Photo A Day prompt....the day was titled "I Shop Here"

So I added names of all the shops my attire was accumulated.

After eating, we ventured out to Beauty Brands as I needed some shampoo/conditioner.  And low and behold......a CLEARANCE section.

And yes, you read that right.

Aside from the 65% off the shampoo, the other 5 bottles & OPI nail stickers were all $.98.

Total purchase $24.46. I saved $214.47

The day wasn't over as our goal was to see the movie "Frozen".  So we stopped by Dean & Deluca and grabbed a Shirley Temple soda & a huge rice krispie treat before heading to Stonecrest Cinemas.

Although the movie was good, it was not my favorite Disney cartoon. 

Probably the least favorite of the Princess movies.

The day ended with Melissa grabbing a cotton candy ....and listening to the Panthers game on the radio.

And then watching the Panthers lose...but what a streak they had.

DIY: Antler Scarf Holder

I have had quite the obsession with scarves this past Fall/Winter season.  I think this may be a trend I keep...especially with all the fun and wonderful ones I found....and most are lightweight so can be transferred from season to season.

So with that said, I needed somewhere to store them all besides my closet door.  I have always wanted a faux taxidermy sculpture for my wall (thinking it would be a great scarf holder), but all the ones I like are a bit too pricey.  Hence I created a solution.

A DIY ANTLER SCARF HOLDER.

I acquired 2 antlers from my dad (no deer were injured in this process...the deer shed their antlers every year and he found these on the farm).  Then I purchased a slab of wood from Michaels to adhere them.

My first attempt was to stain the wood; however the wood was so absorbent, it just made for a bad paint job.  I then took plaster and covered....and sprayed with blue paint...Well the antlers didn't stick well to the plaster. (I did try drilling a screw through the wood and antlers....advice: don't try, as the antlers are pretty tough.)

So I simply flipped over the wood, and just used spray paint with a heart stencil.  I love the mix of colors and like how it gives an added whimsy to a ruggish subject.

And then the antlers were simply hot glued onto the wood. I think for the matter of scarves being hung on the antlers, the glue should suffice.  I guess I will have to wait and see ....probably depends on the number of scarves I acquire.

Now to find a spot to mount it on....and hang the scarves.  Please note, I was not 100% sure which way the antlers went as obviously they were not a pair from the same animal....but I needed them to face upward to hang things.

Other options would be to use as a holiday decoration and dangle lights from them.

Use as a jewelry holder and store necklaces.

Or simply leave as is.

DIY: Holiday Embellishment

2 ice cube trays from Target 

+ neon glue sticks & low temp glue gun

 = handmade embellishments for the holidays.  

The end result was a little messy as I didn't work fast enough but nothing a little sand paper of scissors can't fix. I also tested out doing different color layers which didn't procure well. I plan to try clear glue next:). Can't wait!! 

DIY: Nebraska String Art

 I couldn't wait to start this project since I saw it on Pinterest....thought about ordering it via Etsy, but realized it was a simple technique to do.  So while on vacation, I completed one of my parents' Christmas present (yes they have already seen it)

Using a wood canvas board, I applied 3 coats with a red Glossy Craft Paint (going for the red/white Husker colors) + printed out a state map for a guideline.

I then placed the outline on top the wood, and started nailing around the perimeter...and nailing...and nailing.  As you can see the edge has a lot more nails due to all the movement.

 

I then began to trace a heart around Douglas county.  I debated about placing it partially outside the main outline, but realized the heart would not have the same effect when stringing.

 

And then....RIPPPPPP...the paper came off (with a few tweaks with some tweezers to remove all paper scraps)

As you can see, parts of the nails went through the wood, I didn't mind this aspect as it was lower than the edges.  My mom suggested placing cardboard on the back for padding..great idea!!

Then the stringing began by tying a knot in the lower right hand corner and working clockwise around, looping each string around the heart. 

Due to some nails being to close together, I grouped them together.

I did have to restart a few times as the string broke.:(

 

I love the final outlook, and I hope they do too.  I think maybe some script or a quote on top or bottom would complete it such as home (sweet) home.