PINTEREST PROJECT: Wooden Spools Heart

the inspiration:

the supplies:

Collection of wooden spools from eBay, vintage store, and my mama. 

I found this on clearance at HomeGoods for $6 a few years ago, not knowing what to do.  I just knew it was cheaper than buying wood and putting together a pallet board & hanging materials.

Initially, a wooden girl, lifeguard chair, and life saver were on top, but I ripped it off.

the process:

Spray painted white over entire board.

Areas of the glue didn't take well, and some paint was already chipping off.

I created a template to use for sizing matters to get an idea of the location on the pallet.

Prearranging the spools before gluing everything down was key.

  It took about 3 tries to get it the right location and shape I wanted. 

Along the way I found this spool with my name on it so I had to keep it aside for something special.

Using a hot glue gun, I started with the outline. 

Then filled in the heart before gluing...

but I then decided the heart was too big for the initial idea and left the outline as is. I plan to add a family photo or collage inside. Perfect in my opinion! 

I took the "Alison" spool and faced it forward next to one with a star on top.

Adding a personal touch to resemble a punctuation of a period. Thus the symbol is making a statement such as LOVE, ADORE, EMBRACE. 

And the final result is completely ADORABLE!

And hung with care!!

PINTEREST PROJECT: Photo Frame Collage

Once again, Pinterest got my wheels turning. I have several framed vintage (cheap not designer quality) art as well as artist paintings/prints and my own creations. 

(photo provided from this site )

I loved this concept so found the only free wall I had that popped out at a corner. Most others are concave. It is a small one near my window seat.

There was not much room on the walls so I had to do some rearranging of other frames and even use a third side wall. The concept of cutting sizes of frames in paper really helped. Only downfall I had was I forgot to put tape marking the top, so had to rematch the paper and  frames.

As you can see I try to keep the art exclusive to a few walls to avoid too much clutter. It's hard but I do try. 

This art wall is at the bottom of my stairwell. I love looking at it each morning when I get up. And below is on the stair wall next to the laundry closet. 

I did this late at night hence the bad lighting on the photos. 

After some rearranging of a few frames  my art corner is complete minus a few unfinished paintings. And I quite enjoy my take on the design. 

WHAT A DAY: July 20, 2013



The next two images summarize my fun-filled day with Melissa McClary & Donna Downey:



and



We met up at about 11:30a and didn't leave until about 3:30pm. 

It was a laughter filled adventure & I am sure I will be back ...budget permitting.

Melissa & I were on a mission to find some vintage linens & lace, but everyone got distracted and purchased some other fabulous finds. (Some tried on hats, but I forgo that activity)

lots of signs and old furniture welcome you into the store

a mannequin was decorated with jewels and a paper collar

The floors were so unique and vintage. Distressed and labelled with various Concord street names.

Playing a game of "Where's Melissa?" in the store.

Grabbing a bite to eat at BRIXX.

Ironically, we sat near a sign that "I" was at before

Found a substitute boyfriend for the day; unfortunately, the store owner liked him more than I and wanted to keep him onsite :(

Along with the linens I found at the store, I also got some goodies via eBay.  I wanted an old linen bag and the ones at the Concord store were about $20 each, so I was happy with the one I got for $3.

Couldn't resist this sweet old embroidery saying & frame.

And found myself a lil shelf sitter doll.

a few other items for a $1.  I plan to use the book as a cover for a fabric album.

This was my splurge for the day but included 6 cloths that I plan on framing for a child's room,  if God blesses me with a child. If not, then I still plan on framing as the images are so unique.

I scored a quilted embroidered bed cover I will use in my guest bedroom (as it only fits a twin bed) plus some old metal roller skates I was ecstatic about giving as a gift to a true die-hard roller skater.

The store is worth the trip as there are so many unique finds.  However, plan on spending some time as it is a huge mall.  The smaller antique mall, "Sleepy Poet," in Charlotte is quite the gem as well located on South Blvd.