I love how the footstool turned out. In the spirit of the reuse and upcycle craft fair them, I used a flannel shirt to cover it and make the pillow.

I have a thing for flannel shirts. It’s one of my favorite things to wear during the winter. I got these from the thrift store and pleased with the results.

That’s all I have for now. I sure hope I get a chance to take pics of the rest. For now, it’s back to work for me. I will be sure and let you know how it went. In the meantime, if you have any tips for me, please let me know because I am in over my head!

I’m sharing this post with:

Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Night Special

I have been stuck at this stage for two weeks. Usually, the finishing plan comes to me when I am prepping and stripping but for some reason I can’t make up my mind.

It needs some additional sanding around the curves and crevices which makes the stripping process much more tedious.

And even with all the inspiration I found of similar nightstands, I just can’t make up my mind.

Facelift Furniture: Turquoise French Provincial Nightstand (clipped to polyvore.com)

The Blue Eyed Owl: before & after {hot pink nightstand} (clipped to polyvore.com)

confessions of a craigslist junkie: A Pretty Little Thing (clipped to polyvore.com)

I will be selling them at the Crafted at the Canal – Holiday Reuse Fair so I want to choose a color or finish that will have mass appeal. Stain, paint, two toned and/or distressed finish? I need your help so I can get some sleep:) What do you think?

I am sharing this post with:

Between Naps on the Porch:Metamophosis Monday

You are Talking Too Much:Monday Link Party

Apron Thrift Girl:Craft Catwalk

Domestically Speaking:Power of Paint Party

Beyond the Picket Fence:Under $100 Linky Party

DIY by Design: Fall into Fall

Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday

Yes, I am now the proud owner of the Rebel T2I! After reading Consumer Reports, consumer reviews online, and much deliberation and procrastination, I decided to stay with Cannon. My previous point and shoot cameras were Cannon, so I decided to take advantage of their product loyalty program and buy a refurbished camera at a discount.

It came just two days after Hurricane Irene passed through. After losing power for two days, it was a welcomed and pleasant surprise. This has been one crazy summer weather wise; hail the size of golf balls, an earthquake and a hurricane, you have to wonder, why?

Anyway, I’ve been familiarizing myself with all the features and settings. I am actually reading the manual! That’s a first. By the way, if there’s any other Rebels out there, I would love to hear from you. I have been unsuccessful trying to achieve blurred backgrounds despite following the manual instructions for adjusting the background and aperature settings. Also, having issues with the flash. I turn the flash off, yet it seems to reset itself to on. Help! Can’t wait to become proficient with my new friend. Until then, I welcome any suggestions and tips you might have to offer.

I discovered ex libris anonymous journals two years ago at the Renegade Craft Fair.Instantly, I fell in love. No surprise, since I love to write and jot down my thoughts; so a book with blank pages is always inviting and a welcomed treat. Made from vintage books, I heart their distressed covers and they have such magnificent upcycle appeal.

Some of the original content remains and is scattered throughout the blank pages. Giveaway titles like “The First Book of Prehistoric Animals”, “Insects” and “The Street of the Flower Boxes”, render them perfect for the kiddos to draw or journal about their summer days. don’t you think?

If you would like a chance to win one of these unique journals, please do one of the following:

1. Become a fan or follower of The DIY Spot (see sidebar) and leave a comment indicating that you are a new fan or follower. If you are already a fan or follower, please leave a comment requesting to be entered in the giveaway or

2. blog, tweet or facebook about the giveaway and leave a comment.
You do not have to be a blogger to enter this giveaway. You can leave a comment and email your entry here. Please be sure and put DIY Giveaway in the subject header.
Please note that an email address is also required so that I can get in touch with you, should you be the lucky winner. Giveaway ends 12 pm on July 16 and 5 winners will be selected using random.org. If for any reason, I do not hear from either of the winners within 2 weeks, another winner will be selected. The post will be updated on July 16 to include the winners.

Good Luck!

For 25 years, I have tuned in and faithfully watched The Oprah Winfrey Show. For 25 years, I have laughed, cried, gained wisdom and experienced pure joy. She has changed my life in the most magnificent way. She has taught me so many life lessons and for that I am truly grateful.

Although I found it difficult to convey a message of reverence worthy of the role she has played in my life, here is a small excerpt of my farewell message to Ms. Winfrey:

“Thank you for teaching me to “open my heart a little wider” and leading me toward a path of compassion and consciousness. Thank you for giving me the tools to be a better person today than I was yesterday. Thank you for inspiring me to require more of myself each and every day. Thank you for helping me to recognize the importance of living life with purpose. Because of you and The Oprah Winfrey Show, I am a better me.”

It saddens me to watch the finale shows, but I look forward to what lies ahead on the Oprah Winfey Network. I know that I will continue to learn, grow and benefit from what she has put out into the universe.

How about you? How do you feel about the end of the Opah Winfrey Show? I’d really like to know.

Ms. Uhlig shared her personal journey into the writing and publishing arenas as well as some of the stories behind the books her company, Marble House Editions, has published. As she showed some of her original artwork for the covers and illustrations, the children ooooh-ed and ahhhhh-ed in unison. Towards the end of her presentation, Ms Uhlig gave a step-by-step overview of the publishing process and entertained some of the children’s questions.

After the children left, I had the opportunity to speak with her. A while back, I took a children’s book writing class for fun and I have written some stories for fun. I self-published a craft resource directory to become familiar with the publishing process. I have this pestering ache to write. However, I am unsure as to what I want to write about and who I want to write to. Children’s book, novel, memoir, family story? Can’t decide. Whatever it is, it will be for my sons. Ms. Uhlig listened to my dilemma and offered me direction and thought her book, Memoir Writing and Illustrating for Children would be helpful. At the end of our conversation, she gave me An Italian American Story by Susan D’Angelo Mannino for additional inspiration. Many of the books she has published are unique personal, period and/or cultural stories. She has re-inspired me to revisit the stories I have already written and to work on the stories lingering within me.

Elizabeth Uhlig, through her visiting author program, shares her passion for writing, illustrating and publishing in such a genuine way; it’s more about giving back and opening a door to a world her audience might never have been exposed to rather then selling books. It is that kind of generosity that warms my heart beyond measure. What a treat!

Have you ever entertained the thought of becoming an author? Do you have a story within you?

Prior to the game starting, I waived to Jared from afar, hoping to say hello afterward. It was a close game right down to the end and Kentucky only won by 2 points, scored in the very last seconds of the game. I know very little nothing about basketball but this past year it has been a real treat to tune into ESPN or CBS and watch him excel at what he loves. We would watch each game with such joy and excitement. Thank goodness for HD flat screens because it makes you feel like you’re actually there. Initially, I wasn’t crazy about these visual space hogs since they dominate whatever room they reside in; however, I now see why the male population loves them so. Sounds a little sexist, I know.

Jared scored 22 points and made 10 rebounds. Impressive! Final score 62, 60. You could see and feel their devastation. I was sitting with other familiy members of the players; we were all stunned. I could only see the side of Jared’s face as the team made their exit. He looked bewildered and in disbelief. But Jared continued to walk with his head held high as he and his teammates walked off the court. I felt so bad for them but, I remain in awe of what the Ohio Buckeyes have accomplished this season.

I was hoping to say hello, give him a hug and some cookies I had baked especially for him. But no such luck. Stadium personnel cleared the stands immediately at the end of the game. However, milk and cookies wasn’t going to ease the sting of this loss one bit.

Maybe at this age.

But certainly not now.

Despite this upset, it has been a blast watching Jared perform on the court, listening to the commentators speak about him with reverence, and reading about him in too many newspapers and magazines to mention. Every game is evidence of his dedication and passion for his first love, basketball. So, win or lose, I will always be proud!

Go Buckeyes!

Today is the start of a great weekend for me. First, I have the honor of guest blogging over at House of Hepworths. I had contacted Allison for some blog advice and not only did she graciously take the time to answer my questions, she asked me if I would be interested in doing a guest post. Let’s just say, I squealed screamed with delight when I got that email. Then my excitement quickly turned to paralysis. It’s one thing to write for yourself and it’s another to write for someone else. The expectations I place on myself are that much higher and every word, every sentence gets scrutinized to the nth degree. But I just started typing and everything began to flow. Please hop over to House of Hepworths and have a read for yourself. And while you’re there, poke around a bit. Allison’s offers a comedic side to her creative pursuits that is so fun and entertaining. Thanks Allison!

Second, Ohio State vs. Kentucky is tonight. My nephew, Jared Sullinger (if you follow college ball, you know who he is), is playing in the NCAA March Madness games. I can’t wait!

Here’s a picture just in case you don’t. Isn’t he handsome? Yes, I’m a proud Auntie!

I have only seen him play on television, never in person so this will be a real treat. His oldest brother, James, also played for Ohio State and was instrumental in getting the coach, Thad Matta, to recruit Jared while his second oldest brother, Julian played for Kent State. His Dad, aka Satch Sullinger, coached him at Northland High School and they won the State Championship in his senior year. Basketball has always been in the forefront of my sister’s family and this has been a family affair in the making. We’re all so proud of Jared’s success thus far!

Great start to a beautiful weekend! I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well. Enjoy!

We’ve had so much snow, shoveling has turned into a family affair.

Mr. DIY was away on business. He has missed all of them but one. His convenient absences have become a running joke in our home.

When No. 2 Son had enough shoveling, he decided to build a snowman instead.

A rather littel guy, but with all the snow No. 2 Son had little room to manuver.

Four hours later, we were done.

Who knows when we’ll ever see the ground in the backyard again?

I’m so done with snow. It’s enough already. Do you think?

Enjoy your weekend!