I have a month pull everything together. The last couple of days I have been brainstorming and planning what I want to make and sell. In the spirit of recycle theme, I am using what I have to create my inventory; I am even trying to use the paint left over from my past projects. I spent today sanding and priming and deciding on what color to paint everything; mostly frames, mirrors and wooden boxes and small home accessories. I keep changing my mind and second guessing myself, wondering if the colors I choose would be appealing to others. Here is what I had in mine.

Both images Better Homes and Garden

While I only had eyes for all shades of blue and brown, I really love how the pops of orange make these rooms sing!

The question is, do I go with what I like and hope others appreciate my design aesthetic? Or, do I try and figure out what the craft fair attendees like and design accordingly? I am in need of some serious craft show schooling, so if you have any tips or suggestions, please let me know.

siding,

windows, and a bathroom addition. And even though Mr. DIY and I hired a contractor, everyday life has gotten a little more complicated. The siding and roof are finished. Yeah!!! The bathroom is another story. Lets just say, I am hoping for a happy ending but I will save that for another post.

But as much as I like to blame my irregular posting on everyday life, that would be too easy. If I have to be honest, there is something more to it then that. I started blogging because I like to write. So I thought, why not write about what I am passionate about – crafty, DIY, upcycling, trash to treasure kind of stories. It started out so easy and effortless. And even though my love for writing or my creative passions haven’t waned, I find myself wrestling to blog consistently. The excitement has dissipated and I long for more time to read other blogs rather then write my own. Is this normal, I wonder? Do other bloggers go through the same kind of angst and growing pains?

I also realized that blogging sometimes hinders my creative flow. I get distracted by planning and taking photos rather then focusing on the creative process, so much so, that I put off starting, progressing or finishing my creative journeys. Speaking of photos, I have yet to master my Cannon
Rebel:( The learning curve from my point and shoot turned out to be far longer than I had anticipated. Sorry if I sound whiny, that certainly is not my intent. I just feel like I hit a road block and not to sure how to proceed. However, I plan to persevere through it all and hopefully find my true niche and balance in the blogging world.

If you can relate to any of this, do let me know. Your comments will be truly appreciated.

How about these from Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie

Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie

To distress,

Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie

or not to distress. Beautiful either way!

Found this one on A Brush of Whimsy.

A Brush of Whimsy

And I’m so glad I came across this makeover at Maple and Magnolia because I was thinking of doing my kitchen cabinets. I really like this look!

Maple and Magnolia

So there you go; some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint makeovers that caught my eye. You have to stop by and see the befores to fully appreciate these transformations.

Can’t wait to carve out a little me time to experiment with it myself.  How about you? Any great makeovers you like to share?

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Miss Mustard Seed:Furniture Feature Friday
Funky Junk Interiors:Saturday Night Special
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday

Dedicated to Those Who Fell and Those Who Carry On

A Day of Remembrance

I write this with a heavy heart as I think about the 2,977 lives taken so senselessly, the survivors who’s lives are forever changed and for all who said goodbye to someone they knew or loved 10 years ago.

It is a sad day and one of mixed emotions. Some will mourn, some will relive the days events and others will focus on the resiliency of our country’s ability to overcome such this horrific terrorist attack. Wherever you fall along this emotional spectrum, September 11, 2001 will always remain a defining moment for all of us. It is my wish that this day offes you healing, strength and better tomorrows.

Love, Prayers and Blessings,
Joselyn

I did set out with my computer and thought I would blog while away but I left my power cord behind. I took it as a sign and thus explains part of my absence. Prior to our trip, I have to admit I have been floundering creatively, drifting from one project to the next, not finishing anything and feeling uninspired and unmotivated. That is so not me. Not sure what this creative block is about, but I do know the best remedy-surfing blogland. So, I did just that and here is a little of what caught my eye.

Tracey at General Splendour transformed her shed for just $40.

This is just too cute! Oh how I wish I had room for one of these.

I just love anything vintage, so when I saw this typewriter table, Carrie at Lovelyetc.com refinished, I was smitten. You have to pop over there and see the before to fully appreciate this transformation.

Functionally, I could see using this as a laptop workstation.

And this dresser is proof positive that anything can be salvaged. You have to visit Emily at Lovely Beasts to see the horrendous condition it was in.

Well, I am definitely re-inspired. And since I most likely got your creative juices flowing, as well, I discovered two great giveaways for Annie Sloan Chalk paint that is all the rage, especially among DIY crowd:

So hurry on over to Little Miss Penny Wenny as it ends Monday, August 21 and Robyn Story Designs until Wednesday, August 24.

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Domestically Speaking:The Power of Paint

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.

that gave me inspiration for my bench makeover

I gasp every time I look at one of her makeovers. If you are not familiar with her work here is a link to some of her before and afters.

I thought I would try my hand at the distressed look again. I picked up this coaster set at the Salvation Army store. I thought it would make a cute little storage box for business cards or small office supplies but after I got it home I thought I would continue with it’s intended use and give it a much needed update.

The original stained walnut finish typical of many vintage accessories was so dull and boring. I removed the hardware, cleaned it up and gave it a good sanding.

I painted it with antique white craft paint. After letting it dry, I sanded away some of the paint.

I cleaned the handle with a metal cleaner. I might have taken off the original faux brass finish along with the dirt but I l kind of like the coppery finish that resulted.

I stamped a fleur-de-lis pattern onto the cork section. It is slightly different on each coaster. I rather like that quality of hand stamped designs.

All I have left to do is a few coats of mod podge or water based polyurethane (not sure which would be better) for protection.

What do you think?

I have a ton of other accessories to conquer. And who knows, maybe, just maybe, I might go big and try my new found distressed love on a larger piece of furniture too.

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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?

Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

Why didn’t I think of this? It reminds me of my holiday shreaded wreath. Don’t you think?

I started working on one last night, but it’s still drying. Anxious to see if it turns out as nice as these. Interested in making a shreaded paper bowl? You can find the directions here.

Update:

Two days later and all dry except for the very bottom which is still a little damp.

I like how the inside came out more so than the outside. I have to confess, though, I didn’t use clear glue like the instructions called for. Since I am a “use what you have” DIYer, I used Elmer’s glue instead and it came out a little mottled.

Tiffany over at the The Recycled Nest made one using Mod Podge with good results so I will do the same and add another layer to give it just a little more substance.

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