Posts Tagged ‘spray paint’
Friday, January 7th, 2011
As we head into a weekend I wanted to share some fun ideas with you, curtesy of a few dear readers like yourself.
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{ inspired by her creative paper uses }
Rosie in South Australia didn’t have a hard time thinking of ways to use the bonus designer cardstock in her Amber Edition of Project Life. First of all, she took some “blah” magazine holders and turned them into darling-yet-functional accessories.
She also framed some of the paper. Rosie wrote: “I do this all the time. I have white frames in my hall and rotate regularly with the kids’ artwork, Christmas wrapping paper at Christmas time, quotes and sayings etc. Even fabric looks great. You don’t have to be an artist to create great looking art! And all of this costs next to nothing. I am looking forward to making cards with the rest of the paper too. The cardstock really is a great addition to the kit.”
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{ inspired by her enthusiasm }
I enjoyed a good laugh reading this email from reader Denise in Pennsylvania: “After daily checking the UPS tracking website… And by daily, I mean about ten times a day… IT ARRIVED! I just spent nearly two hours setting it up. It was two hours of bliss!”
She continues: “I was alone in the house & this was my conversation out loud:
12:43 PM: “I hear it! I hear [the UPS truck]!”
12:44 PM: *waves* “Thanks, Mr. UPS man!” (He looked at me like I was absolutely insane).
12:45 PM: Grabbed my camera and started shooting!
1:00 PM: (Started Opening)
1:10 PM: “Hey, Where are my month bookmarks?”
1:11 PM: (Opens another box) “Oh, they’re here!” “THEY’RE HERE! THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL!”
1:12 PM: “I thought I was supposed to have bi-fold journaling cards.”
1:13 PM: “OOH! There they are! Oh my goodness. This is awesome.”
1:14 PM: “This is awesome.”
1:15 PM: “Becky Higgins, I love you.”
1:17 PM: “Seriously, Becky Higgins. Your website doesn’t do this project justice.”
1:20 PM: “If I had a million dollars, I’d buy this for everyone I knew that was getting married, having kids, moving… everyone!”
1:45 PM: “Becky, I heart you & Project Life”
1:50 PM: “I LOVE THIS! I LOVE THIS I LOVE THIS!”
3:30 PM: My parents come home as I’m sitting in the middle of Project-Life-land and asks how my day is going. My response? *grins* “Oh, nothing. Just having the best day of my life.”
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{ inspired by her loyalty and awesome project-follow-through }
Karen in Wisconsin wrote: “I just wanted to share with you how much you have inspired me. Your blog is about the only blog I read and I try just about all of your ideas. I’m not one to come up with crafty things on my own BUT I LOVE to copy good ideas! I wanted to show you just SOME of the examples. THANK YOU for all your wonderful ideas!!!”
Photograph inspired by Tracy’s picture in this post (3rd one down). Announcement inspired by this post.
Inspired by this post – making your own custom coasters.
Inspired by all the spray-painting posts. For example, this one.
Inspired by the Gratitude family project in this post.
Inspired by how we organize in our home office, as shown in this post.
Inspired by a photo display in our home office, as shown in this post.
Inspired by this post about making digital invites.
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If you’d like to share your projects with me, particularly if you’ve done something outside-the-box with your Project Life kits or any Becky Higgins products, I’d love to see. Feel free to email your pictures to submissions@beckyhiggins.com.
Tags: baby announcement, cardstock, coasters, denise, gratitude, home decor, invite, karen, magazine holders, organization, photo display, rosie, spray paint
Posted in style & design | 7 Comments »
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
For the record, I do think this frame in its original form is quite lovely. But with all the color in our home, it was out of place — the color, that is. I think I got this frame at WalMart years ago. Can’t remember for sure, but I think it’s a really terrific frame and I wasn’t about to get rid of it.
Instead, I gave it a simple facelift. I went for pink on this and I love it. The name of the color is Berry Pink (Rust-Oleum brand; got it at Home Depot).
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Folks, that’s a wrap on spray-painting inspiration for now. If you want more ideas, keep scrolling down. If you missed Monday’s post, definitely get my free download (handout) that has spray-painting tips, techniques, and tid-bits. Go here.
Now go on. Find something that is ready for a little color makeover and have fun!
Tags: berry pink, frame, spray paint
Posted in DIY, home, style & design | 16 Comments »
Friday, June 18th, 2010
Yesterday was June 17th. An “ordinary” summer day. No holiday or major event or giant task. Lots of little to-do’s. But woke up feeling like it was going to be a good day. So I decided that it would indeed be … a good day.
And it was. Because every day just is.
Today, I encourage you to pay closer attention to the little reasons why it’s a good day for you. And then – of course – record it. Whether in words or pictures. Whether in a journal or on a blog or telling a loved one over the phone. I believe that when we record our blessings, we’re just become that much more aware of them. And therefore … happier.
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There are a million reasons why yesterday was a good day in my little world. Here are ten.
1. Good old-fashioned hose-down. You go, Claire. Take ‘em down sister. Note #1: This was very impromptu; hence the fully-clothed boys. Note #2: I assure you I do comb my daughter’s hair.
2. Daily drawings continue. Today Porter drew a custom space boy for everyone. So grateful for such good friends in our community. Good families. Good kids. Good people.
3. I caught up on four loads of laundry. Very good indeed.
4. I got to do a little unexpected spray-painting to help a friend with a little project. For sure good! Spray-painting is always a good thing. Helping someone in a pinch is even better.
5. Crew stood up in the bath and very intentionally – with a smirk on his face – body-slammed into the water, creating a tidal wave effect that covered my bathroom floor. The little stink. But my sense of humor won over my frustration in that moment and I’m grateful. We all had a good laugh over that one. Unfortunately this encouraged Crew to want to repeat the act.
6. David had a long day at work so the kids and I packed up a few plates of O’Henrys and surprised a few friends with a “hello” and a hug and these. It’s always good to tell someone you’re thinking of them.
7. One of those recipients is a brand-new friend. Meet Brenda Reed. Adorable, right? She really is. So is her little family. She is local to me. I knew she frequents my blog and follows me on twitter. I knew she has been diligent with Project Life and I’ve seen many of her POTDs (posted on her blog). They’re terrific. I thought it would be a good day to stop by her house and meet her. With O’Henrys in hand. It was indeed a pleasure.
8. When I saw this picture of us I noticed far more wrinkles than I realized I had. Like … a lot more. Sometimes I still think I’m 25?? BUT … I’m okay with that. Because wrinkles are good. Don’t hate me for saying that. I think wrinkles represent evolution and growth and add character to our features.
9. This evening I was properly put in my place. Being humbled is always good, right? Porter wanted to spend his money on this dumb machine at WalMart. We’ve never done it here before, but I’m quite familiar with how these machines work. And so I firmly expressed it.
“Porter, let me tell you something. It’s your money, but I want you to know how strongly I feel that this machine steals people’s mon—-”
Literally right at that moment, the darn grabber thing grabbed a toy. The look on Porter’s face was pure elation. And I knew that moment was golden for him. Because kids need to know that sometimes Mom is wrong. Sometimes Mom needs to have more faith.
Oh, and he immediately gave the toy to Claire. Because he’s that kind of a big brother.
10. Claire told me she loved me more than the marshmallows in her Lucky Charms. If you knew what those marshmallows mean to my four-year-old you would understand why I wanted to melt into a puddle on the spot.
That moment alone made for an instantly good day.
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This is the stuff of life. This is the stuff we put in Project Life. This is why I care so much about Project Life.
(Fine print: Those of you who have been patiently waiting for Project Life to become available again … we’re getting close. Hopefully just a few more weeks. I’ll be sure to announce when those kits arrive at Amazon.)
Tags: before & after, brenda reed, friends, good day, kids' art, love, o'henrys, Project Life, spray paint, summer, trampoline, walmart, wrinkles
Posted in family & children, giving, photography | 27 Comments »
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Napkins and fruit. Two essential things in our kitchen. This is how I did a quick makeover on a couple of our kitchen accessories. This napkin holder was a part of a set we got at Costco a while back. Thousands of families have the same one in their kitchen. (Oh Costco, we love you.) It was time to bid farewell to the black and give it a fresh coat of green. Key Lime, to be exact.
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I found this at Home Goods recently. It holds our non-refrigerated fruit on top of our kitchen bar. The change is subtle. It was a weathered & worn white and now, after a little love from a metallic spray paint, it is silver.
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You’ll notice I didn’t do any distressing on either one of these pieces. They both have a clean, glossy finish. The end.
For spray-painting tips, techniques, and tid-bits be sure to get the free download in Monday’s post here.
Tags: fruit, kitchen, napkin holder, spray paint
Posted in DIY, home, style & design | 12 Comments »
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
I came across this piece on clearance at Roberts (a craft store in Utah) earlier this year. Didn’t love the color but it screamed painting potential! I loved that the frame came with an adjustable stand and I loved the texture.
A few things to note:
1. The name of that reddish-orange color of spray paint is Paprika, purchased at our local Home Depot. It’s such a bold, pretty color.
2. Love the contrast with the stand which is now white.
3. In the before shot, that’s just something random that Porter drew and wanted me to put in a frame. Apparently it’s an asteroid hitting the ocean. Pool little fishies.
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For spray-painting tips, techniques, and tid-bits be sure to get the free download in Monday’s post here.
Tags: frame, paprika, spray paint, stand
Posted in DIY, home, style & design | 9 Comments »
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
Today’s spray-painting inspiration features sun yellow which I picked it up at Home Depot. I have no idea where I got this first piece. I’ve had it for years and now I like it all over again. That’s the beauty of spray paint, isn’t it?
I want to point out something important: If you spray-paint something and it looks very … “spray-painted” (read: flat color) it probably calls for a little distressing. This adds depth, dimension, and interest to the piece you’ve painted. You can go really subtle and light so you hardly notice it. You can go crazy and get a very weathered look. Or you can go for something in the middle.
This shows you what the bowl looked like painted before (left) and during (right) the distressing. I just used a little piece of sandpaper. Super easy.
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I found this little number at Hobby Lobby. After rolling my kitchen washcloths for a dozen years, I have switched to an old-fashioned stack next to the sink. So I was really pleased to find this shape & size. It just begged for a coat of a happier color.
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We’ve had these topiaries for quite some time. Don’t remember where we got them, but they’ve been feeling pretty drab lately. Until now.
This is how I prepped each topiary before painting: Plastic bag and some tape protected the greenery. I wasn’t worried about paint getting on the moss because it needed to have a little fresh layer added on top anyway.
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For spray-painting tips, techniques, and tid-bits be sure to get the free download in yesterday’s post below.
Tags: kitchen washcloths, spray paint, topiaries, yellow
Posted in DIY, home, style & design | 12 Comments »
Monday, June 14th, 2010
I’ve blogged about spray-painting here and here and here. Because I think it’s awesome. And easy. And frugal. And creative. Yet simple. And fun.
If you’ve never tried spray-painting, this just may be the time you give it a try. I’ve put a whole bunch tips & tricks into a document for your convenience. Share it with anyone that might be interested in giving it a try. Get a group of friends together for a spray-painting pow-wow and print copies for everyone. You have my permission to use and distribute this handout. Go for it. Spread the love. : )
Each day this week I’ll be sharing little pieces of inspiration to get the wheels a-spinnin’ in your head.
Note: This handout is 2 pages or print it front/back of a single sheet. When you click on that link, you may have to click on the red “spray-painting tips” again and that will pull up the pdf.
(The fonts I used for this handout are SNF Lollihop (found here) and Gill Sans (which I use all the time … just came on my Mac I think?). And that lamp? That’s part of the DB Good Company collection also found here.)
Tags: free download, how-to, instructions, spray paint
Posted in DIY, home, style & design | 38 Comments »
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
I mentioned that I coached from the sidelines as my sister-in-law created her first floral arrangement. And I promised to share. So … Ta-daaaa!
Isn’t it so pretty? I’m so proud of Lauren! I tried to keep it for our home but that didn’t go over well with her. The flowers are mostly from Hobby Lobby. My friend Karolyn and I took Lauren there so we could guide her in choosing just the right combination of colors and textures. Too fun.
The pot is also from Hobby Lobby and this is how we bought it. We liked the shape, size, and texture, and style. But the color? Oh, you know that had to go buh-bye. Nothing of this nature is safe with me. I’m armed with spray paint and I will attack. And so I did attack. With some fresh white. Looks pretty opaque and quite “spray-painted” (go figure) at first.
No worries. I planned on taking advantage of that texture from the beginning. A little sandpaper did the trick and this is after I distressed the piece and added a clear top coat.
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I think this look is my message to all things brown and blah. (Or maybe I don’t know how to be normal in front of a camera when my brother is behind the lens?)
If you still haven’t try spray-painting something, next week is going to be just the inspiration you need. Basic instruction and tips on spray-painting … and of course lots of pictures. Right here on my blog. Stay tuned.
PS – Got some questions about my apron in a recent post. That orange polka dot one and this black and white one were both from Home Goods or Marshall’s or Ross or TJ Maxx. Can’t remember exactly, but that at least helps narrow it down. Those stores almost always have darling aprons!
Tags: floral design, lauren, spray paint
Posted in DIY, home, style & design | 23 Comments »
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
** Originally posted on friday, 5/21 **
A lot of things make me smile right now. A lot. Here are just five for right now.
1. My friend Stephanie stopped by last week, just to give this to me (and a sweet note). I mean, how happy is this? I feel so loved. She learned to make it on notmartha.org.
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2. I seriously love this magazine. I’m only two issues into it and think it should grace everyone’s home. I just really love their purpose and their mission. Thumbing through pages of enormous everyday pictures and simple recollections from people about family, love, home, and life. I just love it. I am especially inspired in: mothering, creating memories & traditions, homemaking, writing, and photography. Learn more on seeingtheeveryday.com.
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3. I just had almond butter for the first time in my life. Love. David picked it up at our local grocery store where you can grind the almonds yourself and this is what you get. I’m almond butter’s newest fan. The flavor, the texture, the pureness. Mmmmm. I’ll be putting this on some celery today for a snack. (I even like it better than the freshly-ground peanut butter that he also got. And I like peanut butter.)
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4. I love when our children do things that remind me of my own childhood. The older they get, the more my recollection is awaken. Like this moment, when Claire spent so much time organizing her dolls and animals on her bed. And there was barely enough room for her to curl up at the end of the bed for a snooze.
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5. The spray-painting strongly continues in my life. I just spent this morning outside with the kids (school’s out!) painting several more things. Each of these items was begging for a color makeover and I happily attacked. My creative energy for home decor has been at an all-time high lately and once this Big Photography Giveaway is all wrapped up, you can expect a lot of home-related-idea-sharing on my blog in June.
Tags: almond butter, childhood, corsage, notmartha.org, seeing the everyday magazine, spray paint
Posted in photography | 39 Comments »
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