Spirited Art - Come see me!

I got a new job!!! Just one on the side, something fun to do two nights a week and make a little extra money. I'll be working at Spirited Art, the place in my post a while back. I am going to be an Assistant Teacher on busy class nights, usually Thursday and Sunday nights. It is going to be so much fun! Come see me at work to paint, drink some wine, and have a great time!!!

2011 Calendar and Flower Magnets

We're 11 days into the year and I still can't believe it's 2011! I'm in the process of organizing, which includes our schedules. Growing up my mom always kept a calendar on our fridge with everyone's schedule. It's a great location because you look at it everyday and always know what's going on. I discovered the most adorable printable monthly calendar on SWITCHEROOm. I just had to share! I wish I could post it here but you'll have to visit Elle's site and comment on her blog post to get it! Really simple and worth it, I promise!

Here are all the months layed out... Perfect!

Now that I found the perfect calendar, I just needed some cute magnets to display with it. So, of course, I decided to make them. I pulled out some fabric scraps, magnet tape and my glue gun for this craft. Let's go to work!

I cut the scraps into 14-18 inch strips, all about 2 inches wide. Then I folded one end in half lengthwise. I started to roll them up while twisting the fabric and hot glueing along the way. This was a lot of trial and error. I really thought it was going to look terrible at first but I loved the finished product!

Closeup! Love this little guy, and the rose magnet too!

January calendar with fabric flower magnets on our fridge. Fabulous, functional and free - doesn't get any better than that!

Make your own garter

I have yet to recap any of the DIY projects from our wedding. But I have had some requests on how I made my garter – Tennessee, of course. First I headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up the goods. Here’s what you need:

• 1 yard of semi-thick lace

• A package of thin elastic

• Ribbon of your choice (Note: the ribbon has to be wider than the elastic)

• Any embellishments (I recommend buttons for this because they are cute and really easy to attach)

• Needle and thread

I’ve seen garters similar to mine that go for $30. My cost was around $4 but could vary depending on what fabrics and embellishments you choose. I purchased a cheap throw garter that I used for a reference, very helpful if you are unsure.

First, I stretched out the throw garter to get a better idea of the length I needed, it’s a lot more than you think! Then I cut the lace and the ribbon to the approximate length. Better too long than too short here! Pin the ribbon to the lace and sew them together along the very edges of the ribbon (both sides), do not sew together the ends.

Then attach a small safety pin to the end of the elastic and thread it in between the lace and ribbon.

This next step involves some trial and error and a few safety pins, at least for me. Once you have it all the way through, pin one end of the elastic to the lace. Then scrunch up the lace along the elastic.

Pin the end of the scrunched lace to the elastic. Put the piece around your leg, face down to your skin. Pin the ends together leaving some excess fabric on both ends. Now everything fits according to your liking, sew the elastic to the ribbon and the ends and sew the two ends together. That’s it for the basics.

Then you can add a bow, which I sewed on, and any embellishments. All done! Now you just have to remember to use a throw garter!

Language Art

As you know from previous posts, I am a big fan of memorable, yet creative art in a home. I love things that are both visually beautiful and memorable. Here is another example of a copycat of mine. You may have seen this somewhere or another. Michaels Crafts even carries these in the custom framing department now. I think they make great gifts, especially for wedding or baby showers. Not bad on the wallet either, when you do them yourself! In stores, I've seen them go upwards of $10 a photo for custom words.

I started taking pictures of numbers and letters last summer after I discovered this at a store in Knoxville. Once again, I decided it was much more economical to do myself! And, it is actually pretty fun to see where all you can find letters in nature and architecture. Here are some of the projects I did.

My fave! Pictures from memorable places for Seth and I: From a favorite restaurant, old apartments, Neyland Stadium, Sunsphere, etc...

A little blurry - E&P for Erica & Phil!

Our wedding date, which I have yet to get printed! Not sure where it will go, maybe when we get more space!

Well, you get the idea! Now I have every letter (except q) and still find myself looking for them sometimes. If anyone wants some letters to get printed for their place, just let me know. I don't have as many numbers but I'd be more than happy to share whatever I do!

Happy New Year!!!

Love,

Knoxybear, aka Party Animal