This is such a fun summery color combination. It was one of the top choices for my sister's wedding.
I especially love the vintage turquoise fan- how cool is that? (pun intended)
Check it out here!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
so we painted. for days.
I'm so excited to say that we finally decided to paint the basement! Look at how many choices we started with! We just can't get enough of paint samples, apparently.
We were all set to go with something different and choose the yellow.... but in the end, we just couldn't do it. I was afraid it was too much like a nursery and we would regret it. We picked the light grayish green on the right.
I used to think that we would have one of those homes with nice rich cozy wall colors in every room, but so far we've chosen light and bright. Kind of surprises me, but so far we've been really happy with our choices. (Except for one bathroom debacle, a super light mint green shade that we couldn't stand. Andy repainted it a cool blue- my hero.)
Can you spot the leopard print Snuggie? It's my one true love. Best Christmas present ever- thanks mom! You know those commercials with the people wearing their Snuggies out at a soccer game? And they're all cheering on the bleachers in their Snuggies? I remember seeing that and thinking who would do that... ever? But I'm here to say, I've worn my Snuggie to a parade on a cold night, in the bleachers. And I was totally that person. No shame here. It was awesome.
I had no idea what an undertaking painting an entire basement was going to be, or we may have never started. We spackled, sanded, taped, and painted for most of the weekend. Our house has quite a few small dents and dings all over the walls and baseboards. So handy Andy is fixing up everything before we paint each room. We're about halfway through the house now.
On Saturday we worked from 11:00 -6:00 straight! I'm talking no lunch break. This was serious business. I was so glad we stuffed our faces with McDonald's breakfast, and that I had this little guy to help me through.
Thank you, iced hazelnut coffee. You were sent straight from heaven.
I'm also thankful that it all only took one coat! Oh halleluia. Oh my Lord, two coats would have sent us over the edge. We usually go with Behr paint and primer in one, and we've been happy with it, especially this time.
You can see how much of a help the kitties were. I mean, honestly, look at these two.
Must be rough.
I swear, I'm coming back in my second life as a pet cat. What a life! Andy and I always ponder what they think about all day. Do they worry? Do they dream? Do they have thoughts? Maybe some psychology majors out there can clue me in. I heard once that cats don't have a very good memory... but I've also read that they can be trained to do tricks, so who knows.
Ah well... I'm so glad the basement is done! We rearranged a bit, and now it's time to decorate (the walls have been bare for over a year... sad, I know). We may even run over to Ikea on Saturday! Love.
Any other painters out there? Which paint do you swear by? Or the bigger question: which animal would you be?
Pin It Now!
We were all set to go with something different and choose the yellow.... but in the end, we just couldn't do it. I was afraid it was too much like a nursery and we would regret it. We picked the light grayish green on the right.
I used to think that we would have one of those homes with nice rich cozy wall colors in every room, but so far we've chosen light and bright. Kind of surprises me, but so far we've been really happy with our choices. (Except for one bathroom debacle, a super light mint green shade that we couldn't stand. Andy repainted it a cool blue- my hero.)
Can you spot the leopard print Snuggie? It's my one true love. Best Christmas present ever- thanks mom! You know those commercials with the people wearing their Snuggies out at a soccer game? And they're all cheering on the bleachers in their Snuggies? I remember seeing that and thinking who would do that... ever? But I'm here to say, I've worn my Snuggie to a parade on a cold night, in the bleachers. And I was totally that person. No shame here. It was awesome.
I had no idea what an undertaking painting an entire basement was going to be, or we may have never started. We spackled, sanded, taped, and painted for most of the weekend. Our house has quite a few small dents and dings all over the walls and baseboards. So handy Andy is fixing up everything before we paint each room. We're about halfway through the house now.
On Saturday we worked from 11:00 -6:00 straight! I'm talking no lunch break. This was serious business. I was so glad we stuffed our faces with McDonald's breakfast, and that I had this little guy to help me through.
Thank you, iced hazelnut coffee. You were sent straight from heaven.
I'm also thankful that it all only took one coat! Oh halleluia. Oh my Lord, two coats would have sent us over the edge. We usually go with Behr paint and primer in one, and we've been happy with it, especially this time.
You can see how much of a help the kitties were. I mean, honestly, look at these two.
Must be rough.
I swear, I'm coming back in my second life as a pet cat. What a life! Andy and I always ponder what they think about all day. Do they worry? Do they dream? Do they have thoughts? Maybe some psychology majors out there can clue me in. I heard once that cats don't have a very good memory... but I've also read that they can be trained to do tricks, so who knows.
Ah well... I'm so glad the basement is done! We rearranged a bit, and now it's time to decorate (the walls have been bare for over a year... sad, I know). We may even run over to Ikea on Saturday! Love.
Any other painters out there? Which paint do you swear by? Or the bigger question: which animal would you be?
Pin It Now!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Spoonflower Excitement
Last week, I got some exciting news from Spoonflower!
This is a screen shot from the Olympic themed contest results, found here. My gymnastics fabric snuck in at spot #10! I was so shocked when I saw it I think I may have stopped breathing for a minute.
Here's a screen shot from Spoonflower's flickr page that shows how it looks printed. So exciting!
After getting the news, I decided to finally open my shop and put some of my designs up for sale. Here's what my shop looks like right now.
The first 5 designs have been entered in weekly contests: Olympics, stars and stripes, retro kitchen, pomegranates, and motorcycles. I love entering the contests because it makes me create designs that I wouldn't think of otherwise.
Creating fabrics is so fun... but I think I need to work on my titles. I mean jeez, blue circles? mod red and tan? grey branches? I guess my creativity runs out when it's time to name my designs...
Oh well.
I love you, Spoonflower.
Pin It Now!
This is a screen shot from the Olympic themed contest results, found here. My gymnastics fabric snuck in at spot #10! I was so shocked when I saw it I think I may have stopped breathing for a minute.
Here's a screen shot from Spoonflower's flickr page that shows how it looks printed. So exciting!
After getting the news, I decided to finally open my shop and put some of my designs up for sale. Here's what my shop looks like right now.
The first 5 designs have been entered in weekly contests: Olympics, stars and stripes, retro kitchen, pomegranates, and motorcycles. I love entering the contests because it makes me create designs that I wouldn't think of otherwise.
Creating fabrics is so fun... but I think I need to work on my titles. I mean jeez, blue circles? mod red and tan? grey branches? I guess my creativity runs out when it's time to name my designs...
Oh well.
I love you, Spoonflower.
Pin It Now!
Monday, August 6, 2012
that one time we got lost in a maze
Today I thought I’d share a memory with you guys. The theme for today’s photo challenge at
Mercantile Muse was retro groove, and
lookie what gem I found in my photo archive?
And thus I find that today is the perfect time to share the
story of the Dole Plantation Maze.
The setting: Oahu,
Hawaii, 2010
The characters: Me,
Andy, lots of smart kids, lots of snails
Andy and I took a big trip to Hawaii two years ago (best vacation ever). One morning we decided to be
touristy and go to the Dole Plantation. Well, we got there and decided to be even more
touristy and bought tickets to do the maze.
I mean, it was the world's largest maze! How could we resist? Sounded like an okay idea.
But approximately two hours later, we found ourselves covered in bugs and dripping with sweat and frustration and lost in that stupid maze! A maze that tiny children were happily running around in and escaping from left and right. But oh no, there we were. I’m talking honest to goodness lost, and feeling trapped! We realized this wasn’t some ha-ha-fun-times -oh-golly-gee-a-maze maze. (Maybe we should have taken a look at these photos before we decided to try it.)
This was serious. We could see the exit but couldn’t get there. Time continued to tick by and we started to mildly panic (okay maybe that was just me). Not like {ahh we’re gonna die!} but more like {we’re on this beautiful vacation and yet here we are wasting hours in a maze?!? A MAZE?!?! WHY???}
But approximately two hours later, we found ourselves covered in bugs and dripping with sweat and frustration and lost in that stupid maze! A maze that tiny children were happily running around in and escaping from left and right. But oh no, there we were. I’m talking honest to goodness lost, and feeling trapped! We realized this wasn’t some ha-ha-fun-times -oh-golly-gee-a-maze maze. (Maybe we should have taken a look at these photos before we decided to try it.)
This was serious. We could see the exit but couldn’t get there. Time continued to tick by and we started to mildly panic (okay maybe that was just me). Not like {ahh we’re gonna die!} but more like {we’re on this beautiful vacation and yet here we are wasting hours in a maze?!? A MAZE?!?! WHY???}
Did I mention we were surrounded not only by happy kids
finding their way out in 30 seconds flat, but by no fewer than 200 snails
mating in the bushes at every turn? You
heard me. Snails. Mating.
This was how we chose to spend our once in a lifetime vacation in
paradise?
Oh yeah and see that fun little card I'm holding? You were supposed to find these little hidden booths and get the stamp or something at each one. See how mine is blank? Yeah, we weren't very good at finding those. We totally failed at this maze. I mean, honestly.
Oh yeah and see that fun little card I'm holding? You were supposed to find these little hidden booths and get the stamp or something at each one. See how mine is blank? Yeah, we weren't very good at finding those. We totally failed at this maze. I mean, honestly.
Well anyways, long story short, we made it out alive, saw some gorgeous
flowers, snapped a few photos, took a train ride (Andy loves trains… LOVES
TRAINS), ate some pineapple whip ice cream, bought a bag of chocolate covered macadamia nuts, and called it a day.
In summary- Hawaii:
good. Mazes in Hawaii: bad.
But I can't really complain, because it was beautiful there. Hawaii is exactly how you expect it to be. Everything is just as beautiful as the pictures, it's just unbelievable. Best place ever. If you get the chance, you should go. Just don't try the maze.
Friday, August 3, 2012
DIY Foam Board Wall Art
I want to show you guys how to do this pretty simple, pretty inexpensive, and just plain pretty DIY wall art!
I saw this once on HGTV I think, when they needed some art to fill up a wall before the open house. When we bought our house, I gave it a try and it turned out great! This bad boy is hanging above our guest room bed (it's about the same width as a queen mattress). It's a great way to fill up a large space.
Here's what you need. You could substitute spray glue for the mod podge (I've used both), and probably some other glue instead of the hot glue. Whatever suits your fancy. But this is what worked for me.
Start by cutting your foam board. I decided to first cut four large squares, each 12x12 inches to fit a full piece of scrapbook paper. Then I used the remainder of one piece of foam board and cut three smaller squares and two rectangles.
Tips I have for cutting foam board, if you've never done it before, are to make sure your blade is sharp and to make two cuts- one to cut through the top and the second to cut through the bottom. I think it cuts cleaner that way. I used a big piece of thick particle board to cut on top of, because of course the knife will cut all the way through- so please don't ruin your floors or cut yourself! My husband would add: "Always cut away from your body."
Once the pieces were ready, I tried some different layouts until I was satisfied with how it looked.
Next, I laid the paper over the boards to see which patterns and colors I liked together. Then I cut the paper to fit the board, and attached them together with mod podge. Here's where you can use spray glue instead, or whatever you prefer.
I was glad I took pictures along the way, because I used the camera to check back and see my layout! Everything got all mixed up when I was modging and podging, so I was thankful to have a guide. I let the pieces dry and then got them all set up to hot glue together. Then I hot glued and that was it!
Here's the final product, ready for hanging. I think he's going to live in the basement above our couch. We're brightening up the kinda dark basement with some new paint this weekend (yesssss), so I'll have to wait to hang it up for a few days. I think it'll be be-yoo-tee-ful, so I'm excited to see it up on the wall!
The total cost for this project was only about five dollars! The foam board was on sale (two for $2.99 I think) and the paper was on sale (25 cents each) too. Everything else I already had.
The total time spent was probably around an hour, maybe even less.
So what do you think? Does anyone else get some great ideas by watching HGTV? I'm so glad I caught whatever episode this was on, because I love the way this project turned out!
Linking up to:
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Etsy Love: School Bus Treasury
It's that time again: back to school! I'm so excited that this year, I'll be going back to college instead of back to teaching! Whoop! What a change. My stomach does flip flops, but not in a good way, the churny kind of way, for all those teachers I already see parked in the school parking lot, getting things ready for the new year. Thank you 8 pound 6 ounce baby Jesus that it isn't me this year.
And God bless all you teachers out there, who are still fighting the good fight, many of my friends and family included. I hope your school year is full of good kids that make you laugh, lesson plans that make you proud, many small moments that make you love what you do, and plenty of cake in the staff lounge.
I don't think I'll miss having bus duty at the end of the day. I do, however, like school buses themselves. So much so that they inspired me to create my newest Etsy treasury. What do you think? Anyone else out there love school buses, too?
Pin It Now!
And God bless all you teachers out there, who are still fighting the good fight, many of my friends and family included. I hope your school year is full of good kids that make you laugh, lesson plans that make you proud, many small moments that make you love what you do, and plenty of cake in the staff lounge.
I don't think I'll miss having bus duty at the end of the day. I do, however, like school buses themselves. So much so that they inspired me to create my newest Etsy treasury. What do you think? Anyone else out there love school buses, too?
Go now! Check it out!
And seriously, say 'thank you' to your child's teachers this year! It will mean the world to them!
And seriously, say 'thank you' to your child's teachers this year! It will mean the world to them!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Day in the Life
A lot has changed for me in the last few months. For five years, I was a teacher. I would have had a pretty predictable career had I stayed, but I just wasn't happy anymore. So, I decided to resign from my teaching job. That's when this adventure began. And it's all been happening pretty fast.
I registered to go back to school full time for graphic design and began taking online classes. I joined Spoonflower and began entering designs in the weekly contests. I started this blog. I began editing photos and creating digital art. I opened my Etsy shop, Boju Designs. I joined twitter and pinterest and made a facebook fan page. Recently I've started doing more DIY projects and joining link parties on other blogs.
And that brings us to today! It's been so much fun entering this new world! For now, my days are free to spend them how I need to, and I'm taking advantage of it, because it will change in a few weeks when I go back to school. So last week, I decided to log my hours to see where all my time went. I'm curious if it's anything like your days as bloggers and/or online shop owners?
My Day: Thursday, July 26
9:10-9:40- Wake up, shower, fix quick breakfast. (I know, I know, I slept in. Not setting my alarm clock is a luxury I take advantage of whenever I can.)
9:40-10:00- Check emails to see blog comments and new twitter followers. Post my newest blog post on the Etsy blog team forum, visit other Etsy blogs and leave comments.
10:00-10:45- Check the Etsy treasury I made yesterday, look at other people's treasuries and leave comments about items I like. Return to my blog and reply to comments. Link up my newest project to a link party, check out some cool projects on other blogs and leave comments.
10:45-10:55- Check Spoonflower, vote in the newest fabric design contest, leave comments on my favorite fabrics.
10:55-11:00- Try to join a twitter meet & greet, but twitter isn't working.
11:00-11:50- Look up a Photoshop tutorial on textures, try it out on some new designs. Check the Etsy forums regarding font downloads, download new fonts.
11:50-12:05- Pack up the camera and other items, print Michaels coupons, write a "to find" list for thrift stores.
12:05-12:30- Queen Anne's Lace photoshoot in my neighborhood.
12:30-2:30- Head to Goodwill, find some goodies on my list. Run by the bank. Head to Michaels, use my coupons on some necessities for future blog projects. Pick up lunch at Noodles & Co. Think to myself 'this is a bad decision' after handing over $9.00 for a little container of noodles and an even smaller container of salad. Head home.
2:30-2:35- See that twitter is working, quickly join the meet & greet.
2:35-3:15- Eat lunch. Reassess my Noodles & Co. decision and decide that it was in fact the best decision I've made today. Catch up on my newest Bravo show, Miss Advised. I laugh, cringe, and 'aw' my way through. But mostly I cringe. Typical Bravo. And I love it.
3:15-3:30- Back to the twitter meet & greet. I see who has similar interests and follow them.
3:30-4:30- Sketch ideas for new banner designs.
4:30-5:00- Check email, Etsy forums, and the blog. Link up Boju Designs to a link party and tweet the party link. Tweet my new wall art post link. Visit other blogs from the Etsy blog team.
5:00-5:30- Edit photos, write and add a new listing on Etsy and then post it on the facebook fan page. Take a break to check some of my favorite blogs.
5:30- Andy's home! Kiss hubby.
5:30-5:40- Quickly check Etsy stats to see if my tags are working and to see what buyers are looking for.
5:40-7:00- Head upstairs to talk to Andy, watch an episode of House Hunters and Shark Tank together (our new fave).
7:00-7:30- Photoshoot for some holiday items (yikes) that I'm getting ready for Etsy.
7:30-7:40- Check emails, send an email, get ready to go to the YMCA.
7:40-9:00- Head to the Y with Andy, swim laps (our new thing).
9:00-9:15- Make a new page on the blog, check email and Etsy, tweet my newest treasury link.
9:15-10:30- Eat dinner with Andy (super late tonight for some reason), watch Shark Tank and Teen Mom. (am I a sucker for reality t.v. or what?)
10:30-11:00- Browse Etsy forums, blog link parties, and Spoonflower.
11:00- Bed!
11:10- Have an idea for a blog post (my best ideas always come as I'm falling asleep) so I get up to jot it down before I forget!
11:15- Bed!
After writing this all down I've learned 3 things.
1. I spend way too much time in front of a screen. I'm glad this will change a little bit when I head back to school in the fall and take classes like drawing and 2D art, which will get me away from the computer more.
2. I am usually such a reader! I need to make time in my day for that again.
3. Everything I do in my day now is new to me and I'm enjoying myself more than ever! I'm so glad I made the decision to leave teaching and start blogging and designing. I love it. I really hope to grow Boju Designs into a successful small business one day.
Does this sound at all like your days as a blogger/ Etsy shop owner?
Is there anything else I should be doing to support/ promote my blog/ shop?
Do you have a daily schedule with certain times set aside for specific things, or do you do a little of everything here and there like me?
I would love you hear your ideas and suggestions!
Pin It Now!
I registered to go back to school full time for graphic design and began taking online classes. I joined Spoonflower and began entering designs in the weekly contests. I started this blog. I began editing photos and creating digital art. I opened my Etsy shop, Boju Designs. I joined twitter and pinterest and made a facebook fan page. Recently I've started doing more DIY projects and joining link parties on other blogs.
And that brings us to today! It's been so much fun entering this new world! For now, my days are free to spend them how I need to, and I'm taking advantage of it, because it will change in a few weeks when I go back to school. So last week, I decided to log my hours to see where all my time went. I'm curious if it's anything like your days as bloggers and/or online shop owners?
My Day: Thursday, July 26
9:10-9:40- Wake up, shower, fix quick breakfast. (I know, I know, I slept in. Not setting my alarm clock is a luxury I take advantage of whenever I can.)
9:40-10:00- Check emails to see blog comments and new twitter followers. Post my newest blog post on the Etsy blog team forum, visit other Etsy blogs and leave comments.
10:00-10:45- Check the Etsy treasury I made yesterday, look at other people's treasuries and leave comments about items I like. Return to my blog and reply to comments. Link up my newest project to a link party, check out some cool projects on other blogs and leave comments.
10:45-10:55- Check Spoonflower, vote in the newest fabric design contest, leave comments on my favorite fabrics.
10:55-11:00- Try to join a twitter meet & greet, but twitter isn't working.
11:00-11:50- Look up a Photoshop tutorial on textures, try it out on some new designs. Check the Etsy forums regarding font downloads, download new fonts.
11:50-12:05- Pack up the camera and other items, print Michaels coupons, write a "to find" list for thrift stores.
12:05-12:30- Queen Anne's Lace photoshoot in my neighborhood.
12:30-2:30- Head to Goodwill, find some goodies on my list. Run by the bank. Head to Michaels, use my coupons on some necessities for future blog projects. Pick up lunch at Noodles & Co. Think to myself 'this is a bad decision' after handing over $9.00 for a little container of noodles and an even smaller container of salad. Head home.
2:30-2:35- See that twitter is working, quickly join the meet & greet.
2:35-3:15- Eat lunch. Reassess my Noodles & Co. decision and decide that it was in fact the best decision I've made today. Catch up on my newest Bravo show, Miss Advised. I laugh, cringe, and 'aw' my way through. But mostly I cringe. Typical Bravo. And I love it.
3:15-3:30- Back to the twitter meet & greet. I see who has similar interests and follow them.
3:30-4:30- Sketch ideas for new banner designs.
4:30-5:00- Check email, Etsy forums, and the blog. Link up Boju Designs to a link party and tweet the party link. Tweet my new wall art post link. Visit other blogs from the Etsy blog team.
5:00-5:30- Edit photos, write and add a new listing on Etsy and then post it on the facebook fan page. Take a break to check some of my favorite blogs.
5:30- Andy's home! Kiss hubby.
5:30-5:40- Quickly check Etsy stats to see if my tags are working and to see what buyers are looking for.
5:40-7:00- Head upstairs to talk to Andy, watch an episode of House Hunters and Shark Tank together (our new fave).
7:00-7:30- Photoshoot for some holiday items (yikes) that I'm getting ready for Etsy.
7:30-7:40- Check emails, send an email, get ready to go to the YMCA.
7:40-9:00- Head to the Y with Andy, swim laps (our new thing).
9:00-9:15- Make a new page on the blog, check email and Etsy, tweet my newest treasury link.
9:15-10:30- Eat dinner with Andy (super late tonight for some reason), watch Shark Tank and Teen Mom. (am I a sucker for reality t.v. or what?)
10:30-11:00- Browse Etsy forums, blog link parties, and Spoonflower.
11:00- Bed!
11:10- Have an idea for a blog post (my best ideas always come as I'm falling asleep) so I get up to jot it down before I forget!
11:15- Bed!
After writing this all down I've learned 3 things.
1. I spend way too much time in front of a screen. I'm glad this will change a little bit when I head back to school in the fall and take classes like drawing and 2D art, which will get me away from the computer more.
2. I am usually such a reader! I need to make time in my day for that again.
3. Everything I do in my day now is new to me and I'm enjoying myself more than ever! I'm so glad I made the decision to leave teaching and start blogging and designing. I love it. I really hope to grow Boju Designs into a successful small business one day.
Does this sound at all like your days as a blogger/ Etsy shop owner?
Is there anything else I should be doing to support/ promote my blog/ shop?
Do you have a daily schedule with certain times set aside for specific things, or do you do a little of everything here and there like me?
I would love you hear your ideas and suggestions!
Pin It Now!
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