So, I finally got my valances made and put up. They are so imperfect, they almost send me into an OCD-induced twitch fest.

I will do my best not to look upon them. Much.

Hoping to recover the pillows on the couch with light blue and beige to tie in the color scheme better. Also hoping to get that done before Saturday. *laughs hysterically*

As you can also see, our wall art came. Eh.

FINALLY got our other two canvases, so I grouped them together in the hallway. Matt says we need something in the middle. Noted.

Still so much to do before my folks come on Saturday...and, of course, I have zero motivation/energy to do it. Ugh.

Project 52 - Week 13 - Nature

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” - Martin Luther

Bedroom Decor (So Far)

I'm loving watching our little house "evolve"! Did a little work in the bedroom this week. 

More "metal" wall art.

Got my sheer curtain! But I cheated and bought it. Saved time, money, and cussing.

Enjoying the Weather!

 Planting a "forest". That's what he told me.

Yelling into the dump truck - always fun.

Project 52 - Week 12 - Sparkle

My folks are coming to visit in a week, so we're working hard to make this place...sparkle. =)

Damask Valance Project

I'm sure you could probably figure out what room this is in. Yep - our bedroom. Finally got around to making and hanging a matching valance. I'm thrilled! But I'm not thrilled that the pattern is crooked. Oh well. Lesson learned.

This valance was even easier than the first, other than this material did NOT want to be ironed down. I made it easier on myself and just used clip-on rings. $5.00 for all of them at Walmart - can't beat that. The curtain rod wasn't too expensive, either. It was the fabric that killed me. But it was perfect; flocked like our comforter and everything.

I hope to make some long, white sheer curtains to go behind it. I think it will be really pretty. We'll see what I can get done in the next week or so.

Living Room Decor

Finally got our living room looking the way we want it! It's so great finally getting these ideas out of my head and up on the walls.

More after the jump...

Project 52 - Week 11 - Blue

I was totally uninspired this week. Between being sick and then having a four-day bout of insomnia, I was in no mood to even try to think about P52. So, I procrastinated until the last minute.

I wanted to be different, so I thought a shot with something vibrant blue against monotone surroundings would make it pop. Not coming up with anything exciting and running out of time, I ended up with this after making cookies this afternoon.

Eh.

I also decided to change my P52 layout.

Yep...

I'm not particularly excited about next week's topic either, but I'll be a good kid and do it anyway. I will finish this project!

Another Creation

Another creation for our living room. I was Photoshoppin' late into the night to ensure that these were ready to print by today! Loosely based off a print I found online.

Keepsakes

(Click to enlarge.)

I've wanted to make my boys each a "keepsake" to hang next to their baby pictures on the wall. I had designed some awhile ago (here and here), but they were in need of some serious revamping. (Yikes.) Now that we're (finally) decorating our living room, I booted myself in the butt and got it done! I'll be printing these and framing them as 8x10's. Excited to finally get this stuff out of my head and onto the walls!

I faintly remember my babies being so little. :(

Sewing Projects

 Diaper Clutch - Loosely Based On: Diaper Clutch by Vanilla Joy

I'm so done with the diaper bag thing. There's just too many things to carry when we're headed out the door for church on Sunday mornings, so I've started just throwing a diaper and some wipes into my purse. That's all Drew really needs nowadays, you know? So, why not make a cute little pouch to keep that stuff contained? Drew wears size 6 diapers, so I was only able to fit two plus my travel Huggies Wipes case, but it'll work just fine for us. Can't wait for this kid to be potty trained.

Thanks to Cher, who helped me learn how to bully my machine through the thick sides of this project. I showed it who was boss! =)

Checkered Flag Valance - Loosely Based On: Simple Valance by 3 Four and Under

I've wanted to make curtains for a long time, so finally I got brave and ordered some fabric for just that. I decided to make the boys my guinea pigs boys' curtains first. I'm telling you - valances are EASY. Maybe took me 30 minutes or less from start to finish; just don't inspect my stitching too close. But Rob thought they were great, so that's all that matters to me.

Eager to start on our bedroom's valance (found some awesome flocked damask fabric that matches our comforter almost PERFECTLY) and get the fabric for the living room's. I figured since we already have blinds (and I love lots of light), I'd go with just a valance. Certainly easy to make! And cheaper? I already had the tension rod for this curtain, but the 1/2 yard of checkered fabric was $3.74 on Fabric.com. Shipping was free that day. Not too shabby if you ask me.

I'm so enjoying sewing! Can you tell? =)

Two Words...

...NUT JOB.

Porch Tent

The yard is muddy. The front yard is unfenced. The porch is the only option. A tent is in order. Fun was had.

More after the jump...

What a Nut...

Good Idea?

Spaghetti for lunch - wise idea on my part?

Drew seriously looks like a clown.

Drew

Such a cutie!

Project 52 - Week 10 - Personality

Of course I chose him! Who else better fits "personality" than this little guy, who's cram-packed with it? This kid continues to entertain and amuse (and confuse) us on a daily basis and has more personality in one little tiny body than a whole group of grown-ups put together. He is one of my favorite people and is such a blessing to us.

So, I'm a little late on this. Rob, Drew, and myself have been really sick this week and I just haven't been in the mood to do anything crafty or creative. It's killing me, since I just got my craft room put together. Hopefully, I'm on the mend and can get back into the swing of things.

More Kindle Pouches

I love how funky these turned out. Hope to get these up on Etsy as soon as I have more items.

Craft Room

Matt decided one day to make the spare room into my crafting room. I didn't ask him to do it. I didn't imply it. He just did it. I mean, it's really simple and not perfect, but it means the world to me that he did this all without being asked, just for me. He really wanted me to have a space devoted to my hobbies that I could disappear to. So sweet. And he was frugal about it, to boot! He re-purposed the folding table that was left in the house when we moved in, used a wall shelf we had in the boys' room in the apartment, and bought the stool at a local thrift store for $8. I'm proud of him!

It's really great therapy and nice having some ME time in my own little space where I can work on projects without interruptions. I no longer have to worry about my stuff being in the way, rushing through projects to beat naptime, or the boys fiddling with my stuff. I feel so spoiled!

More after the jump...

Snow Dreams

Although he hasn't been feeling well today, I took Rob out to enjoy the beautiful snow for a couple of minutes. He hasn't been able to enjoy the snow at all this season because of illness or it's just too darned cold. This kid wants to go sledding so bad!

Love the bokeh on this shot, but wishing I had bought my 85mm at tax time. It would have made this shot even dreamier. Time to save those pennies...