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2.28.2012

Gold Giraffe

I just wanted to share this little Giraffe thing:
BC got me this baby giraffe as a present about a year ago because giraffes are one of my favorite animals.  It started out all white and you're supposed to draw on it.  I always put off doing anything with it because I'm afraid of doing things that are permanent and not being happy with how they look.  Well I finally got the nerve and used the gold paint pen that I used on the lampshade and created this cute little thing.  I'm pretty much in love with it!

Thinking of renaming the blog soon... or more like naming it in the first place.

2.27.2012

Lamp & Lampshade

Another hand-me-down... My dad had this lamp when he was in college.  It used to be a light blue.  I went ahead and spray painted it black.  The lampshade had some little dents and stains on it so it definitely needed some help.  I'm really feeling gold lately so I'm going with a black, turquoise, and gold color scheme.
clockwise from top left: Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest, and more Pinterest
I painted the outside of the shade turquoise.  (When painting the outside, occasionally put it on the lamp with the light on to make sure there is consistent coverage)  Painted the inside gold then I had at it with gold paint pen on the design.  Here are some process pictures:


And the final product:


2.16.2012

Travel & Adventure

I have a ridiculous amount of inspiration pictures, links, etc. and I want to try doing more posts with things that I'm being drawn to at the moment (as well as more posts in general).  Going along with the worldly theme from earlier in the week...  Here are some travel & adventure quotes:

Designspiration via Pinterest
Where The Heart Is Tumblr via Pinterest
justbreathe831 Tumblr via Pinterest
via Stephanie on Pinterest
My Modern Met via Pinterest
Rebuild Yourself Tumblr via Pinterest

2.14.2012

National Geographic Coasters

I read through a lot of tutorials for DIY coasters on Pinterest as well as getting advice from a friend that made her own.  Most of the tutorials you just cut out a square and glue them on the top, but one of my pet peeves is unfinished edges so I experimented a little and this is what I came up with:


Needed:
glossy clear spray paint = approx $4
Felt pads = $2
Tiles = $0.16 each
Paper (magazines or cardstock)
Mod Podge or 1:1 water & glue mixture


One of my favorite magazines is National Geographic, but I have a hard time finding things to do with the pictures I like so I thought I'd try using them on the coasters.  I think that anything without the glossy finish or thinner paper would probably deteriorate with all of the glue/wetness, folding, and rubbing. Cut each paper into a small square by tracing the coaster (don't forget to account for the edges).  Cut the corners like so:
After cutting, Mod Podge (or use the 1:1 water&glue mixture) the backside of the paper and the tile, put the picture down and brush it down with a spongy brush.  Fold down and glue the edges.  Rub out all the air bubbles with your finger.  Place them out to dry.  I placed mine on bottle caps since the paper folded over to the bottom a little.


Put a couple layers of the glue mixture and let dry.  I let them dry overnight, but I'm sure you can move on the the next step when they're dry to the touch.


Spray paint with clear gloss.  I sprayed probably 10-15 coats (every 30 minutes for most of the day).  That may have been a little overboard, but it turned out great.  I did one coat on the back, concentrating on the edges.

Add the little felt pads on the back.  I've also seen people using cork or felt blankets.  Let them dry overnight before using.

It is difficult to portray the glossiness of the final product, but it looks and feels similar to a tile.  Here are some pictures of the final products:




update :: I still love these and I always get compliments on them.  However, I do have the issue of the water from the condensation suction cupping the tile to glass cups... then falling off and making really loud noises.  I'm not really sure how to remedy the situation yet, but just an fyi.

2.13.2012

Map Inspiration

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time looking through map art and daydreaming about traveling.  Here are some of my favorite map inspiration pieces:

Apartment Therapy via Haley on Pinterest
Christy Brown via Haley on Pinterest
WinterBerryCottage@etsy via Haley on Pinterest
Apartment Therapy via Haley on Pinterest
Apartment Therapy via Haley on Pinterest

 Would it be overboard if I decorate my whole place with maps?!

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