Clamshell Quilt

I purchased some of Sarah Jane magic fabric and when I saw the mermaid print I knew I wanted to try out a clamshell quilt.  I bought a quilting book from a library sale and inside was a pattern for the quilt only they wanted the shells much smaller.   I enlarged the pattern but this baby sized quilt still has 72 clamshells.  Each shell curve had to be ironed under and then hand basted before assembly.  I am not going to lie... this quilt took FOREVER!!!!  It didn't help that I decided to hand quilt it using gold metallic thread.  That thread is finicky and snags easy but in the end it was worth it.  I wanted it to be extra frilly and feminine so I added a ruffle edge as well as a ruffled tulle edge.  So 150 hours later (not even joking) I finished and the result was well worth the time.

Ceiling Love

Our latest project, a beautiful coffered ceiling, took FOREVER but now that it is finished I can look back and say it was worth it...maybe. Our friend who came to consult on the matter told us we did the crime now we would have to do the time........ so over 150 man hours later we finished our sentence.

We watched a couple of youtube videos on how to put one in but ultimately went with a design by our project guru...you know who you are and we appreciate all of your help.

If you look in the second picture you can see most of our steps. with the exception of the first which was to lay out a grid using 2x4s mounted to the ceiling. Then used boxes were made and screwed into the grid. A strip of pine was added along the edges and then crown moulding along the top.

A couple of things I would have done differently. Waited to paint the walls and prepainted all everything that was going up there and then just touched up the nail holes.

Game Board

On Wednesday night we try and have family game night so I decided to make a board to keep track of the top scores.

I used a 1/4 inch mdf board 2 feet by 4 feet with 1x2 strips on the back to give it a little depth. Then primed it and painted it with Rustoleum flat chalkboard paint.

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Book Tree

I saw a tutorial for a gorgeous tree here and wanted to try it out. I used book pages instead of sheet music and added snowflakes using the Martha Stewart snowflake punch.

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Wreath in Red

I remade this wreath in red for Christmas and I love it. I used candy apple criss cross cardstock paper from bazzill basics and two shades of Tim Holtz distressing ink, vintage photo and walnut stain.

It took 6 sheets of 12x12 paper for a 9 inch wreath. You can click on the wreath link above for the full tutorial. Merry Christmas!

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From old fence posts

Lack of posting due to a move and a new job. I feel like I am barely keeping my head above water here so the crafting has taken a backseat. I did find the time to make this sweet little bench/stool for the girls room (with the help of my fabulous friend Jared...thanks so much). I made it from old fence posts!!! I am debating on whether or not to paint it. I was planning on doing it a dark and light pink to match the flowers but after I sanded it down it gave it a fabulous beach/drift wood look which I really like.

Holiday Book

Growing up my family had the tradition of reading a story and then singing a song every night in December. I wanted to do that too so I made our own holiday book. We start ours on the 13th of December and do it for 12 days. The girls love it. I thought I would show you a couple of the pages. I used a dollar store board book and ripped the pictures off and then painted its edges and covered it with scrapbook paper.

Each of the pages has one story and several songs on tags that can be pulled out of pockets.

I put a lot of family stories in it about Christmas's from the grandparents which the girls love. It has been a great way for them to learn a little about their ancestors and have some holiday fun.