my first diaper cake!!

This is my first diaper cake!! I have no clue how they are really made. I saw it a few months ago and just had to try one on. My niece has allowed me to throw her baby shower and it was the perfect opportunity to give it a try. I think it came out pretty good although my design wasn't as planned as it should of been. Yet I am pleased and it only cost me around 20 bucks. I hope she likes it. She will tell me she does whether she does or not.

All I did was roll the diapers and place rubber bands around the middle and then put them in groups of 7. I attached the groups together with more rubber bands until I got the desired shape and size. Then I wrapped with different ribbon and topped of with foam stickers and teddy bears. I used some chopsticks to hold the two layers together and used a chipped cake stand I found for a quarter. Yay for thriftiness!! Oh yeah I also used crinkle paper to top off the cake just to add a little sumtin sumtin.

hey look Saturday again

hahaaha it's Saturday again and I am working on my nieces baby shower. I will have to add pics tomorrow. Today has been long, cold, and wet. I had to bring my son to the airport and I was sniffing all the way, from my cold and missing him.
I have totally failed at being crafty this Christmas. I have been sick the past week and lack energy to decorate. My husband and daughter bought a tree last Monday and it is still out in our garage! Alone in the dark with only the cats eyeing it to be there's. I am hoping they will rescue it tomorrow so we can bring life back into it. Part of me is afraid to bring it in as it might take vengeance on us for wasting it's best days. I keep having images of Charlie Brown's tree shedding it's needles and bending over from the weight of one ornament. I watch far too many cartoons.

a moment of AHA!

Years ago when Mc Donalds changed their milk containers from cardboard to small plastic bottles, I took them home. I just knew they would become something one day. What I was not sure but they were too cute to be thrown away. I had a compulsion to bring them home still not knowing what they were going to be. I had to finally stop myself because I still had not thought of something nor found anything being done with them on the web. It was only a matter of time before it occurred to someone. Why not me?

So the a few weeks ago I came across and article about vase cozies. I thought "I can fake that" so with croquet needle in hand I attempted to make one and was surprised to find I had succeeded. As I was looking for another vase I had stumbled upon my stash of McD's milk bottles and I figured what the hey. I didn't know what I was doing anyway might as well try this. I was thrilled to find they came out adorable!!!! I love them and will be surprising people with little bouquets of flowers in them hanging on their door.

It had occurred to me and I think I'm the first to think of how to reuse those adorable little plastic Mc Donald's milk bottles. Just think it only took me 4 years. I would love to give a tutorial but am not sure how I did what I did. I started with a circle and then worked my way up the bottle. Then topped it off with a handle.

It's a different Saturday

It is amazing how one little thing can change your outlook. There has been things going on in my life that have been a great distraction. It is never easy being the topic of bad conversation. Even though I have learned to laugh at it and the behavior of others, it has kept me down a little. I received a word of encouragement from a friend, from 25 years ago, and has brought me out of my self-pity. Forgive me the indulgence of wanting to give up, throw in the towel, call it a day and any other cliche' phrase I can think of.

I have continued to create because I can't leave good trash alone. My husband was going to throw out a guitar he has because the neck is cracked and it is not worth fixing. I am using it as my canvas to paint famous guitar heroes of the 70's-90's. I would do things earlier but you can't be a hero until you've been around for a while.

I've only just begun so it's far from finished but I will give you a little peak.

If anyone could tell me how to get the picture on the bottom and not top I would appreciate it.

Oh yeah one more thing, I have finially sold something on Etsy!!! Let the joyous bells ring, a miracle has happened!

Just to kick off October

I have finished Alice Cooper just in time for Halloween. Although I no longer celebrate Halloween, I know a lot of people do and am sooooooo hoping that someone will purchase him for their own. (sigh) I made him extra creepy with the odd choice of green and red paint that looks like blood. I think he looks pretty cool and at this rate if I make 9 of these I will do a large square of them on a wall. I am trying to do ones I know are easily recongnized and yet are not all in the same genre. If anyone has any suggestions for what or who to do next I'm all ears.

I am at this time working on my daughter's clown identity and props. It's fun and a little exciting to come up with visual puns. You know holey mackrel, holey cow, and things like that.

Her character's name is Sunny Sue and her first gig is next week. I hope she does so well she will continue on to the hospitals and others to bring giggles to many.

Barbra Streisand

Wow it's been a long day. I was woken by a barking dog 4 this morning and wasn't able to get back to sleep. I had so hoped to get to sheet rocking but I did get to measure the not so new but new to me doors. I believe Craigslist is awesome and a great way to save money as well as find some fun stuff. When I finish both tasks I will post them. I struggled with send my dresser pics for a before and after on a totally awesome blog site called Design Sponge but I ended up chickening out. I just don't think I'm good enough and the lack of school and training gets to me sometimes. Who knows maybe I will have the courage to one day send them something.

I did finially finish Barbra Streisand in tape tonight. I can honestly say I don't enjoy the gluing down part. It's actually quite frustrating and is quite the detourant for me continuing this. I have one more to finish up and it's Alice Cooper. I also want to do Slash from Guns and Roses and maybe an Eddie Veddar. (hint) We'll see, I did find a new blog sit that is so creative and fun I want one to look at and laugh.

Before and After

I was reading a design blog called "Design Sponge" and I love love love her pics and the flow of her site. There is this one thing she does called before and after. People send in their before and after shot of what they created. It always amazes me how people create out of not much. So I had to try and I soooooo wanted to do something different, like paint it orange but could hear the voice of my husband. After much pondering I decided to do different but not totally out there. This is what I came up with. It was a free dresser that was dated but still in good shape. The colors in the room it was going in was pale blue with chocolate brown accents and a pop of orange to shake it up. I search for mod wallpaper to cover the drawers but was too pricey even for a small amount. So I used craft paper which totalled, maybe 1.50. After I had it on it still looked to quaint and not edgy enough. So I dugged out my paints and stain and had at it. Far away it looks stone like yet up close it's got a modern/contemporary feel to it. So recycled dresser, acrylic paint and stain and some craft paper = less than two dollar dresser made new.

Back to school Paris style

Well not really but I have finished my daughter's room in time for going back to school. She wanted a Paris style room. I started collecting things a couple of years ago so I could afford to do this. Decorating is expensive and I am all about making things affordable. I also love finding treasure along the way and coming up with ideas to reuse things. First off we found a porcelain french doll and she loved the red, white, and black theme. I also found some beautiful prints with a Paris theme at a thrift store for a couple of dollars. That just set the stage and from there we spent a year yard sale and thrift store hopping. We found a waterfall (when I say we I mean me and my daughter) vanity that was a little beat up but with a few coats of paint it brought a modern feel to the room. The chandelier was a dollar that I painted and rewired. That alone made it so much better but I had to add some bling. Christmas clearance was where I found the fake crystals and pearls. Then another clearance brought the silk shades. All together I think I spent under 20 dollars. I re purposed her bed and dresser with new knobs and comforter and fabric. The chair was thrown away but I reupholstered and added new legs. I also have a bookshelf in here but it is for use not really show. Her door was so abused I just covered it with a piece of fabric to add texture. If I had more money I would of done so much more as it is I spent under 200 for the whole room.

ideas for a baby shower

I am soooooo excited my niece is having her second baby and I get to throw the baby shower or rather the "baby blessing" as to not offend people stuck in tradition.
So to get back to my many ideas. I have recently stumbled upon an awesome find that was actually found a few years ago. I was going to sell them and I still may but they have definately inspired me for a theme. They are these 22 1950's glass baby bottles. That are perfectly intact. Even the nipples are in great condition. They would be great for the decorations or favors or prizes. Thinking about filling them with m & m's.
I'm going for a retro pink and blue shower. I am working on the invites right now, with a blk and wht vintage photo with a humoruous twist.
I will serve old school hor'devours like deviled eggs, wienie dogs, fondue, etc and mocktails. We will do blue drinks in martini glasses and pink in chanpagne flutes. I even found blue cherries for the blue drinks.
I'm thinking of doing a famous vintage mom guess as they come in and some door prizes. I have also come up with a hopefully simple homemade favor for everyone. Also some clothes line and oneis and socks to hang on them. Maybe a decorating station for making the onies personal. hmmmmm still many ideas that I need to whittle down. I'm not sure if I can wait until Januarary.

awesome Cafe cups

So I have finially finished painting and firing the cafe cups. Everyone has theirs and I have about 12 and hoping to sell them on Etsy. Which is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. Seems Ebay is a little easier. Although I have not done as much research on Etsy as I did Ebay. I do so hope someone will fall in love with them. Either the bi-polar Phil cups or the Seasons cups or the cups of encouragement. I do love them all and I want to keep them but I am afraid I will freak out if one of my kids breaks one. So better to send them off to a new and loving home.

I am going to post all the pics of them here even if know one reads this they will have a home in the internet internity. Circling the globe and landing in strange places until someone steals my idea and becomes a millionair from their good business sense.

Hello out there.......(echo).....

So I've been meaning to

blog about this amazing find!!! I found

a mid-century stereo console, looks to be in great condition. Not sure what I'm going to do with it but it makes me smile. I also found a lucite spaghetti swag lamp for only 5 dollars!!!!! I am trying to sell it in order to help pay for my daughters braces. (sigh) Oh well the things you do for those you love :D. here is a pic of it.

It is such a great color and gives off this amazing warm glow. My husband thinks Mrs. Brady is still looking for it but that's because he doesn't get it.

I also finished another cassette art, this is Billy Joel. He took me alot longer than the other two. I keep geting more detail in there than I expected. So here's a shot of that one. I also have opened an Etsy account with delusions of a possible side business. Who knows maybe someone will stumble upon my creativity and be amazed and spread the word until I become the net virus and people want what I can do. ......see I told you I had delusions

I am convinced this was going to be easier than it has been. But most of my blogging ideas were in my head and there they still are. I surf and am so amazed at the creativity of so many out there. I have still been crafting, drawing, decorating, and hope to do some sewing. I have not been taking photos, hence my lack of blogging. I am sorry for anyone who actually reads this. I am a novice and lack the wit it takes to be something other than what I am.

I have recently finished hand painting some cups and can't wait to see how they came out after the firing. I am in the middle of another cassette art (Billy Joel) but had to stop until we no longer need the fans on. You would be amazed at how fast cassette tape shifts in the wind.

I have also been helping my daughter design and come up with a skit for her (hopefully) soon to be budding clown business. We have a name, character, and costume design. Just have to pull out the sewing machine and she's been working on her accent.

I have also redone the guest room from funky teen to a welcome neutral with a little funk on the side. Got to make it interesting. :)

So got many irons in the fire and hope to come up with something by next week.

oh yeah another pic from the "Battle of the Bands" party

Battle of the Bands birthday party

The party was in motion, and we had around 50 people coming and going.  The hair and make-up was part of the entertainment. After we listened to a local band we had a lip sync contest. Truly a good time was had by all. The centerpieces were the prizes for the contest along with rock and roll duckies. Having all the decorations become the prizes allow for easy clean up. The record bowls were also handed out as quickly as the balloons. It was a fun theme that was enjoyable by a wide variety of ages.

Got some more pics of the party.

I decided after a few years I would post better pictures.  And also add a little more conversation into this lame posting. So the first hour was hair and make-up and then was the party.  No one recognized each other by the time I got done with them.  We also had a massive give away in between bands and contests.  It was really a lot of fun and the ages ranged from 10 to 18 both boys and girls (plus their families).  I would love to do this theme again especially since hey have props now that they didn't have when I came up with the idea.  Would sooo make it easier to do.

Battle of the Bands theme B-day party

So tomorrow is the last big birthday party I am throwing my daughter. I have a bad habit of going overboard and lack the ability to go simple. I am working on it and hope to one day accomplish it. I usually start planning for the next party the day after the last one ended. It has been fun and coming up with different invitations was usually the brain scratcher. This year's party was an easy one. I used cd cases for the invite and made the inside look like a playlist. I also made a foam board guitar for a sign in board. I went through a guitar magazine and let my daughter pick which guitar she liked best. We settled on black and blue for the colors with accents of silver. I also scavenged day after Halloween wigs for the lip sync contest. I can't wait for the show. One of the best parts of this event is I was able to hire a high school garage band to play for a half hour. I am hoping to encourage them to sing happy birthday to her. It would be a great 12 year old memory. I am excited as well as exhausted. I do hope a good time will be had by all. This is the guitar made from foam board and some paint and a little Sharpie action. I hope to post more of the party later.

cassette art

So I was surfing craft sites and found this awesome idea! He used cassette tape to create an image of a musician. I thought the idea was awesome and wanted to try. I think He was called Ghost in the Machine. So I went to the thrift store looking to see what I could find. And lo and behold I found a Bob Marley cassette. I decided Bob would be my first attempt. The original guy (ghost in the machine dude) did his on white background and small. I went large and colorful, kinda like me. hahahaha OK so I gave it a shot and this is what I came up with. After I finished Bob I tried Bono from U2. I used two different tape on Bono hoping for a different effect. It's hard to see in the pics. I like them and hope to try Will Smith, BB King, Robert Plant, and a few others. So these are the two I've done. Hope you like them and really hope I'm not stepping on any one's toes.

Painting on Shoes

I have recently found many wonderful ideas about painting canvas shoes. Having found them at Wal-Mart for only a dollar a piece I felt I had nothing to loose but a dollar. My friends and family loved them and so I've had requests. This pair is for my 17 year old niece and has all the things she loves in it. The commonality is her.

I've also have done a few before her's and they all have different themes. The one with Mickey and Bambi is mine. I also made two others I will try to get up later as I learn how to operate this thing. I used fabric paint on the shoes and have found a wonderful surprise. When I was wearing a pair I stepped in a puddle and was amazed the the paint helped water-proof the shoes. I haven't fully tested them and am sure I would not wear them in the rain but my feet stayed dry and the paint did not run. I don't think I've ever been happy about stepping in a puddle but this one was note worthy.

I hope you like them and leave a comment, I will try to take better pics and post more stuff.

I am now wired

I have finially begun the web race to share what is in my brain with unknown people. Hopefully. I am excited to see what this will lead to as I am full of ideas and not time. I love coming up with things to do but rarely can see them through. I have accomplished a few items I will share on here.

I love other sites and am amazed at the level of talent and creativity that sooo many people have. I see the things they do and I so want to try to. Yet I know I am below their ability I do enjoy new and fun things.

So if you have stumbled upon this site do check back and see the things I have created.