Cherub & Candleabra Re-Do

Oh my goodness....it's been SO long since I've actually finished a project! I'd almost forgotten what it was like to re-create something!! I found this awesome cherub statue while working at the thrift store yesterday.  It began as gold.......

 The after...a coat of white spray paint!

 After the first piece I began looking around for something else to transform. I've went so long without projects and now I'm looking for anything to paint. Another thrift store find. An old Home Interior piece. Originally I had thought about turning this in to a primitive piece as a gift. 

 I'm not sure I can part with it now! It has old world appeal!

 Thanks so much to Rosemary @http://www.villabarnes.com! I'm in love with all of her projects! I asked her a thousand question about Gesso. Mind you this was a long, LONG, time ago! I stored the info and I love the antiqued finish. I also used a glaze. I have no idea why I'm so intimidated by glaze but baby steps I suppose!

Happy Wednesday!

Finding Me!

 I've really...REALLY slacked on blogging!! I can't remember the last time I blogged. I've been thinking for the last several days how I miss it. I made wonderful friends that I completely lost touch with. I've been finding myself!! I know it sounds COMPLETELY CRAZY (even to myself) I've gotten lost along the way.

 I can see 40 (not there yet) but I can see it coming and I just wasn't happy with myself. To be my age I really thought I should have it all together by now. I should be financially secure, happy with my self image (perfect weight), have the home and car of my dreams, pretty much my life should be perfect....(I know right? What was I thinking?). But, instead of any of those things I was someone's wife, someone's mother....sometimes I just didn't feel like I had a name. Sometimes stay at home moms are just that...wives to their husbands and mothers' to their children...I had NO identity! I would look at all the blogs and everyone seemed to have found their place in life...that certain thing they were passionate about...a place where they belonged....NOT ME!! I honestly wondered what was wrong with me!!

 It's not that I'm not good at anything. I think I do pretty well in the photography dept, I like crafts (just not enough to sell them), I love decorating (but space is limited), then you throw in husband, kids, dogs....who has time to find what they're passionate about? I love all of these things!

 A few things I've figured out (recently) is I like who I am. I began volunteering at a local thrift store (so I'm not home 24/7)....and guess what? They know my name!! Exciting for most people...no...but for me...yippeee!!! I get paid in clothing, shoes, handbags, home items....(yes I also hear the choir singing). I feel like I make a difference there (it's nice to be appreciated). I also feel like I'm making a contribution to our family. I go shopping less (no need to buy a shirt when I just brought home 3....lol). I dress better, I feel better, I'm saving money, I feel better with me.

 Maybe it's time to blog again...I would love to share advice on money. I've lived a long time on very little, and I think it's something to be proud of.  I love my new clothes and shoes (thank you Pinterest). I see so many things on there that may not be exact but, certainly close enough!!!  I still LOVE decorating & of course crafts. I hope so share a little of everything, maybe that's my place in the world...nothing particular but, a little of everything!!

A Year In Photography....Part 2

A Year of Photography 

Continued 

It's great to have friends who let you experiment.......

A brother & sister checking out their sister & brother in law.

 Katie & Andy

 Ken & Alisha

 I'm so thankful for Allie...she's always up for experimenting...

Sometimes they turn out great!

 I've not had the pleasure of taking very many baby/toddler shots...but, this little one was so photogenic.

 This was a shoot for his grandchildren....I couldn't help but snap this one.....one of my favorites.

My daughter's first day of driving herself to school.....and yes I was standing in the middle of the driveway...early in the morning...camera in hand.

 This is me! My daughter took this one....I see photography in her future too!

A Year of Photography

2012 was a great year for me & photography! I've learned so much. I thought I would share a few of my favorites.

Alex...prom 2012 (my oldest daughter)

 Alex Senior Portraits

 Myleigh....summer pics (my youngest daughter)

 Kelsey's Band Pics.

 Joseph

 Britany.... Senior Portraits

 Allie....Senior Portraits...1

I've had too many favorites to put in one post.....

to be continuted

Clutch Redo

After stalking Pinterest.....(a little too often) I've noticed lots and lots of cute clutches. 

My thoughts immediately went to all of the clutches from the 80's.

You know they have to be out there....cheap!

Thankfully a garbage bag sale was coming up at my favorite thrift store.....

and....

I did manage to find a few....

Let me just openly admit I have NO self control at $5.00 trash bag sale.

Here are a couple of my redo's. 

Before....

After.

 I added a strip of sequin trim with E6000 glue, then glued the flower.

Then my favorite......A simple black clutch....

I began the process without taking a before....

but, you get the idea.

I glued an animal print ribbon around, added another flower.

I really like that I'm able to customize my handbags!!!

Red Handbag Redo

I'm loving Pinterest right now. So much inspiration.  I'm on the lookout for anything to redo.

Nothing in my house is safe.

My daughter brought home this handbag. I did carry it once but, it needed a little.......

Extra something.

 I had purchased a roll of clearance sequins from Wal-Mart. 

I made a flower, used ribbon, and a few jewels.

 E6000 glue is wonderful.

 I placed and replaced things on the bag then glued. I also took ribbon and weaved it through the chain handle.

Here is the after. I really like the extra "something" the bag has now. Which how can you go wrong with sequins, flowers, and jewels?

Black & White Lamp Redo

Hello everyone long time no see! I've been away for quite some time now. 

I'm happy to be back!

I wanted to share this quick simple project with you. I began with this lamp. I found it at an antique mall....dirt cheap. If I remember correctly $5. I love lamps so, could I pass it up....no!

The only downfall was this poor shade. Let's just say it wasn't very clean or pretty to look at.

My solution....spray paint and use fabric to cover the shade. I found this fabric on clearance at JoAnn Fabrics. It was rather stretchy, which I wasn't so sure about. I glued and stretched until it covered the entire shade.

I really like the end result. A major update for little $$$.