Decorating Our Guest Room

     This week I have been trying to tackle those crafty projects that I meant well with, but never got to.  In just a couple of weeks, my brother and his wife will be here to visit {insert squeals of joy here}.  I am so excited to see them.  So in preparation of their arrival, I have been getting the guest room squared away.  Here are a couple of little things I did.

 I took a cheapie mirror from the Christmas Tree Shops and gave it a shabby chic finish.  It started out as bronze.

 Here is a close-up.  I achieved this look by giving the mirror a couple coats of white paint, waiting for it to dry, and sanding spots on the frame to give it a worn, antique look.

 I added a little visual interest with this framed "art."

 I bought this frame for $5.99, and used red patterned scrapbook paper as a background.  Places like Marshalls, Ross, and TJMaxx have the best prices on frames. I cut out the word "hope" using my Cricut machine and the "Stamped" cartridge. The alarm clock I snagged at IKEA for $5.  I love its vintage look.

Getting a little closer!

Have a great day!

Teapot Flower Arrangement

     In honor of my MOPS tea party today, I decided to make a little flower arrangement in my grandmother's old teapot. Plus it didn't hurt that the flower arrangement my husband bought me had daisies that are STILL kicking, so I ditched the wilted roses, and made this sweet arrangement.  Have a great day, everyone!

What I'm Working On Wednesday

     Our family is currently preparing for an upcoming move to Newport, Rhode Island, but that doesn't mean things will slow down for us to catch our breaths.  Things here are as busy as ever while I am simultaneously finishing up my MOPS group's newsletter, a cookbook compiled by the MOPS ladies, getting our house ready to rent out, and training for a half-marathon that is only a month away now.  Oh, yeah, and being Mommy to my little rug rats.
    That being said, I can always find a little time to be creative.  It is my outlet.  So here's what I'm working on today: a bunch of thank-you notes for the helpers at church who watch our kiddos while we do "official" MOPS business.  I'd rather be busy than bored!  Hope you're enjoying your Wednesday!

 This set of cards will be monogrammed for a customer.

I just received this shipment of envelopes with European flaps.  I heart envelopes!

Monogrammed Wall Hanging Tutorial

Here's what I'm working on this week: a monogrammed plaque for my new nephew's nursery. This is how I made it.

I started by painting a large wooden plaque that I purchased at Michael's.

I then cut out a large letter using my Cricut machine.  You could also cut it by hand. I adhered it using simple Elmer's glue.

I painted the beveled edge of the plaque a chartreuse green to coordinate with the pattern on the letter.

I then nailed on a picture hanger (available at any hardware store, or Walmart).

Hang it up!

Hopefully my brother and his wife will enjoy this little addition for their little addition!