Family Tree Art

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Don’t you love Martha Stewart?  I do.  Her ideas are fantastic, like this tip to keep a gallery wall looking organized, and this family tree art.  When I saw this idea, I knew I had to try it.  So, I painted a canvas and bought paint pens from  Michael’s and made a family tree for Ben’s side and my side of the family.  You can see one peeking through the door in this photo. 

While I like the sentiment, I hate my handwriting.  I guess I’m like my friend Jen in that regard.  When I went to IKEA last summer, I snagged two 20 inch square Ribba frames.  They were silver (they were $5.00 cheaper than the white) so I spray painted them white while painting some other frames for the hall. 

Then, I got to work in Photoshop.  My mat opening is 11.5 inches square, so I recreated the design, updating with babies and marriages in our families since 2008.  Once I completed the designs, I went to FedEx Office, formerly Kinko’s and had the designs printed as 12 inch square prints on plain white paper. 

I taped the design to the back of the mat and placed the new designs in frames.  I used the Century Gothic font at 9 point, but because the designs are in a hall, they will only be viewed close up.

I really love the cleaner, sleeker look.

Now, we have two custom, framed family trees hanging on either side of the main bathroom door.

Martha has great ideas for other family tree styles, too.  Do you have a family tree?  Any other art to show off your family?  I have a different family tree art piece as well, for sale in our Etsy shop.  I’m considering adding a printed version including a customized option of adding family members names within the rings.  Are you interested?  I’d love to work with you to create a custom art design.

Basement Progress: Laundry Room

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Guess what we Ben did this weekend?  I’ll give you a hint.  It involved a little of this:

Yep, that’s sheet rock.  Ben wants to get into reloading (for bullets and other gun stuff) and he needs workspace.  We decided the laundry room was perfect for him, so we’re finally starting to work on it, which sort of came out of left field.  As of a few weeks ago, we had no intentions to work on the laundry room.

Remember the ugly truth in this post?  That’s what we started with.  After clearing out some of the paint and random junk, things were looking a little better.

After clearing everything out, Ben vacuumed the space, with a little help.

With the laundry room cleaned, Ben got down to business while I played with the boys. 

Before Ben could hang any sheet rock, he had to run wiring for outlets and a new light and switch the dryer duct work.  Then, he started with the longest wall, behind the washer and dryer.

We debated where we could sheet rock to on the back wall.  You see, our electric panel and tankless water heater (which is hanging on the studs) are on the back wall, and we still need access to the left wall to plumb our shower under the stairwell.  And, our geothermal system and pressure tank are a pain to work around.

So, Ben did some more wiring and we were able to sheet rock almost to the corner. 

The left wall and ceiling will be exposed.  Afterall, this is a utility room and if anything happens to leak, we’ll know about it as both bathrooms are directly above this room.  Also, some plumbing hangs about 1 foot down from the ceiling, so it would still be ugly.  We plan to remedy this with a wall of curtains along the entire left side, to conceal everything, but keep it accessible. 

Taping, mudding and sanding still to come, but it’s progress.

Already lighter and brighter, no?  On the laundry list: Get new, front loading, stacking washer and dryer set (to be delivered by or on March 3!  Ben got us a screaming good deal, too.  Stay tuned for more details), build storage drawer and cabinet system, configure Ben’s workshop area, buy/sew curtains, prime, paint, tile the floors.  Yeah, lots to do still, but at least we’re starting! 

What’s on your to do list?  Anything you love about your laundry room?  Tons of storage?  A place to iron and fold clothes?  Natural light streaming in?  What is essential to your laundry room function, other than a washer and dryer?

Cool, DIY-able Lighting

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There are so many lighting options, many of which are expensive.  I decided to make a coffee filter light for our guest bedroom and that got my wheels turning.  Here are a few other affordable, DIY options I threw around.

1.  Spray paint an outdated chandelier.

2.  Using Mod Podge to cover an ugly fixture with book pages, maps or another pretty paper to achieve an Anthropologie-esque feel.

via Centsational Girl

3.  Use string, glue and an inflatable ball to make a Moooi Random Pendant look-alike.

Here’s Jen from Made By Girls version:

via Made By Girl

4.  Using wood veneer strips or iron on tape to create a Sarah Foote style light.

via Sarah Foote

Here’s a great tutorial I think I’m going to try to replace the fan in the boys bedroom.

Of course, there are many other great DIY friendly lighting designs.  What are your favorites?  I’ve seen some cage pendants, but those don’t really fit my style, though I think they are cool.  I’m open to any ideas, so share links, too!

Gimme a Giveaway: YBH Winner

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We had a variety of both domesticated and wild animals you’d like to have for pets.  I would choose a penguin, because I think they’re adorable and funny, and the kids might like it.  Ben would choose a moose because they are large and majestic.

Getting down to business, the winner of one 4 inch by 4 inch custom pet portrait is number 97, Kris, who has orange tabbies, but thinks a Beagle would be fun.

Happy weekend to all!  We’ll see you back here on Monday!

New Art in the House

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And in the Etsy shop!  I’ve been working on a cool, modern, abstract art series.  Our new pieces are one-of-a-kind and hand cut by me. 

You caught a glimpse of the new art in the small basement bedroom.  This is the smaller version:

Small designs measure about 3 inches tall by 2 inches wide on a 5.5 inch by 8 inch piece of cardstock, which fits perfectly in a matted 5 by 7 frame.

Large:

The large design measures approximately 4.5 inches tall by 3.5 inches wide on an 8.5 inch by 11 inch piece of cardstock with a large border for framing. 

Each piece is hand cut, so each design is unique. 

Also, I am now taking three orders for custom pillow covers on a first come, first serve basis.  Please convo me through Etsy to discuss your preferences, options, and for a price quote.