A New Attitude

I came into blogging with a desire to share my projects and to help others. If my only readers are my sweet sisters, that was okay with me. But as soon as I started blogging and reading TOO many other fabulous blogs and scanning pinterest and comparing myself to others I started to doubt myself. I started trying to determine which post was "blog worthy" and which wasn't and half my projects were never posted. 

It has been a few months since my last post, and I am okay with that. I am not here to have a million sponsors and followers or make a gazillion dollars, (although that would be nice.) I am not here to spend every second of my life on the internet and ignoring everything else.  No, my goal is to help others. To encourage one person to try something they didn't think they could. Because if I can do it, ANYONE can. And I sincerely mean that. I am just a normal stay at home mom of four children, who loves to be creative and cook on a budget. That's it. 

And so with a new and improved attitude, I will be posting several transformations from the last little while that haven't made it to my blog. I also will be sharing some of my frames that I have been making for our local boutiques. I love making frames because they allow me to be daring, creative --I am kind of a wimp--and colorful on a small scale. No two are exactly alike ever. Sometimes its the structure of the frame, or the colors, or the way they distress is different. I love the variety--and how each frame takes on its own unique beauty. 

Thank you to my sweet mom and sisters who always encourage me and to my husband who always fills in the gaps when I need help!

 

My Frames

 

It all started with my desire to create a photo focal point on my wall. I love huge chunky frames so I talked my husband into building --12, yes 12 frames for me, poor guy all with 6 inch trim all the way around. Then I started painting.  I wanted all of them to be pretty neutral but also coordinate with each other and this is how they turned out. 

I had so many compliments that  I convinced my husband to cut more frames. The fall boutiques were coming up so I decided, after gentle pushes from my mom, sister, and SIL, (and with my DH's resigned acceptance) to apply for my favorite boutique - Oh Sweet Sadie. And we got in! That gave us a little over a month to make 50 frames plus a display booth.  I am not sure what I was thinking--it was SO CRAZY!  Between school starting, taking care of home and family and making that many frames was SO stressful.  Plus the thought that I wouldn't sell even one frame was hanging over my head every day as I painted, and repainted, until every frame was just how I wanted it.  What a learning experience!!   I stayed up all night and then got my kids ready for school in the morning and then painted some more. 

Finally it was time for the boutique to begin.  We set up our booth and then from across the room another vendor, Mandy--my first customer--came to us and said that she saw our frames from across the room and wanted to buy at least two of them.  My thoughts were "WOW, Really?"  Especially since the frame she wanted to buy, I had finished only an hour before.  And the rest is history, we have sold more than 40 frames since and are gearing up for the next Oh Sweet Sadie Boutique on November 14th. 

Our Booth:

 

We also make 18X18 pillow covers in awesome trendy fabrics!  I have always wanted to start my own business doing something I enjoy!  Now I get to paint and shop for fabric, and I couldn't be happier!  I am so glad I took the leap of faith and stress to do it.    Thanks for reading!

Sherwin Williams 40% off Sale

Hi friends! 

I have been a very bad blogger these days.  I thought things would slow down with the kids home and summer here, but it seems to be just the opposite.  So this coming weekend is an exciting sale that I wanted to make sure you knew about from July 20-23.  All Sherwin Williams Paints and Stains will be 40% off and all Painting Supplies will be 30% off.  On top of the sales prices you can use this coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase.  This is the BEST deal you will find on Sherwin Williams Paints.  So if you had a project in mind, buy your paint and supplies this weekend.  For some ideas on SW paint colors check out the Sweet Pickens blog.  Sausha has been using a lot of SW paints lately and there are many colors I am tempted to buy myself!

I have some really great projects, that I am finishing up and I can't wait to show you, so stay tuned!