debor026

I found an idea on Pinterest ( originally from Lucy Designs ) that I wanted to try out. But, since she doesn't have a tutorial, I thought I'd explain a few things about it that I was wondering as I went into this project. What you need: 2 urns/pots 2 tomato cages (these were 56 inches from tip to end) Garland (for my size of cage it took 6 of the 9 foot garlands, or 54 feet, for each tree) Lights (I used two 100 light (24 foot) strings per tree) The total height of my finished trees is 67 inches. As I was buying the tomato cages (yup, they do still have some at Home Depot) I checked the fit of the cages to the pots and it was perfect to sit in there as they were. They are not in any way secured to the pots and can lift right out. I love this because it means I can store the trees and use the pots throughout the year and when the plants die in the fall I can just set the trees over the top of the pot and into the rim. Since I just bought these pots, the inside is still compl...

A few months back I saw someone demonstrate a way to tie up extension cords that I thought was just genius (see the technique here ). Then today I realized I could apply the same method to make a bracelet and it came out pretty cute in just a couple of minutes. If you'd like to make your own, here are the steps. 1. Create a loop in your string. 2. Feed the long end of the string into the loop, making another loop. 3. Pull the first loop tight to create a slip knot. 4. Feed the long end of the string into the loop to make another loop but do not pull it tight this time. Repeat this step to your desired length. Because of the loops you will have a little play in the bracelet that will allow you to slip it on even if you knot the ends like I did but you could attach some jewelry findings instead if you would prefer. To get the look of my bracelet I just did the steps above with 4 strings at once (with hemp cord) instead of a single string. I estimate you can have this finished in ...

The new office is painted! We got all of the stuff moved in and it looks so nice and clean. I just love it. We started with this room and here is where we have gotten to thus far. Our Office To Do list: - Run network line to office - Add light to ceiling in office - Paint office gray and ceiling white -Add trim to door of office (we installed the door 3 years ago and never trimmed it, oops) -Hang window blinds in office - Move all the furniture/stuff between rooms -Select pictures/artwork for office For anyone wondering, the paint colors are Dark Granite on the walls and Billowy Down on the ceiling, both from Behr. Boys' Room To Do list: -Paint boys' room navy blue (they want to keep the color they have now) with white stripes -Add shelves above beds in boys' room for treasures -Add bedside lamps -Hang new curtains in boys' room - Move all the furniture/stuff between rooms This is the boys' room at the moment, carpets freshly shampooed, and it will be the next l...

Well, the office is not quite ready to show you so, until it is, here is a slightly amusing story to tide you over. As many of you use Facebook I'm sure you're aware that they are constantly breaking everything tweaking their site. In this latest revision our posts and comments are visible to friends of friends even more than ever before and this can have some amusing consequences. Husband was recently commenting with a friend about a new video game they are both enjoying (as are several million others according to the record breaking sales numbers) and he got some fun hatemail in his Facebook inbox this morning. He decided to not respond and encourage the random internet person but I thought it would be more fun to yank his (her?) chain. The Facebook message Husband recieved looked like this (some minor language): you have a kids and your playing games? are you fucken kidding me? put the toys away little boy and take your kid to the park or spend some time with it. .i swea...

As I was digging around in my bead box last night, looking for my friend's stone (for the cabochon posted here ), I found several projects I had started but never finished. I started this pendant a year ago (based on the work of this artist ) and last night I finished up the wire twisting. There are several more half finished projects in the box I'm looking forward to finishing up so I'm sure you'll see a few more on here soon. I'm not posting a tutorial on this one since the idea was not created by me and the artist sells her creations (her etsy is here if you want to check it out).

A friend of mine who knows I sometimes make jewelry asked if I could take a look at a small stone she has and see if I could make a pendant for her. Last night as I browsed Pinterest I found this pin (originally from here ) for a cabochon tutorial. The tutorial is for a round stone but I figured I could adapt it somewhat for this purpose and here is what I came up with:

And the winner of the bracelet is: Samantha! Who said: Check your email Samantha!

I do not have a project to post today as we went out on the town instead of creating this weekend. I went to the Fantasies in Chocolate gala with Husband and several of our neighbors. It was my first time there and it's definitely going to be repeated. Great friends, dinner, wine, chocolate everywhere , and dancing. It was really lovely. My friend Zoe took the above picture and, since I didn't take my camera with me, I'll have to ask a couple other friends if I can share a few other shots with you because the place really looked amazing! I hope you had a great weekend too and I'll tomorrow I'll post the winner for Saturday's giveaway!

The rest of the dollhouse story can be found at Part I - The original derelict Part II - Fixing her up Part III - Repaired and pretty A couple months ago I showed you the dollhouse I had when I was little that I fixed up for my kids. Now I thought I might show you how my dad built those original stairs that stood up to all those years of abuse. The stairs are built from a single board, just one piece of 2x4. You can use a radial arm saw or a circular saw (you may want to make a jig for the second option). The blade is tilted at a 45 degree angle and the cuts are made 1/2" apart. Cut all of the angles one direction, turn the board around and cut them the other way. Now it looks like teeth. Now it's just a matter of tipping it up to nail it in place and you have sturdy stairs that will stand the test of years and kiddos.

It's time for the seasonal Pinterest challenge (hosted by YHL , Bower Power , Ana White and Erin from House of Earnest ) where you make something you pinned on Pinterest. It's a great encouragement to actually get that project going that you were so inspired by. Lemon Tree Creations is also hosting a Pinsperation party and you can check that out here . I saw this on Pinterest (originally from here ) and created my Grow headboard (my original post with more pictures here ). Original Inspiration: My creation: And I saw this on Pinterest (originally from here ) and created my own colorful version (my original post with more pictures here ). Original Inspiration: My creation: Have you made something after getting inspiration from a Pinterest pin? Play along over at Young House Love , Bower Power , Ana White’s , and House of Earnest . You can also join in over at Lemon Tree Creations . Don't forget, Saturday is the last day to enter for the bracelet giveaway !

300 posts! My little blog is getting so big. As promised today I am doing a giveaway, the info is at the end of this post. (This giveaway is now closed but the tutorial is still good!) This is the necklace I showed you yesterday and today I'm going to show you how simple it is to make if you want to try it out. You need beading wire, a small piece of tiger tail or a beading needle, seed beads, and 1-2 dozen larger beads that have a hole small enough the seed beads don't fit inside. If you are using tiger tail you can fold it in half and crimp the end (as pictured) to make a threading needle that will hold your thread. String 16 seed beads, 1 large bead, and then 5 more seed beads. Count back to the 11th bead of the 16 (leaving 5 after it before the large one) and run the thread through that bead a second time in the same direction as you did originally. Pull the loose thread through and this is what you will have. Now repeat this until the bracelet/necklace is the desired ...