Creations from my heart

Ever wondered how they get that look?

Well now you too can have that one of a kind
custom decorated Christmas Tree.

Last week I held one of my Christmas Tree Decorating Classes.
Here's one of my Creations.....

I was asked if I had ever considered making a DVD on
"How to Do Decorate a Tree".

Great idea!
Many times people can't attend my class or live to far away.
I have created an HOUR long DVD.
(which can be purchased HERE)

During the DVD I will discuss...
• Theme trees
• What supplies you need and what quantity
• Where to purchase your supplies
• Decorating Tips and Tricks

I will demonstrate how to decorate a 9' Christmas Tree
from start to finish.
You'll learn the MANY "tricks of the trade"
to getting that custom look.

By the end of the DVD you will have seen how an ordinary artificial Christmas Tree becomes a beautiful holiday creation.

This holiday season, are you interested in learning
how to create a Christmas Tree that will have everyone asking....
"How did you do that"?

You can find the DVD on my ETSY shop HERE.
If you purchase the DVD,
feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

Here's a few more of my Christmas Tree Creations.....

So don't wait...

Pull out your Christmas Tree

and turn it into somthing WONDERFUL!

I'll be linking to the following sites this week.
Check them out for lots of creative ideas....

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

50th Anniversary Board Filled with Memories.....

2011-11-01T20:21:00.000-04:00

Don't you just LOVE the old

Black and White wedding photos?

A few weeks ago

I got a request to make a 50th Wedding Anniversary Board.

It was for a surprise anniversary party.

The original wedding album was falling apart.

I was told to use the original photos,

and not to worry if I cut them to size....

I headed to Hobby Lobby to find just the right paper....

I used a LARGE foam core board

that I also purchased at Hobby Lobby.

I covered the board with the assorted paper....

I think the paper works well with the Back and White photos.

I then cut strips of paper to use as a border...

I added the strips to separate the different papers.

This helped to make the paper POP!

I usually use ribbon instead of paper,

but I couldn't find the perfect ribbon.

This worked out well and at .20 cents for a sheet of paper,

this was much cheaper than buying a bolt of ribbon.

Next I started with the main photo.

I matted it on a special piece of paper

and embellished it with a gold ribbon and pearl button.

Next I strated cropping the other photos

and mounting them onto the board.

I matted a few of the photos with a gold mat.

More embellishing with pretty ribbons.

Added a special Saying and an old key.

I love adding saying to the photos.

I think it helps to personalize the photos.

Here's more photos with the sayings attached...

Here's a tip...

Once I have found a saying I am going to use,

I change the font and then save it to a file.

I keep a file with different categories.

In each of those files are sayings.

It makes things easier when I am looking for things.

All the photos were double matted with black and gold card stock.

I included the original invitation.

Here's a peek at the finished board.

I knew the daughter was happy

She left crying!

If you're interested in learning on how to make a memory board

check out my Esty site Here.

I'll be linking up to the following sites....

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

Changing Over the Front Porch....

2011-10-12T17:11:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year here in Michigan.

The leaves are changing colors

it's time to pull out the pretty PINK flowers

and bring out the Fall Decor.

First let me share with you the front porch

with all the Summer decor.

Love PINK...

So I always do all my flowers in shades of Pink!

NEVER a naked front door at my house.

Always have a wreath to greet my guests.

I make all my wreaths.

Would you like to learn how to make this wreath?

I have a DVD listed on my Etsy.

Check it out HERE.

It's easy to do.

You could have one of these on your front door also!

Found this ribbon at Hobby Lobby.

Just love the punch of Lime Green color.

My Etsy DVD even shows how to make these door cans!

Well here's the front door Fall makeover...

I really don't like the cool weather here in Michigan,

but the Fall colors are beautiful.

Another wreath for another season....

Different Door Cans.

These make perfect hostess gifts for the holidays.

Pulled out the geraniums

and added Pansies for a POP of color.

Had this guy for years.

It was one of my first projects using a Jig Saw.

What a cute Face!

I added a basket filled with straw.

Here's another of my woodworking projects.

I just sat him on a few bales of hay.

Gotta love the face and the spanish moss hair.

The little black bird helps to keep him company!

Sprayed an old bucket orange

and plopped some pansies in for color.

Hope I've inspired you to get outside

and start putting out your fall decor.

When your guests visit,

it will put a smile on their face.

I'll be linking up to the following wonderful sites.....

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

Making the World Cutter

Just Something I Whipped Up

Motivate me Monday

Metomorphosis Monday
Market Yourself Monday
DIY Showoff
Marketing Monday
Made By You Mondays
Marketing Mondays
CraftOManiac
Just Something I Whipped Up

Sweet Dreams ......

2011-09-27T17:47:00.000-04:00

What do I like most of all about my "REAL" job?

The opportunity to be creative.

I love to create.

Being able to be creative while working at my

"REAL JOB"

is something that I am very fortunate to be able to do.

Here is one of my absolute favorite rooms I created for a client...

This was done for one of my favorite client's daughters.

I have done almost every room in their beautiful house.

She is a client who I now consider a friend.

I always enjoy having her call with the next project.

I designed and made everything except the bedspread.

The canopy with crown required a total of 40 yards of fabric.

We used a soft ivory and pale lavender dupioni silk

for the panels and crown.

Between the ivory and lavender silk

we used interlining to make it more luxurious.

Lots of beaded trim was used to embellish the crown

and leading edge of the panels.

The pillows were made from an additional bedspread and coordinating fabrics.

In addition to the bed,

I designed a window treatment for the large bay window.

The cornice was covered by shirring on the lavender silk fabric.

I added a triangle swag edged with the beaded trim.

The swag was attached by using two decorative drapery finials.

The dressing table needed a bench.

She wanted it to be like an upholstered piece of furniture.

I had never made one before,

but what the heck,

I would give it a try.....

Not bad for a first attempt!

I decided to make a plywood box with a top on it.

Then I just covered the entire box with the fabrics.

I added a thick piece of foam on top,

covered it with fabric and added some buttons.

The other day I got a call from my friend "the client" ...

Her youngest daughter just graduated

and decided to live at home while going to school.

She wants a room just like her BIG sister....

Can't wait to get started!

I'll share photos when the job is complete.

I'll be linking up to....

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

A Lampshade Facelift....

2011-09-09T23:44:00.001-04:00

Do you have a wonderful lamp

that has just an ordinary Lampshade?

You can change that with some fabric and trim.

My friend Shelly had that exact problem.

Take a Look...

Nice Lamp..... Ordinary Lampshade...

It took about an hour.

What a face lift!

I searched my drapery fabric stash and came up with this combo.

I knew there was a reason I save all these small scraps.

Two different fabrics and three different trims,

gives this lamp a one of a kind look.

I love how the light shines through the fabric.

The loop trim finished off the lower edge of the shade.

Here's another one of shelly's "not so special" lampshades.

The lamp was really cute...

The lampshade not so much....

Here's another fabric and trim combo.

Take a closer look...

I delivered them to Shelly and she smiled!

She has a beautiful home.

It was the perfert touch

for the lampshade....

She had two of these lamps and I covered both lampshades.

Here's the other one....

I love the way it reflects in the set of mirrors....

Here's the other lamp,

sitting in it's new home.

Do I have you thinking

about changing any lamp shades in your house?

You can do it!

You'll be suprised how easy this can be

and the final result will give you a one of a kind look

that you will LOVE.

I have enterered these one of a kind lampshades int the
"Crafting with the Stars" contest.
Stop by and Check it out.

I'll be linking up to....

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

Making the World Cutter

Just Something I Whipped Up

Motivate me Monday

Metomorphosis Monday
Market Yourself Monday
DIY Showoff
Marketing Monday
Made By You Mondays
Marketing Mondays
CraftOManiac
Just Something I Whipped Up

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

First Day of School Tradition

2011-09-06T09:45:00.000-04:00

The FIRST day of school is special at our house.

It's a yearly tradition....

A special sign to start the school year off with some HOOPLA...

Yesterday, my youngest son said,

"Did you start the special sign for school yet?"

I tried to look bewildered,

not wanting to let on that I knew what he was talking about.

The sign was made and ready to be hung.

I always wait till they go to bed and then hang it.

That way it's a suprise

when they come into the kitchen in the morning.

Hard to believe my youngest is a SENIOR!

He wanted to wear his new glasses today.

Dad even got in on the picture taking this morning!

This morning, 5:45 came WAY to early for me!

I had a hard time falling asleep,

just knowing that we had to be up early for school.

No time to curl my hair or put on makeup.

Sometimes you just can't miss a Kodak moment

even though you don't look so great!

It's not to late to suprise your kids with a fun

"First Day of School" sign.

Have one ready for when they hop off the bus!

It's sure to put a smile on their face

and you'll have your own Kodak Moment!

I'll be linking up to.....

Making the World Cutter

Just Something I Whipped Up

Motivate me Monday

Metomorphosis Monday
Market Yourself Monday
DIY Showoff
Marketing Monday
Made By You Mondays
Marketing Mondays
CraftOManiac
Just Something I Whipped Up

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Somthing for the Garden...

2011-08-30T13:55:00.000-04:00

Need a "Thank You" gift for someone special?

Why not give them a gift for their garden....

In my life I have been blessed with a handful of friends who

are always doing "Something Special" for me.

Friends that don't wait for you to ask, they just offer.

Do you know the type of friend I am talking about?

My Friend Sharon is one of those friends.

She has really blessed me my offering to help me

with my bedroom makeover.

I decided to paint all the furniture rather than buy new furniture.

Painting is her talent.

She recently helped me

and I wanted to let her know

how much I appreciated her help.

I decided to make her a piece of garden art....

I have quite a stash

of glass pieces I have collected to make my little treasures.

Vases....

Plates....

Wine Decanters....

and Votive Holders

were all used to create this garden art.

In addition to the glass garden art

I decided to put together a basket filled with little gifts...

I wrapped it with a pretty plaid ribbon bow and it was complete!

I made a frame with a special saying about "Friends".

The frame had a pretty ribbon on it.

In the center of the ribbon I used something special.

Awhile back, Sharon had given me a bunch of cameos

her mother-in-law had hand painted.

At the time she gave them to me, she said,

"I know you will put them to good use".

One of these cameos was the perfect thing to add to the frame.

Here's a closer look at the cameo.

I hand delivered the gift.

When she saw the piece of Garden Art

she knew exactly where she would put it.

Right by her RED front door!

It warms my heart to see it displayed in her garden.

Life has many blessings.

One of those blessings are wonderful friends!

I'll be linking up to....

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Add Some Nail Heads to a Cornice...

2011-08-25T11:15:00.002-04:00

Looking to add some extra detail to a window treatment?

Recently I completed a drapery job for a client.

Here's the before photo...

And Here's the completed job...

The great room had just recently be redone.

I was called in to soften the room with fabric.

What to do?

It was a large room with some heavy elements....

I designed window treatments and custom pillows

that fit into the room perfectly.

Here's another view of the large window that needed

some accessorizing with fabrics.

The windows on either side of the fireplace

were flanked with window treatments

that had some extra special detail.

Sometimes just by adding nailheads to a cornice,

that will give you the added WOW factor you're looking for.

The cornice was covered with a dupioni silk fabric.

Next was to draw the design for the nail heads onto tissue paper,

and then transfer the design onto the cornice.

Each nail headed was then pounded in individually.

This took some time, but was well worth the effort.

I ordered the Fleur-De-Lis wood appliqué from

Van Dykes Restores.

It comes unfinished.

It was painted to match the finish of the nail heads.

This appliqué was 9" tall.

It comes in various sizes which you can view Here.

Here is a close up of the deatil.

It was a sunny day so the photos are not top quality.

The kitchen is attached to the great room,

so the window over the sink

needed to have a bit of WOW factor also.

I chose two coordinating fabrics

that worked well with the solid fabric in the great room.

The window treatment had some extra "Bells and Whistles".

The jabots was made out of an embroidered silk fabric.

Each jabot was attached to the arched cornice

with wooden medallions.

Pretty tassels hung from the end of each of the jabots.

The cornices arched shaped helped to frame the windows

beautiful view of the lake.

I loved the challenge

and the client LOVED her new window treatments!

I'll be linking up to.....

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase
Amaze Me Monday

Designing a Window Treatment....

2011-08-04T09:37:00.000-04:00

Thought I would share with you a drapery job,

that I recently completed for a client.

Here's the naked windows that were in need of some draperies.

My client's house is decorated with an Asian flair.

I came up with the perfect window treatment design

to compliment her design style.

Take a look....

The asymmetrical design framed the fireplace.

I choose two neutral tone fabrics for the window treatments.

One of the fabrics was a solid, with a crinkle texture.

The other fabric had tone on a tone leaf design.

The jabot had a handmade tassel that I designed and made.

It was the PERFECT accessory to dress up this window treatment.

To make the tassel I first cut a square from a piece of wood.

I have learned to use many "MANLY TOOLS"
over the years of constructing window treatments.

After the square was cut,
I painted it with the same color as the fabrics,
and then wrapped it with some decorative black thread.

I added a tassel that I made from some speciality yarns.

What do you think?
I even surprised myself at how it come out!!!

It's always exciting to see the transformation take place.

My client was thrilled and I couldn't have been happier.

Next time you are dressing a NAKED window in your home,

take a look around your room.

Think about how you can dress your window

with a style that compliments your rooms decor.

I'll be linking up to...

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

On the Road Again... A Wonderful 51st. Birthday....

2011-07-26T15:41:00.000-04:00

I've been on the road for the last three weeks.

It's baseball season.

When you have an 18 year old son who plays travel baseball,

there isn't time for much else.

This past weekend we headed for Cincinnati and Kentucky.

While we were away it was my 51st birthday.

It was the perfect day.

I got to see my son play at the University of Cincinnati.

If you're a mother of a son who plays baseball,

it's a mother's dream to see her son play on a field like that!

We had the perfect seats, right behind the backstop.

It was hot 100 degrees, but I didn't mind.

We just sat there with a cool drink and relaxed!

Batter Up!

Can't believe this is the same little boy I watched play

Little League Baseball.

Time Flies!

Got to spend the day with two of my favorite guys!

My Hubby....

And my youngest son!

A PERFECT way to spend a

PERFECT DAY!

A Topiary With a Little Birdie and Nest....

2011-07-26T14:26:00.000-04:00

Summer is busy.

When time is limited,

I'm always looking for a quick decorating project.

My kitchen window needed something.

So here's the finished project.

It all started with this clearance vase from Michaels.

I had picked it up last season,

knowing it would be perfect for something, someday!

Now that I decided what I was going to create,

I headed over to the craft store

to pick up some items.

All I needed was some styrofoam,

spanish moss, a bush of ivy

and a little birdie in a nest.

Off to the back yard to find a stick

for the stem of the topiary.

Luckily we had a rain storm,

so there were lots of branches laying in the backyard.

I ~~put~~ crammed a piece of styrofoam into the vase.

Next step,

push the branch into the styrofoam.

I added some glue to the branch

before putting it into the styrofoam.

Next, cut various lengths of ivy using wire cutters.

Once this is complete,

glue (with a hot glue gun) the pieces of Ivy to the top of the branch. Arrange the ivy so that it is in the shape of a ball.

While out searching for the larger branch,

I had picked up a bunch of small twigs.

I arranged them around the stem

and secured them with a piece of jute twine.

I added some ivy to the base.

Now time to nestle the little bird and nest into the ivy.

I embellished the nest with some small twigs.

All done!

It's perfect sitting by the window.

It was quick easy and inexpensive to do.

Got a little bit of time?

Try this.

I think you'll love it also!

I'm linking up to the following....

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

What To Do With Graduation Photos...

2011-07-17T16:24:00.000-04:00

What have I been up to?

Here's a guess....

At our house, June, July and August are busy months

with lots of baseball games.

I'm headed back home from a nine day baseball tournament in Georgia.

Next stop is Cincinnati!

It's a crazy summer,

but we love every minute watching our youngest play.

I don't know what we will do with all our free time

when he graduates next year.

We have also had some graduation parties to attend this summer.

I never buy greeting cards from a store, I am just to ~~cheap~~ frugile.

Have you ever wondered what to do with those graduation photos you recieve with the invitation to the party?

I always feel guilty throwing them in a drawer.

I never know where to put them.

Well here is an idea.

Make a one of a kind card to give the graduate.

Just slip a gift of money into the card.

They will love it!

Here's what I came up with...

Now I don't have to feel guilty about the picture.

Another tip....

I always add a special touch to any envelope I use.

Embellish the bottom with a piece of scrapbook paper.

Just tear the paper and glue on.

It's the little extra things that can add just the right touch.

Do you have an upcoming gradution or birthday party?

Next time try this idea.

It's bound to put a smile on the face of the person

who opens the card.

I'll be linking up to the following....

Making the World Cutter

Just Something I Whipped Up

Motivate me Monday

Metomorphosis Monday
Market Yourself Monday
DIY Showoff
Marketing Monday
Made By You Mondays
Marketing Mondays
CraftOManiac
Just Something I Whipped Up
Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

I'm Really Feeling Lucky!

2011-06-28T08:21:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful Michigan day

and it got even better when the postman stopped his truck

right in front of my house.

He dropped the priority package at the front door.

The label on the side of the box says it all,

"A VERY SPECIAL DELIVERY".

You know it's gotta be something good!

I was the VERY lucky winner of a Jo Totes Camera Bag.

I had entered the giveaway HERE at

"How Does She?"

If you haven't been to the "How Does She?" website stop by

they have so many wonderful creations.

Have you ever entered a giveaway and totally forget about it?

That's what happened to me...

The bag came wrapped in this cute blue bag.

You gotta figure anything that is wrapped so cute,

has to be wonderful.

And it was!

If you are looking for a stylish camera bag check out Jo Totes.

I had had my eye on one of these for myself.

I was able to select any camera bag I wanted.

I am a girly girl so the one with the rosette was perfect for me.

The bag is named "ROSE" and the color is Moonbeam.

The material for the cover is a beautiful metallic blue color

with a lambskin print.

Check out the rosette!

For Christmas I got a new Canon Rebel camera.

Can you believe it's still in the box!

I must admit that I am a bit intimidated by using the camera.

This new camera bag finally got me to open the box

and decide to try and use my Christmas gift!

The camera bag has padded inserts.

You can arrange your camera and all it's accessories

inside the bag.

Everything fits perfectly.

There is plently of room inside the bag.

You can even carry some of your personal items.

Now I am all set to start using my camera.

Carry it like a camera bag, using the sholder strap.

(took the photo with my old camera)

Or...

Carry the bag like a purse.

Isn't it so darn cute?

It's more than just a camera bag!

It has such style.

I am so excited to take my new camera bag out .

Thanks Jo Totes

and

"How Does She?"

I'll be linking up to the following sites....

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

What I REALLY Do ....

2011-06-21T16:38:00.000-04:00

Over the past few years I have shared with you many things I have created, but I haven't showed you what I "Really Do".

What I mean, is what I do for my

"REAL JOB".

Today I thought I would share with you

some of my custom drapery creations.

"Creations by Sherry Lynn"

has been my custom drapery business for about 16 years.

I love designing and creating things for my clients.

Here's what I have been up to the last few weeks....

This was a very large window.

I added some decorative elements.

I chose to use a large tassel

to hang from the finials on the ends of the rod.

The client had a beautiful chandelier

hanging from the center of the ceiling.

Because the window was very wide,

I shirred the cornice fabric to give it some additional texture.

I also selected a beautiful trim with crystal beads.

This window was in a master bathroom.

I choose to use a beautiful embroidered faux silk fabric.

The walls were painted a pale blue. The clients had inherited an oriental rug which had a variety of shades of blue.

The tassel trim added the perfect touch!

In addition to the bathroom

the clients had two identical windows in the office.

These simple empire style window treatments

were exactly what she wanted.

I love adding to trim to the drapery treatments.

I think it takes the drapes from ordinary to extra-ordinary!

These last two rooms were just installed this morning.

This window treatment was for a client who is a recent widow.

She wanted something bright and cheery

for her living room window.

I added a striped fabric cut on the bias.

This was the perfect coordinate for the floral fabric.

Now this last job took some work.

The window was so large I could not fit the entire window

into the picture.

The bay window had FIVE sides to it!

Each cornice was made separate.

The jabots covered where the cornices were joined together.

Here's the other end of the window.

It was a total of 27' of cornices.

I was nervous the entire time the installation was taking place.

One wrong measure on my part, and all the angles would be off.

The cornice had to go up in one piece.

Because the window treatment was going right up to the ceiling,

all the jabots and drapery panels

were attached before we put it up.

Early this morning I had to recuit my two boys to help with the install. This is the first time I have needed them to help.

(I had to buy them lunch after!)

To get the cornice installed, it took my installer, myself and my two sons to hoist the cornice 9' up to the ceiling.

Once the bay was installed I let out a BIG sigh of relief.

The 4' arched cornice over the sink was a breeze to intstall!

I don't know why I haven't shared with you my drapery creations.

If you want to see more head on over to Sharon's blog.

I recently did a few rooms for her

and she was so sweet to post about them!

I'll be sharing this with the following sites.

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Get Your Craft On

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

More Graduation Boards

2011-06-17T10:30:00.001-04:00

I've had several orders for graduation boards the past few weeks.

This mom had LOTS of photos (almost 60) she wanted displayed.

That was a challenge, but I was up for it!

Here's was I came up with....

I have a few tips for you to make your boards extra special.

Tip #1....

I cut mats for the extra special photos.

I want them to POP off the board

when people first look at it.

Embellished them with a ribbon and button.

It adds a special touch to the frame.

This gentleman is attending Michigan State University next year.

His mom gave me his acceptance letter

to incorporate onto the board.

I also matted the cute baby photo...

A ribbon, button and special saying was added to the photo.

Here's tip #2...

I find most of my saying on "quotegarden.com".

Once you find a saying you like

make a folder of different categories on your computer.

I copy the saying and type it out using different fonts.

Once I have it exactly how I want it, I save it to a file.

Next time I need that quote,

I just open up the file and it's ready to use.

I have folder for all different categories.

Mother, Father, Grandchildren, School, Friends, Pets, Love

and many more....

Here's Tip #3...

This student had many awards.

Most awards are 8"x11"

which takes up way to much room on the memory board.

Copy the award in color, reducing the size about 60%.

This works great!

Take a look at the National Honors Society Award.

It's also great for a student to get their name in the paper.

Use the same tip as the award and shrink it down.

Here's tip #4...

I double mat all my photos.

After I mat them, I distress them with metallic craft paint.

I use either silver or gold.

Just use a sponge and wipe it on.

This adds something special.

It's a bit of work to double mat the photos and add the paint

but it's well worth it!

Last tip but most IMPORTANT...

I attach all the photos to a large foam core board.

It's extra sturdy.

I purchase them at Hobby Lobby.

They carry extra large boards which can be easily cut down

with an X-ACTO blade to any size you need.

After all my photos are matted,

I then add small blocks of foam core

to the backs of some of the photos.

This helps to give the board a 3D effect.

Here's a side view...

Can you see the piece of foam core

behind the National Honor Society Award?

The young man's mom picked up the board this week.

I had it displayed in my kitchen.

When she saw it she cried.

It was a good thing...

I knew she loved it!!!

If you are interested in making a one of a kind

graduation memory board and centerpiece

I have a "HOW TO" video on my ETSY shop.

Take a look HERE.

I'll be linking up to the following...

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

Making the World Cutter

Just Something I Whipped Up

Motivate me Monday

Metomorphosis Monday
Market Yourself Monday
DIY Showoff
Marketing Monday
Made By You Mondays
Marketing Mondays
CraftOManiac
Just Something I Whipped Up

Learn to Make a Graduation Board....

2011-06-03T11:53:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year for Graduation Parties...

Here are some Graduation Memory Boards that I have created.

They are a creation that will become something to treasure.

Mat your graduation photos

and select some wonderful scrapbook paper.

This will give you that one of a kind look,

that will have everyone asking

"Where did you get this memory board"?

Ribbon, rhinestones and some paper with sparkle and bling

will add to the custom look.

Use some letter stamps

and put a special saying on the memory board.

Add a special poem ....

Do you want to learn how to make this board?

I have a DVD with step by step directions from start to finish.

I filmed it for my "Fancy That" TV show.

The DVD is $11.00 plus shipping.

Head on over to my Etsy Shop HERE... to order.

I also have two other DVD's for sale.

Creating a custom wreath with matching door cans.

Creating a custom lampshade step by step.

The Graduation DVD also teaches you how to make a one of a kind centerpiece that is great for your tables for any type of celebration.

When you order the DVD I will email you the graduation saying

ready to be printed.

Here's the centerpiece...

Just recently one of my readers ordered the Graduation DVD,

and here is what she wrote to me...

I love the videos! They are so clean and crisp.

I started croping my pictures last night and matting them, today I will continue and hopefully finish by tomorrow. I will definitely get pictures taken of the end results and of course a picture of my niece with it, so you can see it.

Susan Escobar, Texas.

Do you have a boy who is graduating?

Do you know a boy who is graduating?

Here are some other examples...

This board features school photos

from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Why not change the photos up a bit?

Add photos of friends and family.

Photos done in a sepia tone with just a few colored photos...

These memory board are wonderful

to make for your upcoming graduation party.

Do you have a graduation party to go to this summer?

This would be a wonderful gift.

Why not make them this wonderful treasure.

It will be a hit at the party

and will become a wonderful keepsake

to display for years to come.

I'll be linking this memory board to the following sites....

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

Making the World Cutter

Just Something I Whipped Up

Motivate me Monday

Metomorphosis Monday
Market Yourself Monday
DIY Showoff
Marketing Monday
Made By You Mondays
Marketing Mondays
CraftOManiac
Just Something I Whipped Up

Lampshades for the Master Bedroom...

2011-05-03T15:46:00.001-04:00

The furniture painting continues.

I am hoping to have all the painting done by the end of next week.

One of the nightstands is ALMOST complete,

it just needs the hardware.

My husband has been putting up with no lampshades

on the lamps for about two months now.

He's a patient guy when I am in the middle

of one of my decorating ventures.

This past weekend he said,

"Do you think we can get some lampshades".

When this happens I know he has had enough.

I had picked up two lamps

from the Restoration Hardware outlet.

The lamps did not have any lampshades

(I'm sure that is why they were at the outlet).

I headed over to Marshalls and found two lampshades

in the clearance aisle for $10.00 each.

Here's what they looked like.

Nothing special.

I had envisioned a linen fabric shade.

I didn't like the fabric on them, but not to worry...

I'll just recover it.

It's easy to do.

If you haven't seen my video on recovering a lampshade

it's on my sidebar, or go HERE to watch it.

I'll show you just how easy it can be.

I ordered a piece of linen fabric in the perfect color
to match the bedding.

I know it looks messy but just wait a minute,

I need to add the trim!

Much better!

I added some gimp trim and a wide flat braid trim

around the bottom and top of the shade.

The flat trim had a hint of the wall color.

Now for a sneak peek at the nightstands.

Just a hint of what is to come...

A mirror that was antiqued and added to the top of the nightstand!

Do you see the new color of the furniture?

More photos of the master bedroom makeover to come.

For now I will be working hard to finish up this re-do,

and linking to.....

Get Your Craft On

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Anything Relate

Make it Yours Day

Show and Tell Wednesday

Look What I Made

Works For Me Wednesday

Whatever goes Wednesday

Tea Rose Home Party
Spotlight Yourself Wednesday
Hoo's Got Talent

Strut Your Stuff

Get Your Craft On

Thrifty Thursday

Transformation Thursday
Show Off Your Stuff
Under a $100.00

Frugalisious Friday

Show and Tell Friday
Feature Yourself Friday

remodelaholic anonymous
Boost My Blog Friday
Frugal Friday
Show and Share

Saturday Nite Special

Pink Saturday
Check Me out Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Saturday is Crafty Day
Sundae Scoop
The Sunday Showcase

The Bedroom Makeover is in Full Swing!

2011-04-28T15:59:00.004-04:00

I have been missing!

Missing from the blog world.

I'm in full swing of redecorating my master bedroom.

While trying to re decorate and run a business,

I have found I have little time to ~~spend countless hours~~

browse on the computer.

In 2009, I posted HERE about starting

a master bedroom make over.

That's right, 2009.

Well it's almost May of 2011 and I am finally getting things done.

So now I am going to give you little tease

of what I have been up to with the redecorating.

Here's what the doors on the armoire looked like

before I started the project....

The armoire is Thomasville Furniture.
It's good furniture, but it is 24 years old and in need of a face lift.

So, Remember just a peek.
Here's the face lift...

My friend Sharon is a wonderful artist.

I only painted the cabinet

and even with that I had to call on her help.

She did all the wonderful flowers.

I had an inspiration photo.

I wanted the flowers to look look weathered.

Just one more peek of another project in the bedroom.
Here's the fabric I chose for the draperies.
It's a wonderful toille.
The fabric also has a weathered look to it.

I'll show you part of the draperies.

So Here is my To Do List....

Painting the Room (Done)
Crown Molding and Glazing (Done)
Wall Paper Hallway to Bedroom (Done)

New Light fixtures (Done)

New Lamps & Recover Lampshades (Done)

Recover Wing Back Chair (Done)

Make Pillow for Wing Chair (Done)

Paint Two Nightstands (One is Done)

Add Distressed Mirrors to Nightstands (Done)

Paint Armoire (Done with the help of my very good Friend Sharon)

Paint and Stain Large Dresser (In Progress)

New Draperies (Done)