BloggingYourWay Bootcamp

I first started to discover the fabulous world of blogging when I was at Children's Hospital shortly after my daughter was born.  I had no way of knowing that this would be my child's first helicopter ride.  We were away from home but so very grateful for the care that we were being provided which was excellent.

The little common area at the hospital had a computer for parents to use.  When it was my turn I decided to delve into figuring out how I could move my little one woman business over to the online world.  In doing so, I discovered Blogland.  I have to say, it kept me sane. I was alone and there were too many long hallways.  I so cherished visiting all those beautiful and fabulous sites that these talented women were creating.  I was in love and I wanted to be there with them.

My daughter spent roughly nine months in two hospitals her first year. It was tough.  When she slept I was on the computer striking those keys with my mission of having a presence online.  It was not long before I came across Holly's BloggingYourWay Bootcamp.  I wanted to take the course so badly but unfortunately, for the last two years my daughter was back in hospital when registration was on.

Three years has passed and I have a blog but still need to learn so much.  I was over the top thrilled when Holly opened up another registration for BloggingYourWay.  I scooted in at the last minute.  Bootcamp has been a welcome addition to my workshop.  I can hardly wait to take my little breaks so I can read the latest lessons and check out all the posts.

Now here I am.  My daughter is asleep in her little bed and not in a hospital crib. And I am still stiking away at the keys but this time with a mission to finish this homework assignment for BloggingYourWay Bootcamp.

Thank you Holly, Nicole, Jeanette and Thorston.

So very grateful.

Leaded Glass Amoire

 I just have to say that my camera obviously had sawdust in it.  Unfortunately, it is the only picture I have though.

 This is a picture of an armoire that I helped a friend build.  I had been hoarding this gorgeous old leaded glass window for a couple of  years now and thought it was time to share.  I have attachment issues I am sure.

 The window was the inspiration for this armoire.  We painted it first with a couple of coats of red latex paint and then a couple layers of mustard paint.  Brenda was horrified with the thought of banging it all up but she did. She has issues too obviously :-).  Then after much coaxing she coated it with gooey burnt umber oil paint then a coat of wax.  

It was gorgeous and she loved it.  Sorry that my picture was so bad. 

Heart Shaped Blackboard

I thought I would share with you today a tutorial on making a blackboard heart that I had come across  a while back on someone's picture of their store.  I wish I could give credit where it is due.  See them hanging on the blue dresser?

First,  find yourself a piece of scrap wood.  I chose to use a piece of 3/4" pine.  I have plenty of scrap wood in my workshop.  Trace out your desired shape.  I chose to use a heart shape.

You will need a scroll saw to cut out your pattern.

Once you have cut out your shape, it is a good idea to sand down the top and the edges.  I like to break the edges too with my sandpaper as sometimes they can be quite sharp.

Now you will require a drill and a drill bit that is large enough for your chosen material to pull through.  Drill out the holes.
 

 Sand out the holes.  Now it is time to paint your cutout with some chalkboard paint.

Choose some material that you will be threading through the holes.  I happen to have some burlap ribbon around.  Any fabric will work.  Rope or wire would work really well too.  Thread and fasten.  I used a bit of hot glue to hold the shape.

Grab yoiurself some chalk. Having a three year old helps.

 

 And write out your favourite note.  Thank you Blogging Your Way.  I would never had done this.

A quick side note.....  This tutorial took longer to produce than did the actual project.  :-)

 

Autumn Front Porch

I spent some time away from my shop this weekend and decided to decorate my parent's front porch.  I still have the other side of the porch to finish but here is a look what I have done so far.

I am still not very good at photoshop yet but I did find some pretty collages on Smilebox which is so easy to use.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Pretty Wall Unit

This pretty media centre was painted with Benjamin Moore's cloud white. The handles were purchased at Lee Valley. 

 I love the tongue and groove backing which is 3/4" thick and just over 5" wide.  The middle portion of the cabinet is roughly 18" deep and the side cabinets 15" in depth.

The compact size of televisions now allow for many more design options. I never really liked building tv units before as they were always so big and bulky. Now almost any room is able to house an impressive media centre. 

Industrial Bench

 INDUSTRIAL BENCH

 I found this fantastic crate at a junk shop and have been using it for a catch all in the back of my old truck.

Today it was so nice out that I escaped the shop on and off to create this industrial bench with a friend.

Here is my little tutorial on my Industrial Bench.

I wanted to add a little trim around the top for the foam to sit in.  I like a little more character.

I had an old coffee sack from the coffee place just down from my workshop.  It was not what I had it mind but it worked out great none the less.

A little nip and tuck and some staples.
 

Some industrial looking wheels.

VOILA!

A great little tail gate project for a sunny day.

Door Headboard

I have always enjoyed building the old door headboards and beds. Here is one I just recently finished. Jody, my customer, always makes everything I do look so pretty. I also built a kitchen for her cabin. Once I receive the hardware and have installed it I will post these pictures too.

 Thanks so much for stopping by.