Jenna Lou Loves You

The Reveal

Wow... What a process. The room was our first official home improvement project and I'm happy to say we did about 99% of the work ourselves.

I think that in size my new studio is quite comparable to my old one. It's small and that's that. But this room has a closet and WALLS! Before I was surrounded on 3 sides by huge windows. It was so great for sunlight and I can hardly remember ever having to turn a lamp on during day hours... but it was lacking in wall space for things that are tall like shelving and it just really wasn't very great for storage.

So here is my new room. It's still missing the wall shelving that will be above the Bernina... and if you look closely you may even notice a couple small pieces of base trim missing from where we decided to install the cube shelving... and I know there needs to be a couple touch ups on the paint... and the fabric for window treatments is on order, but really it's done in the sense of I'm in and it's working and today I sewed for 6 hours on my new Juki (more on this little girl tomorrow). And I can't tell you how relieved I am! After months of pushing a honey-do list on my honey and feeling like a jerk about it, and tears over paint colors and carpet men who wouldn't show up I'm just so darn happy it's done.

 

Ps. Remember what it used to look like??

Studio Inspirations

We had a really great weekend and spent hours in the new room. The paint is on, new light fixtures are up and the outlets are once again covered. Pretty much the only thing holding me back from an all out moving/reorganizing day is the carpet. We are still waiting on that, but once it's done I'll be sharing some photos. I'm really excited guys.... really excited for this!!

So today I bring you more inspiration I found around the web. Thanks to flickr I've been able to waste away many hours in a dreamy state over the past couple weeks drooling over these really fabulous craft studios.

 

credits patty young

credit pink loves brown

 

credit holdjaneshand

 

credits Lovely Design
 

Craft Room Inspiration

We are finally moving forward to the fun steps of my craft room makeover. The new ceiling is up and the textures are done. Things have taken much longer than I expected or hoped for, but we are doing all the work ourselves so it gets done when there is time and ambition (two things that are hard to come together).

But as I get closer to seeing a final product I've been spending time searching for inspiration and mostly ideas for storage. I think most crafters would all agree that they need more more more storage in their life. It seems that the bits and bobbles are never ending and the search to find the perfect place to put them all is eternal too.

So today I just thought I would share some of my favorite craft rooms from the web. They are all  SO drool worthy!!

Via paulamw

via Mania de ideias

via happysongs3

 

via saidos da concha

 

via pink loves brown

 

via contentedsparrow

 

DIY art under for under $50

Cheap art is hard to come by. I've been wanting to add a large piece in our dinning room, but I: 1. Can't afford much and 2. Couldn't find just the right thing, so when I came across these digital scrapbook stamps my mind got to work.

As a self employed, home owning, scooter-payment-making girl, thriftiness is a game I enjoy playing. 

{thrifted frames}

My first mission was to find the frames. I knew that I could save money and especially time by buying the frames from second hand shops and then fitting the digital art to the size of the frame. I didn't want to be stuck with a print size that I couldn't find a cheap frame for after all.

I got lucky by finding all my frames in 1 shop. They had a good selection that day of different sizes in similar looking all-wood frames. Tip: be sure  they are sturdy and all made of the same material for a coherent look.

{Painting process}

Next I removed all the glass and backings: a pretty easy job with a screwdriver in hand. And out the door they went for 3 coats of paint. Because I was going from wood of all different shades to black I did 1 coat of a black primer and 2 coats black semi-gloss. Tip: The key to a good spray job is several light coats rather than 1 or 2 thick gloppy ones.

Once they were dry (only about 20 minutes because it was a nice day with a slight breeze), I headed up to our local art supply store and picked up some mat board. To save more money I went with pre-cut sizes on all but one. I ended up paying $6 to have a custom mat made for the rectangle frame and $6 more for custom cut glass. Tip: It's a good idea to double check that all your frames have glass in them if buying second hand. I made the mistake of buying my rectangle frame without, so the project cost an unnecessary $6 extra for that. 

{mats and layout}

Before designing your art I'd suggest laying out your frames. This step will help you determine how to layout the digital stamps. Then go ahead and play with your art. I ended up putting the foliage on digital paper backgrounds to add some color and depth. Because of the size of these guys I used a digital scrapbook printing service. They arrived at my door in no time flat.

{nail map}

Lastly I used this nifty trick to hang the set. Take a large piece of paper and place your frames on top. Trace the boarders and then measure and mark the placement of each hanger. Place on the wall where you like it, being sure to level it. Then simply put a nail in the wall at each marking, remove the paper, and brag to your fiance about how you had perfect placement of each nail and didn't even once have to pull nails out and damage the walls with misplaced holes. Ok that last part might be just for me, but even I was impressed with how well this technique works!

{done!!}

Cost Breakdown

Frames: $3.50 for 9 (1/2 off day!!)

Spray paint: Free... found in garage from previous projects

Digital Stamps and Paper: $16

Glass and Mats: $19.05 (thanks to some great coupons)

Printing of art: $10.97

Total cost for some one of a kind art: $49.52!!

Movin' On Up

Many months ago I posted a disaster zone picture of my workspace. It was my intention to clean and declutter the space and share the progress with you. I'm happy to say that some cleaning and decluttering did in fact happen, but not enough to even see a noticeable difference and I'm embarrassed to say that the room looks pretty much the same now as it did then. I'll continue to blame it on the small space rather than my dislike of cleaning this room.... because it really was too small anyway.

Time has passed and that room I mentioned before is finally mine (does a little dance). All mine to renovate and create a dream space and find organization and a breath of fresh air in. I'm planning a complete redo from ceiling to floors... it's going to be a new beginning. So today I just wanted to share the before photos. I know they are bad, but isn't that the point of before shots... so when you see my shiny new room you can remember how horrible it was before and how perfect and beautiful it is. (cross your fingers!)

A tour. Click photos to view larger.

This is the right side of the room. There are two windows so lighting is good. Everything is blue in more ways than one. As you can see the floors are covered with dusty blue carpet. What you can't see are the impressed walkways from years and years of people walking around the bed. It's pretty sad. The ceiling is dropped pannels (Yippy!)... don't know why yet, but I'm sure there will be a lovely surprise when we take it down. Don't know if you can see in the photo or not, but the trim is a lovly cut of plywood. Thanks previous owners... we love your dedication to quality.

Here is the left side. To the left is the exit (can't see in photo). Then we have the bath. It's a full bath, but needs a complete renovation. That will be a future project. For now I plan to cover up the half-a** paint job our house guest decided to do. It's litteraly half white and half blue.... not too happy about that one, but life goes on. To the right is a walk in closet which I'm super excited about. In the photo it's pretty cluttered yet, but after we get the rest moved out it's actually quite large and I'm hoping to have John build custom shelves for my piles of stuff. It's going to be great... I promise.

And that about sums it up. My before shots. Can't wait to show you improvements! I have really high hopes for this room.

DIY Wreath

I love having a wreath on my front door. They add so much warmth and a feeling of welcome. When I go on walks through the neighborhood I like to pick out my favorite houses and one thing they almost always have in common is a wreath on the front door. I guess it just says " come on in!".

The problem I've found is that they can be a bit overpriced for what you are getting. And it can be hard to find one with the color and size that you want. So this weekend I went to my local craft shop and picked up a couple items to whip up my own.

There were a few choices for the base. I choose wood... or vines... or whatever that stuff is. It was already woven into the shape. My store had several sizes to choose from and different shapes too. I think I'm going to make a square one for fall... the possibilities are endless. Depending on what you prefer and what you are going to cover it with there was also foam and straw wreaths to choose from.

Then I had a look around the floral department. I would have LOVED to have a live wreath... but when it comes down to it those things just aren't very practical. I choose some berry-looking things that were in one long strand about 12' long. You could also buy your floral choice in stems for a greater variety, but I wanted simplicity and it was more cost effective to buy the strand.

And that's all it took. When I got home I started cutting with a wire cutter. I cut the 12' strand into lots of segments... each around 10-12" long. This is no time to be precise.... different lengths look more natural. Then I weaved them in and use a touch of hot glue to secure those that needed it. When it was all in place I stepped back to gauge the overall look. A few where a bit too long so I just clipped them back a bit.

The whole thing took about 30 minutes to make. And best of all it only cost me $12.49! Here is the break down:

Woven wreath: $3.99
Floral berry strand: $8.50 (I got this 50% off)
Hot glue: already had on hand

Dressing Up the Outdoors

When we bought this house a year and a half ago the yard had quite a lot going on. There were LOTS of overgrown hollyhocks... they seem to pop up everywhere. The front yard had one very large bush/tree right next to the house and just about nothing else. And all the gardens where haphazard and in need of splitting. Last summer we started cleaning up by removing that tree/bush, adding lots of perennials to the front beds, removing those pesky hollyhocks (they never seem to go away), and just trying to keep up on all the weeding.

This summer I feel like we have a much better handle on things. The front beds are doing very well. Almost all of last years plantings came back with vigor... some could even be split in the fall. We are still trying to keep the hollyhocks in control, but I've finally gotten to move on to some of the finer things.

I picked up a bird feeder for the two families nesting in our backyard... and of course any visitors. They took a liking to it right away. Then I got around to planting a hydrangea bush. I can't wait to pick blooms for my tabletop.

The most dramatic change happened in our front yard where I added two planters with boxwood at the base of our stairs to distract from the hideous painted brick steps which will someday be replaced. I also placed a planter with an evergreen next to the door to add some color up there too. And lastly I made a wreath for the door (more on that in a post to follow). I'm really happy with the changes so far and look forward to further improvements indoors and out. Taking pride in ownership and making affordable changes can really make a large impact.

Have you made any little changes that yielded BIG results? I'd love to see so feel free to share.

Terrarium Fever

As I mentioned on Sunday I had a chance this weekend to complete not one... but TWO crafty projects. Yey me. The first I want to share with you is this great little terrarium I made. If you're a reader of a few crafty blogs you've probably caught onto this fever by now. Terrariums are making a comeback! They always looked nasty and smelly to me, but then I started seeing all these great ones on flickr and they gave me an itch to try one for myself. The key is to keep them at the right humidity... too much water will build up on the walls.... and that's when they start looking bad.

So I picked up a jar, some plants, and my favorite: reindeer moss (LOVE this stuff). I started with two pots of plants. The african violet was my first pick, but was too big for the jar. The second pot had 4 succulents squeezed into it. That was too big also, so I separated two of the succulents and repotted the other two. I'm not sure what they all are, but I do know that one of the two that went into the terrarium is a jade plant. If anyone knows offhand what that other guy is I'd love to know.

Easy as 1, 2, 3... the dirt was in the pot (mixed with sand for better drainage), then goes the succulents, and to top is off the reindeer moss. A sprinkle of water and it should be good for weeks. After doing a bit of reading I discovered that my little guys might prefer it with the lid off for a dry environment, so for the most part I'm going to let them breath.... but I love the lid, so from time to time I'll probably give them some humidity for my own enjoyment (does that sound cruel?).

If you've been hesitant to grow plants in your home because you have a brown thumb, THIS is for YOU!

Adventures in Winter Gardening

As the long COLD winter drags on here in Southern Minnesota I have found my mind drifting to spring. I try not to think about the warmth, the sun, fresh grass and dew drops because it brings more pain to the reality that I can't remember the last time it was above freezing. 

So to remedy myself a bit I always like to do a bit of winter gardening. This was the second year I've planted amaryllis in my house and I just LOVE them. They took much much longer this year to bloom and while I'm not sure why yet, it was more than worth the wait. The first blooms are just opening up this month and the brilliant red flowers are exactly what I need to cheer up. They always surprise me with their size and grandeur. It's hard to believe something so brilliant came from that dried out dead looking bulb.

I also started a little herb project that I picked up at my local Target. It's just a pretty little tray of 3 different mints. All of them have yet to sprout open, but I'm a patient gardener. I wish it would have included some more useful herbs, but I decided that as soon as the mint is spent I'll replant with something more practical. Does anyone know if rosemary grows well in a pot? I'd love to try that in addition to chives and maybe parsley.

All this talk of growing has me temporarily forgetting that today it's 8 degrees outside and feels like -5!!

Disaster Zone

Do you remember what this room used to look like? It was so clean and while there was always lots of STUFF there was also a good amount of order to combat it. In the past year and a half it's fallen into disaster. Even when it's "clean" it's really overwhelming and cluttered.

The real answer to this problem would be moving to a bigger room, but we currently have house guests living in the room I have my eye on so that is going to have to wait until things become less complicated. In the meantime I've decided to out my mess and conquer it. I know I'll never get the clean completely uncluttered room I dream of in this small space, but I do intend to cut back, clean out, and free up some space. I have too many things and although it feels like most of them are essential to my job, I know in truth that much of it can be parted with... or at the very least put into storage until more room is available.

I'm not going to set a time line for myself as I know that wold probably induce failure, so this might take a week and it might take several months, but I am committed to get the job done. I'm looking forward to sharing my progress and feeling the ease that comes from letting go of clutter.