the crafty christmas...

As I've mentioned before, I L.O.V.E. making gifts rather than purchasing them... and this Christmas is no different.  I love making things because it keeps me busy.  No, I don't think that I'm not already busy enough chasing an almost 2 year old around, I just long for a different type of busy sometimes... the creative busy.  Creativity keeps me sane!  If I'm feeling overwhelmed, anxious, flustered-ish {yes, that is a technical term}, I break out the sketch book, the sewing machine or a gallon of Mod-Podge and my medium of choice, paper!  Making something always seems to put that spring back into my step.  One of my site faves, Pinterest, helps me keep those creative moments flowing with ideas galore!  Here are a few of the things {or a version of} I may be making for my littlest one this year.  On the must make list is the finger puppets and the quiet book... anything to keep this little boy happy at church. He's also getting a stocking full of Hot Wheels... no, he's not old enough yet {technically}for these, but he is obsessed with them, so I need to come up with a carrying case like the one below.

Which ever ideas make it under the tree this year, I do know that making that something special for my little man makes the gift giving process so much more meaningful. {awe... wasn't that a warm fuzzy moment}

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Are you a Christmas crafter too?  If you spot something fabulous, send the idea my way. :)
For more ideas, check out my Pinterest board, The Little Things in Life...

Happy Christmas Crafting!

the 'bachelor pad' table gets a makeover...

When Brad and I got married I 'inherited' this super fabulous coffee table.  I'll admit, I wasn't a fan.  I love wood furniture, but I'm a bit on the picky side.  If it isn't finished in a deep espresso finish I don't really want it in my house. {even if it's free!} :)  I do however love to get my hands on a great piece of furniture and transform it with my favorite medium... paint.  Paint seems to make everything better.  So once my husband relinquished his kung-fu grip on this blessed table, the design wheels began to turn.

The Plan:  something simple and inexpensive... bead board panels, bonding primer, a quart of honey colored paint, dark brown glaze {my own concoction}, and a polycrylic finish.
And the bachelor pad table gets a total overhaul makeover!  And in 2 days no less... which is pretty good with a newly walking, 14mo. old running around the house getting into everything.

in process

Ta-Da!  I am very happy with the finished look.  {it is the same table, I promise}

love the blue knobs

I paneled the three sides and left the front with the drawers open as a bookshelf.

 And added a little distressed effect for texture and dimension.

I've painted furniture for other people for years, but never for myself {I have no idea why}... well, here's to the first of many projects.  Maybe Brad has some more furniture in storage that I can paint!