Coral Silhouettes

So in addition to my glass float inspired vase, I also created some art for my 'vaguely coastal' guest bedroom.  My theming is becoming less and less vague, as you can see. :)

These were really easy to make.  I started with three 18x24in. canvases and contact paper.  After doing a little coral research, I drew three different coral shapes onto the contact paper and cut them out.  The bright corally orange is a color that comes from the bedding.  I adhered the cut out coral stencils to the canvases and used a roller to paint over each canvas until it was covered.  When the paint was dry, I removed the stencils and they were done!  I also ended up sanding a little to give them a slightly weathered look, but it isn't that noticeable. 

Other than cutting out the coral on the left, this project was quick and easy.  I finished it in a day!  The guest bedroom is coming together!







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CraftOManiac

Glass Float Inspired Vase

I've been working on decorating what I like to call our "vaguely coastal themed" guest bedroom and bathroom.  I've painted some of the furniture with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and I am obsessed. You'll see that in an upcoming post.  But for now, I'm going to show you an idea that turned out just as I'd hoped it would! 

I have a few large vases that I want to repurpose.  The one I used for this project is about 30 inches tall and has been in our bedroom, but doesn't really work there anymore.  Because of the bluish color of the vase, I had a vision of covering it in a net similar to the old Japanese glass floats.  After researching how to tie nets for glass floats I discovered this tutorial. 

I chose a sisal rope, which isn't technically correct, but I wanted it to have a loose, weathered look.  I started with a ring, which I made by fusing the ends with clear tape. :)

The next step was to connect my ropes to the ring.  It was EXACTLY the same as making a tied tutu, which I've done many times! I added eight at about 8 ft. each, so each end was about 4 ft. long.

I had to stare at the picture of the knot for awhile to figure out how to tie it, but I'm happy to say that I have mastered whatever knot that is! :)  I could do it all day, but I have no idea where else I'll use it.  This rope was tough to work with because it didn't tighten very easily, but I liked the look.

Here is the finished product!

I finished the top by adding a second ring there and tying the last knots to the ring.  There were dangly ends so I just tucked them under the knots.

I love that it looks exactly how I pictured it!  That doesn't happen with all of my craft projects. ;)

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Remodelaholic

New Look!

Check out my new blog design!  Many thanks to Kim from Seven Thirty Three Custom Blog Design! She was so easy to work with and is a design genius! 

I discovered pretty quickly when I started my blog that I am not a web designer. At all. I spent hours researching how to add my own background, design a button, make headers etc. and I only barely figured anything out.  Immediately I started scoping out blog designers, but was having a hard time finding anyone whose work I connected with or whose prices I could justify. :)  I came across an adorable blog and noticed the Seven Thirty Three blog design button.  As soon as I saw Kim's portfolio I was hooked, and her prices can't be beat!  Seriously check her out if you want a new look.  Her portfolio is amazing! I am so excited about my new blog! :)

And because every blog post needs a picture... this girl is excited about my new blog too!

Aluminum Foil Letters

I've had these letters in the kitchen for awhile.  At the old house I had intended to do something fun with them, but when we moved I kind of liked the white on white.  However, I've seen some amazing looking faux metal finishes floating around the internet and I love the stainless steel accents in our kitchen... so, inspiration strikes again!  I basically followed this tutorial on from Gardners 2 Bergers, but it turned out a little differently because my letters were a lot smaller. 

I started by tracing the letters onto aluminum foil.  I wanted the matte side of the foil up, so I made sure to cut it that way (at least on letters 2 and 3. Luckily the letter I messed up on was T, so I was able to flip it over!)

Next, I used matte Mod Podge to glue foil onto the edges of the letters.  I wasn't too worried about keeping the foil smooth because it was almost impossible with the tight curves.  Once the edges were covered, I Mod Podged on the front piece that I had cut out previously.  After that I applied a coat of Mod Podge over the entire letter to seal it in and give it more of a matte finish.  The final step was to dry brush on a little black craft paint.  I barely dipped the brush into the paint and wiped it along the edges and down the front. 

I love how they turned out!  Ironically, I'm not sure I actually like them in the kitchen anymore.  I think they look really nice in the dining room where these pictures were taken.  I guess I can always buy new white letters from Michael's to replace them, or come up with a new project idea for that space... yeah, it'll probably be option two. :)

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Blue Cricket Design  Primp  Remodelaholic

Jute Spheres

I've been calling these creations my 'twine balls,' but for the post title I decided that 'Jute Spheres' sounded much more chic. I think that I originally saw something like these in a Pottery Barn Catalog and I figured there had to be a tutorial somewhere on the internet so that I could make my own!  As it turns out, there are A LOT of tutorials on how to do this.  I followed the one on Homemaker in Heels.

Yesterday I had a vision of an even bigger twine ball made of a thicker hemp rope, so I got to work.

Unfortunately, I popped the balloon and my ball deflated. :(  I think it may have needed a gluier (totally a word) mixture and more time to dry.  Oh well.  The thin jute that I originally used worked really well, so I might just need to stick with that for future balls.  I've also seen some neat ones using yarn!  So many ideas!

If you want to make your own, here's what I did:
Supplies
-Twine/jute/string of some kind
-Balloon (I suggest a large sized balloon so when you blow it up, it is round and not balloon shaped)
-Glue (mix about 1/2 and 1/2 with water)

1. Blow up a balloon to the size you want your ball to be.
2. Unroll the string you're using and start dipping it in the glue mixture.  It helps to do a lot at one time so you can just keep wrapping.
3. Wrap around the balloon.  Keep going until it looks good to you.  Make sure you leave a hole big enough to pull the balloon out.
4. Let dry overnight.  Pop balloon- it will pull away from the string and make some strange noises!  As long as the string is dry, it will hold its shape. 
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Remodelaholic