Picture frames

I know it's been a while, but hey! I'm officially a registered nurse AND I have a job. My poor bookcase got pushed to the side since it's been so hot outside. But good news, I did manage to get a project done in about 10 minutes to display some pictures of when my family came out to visit and celebrate my graduation from nursing school! Here's how I did it:

What you'll need: Twine, screw driver mirror hangers, picture frames

 

 I just used the screwdriver to gently screw the mirror hangers on. I got these frames at Hobby Lobby for $4 each. These are made of soft wood so you won't need a drill to complete this step.

 Here is both of the mirror hangers on the back of the frame. I used my trusty twine and tied a piece onto the mirror hangers.

I hammered some wire nails into the wall, making sure they were aligned with each other. I wanted the look that they were all connected without actually connecting them. It looks great in the theater room, but I believe the next one I make, I'll at least use 5x7 pictures.

Until next time,

Sarah

Floating ledges

So this is the first woodworking project I've made. It's just taken me 8 months to get them up! This are called $10 ledges, however, it was leftover wood from cutting, so essentially they were free. You can find the plans here. In addition to the glue, I used finishing nails to make sure the pieces were really on there good. The husband helped me put them up. Here are the ones I put in our bedroom.

Then the other one that's in the living room

These were super easy to make and they look awesome!! Every time I go into a thrift store, unique bottles always catch my eye. I've been collecting them since we've moved into the house, so it's nice to finally get them up and filled! And if you haven't noticed, I LOVE fake flowers. They are everywhere in the house. 

I haven't forgotten about my bookcase. It's half way done and is sitting in the garage. The final week of nursing school is upon me, so I've been a bit preoccupied with getting that finished.

Until next time,

Sarah

Spring is Coming...Hopefully

If you know me, you know that I love spring and I love flowers! That's why I decorate my home with flowers from every season. I've been waiting patiently for the weather to turn nicer so I can start back up with building things. I decided after a long winded conversation with the hubs, that it'll be two matching bookshelves next on the lineup. I was thinking about an outside table to enjoy the many parties we like to throw, but are without chairs! I want to find the chairs before I build a table in case the chairs are short or tall. My first day off in a long time is on Wednesday and I've convinced the hubs to take my little car so I can have the flat bed to strap down my lumbar for the ride home. Stay tuned for updates on the progress!!

Oh yeah, did I mention, over spring break, I had the opportunity to FINALLY paint our bedroom! Here's the pictures!

New bedding from Target! I love it!

I decided to paint one of the four walls that awesome beige I used in the living room, guest room and hallway. Good thing about have extra, I guess! Plus I got a chance to touch up the rest of the house.

Gunner and Bear enjoy the new face of the room!

On the wall with our wedding photo, I made some wall ledges ages ago that would look lovely on both sides of the picture. That project will (hopefully) be done tomorrow.

Until next time,
Sarah

Dilemma on my Landscaping

I've been brainstorming. A lot. You see, I have these "useless" flower beds around my house. 6 inches down, there is concrete. A lot of it! So nothing can grow there. What can I do with these areas? I don't want to take them out and leave the grass to grow up against the house. Suggestions on what I can do in these areas to improve the curb appeal to my house?

The "flower bed" on the side of my house

Next project

So I've decided to go with two identical bookcases for my next project. I not only need somewhere to put the many novels I have, but also somewhere for all of my textbooks for school! I was debating between the bookcases, a dresser or some nightstands. Seeing as I have never made drawers before, I think it would be wise to stick with what I know for right now. Anything that has drawers seems intimidating to me. Luckily, I have one of my favorite blogs to turn to. Shanty 2 Chic. These ladies have some AMAZING tutorials and advice to tackle those intimidating builds. They are the definition of DIY!! So if you have some time, be sure you stop by and check them out. After my first exam (eeek!!) of the semester, I'll be sure to update y'all on my progress.

Until next time,
Sarah

End Table

As promised, (I know it took SO long!!!) my end table is FINALLY done and in place. I did some different things than I did with my console table.
The weather here in South Dakota has been freezing. Everything in my poor garage is covered in saw dust. I've also been SUPER busy with my last semester of school. It feels like I spend my every waking moment studying or working at the hospital. Good news though, I'LL BE DONE IN MAY!!!

Okay, enough rambling, now onto what you actually came to read...

After finishing the table with my homemade stain, I didn't bother sanding it down before sealing it with polyurethane due to the weather. Maybe one day when it's nicer, I can take it back outside and actually finish it correctly. It doesn't look too bad, just not as good as my big table. The surface isn't as smooth as I wanted it to be.

You can find these plans here. I chose not to do the 2x2 X on each side. I decided to mimic the way I did my other table.
When I made my stain, I added a little more apple cider vinegar which made the wood more red.
As I did with my other table, I adjusted the measurements for this end table to fit in the space I needed it to. Not sure what my next project will be, so stop back by later to check it out!

Until next time,
Sarah

Not enough time...

I know, it's been a while since I've been able to give y'all an update.
I've been working like a mad woman at the Bux during the holiday season and after. I've barely gotten a start on my Florida Gator quilt, just 4 of y 10 rows have been sewed together. I did manage to make it to my hardware store last week and pick up some wood for my new project. I haven't filled my new car with planks of wood yet, so that was a challenge to do. I've only gotten as far as cutting the wood pile. Outside. In the 40 degree weather. With snow on the ground. It was very funny to watch my big German Shepherd lay down on top of a snow pile to watch me struggle with 8 foot planks, cutting them with my miter saw, on the freezing ground.
I "officially" start my last semester of nursing school on the 14th and am planning on finishing my table before that. It'll be challenging since I'm working a boatload.

Who doesn't like a challenge though?

Until next time,
Sarah