Handmade Holiday

I am not the normal holiday shopper.

I do not shop on Black Friday. I do not wait in ridiculous lines for stores to open.

I do not like to buy gifts off the shelf, wrap them up and call it a gift.

I like to give things that are truly meaningful and thoughtful.

I like to make things, and use my creativity to gift something that someone will truly love.

I have not bought one single gift off the shelf this year.

Here's some of the gifts I've given that have been made straight from the heart.

I painted this for my secret sister at work.

I painted this for one of my dearest friends.

 My best friend got married and thankful Pinterest inspiration, I made this ornament for her from her wedding invitation.

Hope you can use some of your creativity to give to someone else this year!

Merry Christmas!

Photo Canvas Tutorial

I've seen multiple tutorials online and all over Pinterest and I decided to do one of my own. I've used tissue paper photos many times, but never have loved the outcome of the canvas. So here's my tutorial on using a real photo. Enjoy, and try it out for yourself!

Supplies needed:

~ a couple of paint brushes (I prefer sponge for this one)

~ Modge Podge (Available at craft stores)

~ Scissors or paper cutter

~Scrapbook paper

~ Canvas

~Black paint

~ One beautiful picture 

(I had two of some because I was making two at the time.)

Make sure your photo fits on the canvas.

I wanted mine to line up to edge as close as possible 

so it looked more like it was a canvas and not a photo.

Put a layer of Modge Podge all over the canvas.

Top side and all edges.

Let it sit for 10 minutes to dry.

Cut strips of scrapbook paper to fit the edge of the canvas.

Cover the edges of the canvas with another layer of Modge Podge.

Put a layer of Modge Podge on each strip of paper.

Place each strip on the edge of the canvas.

Smooth out all bubbles. It may take you a few strokes to get it right.

Repeat on all four sides.

I tried to cut the length to fit perfectly, and used extra to overlap if needed. 

Let it dry before starting the next step.

Add a layer of Modge Podge to the top of the canvas.

Place the photo on the top of the canvas.

I used a towel to wipe out bubbles to not fingerprint the photo.

Once you get it placed, let it dry for 20 minutes.

Once it's dry, paint a thick layer of Modge Podge over the photo 

and every edge of the canvas. 

Don't worry if it's white-it dries clear.

Once it's dry, begin to place paint on the edge where the photo meets the paper.

I wanted a more black, antique look so I wiped my brush off to make sure I didn't use too much.

You can always add more paint if needed.

Sponge brushes also are best because of the look you get from the sponge.

 Finish the painting, fill in the white spots, and VOILA! 

 A great, easy, cheap, homemade gift that anyone will love!

December Challenge: Days 13-18

Day 13: Nature

I have a fascination with trees and branches.

There's something wonderfully mysterious about them.

Day 14: Luxury

There's a true luxury when it comes to chocolate.

And especially when chocolate is mixed with marshmallows.

Day 15: Gear

My gear consists of journals, a camera or two and an awesome bag.

Yes, I'm superwoman.

Day 16: Orange

I looked for something orange, and the first thing I saw was a picture of my bro's.

Barton's shirt (the one on the left) is orange.

But this is prettier.

Day 17: Symmetrical

A beautiful Christmas tree.

Day 18: Asymmetrical

The lovely square.

 Tell me what you think!

December challenge is almost over!

December Challenge: Days 7-12

Day 7: Clean

I was in the middle of a shoot in a cotton field and was able to grab some beautiful pictures of the natural cotton before it was gone. It seemed so pure and real. 

Day 8: Filthy

I have no idea why these people are protesting.

But they are protesting and living in tents in front of our town library.

Nasty.

Day 9: Pop Culture

A friend and I went shopping recently for new purses.

She fell in love with one and bought it, and later found out it's got one interesting name.

Day 10: Glass

I was working with a friend in her awesome studio

and started to fall in love with this mirror.

Day 11: Landscape

Okay, I know this isn't truly a 'landscape,'

but it's part of one and I think it's lovely we have leaves in December.

Day 12: Portrait

I've been taking a lot of portraits of others lately,

so here's one of me.

Hope you're enjoying my December challenge!

December Challenge: Days 1-6

Day 1: A street

I love the square in Murfreesboro, and snapping shots at night are just gorgeous.

Day 2: Strangers

I was on the square...again...and saw this sweet woman walking her dog for about an hour.

He was very captivated by the people and cars running through.

Day 3: Lunch

I had a lovely morning of shooting photos 

and met up afterward for a yummy lunch with one awesome girl.

Day 4: Light

I'm one of those people who always have a camera on me.

I was driving and looked down to see the sun light shining in on one of my favorite photos and some fresh flowers from a sweetheart.

Day 5: Dark.

I was thinking to myself, "What in the world can I photograph for dark?"

I turned around to see the bags I carry everyday, sitting in a black chair.

All of which are dark.

Day 6: Texture

There's nothing that compares to Christmas decor.

To Be in Love...

"Nothing is more practical than finding God; that is, falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love; stay in love, and it will decide everything." -Pedro Arrupe, SJ

That Guy Stuff

I've been privileged enough to have a Dad who does all the "guy" stuff for me. Tire changes, fixing flats, changing the oil, etc. He has always done it for me. I learned how to do a few things, but nothing much past putting wiper fluid in it. I've been "daddy's girl," but up until recently I've come to understand just what men have to do, but I just pay someone to do it. I hate waiting for what seems like forever for an oil change or a tire rotation, but it's better than trying to do it myself.

So my car needed an oil change this week. I asked a friend where they recommended and she highly recommended a local place in town: Quality Tire & Service. I was dreading going to get it done, seeing as I am used to waiting forever and feeling like I paid too much money. I got there and was greeted by a very nice guy. I had printed a coupon for my oil change: $18.88! You can't go anywhere and have one done that cheap. Their website offers a ton of coupons, and they never expire! I gave him the coupon, and ended up paying $23.37 after tax. They even checked my tires for me and the service was wonderful. And the best part? It only took 20 minutes! I was shocked, but so happy. I got in my car to leave and saw this: 

One of the guys had written John 3:16 on the sticker. It was the icing on the cake.

So let's go over this again...

Great service.

Fabulous prices.

Trusted work.

Time conscious.

Quality Tire and Service has got a new customer! If you live in the Murfreesboro area, definitely check these guys out!