In need of Rescuing

Me? Oh no. . .

Okay, well maybe. . .

Okay, okay already. YES I am drowning!!! 

Between mid-terms, Brooke's ballet, Tanner's basketball, my zumba, Travis going back to work (yay!), trying to start a incredibly awesome blog and business, tax season, watching two sets of twins, (pause, calm down, deep breath, where's a paper bag?)

 I am a bit overwhelmed. 

One of my favorite stress relievers though, is SHOPPING. I know, not a big shock, all women, at least once in a while, engage in retail therapy. But my version is a tad different, I thrift! When I am feeling down, a thrift store and $20, cheer me right up. Then I usually go home and craft, my second favorite calming treatment. 

So a few days ago, feeling nothing less than crazy, I shared my secrets with my favorite second hand store. There I found something else in need of rescuing,

 old jewelry boxes. 

There was so many of them on the shelf. They were all for just pennies, too. I just had to renovate a couple. . . or ten, plus a few other wood items. Hey, I didn't use my entire $20. Plus I had a 25% off entire purchase coupon.

Once at home I had to face reality again.  I cleaned the house, made a large after school snack for 6 kiddos, did some homework and then cooked dinner for the fam.

But later that night, when all were asleep, I crafted away! 

 This  is my favorite box I picked up. It was in great condition on the outside, but horrid on the inside. It is actually a music box. It plays Elvis' Teddy Bear or to me Full House's Teddy Bear song.  The music mechanism is in pristine condition too. 

Before:

After:

This little lady had a southern belle attitude just dying to come out.

This simple box was 10 cents, so of course, I couldn't pass it up, but I had a hard time figuring out what to do with it. Not my favorite, but it has a fun chalkboard finish. 

It can heart whatever your heart desires.

And lastly, for now, a cute plate. I just love silhouettes. I am not sure why the picture looks so weird around the flower. . . hmm. I hand painted a charming little girl silhouette with a flower in her hair 'cause I could :)

Now, I have to find a spot in my craft room for about eight more boxes.

Hope everyone is having a great day! And if not. . .  THRIFT! It works wonders, plus it doesn't break the bank like Macy's :)

Baby Alex's Growth Chart

 I can finally post about the growth chart I made last week. I have been unable to share it because I was afraid the "soon to be mama" might sneak a peek. I painted the growth chart to match her CoCaLo Nali Jungle Dream with Me crib bedding set. 

When painting this growth chart, I found it to be quite the challenge. See, I am a very "colorful" person. I struggled, not to add a punch of color to it. My friend who ordered it as a gift, wanted it to match the mama's theme completely, including only it's colors. 

The monkey is freaking adorable though. I love how his legs dangle off. If I had more time, I totally would have figured out a way to copy the legs.

The Low Down about: Paint!

Spray Paint:

     I love spray paint. Painting large projects with gallon or craft paint, more often than not, leave paintbrush streaks, and oh how I hate those streaks. Spray paint seems to look more store bought not hand made.

Spray paint adheres to most materials, but you must match paint to project. If you are painting plastic, for example, make sure you have paint made for plastic. Spray paint is also time saving. Instead of waiting hours for coats to dry, it take minutes.

Spray paint is more pricey though.The two brands I like the best are Krylon (has a great nozzle) and Rust-oleum Painter's Touch 2X Coverage. When spray painting make sure to always primer the project. It will save money in the long run and pave way for the best results. I like Rust-oleum primer but Kilz works well too. The sheen of the paint is up to you. I usually choose satin  for it is easier to wipe down.

When painting use a back and forth motion. The paint should start off the side of the project and end up off the other side of it. If the project will be handled a lot, say like a table, I recommend sealing it with a polyurethane.

Gallon Paint:

 
      First off don't buy cheap paint. Cheap paints have a higher percentage of solvents (up to 70%). Meaning cheap paint has tons of water in it. Which in return, evaporates and leaves little color behind. This is why you end up re-coating fourteen different times with the cheap stuff lol.

Latex paint- Most common, water based and environmentally safe. Clean up with just soap and water. Latex paint is almost odorless and dries fast. This paint can even prevent mildew and moisture. Exterior and interior of your home can all be painted with Latex paint. But be aware that allergies to latex include this type of paint!

Oil based paint- I don't use oil based paint or Alkyd paint much. Latex can handle almost any job oil based paint used to be known to only do. Oil based paint usually is used in wet areas like bathrooms. But they take forever to dry, smell awful, need paint thinner for clean up and release bad chemicals (volatile organic compounds) into the air. I did use it to paint the interior of my camper trailer though.

Crafting Paint

When it comes to crafting there is a paint for every project. Acrylic paint can be used for an array of projects. Just remember it dries very quickly. Mixing paint can sometimes be a problem for that reason. There is also specialty paint like magnetic and chalkboard paint. My favorite paint lately is Martha Stewart's new Acrylic paint . You can paint almost any surface; wood, fabric, glass, plastic, metal! And  even better the paint it dishwasher and washing machine safe. Best paint ever, right? There is 160 gorgeous colors too.

Speaking of Chalkboard Paint here is how to make your own super easy!!

 Start by picking ANY shade of flat-finish latex paint. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

Mustaches with Martha

     Recently while perusing the craft store, I stumbled upon a new multipurpose paint from Martha Stewart Crafts.  The back reads:

                   Use on wood, glass, metal and fabric. Indoor/Outdoor. Water based.

                 Non-Toxic. Weather Resistant. Shake. Dry 1 hr between coats. For Glass:

                   Clean surface with alcohol. Cure 21 days. Top-Rack dishwash.

     Glass? I couldn't believe it. I have always used Pebeo Porcelaine Paint. This would not only simplify the process, but also add a wide range of colors to use. What could I test the new miracle paint out on? Mustache mugs, of course. I have seen a variety of these babies floating around, and have been dying for an excuse to whip some up. Here are my clever mugs 21 days after painting.

And they made it through the dishwasher. Yipee! Oh Martha, how you continuously knock my socks off.

Mustache Freebie Printable

Also that night, T-bird needed a class treat. So we quickly through together 26 mustache suckers. So cute!