// API callback
showgalleryposts({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$blogger":"http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533"},"updated":{"$t":"2022-08-22T05:15:12.573-05:00"},"category":[{"term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"term":"Home Decor"},{"term":"Just For Fun"},{"term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"term":"Show and Tell"},{"term":"Sewing"},{"term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"term":"Furniture"},{"term":"Outdoor"},{"term":"Inspiration"},{"term":"Holiday"},{"term":"Signs"},{"term":"Ugly House Renovation"},{"term":"The Pinterest Report"},{"term":"Humor"},{"term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"term":"Party Planning"},{"term":"Silhouette"},{"term":"Flashback Friday"},{"term":"Organization"},{"term":"Small Business Saturday"},{"term":"Thirty-One Tips"},{"term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"},{"term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"term":"Photography"},{"term":"Krista Marie Photography Design"},{"term":"Pay It Forward"},{"term":"Pyrex Passion"},{"term":"Girl Scouts"},{"term":"MOPS Craft"},{"term":"Books"},{"term":"Oakwood Acres"},{"term":"Recipes"},{"term":"Reviews"},{"term":"What My Husband Did Last Night"},{"term":"Mommy Blog"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Dabbling Crafter"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":""},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=80\u0026orderby=published"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=81\u0026max-results=80\u0026orderby=published"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"499"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"80"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3696198953003959590"},"published":{"$t":"2022-04-25T15:44:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2022-04-25T15:44:51.919-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Organization"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Reviews"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"How to \"Hack\" the Peloton Bike Experience Using the App"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjY06eFazr4z1P-HEZMCGju7pP7IM_vSk21oBcv2Vv3NvdK-2myHbIemHqtrrbVmILkkecQDHB8YycFkemIs91E9ZVwz5FPBQeDZccO211xNFBGPXiJkaz6hN6RWuXfMT3ywNa1TdGj1oV11CiSP8yCtOzhMgm2bAhINZQ9I8CzEwq9IbaOiCAFAgnD\/s4032\/IMG-1625.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjY06eFazr4z1P-HEZMCGju7pP7IM_vSk21oBcv2Vv3NvdK-2myHbIemHqtrrbVmILkkecQDHB8YycFkemIs91E9ZVwz5FPBQeDZccO211xNFBGPXiJkaz6hN6RWuXfMT3ywNa1TdGj1oV11CiSP8yCtOzhMgm2bAhINZQ9I8CzEwq9IbaOiCAFAgnD\/w480-h640\/IMG-1625.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELike many people, when COVID hit, I was struggling to find a fitness solution that didn't involve a gym. When we moved to our new home, we were about a half-hour to the closest gym, so even in a post-pandemic world, I needed a closer-to-home option.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe looked at getting a Tonal initially, but our middle of nowhere internet wouldn't support their interface. In fact, since there is no hardwired option, even with our new fiber internet, it would be questionable. (Tonal equipment designers....I would love a LAN input option!)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe other option is Peloton. I looked at investing in the bike. I couldn't justify that purchase for a couple of reasons. First of all, is the cost of the bike itself (starting at $1,500 up to $2,500 for the Bike+) plus the ongoing charge each month ($39.00).\u0026nbsp; That's a pretty big purchase for something I've never used before. I actually perfer weightlifting, so that's a large portion of my budget on one activity.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI started researching Peloton \"hack\" solutions. Solutions that would give me a similar experience as the bike, but at a significant price reduction with the app. After a couple of months using my setup, I think I have tweaked it so it's pretty darn close to the actual Peloton experiance.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBefore I go into all the equipment, I do want to point out what you're missing in the app experience v. the bike. You will not be able to get your total output score since that's a measurement of speed and cadance. The app only has access to the cadence if you have a sensor. Since you do not have an output score, you can not partipate in the leaderboard during live classes. (Yes, you can join live classes on the app and you have access to an extensive on demand library). You can not use the scenic ride option available on the bike. I believe you still can get a call out for a milestone since the app does track how many rides you've taken, but I think bike users get preference. Also, instructors will call out numbers for resistance and you won't be able to set your resistance exactly how they instructed. I don't find this an issue because I want to adjust the resistance to match my own effort and fitness level. After a few classes, I got the hang of how many times to turn my own resistance knob to make the ride more challenging.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh88SwrFJSwmwtC0OUrM3sKfXkNxut1F5xXpo3_2JFhoBmJJLON3DSUsQ_Co3_BgNO9Xogxfg4kZ2n729U7Jo19lO8FlbYqK4nvCD1fsHBbH12pvT--Ipf1N1Pv4BMkZsw3ZJ4qmxefQQx1Y2YD2IGlMic9FNB2sokK-wI63Vq7sBmEXgiUBn7CjovR\/s4032\/IMG-1634.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"3024\" data-original-width=\"4032\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh88SwrFJSwmwtC0OUrM3sKfXkNxut1F5xXpo3_2JFhoBmJJLON3DSUsQ_Co3_BgNO9Xogxfg4kZ2n729U7Jo19lO8FlbYqK4nvCD1fsHBbH12pvT--Ipf1N1Pv4BMkZsw3ZJ4qmxefQQx1Y2YD2IGlMic9FNB2sokK-wI63Vq7sBmEXgiUBn7CjovR\/w640-h480\/IMG-1634.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EBike: $244.00\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA popular option with app users is the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0140JN7D8\/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_6?psc=1\u0026amp;pd_rd_plhdr=t\u0026amp;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFSWFg1RDlESFNLQ1EmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzNTQyNjEzQ0ZZODRVNks1RU8zJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMjg5NTEzQk5RU1M5SU9MV0pJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c2Rfb25zaXRlX2Rlc2t0b3AmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESunny Bike\u003C\/a\u003E. I considered it, but ultimately went with the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07S3YWSNM\/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;th=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EPooBoo bike\u003C\/a\u003E. First of all, it was on sale as part of Prime Day for only $244.00. It has a magentic fly wheel so it's a smoother quieter ride than bikes that use felt pads for resistance. I liked the color of the bike (obviously not a huge factor but a bonus). So far I'm happy with the bike. The only negative thus far is the components aren't the strongest I've seen. There is some give when adjusting the seat and handlebars. I do have to tweak the seat every couple of weeks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ECadence Sensor: $39.99\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn order to get your cadence to appear on the screen of the Peloton app, you will need a remote bluetooth cadence sensor. The most popular option is the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B00L9XNFPY\/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;th=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWahoo sensor\u003C\/a\u003E. The only querk I have found is you must pedal a few minutes before you try to pair the sensor with the Peloton app. I attached it to the inside of my pedal using the sticker provided and it hasn't budged.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EPeloton App: $12.99 per Month\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECurrently the monthly subscription to the Peloton app is $12.99. I say \"currently\" because bike users just experienced a price increase last week. I haven't seen a price increase annouced for the application, but I wouldn't be surprised if one is coming soon.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EThese are all you need to get started cycling. The total cost of this set-up is only $283.99. The monthly cost going forward is just the app fee of $12.99.\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EThese are the additional accessories I added to enhance my experience:\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EBike Seat: $43.00\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;\"\u003EI upgraded the bike seat for a more comfortable riding experience. The\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B089CRVRSF\/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;th=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYLG bike seat\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;was recommended by Rosey Beeme and is fantastic. It may not be completely fair to consider this in the final cost since I would have purchased it for the Peloton bike either way.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EHeart Rate Sensor: $40.00\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you would like to see your current heart rate on the screen during a class and use Peloton's heart rate metric \"Strive Score,\" you need something to measure your heart rate. I have an Apple watch, but as of now, the connection between the two interfaces is unusual. If you start a Peloton workout, it will start a workout on the watch and will count your exercise minutes. You can see your heart rate on the watch, but it will not appear on the app screen. The Apple watch will not record your heart rate for your Strive Score. I bought \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07H3QN6JC\/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis heart rate sensor\u003C\/a\u003E for another fitness class, but it pairs well and works great with the app.\u0026nbsp; Now I just look like a crazy person wearing two watches, but oh well. That's a bonus of being at home.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj-uS0PyM0v5yHh6ZkDHDbzPROrS2ncsGJufhFhi0RLpJyyx6DQmACf_2fIqqF27Lrz48lYzQwNjrLAkOeKMyUjDGv_k4RTwD3FmQj7qx_M2aukxUZxy0_LKDkVvCR5y5cL359h_81Ryxfdk1JdR3_YU3-C0FHHYewLh7fNcQzuN5Sx3p44QN6nPtSp\/s4032\/IMG-1632.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj-uS0PyM0v5yHh6ZkDHDbzPROrS2ncsGJufhFhi0RLpJyyx6DQmACf_2fIqqF27Lrz48lYzQwNjrLAkOeKMyUjDGv_k4RTwD3FmQj7qx_M2aukxUZxy0_LKDkVvCR5y5cL359h_81Ryxfdk1JdR3_YU3-C0FHHYewLh7fNcQzuN5Sx3p44QN6nPtSp\/s320\/IMG-1632.jpg\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETelevision: Free\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere's many ways you can view the classes. I've used an iPad and my phone with no issues. The bike I listed above has a built in stand that works for both. There was a free tv available to me, so I decided to use it in our little gym. I do like having a large screen that works great for both cycling and weight lifting classes.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHDMI Adaptor: $41.92\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you use the Peloton app on a streaming stick, you will see the class and hear the music. However, you will not see your cadence or heart rate on the screen. It's pretty simple when you think about it. Both the cadence or heart rate connect to the app via bluetooth. If you use an app straight from the streaming service (not your phone), the bluetooth sensors can't pair with the streaming stick. You must mirror the app from your phone.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you have a device that does a direct mirror from your phone, then you can view the cadence and heart rate. Due to that slow internet issue I mentioned above, I connect my phone to the TV via a HDMI cable and \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Apple-Lightning-Digital-AV-Adapter\/dp\/B009WHV3BM\/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=apple+HDMI+cable\u0026amp;qid=1650918938\u0026amp;sr=8-3\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis adaptor\u003C\/a\u003E. This set-up also has the added benefit of having two screens to view the class on. I have found this especially really helpful with yoga classes. I have my phone on the mat for lower poses. This adapter also allows you to charge your phone at the same time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjR2aa-pvqSekHUTGi6Cm8-_2Ppyd6MJUxgxHW9jXjg-L88-eDepyGRggoGzx4IJ4BQWC2B65cnD4pE1GjnZOjJd6_B4KVeDYJpug3RLzwWMOyV4U5DmXZ0SlFA7TRi6sNyyDGnEjTB600HNekzzVx7YmSeGtA8H7bDMlNyotou12lkavfNw_OkRQpV\/s4032\/IMG-1631.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjR2aa-pvqSekHUTGi6Cm8-_2Ppyd6MJUxgxHW9jXjg-L88-eDepyGRggoGzx4IJ4BQWC2B65cnD4pE1GjnZOjJd6_B4KVeDYJpug3RLzwWMOyV4U5DmXZ0SlFA7TRi6sNyyDGnEjTB600HNekzzVx7YmSeGtA8H7bDMlNyotou12lkavfNw_OkRQpV\/w300-h400\/IMG-1631.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EClip In Pedals: $70.00\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter using the cage pedals that came with my bike for a few months, I decided it was time to upgrade to clip in pedals. I bought \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B081ZXWR8L\/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethese pedals\u003C\/a\u003E and so far have been happy with them. It only took about 15 minutes to install them with a simple wrench.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiqlLWZ3uda8e_4TlMN8uNjMzetiSkly9zdiYtEhJv-GVLSho-TygwJBkKtkLaXZkvtY8BzbZIbFoe8jpVSQ6fLr8OVPFMzrdNfsUd96Eox2sc6sptSOJfxxv4dCgkbAHt3TVo8ob4d3GoWdLSZiXfyBt8ac_MxWlCCbev9lZ1yzbtuUeBmhp-ST9Ow\/s4032\/IMG-1957.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiqlLWZ3uda8e_4TlMN8uNjMzetiSkly9zdiYtEhJv-GVLSho-TygwJBkKtkLaXZkvtY8BzbZIbFoe8jpVSQ6fLr8OVPFMzrdNfsUd96Eox2sc6sptSOJfxxv4dCgkbAHt3TVo8ob4d3GoWdLSZiXfyBt8ac_MxWlCCbev9lZ1yzbtuUeBmhp-ST9Ow\/w300-h400\/IMG-1957.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EClip In Shoes: $100.00\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is a pretty subjective cost. You can find cycling shoes starting at $30.00 up to hundreds. I picked \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B086P6FQ6P\/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;th=1\u0026amp;psc=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethese particular shoes\u003C\/a\u003E, because they are knit and breathable plus they have good reviews. This cost is much like the bike seat. Even if I decided to go with the Peloton bike, I would still need shoes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ERolling Cart: $28.99\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe last thing I added to my set-up was \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B088FHJ3ZR\/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ea simple rolling cart\u003C\/a\u003E. I used the cart to hold the remote, ear buds (I use those when the kids are sleeping), water bottle and light weights. The square design of this one means it fits nicely behind my bike when I'm not riding.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIf you're still reading this ridculous long post, the final cost for my set up with all the added enhancements is $607.90 which includes the $143.00 for my seat and cycling shoes . The ongoing cost per month is $12.99.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003ENon-Cycling Classes\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince we have already covered everything in such detail, here's even more equipment you can consider. I enjoy the non-cycling classes Peloton offers as well. For the strength training, I have free weights in 5lbs, 10lbs, 15lbs and a set of adjustable weights that go from 4 to 70 pounds. I have mats on the ground to absorb shock. For yoga classes, I have a yoga mat, yoga blanket, bolstor (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B01DDB7R7G\/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis one is awesome \u003C\/a\u003Eand the company has been amazing with follow up education), and yoga blocks. We also go a treadmill second hand, but honestly I haven't tried the tread classes yet.\u003C\/p\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3696198953003959590\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3696198953003959590\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3696198953003959590"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3696198953003959590"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2022\/04\/how-to-hack-peloton-bike-experience.html","title":"How to \"Hack\" the Peloton Bike Experience Using the App"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjY06eFazr4z1P-HEZMCGju7pP7IM_vSk21oBcv2Vv3NvdK-2myHbIemHqtrrbVmILkkecQDHB8YycFkemIs91E9ZVwz5FPBQeDZccO211xNFBGPXiJkaz6hN6RWuXfMT3ywNa1TdGj1oV11CiSP8yCtOzhMgm2bAhINZQ9I8CzEwq9IbaOiCAFAgnD\/s72-w480-h640-c\/IMG-1625.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2621687766503190142"},"published":{"$t":"2022-02-28T21:57:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2022-02-28T21:57:55.794-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Oakwood Acres"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Chicken Chapel Coop"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"At Oakwood Acres, we love animals. It was only a manner of time until we added chickens to our homestead. If you know anything about me, you know that we can't just add a simple coop. Well, we could. There is certainly nothing wrong with a practical coop. I find joy in making crazy plans and working with my husband to execute those plans. I spend a huge amount of my day just dreaming about the next project.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ESo the thought process went something like this. We want a coop. We live in the country. We got married in a country chapel. Let's build a beautiful country chapel on a hill.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgpWNX7FDXScNxE_ULScYOPuPBK2-4AY51YJ1FWRV2kYF7R7iV5AnBHDcQ0U85ZpUo1Zg-ICylL2C6VWuNodzqH9IKBRn1Y6HYNHB1nJHFIwNkdu9or5wRmo1pb2AIS3LrOEzJZgXOcsNNwZq-xr1bkMVfyLu0f-52sWXOLnVMiSNlGgrI-x62LSTjp=s1440\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1440\" data-original-width=\"1440\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgpWNX7FDXScNxE_ULScYOPuPBK2-4AY51YJ1FWRV2kYF7R7iV5AnBHDcQ0U85ZpUo1Zg-ICylL2C6VWuNodzqH9IKBRn1Y6HYNHB1nJHFIwNkdu9or5wRmo1pb2AIS3LrOEzJZgXOcsNNwZq-xr1bkMVfyLu0f-52sWXOLnVMiSNlGgrI-x62LSTjp=w640-h640\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EI had a plan. Then as plans usually go, I started to add to it. A chapel has stained glass. If I'm going to make stained glass, maybe I should go ahead and add a chicken theme.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ESo may I present our masterpiece, The Chicken Chapel.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgBg1YlJ5JHmjlV9Ho4MY_uvq7QMfd7RS-Rnh041cVDaCVIa4DplZy2I4F_QSTkW--GwiKVyos-GwiSbrNvaNaf6XNZIHkO2lBy-9qgw7BU26hmFNAv4jGUFl_OF_nHgZBiyiQiK0W1TouckhsJ0yWQRZLdYgWgXczO81cdiXgBpGCOCI2nyuZcq9ZN=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"3024\" data-original-width=\"4032\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgBg1YlJ5JHmjlV9Ho4MY_uvq7QMfd7RS-Rnh041cVDaCVIa4DplZy2I4F_QSTkW--GwiKVyos-GwiSbrNvaNaf6XNZIHkO2lBy-9qgw7BU26hmFNAv4jGUFl_OF_nHgZBiyiQiK0W1TouckhsJ0yWQRZLdYgWgXczO81cdiXgBpGCOCI2nyuZcq9ZN=w640-h480\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhLgMG9CjOdJXiPenXfK03vjll9G9aFCTJXFSJGcNWr2j97jbhBVV9gQYHvq4WPFbVxsUJBzAynMAmwRLxBJSNzS-ymVog7GJgFgNaFlxkuxc4M8q1vfaqnhJQqVf3W8I9-IIyyCzNPqNUTwEqlJDfixM0yJ3_MvmbRqGDB0F-Nn7qSRFryTZ8BhRx_=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhLgMG9CjOdJXiPenXfK03vjll9G9aFCTJXFSJGcNWr2j97jbhBVV9gQYHvq4WPFbVxsUJBzAynMAmwRLxBJSNzS-ymVog7GJgFgNaFlxkuxc4M8q1vfaqnhJQqVf3W8I9-IIyyCzNPqNUTwEqlJDfixM0yJ3_MvmbRqGDB0F-Nn7qSRFryTZ8BhRx_=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjGk2ovC8CQR1vZVToqo9_F40D6g21lRndX_16REXxoyDrGH--hV7I0NMzOHq438AQ9rjUZgUz0wGk2deMiYd9Ti6hJT66w2L6-DIx5XLJA02WJY-YRCfFfNwYIStaRkNuLIzGVrZG_TyJ9j5RKoK1zHQlaeUA2u_vrLUGaHr2w1RjNG2E3ce0bKsUB=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjGk2ovC8CQR1vZVToqo9_F40D6g21lRndX_16REXxoyDrGH--hV7I0NMzOHq438AQ9rjUZgUz0wGk2deMiYd9Ti6hJT66w2L6-DIx5XLJA02WJY-YRCfFfNwYIStaRkNuLIzGVrZG_TyJ9j5RKoK1zHQlaeUA2u_vrLUGaHr2w1RjNG2E3ce0bKsUB=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEiiPPfOzHRqMDHeNDNE1WALhDGBMbA8GR-PnXLs6CHd-3GDBr3y7_nyO-Gr7sBPDCKkYEzx-kgXrQQ0bjXb-ZdNAWDwPzFQcQr6g7O2R04ifKIzLpW6DrTOB9-iOkNxEu7zPyILtv8_zXE7gNH2jYyb8NYcQrzow5nC0go0ZEDFDPqsaVwANCnVpIoq=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEiiPPfOzHRqMDHeNDNE1WALhDGBMbA8GR-PnXLs6CHd-3GDBr3y7_nyO-Gr7sBPDCKkYEzx-kgXrQQ0bjXb-ZdNAWDwPzFQcQr6g7O2R04ifKIzLpW6DrTOB9-iOkNxEu7zPyILtv8_zXE7gNH2jYyb8NYcQrzow5nC0go0ZEDFDPqsaVwANCnVpIoq=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjbQdVlQaP8gk27vSjxdT-asffCIiGWrNeGtJAYdN-SxCLjOqWNE5y-6K-5co3jrI-DgjIz0dC82wiWOC29vKC1eFwNH2RWE-T_cmGf0-m-OKaWhphDH1CNnXvHc4e6Kuj5V12N-1S5Kl1u3mvMAcIYb4qNmLPzqsUE9qHDA3t0vbCyjQgbqXwgHq45=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjbQdVlQaP8gk27vSjxdT-asffCIiGWrNeGtJAYdN-SxCLjOqWNE5y-6K-5co3jrI-DgjIz0dC82wiWOC29vKC1eFwNH2RWE-T_cmGf0-m-OKaWhphDH1CNnXvHc4e6Kuj5V12N-1S5Kl1u3mvMAcIYb4qNmLPzqsUE9qHDA3t0vbCyjQgbqXwgHq45=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhtDM4kDHjy4R2ja_nDYVyI32c02sVDoh_Woi4m7xjzCAdRMiB28FdjE_0bdKPz2yXThke1uunQB2X8adsOnDZ3-F5Zxslvi-mGiwyQIgnTG8jlPxSEyabiXAdHMJLMXqRv_3FfwGCpvjlIyISHsva1PFybIcVB8IunrAS55yEgWP4JnXBU_0voxlnq=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhtDM4kDHjy4R2ja_nDYVyI32c02sVDoh_Woi4m7xjzCAdRMiB28FdjE_0bdKPz2yXThke1uunQB2X8adsOnDZ3-F5Zxslvi-mGiwyQIgnTG8jlPxSEyabiXAdHMJLMXqRv_3FfwGCpvjlIyISHsva1PFybIcVB8IunrAS55yEgWP4JnXBU_0voxlnq=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEi2Iwj-C2x27mqCExhr1r3RXDt8usCGy2rUUPLdBeJuMDVaOnFdCQHz-S3NKnCKSpfoeg3vliLi4fiuYsSAxjdoK92RgRNvkwWs9SqvBZVhqCT2I4ehqgQGqZCTW2610SsYB_2wwhG9jqu7dOSvzS6uUWlcYctmynNZcLhg34_iB6_ObofwarcNhZeQ=s1440\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1440\" data-original-width=\"1440\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEi2Iwj-C2x27mqCExhr1r3RXDt8usCGy2rUUPLdBeJuMDVaOnFdCQHz-S3NKnCKSpfoeg3vliLi4fiuYsSAxjdoK92RgRNvkwWs9SqvBZVhqCT2I4ehqgQGqZCTW2610SsYB_2wwhG9jqu7dOSvzS6uUWlcYctmynNZcLhg34_iB6_ObofwarcNhZeQ=w640-h640\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2621687766503190142\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2621687766503190142\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2621687766503190142"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2621687766503190142"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2022\/02\/chicken-chapel-coop.html","title":"Chicken Chapel Coop"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgpWNX7FDXScNxE_ULScYOPuPBK2-4AY51YJ1FWRV2kYF7R7iV5AnBHDcQ0U85ZpUo1Zg-ICylL2C6VWuNodzqH9IKBRn1Y6HYNHB1nJHFIwNkdu9or5wRmo1pb2AIS3LrOEzJZgXOcsNNwZq-xr1bkMVfyLu0f-52sWXOLnVMiSNlGgrI-x62LSTjp=s72-w640-h640-c","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3329437940111764091"},"published":{"$t":"2022-02-28T21:07:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2022-02-28T21:08:58.862-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Oakwood Acres"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Electric Fireplace with Built-Ins"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Electric fireplaces are trending in the world of DIY. I'm going to share how we built our setup and try to give tips on planning your own fireplace built-ins.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjxdGzpC4UPq45q643YVv-DHN5N0jKRi4rnnh7sXtls_Wr3592SqoSeE_GEcBfNPPeTUE-UWtdXmpPqmtbN0Pwzr83Itk9kF97lDlrfe2vteU3JWZIpPNwdaARknJ96GZwUNX-9vgsEV4y-_1b0oc1ByuQiY2xeVjA9YmPsStZDYFRDMvHrq7mPH2Gj=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"3024\" data-original-width=\"4032\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjxdGzpC4UPq45q643YVv-DHN5N0jKRi4rnnh7sXtls_Wr3592SqoSeE_GEcBfNPPeTUE-UWtdXmpPqmtbN0Pwzr83Itk9kF97lDlrfe2vteU3JWZIpPNwdaARknJ96GZwUNX-9vgsEV4y-_1b0oc1ByuQiY2xeVjA9YmPsStZDYFRDMvHrq7mPH2Gj=w640-h480\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThis idea certainly isn't new. It's been going around Pinterest for maybe a year or so. I saw the idea originally on \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/nestingwithgrace.com\/fireplace-reveal-our-electric-brick-fireplace\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENesting with Grace\u003C\/a\u003E (a fantastic home decor account to follow) and decided to really go for it in our new home. Our home is beautiful, but it's lacking some custom cozy touches. I thought a huge statement piece in our living room would be a good place to start. Plus the idea of sitting by a fire watching snowfall on the lake sold me.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgx4P8nV_q89JIk-YN5ct8L_kI5sIKmihdUoSnCDYred57hJT5BADUvtAf9_kdD9TnGaf1cHO0LoOIl371fFmEikNnsoaMJshLPSmXvF7pr2qH0eHoSV3ACNWXrbe-sfth3BK-weI3JiAKv1MUXVz-RppuaIqahaChO6iGlbTHJD2j-7XEIqeqZB9rY=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"3024\" data-original-width=\"4032\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgx4P8nV_q89JIk-YN5ct8L_kI5sIKmihdUoSnCDYred57hJT5BADUvtAf9_kdD9TnGaf1cHO0LoOIl371fFmEikNnsoaMJshLPSmXvF7pr2qH0eHoSV3ACNWXrbe-sfth3BK-weI3JiAKv1MUXVz-RppuaIqahaChO6iGlbTHJD2j-7XEIqeqZB9rY=w640-h480\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThe first thing you're probably wondering is why we didn't just get a gas fireplace put in when we built our house. It was certainly an option. However, it was a 30k option. I like fireplaces and all, but not for that price tag. Electric fireplaces have really come a long way from a picture on a screen. Even a top-of-the-line one with real sound and heat will be substantially less than the gas fireplace quote we were given.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EI can't give you exact measurements on what to do with your fireplace setup because the piece has to be built specifically for the space you have. However, I can explain how we came to our measurements.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEie4RDbSZdkEhseboINwK_G6YxEtej_SPmwcII9_fYS1O1oWV3Pgv5jh8q-jz93dMjy6aAs8KKzOLTn6XpuqBNHRVdbQigYwI_TQk4EqqsVyrQXTkyc2X4uQ264sUaWflhSU3FO49giCn0IToAKqMIYAalMnRfGLcQsbOt49kU5qddz7ec5eA9Y09D9=s1280\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1280\" data-original-width=\"720\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEie4RDbSZdkEhseboINwK_G6YxEtej_SPmwcII9_fYS1O1oWV3Pgv5jh8q-jz93dMjy6aAs8KKzOLTn6XpuqBNHRVdbQigYwI_TQk4EqqsVyrQXTkyc2X4uQ264sUaWflhSU3FO49giCn0IToAKqMIYAalMnRfGLcQsbOt49kU5qddz7ec5eA9Y09D9=w360-h640\" width=\"360\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EGraph paper is your best friend. I start all my projects on graph paper (or on the iPad with a graph notebook page and my iPad pen). Measure out your space. To determine the size of the fireplace, I measured our TV. My husband is not going to part with his big TV. I went fireplace shopping online. I found a fireplace that was slightly bigger than the giant TV. I graphed out a fireplace surround that was about 6 inches bigger on each side of the fireplace. The mantle is about two inches wider than the fireplace.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOnce I knew how big the fireplace was going to be, I had to decide on the cabinetry around the fireplace. I knew I wanted narrow-depth cabinets so the fireplace stuck out further but wasn't too far into the room. I looked at pieces of individual furniture like a credenza or hutch. (Faux Farmhouse has a piece that's built-in, but looks like a piece of furniture and it's beautiful) In the end, upper cabinets were the ticket. I could get stock upper cabinets in white from Home Depot that were almost exactly the correct size. I have small filler pieces to make them perfect, but it very close to the perfect measurement. Four 24 inch uppers were ordered and shipped to our local store. I did this early on because it's was a month lead time at the time. That was back before COVID. Now you might be waiting much longer.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj-uxZVVw0DcLoKEq6GQJSBCH9zSEJfE7PUTsrKcvpoQNhAWA020dCVqOhgW786KuMCGcUYAYxeCcyAyymB6-9FrGO5VjAnxT9rduK_TTT1IERG7wSpDVOSFKnPbRuUjxibaenu_BvDc0vAvys6RyCOr9YPYJFtAFL9M4n8wJkbVqTI32Bx78LQDAq9=s1280\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1280\" data-original-width=\"720\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj-uxZVVw0DcLoKEq6GQJSBCH9zSEJfE7PUTsrKcvpoQNhAWA020dCVqOhgW786KuMCGcUYAYxeCcyAyymB6-9FrGO5VjAnxT9rduK_TTT1IERG7wSpDVOSFKnPbRuUjxibaenu_BvDc0vAvys6RyCOr9YPYJFtAFL9M4n8wJkbVqTI32Bx78LQDAq9=w360-h640\" width=\"360\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EMy husband went to work building the 2x4 framework for the TV and fireplace. You have to frame out the fireplace box and supports for the TV. He also worked in a \"secret\" door on the side so if we need to plug or unplug wires, we're able to get access behind the fireplace. The secret door is simply held in place with a sliding lock. One thing I would change about this project is the space behind the fireplace. It is VERY narrow. My husband can fit (barely) and the children can. I would probably add a couple of inches if I did it again. This framework was attached to the ceiling and wall studs and is SOLID.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOnce the framework was done, the fireplace is attached to the framework. My husband added a whole lotta shiplap. Shiplap is definitely a trendy thing right now, but you could easily use plywood and then add brick or stone if that's more your jam. I wanted something dramatic so the shiplap cut on an angle was perfect.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgwDgE1pUIBMh4cpCjKrvJowXREUUyRYAIQonPZDhdzN8ejXuCnbJzrQO1YHN-dL4zJeBwvavkeTPpWxR80tnTf8-soHg8-cPHv_gmLsFlc3e9uxAWfeZDZC9HQS-I5vY0ZTZFw3NrgdXFOVER5QUItFSK2Rm9xkEM3lZQlrvoPYqVCEDZBee55PBSC=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"3024\" data-original-width=\"4032\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgwDgE1pUIBMh4cpCjKrvJowXREUUyRYAIQonPZDhdzN8ejXuCnbJzrQO1YHN-dL4zJeBwvavkeTPpWxR80tnTf8-soHg8-cPHv_gmLsFlc3e9uxAWfeZDZC9HQS-I5vY0ZTZFw3NrgdXFOVER5QUItFSK2Rm9xkEM3lZQlrvoPYqVCEDZBee55PBSC=w640-h480\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EI used a company called \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/samplize.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESamplize\u003C\/a\u003E to get paint sample sheets for the fireplace. I loved this service. I imagine for walls it's even more convenient because you can move the sample around the room and sample different lighting situations.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEg3lt-vt4DYOz34Mwtg3cmdqDbrGWAtreEJann-eUEhMiXNFbT3psX1v2QfLLabxASZPbeAqvb6g682tXtDkpWE313Nml_CsIeGmCY4_vrZrwGdXd0gCtqbc_KqqFk6MqqFOWcgsUdWOZm_vk1OM3JanJbwzCLRsN7r4GiFuIXWIiHvn4odLB7UsWbM=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEg3lt-vt4DYOz34Mwtg3cmdqDbrGWAtreEJann-eUEhMiXNFbT3psX1v2QfLLabxASZPbeAqvb6g682tXtDkpWE313Nml_CsIeGmCY4_vrZrwGdXd0gCtqbc_KqqFk6MqqFOWcgsUdWOZm_vk1OM3JanJbwzCLRsN7r4GiFuIXWIiHvn4odLB7UsWbM=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EOnce the fireplace was painted and the cabinets installed, it was time to add in a mantle and floating shelves. We are a handy family and my husband created the mantle and floating shelves using solid slabs of ambrosia maple (the floating shelves) and spalted maple (the mantle). They are attached to the walls using metal rods welded to a metal bar.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjz124ket1_bRsHhuMFPp_PuwwOhmdeDrSYB-xX_R9NoSt7ltlPppMhsrYNxt4Brx06UFjcXpSEiUFIZr9uV605qQ2JzXMp6X5zCrWXk9kK7HQblOoDeDWZ2CJzK6c7GA-GMdT1k8UDZsmAxoKs0ojF76_f9HZTc8M6tMPHYEbCoW5tLb7N3cWNpOIt=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjz124ket1_bRsHhuMFPp_PuwwOhmdeDrSYB-xX_R9NoSt7ltlPppMhsrYNxt4Brx06UFjcXpSEiUFIZr9uV605qQ2JzXMp6X5zCrWXk9kK7HQblOoDeDWZ2CJzK6c7GA-GMdT1k8UDZsmAxoKs0ojF76_f9HZTc8M6tMPHYEbCoW5tLb7N3cWNpOIt=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEi5QGRR_W8exhi0pAvF2N3tF8haRf3481_GRIQqdGMb7UwruFIUeQk-9FcUU5ueWr-C0u7kCSsOhoeTpXzC4QAsdGRzcqULsbGPJuwMerrMZvd6bcC5lTxnoW4lqjFYV7jKdh94soPx0PPU-npaljkZsHFUE4dnjrBzM1lPE6Muy7ZltTFiXWzv0uc9=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEi5QGRR_W8exhi0pAvF2N3tF8haRf3481_GRIQqdGMb7UwruFIUeQk-9FcUU5ueWr-C0u7kCSsOhoeTpXzC4QAsdGRzcqULsbGPJuwMerrMZvd6bcC5lTxnoW4lqjFYV7jKdh94soPx0PPU-npaljkZsHFUE4dnjrBzM1lPE6Muy7ZltTFiXWzv0uc9=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EI finished them with a new product. The name of it is and it's a poly wax hybrid finish. I used a matte finish because I wanted the wood to look raw without actually being raw. My kids will definitely leave wet cups on it, and I wanted to avoid watermarks. I liked the product. It did slightly change the color of the wood, but it was definitely better than poly. Overall we've lived with the fireplace for over a year now and don't have any complaints. I've upgraded to a Frame TV which is the perfect piece over a fireplace and the electric fireplace does a great job putting out heat on cold evenings.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEiRNB_NlFCaWnpJRhipkDysCt598L_9j4zrmO1Krj02-0yCczak-RlmxWAjGUn27GP47qSevjwAf8JrXj6pYHLjAT1HkAjZRnIqg7OO7Q9pdAEzcEB1hzNHhkgYwZBoHNQYhfn-kpnMOSSm2rM9ByQpTCtOrAYJrk0Hf0CYHbWd_lK1adC1hgh7FdXO=s4032\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"4032\" data-original-width=\"3024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEiRNB_NlFCaWnpJRhipkDysCt598L_9j4zrmO1Krj02-0yCczak-RlmxWAjGUn27GP47qSevjwAf8JrXj6pYHLjAT1HkAjZRnIqg7OO7Q9pdAEzcEB1hzNHhkgYwZBoHNQYhfn-kpnMOSSm2rM9ByQpTCtOrAYJrk0Hf0CYHbWd_lK1adC1hgh7FdXO=w480-h640\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3329437940111764091\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3329437940111764091\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3329437940111764091"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3329437940111764091"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2022\/02\/diy-electric-fireplace-with-built-ins.html","title":"DIY Electric Fireplace with Built-Ins"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjxdGzpC4UPq45q643YVv-DHN5N0jKRi4rnnh7sXtls_Wr3592SqoSeE_GEcBfNPPeTUE-UWtdXmpPqmtbN0Pwzr83Itk9kF97lDlrfe2vteU3JWZIpPNwdaARknJ96GZwUNX-9vgsEV4y-_1b0oc1ByuQiY2xeVjA9YmPsStZDYFRDMvHrq7mPH2Gj=s72-w640-h480-c","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2019396439026809957"},"published":{"$t":"2021-04-24T01:48:00.123-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2021-04-24T02:37:32.795-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Oakwood Acres"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Buying a Factory Built Off Site Custom Home"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Surprise! We recently moved and built a new home. It was a year and a half adventure. I will try to give a honest review of our experience with building a home off site. This was a long process, so sorry for the length.\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7BHsJZC4zMI\/YIPHDA-sf0I\/AAAAAAAAbXk\/6nS1bX7Jk-MD57n7v5q6OdlCgK6Xc4BhQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_5932.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7BHsJZC4zMI\/YIPHDA-sf0I\/AAAAAAAAbXk\/6nS1bX7Jk-MD57n7v5q6OdlCgK6Xc4BhQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5932.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWe weren’t going move again. The plan was to eventually build on to Ugly House and to retire there. I honestly loved all the renovations we made to the home and was excited for the next phase of renovations we had planned.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOne April weekend I was out of town buying supplies for a bathroom renovation we had planned, and my husband called me with an interesting offer. We had to been contacted asking if we wanted to buy an acreage. My husband had often commented to the owners that their acreage was his dream property, and as they retired and move into town, they had remembered his comments. I came back from my trip early, and we headed out to take a look. As we drove down the half mile winding tree-lined driveway and the lake came into view, it was game over. Ugly House had been beat by 20 acres of once in a lifetime lake front property. Land like this doesn’t come available in our area.\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EA week later the paperwork was being drawn up to buy the property. Our future plans were thrown out the window. Ugly House was a project to be finished by another family.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EInitially we hoped to salvage the original farmhouse. We love historic homes. Well okay, I love historic homes. However, the cost of renovating, moving and, adding on was prohibitive. We decided to build.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAnyone who has built before knows that building a house is not for the faint of heart. We found a floor plan we loved and had four different contractors give us estimates. They were expensive. Like a 100k over our budget expensive. We could have made them work, but we would have been stretching ourselves to stay in Ugly House until the home was built. Not to mention on-site builds take time especially with the unpredictable Midwest weather. Each minute we were in Ugly House was time were paying two house payments. Not to mention we didn’t want to show and sell while living in Ugly House. I worked from home, we have 5 dogs and 3 kids. The house would be a nightmare to keep clean and leave for showings. (We couldn’t have known then, but COVID changed the housing market completely. We had 10 so people inquire about buying our house the minute we announced we were building. We sold it directly to a couple we knew and never had to list it.)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAt this point, we had officially owned the property for 6 months and had been pursuing building for 9 months or so. My husband had a client recommend a company that builds the homes off site and moves them on a foundation. We started working with that company. From the first interaction, we were very clear. Budget was our #1 concern. We could jazz up a house down the line (we do love DIY) so a floor plan in our budget was paramount. We had plans drawn up, and walked through another build they did. We worked with this company from October 2019 until March 2020. We (finally) got an official estimate. $100,000 over the budget they had promised to stick to. We walked away and a week later the world shut down. \u003Ci\u003E(Fun fact. Apparently their company was sold and decided to stop building off site and never told us. Their current operation couldn’t handle the plans they drew up for us so they were calling around trying to subcontract the entire job to another contractor including one of the contractors we had already got an estimate from directly.)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOn a random day off, I stopped by Custom Touch Homes in Madison to tour their homes. After an hour with a sales associate, I had plans drawn up and an official estimate to take to the bank. It was incredibly fast. Everyone else took weeks to draw up plans then weeks for get bids and create an estimate. The reason everything goes quickly with their operation is because they have everything in house including the architect. One of the biggest hold ups during a build is the scheduling of subcontractors. Especially in a COVID world, this was helpful. This particular business basically went on lockdown. They kept their workers safe by keeping everyone else out and doing a ton of safety checks. We didn’t even get to see our house in person until it was almost done.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOnce we had the bank paperwork done (which took a couple of weeks even with preapproval) and contract signed, our house was scheduled. Honestly, the process was so quick and well organized that I sometimes had to step away and take a breath. I had a notebook full of what I wanted in the floor plan and all the finishes (I had after-all been planning this for a year now and I am very much a type A person). Even with all that pre-planning, I felt overwhelmed at the speed of everything. I think if you aren't prepared, you could get put on the spot and pick something you don't love.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAfter the contract is signed but before building starts, you customize and finalize your floor plans. You have a choice day where you pick all your finishes. They do have a set of materials to pick from, but you can deviate from those. For example I had a particular flooring picked out for my bathroom in Ugly House. I gave them the information, and they ordered it for this house. I also had a dream bath tub picked out, so that was special ordered as well. Something that I found VERY helpful on choice day was my mood boards. Before choice day I had created a vision\/mood board for each room with the finishes I wanted. I had made lists of what color tile, cabinets, floors I was looking for. So instead of feeling overwelmed to make all the house decisions on one day, I could just find the finishes that matched what I had carefully picked out over the past year. I also could look at the house as a whole rather than in pieces. I would recommend this for anyone that is building.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XhYUwgx8O54\/YIPHmegQ62I\/AAAAAAAAbXw\/8qS3wm-5p8c0Cyhtd1qVIa6idnLyer_0gCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_4764.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1534\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XhYUwgx8O54\/YIPHmegQ62I\/AAAAAAAAbXw\/8qS3wm-5p8c0Cyhtd1qVIa6idnLyer_0gCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_4764.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOnce building starts, our sales associate sent us weekly updates and pictures on the progress. Their set-up is basically 4 lanes of houses inside a massive building. The first houses in each lane are getting framed. Second house in the lane is getting electric and so on. So each department basically goes down the line and does their job. Slowly the house makes it way down the lane until it’s the last house. Then big warehouse doors open and the house is slid on a truck to be delivered. You have one contact person through the entire process. The house moving day is really quite easy. The house movers do all the work with getting power lines moved. You just wait for the house to show up and they handle placing it on the foundation. It's pretty remarkable to watch (and very unnerving). I have a video of the process on my instagram.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EHere's the progress of our house in their warehouse:\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xz2yH-PaA9Y\/YIPIfKcv8tI\/AAAAAAAAbYo\/ABlIldJ8PIsTAgdxbckNvmDQ2NO4Ia4ygCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_5059.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xz2yH-PaA9Y\/YIPIfKcv8tI\/AAAAAAAAbYo\/ABlIldJ8PIsTAgdxbckNvmDQ2NO4Ia4ygCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5059.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bYHwLYyogQ0\/YIPIKsITfnI\/AAAAAAAAbYM\/gtymBHU8HF0TFl18oa_Y7ymr01Krg7xygCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_5062.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bYHwLYyogQ0\/YIPIKsITfnI\/AAAAAAAAbYM\/gtymBHU8HF0TFl18oa_Y7ymr01Krg7xygCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5062.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XOeFx3VE8cE\/YIPIYmMEEII\/AAAAAAAAbYY\/luzIGKhd__czgWkmsI1m-bbhw9hvxtl9gCLcBGAsYHQ\/s1333\/IMG_5355.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1000\" data-original-width=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XOeFx3VE8cE\/YIPIYmMEEII\/AAAAAAAAbYY\/luzIGKhd__czgWkmsI1m-bbhw9hvxtl9gCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5355.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-s-bjaigkBH4\/YIPIAwJxKYI\/AAAAAAAAbX8\/Wojv_nbg86go3w20lKvw-jV8xe-Xtig-gCLcBGAsYHQ\/s1333\/IMG_5357.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1000\" data-original-width=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-s-bjaigkBH4\/YIPIAwJxKYI\/AAAAAAAAbX8\/Wojv_nbg86go3w20lKvw-jV8xe-Xtig-gCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5357.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tTxbpYJeiTA\/YIPIDzt2rQI\/AAAAAAAAbYA\/zvOoMiUx-K4mZ1BznRplXu2ei67ahUHpwCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_5735.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tTxbpYJeiTA\/YIPIDzt2rQI\/AAAAAAAAbYA\/zvOoMiUx-K4mZ1BznRplXu2ei67ahUHpwCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5735.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OTFjeeS8fvY\/YIPIJKzahpI\/AAAAAAAAbYE\/3TGCR9dCOxwxkeDe7MHq9QXIW03uHGhUQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_5901.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OTFjeeS8fvY\/YIPIJKzahpI\/AAAAAAAAbYE\/3TGCR9dCOxwxkeDe7MHq9QXIW03uHGhUQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5901.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tmPXWrDq000\/YIPIJsESDpI\/AAAAAAAAbYI\/LSuPJeKeCU0qzkUGl2CEDWzbwJ-ycY03QCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_5932.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tmPXWrDq000\/YIPIJsESDpI\/AAAAAAAAbYI\/LSuPJeKeCU0qzkUGl2CEDWzbwJ-ycY03QCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5932.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QCIYZqE-Moc\/YIPINi036RI\/AAAAAAAAbYQ\/4XlbELvOtps56E6NkmWlrf4hB7b0UZ4vgCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_7914.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QCIYZqE-Moc\/YIPINi036RI\/AAAAAAAAbYQ\/4XlbELvOtps56E6NkmWlrf4hB7b0UZ4vgCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_7914.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EI think one of the misconceptions I run into when I tell people we used an off site builder is that this is a mobile, manufactured or modular home. There’s nothing wrong with those homes, but this home is 100% stick built. It’s framed all in one piece like your on-site homes. It wasn’t pieces when it was delivered. \u0026nbsp;They make the house strong enough to be easily moved as one unit. There’s some preliminary research by FEMA that these types of homes actually are stronger than on-site homes based off post hurricane damage data.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOver-all the process was\u0026nbsp; easier than the traditional contractors we were initially dealing with simply because there were no subcontractors. They didn’t need to get bids from them or schedule them. The process took 2 months from the date they started. The moving of the house took about 12 hours to get on the foundation (more on why that was longer than expected to come). Also our house didn’t go over budget because they don’t have to worry about a subcontractor bid not being accurate. The inspections are done just like an on-site build, but because they can do them as part of their assembly line, they are also faster.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EIn the spirit of transparency, there are two things to talk about. First of all, while they make all kinds of modifications based on whatever your heart desires, their homes do have some limitations. There are size restrictions since it does have to fit on a road. Our home is rather large at around 3,700 sq feet with the basement, but it had restrictions on width, length, and height. So I could make all the floor plan edits I want, but it still had to fit in that footprint. You also have to stick to a ranch style which initially I did not want. However, with a walkout basement, we don’t have a traditional ranch. I would have pitched the vault in our living room higher if I could have. Also, there are some truly beautiful custom homes out there that my house can’t hold a flame to. There is a reason some builders are more expensive. The materials and craftsmanship is worth their asking price. You also don't get to see and tour your home as often since it's on their premises, not yours. We didn't have any issues with something being done wrong, but that's not uncommon during a build. We also decided to wait on a big deck on the front and a garage and do those separately. The cost on those two items seeemed high compared to other contractors.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ESecond,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;\"\u003Ethere was one aspect of the house build that was a sore point and added a couple of months to the build. We used the off site builder’s sister company to build the walk out basement. We weren’t going to finish the basement initially, so it was just the foundation, walls and some electrical\/plumbing. We thought since they worked exclusively with these off site builds, they would be better equipped to build the foundation and coordinate with the house builder's specifications. Also, in theory, they are doing all the basement work while the main house is being built so they finish about the same time. Not so much.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt; text-size-adjust: 100%;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZKnoODGmVSg\/YIPJR7d3VvI\/AAAAAAAAbY4\/mDAA64aj_WARVN1a-STGVSFdoiwJsJqfACLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_5505.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZKnoODGmVSg\/YIPJR7d3VvI\/AAAAAAAAbY4\/mDAA64aj_WARVN1a-STGVSFdoiwJsJqfACLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5505.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UKizJNB_9r4\/YIPJNUDkU6I\/AAAAAAAAbY0\/QLH8b7Zpkkg4Om978FplZF_3JxBumRHZwCLcBGAsYHQ\/s2048\/IMG_5881.jpeg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UKizJNB_9r4\/YIPJNUDkU6I\/AAAAAAAAbY0\/QLH8b7Zpkkg4Om978FplZF_3JxBumRHZwCLcBGAsYHQ\/s16000\/IMG_5881.jpeg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThat relationship was tough. The sister company was hard to work with because they lacked communication. Sometimes I would hear nothing and see no one for weeks. As an example, the day of the house move, the house moving company had to get on the phone and very sternly talk with the head contractor to get him to our property, because the basement wasn’t ready. The house movers had to spend several hours moving dirt so the house could be moved up the hill...something that should have been done well in advance. I noticed after we closed that all the windows in our basement are the wrong color. I’m still missing a screen for a window because they brought me the wrong one. They put the stair railing into the drywall with anchors and it came out within a month. The construction site wasn’t kept clean, and I had to clean up cigarette butts and spilled spoiled milk when we moved in (yeah...not ideal on closing day). They did come and fix the railing within a couple of weeks. I didn’t bother pushing back on the windows because honestly I just wanted to be done with them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAfter we moved in and closed, we realized that building a home isn’t really done when you move in. We decided pretty quick the unfinished basement wasn’t going to work for us. So we hired an awesome general contractor to do that work (which is still ongoing). We also hired a landscaper to hopefully do something with the mud pit around the house. Five dogs and three kids do not do well with a dirt yard in the spring. Also, the bones of our house are pretty standard, so I'm wanting to add more custom touches here and there.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EFeel free to message me any questions you may have. I would recommend the process especially if you are on a time crunch or need to stick to a budget.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2019396439026809957\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2019396439026809957\u0026isPopup=true","title":"3 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2019396439026809957"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2019396439026809957"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2021\/04\/buying-factory-built-off-site-custom.html","title":"Buying a Factory Built Off Site Custom Home"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7BHsJZC4zMI\/YIPHDA-sf0I\/AAAAAAAAbXk\/6nS1bX7Jk-MD57n7v5q6OdlCgK6Xc4BhQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s72-c\/IMG_5932.jpeg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"3"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6244463247700178102"},"published":{"$t":"2018-06-08T22:58:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-06-08T22:58:37.242-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Electric and Water in a Vintage Camper"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis week's post is for all those people out there with a vintage camper, thinking of getting one or just curious how we deal with two of the main concerns\/components of a vintage travel trailer: electricity and water.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen we got Myrtle, the water had already been removed (apart from the toilet...I guess. The previous owners said they had used it, but we never even tried that out.) The electrical was the original 1963 electrical and hook-ups and according to the previous owner \"We didn't get it checked out, but it seemed to work fine.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHmm. Does that make anyone else feel a bit uncomfortable? The walls had been recently replaced (including all the supporting wood) and the exterior resealed. So, the last thing I wanted to do was dig into the walls and replace electrical. Also, I know nothing about electrical. This would have been a project heavily supervised by my more handy relatives.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, what to do? We did use the original wiring for 1 camping trip for a light. However, the previous owner had hardwired a window A\/C unit in, and I can not imagine that the wiring system was designed to take on that kind of load.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter a couple of camping trips, I decided it was time to figure out a solution. The number one thing recommended to us as we started renovating our home was to wait renovate until we had lived in it for a few years. Its an excellent way to figure out exactly what your family wants and needs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe do not use a refrigerator while camping. Our trips are just a couple of days, so a heavy duty cooler does the trick. (FYI: We also have a separate one for drinks which really helps keep the ice in the food cooler) We discovered through a couple of camping trips we only need electricity for: (1) lighting in the camper, (2) charging our phones occasionally, (3) a small single serving coffee maker,\u0026nbsp; and (4) *\u003Ci\u003Emaybe\u003C\/i\u003E* the A\/C. However, to be honest if it's hot enough to use the A\/C we generally aren't going to be camping with young kids.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce we knew what we needed to the electricity for, it was pretty clear an extension cord would be enough power. (With a separate A\/C power cord if we were going to run that). I created a solution from a problem. What I mean is, the previous owners took out all the original windows. (I have recently acquired some \"new\" original ones that will slowly make their way back into the camper). On the front windows they just covered up the area with insulation and sheet metal. While that's less than ideal aesthetic wise, it does make it much easier to create some sort of pass though for an electrical cord.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing PVC pipe, a hole cutting drill bit, screws, butyl tape and glue, I created a way to pass through the extension cord into the camper without having to prop and window or door open. I have a threaded cap that goes over the opening when we're not camping or using it so there's no issues with bugs or mice getting in.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9n62rrl1EZw\/WxtOhjljuZI\/AAAAAAAAIwI\/kFdR6uxKEsstATvZ7Q9DbofCV_aY86TFACLcBGAs\/s1600\/DSCF0684.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1067\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9n62rrl1EZw\/WxtOhjljuZI\/AAAAAAAAIwI\/kFdR6uxKEsstATvZ7Q9DbofCV_aY86TFACLcBGAs\/s640\/DSCF0684.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4Fmueoa6s6A\/WxtOiY-18aI\/AAAAAAAAIwM\/sYyK2hsIMHUDMB9hIpGa-q_Ko5jP6KAHACLcBGAs\/s1600\/DSCF0687.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1067\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-4Fmueoa6s6A\/WxtOiY-18aI\/AAAAAAAAIwM\/sYyK2hsIMHUDMB9hIpGa-q_Ko5jP6KAHACLcBGAs\/s640\/DSCF0687.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI hide a power strip and all the cords in a vintage luggage case when not in use. Also, in order to create a \"switch\" for the lights, I used a simple remote outlet on the overhead lights. The remote is attached to the wall with a command strip.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-nVJw8XlPm_s\/WxtOjQlEWoI\/AAAAAAAAIwQ\/Pf_ZIwb1cgs-WYG_SOaJ8RbctToNaBaCwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/DSCF0688.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1067\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-nVJw8XlPm_s\/WxtOjQlEWoI\/AAAAAAAAIwQ\/Pf_ZIwb1cgs-WYG_SOaJ8RbctToNaBaCwCLcBGAs\/s640\/DSCF0688.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-mioIOG2Dt30\/WxtOpBWApCI\/AAAAAAAAIwU\/4G-yU4X5z0AtwDeqxUTWImuOgaAfLkJtwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/DSCF0689.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1067\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-mioIOG2Dt30\/WxtOpBWApCI\/AAAAAAAAIwU\/4G-yU4X5z0AtwDeqxUTWImuOgaAfLkJtwCLcBGAs\/s640\/DSCF0689.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe second issue is water. We buy our drinking water in separate gallon jugs (and keep in the drinks cooler), but we still need water to clean dishes, wash hands and brush teeth. Our solution for this problem was the original sink (which will get a paint job in the future) with a bucket underneath and a 5 gallon water tank over the sink. I made a stand for the tank so it could hang over the middle of the sink.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-dTHndnKtOhU\/WxtOpvOWNRI\/AAAAAAAAIwY\/lRJl9PgK8MIgpjNqQC2n1XMqPbtl1waaQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/DSCF0698.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1067\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-dTHndnKtOhU\/WxtOpvOWNRI\/AAAAAAAAIwY\/lRJl9PgK8MIgpjNqQC2n1XMqPbtl1waaQCLcBGAs\/s640\/DSCF0698.JPG\" width=\"426\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HxXciBl-6gA\/WxtOqCqyxpI\/AAAAAAAAIwc\/DDy2SsnnZMAsvCyG6y0w4-bB4dMIehQtwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/DSCF0699.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1067\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HxXciBl-6gA\/WxtOqCqyxpI\/AAAAAAAAIwc\/DDy2SsnnZMAsvCyG6y0w4-bB4dMIehQtwCLcBGAs\/s640\/DSCF0699.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe use biodegradable soap while camping so the waste water won't hurt the environment. The only complaint I have with this system is that it's a bit hard to wash large dishes in the small sink. I wish we had a tank that was less deep and was taller. (So, I'm on the hunt for one that fits that criteria). The 5 gallons lasts our family two full days with a bit left over.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's not luxurious per se, but we're people that really just wanted something that was one step up from tent camping with a bit of style. I think Myrtle perfectly fits the bill. (And no grey water tanks to deal with!)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"watermelon pinterest\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gU8ZMa\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"seagreen facebook\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gL2GZv\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"blue twitter 1\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/dj8ZMa\/blue_twitter_1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6244463247700178102\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6244463247700178102\u0026isPopup=true","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6244463247700178102"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6244463247700178102"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2018\/06\/electric-and-water-in-vintage-camper.html","title":"Electric and Water in a Vintage Camper"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9n62rrl1EZw\/WxtOhjljuZI\/AAAAAAAAIwI\/kFdR6uxKEsstATvZ7Q9DbofCV_aY86TFACLcBGAs\/s72-c\/DSCF0684.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-8615330324639206506"},"published":{"$t":"2018-04-06T10:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-04-06T10:00:25.391-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Dog Water \u0026 Food Dish Stand"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince my last post was for the cat people, I decided it was time to share one for the dogs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESomething we have discovered with four dogs (!) is that we need large dog dishes for water and food. Otherwise we find ourselves refilling them every couple of hours. \u003Ci\u003ENobody got time for that!\u003C\/i\u003E We also found out early on that they like to dump their water dish all over the floor. Which is especially problematic with a little one that thinks it's really cool to spread wet foot prints throughout the house. (\u003Ci\u003EOkay\u003C\/i\u003E...they are \u003Ci\u003Ereally\u003C\/i\u003E cute wet foot prints) A stand\/holder for the dishes is a must.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, they don't make stands for large dishes. About 10 years ago, my husband made a stand for our large dishes, but that was starting to look pretty darn rough. It was time for an update. I decided I wanted something that was open on the bottom so we could clean up any water drips. I also wanted something that looked nice. It was a pretty easy process to make this stand, so read on, grab a couple of supplies and get it done!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-f6ZWoSPx8xs\/WsRnhgszgVI\/AAAAAAAAItM\/szOPOX0tvvcrZ7dgW0-q5Emt061cfxIhwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5306.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-f6ZWoSPx8xs\/WsRnhgszgVI\/AAAAAAAAItM\/szOPOX0tvvcrZ7dgW0-q5Emt061cfxIhwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5306.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003EPiece of plywood \u003Ci\u003E(Long and wide enough for both dishes to fit. Most home improvement stores have pre-cut wood so you don't have to buy a large piece of wood if transportation or cutting is an issue)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETable saw\/circular saw \u003Ci\u003E(to cut the wood to length as needed)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EJig Saw \u003Ci\u003E(A\u0026nbsp;jig saw with the ability to do some scroll sawing is helpful because you can adjust your angle as you go along)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDrill \u0026amp; Drill Bit \u003Ci\u003E(The big should be big enough that the jig saw blade can fit through the hole)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESandpaper\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETable Legs\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EStain or Paint\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESealing Layer (Polyurethane)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDog Food\/Water Dishes\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. Cut Wood to Length\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first thing was getting the piece of wood a correct length. You will want a couple of inches around the dishes so you don't compromise the wood as you cut the circles.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. Trace and Cut Circles\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have the wood cut to the correct length, you will need to flip the dishes over to trace around the lip of the dishes. Once you have traced around the dishes, you will need to account for the lip. Make a second circle within the larger circle to make a smaller hole so the dish will be held up. Erase the larger circle to avoid confusion.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo cut the circles, first drill a hole on the smaller circle towards the inside. This hole needs to be big enough that a jig saw blade can fit within the hole. Cut on the line in a circle. You may need to take it slow in order to make the curves. Repeat with the second hole.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. Sand\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUse some sandpaper to sand off the rough edges around the circle you cut out. Also sand down the rest of the board so it's smooth and ready for finishing. You can also use the sandpaper to round any sharp edges.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. Stain or Paint and Seal\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou can stain or paint the board\/legs (which ever is your preference). Once you are done, you will need to seal the board and legs several times over. This surface is going to get some major moisture either from drool or water. Follow the directions on the label which usually includes a light sanding between layers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E5. Attach Legs\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing the appropriate hardware (the package will indicate what hardware to purchase) to attach the legs you purchased to the board. You're done!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-li7n6rTlCaw\/WsRnhg4NDdI\/AAAAAAAAItI\/WTk6DHbZH2krx6rh4A1ud-_o6JVJLGWEACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5307.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-li7n6rTlCaw\/WsRnhg4NDdI\/AAAAAAAAItI\/WTk6DHbZH2krx6rh4A1ud-_o6JVJLGWEACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5307.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-f6ZWoSPx8xs\/WsRnhgszgVI\/AAAAAAAAItM\/szOPOX0tvvcrZ7dgW0-q5Emt061cfxIhwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5306.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-f6ZWoSPx8xs\/WsRnhgszgVI\/AAAAAAAAItM\/szOPOX0tvvcrZ7dgW0-q5Emt061cfxIhwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5306.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"watermelon pinterest\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gU8ZMa\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"seagreen facebook\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gL2GZv\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"blue twitter 1\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/dj8ZMa\/blue_twitter_1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/8615330324639206506\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=8615330324639206506\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8615330324639206506"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8615330324639206506"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2018\/04\/diy-dog-water-food-dish-stand.html","title":"DIY Dog Water \u0026 Food Dish Stand"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-f6ZWoSPx8xs\/WsRnhgszgVI\/AAAAAAAAItM\/szOPOX0tvvcrZ7dgW0-q5Emt061cfxIhwCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_5306.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-792130072405802163"},"published":{"$t":"2018-04-03T23:51:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-04-03T23:51:06.718-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Cat Camper House"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello,\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs a self-proclaimed dog person, I do get the occasional inkling to make something for the cats of the house. I mean, at least one of them is nice. (The other one lurks around corners waiting for the best opportunity to commit homicide.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI started to look at some small gift to give the cats for Christmas, because, yes, we are one of those families. I found an adorable vintage camper house for cats. If the cats are going to have something, why \u003Ci\u003Ewouldn't\u003C\/i\u003E it be a cute vintage camper? But the Amazon one was around $30.00. Um. I love my cats...well strongly care for...but that seemed a wee-bit over priced for a bunch of cardboard.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESpeaking of Amazon...you know who gets lots of cardboard? This Amazon Prime addict. Also, I've got all this free time from not running into town for TP, so I could use those skills to make one bomb diggity cat camper, no doubt.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0-gQOC59da0\/WsRNiu5ZPpI\/AAAAAAAAIsI\/L55-LdCmSW4CFrPyYBgf37NzJkwD7DajQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5539.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0-gQOC59da0\/WsRNiu5ZPpI\/AAAAAAAAIsI\/L55-LdCmSW4CFrPyYBgf37NzJkwD7DajQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5539.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tZKC0ShwQmY\/WsRNVVx81eI\/AAAAAAAAIqo\/zMOQb9iBW_wyMZCDqQ11-4ixGtJGZY_AgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5500.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tZKC0ShwQmY\/WsRNVVx81eI\/AAAAAAAAIqo\/zMOQb9iBW_wyMZCDqQ11-4ixGtJGZY_AgCLcBGAs\/s320\/IMG_5500.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.xacto.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EX-Acto\u003C\/a\u003E Knife (New blades really work best)\u003Cbr \/\u003ECardboard (Keep an old box, or grab a new one or foam board from the store)\u003Cbr \/\u003EPencil\u003Cbr \/\u003EPaint \u0026amp; Brush (I used acrylic and house paint..whatever I had around the house)\u003Cbr \/\u003EPacking Tape\u003Cbr \/\u003ERuler (if you want to make sure your lines are straight and measured accurately)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. Draw Outline of Front of Camper\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou can make your camper whatever shape you want. Of course I had a wonderful example with Myrtle in our front drive.\u0026nbsp; (Check out Myrtle's Journey \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/search\/label\/Myrtle%20the%20Turtle\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-R3n7cnjaVFI\/WsRNVSg2gQI\/AAAAAAAAIqk\/Q44C64FMXIAne7RQeaohTnTLXDOLNtt7ACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5501.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-R3n7cnjaVFI\/WsRNVSg2gQI\/AAAAAAAAIqk\/Q44C64FMXIAne7RQeaohTnTLXDOLNtt7ACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5501.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. Cut \u0026amp; Draw Outline of Back of Camper\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing your \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.xacto.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EX-acto\u003C\/a\u003E knife, follow the line you have drawn. Hint: When using an X-acto knife, it's much easier to pull the knife towards you, not push it away.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have your outline cut out, you will need to make an opposite side. Use the cut out side as a pattern to transfer an outline to another piece of cardboard. Cut out this piece with your X-acto knife.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-F-oH4E9cZqA\/WsRNVC6ugxI\/AAAAAAAAIqg\/4mpLCvIXN6UTRzwODziAvzWIoykhA8KRACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5502.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-F-oH4E9cZqA\/WsRNVC6ugxI\/AAAAAAAAIqg\/4mpLCvIXN6UTRzwODziAvzWIoykhA8KRACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5502.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. Draw Details\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided my camper needed windows (the lever ones and jalousie, \u003Ci\u003Eobviously\u003C\/i\u003E). I also needed a door\u0026nbsp; as well. Using a system of scoring (not cutting all the way through the cardboard, but rather just the first layer so the cardboard bends freely), I created a door and windows.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cLBAhwO79HE\/WsRNWcDqhiI\/AAAAAAAAIqs\/WkqhvJKUMwUyxBC62pmIJgJzW4ZSXU6xgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5503.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cLBAhwO79HE\/WsRNWcDqhiI\/AAAAAAAAIqs\/WkqhvJKUMwUyxBC62pmIJgJzW4ZSXU6xgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5503.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OJBqWoudpvA\/WsRNXOd0U7I\/AAAAAAAAIqw\/Pv-EcB1Q6EAxK6oQZUjlwouhKui0phHHQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5504.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OJBqWoudpvA\/WsRNXOd0U7I\/AAAAAAAAIqw\/Pv-EcB1Q6EAxK6oQZUjlwouhKui0phHHQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5504.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sxkydKzIZrY\/WsRNXF2NRdI\/AAAAAAAAIq0\/NrZRoRFknG4ADiBM1q9x1jc_Lkp2RH9XgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5507.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sxkydKzIZrY\/WsRNXF2NRdI\/AAAAAAAAIq0\/NrZRoRFknG4ADiBM1q9x1jc_Lkp2RH9XgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5507.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-4bEoqhsVk-o\/WsRNXkYmT3I\/AAAAAAAAIq4\/UOjRyDA3Bq8JFoiHh-0xmMZqJK3jcOmxgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5508.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-4bEoqhsVk-o\/WsRNXkYmT3I\/AAAAAAAAIq4\/UOjRyDA3Bq8JFoiHh-0xmMZqJK3jcOmxgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5508.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-zWuvMG5iHpQ\/WsRNYSBdwUI\/AAAAAAAAIq8\/d05YEeqz6bAHc2WuMkv1cedLbTv4LPdewCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5509.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-zWuvMG5iHpQ\/WsRNYSBdwUI\/AAAAAAAAIq8\/d05YEeqz6bAHc2WuMkv1cedLbTv4LPdewCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5509.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;4. Paint\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBefore you can tape anything together, you'll need to paint the camper. This is the one step where I thought I might have picked the wrong material. A white foam board would have already been colored. Cardboard also sucks up paint like no other, so you'll have to do multiple coats. I didn't find the paint made the cardboard soggy by any means, just time consuming between coats. I used a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.elmers.com\/products\/paint-pens-and-other-supplies?filters=paint-markers\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EPainter's\u003C\/a\u003E pen for the dots.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--Nn6NU9KCag\/WsRNZO-3dCI\/AAAAAAAAIrA\/d7FI0nsKfh0jemXZHIWD0n675twmulR2ACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5510.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--Nn6NU9KCag\/WsRNZO-3dCI\/AAAAAAAAIrA\/d7FI0nsKfh0jemXZHIWD0n675twmulR2ACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5510.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-qQXJlbZDK2A\/WsRNZcHKFmI\/AAAAAAAAIrE\/dp7DJoinkQ8TXSZG3lvTA75CqTeI7hxwwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5511.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-qQXJlbZDK2A\/WsRNZcHKFmI\/AAAAAAAAIrE\/dp7DJoinkQ8TXSZG3lvTA75CqTeI7hxwwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5511.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cpwMPXMrk2w\/WsRNaN5VOZI\/AAAAAAAAIrI\/TLbDFH2kR4c7evPurIqE_SgMFfvKTlhowCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5512.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cpwMPXMrk2w\/WsRNaN5VOZI\/AAAAAAAAIrI\/TLbDFH2kR4c7evPurIqE_SgMFfvKTlhowCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5512.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E5. Create Base\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing the side as a guide, I marked on another piece of cardboard how long the front was. I made the camper about 10 inches wide. Big enough for a cat, but not too big. You will want to add about 2 to 3 inches to the width and length in order to have a side to tape the front and back to. (See the pictures for a better idea of what I'm describing).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EScore at the line of the extra \"over hang.\" You are basically creating a box bottom. Tape up the corners to create the box shape.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-r39evOnV_Qk\/WsRNaxk9-2I\/AAAAAAAAIrM\/rccJ3UA0dGohZnVcpR32XgFBZ5kMffyDQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5514.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-r39evOnV_Qk\/WsRNaxk9-2I\/AAAAAAAAIrM\/rccJ3UA0dGohZnVcpR32XgFBZ5kMffyDQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5514.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-awnAQqw1Kjs\/WsRNbHA6rdI\/AAAAAAAAIrQ\/gCM935_bICsYK3HEvW6J2Va_b6VdCV0oQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5516.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-awnAQqw1Kjs\/WsRNbHA6rdI\/AAAAAAAAIrQ\/gCM935_bICsYK3HEvW6J2Va_b6VdCV0oQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5516.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XJa9VrFmuuk\/WsRNbXBdY7I\/AAAAAAAAIrU\/7lQIHKmanqspQ5MYUjTG_ek3tLjdzBvmQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5517.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XJa9VrFmuuk\/WsRNbXBdY7I\/AAAAAAAAIrU\/7lQIHKmanqspQ5MYUjTG_ek3tLjdzBvmQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5517.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OSNpPxIbkN4\/WsRNb54ODHI\/AAAAAAAAIrY\/5UeFW6BzWo0SVEkiqTzn84Mpvv07hS8PACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5520.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OSNpPxIbkN4\/WsRNb54ODHI\/AAAAAAAAIrY\/5UeFW6BzWo0SVEkiqTzn84Mpvv07hS8PACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5520.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-J9lbu7qWcus\/WsRNc5Pe1-I\/AAAAAAAAIrc\/2_pDtOddfBA4xXoy43ZHgrWHN5uhT02VwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5521.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-J9lbu7qWcus\/WsRNc5Pe1-I\/AAAAAAAAIrc\/2_pDtOddfBA4xXoy43ZHgrWHN5uhT02VwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5521.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou may need to trim the bottom box where the door is going to hit if you don't want the base showing. (\u003Ci\u003EDoubt the cats mind much\u003C\/i\u003E)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-uWOFBiuMdio\/WsRNdJsVrtI\/AAAAAAAAIrg\/AlXUa1XQRYQAgerkRcbzTCpZGuMNEMQbACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5522.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-uWOFBiuMdio\/WsRNdJsVrtI\/AAAAAAAAIrg\/AlXUa1XQRYQAgerkRcbzTCpZGuMNEMQbACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5522.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E6. Using the packing tape, tape the front and back to your bottom base. Tape from the inside so it's hidden from view.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WQttYYFp0Mk\/WsRNdcZpqSI\/AAAAAAAAIrk\/VnhRhxSqYmolKumh2aiLD-9GBuEMtxZAQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5523.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WQttYYFp0Mk\/WsRNdcZpqSI\/AAAAAAAAIrk\/VnhRhxSqYmolKumh2aiLD-9GBuEMtxZAQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5523.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-NrxKoPPksiw\/WsRNeRi8s1I\/AAAAAAAAIro\/p_oGge4t5WEkrrGIhd4tPwC_1YdAamsBACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5525.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-NrxKoPPksiw\/WsRNeRi8s1I\/AAAAAAAAIro\/p_oGge4t5WEkrrGIhd4tPwC_1YdAamsBACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5525.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E7. Add Structure to the top\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECut strips of cardboard as wide as your camper (around 10 inches in my case) and tape them to the top and sides of your camper. This will add some stability and make it easier to attach the top\/side piece.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kWSxf_yAhRw\/WsRNeu8GM_I\/AAAAAAAAIrs\/Mo1yNOKBX44bmgrVMZjJKDpODRnXx7drACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5526.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kWSxf_yAhRw\/WsRNeu8GM_I\/AAAAAAAAIrs\/Mo1yNOKBX44bmgrVMZjJKDpODRnXx7drACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5526.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-k-KZJ56F-C0\/WsRNemA9VGI\/AAAAAAAAIrw\/-Fe74DwB89kIJG8cf9iG5POzuC5x-gSrgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5527.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-k-KZJ56F-C0\/WsRNemA9VGI\/AAAAAAAAIrw\/-Fe74DwB89kIJG8cf9iG5POzuC5x-gSrgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5527.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E8.\u0026nbsp; Create Roof and Sides\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing one long piece of cardboard as wide as your camper, you will want to create your roof. This is the longest of all the steps. Each time there is a curve (for example, when you are going from the roof to the side), you will need to score the cardboard to make it curve.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1ZVn620LSIE\/WsRNgHaOTvI\/AAAAAAAAIr0\/u72Jyoyph58JZhwKaZ4-Ozk7-iFotEmqQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5528.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1ZVn620LSIE\/WsRNgHaOTvI\/AAAAAAAAIr0\/u72Jyoyph58JZhwKaZ4-Ozk7-iFotEmqQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5528.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YJmrUBzyRg8\/WsRNgSzGHZI\/AAAAAAAAIr4\/gH-nc2_Xr4M7sJSJTmrvy4qhNI0AzYOQwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YJmrUBzyRg8\/WsRNgSzGHZI\/AAAAAAAAIr4\/gH-nc2_Xr4M7sJSJTmrvy4qhNI0AzYOQwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5529.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-X2gC1N20ff8\/WsRNgspXWXI\/AAAAAAAAIr8\/h0hs0RupqicvdH9wNb5KP2Ej4hRFx4mpgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5530.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-X2gC1N20ff8\/WsRNgspXWXI\/AAAAAAAAIr8\/h0hs0RupqicvdH9wNb5KP2Ej4hRFx4mpgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5530.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E9. Paint the Roof \u0026amp; Attach\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is is pretty self explanatory. You'll need it to be painted before you tape it on. (Paint won't stick to tape well, if at all) Finally, using the packing tape, attach the roof. You probably will need this tape to be on the outside of the camper, so it will show a bit.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9FuoJVwFvCI\/WsRNhZaLh6I\/AAAAAAAAIsA\/XZapvnUe7OISaPE3EAEiYs5aFO2Pat_xgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5531.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9FuoJVwFvCI\/WsRNhZaLh6I\/AAAAAAAAIsA\/XZapvnUe7OISaPE3EAEiYs5aFO2Pat_xgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5531.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E10. Enjoy!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere's the nice kitty enjoying his fancy new camper. The other cat is probably googling \"How to Get Away with Murder.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-eQg42GMKdDE\/WsRNikSzSCI\/AAAAAAAAIsE\/W-ADgz_OphUl5fXWPmafImdLZKtZmmzdQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5532.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-eQg42GMKdDE\/WsRNikSzSCI\/AAAAAAAAIsE\/W-ADgz_OphUl5fXWPmafImdLZKtZmmzdQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5532.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0-gQOC59da0\/WsRNiu5ZPpI\/AAAAAAAAIsI\/L55-LdCmSW4CFrPyYBgf37NzJkwD7DajQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5539.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0-gQOC59da0\/WsRNiu5ZPpI\/AAAAAAAAIsI\/L55-LdCmSW4CFrPyYBgf37NzJkwD7DajQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5539.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-T6T-tosw9ts\/WsRNi5NZs8I\/AAAAAAAAIsM\/FaQWqf7prOQ7P_Qu46SBeAPBRghmpkp5gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5540.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-T6T-tosw9ts\/WsRNi5NZs8I\/AAAAAAAAIsM\/FaQWqf7prOQ7P_Qu46SBeAPBRghmpkp5gCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5540.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7XCF0z5xldM\/WsRNkCrq5mI\/AAAAAAAAIsQ\/IKMy20RZ8fwqLzCMDPunB_UTaDsysYT9gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5541.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7XCF0z5xldM\/WsRNkCrq5mI\/AAAAAAAAIsQ\/IKMy20RZ8fwqLzCMDPunB_UTaDsysYT9gCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5541.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1vuTe0v5UBw\/WsRNkUbv60I\/AAAAAAAAIsU\/JZkHuOzUPpANFdoMXtlcPwc1qIMVZ-BawCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5542.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1vuTe0v5UBw\/WsRNkUbv60I\/AAAAAAAAIsU\/JZkHuOzUPpANFdoMXtlcPwc1qIMVZ-BawCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5542.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"watermelon pinterest\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gU8ZMa\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"seagreen facebook\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gL2GZv\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"blue twitter 1\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/dj8ZMa\/blue_twitter_1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/792130072405802163\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=792130072405802163\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/792130072405802163"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/792130072405802163"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2018\/04\/diy-cat-camper-house.html","title":"DIY Cat Camper House"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0-gQOC59da0\/WsRNiu5ZPpI\/AAAAAAAAIsI\/L55-LdCmSW4CFrPyYBgf37NzJkwD7DajQCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_5539.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3497502797107819814"},"published":{"$t":"2018-02-24T10:17:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-02-24T10:18:04.442-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sewing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Couch Cushion Fix"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003ELong time, no talk huh? Life has been crazy especially with cold and flu season upon us. I feel like I’m one more sick kid away from making my children leave the house in hazmat suits with a Purell shower waiting at home.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EAnyways, all those sick kids made it woefully apparently our couch wasn’t equipped for long days watching Netflix. Some background on our furniture. We bought a couch and two accent chairs from a local furniture shop about three years ago. The couch and one chair are the “Best Furniture” brand and the other chair is a “Pallister” This post has nothing to do with the Pallister chair. That thing looks amazing apart from cat induced thread pulling. (Cats are dicks)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EHowever, the other chair and couch did not fair as well in our home. After about a month of owning them, the cushions looked all sorts of lopsided. I contacted the local furniture shop and apparently the long time owner had decided to retire, and they were in the middle of some ownership changes. Translation: no one had any advice or offered any solutions to the lopsided cushions. I supposed that’s one downside of locally owned (although I feel like it’s really the exception not the rule).\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EFlash forward one year later, and the couch has pretty much fallen apart. The springs in the main part of the couch fell out completely. At that new development, I call the the local furniture shop, and they offered to come look at it. They had completed the ownership change and seemed to have their act (kinda) together at this point. So, they came over, flipped the couch over to look at the bottom, and the frame literally fell apart in their hands. They picked up the pieces and took the entire thing with them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EThey ended up completely rebuilding the frame and brought me back a like new couch....except for the cushions. Those pesky cushions were now out of warranty. I decided before we bought a completely new couch, it was worth trying some DIY on the cushions especially with a completely new frame and fairly nice upholstery.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RUplFK64I6w\/WpGPJ26XW4I\/AAAAAAAAIoM\/2RHEbTsHBmIdwsnhspmgWkJm6_FCCuRxQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_2670.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RUplFK64I6w\/WpGPJ26XW4I\/AAAAAAAAIoM\/2RHEbTsHBmIdwsnhspmgWkJm6_FCCuRxQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_2670.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EThe fabric covers were in pretty good shape. The spring cores were surrounded by a foam cover which also seemed to be in pretty good shape. Once I opened up the foam cover, it was pretty clear why they were so uncomfortable. (And every single cushion was like this!)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7lZ2DJr2i0Y\/WpGPJ58gS8I\/AAAAAAAAIoI\/L_5yDDOkb2gpRNLV-RgwIwOR1dYSYPcWwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_2671.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7lZ2DJr2i0Y\/WpGPJ58gS8I\/AAAAAAAAIoI\/L_5yDDOkb2gpRNLV-RgwIwOR1dYSYPcWwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_2671.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003ESo each spring has a \"pocket\" holding it in place which are attached with one another to create a grid of sorts. However, the material that was used to make these \"pockets\" is the same fabric as those $1.00 reusable shopping bags. In what world would that fabric decision make \u003Ci\u003Eany\u003C\/i\u003E sense? Some brilliant guy was like, \"Hey, let's save some money and make this with fabric that is $0.01 per yard. I'm sure that cheap fabric will do great under high tension from springs.\" \u003Ci\u003E(Imagine that I am rolling my eyes high enough to make myself dizzy)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EAt this point I had a couple of different options I considered. I could completely scrap the cheap fabric and attempt to make my own pockets from a much higher quality fabric (I was thinking some sort of home dec fabric I had sitting around). I didn't love this option because it would mean extra sewing and I wasn't real confident in my ability to make them look uniform. I could just try to mend the current crap fabric, but I knew that would only last so long. After playing around with everything, I decided to do a hybrid approach.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EThe first thing I did was get all those tangled springs back into a pocket. I used some upholstery thread (translation...higher strength) to hand sew each pocket in order to keep the spring in place. I stabbed myself with a needle about 200 times, but I got it done.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JbLvUdQL07s\/WpGLOXMH8GI\/AAAAAAAAInQ\/HDm45fehcv8D6tD6nSProWm89dgNYDhFACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5927.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JbLvUdQL07s\/WpGLOXMH8GI\/AAAAAAAAInQ\/HDm45fehcv8D6tD6nSProWm89dgNYDhFACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5927.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EAfter each spring was in the correct place, I took a heavy duty corduroy fabric I had sitting around to wrap the springs. Good thing about them being inside the cushion is the color and design of the fabric doesn't matter. My thought was this fabric will keep the springs in place by not allowing them to pop out the top nor out the side. So, I saved myself from making a completely new fabric structure, but still had the entire spring form wrapped in much higher quality fabric.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kv9q__6s7fI\/WpGLLxlCqZI\/AAAAAAAAInA\/SM1EIfQuLpI0-hnu4zPTp6dKdEpouQ4eQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5919.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kv9q__6s7fI\/WpGLLxlCqZI\/AAAAAAAAInA\/SM1EIfQuLpI0-hnu4zPTp6dKdEpouQ4eQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5919.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-iNHGUEKXe_A\/WpGLMmTou2I\/AAAAAAAAInI\/iXLc2zT_UWIsYwZnbI5CBBHLUDOvLmDbgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5921.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-iNHGUEKXe_A\/WpGLMmTou2I\/AAAAAAAAInI\/iXLc2zT_UWIsYwZnbI5CBBHLUDOvLmDbgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5921.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EAfter I had the spring forms fixed, I had to put them back into the cushion foam structure. I quickly found that the fabric and foam had been stretched far enough out of shape that the spring form wasn't enough to fill the space. I grabbed a bunch of batting and shredded foam to refill around the spring form. I put the batting around the spring form so you wouldn't feel the springs and then used the shredded foam around the sides of the spring form to fill out the cushions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-tRq2jA8aoYY\/WpGLOV9Ty1I\/AAAAAAAAInM\/mAQkJhT4xUksWlalYtXuGhcL1CUj4zW0gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5922.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-tRq2jA8aoYY\/WpGLOV9Ty1I\/AAAAAAAAInM\/mAQkJhT4xUksWlalYtXuGhcL1CUj4zW0gCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5922.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv dir=\"auto\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003EOver-all the project wasn't too bad. I only had to buy the batting and foam which was around $50.00. I had the thread and fabric already. It took me about one night of three or so hours of work to get one cushion done. I had four cushions total to fix, so in about a week I had the couch in tip top shape.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gzlF0hepyho\/WpGOo_rQx6I\/AAAAAAAAIno\/9PD1qPCeNIY5LypA0xqfNKn0ckU1bHf8QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_5488.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gzlF0hepyho\/WpGOo_rQx6I\/AAAAAAAAIno\/9PD1qPCeNIY5LypA0xqfNKn0ckU1bHf8QCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_5488.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_nAXTsxctXk\/WpGOpAoJjQI\/AAAAAAAAIns\/lP5FNw86FhUtz8Ax8jPGHOTlPWroevQfQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_6464.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_nAXTsxctXk\/WpGOpAoJjQI\/AAAAAAAAIns\/lP5FNw86FhUtz8Ax8jPGHOTlPWroevQfQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_6464.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"watermelon pinterest\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gU8ZMa\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"seagreen facebook\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gL2GZv\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"blue twitter 1\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/dj8ZMa\/blue_twitter_1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3497502797107819814\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3497502797107819814\u0026isPopup=true","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3497502797107819814"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3497502797107819814"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2018\/02\/diy-couch-cushion-fix.html","title":"DIY Couch Cushion Fix"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RUplFK64I6w\/WpGPJ26XW4I\/AAAAAAAAIoM\/2RHEbTsHBmIdwsnhspmgWkJm6_FCCuRxQCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_2670.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-721314352802079102"},"published":{"$t":"2017-08-29T00:14:00.004-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-29T00:15:17.602-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Walking Rope"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Last spring I was lucky enough to chaperone a preschool field trip. Do you want to know what it's like to chaperone a group of 3 year olds? Go to the humane society and try to get all the kittens in the cat room to line up in a perfect line and wait for instructions.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYeah. It was interesting. Our preschool teacher is awesome and tries to get the kids outside as much as she can. After my experience with chaperoning, I had a new found respect for the teacher. I wanted to make her walks with the kids just a little bit easier.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou may have seen the walking ropes that daycares, schools or large families use. The idea is if younger children have something to hold on to, they are easier to wrangle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided the concept was something that could easily be made with materials around the house. So, one afternoon I start messing around with the idea. After playing around with some rope and ribbon, I figured it out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aP3gwcZKIq8\/WaTzNELLWKI\/AAAAAAAAIZo\/Fyh5zwYs4HIGAbqxtGgsoDrdNYkLadU6gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3114.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aP3gwcZKIq8\/WaTzNELLWKI\/AAAAAAAAIZo\/Fyh5zwYs4HIGAbqxtGgsoDrdNYkLadU6gCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3114.JPG\" title=\"Child Walking Rope\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMaterials\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003ERibbon (I used thicker ribbon I had in my scrap bin)\u003Cbr \/\u003ERope\u003Cbr \/\u003ESewing Machine (I suppose you could knot the ribbon into loops or try hand stitching or hot gluing..options for those who are sewing machine adverse)\u003Cbr \/\u003EScissors\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Hot Glue Gun\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EStep One: Cut Ribbon\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou have to decide how many loops you need for your rope. I decided to make 6 loops which allow 12 children to walk on the rope. One big loop will end up being tied off to make two smaller ones. Once you figure out how many loops you want, you need to cut the same amount of strips of ribbon. All the cuts of ribbon should be the same length. Now, my ribbon strips were quite long. I think they were around 24 inches long each.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aDasm_kOqA0\/WaTzDtvBbJI\/AAAAAAAAIZE\/3UWHy-c6Jc4Cjy-LWrbScFKlPKneDJQxQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3100.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aDasm_kOqA0\/WaTzDtvBbJI\/AAAAAAAAIZE\/3UWHy-c6Jc4Cjy-LWrbScFKlPKneDJQxQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3100.JPG\" title=\"Ribbon Cut for Walking Rope\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EStep Two: Create Loops\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETurning the design to the inside, make the ribbon into a loop (aka circle or whatever fancy word I should be using instead) and sew the two ends together. I did several stitches, because I assume kids are going to be rough on them pulling and such. Do this with all the ribbon strips you have cut.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xq2uZg4HjCI\/WaTzJXaj5yI\/AAAAAAAAIZU\/FD5Orq0t9k8lAQsGFmjMUcIfFQ3aaoF9ACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3106.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xq2uZg4HjCI\/WaTzJXaj5yI\/AAAAAAAAIZU\/FD5Orq0t9k8lAQsGFmjMUcIfFQ3aaoF9ACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3106.JPG\" title=\"Sewing Ribbon for Walking Rope\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-lJtOZcOFVtQ\/WaTzKc6Hf6I\/AAAAAAAAIZc\/oHyQ6x6d9zcOl4IyBr-O9VWJLDbSjvY8QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3108.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-lJtOZcOFVtQ\/WaTzKc6Hf6I\/AAAAAAAAIZc\/oHyQ6x6d9zcOl4IyBr-O9VWJLDbSjvY8QCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3108.JPG\" title=\"Close up of ribbon for walking rope\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EStep Three: Attach Loops\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you're done, lay out your rope. I put my loops across the rope so I could see how close they should be together. Then I cut my rope about 2-3 feet longer than how I had it laid out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo attach the loops, you can't simply tie them to the rope. They would slide all around, and you'd have a 5 child pile up. How I knotted everything is a bit hard to explain (and to show for that matter) but I'll do my best.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou will want to get one ribbon loop fully knotted on before you move on to the next ribbon loop. First, slip the rope through the loop.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--tnH8pNCybo\/WaTzKc4zSqI\/AAAAAAAAIZY\/jVneldTg33wLaq8dA_kUBcYMcK8s2xzqgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3110.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--tnH8pNCybo\/WaTzKc4zSqI\/AAAAAAAAIZY\/jVneldTg33wLaq8dA_kUBcYMcK8s2xzqgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3110.JPG\" title=\"how to knot walking rope\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have the rope through the loop (or the center of the circle), tie the rope to one side of the ribbon loop. I tied the rope close to the sewn ends just to conceal them, but it shouldn't matter where you tie the rope.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZCSx3AYlRUU\/WaTzK03B3wI\/AAAAAAAAIZg\/hvG6EKTZ03wETyyYv3oF7TTMlXCtv7WDgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3111.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZCSx3AYlRUU\/WaTzK03B3wI\/AAAAAAAAIZg\/hvG6EKTZ03wETyyYv3oF7TTMlXCtv7WDgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3111.JPG\" title=\"Knotting ribbon to walking rope\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENext, while keeping the rope knot in the center of the ribbon loop, tie the ribbon loop in a knot around the rope. Having the rope knotted this way will ensure it doesn't move around on the rope.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-u0Ipf8JIjzI\/WaTzMJmowQI\/AAAAAAAAIZk\/yIq4CCd0sRc5nZ7ejVVQ2yomjQHKNN5ugCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3112.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-u0Ipf8JIjzI\/WaTzMJmowQI\/AAAAAAAAIZk\/yIq4CCd0sRc5nZ7ejVVQ2yomjQHKNN5ugCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3112.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LuV-v1Qd7bQ\/WaTzH7dSBmI\/AAAAAAAAIZI\/l8YcZ7sD1ssQrqLoruhrkeRzoFZthNQhgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3103.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LuV-v1Qd7bQ\/WaTzH7dSBmI\/AAAAAAAAIZI\/l8YcZ7sD1ssQrqLoruhrkeRzoFZthNQhgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3103.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003EStep Four: Finish\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI did a couple of finishing steps on the walking rope. I made a loop on the front of the rope so the teacher can hold it the rope. I wrapped this front loop with ribbon as a bit of padding and then hot glued everything in the place. I also knotted a loop at the very end of the rope for another child to grab. I also secured this knot with some hot glue.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QueDhLO3NGQ\/WaTzDZRlM4I\/AAAAAAAAIZA\/bzc9N5IENi4vyeny201Y3FH71joWtdMIACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3101.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QueDhLO3NGQ\/WaTzDZRlM4I\/AAAAAAAAIZA\/bzc9N5IENi4vyeny201Y3FH71joWtdMIACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3101.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0qg_0hpDzqw\/WaTzDVZ_WZI\/AAAAAAAAIY8\/O08F6HHv-_UFf7FlUMIfAYM6FiNzfQWzgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3102.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-0qg_0hpDzqw\/WaTzDVZ_WZI\/AAAAAAAAIY8\/O08F6HHv-_UFf7FlUMIfAYM6FiNzfQWzgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3102.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aP3gwcZKIq8\/WaTzNELLWKI\/AAAAAAAAIZo\/Fyh5zwYs4HIGAbqxtGgsoDrdNYkLadU6gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3114.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aP3gwcZKIq8\/WaTzNELLWKI\/AAAAAAAAIZo\/Fyh5zwYs4HIGAbqxtGgsoDrdNYkLadU6gCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3114.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"watermelon pinterest\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gU8ZMa\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"seagreen facebook\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gL2GZv\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"blue twitter 1\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/dj8ZMa\/blue_twitter_1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/721314352802079102\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=721314352802079102\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/721314352802079102"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/721314352802079102"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/08\/diy-walking-rope.html","title":"DIY Walking Rope"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aP3gwcZKIq8\/WaTzNELLWKI\/AAAAAAAAIZo\/Fyh5zwYs4HIGAbqxtGgsoDrdNYkLadU6gCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_3114.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3765138239053897239"},"published":{"$t":"2017-08-05T02:05:00.003-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T02:12:04.153-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sewing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Slip On Converse"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI don't know if any of you use Photobucket for blogs or forums, but without notice, they decided to just turn off all embeded images. So, my 10 years worth of blog posts now have a bunch of broken signature blocks. Argh. So frustrating. Anyways fellow bloggers, I feel your pain!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis year the Easter Bunny brought my oldest daughter her own pair of Converse high tops. The Easter Bunny got a really good deal on them. However, I, ahem..the Easter Bunny...didn't realize high tops are extremely difficult for kids to get on and off. The laces didn't have any give. Every time she had to take them on and off you practically had to unlace them. My daughter has many pairs of lace shoes that she wears with no problems, but these shoes weren't cooperating.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter a couple of soccer practices trying to get them on, I knew we needed a different solution. I thought about buying those lace free alternatives they now make. The reviews weren't great, and they could be expensive especially if they broke frequently. I was going to rig something up with plain white elastic when I saw a pile of my daughter's elastic ribbon hair ties. Why go with plain white when you can make something unique?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEach set of holes used one hair tie. I didn't have enough to do all matching elastic ribbon, but I did have enough to match the two pairs of shoes. Using a needle and thread, I would thread the ribbon through the hole and sew the front and back of the elastic with white thread. I tried to match the stitching that was already on the Converse. The first side was easier than the second simply because there was a bit of tension as you pulled the elastic ribbon across and threaded it. I left the top two sets of holes empty so it would be easier to pull them on. I am happy to report after a {very} active summer, they are still holding up quite well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_HmL9JrZV2c\/WYVrIZ2pK6I\/AAAAAAAAIXQ\/Rz2A1B5KiRcohHAIqjQ4OOICf7qH53mFwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3371.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_HmL9JrZV2c\/WYVrIZ2pK6I\/AAAAAAAAIXQ\/Rz2A1B5KiRcohHAIqjQ4OOICf7qH53mFwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3371.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9rFYHStTKjk\/WYVrVbYrBAI\/AAAAAAAAIXc\/v6OnfBVQSDIldVrk63bGVDNV11BhJ0-_wCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3372.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9rFYHStTKjk\/WYVrVbYrBAI\/AAAAAAAAIXc\/v6OnfBVQSDIldVrk63bGVDNV11BhJ0-_wCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3372.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EaPIPz4JRwo\/WYVrU8qAkYI\/AAAAAAAAIXU\/-adGXK1zNAwbncDpl-4Ro87gwDAS9aumACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3373.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EaPIPz4JRwo\/WYVrU8qAkYI\/AAAAAAAAIXU\/-adGXK1zNAwbncDpl-4Ro87gwDAS9aumACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3373.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_W5b152PkMc\/WYVrVMYe9AI\/AAAAAAAAIXY\/gz2RMju1pfktMiz9IPm2WAAo43993sunwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3374%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_W5b152PkMc\/WYVrVMYe9AI\/AAAAAAAAIXY\/gz2RMju1pfktMiz9IPm2WAAo43993sunwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3374%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"watermelon pinterest\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gU8ZMa\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"seagreen facebook\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/gL2GZv\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/imgbb.com\/\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"blue twitter 1\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/image.ibb.co\/dj8ZMa\/blue_twitter_1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3765138239053897239\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3765138239053897239\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3765138239053897239"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3765138239053897239"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/08\/diy-slip-on-converse.html","title":"DIY Slip On Converse"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_HmL9JrZV2c\/WYVrIZ2pK6I\/AAAAAAAAIXQ\/Rz2A1B5KiRcohHAIqjQ4OOICf7qH53mFwCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/IMG_3371.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2770399422862031161"},"published":{"$t":"2017-06-30T00:56:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:01:51.255-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Outdoor Painting Station"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"If your weather has been anything like ours, your family is probably spending a ton of time outside. A couple of weeks ago, I was wandering around Lowes and saw some plexiglass. I got an idea to create a painting station for my children in our yard. The inspiration for the project came from our local children's museum. The painting window is one of my children's favorite rooms.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, this project is actually pretty simple and inexpensive. We use washable fingerpaint for ours, and let the rain or squirt bottle do the cleaning afterwards.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPiece of Plexiglass \u003Ci\u003E(Lowes has precut ones available, but will also cut the glass for you)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETwo boards the width of the Plexiglass \u003Ci\u003E(I had some left over plastic composite wood which has worked well in the elements)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETwo or four bolts and locking nuts (\u003Ci\u003ELong enough to go through both boards with room to spare)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETwo brackets\/eye screws \u003Ci\u003E(to hang from your fence or other surface)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERope\u003Cbr \/\u003ECup Hooks\u003Cbr \/\u003EDrill, Clamps, wrench, pliers and (maybe) a Saw\u003Cbr \/\u003EPainting supplies: brushes, buckets, squeegie, squirt bottle\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EStep One: Drill Holes and Attach Bolts\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EStart by clamping your boards in a plexiglass sandwich. I didn't have to cut my boards to be the same length since they already were, but you might if you get a new board.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGoing slowly, drill a hole through the boards and plexiglass sandwich. You will want to use a drill bit that is wide enough to have the bolt slide through easily. I did four holes\/bolts in my boards. Using a wrench and pliers, secure the bolts through the boards and plexiglass. Make sure they are firmly attached but not too tight. You don't want to crack your plexiglass.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8wSrZVBBSYY\/WVXmJrqFfCI\/AAAAAAAAIVU\/Vp1NeYs9G8Yiq4WRMj4Iu8MskjiKpdnwQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8wSrZVBBSYY\/WVXmJrqFfCI\/AAAAAAAAIVU\/Vp1NeYs9G8Yiq4WRMj4Iu8MskjiKpdnwQCLcBGAs\/s640\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GKIk3p9wrqM\/WVXl3vypnAI\/AAAAAAAAIVM\/C6Waz1sjUBgInstewSocXnszg7KM_ueNACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GKIk3p9wrqM\/WVXl3vypnAI\/AAAAAAAAIVM\/C6Waz1sjUBgInstewSocXnszg7KM_ueNACLcBGAs\/s640\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B2.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EStep Two: Attach Hangers\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had some of these metal brackets hanging out from a previous project. It was rather easy to add them to the back of my board through the top set of bolts, but you can easily attach them using a set of screws as well. I added some washers just so they wouldn't wear into the boards over time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rDCDKUeEObU\/WVXl49ORFbI\/AAAAAAAAIVQ\/dW04JNHEtfw4fuxCovnHqhh45QaU3gmUACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rDCDKUeEObU\/WVXl49ORFbI\/AAAAAAAAIVQ\/dW04JNHEtfw4fuxCovnHqhh45QaU3gmUACLcBGAs\/s640\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B3.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EStep Three: Add Hooks\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou can now remove the clamps. I added a set of cup hooks to my boards to hang these small buckets for paint. The buckets are from Target. I might also add additional hooks for the squeegie and spray bottle. I slipped some rope through the the brackets and hung it on my fence.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dyHazFJrNfo\/WVXl1M6pb2I\/AAAAAAAAIVI\/7skhNw7bBtQ2Mr1dHn_5UM18CBfsLDzfACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B6.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dyHazFJrNfo\/WVXl1M6pb2I\/AAAAAAAAIVI\/7skhNw7bBtQ2Mr1dHn_5UM18CBfsLDzfACLcBGAs\/s640\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B6.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZJ9rqk1Cors\/WVXlvrZ719I\/AAAAAAAAIVA\/K9cwv2iIFJAY7R0ZICLj4O8z02Y0P8ASgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B4.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZJ9rqk1Cors\/WVXlvrZ719I\/AAAAAAAAIVA\/K9cwv2iIFJAY7R0ZICLj4O8z02Y0P8ASgCLcBGAs\/s640\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B4.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SnQEssgNWNA\/WVXlyCfuwzI\/AAAAAAAAIVE\/diZKX9No-L4lvGTTgOcJJWjWa9v0a1B7QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B5.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SnQEssgNWNA\/WVXlyCfuwzI\/AAAAAAAAIVE\/diZKX9No-L4lvGTTgOcJJWjWa9v0a1B7QCLcBGAs\/s640\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel%2B5.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2770399422862031161\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2770399422862031161\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2770399422862031161"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2770399422862031161"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/06\/diy-outdoor-fence-painting-station.html","title":"DIY Outdoor Painting Station"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8wSrZVBBSYY\/WVXmJrqFfCI\/AAAAAAAAIVU\/Vp1NeYs9G8Yiq4WRMj4Iu8MskjiKpdnwQCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/Outdoor%2BPaint%2BEasel.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-7879919195796654192"},"published":{"$t":"2017-06-18T01:42:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:02:21.097-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Myrtle Gets a Facelift"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have one of those compulsive personalities that requires many (many) lists, properly labeled plastic bins and planning. I like things a certain way and in a certain place. Owning Myrtle has taught me that despite all the lists I make of what order the remodel will go in and what I want to accomplish, she has much different plans. I suppose remodeling her is much like motherhood in that respect.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen she was all shut up for winter, I made all these detailed plans. This year I was going to tackle the windows, roof and paint her one of those Pinterest worthy paint jobs. I spent all my snow days reading about how to properly seal windows, how to DIY paint on a vintage camper and how to coat a roof. I was anxious to get started the minute the tulips started peeking up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn the first stretch of nice weather, I pulled out the first window. I was going to clean it up, seal it up with butyl tape and put it back in. Easy peasy. I wanted to complete all the windows so I could move on to painting. The framing was still solid around the window, and with a lot of elbow grease, the old caulk was gone and the window was ready to go back in. Except it wouldn't. At least not to the point where it was sealed properly. I realized after much cursing and wiggling, that these replacement windows weren't going to cut it. So, despite all my plans, I learned the lesson Myrtle keeps telling me...I have to be willing to be flexible. So, I started hunting for original windows to put back into the camper (still searching by the way). I decided to leave the old windows, buy some new metal door awnings to go over them to keep the rain out (thanks \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B008BSPGTS\/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAmazon\u003C\/a\u003E!) and move on to resealing the sheet metal pieces and j-rails.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI pulled the first piece of sheet metal that was covering a hole that used to be a vent. I didn't need the vent, but to make it look nicer and ready it for painting, I did paint the sheet metal white. I was pleasantly surprised the caulk came off really easy and there was minimal wood to replace. I got that project done in just a few hours. Fresh off this good news, I removed a piece of j-rail. It also came off easy and didn't seem to have any damage to repair. Heck, why not keep going? So, I removed the next piece of j-rail by the cab over bunk area.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dc080W6IAos\/WUYgj9XdIXI\/AAAAAAAAIUI\/UZ3c2Hkrlwk_wsS5_mp0yLDS8S67n_C3ACLcBGAs\/s1600\/35FFA738-7479-4D5E-8E3E-4D333CCC714C.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dc080W6IAos\/WUYgj9XdIXI\/AAAAAAAAIUI\/UZ3c2Hkrlwk_wsS5_mp0yLDS8S67n_C3ACLcBGAs\/s400\/35FFA738-7479-4D5E-8E3E-4D333CCC714C.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EMyrtle started laughing at me. And by laughing, I mean the skin practically fell off her because the bunk area is all rotted away. Son of a gun! I should have known that this was going to happen considering the cab over bunk area is the only part of the camper with the original birch wood which is a strong indication that it's the only area the previous owner didn't reframe. So, this is what Myrtle looks like in the front right now until the Hubs and I take off the front skin to see what we're dealing with. (Here's hoping it's just a couple pieces to replace by the j-rail)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-m2TwAjpM4t8\/WUYc6PRh1jI\/AAAAAAAAITw\/H1meaeFfSHIhQ70YUa-fwdSechSk-Hc4gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_1320%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-m2TwAjpM4t8\/WUYc6PRh1jI\/AAAAAAAAITw\/H1meaeFfSHIhQ70YUa-fwdSechSk-Hc4gCLcBGAs\/s320\/IMG_1320%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, that brings me back to that paint job. The cool eye catching paint job that I've been planning since before I got her. It would seem that isn't going to happen this summer. In fact, with the search for windows and the slow moving resealing, there's a chance it will be a couple of summers away. I was bummed. I know it's superficial and the paint has little to do with her ability to take our family camping, but dang...I wanted that eye catching vintage look now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELate one night as I cut vinyl for a father's day gift (blog post coming soon), I pulled out some vinyl from an outside project a few years ago. Then I think an actual light bulb came on as I had my epiphany. If I couldn't paint Myrtle yet, that didn't mean I had to forgo decorating her. I ordered some vinyl, and now I have the pleasure of introducing Myrtle's mini-face lift.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rdkLMaxEgw0\/WUYc9Br9lpI\/AAAAAAAAIT4\/3bX3rEzdgnUsfcTGk3SXnZUygIZFFUUvwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_3207.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rdkLMaxEgw0\/WUYc9Br9lpI\/AAAAAAAAIT4\/3bX3rEzdgnUsfcTGk3SXnZUygIZFFUUvwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_3207.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe supplies you need for this project are quite simple. Two 5 yard rolls of Oracal 651 outdoor vinyl did the trick for me (I buy all my vinyl from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/expressionsvinyl.com\/gloss-vinyl-rolls.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EExpressions Vinyl \u003C\/a\u003Eand have been very happy with their pricing and quick shipping). I put the rolls through my Silhouette paper cutting machine. I made a very simple cut file with 2 inch wide circles with a couple of rows of half circles for the top.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile my machine was cutting all that vinyl, I prepped the surface for the vinyl. I gave Myrtle a bath and then wiped all the blue areas (where my dots were going) with rubbing alcohol.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce all the vinyl was cut, I used a old school ruler to measure out the top row. I did half circles every 6 inches. Once the top roll was done, I just eye balled the rest of the rows. The aluminum skin is a great way to keep the circles level. I just used the horizontal lines in the skin as my guide. I didn't use transfer paper. I just peeled the circles off and placed on the skin slowly to avoid bubbles. I would use a spare credit card to get any extra bubbles out of the vinyl and to stick it to the skin. When I got to an obstacle, I would place a circle over the skin and obstacle and use a dull Exact-o knife to cut around the obstacle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI am extremely impressed with how this turned out considering the amount of time it took (just a couple of hours over several days) and the amount of money (around $30.00). The Oracal 651 is rated for around 6+ years of durability outdoors. I really hope it doesn't take that long to get to painting or I might go completely crazy. The vinyl should come off with some heat and scraping. Since it will only be removed when it's time to paint, I won't worry about any scrapes it may leave in the surface of Myrtle. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ClHyMhyohx0\/WUYc-IsEQnI\/AAAAAAAAIT8\/QAa7uKnceJId2xsNfoqC52FLw6FCAyjhwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_1332%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ClHyMhyohx0\/WUYc-IsEQnI\/AAAAAAAAIT8\/QAa7uKnceJId2xsNfoqC52FLw6FCAyjhwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_1332%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vA9fATnDVvo\/WUYc6FIoliI\/AAAAAAAAITs\/bWWKoulP9bIW4lXmoi-Oz_0FNE7aaBWpACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_1311.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vA9fATnDVvo\/WUYc6FIoliI\/AAAAAAAAITs\/bWWKoulP9bIW4lXmoi-Oz_0FNE7aaBWpACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_1311.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FYfrpE74Ct8\/WUYc86y-w5I\/AAAAAAAAIT0\/2_V8Ccc3EHoSTERlCg4spvBxOwQvKpIIwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_1321%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FYfrpE74Ct8\/WUYc86y-w5I\/AAAAAAAAIT0\/2_V8Ccc3EHoSTERlCg4spvBxOwQvKpIIwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_1321%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/7879919195796654192\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=7879919195796654192\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7879919195796654192"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7879919195796654192"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/06\/myrtle-gets-facelift.html","title":"Myrtle Gets a Facelift"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dc080W6IAos\/WUYgj9XdIXI\/AAAAAAAAIUI\/UZ3c2Hkrlwk_wsS5_mp0yLDS8S67n_C3ACLcBGAs\/s72-c\/35FFA738-7479-4D5E-8E3E-4D333CCC714C.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6516828756792612397"},"published":{"$t":"2017-05-30T14:53:00.005-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:02:39.192-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Watercolor Scratch Off Map"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"A couple of weeks ago I saw a sponsored post on Facebook that featured a scratch off map of the United States. As you visit a state, you scratch off the state to reveal a pretty watercolor underneath.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI was about to purchase one when I thought to myself, \"I think I can make this with what I already have in my house.\" I watched some videos, read some blogs, and I decided to give it a try.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI tried a couple different methods I found online so I could give the best recommendation and directions. \u003Cb\u003EI would first recommend a quick reading through the directions, because I do give many alternatives to listed materials. So even if you don't think you have or can find the supplies listed, you might have an alternative option available.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMaterials\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHeavy Card Stock \u003Ci\u003E(I used 100 lb, 8.5 x 11)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWatercolors \u003Ci\u003E(I used basic Crayola watercolors from my daughter's leftover school supplies)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPaint Brush\u003Cbr \/\u003EWater, Cup and Paper Towels\u003Cbr \/\u003ECarbon Paper \u003Ci\u003E(or another method to transfer the mock up to the card stock)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPrinter Paper\u003Cbr \/\u003EComputer \u003Ci\u003E(with word or photo editing software)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESelf-Sealing or Heat Sealing Laminating Sheet \u003Ci\u003E(or Contact Paper or Packing Tape)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELarge Chalk Pen\u003Cbr \/\u003ESharpie\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. \u003Cu\u003ECreate Mock Up\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing a simple map image, fonts I've downloaded, and Photoshop Elements, I created a mock up of what I wanted my map to look like. I hand lettered the state names, but you could easily add that to your mock up as well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rntIS53A12E\/WS3KPnlhxUI\/AAAAAAAAISE\/jbSP_bazgH4dPcZoRqTHCM_4KbS9SiYQQCLcB\/s1600\/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-27%2Bat%2B5.08.25%2BPM.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1000\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rntIS53A12E\/WS3KPnlhxUI\/AAAAAAAAISE\/jbSP_bazgH4dPcZoRqTHCM_4KbS9SiYQQCLcB\/s640\/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-27%2Bat%2B5.08.25%2BPM.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, there are alternatives if you don't have these resources available to you. Instead of Photoshop Elements, you could easily use Microsoft Word or Paint to create your mock up. If you don't have a computer, you could free hand draw the map right on the card stock.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you wanted to make a larger version of the map, you could also use these programs and print on several sheets and tape together. Instead of card stock, you could use foam board or poster board.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. \u003Cu\u003ETransfer Mock Up\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow, I thought about just printing my mock up right on to the card stock and moving on to the next step. However, the more I thought about it, I thought it was likely the watercolor would cause the printer ink to bleed. Really, graphite (i.e. pencil) would be a better option. If I wanted to get really crazy, I suppose I could have hooked up my Silhouette to draw the image with a pencil.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhat I did was grab some carbon transfer paper and sandwich it between a printed version of the document (on regular printer paper) and the card stock. I kept everything in place using a clipboard (but you could easily just tape everything down to the table or desk). I just traced the image with a ball point pen, and it transferred the image over. If you don't have carbon paper (it's inexpensive, reuseable, and available at craft stores), you could also try using your laptop as a light box, pushing hard enough to make an indent in the card stock or even just trying to print straight on the card stock.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KBAoKKhP2Vc\/WS3KAgQdVXI\/AAAAAAAAIRw\/JGjUEJndcKEqyhx_jRwR6V9zCoCjxPnJQCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B3.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KBAoKKhP2Vc\/WS3KAgQdVXI\/AAAAAAAAIRw\/JGjUEJndcKEqyhx_jRwR6V9zCoCjxPnJQCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B3.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cu\u003EPaint\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm no artist, but blending two colors is something I can do. I did each state separately. To blend the colors, I would start on one end of the state so the color was bright and then lightly move towards the center. I would then clean my brush in some water and blend the other color from the opposite side towards the center. Sometimes the colors would mix on their own beautifully. Other times I had to add a bit of water or dab up excess water with a paper towel. I worked around the entire map until each state was painted.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-f0dOa9dtbY4\/WS3KNCgcInI\/AAAAAAAAIR4\/irig_nSV6XkwZEcICOweE57Xvl0WlXUbQCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B6.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-f0dOa9dtbY4\/WS3KNCgcInI\/AAAAAAAAIR4\/irig_nSV6XkwZEcICOweE57Xvl0WlXUbQCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B6.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. \u003Cu\u003ESharpie\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter the map was all painted, I waited for it to dry. If you happen to have a mistake (I had a couple), you can clean it up with some White Out or even try to wipe it away with a clean damp paper towel. Since the card stock is heavier, the watercolors shouldn't bleed through or distort the paper. Once the paper is dry, you can color in the lettering with a Sharpie. I also took the Sharpie marker and traced the outline of all the states. I then added the names of each state with a Sharpie.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HaOw-lK1VK0\/WS3KBhf-OSI\/AAAAAAAAIR0\/_Z0KOBrdZYQAr-0YnmFQkEIBWGn60cuIQCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B4.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HaOw-lK1VK0\/WS3KBhf-OSI\/AAAAAAAAIR0\/_Z0KOBrdZYQAr-0YnmFQkEIBWGn60cuIQCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B4.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E5. \u003Cu\u003ELaminate\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter I was done with all the painting and was satisfied with my map, I needed to laminate the paper. I have a heat laminator, so I simply put the map through my machine to laminate it. You can use many different methods to laminate the paper. You could use contact paper that's clear, self adhesive laminating sheets, or even packing tape.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E6. \u003Cu\u003EPaint Over Map\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo this is where I did some experimentation. I found many tutorials online that suggested using acrylic paint in a 3 to 1 ratio with dish soap. So, I thought I would try that out with some paint I had sitting around.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-oWs9ORaLbgo\/WS3KNYeqLgI\/AAAAAAAAIR8\/XN5uFUlLYT0wMTyg1nOFUWV1LXluyw9SACLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B5.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-oWs9ORaLbgo\/WS3KNYeqLgI\/AAAAAAAAIR8\/XN5uFUlLYT0wMTyg1nOFUWV1LXluyw9SACLcB\/s400\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B5.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YIi1HluQqQI\/WS3KP-H_Y7I\/AAAAAAAAISI\/gTJw_378s6Al3wWUVP4uOnunrtej9L4MwCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YIi1HluQqQI\/WS3KP-H_Y7I\/AAAAAAAAISI\/gTJw_378s6Al3wWUVP4uOnunrtej9L4MwCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KvsfdFRHdrM\/WS3JxrDzjCI\/AAAAAAAAIRY\/YU_AsCcKiU8hjyRjzzYcGLj_cpT6R1uVwCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B10.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KvsfdFRHdrM\/WS3JxrDzjCI\/AAAAAAAAIRY\/YU_AsCcKiU8hjyRjzzYcGLj_cpT6R1uVwCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B10.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI wasn't overly impressed with the result. The paint wasn't smooth. Perhaps I was just too impatient and the paint wasn't quite dry yet or maybe I had the wrong type of paint, but it didn't scratch off so much as rolled off in big sticky bunches. \u0026nbsp;The left behind paint was a wreck as well. I tried a paint pen, but it didn't have that soap addition so it didn't work well either.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9TMbb-IUOOk\/WS3J79DfSKI\/AAAAAAAAIRs\/7zQB5ywQKLkknlYSabDvaFYZFMfpm6LEACLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9TMbb-IUOOk\/WS3J79DfSKI\/AAAAAAAAIRs\/7zQB5ywQKLkknlYSabDvaFYZFMfpm6LEACLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B2.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2IVN7tg8kqI\/WS3J5M_zeVI\/AAAAAAAAIRo\/2NTLdoZk5agSEKbrV2gcsCPezPr7NWA-gCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B14.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2IVN7tg8kqI\/WS3J5M_zeVI\/AAAAAAAAIRo\/2NTLdoZk5agSEKbrV2gcsCPezPr7NWA-gCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B14.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, the paint option did allow me to put on multiple layers. \u0026nbsp;With each layer, the top layer got less and less opaque. I decided not to get too caught up in staying within the lines since 1) it was a pain and, 2) it was fairly easy to scratch off where I went outside the lines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI found a blog that suggested using a chalk marker as the top layer, so I tried that as well. The chalk marker worked fantastic. It's not as solid as the paint and it scratches off easily enough that you can't add a second layer. However, I actually liked that it wasn't as solid so you could see where the states were underneath. I also liked that if I made a mistake and scratched off something I didn't mean to, I could easily go back and recolor in that section with the marker. The gold chalk marker isn't quite as metallic looking. Since it's chalk, it's matte finish.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-R9KrgAMCYiU\/WS3KOf7jaaI\/AAAAAAAAISA\/koGV0xgMw7cojtOnvntmQdEA8baP3FNDgCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B9.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-R9KrgAMCYiU\/WS3KOf7jaaI\/AAAAAAAAISA\/koGV0xgMw7cojtOnvntmQdEA8baP3FNDgCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B9.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-11KPN4BuleE\/WS3Jxaces6I\/AAAAAAAAIRU\/SXpQoVvulMc9HuJ-MJA-s9yk7pLFqYRLQCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B11.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-11KPN4BuleE\/WS3Jxaces6I\/AAAAAAAAIRU\/SXpQoVvulMc9HuJ-MJA-s9yk7pLFqYRLQCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B11.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gOJ-qQUyxEs\/WS3JxkmMruI\/AAAAAAAAIRQ\/7lWrI9PpWzIy5Sg8F2PWWBx6rq9ZLmjCgCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B12.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gOJ-qQUyxEs\/WS3JxkmMruI\/AAAAAAAAIRQ\/7lWrI9PpWzIy5Sg8F2PWWBx6rq9ZLmjCgCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B12.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E7. \u003Cu\u003EMount or Hang\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you chose, the final step is to put the map in a frame. A document frame works well since the card stock is the same dimensions as most certificates. Take the glass out of the frame so you can scratch off states as you visit them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_zGvLK84v54\/WS3J4sjmi8I\/AAAAAAAAIRg\/FO-80X7iS3sBTJ36xppJTC1jgnJhI245QCLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B13.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_zGvLK84v54\/WS3J4sjmi8I\/AAAAAAAAIRg\/FO-80X7iS3sBTJ36xppJTC1jgnJhI245QCLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B13.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-T7ahqUF9RX4\/WS3J4RdD-TI\/AAAAAAAAIRc\/zulzKE2qUl0VyCgYeHAjX74zdGhHeasnACLcB\/s1600\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B15.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-T7ahqUF9RX4\/WS3J4RdD-TI\/AAAAAAAAIRc\/zulzKE2qUl0VyCgYeHAjX74zdGhHeasnACLcB\/s640\/Scratch%2Boff%2Bmap%2Bdiy%2B15.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI hope this tutorial worked for you, and please let me know if you have any questions or comments below!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6516828756792612397\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6516828756792612397\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6516828756792612397"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6516828756792612397"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/05\/diy-watercolor-scratch-off-map.html","title":"DIY Watercolor Scratch Off Map"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rntIS53A12E\/WS3KPnlhxUI\/AAAAAAAAISE\/jbSP_bazgH4dPcZoRqTHCM_4KbS9SiYQQCLcB\/s72-c\/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-27%2Bat%2B5.08.25%2BPM.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-5719684699449370647"},"published":{"$t":"2017-05-26T14:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-05-26T23:35:23.622-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Girl Scouts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Girl Scout Three Cheers for Animals Journey in a Day"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EGood Afternoon,\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA couple of weeks ago I tried my hand at my first Journey in a Day. It was quite the learning experience as a new troop leader, but I think over-all it went well. I found it difficult to find information beyond the \"Making Friends\" kit that many use, so I thought a blog post might help other troops out there who are looking into completing the Daisy journey \"Three Cheers for Animals\" in just one day.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo give you an idea of how I came to this schedule and activities, I'm going to explain the process I followed. I found it worked well for me and will probably do something similar in the future. First of all, I went ahead and bought the leader guide for the Three Cheers for Animals journey. I wanted to get an idea of what the requirements are, look for activity ideas and see what the traditional journey plan would look like. I decided early on that I didn't want the journey to have to much coloring. I had found that the kits available to purchase had mostly coloring and not enough movement. Not to diss coloring. I love to color. However, if I wanted a group of 6 and 7 year olds to be engaged for hours I didn't think coloring was going to do the trick.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EI also decided early on that instead of focusing on domestic animals, I was going to focus my journey on local wildlife. This was actually a hard decision for me because my husband is a veterinarian, and I could have used him...\u003Ci\u003EI mean\u003C\/i\u003E use his \"expertise\". However, after looking at badges to come in Brownies and Juniors, I decided there was going to be enough pet focused activities that it made sense to focus this journey to something different.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003ETo get on my soapbox for a second, my personal mission with my troop is get them engaged in the outdoors as much as possible. My personal experience when I was a scout was when our troop was more engaged in outdoor activities and education, I got more out of the scouting experience. The results of my completely unscientific survey of all my friends who were Girl Scouts as kids was they all lost interest in scouting once they ended up in a troop that only did more home based activities. I had one friend that point blank that said as a little girl she was quite peeved when she learned what her male friends were doing in Boy Scouts compared to what she was doing in Girl Scouts. So, my personal mission is to give my girls a well rounded experience. Sure, we'll do crafts. Obviously, judging by the title of my blog, I love crafts. However, I think it's important to also give them exposure to the outdoors (and STEM and leadership for that matter). It's entirely possible some of these girls come from families that aren't able to offer those kind of experiences due to a multitude of factors. While I do camp, I'm still going to have to step out of my own comfort zone as well and learn some new skills to pass along. I think that's an important part of my journey as a scout leader. Just my two cents. Back to my planning process.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter I had a focus and did a preliminary read of the guide, I wrote down the different awards associated with the journey. In the Three Cheers for Animal Journey there is the Bird Bath Award, Red Robin Award and Tula Award. I then wrote down what the ultimate goal of each of these awards was. I read through the sample plans in the leader guide for each of these awards and noted what activities and stories I wanted to use in the journey.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EOnce I did that, I then looked to see where I needed to add more content\/activities. I took into account that I didn't want the girls getting all hyped up with three high energy activities in a row. So I tried to balance activities that got the girls up and moving with more passive activities. I also wrote down what the goal for each activity was. I found this helpful when I needed to keep the girls on message.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EI found this a fairly effective way to draft up my plan for the Journey. However, I knew from the start I was going to have trouble with timing. I have found through Girl Scout events and birthday parties, I don't really have any idea how long activities are going to take. It's hard to know with younger girls how long the attention span will hold before you need to shift direction. So, since every group of girls is different and you'll have to account for that, I would suggest having some back-up activities in case you speed through activities like we did. On the converse, maybe your group is really into one activity and wants to take more time on it. I would make note of what activities you can skip if you're running behind time wise.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003EOne other note. we did have some Brownies that decided to join the Journey. Since they didn't need or had already earned the Daisy Journey badge, I looked through current Brownie badges. I didn't find a current badge that matched what we were doing. I could have done a fun badge instead, but I felt like the girls were doing a ton of work not to earn an official badge. So, I did a bit of research and found the requirements of the retired Brownie Animal Try-It badge. One little known fact is that girls can earn the retired badges and display them with their other official badges so long as they meet the badge requirements. Many local libraries and online libraries have the old badge requirement books. So, I tracked down two retired badges on eBay and ordered them for the Brownies.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere is the schedule we followed:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003ESession One\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDiscover\u003C\/i\u003E – Bird Bath Award\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E12:00-12:15\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003ECheck-In\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGame\u003C\/i\u003E: Animal Guessing (pg. 9 of \u0026nbsp;leader guide)\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"\u003EGoal: Allows girls to discover local wildlife through acting and movement\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 2;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003ESupplies: Notecards and hat or sack\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EPreparation: Print pictures of local wildlife and paste on notecards.\u0026nbsp;\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDirections: Put notecards in a sack\/hat. Girls take turns giving hints about the animal and the other girls try to guess what the animal is.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E12:15-12:20– \u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EGirl Scout Promise\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EWelcome girls to the journey. Explain that a journey is a trip. We’re going to take a journey where we learn about local wildlife\/animals, how to take care of them then teach other people how to take care of wildlife. We’re going to finish up our journey will making some things to help care for wildlife in area.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E12:20-12:40 – \u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;S\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003Epeaker\u003C\/i\u003E: Local Wildlife Expert\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGoal: Give girls an overview of how taking care of our environment helps take care of local wildlife and also ourselves.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EPreparation: Line up speaker\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E12:40-1:00 – \u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDiscussion\u003C\/i\u003E: Decision Making Scenarios (pg. 48 of leader guide)\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGoal: Girls take the information they have received from the guest speaker and the animal guessing game to make good choices to care for local wildlife.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003ESupplies: Notecards\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EPreparation: Create scenarios and put on notecards\u0026nbsp;\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDirections: Read the scenarios and girls give answers on what they would do. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E1:00-1:45— \u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003ESnack \u0026amp; Red Robin Story (pg. 17 of journey book)\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 2;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EMeal: Sunshine in a Bag or Bird Nests\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"\u003EPreparation: Purchase food\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDirections: Read Red Robin story during snack\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E2:00-2:20—\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGame\u003C\/i\u003E: Fly Fly Away (pg. 47 of leader guide)\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGoal: Through movement and discussion focus on how each girl is unique just like each animal. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003ESupplies: Streamers, iPhone, Speaker\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EPreparation: Playlist on phone\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDirections: Each girl takes 3 streamers in each hand as their “wings,” Play music while each girl tries to fly around. Call out other birds to have girls act them out (Penguin, Hummingbird, blue bird, eagle, pheasant, ostrich, goose, and Flamingo). After dancing, have girls sit down to rest and have a discussion about what makes each bird special and what makes them special. Ask how they learned\/got that characteristic that made them special. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003ESession Two\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EConnect\u003C\/i\u003E – Red Robin Award\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E2:20-3:00—\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDiscussion\u003C\/i\u003E: Wildlife Video\u0026nbsp;\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGoal: Girls learn about how wildlife take care of themselves and what we can do to help them.\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"\u003ESupplies: TV Screen or Projector\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EPreparation: You Tube Playlist\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E3:00-3:20—\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EActivity\u003C\/i\u003E: Animal Care Books\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGoal: Girls create books to share with community how to help local wildlife. Allow girls to lead the discussion on where to donate the finished books. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003ESupplies: Printer paper, crayons, pens\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EPreparation: Pre-print\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003ESession Three\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003ETake Action\u003C\/i\u003E – Tula Award\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E3:35-4:00--\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EActivity\u003C\/i\u003E: Bird Nesting Material Hanger\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGoal: Girls create a hanging basket with bird nesting materials to take home and help birds in their own community\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003ESupplies: Yarn pieces, leaves, twigs, dry grass, pine needles, Whisks\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EPreparation: Gather supplies\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDirections: To read: \"Most birds build some kind of structure to contain their eggs and nestlings. A bird’s nest may be as simple as a nighthawk’s or Killdeer’s depression on the ground, a hole in a tree excavated by a woodpecker, or an elaborate pouchlike nest woven by an oriole. The most familiar nest type is a cup made of vegetation and sometimes mud. Often, the outer layers are of coarse material, and the inside is lined with softer or finer material. Depending on the species, cup-nesters may hide their nests in trees or shrubs, build them on the ground, or place them in nest boxes or tree cavities. Fallen leaves and twigs left unraked make excellent nest materials for many birds. Providing nooks in your backyard where this untidy debris can collect provides a variety of material for the birds to check out when they are building nests. They may even pick through your compost pile looking for suitable nest material. You can also put out concentrated stashes of nest material. If your yard has safe nest sites and adequate construction material, it will be more attractive to birds, including those that don’t visit feeders. Where would you put the nesting material hanger?\"\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Ci style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003E(Source: Cornell Department of Orthnology)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EExplain how we’re going to use the whisks to pack with nest stuff and how they can hang it up at home in a tree.\u0026nbsp;\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E4:00-4:45--\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EActivity\u003C\/i\u003E: Make Bat Boxes\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EGoal: Girls work as a team to make a bat box for local bats. Discussion on why bat boxes are needed and relate it to the needs of each girls.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003ESupplies: Wood, nails, wood glue, saw, router, black paint, hammers, white paint\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EPreparation: Precut wood, predrill all nail holes\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-left: 1.0in;\"\u003E\u003Ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003EDirections: See handout\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;\"\u003E4:45-5:00—\u003Cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EClean up and Friendship Circle\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EBird Bath Award\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C!--[if gte mso 9]\u003E\u003Cxml\u003E \u003Co:OfficeDocumentSettings\u003E  \u003Co:AllowPNG\/\u003E \u003C\/o:OfficeDocumentSettings\u003E\u003C\/xml\u003E\u003C![endif]--\u003E \u003C!--[if gte mso 9]\u003E\u003Cxml\u003E \u003Cw:WordDocument\u003E  \u003Cw:View\u003ENormal\u003C\/w:View\u003E  \u003Cw:Zoom\u003E0\u003C\/w:Zoom\u003E  \u003Cw:TrackMoves\/\u003E  \u003Cw:TrackFormatting\/\u003E  \u003Cw:PunctuationKerning\/\u003E  \u003Cw:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/\u003E  \u003Cw:SaveIfXMLInvalid\u003Efalse\u003C\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid\u003E  \u003Cw:IgnoreMixedContent\u003Efalse\u003C\/w:IgnoreMixedContent\u003E  \u003Cw:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText\u003Efalse\u003C\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText\u003E  \u003Cw:DoNotPromoteQF\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LidThemeOther\u003EEN-US\u003C\/w:LidThemeOther\u003E  \u003Cw:LidThemeAsian\u003EX-NONE\u003C\/w:LidThemeAsian\u003E  \u003Cw:LidThemeComplexScript\u003EX-NONE\u003C\/w:LidThemeComplexScript\u003E  \u003Cw:Compatibility\u003E   \u003Cw:BreakWrappedTables\/\u003E   \u003Cw:SnapToGridInCell\/\u003E   \u003Cw:WrapTextWithPunct\/\u003E   \u003Cw:UseAsianBreakRules\/\u003E   \u003Cw:DontGrowAutofit\/\u003E   \u003Cw:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark\/\u003E   \u003Cw:EnableOpenTypeKerning\/\u003E   \u003Cw:DontFlipMirrorIndents\/\u003E   \u003Cw:OverrideTableStyleHps\/\u003E  \u003C\/w:Compatibility\u003E  \u003Cm:mathPr\u003E   \u003Cm:mathFont m:val=\"Cambria Math\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:brkBin m:val=\"before\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:brkBinSub m:val=\"\u0026#45;-\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:smallFrac m:val=\"off\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:dispDef\/\u003E   \u003Cm:lMargin m:val=\"0\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:rMargin m:val=\"0\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:defJc m:val=\"centerGroup\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:wrapIndent m:val=\"1440\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:intLim m:val=\"subSup\"\/\u003E   \u003Cm:naryLim m:val=\"undOvr\"\/\u003E  \u003C\/m:mathPr\u003E\u003C\/w:WordDocument\u003E\u003C\/xml\u003E\u003C![endif]--\u003E\u003C!--[if gte mso 9]\u003E\u003Cxml\u003E \u003Cw:LatentStyles DefLockedState=\"false\" DefUnhideWhenUsed=\"false\"   DefSemiHidden=\"false\" DefQFormat=\"false\" DefPriority=\"99\"   LatentStyleCount=\"382\"\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"0\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Normal\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 7\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 8\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 9\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 7\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 8\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index 9\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 7\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 8\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"toc 9\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Normal Indent\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"footnote text\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"annotation text\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"header\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"footer\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"index heading\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"35\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"caption\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"table of figures\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"envelope address\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"envelope return\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"footnote reference\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"annotation reference\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"line number\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"page number\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"endnote reference\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"endnote text\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"table of authorities\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"macro\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"toa heading\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Bullet\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Number\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Bullet 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Bullet 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Bullet 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Bullet 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Number 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Number 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Number 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Number 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"10\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Title\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Closing\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Signature\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"1\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"Default Paragraph Font\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Body Text\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Body Text Indent\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Continue\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Continue 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Continue 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Continue 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"List Continue 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Message Header\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"11\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtitle\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Salutation\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Date\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Body Text First Indent\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Body Text First Indent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Heading\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Body Text 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Body Text 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Body Text Indent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Body Text Indent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Block Text\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Hyperlink\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"FollowedHyperlink\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"22\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Strong\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"20\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Emphasis\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Document Map\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Plain Text\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"E-mail Signature\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Top of Form\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Bottom of Form\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Normal (Web)\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Acronym\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Address\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Cite\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Code\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Definition\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Keyboard\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Preformatted\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Sample\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Typewriter\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"HTML Variable\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Normal Table\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"annotation subject\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"No List\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Outline List 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Outline List 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Outline List 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Simple 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Simple 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Simple 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Classic 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Classic 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Classic 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Classic 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Colorful 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Colorful 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Colorful 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Columns 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Columns 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Columns 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Columns 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Columns 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Grid 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Grid 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Grid 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Grid 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Grid 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Grid 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Grid 7\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Grid 8\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table List 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table List 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table List 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table List 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table List 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table List 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table List 7\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table List 8\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table 3D effects 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table 3D effects 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table 3D effects 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Contemporary\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Elegant\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Professional\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Subtle 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Subtle 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Web 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Web 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Web 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Balloon Text\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"Table Grid\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Table Theme\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 7\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 8\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Note Level 9\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" Name=\"Placeholder Text\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"1\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"No Spacing\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" Name=\"Light Shading\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" Name=\"Light List\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" Name=\"Light Grid\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" Name=\"Medium List 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" Name=\"Medium List 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" Name=\"Dark List\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" Name=\"Colorful Shading\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" Name=\"Colorful List\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" Name=\"Colorful Grid\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" Name=\"Light List Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" Name=\"Revision\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"34\" QFormat=\"true\"    Name=\"List Paragraph\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"29\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Quote\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"30\" QFormat=\"true\"    Name=\"Intense Quote\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" Name=\"Light List Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" Name=\"Light List Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" Name=\"Light List Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" Name=\"Light List Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" Name=\"Light List Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"19\" QFormat=\"true\"    Name=\"Subtle Emphasis\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"21\" QFormat=\"true\"    Name=\"Intense Emphasis\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"31\" QFormat=\"true\"    Name=\"Subtle Reference\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"32\" QFormat=\"true\"    Name=\"Intense Reference\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"33\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Book Title\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"37\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" Name=\"Bibliography\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" SemiHidden=\"true\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"TOC Heading\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"41\" Name=\"Plain Table 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"42\" Name=\"Plain Table 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"43\" Name=\"Plain Table 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"44\" Name=\"Plain Table 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"45\" Name=\"Plain Table 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"40\" Name=\"Grid Table Light\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\" Name=\"Grid Table 1 Light\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"Grid Table 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"Grid Table 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"Grid Table 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"Grid Table 5 Dark\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\" Name=\"Grid Table 6 Colorful\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\" Name=\"Grid Table 7 Colorful\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"Grid Table 2 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"Grid Table 3 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"Grid Table 4 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"Grid Table 2 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"Grid Table 3 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"Grid Table 4 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"Grid Table 2 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"Grid Table 3 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"Grid Table 4 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"Grid Table 2 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"Grid Table 3 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"Grid Table 4 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"Grid Table 2 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"Grid Table 3 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"Grid Table 4 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"Grid Table 2 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"Grid Table 3 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"Grid Table 4 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\" Name=\"List Table 1 Light\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"List Table 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"List Table 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"List Table 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"List Table 5 Dark\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\" Name=\"List Table 6 Colorful\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\" Name=\"List Table 7 Colorful\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"List Table 1 Light Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"List Table 2 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"List Table 3 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"List Table 4 Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"List Table 5 Dark Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"List Table 1 Light Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"List Table 2 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"List Table 3 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"List Table 4 Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"List Table 5 Dark Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"List Table 1 Light Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"List Table 2 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"List Table 3 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"List Table 4 Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"List Table 5 Dark Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"List Table 1 Light Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"List Table 2 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"List Table 3 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"List Table 4 Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"List Table 5 Dark Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"List Table 1 Light Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"List Table 2 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"List Table 3 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"List Table 4 Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"List Table 5 Dark Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"46\"    Name=\"List Table 1 Light Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"47\" Name=\"List Table 2 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"48\" Name=\"List Table 3 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"49\" Name=\"List Table 4 Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"50\" Name=\"List Table 5 Dark Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"51\"    Name=\"List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"52\"    Name=\"List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Mention\"\/\u003E  \u003Cw:LsdException Locked=\"false\" SemiHidden=\"true\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"    Name=\"Smart Hyperlink\"\/\u003E \u003C\/w:LatentStyles\u003E\u003C\/xml\u003E\u003C![endif]--\u003E\u003Cstyle\u003E\u003C!--  \/* Font Definitions *\/ @font-face  {font-family:\"Cambria Math\";  panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;  mso-font-charset:0;  mso-generic-font-family:auto;  mso-font-pitch:variable;  mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face  {font-family:Calibri;  panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;  mso-font-charset:0;  mso-generic-font-family:auto;  mso-font-pitch:variable;  mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073786111 1 0 415 0;}  \/* Style Definitions *\/ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal  {mso-style-unhide:no;  mso-style-qformat:yes;  mso-style-parent:\"\";  margin-top:0in;  margin-right:0in;  margin-bottom:8.0pt;  margin-left:0in;  line-height:107%;  mso-pagination:widow-orphan;  font-size:11.0pt;  font-family:Calibri;  mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;  mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;  mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;  mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;  mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;  mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;  mso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\";  mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault  {mso-style-type:export-only;  mso-default-props:yes;  font-size:11.0pt;  mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt;  mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;  font-family:Calibri;  mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;  mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;  mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;  mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;  mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;  mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;  mso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\";  mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault  {mso-style-type:export-only;  margin-bottom:8.0pt;  line-height:107%;} @page WordSection1  {size:8.5in 11.0in;  margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;  mso-header-margin:.5in;  mso-footer-margin:.5in;  mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1  {page:WordSection1;} --\u003E\u003C\/style\u003E\u003C!--[if gte mso 10]\u003E\u003Cstyle\u003E \/* Style Definitions *\/ table.MsoNormalTable  {mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\";  mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;  mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;  mso-style-noshow:yes;  mso-style-priority:99;  mso-style-parent:\"\";  mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;  mso-para-margin-top:0in;  mso-para-margin-right:0in;  mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;  mso-para-margin-left:0in;  line-height:107%;  mso-pagination:widow-orphan;  font-size:11.0pt;  font-family:Calibri;  mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;  mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;  mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;  mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} \u003C\/style\u003E\u003C![endif]--\u003E   \u003C!--StartFragment--\u003E                                                                                                             \u003C!--EndFragment--\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003EThe first activity we did was the Animal Guessing Game. It's a pretty basic concept. You have pictures of local wildlife, and the girls have to act out the animal while the other girls guess. Some local wildlife is easy to guess like rabbits or skunks, but surprisingly, the girls even got some of the harder ones like badgers and weasels. I found a great \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nrc.gov\/docs\/ML1224\/ML12241A402.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehandout\u003C\/a\u003E from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks which had a list of all types of local wildlife. I found corresponding pictures and printed them out. I would recommend pictures over names since some girls probably aren't the strongest readers yet or a picture is easier for them to identify. Once the girls guessed the animal I read a couple of facts from the handout I found.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter this activity, we had a professor from our local university\u0026nbsp;come and speak about how to take care of local wildlife. She spoke about maintaining habitat and sustainable practices. She was really great with the girls, and they seemed genuinely\u0026nbsp;interested.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OliZVBXtWtI\/WSUde8wCJUI\/AAAAAAAAIQE\/VH1lG6QokhUTHmPq8uqpXEc_llWR6gyWwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2921.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OliZVBXtWtI\/WSUde8wCJUI\/AAAAAAAAIQE\/VH1lG6QokhUTHmPq8uqpXEc_llWR6gyWwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2921.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003EI took notes during her speech and came up with some quick scenerios to ask the girls to give solutions on.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EWe had a quick snack while I read the story about the red robin and flower garden flowers telling how they got their colors. After the story we did the Fly, Fly Away game found in the leader manual. This was a favorite in the group probably because it involved moving and music.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DOQW31ODCX4\/WSUdfA-BSRI\/AAAAAAAAIQM\/D9ZwijUHScsPsLud7lsSFZX8vzeuU-bSgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1175.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DOQW31ODCX4\/WSUdfA-BSRI\/AAAAAAAAIQM\/D9ZwijUHScsPsLud7lsSFZX8vzeuU-bSgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_1175.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"background-color: white; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERed Robin Award\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EThe first part of this session was a video playlist on YouTube that covered local wildlife. I thought this would be a nice \u003C\/span\u003Ereprieve\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;from all the activity, but to my surprise this was the least popular portion of the journey. If I were to do this again, I would either just do a quick 3 minute or so video with an activity mixed in or just cut it all together. \u0026nbsp;To see my You Tube playlist, click \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PL_SqHNAvbYFLPmAOSF2G2N1fekWpgvEug\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E. (Note: we only watched the first 5 minutes or so of the last video)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EAfter we watched these videos, the girls had to take what they learned on the videos to make one page of a book. The book was supposed to inform the reader about local wildlife. I found a printable book page where there's a portion for a drawing at the top and then a lined book page at the bottom. There was a small amount of discussion about where we should donate the book for people to read. Eventually it was decided that we would donate the book to the local doctor's office for kids to read. After the journey I compiled all the pages into a book, laminated it, added a cover and donated it to our local doctor's office for other children to enjoy in the exam rooms.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JQBYkeNBYX4\/WSkB1pF-phI\/AAAAAAAAIQs\/N_RQc21fMQ8u_bLL2PGQF3z7ayCiJ2wswCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2954.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JQBYkeNBYX4\/WSkB1pF-phI\/AAAAAAAAIQs\/N_RQc21fMQ8u_bLL2PGQF3z7ayCiJ2wswCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2954.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETula Award\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003EWe did watch one video regarding how birds make nests which helped us with our next activity. The girls made nesting material hangers. I did a bit of research on these before we made them. I've seen them all over Pinterest, and I wanted to make sure they were actually safe for bird before we made them. The Cornell website was very helpful with what is good to put into the nesting material hangers. Dryer lint is a no go. It dissolves in the rain and therefore harms nests instead of helping them. It's no shock that natural materials are better. I did use a bit of yarn (that was a mixed recommendation on several different websites I visited). I made sure each piece of yarn was cut very short..less than 2 inches to keep it from tangling in the feet of birds. Rather than use suet cages (which can get expensive for a large group), we used dollar store whisks. They actually worked pretty well once the girls got the hang of how to pack everything in. This was one item the girls got to take home with them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9CzTB3gnYhM\/WSUddHdLdoI\/AAAAAAAAIP8\/4vVPs30tUl4ZQGR5eaVhzxmB0KNDpyybACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1273.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9CzTB3gnYhM\/WSUddHdLdoI\/AAAAAAAAIP8\/4vVPs30tUl4ZQGR5eaVhzxmB0KNDpyybACLcB\/s640\/IMG_1273.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe final activity was the big one and probably took up the most prep time. The girls got into teams of two or three and made bat boxes. Instead of bog this post down with all the details of how to make them, I did a separate blog post. You can check that out \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/05\/diy-bat-boxes-for-kids.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E. I pre-drilled all the holes so the girls could build them easier. The girls had a blast hammering at them. Prior to handing out hammers, I did remind each girl about how to properly hammer, and all the girls did a great job with small taps on the nail head. I had several small person hammers (how I have five of them I do not know) so they didn't have to worry about the weight or the huge claw on one end. \u0026nbsp;After the Journey, I did take their boxes home and give them a bit of TLC before donating them to a local nature park.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-25hUvG_HWCU\/WSUbm8Nz1hI\/AAAAAAAAIP0\/CKi77asgmpUTC6tP5ZVJ1_dlyFkE2oi2QCEw\/s1600\/IMG_1181.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-25hUvG_HWCU\/WSUbm8Nz1hI\/AAAAAAAAIP0\/CKi77asgmpUTC6tP5ZVJ1_dlyFkE2oi2QCEw\/s640\/IMG_1181.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-eZ7OKUKg01E\/WSUbpCSdo2I\/AAAAAAAAIP0\/IWkK5fLrkNsASREqug1LAyzy9HwN9WeWwCEw\/s1600\/IMG_2656.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-eZ7OKUKg01E\/WSUbpCSdo2I\/AAAAAAAAIP0\/IWkK5fLrkNsASREqug1LAyzy9HwN9WeWwCEw\/s640\/IMG_2656.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince we were running about an hour ahead of schedule, we took the opportunity to get outside and do some geocaching. We held our journey at a great local resource, a large nature park. I was actually surprised by how much the girls loved it. My own daughter has asked to go several times since.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-opjuTTDIR58\/WSUdeFXIIGI\/AAAAAAAAIQA\/fKWzXBT-atsZZlqKJgqxqaA0-MLYNj2ewCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2920.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-opjuTTDIR58\/WSUdeFXIIGI\/AAAAAAAAIQA\/fKWzXBT-atsZZlqKJgqxqaA0-MLYNj2ewCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2920.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThat's the story of how we put the entire Daisy Three Cheers for Animals journey in one (long) day!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\" style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/5719684699449370647\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=5719684699449370647\u0026isPopup=true","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5719684699449370647"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5719684699449370647"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/05\/girl-scout-three-cheers-for-animals.html","title":"Girl Scout Three Cheers for Animals Journey in a Day"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OliZVBXtWtI\/WSUde8wCJUI\/AAAAAAAAIQE\/VH1lG6QokhUTHmPq8uqpXEc_llWR6gyWwCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_2921.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2808026562832292454"},"published":{"$t":"2017-05-24T00:41:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:02:55.465-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Girl Scouts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Bat Boxes for Kids"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"A couple of weeks ago I organized a Daisy Journey in a Day for our local Daisies and Brownies. I'll have a full post on that experience here in a few days, but one aspect of the project that deserves it's own long winded explanation is how we built 4 bat boxes with 6 and 7 year olds.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst of all, I used \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/7474fab53f1b6ee92458-8f3ac932bad207a00c83e77eaee8d15c.r12.cf1.rackcdn.com\/BAT%20BOX-WAG-2016.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis\u003C\/a\u003E handout from Wild About Gardens as the guide for building the bat houses. One caveat is the measurements are in metric. I decided not to convert them and just grabbed an old fashioned meter stick and ruler. \u003Cu\u003EYou will want to print off the handout to get your supply list and cut list.\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-p8bdkcETBQU\/WSUboqfOxCI\/AAAAAAAAIPs\/PTC3BfsHBHAL6zM09P8ZeMLvcDVM1w0mACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2615.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-p8bdkcETBQU\/WSUboqfOxCI\/AAAAAAAAIPs\/PTC3BfsHBHAL6zM09P8ZeMLvcDVM1w0mACLcB\/s640\/IMG_2615.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile I bought all the supplies at once, I didn't make all the houses at once. I wanted to cut and make one sample one before I started cutting boards for the other boxes. Couple things about the supplies. You will want to make sure the wood is not treated. Treated wood has all sorts of chemicals that wouldn't be good for bats. Also, before you search the entire store, the rubber flaps you need for the hinge are in the plumbing section. You could use a nail gun if you're doing this for personal use. Otherwise you will want to pick up some nails. You will see I used huge roofing nails which aren't the ideal type of nails. This was a conscious decision since the large head on the nails would be easier for the young girls to hit. Also, I did bring wood glue, some small bowls and a bunch of q-tips and had the girls glue each piece before nailing it together.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9ZCXl1F-VK0\/WSUbmhab9OI\/AAAAAAAAIPc\/7pyD6vvvj28-GB2L1RVsaPoiM2Lig70GQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2564.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9ZCXl1F-VK0\/WSUbmhab9OI\/AAAAAAAAIPc\/7pyD6vvvj28-GB2L1RVsaPoiM2Lig70GQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2564.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI made all the cuts for the first sample box. If you're making extras for little kids to build, you will want to take a moment between attaching all the different pieces to measure and record where the nails are going in. That way you can predrill all the holes on the other bat houses. If you have older girls, you can skip this step because they don't need to be predrilled.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, if you plan on painting the outside of the box, it might be easier to paint the pieces prior to building the box. I painted all the pieces that would be facing out but left the inside a natural wood. I used black since the color adds extra heat.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst step: Attach the front piece to the side pieces. The front piece will sit inside the side pieces. Please see the handout or pictures for examples. The side pieces and front piece will slant towards the front.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CBeyPXEtrVY\/WSUbmjC9lMI\/AAAAAAAAIPg\/KKfa3aHomkc__LDc0JM5_HuWbaBJnD82gCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2563.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CBeyPXEtrVY\/WSUbmjC9lMI\/AAAAAAAAIPg\/KKfa3aHomkc__LDc0JM5_HuWbaBJnD82gCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2563.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESecond step: Attach the bottom piece to the bat house. This piece will also be set inside the side pieces. It will sit flush with the front piece leaving a 10 cm gap in the back for the bats to enter the bat house.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThird step: You need to rough up the back piece. I did this by using a sharp nail and pressure. Then attach the bat house to the back piece.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DaCdKZfSqnM\/WSUbonlkIxI\/AAAAAAAAIPo\/VLjZ1vVWt7siNoaIEYfJ4AiO_tdy-VD7QCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2565.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DaCdKZfSqnM\/WSUbonlkIxI\/AAAAAAAAIPo\/VLjZ1vVWt7siNoaIEYfJ4AiO_tdy-VD7QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2565.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELast step: Attach the rubber flap to the top piece. The angled portion will go towards the back. Then attach the top to the back piece.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-25hUvG_HWCU\/WSUbm8Nz1hI\/AAAAAAAAIPk\/jhCi-KI7XCspmBTzHngIKAYvH33JsZDIACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1181.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-25hUvG_HWCU\/WSUbm8Nz1hI\/AAAAAAAAIPk\/jhCi-KI7XCspmBTzHngIKAYvH33JsZDIACLcB\/s640\/IMG_1181.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-eZ7OKUKg01E\/WSUbpCSdo2I\/AAAAAAAAIPw\/BNGMWf-S47sQZSP8DrQBy3If1l6p40PDACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2656.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-eZ7OKUKg01E\/WSUbpCSdo2I\/AAAAAAAAIPw\/BNGMWf-S47sQZSP8DrQBy3If1l6p40PDACLcB\/s640\/IMG_2656.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETa-Da! You have a wonderful bat box to make the local insect eaters happy. Mount the bat box at least 10 feet from the ground in a sun location facing east or south. Bats are happiest when there's at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2808026562832292454\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2808026562832292454\u0026isPopup=true","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2808026562832292454"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2808026562832292454"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/05\/diy-bat-boxes-for-kids.html","title":"DIY Bat Boxes for Kids"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-p8bdkcETBQU\/WSUboqfOxCI\/AAAAAAAAIPs\/PTC3BfsHBHAL6zM09P8ZeMLvcDVM1w0mACLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_2615.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-53011991154735913"},"published":{"$t":"2017-05-18T10:24:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-05-18T10:35:12.537-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Featured on Wayfair!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe rain has finally stopped, and I have 100 projects to complete outside before it starts again. So logically, I'm sitting inside writing a blog post. I just had to share that my home office was recently featured on Wayfair. (Click \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.wayfair.com\/Workbenches-C421474.html?expand=1#more\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the link) My home office was a labor love. We took space that we had nothing but a bunch of random toys sitting in it and made it a 100x more functional. For all the DIY projects, including the amazing countertops my husband made from scratch, check out my blog post \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/08\/ugly-house-new-office-reveal.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_zpSyH8eCgc\/WR273BjbgKI\/AAAAAAAAIOY\/kWCLD1Qu40c9UeF06w2_7k7SKyXnfqGzwCLcB\/s1600\/Wayfair%2BThe%2BDabbling%2BCrafter%2BOffice.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Screenshot office featured on Wayfair dot com\" border=\"0\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_zpSyH8eCgc\/WR273BjbgKI\/AAAAAAAAIOY\/kWCLD1Qu40c9UeF06w2_7k7SKyXnfqGzwCLcB\/s640\/Wayfair%2BThe%2BDabbling%2BCrafter%2BOffice.JPG\" title=\"Feature on Wayfair.com\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI've got lots of goodies scheduled over the coming weeks including all the projects from my Girl Scout Journey in a Day, an outdoor art center, and the completion of two huge projects on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/search\/label\/Myrtle%20the%20Turtle\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMyrtle \u003C\/a\u003Ethe vintage camper.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThanks for tuning in! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/dabblingcrafter\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/53011991154735913\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=53011991154735913\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/53011991154735913"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/53011991154735913"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/05\/featured-on-wayfair.html","title":"Featured on Wayfair!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_zpSyH8eCgc\/WR273BjbgKI\/AAAAAAAAIOY\/kWCLD1Qu40c9UeF06w2_7k7SKyXnfqGzwCLcB\/s72-c\/Wayfair%2BThe%2BDabbling%2BCrafter%2BOffice.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4597406516248901123"},"published":{"$t":"2017-05-01T00:02:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:03:19.622-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Small Business Saturday"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Spring Junk Jam 2017"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Sunday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHubby is out on a calving call and the kiddos are finally asleep. I figured it was a good time to blog about the super fun Junk Jam that was held in Brookings, South Dakota yesterday.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI did a review of Junk Jam last year (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/09\/gone-junkin-brookings-junk-jam-2016.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E for the post), and this year's event was even better. The event is hosted and organized by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/funkyjunksd\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFunky Junk\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;in Brookings, South Dakota. There was many (many) more vendors with unique items either handmade or curated. The addition of the food trucks was particularly nice as well. I had to take in the event while my oldest was at a birthday party, while Sweet Cheeks was strapped to me, so it was a rush and crazy but still a blast. Sweet Cheeks pretty much has this look the entire time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-258wcEMZA-8\/WQbAIiaHB2I\/AAAAAAAAIME\/epoZjbLMmZYlmxasHGn0Lf6cgNXBV-YLACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2540.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-258wcEMZA-8\/WQbAIiaHB2I\/AAAAAAAAIME\/epoZjbLMmZYlmxasHGn0Lf6cgNXBV-YLACLcB\/s400\/IMG_2540.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERather than try to show you all the vendors (there was just too many great ones), I'm going to show off the pieces I picked up from some of my favorite vendors. I didn't get any furniture simply because I have no room in my house. That's part of the reason you haven't seen any furniture upcycling posts lately. There's no room in our house for upcycling. Maybe I should sell everything off so I can start over. If I didn't think my husband would lose his mind, that actually sounds like fun.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first items I picked up were from \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ooal.sd\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EOut on a Limb\u003C\/a\u003E. This home decor boutique is located in Willow Lake, South Dakota. I loved the items she curated for her shop. I saw this shirt and despite my entirely too large graphic tee collection, I just had to add it. As a reader, you will know this shirt is pretty much the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/search\/label\/Ugly%20House%20Renovation\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EUgly House Renovation\u003C\/a\u003E. Of course, I can't turn down cute tea towels either. The kids are always ruining the ones I have, so it's good to keep a new supply on hand. \u003Ci\u003E(How do they always find the whitest towel when they have the darkest most permanent messes? It's a talent I tell you.)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-sqFFBgM_1D0\/WQbAH9xit5I\/AAAAAAAAIMA\/i2dQDe8gCCM_e1vVyKhT76n3xkd1V-g3ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2523.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-sqFFBgM_1D0\/WQbAH9xit5I\/AAAAAAAAIMA\/i2dQDe8gCCM_e1vVyKhT76n3xkd1V-g3ACLcB\/s640\/IMG_2523.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe second item I picked up is one of my favorites. I think it's a planter (?). It's a hot air balloon that spins with the wind. I'm so freaking excited to find somewhere to hang it. Right now it's just in a tree with like 5 bird feeders waiting for a new home some where else in the yard. The hot air balloon came from Rustic Designs in Mitchell, South Dakota.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-a2093M6pgXg\/WQbAKSQFN-I\/AAAAAAAAIMM\/6fL-jb-akOoLeK8ksgjL-3831PMkmjNSACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2534.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-a2093M6pgXg\/WQbAKSQFN-I\/AAAAAAAAIMM\/6fL-jb-akOoLeK8ksgjL-3831PMkmjNSACLcB\/s640\/IMG_2534.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe third item are these magnets from a vendor called \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/honeybdesignco\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHoney B Design Co\u003C\/a\u003E. The star of their booth, however, were these AMAZING screwdriver flowers. I'm so in love with them. They were a bit outside my budget this year, but I'll have to plan on them for next year because they are just so colorful and clever.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dLsoexK_c7E\/WQbAHtBv6tI\/AAAAAAAAIL4\/_CDNxipkEyQn4t3WGPxKV_Xv8AgVfOmIgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2525.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dLsoexK_c7E\/WQbAHtBv6tI\/AAAAAAAAIL4\/_CDNxipkEyQn4t3WGPxKV_Xv8AgVfOmIgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2525.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-No5MX--5RX4\/WQbAH3N5gEI\/AAAAAAAAIL8\/jmOrcVODPPAb6Wsx3Pa1bzMr89AZ79_FgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2522.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-No5MX--5RX4\/WQbAH3N5gEI\/AAAAAAAAIL8\/jmOrcVODPPAb6Wsx3Pa1bzMr89AZ79_FgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2522.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe fourth booth I loved was \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rockmemamaboutique\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ERock Me Mama\u003C\/a\u003E from Astoria, South Dakota. Well, it would be obvious for anyone who was there why I was drawn to their booth. They have a traveling boutique in a vintage Shasta camper. Uh, love! \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/search\/label\/Myrtle%20the%20Turtle\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMyrtle\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;the Aluminum Turtle\u0026nbsp;would totally be jealous of their aqua paint job. I left with this cute teething necklace. Sweet Cheeks has already put it through a workout, and I love how cute it looks when I wear them...not so obviously teething related. They also have some serious adorable kids clothes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-00WIDn_l4ik\/WQbAJ98sjaI\/AAAAAAAAIMI\/bXWaok3CikcC_jcb25ZKOQIsM4pdd3iCwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-00WIDn_l4ik\/WQbAJ98sjaI\/AAAAAAAAIMI\/bXWaok3CikcC_jcb25ZKOQIsM4pdd3iCwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAll in all, it's a great show that is totally worth the cover charge (and probably the early bird one at that...if only I could have made it!) Did you attend? Share your finds on my \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheDabblingCrafter\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFacebook\u003C\/a\u003E page!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4597406516248901123\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4597406516248901123\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4597406516248901123"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4597406516248901123"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/05\/spring-junk-jam-2017.html","title":"Spring Junk Jam 2017"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-258wcEMZA-8\/WQbAIiaHB2I\/AAAAAAAAIME\/epoZjbLMmZYlmxasHGn0Lf6cgNXBV-YLACLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_2540.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2853621864041882031"},"published":{"$t":"2017-04-27T00:34:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-04-27T00:39:27.938-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Doll Clothes Closet"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur kids each have tablets they get to use sparingly. In fact, I refuse to charge them, so they are dead about 90% of the time. I *might* take a little pleasure in saying \"It's not my responsibility\" every time they complain they aren't charged. I thought the You Tube Kids app would be full of interesting educational content. Uh no. It's full of strange videos of people opening toys up. (Why?!?!?) I deleted the app after a torturous week of hearing people opening surprise whatevers. I downloaded Epic instead. (Great app..requires a small monthly subscription but it's totally worth it FYI)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDuring the You Tube week, my daughter saw a craft video of someone making a Barbie clothes closet out of a shoebox. She asked if we could make one together, and I decided that was certainly a better idea than the other junk on there. When we were at a local general store, we saw a box on clearance and snatched it up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hgN7jEp4fMI\/WQF9sDidl1I\/AAAAAAAAIKs\/ORp4kKQNogkaUWjBtYvgAPOBa4RAnXrswCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B12.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hgN7jEp4fMI\/WQF9sDidl1I\/AAAAAAAAIKs\/ORp4kKQNogkaUWjBtYvgAPOBa4RAnXrswCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B12.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ESo, let's get one thing straight. Do I honestly think my daughter will suddenly start hanging all her doll clothes neatly on the mini hangers and organize all her shoes by color? HA! HAHAHAHA. No way. It will never happen. I will continue to pull tiny shoes out of my baby's grasp and step on them in the middle of the night.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EHowever, that isn't the point of this project. What is the point you ask? Why would I help create a tiny closet that's more organized and pretty than my own sad miserable closet? The act of making something. Would I have picked this particular project myself...probably not. However, I love when my daughter asks to make something rather than go out and purchase it. I love sitting in my office\/craft room and brainstorming how we're going to take her big idea and use what we already have in the house. At this point I have to help to some degree. The hot glue gun is a bit scary in her hands, but she is perfectly capable of gathering supplies, cutting and placing items. (In fact my son insisted on creating his own version from a box we had sitting around. He uses it to hide things I need on a daily basis)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EWe had to make some modifications from what we saw in the video to match what we already had on hand. The closet rod is a pencil that we pushed through the cardboard and then cut off the sharp end (hot glued to keep it from moving). The shelf is a simple piece of cardboard with scrap paper glued to it (with a glue stick...all her doing) then secured with some hot glue.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-oZlpam4nmFk\/WQF9xD0WxNI\/AAAAAAAAILM\/wOU_983hPhU0I4cRFXk_E6jUAW38MDhdgCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B9.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-oZlpam4nmFk\/WQF9xD0WxNI\/AAAAAAAAILM\/wOU_983hPhU0I4cRFXk_E6jUAW38MDhdgCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B9.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce we had the rod and shelf done, my daughter wanted to add some items to the door. She came up with the mirror idea with a random box we had sitting around and aluminum foil. We used some left over clothes pins to make hooks. The final touch was four beads, a cut up chop stick (yes...I keep chopsticks for projects) and hot glue for a shoe shelf.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-mf6RXVkoJI8\/WQF9p0v6TOI\/AAAAAAAAIKo\/CSlZB4K5gqcGMOAv8vcOLJi_9w-rWsNqgCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B11.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-mf6RXVkoJI8\/WQF9p0v6TOI\/AAAAAAAAIKo\/CSlZB4K5gqcGMOAv8vcOLJi_9w-rWsNqgCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B11.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4nMPfxx17Yg\/WQF9p9bAH7I\/AAAAAAAAIKg\/R1VPlxM9Jnw0pd6oiRejeXnhXKc1NLmogCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B10.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4nMPfxx17Yg\/WQF9p9bAH7I\/AAAAAAAAIKg\/R1VPlxM9Jnw0pd6oiRejeXnhXKc1NLmogCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B10.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qB7WdnC8IBE\/WQF9qMgYbhI\/AAAAAAAAIKk\/BklhNh-BikgYOUcoTqe544BgygKHPmRdwCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qB7WdnC8IBE\/WQF9qMgYbhI\/AAAAAAAAIKk\/BklhNh-BikgYOUcoTqe544BgygKHPmRdwCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B1.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TJJT8ji1zcs\/WQF9sAmZQdI\/AAAAAAAAIKw\/ApTMfxJhdwcE2vfGdNGjuw8MHjPDHGdYQCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TJJT8ji1zcs\/WQF9sAmZQdI\/AAAAAAAAIKw\/ApTMfxJhdwcE2vfGdNGjuw8MHjPDHGdYQCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B2.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xr7inI3G6xs\/WQF9sdzPGhI\/AAAAAAAAIK0\/TOAovilbdX8qlJyNMImlneYCukDR62zywCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B3.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xr7inI3G6xs\/WQF9sdzPGhI\/AAAAAAAAIK0\/TOAovilbdX8qlJyNMImlneYCukDR62zywCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B3.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter all that work, my daughter asked if we could make hangers. I wasn't really sure where to start, but Pinterest showed me that it was pretty easy to make some hangers out of paperclips. I used a pair of pliers and made a dozen or so in a few minutes. My daughter hunting down baby food containers, cleaned them out and used them for shoes and other accessories.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1NMbvwd74SA\/WQF9xeec04I\/AAAAAAAAILI\/ZlYy_iHX6UMxNo341ZRgTH43IRqJVOMTgCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B7.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1NMbvwd74SA\/WQF9xeec04I\/AAAAAAAAILI\/ZlYy_iHX6UMxNo341ZRgTH43IRqJVOMTgCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B7.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-B9RkvwibR58\/WQF9uRQoPSI\/AAAAAAAAILA\/A9P7IEUAM30Q7d3lvTMh9hSN7T7vltZ2gCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B5.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-B9RkvwibR58\/WQF9uRQoPSI\/AAAAAAAAILA\/A9P7IEUAM30Q7d3lvTMh9hSN7T7vltZ2gCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B5.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bG0WTwnAGrQ\/WQF9uvnKHcI\/AAAAAAAAIK8\/qhkFQFhUQb04tX0NDdoSnn843eI4cZcigCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B6.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bG0WTwnAGrQ\/WQF9uvnKHcI\/AAAAAAAAIK8\/qhkFQFhUQb04tX0NDdoSnn843eI4cZcigCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B6.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EAll in all, it was fun way to spend an afternoon together. She always tells me way more when we're working on projects like this (\"OMG...a boy and girl almost kissed under the slide Mom!\"). I hope that trend continues into her teen years. Hey...a mom can wish, right?\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe blog has been a bit slow due to the new baby and winter months, but I can promise that is going to change in the very near future. I have a HUGE to do list once the weather decides to stay above 50 for more than 12 hours. So, keep an eye out! Until then, check out my social media for pictures of projects, dogs and cute kids.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2853621864041882031\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2853621864041882031\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2853621864041882031"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2853621864041882031"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/04\/doll-clothes-closet.html","title":"Doll Clothes Closet"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hgN7jEp4fMI\/WQF9sDidl1I\/AAAAAAAAIKs\/ORp4kKQNogkaUWjBtYvgAPOBa4RAnXrswCLcB\/s72-c\/DIY%2BBarbie%2BCloset%2B12.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6109607061048171044"},"published":{"$t":"2017-03-24T14:48:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-03-24T14:48:03.726-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Reviews"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Daily Goodie Box Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI was contacted by the friendly people at Daily Goodie Box to review one of their boxes. Their boxes are unique because they are completely free. No shipping, no credit cards ever. You just have to give your opinion of the products.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe box I happen to get was more health conscious than I normally gravitate towards. That being said, it was a good introduction to products I may not have tried on my own.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEven if the products are free, the presentation of the box is much like other subscription boxes. It was fun to get the box in the mail and open it up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile they contacted me to review their box, all the opinions are my own.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t0C8emlqx1Y\/WMhnCtShFBI\/AAAAAAAAIGw\/zclGyRaH9aEBxfXVjNiTREGTrzSJuSoVQCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t0C8emlqx1Y\/WMhnCtShFBI\/AAAAAAAAIGw\/zclGyRaH9aEBxfXVjNiTREGTrzSJuSoVQCLcB\/s640\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B2.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kP_P5ZNr9Ho\/WMhnAZ6QowI\/AAAAAAAAIGY\/5zz7EZho2hMWfUrCXn13dqgl0KJJkTlOgCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kP_P5ZNr9Ho\/WMhnAZ6QowI\/AAAAAAAAIGY\/5zz7EZho2hMWfUrCXn13dqgl0KJJkTlOgCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B1.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YHZ_zfKPdiM\/WMhnD91cCdI\/AAAAAAAAIG0\/5kF8hGfBbbk1zhV63VC_L9mTnWtlMgG6QCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B3.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-YHZ_zfKPdiM\/WMhnD91cCdI\/AAAAAAAAIG0\/5kF8hGfBbbk1zhV63VC_L9mTnWtlMgG6QCLcB\/s640\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B3.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first product was \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.herrsstore.com\/heallnapochn.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHerr's Popped Chips\u003C\/a\u003E. They were very good. I would definitely grab these again if I saw them in the store. They had good flavor, and I liked how light they were.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dvpyLXqOkw4\/WMhnET1QCiI\/AAAAAAAAIG8\/q4PB0oMkZZ4rS3EI0YrbgPvmlkqizWHkwCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B4.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dvpyLXqOkw4\/WMhnET1QCiI\/AAAAAAAAIG8\/q4PB0oMkZZ4rS3EI0YrbgPvmlkqizWHkwCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B4.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOkay, so I'm a coffee snob. Like I only drink one kind of coffee I order online. So, I tried \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/coffeeblocks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECoffee Block's\u003C\/a\u003E butter coffee when I ran out of my go to coffee (which, if you're wondering, is Cameron's) Err. Not a huge fan. Now, to be fair I don't drink butter coffee normally, so I can't compare it to that, but compared to regular coffee it was too gritty. It was better warm, but once I let it get cold (I often drink cold coffee because I'm a mom...and life happens around here)....yikes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LI5iNpx0r1E\/WMhnEU_yL3I\/AAAAAAAAIG4\/3yBOFV2-EqoP2hMZkwiPmu2uH8uZ9y58ACLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B5.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LI5iNpx0r1E\/WMhnEU_yL3I\/AAAAAAAAIG4\/3yBOFV2-EqoP2hMZkwiPmu2uH8uZ9y58ACLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B5.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/shop.drinkjustchill.com\/products\/rio-berry\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJust Chill\u003C\/a\u003E Rio Berry was pretty good. I liked how it was slightly sparkling, and I could taste berry and maybe a bit of lavender? It was really cold since the box sat outside for a couple of hours. I think it was even better, because it was really cold.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cqj6GO7ZYRg\/WMhnE9rlX9I\/AAAAAAAAIHA\/unr8Uk4uBo4c0ZUyUvgqPVEeq8KFzRdngCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B6.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cqj6GO7ZYRg\/WMhnE9rlX9I\/AAAAAAAAIHA\/unr8Uk4uBo4c0ZUyUvgqPVEeq8KFzRdngCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B6.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/xylichew.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EXylichew\u003C\/a\u003E \u0026nbsp;gum was very very popular with my kids. I thought it tasted like typical gum, but without that other junk.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VBv_RHLyFmA\/WMhnF6xDPMI\/AAAAAAAAIHI\/l_4hzTWYRbQxMxjMkRg3P9BD-EyXAELVwCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B7.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-VBv_RHLyFmA\/WMhnF6xDPMI\/AAAAAAAAIHI\/l_4hzTWYRbQxMxjMkRg3P9BD-EyXAELVwCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B7.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.vermontsmokeandcure.com\/?gclid=CjwKEAjwwcjGBRDj-P7TwcinyBkSJADymblTTm5PAc89Yymowea2_h38K0aOFuM787aoX1Q1xfFhERoCylnw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVermont Smoke and Cure\u003C\/a\u003E Beef Sticks are delish. I have seen these at check outs before, and I'll definitely grab them again.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-X-clGYK74Zw\/WMhnFpViUCI\/AAAAAAAAIHE\/NrwvDl0QAisF_DBSMZpf9nmFfCAny2knwCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B8.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-X-clGYK74Zw\/WMhnFpViUCI\/AAAAAAAAIHE\/NrwvDl0QAisF_DBSMZpf9nmFfCAny2knwCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B8.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EJust like the beef sticks, I'm a big fan of these \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gorillygoods.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EGorilly Goods\u003C\/a\u003E nuts. They had a curry taste which was just the right amount of spice. It also kept the kids from stealing them. Double win!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-lGlb0ADT3B8\/WMhnGDUB0II\/AAAAAAAAIHM\/Vra0adlqB3AgBMhWG-FSPKPX-JLjCGaeQCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B9.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-lGlb0ADT3B8\/WMhnGDUB0II\/AAAAAAAAIHM\/Vra0adlqB3AgBMhWG-FSPKPX-JLjCGaeQCLcB\/s320\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B9.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThese \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/aloha.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAloha \u003C\/a\u003Egreens were okay as far as powder goes. I've dabbled in these types of powders before, and this one tasted about on par with those. I might not purchase them again just because I don't generally use powders.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tEyc3Ih7yDY\/WMhnBCPBdpI\/AAAAAAAAIGg\/ucBfhPcsuIM5Pciv_uGtHWUBaLFzPXhGQCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B10.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tEyc3Ih7yDY\/WMhnBCPBdpI\/AAAAAAAAIGg\/ucBfhPcsuIM5Pciv_uGtHWUBaLFzPXhGQCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B10.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/drinkdreamwater.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDream Water\u003C\/a\u003E sleep powder was tried by my husband because I am nursing and try to avoid anything like this. He said it was pretty good and did help him sleep...but to be honest, he doesn't have a problem sleeping. Even when a baby is crying in the room next door.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yz5kNnB-DBo\/WMhnAwd2p_I\/AAAAAAAAIGc\/J5CXef53dFcdyiou-QzBW8gN0gggFBTRQCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B11.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yz5kNnB-DBo\/WMhnAwd2p_I\/AAAAAAAAIGc\/J5CXef53dFcdyiou-QzBW8gN0gggFBTRQCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B11.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI was a bit scared to try this. I like Fig Newtons, but was afraid that a \"good for you\" version would just be really gross. (Not a fan of the Naked brand for that reason) I was pleasantly surprised by the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/naturesbakery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFig Bar\u003C\/a\u003E. Now, my kids weren't so sure about it. They also haven't tried Fig Newtons, so maybe it's just a taste thing in general.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yhd6YLMkBl0\/WMhnBWT57zI\/AAAAAAAAIGk\/aophJ_vJTXgU3Ini4Ek_5ZUrOtzyX0UrACLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B12.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yhd6YLMkBl0\/WMhnBWT57zI\/AAAAAAAAIGk\/aophJ_vJTXgU3Ini4Ek_5ZUrOtzyX0UrACLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B12.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI am a big fan of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.nelliesallnatural.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENellie's All Natural Laundry Soda\u003C\/a\u003E. I have used other all natural soaps in the past, because I cloth diapered my oldest and normal detergents are really hard on the diapers and baby bums. Nellie's worked quite well and I like not putting chemicals into the ground.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4Ds6P2srG5g\/WMhnCBTMoFI\/AAAAAAAAIGo\/EWjsAdNbirQ6_t6UdniwuACLC8rwB_O-wCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B13.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-4Ds6P2srG5g\/WMhnCBTMoFI\/AAAAAAAAIGo\/EWjsAdNbirQ6_t6UdniwuACLC8rwB_O-wCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B13.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe last item I got was the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/jackandjillkids.com\/usa\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJack n' Jill Natural Toothpaste\u003C\/a\u003E. It actually worked out pretty good, because my son doesn't like mint or bubble gum flavoring. That seems to be the only flavors available in main stream toothpaste. So, he's been using this toothpaste off and on again since we got it. I was afraid it wouldn't foam up or do whatever it is toothpaste does. I've tried all natural soaps in the past that didn't bubble up so it was hard to spread them around. This toothpaste actually does a pretty good job.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zmPWW6S4n0I\/WMhnCRs-uxI\/AAAAAAAAIGs\/bTI3QFa4c_0Rrgc0EvIZCs3AWrYr5FRpwCLcB\/s1600\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B14.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zmPWW6S4n0I\/WMhnCRs-uxI\/AAAAAAAAIGs\/bTI3QFa4c_0Rrgc0EvIZCs3AWrYr5FRpwCLcB\/s400\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B14.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6109607061048171044\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6109607061048171044\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6109607061048171044"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6109607061048171044"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/03\/daily-goodie-box-review.html","title":"Daily Goodie Box Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-t0C8emlqx1Y\/WMhnCtShFBI\/AAAAAAAAIGw\/zclGyRaH9aEBxfXVjNiTREGTrzSJuSoVQCLcB\/s72-c\/Daily%2BGoodie%2BBox%2BReview%2B2.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3006985300946041589"},"published":{"$t":"2017-03-22T13:49:00.003-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-03-22T15:16:35.343-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Mommy Blog"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Mommy Blog: Embracing the Shouldn'ts"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI am writing this post at 3:00 am on my phone while Sweet Cheeks sleeps on my chest. I was just so moved by the moment that I had to put pen to paper, or rather, finger to touchscreen.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LDHKZRgTZnk\/WNLG9oW20uI\/AAAAAAAAIII\/SZGVKUXzDtcEGyhcWUJmNRCvoH_xzFbcACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0968.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LDHKZRgTZnk\/WNLG9oW20uI\/AAAAAAAAIII\/SZGVKUXzDtcEGyhcWUJmNRCvoH_xzFbcACLcB\/s640\/IMG_0968.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EToday I had a chat with a coworker who has a daughter 6 months older than mine. She is a wonderful mother. She was telling me about her daughter, her first child, has been sick recently and throwing their routine off. I laughed and said that a routine would be nice since my daughter is up all hours. That led to a discussion about first and last children.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003ESweet Cheeks is our last [planned] child. I entered parenthood with the same careful plans I have made my entire life. I wanted three children, I wanted to have them semi young and I wanted them some what close together. Those were the last plans I made because children have a way of making their own. We had a miscarriage initially and were shocked with the news of being pregnant with our rainbow baby. Our second child had to enter the world a few weeks early and hasn't slowed down since. Sweet Cheeks was delayed by all sorts of life decisions, but has perfectly completed our little family.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI think there are many mothers out there that know what it's like to grab on to each moment with the last child. This desperation has caused me to commit my fair share of \"shouldn't\"s.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI feel like with my first child we did everything by the book (or rather, by many books since I feel like I read them all). Our daughter slept exclusively in bassinets and cribs. She was bottle fed on a schedule (pumped and donated milk since I didn't produce enough and she refused to latch). Probably within a month or so, she was sleeping through the night. We didn't rock her to sleep because she simply didn't need it. You would say prayers with her, read a book and simply set her in the crib. She would just lay down and go to sleep. It was amazing. (By the way in case you think I'm some sort of baby whisper, I am certainly not. My second did the exact opposite no matter what I did.)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EThen there's Sweet Cheeks. The books are gone. Life is crazy. Her siblings are hyper and overly attentive. I should be a stickler with a schedule. She might sleep better. Maybe I should have started solids earlier so she wouldn't have nursed as much. I should pump and let my husband take her over night. Maybe I should let her play on the floor more. Maybe I should offer the pacifier more. I should let someone else watch her so I can go on a date or get work done or have some girl time.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EBut I could care less about the \"should\"s. Today Sweet Cheeks almost crawled. She's probably a week if not days away from crawling. And it's terribly bittersweet. Each milestone has great joy mixed with deep sadness. You are hyper aware that no matter how many videos or pictures you take, you won't be able to recall the feeling of your baby sleeping in your arms, nursing, or smelling like she came straight from heaven. All those sensations will be gone. Then they will be replaced with different just as amazing ones like your son trying to tell his first joke or your daughter's delight at losing her first tooth. There's many things I should do that would make life just a bit less hectic than it has to be, but each snuggle, laugh, and nursing session is fleeting.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-isj3MH4mghI\/WNLG9XWnawI\/AAAAAAAAIIE\/qSpUfpeI62IjFOIyh9n8WjKWmAG7W-oogCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0965.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-isj3MH4mghI\/WNLG9XWnawI\/AAAAAAAAIIE\/qSpUfpeI62IjFOIyh9n8WjKWmAG7W-oogCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0965.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI recently hung a reminder in our living room that's says \"The days are long, but the years are short.\" I can't think of a better way to describe being a mother. I end a day thinking about how frustrating it is answer 3,852 \"why\" questions from my 4 year old in a single day, only to remember when our 6 year old used to ask the same questions and now informs me how things work.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EParenthood is an awesome job that no one can fully describe to you until you experience it. So while I should put the baby soundly sleeping in my arms back in the crib, I'm going to enjoy this \"shouldn't\" just a little bit longer. I just know I should enjoy her before she grows up just a little bit more.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BzG3lJDMRNI\/WNLG9SfItoI\/AAAAAAAAIIA\/BN5so0ISEpM7hE_t9EdaOS3zLy8Z0ZUQgCLcB\/s1600\/575284DA-14C7-4C29-9547-93A2CF689ECC.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BzG3lJDMRNI\/WNLG9SfItoI\/AAAAAAAAIIA\/BN5so0ISEpM7hE_t9EdaOS3zLy8Z0ZUQgCLcB\/s640\/575284DA-14C7-4C29-9547-93A2CF689ECC.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3006985300946041589\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3006985300946041589\u0026isPopup=true","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3006985300946041589"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3006985300946041589"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/03\/mommy-blog-embracing-shouldnts.html","title":"Mommy Blog: Embracing the Shouldn'ts"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LDHKZRgTZnk\/WNLG9oW20uI\/AAAAAAAAIII\/SZGVKUXzDtcEGyhcWUJmNRCvoH_xzFbcACLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_0968.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1738821043872506773"},"published":{"$t":"2017-03-14T16:38:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-03-14T16:38:18.282-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Postcards"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"You may have noticed there's an uptick in postcards being sent lately. They are one of the ways you can reach your elected officials and go through less security since postcards aren't in a closed envelope. However, buying postcards can be a bit tricky. I tried ordering some blank ones online, but realized quickly they are more expensive than I wanted to spend especially when you factor in postage stamps.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, I decided to make my own. Postcards are basically just heavier paper cut to a certain size. I've seen some creative ideas on Pinterest using cereal boxes. However, I wanted more room to write on my postcards.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MwnoQI068wc\/WMhidyHAruI\/AAAAAAAAIGM\/eL-liyuuKQUmXPRchTMka_nJShspHWAmwCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MwnoQI068wc\/WMhidyHAruI\/AAAAAAAAIGM\/eL-liyuuKQUmXPRchTMka_nJShspHWAmwCLcB\/s400\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B2.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo I bought a package of card stock on Amazon. (I'm confident you could find paper local, but I live in the country and utilize Amazon Prime regularly). The paper was $12.95 for 50 sheets of 100lb extra thick white card stock. Each sheet makes 4 postcards. So for a little work I got $200.00 postcards for $12.95.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--JwOTCL6qKg\/WMhid9RVa1I\/AAAAAAAAIGE\/fxZxqt9dxcUAWspm6Gw8dc5o0Rii7_eDwCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--JwOTCL6qKg\/WMhid9RVa1I\/AAAAAAAAIGE\/fxZxqt9dxcUAWspm6Gw8dc5o0Rii7_eDwCLcB\/s400\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B1.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I had my paper in hand, I tried to print on it. My ancient printer wouldn't feed the paper. So I decided I could hand decorate the postcards instead of print on them. So, I first measured out the size of the postcards. Standard postcard size is 3.5 inches to 4.25 inches high and 6 to 6 inches long. Postcards need to be approximately 0.007 and 0.016 inches thick. Obviously thicker postcards are less likely to be eaten by the postal sortation machines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I had measured everything out, I used a paper cutter to cut the the card stock into the correct size. I used a ruler to make the line on the back where you put the address . Finally I did a small decoration on the front. Something to keep in mind is the bar code sticker may go along the bottom or top (they don't always end up on the back), so you might want to move your decoration away from the edges.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MwnoQI068wc\/WMhidyHAruI\/AAAAAAAAIGM\/eL-liyuuKQUmXPRchTMka_nJShspHWAmwCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MwnoQI068wc\/WMhidyHAruI\/AAAAAAAAIGM\/eL-liyuuKQUmXPRchTMka_nJShspHWAmwCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B2.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xav01Juet_A\/WMhid_FUzwI\/AAAAAAAAIGI\/VAiyMfgKO3Y7pDSchEVoR1UVRGNC44zYQCLcB\/s1600\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B3.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xav01Juet_A\/WMhid_FUzwI\/AAAAAAAAIGI\/VAiyMfgKO3Y7pDSchEVoR1UVRGNC44zYQCLcB\/s640\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B3.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1738821043872506773\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1738821043872506773\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1738821043872506773"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1738821043872506773"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/03\/diy-postcards.html","title":"DIY Postcards"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MwnoQI068wc\/WMhidyHAruI\/AAAAAAAAIGM\/eL-liyuuKQUmXPRchTMka_nJShspHWAmwCLcB\/s72-c\/DIY%2BPostcards%2B2.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6174365954906094986"},"published":{"$t":"2017-03-09T10:32:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-03-09T10:32:49.972-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Girl Scouts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Girl Scout Cookie Booth Awning"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAny other Girl Scout moms or troop leaders out there? If you are included in this category, then you know full well why the blog hasn't been hoppin' lately. Girl Scout cookie season just wrapped up last weekend. First of all, I would like to thank all the troop leaders out there (including our troop leader Wendy) and all the cookie directors out there (including our service unit's, Penny) for what they do. These ladies basically give up two months of their time to organize cookie drop offs and cookie booths, and lend entire portions of their houses for storing cookies. Cookie sales for Girl Scouts do more than just raise money for troops, they also teach girls valuable lessons about goal setting, managing money, running a business and in my daughter's case, teach her how to interact with the community in a professional coherent manner. Her confidence with public speaking improved with basically every door we knocked on.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, one of the staples of cookie season is a cookie booth. If you do one search on Pinterest, you will see some booths that are pretty darn sweet. Kudos to those moms. With the little one and \u0026nbsp;a 100 other things to finish, I don't have time for that. However, I did have time to make an awning for our cookie booth. The plan in my head is every year to do something to add to the booth so we can reuse the pieces year after year. So this year it's an awning and maybe next year it's a durable sign. Maybe we get crazy and the girls can hang some sort of giant cardboard decoration from it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--VP-dLNV6p4\/WMGCrQSo2xI\/AAAAAAAAIFE\/WtapjmTAJE0jLH7z0hnqdzByszmgfJUzgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1741.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--VP-dLNV6p4\/WMGCrQSo2xI\/AAAAAAAAIFE\/WtapjmTAJE0jLH7z0hnqdzByszmgfJUzgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_1741.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMaking this awning is actually really simple and even if you don't have a DIY bone in your body, you can make this is just an hour or so. It's fairly inexpensive and you can reuse it year after year.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe supplies I used for this project were PVC pipes, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.quikrete.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EQuikrete \u003C\/a\u003E(just one bag), two buckets and various connections for the pipes. I also bought some colored duct tape to cover the pipes so they wouldn't be white, but that's completely optional.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor the pipes, I bought the lengths I needed so I didn't have to cut anything. \u0026nbsp;If you're willing to cut some pipes, you're probably going to save some money buying longer pieces. I also made mine with several smaller pipes rather than one long pipe, so it would be easy to transport and store. So, the sides are made up of 3- 2 foot long pipes (I used 1 3\/4 diameter pipe). The top is one solid piece of 6 foot long pipe. I then bought the various connectors needed to keep everything together.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I bought everything, I covered everything in duct tape being careful not to tape where the connectors would fit on the pipe (otherwise the pipe wouldn't find inside them). The last step was to dump some \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.quikrete.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EQuikrete \u003C\/a\u003Einto a bucket, put one of the side PVC pipes in the bucket and adding some water in. Once you have added the water, take a moment to make sure the PVC pipe is standing straight up and not leaning to one side (you can tape around it to keep it from leaning if you need to) After everything is dried, the awning is ready to go!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aCSVXaBycug\/WMGCsHBDkwI\/AAAAAAAAIFI\/MSjr6mCiVTkP8h0Ed1fplFC4y4ow8s0hACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_1185.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aCSVXaBycug\/WMGCsHBDkwI\/AAAAAAAAIFI\/MSjr6mCiVTkP8h0Ed1fplFC4y4ow8s0hACLcB\/s400\/IMG_1185.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile we used this for a cookie booth, there are many other possibilities. You could keep with the selling theme and use this for a lemonade stand. Or you could use it to create a stage with a curtain, photo backdrop..really anything that would require you to hang something.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LQV9dmRNJSQ\/WMGDJcByZpI\/AAAAAAAAIFM\/mjTsKAwl7n8vVoP61HepYxtATNkD9dbLwCLcB\/s1600\/16996417_10100716031484374_3497979048070180880_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LQV9dmRNJSQ\/WMGDJcByZpI\/AAAAAAAAIFM\/mjTsKAwl7n8vVoP61HepYxtATNkD9dbLwCLcB\/s640\/16996417_10100716031484374_3497979048070180880_n.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6174365954906094986\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6174365954906094986\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6174365954906094986"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6174365954906094986"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/03\/diy-girl-scout-cookie-booth-awning.html","title":"DIY Girl Scout Cookie Booth Awning"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--VP-dLNV6p4\/WMGCrQSo2xI\/AAAAAAAAIFE\/WtapjmTAJE0jLH7z0hnqdzByszmgfJUzgCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_1741.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3181845240223461585"},"published":{"$t":"2017-02-14T12:20:00.003-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:03:38.888-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Kitchen Island Before \u0026 After"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Good Morning!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI finally finished painting and caulking the support beams on each side of our island and thought it was a good time to reveal the finished island. Other than a bit of trim to finish up (I'm slowly but surely making my way around the room) and some trim on our plank ceiling, the dining room\/kitchen\/living room is fully remodeled. Sure, there's some changes we want to make down the line (replacing the banister, a garage\/mudroom addition, and french doors in the dining room out to a new deck), but the main ugly parts are fully gone. To see individual tutorials and more before \u0026amp; after pictures, click on the \"Ugly House Renovation\" label on the right hand side of the screen or click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/search\/label\/Ugly%20House%20Renovation\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, let's take a walk down memory lane to what our house looked like in all its 1979 glory when we first moved in.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6yrlNFXIrZs\/WKMxoDmlz8I\/AAAAAAAAIDA\/pkgLHmKB26Uc_M9upT0g6eSblbyahgQRQCLcB\/s1600\/Kitchen%2BBefore%2B2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6yrlNFXIrZs\/WKMxoDmlz8I\/AAAAAAAAIDA\/pkgLHmKB26Uc_M9upT0g6eSblbyahgQRQCLcB\/s400\/Kitchen%2BBefore%2B2.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DAlLGsj5VWQ\/WKMxr22p6XI\/AAAAAAAAIDk\/OVJhQwdBBOciNnOA72mi0IC1BUK_UBVZwCLcB\/s1600\/kitchen%2Bbefore.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DAlLGsj5VWQ\/WKMxr22p6XI\/AAAAAAAAIDk\/OVJhQwdBBOciNnOA72mi0IC1BUK_UBVZwCLcB\/s640\/kitchen%2Bbefore.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAnd Now...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lV-xBp1uN8s\/WKMxmuyT_EI\/AAAAAAAAIC4\/zex5yKzmvLYrqMc-bhS7wx_lRixI5D23ACLcB\/s1600\/Framed%2BSupport%2BBeam%2BAfter%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lV-xBp1uN8s\/WKMxmuyT_EI\/AAAAAAAAIC4\/zex5yKzmvLYrqMc-bhS7wx_lRixI5D23ACLcB\/s640\/Framed%2BSupport%2BBeam%2BAfter%2B2.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EPretty great huh? It's so much brighter in our house now. Here's the progression so you can see how we ended up here.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DAlLGsj5VWQ\/WKMxr22p6XI\/AAAAAAAAIDk\/OVJhQwdBBOciNnOA72mi0IC1BUK_UBVZwCLcB\/s1600\/kitchen%2Bbefore.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DAlLGsj5VWQ\/WKMxr22p6XI\/AAAAAAAAIDk\/OVJhQwdBBOciNnOA72mi0IC1BUK_UBVZwCLcB\/s640\/kitchen%2Bbefore.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-otNeYWyvPCY\/WKMxrWqr4OI\/AAAAAAAAIDg\/wkXcKXlQGAYanRHwHRj_kJyay_OgkDKyQCLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-otNeYWyvPCY\/WKMxrWqr4OI\/AAAAAAAAIDg\/wkXcKXlQGAYanRHwHRj_kJyay_OgkDKyQCLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B2.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-L6-wzOQCqws\/WKMxrOxr1vI\/AAAAAAAAIDY\/V3Lgo6UKWYgP_rULA2H4qUtEklIjUzfbQCLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B1.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-L6-wzOQCqws\/WKMxrOxr1vI\/AAAAAAAAIDY\/V3Lgo6UKWYgP_rULA2H4qUtEklIjUzfbQCLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B1.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXjJAathDJ0\/WKMxqYn9b2I\/AAAAAAAAIDQ\/IlXsi68C18Ab6qvfipZlh2pW9sPfCj8mACLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WXjJAathDJ0\/WKMxqYn9b2I\/AAAAAAAAIDQ\/IlXsi68C18Ab6qvfipZlh2pW9sPfCj8mACLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B2.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe trimmed out each vertical support with pre-primed white boards and lattice trim pieces. Once my husband had them nailed around the 2 x 4 supports, I wood filled each nail hole and caulked everything to make the trim nice and clean. Everything got many coats of white paint to complete the look.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5kr2AFiQqq4\/WKMxrMxyKsI\/AAAAAAAAIDc\/pxIGIJoBfscm_9JgZnRhDASY2nKPLhgTgCLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5kr2AFiQqq4\/WKMxrMxyKsI\/AAAAAAAAIDc\/pxIGIJoBfscm_9JgZnRhDASY2nKPLhgTgCLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B3.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-adCvKnytyc0\/WKMxsSa2grI\/AAAAAAAAIDo\/cItSQJ2b3nANg2SXMz_kdSaBCvll6p7UgCLcB\/s1600\/Trim%2BSupport%2BBeam.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-adCvKnytyc0\/WKMxsSa2grI\/AAAAAAAAIDo\/cItSQJ2b3nANg2SXMz_kdSaBCvll6p7UgCLcB\/s640\/Trim%2BSupport%2BBeam.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-la74-cQaMeE\/WKMxq3Dm_yI\/AAAAAAAAIDU\/nhXMx5wZTw41fr8kQIjCThpwvLzllRz4wCLcB\/s1600\/Molding%2BSupport%2BBeam.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-la74-cQaMeE\/WKMxq3Dm_yI\/AAAAAAAAIDU\/nhXMx5wZTw41fr8kQIjCThpwvLzllRz4wCLcB\/s640\/Molding%2BSupport%2BBeam.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MfYcI1oV8ZY\/WKMxmWs_ARI\/AAAAAAAAIC8\/tzY2Uakpd7EGiY-cuqdmsZSFCyfW0866ACLcB\/s1600\/Farmhouse%2Bsupport%2Bbeam.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MfYcI1oV8ZY\/WKMxmWs_ARI\/AAAAAAAAIC8\/tzY2Uakpd7EGiY-cuqdmsZSFCyfW0866ACLcB\/s640\/Farmhouse%2Bsupport%2Bbeam.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003EI have individual posts for much of what we've done (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/search\/label\/Ugly%20House%20Renovation\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E for the collection of Ugly House posts), but here's a quick run down. First we removed everything from the kitchen (cabinets, countertops, that red back splash, sink, soffet) and replaced with subway tile, Ikea cabinets, butcher block countertops (that I stained and finished) and an apron front sink. After that, we painted everything including the pantry door and stair railings. New doors throughout the upstairs. The wall came down, new lights were added\/changed, floors were removed, new island built, horizontal beam wrapped in barn wood and vertical supports wrapped in trim, drywall patched up, ceiling covered in plank and new floors installed throughout the upstairs. Final step is putting new taller trim throughout the upstairs and trim around the ceiling.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fOrG6RSvAMk\/WKMxmhta36I\/AAAAAAAAIC0\/SQ82eh5Fuqo1aLhI-iWvXTv70_NGmo55wCLcB\/s1600\/Framed%2BSupport%2BBeam%2BAfter.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fOrG6RSvAMk\/WKMxmhta36I\/AAAAAAAAIC0\/SQ82eh5Fuqo1aLhI-iWvXTv70_NGmo55wCLcB\/s640\/Framed%2BSupport%2BBeam%2BAfter.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VGOiglXQyng\/WKMxokKiv5I\/AAAAAAAAIDE\/pbd65K3wtugWMqY6-xokbmKZjg-jF4P5gCLcB\/s1600\/Island%2BSupport%2BBeam%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VGOiglXQyng\/WKMxokKiv5I\/AAAAAAAAIDE\/pbd65K3wtugWMqY6-xokbmKZjg-jF4P5gCLcB\/s640\/Island%2BSupport%2BBeam%2B2.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Mh5G1b4pQNI\/WKMxqJHisRI\/AAAAAAAAIDM\/484X9AjqEKc16B-ksX3hJkeOfEtngLxbgCLcB\/s1600\/Kitchen%2BIsland%2BAfter.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Mh5G1b4pQNI\/WKMxqJHisRI\/AAAAAAAAIDM\/484X9AjqEKc16B-ksX3hJkeOfEtngLxbgCLcB\/s640\/Kitchen%2BIsland%2BAfter.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3181845240223461585\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3181845240223461585\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3181845240223461585"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3181845240223461585"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/02\/kitchen-island-before-after.html","title":"Kitchen Island Before \u0026 After"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6yrlNFXIrZs\/WKMxoDmlz8I\/AAAAAAAAIDA\/pkgLHmKB26Uc_M9upT0g6eSblbyahgQRQCLcB\/s72-c\/Kitchen%2BBefore%2B2.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-8677914689298994545"},"published":{"$t":"2017-01-04T17:22:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-01-04T20:08:45.909-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Humor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Reviews"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"FabFitFun Box Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe're finally past that grey week between Christmas and New Years, and it's time to get back to work! Back in November I saw a sponsored ad on Instagram for the FabFitFun Monthly Subscription Box and was actually intrigued. Normally I find sponsored ads irritating, because they ruin the steady stream of cute puppies and cute babies on my Insta. \u0026nbsp;(Is that the proper usage of slang? I'm trying to be hip and cool, but a mom of three that loves Harry Potter is bound to struggle.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI went searching for reviews and there was tons of positive ones, but they were all from people that had gotten the box for free. I don't know about you, but no matter how many times a blogger says that free stuff doesn't influence their decision, I don't really believe it. Free stuff is always better, right?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, here's my review of their new Editor's Box, and I paid for it, so you know I'm telling the truth. \u003Ci\u003EWell\u003C\/i\u003E.....I did use a coupon code since it was my first one, but you get the idea.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had a couple of friends ask what this was. The FabFitFun is a subscription box like others you may have seen (BirchBox, Ipsy, Sock of Month, BooklyBox, Bark Box, Nerd Box...there's literally a subscription box for everything) As the name may suggest, it's full of items that are either beauty related (the fab part), health related (the fit part) or just fun. Instead of doing a monthly subscription, they do a box every 3 months (each season). The box I got was the Editor's Box so it was a mixture of the \"favorite\" (aka leftover) items throughout the year's other boxes. So it wasn't quite as seasonally themed as some of the other ones are. Nothing in the box is a sample size..it's all full size. Also, they promise each box has a retail value of at least $200.00. So, for $49.99 (or $39.99 with a coupon), it's a pretty good deal.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided to try it out because 1) it's a pretty good deal, 2) I thought it would be a fun treat for myself every couple of months, and 3) I'm no longer getting Christmas card mail and I need something to fill the hole left in my heart from not getting cheerful happy mail.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow that I have broke down what this box is all about, let's take a look at what I got in my 2016 Editor's Box.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EHere's what the box looked like when it arrived. OoooAhhhh.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-dKIqJy5KJqc\/WG1905X0y5I\/AAAAAAAAH_4\/ysG_mHNygiMtaGYr-ZWHenyGtnk07yHYQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0418.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-dKIqJy5KJqc\/WG1905X0y5I\/AAAAAAAAH_4\/ysG_mHNygiMtaGYr-ZWHenyGtnk07yHYQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0418.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EOpening the box it was all nicely wrapped up. I'm a fan of a good packaging job.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EMs4o4ws1JE\/WG191GadTCI\/AAAAAAAAIAA\/RhPfGHEo4wY9ZS-kaBPSIq7fpQULYA0DQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0419.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EMs4o4ws1JE\/WG191GadTCI\/AAAAAAAAIAA\/RhPfGHEo4wY9ZS-kaBPSIq7fpQULYA0DQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0419.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EYeah...I'm not going to use that gift card for Hello Fresh. Please see last post about my utter disdain for all things cooking related.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-185P_K3ljJ0\/WG1904aFhqI\/AAAAAAAAH_8\/vuoSA29loz8Led07Cd8XDv_WOdDODRJbQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0420.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-185P_K3ljJ0\/WG1904aFhqI\/AAAAAAAAH_8\/vuoSA29loz8Led07Cd8XDv_WOdDODRJbQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0420.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe first item was a dainty gold necklace that said \"dream.\" I'm a sucker for a dainty necklace so I'm happy with this.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QTJVEM5nOLo\/WG191wAGoKI\/AAAAAAAAIAE\/7tUkOy8nfRQS4IHBBMyBbGnpxR4V9qALwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0421.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QTJVEM5nOLo\/WG191wAGoKI\/AAAAAAAAIAE\/7tUkOy8nfRQS4IHBBMyBbGnpxR4V9qALwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0421.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EI'm also a sucker for a blanket scarf. Just ask my husband about the scarf rack behind our bedroom door. Blanket scarves are the best. It's like you're lounging around in your house with a blanket over you except it's fashionable and hides the food stains I have created down the front of all my shirts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAlthough I never know what to wear these scarves with. Just solids? Mix with stripes? I'M LOST PEOPLE. HELP.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-URujSQ6H5Lg\/WG192XQ426I\/AAAAAAAAIAM\/hgmhLzlNHj0G4JbmMplF3_BKzmI8ZA1tgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0422.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-URujSQ6H5Lg\/WG192XQ426I\/AAAAAAAAIAM\/hgmhLzlNHj0G4JbmMplF3_BKzmI8ZA1tgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0422.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EHair oil stuff. I have no idea how to use this. I shall use the Google machine to figure out this mysterious ointment.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VWE7ugNHA7o\/WG191-xtirI\/AAAAAAAAIAI\/uqeIxvFy8dggFPP5R5eC0B6zOXlucr18ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0423.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VWE7ugNHA7o\/WG191-xtirI\/AAAAAAAAIAI\/uqeIxvFy8dggFPP5R5eC0B6zOXlucr18ACLcB\/s640\/IMG_0423.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ELip gloss. I don't wear lip stuff like ever (except my one tube of Lipsense that I really do like) Hopefully this isn't like a neon green color.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-G8T7Ljq9fGY\/WG1923JCBoI\/AAAAAAAAIAU\/yCS_TtBPRiIpOCQVYRwUa1VX6ZvwnMzcACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0424.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-G8T7Ljq9fGY\/WG1923JCBoI\/AAAAAAAAIAU\/yCS_TtBPRiIpOCQVYRwUa1VX6ZvwnMzcACLcB\/s640\/IMG_0424.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EOoo..it's kinda dark. The color is \"Lucky\" It's actually very very nice. See obligatory selfie below.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vP-zbMfM4rI\/WG192uTex2I\/AAAAAAAAIAQ\/-oaWow4EmxU86aV11Ckvic2n1ArQ0OsjwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0425.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vP-zbMfM4rI\/WG192uTex2I\/AAAAAAAAIAQ\/-oaWow4EmxU86aV11Ckvic2n1ArQ0OsjwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0425.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ELotion. Smells good. It fulfills what I require of lotions.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-khDqqnRfF0g\/WG193EmMMVI\/AAAAAAAAIAY\/rAhlKkGSTHgeS4Q_mWsc0Ln73ztqXPv3QCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0426.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-khDqqnRfF0g\/WG193EmMMVI\/AAAAAAAAIAY\/rAhlKkGSTHgeS4Q_mWsc0Ln73ztqXPv3QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0426.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ECoffee cup. Ah. I love coffee cups. I would dedicate half of the kitchen I rarely use to coffee, and its associated drinking apparatuses if I could. Husband hates my ever growing cup collection. He's just jealous of my affection for coffee.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1tcPntm-Ty0\/WG193gN0eMI\/AAAAAAAAIAg\/nyp6OtCgLlQ8hKwXM8GraxLmQc0MmmxogCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0427.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1tcPntm-Ty0\/WG193gN0eMI\/AAAAAAAAIAg\/nyp6OtCgLlQ8hKwXM8GraxLmQc0MmmxogCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0427.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EMineral Peel Face stuff. I do have to say out of all the things I got out of this box, this is surprisingly my favorite. I don't do a whole lot face cleansing wise (I also don't wear make-up...I'm trying to be authentic. \u003Ci\u003EHa! Mostly just lazy and cheap\u003C\/i\u003E) so this was a surprising favorite. It smells good and it seems to really work. \u003Ci\u003E(Oh and please don't comment about how I should try R\u0026nbsp;+ F. I don't have the money, time, or interest for that. I don't want to waist your time pitching to me.)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Nf2_f4PNywI\/WG193Rgx9dI\/AAAAAAAAIAc\/sGG5xYNVDFYJ_XLJtiLOhnTjjdnhscfUgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0428.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Nf2_f4PNywI\/WG193Rgx9dI\/AAAAAAAAIAc\/sGG5xYNVDFYJ_XLJtiLOhnTjjdnhscfUgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0428.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ENail Polish. I have nothing witty to add here. It goes on your fingers or if you're my son, you're entire foot.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-766fkSJ3f_k\/WG1934-8IgI\/AAAAAAAAIAo\/dndTD84Z2okubazNMM0mF6advavavcFTwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0429.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-766fkSJ3f_k\/WG1934-8IgI\/AAAAAAAAIAo\/dndTD84Z2okubazNMM0mF6advavavcFTwCLcB\/s400\/IMG_0429.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EI have to admit, when I saw this color, I was kinda like, \"Welp, there has to be some things I'm not going to like in the box.\" So I tried it out on my daughter. It's actually surprisingly neutral on, and I was digging it. My daughter, however, did not because it was neon colored with sparkles.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-duX_nqeKRHY\/WG1933dwdbI\/AAAAAAAAIAk\/f18xC6OSswQdhCjFpxVVMjBCfwuMLXS6QCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0430.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-duX_nqeKRHY\/WG1933dwdbI\/AAAAAAAAIAk\/f18xC6OSswQdhCjFpxVVMjBCfwuMLXS6QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0430.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EColoring book. I have like a million of these, and I am still happy to get them. They are really great for vacation or camping when I'm avoiding technology.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tZc15ULokuc\/WG194SnmmbI\/AAAAAAAAIAs\/SJ13vepusVE543Yd_VmXKM_f5lyf1iaMQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0431.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tZc15ULokuc\/WG194SnmmbI\/AAAAAAAAIAs\/SJ13vepusVE543Yd_VmXKM_f5lyf1iaMQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0431.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ESo here's the lip gloss. I'm actually really liking the color. I've thrown it into my purse to put on when I remember.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ed9xEllMM2U\/WG1947-ShZI\/AAAAAAAAIAw\/xxPqL0ZY640UGsrLHc_pjhjF46K4sr71gCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0433.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ed9xEllMM2U\/WG1947-ShZI\/AAAAAAAAIAw\/xxPqL0ZY640UGsrLHc_pjhjF46K4sr71gCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0433.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ESelfies aren't really my thing. Don't I look half asleep? Ah, I probably was half sleeping...you know. Baby and all. Here's the scarf. I like it. Still...send help on how to wear it. Please. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-clZqBPxrENI\/WG195P5XMfI\/AAAAAAAAIA0\/knFBXaHIqTYaSHVQ356j3Tk5sCjfl41DACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0434.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-clZqBPxrENI\/WG195P5XMfI\/AAAAAAAAIA0\/knFBXaHIqTYaSHVQ356j3Tk5sCjfl41DACLcB\/s640\/IMG_0434.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/8677914689298994545\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=8677914689298994545\u0026isPopup=true","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8677914689298994545"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8677914689298994545"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2017\/01\/fabfitfun-box-review.html","title":"FabFitFun Box Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-dKIqJy5KJqc\/WG1905X0y5I\/AAAAAAAAH_4\/ysG_mHNygiMtaGYr-ZWHenyGtnk07yHYQCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_0418.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-35233335352122779"},"published":{"$t":"2016-12-30T13:33:00.003-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-12-30T13:34:19.989-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Barn Wood Ceiling Support Beam"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"2017 is almost upon us. Thank goodness. Although this year hasn't been a great for many people, we have much to be thankful for in our house. Sweet Cheeks came into our lives, and she's a constant reminder of what is good in the world. We were able to make great progress on Ugly House. Work was pretty great for both my husband and I. On the flip side, I lost an aunt, a dog, and two cats. Then there's that election. Ugh. No other words are needed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince December 1st, I've been reflecting on how I can make 2017 better, and it mostly comes down to action. Taking action on the house, in my children's lives, in my work, in the community and of course, on this blog. So, buckle up because 2017 will be a good year even if I have to bend it to my will.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne big project we're still finishing up at our house is the kitchen, living and dining room remodel. We tore down the Indiana Jones Lost Tomb wall at the beginning of the summer. (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/04\/removing-great-wall-of-ugly-house.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor that amazing before and after) We've added in a island, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/05\/finishing-drywall-for-beginners.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Efixed drywall\u003C\/a\u003E, removed all our floors \u0026amp; replaced them (post forthcoming on that odyssey), framed in the vertical support beams, replaced light fixtures, built a new countertop, and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/07\/diy-plank-farmhouse-ceilings.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eadded a plank ceiling\u003C\/a\u003E. We are working on trim on the floor, on the support beams and ceiling right now. One big project was figuring out how to wrap the new large support beam in the middle of the room.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-EI5WP7LwgRw\/WGa1azayW5I\/AAAAAAAAH-8\/J_qXtKNouuU0OlE7v0ESru_sbW2H9NPeQCLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B1.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-EI5WP7LwgRw\/WGa1azayW5I\/AAAAAAAAH-8\/J_qXtKNouuU0OlE7v0ESru_sbW2H9NPeQCLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B1.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESupport beams after wall remove and new light fixtures.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-eiwZx4QGG1c\/WGa1a3eT53I\/AAAAAAAAH_A\/NWCfLptZ3e0wtCfyp7gLiGfRC-s_aZADQCLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-eiwZx4QGG1c\/WGa1a3eT53I\/AAAAAAAAH_A\/NWCfLptZ3e0wtCfyp7gLiGfRC-s_aZADQCLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B2.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESupport beams immediately after wall removal.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pI5HJQoo1I4\/WGa1ayoYo0I\/AAAAAAAAH-4\/yFf46jF9iMAK4_yeCTpbBB0eXg8kVzNPgCLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pI5HJQoo1I4\/WGa1ayoYo0I\/AAAAAAAAH-4\/yFf46jF9iMAK4_yeCTpbBB0eXg8kVzNPgCLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B3.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ESupport beams after new lights and new ceiling\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI would like to go on record that I liked barn wood before it was cool. Before Fixer Upper made everyone want to put barn wood or ship lap into their house (including myself because I want to force the Gaines to living in my house and do work for free...just kidding..kinda). I have always loved old stuff. I collect vintage Pyrex, collected antique books growing up, and of course, I have \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/search\/label\/Myrtle%20the%20Turtle\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMyrtle\u003C\/a\u003E. So, while my house is probably more on trend now than I ever thought it would be, I hope it also has some staying power. When we bought Ugly House, it was my vision to make it fit into the farmhouse idea since we live in the country. She might not be old, but I wanted to make sure she felt like she was.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow that barn wood is all the rage, it's very difficult to find it! We were going to to try to salvage some barn wood from the barn we got our \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/11\/diy-sunday-rustic-barn-door-headboard.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eheadboard\u003C\/a\u003E from, but the wood was too brittle. We asked around (one plus of having a large animal veterinarian as a husband), but no one had a piece that would be long enough to go down the entire beam.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy husband was over at his parents one day to cut some boards and noticed their large shed had long pieces of wood along the bottom. He went in to talk to his dad and asked if it would be possible to remove some of the wood if we replaced it with new wood. He didn't have a problem with it, so suddenly we had wood. \u003Ci\u003E(That's what she said..he..he..he)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI was about 6\/7 months pregnant, and the husband thought we could put this 20 foot piece of wood up ourselves. Nope. That was a whole lot of nope. First problem: he decided he would hold the entire piece of wood while I drilled it in. Second problem: at the time we didn't have an impact drill, so to get through the wood, we had to use quite a bit of force. I wasn't quite tall enough, so I was drilling above my head. (Why didn't we get the bigger ladder you ask? I don't know. Don't ask obvious questions.) So picture this...6\/7 months pregnant, I was leaning in trying to drill above my head while the husband is channeling Hercules holding 20 feet of thick solid wood. What could go wrong with such a safe smart plan?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOf course I slipped and tried to drill a six inch screw through one of my fingers. He knew better to ask me to try again, as I was ugly pregnancy crying and cleaning my wound in the sink. \u0026nbsp;He called his dad over to help, had him bring over the impact drill and ta-da, a couple hours later, it looked pretty darn amazing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOh, there's another thing to be thankful for. Father-in-laws that give you free wood, bring over the proper tools and dedicate an afternoon to helping remodel your house. Just like my dad and uncle that helped install an entirely new kitchen and our neighbors that helped bring in our countertops at 8 o'clock at night. As my new secret best friend Jen Hatmaker would say, \"Love People. Love God. The End.\" I have many people to love in my life.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9tLQRAheZH8\/WGa1e1ns3gI\/AAAAAAAAH_E\/wyxk7WbfEbYRtesmGNADmsqSrNKE4sYfwCLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9tLQRAheZH8\/WGa1e1ns3gI\/AAAAAAAAH_E\/wyxk7WbfEbYRtesmGNADmsqSrNKE4sYfwCLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B2.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAlmost done with the trim around the support beams. Just need a coat of paint! :)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4q0vVU4evnE\/WGa1ezuX2UI\/AAAAAAAAH_M\/mHX2SaHbBnU9DRAH0wSUXsUwlQjJEm1xACLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4q0vVU4evnE\/WGa1ezuX2UI\/AAAAAAAAH_M\/mHX2SaHbBnU9DRAH0wSUXsUwlQjJEm1xACLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B3.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HSlCsQPi-ZE\/WGa1e3E4kpI\/AAAAAAAAH_I\/RJ_FbJh_2ekjACVWPa5pPAXGSLnihJpMACLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B4.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HSlCsQPi-ZE\/WGa1e3E4kpI\/AAAAAAAAH_I\/RJ_FbJh_2ekjACVWPa5pPAXGSLnihJpMACLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood%2B4.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-sVEo12IvAvM\/WGa1fThXJ_I\/AAAAAAAAH_Q\/8uI-L4DouqocvzXHRaQd3Ahh20R8_XKIQCLcB\/s1600\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-sVEo12IvAvM\/WGa1fThXJ_I\/AAAAAAAAH_Q\/8uI-L4DouqocvzXHRaQd3Ahh20R8_XKIQCLcB\/s640\/Support%2BBeam%2BAfter%2BBarn%2BWood.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/35233335352122779\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=35233335352122779\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/35233335352122779"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/35233335352122779"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/12\/diy-barn-wood-ceiling-support-beam.html","title":"DIY Barn Wood Ceiling Support Beam"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-EI5WP7LwgRw\/WGa1azayW5I\/AAAAAAAAH-8\/J_qXtKNouuU0OlE7v0ESru_sbW2H9NPeQCLcB\/s72-c\/Support%2BBeam%2BBefore%2B1.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4503860577798305300"},"published":{"$t":"2016-12-27T14:41:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-12-27T14:41:27.071-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sewing"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Wildflower Nursery"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I hope you all had a great Christmas holiday. I've officially entered the adult zone and got useful gifts like snow boots, and pots and pans. That's just fine by me. They are things that I probably wouldn't buy for myself, but I will use nearly every day. Well...I should speak my truth. My husband will use the pots and pans every day. I will use them begrudgingly when my husband is working late, and I've ran out of frozen meals made my mother-in-law. Cooking is not my thing y'all. It does not bring me joy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESpeaking of joy and Christmas, my husband bought me the Girlfriend's Gift Box by Jen Hatmaker. I have just discovered the amazeballs that is Jen Hatmaker. She doesn't know this, but I'm pretty sure we're meant to be bff's. To be fair, I'm pretty sure I'm joined by a million other women that feel the same way. I'm working through her new book, \u003Ci\u003EFor the Love\u003C\/i\u003E, right now. I think my biggest take away thus far is to make sure I am doing what I love rather than what I think I should be doing. Although I think that I probably should continue to feed my family even if cooking is pretty much the worst. So, in the next year there will be much crafting, mommying, blogging and laughing. I'm going to start to try to do a bit more blogging that is more on the humor\/essay side. So, if that's not your thing, skip past it, but ranting and laughing is kinda my jam.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnyways, back to the point of this post. We finally got the last few pieces of our nursery put together, so I figured it was time to share the finished nursery. Designing nurseries is pretty fun. I mean, you can do things you can't do in other rooms like go over the top with a theme or make everything pink or neon green, and no one is going to care because it's a baby. The baby doesn't even sleep there for six months or so, so you really are just decorating a huge closet. I love it. My other kids are starting to get big enough that they have opinions (and rather strong ones at that) and when I have a fun idea I feel like I'm having to run it past a tiny human HOA board.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy oldest came along when I didn't have any money for a fun nursery (or even a room to dedicate as a nursery). The theme was owls because that wasn't a thing back then. I had to search high and low to find owl related items (and now they are everywhere). Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2010\/04\/diy-wednesday-owl-art.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor that post. The middle little came when we had a bit more resource wise. His room was supposed to channel a vintage hunting lodge. Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2012\/12\/hunting-lodge-nursery.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor that post and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/06\/ugly-house-renovation-hunting-lodge.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor his current room.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith our last little, I decided to make her theme wildflowers. I found some fun fabric in my favorite colors, so that's pretty much what I went with. I hate painting, so the aqua from my office was going to stay no matter what. Forewarned...it's not a great nursery color. The light reflects off the walls and makes her look like she's turning blue. You know what you don't want with a newborn? A baby that you're constantly checking to see if they really are turning blue or if it's the walls. I pretty much had a constant anxiety attack the entire first week she was home.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ESUdvJ_gN5U\/WGKoADlgK3I\/AAAAAAAAH9s\/NA_2eoerTTcBNm5Xb2EY6yzdsj4FkHAEgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0472.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ESUdvJ_gN5U\/WGKoADlgK3I\/AAAAAAAAH9s\/NA_2eoerTTcBNm5Xb2EY6yzdsj4FkHAEgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0472.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-sGJuS6T7awI\/WGKoBh29pTI\/AAAAAAAAH98\/kdLJzrlIbukyJXYZfVIHG1ZUBzCPU64rwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0479.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-sGJuS6T7awI\/WGKoBh29pTI\/AAAAAAAAH98\/kdLJzrlIbukyJXYZfVIHG1ZUBzCPU64rwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0479.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith each of my children, I made a custom mobile. It's a fun project to work on because each one is so different. The oldest got a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2010\/04\/diy-wednesday-owl-crib-mobile.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eowl mobile\u003C\/a\u003E, the middle got a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2012\/11\/show-tell-pheasant-and-pointer-baby.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Epheasant and short hair mobile\u003C\/a\u003E and the youngest got a fabric flower mobile. I've since shortened up the mobile so it's not wacking her in the face, but she is pretty obsessed with watching it while I change her diaper.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xtm5hDbRUQI\/WGKhe6DlORI\/AAAAAAAAH84\/JCbDPO4r2PAHm9_zU4EY7-eV4xe2cHKPACLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1900.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xtm5hDbRUQI\/WGKhe6DlORI\/AAAAAAAAH84\/JCbDPO4r2PAHm9_zU4EY7-eV4xe2cHKPACLcB\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1900.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KQoPzTm-3WY\/WGKhfnNueNI\/AAAAAAAAH88\/RX4aOLb4vXEZEScp4CP9EslYTyODxd4rgCLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1901.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KQoPzTm-3WY\/WGKhfnNueNI\/AAAAAAAAH88\/RX4aOLb4vXEZEScp4CP9EslYTyODxd4rgCLcB\/s400\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1901.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe other DIY projects in the room include two new changing pads. The changing pads were surprisingly easy to make. I used \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/asmallsnippet.com\/2013\/09\/diy-changing-pad-cover.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis\u003C\/a\u003E tutorial from a Small Snippet.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ayqXc6gOULs\/WGLRixc-FsI\/AAAAAAAAH-U\/QEwHb-hnxK46QztAhApmgXt6H-hIrzUcACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0480.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ayqXc6gOULs\/WGLRixc-FsI\/AAAAAAAAH-U\/QEwHb-hnxK46QztAhApmgXt6H-hIrzUcACLcB\/s640\/IMG_0480.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XaOrh-vIsEU\/WGKhhqN-szI\/AAAAAAAAH9I\/7lHDWejI8vwT4TRv7jQkhy9ojzBqYEuJwCLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B2187.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XaOrh-vIsEU\/WGKhhqN-szI\/AAAAAAAAH9I\/7lHDWejI8vwT4TRv7jQkhy9ojzBqYEuJwCLcB\/s400\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B2187.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI used my oldest's old crib skirt as a template for the new skirt. I just ripped out the old fabric and added new fabric. I hate measuring out large pieces of fabric, so using the old skirt made the project very quick and easy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SJsKdeX9kAM\/WGKhbjIwqWI\/AAAAAAAAH8o\/B9UpQdNbIvEB3PZN3ycH5_AbVruYwY8DQCLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1571.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SJsKdeX9kAM\/WGKhbjIwqWI\/AAAAAAAAH8o\/B9UpQdNbIvEB3PZN3ycH5_AbVruYwY8DQCLcB\/s400\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1571.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9WFV4-OtDQU\/WGKoA5-y9TI\/AAAAAAAAH90\/OpWfQbjE1PwQfbDIzY6DGwX8JVBej9VVgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0476.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9WFV4-OtDQU\/WGKoA5-y9TI\/AAAAAAAAH90\/OpWfQbjE1PwQfbDIzY6DGwX8JVBej9VVgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0476.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI also made some wooden stacking blocks. Amazon Prime Day had the blocks for just a few dollars, so it was a easy fun project. My oldest has had the most fun with them thus far especially with her increasing vocabulary.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kOCFg5tKwsQ\/WGKhbHoMqoI\/AAAAAAAAH8g\/CPW1FA7ySVc2uvadH4pTqyMnH1VMf6GXACLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1591.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kOCFg5tKwsQ\/WGKhbHoMqoI\/AAAAAAAAH8g\/CPW1FA7ySVc2uvadH4pTqyMnH1VMf6GXACLcB\/s400\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1591.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-X605-37v6p0\/WGKhbf3BK4I\/AAAAAAAAH8k\/aoJli37qzv4ZnLGEZXK8hhE-Lkz1ubx_wCLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1592.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-X605-37v6p0\/WGKhbf3BK4I\/AAAAAAAAH8k\/aoJli37qzv4ZnLGEZXK8hhE-Lkz1ubx_wCLcB\/s400\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1592.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-m8HVpTfc3jo\/WGLRimN8aLI\/AAAAAAAAH-Q\/En2H-FQhFxgB0M25ljkOSuTQ8Woo2SPRACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0481.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-m8HVpTfc3jo\/WGLRimN8aLI\/AAAAAAAAH-Q\/En2H-FQhFxgB0M25ljkOSuTQ8Woo2SPRACLcB\/s640\/IMG_0481.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EJust like the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/02\/diy-growth-charts.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Egrowth charts\u003C\/a\u003E in my other two kids rooms, I made one for the newest little.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rOmaBXsMr-E\/WGKhhft3_7I\/AAAAAAAAH9E\/iSGs8cu2ccIfQYl8b46y19EtKqnZXiTHwCLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1903.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rOmaBXsMr-E\/WGKhhft3_7I\/AAAAAAAAH9E\/iSGs8cu2ccIfQYl8b46y19EtKqnZXiTHwCLcB\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1903.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EAs I posted about in \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/09\/diy-kids-wall-art.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eanother post\u003C\/a\u003E, the two oldest children made this artwork for the baby.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Tb7p-MZbToE\/WGKhcTDELTI\/AAAAAAAAH8s\/W9EE9-DCZqIq7Sc98FpwuU5Xy_0sSNCLACLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1743.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Tb7p-MZbToE\/WGKhcTDELTI\/AAAAAAAAH8s\/W9EE9-DCZqIq7Sc98FpwuU5Xy_0sSNCLACLcB\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1743.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-W0vDRZk5T3A\/WGKhhGSg63I\/AAAAAAAAH9A\/dt6B2XQohjY4nfdGPpACreq8BjmUCmX7gCLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1902.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-W0vDRZk5T3A\/WGKhhGSg63I\/AAAAAAAAH9A\/dt6B2XQohjY4nfdGPpACreq8BjmUCmX7gCLcB\/s400\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1902.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided to use the closet for the desk turned changing table since the nursery is one of the smallest rooms in our house. There's a couple of DIY touches in this area too. I reused the curtain from my \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/03\/ugly-house-office-renovation-reveal.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eprinter stand\u003C\/a\u003E to cover up the piles of diapers stacked up under the desk, I repainted the mirror and took out the mirror portion, so now it's a frame for a photograph that my daughter colored. Target happen to have some fun aqua\/mint contact paper in their dollar section that covered some old diaper boxes to use for outgrown clothes. I also updated the 1970's oak closet doors with trim, paint and new knobs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-2GyUp7KIWcw\/WGKhebIWyUI\/AAAAAAAAH8w\/iMJJNpWwEzYLddliMuZhrWG3b-Y2xjhcQCLcB\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1898.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-2GyUp7KIWcw\/WGKhebIWyUI\/AAAAAAAAH8w\/iMJJNpWwEzYLddliMuZhrWG3b-Y2xjhcQCLcB\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B12-5-16%2B1898.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EThe room has other unique touches like the custom painted artwork by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/juneswildwood\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJune's Wildwoo\u003C\/a\u003Ed and wildflower animal prints I found online. I knited a navy, pink and grey blanket. The bookcase is from my daughter's namesake, my grandmother. (I updated it in \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/02\/flashback-friday-diy-chevron-bookcase.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis post\u003C\/a\u003E) On the bookcase there's a mixture of new toys and my own stuffed animals from when I was a baby. The final item was a set of Mickey ears from our trip to DisneyWorld earlier this year (where we did our big pregnancy announcement).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-km-UniTzTXw\/WGKn_FtiphI\/AAAAAAAAH9g\/LGs-x5QkpxAm0ZeGMkcxaH_WMpdp8mRuACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0468.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-km-UniTzTXw\/WGKn_FtiphI\/AAAAAAAAH9g\/LGs-x5QkpxAm0ZeGMkcxaH_WMpdp8mRuACLcB\/s640\/IMG_0468.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VoUy_KumZPQ\/WGKn_V3EdvI\/AAAAAAAAH9k\/qya3WXgXaRU__zzEKmqZryLyTRxbS4ltQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0469.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VoUy_KumZPQ\/WGKn_V3EdvI\/AAAAAAAAH9k\/qya3WXgXaRU__zzEKmqZryLyTRxbS4ltQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0469.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TUOLF2WPSGI\/WGKn_5bkBAI\/AAAAAAAAH9o\/9pw6ulfjsAwjHXiA_JgsOF0BKMAqrFGdwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0470.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TUOLF2WPSGI\/WGKn_5bkBAI\/AAAAAAAAH9o\/9pw6ulfjsAwjHXiA_JgsOF0BKMAqrFGdwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0470.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JvDc9_KRA3Y\/WGKn-4Qr_BI\/AAAAAAAAH9Y\/xmVKU6gJSOQ1qMplTpTk3OywBTRhFbYdwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0467.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JvDc9_KRA3Y\/WGKn-4Qr_BI\/AAAAAAAAH9Y\/xmVKU6gJSOQ1qMplTpTk3OywBTRhFbYdwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0467.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AdY9UmURclU\/WGKn_B_j0zI\/AAAAAAAAH9c\/yFYLcLSrOYEGYq5UAxA2j-qrgmTnTHxWwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0466.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AdY9UmURclU\/WGKn_B_j0zI\/AAAAAAAAH9c\/yFYLcLSrOYEGYq5UAxA2j-qrgmTnTHxWwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0466.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-16ry8uBF8Vg\/WGKoAXUNHJI\/AAAAAAAAH9w\/B4Cr-QEVs8UVjz2rz-FrvAtLmNmhmW-zQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0474.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-16ry8uBF8Vg\/WGKoAXUNHJI\/AAAAAAAAH9w\/B4Cr-QEVs8UVjz2rz-FrvAtLmNmhmW-zQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0474.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4503860577798305300\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4503860577798305300\u0026isPopup=true","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4503860577798305300"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4503860577798305300"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/12\/wildflower-nursery.html","title":"Wildflower Nursery"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ESUdvJ_gN5U\/WGKoADlgK3I\/AAAAAAAAH9s\/NA_2eoerTTcBNm5Xb2EY6yzdsj4FkHAEgCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_0472.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4832948702681968594"},"published":{"$t":"2016-11-29T12:20:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-11-29T12:27:10.019-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Girl Scouts"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Girl Scout Promise Tree"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELast night I gathered some local Girl Scouts together to decorate a tree for our town's festival of trees. I was pretty excited to work with the girls to make ornaments and decorate the tree. I also created some of my own ornaments for the girls to hang.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5BzXwLuVjMo\/WD2wGVjgIlI\/AAAAAAAAHyQ\/cV-dAJ8Vjkk7Qk-UMD5SKxVnRJFVLB40gCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B8.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5BzXwLuVjMo\/WD2wGVjgIlI\/AAAAAAAAHyQ\/cV-dAJ8Vjkk7Qk-UMD5SKxVnRJFVLB40gCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B8.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe theme of our tree was the Girl Scout Law and Promise. I wrote out the Girl Scout Law on the burlap garland. The girls created these promise ornaments and wrote something they do to live by the Girl Scout Law. We mostly had second grade Brownies in attendance, but they all did really well with making their own ornaments and had great insight to how they can apply the Girl Scout Law to their lives.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-d-EHKTJC0dc\/WD2v7dZbPzI\/AAAAAAAAHxk\/DhtpNfq9TDArYTLnd3dj-9LAK9CO2sZLgCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BPromise%2BOrnament.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-d-EHKTJC0dc\/WD2v7dZbPzI\/AAAAAAAAHxk\/DhtpNfq9TDArYTLnd3dj-9LAK9CO2sZLgCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BPromise%2BOrnament.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-U22Uz0uK-F4\/WD2wCj1QZpI\/AAAAAAAAHyE\/oq5y8ake6TEmxp5oRdZ9WXEZCYbVNWE4gCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B4.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-U22Uz0uK-F4\/WD2wCj1QZpI\/AAAAAAAAHyE\/oq5y8ake6TEmxp5oRdZ9WXEZCYbVNWE4gCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B4.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-12CHWlLYT2o\/WD2wDCdEueI\/AAAAAAAAHyI\/00kgv-X_iH86TGPg022nQmIxcGuty9SGACLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B5.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-12CHWlLYT2o\/WD2wDCdEueI\/AAAAAAAAHyI\/00kgv-X_iH86TGPg022nQmIxcGuty9SGACLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B5.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Jb0NMQF7Z5o\/WD2wES7JrqI\/AAAAAAAAHyM\/fwldZq4D3XUh522fDPXOVZWYnYTj638SQCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B6.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Jb0NMQF7Z5o\/WD2wES7JrqI\/AAAAAAAAHyM\/fwldZq4D3XUh522fDPXOVZWYnYTj638SQCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B6.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe girls also made ribbon tree ornaments. They did a great job with the project. To keep the work at the meeting to a minimum, I pre-cut all the ribbons, organized by color and hot glued string on the top of branches before the meeting.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qOnHF2xQGPs\/WD2wAOUvtQI\/AAAAAAAAHx4\/JdBOH1j2nbY4PbF26DU2UEUjHbQCZSp8ACLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qOnHF2xQGPs\/WD2wAOUvtQI\/AAAAAAAAHx4\/JdBOH1j2nbY4PbF26DU2UEUjHbQCZSp8ACLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B2.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-94MmSFZgHh0\/WD2wNO3fgYI\/AAAAAAAAHyw\/SLUmZnJltMI-WWaoG1b78_28bcJv8QfJACLcB\/s1600\/Ribbon%2BTree%2BOrnament%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-94MmSFZgHh0\/WD2wNO3fgYI\/AAAAAAAAHyw\/SLUmZnJltMI-WWaoG1b78_28bcJv8QfJACLcB\/s640\/Ribbon%2BTree%2BOrnament%2B2.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rJN93Ks9P2Q\/WD2wNX6uokI\/AAAAAAAAHy4\/D19bcsS8S6wMwhNBOcuGHDlV2Me6eKv7wCLcB\/s1600\/Ribbon%2BTree%2BOrnament.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rJN93Ks9P2Q\/WD2wNX6uokI\/AAAAAAAAHy4\/D19bcsS8S6wMwhNBOcuGHDlV2Me6eKv7wCLcB\/s640\/Ribbon%2BTree%2BOrnament.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI made some additional decorations, but the girls were responsible for putting them on the tree. The first thing I made was sleds out of Popsicle sticks (mini and jumbo size). I painted them with our tree's colors, navy and green. I distressed them a bit, added some dark wax and added the Girl Scout logo using carbon tracing paper and a silver Sharpie marker.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IS4m4IaE26o\/WD2v573kxYI\/AAAAAAAAHxc\/zL_k9BtcgdclRyL7p_KAeTlJqGf959j0gCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2B3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IS4m4IaE26o\/WD2v573kxYI\/AAAAAAAAHxc\/zL_k9BtcgdclRyL7p_KAeTlJqGf959j0gCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2B3.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TzQv-pMInec\/WD2v9HS2eRI\/AAAAAAAAHxw\/5VjGq7YeEsItl8jhyVfxAkE53qYUM1X2gCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2BOrnament%2B5.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TzQv-pMInec\/WD2v9HS2eRI\/AAAAAAAAHxw\/5VjGq7YeEsItl8jhyVfxAkE53qYUM1X2gCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2BOrnament%2B5.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-soNw8ioQA9M\/WD2v6pQ7QRI\/AAAAAAAAHxg\/3fh1_jcG2vQxTV-cdpK6PpoVOpIoD68ZACLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-soNw8ioQA9M\/WD2v6pQ7QRI\/AAAAAAAAHxg\/3fh1_jcG2vQxTV-cdpK6PpoVOpIoD68ZACLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2B2.JPG\" width=\"394\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-PqopgqLg4Bw\/WD2v8a50ZxI\/AAAAAAAAHxo\/eYqXz570kgwSY4qS1GS-7CIUmLa66tXVQCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2BOrnament%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-PqopgqLg4Bw\/WD2v8a50ZxI\/AAAAAAAAHxo\/eYqXz570kgwSY4qS1GS-7CIUmLa66tXVQCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2BOrnament%2B2.JPG\" width=\"570\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-B1zFtaD31ac\/WD2v-kqYfXI\/AAAAAAAAHx0\/kNL5r4NfukQRcxTrK01LbU8CVYOvw4sTgCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2BOrnament.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-B1zFtaD31ac\/WD2v-kqYfXI\/AAAAAAAAHx0\/kNL5r4NfukQRcxTrK01LbU8CVYOvw4sTgCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled%2BOrnament.JPG\" width=\"420\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-5LTtbcbOB_s\/WD2wApqMUQI\/AAAAAAAAHx8\/8aHARSdO_88UViN_BokkhdyumOwrFXiBQCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-5LTtbcbOB_s\/WD2wApqMUQI\/AAAAAAAAHx8\/8aHARSdO_88UViN_BokkhdyumOwrFXiBQCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BSled.JPG\" width=\"516\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EIn addition to the sleds, I created some simple wooden ornaments with words of the Girl Scout Law on them. I also had to add some information about joining this awesome organization!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pypMqT_9pzc\/WD2wBik60OI\/AAAAAAAAHyA\/lep3FnStE9ATumn4msXwQOA7-4AVqW5NwCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pypMqT_9pzc\/WD2wBik60OI\/AAAAAAAAHyA\/lep3FnStE9ATumn4msXwQOA7-4AVqW5NwCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B3.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-m-_X0CZVBcc\/WD2wNLbJM4I\/AAAAAAAAHy0\/5JyFuXeRdAEXOkGK_tznN9rWyF7ICKsPgCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-m-_X0CZVBcc\/WD2wNLbJM4I\/AAAAAAAAHy0\/5JyFuXeRdAEXOkGK_tznN9rWyF7ICKsPgCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-deooff4TxaY\/WD2wMo7DaMI\/AAAAAAAAHys\/i_3WcciWPRIbuTkDxucH5MTMJ5eJg9nbwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0390.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-deooff4TxaY\/WD2wMo7DaMI\/AAAAAAAAHys\/i_3WcciWPRIbuTkDxucH5MTMJ5eJg9nbwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0390.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EA tree also has to have a tree skirt. I used some burlap cut in a circle and Sharpie markers to write out the Girl Scout Promise. To keep the skirt from fraying, I used some hot glue on the reverse side of the tree skirt.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vtvNFIy7xJc\/WD2wGkyyuUI\/AAAAAAAAHyU\/MsPUD9h0NRg8oTxleEyUn4u-4quPFOf9QCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B7.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vtvNFIy7xJc\/WD2wGkyyuUI\/AAAAAAAAHyU\/MsPUD9h0NRg8oTxleEyUn4u-4quPFOf9QCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B7.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7qv1Rz5SZjA\/WD2wI7KjIVI\/AAAAAAAAHyY\/O9P77mxFgLEsmOLtFsftijVROE5cc9BnQCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2BSkirt%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7qv1Rz5SZjA\/WD2wI7KjIVI\/AAAAAAAAHyY\/O9P77mxFgLEsmOLtFsftijVROE5cc9BnQCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2BSkirt%2B2.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-H1ObXJokfrQ\/WD2wKfLdgLI\/AAAAAAAAHyc\/vql53uLefgA7kVHVEKAxOIDskVaEp08mACLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2BSkirt%2B3.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-H1ObXJokfrQ\/WD2wKfLdgLI\/AAAAAAAAHyc\/vql53uLefgA7kVHVEKAxOIDskVaEp08mACLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2BSkirt%2B3.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;A tree also needs a tree topper, so I cut out the Girl Scout symbol on poster board, added some white glue and green glitter. I now have green glitter all over my entire office. It's very festive.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI also added some ribbon with hot glue to make the edges clean. It attaches to the tree with some green floral wire.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z02TFmxPc_Y\/WD2wKrGC-yI\/AAAAAAAAHyg\/mC0qlFr5-rQ2rwgUY7bVVSN-m-BzSBUMQCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2BTopper%2B2.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z02TFmxPc_Y\/WD2wKrGC-yI\/AAAAAAAAHyg\/mC0qlFr5-rQ2rwgUY7bVVSN-m-BzSBUMQCLcB\/s400\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2BTopper%2B2.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-2h1kIt_aoAk\/WD2wLetzvNI\/AAAAAAAAHyo\/QQwddzk8oeI29ilSJfwP1pzdxH1zAL6GwCLcB\/s1600\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2BTopper.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-2h1kIt_aoAk\/WD2wLetzvNI\/AAAAAAAAHyo\/QQwddzk8oeI29ilSJfwP1pzdxH1zAL6GwCLcB\/s640\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2BTopper.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe would love you have you in Girl Scouts. Visit \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.girlscouts.org\/\"\u003Ewww.girlscouts.org\u003C\/a\u003E for more information on joining!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4832948702681968594\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4832948702681968594\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4832948702681968594"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4832948702681968594"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/11\/girl-scout-promise-tree.html","title":"Girl Scout Promise Tree"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5BzXwLuVjMo\/WD2wGVjgIlI\/AAAAAAAAHyQ\/cV-dAJ8Vjkk7Qk-UMD5SKxVnRJFVLB40gCLcB\/s72-c\/Girl%2BScout%2BTree%2B8.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-8888541072557695027"},"published":{"$t":"2016-11-18T15:31:00.003-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-11-18T15:41:17.993-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"First Lutheran Preschool Silent Auction"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"We have our first snow fall of the season, and it's a blizzard to boot. Since most of our scheduled activities are cancelled, I took the opportunity to make some things for the upcoming Festival of Trees for the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/firstlutheranvolga.org\/preschool\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFirst Lutheran Preschool i\u003C\/a\u003En Volga, South Dakota. The festival is on \u003Cb\u003ESunday, December 11th\u003C\/b\u003E and will have a ton of activities including a free will donation soup and sandwich meal, a cookies and canvas painting class for both children and adults, and a silent auction.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt was fun to make some Christmas decorations for the silent auction, since I've pretty much hit my decoration limit at home. Some of the local stores started putting out their Christmas craft supplies and I was looking for an excuse to pick up a couple of things.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESome of the items I made are going to be grouped together in a little bundle of coordinating decorations.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first bundle is my hunting\/deer bundle. It will have this simple wreath, a little tree (great for an entry or as a centerpiece) and a table runner. I still need to make some fun shotgun shell ornaments to go on the tree. My husband was \u003Ci\u003Ereally \u003C\/i\u003Edisappointed when I asked him to go out and shoot some stuff so I could have the shells. I'm thinking about adding some red ribbon to the table runner as well so it ties in better with the other two items.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1VNp6iWdWjY\/WC9yXfseaZI\/AAAAAAAAHwc\/7JonnHpugfwyVBDfwBJKn2xHBq5l4C7VQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0292.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1VNp6iWdWjY\/WC9yXfseaZI\/AAAAAAAAHwc\/7JonnHpugfwyVBDfwBJKn2xHBq5l4C7VQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0292.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-H6QkmQMPRPE\/WC9yWgPOnBI\/AAAAAAAAHwU\/cQVxYPn8OBIx8xqgNHo-8eOXc17B7w07ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0282.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-H6QkmQMPRPE\/WC9yWgPOnBI\/AAAAAAAAHwU\/cQVxYPn8OBIx8xqgNHo-8eOXc17B7w07ACLcB\/s400\/IMG_0282.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9l7BiWcWFe8\/WC9yXebJH5I\/AAAAAAAAHwY\/Db4ojDrd07IYxRnJabvK-GPDqdn_aTZ1wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0290.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9l7BiWcWFe8\/WC9yXebJH5I\/AAAAAAAAHwY\/Db4ojDrd07IYxRnJabvK-GPDqdn_aTZ1wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0290.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe second bundle is going to have this handmade sign and handmade dog treats.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-3HrjU0zS9GA\/WC9yWYG9GqI\/AAAAAAAAHwQ\/aaPSDjjFqkcnVVgyjh0nIC6TruRPjQdugCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0289.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-3HrjU0zS9GA\/WC9yWYG9GqI\/AAAAAAAAHwQ\/aaPSDjjFqkcnVVgyjh0nIC6TruRPjQdugCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0289.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe last item will stand alone and is a fun Christmas card holder. (The camera wasn't cooperating with me. The sign isn't this dark. Also, it's about four feet long with spots for 12 or more cards, but the camera wasn't wide angle enough.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-p__ip8WDmOw\/WC9yWU6HIVI\/AAAAAAAAHwM\/ciEzFDnc_3oJ4v7UCRc67aqcoAzI72erQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0287.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-p__ip8WDmOw\/WC9yWU6HIVI\/AAAAAAAAHwM\/ciEzFDnc_3oJ4v7UCRc67aqcoAzI72erQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0287.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI plan on decorating a tree for the event with our local Girl Scouts, so I still have to round up those supplies. (Oh man...more craft supplies to get? How will I ever survive?!?!?) Do you see a theme here? I'm really really liking playing with cursive and paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMake sure you check out the festival for some fun silent auction items (both Christmas and non-Christmas related) and some fun activities. The money raised goes straight to the preschool which is a wonderful program both my older children have been apart of.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/8888541072557695027\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=8888541072557695027\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8888541072557695027"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8888541072557695027"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/11\/first-lutheran-preschool-silent-auction.html","title":"First Lutheran Preschool Silent Auction"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1VNp6iWdWjY\/WC9yXfseaZI\/AAAAAAAAHwc\/7JonnHpugfwyVBDfwBJKn2xHBq5l4C7VQCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_0292.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2516240173682727614"},"published":{"$t":"2016-11-08T10:37:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-11-08T10:37:46.829-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Inspiration"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Susan B. Anthony Red Voting Scarf"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EHappy Election Day!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E144 years after our great nation was formed, women finally got the right to vote. I remember my first presidential election in 1992. I remember my parents discussing the candidates, and our teacher talking about the election in school. Every election after, I would accompany my parents to the polls and cast my own vote in the amazing \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kidsvotingusa.org\/affiliates-near-you\/27-south-dakota\/89-kids-voting-south-dakota\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKids Voting\u003C\/a\u003E program. My second year in college I got to cast my first official vote via absentee ballot. I haven't missed an election since.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EMy daughter is now 6. Just a year younger than I was for my first presidential election (that I remember). This year I decided it was time for her to learn about the amazing right to vote.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003ETwo weeks ago, we watched the movie \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Suffragette_(film)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESuffragette\u003C\/a\u003E together when she was home sick. That movie (with me fast forwarding through some of the portions that weren't\u0026nbsp;quite appropriate for a 6 year old) led to a discussion about the history of women's rights. We watched portions of the debates (they weren't\u0026nbsp;exactly great for kids this year either).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EFinally, last night we had a big night of watching a documentary about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton (\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pbs.org\/stantonanthony\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENot For Ourselves Alone\u003C\/a\u003E) and making red scarves together.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EWhy red scarves? Well I learned a new fact through our education (and subsequently through a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/americanhistory.si.edu\/collections\/search\/object\/nmah_529597\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESmithsonian\u003C\/a\u003E Facebook post). Susan B. Anthony would wear a red shawl so often that it became one of her trademarks. Per the Smithsonian website, \"It was said in Washington that there were two signs of spring: the return of Congress to the nation's capital and the sight of Anthony's red shawl as she also returned to lobby congressmen.\"\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nI5bglO8yrQ\/WCH-9BBcHjI\/AAAAAAAAHvo\/DwMEaq9SvzsO1kBKHFd5nuHhPEbTMTZPACLcB\/s1600\/images.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"262\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nI5bglO8yrQ\/WCH-9BBcHjI\/AAAAAAAAHvo\/DwMEaq9SvzsO1kBKHFd5nuHhPEbTMTZPACLcB\/s400\/images.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003ETo make ours, I got a yard and a half of a red jersey fabric. My daughter got the half yard,\u0026nbsp;and I got a yard.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HXBqd0nH4Zw\/WCH4tHS8O-I\/AAAAAAAAHu4\/Ddz-fNzU1EgmCnp1zux22agfA8-2VgEgQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0113.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HXBqd0nH4Zw\/WCH4tHS8O-I\/AAAAAAAAHu4\/Ddz-fNzU1EgmCnp1zux22agfA8-2VgEgQCLcB\/s400\/IMG_0113.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EWe decorated our scarves with a black fabric marker. My daughter decided what she wanted to write on her scarf with a little help from me. I found the easiest way to write clearly was to put the fabric in a large embroidery hoop.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-N6bWi-kJLV4\/WCH4tUwdLJI\/AAAAAAAAHvA\/PdQEMQ_cIyUH_C_6I0VAi3k5rVlyE7vjwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0116.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-N6bWi-kJLV4\/WCH4tUwdLJI\/AAAAAAAAHvA\/PdQEMQ_cIyUH_C_6I0VAi3k5rVlyE7vjwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0116.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EOn mine, I wrote the language of the 19th amendment and a phrase from this a suffrage poster.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5jUDNcfVAN8\/WCH-lf_60bI\/AAAAAAAAHvc\/0MFazWDikrc001IMeNymuJdRgkY_8N0PACLcB\/s1600\/0072dc8eff553a85e60645080fcee72a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5jUDNcfVAN8\/WCH-lf_60bI\/AAAAAAAAHvc\/0MFazWDikrc001IMeNymuJdRgkY_8N0PACLcB\/s400\/0072dc8eff553a85e60645080fcee72a.jpg\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3Ky71f7IvR0\/WCH4tx3iJFI\/AAAAAAAAHvE\/8pSPh5aA9hcFtAIKO0TK85SJALxnQWIrQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0130.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3Ky71f7IvR0\/WCH4tx3iJFI\/AAAAAAAAHvE\/8pSPh5aA9hcFtAIKO0TK85SJALxnQWIrQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0130.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EToday we will be celebrating our right to vote and the sacrifices of many women including Susan B. Anthony\u0026nbsp;by wearing our red scarves all day and to the polls. I've made up a ballot for my daughter with pictures of the candidates so she can cast her own vote tomorrow. It's a privilege to live in a country that gives us the right.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VTkrWVHTxZ8\/WCH7ibzxXlI\/AAAAAAAAHvQ\/Bzufy2hTZ8gybBAwmDABcYjB-HSVPXNxQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0129.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VTkrWVHTxZ8\/WCH7ibzxXlI\/AAAAAAAAHvQ\/Bzufy2hTZ8gybBAwmDABcYjB-HSVPXNxQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0129.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2516240173682727614\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2516240173682727614\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2516240173682727614"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2516240173682727614"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/11\/diy-susan-b-anthony-red-voting-scarf.html","title":"DIY Susan B. Anthony Red Voting Scarf"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nI5bglO8yrQ\/WCH-9BBcHjI\/AAAAAAAAHvo\/DwMEaq9SvzsO1kBKHFd5nuHhPEbTMTZPACLcB\/s72-c\/images.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3550814732246424405"},"published":{"$t":"2016-11-02T17:11:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-11-02T17:16:35.987-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"WiFi Thermostat without a C Wire"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Like everything in Ugly House when we moved in, our thermostat was straight out of 1979. It's the classic Honeywell round thermostat in a stylish gold hue. \u0026nbsp;It certainly did the trick, but as we all know, there's more energy efficient options.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Anvn3oWBnwE\/WBpkX-cAUVI\/AAAAAAAAHug\/sVgJbM-6SN0CDmwy0aBFIMAca6RmuBcrQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0030.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Anvn3oWBnwE\/WBpkX-cAUVI\/AAAAAAAAHug\/sVgJbM-6SN0CDmwy0aBFIMAca6RmuBcrQCLcB\/s400\/IMG_0030.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EI was a bit intimidated to tackle this project. I wasn't sure what it really entailed. However, like other home improvement projects, it was a good to wait to tackle it until we lived in the house and got a feel for what we really needed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI knew I wanted a programmable thermostat. That makes sense from an energy saving perspective. The second issue was more tricky. We have a duel heat system. In addition to a gas furnace and A\/C unit on the thermostat, we also have electric baseboard heating in each room. We use both since there's a crazy set up to our HVAC and some rooms don't get the furnace heat. Adding to the complication is the thermostat is located where there's no furnace heat. So, if you set a temp, you will freeze or burn up all the other rooms before the thermostat even gets close to the set temp.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis strange situation meant that a regular programmable thermostat wasn't going to cut it. I thought immediately of the new WiFi options available.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI didn't go towards the very popular \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/store.nest.com\/product\/thermostat\/?gclid=CjwKEAjwnebABRCjpvr13dHL8DsSJABB-ILJGYwGokD54-InAzd2ujcXjMar38Z58UevAQiwkyOqchoCsqfw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENest \u003C\/a\u003Eoption just because of the price. I might go down that road in a few years when we completely redo the HVAC and when whole home smart hubs have the kinks worked out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI found this affordable Honeywell one at Lowes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aovV5rAXfcY\/WBpjnIhtFcI\/AAAAAAAAHuQ\/Uc-6-fz0xqQyF128dnbSs46Nxqp2x8zhwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0032.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-aovV5rAXfcY\/WBpjnIhtFcI\/AAAAAAAAHuQ\/Uc-6-fz0xqQyF128dnbSs46Nxqp2x8zhwCLcB\/s400\/IMG_0032.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI realized about 10 minutes into the installation that the normal smart thermostats weren't going to work. Newer systems have what is called a \"C wire\" but my antique system had the older 4 wire set up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-72tebf2Ci-Q\/WBpjm230pvI\/AAAAAAAAHuM\/IYXZb9XY85066wf_Jcg6MKN7lIWhmCdKwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0026.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-72tebf2Ci-Q\/WBpjm230pvI\/AAAAAAAAHuM\/IYXZb9XY85066wf_Jcg6MKN7lIWhmCdKwCLcB\/s400\/IMG_0026.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had to go back to the drawing board and do a bit of research. I could have forgone the WiFi option and just gone with a regular programmable thermostat which normally run on batteries.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI did find two options that don't require the C wire. The first option actually sounded pretty awesome. The \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ecobee3-Smarter-Thermostat-Remote-Generation\/dp\/B00ZIRV39M\/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi\u0026amp;ie=UTF8\u0026amp;qid=1478124263\u0026amp;sr=1-3\u0026amp;keywords=smart+thermostat\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eecobee3 \u003C\/a\u003Ethermostat has an option to add in satellite sensors throughout the house. With our strange set up, I was thinking that would work really well. It did require you to get into the furnace and add in this converter thing. I thought that was do able until I saw the disaster in our furnace area. (The air was added many years after the furnace, and it's quite the set up now) So that option was out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe second option was a simpler. It's a simple programmable WiFi enabled battery powered thermostat. I decided to give the Sensi a try.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-zJGr5QlLx3Y\/WBpjmkYUW_I\/AAAAAAAAHuI\/7n3JBCruVIoSOKm45NKAOFGnEGeBsM5wACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0031.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-zJGr5QlLx3Y\/WBpjmkYUW_I\/AAAAAAAAHuI\/7n3JBCruVIoSOKm45NKAOFGnEGeBsM5wACLcB\/s640\/IMG_0031.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst of all, the instructions aren't included in the box. The instructions are done via the Sensi app. I actually found it extremely helpful. You just had to put in some information and you had customized installation instructions. Additionally, if you got lost on any step, you could watch a how to video right from the app.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI won't bore you with the process to install the thermostat, but I will say from start to a 100% completion only took me 30 minutes. That's including pairing the device with my WiFi.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-j6UlluldqyU\/WBpjnWw2vQI\/AAAAAAAAHuU\/LSfn-yM1FP0EEZBF92DsNhKcn29hiGywACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0035.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-j6UlluldqyU\/WBpjnWw2vQI\/AAAAAAAAHuU\/LSfn-yM1FP0EEZBF92DsNhKcn29hiGywACLcB\/s400\/IMG_0035.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Cw24aim31To\/WBpjmbe9t_I\/AAAAAAAAHuE\/ExIEWAimQgE27ELv3lk9ufCk4OvW9_LkACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0029.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Cw24aim31To\/WBpjmbe9t_I\/AAAAAAAAHuE\/ExIEWAimQgE27ELv3lk9ufCk4OvW9_LkACLcB\/s400\/IMG_0029.jpg\" width=\"253\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lsjc73sq_40\/WBpjnrOKhyI\/AAAAAAAAHuY\/bNg73UvDB8gzyCjMrizFnU4dFGl5o3qGwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_0037.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-lsjc73sq_40\/WBpjnrOKhyI\/AAAAAAAAHuY\/bNg73UvDB8gzyCjMrizFnU4dFGl5o3qGwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_0037.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo far so good. I have already found the WiFi very useful for when I'm laying in bed and it's just too hot or cold. Rather than going downstairs to attempt to fix the setting, I can do it from my bed. I also appreciate being able to set up all the programs on my phone rather than clicking through 50 screens on the device itself. Finally, I look forward to being able to warm the house up before we get home from longer trips and monitoring the heat while we are gone. This model is nothing fancy. It's not going to automatically adjust when you leave the house or \"learn\" your habits to adjust accordingly like the Nest, but it does solve our issues right now. I count that as a win.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3550814732246424405\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3550814732246424405\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3550814732246424405"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3550814732246424405"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/11\/wifi-thermostat-without-c-wire.html","title":"WiFi Thermostat without a C Wire"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Anvn3oWBnwE\/WBpkX-cAUVI\/AAAAAAAAHug\/sVgJbM-6SN0CDmwy0aBFIMAca6RmuBcrQCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_0030.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1584077023679751644"},"published":{"$t":"2016-10-16T15:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:03:53.103-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Monkey Bars"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hi!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA couple of weeks ago my daughter came up to my husband with a piece of paper. On the paper she had drawn \"blueprints\" for a bar she wanted my husband to build. She explained that she had been doing flips off the bar at school, and she wanted him to build her a bar for the house.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBeing a DIY family, my husband decided not only to make the bar she drew up but to also make her a set of monkey bars. We don't have a fancy play set at our house, but have swings, play houses, secret paths throughout our acreage. So, while the kids and I were out of town for the day, he went to the home improvement store and got supplies for monkey bars.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo create the monkey bars and flip bar, he used a mixture of solid 4x4 lumber pieces, lag bolts, and metal pipes for the bar portion. The entire thing got\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.quikrete.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EQuikrete\u003C\/a\u003E-d\u0026nbsp;into the ground. The play set has been a huge hit and our daughter has the calluses on her hands to prove she uses them daily. Now if there was something to help me handle the anxiety of her hanging upside down, we would be set.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-y9rvhOXfiZ4\/WAFaHvVMJPI\/AAAAAAAAHtM\/z0_32yq30po5E0xKYVcjqevDg-6GCDe5wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_9526.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-y9rvhOXfiZ4\/WAFaHvVMJPI\/AAAAAAAAHtM\/z0_32yq30po5E0xKYVcjqevDg-6GCDe5wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_9526.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-YPjA1wo768o\/WAFaFQay1wI\/AAAAAAAAHtE\/ez2prhWKUNkSYltrNgVgfRtzg5IV2gAEgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8852.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-YPjA1wo768o\/WAFaFQay1wI\/AAAAAAAAHtE\/ez2prhWKUNkSYltrNgVgfRtzg5IV2gAEgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8852.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-zlsmsMJKxqw\/WAFaE3CpjWI\/AAAAAAAAHtA\/fdGcbFCdFiA-mq2je2O2CgdTS_4ycHOlACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8855.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-zlsmsMJKxqw\/WAFaE3CpjWI\/AAAAAAAAHtA\/fdGcbFCdFiA-mq2je2O2CgdTS_4ycHOlACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8855.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-np00NzZy8d8\/WAFaF42vcdI\/AAAAAAAAHtI\/0zlmAW9dPEgaxsQlDNIu5YWaiMF02G1_gCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8856.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-np00NzZy8d8\/WAFaF42vcdI\/AAAAAAAAHtI\/0zlmAW9dPEgaxsQlDNIu5YWaiMF02G1_gCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8856.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1584077023679751644\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1584077023679751644\u0026isPopup=true","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1584077023679751644"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1584077023679751644"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/10\/diy-monkey-bars.html","title":"DIY Monkey Bars"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-y9rvhOXfiZ4\/WAFaHvVMJPI\/AAAAAAAAHtM\/z0_32yq30po5E0xKYVcjqevDg-6GCDe5wCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_9526.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-5928516561757504566"},"published":{"$t":"2016-10-13T21:40:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-10-13T21:58:01.685-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"2016 Fall Decoration Tour"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELong time no talk, huh? Having a newborn baby really takes it out of you. The kiddos are with my husband for about 10 more minutes, so I'm trying to get a blog post out real quick here. I can't believe our Sweet Cheeks is already 7 weeks old. It went by so fast. She's smiling and doing all that cute baby stuff (and of course lots of that not so cute baby stuff too).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y5QbPypRrYM\/WABIV5Koy-I\/AAAAAAAAHp4\/Ecj1CtJF8qEcQdXARrNUk_5aZjzGWAHwwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_9563.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y5QbPypRrYM\/WABIV5Koy-I\/AAAAAAAAHp4\/Ecj1CtJF8qEcQdXARrNUk_5aZjzGWAHwwCLcB\/s400\/IMG_9563.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EAnyways, the hubby decided to take a hunting trip with some buddies last week, so I decided to get a bit of fall decorating done. I kept most of the decorations I had last year. Click here for my 2014 \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/10\/hello-fall-fall-decor-tour.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFall Decoration post\u003C\/a\u003E. I did add a couple of new things this year, so I thought I would check in and share our new decorations.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe big thing I did was really quick paint a new big sign. You might recognize the wood. The reverse side is from my 2015 \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/12\/show-tell-salvaged-rustic-christmas-sign.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EChristmas sign\u003C\/a\u003E. So once Thanksgiving is over, I just flip over the sign, and there's new decorations for the corner of our acreage.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-YE3Moi8JxbQ\/WABESyk9r2I\/AAAAAAAAHpo\/NtQ4tqQSr-kGsuOk6uuFLLGKqQrqXNWwACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_9523.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-YE3Moi8JxbQ\/WABESyk9r2I\/AAAAAAAAHpo\/NtQ4tqQSr-kGsuOk6uuFLLGKqQrqXNWwACLcB\/s640\/IMG_9523.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe other thing I did was cut down some corn stalks (from my in-laws...don't be going around cutting down random people's corn...it's a good way to get shot) and add the really fun sign I got from the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/09\/gone-junkin-brookings-junk-jam-2016.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJunk Jam \u003C\/a\u003Ethis summer. (Side note: Every time I photograph my front door I groan at how ugly it is. Painting the exterior and new lights are 1# on the DIY list next summer!)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oNIK_EJGUgs\/WABETH1Mc0I\/AAAAAAAAHps\/AhjkGGf8nhIbGy19VBKjvn1wL-0LqOQPgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_9513.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oNIK_EJGUgs\/WABETH1Mc0I\/AAAAAAAAHps\/AhjkGGf8nhIbGy19VBKjvn1wL-0LqOQPgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_9513.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe kids painted on some pumpkins. I should clarify....my son painted 5 pumpkins blue and my daughter painted one. I grabbed some corn and gourds from my in-laws and put them in a old metal picnic basket I had sitting around.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WYHxjrZ3-u0\/WABETLreYEI\/AAAAAAAAHpw\/mhm77uexKnEkpZimFjmxO0jnQYa7NSZ-ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_9517.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WYHxjrZ3-u0\/WABETLreYEI\/AAAAAAAAHpw\/mhm77uexKnEkpZimFjmxO0jnQYa7NSZ-ACLcB\/s640\/IMG_9517.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/5928516561757504566\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=5928516561757504566\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5928516561757504566"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5928516561757504566"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/10\/2016-fall-decoration-tour.html","title":"2016 Fall Decoration Tour"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y5QbPypRrYM\/WABIV5Koy-I\/AAAAAAAAHp4\/Ecj1CtJF8qEcQdXARrNUk_5aZjzGWAHwwCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_9563.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4944021712363404072"},"published":{"$t":"2016-09-09T14:37:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-09-09T14:37:30.452-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Kids Wall Art"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EHello!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EOur sweet baby girl is growing like a weed. We were working on the nursery right up to her arrival. We still have a couple of things to finish before I can do a post about the nursery, but there's one special art project I thought I would share separately.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003ERight before our son was born, my daughter and I did a similar project (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2012\/11\/show-tell-art-for-baby-b.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post). The concept is pretty simple. You cut out some vinyl. You can do this either with a machine (i.e. a Cricut or a Silhouette), with contact paper and an Exacto knife, or purchase precut letters or a phrase. You put the vinyl either on top of a white canvas or an existing painting. Then you paint on top of the entire surface. When you remove the vinyl letters, you have a burnt out image where the vinyl was. I've done this one other time for a piece of artwork for my daughter's room as well. (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2011\/10\/diy-sunday-simple-artwork.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post) So, this concept certainly isn't new for my blog, but I'm particularly happy with how this version turned out.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EThis project is perfect for kids because they can be as messy as they like,\u0026nbsp;and you still get something coherent in the end.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EFor this project, I used a canvas left over from artwork I used to have in my office. (click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2012\/02\/diy-sunday-easy-wall-art.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor that post). Before I applied the vinyl, I added some aqua and pink to the painting over the purple sections so the colors showing through would match the room better.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dS4bxEX6cg0\/V9MOne-zYpI\/AAAAAAAAHnY\/YyppyY9Bz1wilZDVwn42FzsJwQ6Yi-sTgCLcB\/s1600\/DSCN2842.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dS4bxEX6cg0\/V9MOne-zYpI\/AAAAAAAAHnY\/YyppyY9Bz1wilZDVwn42FzsJwQ6Yi-sTgCLcB\/s640\/DSCN2842.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI cut out the vinyl words using my Silhouette. I applied them to the canvas and then gave my son and daughter paint colors that contrasted well. I told them they could do whatever so long as they covered the entire surface. They used paint brushes, paper towels, and their hands to get the entire thing covered. In my 3 year old son's case, he also painted the entire drop cloth under the painting.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gWpU00L9u8Y\/V9MOnvU1B6I\/AAAAAAAAHnc\/V22HbK0A_gsC4Or2GmjT0lz2m6KvEi2ogCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8467.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gWpU00L9u8Y\/V9MOnvU1B6I\/AAAAAAAAHnc\/V22HbK0A_gsC4Or2GmjT0lz2m6KvEi2ogCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8467.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SBQ5Rshg2vc\/V9MOnv5iBEI\/AAAAAAAAHng\/xSCkBrTJhdgu7XZ8t3ls6SsidlLvIkvawCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8470.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SBQ5Rshg2vc\/V9MOnv5iBEI\/AAAAAAAAHng\/xSCkBrTJhdgu7XZ8t3ls6SsidlLvIkvawCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8470.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EWith the paint still wet, I look the vinyl off with tweezers. If you let the paint dry, there's a chance that vinyl will be stuck to the painting. I did a bit of clean up with a small paintbrush\u0026nbsp;where ever the paint bled under the vinyl.That was an interesting endeavor to find the matching paint colors for such a colorful painting.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oRxaADp_ZGg\/V9MOoDsclSI\/AAAAAAAAHnk\/wTJrjgWKErcvV8Bg110pSYObyBmfgbQrgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8471.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oRxaADp_ZGg\/V9MOoDsclSI\/AAAAAAAAHnk\/wTJrjgWKErcvV8Bg110pSYObyBmfgbQrgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8471.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EThe final step was to hand paint some flowers on the canvas. The art was ready for our wildflower inspired nursery.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-PN-g3AEvkls\/V9MOo-SFoUI\/AAAAAAAAHns\/HU5JxKey_0oY_B0NL1VkqKGLgBSYP48AgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8484.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-PN-g3AEvkls\/V9MOo-SFoUI\/AAAAAAAAHns\/HU5JxKey_0oY_B0NL1VkqKGLgBSYP48AgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8484.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-amvDRO27OlA\/V9MOooWx4oI\/AAAAAAAAHno\/bdyUSDtqBWUcsCwktHX10bXI1EP2-jFOACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8480.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-amvDRO27OlA\/V9MOooWx4oI\/AAAAAAAAHno\/bdyUSDtqBWUcsCwktHX10bXI1EP2-jFOACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8480.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1W152FUQ0rI\/V9MOo2MdT5I\/AAAAAAAAHnw\/ie6pd6gBMGoOkSbdT3cKjYI1Hq2lPCdhwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8666.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1W152FUQ0rI\/V9MOo2MdT5I\/AAAAAAAAHnw\/ie6pd6gBMGoOkSbdT3cKjYI1Hq2lPCdhwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8666.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4944021712363404072\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4944021712363404072\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4944021712363404072"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4944021712363404072"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/09\/diy-kids-wall-art.html","title":"DIY Kids Wall Art"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dS4bxEX6cg0\/V9MOne-zYpI\/AAAAAAAAHnY\/YyppyY9Bz1wilZDVwn42FzsJwQ6Yi-sTgCLcB\/s72-c\/DSCN2842.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-5921364087389236394"},"published":{"$t":"2016-09-01T11:54:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-09-01T11:54:54.282-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Small Business Saturday"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Gone Junkin': Brookings Junk Jam 2016"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's been quiet on the blog lately, because it's been very not quiet at our house! Our baby girl, Hattie, made her appearance last week, so it's been a beautiful mess around here. Not only do we have a new baby in the house, but two kids were starting school too. In fact, my husband had to leave the hospital to take our daughter to her back to school night. So, forgive the tardiness on this post!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBefore Hattie made her appearance, I got to attend Junk Jam here in Brookings, South Dakota. There were a ton of fun booths. If you frequent the blog, you know when I lived in Iowa, I used to frequent these type of sales. I was super excited to see one being held so close to our home in South Dakota. There were some local vendors present that I have previously featured on my \"Small Buisness Saturday\" feature, but there were also some new vendors I have never seen before. Here are three of my favorites.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qObsaoQ5_YA\/V8hF_IdAWVI\/AAAAAAAAHm4\/9mgaT1L04HUsEtmAvDZGRm8bbnYdUlL1gCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8437.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qObsaoQ5_YA\/V8hF_IdAWVI\/AAAAAAAAHm4\/9mgaT1L04HUsEtmAvDZGRm8bbnYdUlL1gCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8437.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe event was organized by Funky Junk. They had a great booth with both finished signs and furniture and some untouched vintage finds. I also picked up a new \"blessed mama\" shirt that fit my pregnant belly. It was a huge hit at the OB office. You can visit Funky Junk's Facebook page by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/funkyjunkSD\/?fref=ts\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eher\u003C\/a\u003Ee.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-6XjC5SUAyGU\/V8hF6gSIrFI\/AAAAAAAAHmA\/7rjCjcgKLEIVKF7YDtUvo4PKb9vO_d6lQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8417.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-6XjC5SUAyGU\/V8hF6gSIrFI\/AAAAAAAAHmA\/7rjCjcgKLEIVKF7YDtUvo4PKb9vO_d6lQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8417.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-x71vZaKlADA\/V8hF6y6PayI\/AAAAAAAAHmE\/xUrIGEcGrOU8lEcJdxdmJ80sleXI-MgOwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8419.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-x71vZaKlADA\/V8hF6y6PayI\/AAAAAAAAHmE\/xUrIGEcGrOU8lEcJdxdmJ80sleXI-MgOwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8419.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother booth I am in love with is Dusty Decor by Tamara. Her furniture painting was on point. I loved the colors, and the finish was super professional. I loved LOVED this bench. It was already snagged by another customer, but I did leave with a super cute Fall sign that I'm looking forward to hanging on my front door once the leaves change color. Check out her Facebook page by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dustydecor57\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VHn4XZ8Kb8k\/V8hF7kxUtmI\/AAAAAAAAHmQ\/7b-HexdYVUAtNwMi7WrI1x8FiQRnygllwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8426.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VHn4XZ8Kb8k\/V8hF7kxUtmI\/AAAAAAAAHmQ\/7b-HexdYVUAtNwMi7WrI1x8FiQRnygllwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8426.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s88CLkcGTVY\/V8hF8LgCS9I\/AAAAAAAAHmU\/Hvh63J--D18klZbYo-X3__NlGPVkxZhAgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8428.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s88CLkcGTVY\/V8hF8LgCS9I\/AAAAAAAAHmU\/Hvh63J--D18klZbYo-X3__NlGPVkxZhAgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8428.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mQCAn3WKmT8\/V8hF8iocadI\/AAAAAAAAHmc\/EpzoTRE_Qjo6qk7Q4SW1bvYuepnv14nOgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8429.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mQCAn3WKmT8\/V8hF8iocadI\/AAAAAAAAHmc\/EpzoTRE_Qjo6qk7Q4SW1bvYuepnv14nOgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8429.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ywntR48XoL0\/V8hF8oPwxyI\/AAAAAAAAHmY\/uUBI5Qm3Tp0LFi8Eu4siQnF9j6HXmmB2wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8430.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ywntR48XoL0\/V8hF8oPwxyI\/AAAAAAAAHmY\/uUBI5Qm3Tp0LFi8Eu4siQnF9j6HXmmB2wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8430.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;The show had a good vibe with food available for purchase and a band playing while you shopped.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-taa1G_p9wu4\/V8hF9nRDfOI\/AAAAAAAAHmo\/_kQkXXaTEZoCwqGc8dyv1IKirx87ScTYwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8432.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-taa1G_p9wu4\/V8hF9nRDfOI\/AAAAAAAAHmo\/_kQkXXaTEZoCwqGc8dyv1IKirx87ScTYwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8432.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe third booth I just loved was by Renewed out of Orange City, Iowa. Their stuff was really unique to a junk sale. There was a good mix of vintage finds, painted\/finished furniture and some truly unique automotive themed projects. I just loved the car fronts. I'm thinking one of these would be super cool in my dad's new shop. The mustang front had real working front headlights. Check out their Facebook page by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/renewed2u\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-rOCQZToK0QA\/V8hF9QFaywI\/AAAAAAAAHmk\/q3s5DcVBbtgGI6zExIu6t1pN-Vl8bUWSQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8433.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-rOCQZToK0QA\/V8hF9QFaywI\/AAAAAAAAHmk\/q3s5DcVBbtgGI6zExIu6t1pN-Vl8bUWSQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8433.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y3kaTUwyZSw\/V8hF-Dl1BzI\/AAAAAAAAHms\/k7rto_mVbbkpOgyNrM4V5-TPRkUuMYM8ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8434.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y3kaTUwyZSw\/V8hF-Dl1BzI\/AAAAAAAAHms\/k7rto_mVbbkpOgyNrM4V5-TPRkUuMYM8ACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8434.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-gKvbEb7VLLg\/V8hF-gNCYJI\/AAAAAAAAHm0\/wHXpMCs_Nt821ahLtKJKKsWANTZtaS6dQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8435.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-gKvbEb7VLLg\/V8hF-gNCYJI\/AAAAAAAAHm0\/wHXpMCs_Nt821ahLtKJKKsWANTZtaS6dQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8435.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-EHj7Z71Bf88\/V8hF-pg1WVI\/AAAAAAAAHmw\/aA2G7zNq62k7Fj72ZcL4vdtWKvkAM7F7gCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8436.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-EHj7Z71Bf88\/V8hF-pg1WVI\/AAAAAAAAHmw\/aA2G7zNq62k7Fj72ZcL4vdtWKvkAM7F7gCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8436.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EIt was a great event, and I hope they hold it again next year!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/5921364087389236394\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=5921364087389236394\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5921364087389236394"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5921364087389236394"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/09\/gone-junkin-brookings-junk-jam-2016.html","title":"Gone Junkin': Brookings Junk Jam 2016"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qObsaoQ5_YA\/V8hF_IdAWVI\/AAAAAAAAHm4\/9mgaT1L04HUsEtmAvDZGRm8bbnYdUlL1gCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_8437.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1563367481703153719"},"published":{"$t":"2016-08-10T15:15:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-08-10T15:16:09.117-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Organization"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Ugly House: New Office Reveal"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Good Afternoon,\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo answer your burning questions, no baby isn't here yet. Also, I have not finished the nursery. However, I did finish my new office area (with much, much help from the husband), so we're getting closer to converting the old office into the nursery. Baby has a schedule induction in a week and a half, so we're going to finish that nursery this weekend!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo give some background, here's my old office after I completed painting, making a new desk, etc. I liked my office quite a lot. There was plenty of room for all my craft stuff and my work related items.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-LuyCKLO9RB4\/V6uItfmItTI\/AAAAAAAAHko\/cL8fmOw93nECR00X-BB36q1NwEUu6ZebACLcB\/s1600\/_MG_5666.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-LuyCKLO9RB4\/V6uItfmItTI\/AAAAAAAAHko\/cL8fmOw93nECR00X-BB36q1NwEUu6ZebACLcB\/s640\/_MG_5666.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, to be honest it became the dumping ground of the house. Oh, people are coming over? Grab a laundry basket, pile all the random stuff from around the house and put it in the office. When we started round two of renovations of our upstairs, the office became the storage garage for all the random stuff that we needed to move out of the living room\/kitchen\/hall closet. So, for a few weeks my office looked like this. It drove me insane.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vo7V_sdosxU\/V6uIo1rHCPI\/AAAAAAAAHjc\/1BK5P-DDSysk3TeKBQa8EKAiz7DRW8JuACLcB\/s1600\/13775421_10100563715776274_4429890533543235213_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vo7V_sdosxU\/V6uIo1rHCPI\/AAAAAAAAHjc\/1BK5P-DDSysk3TeKBQa8EKAiz7DRW8JuACLcB\/s400\/13775421_10100563715776274_4429890533543235213_n.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had thought about bunking the baby with the sibling of the same sex. After all, my husband roomed with his brother when he was a kid and both of them turned out somewhat okay. The more we thought about it though, the more we realized that especially in the infant stage, we really needed a separate room for all that baby gear. Plus, sleeping babies and crazy loud siblings aren't the greatest mix. I started to think about my different options and decided that creating an office space in a little used play area was the best use of space in our house. The kids never used the area to play. They would just grab toys and take them into their rooms or upstairs. So we downsized the toys, moved around some things and we had a empty(ish) area to build an office.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uC3onUZ19nA\/V6uIpIDK3sI\/AAAAAAAAHjg\/1C0thJ5h_bkGZU_4SM375-dkgRvI5SRGgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7211.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uC3onUZ19nA\/V6uIpIDK3sI\/AAAAAAAAHjg\/1C0thJ5h_bkGZU_4SM375-dkgRvI5SRGgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7211.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have a lot of craft stuff. I use most of it, so I couldn't see myself downsizing my stash too much. (That being said I probably filled over 5 garbage bags when I was moving the stash, so did a fair bit of downsizing) So, having storage options was a must. We also didn't want to break the bank creating the office space since we are in the middle of renovating upstairs. We decided stock cabinets were the best option for my office. So, step 1 was painting the walls of the basement a man cave friendly color, and step two was painting the stock cabinets we picked up at Lowes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHalf of the basement is a family room\/man room area for my husband's leather chair and hunting pictures, so I had to pick a color that I liked, meshed with the rest of the house, but still fit in with the wood and leather. My solution for that problem was \"Perfect Greige\" by Sherwin Williams. I paired with that \"Bunglehouse Blue\" also from Sherwin Williams for the cabinets. I feel like both colors blend well with his rustic manliness downstairs and my farmhouse feel upstairs. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2vXhYCsgHX8\/V6uIpOBUsTI\/AAAAAAAAHjk\/txjWcO_dW38nE93FDWg-78TZL2sxMCA9QCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7210.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2vXhYCsgHX8\/V6uIpOBUsTI\/AAAAAAAAHjk\/txjWcO_dW38nE93FDWg-78TZL2sxMCA9QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7210.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing stock cabinets wasn't overly difficult; however, you do quickly realize you get what you pay for. It's worth it to invest in some better screws to reassemble the doors (the ones that come with strip very easily). You will probably need to do quite a bit of sanding to smooth out the rough finish. I removed all the doors and drawers and used my paint sprayer to paint. Then I just painted with a roller on the boxes. During an evening with a two hour tornado warning (!), my husband and I hung all the cabinets.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1eVvBME0HEM\/V6uIpQ3M1YI\/AAAAAAAAHjo\/Jrq2X2jRki80B8tgY0KNUGPdZ4LNdK_-ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8176.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1eVvBME0HEM\/V6uIpQ3M1YI\/AAAAAAAAHjo\/Jrq2X2jRki80B8tgY0KNUGPdZ4LNdK_-ACLcB\/s400\/IMG_8176.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gOQCaNVKNBE\/V6uIptdEO5I\/AAAAAAAAHjs\/YsJvO9ZnOFgNXHIIwgd44LwQ9MvANJOeACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8177.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gOQCaNVKNBE\/V6uIptdEO5I\/AAAAAAAAHjs\/YsJvO9ZnOFgNXHIIwgd44LwQ9MvANJOeACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8177.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hTKzZ-iEdG8\/V6uIpzDBPqI\/AAAAAAAAHjw\/OAlKxJU9vnMdPQcSjoSNW6VXG3OKCAt6QCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8181.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hTKzZ-iEdG8\/V6uIpzDBPqI\/AAAAAAAAHjw\/OAlKxJU9vnMdPQcSjoSNW6VXG3OKCAt6QCLcB\/s400\/IMG_8181.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe priced out getting a regular laminate countertop, but for a bit less, we could make our own. We used plywood as a base and then used poplar in a unique design on top. Once my husband cut all the pieces and wood glued them to the plywood, he sanded the ever living heck out of the top since the pieces didn't all quite sit flush.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-x0rELT_V430\/V6uIqD0PFnI\/AAAAAAAAHj0\/xBXcHDUglHM46YgIXeg-KCIrlhFjkveLwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8249.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-x0rELT_V430\/V6uIqD0PFnI\/AAAAAAAAHj0\/xBXcHDUglHM46YgIXeg-KCIrlhFjkveLwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8249.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003ELots of clamps, heavy paint cans and weights to hold down the boards as the glue dried.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vBl0AdcP9AU\/V6uIqDsuW6I\/AAAAAAAAHj4\/GHdNqLUD1p473USFvyDT3GQdNX4wS1L3ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8250.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vBl0AdcP9AU\/V6uIqDsuW6I\/AAAAAAAAHj4\/GHdNqLUD1p473USFvyDT3GQdNX4wS1L3ACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8250.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBefore sanding. You can see the tiny lip that appeared between some pieces.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-MRyMMb4NJIw\/V6uIqV4ZNjI\/AAAAAAAAHj8\/Cxf2FBDavxUADqzVt_qbAbkRUPOpHZT9wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8303.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-MRyMMb4NJIw\/V6uIqV4ZNjI\/AAAAAAAAHj8\/Cxf2FBDavxUADqzVt_qbAbkRUPOpHZT9wCLcB\/s400\/IMG_8303.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EAfter sanding everything was nice and level.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI stained the top using \"Dark Walnut\" from Minwax. We did a very small bit of wood filler in between each board, but I would probably skip that step if I did the project again. The wood filler doesn't take stain well (even the kind that claims you can stain it) so I had to go back through and touch up everywhere that was lighter with some oil based brown paint or more stain.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K2p4DKVelRA\/V6uIruJy3aI\/AAAAAAAAHkI\/_mRfGZAAIcUU4_QNxjTVQC_DAagUBnwsACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8307.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K2p4DKVelRA\/V6uIruJy3aI\/AAAAAAAAHkI\/_mRfGZAAIcUU4_QNxjTVQC_DAagUBnwsACLcB\/s400\/IMG_8307.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESee that light spot right at the top? That's the wood filler not taking stain.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe final step was a couple coats of Waterlox (just like our countertops, which you can read about \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/10\/diy-sunday-staining-butcher-block.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vZtGAKmhmmo\/V6uIrnAbiaI\/AAAAAAAAHkM\/hlp-GXyp2V0_ea-1zBB8jiTLgkdB34GKgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8309.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vZtGAKmhmmo\/V6uIrnAbiaI\/AAAAAAAAHkM\/hlp-GXyp2V0_ea-1zBB8jiTLgkdB34GKgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8309.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm quite happy with the final product and it has tons of storage. I organized everything with plastic bins and chalkboard vinyl labels, so I can easily see what I have. My husband rolled his eyes that my office for \"work\" was 90% cabinets filled with craft supplies. But hey...he's got all that hunting stuff, so I don't feel so bad about my wall of cabinets. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JDrdVclEYSc\/V6uIr-M_sHI\/AAAAAAAAHkQ\/2_GpvRMXOzceNXIsg3yLyEiZ_yut2bazwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8368.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JDrdVclEYSc\/V6uIr-M_sHI\/AAAAAAAAHkQ\/2_GpvRMXOzceNXIsg3yLyEiZ_yut2bazwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8368.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-fESwlVnkp1E\/V6uIsuaAnWI\/AAAAAAAAHkc\/_mSvUcvSY8Mz_euWw04cr4CeH189LdptACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8373.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-fESwlVnkp1E\/V6uIsuaAnWI\/AAAAAAAAHkc\/_mSvUcvSY8Mz_euWw04cr4CeH189LdptACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8373.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xCA29adtf-k\/V6uItLGeEHI\/AAAAAAAAHkk\/wB019QGpCnkJBGdu73n677qg4L-pZF_dgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8375.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xCA29adtf-k\/V6uItLGeEHI\/AAAAAAAAHkk\/wB019QGpCnkJBGdu73n677qg4L-pZF_dgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8375.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-t7yxv_qmCBQ\/V6uItgMUibI\/AAAAAAAAHks\/avOGUEXfAtwXEc8lFV-M8TZ2eYhRk4RewCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8376.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-t7yxv_qmCBQ\/V6uItgMUibI\/AAAAAAAAHks\/avOGUEXfAtwXEc8lFV-M8TZ2eYhRk4RewCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8376.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1563367481703153719\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1563367481703153719\u0026isPopup=true","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1563367481703153719"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1563367481703153719"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/08\/ugly-house-new-office-reveal.html","title":"Ugly House: New Office Reveal"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-LuyCKLO9RB4\/V6uItfmItTI\/AAAAAAAAHko\/cL8fmOw93nECR00X-BB36q1NwEUu6ZebACLcB\/s72-c\/_MG_5666.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-7462108610861365621"},"published":{"$t":"2016-07-23T10:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-23T10:00:05.601-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Small Business Saturday"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Small Business Saturday: June's Wildwood"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Weekend!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETwo weeks ago I was able to attend the annual Brookings Art Festival. It's a huge festival here locally that brings in all types of crafters and vendors. It's one of the highlights of my summer. One booth I was particularly excited to find was today's featured Small Business Saturday shop, June's Wildwood.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ftZIVa0ix_w\/V40OPQaf27I\/AAAAAAAAHiI\/9rGB9bqnflU8VZ6VUC8zfV3WN2sorMF5wCLcB\/s1600\/13406795_1723286837919351_1284486860687745297_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ftZIVa0ix_w\/V40OPQaf27I\/AAAAAAAAHiI\/9rGB9bqnflU8VZ6VUC8zfV3WN2sorMF5wCLcB\/s640\/13406795_1723286837919351_1284486860687745297_n.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs you have seen in my previous posts, I love handcrafted art and signs. I often try to recreate what I see online, but I'm just not that good at hand lettering. It's definitely a skill to look so effortless. Erika Cotton, the artist behind \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/juneswildwood\/?fref=ts\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJune's Wildwood\u003C\/a\u003E, has perfected that effortless hand script I envy so much.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe plan on having Erika do a sign for our nursery when a) we actually figure out what the baby name will be, and b) when we actually have a nursery. I did pick up some arrows to put on the wall...whenever I can get to the wall to put them up. Until then, enjoy all the beautiful signs from June's Wildwood. Erika also does custom orders, and those are pretty fantastic as well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo contact June's Wildwood, visit her \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/juneswildwood\/?fref=ts\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFacebook \u003C\/a\u003Epage or email her at:\u003Ca href=\"mailto:juneswildwood@gmail.com\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;\"\u003Ejuneswildwood@gmail.com\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-crcRUzHMwZ8\/V40OPz-WJ8I\/AAAAAAAAHiM\/ctOAIudjL-gjectv2OWKrNdJbs4iDLKpQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8051.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-crcRUzHMwZ8\/V40OPz-WJ8I\/AAAAAAAAHiM\/ctOAIudjL-gjectv2OWKrNdJbs4iDLKpQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8051.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--lR0TwM7FSU\/V40OP6Gl97I\/AAAAAAAAHiQ\/0wKDRmEH3gYtiUPhh7OOO3kdwHwbld71ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8052.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--lR0TwM7FSU\/V40OP6Gl97I\/AAAAAAAAHiQ\/0wKDRmEH3gYtiUPhh7OOO3kdwHwbld71ACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8052.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ymbJOis_ZFc\/V40OQDpdJOI\/AAAAAAAAHiU\/-ZHxSS2dtGkTMh9mdEYkkoXIRk_Q3lJogCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8053.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ymbJOis_ZFc\/V40OQDpdJOI\/AAAAAAAAHiU\/-ZHxSS2dtGkTMh9mdEYkkoXIRk_Q3lJogCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8053.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DCnUH0D8Rck\/V40OQrcRidI\/AAAAAAAAHiY\/F8cQngBSWZ0GKXMGIQjvPdihlYrogKN4wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8054.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DCnUH0D8Rck\/V40OQrcRidI\/AAAAAAAAHiY\/F8cQngBSWZ0GKXMGIQjvPdihlYrogKN4wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8054.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-oqjHJ0N107g\/V40ORMl4ToI\/AAAAAAAAHic\/HNder3UikQEYiat6ril9xemmRvR3ZLNpwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8055.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-oqjHJ0N107g\/V40ORMl4ToI\/AAAAAAAAHic\/HNder3UikQEYiat6ril9xemmRvR3ZLNpwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8055.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs an FYI, Erika is a member of the National Guard and is out of the office for annual training. She will be back in the office July 31st. Thank you for your service Erika! Erika made this fantastic sign for a fellow solider.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AVSAZO1v928\/V40PWN8xRKI\/AAAAAAAAHik\/zC8IN9KQpZMBhdf4Atrpldj6ywGNmEnFwCLcB\/s1600\/13728931_1735337653380936_8248331356532084497_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AVSAZO1v928\/V40PWN8xRKI\/AAAAAAAAHik\/zC8IN9KQpZMBhdf4Atrpldj6ywGNmEnFwCLcB\/s400\/13728931_1735337653380936_8248331356532084497_n.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/7462108610861365621\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=7462108610861365621\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7462108610861365621"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7462108610861365621"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/07\/small-business-saturday-junes-wildwood.html","title":"Small Business Saturday: June's Wildwood"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ftZIVa0ix_w\/V40OPQaf27I\/AAAAAAAAHiI\/9rGB9bqnflU8VZ6VUC8zfV3WN2sorMF5wCLcB\/s72-c\/13406795_1723286837919351_1284486860687745297_n.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-8273813266816222144"},"published":{"$t":"2016-07-12T13:40:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-12T13:40:49.178-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Review of Valspar Chalk Paint"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI get messages on a semi regular basis asking me how a paint furniture. I always have a two fold response. First of all, what kinda of finish are you going for? Glossy clean looking? Or a more rustic distressed matte look? Then I ask what kind of furniture is it. Is it something that is super shiny and finished already? Or is it something that you found on a curb and it's pretty beat up?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlthough I ask these questions, my recommendation is generally the same. To paint furniture, especially for someone who hasn't done it before, I recommend a chalk paint. You are certainly able to use a latex or oil based paint. I've done it many times myself. However, those types of paints are definitely on the fineky side. So unless I have a paint sprayer, time to spend fixing brush or roller marks, and time to sand and prime the surface, I would use chalk paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, why chalk paint? First of all, let's clear up something. This is NOT chalkboard paint. Chalk paint is a paint with calcium carbonate added, which you may guess, is chalk. That addition (plus I'm sure many others) make it so you can paint a surface without sanding or priming. The paint goes on thick (less coats and less paint) and does a fantastic job covering. Now, it's a matte finish and can show brush marks very easily, so you have to be into that look for it to work. You can finish the top of the paint with a wax coat or a poly (although wax is generally recommended). It's pretty durable once it's got a wax layer on, but it distresses easy before then. I painted my bathroom vanity with it and only topped with wax and a year and half later it still looks good.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe \"gold\" standard with chalk paint is Annie Sloan. I have often blogged about her paint (Check them out \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/07\/diy-sunday-diy-pyrex-hutch.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/06\/diy-sunday-annie-sloan-paint-krylon.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Eand \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/07\/show-tell-how-to-not-stain-dresser.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E). I love her paint but at around $50.00 for just a quart, it's spendy. Although, to be fair, that paint stretches super far. I have used just a sample pot (usually priced at $10.00) to paint an entire end table before. It's also only sold through exclusive retailers, so it can be hard to track down.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe chalk paint market has really expanded in the past couple of years as it becomes more and more popular to use the paint. Wal-Mart has two in house brands (usually located near the spray paint in the paint section and near the acrylic paint in the craft section). I have used those and actually don't mind them. They cover fairly well, and the antiquing wax does work well (almost too well). Check out my project with the Wal-Mart paint \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/02\/diy-sunday-color-pencil-block.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have made my own chalk paint using some unsanded grout. It works well for craft projects but is too lumpy (at least how I make it) for a larger display piece. Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2013\/05\/the-pinterest-report-diy-chalk-paint_8.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post about making your own chalk paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnyways, I give you this background so you know what type of paint I'm talking about and that I've been around the block a couple of times when it comes to painting furniture. I think at last count, I have painted around 150 pieces of furniture in the past 5 years.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.valsparpaint.com\/en\/find-the-right-product\/chalkyfinishpaint\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELowe's\/Valspar\u003C\/a\u003E recently came out with their own version of chalk paint. At $30.00 a quart, it's middle of the road price wise. It has about 60 different colors. I needed to repaint an end table that was painted with latex paint a couple of years ago (and bad quality paint at that) and was starting to stain and flake. So I decided this was the perfect project to try out the new \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.valsparpaint.com\/en\/find-the-right-product\/chalkyfinishpaint\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EValspar \u003C\/a\u003Echalk paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cI_ypcOu_Fg\/V4U4VSR1xhI\/AAAAAAAAHhU\/_MdwYNPukxU8CNjnntd9xxwJ_XM-iaMSgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8094.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cI_ypcOu_Fg\/V4U4VSR1xhI\/AAAAAAAAHhU\/_MdwYNPukxU8CNjnntd9xxwJ_XM-iaMSgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8094.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince this was an experiment and I didn't mind messing with the end table a bit, I took two different approaches. On the top, I left the old yellow latex paint. I sanded it so the shiny sheen was gone (so very light easy sanding) and then simply wiped it down. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-eqUZ0H7fqNQ\/V4U3818K9YI\/AAAAAAAAHhE\/jAHOhJhIrBcAaRuuHp24DjCORcTHt9qZQCLcB\/s1600\/522282_444307882250315_493878141_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-eqUZ0H7fqNQ\/V4U3818K9YI\/AAAAAAAAHhE\/jAHOhJhIrBcAaRuuHp24DjCORcTHt9qZQCLcB\/s400\/522282_444307882250315_493878141_n.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe table looked okay right after I finished it. After a few years it looked nothing like this anymore.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn the rest of the table, I actually scraped off all the old paint so I was down to the original brown\/red finish. I then sanded more heavily and wiped everything down. This way, we can see how the paint performs on top of old light color paint and how it performs on a dark unfinished wood.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gQgbUeF-xBU\/V4U388QF3oI\/AAAAAAAAHhI\/2XvjeUnecjs6rXeYQIqZzi-HlUYaMEzWwCLcB\/s1600\/DSCN2962.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gQgbUeF-xBU\/V4U388QF3oI\/AAAAAAAAHhI\/2XvjeUnecjs6rXeYQIqZzi-HlUYaMEzWwCLcB\/s400\/DSCN2962.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe very first \"before\" picture. The wood has a redish\/brown hue.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELike other chalk paints, this one also claims that no sanding or priming is needed. Sanding is usually done to give your paint a rough surface to stick to. Primer is two fold. It gives a rougher finish to paint to stick to, but also prevents bleeding through. You'll see why that distinction is important as I start to paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nFdjDlwWBEU\/V4U4WVf2ArI\/AAAAAAAAHhk\/PhEJSDpBDKUYDEP1U5cj9rJfqw3lTTFDgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8124.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nFdjDlwWBEU\/V4U4WVf2ArI\/AAAAAAAAHhk\/PhEJSDpBDKUYDEP1U5cj9rJfqw3lTTFDgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8124.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen I opened the paint, I noticed it did have the typical thicker chalky appearance which is good. However, the paint doesn't go on thick. It ran in a couple of different places, which was surprising. Other brands are usually thick enough you don't have to worry about running.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-3SYVaLIaWn0\/V4U4WpQAdbI\/AAAAAAAAHho\/gaSgpXNLeKk0UjJ3LnYH5HjTxnInhgzCQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8125.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-3SYVaLIaWn0\/V4U4WpQAdbI\/AAAAAAAAHho\/gaSgpXNLeKk0UjJ3LnYH5HjTxnInhgzCQCLcB\/s400\/IMG_8125.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe color is called \"Beaded Reticule\"\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI did one coat on the entire piece and quickly realized that the paint was too thin to cover in just one coat. Annie Sloan has always covered in 1 coat for me apart from one dresser going from red to white which I had to do two coats.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELike other chalk paints, it also shows brush marks very easily. I noticed on my second coat that a regular bristle brush does much better than a foam brush when it comes to running. Good to know for future projects.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe top with the old yellow paint was covered in about 3 coats. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--xVKlcFC36Y\/V4U4WJnpTmI\/AAAAAAAAHhc\/Q_Z632JitE4x3m0O1R1SN2J_oyAUswIJgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8122.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--xVKlcFC36Y\/V4U4WJnpTmI\/AAAAAAAAHhc\/Q_Z632JitE4x3m0O1R1SN2J_oyAUswIJgCLcB\/s320\/IMG_8122.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, this is how my bottom shelf looks after SEVEN coats. Yes. SEVEN. That's terrible terrible coverage. The bottom could have certainly used a primer first to keep the redish wood from bleeding through. I finally gave up after seven and decided since there's a big basket that sits on this shelf, so I wasn't going to get worked up if it showed through. I decided to finish with poly rather than wax because I felt the paint didn't quite feel right to be covered with a top layer of wax. It was too much like latex paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9ekk8OF-9LU\/V4U4VQ_yqAI\/AAAAAAAAHhQ\/GWc8ul9YXzUCboRnGXluTgGDFqxnc_MKQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8093.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9ekk8OF-9LU\/V4U4VQ_yqAI\/AAAAAAAAHhQ\/GWc8ul9YXzUCboRnGXluTgGDFqxnc_MKQCLcB\/s320\/IMG_8093.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-es_srGMoSqA\/V4U4V9r8nEI\/AAAAAAAAHhY\/ROLjUWof6sYLvm9jA1cf_Ykz6ZyWRanygCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8119.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-es_srGMoSqA\/V4U4V9r8nEI\/AAAAAAAAHhY\/ROLjUWof6sYLvm9jA1cf_Ykz6ZyWRanygCLcB\/s320\/IMG_8119.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnother fun fact, Annie Sloan dries super (super) fast. Sometimes that's almost a problem because I can't get a large surface done before it's started drying. The Valspar paint does not. It took about 2 hours to dry, much like latex paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, over-all, the main reason you pick chalk paint is to: 1) paint without priming or sanding, 2) cover in less coats, 3) finish quickly. The Valspar paint failed at most of these. I do like the finished color and product, but since it worked much like latex paint, I could have used a semi-gloss or matte finish paint, had more color options and paid 1\/3 the cost.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wsIOUnkOScs\/V4U4Vcg6k_I\/AAAAAAAAHhM\/HgvTUMnzQNoT10_n-TwrSp33TKzriowJACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8115.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wsIOUnkOScs\/V4U4Vcg6k_I\/AAAAAAAAHhM\/HgvTUMnzQNoT10_n-TwrSp33TKzriowJACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8115.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WPyt32Lp-Es\/V4U4WKn8lUI\/AAAAAAAAHhg\/1A28jgMXEpE0fxpeWCK8cJQkwMmZQWj7ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8120.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WPyt32Lp-Es\/V4U4WKn8lUI\/AAAAAAAAHhg\/1A28jgMXEpE0fxpeWCK8cJQkwMmZQWj7ACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8120.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/8273813266816222144\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=8273813266816222144\u0026isPopup=true","title":"14 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8273813266816222144"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8273813266816222144"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/07\/review-of-valspar-chalk-paint.html","title":"Review of Valspar Chalk Paint"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cI_ypcOu_Fg\/V4U4VSR1xhI\/AAAAAAAAHhU\/_MdwYNPukxU8CNjnntd9xxwJ_XM-iaMSgCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_8094.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"14"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-976722125736765212"},"published":{"$t":"2016-07-07T22:53:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-07T23:01:37.517-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Plank Farmhouse Ceilings"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm excited to share this massive project we have completed in Ugly House. It was quite a bit of trial and error, so I'm hoping sharing our process will help anyone who is thinking of tackling this project. With all the going back and forth and refining the process, I finished painting and caulking the ceiling about 1 month after we started the project. So, this project isn't for the faint of heart if you're going to tackle a large surface area, but the impact is pretty incredible.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ow5YSHnvr50\/V38jEFyydnI\/AAAAAAAAHgs\/78CgPRX5QVkNbQQD145uUDMNVopQRhRLgCLcB\/s1600\/Ceiling%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"376\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ow5YSHnvr50\/V38jEFyydnI\/AAAAAAAAHgs\/78CgPRX5QVkNbQQD145uUDMNVopQRhRLgCLcB\/s640\/Ceiling%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPlank Pine Boards (We used ultra thin pine plank boards that were about 8 feet long, available at Lowes. They were the EverTrue brand just like this \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lowes.com\/pd\/EverTrue-1-75-in-x-8-ft-Cedar-Cedar-Wall-Plank\/3743561\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eone \u003C\/a\u003Ebut pine.)\u003Cbr \/\u003ECeiling Paint (We used Olympic One ceiling paint and primer in one.)\u003Cbr \/\u003ENail gun \u0026amp; Compressor\u003Cbr \/\u003ECaulk \u0026amp; Caulk Gun\u003Cbr \/\u003EWood Filler\u003Cbr \/\u003EStud Finder\u003Cbr \/\u003ESaw (We used our compound miter saw and a jig saw for cuts around light fixtures.)\u003Cbr \/\u003ELadder (We found a step stool with a wide platform was more comfortable than a ladder.)\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Paint Sprayer\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECost of this project for approximately 600 square feet was around $500.00 dollars.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Prepaint Boards\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first step will be to decide how you want to finish the boards. You'll want to decide that before you start putting anything on the ceiling, because it's infinitely easier to deal with painting planks on a couple of saw horses than on the ceiling.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe did a couple of boards with a white wash effect (just a thin layer of primer on top).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ex8ZrjdQFRs\/V38eCUAdR-I\/AAAAAAAAHfg\/INnwuxkwDvYn1_U0kQL15f0b9jQcMumjwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6924.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ex8ZrjdQFRs\/V38eCUAdR-I\/AAAAAAAAHfg\/INnwuxkwDvYn1_U0kQL15f0b9jQcMumjwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6924.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided I didn't like the white wash look as much as a crisp white, so we went back to painting the boards. Since I knew I would be painting a LOT of boards, I bought a paint sprayer for the job. I went with \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lowes.com\/pd\/Wagner-Flexio-690-Cup-Fed-3-PSI-Stationary-High-Volume-Low-Pressure-Paint-Sprayer\/50148178\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis \u003C\/a\u003EWagner paint sprayer. For the most part it worked really well for the job. I didn't have to thin the paint to get it to go through the paint sprayer. So long as I kept working steadily, it didn't clog up. Cleaning up has been easy even if I let it set for too long because everything is plastic so the paint peels right off. Just like most paint sprayers, there will be a ton of over spray so I would definitely cover anything you don't want paint on. I gave each plank two coats of paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Mark Stud\/Ceiling Joists\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBefore you start putting any boards up, you will want to use a stud finder to find the location of the ceiling joists so you can nail the plank into something more solid that drywall. I've seen a couple of ways people mark this out. You could find the joists and make a chalk line across the entire ceiling. We decided to just mark the joist locations for the first row and then keep nailing in a straight line from those first nail holes. It did mean that we would have to put some extra nails in if we got a bit off kilter, but for the most part it worked just fine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is where I should remark since we were going perpendicular to the ceiling joists, we got away with just nailing into the ceiling. If you wanted your planks to go parallel to the joists, you would need to take a moment to put in firing strips across the entire ceiling so you would have something solid to nail into. I also saw some paranoid people using liquid nails on top of the nailing into the joists. Since our ceilings were popcorn, we figured that step would be useless (it would just stick to the texture which already was falling apart). Since the boards snap into one another, we didn't have any issues with boards sagging even if an end wasn't at a joist.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EFYI\u003C\/i\u003E: Some of the popcorn ceilings are made with asbestos, so make sure you do your homework first. Thankfully our house was built after the time of asbestos so it wasn't something we had to be concerned with.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Start Hanging Planks\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur method to get a staggered look is much like the one you use when you're doing a floor. You start with a full piece of plank. You work your way down the row and cut the last piece to size. Using the remnant of the cut piece, you start the next row. That way your seams don't match up and you get a nice staggered look. I do not recommend my husband's handy platform as a good way to reach vaulted ceilings. It's a sure fire way to give your pregnant wife a case of terrible heartburn.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ij7o9P2R2cs\/V38eDC1SD0I\/AAAAAAAAHfs\/DBFSQe9TFmoLcWE_NCJXGI1dw1Yk_duwQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7185.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ij7o9P2R2cs\/V38eDC1SD0I\/AAAAAAAAHfs\/DBFSQe9TFmoLcWE_NCJXGI1dw1Yk_duwQCLcB\/s400\/IMG_7185.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EFYI\u003C\/i\u003E: Put the planks on the wall in such a way that you're putting the male end into the female end. It's much easier to get the planks to snap into place.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y2JwKZSc0oU\/V38eDpHLT4I\/AAAAAAAAHf4\/lSZ-b7vdg3A0ubmtT7180RH7TySFQ5ivACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7406.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y2JwKZSc0oU\/V38eDpHLT4I\/AAAAAAAAHf4\/lSZ-b7vdg3A0ubmtT7180RH7TySFQ5ivACLcB\/s640\/IMG_7406.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EFYI\u003C\/i\u003E: Keep an eye out around light fixtures and do your research. You will need to remove the light (or at least loosen it in such a way to slip planks underneath). You may need to buy a box extender if you extend the ceiling downwards too far. We were okay without the extenders because the planks were so thin, but if you use anything much thicker, you would need to extend the box to be up to most code ordinances.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EFYI\u003C\/i\u003E: Make sure you have nails in your gun or you will get a bunch of extra holes to fill in. Case in point:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gNXjJbqcBxg\/V38eC1hSseI\/AAAAAAAAHfo\/O0N0l22qNTk-8hdDiN_KcztJHvoMv_tHACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7192.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gNXjJbqcBxg\/V38eC1hSseI\/AAAAAAAAHfo\/O0N0l22qNTk-8hdDiN_KcztJHvoMv_tHACLcB\/s400\/IMG_7192.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. Fill Holes\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs my husband was hanging planks, I would come behind him and use a bit of white wood filler in each hole. Now, I could have used caulk as part of the caulking step below, but I find that for small holes wood filler is much easier to sand out and look natural than caulk. After the filler had time to dry (look on the package to see approximate drying times), I would go back through and sand out any excess filler. It looks rather scary before you start sanding off the excess filler:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Wzq_WlopEqU\/V38eDW4Fw2I\/AAAAAAAAHfw\/BMUeJH2TUE432YEd7mazMvchhgK5R7hCwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7194.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Wzq_WlopEqU\/V38eDW4Fw2I\/AAAAAAAAHfw\/BMUeJH2TUE432YEd7mazMvchhgK5R7hCwCLcB\/s400\/IMG_7194.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E5. Caulk\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, I thought I would just do a final coat of paint and be done after the wood filler. Nope. I tried putting a final coat of paint on and it was clear that grooves were darker and looked unfinished. Plus, we decided not to be overly picky and not use knotted pine boards, so there were some big holes that were dark on the white crisp wall.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-L9LJajoGJQg\/V38eDSUxLxI\/AAAAAAAAHf0\/14QNXiEeTGoRXM-8noCqaB9-SGESEhJ_gCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7195.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-L9LJajoGJQg\/V38eDSUxLxI\/AAAAAAAAHf0\/14QNXiEeTGoRXM-8noCqaB9-SGESEhJ_gCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7195.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESee what I mean? It was clear after painting a portion of the wood filled ceiling, I was going to have to go over every single groove with a line of caulk. I almost cried because I knew that part of the process was going to take forever. However, it completely changed the look of the ceiling. Caulk does that. It makes a DIY job look about a 100 times better, so it was worth the extra effort.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided that with the height of my step stool, my arm length (which is minuscule), and dry time, I could do about seven planks at a time. So I just started in one corner of the room, did the seven planks in front of me, and then moved my ladder down the line until I reached the next wall. Applying caulk is fairly easy. I would cut a small angled slit in the end of the caulk tube, put a bead of caulk in the groove (working towards me, not away from me), and then smooth the bead with a damp finger. I would wipe the entire board with a damp cloth to get the excess caulk and then go back over the groove one more time with a damp finger to make sure everything was smooth. I would fill in any other imperfections in the plank with caulk as I went along.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E6. Final Coat of Paint\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince I had filled in holes and caulked the boards, one final clean coat of paint was necessary. Covering all the furniture with drop cloths, I did a quick final coat with a roller and extended handle. Don't be surprised if you're boards look dirty before the final paint coat. Chances are you're going to get sweaty and dirty putting them up and make them look terrible in the process. As you can see, my husband had no shortage of dirt when he put them up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-unBojdH9QgU\/V38eEMx8ReI\/AAAAAAAAHgA\/KbHDfMqH9LQkohXPfa2aOw7a-OlLUWyfwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7503.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-unBojdH9QgU\/V38eEMx8ReI\/AAAAAAAAHgA\/KbHDfMqH9LQkohXPfa2aOw7a-OlLUWyfwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7503.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E7. Trim\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe final step to this entire process is to hang trim around the edges of the ceiling. We haven't completed this step because we're deciding between a simple 1x4 as a trim or a clean line crown molding. However, compared to the headache of the rest of the ceiling, that part of the process will be simple.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-aGyPduADy8Y\/V38eE3W5zMI\/AAAAAAAAHgI\/DslEjb-7EmAeGndxlAvK18YxvxzKr6MlgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8021.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-aGyPduADy8Y\/V38eE3W5zMI\/AAAAAAAAHgI\/DslEjb-7EmAeGndxlAvK18YxvxzKr6MlgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8021.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne step closer to wrapping the support beams so they look pretty!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FHIKHobFFgE\/V38eFETArHI\/AAAAAAAAHgM\/h89-iZzUa4QzbJwcbgjmi3dyN6Ws3l8nwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8023.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FHIKHobFFgE\/V38eFETArHI\/AAAAAAAAHgM\/h89-iZzUa4QzbJwcbgjmi3dyN6Ws3l8nwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8023.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MID94tAHtP8\/V38eFWtKlEI\/AAAAAAAAHgU\/AwKjyF9d0zQ3Pp19dbuKbrqkucRft0lFwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8042.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MID94tAHtP8\/V38eFWtKlEI\/AAAAAAAAHgU\/AwKjyF9d0zQ3Pp19dbuKbrqkucRft0lFwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8042.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7F74QDKA0O4\/V38eFnB2mwI\/AAAAAAAAHgY\/Ynb9hdL7p6IiwmZ9ZnMv-DSWDji25PrXACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8043.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7F74QDKA0O4\/V38eFnB2mwI\/AAAAAAAAHgY\/Ynb9hdL7p6IiwmZ9ZnMv-DSWDji25PrXACLcB\/s640\/IMG_8043.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bmad8a4tcGw\/V38eF-S_24I\/AAAAAAAAHgc\/eG9JHVyo2vESs8S-46Q7bNelHU5pdxl6wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_8046.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bmad8a4tcGw\/V38eF-S_24I\/AAAAAAAAHgc\/eG9JHVyo2vESs8S-46Q7bNelHU5pdxl6wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_8046.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/976722125736765212\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=976722125736765212\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/976722125736765212"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/976722125736765212"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/07\/diy-plank-farmhouse-ceilings.html","title":"DIY Plank Farmhouse Ceilings"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ow5YSHnvr50\/V38jEFyydnI\/AAAAAAAAHgs\/78CgPRX5QVkNbQQD145uUDMNVopQRhRLgCLcB\/s72-c\/Ceiling%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-7545505726626427875"},"published":{"$t":"2016-06-22T16:40:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-22T16:40:52.037-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Painting Baseboard Heaters"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe have been busy the past month with the Ugly House renovation. We have the ceilings done, the floors are going in (sneak peek of the floors below!) and the trim is all picked out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne minor project we had to finish up before we started on floors was painting our baseboard heaters. They aren't exactly the most attractive part of our house, but with a limited duct system, they are necessary. We spoke about replacing the units as a whole, but they work very well. They just aren't all that attractive in their \"retro\" beige color. You know it, that almond color that infested homes of the 70s and 80s.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-G8mbBWlIHhs\/V2sEgqAduNI\/AAAAAAAAHek\/CDAqalzCmZMnbHtR3wSALbKqMHnFnwFXQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7856.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-G8mbBWlIHhs\/V2sEgqAduNI\/AAAAAAAAHek\/CDAqalzCmZMnbHtR3wSALbKqMHnFnwFXQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7856.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe knew with the new tall white trim we have picked out, the beige baseboards would stand out even more. I started to research how to paint them. Turns out high heat spray paint was just the ticket. (\u003Cb\u003EDisclaimer\u003C\/b\u003E: always use your own judgement and\/or seek the judgement of professionals before you attempt to paint or mess with anything like a baseboard heater or anything of the electric variety). Now, our heaters don't get all that warm themselves, but of course I wanted to be on the safe side. I've used high heat spray paint on several other projects with success including a firepit and a stove. Both times the paint held up surprisingly well. I'm hoping for the same with our heaters.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOriginally, I thought I could remove the cover from the heater and paint that separately outside. Our particular heaters don't allow you to remove just the cover. So, I had to paint them while they were inside. Before preparing to paint, you have to prepare the surface for paint. That means a good cleaning, light sanding and another cleaning.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DxQf7ALvROg\/V2My8BovHbI\/AAAAAAAAHeI\/0watuKb-yq8QnThX8LSILyoWSad0LER2gCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7543.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DxQf7ALvROg\/V2My8BovHbI\/AAAAAAAAHeI\/0watuKb-yq8QnThX8LSILyoWSad0LER2gCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7543.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENext you have to tape off around the heater (thankfully I didn't have to tape off the floors because they were removed at the time). I used heavy duty contractor paper and painters tape. I also had to cover everything in the room in case there was any sort of crazy over spray. Finally, spray painting indoors is less than ideal. So, there was a heavy duty mask involved and lots and lots of windows open to add as much ventilation as possible.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iv18oJxeB5I\/V2My7yXkwaI\/AAAAAAAAHeA\/lbr_bW-OT2wD88gSqZWP2Pfp2E19rLPOQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7530.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iv18oJxeB5I\/V2My7yXkwaI\/AAAAAAAAHeA\/lbr_bW-OT2wD88gSqZWP2Pfp2E19rLPOQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7530.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FXSwBc7PQ-4\/V2My72De8gI\/AAAAAAAAHeE\/O0humJTOtOI9MzxvvV0BvNUI0C7VdyCTgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7532.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FXSwBc7PQ-4\/V2My72De8gI\/AAAAAAAAHeE\/O0humJTOtOI9MzxvvV0BvNUI0C7VdyCTgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7532.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe high heat spray paint doesn't cover particularly well, so it took quite a few coats to cover each heater. I think I went through a total of 3 cans for three baseboards of varying length. So, the total investment was around $9.00 for three like new baseboards. Great change for a little bit of elbow grease.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ab0a2ZtgG-U\/V2My7iVXtRI\/AAAAAAAAHd8\/F5XJXarmqXcJd44Vy7d0GVmAIPcfWNW1gCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7537.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ab0a2ZtgG-U\/V2My7iVXtRI\/AAAAAAAAHd8\/F5XJXarmqXcJd44Vy7d0GVmAIPcfWNW1gCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7537.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uvGQPS0quIo\/V2sFwm4T6OI\/AAAAAAAAHew\/z6eOigCVEyYMqJC3jNdD6fmYricjEMHNwCLcB\/s1600\/Baseboard%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uvGQPS0quIo\/V2sFwm4T6OI\/AAAAAAAAHew\/z6eOigCVEyYMqJC3jNdD6fmYricjEMHNwCLcB\/s640\/Baseboard%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/7545505726626427875\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=7545505726626427875\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7545505726626427875"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7545505726626427875"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/06\/diy-painting-baseboard-heaters.html","title":"DIY Painting Baseboard Heaters"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-G8mbBWlIHhs\/V2sEgqAduNI\/AAAAAAAAHek\/CDAqalzCmZMnbHtR3wSALbKqMHnFnwFXQCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_7856.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3418220406944928959"},"published":{"$t":"2016-06-16T17:43:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-16T17:48:10.618-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Oil Cloth Tablecloth"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe took our vintage trailer, Myrtle, out for the first time last weekend.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-sIdWPHyo-V0\/V2MsYIVljoI\/AAAAAAAAHdo\/lhyxErexH34xOm7FoA9NWHNsyBLoWz7HQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7600.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-sIdWPHyo-V0\/V2MsYIVljoI\/AAAAAAAAHdo\/lhyxErexH34xOm7FoA9NWHNsyBLoWz7HQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7600.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-XfV7WCEhV3U\/V2MsX2ZICWI\/AAAAAAAAHdk\/o8XWNI3fyWQSv2L3Ltz2Bh0VU_2hPgj5wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7601.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-XfV7WCEhV3U\/V2MsX2ZICWI\/AAAAAAAAHdk\/o8XWNI3fyWQSv2L3Ltz2Bh0VU_2hPgj5wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7601.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile we were getting ready for her maiden voyage, I had some small projects I wanted to try out (a banner for her \"ugly\" side and covering up some ugly storage solutions). One item I had saw on Pinterest was the idea to add grommets to a tablecloth. I decided to take it a step further to make a tablecloth that would be durable enough to last several camping seasons.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI just so happen to have one yard of striped and one yard of gingham oil cloth I had ordered online. I had originally thought I was going to use it as upholstery, so I ordered a yard of each to test out the fabric. I decided it wasn't quite right for that purpose, but it turns out to be perfect for tablecloths. The fabric is also fairly affordable and comes on a rather wide bolt.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI split the striped fabric down the middle. Since the fabric doesn't fray, I didn't have to hem the edges of the fabric. I simply had to sew each piece of the striped fabric to the gingham piece.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IgRevbrthnA\/V2Mqy45umxI\/AAAAAAAAHdM\/UPZdCq4tQa0YQQbZxeN6Z1J0lKxups0igCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7570.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IgRevbrthnA\/V2Mqy45umxI\/AAAAAAAAHdM\/UPZdCq4tQa0YQQbZxeN6Z1J0lKxups0igCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7570.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I did that, I decided to add grommets, or rather \"extra large eyelets\" to the tablecloth. What the grommets allowed me to do was add bungee cords under the table. It kept the tablecloth from blowing around and secured it straight to the table.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NqSx5gVvGGM\/V2MqyxrTsZI\/AAAAAAAAHdI\/S8jTIzNrCdYizb8WMN12uzcbEfzKjmzLQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7571.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NqSx5gVvGGM\/V2MqyxrTsZI\/AAAAAAAAHdI\/S8jTIzNrCdYizb8WMN12uzcbEfzKjmzLQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7571.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-g9Ygwya_nMc\/V2Mqy2qwFaI\/AAAAAAAAHdE\/5mAixrJ2ek0iPCpDJ0SGej_3R3NxBkJaACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7572.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-g9Ygwya_nMc\/V2Mqy2qwFaI\/AAAAAAAAHdE\/5mAixrJ2ek0iPCpDJ0SGej_3R3NxBkJaACLcB\/s640\/IMG_7572.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe tablecloth worked fantastic even during a windy camping trip. It wiped down very easily (even sticky marshmallows and permanent markers came right off...don't even ask why that combo appeared on my picnic table)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s0ZIfBL5nkk\/V2Mq0FfWsDI\/AAAAAAAAHdY\/ssKzKYEepWcbPoVQDxvs0iBBJO4r4n5oQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7599.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s0ZIfBL5nkk\/V2Mq0FfWsDI\/AAAAAAAAHdY\/ssKzKYEepWcbPoVQDxvs0iBBJO4r4n5oQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7599.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5q10t1JBI0w\/V2Mqz_7d-PI\/AAAAAAAAHdU\/YXp9oV_AWiMz_aLET9kSK25VzLJZgmiuACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7597.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5q10t1JBI0w\/V2Mqz_7d-PI\/AAAAAAAAHdU\/YXp9oV_AWiMz_aLET9kSK25VzLJZgmiuACLcB\/s640\/IMG_7597.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3418220406944928959\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3418220406944928959\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3418220406944928959"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3418220406944928959"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/06\/diy-oil-cloth-tablecloth.html","title":"DIY Oil Cloth Tablecloth"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-sIdWPHyo-V0\/V2MsYIVljoI\/AAAAAAAAHdo\/lhyxErexH34xOm7FoA9NWHNsyBLoWz7HQCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_7600.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-7798313297569408442"},"published":{"$t":"2016-06-01T11:50:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-01T11:50:38.153-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Self-Closing Dog Gate"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday's project is a bit on the random side. It was borne of necessity after getting a new puppy and having one dog that still thinks he's a puppy. We needed some way to keep the dogs out of our downstairs so we could keep an eye on them while potty training. Plus, they have developed a secret obsession of chewing up Barbies and stuffed Goofys which they do so under the darkness of the downstairs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had a baby gate at the bottom of our stairs, but with two older children, it never got shut behind them. So, we usually would hear a dog disappear down the stairs and have to chase after them to take them outside. It got really old, really fast.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter yelling about closing the gate a few hundred times over a few weeks, I decided I just needed to make a solution to have the gate close on its own. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, I sat down and thought about screen doors that close on their own. They have a spring attached from the door to the door frame. I could fairly easily set that up, but this particular gate was adjustable, so with a spring, it would collapse on itself. So I needed to extend the gate, but only temporary because there would be times we would want to collapse it close (if we're moving items up and down the stairs...we had people over and there was going to be quite a bit of traffic, etc.) So instead of a bolt or something harder to remove, I really needed a pin that could be pulled if we needed wider access to the downstairs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, I don't think I would want this set up with a baby in the house, so I wanted to be able to revert the gate back to a regular baby gate when the time comes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur doorway has a bit of a lip, so it was a perfect place to have the gate catch (although, adding a block of wood to create a catch wouldn't be difficult). We needed the gate to swing towards the stairs so the dogs couldn't push the gate open themselves.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, here's how I created a self-closing dog gate.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-q8BkOOsiy4k\/V08QncsxNlI\/AAAAAAAAHYM\/e_Rznx-b5qkOC3uoc-V48tkG0hf-A-ovwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7419.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-q8BkOOsiy4k\/V08QncsxNlI\/AAAAAAAAHYM\/e_Rznx-b5qkOC3uoc-V48tkG0hf-A-ovwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7419.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETwo pins (as pictured below, I bought a \"positive locking drawbar\" type pin)\u003Cbr \/\u003ETwo cup hooks\u003Cbr \/\u003EScreen door spring\u003Cbr \/\u003EDrill\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Paint \u0026amp; Paint Brush\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xNAAILSdOm4\/V08QnUTcVGI\/AAAAAAAAHYI\/tJAN6h5Q8kI7FDz-Jd7Rnoh6DgbmxQyXACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7421.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xNAAILSdOm4\/V08QnUTcVGI\/AAAAAAAAHYI\/tJAN6h5Q8kI7FDz-Jd7Rnoh6DgbmxQyXACLcB\/s400\/IMG_7421.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E1. Optional: Paint Gate\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided if I was going to removing the gate from the wall, this was a good chance to give the gate a fresh coat of paint.I had some blue chalk painting sitting around, so I gave the gate a quick once over. I taped off the hardware so it would remain silver and painted just the raw wood.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E2. Drill Holes\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I had the gate extended where I needed it, I marked where the two pieces of the gate met up. Then I drilled a hole through both pieces that was big enough to accommodate the pin. Once your hole drilled, slip the pin through the gates to keep the gate from collapsing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou may need to trouble shoot this step. I found that my doorway was wide enough that I needed to move the metal track pieces on top to make the gate extend further out. Once I did that I realized that there was a gap in the middle of the gate, so then I had to add a new spindle (or in this case a piece of spare lath I had sitting around) so there wasn't a dog size gap in the gate. When I added that piece of wood, I had to make sure it was on the outside of the gate so it wouldn't stop the gate from collapsing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-W4FsAyCydzk\/V08QnxDhSII\/AAAAAAAAHYU\/vrY23ItAe5s2vKJ2PGEoP6YaOhMlW_FYgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7422.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-W4FsAyCydzk\/V08QnxDhSII\/AAAAAAAAHYU\/vrY23ItAe5s2vKJ2PGEoP6YaOhMlW_FYgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7422.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EOne of the reasons I picked this type of pin is it easily opens and closes so removing it should be fairly easy.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-iqWHS-DwXpQ\/V08QoJ0JFvI\/AAAAAAAAHYY\/ubaO3s8zi_k3Px2qAwF4BiwdUSlu6Ni2wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7424.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-iqWHS-DwXpQ\/V08QoJ0JFvI\/AAAAAAAAHYY\/ubaO3s8zi_k3Px2qAwF4BiwdUSlu6Ni2wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7424.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe gate catches perfectly fine on the lip on our doorway.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E3. Screw the Cup Hooks in\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou will need to screw one cup hook into the wall and the other into the gate. Make sure when you add the cup hook to the gate, you pick an area that doesn't effect the gate from collapsing. You will also want to make sure the two hooks are far enough apart you can get good tension on the spring, but not so much tension that you can't remove the spring if necessary. I attached one cup hook and then played around with the spring attached to get a good placement on the second hook.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E4. Attach Spring\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESlip the spring over each hook. You may also want to add some felt bumpers if you're worried about the gate scratching up your wall.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JLNuVAp6u1Y\/V08QnXTYS-I\/AAAAAAAAHYQ\/8jHzGrgPRbwsao5YINP2Ae1Rn0uDtYVIACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7420.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JLNuVAp6u1Y\/V08QnXTYS-I\/AAAAAAAAHYQ\/8jHzGrgPRbwsao5YINP2Ae1Rn0uDtYVIACLcB\/s640\/IMG_7420.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow we have a gate that stays close and gives me a bit more control on the pack of crazy dogs in our house. The gate works perfectly for the cat too because he can jump over and use his litter box without having a dog hassle him.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1BGEZqKq7CU\/V08SP0Uvt0I\/AAAAAAAAHYk\/Rn8axym8tXgAYw4G79DVmEFjeKhdRIxxACLcB\/s1600\/gate%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1BGEZqKq7CU\/V08SP0Uvt0I\/AAAAAAAAHYk\/Rn8axym8tXgAYw4G79DVmEFjeKhdRIxxACLcB\/s640\/gate%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/7798313297569408442\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=7798313297569408442\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7798313297569408442"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7798313297569408442"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/06\/diy-self-closing-dog-gate.html","title":"DIY Self-Closing Dog Gate"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-q8BkOOsiy4k\/V08QncsxNlI\/AAAAAAAAHYM\/e_Rznx-b5qkOC3uoc-V48tkG0hf-A-ovwCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_7419.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2159510410504918047"},"published":{"$t":"2016-05-25T16:01:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-05-25T16:01:31.615-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Finishing Drywall for Beginners: Resources and Tips"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, as I pointed out in my last post, I'm no expert on finishing drywall. In fact, I've only tried to do some patch jobs here and there, and to say the work was less than impressive would be an understatement. However, I'm really happy (and a bit proud) of how well my latest finishing work went. I'm going to share the resources that helped me and the hints I found the most helpful.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter we had the sci-fi wall removed, we had two different drywall situations. There was a huge panel of drywall missing where they had to put in the support beam on top of the existing studs (a 6 foot section or so). That was going to require one seam to be mud and taped so it would blend in with the rest of the wall. The contractor also had to remove a 6 inch strip of drywall in order to tuck in the 2x4 supports. That area was much more tricky because we couldn't quite get the patch dry wall to sit flush. So, that area had some lumps and bumps to work around.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Au9MvjmSrPc\/V0YQDI7DeGI\/AAAAAAAAHXQ\/l6shpbwW9j4uhHr1h_QHaQqMqxMPo7kjgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6843.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Au9MvjmSrPc\/V0YQDI7DeGI\/AAAAAAAAHXQ\/l6shpbwW9j4uhHr1h_QHaQqMqxMPo7kjgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6843.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RsoFASxVxAE\/V0YQDyyp6jI\/AAAAAAAAHXY\/8x8pRcg9KwsEJl4bqcfyTA86C2uWmjragCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6810.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RsoFASxVxAE\/V0YQDyyp6jI\/AAAAAAAAHXY\/8x8pRcg9KwsEJl4bqcfyTA86C2uWmjragCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6810.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFinally, I've had unfinished drywall above my cabinets for about a year now, so I figured I may as well tackle that while I was working on everything else.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QUQlLwK97Z0\/V0YP_XkLrNI\/AAAAAAAAHXI\/k5_hzyTj4vkKcqzOgpnum51EQgwfhc0lwCLcB\/s1600\/11406866_10100370751203824_4813998517053623886_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QUQlLwK97Z0\/V0YP_XkLrNI\/AAAAAAAAHXI\/k5_hzyTj4vkKcqzOgpnum51EQgwfhc0lwCLcB\/s640\/11406866_10100370751203824_4813998517053623886_n.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-YVXLVB_s-yQ\/V0YP__K1BVI\/AAAAAAAAHXM\/JxUZdIYkVBkREDRq6W_MjqIrA9cs2sHygCLcB\/s1600\/photo2%2B%25286%2529.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-YVXLVB_s-yQ\/V0YP__K1BVI\/AAAAAAAAHXM\/JxUZdIYkVBkREDRq6W_MjqIrA9cs2sHygCLcB\/s640\/photo2%2B%25286%2529.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy husband cut up the drywall and put it up. Once he had the drywall up, I had to figure out this whole tape and mud thing. The first thing I did was read \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.younghouselove.com\/2014\/08\/drywall-taping-mudding-sanding-oh-my\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis\u003C\/a\u003E article by Young House Love. I love how they used to (they no longer blog) give really simple explanations to different projects. It was a good place to start to get an idea of what I needed to do and learn the lingo and tools of the trade.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter I read that article, I moved on to YouTube. I watched several videos but I found \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2uFK8OGV2UM\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis\u003C\/a\u003E series of videos from a technical school particularly helpful. It was very simple and step by step. I would highly recommend watching the entire series from start to finish.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, using those videos and various articles I read, I started the process. I think my mistake in the past has been not feathering the mud very well. Once I got the method of feathering the edges down, I noticed that my mud was blending much better. I also didn't previously know I should start with a narrow drywall knife and work my way up to a wider knife as I put layers on. Eventually the seam was about 18 inches wide.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso keep in mind that the mud shrinks as it dries, so you will need more than one coat to fill in the screw holes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI put my first layer of mud on and let it dry for 24 hours. Before I started the next coat, I would \"knock down\" (moving the blade lightly across the surface to scrape off any bumps or large ridges) any high points with a clean drywall knife\/scraper. I did not sand between coats. When I was researching this entire process, I found that most pros did not sand between coats. The rationale was if you were smooth enough and feathered correctly, you could save sanding for the last step. That worked really well for me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-n1l2jdRjtQo\/V0YQDXQ9ETI\/AAAAAAAAHXU\/chuclEu5Xtwep8TJAxW4QJD7cMaTOU-4QCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7198%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-n1l2jdRjtQo\/V0YQDXQ9ETI\/AAAAAAAAHXU\/chuclEu5Xtwep8TJAxW4QJD7cMaTOU-4QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7198%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs you can imagine, working up from a 3 inch blade to a 12 inch blade took many coats. I think I ended up with around 5 or so. The last two coats I thinned out with some water. That was a hint I kept seeing thrown around and it really did create a nice smooth finish on top of the other coats.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor the 6\" strip of wall that was uneven, I had to be a bit more creative with applying mud. I had to try to make the bump disappear slowly, so the mud kept going further and further out from the seam. I had to do more coats on this particular section just make sure that 1) a coat wasn't too thick where it would take days and days to dry, and 2) the tape on the high point was effectively covered so it wouldn't be exposed when I sanded it. It looked like a serious mess for the first 4 coats or so.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8IZc1k5Wz4s\/V0YQEINKXJI\/AAAAAAAAHXg\/Ad-F_1nNxcccaiDX0Ghg1geNkubsccI6QCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7212.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8IZc1k5Wz4s\/V0YQEINKXJI\/AAAAAAAAHXg\/Ad-F_1nNxcccaiDX0Ghg1geNkubsccI6QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7212.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe area above the sink\/cabinets had a hole I needed to fill in. I used some spare mesh tape to create a patch over the hole and then mudded right over the mesh. It took a couple of coats, but the hole disappeared.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESomething a pro probably doesn't have to do (but I did) is go back through after my final coat and filled in any large divets in the smooth finish. So it wasn't a full coat, just a \"patch\" job on those areas that weren't even with the rest of the drywall.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI tried using a wet drywall sponge, but much like Young House Love, I found the sponge wasn't really all that helpful. I moved over to a fine grit sandpaper and dry sanded. It was definitely more messy, but was much easier to get a nice smooth finish. Most importantly, dry sanding allowed me to feel where there was still bumps or ridges as I went along. The final sanding went surprisingly fast. I didn't have to apply much pressure and was done within a half hour.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-5rotAa2QQN8\/V0YQDwT2S7I\/AAAAAAAAHXc\/ZBO3aI5Bw4YM85B1G7D-VdlUcLbcCH3PgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7215.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-5rotAa2QQN8\/V0YQDwT2S7I\/AAAAAAAAHXc\/ZBO3aI5Bw4YM85B1G7D-VdlUcLbcCH3PgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7215.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I was happy with a [mostly] smooth finish, I vacuumed the entire wall and started to apply texture. I had never noticed the texture on my walls until it came time to try and match it. Apparently it was a every man for himself project. The kitchen has no texture on the walls, the living room has a \"normal\" knocked down orange peel texture look, and the hallway was a random assortment. I used the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/p\/Homax-10-oz-Wall-Orange-Peel-Quick-Dry-Oil-Based-Spray-Texture-4050-06\/100167255?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D24-Paint%7c\u0026amp;gclid=Cj0KEQjwmpW6BRCf5sXp59_U_ssBEiQAGCV9Gq-3waJoJO1r2Y2Jqphvc94kTsyDES5sh1nxFL097LEaAlvc8P8HAQ\u0026amp;gclsrc=aw.ds\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHomax \u003C\/a\u003Eorange peel wall texture in a can. I used the water based version just so clean up would be a bit easier if things went crazy. I made sure to tape off areas with some drop cloths so it wouldn't spray everywhere (although I didn't bother with the floor since that's coming out within a few weeks).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQ_yv_MF3PQ\/V0YQErmLIBI\/AAAAAAAAHXk\/9LEhlkoapDI_ZDARl7t6pp4iOz-K7feywCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7217.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fQ_yv_MF3PQ\/V0YQErmLIBI\/AAAAAAAAHXk\/9LEhlkoapDI_ZDARl7t6pp4iOz-K7feywCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7217.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI watched \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WB4tsm1DJSY\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis\u003C\/a\u003E video on how to apply the texture. Using a circular motion, I started to apply the texture. It was a bit of a guessing game to see what type of pressure I needed to apply and how thick it should go on. I did have to go back through and add more after I stood back and compared it to the other walls.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce all the texture had dried completely, I knocked down the texture to match the texture on the other walls. The hallway isn't a perfect match since whatever method they used wasn't what they used in the living room. However, the living room was almost a perfect match.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter texture, all I needed to do was paint the surfaces. I'm really happy with how everything turned out. Now, that doesn't mean I want to tackle this project ever again. I'll add drywall to the list of things I'll hire someone else to do in the future (along with tiling and laying pavers outside).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9tLe_Invjc0\/V0YQFG4VjtI\/AAAAAAAAHXs\/o3gZBg9I7l4--EdvzoPdbL0E6Lyf5yHLACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7402.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9tLe_Invjc0\/V0YQFG4VjtI\/AAAAAAAAHXs\/o3gZBg9I7l4--EdvzoPdbL0E6Lyf5yHLACLcB\/s640\/IMG_7402.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe area I patched is a 6 inch section directly below where the beam attached to the wall. Can't see it, can you? Success!\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hDnOhNcJzuE\/V0YQFvdetBI\/AAAAAAAAHX0\/2IPN2MHsn9AjtIdvjUDWs88FuWbAH0ULwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7409.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hDnOhNcJzuE\/V0YQFvdetBI\/AAAAAAAAHX0\/2IPN2MHsn9AjtIdvjUDWs88FuWbAH0ULwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7409.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PjxqAMIk24\/V0YQFd7RWNI\/AAAAAAAAHXw\/WU5hJMLX69YMu4W71u2qL_ygwPFyEtHtgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7408.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PjxqAMIk24\/V0YQFd7RWNI\/AAAAAAAAHXw\/WU5hJMLX69YMu4W71u2qL_ygwPFyEtHtgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7408.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Since we're planking the ceiling, I didn't have to worry about finishing that area.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-833NaGHLBN0\/V0YQE90tlzI\/AAAAAAAAHXo\/qVBHxJMSlzExns43ZldFVEEv8zpUwGBuwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_7399.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-833NaGHLBN0\/V0YQE90tlzI\/AAAAAAAAHXo\/qVBHxJMSlzExns43ZldFVEEv8zpUwGBuwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_7399.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EHard to tell with the shadow of another wall showing, but there really isn't a seam showing. The texture isn't perfect on this wall, but I'm happy with the way it turned out.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2159510410504918047\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2159510410504918047\u0026isPopup=true","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2159510410504918047"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2159510410504918047"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/05\/finishing-drywall-for-beginners.html","title":"Finishing Drywall for Beginners: Resources and Tips"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Au9MvjmSrPc\/V0YQDI7DeGI\/AAAAAAAAHXQ\/l6shpbwW9j4uhHr1h_QHaQqMqxMPo7kjgCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_6843.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6930330444527307452"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-24T13:58:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-05-20T11:23:51.935-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Half Price Vintage Trailer Cushions"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Weekend!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm happy to share a project I've been working on for about a week. When we got Myrtle, the original 1963 cushions were included and were a fashionable shade of brown and stinky.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-iqfUdRW-azk\/Vx0UoLstbPI\/AAAAAAAAHVM\/CBZgyart-VwBsQ_sZb0auEYG-T4xMG4WwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6501.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-iqfUdRW-azk\/Vx0UoLstbPI\/AAAAAAAAHVM\/CBZgyart-VwBsQ_sZb0auEYG-T4xMG4WwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6501.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYeah. Since I planned on sleeping on those cushions, it was time to get new ones. However, foam is not cheap. In fact, when I was planning the renovation, I assumed this was going to be one of the more expensive things we updated.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESaving Money on Foam\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter doing some research and asking around the vintage trailer community, it was clear buying online was the cheapest way to get foam. The important thing to note about foam is you definitely get what you pay for. The foam from Joann's isn't quite up to the challenge of heavy use. It's not as firm and high density as what you would find online.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, I got some recommendations and started getting quotes. These are the quotes for (2) Gaucho Bed\/Sofa Cushions, (4) Dinette Cushions and (1) Love Seat Cushions.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003E(I should note I also reached out to local upholsterers, but either they didn't return my calls or wouldn't sell just cushions)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.foamorder.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFoam Order\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor 4\" thick cushions of medium quality\/high density, the quote was $391.50. If I increased the thickness to 6\", I was looking at $462.32 for all the cushions. The batting wrap (recommended when you make cushions in order to have a more rounded appearance) would add an additional $70.00. That $70.00 for the wrap was pretty on par with all the different retailers. Shipping wasn't free either and was estimated to add an additional $60.32 to the cost.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.foamonline.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFoam Online\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor 4\" thick cushions of medium quality and high density, the quote was $410.80. However, shipping was free. I didn't get a quote for 6\" after the first retailer, because I knew the cost would have been higher than what I was willing to pay.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thefoamfactory.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Foam Factory\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor 4\" thick cushions (Lux\/High Density), the quote was $379.18. Shipping was also free with Foam Factory.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.joann.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJoann Fabric\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided to at least take a look at how much the foam would have cost even if it wasn't as high quality as the above retailers. The high density foam would have been around $439.98.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E5. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sailrite.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESailrite\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is a favorite retailer of vintage trailer owners when it comes to awning materials and fabric. I decided I'd at least price them out for cushions. The cost for all the cushions was around $444.80.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI thought about ordering from Foam Factory since they were the cheapest and by far the most recommended company throughout the owners groups I'm apart of. However, the more I thought about it, I got a different idea. I wasn't sure if it was crazy, but if it worked out, I could save a bunch of money.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnter \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/walmart.com\/\"\u003EWalmart.com\u003C\/a\u003E. Wal-Mart now sells mattresses including foam versions. The mattresses vary in depth, but for the most part they were 6\" or deeper. Really...how much difference could there be between the fancy foam and these mattresses?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-t2DQv4eE3c0\/Vx0U214HK2I\/AAAAAAAAHVQ\/nMPB1jf9hTcvzGmRSSN7WR5BHVkHFnyjACLcB\/s1600\/k2-_20e9cb5a-ea9e-4f82-a38d-5ac85212c13e.v2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-t2DQv4eE3c0\/Vx0U214HK2I\/AAAAAAAAHVQ\/nMPB1jf9hTcvzGmRSSN7WR5BHVkHFnyjACLcB\/s400\/k2-_20e9cb5a-ea9e-4f82-a38d-5ac85212c13e.v2.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo I sat down with a pencil and paper and started figuring my cushions into standard mattress sizes. It was a bit of a jigsaw puzzle to see what size mattresses would optimize the amount of foam used. I figured out that if I got a full size mattress I could get cuts for the couch and love seat. If I got a Twin XL, I would have exactly enough foam for the dinette set.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen I sat down and price everything out, I could get those two mattresses with free shipping for $288.00. So if you compare that to the cheapest quote I got for 4\" thick foam, I was still saving about a $100.00. If you compare it to the 6\" quote, I was saving almost $200.00. That was some pretty impressive savings. I bought two rolls of quilting batting to wrap each cushions for less than $30.00. My final expense was a new electric meat carving knife for $10.00 (I could have bought a used one but I was already at the store and the price was right)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, if I would have gotten 6\" foam with the wrap plus shipping from Foam Order, I would have spent just shy of $600.00. Using a foam mattress from Wal-Mart, I only spent $328.00. That's about half price from online retailers. Sweet! \u003Ci\u003E(Side note: I also purchased a 4\" mattress memory foam topper from Wal-Mart for $60.00 and cut that down to size for the bunk. The kids will be on the bunk so I wasn't overly worried about it being extremely plush...it is camping after all!)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECutting the foam was extremely easy. I removed the fabric cover, marked the cuts using a marker and straight edge, and cut along the line with my meat carver.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vX9bE1iujCY\/Vx0UlWGdAAI\/AAAAAAAAHUg\/NIJZzbjy_RQVHYarCxXhLR6Jrwof0aMZACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6876.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vX9bE1iujCY\/Vx0UlWGdAAI\/AAAAAAAAHUg\/NIJZzbjy_RQVHYarCxXhLR6Jrwof0aMZACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6876.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_tHKVwZxHQ0\/Vx0UmG4VUgI\/AAAAAAAAHUo\/JLeRGe91NTUciorM66xNC9a20KXgpTjdgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6877.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_tHKVwZxHQ0\/Vx0UmG4VUgI\/AAAAAAAAHUo\/JLeRGe91NTUciorM66xNC9a20KXgpTjdgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6877.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESaving Money on Fabric Covers\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs for fabric, it took me forever to decide what I wanted to do. After watching a tutorial on using vinyl fabric and piping over foam and plywood, I decided that was the method I was going to try. By just sewing a top and extra long sides, I was able to save money on bottom side fabric and avoid zippers completely.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI bought my white vinyl from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/fabric.com\/\"\u003EFabric.com\u003C\/a\u003E. I've been really happy with my purchases from their website except two things: 1) Shipping takes longer than other retailers, and 2) My vinyl came with a tiny rip that went through three layers of the fabric. Otherwise, it was only around $5.00 per yard which is extremely affordable for upholstering.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs for the piping, I couldn't find ready made piping in the right color. I was pretty intimated to make my own. I had never (ever) used piping. And this was quite the large first project to try it out. I found \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.makeit-loveit.com\/2012\/01\/sewing-tips-how-to-make-use-piping.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis tutorial\u003C\/a\u003E on Make It, Love It. Then, I found \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.makeit-loveit.com\/2015\/05\/how-to-make-one-continuous-strip-of-bias-tape-from-one-square-of-fabric.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis awesome tutorial\u003C\/a\u003E on how to cut continuously on the bias on the same website. Those two tutorials are essential when making your own piping. I had to make over 24 yards of piping for all the cushions. That's a TON of cutting on the bias. If it wasn't for the continuous cutting tutorial, I would have been doing it forever.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x69CwQS3gXk\/Vx0Ukxl6m4I\/AAAAAAAAHUc\/_O7ZsvOPpvs3W8PLhIvfEVQlWQUJfqgIQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6856.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x69CwQS3gXk\/Vx0Ukxl6m4I\/AAAAAAAAHUc\/_O7ZsvOPpvs3W8PLhIvfEVQlWQUJfqgIQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6856.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe cushions were a pain to make just because the fabric was heavy and large, but it wasn't very difficult. I cut everything first. I made all the piping next. Finally I went cushion by cushion to attach the piping and then attached the side fabric. When I was done, I had a top and over sized sides.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Tl9McCROwdM\/Vx0UkscxvZI\/AAAAAAAAHUY\/gf0c02UfPmMsSWcoo_5eZZXuNTUW6gtoACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6857.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Tl9McCROwdM\/Vx0UkscxvZI\/AAAAAAAAHUY\/gf0c02UfPmMsSWcoo_5eZZXuNTUW6gtoACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6857.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sfrHvW3oEOQ\/Vx0Uk3RmRdI\/AAAAAAAAHUk\/nN3p1wJx3gg2jbuKF0kIltlNCMElyfAMwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6858.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sfrHvW3oEOQ\/Vx0Uk3RmRdI\/AAAAAAAAHUk\/nN3p1wJx3gg2jbuKF0kIltlNCMElyfAMwCLcB\/s400\/IMG_6858.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAssembling\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe final step was putting everything together. This was pretty darn easy because all the major work was already done.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst, I wrapped each piece of foam in the batting. I had some spray basting adhesive that I use with my Silhouette cutting machine. That was just enough stick so the batting wouldn't slip around even during a [very] windy day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MuQNFSx_Z1U\/Vx0UmfMY13I\/AAAAAAAAHUs\/D8e-x8DAWssBS7jNd57jvUiNY8guVzH1wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6879.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MuQNFSx_Z1U\/Vx0UmfMY13I\/AAAAAAAAHUs\/D8e-x8DAWssBS7jNd57jvUiNY8guVzH1wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6879.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the foam was wrapped, I slipped the cover over the top of the foam. Next, I flipped the foam over, and then placed the plywood in the center of the foam.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OW7qcEr2Nxw\/Vx0Umsgf7FI\/AAAAAAAAHUw\/djGvrqoV8L4e1YbifZOIbPf8BmUKK_-SwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6880.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OW7qcEr2Nxw\/Vx0Umsgf7FI\/AAAAAAAAHUw\/djGvrqoV8L4e1YbifZOIbPf8BmUKK_-SwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6880.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI cut all the plywood (it's a very thin plywood) 2 inches shorter than the sides of the foam so the hard side of the plywood wouldn't stick out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI went to work and stretched the fabric over the the plywood and stapled the fabric to the plywood.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's not perfect. My piping got a little wonky as I was pulling it to staple, but it's a really great look for spending less than $400.00 on seven cushions and covers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Oj9sJ7NP0lU\/Vx0XRo-58BI\/AAAAAAAAHVc\/AFZ-YwfG0ZcwLtScgtuNr4GrXYiJCx9mwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6882text.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"398\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Oj9sJ7NP0lU\/Vx0XRo-58BI\/AAAAAAAAHVc\/AFZ-YwfG0ZcwLtScgtuNr4GrXYiJCx9mwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6882text.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bOSmhcE6U08\/Vx0Um8EpnAI\/AAAAAAAAHU0\/kSCsPgrLkc4r5W8zDbA8UUuoRzMnHtecwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6881.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bOSmhcE6U08\/Vx0Um8EpnAI\/AAAAAAAAHU0\/kSCsPgrLkc4r5W8zDbA8UUuoRzMnHtecwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6881.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WsqDOU8axgc\/Vx0UnCim0JI\/AAAAAAAAHU8\/u6Zcf78lONQSJJlqDMk7eWxOXqz9D2UgQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6883.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WsqDOU8axgc\/Vx0UnCim0JI\/AAAAAAAAHU8\/u6Zcf78lONQSJJlqDMk7eWxOXqz9D2UgQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6883.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-C5tLYG7ZXR4\/Vx0UnfACOXI\/AAAAAAAAHVA\/NAa0YqejEtsjpxAsxcnxpek413fwjFjJwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6885.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-C5tLYG7ZXR4\/Vx0UnfACOXI\/AAAAAAAAHVA\/NAa0YqejEtsjpxAsxcnxpek413fwjFjJwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6885.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4V8tsEf0uRg\/Vx0UnzOQmHI\/AAAAAAAAHVI\/lS-ym-lWBQMFGJ5gX3s4ccS_rR1qwmyyACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6887.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4V8tsEf0uRg\/Vx0UnzOQmHI\/AAAAAAAAHVI\/lS-ym-lWBQMFGJ5gX3s4ccS_rR1qwmyyACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6887.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6930330444527307452\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6930330444527307452\u0026isPopup=true","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6930330444527307452"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6930330444527307452"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/04\/diy-sunday-half-price-vintage-trailer.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Half Price Vintage Trailer Cushions"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-iqfUdRW-azk\/Vx0UoLstbPI\/AAAAAAAAHVM\/CBZgyart-VwBsQ_sZb0auEYG-T4xMG4WwCLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_6501.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1918735723101202137"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-18T13:36:00.003-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-18T13:37:17.727-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Removing the Great Wall of Ugly House"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Monday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had a very exciting week at Ugly House. The sci-fi wall we've been trying to remove for almost 2 years finally came down! When you watch those home improvement shows, it seems like you just decide to remove the wall, call someone and ta da! After the commercial break, there's no wall and you're ready to start staging your new open space.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn the real world, you have five or so contractors come out to look at the wall, have all them agree that we need a support beam and wait for one of them to call you back.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is how the wall looked when we moved into the house:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3LqtaRjnNYA\/VxUmGJ-2cQI\/AAAAAAAAHT0\/0ejQIhYA9NU_CXYKLvKz0IQDcahE7AL4ACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6809.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3LqtaRjnNYA\/VxUmGJ-2cQI\/AAAAAAAAHT0\/0ejQIhYA9NU_CXYKLvKz0IQDcahE7AL4ACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6809.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y2yf-sDlmf4\/VxUloS5aD0I\/AAAAAAAAHTc\/xtIW5zOmbx0fuE5atrxiBCXi_b4hPzOCwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6815.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y2yf-sDlmf4\/VxUloS5aD0I\/AAAAAAAAHTc\/xtIW5zOmbx0fuE5atrxiBCXi_b4hPzOCwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6815.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne of our neighbors went out on his own and started a construction company. We had briefly spoken with him about hiring his company, but he was finishing up his own home, having a baby, and we got distracted with our many outdoor projects. After I started feeling better in my pregnancy, we refocused and came back to the \u003Ci\u003EIndiana Jones and The Lost Tomb\u003C\/i\u003E wall.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe messaged our neighbor, he came and took a look, got a quote and bam, we were on his schedule. I was very excited at this point to even have a rough date the wall would come down.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe said we would take care of removing sheet rock, and man, that was a dirty job. However, the kids thought it was pretty darn amazing. They started to ask if they could take down other walls in the house. There was a very long discussion about not taking a hammer to the rest of the house.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6Sz8L7HxtpE\/VxUllslK13I\/AAAAAAAAHS4\/nudi0AiEQisoxAOlc3oTUya4JbIquNhvACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6671.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6Sz8L7HxtpE\/VxUllslK13I\/AAAAAAAAHS4\/nudi0AiEQisoxAOlc3oTUya4JbIquNhvACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6671.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0YBQcLVnSK4\/VxUlmLiQFtI\/AAAAAAAAHS8\/J8ygcDOIbAcwYRbGRDiKOUry_xYUfQuQQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6673.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0YBQcLVnSK4\/VxUlmLiQFtI\/AAAAAAAAHS8\/J8ygcDOIbAcwYRbGRDiKOUry_xYUfQuQQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6673.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThat's my son mopping...take a mental picture, because it may never happen again.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HyldgJxST04\/VxUllruj2nI\/AAAAAAAAHS0\/JI9nLn4LU_ENoFBqQi9LBi719jWpE3gKACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6669.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HyldgJxST04\/VxUllruj2nI\/AAAAAAAAHS0\/JI9nLn4LU_ENoFBqQi9LBi719jWpE3gKACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6669.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8bu_ZJPdwlE\/VxUllj-YcTI\/AAAAAAAAHSw\/fgMQ8qDcC2IS8Sfg4nAi28d7VX0pmZ-QwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6665.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-8bu_ZJPdwlE\/VxUllj-YcTI\/AAAAAAAAHSw\/fgMQ8qDcC2IS8Sfg4nAi28d7VX0pmZ-QwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6665.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ENot exactly your standard issue safety glasses...\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter we had the sheet rock down, we got a bit more excited because we could start to see what the space might look like. The air flow increased by about a 100%, the living room wasn't a dark dungeon, and I realized I might actually be able to keep my larger dining room table without having to toss children to the opposite side or have them crawl underneath.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen the big day came, I was pretty excited. We moved all our furniture (no easy feat when you're 21 weeks pregnant) and prepped the space by taping out the island location and new light locations.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-QSrvrrsUV-Q\/VxUlmjDbLDI\/AAAAAAAAHTA\/_J-RAHY3oNgKq_-La76TdVvSx5p2In_4wCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6792.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-QSrvrrsUV-Q\/VxUlmjDbLDI\/AAAAAAAAHTA\/_J-RAHY3oNgKq_-La76TdVvSx5p2In_4wCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6792.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GyH7F5iSOXU\/VxUlmkyCopI\/AAAAAAAAHTE\/GTolMMifpU0fpX7NBYf71WF4GrD0RSmRQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6794.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GyH7F5iSOXU\/VxUlmkyCopI\/AAAAAAAAHTE\/GTolMMifpU0fpX7NBYf71WF4GrD0RSmRQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6794.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-w8rqgLLJe5A\/VxUloRelMPI\/AAAAAAAAHTg\/-jlSMudKU-wARSiuGQpS1M9_4F8-iACQgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6813.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-w8rqgLLJe5A\/VxUloRelMPI\/AAAAAAAAHTg\/-jlSMudKU-wARSiuGQpS1M9_4F8-iACQgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6813.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cwbconstruction\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECharles \u003C\/a\u003Eand his team arrived nice and early in the morning and started their work. The first task was putting up the temporary wall. I was shocked by how fast that process went. They were practically done before I was out the door with my coffee. After they got the temporary wall up, they went to town removing the studs. One of his workers commented that the studs were in there really \u003Ci\u003E(really)\u003C\/i\u003E securely. That process took several hours. Then it was time for a break while we waited for the beam to be delivered.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-flHrf26aBtk\/VxUlpq27BaI\/AAAAAAAAHTw\/5RP-f6BoxOoVSJDHuCFfUyTUuZWvNv1XACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6843.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-flHrf26aBtk\/VxUlpq27BaI\/AAAAAAAAHTw\/5RP-f6BoxOoVSJDHuCFfUyTUuZWvNv1XACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6843.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAt this point I snuck back inside to take a look at the progress. First of all, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cwbconstruction\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECWB \u003C\/a\u003Eteam was insanely good at keeping the space clean. In fact, I'm pretty sure the room looked more clean after the work than before. \u003Ci\u003E(Yes...I have sad housekeeping skills)\u003C\/i\u003E Second, Charles was great with keeping me updated where they were in the process and what came next. I work from home so I took up residence in Myrtle for the day. His workers were very polite and quick with their work. Did I mention the cleaning? \u003Ci\u003ESeriously\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the beam arrived, the team went back to work and had everything up and cleaned before the end of the work day. I think I accomplished two contracts, and they removed an entire wall in that day. Makes my two contracts look pitiful in comparison. I spent the evening reveling in the fact I actually had a dining room. I should have been excited about the island and the fact it was doubling my counter space and cabinet space, but look at that dining room! \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-pRNYFK0nAuQ\/VxUlm4EkVBI\/AAAAAAAAHTI\/B1lInJcfECoFRbTXylZ6pYzz-2HP7MKGACLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6803.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-pRNYFK0nAuQ\/VxUlm4EkVBI\/AAAAAAAAHTI\/B1lInJcfECoFRbTXylZ6pYzz-2HP7MKGACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6803.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHow our dining room table used to sit....\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0A6Y_AEkOcg\/VxUlnR4jXkI\/AAAAAAAAHTM\/tvOmvaARcO0fhyOx7yF6uluD4m6LjMDvgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6804.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0A6Y_AEkOcg\/VxUlnR4jXkI\/AAAAAAAAHTM\/tvOmvaARcO0fhyOx7yF6uluD4m6LjMDvgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6804.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EHow we can now have it sit. Yay!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xKTwePlp4h0\/VxUloBchNrI\/AAAAAAAAHTY\/UTZkgi7IoB4AKt7aAmjsGXzZjVU4CKr_QCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6812.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xKTwePlp4h0\/VxUloBchNrI\/AAAAAAAAHTY\/UTZkgi7IoB4AKt7aAmjsGXzZjVU4CKr_QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6812.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-W0rAFiBdkkw\/VxUlnk7v5rI\/AAAAAAAAHTQ\/rwAj__a7I70lO_0dD08duG4xu8HC-9tAwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6805.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-W0rAFiBdkkw\/VxUlnk7v5rI\/AAAAAAAAHTQ\/rwAj__a7I70lO_0dD08duG4xu8HC-9tAwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6805.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rllKY0IR7qw\/VxUlnxz7gwI\/AAAAAAAAHTU\/E_vo11aRAVI6TrYq9lL9B3WBftNTG0tSQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6810.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rllKY0IR7qw\/VxUlnxz7gwI\/AAAAAAAAHTU\/E_vo11aRAVI6TrYq9lL9B3WBftNTG0tSQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6810.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe next day the electrician from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.muthelectric.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMuth Electric\u003C\/a\u003E came out and roughed in all the lights and outlets that had to move and put in my three new lights. The electrician was extremely professional and kind. Ironic enough his wife is having a baby and their ultrasound was that day. We practically had the same due date. He worked quickly, efficiently and to say I was excited to have my new lights in would be an understatement. I picked up a simple dining room light from Lowe's, and the week before work started, I picked up these super cheap pendant lights ($20.00). I gave the shades a quick coat of spray paint and voila, they were just like the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.barnlightelectric.com\/pendant-lighting\/barn-pendant-lights\/the-old-dixie-cord-hung-pendant.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBarn Light Electric\u003C\/a\u003E lights but 1\/10th the cost.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-DkJH16rmrMo\/VxUlop2Y2vI\/AAAAAAAAHTk\/-LL-FC5kuuYtpFzM9F7A1WCRg3xQsdGiwCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6817.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-DkJH16rmrMo\/VxUlop2Y2vI\/AAAAAAAAHTk\/-LL-FC5kuuYtpFzM9F7A1WCRg3xQsdGiwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6817.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gqJpmclrBlI\/VxUlo99OZGI\/AAAAAAAAHTs\/rOpI1ZhXd4QUZSE8zqk-KJf_-ws5V9ImQCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6818.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gqJpmclrBlI\/VxUlo99OZGI\/AAAAAAAAHTs\/rOpI1ZhXd4QUZSE8zqk-KJf_-ws5V9ImQCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6818.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOver-all, I would have to say the process was fantastic. Two days and the wall was gone. If you're in the Brookings area, I would highly recommend \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cwbconstruction\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECWB Construction\u003C\/a\u003E. I started to think about all the next projects I could have them do, but then I remembered I still have to build an island, plank an entire ceiling, put new floors in...oh and have a baby somewhere in there. I probably should just keep going with kitchen\/living room and baby thing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere's a sneak peek of how the island building is going. I'm in love with it already. :) My husband is just happy to reclaim half his garage after two years of storage.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FCyTDHZsHPQ\/VxUlpAOYImI\/AAAAAAAAHTo\/vuN7Ps86GPQ1k8zzHR8TrTfLn3E07f7CgCLcB\/s1600\/IMG_6838.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FCyTDHZsHPQ\/VxUlpAOYImI\/AAAAAAAAHTo\/vuN7Ps86GPQ1k8zzHR8TrTfLn3E07f7CgCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6838.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1918735723101202137\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1918735723101202137\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1918735723101202137"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1918735723101202137"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/04\/removing-great-wall-of-ugly-house.html","title":"Removing the Great Wall of Ugly House"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3LqtaRjnNYA\/VxUmGJ-2cQI\/AAAAAAAAHT0\/0ejQIhYA9NU_CXYKLvKz0IQDcahE7AL4ACLcB\/s72-c\/IMG_6809.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2032954459029725659"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-11T14:53:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-11T14:53:35.154-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Peel and Stick Flooring in Vintage Trailers"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Good Afternoon,\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had a fun weekend spiffing up Myrtle. I also got a chance to move all our camping supplies into her, so we're almost ready for our first outing. The foam for the new cushions arrives this week with fabric will soon follow.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen we got Myrtle, she had some vinyl flooring. It was fairly new, (very) securely attached and pretty darn ugly. Eventually I may want to go more time specific and go back to the VCT tiles in blue and yellow, but for right now I wanted something quick, cheap and easy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6u2VAQ4YNJY\/Vwv-Z4T62KI\/AAAAAAAAHRs\/ictKP-K0k_Aad3Jj5Xw5kHfoLsIXtZ_9g\/s1600\/IMG_6655.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6u2VAQ4YNJY\/Vwv-Z4T62KI\/AAAAAAAAHRs\/ictKP-K0k_Aad3Jj5Xw5kHfoLsIXtZ_9g\/s640\/IMG_6655.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EVinyl peel and stick plank flooring was just the ticket. I only needed one box (although I'm about 1 board short to finish up next to gaucho bed), so the entire endeavor cost me $40.00 and 2-3 hours. It's not only easy to install, but you can cut it with a utility knife, which makes installing even easier. I cleaned the floors before we started. Since I couldn't keep the two munchkins from tracking dirt in as I went along, I also swept each section prior to putting any planks down.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-K9APgLapSQk\/Vwv-aHPx3XI\/AAAAAAAAHRw\/zFJCJRz8PvsG_52ldj4cJwUQHT4kiiDkQ\/s1600\/IMG_6744.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-K9APgLapSQk\/Vwv-aHPx3XI\/AAAAAAAAHRw\/zFJCJRz8PvsG_52ldj4cJwUQHT4kiiDkQ\/s640\/IMG_6744.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt may not last forever, but it will get us through a couple of seasons looking mighty fine. The change was pretty dramatic and it doesn't look nearly as dirty as the old\/new white tiles did.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-df4gBde7EdA\/Vwv-ZA-pv4I\/AAAAAAAAHRg\/IPcx1R_ljBA-AwkrO1eirHZh9nzeX_XxQ\/s1600\/IMG_6524.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-df4gBde7EdA\/Vwv-ZA-pv4I\/AAAAAAAAHRg\/IPcx1R_ljBA-AwkrO1eirHZh9nzeX_XxQ\/s320\/IMG_6524.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-009N0ZTWLeU\/Vwv-a7WnyXI\/AAAAAAAAHR8\/Q0oaqkT6sl8XqcxBcx_SigdgOHWnynK-Q\/s1600\/IMG_6749.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-009N0ZTWLeU\/Vwv-a7WnyXI\/AAAAAAAAHR8\/Q0oaqkT6sl8XqcxBcx_SigdgOHWnynK-Q\/s320\/IMG_6749.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kTENaPwUc8E\/Vwv-ZJznnGI\/AAAAAAAAHRk\/_RUleypXA1wpCUOozKiA3QguPdQ68WLdA\/s1600\/IMG_6538.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kTENaPwUc8E\/Vwv-ZJznnGI\/AAAAAAAAHRk\/_RUleypXA1wpCUOozKiA3QguPdQ68WLdA\/s320\/IMG_6538.JPG\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GbkpSZCURbE\/Vwv-aUF0GBI\/AAAAAAAAHR0\/-ZH0YFr_gtIBcr9pbh8MTekzVWOdnLn3A\/s1600\/IMG_6746.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GbkpSZCURbE\/Vwv-aUF0GBI\/AAAAAAAAHR0\/-ZH0YFr_gtIBcr9pbh8MTekzVWOdnLn3A\/s320\/IMG_6746.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-n_yJAGRLUJw\/Vwv-aqXoh7I\/AAAAAAAAHR4\/cfnpFn5yR8Yf4Wr8ACWfy9tgAId090fkA\/s1600\/IMG_6748.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-n_yJAGRLUJw\/Vwv-aqXoh7I\/AAAAAAAAHR4\/cfnpFn5yR8Yf4Wr8ACWfy9tgAId090fkA\/s640\/IMG_6748.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-DFM4CltTH7k\/Vwv-bKIrWWI\/AAAAAAAAHSA\/sjwoYAqhuNwFOLfdDGFe0uB3l135A_eWQ\/s1600\/IMG_6750.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-DFM4CltTH7k\/Vwv-bKIrWWI\/AAAAAAAAHSA\/sjwoYAqhuNwFOLfdDGFe0uB3l135A_eWQ\/s640\/IMG_6750.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EJust need one little strip to finish up next to the gaucho bed!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-3IFTVsFRqpQ\/Vwv-bbHRmPI\/AAAAAAAAHSE\/WqO9dYKXlC8qRcy8kPaB-TAhVkp2V_Hcw\/s1600\/IMG_6752.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-3IFTVsFRqpQ\/Vwv-bbHRmPI\/AAAAAAAAHSE\/WqO9dYKXlC8qRcy8kPaB-TAhVkp2V_Hcw\/s640\/IMG_6752.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zqnFJuzpyUM\/VwwAn1efEDI\/AAAAAAAAHSQ\/cXOm2-9g0MYhDXXF8aT7jWrcm89lhjt9g\/s1600\/Trailer%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zqnFJuzpyUM\/VwwAn1efEDI\/AAAAAAAAHSQ\/cXOm2-9g0MYhDXXF8aT7jWrcm89lhjt9g\/s640\/Trailer%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2032954459029725659\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2032954459029725659\u0026isPopup=true","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2032954459029725659"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2032954459029725659"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/04\/diy-peel-and-stick-flooring-in-vintage.html","title":"DIY Peel and Stick Flooring in Vintage Trailers"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6u2VAQ4YNJY\/Vwv-Z4T62KI\/AAAAAAAAHRs\/ictKP-K0k_Aad3Jj5Xw5kHfoLsIXtZ_9g\/s72-c\/IMG_6655.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1925537588768425557"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-06T11:22:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-06T11:28:38.093-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Vintage Trailer Paint: Adding Some Sunshine to Myrtle"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI've been planning to paint the door of Myrtle since I got her home. The door will need to be rebuilt since it's damaged at the bottom, but until then I wanted to do something about the rust showing through.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rd0CULxK6Bg\/VwUwZUnpXtI\/AAAAAAAAHQM\/VaLc8F01LQsBDH9yMXLqnt2OmTLjlBQ4w\/s1600\/IMG_6684.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rd0CULxK6Bg\/VwUwZUnpXtI\/AAAAAAAAHQM\/VaLc8F01LQsBDH9yMXLqnt2OmTLjlBQ4w\/s400\/IMG_6684.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs a disclaimer, I don't know what I'm doing. I have done research, I rely on the Tin Can Tourist and Vintage Holiday Rambler groups, and I pull my knowledge to work from my house renovations and crafting endeavors. So, when it came to painting the door, I pulled from my years of experience painting various items. The door is metal. There's rust. The first thing I did was scrap off any loose paint\/rust. Then I sanded down the front and back of the door. Since I didn't want to remove the door from the trailer, I taped off around the door, on the window and on the door knob. I used heavy duty contractor paper around the door to keep the extra spray from getting on the trailer. The paint conditions were pretty amazing yesterday after 5:00 pm. No wind, 60 degrees and no humidity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-I0mpZzlotCY\/VwUwZEgUwyI\/AAAAAAAAHQE\/00xNMWAsGPwOJqDzVAdvEAN33FdxtkTmg\/s1600\/IMG_6705.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-I0mpZzlotCY\/VwUwZEgUwyI\/AAAAAAAAHQE\/00xNMWAsGPwOJqDzVAdvEAN33FdxtkTmg\/s640\/IMG_6705.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENext it was time to prime. Since this trailer will be going down the road and exposed to the elements, I went with \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.rustoleum.com\/product-catalog\/consumer-brands\/stops-rust\/automotive-primer-spray\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ERust-Oleum's Automobile Primer\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZGMVk7aeXN8\/VwUwZZZ1OOI\/AAAAAAAAHQI\/Sgbzw_qyqpsvOAEsvtMaC4BhZ274gFPbg\/s1600\/IMG_6706.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZGMVk7aeXN8\/VwUwZZZ1OOI\/AAAAAAAAHQI\/Sgbzw_qyqpsvOAEsvtMaC4BhZ274gFPbg\/s400\/IMG_6706.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn hindsight, I wish I would have primed the entire door because it makes it easier to get a smooth cohesive look with the top coat (see my bumper paint below), but I just did anywhere that looked like it was rusting or just starting to wear.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gDWoV2L440E\/VwUwaECxcBI\/AAAAAAAAHQQ\/bD0wJ0TAhq0bp9geGX_6PbcJA-vLUE99g\/s1600\/IMG_6708.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gDWoV2L440E\/VwUwaECxcBI\/AAAAAAAAHQQ\/bD0wJ0TAhq0bp9geGX_6PbcJA-vLUE99g\/s640\/IMG_6708.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter I was done with my door, I noticed my bumper was in pretty rough shape. I thought I would just do a quick sand job, paint over it and be done.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-uHSnegdljXc\/VwUwaIQZ0bI\/AAAAAAAAHQU\/fl11DaM1rbMOlsmW1h4VUbA0mPdsjEiIw\/s1600\/IMG_6709.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-uHSnegdljXc\/VwUwaIQZ0bI\/AAAAAAAAHQU\/fl11DaM1rbMOlsmW1h4VUbA0mPdsjEiIw\/s640\/IMG_6709.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThen all the paint came off! I think the previous owners may have just used a interior latex paint without any sort of primer, so it flaked right off. I went over the entire thing with a scrapper and ended up getting almost all of the paint off the bumper.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-LwH9JyfGMTc\/VwUwatN6npI\/AAAAAAAAHQY\/wfKUhgg040czuCMDOutzsj2Xzo7xgM00A\/s1600\/IMG_6710.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-LwH9JyfGMTc\/VwUwatN6npI\/AAAAAAAAHQY\/wfKUhgg040czuCMDOutzsj2Xzo7xgM00A\/s640\/IMG_6710.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter scraping the loose paint off, I went back through and sanded everything (especially any paint that wasn't flaking). I also added a piece of contractor paper to keep the spray paint from getting on my trailer.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1EKRUG0QqAw\/VwUwbTLEcxI\/AAAAAAAAHQg\/0urdRrhw9iUGqrPMc6Bc7pGNvLaPNsiwQ\/s1600\/IMG_6711.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1EKRUG0QqAw\/VwUwbTLEcxI\/AAAAAAAAHQg\/0urdRrhw9iUGqrPMc6Bc7pGNvLaPNsiwQ\/s640\/IMG_6711.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince the entire bumper was worn, I gave it one solid coat of primer. I'm glad I painted the entire bumper, because the top coat color went on nice and even.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-vYVFWSL3eqw\/VwUwbTBL5qI\/AAAAAAAAHQc\/hXowZx0GbVQQQdJd0V_Zc7Cd-ItqnSGyQ\/s1600\/IMG_6713.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-vYVFWSL3eqw\/VwUwbTBL5qI\/AAAAAAAAHQc\/hXowZx0GbVQQQdJd0V_Zc7Cd-ItqnSGyQ\/s400\/IMG_6713.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided to go with a nice bright yellow if I was going to be redoing the entire bumper. I used \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.valsparpaint.com\/en\/find-the-right-product\/exterior\/spray-paint-1\/outdoor-spray-paint.html#\/colors\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EValspar Outdoor spray paint\u003C\/a\u003E. It's meant to be outdoors all the time. I've had pretty good luck with all my Rust-Oleum and Valspar spray paint projects in my yard. After a couple of winters, nothing is showing wear yet (even paint on plastics), so I'm pretty sure this one will work out pretty good as well. Ideally, an automobile paint would have been better or an enamel. However, they don't have the same color selection as other types of spray paint, so I took my chances with the outdoor spray paint. However, when it comes time to paint the entire trailer, I will be using a good quality automobile paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IzRlaEJl4dk\/VwUwb9MFmfI\/AAAAAAAAHQk\/vTL5ppxkchItUT4FMo0jv_rG47LWPNj-A\/s1600\/IMG_6715.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IzRlaEJl4dk\/VwUwb9MFmfI\/AAAAAAAAHQk\/vTL5ppxkchItUT4FMo0jv_rG47LWPNj-A\/s640\/IMG_6715.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4nF1rB1INaw\/VwUwcWG_xHI\/AAAAAAAAHQo\/ZszpMi-kxi4hCzA5g76Bmn9ClwdKXR-oA\/s1600\/IMG_6717.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4nF1rB1INaw\/VwUwcWG_xHI\/AAAAAAAAHQo\/ZszpMi-kxi4hCzA5g76Bmn9ClwdKXR-oA\/s640\/IMG_6717.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOkay, back to the door. Since I didn't prime the entire door, I had blotches of dark primer showing through as I painted. I ended up using 3 cans of spray paint on the front door and only about a half of one on the bumper. Lesson learned. \u003Ci\u003E(Note..the white paint on the door window is from the previous owner's DIY paint job. I'll be getting that off next)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bYcPK1Mfkus\/VwUwdPhz8PI\/AAAAAAAAHQw\/1v9Bpp8cvvMISqSB7ADauYoQdlat3Ltxg\/s1600\/IMG_6719.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bYcPK1Mfkus\/VwUwdPhz8PI\/AAAAAAAAHQw\/1v9Bpp8cvvMISqSB7ADauYoQdlat3Ltxg\/s640\/IMG_6719.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn the back of the door, I decided to do something fun. I used a black chalkboard paint. The chalkboard paint covered extremely well. I only used 1 and a 1\/4 can to get the entire door painted.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso do you see the random white on the window seal? Also the previous owner's DIY paint job. They painted the black seal with white latex paint. A large chunk of the white paint came off just with painters tape. So I'll be finishing up the job and there will be no white when I'm done. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yLYQkeOCynI\/VwUwdBBEdMI\/AAAAAAAAHQ0\/wBvxzmkTRx8g4oTwyij6x5eA8NMdHMm0A\/s1600\/IMG_6722.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yLYQkeOCynI\/VwUwdBBEdMI\/AAAAAAAAHQ0\/wBvxzmkTRx8g4oTwyij6x5eA8NMdHMm0A\/s640\/IMG_6722.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZrxuW8cLcJ0\/VwUwdCyL5qI\/AAAAAAAAHQs\/fr2oQWvWJ1sT9Q3YtwCx__OmtUtmN-ZvA\/s1600\/IMG_6724.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZrxuW8cLcJ0\/VwUwdCyL5qI\/AAAAAAAAHQs\/fr2oQWvWJ1sT9Q3YtwCx__OmtUtmN-ZvA\/s640\/IMG_6724.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mR1oKdl4l74\/VwUwd0gSDKI\/AAAAAAAAHQ4\/fvVijloq0aEnkGMVE586EnaCihBAmAd4A\/s1600\/IMG_6726.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mR1oKdl4l74\/VwUwd0gSDKI\/AAAAAAAAHQ4\/fvVijloq0aEnkGMVE586EnaCihBAmAd4A\/s640\/IMG_6726.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIdeally I would have liked a lighter yellow (this one is pretty bright for my tastes) but it works for now and adds some uniqueness to our vintage trailer. It's made me wanted to tape off that random piece of metal on the side and paint it white so it matches.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oy0Wr_Wj3qA\/VwU5LM9LZVI\/AAAAAAAAHRI\/gF4ZfwaZk4INuDvY4YM6YqXzUmluGrZCA\/s1600\/Door%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oy0Wr_Wj3qA\/VwU5LM9LZVI\/AAAAAAAAHRI\/gF4ZfwaZk4INuDvY4YM6YqXzUmluGrZCA\/s640\/Door%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"550\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1925537588768425557\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1925537588768425557\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1925537588768425557"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1925537588768425557"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/04\/diy-vintage-trailer-paint-adding-some.html","title":"DIY Vintage Trailer Paint: Adding Some Sunshine to Myrtle"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rd0CULxK6Bg\/VwUwZUnpXtI\/AAAAAAAAHQM\/VaLc8F01LQsBDH9yMXLqnt2OmTLjlBQ4w\/s72-c\/IMG_6684.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4535339159936846761"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-30T16:18:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-03-30T16:19:15.209-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Myrtle the Turtle"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Myrtle the Aluminum Turtle"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have finally decided what to name our trailer. I put the question out to my readers on my Facebook page and got tons of great ideas. I liked Ethel, Blue Betty, and many of the others. But after brainstorming about it and changing my mind 100 times, I decided to pick something completely different. The 63 Rambler is now officially named Myrtle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMyrtle. You probably are thinking...what in the heck? Well there's a story behind that name. My grandmother's name was Myrtle. My husband and I have always thought that a child's middle name should mean something. My daughter is named after his great aunt and mother. My son is named after my grandfather and my husband's grandfather. When we were pregnant with my daughter, my grandmother told my mom that under NO circumstances was she to allowed to let me name a child after her. My grandmother didn't like her name, and she didn't want to pass it along to her great-grandchildren. I haven't considered her name for my children because of this request (she didn't have a middle name I could use instead).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, for a cool retro travel trailer, I think Myrtle will do just fine. In fact, as you can imagine, she was often associated with \"Myrtle Turtle.\" I think that almost makes sense as well since the trailer is like a little turtle with it's aluminium shell. I thought about using green in the color scheme, but I think I'll stick with red as my accent color.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, right now I have done some work to add personality into the trailer. Keeping in mind I tried to keep the changes to a minimum, since I'll be doing a more full restoration this fall. (Window restoration, new seals and refinishing the interior walls)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xt3sbaawsbY\/VvxAlSSNtGI\/AAAAAAAAHPo\/GvAy5baEqVUX1xIX4W3eauNH9z8q3f_qw\/s1600\/paint%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xt3sbaawsbY\/VvxAlSSNtGI\/AAAAAAAAHPo\/GvAy5baEqVUX1xIX4W3eauNH9z8q3f_qw\/s640\/paint%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"636\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first thing I did was pull out all the cushions. I thought I might reuse them but it was pretty clear these were the original cushions, and they were pretty darn gross. I decided it was worth the cost of new foam and fabric not to have to sleep on a cess pool of other people's bodily fluids. \u003Ci\u003E(Yeah...I took it there)\u003C\/i\u003E I have a cost saving idea for new foam, which I'll share once we get to that step. After pulling all the cushions out, I disinfected everything so we had a nice clean start.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter all those housekeeping items, it was time to paint. I primed everything that was original to the trailer. I know, I know. There has to be some vintage trailer purest out there that is shaking his\/her fists at me. The problem was there was only a few original items that remained. Those few items didn't match the new pine tongue and groove. I decided one of the two needed to get painted, and I decided not to paint the tongue and groove because 1) there is a ton of it, 2) it's unfinished and 3) would use gallons of paint.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI used a new primer for this project..the high end \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.valsparpaint.com\/en\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EValspar\u003C\/a\u003E Primer (meant for glossy surfaces). The original birch has a very shiny finish. I didn't sand the surface, so I really hope that the primer does what it claims to do. I did two coats of primer and three\/four coats of Olympic One in a custom bright white mix. The original birch was interesting because a yellow-ish hue kept showing through the paint. After the six coats of paint, I decided I would live with the little yellow coming through.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs a reminder, here's what she looked like before I started my work...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KNM31EFLBs0\/Vvw-NmzUm7I\/AAAAAAAAHPQ\/SOUUS3D7ZckQIwmLiwjJkXxIrbjEc4EgQ\/s1600\/IMG_6501.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-KNM31EFLBs0\/Vvw-NmzUm7I\/AAAAAAAAHPQ\/SOUUS3D7ZckQIwmLiwjJkXxIrbjEc4EgQ\/s640\/IMG_6501.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnd here she is after bit of paint...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6uttArCS8L4\/Vvw-5eT4-8I\/AAAAAAAAHPY\/odmd_saD-187XTnnp34Q2pzh7NsCaGG7w\/s1600\/IMG_6626.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6uttArCS8L4\/Vvw-5eT4-8I\/AAAAAAAAHPY\/odmd_saD-187XTnnp34Q2pzh7NsCaGG7w\/s640\/IMG_6626.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003ESo, she's starting to look a bit brighter. Now it was time to add in some color. I took the scratched up old knobs and gave them a new life with some \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.valsparpaint.com\/en\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EValspar\u003C\/a\u003E spray paint in Nautical.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cAYBxWoFsXk\/Vvw-Ev-evJI\/AAAAAAAAHO0\/8BdijQs_fLYTowf9cuLWYB7bjoxq17Miw\/s1600\/IMG_6632.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cAYBxWoFsXk\/Vvw-Ev-evJI\/AAAAAAAAHO0\/8BdijQs_fLYTowf9cuLWYB7bjoxq17Miw\/s640\/IMG_6632.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy final update is adding curtains. I search and searched for fabric to fit into my color scheme (Aqua, Yellow and Red\u003Ci\u003E(?)\u003C\/i\u003E). I finally found a Moda fabric that was a bit vintage and a bit modern. I made curtains for each of the windows and under the sink. The final step was making straps for each curtain and curtain rods out of wooden dowels. I really love how they look in the trailer.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-O1Lkur-AIG0\/Vvw-EgCEOhI\/AAAAAAAAHO8\/jUEr99zrhzAXzJPpofJJpfIV6sdEt7rvg\/s1600\/IMG_6645.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-O1Lkur-AIG0\/Vvw-EgCEOhI\/AAAAAAAAHO8\/jUEr99zrhzAXzJPpofJJpfIV6sdEt7rvg\/s640\/IMG_6645.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WqcpKhWbCjs\/Vvw-Ex6DleI\/AAAAAAAAHO4\/LtFX4_OuJ7gdBo19kNfFxkR8koroyIK5Q\/s1600\/IMG_6633.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WqcpKhWbCjs\/Vvw-Ex6DleI\/AAAAAAAAHO4\/LtFX4_OuJ7gdBo19kNfFxkR8koroyIK5Q\/s400\/IMG_6633.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6rni67ku4SE\/Vvw-GFHDCEI\/AAAAAAAAHPA\/4ZanLMgt48M8MibPVX55PYSpEMXU7ekOg\/s1600\/IMG_6647.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6rni67ku4SE\/Vvw-GFHDCEI\/AAAAAAAAHPA\/4ZanLMgt48M8MibPVX55PYSpEMXU7ekOg\/s400\/IMG_6647.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_ksV4-JoUlY\/Vvw-GtxItmI\/AAAAAAAAHPM\/7Z-cIqcS-KcXv4TX_33chTMovnY0qI5_A\/s1600\/IMG_6651.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_ksV4-JoUlY\/Vvw-GtxItmI\/AAAAAAAAHPM\/7Z-cIqcS-KcXv4TX_33chTMovnY0qI5_A\/s640\/IMG_6651.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OvnwLIWuZbs\/Vvw-GFT9EoI\/AAAAAAAAHPE\/xGwllPDWKkcPpAXeyyEakW_58a-JlY3Jw\/s1600\/IMG_6652.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OvnwLIWuZbs\/Vvw-GFT9EoI\/AAAAAAAAHPE\/xGwllPDWKkcPpAXeyyEakW_58a-JlY3Jw\/s400\/IMG_6652.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-K9aBxpx7dQg\/Vvw-Gq3CaiI\/AAAAAAAAHPI\/D2Fg9Hwmko8XWKoY9xNLJKv5KR4ak9DQA\/s1600\/IMG_6653.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-K9aBxpx7dQg\/Vvw-Gq3CaiI\/AAAAAAAAHPI\/D2Fg9Hwmko8XWKoY9xNLJKv5KR4ak9DQA\/s640\/IMG_6653.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003EOur next steps involves new foam, new upholstery and new flooring. Then it just might be time to take Myrtle on the road.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4535339159936846761\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4535339159936846761\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4535339159936846761"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4535339159936846761"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/03\/myrtle-aluminum-turtle.html","title":"Myrtle the Aluminum Turtle"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Xt3sbaawsbY\/VvxAlSSNtGI\/AAAAAAAAHPo\/GvAy5baEqVUX1xIX4W3eauNH9z8q3f_qw\/s72-c\/paint%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1031315583837544938"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-28T15:37:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-03-28T15:37:27.606-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Driveway Sign"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003EHello!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003EI took a quick break from the fun of the vintage trailer (which does now have a name and some other fun changes...post to come soon) to do a project I've been meaning to complete for a while. We have a random pipe that sticks out from the light post on our property. I have tried to figure out what it was for, but haven't been able to think of anything except to hold a sign.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003ESince there isn't a good way to remove the pipe, and since I now have a fun Christmas sign for it, I decided I just needed to embrace it and make a driveway sign.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OfBRnY6kR9I\/VvmVW8n_bOI\/AAAAAAAAHOg\/w1mPrDvl7l8G1pih0FXEakUnOFYAtsjgQ\/s1600\/IMG_6573.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OfBRnY6kR9I\/VvmVW8n_bOI\/AAAAAAAAHOg\/w1mPrDvl7l8G1pih0FXEakUnOFYAtsjgQ\/s640\/IMG_6573.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003ESince this was a simple project, I used materials I already had (all except the $2.00 I spent on the hardware). Using my \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kregtool.com\/store\/c13\/kreg-jigsreg\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKreg Jig\u003C\/a\u003E, I secured different scrap wood together to make a larger surface. I painted the entire board one color so the different pieces would blend together.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-wLZKA4hvtus\/VvmVVeR-4gI\/AAAAAAAAHOM\/JQ5cGQCiMmcDBE_B3_tlsTeKfre4YcS-g\/s1600\/IMG_6566.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-wLZKA4hvtus\/VvmVVeR-4gI\/AAAAAAAAHOM\/JQ5cGQCiMmcDBE_B3_tlsTeKfre4YcS-g\/s640\/IMG_6566.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003EI decided to try my hand at free painting the flower border. I found some different inspirations online and tried to paint and sketch the flowers by myself. They aren't perfect, but they work well when you add in many colors and different styles. Just don't look too close.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zX5q3cUbAtw\/VvmVVoW2EXI\/AAAAAAAAHOQ\/zm9lygqLFi0-PiFm2cgiw_4l6nn2olV6Q\/s1600\/IMG_6553.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zX5q3cUbAtw\/VvmVVoW2EXI\/AAAAAAAAHOQ\/zm9lygqLFi0-PiFm2cgiw_4l6nn2olV6Q\/s640\/IMG_6553.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003EAfter I was done painting the flowers, I used my tried and true method of printing off letter and\u0026nbsp;transferring\u0026nbsp;it over with\u0026nbsp;carbon paper. The entire thing got cleaned up with an\u0026nbsp;eraser\u0026nbsp;and a final clear coat to\u0026nbsp;seal the wood.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TiN0HeiImDs\/VvmVVkEqNuI\/AAAAAAAAHOU\/iUzUvjroZCAhd_H-IB_TCMZb8nma3Y9xw\/s1600\/IMG_6567.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TiN0HeiImDs\/VvmVVkEqNuI\/AAAAAAAAHOU\/iUzUvjroZCAhd_H-IB_TCMZb8nma3Y9xw\/s640\/IMG_6567.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003EThe final step was to drill some holes for the brackets the helpful \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lowes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELowe's \u003C\/a\u003Eassociate helped me find. I'm really happy with my $2.00 project!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uu7sZi6mxx4\/VvmVWvI0faI\/AAAAAAAAHOY\/cISzThLiNloqBWq0XIw-mTRHcJJYu1jOw\/s1600\/IMG_6572.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uu7sZi6mxx4\/VvmVWvI0faI\/AAAAAAAAHOY\/cISzThLiNloqBWq0XIw-mTRHcJJYu1jOw\/s640\/IMG_6572.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-glp_MSWFPDY\/VvmVW-FqZGI\/AAAAAAAAHOc\/QAno8WKA22kTu8dsJhu_RwtqIb1YN0dvQ\/s1600\/IMG_6619.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-glp_MSWFPDY\/VvmVW-FqZGI\/AAAAAAAAHOc\/QAno8WKA22kTu8dsJhu_RwtqIb1YN0dvQ\/s640\/IMG_6619.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14.6667px;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1031315583837544938\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1031315583837544938\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1031315583837544938"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1031315583837544938"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/03\/diy-driveway-sign.html","title":"DIY Driveway Sign"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OfBRnY6kR9I\/VvmVW8n_bOI\/AAAAAAAAHOg\/w1mPrDvl7l8G1pih0FXEakUnOFYAtsjgQ\/s72-c\/IMG_6573.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-5165134112788389668"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-21T11:23:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-03-21T11:24:17.176-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vintage Travel Trailer Talk"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Introducing our 1963 Holiday Rambler Cab-Over"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had a pretty exciting weekend at our house. After searching for about two years, I finally found a vintage travel trailer for our family. I had found many trailers over the last two years, but it was exceedingly difficult to find one that fit my needs (small, easy to tow) and one that fit my husband's (enough beds for a family of 5, not a complete wreck). I had been looking specifically for a Holiday Rambler. I had done a bit of research, joined a owners group and thought that was really what I was looking for. Two came up during my search but they were both quite far away and were around 23 feet (too big for me).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EJust a note about my search (for those who are also looking). I set up a Craigslist search as a bookmark on my phone and looked at the most recent listings within so many miles every single day. (Yes...2 years of looking \u003Cu\u003Eevery day\u003C\/u\u003E). I also set up a custom search on eBay and organized my results by distance. I did have some local trailers come up on eBay so it was worth having the alert set up.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI finally found a vintage trailer on Craigslist a few weeks ago. It was a pretty perfect solution. Since it was a cab-over model, it had two bunks, a gaucho bed, and room for a dinette bed. Cab-overs are a bit more rare, and I think they have a bit of a cool factor as a result. The seller had taken the trailer down to studs and repaired any damage (the real killer of a vintage trailer is water). I hesitated because it was over three hours away, and the seller didn't know what brand trailer it was. (I had guessed by searching on Google it was a Yellowstone) The idea of driving three hours without much idea of the condition of the trailer or if it would even make the trip back made me sit on my hands for a couple of weeks.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided to at least email the seller just to see what he had to say about the condition. That really ended up being the reason I decided to purchase it. He was very forthcoming about what work had been done and needed to be done. He took it somewhere local and had the tires looked at and the wheel bearings repacked. So, on Saturday afternoon we dropped the kids off at grandma and grandpa's, and headed north. Since I thought I was purchasing a Yellowstone, I left the Holiday owners group I had been stalking for two years and decided to give up on that part of my dream.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JlXOMaZwyL0\/VvAah4vsmtI\/AAAAAAAAHMQ\/kK8fI-5jESIx74ecyBVvR6_kzP84E84VA\/s1600\/IMG_6475.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JlXOMaZwyL0\/VvAah4vsmtI\/AAAAAAAAHMQ\/kK8fI-5jESIx74ecyBVvR6_kzP84E84VA\/s640\/IMG_6475.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce we got to the trailer (three hours of loud country music singing later..\u003Ci\u003Eahem husband\u003C\/i\u003E), we started to look over the trailer. There were problems here and there. Two windows had been removed (which I knew had happened), but the remaining original ones were caked in silicon caulk (\u003Ci\u003ENEVER USE THIS ON VINTAGE TRAILERS!!!\u003C\/i\u003E) and expanding foam (both fixable but a HUGE pain to deal with). The finishing work wasn't terribly great, and I wasn't a fan of the ceiling material. But in reality, those were very small things. One huge surprise and almost made me jump up and down with excitement was a little painted over sign on the outside. To my surprise, this trailer was a Holiday Rambler. I felt like an idiot for not realizing it sooner. It was missing the trademark quilted design (a design that apparently made it's depute a few years later), so I didn't even think to check.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2baqoGvS1z0\/VvAajE-excI\/AAAAAAAAHMg\/L6907Jwzw_ckzKe5xcwhT6QkR8J7zz0-A\/s1600\/IMG_6491.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2baqoGvS1z0\/VvAajE-excI\/AAAAAAAAHMg\/L6907Jwzw_ckzKe5xcwhT6QkR8J7zz0-A\/s640\/IMG_6491.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I49cYon5mjU\/VvAb9dxjCBI\/AAAAAAAAHNo\/G1b_qfSY3w0aAKdGtACr_UoPYNbaV2H-g\/s1600\/f92884180b2af459cc00b56e2d9f9147.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-I49cYon5mjU\/VvAb9dxjCBI\/AAAAAAAAHNo\/G1b_qfSY3w0aAKdGtACr_UoPYNbaV2H-g\/s400\/f92884180b2af459cc00b56e2d9f9147.jpg\" width=\"308\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe original advertisement for the custom name plates.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, I decided I would try to adjust the price to deal with those various issues (which worked), and we hooked up the trailer and set off home. I spent the entire trip with my fingers crossed that the trailer wouldn't just fall apart during the three hour trip. Every time we went down a hill, my stomach dropped that I would see the trailer cruising beside our truck.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EShe towed beautifully. The size ended up being just right. We pulled in at around 8 pm tired, but happy with our purchase.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYesterday I decided to take a closer look. After speaking with my husband (and mostly to myself), I decided that our renovation will be a two stage project. Since the trailer doesn't leak right now and tows perfectly fine, I'm going to tackle cosmetic things this spring. That includes a bit of paint, new foam and cushion covers, flooring and building a dinette back into the floor plan.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter the camping season this year, we're going to try to do some of the tougher stuff over the winter. My husband wants to remove the new paneling to put it back on a bit more finished. If he's going to remove that, I'm going to tackle the windows and attempt to find replacements for the two large windows that were completely removed. I rejoined the Holiday owners group and already have a lead on some original 1963 window replacements. I'll also tackle the foamed up windows. We'll do a once over on the wiring to make sure it's still in good shape (the previous owner did have that looked over, but I'd like to look again). I want to remove the toilet and furnace (Both are original, but useless to us. I may as well get some more closet space in the process). I also want to reseal the roof and install a new ceiling fan\/vent. The door needs to be completely rebuilt. The last step will be a new paint job on the outside. My husband wants to keep the blue, but I kinda want to go aqua (it \u003Ci\u003Eis \u003C\/i\u003Emy favorite color after all). However, I had a 1972 bug that this project is replacing, and ol' Dum Dum was baby blue as well. Maybe it's fate she remain that way.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe final surprise our '63 had for us was a envelope of paperwork. I didn't notice it until yesterday, but the trailer came with every single piece of original paperwork for the trailer. I have manuals for every appliance in the trailer (regardless if it's still there) and all the original advertisements and information for the trailer itself. It has been really cool going through the paperwork and seeing the notes from the very first owner. I've already had request from fellow 63 owners to upload it into the owners group I'm part of.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0R3k9esE9ek\/VvAamnhsreI\/AAAAAAAAHNU\/roYfqPYSeWYMKlgcpwdcosJTStP80zzpA\/s1600\/IMG_6532.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0R3k9esE9ek\/VvAamnhsreI\/AAAAAAAAHNU\/roYfqPYSeWYMKlgcpwdcosJTStP80zzpA\/s640\/IMG_6532.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ctit1XU40-0\/VvAam0kCdiI\/AAAAAAAAHNY\/GsWqq0GLMHksQYfbEMNKf2zuB-wtuPeZQ\/s1600\/IMG_6533.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ctit1XU40-0\/VvAam0kCdiI\/AAAAAAAAHNY\/GsWqq0GLMHksQYfbEMNKf2zuB-wtuPeZQ\/s400\/IMG_6533.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm not going to go completely original. So much of the original cabinets and appliances have been removed, that I know it's not going to be a full restoration. So it's going to be part restoration and part glamper-ation.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy husband and I still arguing about what to name her. I keep coming back to something Wizard of Oz themed which just makes my husband roll his eyes. We shall see what kind of name she takes on. I already have found my membership with Tin Can Tourist and Ramble On Club invaluable for tutorials and pictures of original trailers. The community of vintage trailers is extremely welcoming, and I'm hoping I can make some events once we get her fixed up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI look forward to sharing the work of our little vintage trailer on my blog! \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/search\/label\/Ugly%20House%20Renovation\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EUgly House\u003C\/a\u003E projects are winding down (for now), so this will be a fun project on the side. Not to mention I'm a huge advocate of families camping. The kids have already asked to sleep in her even though it's about 30 degrees out right now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JlXOMaZwyL0\/VvAah4vsmtI\/AAAAAAAAHMQ\/kK8fI-5jESIx74ecyBVvR6_kzP84E84VA\/s1600\/IMG_6475.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JlXOMaZwyL0\/VvAah4vsmtI\/AAAAAAAAHMQ\/kK8fI-5jESIx74ecyBVvR6_kzP84E84VA\/s640\/IMG_6475.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EPaint job is fairly new (and DIY upclose). It's missing a couple extra lines of paint, but it's pretty close to the original design. The awning rail is still there, and I plan on getting a vintage recreation made.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hH6of7dz4bc\/VvAahqlGvXI\/AAAAAAAAHMM\/MprAFC5bTI0DWXS4-nj-_FX13-Rg7Lqag\/s1600\/IMG_6468.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hH6of7dz4bc\/VvAahqlGvXI\/AAAAAAAAHMM\/MprAFC5bTI0DWXS4-nj-_FX13-Rg7Lqag\/s640\/IMG_6468.JPG\" width=\"358\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;The previous owner removed the large back window and the large front window (to add air). We're going to put those back in eventually if I can find recreations or original replacements. All lights on the outside work.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-guuRfjKQbf8\/VvAaiAFAOYI\/AAAAAAAAHMU\/QBxHQn-kyJUBzyMbzIdq5mZEFErlVwIyQ\/s1600\/IMG_6488.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-guuRfjKQbf8\/VvAaiAFAOYI\/AAAAAAAAHMU\/QBxHQn-kyJUBzyMbzIdq5mZEFErlVwIyQ\/s400\/IMG_6488.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EBunk windows are packed full of expanding foam. I will be pulling these windows this summer and replacing the glass on the one broken one. A good cleaning and new seals should make them good as new.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-KSp9ir61gI0\/VvAaitKECWI\/AAAAAAAAHMY\/SQfEKYxaQsMcAJRiKEdY5DxDNqMCytYrw\/s1600\/IMG_6489.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-KSp9ir61gI0\/VvAaitKECWI\/AAAAAAAAHMY\/SQfEKYxaQsMcAJRiKEdY5DxDNqMCytYrw\/s640\/IMG_6489.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EWe aren't exactly sure what we're going to do here. We're thinking we want to keep the A\/C for convenience sake, but we also really like the original windows. We have to do something with that spare tire set up.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zyzHkckyDBY\/VvAai7YG6WI\/AAAAAAAAHMc\/u7JPwZokg7wu-E9nPXQiNVqbsj4MWk_Ow\/s1600\/IMG_6490.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zyzHkckyDBY\/VvAai7YG6WI\/AAAAAAAAHMc\/u7JPwZokg7wu-E9nPXQiNVqbsj4MWk_Ow\/s400\/IMG_6490.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;The old windows were replaced with these new sliding windows. I don't know if we'll keep these. The original ones were much larger.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IlfBHFF9XGY\/VvAajS7gYAI\/AAAAAAAAHMk\/36qyqDzt73Uhrwj8Mr563L_yeFUUyvZPg\/s1600\/IMG_6492.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IlfBHFF9XGY\/VvAajS7gYAI\/AAAAAAAAHMk\/36qyqDzt73Uhrwj8Mr563L_yeFUUyvZPg\/s400\/IMG_6492.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe trim needs to be pulled and resealed properly. (People. Quit using expandable foam!!!!)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-srvL2pjH06c\/VvAajnxuNVI\/AAAAAAAAHMo\/1wQMQnUUE3471H0WPUF1F_TWMRx0jyFfw\/s1600\/IMG_6494.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-srvL2pjH06c\/VvAajnxuNVI\/AAAAAAAAHMo\/1wQMQnUUE3471H0WPUF1F_TWMRx0jyFfw\/s400\/IMG_6494.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ESmall dents here and there from hail. We probably aren't going to get too worked up about that. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RGqsgtprAyA\/VvAakH_gJuI\/AAAAAAAAHMw\/ycaq73aqb70Hka8avuStVhGnbsTzx7NWA\/s1600\/IMG_6498.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RGqsgtprAyA\/VvAakH_gJuI\/AAAAAAAAHMw\/ycaq73aqb70Hka8avuStVhGnbsTzx7NWA\/s640\/IMG_6498.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe door needs some TLC. I found instructions online on how to rebuild the door from scratch so I think that will be our fix this winter.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pmilyI4NSqI\/VvAakYM_CKI\/AAAAAAAAHM0\/7dxfLHjchPUcdRBfZ8OjrCf1mEttYhY-A\/s1600\/IMG_6499.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pmilyI4NSqI\/VvAakYM_CKI\/AAAAAAAAHM0\/7dxfLHjchPUcdRBfZ8OjrCf1mEttYhY-A\/s400\/IMG_6499.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-qcqiXMiDh3k\/VvAahsn_A1I\/AAAAAAAAHMI\/nYmwPMxmky8gGYo2HGAgKxIQgqDxi1CRw\/s1600\/IMG_6472.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-qcqiXMiDh3k\/VvAahsn_A1I\/AAAAAAAAHMI\/nYmwPMxmky8gGYo2HGAgKxIQgqDxi1CRw\/s400\/IMG_6472.JPG\" width=\"223\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe interior is in fairly good shape after the previous owner replaced all the paneling and reconfigured the interior. We need to do some finishing work, but it will work nicely for this year.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yFZ8TLrAaM8\/VvAak9P94lI\/AAAAAAAAHM8\/VYevSMq1w9ElOGdHpRbogLSYuKCspZQLA\/s1600\/IMG_6501.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yFZ8TLrAaM8\/VvAak9P94lI\/AAAAAAAAHM8\/VYevSMq1w9ElOGdHpRbogLSYuKCspZQLA\/s640\/IMG_6501.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EGaucho bed pulled flat.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5Q-MbWpswgY\/VvAalHn7WjI\/AAAAAAAAHNA\/yzl9JWfhvXAVuWDs4x4COXLBLq-1cxz_g\/s1600\/IMG_6503.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5Q-MbWpswgY\/VvAalHn7WjI\/AAAAAAAAHNA\/yzl9JWfhvXAVuWDs4x4COXLBLq-1cxz_g\/s640\/IMG_6503.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EFront bunk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bUnpq42kD1g\/VvAalQENTRI\/AAAAAAAAHNE\/HRcxOqbOQYUuKlZOjBCpN72Ljg15T_r5w\/s1600\/IMG_6515.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bUnpq42kD1g\/VvAalQENTRI\/AAAAAAAAHNE\/HRcxOqbOQYUuKlZOjBCpN72Ljg15T_r5w\/s400\/IMG_6515.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Front bunk. Not a fan of the plastic like paneling used on the ceiling. Once we're sure we're water tight, we'll be replacing with a wood paneling.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xKK6_tvP6XY\/VvAalnx8EFI\/AAAAAAAAHNI\/u0uiCmX9_ikB-N9BciKm5SzKPn1M8PbbA\/s1600\/IMG_6519.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xKK6_tvP6XY\/VvAalnx8EFI\/AAAAAAAAHNI\/u0uiCmX9_ikB-N9BciKm5SzKPn1M8PbbA\/s640\/IMG_6519.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EKitchen area. The fridge and stove were removed, but I think we'll just replace the fridge. We do most of our camping cooking over an open fire (pie iron!!!) or on a propane stove.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9YxsWt5CmQI\/VvAamCqIkzI\/AAAAAAAAHNM\/EiLGHwe7-tEV3hLUhxS-8MLqzAMF-39Dw\/s1600\/IMG_6520.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9YxsWt5CmQI\/VvAamCqIkzI\/AAAAAAAAHNM\/EiLGHwe7-tEV3hLUhxS-8MLqzAMF-39Dw\/s400\/IMG_6520.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EOriginal door and furnace. We don't want to hook propane up to the trailer, so I'll be removing the furnace. An electric heater will do the trick if we really need it (although we don't camp in very cool temps). The door leads to the worlds smallest bathroom. We'll be removing the original toilet and just add a closet into the room. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-eZgbqRByS4U\/VvAamBTzCYI\/AAAAAAAAHNQ\/Vq5sm5DexLoU02Ri4RRXyMib4hS6Mm_HQ\/s1600\/IMG_6524.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-eZgbqRByS4U\/VvAamBTzCYI\/AAAAAAAAHNQ\/Vq5sm5DexLoU02Ri4RRXyMib4hS6Mm_HQ\/s640\/IMG_6524.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;We'll be restoring the original foot print in this area to include a folding down dinette set. The table is the original table to the trailer. The ladder will work for now, but we're going to be building a replica of the original. The original actually hooked into the side of the bed to be a guard rail for the top bunk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/5165134112788389668\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=5165134112788389668\u0026isPopup=true","title":"7 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5165134112788389668"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5165134112788389668"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/03\/introducing-our-1963-holiday-rambler.html","title":"Introducing our 1963 Holiday Rambler Cab-Over"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JlXOMaZwyL0\/VvAah4vsmtI\/AAAAAAAAHMQ\/kK8fI-5jESIx74ecyBVvR6_kzP84E84VA\/s72-c\/IMG_6475.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"7"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6033466933924200449"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-16T12:14:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-03-16T14:06:10.364-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Why NOT to go to Disney World: My Honest Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"It may seem a bit crazy or hypocritical to write a post about why not to go to Disney right after our trip to Disney World.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI went to Disney twice as a kid. I loved those trips. I have fond memories of those vacations, and I was eager to share more memories with my own children.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI did have fun with our children, and we did make fantastic memories. I am grateful we had the opportunity to take our children. However, after our trip, I'm not so sure if I would chose to go again, and here's my honest review why. (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/03\/diy-disney-world-projects-money-saving.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor DIY Disney World Projects and other tips and tricks for your vacation)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-a6GfnlO4Q_A\/VumSKjmVQAI\/AAAAAAAAHLE\/8hyC0bsGac8Hr8Tuo_aDx_2Qer2ELyrJg\/s1600\/Disney%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-a6GfnlO4Q_A\/VumSKjmVQAI\/AAAAAAAAHLE\/8hyC0bsGac8Hr8Tuo_aDx_2Qer2ELyrJg\/s640\/Disney%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. It's Expensive.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMost vacation destinations are expensive. No one will be surprised to hear that a Disney vacation is one of them. What I found a bit shocking was the lack of bang for your buck.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, you spend approximately $400.00 to take a family of four to Magic Kingdom for one day. That doesn't include food or hotel. We went during a non-peak time. Most rides had a 40 to 90 minute wait. You get three fast passes to use. So, unless you get to the park at rope drop or stay late (both not great options with young children), you may ride 5 or so rides. That's almost $80.00 a ride. A ride that you waited an hour to get on and only took 5 minutes to do. Ouch.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. \u0026nbsp;It's Outdated.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThose rides aren't exactly the most exciting rides either. As an adult (and after visiting Universal Studios last year), the rides seem pretty dated. Our children didn't want to visit the thrill rides (which are also fairly old apart from the seven dwarfs ride).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-uWlJs5-7pPg\/VumSybbkvtI\/AAAAAAAAHLQ\/JGc4LmGvdC8S-p6CMUh8TJvg0eHcEVO4A\/s1600\/MK_MINETRAIN_7615719353.jpeg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-uWlJs5-7pPg\/VumSybbkvtI\/AAAAAAAAHLQ\/JGc4LmGvdC8S-p6CMUh8TJvg0eHcEVO4A\/s400\/MK_MINETRAIN_7615719353.jpeg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EOur daughter very much not enjoying the new Seven Dwarfs roller coaster.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow to be fair, my children thought they were all pretty cool since we don't do amusement parks often. I know there's a delicate line of keeping classic rides and adding new rides. However, I found some of the new rides (Pan, Pooh and the Little Mermaid) were pretty boring. Lots of animatronics with black lights. Little Mermaid broke down a few times as well as the Buzz Lightyear ride. Toy Story Midway Mania was a blast, but it was the only ride that had the same technology that Universal uses almost exclusively. The wait on that ride was around 2 hours without a Fastpass+. I noticed that Universal studios often uses a mixture of 3D technology with a roller coaster like experience so you feel like you're actually inside the movie. I wish Disney would catch up with the times and use the same technology. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Customer Service is Lacking.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI know there's many people out there that are going to think that I'm crazy for saying that the customer service wasn't good at Disney. They, after all, have rules like the \"No Sad Kids Rule.\" However, I had two particularly bad experiences with my time at Disney and nothing came of talking to their customer service team about it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst of all, I got food poisoning. We ate at our hotel (Pop Century) the last night we were there, and like clock work 3 to 4 hours later, I was very sick. Not only does being sick simply suck, but I'm also pregnant. So, I spent the entire morning feeling terrible and then had to get on a plane for 3 hours and in a car for 4 hours. It was a LONG day. I'm glad that we didn't get the dining package because I would have been terrified to eat at the same restaurant after that experience, not to mention that I would have been freaked out to eat at any quick service restaurant after that.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe second experience really got my feathers ruffled. I decided before we went to Disney, we would purchase the Memory Maker package. The main goal of getting the package was to get the pictures of the character interactions, because I knew I'd be busy handling the kids and autograph books. The pictures with the characters aren't anything particularly special, but at least I got the pictures.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUntil we went to see Anna and Elsa. Yes. The two characters my daughter was so excited to see didn't have functional cameras. Now the real pain, what really makes me angry, is they didn't realize that the cameras weren't working. So, I didn't take my own pictures. Stupid, I know. But, I trusted since every other time the cameras worked, they would that time. This is our picture with Elsa.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NvwysnzGIeg\/VumSbAg_54I\/AAAAAAAAHLI\/B16c2KDt-DoZa9f_hpGTz_Y3FdL2A122w\/s1600\/MK_PFTHBLUEA1CHAR_7618362390.jpeg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NvwysnzGIeg\/VumSbAg_54I\/AAAAAAAAHLI\/B16c2KDt-DoZa9f_hpGTz_Y3FdL2A122w\/s320\/MK_PFTHBLUEA1CHAR_7618362390.jpeg\" width=\"213\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EReally great huh? When I contacted customer service, I was basically told, too bad, too sad. So, in what world would anyone ever purchase Memory Maker in advance when it's possible the pictures won't even turn out? I won't be doing it in the future for this simple reason. When you purchase a service, you expect that service to work. If the service doesn't work, which I understands happens sometimes, there seems like there should be some sort of response other than \"Well darn, that happens some times.\" Avoid Memory Maker and purchase the pictures after the fact if you want them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECan we also take a minute to say that many cast members were down right grumpy? I can think of maybe 2 or 3 that actually seemed to like their jobs...and they included the Jungle Cruise captain, a security guard one day we went into Magic Kingdom and....well that's really the only people that left a lasting impression.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. Character Interactions were Boring.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI think my expectations on character interactions was probably too high. Maybe I remember the days when you'd run into a character at Disney and they would take some time to have fun. I remember when I went on my first trip, Chip and Dale stole my autograph book. My brother and I had a good laugh at the entire thing. Goofy and Pluto did dance with our kids, but other than that it was pretty clear that the goal was to get as many people in front of the characters as possible. The children were practically pushed out after their picture. The picture that may or may not turn out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI do have to say the story time with Belle was one exception. That experience really is exceptional. My daughter loved the fact she could be part of the story. And I couldn't help but laugh at my son being a little salt shaker. I would say of all the experiences at Disney, that one was the one that lived up to the Disney magic I have heard so much about.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vhn5nKsdAwE\/VumTJYpNV9I\/AAAAAAAAHLY\/zufnOCV8P3QtywxUQVH1E67LZMymATsag\/s1600\/MK_ENCHANTEDTALESGOLD_380798185184.jpeg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vhn5nKsdAwE\/VumTJYpNV9I\/AAAAAAAAHLY\/zufnOCV8P3QtywxUQVH1E67LZMymATsag\/s320\/MK_ENCHANTEDTALESGOLD_380798185184.jpeg\" width=\"213\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn the flip side, we did the Disney Junior character meal at Hollywood and Vine. I have a feeling our experience is probably on par with most character meals. The food was marginal, the kids got maybe a minute with the characters and it was our most expensive meal. Plus, no photographers for your Memory Maker that may or may not work.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESo, if you decide to go to Disney this is what I would suggest:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Don't do the Disney Dining Plan.\u003C\/b\u003E Now, I know if you have two hungry teenage boys, the plan might make sense for you. However, we did the math and to get our money's worth our five year old would have had to start eating like a NFL linebacker. We decided to spend our money on ordering groceries and one nice meal (our character meal). That being said, we only spent approximately $400.00 on dining for the 5 days we were there (plus $50.00 on groceries).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Make Fastpass+ reservations early in the morning. \u003C\/b\u003EOnce you use up your Fastpasses, you can get more. Really they are the only way you're going to get do some of the rides. During our 2 1\/2 day visit, I didn't see the wait for Peter Pan go down to below 60 minutes. That's a long wait in a boring queue for a short ride. Even the Jungle Cruise was 60 minutes or more most of the time. And that ride has been around since my parents were diapers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3.\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cb\u003EPlan out important character interactions. \u003C\/b\u003EIf you're kids are into character experiences, make sure you plan out which ones are the \"must see\" ones. We knew that Anna \u0026amp; Elsa and Mickey were the most important so we had Fastpasses for those. Lines often go down for Mickey during parades, so keep that in mind. And think about the time you're going to spend waiting v. how much time you get with the character.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kBOpmkgF4nE\/VumUEfE1xrI\/AAAAAAAAHLo\/swRgqQ4JoEg_lhRAz_aG-ZcOeacmACqlw\/s1600\/MK_TSTHEATER%2BACHAR_7615440906.jpeg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kBOpmkgF4nE\/VumUEfE1xrI\/AAAAAAAAHLo\/swRgqQ4JoEg_lhRAz_aG-ZcOeacmACqlw\/s320\/MK_TSTHEATER%2BACHAR_7615440906.jpeg\" width=\"213\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThat's one kid that is excited to meet Mickey.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. Think twice about Memory Maker.\u003C\/b\u003E My son doesn't like pictures. I didn't think of this when I bought my package. He rarely would look at the camera. I could have easily gotten the pictures taken without Memory Maker and just purchased the ones he was actually looking in. Plus, as I stated above, you never know if the pictures will actually work. So, you need to take your own back ups anyways.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RdDQbKc95Qo\/VumTtBq4roI\/AAAAAAAAHLg\/mE_CasDYHGotI7Jz1BJMY1nhjEJrfTdfw\/s1600\/MK_ENTR_7617870749.jpeg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RdDQbKc95Qo\/VumTtBq4roI\/AAAAAAAAHLg\/mE_CasDYHGotI7Jz1BJMY1nhjEJrfTdfw\/s320\/MK_ENTR_7617870749.jpeg\" width=\"213\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EIsn't this one flattering photo?!? Yikes.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E5. Think twice about character meals.\u003C\/b\u003E At our meal we got maybe a minute with each character. The food was okay. We had to wait almost a half hour for our reservation and since we didn't get seated quickly, the characters left before we were done with our meal. It cost our family of four (with a 5 and 3 year old) almost $200.00. Really, that's pretty crazy. I don't think we'd bother with a character meal in the future simply because there is nothing special about the interaction. We could have gotten more time with the characters if we had found them \"in the wild.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E6. Don't do pin trading.\u003C\/b\u003E I saw I think 3 cast members the entire time we were at Disney with pins. That was quite the change from the last time we went when I think I saw most cast members with pins. Not mention, apart from one person, the cast members with pins weren't very friendly. My kids didn't want to ask them to trade pins with them for that reason.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOver-all, we did have fun and I don't want to be a complete downer. It was a family vacation we'll remember forever. I just think we'll do something else for our next family vacation (an all-inclusive resort sounds pretty amazing).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6033466933924200449\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6033466933924200449\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6033466933924200449"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6033466933924200449"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/03\/why-not-to-go-to-disney-world-my-honest.html","title":"Why NOT to go to Disney World: My Honest Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-a6GfnlO4Q_A\/VumSKjmVQAI\/AAAAAAAAHLE\/8hyC0bsGac8Hr8Tuo_aDx_2Qer2ELyrJg\/s72-c\/Disney%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1270834629007863398"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-10T16:43:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-03-10T16:43:57.543-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Silhouette"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Disney World Projects \u0026 Money Saving Tips"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello,\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur family recently came back from our first family vacation to Disney World. The two kiddos outside my stomach had a blast, and the one in my stomach was kind enough to give me a break for the week. That's right. Our family is about to expand by one more. Which means I have a ton of home improvements to finish in 5 months and no energy to get anything done.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QMWc0SVeD9M\/VuH29-DX6OI\/AAAAAAAAHKU\/jRUqV3hRJcw\/s1600\/IMG_5999.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QMWc0SVeD9M\/VuH29-DX6OI\/AAAAAAAAHKU\/jRUqV3hRJcw\/s400\/IMG_5999.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen we decided to go to Disney, we wanted to have fun but not break the bank. Disney can be expensive (duh). So, I decided to DIY some different projects to save money. I also have some other money saving tips I have included below. These projects would be fun outside of Disney as well. I'm thinking birthday parties, other types of vacations etc.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Disney Themed Shirts\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI bought a package of fabric paint markers. Using these markers, I was able to make four different shirts. Plain color shirts are only $3.00 or so for children, so making our own shirts saved some money and was a fun treat for the kids.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI made three of the shirts using a method I found online. I found a pattern I liked and cut it out on contact paper I had horded.....I mean saved. Mickey ears are rather easy to cut out. I also used my Silhouette cutting machine to cut out letters to make a shirt for myself. Rapunzel thought it was pretty cool.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VmWYkxqbueA\/VuH24bXXhVI\/AAAAAAAAHJQ\/KmbUljg0XEM\/s1600\/IMG_5633.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-VmWYkxqbueA\/VuH24bXXhVI\/AAAAAAAAHJQ\/KmbUljg0XEM\/s400\/IMG_5633.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nzmxl0wHrZg\/VuH24-eSELI\/AAAAAAAAHJU\/UcHp7jlYw3Y\/s1600\/IMG_5634.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nzmxl0wHrZg\/VuH24-eSELI\/AAAAAAAAHJU\/UcHp7jlYw3Y\/s400\/IMG_5634.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-O7hScpAbM6w\/VuH25PfLYHI\/AAAAAAAAHJY\/qbxcbKzxAo4\/s1600\/IMG_5635.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-O7hScpAbM6w\/VuH25PfLYHI\/AAAAAAAAHJY\/qbxcbKzxAo4\/s400\/IMG_5635.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3l_PYuYMS2o\/VuH25f8vRmI\/AAAAAAAAHJc\/_goSBSZtv4U\/s1600\/IMG_5636.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3l_PYuYMS2o\/VuH25f8vRmI\/AAAAAAAAHJc\/_goSBSZtv4U\/s400\/IMG_5636.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_H862P8Rqik\/VuH255nyWHI\/AAAAAAAAHJg\/WyuH8b5gnD4\/s1600\/IMG_5637.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_H862P8Rqik\/VuH255nyWHI\/AAAAAAAAHJg\/WyuH8b5gnD4\/s400\/IMG_5637.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7KH7509E-10\/VuH26u_5jzI\/AAAAAAAAHJs\/klbdcIUuUEM\/s1600\/IMG_5645.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7KH7509E-10\/VuH26u_5jzI\/AAAAAAAAHJs\/klbdcIUuUEM\/s640\/IMG_5645.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qqZ7UouQZqU\/VuH264nOL-I\/AAAAAAAAHJw\/HTUjpTLGcxwjA9ROJoCbNjosIDbzPAqVg\/s1600\/IMG_5648.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qqZ7UouQZqU\/VuH264nOL-I\/AAAAAAAAHJw\/HTUjpTLGcxwjA9ROJoCbNjosIDbzPAqVg\/s640\/IMG_5648.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-i9Qr6rzo6_o\/VuH26LHZGuI\/AAAAAAAAHJk\/PxZX2jQXAOQxHG2gU-kiHdCof-_fnKqQw\/s1600\/IMG_5640.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-i9Qr6rzo6_o\/VuH26LHZGuI\/AAAAAAAAHJk\/PxZX2jQXAOQxHG2gU-kiHdCof-_fnKqQw\/s400\/IMG_5640.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dF2oJ95RQlw\/VuH26ZfIeYI\/AAAAAAAAHJo\/APUA6gW73ZQ\/s1600\/IMG_5641.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-dF2oJ95RQlw\/VuH26ZfIeYI\/AAAAAAAAHJo\/APUA6gW73ZQ\/s400\/IMG_5641.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1kHakVFS6yI\/VuH27PN_JOI\/AAAAAAAAHJ0\/NPk_0eEaxUQ\/s1600\/IMG_5651.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1kHakVFS6yI\/VuH27PN_JOI\/AAAAAAAAHJ0\/NPk_0eEaxUQ\/s320\/IMG_5651.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5_Hh2Q1t_ck\/VuH2-grsQzI\/AAAAAAAAHKc\/oSoCxRHw7AA\/s1600\/IMG_6054.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5_Hh2Q1t_ck\/VuH2-grsQzI\/AAAAAAAAHKc\/oSoCxRHw7AA\/s640\/IMG_6054.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-f5nYmB5LLbU\/VuH1ps0KGYI\/AAAAAAAAHI8\/nHE8KAFTkh4\/s1600\/MK_PFTHPURPLEB1CHAR_7614916173.jpeg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"241\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-f5nYmB5LLbU\/VuH1ps0KGYI\/AAAAAAAAHI8\/nHE8KAFTkh4\/s320\/MK_PFTHPURPLEB1CHAR_7614916173.jpeg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMy shirt says \"Best Day Ever\"\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EThe final method I used was making a Mickey applique. Using a sturdy fusible interfacing, I just had to cut out the design and hand stitch it on to the shirt.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-BUxO3uXJm6w\/VuH2-8d5YcI\/AAAAAAAAHKg\/HfA3Ccqc9m0\/s1600\/IMG_6077.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-BUxO3uXJm6w\/VuH2-8d5YcI\/AAAAAAAAHKg\/HfA3Ccqc9m0\/s320\/IMG_6077.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Drawstring Backpacks\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENeither one of our children are seasoned flyers, so we wanted to make sure they had plenty to keep them occupied on the plane. The trip itself was a surprise and so were all the extra toys. I decided to make each of our children a drawstring bag as carry on for the flight. I filled each bag with treats and new small toys to keep them occupied. It's actually rather easy to make these types of bags. You basically just need to sew a sack and fold over the top for the ribbon to slip through. I would recommend using lighter weight fabric so the bag closes easily.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dXtsX3CH-28\/VuH27r_sf7I\/AAAAAAAAHJ4\/852SbznPikY\/s1600\/IMG_5654.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dXtsX3CH-28\/VuH27r_sf7I\/AAAAAAAAHJ4\/852SbznPikY\/s320\/IMG_5654.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-W9YgfD0Ncmw\/VuH28NNAPnI\/AAAAAAAAHJ8\/rPTwOmGn1EM\/s1600\/IMG_5656.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-W9YgfD0Ncmw\/VuH28NNAPnI\/AAAAAAAAHJ8\/rPTwOmGn1EM\/s320\/IMG_5656.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0MLH_tjyTQI\/VuH28geUqzI\/AAAAAAAAHKE\/1C6RxtmXay8\/s1600\/IMG_5658.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0MLH_tjyTQI\/VuH28geUqzI\/AAAAAAAAHKE\/1C6RxtmXay8\/s320\/IMG_5658.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hrOVbG6vV8s\/VuH28VBPmGI\/AAAAAAAAHKA\/nyjn7mn71lc\/s1600\/IMG_5659.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-hrOVbG6vV8s\/VuH28VBPmGI\/AAAAAAAAHKA\/nyjn7mn71lc\/s400\/IMG_5659.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-j0dGb9gNNp8\/VuH29JSinXI\/AAAAAAAAHKI\/S-0MxebmdNA\/s1600\/IMG_5660.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-j0dGb9gNNp8\/VuH29JSinXI\/AAAAAAAAHKI\/S-0MxebmdNA\/s400\/IMG_5660.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Stroller Identification\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne thing about Disney is there are a ton of strollers. Each stroller parking area is a sea of black, and it can be hard to remember where you put your stroller. Often cast members are rearranging the strollers so they don't block walkways, which means your stroller can be moved to a completely different location. One easy personalization I did was adding yarn around the handles, attached with hot glue. It made it very easy to find our stroller when we were done with our ride. It's also easy to remove after the trip if I would like.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RHkc0Q_WkR4\/VuH29oTP7fI\/AAAAAAAAHKQ\/Ei7QC9Pj1po\/s1600\/IMG_5742.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RHkc0Q_WkR4\/VuH29oTP7fI\/AAAAAAAAHKQ\/Ei7QC9Pj1po\/s640\/IMG_5742.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zgKOiVVLrc8\/VuH29Xd2sWI\/AAAAAAAAHKM\/UDxQbJzKfC4\/s1600\/IMG_5741.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-zgKOiVVLrc8\/VuH29Xd2sWI\/AAAAAAAAHKM\/UDxQbJzKfC4\/s400\/IMG_5741.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. Lanyards\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe decided to take a stab at pin trading. If you're not familiar, cast members wear lanyards with pins and if you have Disney pins, you can swap pins with them. It was a bust for us (more to come on a different post about that) but the kids still loved wearing them. Since the lanyards are nothing more than ribbon, I grabbed some Disney ribbon and made our own for a fraction of the cost.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8QJqDjjYisA\/VuH24Dy05QI\/AAAAAAAAHJI\/_4b8lm_s7F4QuLCdXJ1CVAsPlbfSvBalw\/s1600\/IMG_5603.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8QJqDjjYisA\/VuH24Dy05QI\/AAAAAAAAHJI\/_4b8lm_s7F4QuLCdXJ1CVAsPlbfSvBalw\/s320\/IMG_5603.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qhT1Cx-jO8U\/VuH24MCx19I\/AAAAAAAAHJM\/udoIoMU0ZxUjJLfa0nKm3WdCPvG30CNDQ\/s1600\/IMG_5605.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qhT1Cx-jO8U\/VuH24MCx19I\/AAAAAAAAHJM\/udoIoMU0ZxUjJLfa0nKm3WdCPvG30CNDQ\/s320\/IMG_5605.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EMoney Saving Tips\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EI spent quite a bit of time online reading all sorts of articles before our trip. I've been to Disney twice, when I was in 6th and 11th grade. Going as a parent is a completely different ball game. There's tons of websites out there with hundreds of ideas. Some worked for us, and some didn't.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. Order Groceries Online\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe ordered food via \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gardengrocer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EGarden Grocer\u003C\/a\u003E about 20 days before our trip. We weighed the pros and cons of the Disney Dining Plan before we went, and decided with two picky little eaters, it didn't make sense to have all that food included. I ordered enough food online to cover breakfasts (milk and cereal in the room before we left) and lunches while in the park (wraps, salads and sandwiches). This service really is awesome. We ordered fresh produce so the kids could eat apples instead of junk food all day. I'm still queasy from my pregnancy, so being able to have fresh food made me feel better all day long.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe logistics are very easy too. You order online. They deliver on the day and time frame you request. Luggage services keeps the food in the fridge so it says fresh. You pick up and bring up to your room. The prices were more than fair and the delivery charge was also fair. I believe we spent $60.00 dollars on this food and it covered most lunches and breakfasts. Plus we had snacks and food when we got back to the room later in the evening. Our room had a fridge.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDisney does allow you to bring soft sided coolers in. I packed a medium sized cooler and lots of freezer bags in our checked luggage. We would just double bag ice from the hotel machine and that kept our food cool all day. Since we had a stroller, we just had to hook the cooler there. (I've also heard of people renting a locker for the day and keeping their lunch in that so they didn't have to carry it around) Keep in mind you can pick up jelly and mustard from all the quick service\/hotel dining areas, so you don't need to worry about ordering those items. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEating a sack lunch usually worked out perfect because we would find a quiet place to enjoy our lunch and relax. Our son would usually fall asleep and take a nap during this time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. Buy a Brita Water Filter Water Bottle\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEveryone warned that the water on site is pretty awful tasting. They weren't joking. Since I am pregnant, I knew I needed to drink a ton of water, and I didn't want to haul that around in the park. With the water filter bottle, I could easily go to any water fountain and have great tasting water. It was completely worth the cost.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Bring Glow Sticks\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen it starts to get dark, all the parks start selling glow in the dark thing-a-mijigs. I didn't want to buy a $14.00 glow in the dark sword every single night. So we packed glow sticks in our checked luggage. The kids got the whole cool light up factor, and I saved myself a ton of money. They are available at the $1.00 store.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. Bring {Some} Souvenirs\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-emZo9kLXRNg\/VuH2-dYOTYI\/AAAAAAAAHKY\/3-7YFM4MymE\/s1600\/IMG_6026.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-emZo9kLXRNg\/VuH2-dYOTYI\/AAAAAAAAHKY\/3-7YFM4MymE\/s400\/IMG_6026.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe did allow the kids to each pick out one item they wanted at the parks. We also had Mickey hats made for me and all three kids. (I have hats from my last two trips, so I thought it was fun to get one as a mom). But to avoid buying hundreds of dollars of items they can get for a 1\/4 of the price back home, we brought some with. I packed them discretely in the checked bag and left them out in the morning. When the kids woke up, they thought a special friend had brought them. My daughter was extra excited by her Elsa dress.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E5. \u0026nbsp;Stay on Property\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI know this is a choice that doesn't make sense for everyone, but as a family flying in, there really is no other way. There's free transportation from the airport to the hotel. The Magic Express really has it down to a science on how to get everyone from the airport to their hotel efficiently. When you book early enough, you put special tags on your bag and Disney gets them from baggage claim to your hotel room without you doing a thing. The trip back is just as easy too. You can check your baggage right at the hotel so they take care of getting it to the airport and to the airline. You get your boarding passes at the same time so you're ready to go right into security when you get to the airport. As a resort guest, you get free transportation to all the parks. There's also special magic hours that allow guests to get into the parks early or stay late. Finally, as a resort guest, you get a magic band which is pretty magical. It's your room key, park ticket, photopass, magic express ticket and if you wish, you can use it to pay for items in the park and hotel. We did that option and it was really great to avoid digging in my bag for my wallet.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E6. Use a Disney Travel Agent\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you use a authorized Disney travel agent, you don't pay for their assistance. They get paid directly from Disney. But they have the expertise to get all your reservations set up when it comes flights, hotel, and dining. This helped maximize all the time we spent planning for the vacation and the time we were at Disney.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy next post will explore what I didn't like about our vacation. Including one HUGE mistake on Disney's behalf.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1270834629007863398\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1270834629007863398\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1270834629007863398"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1270834629007863398"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/03\/diy-disney-world-projects-money-saving.html","title":"DIY Disney World Projects \u0026 Money Saving Tips"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-QMWc0SVeD9M\/VuH29-DX6OI\/AAAAAAAAHKU\/jRUqV3hRJcw\/s72-c\/IMG_5999.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3039908696420251116"},"published":{"$t":"2016-02-14T12:00:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-02-14T12:00:01.991-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Color Pencil Block"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Sunday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday's DIY is probably meant for children, but I decided to make it for myself. No regrets.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis summer while on vacation I bought an adult coloring book and color pencils. I spent my vacation relaxing in front of the lake with some wine and coloring. It was pretty much amazing. In an attempt to keep the good vibes up, I've kept coloring. I don't like to sit still especially while watching movies without doing something (knitting, painting, making lists excessively) which drives my husband crazy. \u003Ci\u003EI also talk excessively during movies...so I'm pretty much the worse movie companion ever.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-61rmaNvDEiU\/Vrz2rJsrKNI\/AAAAAAAAHHA\/E5WMpZvorJc\/s1600\/IMG_5499.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-61rmaNvDEiU\/Vrz2rJsrKNI\/AAAAAAAAHHA\/E5WMpZvorJc\/s400\/IMG_5499.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI know there's tons of people that jumped on the coloring band wagon and probably have the same issue I have. I guard my color pencils with my life. I don't let the kids within 20 feet of them without very close supervision. The one time they used them without me watching, half of them were eaten by the dog. When I do go to use them, I always pick out 10 or 15 colors for that particular picture, and the pencils roll around everywhere. They get lost between seat cushions or in a blanket.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EGoodwill to the rescue! I saw several pins where people took a old knife block and turned it into a coloring station for kids. Psh. I'm going to make this for myself.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDIY Color Pencil Station\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JbArCmrP1ok\/Vrz5HyckoWI\/AAAAAAAAHHM\/38p766bZtR0\/s1600\/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JbArCmrP1ok\/Vrz5HyckoWI\/AAAAAAAAHHM\/38p766bZtR0\/s640\/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOld Knife Block (I found a ton at Goodwill. I scored mine for $1.50)\u003Cbr \/\u003EA Piece of Scrap Wood\u003Cbr \/\u003EWood Glue \u0026amp; Clamps\u003Cbr \/\u003EDrill \u0026amp; a Drill Bit (larger than a pencil diameter)\u003Cbr \/\u003EPaint\u003Cbr \/\u003ESandpaper\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-edXRmZC9Xp8\/Vrz2oeKc1tI\/AAAAAAAAHGY\/_8nQzOJBFOk\/s1600\/IMG_5451.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-edXRmZC9Xp8\/Vrz2oeKc1tI\/AAAAAAAAHGY\/_8nQzOJBFOk\/s400\/IMG_5451.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-jwxhczpNPwE\/Vrz2oRQRY9I\/AAAAAAAAHGc\/ANvecJ0pgtw\/s1600\/IMG_5452.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-jwxhczpNPwE\/Vrz2oRQRY9I\/AAAAAAAAHGc\/ANvecJ0pgtw\/s320\/IMG_5452.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. Prep Surface \u0026amp; Cut Wood\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou will need to trim down your scrap wood to fit the top of the knife block. Since my knife block had two levels, I used two pieces of scrap wood. For the larger top, I used a 1x4. For the smaller part, I used a strip of lattice I had left over from my closet project (click here for the post). \u0026nbsp;After you trim down your wood, you will want to sand the knife block and the scrap wood. As you sand, you will probably want to round any harsh corners.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. Glue Scrap Wood\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EI used Gorilla Glue brand wood glue. Using various size clamps, I glued the wood to the tops of the knife block. Let the glue dry over night.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-38ejexitruw\/Vrz2oVIh_NI\/AAAAAAAAHGg\/J_aBr0pza2U\/s1600\/IMG_5468.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-38ejexitruw\/Vrz2oVIh_NI\/AAAAAAAAHGg\/J_aBr0pza2U\/s640\/IMG_5468.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. Drill Holes\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is the trickest part and where I messed up. So learn from my mistakes!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-o7P70JTeiKo\/Vrz2pAxZjaI\/AAAAAAAAHGk\/78KOpkxB6Qw\/s1600\/IMG_5469.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-o7P70JTeiKo\/Vrz2pAxZjaI\/AAAAAAAAHGk\/78KOpkxB6Qw\/s400\/IMG_5469.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst of all, take a minute and use a ruler to evenly mark out where you want to drill holes. You will not want to drill too close to the edges (or another hole) or you will split your scrap wood top (like I did). You will also want to make your holes in a straight line or at least in some pattern that looks intentional (unlike me).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yHPuysVR-HM\/Vrz2pXDtUSI\/AAAAAAAAHGo\/FmfwfyVVPc0\/s1600\/IMG_5471.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yHPuysVR-HM\/Vrz2pXDtUSI\/AAAAAAAAHGo\/FmfwfyVVPc0\/s400\/IMG_5471.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen you go to start drilling, you will want to make each hole an equal depth down. Otherwise your pencils will sit at crazy heights (like mine).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFinally, due to the size of some of the previous holes in the knife block, some holes make hit a previous hole that is much wider than the hole your drilling. Which means that your pencil will fall through the knife block. That's pretty easy to fix. Simply fill in the old knife block hole from the bottom and tape up the bottom to keep the filling from falling out. I used pieces of balled up scrap paper or pieces of scrap wood as my filling (depending on the size of the hole). Expandable foam would work as well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z29zvROs-fM\/Vrz2poXT3GI\/AAAAAAAAHGs\/YF-fhUQwwDs\/s1600\/IMG_5470.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z29zvROs-fM\/Vrz2poXT3GI\/AAAAAAAAHGs\/YF-fhUQwwDs\/s400\/IMG_5470.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E4. Finish with Paint or Stain\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003EI decided to try out some blue chalk paint with a dark wax. Not so sure about the dark wax, but I love the blue. I finished off the front with a metal chalkboard tag I got in the 1$ section at Target.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-W-LV7T1scLs\/Vrz2p2oCjSI\/AAAAAAAAHGw\/tTNyDuAb3Pw\/s1600\/IMG_5492.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-W-LV7T1scLs\/Vrz2p2oCjSI\/AAAAAAAAHGw\/tTNyDuAb3Pw\/s640\/IMG_5492.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mMxwDMcnM_k\/Vrz2qN9SvVI\/AAAAAAAAHG0\/iEqlg6GP0SI\/s1600\/IMG_5494.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mMxwDMcnM_k\/Vrz2qN9SvVI\/AAAAAAAAHG0\/iEqlg6GP0SI\/s400\/IMG_5494.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0jGRZt6oNqY\/Vrz2qpfFajI\/AAAAAAAAHG8\/wrvt3RUWftA\/s1600\/IMG_5496.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0jGRZt6oNqY\/Vrz2qpfFajI\/AAAAAAAAHG8\/wrvt3RUWftA\/s640\/IMG_5496.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3039908696420251116\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3039908696420251116\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3039908696420251116"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3039908696420251116"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/02\/diy-sunday-color-pencil-block.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Color Pencil Block"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-61rmaNvDEiU\/Vrz2rJsrKNI\/AAAAAAAAHHA\/E5WMpZvorJc\/s72-c\/IMG_5499.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3160504719313242898"},"published":{"$t":"2016-02-11T15:37:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-02-11T15:41:10.679-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sewing"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Luggage Rehab"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur family is planning our first big family vacation since...well...probably my husband and I's honeymoon 8 years ago. \u003Ci\u003E(Man..that sounds terribly sad to type out!)\u003C\/i\u003E When we started to plan everything, I pulled out our luggage to see what kind of shape it was in. Other than moving, the last time we flew with our large luggage was the honeymoon. I fly a couple of times a year for work, but I always stick with a carry on since it's usually only a few days.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, when I pulled out the luggage I saw that it was in pretty sorry shape. The thing is, why buy new luggage when our next family vacation is probably a couple of years away? Luggage and vacations aren't exactly cheap, so I decided to take inventory of our problems and see if they were up to a little DIY.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EProblem # 1: Burn Holes.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ibruFp0iaeY\/Vrz-LDARBKI\/AAAAAAAAHHc\/6fbma5xGLwE\/s1600\/IMG_5745.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ibruFp0iaeY\/Vrz-LDARBKI\/AAAAAAAAHHc\/6fbma5xGLwE\/s400\/IMG_5745.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, no I don't have a secret smoking habit. These lovely looking holes actually came from the luggage sitting up against a trunk light. Yeah, I didn't know that could happen either. Since my luggage has pockets in the front, the hole was only through the first pocket. The integrity of the main compartment wasn't compromised. So, I could just leave the hole. But, I knew that stupid hole was going to drive me insane. Plus, it took prevented me from using a pocket.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy solution was to add an applique to the front of the luggage. By some miracle, the burn mark was directly in the center, so I could easily add an applique without looking completely janky. This method would work well if you had a small tear that was on a similar pocket. I would hesitate to use this method if the hole had been down to the main compartment. I can just imagine a bag handler throwing this on a belt and entire thing splitting open. Not exactly a stress free vision.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI created an applique by using a sturdy fusible interfacing on fabric. I simply had to cut out a shape from the fabric and hand sew it on to the luggage. Ta Da! A fix appropriate for our family vacation.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OHASlI2R2t4\/Vrz-ZsAmiqI\/AAAAAAAAHHs\/FzU145m6ha4\/s1600\/IMG_5752.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OHASlI2R2t4\/Vrz-ZsAmiqI\/AAAAAAAAHHs\/FzU145m6ha4\/s400\/IMG_5752.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xaq_ci_b9fQ\/Vrz-aLW4mWI\/AAAAAAAAHHw\/9PDA70whWRg\/s1600\/IMG_5753.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xaq_ci_b9fQ\/Vrz-aLW4mWI\/AAAAAAAAHHw\/9PDA70whWRg\/s640\/IMG_5753.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EProblem #2: Torn Inside Pocket\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis was a relatively minor problem. The mesh pocket inside the luggage was torn. Since I already had thread out to sew on the applique, I took a few minutes and just quickly threaded zig zag like up the tear. After a few sturdy knots, the tear was repaired.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mYTuaTIxFAs\/Vrz-ZR_9J0I\/AAAAAAAAHHo\/K6tiqEzMQSE\/s1600\/IMG_5750.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mYTuaTIxFAs\/Vrz-ZR_9J0I\/AAAAAAAAHHo\/K6tiqEzMQSE\/s400\/IMG_5750.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EProblem #3: Broken Wheel\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis was a bigger concern. I almost \u003Ci\u003Ealmost\u003C\/i\u003E decided I couldn't fix the wheel and decided to buy a new carry on. As I said before, I actually use this suitcase quite a bit, and after 10 or so flights, the cheap suitcase decided to protest my very heavy packing style.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI sat down and looked at the wheel. The wheel itself was actually good shape. It looked like the glue that held the wheel in place had given away. (I guess that's what you get for a cheap bag..glue not screws!) Since the structure of the bag seemed to be okay, I decided to re secure the wheel to the hard sided suitcase.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter inspecting the problem, I decided to drill two holes through the hard sided luggage through the wheel unit. After I drilled the holes, I put a set of bolts from the outside to the inside. I added a locking washer and nut on the inside. The bolts I had on hand were a bit long, so to prevent them from punch through the interior lining, I added some cushion with a couple of layers of duct tape around the bolt. I've done a couple of test runs to make sure my fix wasn't just superficial. The entire unit seems to be in pretty good shape.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7SPbNNwUnxk\/Vrz-Y-TORMI\/AAAAAAAAHHg\/Jzbb-b_pJ5s\/s1600\/IMG_5747.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7SPbNNwUnxk\/Vrz-Y-TORMI\/AAAAAAAAHHg\/Jzbb-b_pJ5s\/s640\/IMG_5747.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI hope someone else who is equally as cheap as me will find these small fixes helpful! Although I'm pretty sure our cat Max would have been happy with just taking them as a new bed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-s3Bl5Q-iRAY\/Vrz-ZaE0NzI\/AAAAAAAAHHk\/QGPrbJfBQaE\/s1600\/IMG_5751.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-s3Bl5Q-iRAY\/Vrz-ZaE0NzI\/AAAAAAAAHHk\/QGPrbJfBQaE\/s400\/IMG_5751.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3160504719313242898\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3160504719313242898\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3160504719313242898"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3160504719313242898"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/02\/luggage-rehab.html","title":"Luggage Rehab"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ibruFp0iaeY\/Vrz-LDARBKI\/AAAAAAAAHHc\/6fbma5xGLwE\/s72-c\/IMG_5745.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-7942514393303277561"},"published":{"$t":"2016-02-05T11:25:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-02-05T11:26:22.792-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Silhouette"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Growth Charts"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"TGIF!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have been sick on and off for the past month, so I've been MIA. Isn't that the joy of having a kid in school? I spent yesterday disinfecting my keyboard, mouse and every door knob in the house. Today's project was a good distraction from the cold weather and germ fest. Years ago I made my daughter a growth chart from a piece of scrap wood I had laying around. It did the trick for many years. I just hung it a foot off the ground, and it covered her growth from baby until 5 years later.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DbcTvrapPm4\/VrTZtb4pXlI\/AAAAAAAAHF8\/rXW_ukjroZ0\/s1600\/IMG_5708.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DbcTvrapPm4\/VrTZtb4pXlI\/AAAAAAAAHF8\/rXW_ukjroZ0\/s400\/IMG_5708.JPG\" width=\"117\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, now she's getting even taller \u0026nbsp;so it was time to make a large growth chart. My son has never had one. The curse of the second child, I suppose. I've been slipping post it notes into a drawer to track his height.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDIY Growth Charts\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LJYoLtnu2-8\/VrTZrJII6kI\/AAAAAAAAHFg\/qcQ5g7x-88c\/s1600\/Growth%2BChart%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LJYoLtnu2-8\/VrTZrJII6kI\/AAAAAAAAHFg\/qcQ5g7x-88c\/s640\/Growth%2BChart%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E6 foot boards(mine were pre-cut pine boards from the hobby wood section of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lowes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELowe's\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003Cbr \/\u003ESander\u003Cbr \/\u003EPaint or Stain\u003Cbr \/\u003EVinyl or Paper Numbers (either hand cut, cut with a Silhouette or prefab numbers from the hardware store)\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Paper Shapes, Router, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.plaidonline.com\/mod-podge\/brand\/home.htm\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMod Podge\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. Prepare Wood Surface.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ix8g9cnSrvg\/VrTZqs51FOI\/AAAAAAAAHFc\/wt-f-xeJ-kY\/s1600\/IMG_5570.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ix8g9cnSrvg\/VrTZqs51FOI\/AAAAAAAAHFc\/wt-f-xeJ-kY\/s400\/IMG_5570.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo the first thing to do was get a nice piece of 6 foot pine wood. The great thing about this project is you can easily find pre-cut pieces of wood, so if you're not that handy, you can get away with using minimal power tools. I had my husband route around each board to make a fancy border. If you don't have a router (or struggle to use one like me...I have short arms and small hands...like a T-Rex), you can easily round the corners with a sander. Once you're done routing, sand the board to create a nice smooth surface.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. Finish Boards\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9FEdODA_X_M\/VrTZraU9UNI\/AAAAAAAAHFk\/Tr6NfQullrs\/s1600\/IMG_5661.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9FEdODA_X_M\/VrTZraU9UNI\/AAAAAAAAHFk\/Tr6NfQullrs\/s640\/IMG_5661.JPG\" width=\"326\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI did two different finishing methods.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EMethod One\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy son's room has a \"vintage hunting lodge\" theme, so I did one like a big manly giant ruler. That chart got a coat of dark walnut stain by \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.minwax.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMinwax\u003C\/a\u003E. After the stain dried, I simply added the vinyl (more on that below).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EMethod Two\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy daughter didn't want a boring ruler (her words). She liked the Mod Podge method I did with her old one, so I stuck with that. The first step was painting the board. The kids helped with this step. I just covered up a 12 area, gave them paint brushes and let them have at it. I came in and cleaned up the lines when they had painted most of the board in blue and green then I added the tree last. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. Add Finishing Touches.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have a \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.silhouetteamerica.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESilhouette\u003C\/a\u003E cutting machine, so I used that to cut my vinyl and paper. I didn't have that machine when I made my daughter's old growth chart. It's very easy to cut the paper into shapes by hand. Channel your inner kindergartener..or use one that happens to be standing around looking for something to do. If you're using method one, you could easily pick up the number stickers from a scrapbook section or a hardware store near the house numbers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith my daughter's chart, she decided what shapes she wanted (an owl, a bird, a sun, and a boy and girl to represent her and her brother). I found the shapes in the Silhouette studio store and used my machine to cut them out. Once I had all the shapes cut out, including leaves and a catapillar, I used Mod Podge to attach all the shapes to the board. I did a final coat of Mod Podge over the top so everything was protected and glossy. For shapes that blended in, I went back and added a sharpie marker border around the shape.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HQs9lP7IMPk\/VrTZs_kbemI\/AAAAAAAAHF4\/VP2MfKCl_F4\/s1600\/IMG_5707.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HQs9lP7IMPk\/VrTZs_kbemI\/AAAAAAAAHF4\/VP2MfKCl_F4\/s640\/IMG_5707.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qonWz0kBWkQ\/VrTZstbhcLI\/AAAAAAAAHF0\/EqNjJj__ExY\/s1600\/IMG_5706.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-qonWz0kBWkQ\/VrTZstbhcLI\/AAAAAAAAHF0\/EqNjJj__ExY\/s400\/IMG_5706.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith my son's chart, I simply cut the number and dashes out of vinyl using my Silhouette. To add the measurements to the board, I used a tape measure and taped it down to the board with some painters tape. I had to adjust the tape when I needed to see what was underneath, but it worked really well to accurately place the dashes and numbers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--skKruUJMIg\/VrTZroD5PFI\/AAAAAAAAHFo\/pArz4RLjZi8\/s1600\/IMG_5662.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--skKruUJMIg\/VrTZroD5PFI\/AAAAAAAAHFo\/pArz4RLjZi8\/s400\/IMG_5662.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hlNEJMxAnpg\/VrTZrxy19gI\/AAAAAAAAHFs\/i1qO_oDTlfQ\/s1600\/IMG_5666.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hlNEJMxAnpg\/VrTZrxy19gI\/AAAAAAAAHFs\/i1qO_oDTlfQ\/s640\/IMG_5666.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. Add Measurements and Hang.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter each growth chart was completed, I went in and put their previous measurements on each board with a black sharpie marker. To hang the boards I have large alligator picture hanging pieces. I'll either use that or just drill one hole in the top to attach the boards straight to the wall. They should sit flush with the floor, so they just need something to keep them from falling over, not take the weight of the board.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TwWPuHrcbgE\/VrTZsSd9h_I\/AAAAAAAAHFw\/9GZ1cvIayxI\/s1600\/IMG_5696.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-TwWPuHrcbgE\/VrTZsSd9h_I\/AAAAAAAAHFw\/9GZ1cvIayxI\/s640\/IMG_5696.JPG\" width=\"228\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/7942514393303277561\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=7942514393303277561\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7942514393303277561"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7942514393303277561"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/02\/diy-growth-charts.html","title":"DIY Growth Charts"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DbcTvrapPm4\/VrTZtb4pXlI\/AAAAAAAAHF8\/rXW_ukjroZ0\/s72-c\/IMG_5708.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6921030473418932233"},"published":{"$t":"2016-01-25T12:51:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-01-25T12:51:40.840-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Charging Station"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday's project is my attempt to wrangle up all the different charging devices on our kitchen counter. Until we get our island put in (\u003Ci\u003EFOR THE LOVE OF GOD, SOMEONE COME REMOVE THE RANDOM WALL IN OUR KITCHEN!!!!\u003C\/i\u003E), our counter space situation is very sad . I have about 4 feet of space to do all my cooking, prep and dish washing. That means having a bunch of devices hanging out waiting to be charged really isn't an ideal situation.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had a couple random 1x3's sitting in the garage from a miscalculation on my part for our floating shelves. (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/01\/diy-floating-shelves.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post) So, it was the perfect time to put those to use. I also had a new \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kregtool.com\/store\/c13\/kreg-jigsreg\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKreg Jig\u003C\/a\u003E I'm obsessed with using. I have a feeling this project would have been easier if I would have used my nail gun, especially when assembling the panels, but I was having too much fun with my \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kregtool.com\/store\/c13\/kreg-jigsreg\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKreg Jig\u003C\/a\u003E to pull out the air compressor. Plus this thing is as solid as can be as a result.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BR22FzLF8v4\/VqZunsPm5rI\/AAAAAAAAHFA\/JeHKAi3iyG8\/s1600\/Charge%2BStation%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BR22FzLF8v4\/VqZunsPm5rI\/AAAAAAAAHFA\/JeHKAi3iyG8\/s640\/Charge%2BStation%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDIY Charging Station\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2 - 6 foot pieces of 1x3 -- \u003Ci\u003EYou could use all sorts of different size wood for this project. It's definitely a good scrap wood project.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kregtool.com\/store\/c13\/kreg-jigsreg\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKreg Jig\u003C\/a\u003E and Screws -- \u003Ci\u003EI used course screws meant for soft wood.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESaw -- \u003Ci\u003EI used my miter saw, but due to the minimal cuts, a hand saw or other saw\u0026nbsp;variation\u0026nbsp;could work.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESandpaper and\/or Sander\u003Cbr \/\u003EPaint\u003Cbr \/\u003EDrill Bit -- \u003Ci\u003EUse one that will create a hole big enough for your charging cords to fit through.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Felt Pads -- \u003Ci\u003EA must to keep from scratching my beautiful butcher block countertops.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Clamps -- \u003Ci\u003EI found they were helpful to keep everything together when you were assembling.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E1. Decide on your dimensions\u003C\/u\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBefore I cut anything, I sat down and tried to visualize how the charging station would look. I didn't want to cut any wood length wise since my circular saw is on the fritz. So, everything I did was just simple cuts of the 1x3. This is what my plans looked like when I was done. \u003Ci\u003E(I'm attempting to learn Sketch Up to prevent this sort of sad planning of projects)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8gYaSUxDgBA\/VqZroXUE7gI\/AAAAAAAAHEU\/8lWLG0aaRUQ\/s1600\/IMG_5606.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8gYaSUxDgBA\/VqZroXUE7gI\/AAAAAAAAHEU\/8lWLG0aaRUQ\/s400\/IMG_5606.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EClick image to enlarge it.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThese plans were a good starting point. However, it always makes sense to do a dry run before you drill or screw anything into place just to make sure things are fitting together correctly. Throughout the project I periodically stopped what I was doing and stacked the wood up to make sure everything was matching up correctly.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E2. Cut Da Wood\u003C\/u\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is the cut list I ultimately ended up with.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPanel 1\u003C\/b\u003E (the front one) was 1 piece of 1x3 cut 18 inches long.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPanel 2\u003C\/b\u003E (the middle one) was 2 pieces of 1x3 cut 18 inches long.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPanel 3\u003C\/b\u003E (the back one) was 3 pieces of 1x3 cut 18 inches long.\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003EBottom Panel\u003C\/b\u003E needed to be long enough to cover both the 18 inch long panels plus the two side pieces, so the bottom was 2 pieces of 1x3 cut 19.5 inches long. (18 inches plus 3\/4 inches x 2 for the wide of each side piece). I only did 2 pieces so the unit would be fairly narrow on my countertop.\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003ESide Panels\u003C\/b\u003E were made up of 2 pieces of wood, one longer than the other to create a stair step effect. So for 2 side pieces, I cut: 2 pieces of 1x3 cut 2 3\/4 inches long, and 2 pieces of 1x3 cut 5 inches long.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, if you want a summary, this is what all my cuts looked like:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E6- 18 inches\u003Cbr \/\u003E2-19.5 inches\u003Cbr \/\u003E2-5 inches\u003Cbr \/\u003E2 - 2.75 inches\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E3. Drill Baby Drill.\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have all your pieces cut, you will need to first assemble your panels. The first one is easy since it's only one piece. \u003Ci\u003E(Ta Da. You're simply done by looking at it)\u003C\/i\u003E With the middle, back and bottom panels, you will need to use your Kreg Jig to create a solid piece. (You could also use nails or screws etc. instead of Kreg Jig)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BhZ7eOmgPdY\/VqZrjgdnDQI\/AAAAAAAAHDc\/BFQwXk8HgZw\/s1600\/IMG_5453.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BhZ7eOmgPdY\/VqZrjgdnDQI\/AAAAAAAAHDc\/BFQwXk8HgZw\/s400\/IMG_5453.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003ECreating the middle panel.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-H7NrOTA-hOc\/VqZrjp7t0MI\/AAAAAAAAHDY\/sxVwkQaqW6M\/s1600\/IMG_5454.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-H7NrOTA-hOc\/VqZrjp7t0MI\/AAAAAAAAHDY\/sxVwkQaqW6M\/s640\/IMG_5454.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ECreating the back panel.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou will also need to create your side pieces using the same methodogy. Just make sure you take a second to think about which pieces are going on what side. They need to be mirror images of each other. You want your Kreg Jig holes to be on the inside of the piece. This is a good place to do a dry run before you start drilling.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-E6XMvXxiSiA\/VqZrkue_ClI\/AAAAAAAAHDk\/MJPnDiASKaM\/s1600\/IMG_5456.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-E6XMvXxiSiA\/VqZrkue_ClI\/AAAAAAAAHDk\/MJPnDiASKaM\/s640\/IMG_5456.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ECreating the side panels. Mirror images of one another.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have everything in nice panels, you need to take a drill bit and make holes at the bottom of the middle and back pieces. The holes need to be big enough your chargers can fit through. I have one old school iPad that needed a HUGE hole for those 342 prong chargers, so I made one bigger than the others. \u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E4. Avengers Assemble!\u003C\/u\u003E \u003Ci\u003E(or just assemble...but it sounded much cooler in a superhero voice)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is one area where I had to stop, put things together, and think about where to put my drill holes. This is how I ultimately decided to assemble everything.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vmLQsAs1TKs\/VqZrlBfevLI\/AAAAAAAAHDs\/m0k4krtgBDo\/s1600\/IMG_5457.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-vmLQsAs1TKs\/VqZrlBfevLI\/AAAAAAAAHDs\/m0k4krtgBDo\/s640\/IMG_5457.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EDry run of the assembly before I starting putting things together.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA) First, attach your side panels to the bottom panel. I did 2 Kreg Jig screws downwards through the side panel into the bottom panel.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-H8IlwKMtlgs\/VqZrlXfY-mI\/AAAAAAAAHD0\/yVQMZkAo26s\/s1600\/IMG_5458.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-H8IlwKMtlgs\/VqZrlXfY-mI\/AAAAAAAAHD0\/yVQMZkAo26s\/s400\/IMG_5458.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESide panel with the two pre-drilled Kreg Jig holes downwards.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EB) Next, attach the front panel. You need to predrill your Kreg Jig holes in four places. 1 on each side of the front panel (so you will attach the front panel to the side panels) and 2 in the middle (so you'll attach the front panel into the bottom panel). Once you pre-drill, place the board and drill it into place.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rhgr4PwrmyI\/VqZrmMVlXzI\/AAAAAAAAHD8\/LYx2HhW1y1g\/s1600\/IMG_5461.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Rhgr4PwrmyI\/VqZrmMVlXzI\/AAAAAAAAHD8\/LYx2HhW1y1g\/s400\/IMG_5461.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EFront panel with two holes in the center and a hole on each side.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EC) Next, attach the middle panel. You need to predrill your Kreg Jig in four to six places. (Six might be a bit of an overkill, but I was making sure this thing survived a cyclone). I did a Kreg Jig hole at the end of each piece of the middle panel and then two in the middle. So you can attach the middle panel to the side panels at the top and bottom of the side panel and into the bottom board.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-40qA4POw2Wo\/VqZrmghbx_I\/AAAAAAAAHEM\/atj-9P-xBNY\/s1600\/IMG_5463.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-40qA4POw2Wo\/VqZrmghbx_I\/AAAAAAAAHEM\/atj-9P-xBNY\/s640\/IMG_5463.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMiddle panel with two holes in center and two holes on top.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ED) Last, attach the back panel. You need to predrill your Kreg Jig holes in six places. I did a Kreg Jig hole at the end of the bottom and middle pieces of the back panel and two in the middle. So, you are attaching the back panel into the side panels at the top and bottom of the side panes and into the bottom board.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhen you work from the front to back, it makes it much easier to reach all the areas you need to reach. I originally thought about attempting to drill between the panels while it was partial assembled. Once I did a dry run of every thing, I realized that was crazy and wasn't going to work.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E5. Paint and Sand\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow that everything is assembled, take a moment to finish the piece. Sand the boards, round corners and finally paint. I did a yellow chalkboard paint I created myself. I need to go back in a distress it a bit, but it's fine for now. I added a metal chalkboard label (3$ for 4 of them in Target's dollar section) as a finishing touch.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm glad that all our devices are now in once place. Now about removing that wall so I can put an island in.....\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CqRKRw2ZmaA\/VqZrnacxCgI\/AAAAAAAAHEI\/JpDV-Zx8054\/s1600\/IMG_5488.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CqRKRw2ZmaA\/VqZrnacxCgI\/AAAAAAAAHEI\/JpDV-Zx8054\/s640\/IMG_5488.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OlegpQHGjeE\/VqZroOqrtFI\/AAAAAAAAHEY\/HD6VD-ztDr8\/s1600\/IMG_5489.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OlegpQHGjeE\/VqZroOqrtFI\/AAAAAAAAHEY\/HD6VD-ztDr8\/s400\/IMG_5489.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-KIejEklWTxs\/VqZrmycO1gI\/AAAAAAAAHEE\/gO217LmwUrk\/s1600\/IMG_5486.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-KIejEklWTxs\/VqZrmycO1gI\/AAAAAAAAHEE\/gO217LmwUrk\/s640\/IMG_5486.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6921030473418932233\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6921030473418932233\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6921030473418932233"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6921030473418932233"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/01\/diy-charging-station.html","title":"DIY Charging Station"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-BR22FzLF8v4\/VqZunsPm5rI\/AAAAAAAAHFA\/JeHKAi3iyG8\/s72-c\/Charge%2BStation%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-5422661459973182390"},"published":{"$t":"2016-01-14T16:07:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-01-14T16:09:31.039-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Organization"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Floating Shelves"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy 2016!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI took a bit of a break over the holidays. I would like to say it was to rest or go on a fantastic vacation, but instead I got the stomach flu, then strep, then a sinus infection, and finally to round out my holiday break, I got pink eye. Great use of vacation time, huh?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOver my break I had all these ambitious plans to build all sorts of things, but in relativity, I mostly slept. (No regrets). I did find time between naps to work on these floating shelves for our bathroom.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn my last bathroom reveal, I was still trying to decide what was missing. The room was better, but there was definitely some things missing. One of those things was storage. In fact, that probably could be said about our entire house. We always need more storage. How do two tiny humans have so much stuff?!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI saw some great floating shelves on \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.shanty-2-chic.com\/2014\/01\/easy-diy-floating-shelves.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EShanty 2 Chic\u003C\/a\u003E, and decided I was going to recreate them including the staining. I got a Kreg Jig for Christmas and some other fun tools, so it was the perfect project.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EExcept, it wasn't. I didn't quite follow the instructions and ended up messing up the project. It went from something I was really excited about to something I'm just a bit irritated by each time I walk by it. I didn't rip a board to fit the entire front of the shelf which created a seam down the front. I should have left that alone but then I tried to wood fill it. That didn't work so I then tried to caulk it. My plan to stain quickly changed to paint with all my mess ups.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMoral of the story? Follow the directions and don't keep trying to fix a do over with a band-aid (or caulk in this case). Oh well. They look okay for the money I spent on them (less than $20.00), and I do at least get some extra storage out of it. Right?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBefore, In Between and...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-b2_yJQtcxCY\/VpgZ_xmxIII\/AAAAAAAAHBM\/esYb6MNTnXQ\/s1600\/Bathroom.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-b2_yJQtcxCY\/VpgZ_xmxIII\/AAAAAAAAHBM\/esYb6MNTnXQ\/s640\/Bathroom.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAfter!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-G-knPnGPBIo\/Vpga5FwqN9I\/AAAAAAAAHCE\/L7M8VVylykU\/s1600\/IMG_5481a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-G-knPnGPBIo\/Vpga5FwqN9I\/AAAAAAAAHCE\/L7M8VVylykU\/s640\/IMG_5481a.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ENote those cool wire baskets? Dollar General find for $10.00!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPre-Paint\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5zg0JSfUjjA\/VpgaDniJXXI\/AAAAAAAAHBU\/O3-yxVXmSRM\/s1600\/IMG_5386.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-5zg0JSfUjjA\/VpgaDniJXXI\/AAAAAAAAHBU\/O3-yxVXmSRM\/s640\/IMG_5386.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EUgh. Wood fill disaster.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ho_JxVGw3Nw\/VpgaD51NC6I\/AAAAAAAAHBc\/Nt_ifPu0b5o\/s1600\/IMG_5387.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ho_JxVGw3Nw\/VpgaD51NC6I\/AAAAAAAAHBc\/Nt_ifPu0b5o\/s640\/IMG_5387.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPost-Paint\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-INNhj5rwKnM\/Vpgb2UPO6HI\/AAAAAAAAHCM\/bt8GBd3zFig\/s1600\/IMG_5479a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-INNhj5rwKnM\/Vpgb2UPO6HI\/AAAAAAAAHCM\/bt8GBd3zFig\/s640\/IMG_5479a.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBetter than before, but still looks wonky.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fgxn8757jfQ\/VpgaEqS9GDI\/AAAAAAAAHBk\/KPiROpGWXtk\/s1600\/IMG_5480.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fgxn8757jfQ\/VpgaEqS9GDI\/AAAAAAAAHBk\/KPiROpGWXtk\/s400\/IMG_5480.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/5422661459973182390\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=5422661459973182390\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5422661459973182390"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5422661459973182390"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2016\/01\/diy-floating-shelves.html","title":"DIY Floating Shelves"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-b2_yJQtcxCY\/VpgZ_xmxIII\/AAAAAAAAHBM\/esYb6MNTnXQ\/s72-c\/Bathroom.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-7002958119771172112"},"published":{"$t":"2015-12-23T14:51:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-12-23T14:52:25.166-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Santa Cookie Plate and Mug"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EHappy Eve of Christmas Eve!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday's project is a good one to do with the kids while they are out for school. We did this and made sugar scrubs as a family this week. I had bought a Santa plate a few years ago, and it broke before I even got to use it. Sad day. I decided that instead of spending the money on a new set, I was going to make it. This project only cost me about $5.00.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow originally, I was going to do the sharpie mug trick I tried two years ago (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/01\/diy-sunday-handmade-christmas-and.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post). However, while I was at the store, I noticed they had these handy dandy enamel paints, so I decided to take a shot at using them. I'm happy to report that everything went well.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fLiSU0HgUVk\/VnsIg5Jp3DI\/AAAAAAAAHAY\/DnCbrqOg1Uc\/s1600\/plate%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fLiSU0HgUVk\/VnsIg5Jp3DI\/AAAAAAAAHAY\/DnCbrqOg1Uc\/s320\/plate%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EDIY Santa Cookie Plate and Matching Mug\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003ESupplies\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EPlate and Mug (It was previously suggested to me to use cheap dollar store plates and mugs because they have a less smooth surface and therefore are more likely to take sharpies or paint)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EEnamel Paints (I found my paint at Wal-Mart in the craft section for only a 1$ for each tube)*\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EDifferent Size Paint Brushes\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EOven\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E*I should note that the enamel paints do warn not to have the paint come in contact with food. I made the personal decision that the cookies wouldn't be there for very long, so I wasn't concerned about them being on top of the plate. You could also just do a design on the outside of the plate.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zf3yhSUI6Qs\/VnsIfSOcF_I\/AAAAAAAAG_8\/Dokp66bHtic\/s1600\/IMG_5187.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zf3yhSUI6Qs\/VnsIfSOcF_I\/AAAAAAAAG_8\/Dokp66bHtic\/s400\/IMG_5187.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EDirections\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E1. Decide and Sketch Out Design\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EBefore you start painting, it's a good idea to take a piece of paper and sketch out what you want your design to look like. I searched out other designs on Pinterest to get an idea of what I wanted mine to look like. My artist skills are limited so painting a Santa sounds like a good way to paint a big red blob. I decided to stick with a simple tree and lettering.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E2. Start Painting\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EI've done quite a few painted signs at this point so I've worked out what type of script works for me and what doesn't. I find cursive much easier and cleaner than printed text. I also have found that you always want to pick a smaller brush than what you think you need. The paint will spread so it's easier to start small and add to it.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EYou will more than likely need to take your paint in layers. Always let the first layer try before adding the next layer. With light colors, you will probably need to added multiple layers to make the color more bright.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EI personally find that I need to work my way from the top down to prevent smudging what I've already done. I also have to find a sweet spot speed wise where I'm being careful but not so slow my hand shakes.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GLrg_WzEezo\/VnsIfRlRVVI\/AAAAAAAAG_0\/f-WM3Brw8ck\/s1600\/IMG_5188.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-GLrg_WzEezo\/VnsIfRlRVVI\/AAAAAAAAG_0\/f-WM3Brw8ck\/s400\/IMG_5188.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EOnce you're done, let the plate and mug air dry for an hour.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NzD39INy5j4\/VnsIfZvbJ2I\/AAAAAAAAG_4\/aQgwmMk-OZA\/s1600\/IMG_5190.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NzD39INy5j4\/VnsIfZvbJ2I\/AAAAAAAAG_4\/aQgwmMk-OZA\/s640\/IMG_5190.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E3. Bake Your Plate\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003ETo cure the paint, you can let your plate sit out for 21 days instead of baking it. At this point in the game, that wasn't an option. So we decided to follow the directions on the paint bottle and bake the plate and mug for a half hour at 350 degrees.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-j3sVmJBCF8A\/VnsIfxmoFnI\/AAAAAAAAHAA\/zcPiBlFpbTM\/s1600\/IMG_5196.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-j3sVmJBCF8A\/VnsIfxmoFnI\/AAAAAAAAHAA\/zcPiBlFpbTM\/s640\/IMG_5196.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EI was surprised to see that the color didn't lose pigment when it cured. Sharpie mugs generally do, so this was a good option to keep the design clear.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003EI did notice that while the design doesn't rub off, it will come off if you scratch it. The paint says that it's dishwasher safe, but I'll probably just hand wash it. After all I can cowboy up and hand wash something once a year. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JMKbV0CcrqY\/VnsIg8xZqSI\/AAAAAAAAHAU\/ly4f7YSMat8\/s1600\/IMG_5220.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JMKbV0CcrqY\/VnsIg8xZqSI\/AAAAAAAAHAU\/ly4f7YSMat8\/s640\/IMG_5220.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/7002958119771172112\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=7002958119771172112\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7002958119771172112"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7002958119771172112"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/12\/diy-santa-cookie-plate-and-mug_23.html","title":"DIY Santa Cookie Plate and Mug"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fLiSU0HgUVk\/VnsIg5Jp3DI\/AAAAAAAAHAY\/DnCbrqOg1Uc\/s72-c\/plate%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3139220541168557908"},"published":{"$t":"2015-12-22T12:21:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-12-22T12:21:32.372-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Cabinet Christmas Card Holder"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EHello!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EThis tutorial is a bit late for the season but if you're like me, you probably are just now getting cards, so maybe it's not *too*\u0026nbsp;late.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECabinet Christmas Card Holder\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-c1m58ZZEnhA\/VnmUIT37oPI\/AAAAAAAAG_I\/pjYeQVbc6Jk\/s1600\/Card%2BHolder%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-c1m58ZZEnhA\/VnmUIT37oPI\/AAAAAAAAG_I\/pjYeQVbc6Jk\/s640\/Card%2BHolder%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003ERibbon (I used a burlap and red ribbon. It's found in the curtain making supplies area)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EElastic\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003ENeedle and Thread or Sewing Machine\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EClothespins\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EOptional: Soft Batting\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-eczxtoHrV-E\/VnmUIDoaXOI\/AAAAAAAAG_E\/IRkbKLmFn4A\/s1600\/IMG_5060.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-eczxtoHrV-E\/VnmUIDoaXOI\/AAAAAAAAG_E\/IRkbKLmFn4A\/s400\/IMG_5060.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirection\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E1. Cut Elastic and Ribbon\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EThe first thing you need to do is cut the ribbon 2-3 inches longer than the length of your cabinet. Cutting the elastic is a bit of a guessing game. You don't want the holder to end up loose, so cut the elastic smaller than the length of the cabinet door. Take into consideration how stretchy the elastic is (some types have more stretch so you will need to cut the elastic piece even shorter).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E2. Sew the Elastic and Ribbon Together\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EUsing either a needle and thread or sewing machine, to connect the ribbon to the top of the elastic. Make sure if you're using a machine, you use a zig zag stitch so the thread doesn't break as you stretch out the elastic.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-GPX5pjS_sNg\/VnmUJP8K2LI\/AAAAAAAAG_U\/gEy86VmbJiQ\/s1600\/IMG_5064.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-GPX5pjS_sNg\/VnmUJP8K2LI\/AAAAAAAAG_U\/gEy86VmbJiQ\/s640\/IMG_5064.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E3. Optional: Add Padding to Ribbon\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003ESince I have a brand new kitchen, the very last thing I want to do is scratch my cabinets. I added a strip of batting to the back of the ribbon. Using a color thread that matched the red of my ribbon, I sewed a line down the ribbon to keep the batting attached.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-o7S45UcdCLM\/VnmUIy9foKI\/AAAAAAAAG_M\/zj8Xg_Jz5jg\/s1600\/IMG_5063.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-o7S45UcdCLM\/VnmUIy9foKI\/AAAAAAAAG_M\/zj8Xg_Jz5jg\/s640\/IMG_5063.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;\"\u003EThe finished product was pretty fun and will be a great item to use year after year.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-GdGek4oxKNc\/VnmUIN3aKGI\/AAAAAAAAG_A\/GhI-kIBjIjM\/s1600\/IMG_5062.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-GdGek4oxKNc\/VnmUIN3aKGI\/AAAAAAAAG_A\/GhI-kIBjIjM\/s640\/IMG_5062.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3139220541168557908\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3139220541168557908\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3139220541168557908"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3139220541168557908"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/12\/diy-cabinet-christmas-card-holder.html","title":"DIY Cabinet Christmas Card Holder"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-c1m58ZZEnhA\/VnmUIT37oPI\/AAAAAAAAG_I\/pjYeQVbc6Jk\/s72-c\/Card%2BHolder%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3537208264213238922"},"published":{"$t":"2015-12-16T10:11:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-12-16T10:11:35.375-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Show \u0026 Tell: Salvaged Rustic Christmas Sign"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Snow Day!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's a winter wonderland at Ugly House today. There was a bit of freezing rain before it start snowing which means all the trees look really cool. It also means a snow day for my kiddos. Thankfully we have a good support system when school is cancelled.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fEi1xNDv9ww\/VnGMnPXe3PI\/AAAAAAAAG-o\/aAfi_B6SNjE\/s1600\/12369244_10100448361053064_1076453847054261071_n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fEi1xNDv9ww\/VnGMnPXe3PI\/AAAAAAAAG-o\/aAfi_B6SNjE\/s400\/12369244_10100448361053064_1076453847054261071_n.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI was going to share last week this fun sign I made. Thankfully I got distracted because it looks much more Christmas like with all the snow. You may or may not recognize the wood. The wood is the top of the picnic table I salvaged this summer. (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/04\/gone-junkin-diy-picnic-table-upcycle.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post about the picnic table)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hUzNql7Gi0w\/VnGMYSjGU2I\/AAAAAAAAG-c\/JQaBCSd1UeY\/s1600\/iPhone%2Bback%2Bup%2B4-8-2015%2B009%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hUzNql7Gi0w\/VnGMYSjGU2I\/AAAAAAAAG-c\/JQaBCSd1UeY\/s400\/iPhone%2Bback%2Bup%2B4-8-2015%2B009%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI put the wood aside assuming I would use it for a project at some point. When I started Christmas decorating and realized there was no way I was going to put Christmas lights down our entire fence...at least this year...I decided I wanted something you could see from the road. Ta da, free wood already the perfect size. All I had to do was add some free hand lettering. I grabbed some left over paint samples, gave the stop a good cleaning and had the entire project done in a evening. I finished the look with some large ornaments hanging from the adjacent tree. I may try to grab some more after Christmas. I might be crazy enough to try to get enough lights to do our entire front fence next year....only 300 or so feet. Yikes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xuiTFgsMCIQ\/VnGMWgqJRLI\/AAAAAAAAG-A\/I8RDTHZt8PA\/s1600\/IMG_5135.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xuiTFgsMCIQ\/VnGMWgqJRLI\/AAAAAAAAG-A\/I8RDTHZt8PA\/s640\/IMG_5135.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-auc2bZSx300\/VnGMUbenMOI\/AAAAAAAAG9w\/_bxZW_qFylU\/s1600\/IMG_5133.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-auc2bZSx300\/VnGMUbenMOI\/AAAAAAAAG9w\/_bxZW_qFylU\/s640\/IMG_5133.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fqt6J51_uwo\/VnGMV1CogBI\/AAAAAAAAG94\/bvgij4qOKls\/s1600\/IMG_5129.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fqt6J51_uwo\/VnGMV1CogBI\/AAAAAAAAG94\/bvgij4qOKls\/s640\/IMG_5129.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uqxPjfBsgSA\/VnGMWGWSbDI\/AAAAAAAAG98\/ZFMq0hq7d4c\/s1600\/IMG_5131.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uqxPjfBsgSA\/VnGMWGWSbDI\/AAAAAAAAG98\/ZFMq0hq7d4c\/s640\/IMG_5131.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003EI love decorations with a bit of snow on them. Not so sure about the snow part itself.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GAPjBhyasVU\/VnGMXIHBkEI\/AAAAAAAAG-I\/LfLA5l5rH_U\/s1600\/IMG_5141.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-GAPjBhyasVU\/VnGMXIHBkEI\/AAAAAAAAG-I\/LfLA5l5rH_U\/s640\/IMG_5141.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1cfg-0kYIQo\/VnGMYBHdfJI\/AAAAAAAAG-Y\/ERIkQM0zDJU\/s1600\/IMG_5144.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1cfg-0kYIQo\/VnGMYBHdfJI\/AAAAAAAAG-Y\/ERIkQM0zDJU\/s400\/IMG_5144.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3537208264213238922\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3537208264213238922\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3537208264213238922"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3537208264213238922"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/12\/show-tell-salvaged-rustic-christmas-sign.html","title":"Show \u0026 Tell: Salvaged Rustic Christmas Sign"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-fEi1xNDv9ww\/VnGMnPXe3PI\/AAAAAAAAG-o\/aAfi_B6SNjE\/s72-c\/12369244_10100448361053064_1076453847054261071_n.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3581164809910815142"},"published":{"$t":"2015-12-08T13:31:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-12-08T13:31:17.748-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Handmade Christmas: Princess and Hero Peg People"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Good Morning!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEvery year I try to make a couple of handmade gifts for the kids. I have fun doing it and (usually) they have fun playing with them. {Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2014\/10\/flashback-friday-handmade-christmas.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor a round up of all my previous handmade gift ideas} This year I ordered some peg people off Etsy to make a chess set {Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/08\/show-tell-diy-harry-potter-inspired.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the tutorial on my super awesome Harry Potter chess set}. While I was ordering those pieces, I thought it would be fun to order a set of boys and girls to make some sort of Christmas gift for the kids.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EContrary to what I've have tried to teach my daughter, she is very much a girly princess type of girl. No problem with princesses, but I want her to know it's okay to have other pursuits. My son loves super heroes, specifically Spider-Man and Batman. So I decided to make a set of princesses and a set of super heroes from the peg people.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-gma-TUvcDOI\/VmctDe-yseI\/AAAAAAAAG8Q\/1wxuZMh_Jd0\/s1600\/Peg%2BPeople%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-gma-TUvcDOI\/VmctDe-yseI\/AAAAAAAAG8Q\/1wxuZMh_Jd0\/s400\/Peg%2BPeople%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis project is very inexpensive. I think each set of peg people was maybe $5.00. The real expense is having the time and patience to draw out what you want to do and letting each layer dry completely. I got frustrated when I had to redo something due to an unsteady hand. Once I was done with the people, I took some superhero fabric and princess fabric and created storage rolls for each set. My thought process is these would make perfect toys to throw in my purse if we're going out to eat. That way my kids aren't glued to a phone or iPad while we're waiting for food.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had a ton of fun doing this and I'm thinking I might do something similar (on a smaller scale) for Valentine's Day.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tJf9AEeW04k\/VmcthiWqtcI\/AAAAAAAAG8w\/XxWocvYThSE\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1738.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tJf9AEeW04k\/VmcthiWqtcI\/AAAAAAAAG8w\/XxWocvYThSE\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1738.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBatman, Superman, Captain American and Spiderman\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z2WtqOOe6Bw\/VmctnBSRk1I\/AAAAAAAAG9I\/x1H_EtTr9Js\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1751.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z2WtqOOe6Bw\/VmctnBSRk1I\/AAAAAAAAG9I\/x1H_EtTr9Js\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1751.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Elsa, Rapunzel, Anna and Cinderella.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe carrier for the peg people was very easy to make. I first cut out a piece of fabric large enough to cover the people and have some left over to fold over. Then I placed the peg people on the fabric so I could pin pockets for each one.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iEWJm79xb-I\/Vmcte8nGkNI\/AAAAAAAAG8Y\/i2Xjl5OEatc\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1733.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-iEWJm79xb-I\/Vmcte8nGkNI\/AAAAAAAAG8Y\/i2Xjl5OEatc\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1733.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x-OoxeLbK18\/VmctfG67xCI\/AAAAAAAAG8c\/B1_sCEuhYCQ\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1736.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x-OoxeLbK18\/VmctfG67xCI\/AAAAAAAAG8c\/B1_sCEuhYCQ\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1736.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI made sure to add straps before I sewed everything together.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-i3zJjZx53QE\/Vmctfcu5brI\/AAAAAAAAG8g\/ZMV5hI4Rg3g\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1737.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-i3zJjZx53QE\/Vmctfcu5brI\/AAAAAAAAG8g\/ZMV5hI4Rg3g\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1737.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003ETa da! Perfect roll for transporting peg people.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vG01w_Mdc7w\/VmctmUzOEpI\/AAAAAAAAG9E\/JN9aUd8HBcY\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1739.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vG01w_Mdc7w\/VmctmUzOEpI\/AAAAAAAAG9E\/JN9aUd8HBcY\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1739.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6jmGES41pSE\/VmctlMZK-4I\/AAAAAAAAG84\/bKm61BSv85o\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1740.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-6jmGES41pSE\/VmctlMZK-4I\/AAAAAAAAG84\/bKm61BSv85o\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1740.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FPUSYsjal4M\/VmctmUCej_I\/AAAAAAAAG9A\/0Xw-1YemzfI\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1750.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FPUSYsjal4M\/VmctmUCej_I\/AAAAAAAAG9A\/0Xw-1YemzfI\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B1750.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3581164809910815142\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3581164809910815142\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3581164809910815142"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3581164809910815142"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/12\/handmade-christmas-princess-and-hero.html","title":"Handmade Christmas: Princess and Hero Peg People"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-gma-TUvcDOI\/VmctDe-yseI\/AAAAAAAAG8Q\/1wxuZMh_Jd0\/s72-c\/Peg%2BPeople%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4311478325103071929"},"published":{"$t":"2015-11-30T17:29:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-11-30T18:54:17.619-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: $20.00 Door Rehab"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Good Afternoon!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs I promised, today's tutorial is how to update 1970's boring bi-fold doors for only $20.00. The process is actually really simple and definitely adds some visual interest to a blah door. (You could easily use this technique for old hollow core interior slab doors as well!)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0AcIhp87d00\/VlzaDdgk8pI\/AAAAAAAAG5I\/Q6eWf0NUHNE\/s1600\/Closet%2BDoor%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0AcIhp87d00\/VlzaDdgk8pI\/AAAAAAAAG5I\/Q6eWf0NUHNE\/s640\/Closet%2BDoor%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E$20.00 Door Rehab\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOld Door\u003Cbr \/\u003ELattice Strips (Bundle of 50 strips for $14.97)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.liquidnails.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELiquid Nails\u003C\/a\u003E (I used the Heavy Duty type)\u003Cbr \/\u003ECaulk (Latex caulk that is paintable and cleans up with water)\u003Cbr \/\u003ECaulk Gun\u003Cbr \/\u003EWood Filler\u003Cbr \/\u003EClamps and\/or Weights\u003Cbr \/\u003EMiter Saw or Hand Saw\u003Cbr \/\u003ESand Block\/Sander\u003Cbr \/\u003EPaint (My paint is a custom mixed Olympic One Paint and Primer in One)\u003Cbr \/\u003EPaint Roller \u0026amp; Brush\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: New Knobs and Primer\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E1. Prepare Wood\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst, you will need cut the wood strips to the correct length using either a miter saw or a hand saw. I chose to do a small square on the top of each door. I thought about doing squares down the entire length, but after looking at our new interior doors (click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/door-drama-our-lessons-learned-from.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post about that saga) and the new board and batten (click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/11\/show-tell-master-bedroom-renovation.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor that post), I decided to go with a craftsman one square on top style.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince the wood is cheap, you may need to do a careful check of the wood before you pick it. Look for any warping, splits and any other cosmetic issues. Some of that can be fixed when you adhere the wood to the door, but not everything. Since there are so many strips in a bundle, you should be able to find some good straight boards in the group.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the pieces are cut, you will need to sand the wood smooth including the edges. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-MXrETBYPClg\/VlzaDXfKSvI\/AAAAAAAAG5E\/Mvz9tyXbxRs\/s1600\/IMG_4612.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-MXrETBYPClg\/VlzaDXfKSvI\/AAAAAAAAG5E\/Mvz9tyXbxRs\/s400\/IMG_4612.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E2. Prepare Surface\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI removed my door and placed it on sawhorses, so it would be easier to work on. To remove a bi-fold door, you need to close the door and lift up. The top pin should compress in, and you should be able to lift the door off the bottom bracket and pull out. If your door is being stubborn (like mine was) you can also screw the bracket off the top track and slide the door inwards to remove. Remove the knobs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince there is more than likely some sort of finish on the top of the door, you will need to roughen up the surface. A smooth finish will keep your lattice strips and paint from adhering. You need to rough up the surface with a sanding block. You don't need to get crazy about it, \u0026nbsp;a fine grit sandpaper will work.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E3. Attach Wood Trim\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince the door is hollow, it won't do any good to use screws or nails. You will need to use \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.liquidnails.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELiquid Nails\u003C\/a\u003E or a similar adhesive.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you lightly sand, you need to fasten the wood to the door. Apply \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.liquidnails.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELiquid Nails\u003C\/a\u003E on the back of the wood strips in a wave pattern. Put the wood on the door and clamp it down. Use a wet rag to wipe away any adhesive that spills out from the trim. Let the door dry. I let my door dry overnight.If I couldn't reach a section with a clamp (i.e. in the strips on the inside of the door), I used a 10 pound weight to keep the trim from moving.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1aIbXfdr1jA\/VlzaFDGkuGI\/AAAAAAAAG50\/88WdKTH8Jtk\/s1600\/IMG_4786.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1aIbXfdr1jA\/VlzaFDGkuGI\/AAAAAAAAG50\/88WdKTH8Jtk\/s640\/IMG_4786.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E4. Wood Fill\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing wood fill, fill in anywhere the trim meets other trim. This is especially important if you have to join two pieces. The goal is to make the long piece appear as one piece, not two. After you let the wood fill dry for the time specified on the package, take either your sanding block or sander to the wood to level it out. I found that a block worked fine on everything except the long pieces joined together. To make those appear as one piece, I had to use a sander to take more surface area off.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WQpJNRnlRr0\/VlzaEfuFrwI\/AAAAAAAAG5k\/SFag3kDkUFk\/s1600\/IMG_4784.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WQpJNRnlRr0\/VlzaEfuFrwI\/AAAAAAAAG5k\/SFag3kDkUFk\/s640\/IMG_4784.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-q4hmWrctMR8\/VlzaEzAcMhI\/AAAAAAAAG5s\/cxbUE1e4LHk\/s1600\/IMG_4785.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-q4hmWrctMR8\/VlzaEzAcMhI\/AAAAAAAAG5s\/cxbUE1e4LHk\/s400\/IMG_4785.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E5. Caulk the Gaps\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou will need to caulk the gaps anywhere the trim meets the door. Caulk is one of those steps that many people overlook when doing trim. It does amazing things when it comes to making a professional finish.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TNQB_kO_fmc\/VlzaDu7CG-I\/AAAAAAAAG5M\/rtKFFrzKH68\/s1600\/IMG_4695.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TNQB_kO_fmc\/VlzaDu7CG-I\/AAAAAAAAG5M\/rtKFFrzKH68\/s400\/IMG_4695.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThis is the trim without caulk.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1CNO6nRIxl4\/VlzaENvk5dI\/AAAAAAAAG5U\/hZXkJ1e9Edk\/s1600\/IMG_4696.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1CNO6nRIxl4\/VlzaENvk5dI\/AAAAAAAAG5U\/hZXkJ1e9Edk\/s400\/IMG_4696.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ETrim with caulk\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou will want to caulk prior to painting because paint will catch less dust than the caulk by itself (not to mention, it will clean up much easier). Caulking used to intimidate me, mostly because I did such a terrible job on our tile back splash. However, once I threw out those caulking tools and just used a damp finger, the process was much easier. Once you have everything caulked, let the caulk dry according to the directions on the tube.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-P3_lWGhYbYs\/VlzaFjcreEI\/AAAAAAAAG58\/P47itMdrU1Y\/s1600\/IMG_4788.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-P3_lWGhYbYs\/VlzaFjcreEI\/AAAAAAAAG58\/P47itMdrU1Y\/s400\/IMG_4788.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E6. Paint the Door\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you would like, this is the time to apply a coat of primer to the door. I didn't have primer on hand, so I just went straight to my paint and primer in one. Primer would help keep the paint from peeling; however, I haven't seen any issues with the paint coming off my doors thus far.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing a brush in the crevices and a foam roller meant for doors on the larger portions, I painted the front and sides of the door. I decided not to paint the back since no one will see that portion of the door. If you want a more professional finish (or are using this tutorial on an interior door), you may want to start with the back and then paint the front last. My door took three coats to completely cover.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cI1MTvSH2Hc\/VlzaDP-WFXI\/AAAAAAAAG5A\/FuiDL1QWlvg\/s1600\/IMG_4677.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-cI1MTvSH2Hc\/VlzaDP-WFXI\/AAAAAAAAG5A\/FuiDL1QWlvg\/s320\/IMG_4677.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EAfter the first coat of paint, it's clear it's going to need some additional coats.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I was done with the front and edges, I propped my door up so I could paint the middle section where the hinges are located.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--61dStoOXts\/VlzaGJGAcyI\/AAAAAAAAG6Q\/OYLxQgJKqcU\/s1600\/IMG_4787.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--61dStoOXts\/VlzaGJGAcyI\/AAAAAAAAG6Q\/OYLxQgJKqcU\/s320\/IMG_4787.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe door is propped up so the hinge side can be seen.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E7. Rehang Door\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter everything has completely dried, it's time to rehang your door. I always expect to do some touch ups after re installing the doors, so keep your gallon of paint handy. Once the door was rehung, I added new knobs to the existing holes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OS39YadygUQ\/VlzaGjQWUBI\/AAAAAAAAG6M\/NH37TpXZZMo\/s1600\/IMG_4837%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OS39YadygUQ\/VlzaGjQWUBI\/AAAAAAAAG6M\/NH37TpXZZMo\/s640\/IMG_4837%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RYIqo53WJwk\/VlzaGkGGzeI\/AAAAAAAAG6I\/1lUahFfbYL0\/s1600\/IMG_4862.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-RYIqo53WJwk\/VlzaGkGGzeI\/AAAAAAAAG6I\/1lUahFfbYL0\/s640\/IMG_4862.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4311478325103071929\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4311478325103071929\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4311478325103071929"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4311478325103071929"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/11\/diy-sunday-2000-door-rehab.html","title":"DIY Sunday: $20.00 Door Rehab"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0AcIhp87d00\/VlzaDdgk8pI\/AAAAAAAAG5I\/Q6eWf0NUHNE\/s72-c\/Closet%2BDoor%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2453501581442799461"},"published":{"$t":"2015-11-24T10:00:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-11-24T10:56:32.901-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Show \u0026 Tell: Master Bedroom Renovation"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm so excited to share our completed bedroom renovation. I've already shared the cool barn door headboard we salvaged, and next Sunday I'm going to share the tutorial on our $20.00 closet door rehab, but I couldn't wait to share the over-all reveal. Not to mention I'm pretty sure our room won't look this clean for a long time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBefore\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you remember, this is what our room looked like in August. We hadn't done anything to the room apart from moving our furniture in and putting a couple pictures on the wall. It was a mess.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1BCPePH483Q\/VlN211wpOzI\/AAAAAAAAG3Q\/xRnhUEB3t4M\/s1600\/IMG_2857%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1BCPePH483Q\/VlN211wpOzI\/AAAAAAAAG3Q\/xRnhUEB3t4M\/s640\/IMG_2857%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ljPdF8E6DLs\/VlN21l0_tFI\/AAAAAAAAG3M\/gL4h_dqerRA\/s1600\/IMG_2859%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ljPdF8E6DLs\/VlN21l0_tFI\/AAAAAAAAG3M\/gL4h_dqerRA\/s640\/IMG_2859%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-b7I_GxEPxNE\/VlN214UzuvI\/AAAAAAAAG3U\/RAXhgqUhRZs\/s1600\/IMG_2860%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-b7I_GxEPxNE\/VlN214UzuvI\/AAAAAAAAG3U\/RAXhgqUhRZs\/s640\/IMG_2860%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9FIjTpx8k6A\/VlN22YP6I4I\/AAAAAAAAG3g\/5R0a5GdC15c\/s1600\/IMG_2861%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9FIjTpx8k6A\/VlN22YP6I4I\/AAAAAAAAG3g\/5R0a5GdC15c\/s640\/IMG_2861%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAfter\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first step in the renovation was new paint. I painted the walls with Sherwin Williams paint in Naval and painted the trim around the door and window in a crisp white. After we moved our headboard in, we removed the old trim and did board and batten around the room. That was quite the experience in itself, but the $150 investment is totally worth the impact it has on the room. I rehabbed the existing closet doors for $20.00 (tutorial coming this Sunday). The final touches were some white Ikea curtains (with new fabric added to the bottom), new nightstands, new shades on the light fixture and new bedding. Oh and I was lucky enough that my husband's ugly big box fan kicked the bucket. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5vtcysIjbBc\/VlN23LYVR6I\/AAAAAAAAG3w\/Tt1kNX5msqI\/s1600\/IMG_4828%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5vtcysIjbBc\/VlN23LYVR6I\/AAAAAAAAG3w\/Tt1kNX5msqI\/s640\/IMG_4828%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ClZ8QaTba54\/VlN23K_psiI\/AAAAAAAAG3o\/PzAbMLHU_hA\/s1600\/IMG_4829%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ClZ8QaTba54\/VlN23K_psiI\/AAAAAAAAG3o\/PzAbMLHU_hA\/s640\/IMG_4829%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-h2vQNTia-yE\/VlN23dWp9xI\/AAAAAAAAG30\/D5Vu1Cyf3qE\/s1600\/IMG_4833%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-h2vQNTia-yE\/VlN23dWp9xI\/AAAAAAAAG30\/D5Vu1Cyf3qE\/s640\/IMG_4833%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kvL4u4hYKZM\/VlN23zLZBAI\/AAAAAAAAG34\/mntZnZVc67c\/s1600\/IMG_4837%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-kvL4u4hYKZM\/VlN23zLZBAI\/AAAAAAAAG34\/mntZnZVc67c\/s640\/IMG_4837%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-N_muh6DPb8I\/VlN24htFwvI\/AAAAAAAAG4Q\/ZeUxfFax4A0\/s1600\/IMG_4841%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-N_muh6DPb8I\/VlN24htFwvI\/AAAAAAAAG4Q\/ZeUxfFax4A0\/s640\/IMG_4841%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rS4_x66d0po\/VlN24RtYBTI\/AAAAAAAAG4I\/gdhgQUJPbKM\/s1600\/IMG_4861%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rS4_x66d0po\/VlN24RtYBTI\/AAAAAAAAG4I\/gdhgQUJPbKM\/s640\/IMG_4861%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2453501581442799461\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2453501581442799461\u0026isPopup=true","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2453501581442799461"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2453501581442799461"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/11\/show-tell-master-bedroom-renovation.html","title":"Show \u0026 Tell: Master Bedroom Renovation"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1BCPePH483Q\/VlN211wpOzI\/AAAAAAAAG3Q\/xRnhUEB3t4M\/s72-c\/IMG_2857%2B%25281%2529.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-5799872538877481739"},"published":{"$t":"2015-11-23T12:13:00.003-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-11-23T12:14:40.348-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Rustic Mirror Frame and Stand"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI was going to share this project last week, but I am hard at work finishing up the board and batten in our bedroom. After that is done, I may actually be done with Ugly House for a couple of weeks. Then it's time to remove a wall, install an island and do flooring for the first floor. I'm addicted to rehab as Nicole Curtis would say.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere's a funny meme going around Pinterest that says \"Why buy something when you can spend twice as much on craft supplies and do it yourself?\" It makes me laugh, because for the most part I try to do things cheaper than buying them. However, every once in a while I ended up in a DIY black hole and the cost of supplies far exceeds the cost of buying something new. Mostly it's just pride that makes me continue to sink money into the project. I will finish you!!!! AHHHHH! (That's my DIY battle cry). \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/04\/gone-junkin-diy-picnic-table-upcycle.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThis \u003C\/a\u003Epicnic table was definitely my outdoor black hole this year. That stupid table probably cost me more than buying new...not to mention the hours I spent working on it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis month it's this darn rustic wood mirror. The idea started out simple enough. I had two mirrors left over from the previous owner of the house. I had old wood left over from the bench project. Free project! I just had to make a frame, attach it, and ta da! New more stylish mirror.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFour mirrors later, I almost gave up. I have enough bad luck to last me and my children's lifetimes. However, all my screw ups mean I know how to do this project correctly the first time. So, lucky you! You can learn from my many....many mistakes. Sanity saved and black hole project justified. All in a day's work.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-B9KVJJpDvwc\/VlNT2WRn-PI\/AAAAAAAAG1w\/jo9JA6gF9W8\/s1600\/Mirror%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-B9KVJJpDvwc\/VlNT2WRn-PI\/AAAAAAAAG1w\/jo9JA6gF9W8\/s640\/Mirror%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDIY Rustic Mirror and Frame\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMirror (If you're buying a new mirror, I would suggest this heavier duty beveled side mirror. It holds up better than the $5.00 cheap-o mirror.)\u003Cbr \/\u003ERustic Wood (If you can't find the wood you're looking for, you can follow \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/01\/diy-sunday-large-rustic-barn-wood-frame.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethis \u003C\/a\u003Etutorial and make your own)\u003Cbr \/\u003E4 Corner Braces\u003Cbr \/\u003E2 Hinges\u003Cbr \/\u003EChain\u003Cbr \/\u003EPliers\u003Cbr \/\u003ETape Measure\u003Cbr \/\u003EDrill\u003Cbr \/\u003EMiter Saw or Hand Saw and Miter Box\u003Cbr \/\u003E2 Bolts with Nuts (Long enough to go through two boards and a bit extra. I took some left over gold spray paint and painted them so they would match my chain.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E4 Eye Screws\u003Cbr \/\u003EScrewdriver\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Liquid Nails Mirror Adhesive\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xEmm57AnDOA\/VlNWk9-E1UI\/AAAAAAAAG2o\/PG1c7Ld0EaM\/s1600\/supplies%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xEmm57AnDOA\/VlNWk9-E1UI\/AAAAAAAAG2o\/PG1c7Ld0EaM\/s320\/supplies%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EStep One: Build Frame\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBuilding a frame for your mirror is relatively easy and straight forward. You will use your saw to cut 45 degree angles. You should make the smaller inside edge just a bit smaller than the size of the mirror. After the angles are cut, use corner braces to connect all the pieces. If you don't want fancier 45 degree corners, it's perfectly acceptable to attach the four pieces without the angles. Adjust your measurements as necessary. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EStep Two: Drill Holes for Brace\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided to do a brace horizontal across the back to 1) keep the mirror attached to the frame more securely, and 2) have something to attach the hinges\/stand to. I wanted my mirror to be mobile so I built a stand. You absolutely can do this project without the stand.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first thing to remember (and the most important thing) is to never drill anything while the mirror is close to the frame. You will predrill everything before the mirror gets attached. I broke two mirrors being stupid about this. I had everything cut and ready to go and broke the mirror when I was trying to attach it to the frame. You're going to predrill everything and then carefully hand tighten with a screwdriver.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pkOZFEKS0gI\/VlNTzUk41TI\/AAAAAAAAG1U\/MbkRlQGTWdM\/s1600\/IMG_4675.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-pkOZFEKS0gI\/VlNTzUk41TI\/AAAAAAAAG1U\/MbkRlQGTWdM\/s400\/IMG_4675.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst of all, carefully place the mirror on the back of the frame and outline the mirror with a marker. This outline will give you an idea where to drill everything without having the mirror anywhere near the drill. Remove the mirror and put it in a safe place. You will then want to cut a piece of wood for the brace that fits across the back of the frame. Drill a hole (a bit larger than the bolts you have) on each end of the brace, as close to each end as you can get without compromising the hole. You don't want the bolts to interfere with the mirror, so your holes will need to be outside the outline you drew.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have the holes drilled, place the brace on the back of the frame. I placed mine in the middle of the frame. Then, put a pencil through each hole and mark on the back of the frame where the holes on the brace hit. Finally, drill holes in the mirror frame on the places you marked.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ueal_lqyyI8\/VlNTujHLuiI\/AAAAAAAAG0U\/wltzil3BGGs\/s1600\/IMG_0222.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ueal_lqyyI8\/VlNTujHLuiI\/AAAAAAAAG0U\/wltzil3BGGs\/s400\/IMG_0222.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EI should note that my iPhone 6 died and I had to use my iPhone 5 to take pictures. The quality is crazy different. Sorry for the blurry pictures!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EStep Three: Cut and Attach Legs\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince I decided to do a stand, I needed to cut some legs. I eyeballed about how long they need to be by holding the frame at the angle I wanted it to be and measuring the length to the floor. You can adjust the leg length before you attach the mirror, so don't get too worried about it. The most important thing is each leg is exactly the same length. You don't want your mirror leaning to one side.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fpgPcoKtL9I\/VlNTuoOEb1I\/AAAAAAAAG0Q\/qB6JbbkMpCE\/s1600\/IMG_0223.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fpgPcoKtL9I\/VlNTuoOEb1I\/AAAAAAAAG0Q\/qB6JbbkMpCE\/s400\/IMG_0223.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have your legs cut, you can hold them up against the mirror frame to make sure they are short\/long enough. Now is the tedious part. You have to attach the hinges to the brace and the legs. Before you do this, I would put the bolts through the front of the mirror and brace so you can make sure the legs and hinges don't interfere with the bolts. There's no good way to attach the hinges. It's going to be awkward when you go to attach the the other side. A magnetic drill bit\/screw driver will make it a bit easier. A second set of hands would also make it easier, but since I decided to put this mirror together at 2 am I was on my own. (I really should teach my dogs to help with these sorts of things)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ACV-sxpPJEw\/VlNTuVL8QVI\/AAAAAAAAG0M\/5xcWCkMkEcQ\/s1600\/IMG_0224.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ACV-sxpPJEw\/VlNTuVL8QVI\/AAAAAAAAG0M\/5xcWCkMkEcQ\/s400\/IMG_0224.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HLvpj7ZfA1Q\/VlNTvVwM2OI\/AAAAAAAAG0Y\/btXtLslg6-o\/s1600\/IMG_0225.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HLvpj7ZfA1Q\/VlNTvVwM2OI\/AAAAAAAAG0Y\/btXtLslg6-o\/s400\/IMG_0225.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI should note, that my legs on my mirror are a bit loose from side to side. I could fix this by placing another brace towards the bottom of the legs so they would be connected to one another. I have decided against this because I can now move my legs out a bit so the base is wider and more stable. So I get a bit more stability, but when I go to move it, it's a pain to pull out each leg separately. Just a FYI.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EStep Four: Drill for Mirror Clips\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing the clips that are included with the mirror, attach them around the sides of the mirror outline you made. You may need to use shorter screws if you're frame isn't very thick. You will want to start the screws without making them too tight since you need to swivel the clip around to get the mirror in. You basically are starting the screws and will hand tighten them once you have the mirror attached. You will want to do this step while the brace is attached so you don't interfere with it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EStep Five: Attach Eye Screws\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow you should have a frame and stand put together. You should be able to stand it up and look at your fine creation. If you're on carpet, you can now place your mirror at the angle you would like it to sit all the time. Now it's time to mark where the chain and the eye screws should go. I just eyeballed where to put the eye screws. One screw will go in the back of the leg and the other will go in the back of the frame. You should try to make them level with one another. You will also want the other side to be level with the screws so the chains hang at about the same place. Mark with a pencil\/marker where you want to put the eye screws in. Once again, make sure you are placing the eye screws outside of the outline you made for the mirror. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-qJzHpYTQOBA\/VlNTwBEZaAI\/AAAAAAAAG0k\/LYGRLAmaKQo\/s1600\/IMG_0227.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-qJzHpYTQOBA\/VlNTwBEZaAI\/AAAAAAAAG0k\/LYGRLAmaKQo\/s640\/IMG_0227.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-3ZaXlWMImaE\/VlNTwi3FGiI\/AAAAAAAAG0o\/iqZDbS1kU8c\/s1600\/IMG_0228.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-3ZaXlWMImaE\/VlNTwi3FGiI\/AAAAAAAAG0o\/iqZDbS1kU8c\/s400\/IMG_0228.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile you have your frame sitting up how you would like it, use a tape measure to measure how far the two eye screws are apart. This will be how long you will make your chain. You will attach the chain after the mirror is attached to the frame.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ENow you can place your frame flat and screw in all the eye hooks. I usually just muscle them in, but it can be really helpful to drill a pilot hole. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pZ8UY1OwwuQ\/VlNTwPHbpDI\/AAAAAAAAG0g\/w1Rv34Tc7H8\/s1600\/IMG_0226.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pZ8UY1OwwuQ\/VlNTwPHbpDI\/AAAAAAAAG0g\/w1Rv34Tc7H8\/s320\/IMG_0226.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EStep Six: Attach the Mirror\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis is the moment of truth. After breaking four mirrors, I was a sweaty mess with this step. If I broke this mirror, I am pretty sure I would have needed to be committed. My husband would have found me in a ball on the couch cursing about the stupid mirror project.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERemove the bolts from the frame and brace. You should now have two pieces: 1) The frame with all the mirror clips loosely attached, and 2) the brace with the legs attached.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECarefully place the mirror on the back of the frame. You will want to make sure you are clearing all the mirror clips and not scratching the surface of the mirror. If you are so inclined, prior to placing the mirror on the frame, you could do a bead of Liquid Nail mirror adhesive around the frame inside the outline. I did not do this because I wanted to be able to remove the mirror if it ever got broken.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the mirror is on the frame, swivel each clip and make sure they are all hitting at the right place. If a clip is off, you will need to remove the mirror, move the clip and replace the mirror on the back of the frame.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECarefully hand tighten each clip. You want the clips firmly holding the mirror in place, but don't get overly aggressive. You don't want to hear a crack as your tightening the clip.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K3Eq0r5OsdY\/VlNTxHVT0TI\/AAAAAAAAG04\/ZBPmVqUKyH4\/s1600\/IMG_0229.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K3Eq0r5OsdY\/VlNTxHVT0TI\/AAAAAAAAG04\/ZBPmVqUKyH4\/s320\/IMG_0229.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the mirror is attached, you can place the bolts through the front of the frame and reattached the brace and legs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EfztM_w7Htw\/VlNTw-SUjsI\/AAAAAAAAG0w\/tm2jG7jzBrY\/s1600\/IMG_0230.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EfztM_w7Htw\/VlNTw-SUjsI\/AAAAAAAAG0w\/tm2jG7jzBrY\/s320\/IMG_0230.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003EStep Seven: Attach the Chain\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMeasure out how long you need the chains to be. Make sure they are equal length so the mirror doesn't lean to one side. To \"cut\" the chain, you can use some pliers to pry open a link and make the chain the proper length. Attach the chain to the eye hook by squeezing the end link shut with your pliers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe mirror should be finished! I hope you enjoy your new fancy mirror and mostly I hope my bad experience made the process easy and painless for you!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PcoXg9JaXQ\/VlNT0BcTEVI\/AAAAAAAAG1c\/RMhHpXZ7ty8\/s1600\/IMG_4685.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-8PcoXg9JaXQ\/VlNT0BcTEVI\/AAAAAAAAG1c\/RMhHpXZ7ty8\/s640\/IMG_4685.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-mGKkpPVtT7s\/VlNT1eKz5OI\/AAAAAAAAG1k\/mxdYvxevxTY\/s1600\/IMG_4689.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-mGKkpPVtT7s\/VlNT1eKz5OI\/AAAAAAAAG1k\/mxdYvxevxTY\/s640\/IMG_4689.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dFBmmlI7DZ4\/VlNT1uyz0QI\/AAAAAAAAG1s\/B2td0jbQMw8\/s1600\/IMG_4693.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dFBmmlI7DZ4\/VlNT1uyz0QI\/AAAAAAAAG1s\/B2td0jbQMw8\/s400\/IMG_4693.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/5799872538877481739\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=5799872538877481739\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5799872538877481739"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5799872538877481739"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/11\/diy-sunday-rustic-mirror-frame-and-stand.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Rustic Mirror Frame and Stand"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-B9KVJJpDvwc\/VlNT2WRn-PI\/AAAAAAAAG1w\/jo9JA6gF9W8\/s72-c\/Mirror%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6800232527755006311"},"published":{"$t":"2015-11-18T11:29:00.000-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-11-18T11:29:21.177-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Handmade Christmas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Holiday"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Chalk Markers v. Chalk Pencils"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Hump Day!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm working on a tutorial right now, but until that's ready, I figured I would share a new product I found while shopping with a friend (shout out to my home slice Lisa!) at Target. I'm all about the chalkboard craze. Before Pinterest made it cool, I had a chalkboard hanging in my room in high school. It was a great place to doodle and leave notes. So, I'm loving that new accessories are coming out to make drawing a bit more refined (my sidewalk chalk skills aren't all that great..just ask my 5 year old daughter).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI love chalkboard markers. I have used them pretty regularly since they came on the market. However, they are very bold. You don't get a whole lot of control with how much comes out of them. It's hard to shade in without just creating a blob of liquid chalk which inevitably will smear all over the drawing when you try to remove it. Which leads to cursing and wine drinking...which really doesn't help the whole \"staying in the lines business.\" Then I saw these new fangled chalkboard pencils. Yes. Think colored pencils but for a chalkboard. They even sharpen like pencils. (Say what!?) Although my husband, aka the Grinch, \u0026nbsp;is strictly on the \"No Christmas Decorations until after Thanksgiving\" bandwagon, I decided to give them a try with some Christmas art. He will just have to advert his eyes for a few more days.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gVCr4DRh2vo\/Vky0vp0Im-I\/AAAAAAAAGzo\/oqz7UyDrNdA\/s1600\/IMG_4777.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gVCr4DRh2vo\/Vky0vp0Im-I\/AAAAAAAAGzo\/oqz7UyDrNdA\/s400\/IMG_4777.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EChalk Markers v. Chalk Pencils\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst of all, chalk pencils are seriously awesome for outlining what you want to draw. Instead of doing my usual chalk on paper and trace the paper trick, I could sketch right on the chalkboard. The pencils erase easily, and you can control how dark you want the pencil line to be. It made doing my large chalkboard way easy. I just sketched the entire thing and followed with a chalk marker.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hehiy770gbA\/Vky0vlalOEI\/AAAAAAAAGzk\/sjEq-XZNN4I\/s1600\/IMG_4778.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hehiy770gbA\/Vky0vlalOEI\/AAAAAAAAGzk\/sjEq-XZNN4I\/s640\/IMG_4778.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI decided to use the marker on my large chalkboard, because the pencil was a bit too light for the dark hallway and dark chalkboard. However, I did use the pencils to shade in between the marker lines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QGqGMmWLEd0\/Vky0vqVtItI\/AAAAAAAAGzw\/bsIPQnf_37M\/s1600\/IMG_4780.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-QGqGMmWLEd0\/Vky0vqVtItI\/AAAAAAAAGzw\/bsIPQnf_37M\/s640\/IMG_4780.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI also used the chalk pencils on some smaller chalkboards where I wanted a more sketched look. The dark colors (blue and purple specifically) don't translate very well to the black chalkboard, but maybe they would work well on a lighter color chalkboard. They erase much easier than markers which made correcting mistakes as I went much easier. However, that also means that they will easily erase if they rub against something else. And of course, they smudge and blur easier.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-NuyI2ikemsQ\/Vky0wstsIDI\/AAAAAAAAGz0\/31ggG_irjhI\/s1600\/IMG_4781.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-NuyI2ikemsQ\/Vky0wstsIDI\/AAAAAAAAGz0\/31ggG_irjhI\/s400\/IMG_4781.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, over-all I'm happy that I found the pencils. Although now I'm wondering where that chalkboard from high school ended up....(Mom?!?)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6800232527755006311\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6800232527755006311\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6800232527755006311"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6800232527755006311"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/11\/chalk-markers-v-chalk-pencils.html","title":"Chalk Markers v. Chalk Pencils"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gVCr4DRh2vo\/Vky0vp0Im-I\/AAAAAAAAGzo\/oqz7UyDrNdA\/s72-c\/IMG_4777.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1455889074223677388"},"published":{"$t":"2015-11-10T11:16:00.002-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-11-10T11:16:44.631-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Signs"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Rustic Picture Frame"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThis week's\u0026nbsp;project features some leftover wood from another project earlier this year. At the beginning of the summer, I\u0026nbsp;redid a bench I found stashed in the woods at our house. (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/04\/junk-pile-finds-life-is-good.html\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post)\u0026nbsp;Since I keep and reuse everything I can, I kept the old boards for some future project. The boards were the perfect shade of weathered grey.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EI decided to try to make a frame for a cool vintage print I got for my sons room. I have a miter saw now, and I hadn't tried out doing different angles. Perfect chance!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TOUA_bMfPD0\/VkIlBRAR4-I\/AAAAAAAAGyA\/uLKkNv8o9Xs\/s1600\/photo6.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TOUA_bMfPD0\/VkIlBRAR4-I\/AAAAAAAAGyA\/uLKkNv8o9Xs\/s640\/photo6.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003ENormally if\u0026nbsp;I was going to do things correctly, I would have used pocket screws to secure the corners. However since a Kreg Jig is on my Christmas list and not in my garage (yet), I decided to use these inexpensive corner braces instead. (Hint: These are located by screen doors\/door hardware. I wouldn't have found them if wasn't for the helpful \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lowes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELowes \u003C\/a\u003Eassociates!)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-91-RrSJjpWg\/VkIl0uDJejI\/AAAAAAAAGyI\/LZrsiaJKLXg\/s1600\/IMG_4581%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-91-RrSJjpWg\/VkIl0uDJejI\/AAAAAAAAGyI\/LZrsiaJKLXg\/s400\/IMG_4581%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThe process is fairly straightforward. You first need to measure the print and decide what size you want the frame to be. (My frame is only a half of an inch smaller than the print since the print goes pretty close to the edges)\u0026nbsp;You need to cut the inside of the frame to fit those measurements. It can be helpful to draw out\u0026nbsp;how the frame will look so you can see how the\u0026nbsp;angles will work. \u0026nbsp;Before I started cutting, I took a wire bush to the boards to clean them up and add a bit of texture.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sZXN3C3V4sA\/VkIl0pGHYPI\/AAAAAAAAGyM\/-4OJCRgFN-o\/s1600\/IMG_4579%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sZXN3C3V4sA\/VkIl0pGHYPI\/AAAAAAAAGyM\/-4OJCRgFN-o\/s640\/IMG_4579%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EOnce you have everything cut, you need to screw the brackets on each corner. Add a hanger to the top and you're done! I used a stapler to secure the print to the frame. I love how it adds to the really neat print,\u0026nbsp;and it only cost me a couple dollars!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-GhFURvOPerc\/VkIl0-pNqRI\/AAAAAAAAGyQ\/lkeJmSNkdEk\/s1600\/IMG_4599%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-GhFURvOPerc\/VkIl0-pNqRI\/AAAAAAAAGyQ\/lkeJmSNkdEk\/s640\/IMG_4599%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CxEFcXjGlEc\/VkIl2Dp_3_I\/AAAAAAAAGyc\/bonmBiwzNVk\/s1600\/IMG_4601%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CxEFcXjGlEc\/VkIl2Dp_3_I\/AAAAAAAAGyc\/bonmBiwzNVk\/s400\/IMG_4601%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gFXwN7Q4204\/VkIl2f4sp4I\/AAAAAAAAGyg\/otXPSZvK7kc\/s1600\/IMG_4603.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gFXwN7Q4204\/VkIl2f4sp4I\/AAAAAAAAGyg\/otXPSZvK7kc\/s640\/IMG_4603.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-V09IwXmttHs\/VkIl2ayKlVI\/AAAAAAAAGyk\/Ehb5ig6FGw8\/s1600\/IMG_4605%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-V09IwXmttHs\/VkIl2ayKlVI\/AAAAAAAAGyk\/Ehb5ig6FGw8\/s640\/IMG_4605%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1455889074223677388\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1455889074223677388\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1455889074223677388"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1455889074223677388"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/11\/diy-rustic-picture-frame.html","title":"DIY Rustic Picture Frame"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TOUA_bMfPD0\/VkIlBRAR4-I\/AAAAAAAAGyA\/uLKkNv8o9Xs\/s72-c\/photo6.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-5489898332435761917"},"published":{"$t":"2015-11-02T23:42:00.001-06:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-11-02T23:42:22.634-06:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Rustic Barn Door Headboard"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Monday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe are on a mission to finish up our bedroom remodel. It's a good thing we waited to work on the room, because a cool headboard just happen to fall into our laps. My husband's boss was tearing down a barn. Originally we went to look at the barn to see if we could salvage any of the barn wood to create a wood wall for my husband's man room. The siding on the barn ended up being too brittle to get off (it just fell apart), but we did spy a really cool door on the hay loft.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VPbXc0BUnj0\/VjhHwoRA7UI\/AAAAAAAAGws\/TcEM0dQYz8Y\/s1600\/IMG_3186.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VPbXc0BUnj0\/VjhHwoRA7UI\/AAAAAAAAGws\/TcEM0dQYz8Y\/s640\/IMG_3186.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xrYwuTu-RDg\/VjhHwSnqotI\/AAAAAAAAGwo\/8oa3xL9me5c\/s1600\/IMG_3187.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-xrYwuTu-RDg\/VjhHwSnqotI\/AAAAAAAAGwo\/8oa3xL9me5c\/s640\/IMG_3187.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe did some real scientific measurements...meaning we used our feet and arms to eyeball how big it was. It turned out to be the perfect size for our king size bed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe got the door back to our house with some work on my husband's part. Once we got the door propped up on some saw horses, it was time for me to clean it. I did some research on how to clean barn wood. I wanted to make sure I got the years of grime off the wood, but also keep the weathered patina. I decided to clean the wood with a stiff nylon brush (avoiding a wire brush since it would remove the weathered look). I used a grease fighting dish soap and a jet setting on the hose. The process ended up working out pretty well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AHcce49Y1_M\/VjhIyZl-tvI\/AAAAAAAAGxg\/6KAr45dO7D8\/s1600\/IMG_4125.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-AHcce49Y1_M\/VjhIyZl-tvI\/AAAAAAAAGxg\/6KAr45dO7D8\/s400\/IMG_4125.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe final issue was getting the gigantic headboard into the house. The headboard was too big to fit up my stairs, so we had to strategically cut it so it would look whole once put back together. We used 2x4's screwed into the studs to mount the door to the wall.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMy only regret is we couldn't fit the peak of the door into our room (it would have been too tall). We saved it and we're going to use it for a different project eventually.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMaster bedroom has new linens, curtains, nightstands, paint and now a headboard. We're working on the finishing touches of board and batten around the room and then we'll be done.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-2A_mqv06bHs\/VjhHxsZK1xI\/AAAAAAAAGw4\/YaedcF-vZjA\/s1600\/IMG_4540a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-2A_mqv06bHs\/VjhHxsZK1xI\/AAAAAAAAGw4\/YaedcF-vZjA\/s640\/IMG_4540a.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JgjoWvU2Qc8\/VjhHzGN6nDI\/AAAAAAAAGxE\/skeSX9nEQDc\/s1600\/IMG_4552a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"448\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-JgjoWvU2Qc8\/VjhHzGN6nDI\/AAAAAAAAGxE\/skeSX9nEQDc\/s640\/IMG_4552a.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VRRbvbu_y18\/VjhHyVX9DSI\/AAAAAAAAGxA\/KsnLsE-cY7s\/s1600\/IMG_4565.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VRRbvbu_y18\/VjhHyVX9DSI\/AAAAAAAAGxA\/KsnLsE-cY7s\/s640\/IMG_4565.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-lSbEcwXCRL0\/VjhHzgf5M4I\/AAAAAAAAGxM\/9d42_u2mAUU\/s1600\/IMG_4567.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-lSbEcwXCRL0\/VjhHzgf5M4I\/AAAAAAAAGxM\/9d42_u2mAUU\/s640\/IMG_4567.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CIp5eMTesNU\/VjhHz3zY7iI\/AAAAAAAAGxQ\/B6MRT1c7r9w\/s1600\/IMG_4571.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CIp5eMTesNU\/VjhHz3zY7iI\/AAAAAAAAGxQ\/B6MRT1c7r9w\/s640\/IMG_4571.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESomeone has been sleeping in my bed!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0;\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/5489898332435761917\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=5489898332435761917\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5489898332435761917"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5489898332435761917"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/11\/diy-sunday-rustic-barn-door-headboard.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Rustic Barn Door Headboard"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VPbXc0BUnj0\/VjhHwoRA7UI\/AAAAAAAAGws\/TcEM0dQYz8Y\/s72-c\/IMG_3186.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-1180713156840961009"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-26T14:49:00.004-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-10-26T14:50:46.844-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sewing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Skinny Hip Pant Fix"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Monday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had a wonderful, very full weekend. My daughter and I participated in our first Girl Scouts event, and I got to attend new leadership training. I am very excited about Girl Scouts. It's a great program that really lets girls learn leadership skills while having fun. Plus, they have a focus on outdoor activities and STEM which I fear is lacking for many girls today. I'm so excited to be involved in the program.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince she had her first event Saturday, and I didn't get her uniform until Friday, that meant I got to spend Friday night sewing. It ended up being a good thing, because I had a couple of projects I was meaning to complete anyways. One of them is a collection of pants for my son.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI think there's quite a few parents out there than can sympathize with this problem. I have a tall skinny little boy. If something fits around the waist, it's probably 3 inches short on the pants and vis versa. Sweatpants and jeans with adjustable waists help, but every once in a while we get some free jeans or older PJ pants with worn out elastic, and they just fall off his tiny hips. (\u003Ci\u003ELord. I wish I had that problem\u003C\/i\u003E)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFixing this is SUPER easy. And if you have a needle and thread, you don't even need a sewing machine! This is completely doable without one.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-PeGLHn2SPsU\/Vi6CwbhomhI\/AAAAAAAAGvI\/7xhAs4or5fU\/s1600\/Pant%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-PeGLHn2SPsU\/Vi6CwbhomhI\/AAAAAAAAGvI\/7xhAs4or5fU\/s640\/Pant%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDIY Skinny Hip Fix\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EElastic (I like the no-roll kind)\u003Cbr \/\u003ENeedle and Thread or Sewing Machine (I like to use a color that matches the pant, not the elastic)\u003Cbr \/\u003ESafety Pin\u003Cbr \/\u003ESmall Sharp Scissors\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Stitch Ripper\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E1. Cut a Small Slit\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, most waistbands of pants will already have a \"pocket\" for you to thread your elastic through. So, for jeans or other pants that button\/zip on the front, on the one of the sides towards the front, cut a small slit on the inside of the waistband. Take care not to cut all the way through the pant. Just try to get that first layer. If you are working on some stretched out sweatpants or PJ pants, you may want to start in the back since your elastic is going to go all the way around.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Bcom2cypvS0\/Vi6CvYG15kI\/AAAAAAAAGu0\/d_tiWyBBV40\/s1600\/IMG_4360.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Bcom2cypvS0\/Vi6CvYG15kI\/AAAAAAAAGu0\/d_tiWyBBV40\/s640\/IMG_4360.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E2. Thread Elastic\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAttach your safety pin to the elastic and thread it through the small slit you made. You should be able to thread all the way around to the other side (or with PJs and sweatpants, thread the whole way around). \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-S1P4exwMU8I\/Vi6CsUv2WYI\/AAAAAAAAGuM\/szeNp2Vg7o0\/s1600\/IMG_4347.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-S1P4exwMU8I\/Vi6CsUv2WYI\/AAAAAAAAGuM\/szeNp2Vg7o0\/s400\/IMG_4347.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou may run into obstacles. For example, on these Levi's, the patch that was sewn into the back of the jeans keeps you from threading all the way around. In that case, use your stitch ripper (or even small scissors) to cut away enough stitches so the safety pin can slide through. Don't remove the entire patch (unless you want to). You only need just a tiny space for the safety pin to slide through. Once you get to the other side, cut a tiny slit in the top layer of fabric for the safety pin to slide back out. Secure the safety pin and elastic to the side of the pants. (Or if you went all the way around connect the beginning and end of the elastic together with the safety pin)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FK0qW07j-sU\/Vi6CsX77aaI\/AAAAAAAAGuQ\/RoLz3gWKdiI\/s1600\/IMG_4348.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FK0qW07j-sU\/Vi6CsX77aaI\/AAAAAAAAGuQ\/RoLz3gWKdiI\/s400\/IMG_4348.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hg9Gsf5ZSsU\/Vi6CsdGkEjI\/AAAAAAAAGuc\/QgS5OSylRHU\/s1600\/IMG_4350.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hg9Gsf5ZSsU\/Vi6CsdGkEjI\/AAAAAAAAGuc\/QgS5OSylRHU\/s640\/IMG_4350.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cu\u003E3. Sew\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou can either use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to attach your elastic. If you use a needle, make sure you have strong knots and really have at it. Make sure that elastic isn't going anywhere. If you have a sewing machine, use a zig zag stitch to secure the elastic.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you're working on pants like jeans, you will secure the beginning of the elastic first. Remove the safety pin and place the elastic against the inside of the waist band and sew the elastic to the jean. Once it's sewn on, pull the other end of the elastic tight. Make the waistband as tight as you need it to be. Then secure the end of the elastic to the other side of the pants with a couple of stitches. Cut off the excess elastic.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-XbMLe_RSHdM\/Vi6CtHk158I\/AAAAAAAAGuU\/V49opWntGX0\/s1600\/IMG_4351.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-XbMLe_RSHdM\/Vi6CtHk158I\/AAAAAAAAGuU\/V49opWntGX0\/s640\/IMG_4351.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-r8QpDiQOIXw\/Vi6CvquVgxI\/AAAAAAAAGvA\/587IPm1R8ZQ\/s1600\/IMG_4359.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-r8QpDiQOIXw\/Vi6CvquVgxI\/AAAAAAAAGvA\/587IPm1R8ZQ\/s400\/IMG_4359.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you're working on sweatpants or PJ pants, pull the elastic as tight as you need it and sew the two ends of the elastic together so it's making a circle of elastic. Cut off excess elastic when you're done sewing. Slide the elastic around so the piece you just finished sewing is inside of the waistband. That way it isn't visible and isn't scratching your kiddo.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ahZyWRYW9VY\/Vi6DbmSPjFI\/AAAAAAAAGvc\/cOzTJjTb_GM\/s1600\/IMG_4354.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ahZyWRYW9VY\/Vi6DbmSPjFI\/AAAAAAAAGvc\/cOzTJjTb_GM\/s400\/IMG_4354.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, there you go! A very easy and cheap way to make your pants fit those skinny boy hips. Of course this works for skinny girls too, but I always find that boy pants are usually assuming your little one is built like a brick house. :)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8vmQKRir2_0\/Vi6CueAVLeI\/AAAAAAAAGuk\/E0_w90lkR68\/s1600\/IMG_4353.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-8vmQKRir2_0\/Vi6CueAVLeI\/AAAAAAAAGuk\/E0_w90lkR68\/s640\/IMG_4353.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-YK7VAShRwUc\/Vi6CuonwVDI\/AAAAAAAAGus\/UvaJMuRWb8o\/s1600\/IMG_4355.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-YK7VAShRwUc\/Vi6CuonwVDI\/AAAAAAAAGus\/UvaJMuRWb8o\/s400\/IMG_4355.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/1180713156840961009\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=1180713156840961009\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1180713156840961009"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/1180713156840961009"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/10\/diy-sunday-skinny-hip-pant-fix.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Skinny Hip Pant Fix"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-PeGLHn2SPsU\/Vi6CwbhomhI\/AAAAAAAAGvI\/7xhAs4or5fU\/s72-c\/Pant%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4481848284505905542"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-19T11:47:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-10-19T14:48:40.593-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Baby and Children Projects"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sewing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Adult Shirt Upcycling"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Late Sunday\/Early Monday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday's DIY Sunday features my daughter and her ever evolving style. She may be just five, but she has very strong opinions on what is \"cute\" and what is not. Skinny jeans are okay, but boot cut jeans are not cute. Don't even get her started on wearing a plain sweatshirt. There's always extra points for pink, sparkles or dresses. I feel like I'm dressing her for the cool kids table straight out of \u003Ci\u003EMean Girls\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThankfully, the clothes I make for her still fit in the \"cute\" category, although those days may be numbered. It's become a bit of a tradition each season change. I go through my closet and make a couple of piles (toss, donate, sew, etc.) This weekend we made a baseball shirt dress from one of my old college shirts. I also decided to sew through my finger for the first (and hopefully last time!). Don't do that. Seriously. My poor index finger not only got sewn through this past weekend, but last year I cut through it with a rotary cutter. \u003Ci\u003EI'm a hardcore crafter y'all.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMaking children clothes from adult clothes is actually really simple. Most of my sewing projects only require a simple understanding of using a sewing machine (I'm no sewing wizard). I always put the shirt on my daughter inside out. I then grab a pile of pins and follow her silhouette. It's pretty easy. The only \"tricky\" part is the sleeves, mostly because you don't want to go too tight, or she'll never be able to get into it. I may eventually try to use my husband's castaways to make my son some t-shirts. Making each dress usually only takes 45 minutes or so, and she still thinks it's fun to wear a version of my clothes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fn9Ac1zRJ60\/ViUcylxFByI\/AAAAAAAAGso\/XcscTvkNSu8\/s1600\/Adult%2BShirt%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fn9Ac1zRJ60\/ViUcylxFByI\/AAAAAAAAGso\/XcscTvkNSu8\/s640\/Adult%2BShirt%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn addition to the dresses we made, we also did this super (\u003Cb\u003ESUPER\u003C\/b\u003E) easy method to making t-shirt bags. In fact, this method can easily be no sew. You can simply tie up the bottom instead of sewing. My daughter made one bag completely on her own using that method.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-kg3-DRpHZA8\/ViUcybDr-cI\/AAAAAAAAGsk\/VSyutC1TKcA\/s1600\/tshirt%2Bbag%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-kg3-DRpHZA8\/ViUcybDr-cI\/AAAAAAAAGsk\/VSyutC1TKcA\/s640\/tshirt%2Bbag%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECheck out our t-shirt upcycle projects!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IEPidGM-_bY\/ViUc6Tsq3fI\/AAAAAAAAGs0\/t1WyR75Nreg\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B10-18-2015%2B686.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IEPidGM-_bY\/ViUc6Tsq3fI\/AAAAAAAAGs0\/t1WyR75Nreg\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B10-18-2015%2B686.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EDid I also mention she's a complete ham when it comes to modeling her new dresses?\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EOn this baseball shirt dress, I simply took in the entire shirt along her silhouette. I also shortened the sleeves and hemmed the bottom up.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qg_A2I94od4\/ViUc6gjPXAI\/AAAAAAAAGs8\/ZayjP7UFDwU\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B10-18-2015%2B702.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qg_A2I94od4\/ViUc6gjPXAI\/AAAAAAAAGs8\/ZayjP7UFDwU\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B10-18-2015%2B702.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fsJ-0caPYSc\/ViUc6j5sWcI\/AAAAAAAAGs4\/M5Haa51Riu4\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B10-18-2015%2B704.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fsJ-0caPYSc\/ViUc6j5sWcI\/AAAAAAAAGs4\/M5Haa51Riu4\/s400\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B10-18-2015%2B704.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nQXsDU2YAWM\/ViUc_8NSiII\/AAAAAAAAGtM\/dHMD-g0jmR0\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B1-7-2015%2B012.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nQXsDU2YAWM\/ViUc_8NSiII\/AAAAAAAAGtM\/dHMD-g0jmR0\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B1-7-2015%2B012.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThis dress was a little more difficult \u0026nbsp;because it was a tank top. I took in the sides along her silhouette. I removed the straps and re attached them in a cross pattern on the back. I also had to play with the scallop design on the front so it wasn't baggy. \u0026nbsp;I also hemmed up the bottom just a bit.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-IkXkbXxkT_g\/ViUdALj7h3I\/AAAAAAAAGtQ\/ojuxBpei_ps\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B1-7-2015%2B014.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-IkXkbXxkT_g\/ViUdALj7h3I\/AAAAAAAAGtQ\/ojuxBpei_ps\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2Bup%2B1-7-2015%2B014.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-PyfhVDWQzrc\/ViUdJARtEvI\/AAAAAAAAGtg\/QNFu1iL7tno\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B328.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-PyfhVDWQzrc\/ViUdJARtEvI\/AAAAAAAAGtg\/QNFu1iL7tno\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B328.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThis dress is one of my daughter's favorite (and ironically, was one of my favorite shirts as well). We took in the sides to match her silhouette and closed up the arm holes so they were smaller. I also took in the back a bit as well so we could use the existing buttons and holes to secure the dress. \u0026nbsp;The tricky part was hemming the bottom with the different layers of slick fabric. It's not perfect, but it does the trick.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ac9qZSGS1LI\/ViUdJYw7XsI\/AAAAAAAAGtc\/pZ1pQRPK6No\/s1600\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B331.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ac9qZSGS1LI\/ViUdJYw7XsI\/AAAAAAAAGtc\/pZ1pQRPK6No\/s640\/iPhone%2BBack%2BUp%2B9-15%2B331.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4481848284505905542\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4481848284505905542\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4481848284505905542"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4481848284505905542"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/10\/diy-sunday-adult-shirt-upcycling.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Adult Shirt Upcycling"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fn9Ac1zRJ60\/ViUcylxFByI\/AAAAAAAAGso\/XcscTvkNSu8\/s72-c\/Adult%2BShirt%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-7055400524243437766"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-14T16:13:00.003-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-10-14T16:14:03.142-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Show \u0026 Tell: CustomInk Crafting T-Shirts"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Wednesday....at least I hope it's Wednesday. I tend to get my days messed up. There has been some really disappointing Thursday afternoons. (\u003Ci\u003EWhat?! It's not Friday? Guess I will put the beer back in the fridge.\u003C\/i\u003E)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA couple of weeks ago I was looking through my clothes and realized that my \"The Dabbling Crafter\" branded shirts were on their last leg. Not only are branded shirts a good way to get the word out about my blog, but they are also a good way to add some credibility when I'm out at craft shows. When I'm wearing a branded shirt I look less like a \"I'm a crazy person taking pictures of all your specialty crafted and curated items\" person. I know as a former booth owner, there is nothing more irritating than people taking pictures of your items and saying \"I could totally make that.\" So, I like to let booth owners know that I'm going to give proper credit and maybe pass along a couple of fans.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAnyways. When you look for an online resource for t-shirts, it's hard to not see \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.customink.com\/\"\u003ECustomInk\u003C\/a\u003E mentioned. I looked at the reviews (mostly very good) and the price point (more than fair). I decided to give it a try. (\u003Ci\u003EAnd no, I wasn't paid for my review\u003C\/i\u003E) The creation tool is very easy to use and has lots of fonts and art available. It was also easy for me to upload my logo.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, I decided to make two shirts. Each has a fun phrase on the back. One is a simple t-shirt and the other one is a baseball shirt. The printing and shipping is a bit long. Expect to wait a couple of weeks to get the final product. I can understand that with custom printing. I also ordered my shirts on the large side, and the sizing was (unfortunately) right on. My shirts ended up being large, so I will have to shrink them or alter them. Their sizing guide is very helpful because they model the shirt on different size people. Plus, they have a wide range of sizes available. Also, if I wanted to offer these shirts to others, there's a group ordering option.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-e_NenrMsPF8\/Vh7FH8tDhwI\/AAAAAAAAGsE\/Kd1W0JwP-Lw\/s1600\/IMG_3735.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-e_NenrMsPF8\/Vh7FH8tDhwI\/AAAAAAAAGsE\/Kd1W0JwP-Lw\/s640\/IMG_3735.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-HQGUrFjRPis\/Vh7FI4xlFyI\/AAAAAAAAGsI\/mNaB7_EXAW0\/s1600\/IMG_4003.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-HQGUrFjRPis\/Vh7FI4xlFyI\/AAAAAAAAGsI\/mNaB7_EXAW0\/s640\/IMG_4003.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOver-all, I'm really happy with my \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.customink.com\/\"\u003ECustomInk \u003C\/a\u003Eexperience and I love my shirts. I just have to remind myself I don't need 100 more.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/7055400524243437766\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=7055400524243437766\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7055400524243437766"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/7055400524243437766"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/10\/show-tell-customink-crafting-t-shirts.html","title":"Show \u0026 Tell: CustomInk Crafting T-Shirts"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-e_NenrMsPF8\/Vh7FH8tDhwI\/AAAAAAAAGsE\/Kd1W0JwP-Lw\/s72-c\/IMG_3735.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-5398334264521658018"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-12T12:30:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:04:13.275-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Sewing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: DIY Foot [Under Desk] Hammock"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Monday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI meant to blog this weekend about this easy project, but I attended a birthday party and baby shower. It was a fun but tiring weekend. So, you get your DIY Sunday on a Monday, and you're going to like it! (\u003Ci\u003EPlease\u003C\/i\u003E)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TrAMIzlOjT0\/Vhvr5VDSGAI\/AAAAAAAAGqQ\/zUTU1x0E_oI\/s1600\/Hammock%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TrAMIzlOjT0\/Vhvr5VDSGAI\/AAAAAAAAGqQ\/zUTU1x0E_oI\/s640\/Hammock%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur home tends to be the place where lost and lonely pets find their forever home. It's an occupational hazard being a veterinarian's wife. Well, I swore I would never have a cat inside. I didn't grow up with cats, and I'm a self proclaimed crazy dog lady. However, there was a kitten that was abandoned near my in-laws house. The kitten was so little he couldn't eat on his own. So, I somehow got roped into bottle feeding this kitten. Then, the kitten convinced me to allow a cat in the house. I mean, not only is he adorable, but we've had a couple mice in the house. Our westie was a great mouser, but she's no longer with us. So cute kitten it is. He better learn to kill mice \u003Ci\u003Eor else\u003C\/i\u003E! Okay. I probably wouldn't do anything. He is adorable.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECute kitten is now named Maximus (to go along with our outdoor cats: Rapunzal, Flynn and Rider) and he's really annoying. Well, at least while I'm working. He likes to play with feet and climb up your leg to sleep on your face. I had to make some sort of solution to this, because it was driving me insane. \u003Ci\u003E(Which of course with two children under 6 and three dogs is a \u003Cu\u003Every\u003C\/u\u003E short trip)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gNMsFu4M3Bk\/Vhvr-ZCWmEI\/AAAAAAAAGrw\/lrjbdG9NADg\/s1600\/cat%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gNMsFu4M3Bk\/Vhvr-ZCWmEI\/AAAAAAAAGrw\/lrjbdG9NADg\/s400\/cat%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI saw a clever idea for a desk foot hammock on Pinterest a year or so ago. I had been meaning to give it a DIY try, and I'm happy to report that with some very simple sewing skills, it's a project you can finish in an hour for next to nothing. This project isn't just for people with crazy kittens. It would be great for anyone that wants to put their feet up at their desk. \u003Ci\u003EI'm looking at you pregnant ladies!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDIY Desk Foot Hammock\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFabric (I used some scraps I had left over from my office chair recovering. [Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/07\/diy-sunday-office-chair-cover.html\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the tutorial]. I used a piece that was about a yard long and 8 inches or so wide)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESewing Machine or Needle and Thread.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDowel (I had a spare dowel sitting around, but they are only about a 1$ in the craft section. They are long, so you should only need one dowel)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETwine or Rope\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2 rings (I had some D rings in my craft stash, but any type of ring would work. Key ring, washer, etc.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2 Eye Screws\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EScissors\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETotal Cost: Free! (or around $3.00 if you need to buy supplies)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. \u003Cu\u003ESew a Pouch\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince my piece of fabric was long and skinny, I folded it in half \"hamburger\" way, right side to right side. I then had a rectangle of fabric with one short end folded and \u0026nbsp;the other three sides raw. The only fabric visible was the wrong side (e.g. the side with no pattern).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, your fabric size may differ. You can make this work no matter the shape of your fabric. If you have a large piece of fabric, fold it so you have a rectangle and the right sides are facing each other. If you have two pieces of fabric, you don't even need to fold. Just put the right sides facing each other and cut out a rectangle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou will then want to sew everything except the fold side and a small opening on one of the short sides. You will need the opening big enough to pull all the fabric through. Once you're done sewing, pull your fabric through the small opening so the right side of the fabric is facing out. Sew up the opening so it's clean and raw edge free.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. \u003Cu\u003ESew Pockets for the Dowels\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003ENow you will want to sew a pocket on each short end for the rod\/dowel to fit through. I made my pockets big enough that my finger would fit in easily.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-J-AUJLmkeEU\/Vhvr4qtKhwI\/AAAAAAAAGqM\/b9wHwhS5BjU\/s1600\/IMG_3819.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-style: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-J-AUJLmkeEU\/Vhvr4qtKhwI\/AAAAAAAAGqM\/b9wHwhS5BjU\/s640\/IMG_3819.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Mdlxyb5_WMg\/Vhvr5DUDAnI\/AAAAAAAAGqU\/Hu0PdDUiXqc\/s1600\/IMG_3818.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-style: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Mdlxyb5_WMg\/Vhvr5DUDAnI\/AAAAAAAAGqU\/Hu0PdDUiXqc\/s640\/IMG_3818.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Ci\u003ENote: if you want a more finished look, before sewing your rod\/dowel pockets, you can use your button hole attachment to make hole on the piece that is folding over and the fabric under the fold over. (See Step 3 to understand what the holes are for) I didn't do this, because I didn't mind if my holes for the twine were raw. Just don't think you're going to use the button hole attachment after you create the pocket. I was stupid and thought that would work...but obviously since you need a rod to slide through, it didn't.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-R0meFS6xn6w\/Vhvr6ZnU_PI\/AAAAAAAAGqk\/OH9AoFbPgr4\/s1600\/IMG_3823.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-R0meFS6xn6w\/Vhvr6ZnU_PI\/AAAAAAAAGqk\/OH9AoFbPgr4\/s400\/IMG_3823.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EAn example of how \u003Cb\u003Enot \u003C\/b\u003Eto cut the slits\/make button holes. You end up with a mess if you try to use the button hole attachment after you make your dowel\/rod pocket.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. \u003Cu\u003ECut Holes for Twine\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have created your two pockets, you need to cut two slits on both short sides for a total of four slits\/holes. This is where you will thread your twine through after you insert your dowels\/rods.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-KwpNrhxfcAk\/Vhvr6pLBuWI\/AAAAAAAAGqs\/cH9mL5zsoWo\/s1600\/IMG_3824.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-KwpNrhxfcAk\/Vhvr6pLBuWI\/AAAAAAAAGqs\/cH9mL5zsoWo\/s640\/IMG_3824.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. \u003Cu\u003EInsert Dowels\/Rods and Sew Shut\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESlip your rod into the pocket. If you have a large dowel, slip the dowel in, and mark where you need to cut it. I cut mine by scoring around the dowel with scissors and then just applying pressure on the score mark. You can also use a saw to create a cleaner cut. Once you have your two dowels inserted into each short end, sew the pockets shut. You don't want your dowel\/rod slipping out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hknO02zBfsE\/Vhvr50DCPCI\/AAAAAAAAGqc\/5Qn9cMDyJwI\/s1600\/IMG_3821.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hknO02zBfsE\/Vhvr50DCPCI\/AAAAAAAAGqc\/5Qn9cMDyJwI\/s640\/IMG_3821.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E5. \u003Cu\u003EThread Twine and Attach to Rings\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis process was easier than I thought it would be. I attached my twine to a large safety pin and threaded it through the hole. It's important that you go below the rod. You want the rod, not the fabric, to take the weight of your feet.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ju0f_U4y_-o\/Vhvr7GmwSFI\/AAAAAAAAGq0\/KBZvgDXJUAc\/s1600\/IMG_3825.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ju0f_U4y_-o\/Vhvr7GmwSFI\/AAAAAAAAGq0\/KBZvgDXJUAc\/s400\/IMG_3825.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rPFt1-9S-w\/Vhvr7kvRodI\/AAAAAAAAGq8\/u4MKdHb0Th4\/s1600\/IMG_3826.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rPFt1-9S-w\/Vhvr7kvRodI\/AAAAAAAAGq8\/u4MKdHb0Th4\/s640\/IMG_3826.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I had all four holes threaded, I eyeballed the twine to make sure it was a equal length on all four sections. You want to make sure the hammock hangs straight, so each piece of twine should be equal lengths. I then knotted each side to a D ring.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C5uayJlM3VQ\/Vhvr8EyJdXI\/AAAAAAAAGrE\/rSFA5NzazFs\/s1600\/IMG_3827.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-C5uayJlM3VQ\/Vhvr8EyJdXI\/AAAAAAAAGrE\/rSFA5NzazFs\/s400\/IMG_3827.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E6. \u003Cu\u003EAttach Eye Screws \u0026amp; Hang\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince I have a DIY desk (Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/03\/show-tell-diy-sawhorse-desk.html\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the post), I had no problem screwing a eye screw into the side of the saw horses. You may need to look at your desk closely to see where the best place (i.e. the most solid piece of wood) is located. Once I had the eye screw attached, I just had to thread another piece of twine through the eye screw and tie both ends on to the D ring.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IAsjgFUWfE4\/Vhvr8XcRSUI\/AAAAAAAAGrM\/AvDoX1bna60\/s1600\/IMG_3829.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IAsjgFUWfE4\/Vhvr8XcRSUI\/AAAAAAAAGrM\/AvDoX1bna60\/s400\/IMG_3829.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-HtK5m3zvCgo\/Vhvr8zDj25I\/AAAAAAAAGrU\/Ck3NlC1A9xc\/s1600\/IMG_3831.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-HtK5m3zvCgo\/Vhvr8zDj25I\/AAAAAAAAGrU\/Ck3NlC1A9xc\/s640\/IMG_3831.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7NeWo73T7rk\/Vhvr9cYuF7I\/AAAAAAAAGrg\/fe_7je9-4ps\/s1600\/IMG_3832.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7NeWo73T7rk\/Vhvr9cYuF7I\/AAAAAAAAGrg\/fe_7je9-4ps\/s640\/IMG_3832.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CmxoprPXwdc\/Vhvr-Y3xW8I\/AAAAAAAAGro\/NiZFHXppimQ\/s1600\/IMG_4075.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CmxoprPXwdc\/Vhvr-Y3xW8I\/AAAAAAAAGro\/NiZFHXppimQ\/s640\/IMG_4075.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnjoy your DIY foot hammock! My feet are safe from the crazy kitten, and they are chillin' like a villian. :)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/5398334264521658018\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=5398334264521658018\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5398334264521658018"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/5398334264521658018"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/10\/diy-sunday-diy-foot-under-desk-hammock.html","title":"DIY Sunday: DIY Foot [Under Desk] Hammock"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TrAMIzlOjT0\/Vhvr5VDSGAI\/AAAAAAAAGqQ\/zUTU1x0E_oI\/s72-c\/Hammock%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-9168504039969914526"},"published":{"$t":"2015-10-06T10:51:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-10-06T10:51:31.651-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Party Planning"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Black \u0026 Gold 50th Birthday Surprise Party"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hi!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis past weekend my family threw my mother a surprise 50th birthday party. When my dad decided on the party a few months ago, I volunteered to do the decorations. One, I love to do party decorations because it's a way to try out new DIY projects. Two, I knew as a fellow woman I wouldn't be all that thrilled to have a party full of references to my ever growing age. So instead of using the typical party store \"Over the Hill\" theme, I decided to do something more appropriate for my mother. The theme was \"Aged to Perfection\" and played off her love of wine. This theme would also work great for a whiskey lover as well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe color scheme did use black, but paired with gold, it's not quite as morbid as the normal 50th birthday decorations. When I started planning the party decorations, I gave myself a budget of $100.00. I figured that was do-able since I already have a rather large party decoration stash (although it's mostly vintage not old Hollywood glam). I'm happy to say with a ton of DIY, I mostly stayed within that budget.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'll show you those various DIY projects in a second, but I wanted to take a minute to point out the photo booth. I did a really simple photo booth knowing what a ham my daughter (well...and my entire family) is. It was a real hit and was a good way to remind everyone to take pictures. I would highly recommend whipping something up for your next party. I know I will do it again.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETable Decorations\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mxpnFmGwgwQ\/VhPiVZY9mHI\/AAAAAAAAGn0\/PU4v474gPeA\/s1600\/IMG_3915.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mxpnFmGwgwQ\/VhPiVZY9mHI\/AAAAAAAAGn0\/PU4v474gPeA\/s640\/IMG_3915.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EWhen I plan my decorations for parties, I become a bit obsessed with making lists. I like to have things organized in my head so I know what to make when, where to pack it and what order to unpack on the day of decorating. I usually organize the decorations by a \"zone\" and then come up with ideas from there. So the first \"zone\" is the table scape. I rented black table cloths from a local party supply store. I then bought 4 yards of this satin fabric. I cut it down the middle and hemmed the edges. Those became my gold table runners. \u003Cbr \/\u003EAs for center pieces I had three different items. The first was this DIY black box. I made the boxes out of black cardstock I already had on hand. I then jazzed up the boxes with dots from a gold Sharpie marker. The boxes were stuffed with these Christmas tree picks. \u003Ci\u003ECan you believe Christmas decorations s are already available at stores?!?!\u003C\/i\u003E I had some extra black glitter cardstock which I used to make the \"50\" numbers.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JvCsscVBUTY\/VhPiWrigeSI\/AAAAAAAAGoI\/ZgRQpbctdx0\/s1600\/IMG_3925.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JvCsscVBUTY\/VhPiWrigeSI\/AAAAAAAAGoI\/ZgRQpbctdx0\/s400\/IMG_3925.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EI made a \"chandelier\" using black and gold curling ribbon, a metal hoop and black glitter cardstock. If you have a drop ceiling in your space, it's very easy to hang decorations from it without any damage to the property. I simply used paper clips to secure this decoration.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K20uBcsxKh0\/VhPiROysKeI\/AAAAAAAAGnA\/avkIQaCH2K0\/s1600\/IMG_3886.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-K20uBcsxKh0\/VhPiROysKeI\/AAAAAAAAGnA\/avkIQaCH2K0\/s640\/IMG_3886.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0p4m7v7enoU\/VhPiROJDEWI\/AAAAAAAAGm8\/A7vvVi5-NP4\/s1600\/IMG_3888.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0p4m7v7enoU\/VhPiROJDEWI\/AAAAAAAAGm8\/A7vvVi5-NP4\/s640\/IMG_3888.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ESince wine was the theme of this party, I used empty wine glasses as decorations. Each wine glass had the label removed, spray painted gold with gold spray paint and then gold glitter blast was applied on top, followed by a clear coat. Christmas tree picks were inserted with DIY \"50\" ornaments hanging from the branches.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UHxOHNyB9eQ\/VhPibX7wlaI\/AAAAAAAAGpY\/m9f9cmK5390\/s1600\/IMG_3971.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UHxOHNyB9eQ\/VhPibX7wlaI\/AAAAAAAAGpY\/m9f9cmK5390\/s400\/IMG_3971.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAdmittedly these decorations were a bit strange. I saw the idea on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. The center is a styrofoam ball spray painted with glitter blast. The tooth picks got a coat of gold metallic spray paint. It's supposed to be a throw back to the atomic star decor, but it's kinda like a food fight land mine. These styrofoam balls sans toothpicks *may* have become a glitter snow ball fight at the party.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HFfCjaBFEBw\/VhPiZ0jCC8I\/AAAAAAAAGo8\/aDPK3rb90iI\/s1600\/IMG_3936.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HFfCjaBFEBw\/VhPiZ0jCC8I\/AAAAAAAAGo8\/aDPK3rb90iI\/s640\/IMG_3936.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mhnFHy2Oe-U\/VhPiQ4QhyvI\/AAAAAAAAGm4\/ItuDuuFqOF0\/s1600\/IMG_3890.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mhnFHy2Oe-U\/VhPiQ4QhyvI\/AAAAAAAAGm4\/ItuDuuFqOF0\/s400\/IMG_3890.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPopcorn Bar\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-3P33nN1BOD0\/VhPiXy7ZWzI\/AAAAAAAAGoo\/NN1L5SFVd64\/s1600\/IMG_3931.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-3P33nN1BOD0\/VhPiXy7ZWzI\/AAAAAAAAGoo\/NN1L5SFVd64\/s640\/IMG_3931.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince my mom is a big fan of popcorn and we needed some snack food for our game night, a popcorn bar was perfect. My mom has a mini popcorn machine that my dad covertly got to me before the party. I got candy toppings as well as different seasonings. You can't tell very well from the pictures but the top of the table is covered in gold sequin fabric. I got two yards of this cut and without doing anything to it, it ended up being the perfect size for the table.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vh7nemLEzb0\/VhPiTdG14RI\/AAAAAAAAGnc\/XXvIaV71LZY\/s1600\/IMG_3895.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vh7nemLEzb0\/VhPiTdG14RI\/AAAAAAAAGnc\/XXvIaV71LZY\/s400\/IMG_3895.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-j5GM0t5POxk\/VhPiSH_CCOI\/AAAAAAAAGnQ\/RVNtSryb250\/s1600\/IMG_3892.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-j5GM0t5POxk\/VhPiSH_CCOI\/AAAAAAAAGnQ\/RVNtSryb250\/s640\/IMG_3892.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThis project was a really easy one. I got a small piece of black foam board and, using a gold metallic Sharpie, I added some facts from the year my mother was born (Google for the win!). Ironic enough, my mom is a huge Diet Pepsi fan. Apparently it was just meant to be.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-23efk2_Pq5A\/VhPiYw3lhLI\/AAAAAAAAGos\/zOUNgW2xGa0\/s1600\/IMG_3932.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-23efk2_Pq5A\/VhPiYw3lhLI\/AAAAAAAAGos\/zOUNgW2xGa0\/s400\/IMG_3932.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EOne easy decoration was these large poster size prints of my mother from when she was younger. \u003Ci\u003EWasn't I a cute kid?\u003C\/i\u003E I found these snap shots as I went through all the pictures my dad gave me. They both came from 3x4 prints. I did some research and found the trick to blowing up pictures from small prints is the resolution of your scanner. Set your scanner to the highest quality resolution it will scan and then you can get pretty good quality large format pictures. I did touch up both pictures to remove any dust or scratches from the pictures. If I would have left them, they would have looked huge once the print was enlarged.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-96-IyejGGzk\/VhPiZBid2ZI\/AAAAAAAAGow\/t0nhXs7br9E\/s1600\/IMG_3933.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-96-IyejGGzk\/VhPiZBid2ZI\/AAAAAAAAGow\/t0nhXs7br9E\/s640\/IMG_3933.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFood Table\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yLwChIUsjs8\/VhPiSzcfvzI\/AAAAAAAAGnY\/UHDvDU0bqCQ\/s1600\/IMG_3899.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yLwChIUsjs8\/VhPiSzcfvzI\/AAAAAAAAGnY\/UHDvDU0bqCQ\/s640\/IMG_3899.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThis project was rather easy. It's a 50 cut out from poster board with prints taped to it. I had to scan and hunt down pictures, which actually, was pretty fun. Once I reprinted a bunch of pictures, I just had to tape and trim the pictures to the 50 I cut out.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-o6dMnkCBgOU\/VhPiVA1JmKI\/AAAAAAAAGnw\/tx26RBiUjlM\/s1600\/IMG_3913.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-o6dMnkCBgOU\/VhPiVA1JmKI\/AAAAAAAAGnw\/tx26RBiUjlM\/s400\/IMG_3913.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EThe front of the food area was just a couple of yards of gold tulle and a crystal ribbon along the front. I secured everything with some tape and safety pins.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-udAqeNoF7pI\/VhPiXNC-WOI\/AAAAAAAAGoY\/WEN92SAMjDM\/s1600\/IMG_3929.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-udAqeNoF7pI\/VhPiXNC-WOI\/AAAAAAAAGoY\/WEN92SAMjDM\/s400\/IMG_3929.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wl2-QvhjOJo\/VhPiXrMrlDI\/AAAAAAAAGoc\/FstuuB-Fn_E\/s1600\/IMG_3930.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wl2-QvhjOJo\/VhPiXrMrlDI\/AAAAAAAAGoc\/FstuuB-Fn_E\/s640\/IMG_3930.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EIf you know anything about me, I love chalkboards. I found a gold chalk board marker to use. It wasn't all that gold though. It seemed very yellow when I first used it. It did turn more gold as it dried. One thing that irritates me to no end is that I didn't take the time to draw nicely on the boards. My mom was almost there so I just wrote something really quick. Oh well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe wine glasses were a really fun easy project. The bases disconnect from the top part. I took glitter blast and clear spray to the bases to make a sparkly wine glass that was a bit more fancy than the normal disposable wine glasses.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFinal Touches\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IZwTrPrTC4o\/VhPiUoHZ4_I\/AAAAAAAAGno\/boimRFHhLlg\/s1600\/IMG_3908.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IZwTrPrTC4o\/VhPiUoHZ4_I\/AAAAAAAAGno\/boimRFHhLlg\/s640\/IMG_3908.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Our photo booth was pretty simple. I bought a role of black reversible wrapping paper and taped it to the wall. We added some gold ribbon to the top. Does this make you a bit dizzy?\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bJrbosMTWAE\/VhPiV8yWmyI\/AAAAAAAAGn8\/wElpd9T08Eo\/s1600\/IMG_3921.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bJrbosMTWAE\/VhPiV8yWmyI\/AAAAAAAAGn8\/wElpd9T08Eo\/s640\/IMG_3921.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EI bought a package of props from my local party store. I also made a set of \"50\" glasses since they didn't have any at the store. To take the pictures, we had a selfie stick on hand. I was going to grab my tripod, fancy camera and remote, but honestly the selfie stick worked just as well.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-apXzdaW3Xg8\/VhPiajp44YI\/AAAAAAAAGpQ\/tma-U6HYgUc\/s1600\/IMG_3940.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"596\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-apXzdaW3Xg8\/VhPiajp44YI\/AAAAAAAAGpQ\/tma-U6HYgUc\/s640\/IMG_3940.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ls1eeTczR7o\/VhPia3d7JXI\/AAAAAAAAGpU\/5smi94dTGUg\/s1600\/IMG_3964.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-ls1eeTczR7o\/VhPia3d7JXI\/AAAAAAAAGpU\/5smi94dTGUg\/s640\/IMG_3964.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThese dollar store white boards ended up being a pretty big hit. They are in the kids education section.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UUnfOw_MpQI\/VhPiWZAdfTI\/AAAAAAAAGoA\/5c6ISXkJ_30\/s1600\/IMG_3923.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UUnfOw_MpQI\/VhPiWZAdfTI\/AAAAAAAAGoA\/5c6ISXkJ_30\/s640\/IMG_3923.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;One last touch was tissue paper garland. I made it over a couple of nights watching tv, and it ended up being a fun little addition to one side of the room.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7oEyPzY67us\/VhPiZeChP3I\/AAAAAAAAGo0\/XX1fPLDOIhs\/s1600\/IMG_3934.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7oEyPzY67us\/VhPiZeChP3I\/AAAAAAAAGo0\/XX1fPLDOIhs\/s400\/IMG_3934.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EI also hung random bundles of curling ribbon from the ceiling using paper clips as\u0026nbsp;anchors.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wXfFthdLUMw\/VhPicQ4xTHI\/AAAAAAAAGpo\/_0y-UA6N7C0\/s1600\/IMG_3978.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wXfFthdLUMw\/VhPicQ4xTHI\/AAAAAAAAGpo\/_0y-UA6N7C0\/s640\/IMG_3978.JPG\" width=\"544\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;The tissue paper garland also made one great tutu for a very excited five year old!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/9168504039969914526\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=9168504039969914526\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/9168504039969914526"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/9168504039969914526"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/10\/black-gold-50th-birthday-surprise-party.html","title":"Black \u0026 Gold 50th Birthday Surprise Party"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mxpnFmGwgwQ\/VhPiVZY9mHI\/AAAAAAAAGn0\/PU4v474gPeA\/s72-c\/IMG_3915.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-3143110549202310711"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-30T02:29:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-09-30T02:30:09.151-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ugly House Renovation"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Door Drama: Our Lessons Learned from Hanging Slab Doors"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello,\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003ESometimes the smallest projects can turn into the biggest headaches. I'm starting to think that we jinx ourselves when we say that we can finish a project in an evening. I should just expect that each project will take days of pain and sweat (and sometimes blood and tears).\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEarlier this year I had planned on trying a Pinterest trick and updating our doors with some lattice and paint. After looking at the price of supplies and the time it would take to do everything, my husband and I decided it made more sense to order new doors. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lowes.com\/\"\u003ELowes\u003C\/a\u003E was running a special on doors,\u0026nbsp;and we got five new solid core doors for the price of five hollow doors. Score!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWell kinda. That was one win among a bunch of losses. I have five lessons learned from hanging slab doors. The cliff notes version is below...but first is the long winded version of our door drama.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZwprXElZkyg\/VguLHlqTPwI\/AAAAAAAAGmA\/Uj1l7DNWzLY\/s1600\/Door%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZwprXElZkyg\/VguLHlqTPwI\/AAAAAAAAGmA\/Uj1l7DNWzLY\/s640\/Door%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EWe got instructions from the store\u0026nbsp;on how to properly measure everything. My husband did the measuring. (I am epically bad at measuring anything. Plan on cutting twice when I'm in\u0026nbsp;charge of measuring) You will need to not only measure the door itself, but you will need to measure the door knob and hinge locations. Once we double checked\u0026nbsp;all our measurements, we were off to the store.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ziIGxhWIOUQ\/VguIj2UWS8I\/AAAAAAAAGks\/w2DAEz1hHY0\/s1600\/IMG_1847.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ziIGxhWIOUQ\/VguIj2UWS8I\/AAAAAAAAGks\/w2DAEz1hHY0\/s400\/IMG_1847.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EHere's our doors \"before.\" When we first moved in, we added additional trim to the existing trim and painted it white.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003EOnce we got to the store, the employee helping us was very pleasant but convinced me that we\u0026nbsp;must have measured wrong. Hubby had measured a width of 29 and 3\/4,\u0026nbsp;and standard doors are 30. I should have argued with him and stuck with our measurements, but at this point my son was crying, my daughter was screaming and my husband was giving me a look that said \"For the love of God lets get the hell out of this store before we get CPS called on us\" (I get that look more often than most I fear..especially at Lowes). So, 30 inches wide\u0026nbsp;sounded pretty good at that point.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe waited a few weeks for our new doors to be custom made and after hunting down a truck,\u0026nbsp;finally\u0026nbsp;went to pick the doors up. This is when I should have realized the project wasn't going to go my way. Two of the five doors were damaged from being shipped. The employee helping us couldn't understand why we insisted on re-ordering them. After working with the doors for a week, I can agree that we probably didn't need them shipped back. BECAUSE DOORS NEVER FIT. You can measure that sucker 100 times,\u0026nbsp;and your going to have to make some adjustments. That's the problem with working with a slab door.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo we get our pre primed doors home (sans the damaged ones), and I got to work painting the doors. I have painted a lot of things in my life. \u003Ci\u003ESide note, I wonder if I could actually count how many things I have painted...it has to be in the hundreds.\u003C\/i\u003E That includes many different types of doors over the years. However, these doors decided to create some challenges.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003EWhen I put the first coat on, I thought I was going to be grey haired\u0026nbsp;with a walker before the paint completely\u0026nbsp;covered the white primer. I followed directions from\u0026nbsp;a blog titled \"How to Paint Doors Like a Pro.\" Maybe their doors were different, but their roller\u0026nbsp;then brush method did not look good. However, by the time I realized every brush stroke was showing, I was pot committed. No way was I going to sand and repaint the doors. So, it's one of those small things that will bother me, but no one else will notice. Thankfully my favorite paint, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.olympic.com\/products\/paints\/53\/olympic-one-interior-paint\"\u003EOlympic One\u003C\/a\u003E, came through and covered everything in two coats. When we flipped over the door and painted the other side, the saw horse left marks on the door even with fabric to between the door and sawhorse. Not to mention that every time we moved the door, we\u0026nbsp;inevitably\u0026nbsp;nicked\u0026nbsp;the door\u0026nbsp;somewhere. So, don't get to worked up about the paint job because there will be touch ups. Because the doors never fit. :)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-66XfP16EXCA\/VguIj51g4MI\/AAAAAAAAGkk\/LFa4vEk2yKo\/s1600\/IMG_3688.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-66XfP16EXCA\/VguIj51g4MI\/AAAAAAAAGkk\/LFa4vEk2yKo\/s400\/IMG_3688.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EOur doors after the first coat.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OoRiNRjge6I\/VguIjzPsk2I\/AAAAAAAAGko\/vJFXCpRe00E\/s1600\/IMG_3686.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OoRiNRjge6I\/VguIjzPsk2I\/AAAAAAAAGko\/vJFXCpRe00E\/s640\/IMG_3686.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EOur doors after the second coat.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EAfter I finished painting, we went to put the first door on, and realized that the 30 inch wasn't going to work, because our doors are, as we thought, 29 3\/4. I read some different things about hitting the jam to try to get some extra space or shaving the jam and door. We thought about it and decided we wanted to do it the \"correct\" way, and use a table saw to cut off the extra from the hinge side. That meant we would also have to re-route the hinges. But really it was the best way to get everything done and hang correctly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EWhile my husband took off with two of the three doors we had painted, I hung the small linen door that was the correct size. However, it can't be that easy. Even the door that was the correct size didn't fit. Do I need to say it again? So, how do you make a door fit? There's a couple of different options. Ideally you want to use a planer to shave off the excess. If you don't have a planer, you can use a heavy duty sandpaper and sander to slowly shave away the excess.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qfYhMXCNWMc\/VguIl679pNI\/AAAAAAAAGlY\/D45CEL-PEPg\/s1600\/IMG_3793.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qfYhMXCNWMc\/VguIl679pNI\/AAAAAAAAGlY\/D45CEL-PEPg\/s640\/IMG_3793.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EI could see where the door was rubbing. I used a planer and a sander to smooth everything out.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EAnother thing to consider, you probably will have to remove some of the length. The height of the flooring makes the length differ. I removed the length on my linen closet door with a circular saw. I had to make sure it was a new blade and I had to take my time cutting the door. I used a strip of masking tape as my guide, which also kept the wood from splitting.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003ESo while we had to make quite a few adjustments (including even shaving off the doors we cut with the table saw because doors never fit perfectly square), choosing solid core doors ended up being a great thing. Cutting down hollow doors would require much more labor to reattach veiner to the edges that were cut. Having a solid core door make each adjustment a bit more easy. The one down side is solid core doors are much heavier so they can pull on the hinges and require more adjustments as a result. Another thing to consider is the door stop may need to move if the door is deeper than your previous doors. We had to move the stop on two doors. That makes a bit more work since you may need to touch up the paint on the stops\/trim since it will flake and crack when you remove the stop.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7JPS_QL_sT8\/VguIme3FkEI\/AAAAAAAAGlc\/Wu-0q9c8mMo\/s1600\/IMG_3796.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7JPS_QL_sT8\/VguIme3FkEI\/AAAAAAAAGlc\/Wu-0q9c8mMo\/s400\/IMG_3796.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe paint cracked where we had to move the door stop forward. Some sanding and new paint cleaned it up.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003EAfter all these adjustments and hanging the doors to make sure they hung correctly, I went through and touched up all the paint. I had to repaint the hinge side since it was freshly cut. This was a bit tricky with our white frames. I did accidently touch the trim a few times and had to touch up the trim to get it back to white.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HxE726MYFm0\/VguIlc3W1mI\/AAAAAAAAGlA\/re_z17nSKt4\/s1600\/IMG_3792.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-HxE726MYFm0\/VguIlc3W1mI\/AAAAAAAAGlA\/re_z17nSKt4\/s640\/IMG_3792.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMy doors sanded and cleaned up. Ready for paint.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"color: #222222; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOur Lessons Learned from Replacing Our Slab Doors\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;\"\u003E1. Measure carefully and make sure those are the sizes ordered. You may have to advocate for yourself if you have a strange measurement. However, you are ordering custom doors for a reason, and you should make sure they are custom.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E2. Even when you measure correctly, you're going to have to make adjustments if you're house isn't exactly square. Of course, most older homes aren't.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E3. Don't get too worked up about nicks and scrapes as you're installing the door. You can sand out any nicks to the door and you can paint over any scratches. It's going to happen.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E4. You may need to make adjustments not only to the size of the door but also to the hinges, door stop and door knob.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E5. Prepare to take your time to get your door to fit correctly. It's going to be a slow process to get everything to fit carefully.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222;\"\u003ESo, we have three of our interior doors done, and I'm very happy with the way they look. The lesson of door hanging is learned. The process is all about slowly making adjustments and mending any damage you may do along the way. Bring on the other two doors! (and all the basement doors)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JVqK7H-97BA\/VguIkibWk4I\/AAAAAAAAGk4\/bIop9imEvmw\/s1600\/IMG_3699.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-JVqK7H-97BA\/VguIkibWk4I\/AAAAAAAAGk4\/bIop9imEvmw\/s640\/IMG_3699.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-K8263U-_5fc\/VguImLL7iDI\/AAAAAAAAGlU\/OIy0belxhcQ\/s1600\/IMG_3795.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-K8263U-_5fc\/VguImLL7iDI\/AAAAAAAAGlU\/OIy0belxhcQ\/s640\/IMG_3795.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMy husband installed this door knob. Apparently he wants to lock me in my office to work!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--LXloyr_hzY\/VguIm4CirqI\/AAAAAAAAGlo\/zTBCDVxhIqM\/s1600\/IMG_3812.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--LXloyr_hzY\/VguIm4CirqI\/AAAAAAAAGlo\/zTBCDVxhIqM\/s640\/IMG_3812.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-T0U2FFqtTyU\/VguInHHL15I\/AAAAAAAAGlw\/a32AhaemmbI\/s1600\/IMG_3813.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-T0U2FFqtTyU\/VguInHHL15I\/AAAAAAAAGlw\/a32AhaemmbI\/s640\/IMG_3813.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/3143110549202310711\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=3143110549202310711\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3143110549202310711"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/3143110549202310711"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/door-drama-our-lessons-learned-from.html","title":"Door Drama: Our Lessons Learned from Hanging Slab Doors"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZwprXElZkyg\/VguLHlqTPwI\/AAAAAAAAGmA\/Uj1l7DNWzLY\/s72-c\/Door%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-8073574520242326484"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-27T02:33:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-09-27T02:34:07.496-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Tree Stump Side Table"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"One lovely eye sore in our yard is a big pile of wood that needs to be burned. Since I am on a mission to reuse as much junk in our yard as I can, I took the wood pile as a challenge. I have seen various people on Pinterest use old tree stumps as side tables and decided to give it a go for my front patio.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LfHSfU7KjAY\/Vgeblk0E-KI\/AAAAAAAAGkI\/3ibSdw0dtLw\/s1600\/Tree%2BStump%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LfHSfU7KjAY\/Vgeblk0E-KI\/AAAAAAAAGkI\/3ibSdw0dtLw\/s640\/Tree%2BStump%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EDIY Tree Stump Side Table\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESupplies\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOld Tree Stump (If you don't happen to have a large pile of wood sitting around, this would be a good time to hit Craigslist under the \"Free\" section)\u003Cbr \/\u003EChisel and Hammer\u003Cbr \/\u003ESander\/Sandpaper\u003Cbr \/\u003EAdjustable Furniture Legs\u003Cbr \/\u003EPolyurethane\u003Cbr \/\u003ESponge Brush\/Paint Brush\u003Cbr \/\u003EOptional: Chainsaw\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0Jdm5Vc6MGk\/VgeWt5AGS6I\/AAAAAAAAGig\/EKkEr2SlMNM\/s1600\/IMG_3155.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0Jdm5Vc6MGk\/VgeWt5AGS6I\/AAAAAAAAGig\/EKkEr2SlMNM\/s400\/IMG_3155.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. Remove Bark\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBark is easier to remove when the stump has had time to dry out. If it's a freshly cut stump, you may want to let the stump dry out for a month or so. Using the chisel, remove the bark. If you get to a stubborn section of the bark, use the hammer to get behind the bark. You will want to try to hit the bark from the side rather than straight down. If you strike the chisel from the top straight down, the chisel will scar the trunk. I had a couple of those myself and had to sand those sections over and over again to smooth out. You also need to be careful about using the chisel...don't cut yourself like I did. Yikes! It's sharp!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WelhGCpfdxI\/VgeWtyg-YcI\/AAAAAAAAGik\/77RPCNnuOQg\/s1600\/IMG_3172.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WelhGCpfdxI\/VgeWtyg-YcI\/AAAAAAAAGik\/77RPCNnuOQg\/s640\/IMG_3172.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bvux0NxUiQM\/VgeWr_D4rmI\/AAAAAAAAGiY\/lYOrmu8qcFE\/s1600\/IMG_3173.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bvux0NxUiQM\/VgeWr_D4rmI\/AAAAAAAAGiY\/lYOrmu8qcFE\/s400\/IMG_3173.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TcWw05T62uw\/VgeWuNTD9kI\/AAAAAAAAGio\/i12bV_P50mI\/s1600\/IMG_3174.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-TcWw05T62uw\/VgeWuNTD9kI\/AAAAAAAAGio\/i12bV_P50mI\/s400\/IMG_3174.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThis is what happens when you go straight from the top. It leaves all sorts of ugly marks.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7HQr-KQ2k50\/VgeWwUkzsPI\/AAAAAAAAGi4\/-W29TYkTWDk\/s1600\/IMG_3175.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7HQr-KQ2k50\/VgeWwUkzsPI\/AAAAAAAAGi4\/-W29TYkTWDk\/s400\/IMG_3175.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGo at an angle rather than straight up and down\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. Sand Trunk\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the bark is removed, you will need to sand the surface of the trunk. This will create quite a bit of saw dust, so make sure you're in a well ventilated area.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-C2rN92kj7BI\/VgeWx2lyBRI\/AAAAAAAAGjQ\/dHTv6yCfsts\/s1600\/IMG_3211.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-C2rN92kj7BI\/VgeWx2lyBRI\/AAAAAAAAGjQ\/dHTv6yCfsts\/s640\/IMG_3211.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. Optional: Level Out Trunk\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou can either level out the trunk before or after you remove the bark. If your trunk is cut very uneven, you may want to take a chainsaw and level out the trunk so it sits more level. I didn't do this with this particular trunk because I was able to level it out with the adjustable furniture legs. We did level out some smaller trunks we used for side tables on the fire pit.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. Add Legs to the Trunk\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFollow the directions on the package. My legs required me to drill a pilot hole and then hammer in the plastic piece to screw the legs in.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-9d7yEr7bhrk\/VgeWwgiN0LI\/AAAAAAAAGi8\/E36dfHVd1XQ\/s1600\/IMG_3207.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-9d7yEr7bhrk\/VgeWwgiN0LI\/AAAAAAAAGi8\/E36dfHVd1XQ\/s400\/IMG_3207.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-C2pU8PWpCCU\/VgeWxMfPxQI\/AAAAAAAAGjE\/ns88edSGEjM\/s1600\/IMG_3209.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-C2pU8PWpCCU\/VgeWxMfPxQI\/AAAAAAAAGjE\/ns88edSGEjM\/s640\/IMG_3209.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E5. Polyurethane\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUsing some polyurethane, coat the trunk liberally. Follow the directions on the can on how to properly coat the trunk. Make sure you do a light sanding between coats, because poly won't stick to a shiny surface. I found this dinted can of poly at my local Lowe's at 80% off retail. It's been quite the steal for various projects. Once the poly dries, you will have quite the show stopper. It's held up great even in the great outdoors.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nEe0J0cA6D4\/VgeWyVCshdI\/AAAAAAAAGjY\/eEbBzLLxIAI\/s1600\/IMG_3213.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nEe0J0cA6D4\/VgeWyVCshdI\/AAAAAAAAGjY\/eEbBzLLxIAI\/s640\/IMG_3213.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-4gbW_9eebro\/VgeWyl5h9kI\/AAAAAAAAGjc\/xbF6q_53xio\/s1600\/IMG_3218.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-4gbW_9eebro\/VgeWyl5h9kI\/AAAAAAAAGjc\/xbF6q_53xio\/s400\/IMG_3218.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-S3Hb6nGz_8Y\/VgeWzT6hoyI\/AAAAAAAAGjo\/gfas8M9oSVE\/s1600\/IMG_3221.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-S3Hb6nGz_8Y\/VgeWzT6hoyI\/AAAAAAAAGjo\/gfas8M9oSVE\/s640\/IMG_3221.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HMnN8T4CnV0\/VgeW0O8E0rI\/AAAAAAAAGjw\/sQvRebwVV7A\/s1600\/IMG_3230.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HMnN8T4CnV0\/VgeW0O8E0rI\/AAAAAAAAGjw\/sQvRebwVV7A\/s640\/IMG_3230.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Anq9BrNpeHo\/VgeW0eKI4vI\/AAAAAAAAGj0\/7YnYttf0eqs\/s1600\/IMG_3237.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Anq9BrNpeHo\/VgeW0eKI4vI\/AAAAAAAAGj0\/7YnYttf0eqs\/s640\/IMG_3237.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/8073574520242326484\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=8073574520242326484\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8073574520242326484"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8073574520242326484"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/diy-sunday-tree-stump-side-table.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Tree Stump Side Table"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LfHSfU7KjAY\/Vgeblk0E-KI\/AAAAAAAAGkI\/3ibSdw0dtLw\/s72-c\/Tree%2BStump%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4361382060001218801"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-23T10:47:00.005-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-09-23T10:48:12.918-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Party Planning"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Our Dog Friendly Big Summer Blow Out"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EWhew! It's been a crazy couple of weeks. I went to NYC for work and was \"lucky\" enough to have strep before I left and a cold after. However, I wasn't sick on my trip so maybe it\u0026nbsp;really was luck.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EI have quite a few projects to share over the next couple of weeks. I'm also finishing up a couple of projects this week. Today I am sharing a really fun party we had for my husband's\u0026nbsp;co-workers a few weeks ago.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EOnce we had our yard fenced it and the patio done, my husband wanted to have some people over. He thought that it would be fun to invite his co-workers from the clinic\u0026nbsp;and all their dogs. I thought this idea was both terrifying and great. I could just imagine dog tug-of-war over my new patio cushions. But we are dog people and miss the dog parks in the previous towns we lived in. So, we created our own dog park for the evening.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003ESurprisingly everything\u0026nbsp;went extremely smooth and guests of both the four and two leg variety seemed to have fun.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EI didn't get too crazy with the DIY projects. I have enough party supplies now that I can go into my stash and find stuff to entertain and decorate. (Which is a nice way of saying I have hoarded too many things)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThe first thing I did was whip up some invites. My husband decided it was going to be called the \"big summer blow out\" based off Frozen. Apparently everyone thinks my husband looks or sounds like the shop owner from Frozen. I did a Google search for coloring pages and used those images for the invite. Then I did some coloring of my own to color each invite in. (I don't have a color printer so this was my solution. And I love to color anyways)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-AnvR_izSZEw\/VgLHLpu7lvI\/AAAAAAAAGgs\/N5NpRzqTMvI\/s1600\/IMG_3243.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-AnvR_izSZEw\/VgLHLpu7lvI\/AAAAAAAAGgs\/N5NpRzqTMvI\/s400\/IMG_3243.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EMy go to decoration\u0026nbsp;is a ton of cheap chalkboards. Did you know that the dollar store now has small chalkboards? I added some ribbon to the backs of them so they could hang easily. I have been a fan of chalkboards\u0026nbsp;long before they blew up Pinterest, but they are popular for good reason. You can reuse them and make them unique and fun. I had several \"stations\" set up through out our yard with different supplies. I also put a sign up in our entry directing people to the restroom, since that has the be the number 1 question guests have in a strange house.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pG9AtWIyWZo\/VgLHSog2jpI\/AAAAAAAAGhw\/UhM4h4FJVyQ\/s1600\/IMG_3331.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pG9AtWIyWZo\/VgLHSog2jpI\/AAAAAAAAGhw\/UhM4h4FJVyQ\/s400\/IMG_3331.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThe first station was necessary on our acreage: bug\u0026nbsp; spray and sunscreen.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tRNivY96hkU\/VgLHPz7-VSI\/AAAAAAAAGhU\/VmZUo-src4E\/s1600\/IMG_3314.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tRNivY96hkU\/VgLHPz7-VSI\/AAAAAAAAGhU\/VmZUo-src4E\/s640\/IMG_3314.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThe second was for the doggie guests. I picked up a bunch of different toys from the dollar section of our local big box store. The investment was totally worth it because we could just keep whatever wasn't used. My dogs were happy for the influx of toys. They are used to hearing \"No, that's not a toy!\" We also had two large water dishes set out for the dogs. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-puj5rWEUgF4\/VgLHQqrqbBI\/AAAAAAAAGhY\/98mFrL7u6Tg\/s1600\/IMG_3317.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-puj5rWEUgF4\/VgLHQqrqbBI\/AAAAAAAAGhY\/98mFrL7u6Tg\/s400\/IMG_3317.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThe last station was necessity for having so many dogs. I had a time out with kennels and leashes in case any dogs got unruly. We also got waste bags from the dollar store and tied them to each garbage can.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uUbiWT5mLKM\/VgLHNxY_qJI\/AAAAAAAAGhA\/eS-3mJu1nFM\/s1600\/IMG_3312.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uUbiWT5mLKM\/VgLHNxY_qJI\/AAAAAAAAGhA\/eS-3mJu1nFM\/s640\/IMG_3312.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wHwbj0nTZD8\/VgLHSoKz2CI\/AAAAAAAAGh0\/24geAZsIM6k\/s1600\/IMG_3327.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-wHwbj0nTZD8\/VgLHSoKz2CI\/AAAAAAAAGh0\/24geAZsIM6k\/s400\/IMG_3327.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EFor entertainment we pulled out the lawn games we haven't had the chance to use in years (plus my new yard Yahtzee game. Click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/show-tell-yard-yahtzee-scorecard.html\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the DIY)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-e6jmaDeW9nI\/VgLHOiCyFiI\/AAAAAAAAGhE\/1UuvuSGQ36s\/s1600\/IMG_3309.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-e6jmaDeW9nI\/VgLHOiCyFiI\/AAAAAAAAGhE\/1UuvuSGQ36s\/s640\/IMG_3309.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-j5OPpMKHTCM\/VgLHNqRgEYI\/AAAAAAAAGg8\/x5ixASnuv5Y\/s1600\/IMG_3308.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-j5OPpMKHTCM\/VgLHNqRgEYI\/AAAAAAAAGg8\/x5ixASnuv5Y\/s400\/IMG_3308.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EMy mother in law has this wash basin that I absolutely love for drinks. I keep trying to steal it for my house, but they use it a fair bit as well. Someday I will succeed and it will be mine. ;)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WKCZg26iqiY\/VgLHMMWT3DI\/AAAAAAAAGgw\/IpsJqXeU5Bw\/s1600\/IMG_3305.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-WKCZg26iqiY\/VgLHMMWT3DI\/AAAAAAAAGgw\/IpsJqXeU5Bw\/s640\/IMG_3305.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EOne final touch that I decided to do at the last minute was take some Christmas lights I had stored\u0026nbsp;in the garage and hang them from a few trees. I loved the way they look and will plan on doing more the next time we have a party (Housewarming in 2016? When the kitchen remodel is finally done?)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-PQK18HqXaM0\/VgLHS8wdFTI\/AAAAAAAAGh8\/gX7FjyOzJw4\/s1600\/IMG_3340.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-PQK18HqXaM0\/VgLHS8wdFTI\/AAAAAAAAGh8\/gX7FjyOzJw4\/s640\/IMG_3340.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EIt happen to be a bit chilly that evening so I pulled out some spare blankets that morning. We cut some logs up to be side tables around the fire pit. We also had plenty of s'more supplies on hand. My daughter would have never let us have a fire without s'mores. It's inconceivable!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qfd6mrBFIKI\/VgLHQwULQ3I\/AAAAAAAAGhg\/oaaDyzyD-Wo\/s1600\/IMG_3323.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qfd6mrBFIKI\/VgLHQwULQ3I\/AAAAAAAAGhg\/oaaDyzyD-Wo\/s640\/IMG_3323.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kXv64Ozdru4\/VgLHR2oq60I\/AAAAAAAAGhs\/ElKTV1aRfX0\/s1600\/IMG_3326.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-kXv64Ozdru4\/VgLHR2oq60I\/AAAAAAAAGhs\/ElKTV1aRfX0\/s400\/IMG_3326.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4361382060001218801\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4361382060001218801\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4361382060001218801"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4361382060001218801"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/our-dog-friendly-big-summer-blow-out.html","title":"Our Dog Friendly Big Summer Blow Out"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-AnvR_izSZEw\/VgLHLpu7lvI\/AAAAAAAAGgs\/N5NpRzqTMvI\/s72-c\/IMG_3243.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2329581006215299156"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-09T23:20:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-09-09T23:21:00.072-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Show \u0026 Tell: Yard Yahtzee \u0026 Scorecard Clipboards"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EGood Evening!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EWe are in party prep mode here at Ugly House. My husband is hosting a party for work and that, of course, means I am doing all the work. (Okay, to be fair,\u0026nbsp;we all know I don't hate party planning) I have been trying to get a bunch of little projects done before the party. One of the projects I have been wanting to do for a while is a popular Pinterest idea: outdoor Yahtzee. I love board games and the like, so a bigger outdoor version is even more fun in my opinion. Not going to lie though, outdoor over sized Jenga and Connect Four also look like a blast.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003ERemember that free\u0026nbsp;scrap wood pile from our fence? There were a couple of 4x4 scraps, so I didn't even have to pay anything for the project. Everything except the scorecard clipboards were already sitting\u0026nbsp;around the house. Yahtzee!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gH6uvysgg64\/VfEEyIFjnoI\/AAAAAAAAGfA\/IaMCFt95MzU\/s1600\/dice%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gH6uvysgg64\/VfEEyIFjnoI\/AAAAAAAAGfA\/IaMCFt95MzU\/s640\/dice%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EAs you can imagine there really isn't much to this project. First, you cut the wood so it's a 4x4 cube.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003ECan I just take a minute to write a love letter to my miter saw? I had always been afraid of saws. After all, most of us have a shop teacher and\/or classmate that lost an appendage from a saw. My tough-as-nails grandfather-in-law had several tips of his fingers missing from his life in construction and carpentry. The one and only time I tried to use a table saw, the wood kicked back and left a bowling ball size bruise on my chest.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EHowever, almost all the projects I was pinning involved a saw. So, I searched for a solution to my saw fear. My miter saw had allowed me a ton more freedom for projects (no more waiting on the husband to cut something) and even gave me some confidence to use the other saws in our shop. Except the table saw. No thank you. I like my ample chest intact.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EAnyways, back to the dice. After cutting them, I sanded them down smooth and rounded the corners. I could have painted the dice and been done, but I decided to wood burn them so they would last longer. It took a lot longer than I thought it would, but I am happy with the result.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThe final step was to seal everything with some clear spray.\u0026nbsp; I didn't have to, but I liked the gloss look.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-C55Ihvb2Vng\/VfEBkGs5V4I\/AAAAAAAAGeg\/iKuOlukIzfA\/s1600\/IMG_3265.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-C55Ihvb2Vng\/VfEBkGs5V4I\/AAAAAAAAGeg\/iKuOlukIzfA\/s320\/IMG_3265.JPG\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EHowever there isn't just dice to Yahtzee. I needed a \"cup\" or in this case, a bucket. \u0026nbsp;I found a left over white one in the back of our shop. A quick coat of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.rustoleum.com\/\"\u003ERust-oleum\u003C\/a\u003E and it was ready to shine. (Side note, when I was last buying spray paint I stopped some newbie painters from buying competitor's paint. I then proceeded to answer painting questions in the aisle for about 20 minutes. I was happy to have stopped them from wasting so much time and money on that \"other\" spray paint. Can I start getting paid for all this love I'm showing them? ;)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5VVm3AMDbH4\/VfEBiq1afLI\/AAAAAAAAGeE\/oZJWD8T7L5o\/s1600\/IMG_3259.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5VVm3AMDbH4\/VfEBiq1afLI\/AAAAAAAAGeE\/oZJWD8T7L5o\/s320\/IMG_3259.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThe last step was the scorecards. There was a couple of different options. There are some really fun printable score cards for yard Yahtzee available online. Most people just print them out and laminate them. I already had a bunch of official\u0026nbsp;score cards so I decided to use those but with a fun twist.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EI had this small clipboard from Target, and it's super cute. If I lived within 30 miles of a Target, I would have gone and bought four more.....and a latte, towels, dishes, shirt and a new pair of shoes. But I don't so I had to make due with something else. I found these clipboards for $1.00 locally. I decided to give them a bit of a face lift.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EFirst, I made a template out of card stock. I have found with odd shaped items like this, it's always a good idea to do a rough template before getting the Mod Podge involved. Then I cut scrapbook paper for both the front and back.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QfWDhIyxfP8\/VfEBictEFNI\/AAAAAAAAGeI\/82RbD_ycA9Q\/s1600\/IMG_3248.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-QfWDhIyxfP8\/VfEBictEFNI\/AAAAAAAAGeI\/82RbD_ycA9Q\/s320\/IMG_3248.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EFinally, I used Mod Podge to stick the paper to the clipboard and sealed everything with a clear spray. Always use clear spray on top of the semi dried Mod Podge, especially when its humid. Otherwise the Mod Podge will take three months to dry. Also, when you have a project like this one (paper on both sides), it's handy to have somewhere to hang the clipboards to dry. I made a mini clothesline with twine and used \"S\" hooks to hang the clipboards. Paperclips would have worked too. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XY0fQZf1Wek\/VfEBkw-oIMI\/AAAAAAAAGes\/Ql6MZCEqCDA\/s1600\/IMG_3278.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XY0fQZf1Wek\/VfEBkw-oIMI\/AAAAAAAAGes\/Ql6MZCEqCDA\/s320\/IMG_3278.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EI used some twine to attach the pens to the clip boards, and they were ready for use!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jFUBSvd20GA\/VfEBhtEEFKI\/AAAAAAAAGd4\/jeZkCC-27a0\/s1600\/IMG_3257.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jFUBSvd20GA\/VfEBhtEEFKI\/AAAAAAAAGd4\/jeZkCC-27a0\/s320\/IMG_3257.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zeH-G1w96B4\/VfEBlaasGYI\/AAAAAAAAGe0\/lRxWbAQWNcU\/s1600\/IMG_3279.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zeH-G1w96B4\/VfEBlaasGYI\/AAAAAAAAGe0\/lRxWbAQWNcU\/s320\/IMG_3279.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003ESo, there you have it. Using left over supplies, I made a fun yard game. See, hubby? Keeping all that random junk around was \u003Ci\u003Etotally \u003C\/i\u003Eworth it.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2329581006215299156\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2329581006215299156\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2329581006215299156"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2329581006215299156"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/show-tell-yard-yahtzee-scorecard.html","title":"Show \u0026 Tell: Yard Yahtzee \u0026 Scorecard Clipboards"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-gH6uvysgg64\/VfEEyIFjnoI\/AAAAAAAAGfA\/IaMCFt95MzU\/s72-c\/dice%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-8298172633341314268"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-06T23:10:00.004-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-08-05T01:04:28.563-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Fire Pit Gravel Patio"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EGood Evening!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI meant to get to this sooner today, but we had a fun day as a family. We enjoyed coffee on the new patio (click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/08\/diy-sunday-no-good-terrible-paver-patio.html\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E for the patio post) and then went\u0026nbsp;to check out a friend's barn that is being torn down. We are hoping to score some cool barn wood for a wall in our basement aka the \"man room.\" We also have a potential headboard solution if everything works out. (Spoiler...it will be insanely cool!) Then we went and ordered new interior doors (so excited!!)\u0026nbsp;and got paint for our bedroom. All in all a pretty laid back day. Well it's a laid back for me at least. My husband would have just liked to watch the Twins and napped.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003ETwo weeks ago I was rushing to finish our fire pit area before we had people over. We just finished the patio, but I wanted somewhere to put a fire pit. I love sitting around a fire, drinking\u0026nbsp;a beer and laughing with good friends. It was pretty much how I spent all my summers in college (and it rocked!).\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI didn't want to spend a ton of money on this area, and I am happy to say the entire project took about $150. It was a super quick project that took an afternoon. That's not bad for all the materials and the fire pit itself. The chairs were free\u0026nbsp;curb side finds. (Check out the post on their rehab \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/show-tell-curb-side-chair-upcycle.html\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-I98Ya3QPov8\/Ve0MpMMgOxI\/AAAAAAAAGcs\/ReKMNch_PYM\/s1600\/Patio%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-I98Ya3QPov8\/Ve0MpMMgOxI\/AAAAAAAAGcs\/ReKMNch_PYM\/s640\/Patio%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFire Pit Gravel Patio\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMaterials\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003ENo Dig\u0026nbsp;Edging (We used 2 packages)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EExtra Stakes for Edging\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EString\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003ELandscape Fabric (We used 6 foot wide fabric)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EGravel (We used about 20 bags total) or Sand\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EFire Pit\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EHammer\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EUtility Knife\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EOptional: Bricks for under the Fire Pit\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECost\u003C\/b\u003E: $150.00\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETime\u003C\/b\u003E: The entire project took only a few hours.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--T4azeGIZ78\/Ve0MhKaQNmI\/AAAAAAAAGbc\/hspIVOwXa3c\/s1600\/IMG_3053.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/--T4azeGIZ78\/Ve0MhKaQNmI\/AAAAAAAAGbc\/hspIVOwXa3c\/s400\/IMG_3053.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDirections\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E1. Level \u0026amp;\u0026nbsp;Lay Landscape Fabric\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EThe first thing you really need to determine is how big your pit is going to be and the shape. I went through some different ideas and my Facebook followers help me decide on a circle connected to the patio. Revolutionary I know. Our fire pit area\u0026nbsp;has a diameter of 14 feet. You will want the area relatively level. I didn't get too worked up about making it perfect since I could fill in the low areas with more gravel, but you don't want huge humps either.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EYou will want to lay your fabric in a larger area than your anticipated size. You can cut away excess fabric\u0026nbsp;after your edging is down. Since I knew the stakes in the edging would hold down the fabric, I didn't staple it down. I just put something heavy at each end\u0026nbsp;to keep the fabric flat.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-M3ONSEx4a9c\/Ve0MhD0hqLI\/AAAAAAAAGbY\/VgyXZv6111A\/s1600\/IMG_3052.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-M3ONSEx4a9c\/Ve0MhD0hqLI\/AAAAAAAAGbY\/VgyXZv6111A\/s400\/IMG_3052.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E2. Install Edging\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI knew I wanted my design to be a circle,\u0026nbsp;and I wanted it about 14 feet wide. So I decided where center would be and put a stake in the ground with 7 feet of string attached to another stake. You could use extra edging stakes or scrap wood (I used scrap wood ).\u0026nbsp;As I put the edging in, I used this set up as my guide. I also used my own judgment to see if it was looking like a smooth curve. I did move a couple of stakes here and there to make it look better.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yMD5YOabWnE\/Ve0MhbkS5rI\/AAAAAAAAGbg\/0urOW3D49Bs\/s1600\/IMG_3054.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-yMD5YOabWnE\/Ve0MhbkS5rI\/AAAAAAAAGbg\/0urOW3D49Bs\/s640\/IMG_3054.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlso, if you plan on doing curves, you should plan on getting extra stakes. I got about 16 extra stakes over what came with the edge pieces. I had some stakes\u0026nbsp;left over,\u0026nbsp;but I just used them to keep the fabric down if it was buckling anywhere.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-oWu5EK-R96o\/Ve0MivThmJI\/AAAAAAAAGbw\/LcykaHqlrdw\/s1600\/IMG_3055.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-oWu5EK-R96o\/Ve0MivThmJI\/AAAAAAAAGbw\/LcykaHqlrdw\/s400\/IMG_3055.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter the edging is installed, use your utility knife to cut away the excess fabric on the outside of the edging\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-i7kZLKJ_PK4\/Ve0Mj-ABkzI\/AAAAAAAAGb4\/65p-bJd12oI\/s1600\/IMG_3069.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-i7kZLKJ_PK4\/Ve0Mj-ABkzI\/AAAAAAAAGb4\/65p-bJd12oI\/s400\/IMG_3069.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uBf20yjYu-Q\/Ve0MkKK9BAI\/AAAAAAAAGb8\/hb-viP3kNi4\/s1600\/IMG_3058.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uBf20yjYu-Q\/Ve0MkKK9BAI\/AAAAAAAAGb8\/hb-viP3kNi4\/s640\/IMG_3058.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E3. Dump Gravel\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI had some bricks left over from the patio so I quickly put those down to put the fire pit on top of. Totally unnecessary,\u0026nbsp;but it did make it look more finished. After that, we dumped gravel and then spread it around the area. You could alternately put down sand if you want a beach feel. Sand was the original plan but then I remembered that I hate sand. I added some sand initially and then put gravel on top. We have bought some more gravel since these pictures were taken.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: \u0026quot;arial\u0026quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0yZO5YDMAro\/Ve0MmWc25cI\/AAAAAAAAGcQ\/aY455Wtth-w\/s1600\/IMG_3074.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0yZO5YDMAro\/Ve0MmWc25cI\/AAAAAAAAGcQ\/aY455Wtth-w\/s400\/IMG_3074.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2Qb-2sSqljY\/Ve0MkhNMvtI\/AAAAAAAAGcE\/MZnawj1RZr8\/s1600\/IMG_3072.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2Qb-2sSqljY\/Ve0MkhNMvtI\/AAAAAAAAGcE\/MZnawj1RZr8\/s640\/IMG_3072.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E4. Add a Fire Pit \u0026amp; Enjoy\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI grabbed an inexpensive fire pit from Walmart and put it together in a half hour or so. I may install a stone fire pit\u0026nbsp;next year or after this pit gets shabby, but at 50 bucks I couldn't beat the price! It's also nice a deep fire pit for all the big logs we have stacked in our yard.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;\"\u003EI am really happy how this project turned out and it already was a blast. I can't wait for the fall weather to enjoy it even more!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-F_V82IQIWpY\/Ve0MnN-hLXI\/AAAAAAAAGcY\/BQoysr3db1Y\/s1600\/IMG_3083.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-F_V82IQIWpY\/Ve0MnN-hLXI\/AAAAAAAAGcY\/BQoysr3db1Y\/s640\/IMG_3083.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1S-4rTVnOXM\/Ve0MngWqy2I\/AAAAAAAAGcc\/IggigaEsniE\/s1600\/IMG_3104.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1S-4rTVnOXM\/Ve0MngWqy2I\/AAAAAAAAGcc\/IggigaEsniE\/s400\/IMG_3104.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wVGbZbLgM-4\/Ve0Mo2288RI\/AAAAAAAAGco\/1Am68sWLdHo\/s1600\/IMG_3110.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-wVGbZbLgM-4\/Ve0Mo2288RI\/AAAAAAAAGco\/1Am68sWLdHo\/s640\/IMG_3110.JPG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E  "},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/8298172633341314268\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=8298172633341314268\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8298172633341314268"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/8298172633341314268"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/diy-sunday-fire-pit-gravel-patio.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Fire Pit Gravel Patio"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-I98Ya3QPov8\/Ve0MpMMgOxI\/AAAAAAAAGcs\/ReKMNch_PYM\/s72-c\/Patio%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-2515364489029067552"},"published":{"$t":"2015-09-02T12:54:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-09-02T12:54:51.959-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Show \u0026 Tell: Curb Side Chair Upcycle"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EGood Morning!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EOur outdoor patio (post \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/08\/diy-sunday-no-good-terrible-paver-patio.html\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E) and our firepit sand area (post coming on Sunday) needed some extra seating. My father-in-law came to the rescue without even knowing I needed more chairs. During city wide clean up, he saw these chairs sitting on the corner.\u0026nbsp; Knowing that I love a good challenge (and free curb side furniture), he picked them up for me.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cfCLrKwrYsI\/Vec20tZgxMI\/AAAAAAAAGZg\/qsorjBaP9qc\/s1600\/Chair%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cfCLrKwrYsI\/Vec20tZgxMI\/AAAAAAAAGZg\/qsorjBaP9qc\/s640\/Chair%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003ESure they were rough around the edges. They had seen better days and less rust. But all they really needed was some TLC and a couple cans of spray paint.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xskC7AQle_s\/Vec208W2LpI\/AAAAAAAAGZk\/Vx8D6lMGakE\/s1600\/IMG_2975.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xskC7AQle_s\/Vec208W2LpI\/AAAAAAAAGZk\/Vx8D6lMGakE\/s400\/IMG_2975.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UKNFWt3a_KU\/Vec21-LrOkI\/AAAAAAAAGZ0\/1W-BQYiZexE\/s1600\/IMG_2976.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-UKNFWt3a_KU\/Vec21-LrOkI\/AAAAAAAAGZ0\/1W-BQYiZexE\/s640\/IMG_2976.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wmkY-jLWoic\/Vec20Zo_tJI\/AAAAAAAAGZc\/GwuOxp3CdRk\/s1600\/IMG_2948.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wmkY-jLWoic\/Vec20Zo_tJI\/AAAAAAAAGZc\/GwuOxp3CdRk\/s400\/IMG_2948.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EThe rehab on these chairs was pretty straight forward. First of all, I took a good look to see if they could come apart easily. When there is fabric involved, the painting goes about a hundred times smoother if you can get the metal by itself. Thankfully they came apart with just eight screws.\u0026nbsp; I took them apart with some \"help\" from my kiddos.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EOnce they were in pieces, the seats got put into a plastic tote filled will soapy water. I let them sit for an hour or so. I was pretty amazed by how much dirt came off each seat. They got rinsed and hung up to air dry.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EWhile the seats soaked and dried, each metal base got a ton of prep work. The first thing you have to do is get any flaking paint off the surface. Then you need to smooth out the surface with a wire brush and\/or sander. I rough up all surfaces to help all the paint stick better.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EMaED0rwoQA\/Vec23TQXgHI\/AAAAAAAAGaI\/M0T3G2dw7ks\/s1600\/IMG_3091.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EMaED0rwoQA\/Vec23TQXgHI\/AAAAAAAAGaI\/M0T3G2dw7ks\/s400\/IMG_3091.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EEach chair took a solid can of spray paint. In fact I came up a bit short on the lighter colors so I ended up painting the metal on the seats with either a metallic silver or gold instead of matching the chair color. I wish I would have had enough to do all the seats in silver or gold, but you work with what you got, right?\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KY2G83lOhSk\/Vec23IjhMaI\/AAAAAAAAGaE\/CV8m7amfOWY\/s1600\/IMG_3089.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KY2G83lOhSk\/Vec23IjhMaI\/AAAAAAAAGaE\/CV8m7amfOWY\/s400\/IMG_3089.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xrCZLsNjrT8\/Vec22U-AWCI\/AAAAAAAAGZ4\/azM4IlZJ7u8\/s1600\/IMG_3088.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-xrCZLsNjrT8\/Vec22U-AWCI\/AAAAAAAAGZ4\/azM4IlZJ7u8\/s400\/IMG_3088.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;\"\u003EI'm happy with the results! I would have loved to paint or replace the fabric but it was in good shape and I didn't want to mess with a good thing. Check the chairs out in action on Sunday's post about our firepit area! \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yhXsheVcyTA\/Vec26aB_mlI\/AAAAAAAAGac\/OcJszvk_uuE\/s1600\/IMG_3100.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yhXsheVcyTA\/Vec26aB_mlI\/AAAAAAAAGac\/OcJszvk_uuE\/s640\/IMG_3100.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ITVYAeIo20A\/Vec24SYr5AI\/AAAAAAAAGaU\/XRo-Mrd4-Mk\/s1600\/IMG_3099.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ITVYAeIo20A\/Vec24SYr5AI\/AAAAAAAAGaU\/XRo-Mrd4-Mk\/s400\/IMG_3099.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3LG6HPsbgzw\/Vec268X9BtI\/AAAAAAAAGag\/K4TwZJF8ZhY\/s1600\/IMG_3102.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3LG6HPsbgzw\/Vec268X9BtI\/AAAAAAAAGag\/K4TwZJF8ZhY\/s640\/IMG_3102.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/2515364489029067552\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=2515364489029067552\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2515364489029067552"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/2515364489029067552"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/09\/show-tell-curb-side-chair-upcycle.html","title":"Show \u0026 Tell: Curb Side Chair Upcycle"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-cfCLrKwrYsI\/Vec20tZgxMI\/AAAAAAAAGZg\/qsorjBaP9qc\/s72-c\/Chair%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-6545209790084169759"},"published":{"$t":"2015-08-30T22:29:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-08-30T22:39:53.563-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Humor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Outdoor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Show and Tell"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: The No Good Terrible Paver Patio Project"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWe had a wonderful weekend with friends. The weather was pretty perfect especially out on our new patio and firepit!\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOur  patio was one of those projects that wouldn't seem to end. We bought  the pavers when they were on sale about 2-3 months ago. We finally started  digging about a month ago, and we finished last weekend.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EWe  decided to go with pavers after my in-laws gave us over 200 free paver bricks. The same week Lowes had pavers on sale 3 for a $1.00,\u0026nbsp;so we  figured, why not?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EBecause it sucked. Dear lordy. For  someone that hates to measure, it was the fifth circle of hell.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;First of  all, digging up the grass was fast with a tractor\u0026nbsp;but getting it to  anything that resembled an even surface was work. Then you have to try  to keep it level as you add in the different layers. Ha. That's funny.  With two children that saw it as either a sand box or a starter hillbilly  pool (depending on the day) we gave up on that myth early on.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-m4ZFgADEcMg\/VePBVl5ko7I\/AAAAAAAAGYE\/KBUlQRWlank\/s1600\/IMG_2169.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-m4ZFgADEcMg\/VePBVl5ko7I\/AAAAAAAAGYE\/KBUlQRWlank\/s400\/IMG_2169.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KpxaKafQAII\/VePBzEreZ8I\/AAAAAAAAGYM\/2r5rDM6uhoI\/s640\/IMG_2180.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-m4ZFgADEcMg\/VePBVl5ko7I\/AAAAAAAAGYE\/KBUlQRWlank\/s1600\/IMG_2169.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EWhile  we only spent maybe $300 or so on the pavers, the paver base and sand  can add another $400 to the cost. We were lucky because my father-in-law  knew a guy that could hook us up with some free rock and sand. (No.  He's not in the South Dakota gravel pit mob)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EWhen it came time to  level out the sand, we just about screamed. My husband threatened to put  an ad on Craigslist to find someone to finish the project. The kids  removed sand at the rate we added it. They made sand castles in the area  we just leveled.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EMy husband decided to take a nap  at this point. I kept forging ahead. I decided to lay the paver edging  while he slept. I got all the different tools I thought I needed to lay  the patio. I worked on laying a perfect 12 by 12 square for about 3  hours.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EHusband comes back out refreshed, and  the first thing he says is \"uh. That's not square\" I step back and look  from a different angle. Yes. It's not square. At all. Commence the  string\u0026nbsp;of expletives that would make a sailor blush.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAt  that moment we made a decision. How much did we value a level  professional looking patio?\u0026nbsp;We decided we\u0026nbsp;valued our sanity, children's  lives and marriage\u0026nbsp;much more and just started laying bricks. We tried to  keep them level as we moved along, but it isn't perfect. Which is really  a metaphor of our life with two young children.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOf  course, it couldn't be that easy. Remember those free bricks we got?  The ones we just were sure were the same size as the bricks we bought?  The free bricks that were the only reason we decided to proceed on this aggregating\u0026nbsp;quest?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ENope. Not the same size. Just a hair wider and longer. Shoot. Me. Now.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ESo  we stared at the patio in the 90+ degree 450% humidity weather. Our brains  were a burnt out melted mush. The Craiglist threat became a viable solution.  Finally I realized we could just do a border with the free bricks, and we\u0026nbsp;survived. Since we couldn't use the free bricks, we were 92 bricks  short. We just made our tri-daily trip to Lowes and got it covered. \u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ShqDolaFcaw\/VePCHrHDwxI\/AAAAAAAAGYU\/Jm9AfYCfy78\/s1600\/IMG_2850.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ShqDolaFcaw\/VePCHrHDwxI\/AAAAAAAAGYU\/Jm9AfYCfy78\/s320\/IMG_2850.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/--j7twRj3CBU\/VePCiyo3rLI\/AAAAAAAAGYg\/kKO7XAdriQs\/s1600\/IMG_2852.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/--j7twRj3CBU\/VePCiyo3rLI\/AAAAAAAAGYg\/kKO7XAdriQs\/s320\/IMG_2852.JPG\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe kids were creating some sort of building with sand, bricks and wood.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOnce  we laid the pavers (over several days) we felt victorious. We had  finished the patio. We had done the seemly impossible summer project. We  no longer had a hole of mud in the backyard.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yv-r1CPoG7A\/VePDNW3kBvI\/AAAAAAAAGYw\/lVh3XmArf2U\/s1600\/IMG_3006.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yv-r1CPoG7A\/VePDNW3kBvI\/AAAAAAAAGYw\/lVh3XmArf2U\/s640\/IMG_3006.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThen  comes putting sand in the crevices. Easy right? Get the polymorphic  sand they said. It will be easier they said. (\"They\"\u0026nbsp;are the online tutorials I  read and mostly ignored during this process)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWell  once I read the side of the bucket I realized the sand wasn't going to be  all that easy. Apparently you can stain the brick if there is any sand  left on the surface. (Specifically, red colored brick had a higher likelihood of staining) They recommend using a paint brush to sweep into each crack. That sounds like a \u003Ci\u003Eton \u003C\/i\u003Eof fun. We tried with the broom  first. It became very clear that we didn't have enough sand. \u003Ci\u003EAwesome\u003C\/i\u003E.  Another trip to the store. (\u003Ci\u003EFace Palm)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAlso, with polymorphic sand, you're racing  the clock because you need to finish and let it dry 24 hours before it  rains. We checked the weather report. No rain for days. We are good to  start. Next day I go back to do the second bucket. Weather report now  says it's going to rain for three days starting tomorrow evening. Well that's  great. I've got to get the sand down immediately.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAfter doing a bit\u0026nbsp; more  reading on the Young\u0026nbsp;House Love blog, I found I could have used  less sand and had an easier life if I wouldn't have just poured\u0026nbsp;the sand  right on the pavers the first time around (which was what the directions on the bucket said  because they are capitalist pricks that want me to buy extra sand ;) ). The Young House Love blog suggested putting the sand in a ziplock bag, cut a corner and  poured it in the cracks directly ala frosting bag style. That worked way  way better. I even sat there and cleared every brick with a paint  brush. 6 hours of paint brushing and filling cracks later, the sand was  done. I wet it down and did an \"anti-rain\" dance\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1vtjuHADAF0\/VePC5no6z7I\/AAAAAAAAGYo\/CUgmPLhuP7I\/s1600\/IMG_3004.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-1vtjuHADAF0\/VePC5no6z7I\/AAAAAAAAGYo\/CUgmPLhuP7I\/s640\/IMG_3004.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EI  woke up in the morning feeling rested. My bed was nice and cool, there  was a nice breeze coming in, and I heard the gentle sound of rain drops on the  roof. Yeah. Apparently weathermen are right on par with the accuracy of  palm readers. (Bright side: I have a long life line and should have four  kids)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EWell the sand kinda survived and after  spending 6 hours in the sun on a hot patio with a paint brush, I wasn't doing the process  over again.\u0026nbsp; I moved our patio furniture out to the patio and drank a  glass (okay, bottle) of wine and enjoyed our patio.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWould I do the project again? Sure. I would totally hire someone to do the project again. Ha!\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003ECheck  back next week when I talk about our much easier (and cheaper) firepit  addition to the deck. Now that was a highly rewarding project I would  recommend. Positive attitude restored.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-SMqyjizBUMQ\/VePDVDMrztI\/AAAAAAAAGY4\/JEpLgXum8HQ\/s1600\/IMG_3066.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-SMqyjizBUMQ\/VePDVDMrztI\/AAAAAAAAGY4\/JEpLgXum8HQ\/s640\/IMG_3066.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JxsHgwXNjT8\/VePDtcyoUvI\/AAAAAAAAGZA\/K6S53FJhfsk\/s1600\/IMG_3067.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JxsHgwXNjT8\/VePDtcyoUvI\/AAAAAAAAGZA\/K6S53FJhfsk\/s640\/IMG_3067.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px none;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/6545209790084169759\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=6545209790084169759\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6545209790084169759"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/6545209790084169759"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/08\/diy-sunday-no-good-terrible-paver-patio.html","title":"DIY Sunday: The No Good Terrible Paver Patio Project"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-m4ZFgADEcMg\/VePBVl5ko7I\/AAAAAAAAGYE\/KBUlQRWlank\/s72-c\/IMG_2169.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-4140244772831968309"},"published":{"$t":"2015-08-23T10:00:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-08-23T10:00:03.773-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DIY Sundays and Wednesdays"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Furniture"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gone Junkin'"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Home Decor"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"DIY Sunday: Old School Desk Turned Nightstand"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Hello Sunday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had a very busy Saturday. I worked on our patio until I ran out of pavers, took apart some old (new) chairs to spray paint and built some random swings for the kids. This cool weather has made it very hard to do anything inside. I have a huge pile of clothing that needs to be folded and a house that has mud trailed through out it. But hey, none of us are inside to see it anyways.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce the snow starts to fall, I have a pile of projects to do inside including our master bedroom. It leaves quite a bit to be desired. The color on the walls is left over from the previous owner, we don't have a headboard and the nightstands were barely functional. We are still playing with ideas, but the color scheme is prepared. I've picked a navy blue for the walls (Navel from Sherwin Williams) with accents of mint and gold.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI saw a old school desk at a salvage yard and started thinking about making it into a nightstand. I thought was being super creative until I opened my recent copy of Country Living, and right there is a picture of a desk being used as a nightstand. So much for being creative. (Those darn crafty publishers!) However, I found two desks for $5.00 a piece at the Habitat for Humanity Restore, and I couldn't say no to the idea. Here's my tips on turning a school desk into a functional nightstand. Both nightstands with supplies only cost me about $15.00.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BhVhdmVUbXg\/Vdl742GYpYI\/AAAAAAAAGXA\/4EJMqNLeWsk\/s1600\/School%2BDesk%2BCollage.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BhVhdmVUbXg\/Vdl742GYpYI\/AAAAAAAAGXA\/4EJMqNLeWsk\/s640\/School%2BDesk%2BCollage.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe first thing to do was take everything apart. School desks have adjustable legs that can also be removed with an allen wrench. It makes spray painting much easier, and makes it easy to adjust the height depending on your bed and bed frame.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBefore you get down with spray painting, make sure you take second to prepare your surface. Rough up the surface with a wire brush and\/or sand paper. Clean the dust and other surface dirt after you get it roughed up. I personally only use Rustoleum and Valspar spray paint. I get the smoothest finish and the most bang for my buck with those brands. (This project was a Rustoleum Gold and Ocean Breeze in Rustoleum) I also taped off the top of the desk since I had different plans for that portion.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ns4wlSZCSJQ\/Vdl74Nm0r0I\/AAAAAAAAGWw\/xdAIClzJgXg\/s1600\/IMG_2989%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ns4wlSZCSJQ\/Vdl74Nm0r0I\/AAAAAAAAGWw\/xdAIClzJgXg\/s400\/IMG_2989%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-AYf5gUWjmUI\/Vdl74kgUr-I\/AAAAAAAAGW8\/3JmXhg3XKWM\/s1600\/IMG_2990%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-AYf5gUWjmUI\/Vdl74kgUr-I\/AAAAAAAAGW8\/3JmXhg3XKWM\/s400\/IMG_2990%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce you have everything spray painted, you have a couple of decisions. I thought about doing a Mod Podge top or doing some sort of wallpaper on top. I also thought about using some vintage yard sticks. In the end I decided to use something I had on hand, grey chalk paint. Before I got to painting though, I decided to make some changes for functionality. I wanted a hole in the top for my various power cables. I also wanted a place to slip a power strip cord out of, so I could plug it in discretely. I hate a bunch of cords showing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI used a 1 inch drill bit to create my hole. I widened the hole a bit from the 1 inch so a plug would fit in nicely. I also used a large drill bit to drill on the side of the desk top so a power strip cord would fit through without making the desk top gap open.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XjDLjLNR-zI\/Vdl71YpI9WI\/AAAAAAAAGV0\/wiyt764o8F8\/s1600\/IMG_2940.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XjDLjLNR-zI\/Vdl71YpI9WI\/AAAAAAAAGV0\/wiyt764o8F8\/s400\/IMG_2940.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMy new cord hiding place.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jT6CuhIHu70\/Vdl71pugy-I\/AAAAAAAAGV4\/B78cMxjzYHY\/s1600\/IMG_2936.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jT6CuhIHu70\/Vdl71pugy-I\/AAAAAAAAGV4\/B78cMxjzYHY\/s400\/IMG_2936.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe desk before painting the top\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EyGUU3uheWk\/Vdl71g0HG0I\/AAAAAAAAGV8\/IF_oqYrIoBk\/s1600\/IMG_2937.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EyGUU3uheWk\/Vdl71g0HG0I\/AAAAAAAAGV8\/IF_oqYrIoBk\/s400\/IMG_2937.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mqiMIBdKDWo\/Vdl72DD56UI\/AAAAAAAAGWE\/DkiyaeLdZQY\/s1600\/IMG_2942.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mqiMIBdKDWo\/Vdl72DD56UI\/AAAAAAAAGWE\/DkiyaeLdZQY\/s400\/IMG_2942.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnce I made those modifications, I sanded the top of the desk and applied two coats of grey chalk paint. (I tried the American Accent stuff available at Walmart, and I was actually pretty darn happy with the results).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-q2BdMuDWXmY\/Vdl72km-WxI\/AAAAAAAAGWQ\/eJ6SA8kWAig\/s1600\/IMG_2943.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-q2BdMuDWXmY\/Vdl72km-WxI\/AAAAAAAAGWQ\/eJ6SA8kWAig\/s400\/IMG_2943.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ENew chalk paint top\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm really happy that we now have matching functional nightstands in our bedroom. Now we just need to wait for some cold weather to tackle the 100 other things wrong with the space.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mNxa62qM2aE\/Vdl729zd4JI\/AAAAAAAAGWY\/HcTiB8JeT1I\/s1600\/IMG_2981.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-mNxa62qM2aE\/Vdl729zd4JI\/AAAAAAAAGWY\/HcTiB8JeT1I\/s640\/IMG_2981.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MD4ehh2YDWk\/Vdl73X2oRlI\/AAAAAAAAGWg\/vbY5HiGi_Dc\/s1600\/IMG_2982.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MD4ehh2YDWk\/Vdl73X2oRlI\/AAAAAAAAGWg\/vbY5HiGi_Dc\/s400\/IMG_2982.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vS-7jjVBl60\/Vdl738w_L6I\/AAAAAAAAGWo\/Bzd7DmVIV7Y\/s1600\/IMG_2984.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-vS-7jjVBl60\/Vdl738w_L6I\/AAAAAAAAGWo\/Bzd7DmVIV7Y\/s640\/IMG_2984.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-m-UXGADExkc\/Vdl77VwlFuI\/AAAAAAAAGXM\/zEhJdh9m5D4\/s1600\/IMG_2857.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-m-UXGADExkc\/Vdl77VwlFuI\/AAAAAAAAGXM\/zEhJdh9m5D4\/s400\/IMG_2857.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThis is our bedroom right now (before the nightstands). I'm planning on a wood headboard, a white board and batten, navy walls and some changes to the artwork.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/4140244772831968309\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=4140244772831968309\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4140244772831968309"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/4140244772831968309"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/08\/diy-sunday-old-school-desk-turned.html","title":"DIY Sunday: Old School Desk Turned Nightstand"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BhVhdmVUbXg\/Vdl742GYpYI\/AAAAAAAAGXA\/4EJMqNLeWsk\/s72-c\/School%2BDesk%2BCollage.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6859159588839510533.post-63145502667339326"},"published":{"$t":"2015-08-21T12:29:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-08-21T12:29:00.818-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Humor"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Just For Fun"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"#FreshinFifteen Challenge"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Happy Friday!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'd like to invite you to do a little jig in celebration for the forthcoming weekend. We are in full \"finish patio or die trying\" mode this weekend. Then I'm going to do another little jig to be done with that train wreck of a project.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWhile we're working on that, I thought I would do something a bit out of the craft wheel house. Kate at the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thesmallthingsblog.com\/2015\/08\/fresh-in-fifteen-002\/\"\u003ESmall Things Blog\u003C\/a\u003E (if you haven't read her blog or watched her tutorials, please do. They are fantastic!) had a little challenge she posted this week. She's challenging people to look #freshinfifteen. Basically take 15 minutes for yourself in the morning and have a speed beauty routine. Since I work from home, my beauty routine usually involves me rolling out of bed, putting on socks (because who in their right mind sleeps with socks on?!?) and sitting in a chair. If I'm feeling really crazy, I might put jeans on instead of sweats. I know. I can barely contain the excitement in my life.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHowever, there is something to be said for the extra productivity and confidence you get for taking 15 minutes to get yourself put together. Also, if I decide to meet my husband for lunch or run to the store after work, I'm not trying to pull something together to avoid being put on the \"People of Walmart\" website. Now, if I'm going to be working on a DIY project, I don't really sweat going to Lowes covered in paint. I hope that it's obvious that I'm in the middle of a project and changing isn't real high on the ol' priority list.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAny who. Challenge accepted. Here's my #freshinfifteen.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yO9J7hTcrp4\/VdYNxKxEyvI\/AAAAAAAAGVA\/0Ce2xx20AWU\/s1600\/IMG_2921.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yO9J7hTcrp4\/VdYNxKxEyvI\/AAAAAAAAGVA\/0Ce2xx20AWU\/s400\/IMG_2921.JPG\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6qRDDD5Dvac\/VdYNuCR3RkI\/AAAAAAAAGUY\/jh5dORFpuW0\/s1600\/IMG_2898.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6qRDDD5Dvac\/VdYNuCR3RkI\/AAAAAAAAGUY\/jh5dORFpuW0\/s400\/IMG_2898.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs scary it is, this is what I looked like when I rolled out of bed this morning. Charming I realize. I don't know how my husband manages to leave in the morning when I'm looking so smoking hot.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, I'm not much of a make up person. I wear some tinted moisturizer sometimes. I have real adult make up for nights out (as opposed to Lipsmackers lip gloss), but I don't bust that out too often. Children really stop the \"going out with the girl friends to Carey's\" lifestyle I had during law school. I did make an effort a few months ago to get some less dramatic every day makeup so I could do something on a more regular basis. To speed up my routine I have different make-up bags for night and day shades. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-fl8yL4byL2U\/VdYNuEpIG7I\/AAAAAAAAGUU\/uFa879kCoeM\/s1600\/%2528null%2529.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-fl8yL4byL2U\/VdYNuEpIG7I\/AAAAAAAAGUU\/uFa879kCoeM\/s640\/%2528null%2529.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, here's the post make up picture. Bare Minerals make up, Younque fiber lashes and some E.L.F. make up mixed in. Nothing earth shattering but at least you don't see my \"cursing at the patio in 100 degree weather\" blemishes. Yeah. That's a real thing. I'm actually kinda surprised there is such a difference. Maybe I should try this make up stuff more often.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs for my hair, I don't wear my hair down on days I know I'm going to be working out or working on projects (like today). Especially with the bangs that I thought \"would be a good idea at the time and then realized as they were being cut they were an absolutely terrible life decision.\" Bangs are never a good idea. I feel like I need to get that tattooed on my arm, because I keep forgetting it never works. I'd tell the stylist I want bangs, and she'd look at the big warning on my arm and tell me that past self is reminding current self that bangs = annoyance and ridicule for months. Not a terrible idea except the permanent tattoo part...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RP6oe577mDk\/VdYNuP0qU0I\/AAAAAAAAGUQ\/IJm8WuMqEuc\/s1600\/IMG_2900.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-RP6oe577mDk\/VdYNuP0qU0I\/AAAAAAAAGUQ\/IJm8WuMqEuc\/s640\/IMG_2900.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Zi4Xy6J40SQ\/VdYNu3CkQ3I\/AAAAAAAAGVU\/BRD8clrE1n8\/s1600\/IMG_2901.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Zi4Xy6J40SQ\/VdYNu3CkQ3I\/AAAAAAAAGVU\/BRD8clrE1n8\/s640\/IMG_2901.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EI did a couple fast curls at the straight crazy ends and pulled everything into a braid and a mid knot. The mid knot tutorial is from the Small Things Blog (click \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thesmallthingsblog.com\/2013\/09\/the-mid-knot-tutorial\/\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Efor the tutorial), and pretty much is my go to style now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nuKW___RtcY\/VdYNvE4V2BI\/AAAAAAAAGUc\/mDhyjTiNbkQ\/s1600\/IMG_2909.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nuKW___RtcY\/VdYNvE4V2BI\/AAAAAAAAGUc\/mDhyjTiNbkQ\/s400\/IMG_2909.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo, that's pretty much it. I do feel quite \"fresh\". And yes, I'm wearing flannel because it's 50 degrees out. Got to love Midwest weather. This whole fresh in fifteen business does make it a bit more difficult to sit at home for work. My dogs aren't nearly as appreciative of my effort as I feel like they should be.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-fTMetdB0_gc\/VdYNvXaX96I\/AAAAAAAAGUk\/axhaINr3IvY\/s1600\/IMG_2910.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-fTMetdB0_gc\/VdYNvXaX96I\/AAAAAAAAGUk\/axhaINr3IvY\/s400\/IMG_2910.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HsZnxJWuEnc\/VdYNwCegqpI\/AAAAAAAAGUw\/Fwu3OsI0UPY\/s1600\/IMG_2918.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-HsZnxJWuEnc\/VdYNwCegqpI\/AAAAAAAAGUw\/Fwu3OsI0UPY\/s640\/IMG_2918.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TcI4KOSudRE\/VdYNv1z9KnI\/AAAAAAAAGUs\/iZ-mU7FLKWU\/s1600\/IMG_2914.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-TcI4KOSudRE\/VdYNv1z9KnI\/AAAAAAAAGUs\/iZ-mU7FLKWU\/s640\/IMG_2914.JPG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fIZ7FcPN5bA\/VdYNwnkx_HI\/AAAAAAAAGU4\/E8JPAfDYSWU\/s1600\/IMG_2919.JPG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-fIZ7FcPN5bA\/VdYNwnkx_HI\/AAAAAAAAGU4\/E8JPAfDYSWU\/s400\/IMG_2919.JPG\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cimg align=\"right\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-271pY410uLY\/UvnAV0IabGI\/AAAAAAAAGRk\/TzZ1E0nqRpo\/s1600\/signature-thedabblingcrafter.png\" style=\"border: 0px;\" \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/dabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/watermelon_pinterest.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thedabblingcrafter\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/seagreen_facebook.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/kristambenson\"\u003E\u003Cimg src=\"http:\/\/i672.photobucket.com\/albums\/vv86\/kristamariephotography2\/blue_twitter.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/feeds\/63145502667339326\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=6859159588839510533\u0026postID=63145502667339326\u0026isPopup=true","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/63145502667339326"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/6859159588839510533\/posts\/default\/63145502667339326"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.thedabblingcrafter.com\/2015\/08\/freshinfifteen-challenge.html","title":"#FreshinFifteen Challenge"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"TheDabblingCrafter"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/09887107946361368583"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"24","height":"32","src":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-sOtSrmv4cCI\/UvZu-DAynrI\/AAAAAAAAC1s\/p_EwGQl9s1w\/s220\/Headshot.jpg"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yO9J7hTcrp4\/VdYNxKxEyvI\/AAAAAAAAGVA\/0Ce2xx20AWU\/s72-c\/IMG_2921.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});