1...2...3...Purge!

My closet is like any other closet in that it is filled with clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories! However, recently my closet has become too dense with all these items for my liking.  I have so much stuff that I'm literally having a hard time finding room to make everything fit and sometimes can't find a particular item that I'm looking for because I can't readily see it among the mass.  I sometimes feel as if  I'm looking for a needle in a haystack when searching for some pieces to wear.

So, in an effort to relieve myself (and my DH) of this dilemma, I decided to begin the process of purging my closet. I purchased the hangers above at Ross (I believe $8.99 for 18)  because not only do I want to purge my closet, I also want to improve the presentation of my clothes.  The idea I have is to make it look like a little boutique, thus I will also purchase other items to organize  and decorate my closet as well.

Personalize it!

Personalized Ornaments done at home

Wanted to try something new this year and create my own Christmas tree ornaments.   I used wired ribbons, metallic paint pens and stickers to create my lil' treasures!  Since I can't draw, I also used stencils to paint bells, wreaths, etc... Although I made these for myself, these would make wonderful gifts to give to family and friends and they're quick to make.

I also made ornaments with the names of all of my immediate family members, and after my son's marry and have kids of their own, I will use this same idea to create new ornaments naming the new loved ones that have joined our family to celebrate and show them how much they are loved!

Peace, Love and Joy!

I purchased my items from Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics and Michael's.

Blue Ornaments - Purchased from Walmart and used the smooth textured bulbs only
Red, Gold and Off White Ornaments - Purchased from the Dollar Tree

*Hint* - You can also purchased frosted ornaments from Hobby Lobby to decorate

Paint Pen - Tree House Paint Marker - Hobby Lobby - Love! ($3.47)
Paint Pen - Krylon Pale Gold Leafing Pen - Joann's Fabric - Love! ($4.00 after using save 50% store coupon)
Paint Pen - Krylon Silver Leafing Pen - Joann's Fabric- Love! ($4.00 after using save 50% store coupon)
Wired Ribbon - Gold and Silver spools - Michael's - Love! ($1.99)
Martha Stewart Stencil - Michael's - Not bad, but would probably work better with paint instead of pens - ($4.99).  Also, the ornaments I used were a bit small for the size of these stencils, so it made it difficult to fit the stencil on the ball for a smooth/uniform image.

So give this DIY a try!  I'm sure many of you are great artists and can probably create some new and wonderful designs that you, your family and loved ones will enjoy!

Peace and Blessings!

Weekend Project - Image Wall!

How to cover a huge wall of empty space?  Here's an idea...use the space as an on-the-wall photo album of your favorite portraits.  It covers the wall and makes for great conversation when friends and family come over to visit!

I purchased several individual 5x7 frames with 4x6 mats.  I also purchased a poster frame to hold my collage of images.  In the past I actually purchased a collage frame for my images, but ended up liking the look above better. 

I purchased my frames at a local Walmart store, but choose any frames you like and they don't have to be the same size and shape.  Let your creative juices flow!

To make the collage in the poster frame above I glued my 4x6 portraits (printed at home) to the picture insert that came with the frame.  Honestly, I think it would have been better if I had used a thin mat, used to frame portraits, instead.  It's much steadier than the thin paper insert that comes with the poster frame.    Use the insert as a guide to measure the size of your mat if so choose to use one instead. 

As you can see above, I tried to keep everything uniformed on the left.  Continuing onward, I began to overlap my images to make them fit inside the frame.  I wish that I had used this method of overlapping from the beginning, but a bit more exaggerated by mixing horizontal and vertical images throughout.   All in all not bad!

I broke the mold!

And re-shaped it to my liking! 

My favorite scented candle is one I purchased from Target a couple of years ago.  The scent is of sandalwood.  On one of my trips to Target to my surprise my beloved sandalwood was on clearance and the store only had a few items left.  I purchased what I could gather and was reluctant to use the candles out of fear that they were the last of the lot.  They were scented so that you could just walk by and could smell the scent.  I love, love the scent of sandalwood!  I love any scent that is earthy, warm and sensual.  These types of scents usually soothe and help me to relax. They put me in a good mood that my husband absolutely adores.  I also love warm, earthy colors and hues. 

I have a few sandalwood candles that I use strictly for decoration, but I wanted to salvage the ones I had already begun burning.  What to do, what to do? 

In attempt to salvage what I already had, I began to gather all of my old candles regardless of color and scent.   The CF candle above was my least favorite, thus I really wanted to upgrade it and the candle I use in my wall sconce was ready for a makeover.  Some containers I'll reuse, like the CF container, my votive above and the votive for my wall sconce.  However, I think I'll use a metal tin and decorate it in an effort to create something new and different for my bathroom.  It is time to break these molds and start again.

 Here are the steps I made:

1.  Use the double boiler method to melt my salvaged candles.  Stirring frequently as the wax melted.
2.  Gathered my container of choice (a clean and dry canning jar), an old birthday candle and melted wax. Placed all items together on protective mat.
3.  Poured melted wax poured into the canning jar.  You can see that the wax is beginning to harden upon contact.
4.  Once wax begins to film over on the top, I then dipped the birthday candle into the wax to coat it a bit to see if the middle section of the wax was beginning to harden. 
5.  After several dipping tests, I then pierced a small hold into a plastic Ziploc and pushed the birthday candle through it.  I then taped the top of the wick to the plastic bag to keep it from falling and getting lost in the wax. 
6.  Several hours later the wax has completely hardened and I removed the plastic covering.
7.  I now have a new scented candle to burn!

It just that simple!  I think what I will do from now on is purchased the cheap candles you find at the everything's a dollar store and create my own candles at home with whatever scent I so choose.  You can find wonderful jars, bowls, etc...at the same dollar store or at your local thrift store!

For more ideas or a different approach to recycling your old candles, check out this link from Lifestyle,  How to recycle your old candles.

Happy creations!