a start to this tin woman's collection

it has been a while since I've posted. Things have been pretty busy, and with report cards ahead, things promise to only get busier.
I figure I would start by sharing a simple post (I know I've promised to share my wild misadventures with homemade jewelry, and I'll do that soon... promise).

Well, I came across this rusted fellow in the local second-hand shop. I have always wanted to start a tea tin collection (and have yet been kicking myself for not stocking up on my past trips to England)... which makes me think this would be reason enough to go back soon? ;)

Although it wasn't from the Queen Mother's pantry, this rusty, crusty thing was apparently made in India (according to the rusty, crusty sticker on the bottom). Wherever it came from, I couldn't pass up the etched labels on the can; it beats a sticker any day.

 

Speaking of sticker, the remnants of this one probably had a cheaper price on it from a garage sale, but I happily paid the $5 for it from the store.

With some Parker & Bailey Silver Polish, a rag, and gloves, I began to give it a good polishing.

The polish did wonders... can you see the before and after happening before your very eyes? :)

With some freshly picked peonies (my favourite flowers) from my backyard garden, I had a fragrant and lovely centerpiece for our living room.

I love how the label wraps around the can,

And how the previous owners of our house were nice enough to plant these flowers.

A great start to my collection, I'd say! :)

Well, it's good to be blogging once more.

Hope your week is going swimmingly! 

lacquer tissue box turned charging station

Currently my side of the bed is the neatest between my husband and I (which is a shocker, considering my husband is Mr. Clean most of the time), but before I start gloating I have one big bone to pick with myself. Right at the foot of my side of the bed lies this honkin' huge power bar.

It greets me every morning and every night before bed. It's an unwelcome & unsightly guest... but I desperately need it (as I my electronics have grown to become another limb on my body. Unhealthy, I know...)

I thought I might try to create a charging station out of a simple object & thought of using a cheapo wooden tissue box ($2 from the dollar store). Here were the other tools I used:

First, I mixed my paint (I wanted a lighter shade of this electric Caribbean blue).

And I painted on two layers of it.

Then after it dried, I taped off my corners & edges, and painted them white.

After they dried, I gave it two good coats of Varathane for a little bit of shine & protection.

And because I wanted to have my charging cable within arms reach, rather than having my typical scouring of the floor with my fingers like I usually do, I need clips to hold them in place.

I just got some butterfly clips, mod podge & craft paper that I had on hand,

traced & cut the paper to size.

mod podged the clips,

and smoothed out the paper, holding it in place long enough to stay on its own.

I then had myself some custom office accessories, but more importantly, fancy cable holders.

Then I placed the clip on the opening of the tissue box, & fished my cable through the metal clasps.

From the bottom, they wires neatly tucked under the box & behind the side table.

{hello, dog fur}

I guess I can't boast of a clean bedside ;)

Now the power bar is nicely tucked away (in between the dresser & the wall without trim... on our to-do list).

Now it's a prettier charging station which eliminates the wires, and the stress of looking for the wires.

Annnd if I get any more devices (which might not be the healthiest thing for me), I can just add more butterfly clips to the edges. easy.peasy.

My iPad approves 100% ;) and in my opinion it's 100% better than what I was using before!

{p.s. all iPad images are from the new issue of Lonny - you can read it here!}

In total, this charging station put me back $2. Not too shabby, if you ask me!

Well, I'm off for some dessert with a friend & I'll be back this week to share some more of my newfound love for diy jewelry! I just might need an intervention.

Hope your Monday was fab!

yo mama! (and an award :)

Got any plans for celebrating Mother's Day? Aside from a family dinner this Sunday, my mom told me she received 4 free tickets to the circus for next weekend (*crossed fingers* for Cirque du Soleil), so I guess we'll be extending our MD festivities over the next two weekends.

pinterest

I just checked my blog email for the first time today (*tsk. I know), and I was so pleased to see so many amazing emails from fellow bloggers responding to posts & my comments. The blog community is seriously awesome.

One of the emails that brightened my day was one from Samaa at Honey Sweet Home who has graciously awarded me with being:

As Spiderman would say, with much power comes much responsibility ;) ... so with it I am to share 7 random things about myself (you can read Samaa's here :) 

Ready? Buckle up! 

1. my husband and I have a secret voice we use at home when talking to each other. It changes from annoying squeaking to a strange static sound... k, I never said this would make you like me more.

2. I have a problem with laughing at inappropriate moments (i.e. if people trip, fall, slip, you get the twisted picture). 

3. A life achievement that I am proud of, yet not proud of is finishing a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts in 30 minutes. They're just so light n' fluffy!

4. I got my puppy-dog off of the Canadian equivalent of Craigslist. For free. With free grooming forever. Call me a cheapskate, but I needed any leverage to convince my husband to keep her (and he loves a bargain!)

5. I've perfected the art of smelling my own breath. My face twists very unattractively, but it's quite effective. I'll DIY it one day.

6. In high school I tried out for the school play (Dorothy, the scarecrow, heck, I would have taken Toto if they let me!), but they were too nice to reject me outrightly, so they invented a character for me. I played a marching army man. like, seriously? Not even a flying monkey. An army man.

7. I've had size 9 feet since I was in junior high. I basically grew into them. My uncle has called me Big Foot since then and I've always been aware of those ham hocks.

Well, I hope you've learned a thing or two about yours truly.
To spread the love, I'm extending this award to:

Vanessa at nifty thrifty things

&

Sharon & the ladies at Elizabeth and co.

These ladies are uber talented and always post inspiring eye candy. Check them out & I'm sure you'll agree! :)

Hope your weekend is nothing short of wonderful!

diy Kate Spade knock-off

One of this spring's trends that I am seriously loving is all of the neon pink! I've seen it in home decor, clothing, shoes, bags, you name it.

I saw this diy done before & thought I might give it a whirl (my wardrobe is seriously lacking pops of colour & thought this statement necklace would be parrrfect).

Here are some of the supplies I used (not pictured is the thinner chain, the small gold beads, and the Varathane):

My first step was using painters tape and two coats of my neon paint on the 1 inch wood beads.

note: it's always good to smooth down all of the edges of the painters tape, so you don't get some bleeding edges like I did!

After they dried, I gave them two good coats of Varathane for some extra shine.

The end of the chain that would hold the beads was secured with a closure,

and I attached the thicker chain on with a ring.

I then began adding my wooden & gold beads, like so.

When I was done stringing them on, I again used another closure and ring. 

Then I measured my necklace to the length I wanted, snipped the thicker chain & attached it to the closure (I didn't use a lobster clip, but just wanted it one continuous necklace).

The final product looks almost as good as the real thang (but for a HECKUVALOT cheaper! Try less than $10, compared to Kate Spade's $128 bauble!)

Let's compare, shall we?

Kate Spade's Rosewood Dot Necklace:

My super-neon-but-super-cheap-version:

I wore it to work today & got a really positive response. I even had a cheeky student ask if she could have it. hmm... Kate Spade has an eye for youthful fashion!

it was definitely a fun pop of pink for my dark attire!

I think I am ready for spring...

are you? ;)

Tomorrow is Friday! :)