creativity sometimes takes over

I don't know if it is the holiday season that has recently put me into creative overload, but whatever it is, my mind is overflowing with ideas, and this weekend was no exception to starting new projects. I would like to blame Chris too, because he introduced me to Google Reader, which now takes up a huge chunk of my evening relaxation time :). I have found so many amazing blogs with tutorials, pictures, ideas, and so much inspiration to start creating that I don't know how to stop the wheels in my head from spinning out of control! I did a few projects this weekend, and I'm glad to say that one of them actually put my sewing machine back into use.

My first project that I finished (finally, a few months after actually starting...) was my living room pillows! They were really really ugly, and unfortunately I didn't take

pictures to document the level of ugliness that these pillows embodied. Ugh. Anyways, I found this perfect paisley pattern and fringe that matched the couch perfectly, and added the splash of color the room needed. Of course, they don't all sit on the couch like this, and the fringe isn't shiny in person, but it's nighttime and the lighting is less than desirable for taking pictures. And, please, don't judge the ugly green carpet - after Mac is house-trained and we are done treading grout and paint throughout the house, we will be replacing it :)

I also had the privilege of going with a few friends to salvage some things from a building that was going to be demo-ed, and found some amazing things. Chris was an amazing husband and unscrewed probably about 50 doorknobs and plates, and helped me dismantle every single one so I can use them for my projects. I don't have pictures of all of my finds, but this is ONE of the drawers full of hardware:

I plan on painting most of them (I'm not a huge fan of brass...) and using them as art pieces. I think Chris is glad that I don't plan on using any of them on actual doors in the house!

I also started another project, but it is a work in progress, so once I get it completed (or more completed...) I'll start that post. I'll give you a hint about what it is: It includes paint stripper, orange rubber gloves, and lots and lots of patience. Oh yeah, and a really nasty-looking-yet-has-big-potential-for-something-cute table I found :) Happy Almost Turkey Day!

ambitious thoughts of the day

Wow! It's already the middle of November! Where has the time gone? I can't believe 2009 is almost over and that it's about to be Christmas again! With the upcoming gift-giving holiday approaching, I've been thinking a lot about pieces I want to create, but also things that I would like to learn how to do, or things I would like to become better at doing. Since both lists are infinitely never-ending, I thought I'd write down a few of the things I would like to learn how to do in the future. I guess all the work on the house has also inspired me to learn new things, so though some of the items on my list seem completely random, I promise, there's a source for the thought!

1. Learn about Photoshop and Lightroom. There are so many ways having the basic knowledge of these programs could open up my creative world and make some of our pictures of life even more spectacular!

2. Learn how to cook one dish that people request at get-togethers. Most people know that I don't cook at this point in my life, but I would love to have one thing that people really like that I know that I make really well. I'm thinking something that people ask to borrow the recipe for because they want to make it too... Wishful thinking, I know :)

3. Purchase, then master the scroll saw. Hello?! Infinite possibilities knocking!!

4. Be able to cook an entire (real) meal by myself. No help from Chris whatsoever. Let him be my cheerleader in the kitchen for once!

5. Be able to go for a run and actually enjoy it.

6. Learn how to use our awesome camera so I can make what I see with my eyes something I can frame and share with the world.

7. To make my computer and the internet tools that will make my life better, instead of something that kind of intimidates me!

8. Become focused enough to follow through with my home projects without becoming distracted by a new thought or creative project. (I now have a dresser, 2 tables, a mirror, and a chandelier that needs refinishing!)

9. Learn how to turn my electronic creativity into something I am happy with. My blog is a little too plain for my taste, and I hope to have a personally-designed website of my own one day!

There are too many moments in my life that I wish I could capture and share with people somehow, and I'm hoping if I can accomplish a few things on my list, if anything, my dream of becoming more independent will be that much closer to coming true and I can share more of my creativity with the world!

Happy Monday, everyone!