Project 25 | Still Painting the Table | 335 days to go

Almost done! I have one more coat on the top, then I get to let it sit for a few more days and paint the chairs while I'm waiting. The we should be good to go! Yay!

Project 25 | Painting a Table | 336 days to go

Continuing on the table painting path. Yesterday I did a second coat of primer on the top of the table and started painting the lower half of the table with the yellow. Next week I will do a second coat on the bottom and start in on the top. Stay tuned....

Project 25 | Painting a Table | 337 days to go

I mentioned in a earlier post that I am doing some serious re-branding for my photography business, and I've been pulling some inspiration from Pinterest along the way. And one of the things that I decided to do was use my dining room for a consultation space. This way I can meet with clients one on one, have a place to display my work and not be competing with the noise in a Bread Co. :) Nothing against Bread Co, I love their Chai Tea lattes, but for business I'd much rather have a space of my own. And since I'm not in a position to rent a space, I decided to use what I've already got. I really wanted to pull everything together, from my labels, my logo, and my colors to have a nice cohesive flow to my brand. I wanted the dining room to feel as though all of my work belonged there, which meant a re-design of the room. My new colors are gray and yellow (thank you Pinterest) so I painte the walls gray and decided to take a leap and paint my dining room table yellow. Yep, paint the table. So, I talked with my father-in-law (who happens to be a master painter, which comes in handy) and I also looked up some tutorials on Pinterest. I found a good one and I started work in it tonight. This will be my project for about the next week. It's a lengthy process, plus I'm going out of town this weekend. But I should be finished by the middle to end of next week.

Keep watching for more!

Project 24 | Rainbow Cake in a Jar | 338 days to go

I have been wanting to make a rainbow cake for a long long time, but all the layers and the baking and the pans...seemed like a bit of a pain. So, thank you Pinterest for the cake in the jar. Once we got the process down it was pretty easy and painless. We made smaller ones than the recipe called for, I used 1/2 pint instead of pint jars. One box of cake mix made 6 jars. They were delicious.

I have not disappeared, promise

So, I've taken a little hiatus from the Pinterest blog for the last few days. I realized that since I started this I all but stopped knitting. And that is a damn shame, because it has become an obsession of mine and I needed to make sure that I didn't leave it in the dust. So, I've spent the last few days knitting in my free time, using the herringbone stitch that I posted back in the beginning. So, I suppose that qualifies, right?

As you may or may not know, I'm also a professional photographer, and I've been working very hard over the last month to rebrand my business. It was time for an update, so I've also been working on that. I've pulled a lot of my inspiration from posts I've seen on Pinterest, so I've been staying active with the whole project, just not posting about it. I will post my new branding a soon as I have a little more prepared. Don't want to put it out there too soon

But no worries, I'm not going anywhere, just taking a little break. I'll be back soon....

Project 23 | paper flowers | 339 days to go

Okay, so I neglected you this weekend, but it was my birthday so, get over it. :) Not blogging on my birthday weekend. So, the new project was paper flowers. These are really cute, but I definitely recommend paper that is the same on both sides. Then you don't have to battle the white edges, which no matter WHAT you do, are inevitable. I also used 12x12 paper and cut it in 4ths which seems to big to me. I would like much smaller flowers. So, I will try this again with the different paper. Check it out!

Project 22 | photo transfer | 340 days to go

I started this photo transfer yesterday, but there was nothing worth posting, so I didn't waste anyone's time. This is the site I got this from. http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/10/make-your-own-canvas-portrait.html All I did yesterday was affix the image to the canvas. You're supposed to let it sit overnight. The magic happened today. It really turned out awesome, a little more torn up than I would have preferred, but still really cool. I will definitely be making more of these. One thing to make sure you read correctly is you are using a LASER print, not a regular photo. I made that mistake the first time I gave this a shot and that will not work. It has to be a card stock type paper. So I had prints made at Office Depot on their basic card stock. Everything I used, with the exception of the print, I got at Michael's. /a>photo

Project 21 | Stringing the garland | 341 days to go

So, still working on the garland, but I'm at least done making flowers. For now anyway. :) I started stringing it together last night and it was a bit trickier than I thought it would be. OH! And I forgot. I started using hot glue to put these together. WAY better than tape or regular glue. But, it makes it hard to put a needle through. So, I use my table for leverage and one I get the needle through to the end, I use needle nose pliers to pull the needle through the rest of the flower. And that my friends, is it. Here's a pic, I'll have more once I have it hung up in it's new home. My office wall. :)

Project 20 | 21 Questions to Ask Your Kids | 342 days to go

I read this list of questions today and decided while we were eating lunch on the deck that I would ask him.  Although most of his answers were ridiculous, some were spot on. It's interesting to explore how our children see us. I plan to do this again, maybe every 6 months or so. I look forward to see his answers change. Or maybe stay the same...

Project 19 | Tinted Vases | 343 days to go

I had high hopes for this one and am sad to say it was a fail. :( I'm not even bothering to add a photo of the final pieces. Now, I am going to try this again, and what I think I need to do is use less water and way more food coloring. Especially for the lighter colors like yellow and orange. The green worked out okay, but not good enough to share. I think once I get it I will live them, but as for now...eh.

Project 18 | Puffy Paint Transfers | 344 days to go

This puffy paint project was definitely a more complicated project than I thought it would be. :) If you're going to try it, apply the paint pretty thick. It makes it easier to remove from the wax paper. Also, I thought that doing one consecutive pattern would be easier, I was wrong. A pattern that was a bunch of little pieces (like the one in the link) would take way more assembly time, but would be easier to remove and the layout on the final piece. I think with practice I'll get better, and it's definitely a cool idea.

Project 17 | Flower Garland cont. | 345 days to go

I made 7 more flowers today. Yesterday when I was making the first few, I had trouble getting the center of the flowers to hold together. The tutorial said to tape or glue them, but....that was not working. So, even though it takes a little longer I am sewing them together before I tape the two sides together. This has made a big difference. So, I think in about 6 months I'll actually be finished with this. No pics tonight. So sorry.

Project 17 | Flower Garland | 346 days to go

I saw this garland and thought it would be fun to make. I'm not quite sure what I will do with this when I finish it, but it will look pretty at least. This is definitely be an ongoing project, because it is very slow going. But I think it will be pretty once it's finished.

Project 16 | Photo Canvases | 347 days to go

I saw this alternative to a canvas wrap, and figured I'd give it a shot. I went to the site, and low and behold, that article was no longer available. So, I decided to use my smarts and improvise. I used some good old Elmer's glue, 4 6x6 canvases from Michael's (which came in a 4 pack--very convenient) and 6x6 prints I had made at my awesome lab. All I did was put a smooth layer of Elmer's on a canvas and then put the image on. And that's that. I did turn them over on the table, print side down, and press the canvas onto the print a bit more. Then just let them dry. Nothing to it. What I may do is paint the sides, or wrap them in ribbon. But I may just leave them as it. See for yourself....

Project 15 | Honey Cloud Pancakes | 348 days to go

This recipe looked fantastic when I saw it. And it was just as fantastic to eat. It's basically a pancake frittata, which if you've ever had a frittata, you know they are pretty awesome. So, my parents were in town this weekend and I decided that this recipe would make a wonderful Sunday morning breakfast. And it did. I doubled the recipe, and used a 10in skillet instead of 6. Now, having made this and knowing how light it is, due to the egg whites, this would have been good for 3 people, not 5. I highly recommend giving this a shot, it was well worth it. And it is actually pretty healthy for you too. Can't argue with that....

Project 14 | Photo Frame | 349 days to go

I saw this frame and thought it was a fun idea for a multi-image frame. Mine is a little different, I painted it instead of staining it and I didn't use the tacks on the front to secure the twine. I've hot glued mine, but I will probably go back and staple them on too. I experimented with the crackle glaze, and learned that when they say use contrasting colors, they don't mean two different shades of brown. Oh well, you live and learn. So next time I will make more of a color change. But I'm pleased with the way it came out and I'm looking forward to adding more images.

Project 13 | Flower Canvases+Butterfly | 350 days to go

Annnnnnnnd, here's the finished product. I think she'll be happy. One thing I did decide while making this one is that a hot glue gun is better than Elmer's. What I didn't like so much about the hot glue, it was difficult to be really accurate with the points of the petals, there are the awful "hot glue cobwebs" and it doesn't lay flat on the canvas. It's raised up a bit. So I tried using Elmer's to see if that would work better. Negative. It made the paper damp, and it would wrinkle more. So, I did the butterfly with Elmer's and switched back to the hot glue for the flowers. I am still trying to find a better way..... :)

Project 13 | more flower canvases + a butterfly | 351 days to go

I know I know. I've already done this project. But, I never said that I couldn't repeat! Although I will try not too. At least not too much. But I loved this so much that it made me think about how I could gift this. and my niece, who is almost two, needs these. So, her room is pink and green, she likes flowers and butterflies, thus the flower and butterfly triptych. Voila. It's not finished, I should be able to finish tomorrow, and hopefully finish up another project I have been working on two. Cross your fingers....

Project 12 | Flower Canvas | 352 days to go

Alrighty---here's the finished product! I'm happy with it, but I can see the need for a larger canvas. Next time.... :)

Project 12 | Flower Canvas | 353 days to go

I started working on this today, among other things which shall be posted at a later date, and I'm not quite finished yet, but wanted to post it in progress. This was one of my first pins, and I remembered I had some old scrapbook paper that I had bought a long time ago to scan and use for backgrounds with some design projects for work. And whadda ya know, it all looked good together. Yay, so I started cutting out my flower shapes and here is what I have so far. I'm gonna go use the hot glue gun now....see you tomorrow!

Project 11 | Mini Corn Dog Muffins+ Roasted Chickpeas | 354 days to go

Sorry! Sorry! I missed posting yesterday. I went to a benefit trivia night on Friday for a fellow photographer who is trying like hell to beat cancer. So a lovely group of my photog friends and I bought a table, and made some delicious food. These were my contributions: Mini Corn Dog Muffins and Roasted Chickpeas. The muffins were awesome, and the Chickpeas were okay. They look like they're crunchy, but they're not. So, they were good enough that I would try them again and see if I could crisp them up a bit. And if not, well...then at least I tried. I highly recommend the muffins. :)

And no...we didn't win. Not even close.

Project 10 | beaded wrap bracelet | 355 days to go

I was really excited when I found this pin. Actually, I was really just pinning it because I LOVE these bracelets (not the white one that is shown, but the more earthy ones), and then I read the caption at the bottom that so and so was going to try this. So, upon further investigation I find out that this is not a site to buy these fab bracelets, but a tutorial on how to make them. Yay! These usually go for about $150.00 and I am NOT spending that on a freaking bracelet. But I have done some jewelry making, and had some beads and thread and said "I'm totally TOTALLY doing this." So, I had a few more strands of beads as well as the leather to pick up, but I think I made this for about $15.00 Yes, ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS LESS. Thank you very much. So, here is the final product and I have to say, I am very very happy with it. I will definitely be making more in the future.

Project 9 | Exercise???? | 365 days to go

I missed my post yesterday, but I did not miss my project. I was simply exhausted yesterday and didn't want to. Sorry. But I'm here today and I will have two posts today. So, these will cover Tuesday and Wednesday. I added a few new things to my workout that I found on Pinterest, and we'll see if they work. The first was Jillian Michael's safe detox. And it actually doesn't taste that bad. I was worried about the dandelion root tea (which you can buy at Whole Foods, in case you want to do this), but I don't even know that you can taste it. It really just tastes like water with lemon. Now will it work? Who knows. We'll see. Since it isn't hard and I don't have to re-arrange my life I figured I'd give it a go. Then I added three exercises for my legs and that wonderful muffin top. 1  2  3 (I did #9) Because I don't like them. My legs and muffin top, that is. The exercises aren't bad. So, I'll let you know if I notice any difference from them.

No pics today--you do NOT get to see me workout. Not a chance.

Project 8 | Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake | 357 days to go

It seems as though I have just been cooking a lot with my Pinterest projects, but I'm in a huge food rut, so it has been sooooo helpful to have all of these recipes on hand. I really enjoy cooking, but I am not the best at magically whipping up something fantastic. I am definitely a recipe person. Now I did tweek this recipe a tiny bit, I added a little more basil and I also added some salami because this was dinner, not a side. I also thought about adding chicken and some rice too. Maybe next time. But, another recipe in the books, this was a yummy success!

Project 7 | Granola cookies w/ dried cranberries + mangos | 358 days to go

I saw these cookies, and the photo made them look delicious. Even though it said "no butter, no flour no sugar, no eggs." Basically, nothing that makes a cookie good. But I decided, since I'm trying to eat better, I would give them a shot because, I mean come on, it's a cookie. So, today was the day, and I am so glad I made them. They were definitely scrumptious, and I'm having a really hard time not eating all of them.

Project 6 | Winner winner chicken dinner | 359 days to go

Okay this dinner...way easy and way awesome. I made a change to the way you're supposed to do it. It is actually a slow cooker recipe, but when I decided to make it I had a fraction of the time needed. So, instead of making it in the crock pot I did it in a big pot on the stove and used drained canned chicken instead of raw chicken. But I imagine the end result is the same. Super yummy. Try it, you'll like it. Even Noah sort of liked it.

Project 5 | Herringbone Stitch | 360 days to go

Alright, I'm back from Vegas and I'm starting the blog again. Sorry, if you missed me. I went to Vegas for a photography convention and there was NO WAY I was going to even attempt to keep the blog going while I was there. So, I am still recovering, this was my first trip to Vegas, and I am still exhausted. But, I got back on my Pinterest horse yesterday and started working on a new knitting stitch. If you are interested in learning how to do it, go here. I am absolutely in love with it, and I plan to make the cowl from the site, but this is just practice. So, whenever I find the yarn and get it made I'll make sure to post it. Here it is....

Project 4 | Knit Owl | 361 days to go

I found this cutie and there was NO WAY I couldn't make him. I started knitting a little over a year ago, and as soon as I got the hang of it I was hooked. I knit every day. EVERY day. If I don't I get upset. No joke. So, I'm sure there will be many more knit projects on here. Enjoy Mr. Owlie!

project 3 | Creamy Avocado Pasta | 362 days to go

Made this for dinner last night...delish. And no, it doesn't taste like guacamole on pasta. The basil helps that out. I also added some chopped up chicken to mine as well. It is super easy and super tasty. The only thing you have to cook is pasta. Yay for easy dinners! Here's the recipe if you want to give it a go. If you like avocado and you like basil I think you'll be quite pleased. :)

Project 2 | Melted Crayon Art | 363 days to go

Okay, this was phenomenal. When I first saw this, I was so excited and this was probably the project I was most excited about. And now I can see that I am going to get hooked on this and spend a small fortune in crayons. I've already looked into buying in bulk. You think I'm kidding, but no, I'm not. I know that you can order custom boxes of crayons from Crayola. I know that I can get a crate of 3000 crayons for about $60. The only reason I haven't ordered them yet is there is no orange in there. That and they aren't Crayola and I've read some bad things about cheaper crayons. Yes, see, I'm becoming obsessed. I'm READING about MELTED CRAYON ART on other blogs. If you want to learn how to do this, go here. But I warn you, you will love it and you will not be able to stop. Enjoy!

Project 1 | Glow Stick Bathtime Fun | 364 days to go

Okay, so here is project number one. Noah was super excited to do this, and it was an easy way to break into the many many projects I've found that I wanted to do. Super easy, yet very exciting to a kid. And it was pretty exciting for an adult too... :) All you need is some glow sticks, a bath tub and no lights. Easy peasy. So...enjoy! See you tomorrow!

Kate

What this crazy idea is all about

So I fell into the Pinterest vortex about 2 weeks ago and I am fell deep into the rabbit hole, with no end in sight. So, I figured, while I'm down here, let's not waste my time. That's where this little idea came from. I could easily see myself pinning anything and everything, but never actually doing anything about it. And what do you do to hold yourself accountable for crazy ideas? You start a blog. And then it's real, and hopefully, others will see it and make sure you stay on task. Ever heard of Julie and Julia? 

This is my plan. Every day I will do something, anything, that I have pinned on Pinterest. This isn't to say that I will finish the project that day, but I will be doing something. And if the project isn't finished, I will post about where I am with it. I will also be photographing my ventures and posting them along the way.

 I have no idea if anyone will find this the slightest bit interesting, but I don't care. I do. And I'm also afraid I can't finish it, so I want to make sure that I do.

So here's to Pinterest, projects and hopefully a little fun along the way. Oh yeah, and feel free to follow me on Pinterest! ;)