"The joy is in creating, not maintaining."

If I wouldn't be afraid of my family, I would use (abuse) every surface in the house with a DIY project.
I love the sudden spark of an idea that worms it's way into my mind.
My chair was the perfect place to start.
No harm done.
Now we move on to the kitchen area.
I showed you the 'before' last week.
Here we are with the 'after.'
I am thrilled at how they came out.
Using old chairs to practice on is a great idea.
I learned a few things that gives me confidence to try this on any upholstery.
Mainly though I learned that you could make something old look practically new.
If you don't look too close!

I bought the Fabric Medium in Michaels.
They did not even know they had it or what it was.
I, the computer savvy girl that I am, looked up the info before I got there.
This old gal taught them something new!

I used my pillow for inspiration.
Isn't this color fabulous?
I am extremely happy with the results.
Can I inspire any of you to take a chance with your old furniture?
Bottom line - Don't be afraid to try something you've never done before.
Be informed and be prepared.
Then let your creativity take over.

"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought."

— Albert von Szent-Gyorgy

Favorite blog Monday

We had a long holiday weekend.

Friends and food, rest and prayer...

No better way to heal yourself.

Inside and out.

Mental overload is not  a productive way to live.
Having too much on your mind can overwhelm you
prevent you from being effective with your work,
and enjoying the moment
Having a clear mind can really help you focus on what matters – in your work and life.
Creative sparks rarely come to us when we are thinking hard about something.
When you look at where insights come from,
they come from where we least expect them.
They only arrive after we stop looking at them.
I feel blessed that we are given this opportunity that forces us to stop.
Feeling refreshed I am now ready to reveal my second favorite blog post.
This blog satisfies me on many levels.
Her profile reads:
rachel awes works as a licensed psychologist + art playgroundist + she likes to affirm the beauty + strength in the real stories in people
I think when you check her out you too will be fascinated.
Please let me know how much you enjoy her works of art.
Her unique way of expression is something that I admire.
I am still looking for a way to define myself and I always admire those who do!
I love that you can 'recognize' her work.
So check her out here!

“If you see something that moves you, and then snap it, you keep a moment.” – Linda McCartney

I am not one of these people that take pictures and leave them in my computer.
I choose my favorite ones and have them processed.
I have a huge drawer that I keep filling with more and more photos.
I mean to scrap them right away but you know how it is...
Every once in a while I reach in and grab one.

EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT B

The other day I was having love in my heart for these two wonderful people.
They both bring me joy that is hard to put into words.
At least for me
Writing is not my forte.
I work hard at it.
The more intense the feeling, the more difficult to describe.
Because I want to get it right.
Words limit me.
Therefore I scrap!

If you could say it in words there would be no reason to  paint ~Edward Hopper~

I used paint chips for the journaling and the circles.
I sprayed a finish on the words to keep it from smearing.
The flower is a fun find from TJ Maxx.
Hard to resist a  book like this for $3.99.
Seems like a doable craft for the little kids when they come  visit.
Unable to resist, I tried one.
Love the way it came out.
Notice how both girls are wearing the same colors!
No way I could resist using the flower here.
I did add sprinkles of white gel pen to lighten it up.

While I was feeling goosies all over for my wonderful daughter, I was inspired to make another page.
This one is a little undisciplined!
But I love it non the less.
I knit a beautiful head scarf  and asked for some photos of her modeling it.
I hardly notice the scarf when I look at her beautiful face.

So there you have it.
Now I must go to my next project.
(after I Daven, clean up, eat, finish work,etc...)
Here's a preview of what I am working on.

Wonder what I can do with that messy old seat...
Keep you posted!

Favorite blog Monday

Favorite blogs for me are like my favorite friends.
I never compare them.
I need different ones for different reasons.
Depending on my mood I reach for one...
Each one inspires me to be better in their own unique way.
I feel lucky to have them in my life.
Friends and blogs.
Sometimes they merge into one.
I will be sharing my favorites with you in no particular order.
The very first blog I will be connecting you today is one I turn to for a happy feeling.
Through her blog she has given me the opportunity to experiment a little more than I am used to.
I purchased one of her classes and I am loving it.
This lady has what it takes to stand out.
Every day is lived in color.
Even a simple post of her posing is beautiful to look at.
I hope you take the time to look through her blog.
You will most likely learn something.
At the very least you will feel good all over!
Without further ado........

My Beautiful  Blog Inspiration....Alisa Burke

Enjoy.
I hope you will let me know by your comments if you love it like I do....

Love you forever, love you for always...

As I've told you guys many times
living far from my children is a bummer.
I hate it!
The days pass and I am left here feeling the void.
Yes, we talk on the phone.
We could even Skye.
But it's not the same.
I want to see them
touch them
smell them...
Nothing can replace that.
And while I sit here feeling sorry for myself
I scrap.
Here is my scrap for the week.
This is what I do with the time I could have spent taking the girls out for lunch.
Or maybe jumping on the bed with the little ones.
Nevertheless, I try to reach across the miles to express how much I love and think about them.

This layout came about after a trip to Michaels.
When I need a break I go there to see what is on markdown.
This week I was thrilled to find glimmer mist spray.
A wonderful flower stamp.
And these beautiful flowers.
My daughter's birthday was this week.
She is my inspiration for beauty, color and survival!
No one I know can make something out of nothing like this girl can.

Having my spunky grandaughter here for a week this year was a special treat.

I don't know what it is about photo booth pictures that makes me happy!

In one strip I see it all.

The joy.

The love.

The fun.

It's all there.

Very inspired this week by my blogger friends.
Which leads me to this....
Every Monday I will connect you with a blog that inspires me in some way.
Art
Music
Maybe an article I read
and of course food!!!
Or anything else that comes to mind.
So come back tomorrow and see who will be the first on my list.
(even I don't know that yet...)
Although I am not good with commitments
I will try to be here every Monday with something interesting for you guys.

It is the trouble that never comes that causes the loss of sleep.

Many times  I open my e-mail
and find an inspirational poem or story
that my friend wants to share with me.
Most of the time I smile or laugh or press delete. (sorry!)
But today a wonderful friend of mine sent me this poem.
I knew I had to share it with all of you.
Reading the right thing
at the exact moment you need to
is one of G-ds many little gifts
he sends your way.


WORRY
Is there an imaginary cutoff period when
Offspring become accountable
For their own actions?
Is there some wonderful moment when
Parents can become detached spectators in
The lives of their children and shrug,
'It's Their life,' and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties,
I stood in a hospital corridor
Waiting for doctors to put a few stitches
In my daughter's head and I asked,
'When do you stop worrying?'
The nurse said,
'When they get out of the accident stage..'
My Parents just smiled faintly
And said nothing.

When I was in my thirties,
I sat on a little chair in a classroom
And heard how one of my children
Talked incessantly, disrupted the class,
And was headed for a career
Making license plates.
As if to read my mind, a teacher said,
'Don't worry, they all go through this stage
And then you can sit back,
Relax and enjoy them.'
My Parents just smiled faintly
And said nothing.

When I was in my forties,
I spent a lifetime waiting
For the phone to ring,
The cars to come home,
The front door to open.
A friend said,
'They're trying to find themselves.
'Don't worry!
In a few years, they'll be adults.
'They'll be off on their own
They'll be out of your hair'
My Parents just smiled faintly
And said nothing.

By the time I was 50,
I was sick & tired of being vulnerable.
I was still worrying over my children,
But there was a new wrinkle..
Even though they were on their own
I continued to anguish over their failures,
Be tormented by their frustrations and
Absorbed in their disappointments..
And there was nothing I could do about it.
My Parents just smiled faintly
And said nothing.
My friends said that
When my kids got married
I could stop worrying
And lead my own life.
I wanted to believe that,
But I was haunted by my parent's warm smiles
And their occasional,
'You look pale. Are you all right' ?
'Call me the minute you get home'.
Are you depressed about something?'

My friends said that
When I became a grandparent
That I would get to enjoy
The happy little voices yelling
Grandma! Papa!
But now I find that I worry
Just as much about the little kids
As the big ones.
How can anyone cope
With all this Worry?

Can it be that parents are sentenced
To a lifetime of worry?
Is concern for one another
Handed down like a torch
To blaze the trail of human frailties
And the fears of the unknown?
Is concern a curse or is it
A virtue that elevates us
To the highest form of earthly creation?

Recently, one of my own children
Became quite irritable, saying to me,
'Where were you?
I've been calling for 3 days,
And no one answered
I was worried.'
I smiled a warm smile.
The torch has been passed.
PASS IT ON TO OTHER WONDERFUL PARENTS
(And also to your children... That's the fun part!

So as I continue to worry I distract myself with scrapping.
A few months ago I knit vests for my nephews.
I finally got pictures of them wearing my gift.
It makes me happy to give my brother and sil work not only made with my hands
but with my heart as well.
If I wouldn't scrap this
who would remember?...

I love the paper for this layout because it feels like I'm saying
'these vests were knit with love from start to finish'.
I used all the pictures because I couldn't get enough
of these cute faces
in one photo!

The voice that speaks inside.

My salon chair looked tired.Sooooo tired.
I got this chair from a thrift shop 30 years ago.
So my guess is it's about 40-50 years old.
It's been used almost every day and it's still as strong as ever.
But it was definitely time for a new fresh look.

So one day it hit me.
Before buying  a new one.
I can make it a DIY project!
What do I have to lose?
Can't look worse than this!
Hmmmmm, so now I needed an idea.
It has to be a creative one.
Google - Painting Vinyl...
The only paint I had at home was seafoam green.
I wanted to start it right away.
So I painted it green and didn't like it much.
Change the color.
White is better.

I dug out my handy sander.

Found a bottle of primer.

And got to work!

Looks better already.

But still doesn't have my name on it.

Could be anyone's chair.

How could I make it stand out.

Hmmmmm...

Back to Google.

Did anyone ever use Sharpies on vinyl?

Found only one chair HERE!

GOT IT.

Yes that's it.

I can draw and doodle all over it.

Who says that's not ok?!?

Now I was really having fun.

I removed the handles, lifted the chair off the base and had a ball!

The end result is fun and artsy and has my name written all over it (so to speak).

Start and just jump in!

I adore Silverstein's poems.
So I found one that worked  for me and wrote it on the chair.
Love it so far.

                                                                                                                       

Some things I've learned.
1.Take the time to prep. End result is much better.
2. Don't wear anything you do not want to stain.
3. Do Not get a manicure the day before you start.
4. Give yourself a lot of time. It will probobly take longer than you think.
5. Sharpies are your best friend!

So there you go.
Now when my DD asks me what I'm doing with my doodles I can show her this!

                    

                        

                                 BEFORE                                                                   AFTER

                                                            

I am really happy with the result.

Now I need to make wall art to match.

GTG!

When I try something new I feel like I am really living.

Trying something new often requires courage.

Trying something new opens up the possibilityfor you to enjoy something.

Trying something new keeps you from getting bored.

And most importantly

Trying something new forces you to grow.

Go ahead.

Try something new.

“Nature is pleased with simplicity. And nature is no dummy” ― Isaac Newton

Today I had an epiphany.
For 30 years or so on and off I have been walking the boardwalk.
Never have I seen anything but happiness.
I've never experienced people fighting.
No road rage.
No screaming kids.
Only happy people.
Playing kickball.
Throwing frisbees.
Just having fun.
So it occurred to me that when human beings enjoy G-d given nature they are at their best.
There's nothing to argue about.
"it's my water give it back"
or "stop touching my sand"
even better "i'm not sharing the sun with you".
There's more than enough to go around.
Hashem's world is peaceful and for everyone to enjoy.
We only fight when we want something physical that is Man Made.
And even if we get it we want more.
Because having one more 'thing' never quite satisfies us.
What is free is what fills our heart and mind with happiness and peace.
Air, mountains, trees, water, that is what makes us happy.

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Sometimes when I make a layout it is more about the beauty of Hashem's world than anything else.

I can't believe I made that layout 6 years ago.
Wow!
My daughter took that picture of my son walking on a stormy winter day.
So beautiful.
I had to make a memory out of it.

This is the beautiful oceanside of Miami Beach.

Where heaven meets earth...

Take a picture of where you are today.

A tree near your house that is particularly beautiful.

Your front garden.

The park you take your daily walk in.

Maybe even the steps you sit on in front of your house or building.

It's all part of your every day life experience.

It's worth remembering.

Learn to enjoy the little things. There are so many of them.

Take a paper.
Throw some paint on it.
Use the watercolors you bought for your kids.
Then doodle and doodle some more.
I used Black and White gel pens.
This was inspired by my favorite girl here.
It's not an important piece of art.
It's just a little thing.
But I enjoyed it.
Need I say more?

How did it get so late so soon?

My youngest grandchild just turned 3.
I can fill this post with ravings of a grandmother.
How smart, cute, perseptive, etc she is.
I can write pages of examples supporting each adjective.
But instead I will tell you how it is to be a grandmother who lives too far.
Too far to hear the sound of a little girl singing her words in a way that only she can.
Too far to see the fire in her eyes when she mischievesly challenges you.
Too far to hear her laugh with glee at something funny she did.
Too far to feel her arms wrap around your neck when you pick her up to console her.
Too far to feel like a grandmother deserves to feel.
I believe that 'you are where you're supposed to be'.
I only wish that we were supposed to be together.
Meanwhile....
I wait for pictures.
Of the day.
Of a special moment or event that I missed.
And I commit them to paper.
When I'm old and forgetfull (c'mon we all get there!)
and I see the memories I preserved, I might think I was there with them.
And that will make me happy.
So here I go with two layouts.
In the first one Yaffa is 21/2.
The second one is on her 3rd birthday.
Happy Birthday my little one.
Bubby loves you...

Make memories for yourself.
You blink and the months have passed.
Don't wait till later.
Later is now.

“How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
― Dr. Seuss