The first mistake of art is to assume that it's serious.” ― Lester Bangs

Is this cute or what!?!
My youngest thinks it's 'nerdy'.
So I went looking for 'cooler' duck tape.
The next one is gonna be super cute and cool!
And hopefully will get the 'thumbs up' from my greatest critic.
Meantime this is my first try.

There are many duck tape patterns.

I remember when there was only silver duck tape!

I found these at Michael's.

I highly recommend you make this project with your kids.
There are enough prints and colors that will surely appeal to their individual taste.
THIS is where I got the idea.
She gives clear easy instructions.
I added the pocket for fun and functionality!
You could do your own thing too.
I want to make a bunch of these...
If you make this, PLEASE send me a picture.
It will make me happy.
And that's a really good reason, I think!

This is how I feel:
At moments of great enthusiasm it seems to me that no one in the world has ever made something this beautiful and important.
::: M.C. Escher :::

Favorite Blog Monday

Today I choose for you a blog that inspires me for several reasons.
The main theme running through is beauty...
This lady has many talents and is very popular in the blogging community.
Probably one of the most 'saved' under favorite blogs.
Knitting, embroidery, quilting, cooking and more...
Beautiful photographs.
I've been following her for a few years  now.
I think you might too!
Check it out: Posie Gets Cozy
ENJOY!

I finished my first sweater.
2 more to go.

Yesterday I decided to try an idea I saw HERE
Many times I pin DIY ideas on Pintrest..
But how many of them do I actually do?
This time I decided to put myself to the 'test'.
Walgreens had these T-shirts for $2.99.
I already had tons of permanent markers.
So I was more than ready.

The one thing I will add to this project is:
After your design dries, you drop a second drop of alcohol to achieve a flower design.
It spreads the ink further apart.
I loved doing this project.
It was easy enough for a kid
And challenging enough for me.
Any one of you ever do this project?
I would love to see your results.

This is how I feel today:
“I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.” 
-Oscar Wilde

"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

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.

...and more on the subject of love....

What a spectacular idea to make for someone you love.
This is where it originated.
OR you could do what my CHANALE did.
For my surprise 50th -(more on that later)
(much later!)
She strung many of my layouts across the wall.
For all my friends to see.
It was such a beautiful show of love.
For me.
and for my work.
So do it.
Make something meaningful for the one you love.

You will be happy you did.

It may not be a heart.
But it might as well have been.
A whole lotta love...
Don't wait to show your love for someone.