A Month

Hello everyone. I'm sorry that I have not posted anything for over a month. Things have been so crazy. So...I am going to fill you in on the happenings of the last month. I left you on November 17, so we will start there.

November 19th-20th:  Anniversary/Birthday Weekend in OKC

It was out one year and my birthday, so we planned a weekend trip to OKC to do some fun stuff. We went to the zoo, stayed at a bed and breakfast, did some shopping, and went to a few galleries. It was a great weekend.

November 23:  No classes today, so I bought and set up all of our Christmas decorations. It was so weird having to start from scratch!

November 24:  Thanksgiving in Arkansas with my family.

The rest of November /December:  Art, school, art, and work.

My 3D Fundamentals Final: (Ply-wood)

My 3D Fundamentals Tile Project (finally finished!): (Plaster)

A commission I did for a motivational speaker/speech coach: (Ink)

My Drawing 2 Final, Narrative Diptych: (Colored Pencil)

First Panel:  Before

Second Panel:  After

It's been a busy busy month with finals and work craziness. A lot has happened and I am looking forward to the new year and a ton of new opportunities. As you go about your day today, don't ever give up, just keep persevering, it will pay off. And, as always, it's the random reasons.

Domus Mea:The finished product!

Hello everyone! As most of you know I have been working all summer to turn our apartment into a home...and I am proud to say that it is finally finished! Well, for the most part anyways. I love how it has turned out...it is cute, cozy, comfortable, classy, and creative....the 5 things that I strive for when decorating for myself. It was definitely an adventure...and it took some compromising between C.J. and I, but now that it is finished I wouldn't change a single thing.

There are too many pictures for me to post on here, so check out the link below which will take you to the Facebook album. You don't have to have Facebook to see it, so no worries!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1815190145213.2102196.1403871869&l=6970b16787&type=1

 

Hope you like it, I know I do! As you all go about your day, take pride in the little things. Look at your home, is there anything that you could stare at all day long because you just love what you did with it? Don't think this is weird....it is good! You created it--enjoy it! Have a wonderful rest of your day, and remember....it's the random reasons...

Tied up.

Hello everyone! Hope your week has been going well! It has been a busy, but oddly fast week here, with work and getting ready for school to start. As for the apartment perfection percentage? I would give it a solid 95.6%. Almost completely ready. As for my post today, it is about a piece that boosted the percentage about 10%.

There was a big empty space on the wall in the dining room...completely unacceptable. So, a few weeks ago I started brainstorming as to what to place on the wall. My idea, to be completely honest, made me a little nervous as to how the finished product would look. I am happy to say that I am extremely thrilled with how well the final piece looks!

I started out looking for a huge frame. I checked the local antique mall first, but they were both rude and unhelpful. So....to Hobby Lobby I went! I found this wonderful (and very large!) frame in their clearance section for about $3.50. What a steal!

The frame did need some work, so I painted over the "rough" spots with some white and blue paints. I wanted the white paint to have a sort of spilled look, and then I painted blue designs on the white. These are the same blue and white paints that can be found throughout the apartment. The frame was so large that is would barely fit on the table, so some of my work had to be completed on the kitchen floor.



A look at my supplies of the day:  twine, brass studs, pretty odds and ends. 

I cut the twine to fit across the frame both in length and width.



I connected the twine to the frame with the brass studs and buttons. Then whenever there was a "major" intersection I connected it with jewelry wire and attached a pretty little trinket. This white flower is actually from a bracelet of mine that C.J. broke.



I tried to make sure that the twine went in several different directions.



The finished product....almost....Oh, and on a side note, one of my favorite things about this piece is that is seems to frame the flowers on the kitchen table.



Wondering what the project was? No worries, I am not completely crazy! I wanted something that could hold pictures and cards in an artistic and completely unique way. I like this idea for several key reasons: 1. It isn't a huge ostentatious piece. Since it is not solid and the colors are toned down, the piece doesn't take over the small space.  2. The frame keeps everything organized and in one space. It gives the space boundaries. 3. Well....I am just happy that it turned out well. I can't wait to fill the piece with more pictures!



So, as you go about your day don't let an out-of-the-box idea intimidate you. Have some faith in yourself and take a risk--chances are, it will turn out great! Oh, and remember...it's the random reasons.

Crafty Do, Crafty Does

Hello everybody! Hope you all had wonderful weekends! I have a sneak peek into the apartment for you all today! I have been limiting the amount of the apartment that I show people, just because I am waiting to show it to everyone when it is completely perfect, and it is nearly there. However, today, just my blog readers will get to see a few of the things going on in the apartment...sort of like a trailer for a movie. No worries, you still don't get to see everything!

I went home this last week, and made it back to Stillwater with some great finds that were in need of a makeover....

Salt and Pepper Shakers + Napkin Holder. These started out just black and chrome, but I transformed them to match the table and the centerpiece. Also, the salt reads: Na Cl and the pepper: Pe + (Pe) r. I just had to do something different! These were a score because I was able to get these for free from my grandma's storage unit.

Shelf with coat hooks. This was another awesome grab from my grandma's storage unit. It started out as a dark wood, and I painted it white, added some brass studs, and then glued on some pearls. It turned out to be one of my favorite pieces so far!

Coasters. These were made from some scrap canvas paper that I had in the cabinet at the apartment. I like them mainly because...1) They can be repainted. 2) They are reversible, one side girly, one side more modern art. 3) They were free and super easy!  

Glassware. I did not actually make these, but I found them in Hobby Lobby the other day for 1/2 price. What a great deal! I loved the colors and I plan on getting more. My favorite thing about them? When the morning light comes through the windows and hits them...it is beautiful. I debated on filling them or leaving them empty. When all was said and done, I ended up filling them with light colored or clear altered art supplies: silver beads in the blue bottle, clear "diamonds" in the pink, and white beads in the orange. This way they serve a purpose while still looking gorgeous! 

Pillow! I finished another pillow, in only about an hour and a half! I was excited. Only 4 more pillows to go! 

Well there you go! A sneak peek into the apartment. Get ready for the complete tour which will be coming very soon! As for today, remember that with some creativity and Modge Podge you can turn a snag from a garage sale into a one and only designer piece! Oh, and don't forget--it's the random reasons.

Staple. Stitch. Glue.

Hello Lovelies! So as promised, a day late, a post about something I have created. Finally, I know.

Staple. Stitch. Glue....stay tuned to find out which two get the boot!

This creation is less fine art and more practical art for the apartment. I love pillows. That is not just a random me-fact, but is, in fact, a crucial point to this post. I have always loved having a ton of throw pillows on my bed--I have even received them as Christmas gifts in the past. I don't know specifically what it is about them that brings a smile to my face, but it might be the fact that they come in so many pretty designs....or maybe it is because they are like accessories to a room...I'm not sure. Well, anyhoo, I had all these pillows and then when I moved to the apartment, I didn't want them on my bed...I wanted them to go on the couch. So, being me I could not just put bed throw pillows on a couch in my new apartment. Why? 3 reasons.

1. They are BED pillows.
2. They don't match.
3. I just needed something new. :)

So...today I am going to walk you through the process of recreating my pillows...1 step at a time. First, I went to Walmart and bought some really cute fabric squares that they sell for about $1.50 a piece. Not a bad deal, and they had a large selection of cute patterns and such....

I then went home and got everything together to start my first real sewing adventure. Usually when it comes to sewing I get frustrated and end up using fabric glue or staples....other fine art supplies. But, since pillows need to be soft and sewn...I was determined to not let any obstacle turn my project into trash...

I cut and pieced together the black and white fabric with some of the colored fabric then started making pillow cases. I made the two sides, then turned them inside out and sewed three of the edges together (like a pillow case)....

It took awhile to get into the swing of things, but by my third pillow and the last to be completed so far, I was moving pretty quickly with very few hiccups. I have about five more to complete, inverting the colored fabric and black and white fabric, so fingers crossed that they go well. I have to admit that I am pretty proud of myself and my pillows, I feel as though they are sturdy enough for use and cute enough for art, but you can judge that for yourself. I am definitely no sewing expert, and do not want to make this my life's career, but it was fun to try something new.

So as you go about your week, don't be afraid to try something new. It might be a challenge, but in the end you will feel a sense of accomplishment, plus you might have something pretty to show for it! And, don't forget--it's the random reasons...

Hung At Last

Good morning everyone! Hope you all have been absolutely wonderful! I have been busy busy with the new apartment and work. That seems to be my life at the moment...work, work on the apartment, sleep, work...but I am loving almost every bit of it! The apartment is coming along. I still need to move my essentials over from the dorms to the new place (my art supplies and clothing), but it will get done soon I am sure. We have been cooking in the kitchen. I LOVE it! I made a cake, then some grilled cheese, and then last night we made tortellini and bread. Nothing too ambitious at the moment, but we haven't gone grocery shopping for a lot of items yet. It is crazy starting  kitchen from scratch. I am so used to cooking at my home in Guymon where the pantry is full, there are refrigerators and freezers with food in them, and the spice cabinet is bursting at the seems. Cooking in my first kitchen has proved to be a challenge because if I want something, or anything really, I have to go buy the ingredients. Oh well, I suppose it has to start somewhere. One day I will have the kitchen full of food and spices, and will not have to plan a shopping trip to make a single meal. Grilled cheese, however...I have all the ingredients for that.

Anyhoo, I did not plan on blogging about my kitchen today. What I had planned on was telling you all that my final 2D design piece, the couch, which you all have seen through the entire design process has finally been hung! I cannot express how excited I was when C.J. surprised me one morning saying that he had "kidnapped" my couch pieces. I am sure I gave him a look and he told me that he had taken them to Hobby Lobby to get framed. We went and picked them up the same afternoon. When we got home I wasted no time opening the bag they were in and checking out the frame job. The frames looked great. Everything still lined up, and then I saw it...an orange speck on the back cushion of the monochromatic blue couch. It was pastel. I got most of it off, but it still left a stain. Knowing that I could fix it (as you can fix basically ANYTHING when it comes to art) I wasn't upset about it. The framer probably forgot to clean off the table after framing a pastel piece. No big deal. C.J. was upset about this though, and took the painting into Hobby Lobby the next morning. He told me that he was completely polite to the people and ended up getting the entire frame job for free. He brought the painting home and I fixed it and then hung the three pieces up. They look so wonderful in the wall and I am so incredibly happy that they are no longer hidden away in my art bag.

So as you go about your day today work hard so that you will be able to enjoy the finished project one day! And remember...it's the random reasons...

No Meat, Just Fluff

Hello! Hope you all are wonderful today! So as today's title suggests, I will not be posting anything of substance in the main blog portion today. However, I have added some photos and other posts to some of the pages on the blog. So, if you are looking for something to glance at while trying to keep from dying of boredom at the desk (wait, that would be me), then check out these pages:

1. Domus Mea:  It is going to allow you to creep on what is going on with my new apartment.
2. FinishedBliss:  My own personal art gallery, well a few of my favorite works anyways.
3. GiggleBox:  You need to laugh everyday. It is good for you, so just do it.
4. SuperHero:  A little insight into what is really important to me at this moment in my life.

So, if you are wanting a little marshmallow cream today, look at the pages and I look forward to posting something in the form of steak at a later date. :)

Oh, and always remember that sometimes we need a break from the norm, and that it is completely ok to have marshmallow cream for breakfast, and, as always...remember, it's the random reasons.

Flower Pots in the Kitchen

Hello everyone! Hope your weekends went fabulously. I started moving things into the new apartment on Saturday and then we finally got the power turned on on Tuesday. It was a hot weekend, but extremely productive nonetheless. My stress is starting to die down now that things are starting to come together, the furniture is looking like it is all going to fit, and the apartment is coming together very nicely. My mom came down on Monday night and we unloaded almost all of the "big" furniture on Tuesday morning at a very early 6 a.m. We were finished by almost 7:30 and then she left around 8:30. It was great to see her while she was here!

So now I have a few projects:

1. Getting the apartment ready.
2. Refinishing the dresser.
3. Refinishing the desk.
4. Decorating and constantly making things "pretty."

So...3 and 4 on the list were my own choice. I love taking things that people are going to just throw away and fixing them up into something that no one else has and that everyone else envies. It is so  much fun, especially after I have fixed up some one's something and they end up wishing they had kept it and just asked me to fix it for them. I also love Hobby Lobby and Lowes and antique stores, so this just gives me an excuse. No worries, all of you will stay up to date on the progress of my "Projects with Potential" haha.

It really isn't an art project, but I made some innovative silverware holders this last weekend. I already had a bunch of silverware given to me by my grandma before I left for college, and I was having the hardest time finding a silverware holder that fit in a drawer or that I liked. So while at the desk during one of my shifts I googled "silverware holders." One lady had used flower pots. I instantly loved it and went after work to buy some. I found some in the clearance section of Walmart, took them home, and added a little snazz to them. I love how they turned out! Who would have thought--flower pots in the kitchen!

It just goes to show that any problem can be fixed and that anything can be made adorable, so smile as you go about your day and remember...it's the random reasons.

14 Days From Tomorrow

Wow. Time seems to be flying by as summer begins. I have more free time now than I have ever had, even though I am working two jobs. However, I refuse to be bored. Boredom is a choice, which can be prevented. I have been emerging myself into art projects and such to keep my free time fun. My art projects have mainly consisted of pieces that are for me...and the boyfriend. Never before have I created art that is solely for me and for what I want. It ALWAYS has another reason for being created--art assignment, banquet centerpiece, art show decoration, AP AOC....etc. So you can imagine my joy when I am free to create a few things that are just for me...and my new apartment with the boyfriend. The same apartment which I will get a key for in 14 days from tomorrow. I am so excited!

I am not going to post a picture today because I am referring you all to my page, "Domus Mea" which has a bunch of pictures of the projects I have been working on, along with some of the other fun purchases for the new place.

As I leave you today, I want to remind everyone that sometimes you need to do something just for yourself. It makes you smile. It makes your day wonderful. It is good for you. And, like always, remember that...it's the random reasons...

Hole in my Home

• Rainy Day:  Curl up on the couch with a blanket and good book.
• Snowy Day:  Curl up on the couch with a blanket and hot chocolate.
• Long Day: Curl up on the couch with a blanket and pillow.
• Sick Day:  Curl up on the couch with a blanket and box of Kleenax.
• Sad Day:  Curl up on the couch with a blanket and pint of Fudge Brownie ice cream.

There is something about a couch that is comforting. This is not due to the texture of the couch, the level of stuffed fluff inside the cushions, the number/design of the throw pillows...etc. (these do add to the enjoyment level though!) I don't know what it is about a couch that is just so amazing. There is nothing equal to the stress relief that occurs when one falls into the arms of their couch after a long day. A couch provides an embrace that humans cannot. Whether one is dead tired or heartbroken, it is the couch which holds them with its strong ans table arms, which takes them away from this world with its ability to let one fade away into a peaceful sleep, which provides comfort and safety when the world seems scary and stressful. It is the couch which makes one feel...at home.

Having said all of that, I am without a couch. Why? Well, it just simply would not work out in my dorm room. Therefore...there is a hole in my home. My home is without its source of comfort and warmth, and although the big overstuffed chair tries its hardest to be like the couch, it falls short every time. You would think that if anyone should have a couch it should be a college student. Why you ask? Well, for starters, it is college students who are thrown out into the world very abruptly. One day they are sitting on the couch waiting for their mom to say that dinner is ready and the next they are sitting in a swivel chair in a small room waiting on their microwave meal to finish nuking. It isn't a hard life by any means, and with time it becomes a new way of life for the college student. It becomes more enjoyable and less scary. The process is fine, but every now and then the embrace from a couch would be oh so welcome. Thankfully, I will be able to have a couch next year in my new apartment. I am so happy! It is the little things like being able to cook on a stove, being able to burn candles, being able to toast a piece of bread, and being able to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate on my couch that I am looking forward to the most. They make me smile from ear to ear.

All of this talk about couches has a reason, I promise! My next art piece for 2D Design is going to be about a couch, or three couches rather. The assignment is to create a series of three items that can be related to the home, in three different color schemes. I am going to refrain from giving too much away on the project right now, but I will give you my almost final sketch. Enjoy!

So just remember that it is the little things that we all take for granted that matter the most. So smile today, and remember....it's the random reasons.