dreaming big

So, my dream has always been to have my own studio/gallery where I could sell artwork of local artists, especially those who are young or just starting out, and a place for people of all kinds to meet, create, talk, and have fun!!!

This is still my dream, but I have to be honest. I have NO idea how to make it happen!!! I keep reading about people who are making their dreams come true-they have their own business, they are selling their artwork all around, their Etsy site is a success- and I can not figure out how to get myself going!

I told Big A the other night that I need a business manager/publisher/marketer to run the business side of things, which is probably what's holding me back so much. I have GREAT ideas, but no idea how to get them going.

I feel defeated sometimes and just wish I could be successful. Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful for those of you who have/are supporting me and have bought my things in the past, and even patted me on the back, encouraging me that I'm a great artist, but seriously, I have no idea how to move forward!!!!

Uggghhhh, I guess this was just a venting post. However, if you feel as though you fit the bill and would like to volunteer your services (yes, volunteer. You heard me, I'm not really making enough to pay you, let along myself! ;) you would be greatly appreciated! :)

I'm sure you'll see me one day...at least I hope so. I've heard follow through isn't my strong point, so paired with my keen business sense, I'm sure I'm headed straight for the top ;) ...I kid! :D

Storage Container Tutorial!

Well, as you know, my studio is also functioning as a sewing room, and a guest room, so the space is definitely tight!!! Big A built me a gorgeous storage unit/work table, which I absolutely LOVE, but in my design, I only designated one area for my paints (silly me!), and now, my paints overfloweth! :D

So, I had to come up with a different solution than the Wal*Mart bag that was holding all the extra paints! So, of course, I looked around to see what I already had to work with, and this is what I came up with:

*Shoe Box (an old diaper box will be PERFECT also, or any other box)
*Wrapping Paper (I prefer the look of FABRIC, but I didn't have any scraps big enough...well, at least not in a patter/color that I liked :))
*Tape (or glue if you're using fabric)
*Scissors

Easy, huh?! I thought so, too. Just a few materials, and wallah!
Super cute storage container! Mine is Super basic, and I plan to add a little ribbon around the middle and a tag that says "paint." That aught to spruce it up, right?!

Ok, so this is how it works. First, lay your box on your paper/fabric (I used my double sided Christmas wrapping paper because it has adorable white polka dots on one side). Make sure it's big enough to wrap up the side, and tuck over into the inside.
Next, extend the sides of the boxes onto the paper with a pen (you can barely see mine, but they're there). Once you've done this, measure an inch out from that, and cut that corner away (as shown below). Then, snip a little cut from the corner of your paper to the corner of your box. This will allow for an easy fold.
Now, get to wrapping!!! If you're using paper, just tape it up real good on the side, and use your finger or then end of the pen to go over it so it becomes transparent on the outside. If you are using fabric, glue it well, and make sure your cuts are straight :)
Lastly, choose your lining paper/fabric. I used teal, of course :). Trace the bottom of the box onto the paper, and crease it. Cut the exact same way as you did above, only, make sure the right side of your paper/fabric is showing.
Now, tape/glue into the inside of your box. Once this piece is in, you could add a piece of ribbon to cover where the two papers/fabrics attach. It will give it a much more finished look.
And, ta-da! super cute storage container!!! These are perfect for storage bins on the changing table, holding DVD's, storing toys...anything your little heart desires!!!

Also, if you are covering your box with fabric, check out this other tutorial for making a basket liner. I really like how it gives a nice finished look. Once you perfect this inexpensive and easy project, it will make for a great gift at your next baby or wedding shower!!!

Enjoy! Send me a picture if you end up creating a decorative storage container of your own! :D

And the winner is.....

Kaisha!!! Congratulations!!! Email Chloe at mynewlifeasahousewife@gmail.com Thanks for all of you who stopped by!!!

GIVE AWAY!!!

Hey, y'all! Meet Chloe from My New Life as a Housewife. Isn't she just as cute as a button?! I think so too :D

Chloe is one of my new blogger friends, and I have just so enjoyed getting to know her!!! You should follow her blog, she's pretty neat! One, she lives in Spain (awesome!), and 2, she has a ferret!!! His name is Stitch, how cool is that?!

Here's a little more about Chloe:
"I started crafting a long time ago. I've always loved crafts. Since I was a child. But I started making felt brooches about three years ago, when I finished my degree. I couldn't find a job and had a lot of free time, so crafting became one of my favorite hobbies. As well as blogging.

My (now) husband proposed, we bought a house, got married and the name of my blog became "My New Life as a Housewife". Because that's what I was. Although I was always trying to earn some money working as a private teacher, translator or photographer. Then I decided to open an Etsy shop, Chloe's Boutique, to sell some of my stuff: felt brooches, and prints of pictures I've taken during my trips. We really needed/need some extra money! And now I got a job as an English teacher! So I'm really busy nowadays... AlthoughI'm trying to find time to make more more felt items for my shop. Maybe headbands? What do you think? Well, hope you like my Etsy stuff!!"
Aren't these Tweety Bird Broaches adorable?! One of them can be YOURS!!!!
And, I'll even give you a few ways to enter! Here we go!

1. Swoop over to Chloe's Boutique. Take a gander at her beautiful work, and let us know what your favorite items are!

2. Become a follower of My New Life as a Housewife AND The Girl in the Blue Glasses (me!) ...or let me know if you already are (you can enter twice if you follow us both!)

3. Let me know what color broach you will choose if you win!

I will pick a winner on Monday morning! Thanks for stopping by!

Rosette-a-palooza!!!

I've definitely been into rosettes recently, but as you can see by previous posts (or lack there of :/), I've been a little less than motivated. In fact, I've been flat out tired. Despite the jokes of my family (no offense taken), I am not creating a child; merely keeping up with one!!!

Anyways, mom came by today and was actually able to kindle a bit of motivation in me!!! We worked together for 30 minutes, and that spurred on a few more hours of rosette making before bed!!!
Oh, mom! Does she remind you of anyone you know?! ;) Yes, yes, we look VERY much a like!!! Also, she will be guest posting on my blog in the near future, so be sure to head back to hear from this wonderful woman!!! :DOur fingers are covered with glue. The table is covered in fabric. And the rosettes are just too cute!!!
Here are a few of my favorites!!!
I added a clip to the back of these so they could be used for various purposes! I LOVE this next look! I took a necklace of mine, wrapped it around twice, and added 3 of the rosettes to it! Great way to snaz up your own jewelry, don't ya think?!
Then, of course, they look adorable in your hair!



Such fun!!!
We will be making various products out of them for the festival booth, so stay tuned!!! :D Happy Wednesday! :D

Hoo Are You?!

Over at Night Owl Crafting, she's got a few questions to answer!

1. What type of diamond cut do you like?
I love the classic round cut. Originally, I loved the princess cut, but after MUCH research, Big A decided that the round cut was more vibrant, and I totally agree! It looks beautiful on my setting, too!

2. If you are married when is your anniversary. if not what month would you like to be married in?
Our Anniversary is June 2. It was a beautiful day with perfect weather!

3. What were or would you like your wedding colors to be?
My wedding colors were sage green with light pink, peach, and cream accents! It was beautiful!

4. How many bridesmaids did or would you have at your wedding?
I had 3 bridesmaids. They were my 2 sisters, and one of my great friends (who set Big A and I up!)

5. How long have you been married?
We will be married for 4 years this June! :D

Blah

This is what it's like around here. Blah. Sookie's got the good life, don't you think?! :)

Babushka!

Mom, T, and I spent a few days in Louisville this weekend with my sisters! It was SO much fun!!! Besides fellowship, garage sale-ing, and eating ice cream :) I got to visit a few of my favorite shops.

One of my most favorites is Why Louisville.
They have such quirky and bizarre items, and a lot of unique local artist's work. T and I got to wander around a bit by ourselves, which gave me a chance to soak up everything. As I was finishing up the very last shelf, I spied this treasure!!!!
Be still my heart!!!! I have been looking for something like this!!!!
I'm not sure why, but these little Russian stacking dolls have been calling my name recently. I even made my own Babushka stamp! (pictures to come). I about fell over when I found this! There are 4 different size and styles of the doll cards, and they can be displayed standing up, or just serve as a cute note!!! *LOVE!* I want to send them to people, but I think I'll have to stare at them for just a while longer :D

This weekend Big A got the paint on my wood shelf!!! I've got one more coat to add today, and then the decorations will be added :D

Hope you had a great weekend! :D

Domino!

The Fisher's Freedom Festival is just a little over a month away!!! A MONTH!!! I'm going to admit something to you now. I was thinking that it wasn't until the middle of June. Then, while looking at my calendar today I had quite the wake up call!!!! (Don't judge, I think I have baby brain- where T man took many of my brain cells)

So, if you live in the area, mark your calendars for June 25th and 26th!!! Also, if you follow me on my facebook page, you may be able to win a prize at the festival! So be sure to do that! :D

Alright, on to the good stuff!
I just finished this huge batch of adorable Domino necklaces!!! The fronts are made of pieces of my collages, and the backs are the domino numbers!
Look at all those colors!
They're like candy!
2 necklaces in one! :D
Want one?! Come to the Fisher's Freedom Festival to my booth on June 25th or 26th!!! :D

Have I mentioned recently how much I love my readers?! I do! Thanks for being faithful! I know that many of you don't comment, but I know you're there. I try to keep it exciting for you to keep you coming back ;)

Happy Wednesday!

Mother's Day weekend

Whew! I missed almost a whole week of blogging! :/ Anyways, I missed you guys, and it's good to be back! We had a great Mother's Day weekend! My sisters came up for the weekend, and to celebrate T-Man's dedication at church! It was a such a blessing to have everyone here!

Mom took a few pics of T, and they turned out AMAZING!!! I love them! We will definitely be framing a bunch of these!

I made an adorable card for my mom out of T's hand prints, but I forgot to take a picture of it! She's going to frame it, so I'll show you later! :D
My mom also made an amazing canvas for T's dedication!!! I was SO excited, because she branched out of her comfort zone and into the mixed media techniques that I work so much with! She wrote out the words to "Jesus Loves Me," and we will be hanging it in his room! ...again, no picture yet :/
But I do have pictures of this little guy!! Worth it, don't ya think?! ;)
Here's the whole fam (minus Zack, Stone, and Grandma) at church on Sunday!!! What a great day!!!
Happy Tuesday!

Mother's Day gift ideas

As you know, Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday. Unfortunately, I'm facing a bit of a dilemma.

You see, I basically have the BEST mom ever!!! She and I have always been the best of friends, and even now, we love spending time together, crafting, creating, shopping, and hanging out!!!

Ok, my struggle. Kendall, my younger sister, has already trumped the Mother's Day gifts this year. She created an adorable Shutterfly picture book of all of the boys for mom! It was SO cute!!! Mom loved it, and of course, how are we to top that?!!!

So, that's where I need your help!!! I need ideas!!! What were some of your favorite gifts that you've gotten for your mom, or even received as a mom? What things are you considering giving this year? Any neat, unique items that you've seen?

Your helps is greatly appreciated! :D Happy Tuesday!

And the winner is.....

Happy Monday!!! I was so glad that y'all shared in my excitement over this giveaway! I was even more pleased at the number of my teacher friends who might try this idea at their own schools! (If you do, send me a bowl! :D)

Well, their can only be one winner, so Regan's beautiful bowl will be sent to....

Carlee from Carlee and Jared!!!

Carlee wrote, "How awesome! I would use the bowl for my daily Cheerio's so I can think (and pray) for the people affected by hunger. It would be a daily reminder of how blessed I am and how I can give back to those around me."

Thank you, Carlee, for your prayers for others!!! What a blessing! Please email me your address to SimplySmithDesigns@comcast.net

Well, Big A and I had a big weekend!!! Since he teaches high school, we get to go to prom each year!!! Last year I was pregnant, which made for an interesting experience. We realized in the car on the way to after prom at midnight, that we were for sure much older than we thought we were! Yawned and talked the whole time, just trying to stay awake!

Let's just say that I took a VERY good nap today while the T-man slept! :D

Happy Monday!!! See you again tomorrow!