Ranch kids need to know.

25 Things I Want My Ranch Kids to Know

 

1. You have chores, because we love you.
They seem tedious, but they are the building blocks for your future. Responsibility, accountability, and basic life skills begin with sweeping the floor, scrubbing the toilet, and feeding pets and livestock. We love you, we want you to find success in life. Success comes from preparation, so we give you chores.

2. Boredom is a choice.
Don’t let me hear you say you are bored. Boredom is a choice, when your backyard is the whole outdoors, there are chores to be done, and books to be read. If you can’t entertain yourself with a stick and a bucket full of calf nuts, we’re doing something wrong.

3. There is magic in watching the sunrise.
Early mornings are hard, we don’t rise as early and as easily as Dad. Do it anyway. The beauty you will witness with the awakening of the world is worth sleepy eyes and cold fingers.

4. A pet is more than a companion.
Your cats, dogs, calves, and ponies are more than friends and playmates. They are lessons in empathy, responsibility, love, and letting go.

5. Grow your own food.
Our world is increasingly rife with poor food choices, the easiest response to unhealthy options is to grow your own food. I don’t care it’s a single tomato plant or a garden large enough to feed 10 families, cultivate an appreciation for fresh, whole food.

6. Be open to learning.
In horsemanship and life, you will never know it all, never assume that you do. A humble open, attitude towards learning will lead to new skills and experiences.

7. Dress appropriately for the occasion.
A cowboy’s uniform, hat, long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and boots, evolved out of necessity. Protect yourself from the sun, wind and weather with the proper clothing. I nag and question your clothing choices, because you are precious to me.

8. There is a time and a place for bad language.
Sometimes you just need to cuss; spew anger and frustration in one grand verbal barrage. Smash your thumb with your shoeing hammer/fencing pliers, massive runback at the gate, ringy heifer won’t take her calf? Yes. At the dinner table, the classroom, in front of your grandmother? No.

9. Feed your help.
Neighbors, friends, or hired men? It doesn’t matter, sometimes the best way to show your gratitude for a long day of hard work is a lovingly prepared hot meal and cold drink.

10. Don’t judge, but if you do, judge them by their abilities, attitudes, actions not appearances.
Buckaroo or cowboy, flat or taco, slick or rubber? In some circles these comparisons can lead to heated debates, more often than not based strongly in personal opinion, rather than rooted in truth. This is true outside of the ranching world, as well. Words have power to create divisiveness, do not use them to speak against yourself or gossip about others.

11. Stewardship.
Dad and I choose to be responsible for landscapes and livestock, this lifestyle defines who we are. Sometimes that means ballgames are trumped by pasture rotations and dinner time is delayed by cesarean sections, it does not mean we love you any less. I hope you approach the world with a sense of respect and connectedness.

12. Fake it till you make it.
You don’t have to be confident in everything you do, but taking a deep breath and acting like you are helps you get through it. This can be applied in the arena, the sorting alley, to horses or people, and life as a whole. Stand up straight and look the challenge in the eye, as you gain experience confidence will catch up with you.

13. That said, don’t mistake arrogance for confidence.
No one likes a swaggering braggart, even if he is a competent swaggering braggart. There is honor in being unheralded, if you enjoy your work.

14. Low-stress is best. . .
. . .for you and for livestock. Don’t let it defeat your spirit and energy. Don’t let it impact your livestock health.

15. The only dumb question is the unasked question.
Where is the gate? Which calf? Can you help me? Ask questions, no one will think less of you. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings.

16. Always do your best.
There are days when your best is better than others, recognize that. Avoid self-judgement, abuse, and regret and enjoy the process.

17. “There comes a time when you’re gonna get bucked and you’re gonna need to know what to do so you don’t get stepped on.“ -Betsy Swain, 1875
Do not let fear of pain or disappointment stand in the way of new experiences. What I regret most in my life are opportunities missed out of fear. Pain and disappointment are a part of living, learn to take them in stride and keep moving forward.

18. Be polite and kind.
Enough said.

19. But, don’t be a pushover.
Stand up for yourself.

20. Develop a sense of place.
Wherever you may live, learn the names of plants, rocks, and animals, visit old homesteads (or neighborhoods) and educate yourself about Indigenous cultures. In doing so, you gain roots, a sense of belonging that will lend you stability in all that you do.

21. Break a sweat everyday.
Pound a steel post or take a jog, whatever you do, break a sweat daily. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

22. Be present.
If you are mindful of the moment, it is easier to catch a mistake before it happens, redirect a broncy horse before wreck, and have better relationships. It might surprise you, what you observe and what you achieve when you are fully in the moment.

23. Unplug.
Go to cow camp. Leave the computer screen, TV, and cell phones behind. Watch the chipmunks and rock dogs, read a book, or share a conversation with your family.

24. Sometimes the hard decisions are the right ones.
We cannot rationalize suffering and pain to animals. Sometimes the best decision is the hardest one to make, know when to let them go.

25. You do not have to maintain this lifestyle, but please appreciate it.

I don’t expect you to grow up and follow in our footsteps, the long hours and low pay aren’t for everyone. Carry these early horseback mornings in your heart.

posted from The Sage Brush Sea.

Random shades of orange

This is a very simple project and just a nice bracelet to wear whenever. Nothing fancy or special, but still cute!

Supplies:*Tube of random orange shades
*bead wire (.18mm in silver)
*Bubble clasp
*jump rings (2)
*clamp beads (3) #1
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the clasp and close the jump ring.

- Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp it the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

-Thread on the beads and gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* )

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then slide on the other jump ring, then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Take a needle nose pliers and open the jump ring on the end you just finished and slide on the other end of the clasp (Or length of chain if you want to use that instead. This will allow for different tightness around the wrist. This can be very helpful if you didn't follow *Tip 2* and its not long enough to go all the way around the wrist.) and close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

That will finish off the bracelet.


***The tube listed in the supplies can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Jo-Anns in several different color shades. The tubes can come in the same color if you don't want different shades or mixtures. ***

Emerald Strand Bracelet

This was a very easy project. I found this strand of beads at Hobby Lobby. It already has different types of gems, pearls, and other items, so I didn't need to do anything with it.

Supplies:*string of beads
*bead wire (.18mm in silver)
*Bubble clasp
*jump rings (2)
*clamp beads (3) #1
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the clasp and close the jump ring.

- Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp it the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

-Thread on the beads and gems in the order of the design from the strand. (Taking a picture makes it easier to remember) (see *Tip 1* )

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then slide on the other jump ring, then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Take a needle nose pliers and open the jump ring on the end you just finished and slide on the other end of the clasp (Or length of chain if you want to use that instead. This will allow for different tightness around the wrist. This can be very helpful if you didn't follow *Tip 2* and its not long enough to go all the way around the wrist.) and close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

That will finish off the bracelet.

I love just picking up length of chains, or bead strings, that are already done for you. Makes great jewelry and less work for me. Plus I didn't have to buy all the different beads and pearls to make it, just the strand!

Fun Owl Set

Supplies:
*Owl Beads
*Light turquoise beads
*bead wire (.18mm in silver)
*Bubble clasp
*jump rings (2)
*clamp beads (3) #1
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the clasp and close the jump ring.

- Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp it the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

-Thread on the beads and gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* )

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then slide on the other jump ring, then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Take a needle nose pliers and open the jump ring on the end you just finished and slide on the other end of the clasp (Or length of chain if you want to use that instead. This will allow for different tightness around the wrist. This can be very helpful if you didn't follow *Tip 2* and its not long enough to go all the way around the wrist.) and close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

That will finish off the bracelet.

Supplies:

*Owl beads (left overs)
*Light Turquoise beads (left overs)
*Head pins (2)
*Earring 'type' (2)
*needle nose pliers
*Round nose pliers
*wire cutters


*Suggestion 2* When finishing the eye loop you should think ahead to whether you plan to use a jump ring to connect the eye loop, or if you are going to connect straight to the eye loop. If you are going to use a jump ring you can go ahead and close the eye loop. If you aren't going to use a jump ring then you should leave the eye loop open a little in order to connect it to what you want.

- Take a head pin and slide on the pearls/gems you have left over that you would like to use in whatever order you have decided. (see *Tip 1*)

- Use the needle nose pliers to bend the head pin at the top of the last pearl/gem.

- Use the round nose pliers to create the eye loop. (see *Suggestion 2*)

- Use the wire cutters to remove the extra of the head pin.

- Repeat first 3 steps again for other earring.

- Use the needle nose pliers to open the loop at the end of the earring and slide on the eye loop you created. Then use the pliers to close the loop back.

-Repeat last step to finish second earring.

This will finish the earring set.

Vintage Australia Coin Bracelet

This was a very easy project for my Mom. She found this chain. It has different sizes of the same Australia coins already attached. She loves coins, so she wanted me to finish it for her. I just attached a jump ring to one end of a lobster clasp. Then I attached another jump ring to the other side and attached a clip loop.  Worked out easy as can be.

I love just picking up length of chains, or bead strings, that are already done for you. Makes great jewelry and less work for me.

Blue Tones Necklace

Supplies:

*String of mixed tone gems
*White crystal seed beads
*Key Pendant
*bead wire (.24mm in silver)
*Toggle clasp
*jump rings (1)
*clamp beads (3) #2
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your neck comfortably and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the clasp and close the jump ring.

- Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp it the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

-Thread on the beads and gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* )
In my case I left the gems in the color order that they came in, but slide on a crystal seed bead in between.

-Continue threading on the beads until half way to the determined length (see *Tip 2* ) then slide on the pendant.

-Start threading the beads on like before, but backwards. The order of colors needs to go in reverse to make it look like its the same pattern flowing down to the pendant. (If you are doing blue, black, grey now you need to do grey, black, blue.)

-Continue this until you have the remaining half of the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap. This can also mean you should use seed beads to give flex room in between certain types of stones, gems, rocks, and so on.

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* ) (I almost always do this step just to secure my design and tightness of the beads.)


-Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then slide on the other jump ring, then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Take a needle nose pliers and open the jump ring on the end you just finished and slide on the other end of the clasp (Or length of chain if you want to use that instead. *This is what I did for this necklace.* This will allow for different tightness around the wrist. This can be very helpful if you didn't follow *Tip 2* and its not long enough to go all the way around the wrist.) and close the jump ring with the needle nose pliers.

That will finish off the necklace.

Falling 2012

I have a wicker wreath that I redesign every season to hang in my room.

I get to enjoy the season in my room all the time this way. I don't like to do the same design as I did last year. I allows me to flex my design muscles. This year I didn't change up my fall design that much, but enough that I don't feel like its the same.

Last year I used two leaf ropes from Michaels.

This year I wanted to do leaves, but with more pops of color and other season items.

I took down my Spring wreath.

I wrapped the wreath in the fall leaf ropes  (new ones from Michaels. Used the old ones outside).

I then added a pumpkin feature and several flower mums.

I had intended to stop at this point. I liked seeing the wicker through the leaves, but it felt bottom heavy this way, so I went all out.

This is my completed wreath. I have my pops of orange and still have features of the season. You can't tell from my pictures, but the leaf ropes have different colors and some are velvet. Gives it a different texture look in-person.

Stamps and Ink Over Flow

I have done a post about making storage boxes for my stamps and inks, but sadly I needed to make another set. (I have even more stamps in a box from my move (when I had to move home) that are still boxed up.) Since I had too many to deal with in my current boxes I wanted to make another set. I thought it would be boring if I made them look the same, so I went out and got new designs (ironically more items to put in my boxes). I made a Celtic design and a more classic look.
I painted the tops the same pale blue that I did with the other two, that I did want to do over again.

I used a Celtic Knot and a swirl stamp on one box. I did the pattern all the way around the box sides and a little different version on the lid.

 

 

The other box has a flower swirl design all over the sides and a large post card bird stamp on the lid. I made the lid look a little more vintage by not letting the stamp press the whole image down.

 

 

They have the same feel as the other two boxes, but with their own distinct look. I don't see the point of having boring storage. Especially when you can make it your own! 

Jewelry Storage

Since I have started making alot of my own jewelry I have no where to put it all. I have a jewelry stand that I use for my bracelets, stud earrings, rings, and pins. However I have been making several bracelets lately and they all don't fit any more. I thought a wood oval container that I thought would work for the bigger bracelets. At least this way the thin bracelets can still stay in my jewelry stand. And because I hate plain things I decided to dress it up with a little paper and of course some Mod Podge.

Much like how I made my newest magazine holder you will need to pick out a paper design you like. Take the top and flip it over to trace it out on the back of the paper. Once you have it cut out make sure it doesn't over lap in any spot. Coat the top with Mod Podge (I used the paper version) and place the paper down, making sure to smooth out the air bubbles. Let it dry for about 15 minutes before coating the top of the paper. I coated mine about three times.

While I was waiting for that to dry I started measuring the sides of the oval container. I measured it so that I could make sure I cut out the perfect strip.

Coat the sides with Mod Podge and apply the paper slowly to make sure it lays flat and doesn't apply crocked. (That was the hardest part... making sure it was on straight.) Use the roller to remove any air bubbles and press it down. I used two strips of paper to cover the sides. I had them over lap at the point on the container that it was nailed together.

I coated the sides about 3 times as well. While that was drying I went back to the cover and painted the rim the same pale blue in the paper's design.

After the paint had dried and all my coats had been applied to every thing else I applied a strip of Mod Podge to the rim and pressed down my ribbon. The ribbon wasn't exactly the same width, but that's why I painted it the same color as the ribbon and the paper. This way it would blend together. After I had pressed down the ribbon I did another coat over the ribbon to make sure it stayed in place. I coated that only twice.

Once every thing was done I sprayed it with Mod Podge acrylic gloss sealer. That helps protect it from needing to be re-coated and peeling off.

Now I have a bracelet jewelry box. I also put a few cedar balls inside to keep it fresh and keep out bugs just encase.

Pumpkin Cat

Fall brings us Halloween and Halloween brings us pumpkins. We like having pumpkins around, but I'm not always a fan of carving them. Mostly because the weather up here (Colorado) is cold and snowy at this time of year. Hell it almost always snows ON Halloween.

This year I decided to just draw a design on it. I went online and found a angry cat design and printed it out. I cut it out and traced the design onto my pumpkin.

Looks good outside too. I drew over it a few times to make sure you could see it pretty well.

Nice way to have your Halloween feel with out the mess. Works for me!

Organize with Style

I have already made a collage paper magazine holder.

 I also have 4 other tan holders. I need yet another one, so I thought I would make another paper one to even it out.
This time I wanted to do a solid design instead of a collage effect. I found scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby that was the perfect theme for my bedroom and the color fit. I bought 3 pieces of the paper and that was more than enough. One sheet per side and another for the back and front sections. I picked up a bottle of Mod Podge paper so that it be more specific.

I also used my roller that I used in my coaster project to keep bubbles from forming. (You can also spray water on the paper before applying it to keep that from happening, just don't soak it with water or its very easy to tear.) Take the magazine holder and lay it down on the back of the paper so you can trace out the side.

Cut along the trace lines. Once its cut out put it back against the side to be sure it doesn't over lap any were. If you are happy with the cut out put a coat of Mod Podge on the side of the magazine holder and carefully place the paper as to not realign it again.  Use the roller (or whatever tool you have) to flat the paper out and remove any air bubbles you might have. Wait for the first applique to dry (15 minutes) before applying another coat over the paper. You will want to coat it at least 3 times, always letting it dry completely  before doing another coat.

Trace the back the same way you did the side whenever you are ready to move on. Apply the paper the same way, waiting for the Mod Podge to dry before applying another coat over the paper.

Repeat the same steps for the other side of the magazine holder. Once you are ready to do the front you the paper left over from doing the back. You will have to cut put two long strips for the right and left side of the description plate. Be sure to follow the pattern of the paper and how you have it placed on the other sides. Then cut out two sections for the top and bottom section around the description plate. Make sure to measure the spaces so that you don't have gaps around the description plate.

Once you have it coated to your satisfaction you can use the Mod Podge acrylic sealer to put that finished touch to your project. It protects your paper better than just leaving it alone.

Hidden in plain sight.

In the last post I showed you how to make your own water proof coasters. Since I made those sets (12 in all) for my living room I wanted to have a container for them. In the process of figuring out how I wanted to contain them I made a set of 6 for my bedroom, so I wouldn't ruin my bedroom furniture.

I found a wood box that fit the coasters perfectly and has a magnetic closure. I didn't want it to be plain so I sanded it down and picked out a color that fit each rooms's themes. (yes I have themes for my rooms)

Since my living room has a country irish theme I went with green. I painted the box, but it look boring just painted. So I found a wood flower detail accent and painted that as well. I also painted a coat of glaze on the box and the detail accent to seal the paint color.

Once the glaze dried I worked on my other box that would hold my bedroom coasters. My bedroom has a vintage french royal theme, so I went a little more classic. I painted the wood accent in a metallic sky blue. Those also got a coat of glaze to seal the colors.

Once they were both dried I sprayed them with my Mod Podge acrlyic sealer to protect it even more.

I didn't paint the inside, but it still looks great to me. The coasters fit great, event the 12 I made for the living room. (No I do NOT need that many, but I was testing out this project, so I did a basic pattern and then did a group of coasters in the theme I wanted. Why waste them?)