Spring Wreath

It's really starting to feel like spring here in Seattle and I'm loving it!  So naturally, I've busted out all my spring decor and even got the itch to create a new spring wreath for my front door. 

It all started with mint mesh.  I saw it during one of my many trips to Hobby Lobby and fell in love.  I know you typically use this type of material to make more of a flowy wreath, but I actually prefer taking a straw wreath and simply wrapping my fabric around it.  Easy peasy. :)

Here is an example of the wreath I used.

Once my wreath was wrapped, I took a small amount of hot glue to seal the end.  I chose three different types of flowers to dress up my wreath - gerber daisies, peonies and hydrangeas.  I like to lay my flowers out to make sure I get it just the way I want before gluing.  Then to work I go!

Don't you just love that bird?!?  I found it at Michaels for .39!  And I didn't even need to paint it - woot woot!

Here are a couple more shots in it's new home.

 

 

Enjoy the sun!
-Ashley


 

Valentine's Day Door Sign

Do you love the Target $1-$3 bins as much as I do?!  I couldn't believe it when I saw these wood hearts there for only $3!  I grabbed as many as I could and ran, ha. :)

You might recall last year's door sign.  This year, however, I wanted something a little heavier and this wood heart was the perfect starting point.  I started by painting it white.  After two coats of white, I layered one coat of pink on top.  I then took sandpaper and ran it across the entire piece.  I love the amount of white that pops through.  Doesn't it remind you of a pink sweetheart candy?  Yum!

I had my ribbon picked out, but I was undecided on if I wanted black writing or red.  I decided on black since it'd probably be more readable from the street.  Then I got to work on my stencil.

I'm loving all the crafting possibilities I have with my Silhouette cutting machine.  They have so much to offer, including adhesive stencil material.  The best part about it?  It's washable, so you can use it again and again!

I chose a design from the Silhouette store - that was the easy part.  The hard part?  Turning "islands" into "bridges".  I spent a handful of hours researching Google and watching YouTube videos before finally getting the hang of it.  After a few test cuts, my stencil was ready.

I used a pouncer brush to fill in the stencil with black paint.  I let the whole thing dry before removing the stencil.  Then I simply washed it off, attached it to it's backing and stashed it away for another day.

I'm loving my new door sign and fully expect to see it's return next year and the year after! :)
-Ashley

Spring Is In The Air

And therefore Easter is right around the corner!  In all actuality however, Easter is quite late this year - April 20th!  That's OK though because it gives me more time to decorate and even more time to enjoy those decorations!  Win, win!

I found the cutest stencil at (where else?!) Hobby Lobby - a bunny silhouette.  I snatched it up immediately because I knew it would come in handy not only for Easter decor, but for Spring decor in general.

Wanting to go a little more rustic with the "Easter Collection", I searched through my never-ending collection of scrap wood and found the perfect sheet of pine.  I also came across some leftover letters that just happen to spell "WELCOME".  I can take a hint - a door sign I must make! :)

To get started, I used a small foam brush to apply my most favorite color stain.

While that dried, I painted the orange letters yellow.

 

I let the stain dry overnight before taping down the bunny stencil and painting it white.

Next I used blue tape to create a straight line that would serve as a guide as I glued down each letter.

Last but not least was to drill two holes for the twine.  I enlisted my hubby for this part.  :)

And there you have it!  A door sign that will last me through the Spring and Easter season.

-Ashley