Wall Re-do & Christ like Attributes

I'm just going to admit it (not that I need to!)... I'm not perfect. 

As a missionary for the LDS church, I spent hours learning the gospel of Jesus Christ in a book called Preach My Gospel.  One of my favorite chapters in that book is titled "Christ like Attributes", and lists, describes, and helps you implement what they are. Lately I find myself remembering and repeating those Christ like attributes throughout the day when I get flare-ups of not-so-Christ-like attributes.  

The other day I had one such flare up that was bad enough I decided those attributes needed to go on my wall where I can see them over and over again! 

So I just finished a wall re-do including the much needed Christ like attributes: 

Our living room now has a beautiful painting of Christ over the fireplace, and another painting of Buddhist monks on another wall, so I wanted to add some accent color from those paintings to the room, and continue the spiritual theme. 

First up, our last name initial: The letter "O"! 

I got the idea from another crafter to paint a canvas, stencil your letter, and hot glue yarn onto it for texture.

I wanted it to be a curly type of font, since "O" can seem a little boring, but my hubby said he preferred a simple "O" for the cleanliness. I agreed-- it seemed beautiful next to the abstract, textured painting, and reminded me of a simple ring and the eternity of a family.  

Next step, adding chosen fabric behind some matching frames: 

And for today's tutorial:

Christ like Attributes on a Frame

Materials:

• Vinyl 
• Picture Frame (10" x 14" for $2.5 at Hobby Lobby)

Directions:

1. Prepare vinyl 

(I hope you think this looks great... it took forever and left me with three finger cuts!)

2. Add vinyl to picture frame. 

And it's just that simple!

Now I have a beautiful, meaningful, spiritual, personal collection of wall art!

It is so gratifying to create something so meaningful.

What inspires you?

Let's Celebrate AUTUMN!

I am not one to go all-out for Halloween, but Thanksgiving I LOVE! I love the idea of celebrating a holiday based on being thankful and recognizing your blessings. I, personally, have so many wonderful things in my life I tend to overlook. I love that at least once a year I'm forced to remember it! My first autumn craft is this fantastic picture frame!

Materials: 

• 1 picture frame (I used a 10x14 so the wreath would fit inside)
• I grapevine wreath
• 1/2 yard of fall fabric
• Matching ribbon
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut fabric to fit frame and attach it behind glass

2. Wrap ribbon around the top of the wreath and attach the tails of ribbon behind picture frame glass

3. Cut your own vinyl design to match your holiday mood :)

4. Attach the vinyl! (I love this part. The vinyl decoration makes such a difference, and it feels so good to see how it all turns out!)

• Do this after attaching the wreath because you want to make sure it is centered inside the wreath. Find the right spot, then just flip the wreath around to get it out of the way!

5. Attach more ribbon to the top for hanging

6. Hang and enjoy!

                                    

I love this reminder to Give Thanks every time I enter or leave my house! And that's what crafting is about. Loving what you do, and feeling happy with it repeatedly. 

Remember: The world is yours to personalize. Empower your inner designer!

Love,

Susannah

Redecorate and Personalize a Shadow Box!

I went through Hobby Lobby yesterday looking for inspiration, and found a project I got so excited about!

This redecorated shadow box looks beautiful, is personalizable, and inexpensive!

I chose this quote by H.L. Mencken because, as a newlywed in our first house, I love decorating with things that remind us of our love and how blessed we are.  This quote really spoke to me, in particular, because my husband and I really value intelligence and sometimes forget that love should be playful, fun, and unexplainable.

 I bought a shadow box with my 40% off coupon, bought fake flowers to insert for 50% off, used leftover paint, blank copy paper, and whipped up a great quote in vinyl! I am all for beautiful things that don't cost an arm and leg, and only take 30 mins! 

Materials:

• Shadow Box
• Fake flowers (or something else to fill the shadow box)
• Pain and paint supplies (optional)
• Paper or photo to cover back of shadow box
• Vinyl quote or image to decorate front glass

Instructions:

1. Add your vinyl quote or image

       2.  Paint the edges of shadow box

       3.  Add inside decoration

       4.  Re-attach back of box with paper, photo, et . 

       5. Enjoy!

This shadow box can be hung on a wall, and I thought would also be perfect as a decoration in a baby room. Put the baby's name and birthday on the front glass, a beautiful picture against the back, and paint it in the baby room's colors! 

Remember: The world is yours to personalize. Empower your inner decorator!

Love,

Susannah