Quote of the day

“Don’t be afraid to be a fool. Remember, you cannot be both young and wise. Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don’t learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying yes begins things. Saying yes is how things grow. Saying yes leads to knowledge. “Yes” is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say yes.”

— Stephen Colbert, via Dave

Daily Finds

Have any of you ever looked at dailyfinds ? It's a site where when people find something they find interesting (a love note, a funny grocery list, etc.... real written items) they get scanned in and added. These are real things written by real people. Sometimes they're funny, sometimes sad. Either way there are the occasional "finds" that make you realize that you're not alone out there.
Check it out. You'll like it. Plus, now you'll have another website to go look at when you have a spare 5 minutes. :)

With love.

Tool Box Transformation

I've started planning for Michael and my new bathroom when we move out. I've decided to go vintage. I am using mason jars for soap and lotion dispensers, a small antique silver tray to set things on, some other small antique jars for bath salts, q-tips, and toothbrushes. I wanted to find something unique to put some spare toilet paper in, or to hold tissues and a spare hand towel.
That's when.....
I found this really cool antique toolbox, but it was a really horrible orange. These are the before pictures:




I also had some antique sheet music that I've been holding on to for a project. Finally have a reason for it!


It just took a few simple tools:
A ruler, a foam brush, mod podge (or another product that will both glue and seal), an exacto knife (my best friend in projects!), a cutting surface, and black chalkboard paint (not shown.)




I set paper into the inside and mapped out how I wanted it to lay, cutting pieces to fit as I went. I then cleaned the whole box inside and out with a damp rag (to clear off dirt and some of the rust.)

I chose not to use primer on the toolbox because the orange paint made the surface perfect for painting on its own.

I used the mod podge on the sheet music and once I was finished gluing everything down, I went over it again with the mod podge to seal the whole inside to protect it more from moisture.

While the glue was drying I began painting the outside. It took about 3 full coats and a few touch-ups at the end, but it is ready to go now! I left the inside of the lid and the bottom of the toolbox alone because I wanted to keep a little integrity of the original box intact.

What was really cool is what happened when the glue started the settle with the paper- the left over rust actually showed through a little- which was perfect! It made it look even older and like the paper on the inside belonged in there all along!

Now I when I figure out what I'm going to put inside of it, I'll be able to write on it in chalk! It might say "toilet paper," or "tissues," or maybe something cutesy. We'll see! I might just draw some filigree on it. Exciting!


Pics of the soap and lotion dispensers to come soon, those are done too!

Quote!

Quote for the day:

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."
-Douglas Adams

Soon to be

2 things- one, soon you will all be able to take witness in my attempt at an Ikea hack- making a Lack end table be covered in scrabble tiles :)

And two, there is a good chance that my life is going to take a very different turn than I had anticipated. The idea of getting to be with the person I love and have the opportunity to travel and experience a life all our own..... let's just say I am more excited at the possibilities the future holds than I would have believed I'd be.

One of my favorite websites

If you're not a follow of lifehacker, you should be. All kinds of great information and helpful tips. This one in particular is really great, considering that so many cameras now track your location and imbed photos with that information. Check this out. Then treat yourself to just surfing around on the site!

Pin-Up Shoot! Interested?

Know anyone who would want to participate in a pin-up model shoot? Someone looking to build up their portfolio or who would just like to have fun?

Get in touch with me within the next month. I am planning a shoot that will take place outdoors (mostly) and have the pin-up feel. Train station, classic car junk yard, cool lounge, woodsy area, etc! I can supply several props as well as transportation from location to location. (For a list of props please see contact info below and send me a request for it!) Depending on your size I may have in my possession a couple pieces of clothing, but mostly that would need to be supplied by the model(s). Hair and makeup would be best done by a friend or the model herself, but I can offer some pointers and some help in that area as well. Model will be supplied with medium-resolution edited images on CD for free, with my professional watermark in the corner. Purchasing of prints or high-resolution images/copy release can be negotiated for a fair price.

Contact Carrie at: carrieco1487@yahoo.com, or refer them to my blog and comment with their contact information.
Serious inquiries only please.