Family Rules Tutorial

This has been my most requested tutorial, so here goes:I found this idea on The Pleated Poppy, but I came up with some tricks to make it a little easier.

Supplies:

1 large Canvas (Mine is 24x36, but I had a friend make one that was only 16x24. Use a coupon or wait for a sale- these can run $45-50 a piece)

Paint for the canvas background

Scrapbook paper (you need 1 sheet per rule, unless you want to repeat a paper- notice that I repeated one of mine)

Rules (print them out on your computer, I chose different fonts for each rule)

Transfer paper (Graphite works, but I used colored transfer paper from the fabric store)

Paint pen in white and black (I used Elmers brand which I purchased at Michael's)

Mod Podge

Aging Glaze ( this is optional, it just tones down the whites and warms up the look- I used Ralph Lauren Faux technique in tobacco)

Directions:

1. Paint the canvas a color that coordinates with the room where you plan on hanging your Family Rules.

2. While that's drying, type your family rules on the computer and print. When you print, some rules will be on several lines. I then cut these out and taped them to make one-straight- long line. If you'd like me to email my word doc with my typed rules in the correct size and font, just leave a comment with email address. (I'll try to figure out how to convert to a PDF, but no promises)

3. Take your scrapbook paper and lay it out in order on the canvas. This may take a little while- I put my favorite paper on the top and bottom because those were going to be the widest pieces. Be careful when picking out paper- make sure it coordinates and that it doesn't have too much contrast - it make the words difficult to read. Make sure you spread out darker papers, striped papers, patterned papers, solid papers, etc.

4. Lay out the rules in the order you would like on top of your scrapbook paper. This is the step that will determine how wide to cut your papers. Make sure your papers are going the complete height of your canvas- minus an inch or so for the border.

5. Cut your scrapbook paper to size, tape together to get to the 24 inch width. Now, if you're using one piece of paper for each rule, make sure you pick papers that don't change pattern as they go down the page. When you cut the paper into the strips you need, the pattern won't match up. This can be corrected by using 2 pieces of paper per rule.

6. Once you have your strips of scrapbook paper ready to go you can begin tracing your letters. Place the tracing paper between the scrapbook paper and your printed off rule. Using a stylus or pencil, trace the outside of each letter. Check to make sure it's leaving the pattern on the canvas.

7. Fill in all traced letters with the paint pen. I used white on my darker papers.

8. When all the rules are traced it's time to start mod podging the papers in place. First, lay them all out, one more time, to make sure they fit. Don't overlap the papers, butt them up to one another. If they aren't cut evenly, this is the time to fix them. One by one, put mod podge on the paper and canvas and smooth out any bubbles. You will need to work with each rule and let dry for a few minutes before moving on to the next. After all rules are in place, let it dry overnight. (Sometimes, after you have smoothed out the bubbles, they will reappear- LEAVE THEM ALONE- as long as they were smooth and dryed a few minutes, the bubbles that appear later, will work themselves out as they dry.)

9. Mod Podge over the entire canvas

10 After a few hours you can apply an aging technique. Just wipe on, then wipe off.

11. Attach a picture hanger to the back and you've just completed your Family Rules.

I know that's a lot of information, but I've helped several people make these and it really isn't difficult- time consuming? Yes, but not difficult. If you live in the area I'd love to help you- you can even use my patterns to trace your rules. Also, you could have a great Family Home Evening creating your own rules. Here's an upclose shot so you can see all the imperfections. Sometimes there's a wrinkle, bubble, etc. No one will ever notice but you.

I chose to delete a few of Pleated Poppy's rules but here's the list of all the rules she created:

ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH
HAVE FUN, BE KIND, ASK FIRST, NO FUSSING, NO WHINING
BE CREATIVE AT ALL TIMES
ENCOURAGE YOUR SIBLINGS...SHARE IN THEIR JOY
HUSBAND-HUG YOUR WIFE DAILY & WIFE- ALWAYS BE ON HIS SIDE
OBEY YOUR PARENTS
NEVER LEAVE ANGRY
SING SILLY, DANCE CRAZY, HUG OFTEN, SNUGGLE OFTEN, SAY I LOVE YOU
KEEP YOUR PROMISES
USE YOUR MANNERS- YES, PLEASE...NO, THANK YOU
ALWAYS GIVE TO OTHERS FIRST
TOO MUCH TV IS BAD...TOO MUCH READING IS GOOD
USE NICE WORDS...IGNORE DIRTY WORDS
BLESS YOUR FOOD, BE GRATEFUL, EAT TOGETHER, CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF
SHARE EVERYTHING EXCEPT BAD IDEAS
SAY YOUR PRAYERS...THANK GOD FOR THIS FAMILY

If you want to make a smaller canvas, just have fewer rules. Please, Please, Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Leave it in the comments section. I will answer in the comments section so everyone can benefit. Good Luck, Have a great weekend. Love, Kelly

Linking up to:

Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous

Remodelaholics anonymous at Remodelaholic

The 14 Days of Valentines or Not

Valentines Day is this weekend. Other then buying and eating Valentines candy, I haven’t even thought about doing anything for Valentines Day.

That is until I ran into a beautiful friend of mine, a friend who’s not married, but she is dating a cute boy.

“I’m doing the 14 days of Valentines with my boyfriend,” she says to me, somewhat giddy.

“What’s the 14 days of Valentines?” I ask.

She smiles and it’s obvious she really likes her cute boy.

“February 1 thru Valentines Day, I do something special for him every day. Last night we snuck into a golf course and went golfing and tonight I’m making sugar cookies and dropping them off at his house.”

Hmm. How interesting, I think.

“So, you do something special for him for 14 days?” I slowly ask, like I’m trying to figure out some difficult formula.

I have a man in my life I love to pieces.

We've been married for 11 years & I have nothing planned for Valentines Day. What is wrong with me? Where has my creative gene gone?

When I was dating, I would have loved to do the 14 days of Valentines. Back then I was the queen of thoughtfulness, so sweet was I, taking time to put on lip gloss and earrings. Today I’m just happy if I’m wearing clean clothes.

Now, I found out about the 14 days of Valentines on February 8^th and somehow felt cheated. Then I forgot about it all together. Today is February 11^th. Can I do the 3 days of Valentines? Somehow that seems pathetic, doesn’t it?

The counselor loves lots of things.

He loves me.

His children

Jesus

Arizona Highways photography

And dark chocolate

Today I stopped off at Trader Joes and bought every package of dark chocolate available. This should make me feel better, but I still feel like I cheated him somehow.

Maybe if I display the chocolate in some cute basket, or maybe a vase, like a chocolate bouquet.

Hmm!

Maybe I’ll just open the chocolate and eat it myself.

Funny thing is, I always find the counselor gifts. I bring presents home weekly. I find the coolest stuff out thrifting, like XXL name-brand shirts and 38x34 designer jeans, photography books and Phoenix Suns ties, Arizona Wildcat sweatshirts and Nike basketball shorts. I am the queen of giving gifts on non-holidays and non-birthdays. I’m the gift-giver most days, but for Valentines Day I’m a blank. Valentines Day requires a bit more then just picking up something on the go.

I do have a computer and I love to write.

Tonight, I think I’ll stay up late and write the counselor a love letter.

A letter that says I appreciate the way he loves me, that he tells me I’m beautiful every day, how he pretends like I don’t have veracious veins and he gives feedback and encouragement for every novel I start. I love how he makes me and the boys a priority, that he shows us we’re all his #1’s. I love him for making my dreams come true and for making me a better person and for making cute babies with me.

And we’ll read the love letter together and eat dark chocolate. He'll put his hand on my belly and maybe feel his baby move.

Learn From the Past, Prepare for the Future

Here's the before picture of a frame I bought 2 weeks ago for $2. I love the quote by President Thomas S. Monson: Learn from the past, Prepare for the future, Live in the Present! So I knew this would be the perfect frame for that project.First thing I needed was a piece of wood that would fit the frame. Lo and behold the drawers on the free dresser I picked up at a garage sale couldn't hold my spray paint and the bottoms fell out.(Go figure- it was free) I just had to cut off a few inches (I'm very savy when it comes to the power tools now) and it fit perfectly.First I painted the drawer bottom creamy white, applied my vinyl quote, and then painted everything with Rustoleums Semi Gloss black. I peeled off the vinyl so the creamy white would show through and distressed the edges a little. Here's the final product...

Some have asked, "Why don't you just use the vinyl lettering, rather than do the paint and

peel?" I love vinyl, but generally I only have black, white and pink. By doing the paint and peel, you can make the letters any color you want (as long as you have the paint) Hope you enjoyed. Love, Kelly

FYI: The long awaited "Family Rules" tutorial is coming tomorrow!

Linking up to

Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple

Creating

We all have the desire to create; to make something special. It doesn’t matter what stage in life we are in. We want to make our world beautiful. We want to express ourselves.

When I was twelve I received my very fist latch work kit.

Do you remember these things?

Images found here.

Oh, how I loved working on my latch work rug. I’d stay up late, sitting in my bed with the radio on. It was exciting as the rows of latched yard finally took on a picture. I wanted to latch work all the time. I wanted to collect every kit available.

My boys have taken to their own expressions of art. I love watching them create; their confidence growing with every experience.

Over Christmas break, Chandler googled NBA team logos, printed them off and colored them in. Yesterday, we took them into the copy store to have them laminated.

Chandler wanted to nail them up on his wall, as is.

All day long, I watched as he went back to the wall in his room, looking over his artwork and talking about the teams with Payson.

Payson, my little chef, really got into making Valentines Day cookies.

He made a plate of decorated cookies for his Uncle Sam. What a sweet expression of love.

Mayer came home from school as a heart. He wore this most of the afternoon and loved the compliments.

Reef is always creating.

Actually, I have to hide the markers from him or I get more then I bargained for.

When I’m pregnant, I feel more creative than usual. Creating a child with God is like holding hands with the boss and maybe His creative energy flows through me more. I like the term “nesting.” It's a perfect word for a woman on the verge of having a baby. I have a timeline in my mind as to when I want to get things done because the clock's a' ticking. I’m working, always working on a project. My new manuscript Stories of a Some What Successful Junk Collector is coming along nicely. My goal is to write this manuscript full of humor, something my boys will read and laugh out loud too.

Unlike my other manuscript Colors of the Sea, an 84,000 word count book, Stories of a Some-what Successful Junk Collector is going to be around 30,000 words, something a bit more manageable. It makes it easier to write and I feel good-humored already.

Send Kelly and I your creative outlets. We'd love to see and post them on My Dear Trash.

My Baby is growing up and a Master Bedroom Redo

Change is good, Right? I find myself asking this question several times a day. Now that my 20 year old has moved to Florida for her Disney internship we had the opportunity to do a little bedroom shuffle. The 11 would move into the 20's room and the baby would move out of our room in with the 6 year old. I've been looking forward to this prospect for weeks. Maybe she'll sleep through the night if we're not in the same room. Maybe we can go into our own room without tip-toeing and whispering in fear of waking her up. Mr. Right moved the crib last Thursday and then left to go out of town. First night- Slept all the way through! Perfect. On Saturday I decided I'd move all of her clothes over to her new room- who would have thought this would be so emotional. Even though she now wears 18-24 months size clothes, I had postponed packing away all of her newborn outfits. As I folded each little item I remembered how tiny she used to be, how I'd sit and hold her for hours- Now she's learning to walk and doesn't sit still for a minute. My Baby isn't going to be a baby for very long

I just bought the next size up in diapers!Her cute closet that I spent so many hours organizing and labeling was empty

and her clothes were now hanging in the big girl closet.

Her crib is gone and now the room feels empty.

Wait! Did someone just say empty room? I know the perfect way to make myself feel better... I little decorating make-over. Thank goodness I found this shelf this week for just $5. A little black spray paint and it will be perfect

Here's our new sanctuary.
Starring: Candlesticks that were $1 each, small urn $1, Twine ball- whole bag for $3, Old clock $1, Frame with quote, $1 plus a little time on my cricut machine. Two tierd table $5 ( I had planned on painting this to match the other one in this post, but I think it really looks good in our master bedroom)
Maybe change is good! Love, Kelly

Linking up to:

Power of Paint at Domestically Speaking

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

What do I need? It’s more like what do I want and what can I find?

I’m getting big and I’m getting ready.

It looks like I have a basketball in my belly.

Round and bouncy and plump.

This little girl is coming in two months.

Her official due date is April 18^th, but since I have big babies my doctor has mercifully agreed to induce me April 8^th.

Glory day.

I’m slowing down a bit, but there are certain things I will fight to do until the bitter end. Like:

Garage Sales

What do I need? What do I need? It’s more like what do I want and what can I find?

I found this amazing cabinet piece out shopping at yard sales. My kitchen is an L-shape and I have this small corner that needs some organizing. This piece of trash fit perfect. I've learned so much from Kelly (she really is the queen of bargains). Normally, I would have paid the asking price of $20.00, but I offered $10.00 instead. And $10.00 is what I brought it home for.

And this super sweet vintage fabric. I have a piano bench in desperate need of reupholstering. This fabric will look perfect on it and for $1.00, I'll give it a try.

Thrifting

I found these Venezia Size 22 khaki shorts, both for $1.00. After an inspection, I found the (I'm whispering now) crouch (ssshhh!) to be to beaded and worn out. Darn it!

I really like the brand Timberland. I'll either sell this on EBay or give it to my brother.

Avril Lavigne's brand called Abbey Dawn. Some cute skate girl with an attitude will love this.

Banana Republic is a great brand, but I find just basic t-shirts like this one, don't sell. Maybe because they're not too expensive to purchase new.

Old Navy Size 16 Denim Jean Cargo Knee Length Skirt. Sweet.

Eddie Bauer Size 16 Rayon Dress. A green tag means $1.00.

And look, no armpit stains.

Tommy Bahama for $1.00. I'll take that.

This desk has a tag that says week #2. That means instead of $49.00, it's a dollar.

It's solid wood, all the drawers work great and I love the vintage legs. Let's give it to Kelly and see what she'll do with it.

And finally, Tuna Salad

Chop, chop, chop some Fugi apple

Purple onion

Red pepper, celery,

Cranberry's and walnuts. Mix it all in with some tuna and light mayonnaise.

Some sharp cheddar cheese and multi-grain crackers.

Shopping and lunch, what a great day.

Now, time for some reading, at least that's what the kids say.

This weeks Garaging Finds!

Here's this weeks trash:Ornate shelf 5.00, Frame (you know I need it) .50, Antique Secretary 15.00, bag of twine balls 3.00, Candle pedestal .50, Silverplate treasure box 1.00. Seems like a light week, but Mr. Right was out of town and it's just not as fun without him :(. But, I'm excited to redo the desk (I've added it to my projects under construction list) This one will take some work as the front leg is missing part of the claw detail and it definitely needs some support work on the inside. I'm always up for a new challenge. Hope you're getting out there and finding some great trash. I'd love to see your pictures. Love, Kelly

Hijacked -- but for good...

Yes, hello. My name is Heather & my sister-in-law, Laura, is the author of this fancy place. I've decided today would be a delightful day to abuse my guest author permissions & hijack her blog. :) So bear with me... it is for a wise purpose.

Now, we all know Laura to be kind, giving, creative, compassionate, thrifty & most of all lovable. So when I saw a contest to win a Newborn Photo Session with one of the valley's most sought after photographers, Holly Brimhall, it was a no brainer who I'd nominate.

{Laura}

So I'd encourage you all to take a moment to visit this SITE & vote for our dear friend to win this fabulous prize. After birthing FOUR rambunctious boys I think a gift like this is the perfect way to celebrate her conception of her precious baby girl. After all, the brief time we have with these bitty creatures is so fleeting, how memorable it would be to capture these images for all of time in the most beautiful of ways. I believe you deserve it Laura & I'm quite sure so do all of your loyal readers.

Thank you for your time. And please, VOTE for LAURA!

Love you La La...

Heather

Meeting Elizabeth Gilbert, Author of Eat, Pray, Love and Committed

I’m pretty spontaneous, so much that the counselor calls me reactive (just one of his technical terms he throws around to impress me). The counselor is reflective, organized, follows through and is always on time. I’m not like him. I change plans, run here and there, never seem to have a shopping list and plan my day minute by minute. I just wait and see what comes my way; then I pick whatever looks like the most fun. The counselor wears a watch and keeps a daily planner. I don’t have either one.

There are times I can be reflective, like when I have a doctor’s appointment or a plane to catch. When I heard Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, was coming on book tour for her new book Committed, I called Changing Hands Bookstore and reserved a ticket. I wrote the date and time of her lecture on my kitchen calendar.

Reading Eat, Pray, Love is a journey of insight, like traveling to a new land for the first time.

Image found here.

Never had I read a memoir where the writing impressed me as much as the actual plot. The premise of the book is this:

In her mid-thirties, Elizabeth Gilbert is faced with divorce. In the middle of the night while crying on the bathroom floor, she asks God what she should do with her life. He tells her for the next year she is to focus on three things: Eat, Pray and Love. Elizabeth travels to Italy, India and Indonesia and does just that. The wonderful thing is she let’s us come along with her. I could taste the cheese and pasta in Italy, I was with her scrubbing the floor of the church in India and I could smell the sweet tropical flowers of Indonesia.

Her new book Committed is just as inviting. Elizabeth falls in love again and has to make peace with the idea of marriage.

Image found here.

At the lecture, she read the first chapter of Committed to the audience. For such a personal and somewhat cynical topic, there was a lot of laughter from the crowd. On some level, we can all relate to her ideas. I contemplate my own love and my own journey of commitment. I wish the counselor was with me so I could hold his hand.

Elizabeth also talked about writing and the idea of “taking a sentence and drawing it across the page.”

After Eat, Pray, Love, she felt a lot of pressure to write another best seller. She wrote a 500 page manuscript only to later feel, “The voice didn’t sound like me. The voice sounded like something coming through a megaphone, mistranslated.”

She put the manuscript in a box under her bed and started over.

This was the point in her lecture I did the most soul-searching. How is this even possible? A 500 page manuscript is a huge chunk of life to hide away, but is it really wasted? I realized for writers, writing is somewhat like talking. We write down words and sometimes they really mean something and sometimes we just had to work through our emotions. If a best-selling author has to start over, I shouldn’t feel too discouraged if I have to do the same thing too.

Elizabeth also said creative ideas have expiration dates. When ideas come, run with them or they’ll find someone else who will. Ideas come on strong, but can later lose momentum. “Summon your own genius,” she said. “Angels reward people who work. They will collaborate with you.”

Later, Elizabeth signed my book and gave me a hug. “I love your shirt,” she said as we smiled for a photo. I told her I do a lot of thrift store shopping, my opening to so many conversations. I thanked her for her beautiful books and that was that.

But not really.

I was moved by her message, inspired by the words “I am stronger than I am,” a phrase Elizabeth says over and over again when she struggles with direction in her life.

I am stronger than I am, I am stronger than I am, I am stronger than I am.