VII. Wreaths

Okay, so I may have gone MIA and haven't completed and posted failed the last two challenges... I was dealing with... umm, umm... problems... Okay, fine I'm just making excuses, you got me!

This challenge, if you choose to accept, is fitting for the upcoming holidays.  When I think of Christmas, a thousand things come to mind, but lately I've been drawn to wreaths.  I think they are disgustingly perfect and cheery reminder to guests that they are welcomed when hanging on your front door.

So, your CHALLENGE DETAILS are:
Inspiration: Your choice
Medium: Wreath for your front door
Deadline: Sunday, December 2nd @ 11:59 p.m.

You can make it any shape: square, triangular, circular, pentagonish, etc... You can make it any color: red, yellow, aqua, green, black, etc...  You can also choose what it is made out of: traditional pine needles (real or fake, I won't judge), sticks, yarn, buttons, ribbons, ornaments... or... ANYTHING YOUR LITTLE HEART CAN IMAGINE!

Are you ready for the twist...

This is going to be a group challenge!  While I was squeezing my way through Micheal's Monday morning (note to self, never and I mean NEVER go to Micheal's when everything Christmas is 50% off.  It is a mad house! Even at 9:00 a.m.!) to pick up stickers for name tags for my company's holiday party this weekend, I couldn't not stop and look at the glittery holiday decorations, although I didn't try very hard to keep going, they were 50% off!.  I think it's a sign of aging for me when, 1. I stop to look at things that are glittery and shiny, so not who I used to be years ago and 2. I picked up items that are BLUE!?!?  Alright, I'm off track, but I picked up the most perfect items to also create a wreath with you this week because I couldn't resist and our home needs that little touch of the holiday spirit!

VI. Be Thankful - Photography

Tis the season to be THANKFUL!! Being gifted with the challenge week of Thanksgiving I have quite the challenge for you! Now that you have access to an amazing photo editing program, and have the ability to have a smart phone in your hand…

If you choose to accept, I challenge you to taking, creating, and editing 10 PHOTOS of things you are THANKFUL for! 

So turn on the juices, and start the set ups. This challenge is fun, intriguing and creative.

You can take pictures of ANY thing you want. People, places, objects, things – you decide! Just click away and share what you get!

CHALLENGE DETAILS:

Inspiration: Capturing things to be Thankful for

Medium: Photography

Deadline: Sunday, November 25 @ 11:59pm

V. Chevron Print Results

I accepted this challenge with great enthusiasm, and lots of excitement. I jumped onto my computer and started looking for ideas, patterns, and templates to start my Chevron creation! I knew that Tuesday night was the only night I could book it to Joann’s Fabric, so I wanted a plan in my head before I went. Stuck between what to make, my mind couldn't decipher if a table runner to match the kitchen, a pencil skirt to wear for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or a fun new purse was my best choice, so I went in with the measurements to fit all of them.

After arriving at Joann’s and searching the isles up and down, I panicked. There was NO Chevron print to be found. Apparently it is “out” of season, and Chevron patterns only season is fall. So there I sat with my list of measurements and necessities for my sewing projects, and NO FABRIC.

I took a moment and got the hamster back up on the wheel. I started searching for the store for great deals, which is when I stumbled upon fabric paint. I figured, if I can’t buy the fabric…I’ll just make my own Chevron. I snatched the paint and headed to Target to get a gray shirt.

I got home to start designing. Using painters tape, I measured out the shirt and started making my Chevron pattern. Spraying it with a light coating of white fabric paint, and 4 hours of dry time, my Chevron print challenge was finished, and actually extremely cool! I had completely transformed a basic gray shirt into a stylish one that adds a fun touch to any outfit. Super satisfied with my design, I’m now waiting for the perfect reason to show it off to the world! What a super easy, cheap and fun challenge! This idea will stay in my mind for any future outfit remodels that I have.

Ps. I purposely did not make the Chevron strips the same size. I used 2 different size paint strips to keep the print from becoming uniformed. I really liked how it turned out with the 2 different sizes. It makes the shirt even more fun. The moral of the story for this challenge is -- DON'T EVER GIVE UP JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU ORIGINALLY INTENDED TO FIND!

V. Chevron Print

We had our first "snow" this morning.  I love winter, but I really hate driving.  It never goes well, even when I drive slow, my tires spin and I slide.  But ask anyone, I am a great driver... ;)

With the fall of snow, comes the warm mushy time of year which we spend being thankful and giving.  I love showing others how much they mean to me and how thankful I am for everyone in my life, I'm just not so good at being emotional.  So my inspiration for your challenge came from the hard jagged lines of a fabulous print that is definitely not a characteristic normal for the Holiday season.

So I present... the CHEVRON PRINT, if you choose to accept...

The best part is, it can be used on anything, anywhere and in any color.  Normally I would give examples, but I don't want to influence how you will use this pattern!

CHALLENGE DETAILS:

Inspiration: Chevron Print

Medium: Your choice

Deadline: Sunday, November 18th @11:59pm 

IV. Mittens Results

Okay, so technically I failed this challenge because I didn't submit it by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, but it was due to forces out of my control.  Hmm that's a lie, we had house guests and we partied all weekend when I should have been finishing my mittens. They are roughly 70% complete so when I finish them, hopefully before Friday, I will share!

IV. Mittens

It’s official, we’ve set out clocks backs, the temps are dropping (probably more so for me then you), and the days are getting darker (also more so me, then you). But all this leads up to the fact that WINTER IS COMING. It’s time to start prepping for cute outfits that will keep ya warm when the sun sets and the temps drop low. So look at the fleece, feel the wool, pet the faux,  and touch the sweatshirt like material, because your challenge is going to need some warm material to turn this winter necessity challenge into success! 

Your challenge, if you choose to accept, is MITTENS!!!

In the past we’ve tried to make our own mittens – if you recall, they are tie dye, made of fleece, but not lined, so they are really only good for the looks. It’s only fitting that I still have these mittens and wear them almost every day. This morning when I put them on and went out to scrap the windows on my car, I had the most perfect ‘ah ha’ moment and challenge for you. 

 

So I dig out your sewing machine, load your bobbin, and get to sewing!!! You can look at and use any pattern online that you find, because sewing is something that needs a pattern.  However I urge you to use your sense of style and put a touch of “Carol” into your mittens! 

CHALLENGE DETAILS:

Inspiration: Winter

Medium: Mittens

Deadline: Sunday, November 11th @11:59pm 

III. Paint Chip Results

As soon as I was given the challenge of creating something using paint chips, I instantly knew that this was my chance to finally create the coasters I've been wanting to create for my wine room! With that in mind I had a color pallet in mind, but when it came down to standing in Lowes looking at the paint chips everything looked so fun!!!

Between trying to avoid attention from the paint sales specialist I filed my pockets with many paint chips, and booked it to the counter to buy my 4 bathroom tiles. My whole drive home the wheels were turning on what patterns to make, and what style to create!!!

After scattering the paint chips all a crossed my bed, and looking at the titles, I can to the idea to create the coasters using a few of the paint chip color titles that are associated with wine!!! One incorporates "Crushed Grapes" and "Curtain Call". This coaster now reminds me of when my first batch of homemade wine that was used in the short film that I helped make this summer. Another one has "A Day a the Jewelers" and "Tea Lights" which brings me back to the day of your wedding :) now if I only had one that said "Trinity Red" for that title too!

To make these, I laid out the paint chips, mod podged them to the title, sprayed a sealer to the top and applied felt to the bottom to make them slide easily and not scratch the table surface! Here are the final results! The best thing about this project as it costed me a total of $8, which included the Mod Podge and sealing spray. If you already have that on hand, it a mere $2 to make your own 4 piece coaster set that matches any design you want!

OVERALL A GREAT AND FUN ADDITION TO MY WINE ROOM!!!