The Crab Nebula

smoky haze reminds me of swirling gases in outerspace

Last summer, I painted the tv/game room a pumpkin orange.

album frames are from Restoration Hardware

A couple of space themed movie posters and framed album covers 

helped turn the once bland walls into a cozy, modern, fun room

with a hint of retro appeal.

However, I was drawing blanks when it came to decorating

the large wall space behind the pool table.

Adding more album covers or movie posters seemed excessive. 

The bar mirrors that used to hang on the wall 

no longer suited the ‘family’ décor.

I had purchased a poker table for my husband over the holidays.

The table top was protected in the carton by

(2) 48"x48" x1/8" mdf boards.

They took up a lot of space but I'm glad I saved them.

After months of debating, a recent viewing of the Crab Nebula

set in motion an idea for the vacant wallspace.

One of the boards would make an ideal canvas

for my "interpretation" of the Crab Nebula and
a perfect compliment to the movie posters.

I lightly sanded the sheen with 100 grit sandpaper,

cleaned, and followed this up with 5 coats of gesso.

I also applied gesso to the back as well.

The size of this board would be expensive to frame

and the thinness (1/8") would make it display more like a poster. 

Not the impact I was going for.

My solution was to attach a hidden frame

made from square wood stakes

that would allow the board to set out from the wall,

creating a shadow effect.

  

The frame is reinforced with L-brackets

making the mdf very sturdy but not too heavy.

Picture sits out approx. 2" from the wall.

The rough cleat also provides a convenient way to hang on the wall.

I created the effects by applying acylic paint 

with rags, cellophane, feathers, and sponges.

The vibrant colors and scale of this painting did not stand out

until I added stars using qtips.

Amazing how that little detail, really transformed the picture.

Total cost, < $20. 

That pleases me the most. 

I am still here in spirit.

Work is crazy for me the first two months of the year.

 I barely have time to read others blogs. I realize now,

I should have offered up an explanation sooner as to my lack of posts.

My load will lighten up considerably

around the week of Feb. 22nd, at which time, I look forward to

getting back into the swing of things with weekly diys.

I hope that the new year finds everyone happy, healthy and harmonious.

I offer a glimpse into diy 2010.

quartz crystals + gunmetal necklace (a thrifty purchase)

= a quality piece

Breadmaking 101

Inspiration

and the interpretation

vintage restored

Dumas' work reinvented

EYE SEE YOU !

Spooky, mysterious, bulging, or innocent,

eyes are a spectacular feature to enhance at Halloween.

If you’re sporting an extra one, you’re sure to get some attention.

Be forewarned: Friends will demand that you make one for them too.

 I made 8 of these t-shirts last year.

Black button still affixed a year later.

Mine has faded quite a bit.  I now wear it to the gym.

Time to make another more dramatic eyeball t-shirt!

A (cheap) t-shirt . Launder first if it is new.

Eyeball image. Look online, at the library…

T-shirt transfer paper for lazer or ink jet printer.

Follow enclosed instructions carefully.

Determining where I want my image before ironing.

This turned out fantastic and would be perfect to wear as is,

but I’m not one to leave well enough alone.

Fabric Paints

Fabric/Jewelry glue

A large button

Sequins (didn’t use this time)

I am not practiced with the fabric paint applicator tip,

so I pour out what I need, sometimes mixing colors, and use a brush.

I have much more control this way.

A large 1 1/4" faceted black button, like a compound eye!  Yes!

Remove the shank with wire cutters and sand smooth.

Apply jewelry glue and affix to the center of the shirt.

It really adds the finishing touch!

Paint Y'er Jeans

Most of my jeans are stained with paint or hole ridden.

Not by design.

I paint regularly in them and have earned every rip, tear, and stain. Remarkably, people come up to me and ask where I got my jeans.

A candid experiment.

When working on a project, I wear my paint jeans several times

before laundering.

Therein lies the success of this diy.

Be prepared: It's a drawn out process but worth the effect.
Click on images to see what I mean.

These jeans were on clearance for $20.

I see a future project with these scraps.

Going for a cropped look, I used a straight edge and a razor,

and removed 8” off the length.

A razor gives a better effect than scissors!

Next, I washed and dried the jeans. Do this if they are new.
Using a ruler, I striated various colors with a palette knife into the denim.
The trick to using acrylic paint on jeans is

to apply the paint thinly…don’t glob it on or the paint will crack.

Dry thoroughly after each paint application.

Do not put in the dryer!
Sand lightly with 120 grit, use a shop vac or brush off dust.

Repeat until the desired effect is achieved.

Do not wash the jeans for a week after painting them,

which will allow the acrylic to set up in the denim.

They will fade a little with each washing.

This can be minimized by washing in cold water,

inside out, and drying on low heat, or air drying.

I used a bit of metallic paint on mine.

Unfortunately, the sheen is gone after the 2nd washing
However, the acrylic is permanent.

Try it, you'll like it.

Green Project: Wood Art Collage

I have an accumulation of wood scaps from various home remodel projects.

Recently, my dad gave me a box of some interesting looking scraps.

Of course i couldn't say no.

I decided to make a wood collage with them

for a unique art piece to hang near our outdoor dining area.

What you will need for this diy;

½ thick plywood cut to size.
assortment of wood scraps/trim pieces
paints and stain, optional
wood sander
miter saw
wood glue
findings; hardware, kitchen utensils, nails...

I left off the fish

Square nails from the 1800's

It comes together better if the sizes and shapes are similar.

Working from the outer edges of your plywood to the center
allows for a clean finish

whether you intend to frame it or not.

You may have to layer up as you work towards the middle;

the depth adds interest.

Make sure you have a general layout before gluing.

Use a wood saw towards the end to fill gaps, or layer up.

I found it easier to paint after all pieces were in place,

and made a frame with cedar left over from our deck remodel.
If it hangs outdoors, apply a protective sealant.
Embellish your collage with your findings.

Projects nearing completion

Previously I shared a picture of this project

that somewhat resembled a torso.

It is a torso...mine to be exact and with the first coating of paper mache

which gives it more stability and will allow me to build up the thigh and glute area,
(for a bootylicious presentation),
Approx. 5 more layers of paper mach will be added with a dry time of 24 hours between each layer,

plus adding a stand.

Hot Tub Room Make Over

One of my favorite rooms in our house is the hot tub room.

When we first moved in, the space was an eyesore.

The walls were boring, white, and damaged.

The Process:

Large cracks above the entryways were spackled,

sanded, and rubber cemented for a permanent fix.

The color on the wall is Fossil Butte (Behr) and is the perfect color for a spa
and a great backdrop for my kids' artwork.
Most of the stuff in this room is from garage sales or flea markets.

The fish planter was an impulse buy when my husband and I were in an art gallery in San Antonio.

The cabinet was my father in laws. He wanted us to have it and I was not happy about it at the time. It sat in a corner of our bedroom for a year and then my husband decided he wanted to throw it out. I almost let him.

The cabinet was honey stained with glass shelves and glass inserts, a mirrored back panel, and a hidden display light attached to the ceiling. The door wouldn’t stay shut. I thought the piece was veneered but when I did a strip test, discovered it was solid wood.

I kicked out the mirrored panel and also removed the glass inserts. I cut a piece of birch to size and attached it to the back, then stripped, stained and weathered the entire piece. I wanted it to look as though it sat on a back porch, exposed to the elements. I decided to leave the glass inserts out.

It is now a home for my sons’ collection of shells.

The candle holder on the left is actually a spindlefrom the stairs of my great granfathers home. When the house was torn down after his death, each of his kids got a spindle from the staircase. The jar of old marbles are from an estate sale. A friend of mine told me one is worth $90. Really? Which one?

This table with its marble top was a $3.00 garage sale find and perfect for holding our towels.

Check this out. A glass threaded insulator found in my Grandparents basement. And this one found at a thrift store. I knew they came in other colors but I had never seen a red one before.

The oh so appropriate sign for my kids, their friends and maybe a few adults.