Here's a lamp project I've been wanting to make for a while. I based this idea on one I had seen at West Elm that I think they still carry for $99.
Since I knew I had pretty much everything I needed in a cabinet of random dismantled objects and supplies that I've held onto for just this sort of thing. Its like having a giant junk drawer, only bigger.
-broken strands of a capiz shell curtain
-crimp beads (for attaching the fishing line holding the shells to the lamps frame
-a curly galvanized wire piece I made almost 20 years ago when I worked at a bead store. I hung onto this forever not knowing what to do with it but couldn't throw it out because it was such a pain to make.
-pliers
-light kit with a 15ft. cord

Voila! Behold my new beautiful light fixture! It puts off such a pretty glow.

p.s. I still have more strands of capiz shells if any of you want to try this yourself. Just let me know. Karin

Can you Guess?

Can you guess what I'm painting right now? I'm almost done with it and have plenty of time to keep tweaking it before the group show at the Pannikin next month. (more about that later)
....Anyway, This is a pretty big size painting measuring 48''x 24'' painted on birch wood.
On another note, Heather from ihartfelt on Etsy asked if I would do an interview for her blog, and you all know I love talking about myself (not), but I thought....what the hell. You can read it here

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Time?

Where did the time go?

I blame this guy pictured below. My nephew has consumed my days with his cuteness and sense of humor. I didn't know babies understood humor at only six months, but he was born a natural comedian. So if you see less of me here, I'm somewhere in town toting this chunk of a baby around like an accessory.


It looks like while my blog was taking a sabbatical, Blogger switched things around and I can't seem to format separate paragraphs here. Anyone out there figure out how to do it? (Fixed it thanks to Erica at Beyond Rubies!!!)



The second part of this post is about the incredible luck I've had recently on my scavenger hunts. The sunburst clock found for a mere $5 that instigated a whole new look for the mantle, and these two LARGE vintage maps for only $10 each!


Shut up!!!.....no, really..only $10 bucks each. Can you stand it? The frames needed to be painted over the ugly oak color but that's it.


I have a thing for old maps especially when they are of places I love. One is a map of Yosemite and the other Sequoia National Forest. I now call this room "California Road Trip."
The mosaic of mirrors that hung here before are now finding a new wall in my front room (a.k.a. "the Genie Bottle) and will take pictures as soon as its done. Am I the only dork out there who names her rooms? Don't you think it sounds more interesting than family room and living room?



p.s....for any of you local moms that want to come to the Pannikins free Spring craft day for kids. It's next Friday the 27th from 1-4pm. I have volunteered to help make garden bonbons. A mixture of clay and dirt with seeds tucked inside that are then taken home and tossed in the garden to grow. I've never tried these before so it should be interesting. ;)

Pie Day!!!

Did you all take advantage of this holiday?
Well, I sure did.
Even though National Pie Day was March 14th, Bethany and Tere over at M.O.M. had their 4th annual Pie Day on Sunday March 11th. (I decided to celebrate both days until I was completely sick to my stomach.)
Normally, I'm really good at looking away from these sugary treats, but dammit....sometimes you just gotta do it.
I don't think I'll be craving pie for another year though...which is good, right?
This year, I made these mini banana cream pies.(pictured above) So delicious and the perfect size to get a taste but not commit to a whole piece.
My intentions were really good in the beginning. I was going to make everything from scratch....but as the week went on, my recipe changed from homemade to semi-homemade....and then, well........just assembled.
You know.... why try to compete with companies that have spent years and thousands of dollars perfecting their recipes. At least that was my reasoning, plus my oven was broken.

Want to make these for yourself? Here's how.
I bought pre-baked pastry shells, piped in vanilla pudding, add a slice of banana, and top with whipped cream.
Done! Shameless, I know.

The Ugliest Before and After Project!

This shelf/cupboard measures 6x6ft square and proved to be the most challenging project rehab I've tackled in a while. Dripping with what was thought to be broken old jars of canned goods oozing their goo from the top shelf to the bottom. Such a mess!

It took 4 guys to load it in the truck. My husband was the only one who had faith that I would be able to transform this nasty beast into a beauty. Others thought I was crazy, which only made me more determined. Even the lady who sold it to me had her doubts. She only asked $25 bucks for it. Score!
To me, it was all cosmetic. Check out those cool sliding doors. Reminds me of something you'd find in an old classroom.

Well, it took quite a few hours to scrape, sand, degrease, paint 3 coats of primer, and 2 coats of a brilliant peacock blue.
But now... it's my pride and joy, sitting proud in our living room.

Welcome Cruz!

Happy parents Lara and Nelz welcome their first baby boy into the world. Little Cruz was born at home over the weekend with amazing family support and their midwife. I can't believe I'm an auntie for the 24th time!! I know that sounds crazy, but when you're one of 10 siblings, it's not so strange.
This year is going to be a busy one for sure, but also incredibly fun. I'm already thinking about easter egg hunts and Halloween!

New!

I just brought in a fresh batch of furniture to the Pannikin yesterday.
The green cabinet is my absolute favorite. It's the perfect shade of green ....and just in time for St. Patricks Day. Karin