The Parks Department
When I moved into my first post-college apartment, my mom gave me the cutest picture hanging kit – a three compartment container filled with nails, a small hammer, pencil, screwdriver, level and picture wire so I could decorate. Hole after hole went into the apartment, and while that wasn’t what caused our ridiculous move-out fee (that would be our badger dog, Yadi), it seemed like there had to be a better way.
Enter Command 3M Strips.
One of my 2015 resolutions was to get more creative (you can see my other resolutions on Pinterest!). Armed with gift cards to Hobby Lobby and a color scheme in mind, I set off on a journey to create a gallery wall in my living room while finally incorporating gold into my house.
I know Hobby Lobby doesn’t have the best rep when it comes to the media, but I absolutely love it. I can wander around the store for hours imagining just where that large mirror would fit in my bedroom or how I could turn those stunning lilies into a centerpiece for my kitchen table. It’s addicting.
As mentioned above, I had a color scheme of black and gold in mind, so I went off to search. The first thing I picked up was the black baroque 11×14 frame – I had my eye on it for months, and I still needed to put up a few wedding pictures in the house. After that, I found the large “LOVE” canvas. Here’s a hint, bargain hunters – Hobby Lobby has two sections of home decor. The middle section of the store, holding everything from canvas prints, decorative items, frames and mirrors and the “always clearance” area, usually in place of Christmas decor the other six months of the year. (“SIX MONTHS?” You say? Yes, six months. I worked in a craft store in high school, and set up began in June, followed by take down in January. Craft stores capitalized on the holidays long before Macy’s started playing Christmas music on November 1.) Anyway – I picked up the “LOVE” sign in this “always clearance” section. The chevron print came next, with the ampersand and 5×5 black and gold frame following. The finishing touch was my beloved arrow – something I’ve seen on nearly every Pinterest gallery wall in existence.
Once home with my goodies (costing less than $100, I might add), I got to work laying them out on my floor. Honestly, I probably moved them six times before landing on what ended up on my wall, followed by another four moves once on the wall. It’s a hard process.
After I had them lined up how I wanted, I flipped them all over and measured both the wall space and the decor to make sure everything was in line. I marked off the frames with masking tape to assure I knew where the nails needed to be, and then measured before taping to my wall and hammering in the picture hanger. Apparently this isn’t the standard way of hanging photos according to my mother, but it’s always worked for me!
Once I had everything from Hobby Lobby hung, I knew there was something missing. The next day, I took my weekly trip to Target and found these amazing Sea Urchins for just $19.99. As the day went on, I decided to create the two-part dachshund silhouette (printed in 4×6 form at Walgreens) and paint two 4×6 frames gold to tie in a bit more of the shine.
Overall, I adore how it turned out! It was a quick weekend project that anyone can do by themselves, and it livens up the space so much.
Are you getting creative in 2015? Share your DIY with me – I’d love to feature some guest posts!
The sun is shining, the snow is melting – this only means one thing. It’s almost spring baseball season in St. Louis! As any good St. Louis resident knows, spring is meant for baseball. And as every homeowner knows, spring wreaths are necessary decorations. Insert my DIY Baseball Wreath!
I don’t like stealing ideas, but one of my favorite blogs, Living with a Boy, has a Friday Five each week, and I just love the idea of recapping my five favorite things this week, so consider the idea “borrowed!”
1. DogTV: I finally caved in and bought DogTV (channel 354 on DirecTV) for Yadi. The entire programming is made for dogs – stimulating content to keep them active as well as relaxing content for nap time! I know Andy thought I was nuts when I turned it on – there are actual voice overs saying “What a good boy! You’re such a cute dog!” – but Yadi was glued to the screen! Too bad our TV times out after 4 hours of inactivity – he could easily watch it all day while we’re at work!
2. Baseball Wreath: This is my weekend to-do. After all, baseball season is just around the corner! And let’s be honest, I don’t want to jinx the Blues into their playoff run. Let’s hope it turns out!
3. Target Threshold Windham Console Table: I’ve already got one in my house, and I can’t wait to put together the second! These tables are perfect for blank walls, behind couches and really anywhere you can fit them. Plus, right now, they’re 30% off. It’s just another way to boost your Target addiction. You’re welcome!
4. St. Patrick’s Day: March is my favorite month – after all, I was born in it – and St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate! I look fantastic in green (it’s a blessing for us dark haired ladies), there is plenty to do in St. Louis, and I’m required to work-from-home the day of, as my office is in the heart of the Irish community. Cheers!
5. WE HAVE A DRIVEWAY! We just can’t walk or drive on it yet, but you know, details. It’s just nice to get out of the chat rock and onto solid ground!
So here’s to the weekend, and all of the fabulous things you have going on.
Happy Almost 4th of July! As is true of most Americans, I procrastinate my celebration planning. However, I could not be happier with my DIY shorts I made last night! Trust me, it only takes a few hours (via drying time) to make these.
Supplies:
Step 1: Paint both sides of your shorts in White. I used the largest foam brush.
Step 2: Let it dry. After a Jillian Michaels work out video, episode of Pretty Little Liars and shower …
Step 3: Tape it.
Step 4: Paint over your stickers/tape. I used the large brush for the blue, and the medium for the red.
Step 5: Let it dry overnight, and wash them inside out. The paint makes them VERY stiff, but the washing helps.
Seriously, I LOVE THEM. If you’re feeling more USA than ‘MERICA, you can also do the back pockets like my friend Paige did:
And while it’s not a requirement, listening to my ‘MERICA playlist on Spotify will definitely add to the experience.
Have a Happy Independence Day!
The Parks Department 