Author: Mama

Clutter Begone:  40 Bags in 40 Days

Clutter Begone: 40 Bags in 40 Days

40 bagsToday is the first day of Lent, which consists of 40 days leading up to Good Friday and Easter. People “celebrate” this time of sacrifice by letting go of something they value, improving upon an aspect of life or, as is my case this year, getting rid of 40 bags of clutter that is weighing down my house and weighing down my life.

Forty bags. That’s one bag or box of clutter for each day of Lent. It’s such a simple idea, but one that can make such a difference in your family’s life. This concept comes from Marie at White House Black Shutters, and she rallies the masses for this project each and every year. I started this challenge several years ago, but didn’t make it to the finish line (for whatever reason), but this year I am determined to meet my goal.

White House Black Shutters provides so many ways to achieve your decluttering goal like Facebook groups, free printables, tips, tricks, hashtags and access to a complete community of folks trying to achieve a similar goal. If you’re interesting in trashing, donating or recycling 40 entire bags (or boxes) of stuff you just don’t need in your home or life anymore, I urge to visit the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge site and get started today.

IKEA Calls It Tablecloth, I Call It Valance

IKEA Calls It Tablecloth, I Call It Valance

valance

February has been a very long month at our home, which is really weird since it’s actually the shortest of the calendar year; but when you’re struggling with the revolving crud that’s been plaguing Winter it makes the weeks really drag.

So now that the month is almost over, I’m finally feeling like doing something productive with my days. In fact, yesterday I was so energetic that I hung two cordless shades in the dining room and converted a tablecloth into a valance. . . and all that before noon! These projects were simple, but were a long time coming. Why is that sometimes the easiest tasks are the ones that take forever to complete?

valance

The shades and the tablecloth came from our local IKEA store and were very affordable. The shades were under $30 each and the tablecloth was on sale for $8. I’ve been looking for a valance for a seriously long time, but when I saw this cute country pattern I had a feeling it would fit the bill.

These cordless IKEA shades are some of the easiest I have ever installed, and I highly recommend this choice (especially if you have children in the home where cords can be dangerous). They come with installation brackets but mounting screws are not included. Go figure; but some basic screws will work just fine.

valance

To create the valances, I simply tore the tablecloth in two pieces lengthwise and then hemmed the torn edges. I then created rod pockets by folding each piece of material in half and sewing a straight stitch a couple of inches in from the folded edge. The finished product is actually a double thickness, which adds some weight and opaqueness to the valances.

I was so happy with my completed project and it felt so good to finally be useful again that I happily took an afternoon nap!

Cool Colors and Texture for Sketch Challenge Card

Cool Colors and Texture for Sketch Challenge Card

Mojo Monday

mojo485I’m spending a lazy, gray Presidents’ Day at home with my son, the Wii and my craft room (not necessarily in that order). We had plans for the zoo, but the drizzle and cool breezes changed our minds on that outing. So instead of enjoying the unusually warm February weather outdoors, I decided to get a jump on this week’s Mojo Monday sketch challenge (yup, and it’s only Monday). This week’s sketch is a fun, multi-layered design that easily translates into a card with some great texture and colors.

The Sweetest Thing 6×6 paper pack from My Mind’s Eye was the inspiration for this card, and I used four different patterns from that pack. I simply love the colors in this collection! I added some twine and buttons to the design and inked all the edges for a fun card with loads of interest. With a simple stamped sentiment, this cute little thing can be used for many different occasions.

 

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