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Dollar Store Spring Wreath -tutorial-

When I was at our local dollar store last week, I spotted some pool noodles. I was totally giddy because I had wanted to make a wreath out of one. So, I snatched it up and shopped around for something to wrap it. I found some adorable cord, well actually clothes line.

I threw it in the car and away we went...but wait...my little guy liked the noodle too! As I was driving, he was playing with it and out it flew through the open window. HA! I had to go back and get it. I was wondering if people thought I was crazy.

Spring Wreath Tutorial

Supplies Needed:

1 pool noodle
3 inch piece of 1/2 inch PVC pipe (optional)
Duct Tape
4 (70 Ft) pack of cord

Step One:

Cut about 7 inches off of the noodle.

Step Two:

Insert half of the PVC pipe into the noodle. Bring other end around and insert remaining PVC pipe into that end. Duct tape together.

NOTE: My husband thought of the pipe for security. It worked out awesome and was much easier to tape with just one person.

There is the finished wreath before being "dressed"

Step Three:

Wrap your noodle wreath with whatever your creative heart desires, in my case; it was this green and white cord. It did take a while as it needed a few layers, but I think it was worth it because I love the way it turned out!

Step Five:

DECORATE!
I actually had a hard time with this. I just was so indecisive about "the look" I wanted. So a tried a few things and I was just OK with it. I decided to sleep on it and I am glad I did! When my sister and I came across chip board letters, I knew I found my final embellishment for this wreath.

I used things I had on hand...get creative with it!

On our visit to Iowa over Spring break, my Mom and Sister liked it so much that they went out and bought the supplies and made one too! It was certainly fun crafting all together, and it got the creative juices flowing a little bit more than usual.

My Mom chose a moss green and white cord

My Sister chose this beautiful royal blue and white

Silly Girl:-)

In the end, they finished the wreaths but not the decorating as we all got the nasty stomach bug that I mentioned here. When they finish, I will update with pictures.

UPDATE:

Check out my sister's finished wreath!

Another version by my Mom!

If you feel so inspired to make one of these fantastic wreaths, please leave me a comment! I would LOVE to see pictures of yours!!!

Have a great week!

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Kitchen Mini Makeover ~ Paint

One weekend I decided I needed something fun to do. Actually, back up...a couple of years ago, we bought our first house. The window in the kitchen looks like this, with the original red paint. I like red paint, but these shelves needed some love. The top shelves usually sit empty except for major holidays (mostly Christmas), or they have something weird sitting on them. I have had a really hard time coming up with a way I wanted to decorate them. Well, I was so sick of how boring it looked and decided this was the something fun I needed to do.

I have been planning on doing my kitchen red and teal for about a year now, and just haven't really done anything to add some teal. So, let's meet the teal...

Well, the first coat at least...

I was a tad bit worried after the first coat I must say. I was really hoping I didn't just make a big ugly mistake.

Once all the red was covered up though, I knew I loved it! It is so bright and fresh. I used to sort of hate...not entirely hate...the "fancy" woodwork bordering the whole shelf/window. After the paint, I love it. And I like it even more now that things are completed!

Come back tomorrow for the Stache Party, and then on Wednesday, I will be sharing a topiary I made!

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Filed Under: Home Decor, Kitchen, Paint, Teal

Totes Magotes!

Name that movie! Haha - one of my favortie lines ever! In case you have no idea what "Totes Magotes" is from you can watch the clip from the movie here!

On April 4th we will be exactly four months away from graduation! Talk about exciting and terrifying at the same time! Once we graduate we have to take our certification exam, the PANCE. I'm typically a huge procrastinator, but I'm not going to risk anything on this exam. It's kind of a big deal, so I'm starting my studying now. I've been carrying around my study materials in a little tote that was kind of boring, so I decided to make a bright one that would make me happy!

Enter, Totes Magotes!

I used a home decor fabric from Joanns for the outer fabric, and a regular cotton fabric for the lining. I used muslin for the straps and pockets. I bought one yard of each fabric for $17, but only used half of the outer fabric and about 3/4 of the inner fabric. So I'd say it was right at $10 to make.

I followed Say Yes To Hoboken's tutorial for the tote, and Cut Out and Keep's tutorial for the pocket (well, kinda).

I put a divided pocket on one side to hold my water and any other goodies. I did the pockets from the tutorial by memory, and realized I did them wrong. Oh well, they still work!

I took two pieces of cardboard and wrapped them with my ScotchBlue Painter's Tape. I made a pocket out of the lining fabric and slid it over the cardboard. I then placed this in the bottom of the bag. It adds support so my bag has a solid bottom. If I spill something in the bag I can remove the cardboard and wash the rest - here is the cardboard insert:

Now I have a cute, cheery tote to haul around my study materials for the next four months!

I love the fabric and the long straps!

Cheers!!

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Easter egg basket

Be G-R-E-E-N-er this Easter and make your own egg basket by weaving it from branches, old newspapers or scrab fabric.

Also the egss can be coloured in natural ways, eg. with red cabbage,carrots, onion skin...

Photo Greenliving

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Filed Under: craft, creative, decoration, DIY, eco

DIY Easter wreath

Easter wreath with eggs and grass

Photo Shelterness

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Filed Under: aqua, craft, creative, decoration, DIY

A Special Thank You to my Customers

A thank you to my customers

I was telling my friend the other day, “I don’t have the luxury of falling apart right now.” Honestly, sometimes I feel so unbelievably overwhelmed with midterms, divorce court, and work. But when things get hard, that’s when you really realize how strong you can be. I was so afraid to leave my husband and thought for sure that Reclaimed Wreckage wouldn’t have the means to support us…. I was wrong…… and it’s only going to get better.

I just wanted to sincerely thank everyone for your support. I have the best customers, family, friends, and have come into contact with some of the most amazing people. I’ve been told countless times (especially by my ex) to quit Reclaimed Wreckage and get a “real job” but every time I get feedback from you guys or emails from repeat customers, I don’t think quitting is an option. Thanks. Seriously. When I include that paper that’s basically a huge, long “thank you” in your packages, I mean it. Your support in my work will NEVER go unappreciated. You make this all possible.

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Filed Under: customer, designer, eco, fashion, letter, Lisa, miller, reclaimed, rubber, sustainable, thank, wreckage, you

We Got It!

The kids and I took a little trip over Spring Break to Iowa to visit my family. The first 24 hours was pretty good until....my princess cupcake got sick. I was praying it was a fluke; that is was something that just didn't agree with her little tummy. A couple of hours later I was sick, then shortly following that my little dude. It moved to my sister, who came in to see us from Minneapolis, and then to my big dude.

However horrible I felt being sick there and exposing them to our germs; I have to admit that it was quite nice that my Mom was there to help me! Just like old times...Mom swoops in to the rescue. She waited on us, kept the others quiet while some of us slept. She even cleaned up after us!

When we finally made it home, weak and weary, I got a call that my niece was now sick. UGH!

So, needless to say, this Spring break trip was not was I had planned.

I hope your Spring has been much better than mine, thus far!

Have a great week!