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You are My Sunshine (and finding inspiration)

April 3, 2016 By Erica Deuel 1 Comment

wood_sign_tutorialThe creativity in this world amazes me.

There are times when I’m out or browsing online and I see something that stops me in my tracks. I can’t help but think how beautiful that creation is. I may not need that item, but there is something about the colors, design, uniqueness that caught my attention.

Creativity comes in all different ways, as I mentioned before in this post.

I love being inspired by other artists.  Sometimes either the placement of their design, the colors they paired together, the shapes they use spur an idea in me. I found a wrapping paper the other day at TJMaxx that did this to me. I instantly fell in love with the paper and knew I needed to bring it home with me, if only to continued to be inspired by the design.

I wrapped a few presents with it and then taped a piece to the wall. Could wrapping paper be turned into wall paper? This I’m not sure, but I may want to try it.

wallpaper_room_inspirationWhile the wrapping paper was taped to the wall, I looked at it off and on and thought how much I loved the print. I decided I wanted to try my hand at painting some flowers inspired by this design. I had a base wood sign that I had already built and painted white. It was a blank canvas waiting to be embellished and make into something. I came up with this idea to create a sign off a phrase that I have done a couple of times before (like in this wood sign post), but this time to embellish the sun with flowers inspired by this wrapping paper.

I painted the words, the sun, and then was ready for the fun part. I picked out my own colors for the flowers and just started having fun and painting away.

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painted_flowersIt was so fun just going for it. I loved laying my colors on top of each other and adding some details to the flowers to add another depth and color to the painting. It took a little while to wait for colors to dry before I could build on them. In between homeschooling and life I would capture a layer or two, so this part of the sign alone took about three days. It was worth it. I love how the sun was so much more fun and unique because of these flowers and to think it was all inspired by a piece of wrapping paper.

I was super nervous to add my rustic touch to the sign after spending so much time painting the flowers. I had a piece of art I loved and I was afraid I might ruin it to sand and stain the whole sign. I wanted to take that risk though. I knew the potential of the sign being even more beautiful with that light rustic/warm touch, so I slowly started sanding my creation very lightly.

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sanding_a_sign

making_a_rustic_signAfter I sanded, I painted on Minwax’s Early American stain and rubbed it off with an old cloth.

sign_tutorialI loved what this step did to the sign. My last step was to add the frame and stain it as well. I quickly measured the pieces and nailed them into place. My sign was finished, and I just adore it!

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you_are_my_sunshine_sign5I think it is a beautiful combination of color with a rustic/artsy edge. It’s so fun. This popular phrase has been made into all kinds of signs, but a small piece of wrapping paper helped me create a sign that I had not done/seen before. I love that we can find inspiration in the craziest of places.

you_are_my_sunshine_signThere are items that we can expect to find inspiration. Magazines, blog posts, and Pinterest are just few normal places to find inspiration. What are some of the weird ones you have found inspiration?

A worn down barn?

The way a creek trickles over shallow rocks?

Weathered chairs?

What else?

What is something that has inspired a creation of yours?

wood_sign_tutorialIn a world that is constantly changing, evolving, and inspiration can be found everywhere, I think it is so important to lean into some of that to the next level of depth. Rather than just seeing something you love, figure out why you love it and do something about it. I loved the shapes of the flowers, so I took this inspiration and made something of my own with it. Instead of just looking, I used my hands and made something. Try it!

Thank you so much for joining me here today. If you may be interested in purchasing this sign, please check my shop to see if it is still available.

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Create a focal wall-that works great for now and can be changed later!

March 10, 2016 By Erica Deuel Leave a Comment

Ephesians 4 paintingSometimes dreaming big can be pricey, right? Even for the DIY creator, dreams take some dollar bills.

From the moment we first walked into this house, I have loved the fireplace. It’s dual sided, so we enjoy it in the living room and our four seasons room, which I lovingly call the “snow-room”. It has seven windows and three door ways so you can watch the snow from every angle. It’s beautiful.

Although I love the fireplace, I do not love the tile work. I have dreamed of covering the whole wall with brick tile. We plan to do it ourselves. After learning that the tile costs over $500 (and will take some legit labor), we thought we better hold off on ordering that brick for now.

You know I love color and every wall in my house has art or something on it, so this blank wall has been driving me crazy.

Before shot of a boring wallI came up with an idea to let the kids have fun with it, while we are in the transition phase of our room. Why not let the kids paint one of our favorite Bible verses on it? Kids handwriting is the best. Plus, I don’t need to worry about sanding down the stroke marks when we are ready for a change. I will literally just brick over the artwork, when the time comes. It sounded perfect and now we all love it so much….I may never want to brick. Here is how we created our kid’s wall art:

supplies for writing on wallI printed the words off the computer with the actual amount of words I wanted on each line, so the kids could get an idea of spacing. I used a yard stick and level to draw lines on the wall. I then taped the printout onto the wall and let the kids start copying.

drawing_lines_on_the_wall

Kids_handwriting_idea

Kids_handwriting_craftMy boys alternated line by line who was in “charge” of that line. I wanted both of their handiwork on the wall. Reagan wanted to get in on the fun, so we adapted and let her add some hearts. Her touch completed the piece.

kids_art_wallAfter the words/hearts were in pencil on the wall, we used simple craft acrylic paint to paint over the words. My oldest was able to hold the bottle and paint on his own. My younger two liked me standing there holding the bottle while they steadied themselves on the wall with one hand and painted with the other.

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Ephesians 4

painting_heartsThey did an amazing job! We did space this project out over two days so they didn’t get burned out. The pencil writing was the first day and the painting was on day two. They were so proud and excited to be painting on the wall. My oldest was a little more timid at first saying I could do a better job and he was struggling with it not being perfect. It was a beautiful teaching moment, and I just adore kids hand writing. I wanted it in all the little imperfections and quirks. That is what made it beautiful.

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 presetThe wall was really dirty after pencil being smeared all over, as you can see in this picture below. I came back once the kids were all done and erased my pencil lines and as much of the smears as I could. What I could not get up with an eraser a Mr. Clean sponge was able to erase. Since we are covering these walls up someday, there was not pressure on if we were ruining them. We literally can’t.

kids_handwriting

cleaning_pencil_off_the_wallWe had so much fun creating this little focal point. What a fun way to get some truth on our walls as well. It is now one of the first things you see when you walk in our house. It’s perfect.

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wall project for kids

scripture on the wallI may never want to brick. My little artists won’t be young forever, but I love capturing their art with where they are…whenever I can.

Would you let your kids paint on the wall? What is a way you have temporarily decorated a space that you would love to update more eventually? I know there are so many ways?! Here is one more to add in your deck of cards.

I hope you have a great week and get to create in some creative way!

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Dreaming Big (my boys bedroom plans)

January 14, 2015 By Erica Deuel 1 Comment

There are moments as a mom when I sit back and just watch my kids through different eyes. Do you ever do that? Sit and watch how they talk, their little quirks, and try to burn it all in your memory forever?

When I can quiet the to do lists and tasks playing over and over in my brain, I have a much more free heart to savor these miracles in my care. They really are masterpieces.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetI love how Caleb just hungers to be near and talk to me. He will come in the room literally just to tell me something. He notices the small things and confidently gives out compliments. He has a bold aggressive spirit that just wants to succeed and do it on his own. When he pours himself into something, he is relentless and can succeed at anything. He’s so smart and self teaches himself daily. I often wonder why we ever bother doing school. Most days, he will finish my explanation of a lesson for me.

I love how J loves to give really big tight hugs. In his eyes, a hug doesn’t count unless it feels like I am pulling him up with me when I stand. He is stubborn, and when my stubbornness meets his-it usually produces some pretty epic fails. He reminds me the heart battle is more important than the issue at hand. He is hilarious and often smirks and says the most witty things. He is as slow as a snail unless it is for something he wants.

I love how Reagan often tilts her head to the side as she talks. She slurs some words and I hunger on those remains of her young-innocent toddler days. She is independent and fierce. She has enough sass to make any grown adult feel self conscious. She giggles with her huge locks of curls thrown behind her. She is gorgeous and has the most beautiful roll out of bed look I’ve ever seen. She loves to have her back scratched and I find myself doing it as often as she’s in arms reach because it is about the only way she will let me hold her.

My kids are rocks. I think of this past year and how we turned their whole world upside-down with becoming foster care parents. They had to share their parents, lives, home, schedule, things and life in a new way. They not only accepted it, they embraced and did it with us. It was a team effort and I could not be prouder. We then sold their home and moved them away from all their family and friends. It’s been a big 12 months, and now I want to create such special places for them.

When I think of how I want to design their bedrooms, I know I want to incorporate so many elements that just make them feel special, valued, loved, and excited. I want to create a space that has them dreaming, creating, playing and of course imagining.

I hinted that I had huge plans for my boys bedroom when I shared their chalkboard wall. Today, I want to share a first for me. I want to let you see the mess in my head. Here are my ideas for their room…

boy_bedroom_inspiration1. Caleb is obsessed with sports. We didn’t end up finding a house with a basement, so we knew he would need a basketball hoop in his room instead. He saw one he liked at Walmart, but it would have been like the third or forth one we have had. The little plastic hoop breaks so quickly. Matt’s parents found this one for Caleb for Christmas, and he loves it. At any one moment, I can have a sweaty boy running and jumping…even with a snow covered driveway.

2. I think I mentioned in our new home tour, that the boys’ room was the previous owner’s office. They have lots of different lighting and places to add a fun industrial take on those light fixtures. These lights I saw online, but we will figure out a DIY version because the $489 price tag was a little steep for us.

3. You may remember my boys had Transformer decals in their last bedroom. Their newest phase is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, so we decided together we had to have their two favorites turtles for their room. Whenever they dress up or play turtles they always pick their favorite, Raphael and Donatello. For as much as I loath posters, I adore RoomMate decals!

4. There is never enough accent walls and patterns in my house. I want the walls to be as inspirational as the things placed on them. It’s a blank canvas waiting to be transformed. I am so excited to use this Royal Designs Studio stencil in their room.

5. Now, my J loves animals. They have a special place in his heart. When he is outdoors his stubbornness melts and he is the sweetest thing. I have to figure out a way get some nature in his room. We might do some plants and get their fish tank going again, but I also want to hang some stuffed animals on the wall (as you will see in a picture below inspired me) like this sweet moose.

6. We love the simple look of this stuffed bear I made. So adding some simple designs with bold patterns are a must.

7. Again, I want this first winter living in what I call North Mountain (for all you Frozen fanatics, you know what I mean), to be awesome. I want to be proactive in getting that little boy energy out, so they don’t get in trouble swinging from chandeliers. I love the idea of figuring out a way/space to add a climbing wall and I found these rocks.

Now, let me show you one of the funnest bunk beds I have ever seen. When I saw this picture from The Hut, I knew we needed to use it to inspire our boys’ beds. Matt is going to build the boys a bunk bed, and I love the tree house, simplicity and fun of this bed. What a fun way to also have a spacial nook in a room that you share!? We might need two of these.

bunk_bedI am also planning to create a little wall gallery with some of their art or things that I have already made them. We are going to hang up their batman board game.

DIY_batman_party_gameWe definitely need to hang this Batman felt garland back up. It was above Caleb’s red dresser in their last room and looked awesome.

Batman_party_decorI painted this sign years ago. It’s funny I showed it on our very first blog. This project alone started me dreaming of this blog now. So, cool to still have it. I’m forever thankful I didn’t sell it.

let_the_wild_rumpus_startI still like the hanging basket we had above J’s dresser too.

kids_dresserI love the idea of this felt pennant, but I would want it to say “be wild”.

DIY_felt_pendentAs you can see, we have lots of projects and are definitely dreaming big. Why not!? We only live once. There will be lots of love put into these projects, and I will take you on the journey with us. It will be fun to see if the final reveal has some or any of these elements.

DIY_boy_bedroomDo you have or know a little boy that would like this room too? Please feel free to share this post. I’d also love it, if you pinned it to one of your Pinterest boards! Inspiring others to dream big will always be one of my favorites things about this blog.

I hope and pray you can imagine and create this week. We all might not have a full day to create or start the kind of project that a tree house bed requires, but maybe we can find an hour. Carve an hour out of your schedule or mark it on your schedule, before it is claimed for you. I will too.

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Disclosure: This post does include affiliate links, but all feelings and opinions are my own.

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My Boys’ Room Inspiration

January 11, 2015 By Erica Deuel Leave a Comment

I grew up sharing a room with a younger sister. It is hard stuff to blend two different personalities, styles, behaviors into one little space. Kind of like marriage, right?

Looking back, those late night whispers, singing, and even complaining about whose side belonged to who are some of my favorite childhood memories.

Even if we had the space for our boys to have their own room, I would still make them share. I hope and pray they grow up with memories of those same little whispers, we often hear well after we have tucked them in for the night. My boys are best friends and they would tell anyone that is true. We didn’t get very far in designing their last bedroom. We had huge plans, but it was one of the last rooms to start tackling and as soon as we had space and time to really dive into it, we moved.

Now that we are in our new home, I am dreaming up a space for them that they will love.

Our boys are very different… one is all sports and people, the other is more timid and is in his element in the quiet outdoors exploring. As I have thought about how to create a space that both boys love (and that helps us in the long, cold winters), I came up with one element that would be the inspiration for the whole room.

They needed a chalkboard wall.

boys_wall_inspirationIt is funny to me that this will be the third house we do chalkboard walls, yet I have never shown you HOW I do my walls. I am obsessed with them, and I want to quickly show you how you can create one too.

First off, Rustoleums Chalkboard paint is my absolute favorite. It’s the first one I used four years ago, and I still love it today.

chalkboard_paint1. To prep your wall, you simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or grime.

2. I use painter’s tape to frame in where I want to paint. I am a messy painter, so the tape helps me to stay off the window trim and adjacent walls. If you didn’t want to paint an entire wall like we do, you could also use painters tape to measure off a section of wall to create a smaller chalkboard.

using_painter_tape3. I then use a paint brush to cut in all the edges of my paint surface.

4. Next, I start rolling. It is very important to use a roller nap for a smooth surface. Light even strokes are important to create a smooth finished surface. I try to go slow to prevent much spraying and to ensure that the paint is going on evenly. After the wall is painted, I let it dry four hours and do a second coat. Since we are in a slightly colder climate this time around, I let it dry longer. I painted the first coat one afternoon and the next afternoon I did a second coat.

painting_a_chalkboardDo not worry if the paint looks more navy while it is wet, It will dry a really pretty dark, soft black.

chalkboard_paint_color5. Once the wall has two coats and is dry, we wait three days before we use it. Before writing on it, it is important to condition the wall by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over the surface and erase. This will create a layer of chalk dust that provides the best erasable surface later on. You should then wait seven days before using a damp cloth to wash the wall. This ensures the paint has fully cured for chalkboard mode.

Now, of all the wonderful ideas I have for this room, I can promise you this next picture shows TWO things that I did not have in my design.

falcons_postersOh the posters… I loath them. I think I literally shrieked when my brothers gave those to Caleb for Christmas. Caleb shrieked as well but his was from delight. Those posters are not what I had planned for my boys’ room, but it is their room. I hope they have the memory growing up that their mom let them have a say in their room.

There’s still a huge section of this wall that can be used for drawing and writing. I hope it helps them to dream and create. I see some tic-tac-toe games in our future here while also using it during some of our homeschool lessons. I know it will get used as its intended chalkboard purpose, but I actually love the soft black color for just a wall in general too. Seeing the posters up on the other half of the wall (and the rich color that helped his posters pop {shesh those posters}), gave me an idea for another wall in the house to paint with Rustoleum Chalkboard paint too. I will show you more of that room soon!

So, do you love chalkboard walls too? Do you have a child obsessed with something that includes lots of posters?

Do you have any posters that you may or may not secretly hope they keep falling off the wall?

I am excited to share with you more of what we have planned for this room soon! For now, it’s one of the first projects we have tackled other than unpacking boxes. I hope you have a great week and get the opportunity to create!

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Disclosure: I received the Rustoleum Chalkboard paint for free, but all feelings and opinions are my own. This post does include affiliate links.

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