Gathered Truths

I'm so excited to finally share this project today. This one took a lot of perseverance. I'm so glad I stuck with it because I love the final product!

I am a quote hoarder. I can't read a book or watch a movie without writing something down that relates to my life. The problem is I always keep them on sticky notes. I have many unorganized piles of notes full of thoughts and quotes I have gathered over the years. I have never found a way to have all of them in one spot that inspires me until I saw this in the Sundance Catalog. How lovely!

365 Gathered Truths

This box is full of 365 quotes printed on handmade paper. I felt this was the perfect way to organize my quotes, have them easily accessible, and have a great display item all in one! I knew this was something I could make. It would also be more personal considering I would use the quotes I had gathered! Added bonus... I'm saving myself $98! Yes, you heard me right, that's what this costs! Here is my version finally finished.

This project ended up being a lot more trouble than I thought it would be. I began by hunting for the perfect handmade paper. This was not an easy task for the price, but I ended up finding 140lb. watercolor paper on sale at Michaels. I love the texture and the thickness.

After purchasing my paper, it occurred to me that the thick paper wouldn't feed through a normal at-home printer. I began to visit every copy/office shop I could find. This paper would not feed through the machines! I began to give up on this fantastic idea of mine. After a few weeks of stewing about my failed project, my little sister mentioned trying the copy machine they have at the school where she teaches. Sure enough, the paper fed through and I couldn't have been more excited and grateful for her help!

I typed about 65 quotes using different fonts that resembled a typewriter. Each card was cut at 3 1/2in by 2 1/2in and I tore one edge with a Paper Tear Edger. My Mom helped with painting the cheese box with red craft paint leaving some of the wood exposed for an older, distressed look. I found the metal label at Jo-ann Fabrics and held it in place with two tacks.

I can keep adding to my box as I gather future quotes. The whole project was worth the hassle. I'm so happy with having my quotes all organized in one place. I also love having them on display to share inspiration with others!

I think this calls for a quote.

 "There is always a way, even if it seems impossible.

In the face of impossible become inspired."

{linked up to}

My New Groove

Hello All! I'm sure you have noticed I have been MIA for a few weeks! I slipped out of my blogging groove and wasn't feeling as motivated. I found myself living life through blog posts and needed a little break to find balance with experiencing life and sharing it on a blog. Thank you for checking back and being patient! I'm still so grateful to have an outlet to share my projects, ideas, and adventures. I also have loved getting feedback from all of you.

I have been working on quite a few projects and decorating for fall. I also have finished up two pieces of furniture that I can't wait to share! Now the bad news...I shut down my computer recently and the next day it would not turn back on! My computer bit the dust after 7 years. Hopefully, I will have a replacement for next week to edit my pictures and post about my projects.

Hope you all have been enjoying this fall. I can't believe the gorgeous weather we have been having! We have had full sunshine with temperatures in the 70's and 80's. This is so unusual for Indiana, but I'm not complaining!

An Awakening Moment

I had a major hiccup with my quote project and struggled to find the words or ideas to blog today. It was a busy day working in the salon and I had an awakening moment!

Halfway through my day, one of my regular clients arrived. As I walked up to talk about what we would be doing with her hair today, I noticed she looked very tired and upset. She had tears in her eyes as she told me she wanted to shave all of her hair off. I have been cutting this woman's hair for five years and have become close with her. We both just looked at each other and had a moment of pure reality of what this meant. We both had tears. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She had surgery and then went into remission. A few weeks ago it had gotten worse and she began a very forceful treatment causing her hair to fall out. She decided she couldn't stand the torture of finding clumps of hair on her pillow and decided to have me cut it all at once. I was very resistant at first, but after she had explained, I pulled her into my chair and told her how fantastic she would look! This is honestly a haircut I have never done before so I was telling her she was helping me as well. I took the clippers and began shaving her head as tears rolled down her face. This made it real. I began to lighten it up with other subjects and tried my best to make her feel good. 

She walked out of the salon with no hair on her head, but she was so brave with a smile. She inspired me today. This makes my daily problems seem so small. Thank God, for he gives us these awakening moments to teach us. I thank God for my blessings.

A Linen Wreath

I fell in love with this wreath at Beautiful Nest and decided to head off to the fabric store for some linen! She gives a wonderful tutorial here on how to make it so I won't go into too much detail. I do want to add that I used 4 1/2 yards of fabric. I felt it needed to be full. I also tore my strips at 4 1/2 wide and then folded them at 4 inches.

I added a bit of personal touch with the fabric flowers. I love how each one turned out and the colors go nicely with my bookends in the living room!

I'm hoping of hanging this in an old window frame (which I don't own yet)... Guess I will need to do some antique shopping to find one!

Enjoy your weekend!

A Sneak Peek

I have been so busy with a couple of different projects going. I thought I would show just a sneak peek of what I have been working on!

One includes quotes I have gathered over the years and a cheese box...

This one is made up of folded linen and a wire hanger!

I have been a little under the weather from getting a Tetanus shot yesterday. I had a side effect of a full blown fever with cold and hot flashes and achiness all over! I feel much better today and hopefully will finish up these projects soon so I can share! Thank you for the patience this week.