DIY: Framed Canvas Decor

There is a tutorial somewhere down the page, but in order to introduce it I have to give the back story and let you into my world for a second.  The other day I was browsing the web when I came across a blog with a super cute nursery post.  Halfway down the post was a small graphic that had this verse on it:

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."

Psalm 139:13-14

Aside from the fact that I am already extremely hormonal, the Lord really spoke to me as I read it and before I knew it I was sitting there crying.  Yes, I have heard this verse many a times probably just like you, but that was the first time I'd studied it since I became pregnant.

This verse is so powerful in many ways.  I began to think of how amazing God is and how He in that very instant, the months before, and even in the months to come was knitting together our little boy inside of me.  That is truly a miracle only He can perform.  I thought back to the precious little baby we'd lost and just how even with him/her He'd done the same thing.  Jace is such a miracle and we cannot wait to meet him!

I decided I wanted to use that verse somewhere around the nursery.  I have a few old frames I thought of using in a collage on a shelf somewhere and thought it'd be fun to print the verse on canvas and frame it up with the collage.  You can use this technique to print any graphic, poem, verse, or whatever--this is just what I did.


I started from scratch with the verse and changed the fonts and layout until I was pleased with how it looked.

 I recommend printing on regular printer paper first as a test to see how it looks in the frame and if any adjustments need to be made.  I used an 8.5x11 inch piece of canvas to make printing easier, but made sure to adjust the graphic so it'd fit a 5x7 frame.

Next, I took regular old craft canvas (which can be bought at pretty much any craft store) and cut an 8.5x11 inch piece.  I then cut a piece of card stock the same size, leaving just enough on the ends to tape the two together.  I am no "master crafter," and quite frankly most of the time I just like to get stuff done.  So this is probably not the most effective way of printing on fabric, but it worked just fine for me!  The card stock provides a little support for the flimsy canvas to go through the printer.

I set my printer as if I were printing a photo, hit print, and hoped for the best.  Once finished, I used the glass from the frame as a guide to trace around so I'd know how much excess canvas to cut off.

**The last few pictures are slightly blurry--sorry about that!

I decided not to use the glass to frame the canvas simply because I like how it looks better.  When it comes time to actually putting it up in the nursery I may change my mind.



Hopefully one day soon I can show you what it looks like in the nursery! :) 

 -Megan

Coffee Table Redo

Anthony and I finished our first home project--redoing our coffee table!  I snagged this baby at a yard sale last year shortly after we moved for a whopping $7.00!  The table was in great shape with no dings or scratches and to top it off is actually solid wood.  I wasn't crazy about the large tabletop or the color, but for $7.00 I couldn't pass it up.

My "vision" for the new house is somewhat of a shabby chic, Country Living, comfy cozy, serene type of vibe.  Before, this table didn't really fall into any of those categories and I just knew we'd be buying a new table once we moved.  Then Pinterest came into my life and I saw the possibilities for this table.  I got the project bug and wanted to see if I could transform it.

We started by sanding the top with our new handy dandy Dewalt Orbital Sander.  We used 80 grit to remove the stain (next time we'll be sure to use 50 or 60) and smoothed it down with 220 grit.  We sanded the edges by hand using 100 grit sandpaper, smoothing with 150 grit.

After sanding, I took a damp cloth to the surface to clean off the dust.  I ran a damp cloth with detergent over the rest of the table to clean off any dirt/dust to make sure I had a clean surface to paint over.  Looking back, I probably would've scuffed up the legs a little before painting just to make the job a little easier.

Next we applied two coats of Minwax Classic Walnut to the tabletop and painted three coats of Glidden Antique White to the legs, lightly sanding in between coats.  Once the final coat of paint dried we took 100 grit sandpaper randomly over the edges and legs to distress it.

**Make sure you use a Halloween table/drop cloth like mine for best results.

Lastly, we applied two coats of Polyurethane Clear Semi-Gloss over the entire table.  Boy am I glad to have this finished!

**Sorry these pictures aren't the greatest--I was so excited to get this post finished and show the finished product that they had to be taken outside.  I'll post more once Anthony gets home and can carry the massive table inside for me! :)

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I'm so happy with how it turned out and can't wait to see how it'll look in our new home!

-Megan

25 Weeks Pregnant!

How far along? 25 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: About 18 pounds--its obvious my appetite is back!

 Maternity clothes? Yes!  I don't see why people make such a big deal about wearing them, they are pretty comfy.
Stretch marks? Nope.
Best moment this week: Going to register for the baby shower with Mom.

Miss anything: Being able to sleep on my stomach!
Movement: All day every day

  Food cravings: Oreos and Teriyaki Wings :)
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Reflux occasionally
Have you started to show yet: Yessum

  Gender:  Baby boy!
Labor Signs: I hope not!  I have been having braxton hicks for weeks though.

  Belly Button in or out? Halfway in, halfway out
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy :)
Looking forward to: Getting in the house so I can start decorating the nursery.

-Megan

DIY: Burp Cloth

I haven't been able to start decorating the baby's nursery yet since we are moving in about two months.  I've got the crib just sitting, still in the box along with various other pieces of furniture and decor I've collected for the nursery.  I'm itching to decorate it, but at this point it is physically impossible.  I wanted a project that I could work on right now, so a few weeks ago Mom and I headed to Mary Jo's in search of fabric.  I made out with a super cute jungle/animal themed pattern and some blue minky material that matched.  No luck in finding fabric for the crib bedding I hope to make, but I wasn't leaving empty handed.  I ended up sewing this cute little blanket (which doesn't match the color scheme nor theme I plan on using for the nursery) but hey, you can never have enough blankets!

I had tons of the minky material left over and was in search of a new project.  After thinking about my options I decided to try my hand at making burp cloths, which leads me to the point of this post. 

What You'll Need:

- 18" x 8" piece of cotton fabric

- 18" x 8" piece of matching minky, chenille, or fleece fabric (terry cloth or pre-fold cloth diapers work as well)

- Matching thread (I matched mine to the minky fabric)

1. Start by washing and drying all of your fabric to preshrink it.  Then cut equal 18" x 8" pieces, adding 1/2" for the seam allowance.

2. Place the pieces with right sides facing one another and pin in place around the edges.

 

3. Begin sewing a 1/2" seam making sure to leave a 1 1/2" - 2" opening on one side in order to flip the material right side out.  Remember to backstitch about 1/2" when starting and stopping around this opening.

4. Remove the pins, clip your corners, and turn the burp cloth ride side out.

5. At this point I like to iron the fabric so it lays better while creating a top stitch.  **Do not iron the minky material, only the cotton!  The heat will ruin the fabric.  Once ironed, pin around the edges and sew a 1/4" top stitch on all sides (this will close the turning hole.)

Now sit back and admire your creation!

-Megan