Kitchen Organization

Where, oh where have I been?  Well, I could tell you that I have been creating and have a load of new projects to share with you, but that wouldn't be entirely the truth.

I have been continuing my quest to make more organized space in my home.  I have been doing let's say research too.  Ok, you got me, I have been on Pinterest....ALOT!  But, I have been getting inspiration.  That counts, right?

My latest venture has taken me back to my kitchen.  I decided to purchase some slide transfer paper and make some labels for an old set of canisters I have had since I first got married nearly 22 years ago.  These canisters, a three piece set, came with an bread box.  It has never been updated and is beginning to look hideous in my updated kitchen.

The first step in the project was to find some affordable slide transfer paper.  I went on a few websites after Googling "slide transfer paper".  The best place I found to purchase it was on Ebay, of course.  In a few days, it was delivered right to my door. 

While I was waiting for the paper to arrive, I needed to find just the right printable labels.  I found a great place to get these free printables at I Heart Organizing.  They looked great with one drawback.  I wanted different sizes and words all on one sheet to maximize the paper space.  So, I downloaded the labels that I liked and went to my trusty Photoshop to incorporate the wording and sizes that I needed.

I printed out what I needed and began following the directions in preparing the slide transfers.  I got this information from a popular Pinterest site called The Painted Hive.  The free printables from these website have been trending on Pinterest for awhile.  The information on where to buy and how to use the slide transfer paper is easy to follow.

I will use the larger labels on some big glass canisters that I keep inside the cabinet.  I will be sure to post pictures of that process as well.

I liked the look of the labels and was happy to finally see this old set get an update.  However, I was a little bit disappointed when I actually put product inside the canisters.  It seemed, especially on the brown sugar canister, that my lettering blended in and became difficult to see.  If I where to do it again, I think I would choose a different font that is easier to see.

The final product, although not outstanding, turned out fairly good.  Now I think I will work on updating the box itself.  Maybe some white paint and a little distressing.

What I most learned from this project is that while on paper it may look great, I should look ahead at what the use of the project will be.  I am not overall disappointed.  And, anytime that you can complete a project and learn something new about the entire process, you are already ahead for the next project that comes down the line.  

Remember it is your world to create.  Sometimes we get caught up in what someone will think of a project when they first come into our home and see it.  This is not overall a bad thing.  We want others to appreciate our craftiness and compliment us on it.  However, I am a believer that you, the "artist", should be satisfied at the end of a craft project.  If you look at the project and know that it what you envisioned in your head when you began, then it is perfect.

So, go out there and create!

Spring Has Sprung

For spring in Missouri, it has been extra warm...early.  I'm not complaining at all.  I love spring.  To see all the vegetation come back to life is refreshing.  It seems to give everyone a new hope of better days.

I have been waiting for the day that I could take some pictures of something other than dead trees, brown grass and just plain dull colors.  Finally, I have beautiful flowers on my pear tree.  I had to snatch my camera up and head out in the yard for some photography.

This last picture is my favorite of the day's shots.  The gorgeous, delicate white blooms with the bright green leaves.  Did I mention that I LOVE Spring!?

Go out and create your world, however that may be.

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Sharing Inspiration

Over the past few years, I have developed a love for crafting my own jewelry.  It seems that every time that I walk into a store, I am drawn to the jewelry section, not to buy, but to get inspiration for my own creations.  

With my disability, I don't get to craft the type of jewelry I would love to learn, like wire wrap jewelry. I love the look and the designs, but my hand just will not operate that well.  I am having another surgery on my hand soon and am hoping that when this one is done that I will be able to teach myself this technique.

I rarely use an entire tutorial or design belonging to someone else.  It seems that when I begin, my creativity takes over.  I use other's jewelry as inspiration and tutorials in order to help me achieve the design in my mind.  

As promised, I am sharing with you some of my original designs.  I hope that you can gather some inspiration from my pieces.  Since I'm not good at step-by-steps when it comes to my jewelry making, I will not even try to explain how I achieved the look.  None of the pieces are complicated...I am not a professional jewelry maker :).  Enjoy!

Go out in the world and create something!  Hope that you now inspired.

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Family Fun Day

Yesterday was an entire day filled with family fun.  First up was shooting at our farm.  The hubby got a new shotgun and couldn't wait for a pretty day to go out and shoot with it.  He, our daughter, and a friend had alot of fun shooting skeet, while I got a chance to finally shoot people with the new camera I received for Christmas.

Here are a few shots (get it...ha, ha):

I love these first couple of shots.  I can't believe that I was able to catch the shells flying from the gun.  I think for a beginner, these were great.

After the shooting was done.  We all headed back home to get ready for a load of laughs at the Jeff Dunham concert.  I have always thought that his shows and DVD's were funny.  But, seeing him live is even better.  The Achmed doll was not cooperating at all, but Jeff just went with it and ad-libbed.  It was hilarious.

After I recuperate from all the laughing, I shall get back to being creative.  I still have a list of projects that I want to do, and will.  Please stay tuned for them.  In the meanwhile, my provoking thought for the day is:

Go out and create your world, but don't forget to laugh a little along the way.

A Little Inspiration

Today seemed like a good day to share a little inspiration.  I have been so busy lately that I feel like I am running in place.  I have so many thing to accomplish and there just isn't enough hours in the day.  I hope you enjoy this and share it.

Go out and CREATE your world!

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Precious Moments Chapel Photography

The last couple of days have been gorgeous for Missouri weather at this time of year.  Although, the wind had been insanely strong.  Even though there are only buds on the trees and a few flowers popping out for spring, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to grab my camera and take a day out in the 70 degree weather.

I live less than an hour from the Joplin/Carthage area, so I decided to trek off to the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri.  It is one of the most peaceful and gorgeous places.  I have been going regularly for years.  Every time I go, I leave with this feeling of inner peace.

I thought that I would share some photos.  You can view the entire collection at Kimberz Photostream .  In the meantime, here is a sneak peek.

I can't wait for everything to green up to go back.  In the blooming season, the Chapel's grounds are gorgeous.  Stay tuned for those.

As always, stay creative.  Get out there and create something beautiful.

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Organization and Jewelry

Where have I been?  Well, if you only knew.  Since before Christmas, I have been on this major organization kick in our house.  I am tired of being crammed into this small space.  Since buying a new house at this point in time is not an option, I must improvise.  

My kitchen has been screaming for some much needed attention.  I wanted to start on those cabinets by getting some new pans.  My old ones were in horrible shape...I haven't bought any new ones in years.  So, the first order of business was pans.  I wanted to switch to stainless steel and take a swing at those.  I loved the new Paula Deen line, so I started there.  Who can beat the price? ($100 at Wal-Mart)

So here is the before and after....so far.  I am not finished yet, but it is a GOOD start.

I just keep telling myself that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  My goal is to have my home organized from top to bottom by the end of the summer.  I hope to achieve more space!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to share with you my newest jewelry project. (I will get some of my old stuff posted soon)  I love to make jewelry and am always looking for new inspiration.  Thank you, Pinterest.  

While I have been searching through the pins on Pinterest, I kept seeing chain maille jewelry.  I loved it and had to learn it.  So, I printed off a basic "stitch".  This was my first piece.  I AM HOOKED!!  I have ordered a load of jump rings.  Let's see what I come with.

As always...remember to stay creative.  Your comments and links are welcome.  I need some more dressing on my blog.

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Reaching Out

It is a somber day for me.  For the first time in my life, my life is being directly impacted by breast cancer.  A week ago, my sister-in-law found out that she has breast cancer.  I have only known a handful of people that have had this disease...none as close as a loved one.

I continue to keep her in my thoughts and prayers throughout everyday of the past week.  Today is her first treatment.  Thankfully she is a strong person already.  I know that she will not let this disease get her down without a fight.

Today I am asking for all those out there reading this blog to remember that breast cancer takes a lot of lives each year.  Early detection is the best defense.  Please take a moment and say a little prayer for all those affected and support research to stop this disease.

It is Almost Spring

It has been a little strange weather-wise around good ole' Missouri.  We have had an unseasonably warm winter with very little snow.  Never a good sign.  Tuesday evening, three tornadoes hit in the area (within 35 miles from my home in three directions).  Scary stuff.  Lucky the lose of life was minimal considering it could have been horrible.  Branson was hit the hardest.

Now, today it is going to be in the 70s and dropping back down to the 30s tonight.  NICE! (that was sarcasm)  I wish that it would decide one way or the other to be either winter or spring.  More storms are heading our direction on Friday.  Sometimes I really hate living in tornado alley.

I am hoping to get a couple of my projects completed today and posted soon.  In the meantime, keep creative everyone.