gallery life.

My empty-frame gallery needs a facelift.  

It's now been with me through two apartments for the length of three years, and I suppose I'm getting spring fever.  In my first apartment it hung on the wall of my reading nook, and in my current it hangs on the main wall of my living room.  

Though I loved the DIY (post to come), I think its time to bid farewell.  

 Cue the inspiration.  

photos via 

 I adore these galleries!  The character, sass, personality - it's like an autobiography hanging from your wall.  For the past few months I've been searching to collect just the right blend of personal photos, written prints, artwork and other knick knacks to create my ideal look.

I get caught between the refined look of evenly distributed matching white frames, versus the eclectic blend of mismatched frames and organized chaos.  I'm thinking I'll go with the latter, because let's be honest…my autobiography would not be refined :) 

white on wood

I was inspired by the lovely Nicole at Me Oh My! to create my own wooden wall art.  I spent months thinking about the perfect quote or set of lyrics, and I finally decided on an excerpt from Times by Tenth Avenue North, and I'm so happy with how it turned out!

Here's how I did it:

Step 1. Retrieve scrap wood from local hardware store.

Or your parents' garage :)

Step 2: Purchase stain in the shade of your preference. I went with the darkest shade I could find (right option), all others were too auburn for my taste.

Step 3: Use a paint brush or old rag to lightly brush stain onto wood surface. I felt I had more control by applying with the rag. I'd definitely recommend doing a trial run on the opposite side of the wood or on an additional piece of scrap wood. It can be tricky to distribute evenly!

Step 4: If necessary, wipe off the entire surface to even out the tone or clear excess stain. 

Let sit and dry for a few hours.

Step 5: Get ready to paint! I've seen so many cute color combinations, but I decided to stick with classic white for my first try.

Step 5: Use a ruler and pencil to map out your content and make sure your words are evenly spaced.

Step 6: Get painting! My brush was about 1 centimeter in width, which provided natural block letters.  Again, I'd recommend practicing on the other side of the wood or on scrap paper beforehand!

Step 7: Fill in and fix letters where necessary. 

                      

Step 8: Let dry and hang. 

Wa Lah! 

(how do you spell that?!) 

This was surprisingly easy and is perfectly paired with James Morrison Pandora radio and red wine :)

I can't wait to do it again!

Be sure to let me know how it goes if you decide to try it.

xoxo

Patchy

I've always had a crush on elbow patches. I currently have a sweater and a blazer with patches and I wear them biweekly, at least. If you haven't seen it already, Refinery29 has an awesome DIY to make your own patchy favorites. Check it out here!

xoxo

thankful thursdays

Extra reasons to smile this week:

1. A sun-kiss from the big guy above.
2. My new favorite nail polish: Essie Raspberry. Can't get enough.

3-4. Fresh tulips from the super market. Well, as fresh as they can get from Pick 'N Save. It's amazing the impact a few flowers can make.
5. Impromptu dinner with my aunt and uncle at Buckley's. Best lobster sandwiches and carrot cake...ever. Plus, it's adorable. and I love living close to family!
6. Psychology Today magazine. A supportive surprise from Michael as I figure out a plan for my next decade in life. It's the little things :)
7. Cinnamon toast crunch with berries....fabulous. Who says cereal isn't healthy?!
8. A mid-day phone call from my mom, "I just found the cutest flats for you!" Mom, you are awesome. And the shoes are too.
9. DIY for my apartment. It involved sawing. I felt like a lumberjack, and I was proud. Stay tuned.
10. Milk duds and popcorn from finally seeing Hunger Games. My favorite sweet and salty combo. And the movie? Can't get it off my mind.

11 - 12. Happy Easter! Two varying Easter outfits. We battle through ridiculous photos but sadly my bunny ears did not win. My oldest sister and her boyfriend dressed up as chickens and took a video of them clucking...winners.
13 - 14. I've been sick this week. I'm not a fan of feeling awful, but I do love an excuse to lay in bed all day surrounded by books and blogs and warm coziness. My saving grace was Silver Spray - it's the underdog for immune systems. Stay healthy, homies!

And of course, tomorrow's Friday :)

xoxo

Hangin with the Sun

I used to have tons of sunglasses. And then I kept them in various places that caused me to step, sit and smash all over them. As I replenish my stash, this stylish storage will be of great use for my sunnies!

Hows that for alliteration :)

.nerdalert.

Check out the full DIY at cupcakes and cashmere

xoxo

Chandelierious

I came across a new-to-me blog, Pagette Hoke, over the weekend and was incredibly impressed by her DIY! This has been added to my To Do list upon moving in to my new apartment, and I can't wait! Check out her tutorial here, and the rest of her blog too ;) The DIY originates here, but take caution - this website will open the floodgates!

Hooray for crafts.

xoxo

Maybe I think you're cute and funny..

I was browsing the beautiful Nicole's me oh my! and discovered a tour of her bedroom. My jaw dropped when I saw the above images. I've always wanted a statue of an old head and shoulders (why does that sound so creepy, haha, and why can't I think of it's actual term?). Her DIY's are so clever yet so doable! I always appreciate a fan of Ingrid Michaelson, and I always write down lyrics and post them around my room/office (via post-it, naturally), why not turn them into eclectic and romantic decor?! I can't wait to try them both for my new apartment. And I can't wait to see the look on Michael's face when I ask to trace him :)

xoxo