My name is Katie and I have been making jewelry for what seems like forever. During the day I'm an Occupational Therapist who works with kids in schools and the clinic. After starting grad school and entering into a new profession I didn't have enough time or confidence to spend "free time" doing something other than learning more about my profession and how to be a good therapist. Now that I have some experience under my belt I wanted to start making time for something else I loved doing. As much as I love making jewelry, I also love buying beads and gemstones. Like we're talking boxes of them. I'll be listing those individually for those of you that want to make your pretty things too

Please find all my listings on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KatherineRae

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Here is the step by step, in pictures, of the process of making the chevron paintings. The original was one large canvas, instead I used 2 12x12 canvases.

I split the canvas into 4 equal sections.  To start the chevron lines, I measured maybe an inch down the two outer most lines. From there, I used the ruler to find an angle I liked and drew it in to connect the first line and the left edge. Once I had the first point on the left edge of the board, I measured straight across and made a dot on the middle and right most edge of canvas. From there it's connect the dots. I varied the width of the lines, but its easy once you have your starting line.

Taping was actually the most time intensive. First I set up two long stripes diagonally, so they fell inside the first and third diagonal line. This will let you paint over the pencil lines originally drawn in. Taping also has to be done in steps, not every other line can be painted in at once because of the variations in line thickness, and the width of tape. I didn't really have a method here. I outlined as many grey lines as I could - once those were painted and dried, I took the tape off and added tape to the other lines I was not able to get the first time around. Once the two outer columns are finished and dried, you can begin to work on the middle columns. 

All my tape!

Finished product!

Here is the link to the full tutorial over at Studio 5

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I started working a painting a few days ago, that was inspired by this canvas:

Source: studio5.ksl.com via Katie on Pinterest

My canvas pieces are 12 x 12, so I think I may do a series of 2 or 3 smaller ones and keep the color pattern the same.  I've only had time to paint the base white, but I promise to update once I have them outlined and painted.


I started grad school today, so time isn't really in my favor.  Let's hope I stay sane enough to keep up with this blog :)

One-Lump-Or-Two

I know I'm not the only one out there who loves the lamps from Anthropologie, but really doesn't have a few hundred dollars to dish out for them.  The One-Lump-Or-Two lamp has been on my wishlist for what feels like years, with no sight of a sale coming any time soon. The next best thing? Look for a DIY!

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Katie on Pinterest

Isn't her version so pretty? I actually might like it better then the Anthro version, but that might be because I'm doing my new room in white, gray and yellow.

Here is the entire tutorial - which actually looks pretty do-able.  I'd love to hear if you have recreated this lamp and have any other tips!

I found it!!

Remember my Rhododendron Chandelier post??  WELL, I was on Pinterest (really, what did I do with my time before finding this site?) and found a tutorial on how to make one that looks so similar to the real thing!

Real Thing:

Saucy Glossie's

Here is a link to her page to find out the instructions!

Enjoy!

Lace decoupage

Modge Podge is going to become my favorite new craft item! The first time I ever used it was for my tile project below, and since have been searching for different ways to use it. This is my favorite by far!

Source: urbancomfort.typepad.com via Katie on Pinterest

Aren't these beautiful! I really am a sucker for anything lace.  I'd really like to make a whole drinking glass set out of these, but don't think that's very safe. Maybe I'll just settle for a few vases!

I'm moving tomorrow and have already started a few projects for my room.

Cant wait to share them with you!

Tile Coasters

I was on Pinterest and found a link on how to make these cute coasters:

Source: lightrefreshmentsserved.com via Katie on Pinterest

I really NEVER use coasters, but was feeling a little crafty and wanted to do something easy...And these were easy!

All you need:

tiles (these are slightly bigger than 4x4)
Scrap book paper in 4"x4" sheets
modge podge
a sealing spray
felt circles for the bottom of the tile.

How to:

Cover the tiles with the modge podge and place paper in center. Smooth out the paper then add more modge podge over the paper, covering the tile.  Once dry, spray the tile with a sealant and add felt circles to the bottom of the tile.