Summer Improvements

I was going to title this post crafty creations but I decided against it because everything that I am going to post really isn't a craft. I do count all of it to be an improvement to our house though... which makes this post so exciting. We are very slowly improving our amazing house. Josh has been a big help over the last few weeks since I started working. He said that we now have switched places and that it is his turn to take care of the house as I work full time. We'll see how well that really works out since he starts school full time on Monday. Anyway... here are some of the great things that we were able to do over the summer. First, I'll show all my projects so far.

I actually made this picture over a year ago. My mom got it framed for my 21st birthday. However, I just had to show it off because I am so proud of it. It is a cross-stitch and I love it to death. It is probably my favorite one that I have ever done.

I actually made these curtains from a sheet. The sheet was only $4.00 at Walmart. I cut it in half, sewed the edge so the fabric wouldn't fray (and to make it look nice) and then I used the casing at the top to make a decorative edge and a place for the curtain rod. It took about 30 minutes total and was a ton of fun! The curtains are in our family room and when closed, they can keep out a lot of light.

These pillows were made to match the curtains in the family room. I made these out of pillowcases. I took the original stitching out and then cut them to the size I wanted, sewed them, stuffed them, and then stitched up the stuffing whole. These were really easy too! I like to use them for naps but most of the time the end up on the floor. I don't know why.

I made these pillows to match the curtains in our bedroom. I figure we needed something in our window seat so I took the curtains that Karen gave me and took out the stitching. These were just as easy as the other ones and they add some cute decoration to the window seat. I love to read in this area when I want to be by myself. Oh! I also hemmed the curtains.

This is actually a coaster. I made these one day when my friends and I were hanging out and making crafts. Underneath the little mirror squares is a 4x4 piece of cork board. I think that they are really cute and were very easy to make! (Along with everything else I did.)

I've made a TON of cards. SHHH! They are for Christmas presents... but I'm not saying who exactly they are for. These are my four favorites so far. I am still working on others. I have about 10 of each and many different baby, wedding, and birthday cards. I hope the people that I am giving them to will like them.

This is a pencil jar. It isn't very elaborate but I still really like it. I actually made two, one for the kitchen and the other for next to the computer. The can was a former green bean can and then I stuck it in the dishwasher and decorated it very cute. I'm proud of my creation.

This really wasn't a craft. However, I had to show it off. Josh cleaned up the living room and since I got a job I was able to buy a curtain rod and put up the curtains that I bought several months ago. I love the living room because of this area. By the way, the chair was free, my dad got it from a friend. The table was repainted black thanks to Josh and a can of spray paint. I will admit that I am almost not ashamed of the living room. I still want my piano but that may have to wait awhile longer. (Go figure.)

Oh yeah, we also put in a couple of other chairs. When Josh got fired back in May he was able to take these front office chairs and table. They have come in very handy. However, now that we have moved things this wall is very blank and it is starting to bother me. I haven't decided what to do with it yet. Hopefully I will decide soon!

Here is a picture of our shelves that are now in our garage. The shelves aren't in them yet but they are still useful. My dad got them from free. He's always finding cool things like this and giving them to his daughters. You have to love my dad because he is always thinking of us when he can get something for free and is still usable.

The last two pictures that you just saw was our garage. Josh cleaned it out. It looks a lot better than it used to although it is still pretty messy. If things are maneuvered around a little I will be able to park my car inside. Well, after moving things around and getting the garage door fixed I will be able to park the car inside.