Shop News: Mini Chalkboard Necklace is Back!

Oh me, oh my, look at what's back at the shop!  I made chalkboard necklaces this year in the color gold.  They are going fast and are not all completely in the shop.  I have one in the shop now, so grab it before it's gone too!
They are certainly a conversational piece.  You may write whatever message you like using a chalk, chalk pencil or ink chalk.

I decided to make a few this year before the Holidays, since I still had a few supplies left. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the glass magnets.  To be honest, my wholesaler has increased prices and it doesn't make sense to sell them at a higher price, so dear magnets lovers, I'm not sure if they will be in the shop this year.  I guess we'll have to see, don't lose hope just yet.

The pendant itself measures 1 inch in diameter and you have the choice of either getting the chain link featured in the image or a gold colored ball chain.  Drop by the shop for more information.
Share with your friends incase they are looking for something different.  Enjoy your day and thank you for visiting!

Photo Book Design Secrets from the Pros, Compliments of Blurb

This post contains affiliate links and will compensated only if you make a purchase after clicking my links. Hey friends!  Have you been taken plenty of photographs the last few months, years? I'm pretty sure that your photos are stunning, because you snapped them.  Your photo galleries are sublime. You've spent hours sorting and editing your shots  into individual masterpieces, and are now ready to take the next step— publishing them into a printed collection of your art. 
Before you jump online and start pouring your pictures  onto the blank pages of a photo book, take a look at this video from Blurb.  In this video,  learn graphic design secrets to create a clean, high quality photo book—such as how  to avoid falling into the "gutter".  Blurb will help you turn your photography into the  magnum opus that graces your coffee table, as opposed to just another book of pictures. 

Ready to start publishing? Save 20% on photo books with code OCT20%, which is  great news if you're thinking ahead to the holidays and making your work of art  into a gift to send.  Special offer for new customers only—save 25% on photo books  with code OCT25%… even better for those of you who are new to Blurb books.  Just don't wait because these deals end October 31st, so get going. I hope that you enjoy these tips as much as I did.   What photos will you include in your photo book?

Pumpkins Everywhere

The Velver Window (Etsy)

  Hello, friends and Happy October!  I am so glad that we have reached this lovely time of year.

It is the month of cooler temperatures; can you feel the soft cool breeze on your skin when

you take your morning strolls?  What about the beautiful foliage colors changing on the trees?

I have begun to see the rich colors showing through the branches.  It is also a time for
fun autumn decor, hayrides, pumpkin patches, apples, pies, lattes, fall home tours, and
all things pumpkin.  With that said, I wanted to take a moment and share with you
some cute pumpkin finds on Etsy.

I thought that these were worth putting up for those

of you looking for unique pumpkin decor for your home, office or even little gifts.  

Candy Fleece (Etsy)

Ever Blooming Original (Etsy)

mmwolters (Etsy)

ThePurpleHippyShop (Etsy)

Hawthorne Hill (Etsy)

Hope that you enjoy!

Picnic Table Makeover

Hello friends! Today I decided to finally show a project that is long overdue, but I did promise some folks I'd have it posted on here regardless, so here we go.

I started out with a plain, store bought, raw wood, picnic table and made it lovely with paint and stain.

It was rough on the surface and along the edges, not comfortable if you are using it for the summer months, so I had it completed sanded down to smooth out the surface.

Once everything was nice and smooth, I began the painting process. I started with chalk paint and used about three coats for this porous wood.

After I painted the bottom white and the paint was completely dry, I used a wax to give it a little sheen and to protect the surface. As you can see below, the top of the table is still raw. I wanted to make that wood look a bit aged, I used the same technique for the wood, as I did with the chalkboard frame.

I loved how it turned out.  I cannot wait to decorate with an Autumn theme.  The picnic table is
currently sitting in my kitchen area until we can get a breakfast table. In the mean time,
this is working out fine.
You can see below how the top turned out after the stain and wax.  This is a phone image.

I hope that you enjoyed it and have a great week!

Getting Started (Making a Book)

*This post contains affiliate links and will compensated only if you make a purchase after clicking my links.


I've wanted to make another book, but the idea of starting it is pretty daunting. What should 
I put in it?  How do I get organized? (Don’t get me started about getting organized.) It seems 
almost easier to just give up. That’s why this Blurb video was so great to find! It answered 
all my questions (well, most of them) and got me pretty much squared away to make a really
sweet photo book. Check it out for yourself and see what you think. And, if you make your 
purchase by 9/30, you can Save 15% off photobooks at Blurb with code SEPT15%. 

For NEW customers; New customers save 20% off photobooks at Blurb with code 
SEPT20%

I hope that you enjoy your book making experience!