A Day for Driftwood

Yesterday after work I quickly changed my clothes into shorts and a tee to head over to Willow Grove in search of driftwood.  Lots of driftwood projects on Pinterest and those grabbed my attention as my next crafting project. What better way to pick up supplies but free at the river?

 As I made my way there my gas light came on so darn it had to stop for gas.

Next stop was Walmart to pick up a glue gun.  Been working with Elmers but that just wouldn't work with wood. I ran in, grabbed the gun and glue sticks along with a few 50 cent bottles of Beach Blue paint, and made my way to the self checkout line.  Almost done, reached for my wallet and....nothing.  Forgot my wallet in the car after getting gas.  Arrgggg!!!

Ran out to the car, ran back in, paid, and made my way to the river.  It was getting noticeably cooler and windy at that point.  Why did I not bring a sweatshirt?

The river was awesome with the exception of the wind whipping my hair in all directions along with the goosebumps due to the chill factor and 10 degree drop in temp.  But the sun was shining and in the end my bag was filled to full with driftwood.  There were a few pit stops on my way to the beach but it was worth the trip.

Aside from painting a few sand dollars from my Cannon Beach collection last night, the commencement of my glue gun driftwood projects won't start until this weekend.  Happy crafting!

Mercury Monday

After surfing Pinterest for an untold amount of time, I stumbled upon my next project - fake mercury glass.

After work on Monday I picked up Krylon Looking Glass paint and rubber gloves (I've learned my lesson there.)  I grabbed two lamps at home along with a tall vase for my test subjects.  Weather was hot and sunny so was ideal for my project outdoors.

First off I sprayed a light layer of water on each item.  I then sprayed each with the paint. Waited about 45 minutes then rubbed each with a wet paper towel to get that used and abused look.

Have to say they turned out pretty good!  The spray can does go pretty quick but I was happy to get all three projects done.

The Key Is To Say Yes

My goal over the last almost two months has been to keep myself busy. And boy have I ever!

Along with my normal work and commute, I added in church, women's Bible study, therapy, and another group meeting each week. I've mowed the lawns and cleaned up the yard. I've thrown in a mega amount of crafting and art projects. I've gone to Cannon Beach, lunch with friends, and reconnecting with my partner in crime Lynn as well as big sis Julie. Saw the dentist, washed the car, and read a new book.  Throw into the mix my break up with Steve and I have seriously been on a roll!  I'm sad about Steve but we are still in touch so one never knows.

I have learned so much over the last two months, mainly to look to God to guide me and give me strength.  I've been working on my mental, emotional and spiritual strength; now is the time to add in the physical side. Oh yay. But as they say the first step is the hardest.

I'be learned many lessons recently; one of the biggest is friends and family are your biggest fan club and support when you go through the tough times. I'm blessed to have so many who give me an outpouring of love when it's needed most.

Burritos, Bible, and Birthday

The last few weeks have been much filled with new activities.  Along with my standard routine of commute and work, I also threw into the mix church, women’s Bible study on Tuesdays, and crafting collage pictures.  It’s been a long time since I indulged my crafting side and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.  Tearing and gluing pieces of paper of all things seems to be the relaxing outlet for which I’ve been searching.

 

A big shout out to son Jordan, who turned 23 on May 23.  Last Saturday Sam and I drove to Portland to meet up with him and Candy at the Burrito House, a Mexican restaurant famous for its family size burrito as well as its “dough balls” – little pieces of fried bread into which you squirt a dollop of honey.  I passed on the honey but the bread was good.  Jordan and Candy insisted we order the family burrito, a half chicken and half beef burrito stuffed to the brim and surrounded by a bed of Spanish rice.  The size of it made quite the table presentation.  It was so big there were even leftovers. 

 

My next project involves a child’s chair which had been tossed into the garbage can at work.  I happened to be outside by the cans when a manager tossed the chair into the garbage bin.  It’s a perfectly good chair but it was fairly scratched up.  I pondered a possible project in my mind before deciding that I should snatch it up from the dumpster and figure out a creative project to make it new again.  We shall see what the future brings for this little chair.