Stray Hairs

Spotty posts...

2011-04-25T21:36:00.000-04:00

I have found when I try to stream line what I post in my blog, I just don't bother with it. Maybe that's because I hate to be "told what to do" (even by myself!), or perhaps it is because it take the spontaneity out of it and its just no fun anymore. I don't really know why exactly, but I will definitely try to get cracking getting more of my thoughts, ideas, opinions, etc., on here for you.

Right now I am in the process of weeding extra "junk" we don't use and want out of our house, along with stuff the kids have outgrown (there is a lot to go!) and things that just never get used. In this process I have been forced to look at a lot of things that I haven't even thought about it a very long time and have found some inspirations for other projects! :) Like I need more projects going.... oh well. I will try to at least photo document them here and there and hopefully not be so inconsistent with my posts. But then.... you never know. I have the heart of a gypsy and the brain of a kid with ADHD on crack, so who knows how that will go.

I INTEND to post lots of good stuff.... but time will tell.

Decoupage musings

2011-04-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

Hi all!

I am getting ready to make a wood address sign for the area by my front door. I picked up a wooden plaque which I will sand, prime, and paint. I also found some cute house numbers that I will also prime and paint with either a dark navy or black. I am going to decoupage some scrap book paper over the front of the plaque, with the painted decorative edge showing through around it, and affix the numbers with a good glue that will (probably) hold up outside in the hot, humid FL climate. Around the numbers I will be decoupaging a "frame" of pretty little flowers in light blue, light red, and pink. I'll take a picture of it before I put it outside so I can share that with you.

I hope all is well with you all. :)

Make Your Own Fire Starters

2010-09-21T09:17:00.000-04:00

Hi guys!

I made a promise to get some DIY craft ideas and instructions up here starting this fall, so here is my first one just in time for it to officially be fall! What could be more appropriate than instructions on how to make your own fire starters?

I'm going to give you instructions on 2 types. The first is the most "traditional" type, making use of fallen pine cones. Gather up a bunch of pine cones, heat up a block of wax (the candle making kind... you can find this at many craft stores and also easily find it online) till it has melted. At this point, you can add scents, colored wax chips, or even crayons (you will need several of a similar color to color the wax needed to cover several pine cones). You will need to tie a string (wicking string works, but then any string will do) to the top of each pine cone. Dip each pine cone into the pot of wax (alternating between wax and water can speed up the process) and give the cones some time to cool before dipping them again. Continue until the wax has obviously built up on the cones. Then let them cool, package them gently, and when you are ready, you can toss them into your fireplace or fire pit.

The second type of fire starter requires dryer lint (always free and plentiful!), paper cups or egg cartons, and wax. Basically, you fill the egg cartons or paper cups with dryer lint and then pour wax over top of it with just enough to coat the lint. You don't want to dump too much in there. Waste not, want not! So true. There is no gathering involved with this and most of us have these things in our homes normally. For this type you can use the ends of old candles also. It takes less wax, makes less of a mess and uses things that would other wise be thrown away. Sawdust from wood working projects can me used also and works just as well as the dryer lint. Hell, use both if you've got it!

Happy first day of Autumn! This is my favorite time of year! :)