treasures from the garage

A couple weekends ago we did a little spring cleaning in my garage.  Originally, I'll be honest, I was dreading that day.  I'd rather do almost anything to get out of cleaning.  But, this little cleaning spree surprised me.  It was actually kind of fun.  Not because of the cleaning of course.  But because of all the little treasures we found.

My daddy, well, God love him, he's a pack-rat.  So many of his old little things were tucked away here and there from our different moves and a few of them didn't surface again...until our spring cleaning over the weekend.  I was able to keep some of these treasures and they are now on display in my room.

Object for inspection #1:  I'm not even real sure what this is.  But I thought it was cool.  And after a little cleaning, it makes a real nice nifty little vase for my paper flowers.  And I didn't even have to go to a yard sale.  Booya!

Object for inspection #2:  There were several old books that I just absolutely fell in love with.  I was able to claim these two before the rest of my family had their pick.  "Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Motor Girls."

Object for inspection #3:  This radio is less than a foot long.  It's tiny and just so cute.  Even though I'm not sure if it works yet, I had to keep it.

 
Object for inspection #4:  When my dad first showed me this, it was just a stick and I had no idea what it was.  Then he unscrewed the bottom flipped it over, and tada! a table top tripod.  How cool!

What about you...have you discovered any new treasures lately?

Book Page Flowers

Pinterest is a lovely thing isn't it?  That's where I originally saw these flowers and was able to find the tutorial through the photo.  If you'd like to check it out just go right over HERE.

I have to say, I'm a bit of a crafty person.  And I had a blast making these.  I hope you will too!

Okay, here we go.  To start off, here's what you need:

• An old, unused book you don't mind cutting up.  (I know...I got that sinking feeling in my stomach too.  Cutting up a book?!  You've gotta be kidding me.  It's okay, you're not the only one.)
• Scissors.
• Tape.
• Buttons.

First, you'll need to cut a couple of the book pages in half (maybe a little less than half depending on the size of your book) and cut strips in them (leave room at the end for your stem).  Make sure you have words on both sides.

Then roll up one of your cut pages.  It needs to be pretty tight.  And it's easier if you pinch the bottom as you go.  When you finish, use tape to secure it.

Sticking a pencil through the middle will help you open it up.

Now, do the same thing with another book page except roll it looser.  Make sure the hole is big enough to fit your first rolled page inside.  You can do a third layer if you'd like to make your flower more full.

Then press the middle and spread out your petals.

I think the button really finished it off.

Now, I must confess here...the original tutorial said to use a hot glue gun.  Well, I don't have one.  So I improvised...with *cough cough* duct tape.  But it seems to be doing just fine.  That's some handy stuff there, I tell ya.

I have yet to find a vase for my little flowers, so they're sitting on my bookshelf at present.  I'm hoping I'll find a real nifty one at a yard sale or something.

Enjoy!  Let me know if you have any questions or if you decide to try it out.

18 years of life

It's official.  I'm an adult as of Sunday.  I had an amazing birthday.  And I wanted to share some of the amazing-ness with you...

Daisies... <3

Birthday decor.  {Tutorial coming soon on how to make the paper flowers.}

Party games.

Calling my dear friend who lives states away.  She was speaker phoned into the Happy Birthday singing.  Love you Emily!

Oh yeah!

Kindle Fire!  I was so pumped!

This year I want my prayer and song to be this...

Lord, take my 18 years of life and let it be all for You and for Your glory.

{All photo credit goes to my dad.}

Long overdue...

Okay, so you know that promise I made like a month ago to post pictures of my new haircut?  That one that I kinda sorta forgot to fulfill?  Yeah, well I'm finally doing it!

Last night Annie and I were laying in bed and I said, "Tomorrow, can you take some pictures of my new hair?"  Being the great sister she is, she agreed to a little photo shoot this morning.

Now, not only did I get a couple inches off, but I've started experimenting with my hair a bit these last couple weeks.  I've been straightening it.

*gasp*

I know, I know.  But calm yourselves.  I've heard it looks pretty good.  Even a bit more mature.  Here's hoping. ;)

So, without further delay, I'll stop yapping...err, typing, and let you take a look.

This is my favorite.  New facebook profile picture?  I think so.

"I'm gonna jump.  You better get it!"

No worries.  She did.

Oh yeah.  Surfing the picnic table.  'Cause that's how I roll.

Any thoughts?  Any favorites?

Once again, all photo credit goes to my sister.  Thanks dearie.

Dear girls,

This is my first ever time linking up to Elise's link.  So, here goes.(P.S. I hope I do this right.  Haha!)

Dear JJ,

Thanks for making the best ever music video to one of my favorite songs.  I've already watched it three times.

Sincerely,

Huge fan

~~

Dear Ms. Grimes,

It was truly a blessing that you didn't give any homework over spring break.  Seriously, thank you.

Kind regards,

A happy student

~~

Dear Mem,

I will get around to writing, and finishing, your story.  I promise I haven't forgotten about you.

Yours,

A procrastinating writer

~~

Dear GiGi,

Thanks so much for lunch today.  You're the best.  *hugs*

Love,

Your granddaughter

~~

Dear Sharon,

I saw you at Dairy Queen today.  What a coincidence.  I hope your food was yummy, and I hope your day is a lovely one.

See you soon,

Your coworker

{This was fun!  I'll definitely be doing it again!}