7.07.2011

diy {cover an ugly tray, part I}

So I bought this lacquer tray from TJ Maxx knowing I wanted to resurface the map design somehow... 


...then I found this pretty paper at Paper Source in georgetown.  My idea was to modge podge the paper onto the tray to cover up the map design.  It was easy, but didn't work out the way I wanted.  Here's how I did it:

-First, I traced the tray onto the back side of the paper and cut out the hexagonal piece.
-Then I had to trim the edges of the paper a bunch in order for it to fit inside of the tray.


-I made sure the paper fit inside, and then put modge podge onto the base of the tray:


(Here is where I realized I should have taped off the edges of the tray, but wanted to see my results faster, so didn't.)
-I placed the paper onto the bottom of the tray, then smoothed out all of the edges and bubbles.  (and there were A LOT of bubbles - so much so that I am seriously considering redoing this project)
-Lastly, I painted modge podge on the top of the paper and set it to dry:


From this picture, you can really see all of the bubbles/creases that formed from the paper being wet.  I'm really disappointed about this.  If you go back and look at the first picture, the paper looks great - I just need to protect it somehow.  SOO I'm thinking about using the first piece of paper I cut (that was a bit too small) on top of what I modge podged, then cover it with a piece of glass cut to fit the tray. 

We'll see.  As I just typed that, it sounded very ambitious with getting the glass and all.  Has anyone done this before? 

Wish I had thought about how wet the paper would get before I started.  Boo.  Here's how it looked when I finished:
The bubbles aren't as evident, but they will still bother me.  For now, though, I think it will have to work.  I'll keep you posted when I decide to finish this. 

7.05.2011

{obsession} anthropologie

loving anthropologie (as always).  Since we don't have a store in south carolina, I really enjoyed being able to pop over there whenever while I was in alexandria.  Here are some of my favorite picks from their site now:

7.04.2011

Happy Fourth of July!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Fourth with family and friends and food! :)


 
image via here.

7.02.2011

winding down virginia

Well my time in Virginia is winding to a close.  I can’t believe it’s been a month already.  I just got here!  I know I have grown a lot, though, and I feel like my time away from Charleston has been refreshing.  Soon it is back to the grind of things and continuing to discern where God will lead my life!  It is bittersweet to be leaving here.  I’m leaving my dad, leaving my best friends, leaving the place I love – but at the same time I’m returning to wonderful friends and family at home too.   Annnd it will be good great to be sleeping in my own bed again.  I have really missed sleeping in a bed, since I’ve been sleeping on an air mattress while up here!   Anyhow, here are some photos taken while I’ve been up here.  I wish I had taken more.  I’m always bad about that.  Note to self:  get better at that.

 view from dad's apartment :)

 terry and steve's 25th anniversary party

dad and I at Eastern Market

 best friends in georgetown!

 new shoes for Lauren and I in georgetown

 de-lish pizza in georgetown

 on my way back from dc

alexandria

georgetown

 driving to dc one last time

lincoln circle at sunset

 Sorry if this was long!  I hope you all have  a wonderful Fourth of July!  I'll be back next week!

7.01.2011

hot pink things

For some reason I am really loving the color hot pink right now.  I'm not sure if it is the summer weather or what, but I am really digging pink things!  I'm coveting these items, all in hot pink!!

1. Lilly clutch via here. 2.  Jil Sander flats via here. 3.  Lilly Bowen dress via here. 4.  Dress via here.
5.  Jonathan Adler throw via here. 6.  Live what you love via here. 7.  Moschino sandals via here.
8.  Kate Spade Idiom bangle via here.

What is your favorite color these days?