just a little bit of paint.

When I move to a new place, I like to move in completely...this whole taking it slow with opening boxes is for the birds. I am only staying in my current apartment for a few months before moving in with my good friend Sara (a 12 month lease in Boston. Eeek!). Of course this means that I cannot unpack all my boxes and I can't really make myself at home. I do not like this. So to help in this little challenge I have begun a few projects to spiff up the room I am renting. 

Thank you cheap IKEA pot, Martha Stewart sticky stencils, and acrylic paint.

 You just brightened up my life. 

This little guy was just taped off with some blue painters tape...

couple coats later and voila!

Sara - I promise I won't get too crazy with the crafting when we move in together. :)

shameless advertising.

Okay, I realize that I have done this whole wedding trailer thing before but 618 Studios is just too good! It's not just that I was the maid of honour at their wedding, it's because their work is heartfelt and conveys everything and more you could ever want from a wedding. Two things: The venue is amazing. Condor's Nest Ranch...if you weren't so darn expensive I would book my non-existent wedding in a heartbeat. Numero dos. Succulents and jute runners. Enough said.

Jenn + Scott via 618Studios

DIY.

Fun factoid: I kill every plant I own, exception to the rule...succulents.
I love plants and greenery, however, I do not seem to have a green thumb. When I saw this I just new...perfect excuse to find more fun succulents. 

Materials:
- Portland cement
- Water
- Vermiculite, peat moss, perlite, gravel or rock (one part cement and four parts anything else)
Tools:
- Gloves
- Food containers
- Plastic bucket
- Shovel
- 9 x 12 inch piece plexiglass (one for each container you plan to make)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Box cutter
- Sandpaper
- Succulents
- Potting soil


1. Collect recycled food packaging for molds. Wash them and match up a similar large mold with a smaller mold; for instance, an 8 oz yogurt container in a 32 oz yogurt container.
2. Combine the dry cement mixture in a plastic bucket. Use gloves when mixing to keep your hands clean.
3. Slowly add water a little bit at a time as if you were making dough, and mix with a shovel (be sure to wash shovel immediately after mixing). Add the last part of water especially slowly. the mixture should be the consistency of peanut butter. The mixture should eventually clump in your fist and hold its shape.
4. Transfer a portion of the mixture to one of your recycled containers. Tap the container on your workspace to make sure the mixture settles in until the top is flat and even.
5. Push a smaller container into the larger one. Put any displaced cement mixture back in the bucket. 
6. Place the plexiglass on top and flip over. Move the container back and forth to get the top nice and flat. Let dry for at least 24 hours.
7. To remove the molds, tear off the outside mold if it is paper or use a box cutter to carefully cut off plastic molds. Pull out the inside mold with pliers.
8. Sand the edges smooth, taking necessary safety precautions (goggles, mask, etc.) Let dry for at least 48 hours.
9. To create drainage, drill holes in bottom.
10. Plant a succulent and enjoy!


via readymade