Reader Window Headboard

Sometimes (or most of the time) when I write posts for this blog, I forget that people may actually follow our instructions and make the projects that we have tackled. Weird. 

This point was brought to my attention when a lovely reader, Courtney, sent me photos of her West Elm headboard copy cat that she made following our instructions (see them here)…

Here’s what Courtney had to say…

“We just followed your directions and made the west elm headboard!! I was so excited! I wanted to tell you guys thanks! I took pictures throughout the process and am really happy with the result! My husband did the cutting and building- I helped with the painting. It ended up costing about $80 since we had to buy some tools. But it was totally worth it. The instructions were simple and we are thrilled. Thanks!!”
~Courtney and Tats (her awesome hubby who did all the work)

Phew.  Our instructions made sense to others.  And it’s good to hear someone else survived painting this beast.  I almost didn’t make it. Seriously.  It was a close call.  And how awesome is the headboard paired with a white pin tuck duvet? 

Thanks to Courtney for sharing her project with us!!

Cowl Complete

I have this bad habit of starting something and then never finishing it.  I like to try different things to see if I can do them.  Once I realize that I can do them, I get bored and quit.

Not this week.  I am super proud of myself for completing the Crochet Along hosted by the lovely Rachel over at Maybe Matilda.  Not only did I complete the project but I completed it on time…as in I finished it yesterday.  I’m amazing. And totally not a procrastinator.

Rachel gave great step-by-step directions to walk us through the cowl making process.  (We used this pattern.  You can start your own cowl here.)

Want to see my cowl?  Of course you do.  Please remember that these photos were taken at 8:30 last night after an 8 hour shift where I was verbally abused for about 7.92 of those 8 hours…and I’m horribly awkward in front of the camera…

At first I didn’t think think cowls were my thing but my inner 80 year old self is actually kind of digging them.  I initially used this crochet along as a good excuse to make myself sit down and learn to crochet.  Turns out I like cowls.  Who knew?

I have to watch my precious cowl though. Someone else in my house is loving it….

Guess I need to whip him up one of his own.  He’s requested a color that brings out his eyes.  Diva.  (The things I do to this poor dog.)

Be sure to head over to Maybe Matilda and check out all of the participants.  There is even a contest for the best cowl.  I’d love your vote but the competition is pretty impressive.  I’d take a “Yay.  You actually finished a crochet project.” vote! 

After you’re done doing that, you should check out the rest of Rachel’s blog.  She’s super talented but more importantly, she kills me.  What can I say?  I like funny bloggers.  Also be sure to check out her Etsy shop which is full of great crochet patterns and beautiful hats, headbands, etc.  You can buy your own cowl and tell all of your friends you made it.  I won’t tell.

Have you tried to crochet or knit?  Or is it too elderly for you?  Anyone else have a bad habit of starting things and not finishing them?  Who thinks Rachel rocks that pixie cut like nobody’s business?

Candy Corn Wreath

My name is Michelle and I’m addicted to candy corn.

When I saw this wreath, I knew I had to make it…

I was hoping that by the time I got done making it, I would never want to eat candy corn again.  No such luck.

I actually made this wreath last year before I started blogging.  I’m surprised at how well it held up.  I slathered it in Modge Podge (to help protect it) before I packed it away.  (And to keep myself from picking off the pieces..the last remaining candy corn in our house.  I told you I was an addict.)

I followed the directions given on the Woman's Day site…with some adjustments.  I spray painted my wreath black instead of using duct tape.  Visible duct tape on a craft freaked me out.  And you all know that I like spray paint.  This project was easy but time consuming.  From what I am reading, all wreaths are time consuming.  Totally worth it though.

I’m curious how many years it will last.  Ike and I will enjoy it while we can!

Have you made a wreath?  How’d it go? Anyone know of a good CCA (Candy Corn Anonymous) group?