Crafty Quotes!

I find I am happiest when I am creating.  I love that feeling of taking a blank canvas and making it into something new.  I'm no artist.  But I do like to craft and create.  I have always loved designing my chalk boards for each season.  And now I have one at home and one at the lake so it's twice the fun!  I have taken my love of chalk boards and started creating more permanent designs with white paint pens and black canvas.  It has the look of chalkboard art but you can keep it around for longer without the worry of it becoming smudged or bumped.  I love quotes and phrases so have found myself gifting them to my nieces and daughters and friends.  It's fun to use a variety of backgrounds, canvases and art supplies.  I'm no artist but I need to create.  I think everyone does in their own way.  Now go get your craft on!    

My chalkboard in NH was an old frame that I wasn't using.
I added chalk paint to the glass and painted the black frame with Annie
Sloan chalk paint before sanding and waxing it for a more rustic feel.  

Chalk board art is fun because you can change it up each season! 

Now to decide what I will put on the winter board in NH next time we visit. 

And I love to make homemade gifts that remind me of my friends and family!  

The black canvases make them look like chalkboards.

I saw this in one of my favorite stores and thought "I can make that!"
It will be my contribution to the wacky tacky party I'm going to this weekend. 

I like to add white paint to interesting chalkboards for a more permanent decoration.
This one is for my niece Nicole!  Happy 13th Birthday Beautiful Girl! 

I often sketch it out first in pencil to be sure it's centered and I like the design. 

Old cabinets are a fun backdrop for art.  

I added nobs to the bottom of this so my niece Rachel could hang her necklaces and jewelry from it. 

This scrap of wood I found in my basement was perfect for
my daughter who loves anything wooden.  

White wood has the same effect.
I used permanent markers for the wording on the last few designs but
like using paint pens as well. 

White canvases can be found in all shapes and sizes.
Love adding a splash of metallic too to jazz it up!

The fun thing about making your own artwork is you can match it to the decor colors
and style of the recipient.

I use pinterest for inspiration but also look at things in stores and catalogs that I can DIY!  These are my latest inspirations.  As my sister-in-law KT says, "Creativity by Pinterest".  I don't care where I get my inspiration as long as I keep on being inspired!

This is what I'm making for our family for Christmas
for above our laundry table in the upstairs hall. Maybe it's more for me?
Hopfully I can figure out how to mount the pictures
and get it done before Christmas morning.  Now do I paint the wall behind it too?
That just might have to wait till January.  

During the busy holiday season where everyone is hustling and bustling I like to take some moments to get in touch with my quiet side and get crafty.  It helps calm me and makes me relax and enjoy the season.  The other night I went to my friend Kate's for a tag making party that she hosts each year.  So much fun getting together with friends, wine, stamps, glitter and just laughing and sharing the Christmas spirit with friends.  Thanks Kate!  We all look forward to this tradition each year!