Courtney tries to make wall art.

Everyone who knows me knows that while I may be creative or pretty decent at mimicking art work, I am NOT an artist. Probably the furthest thing from one but I took a Right brain/Left brain test the other day and well now I understand why :) Nonetheless, I've realized how sparsely decorated my apt is with the exception of my living room and can't bring myself to buy anything because it's so dang expensive. I've seen a couple projects on pinterest (of course!) and decided that I would try to make my own. Here's what I created for my bedroom:

Step 1: Find an image you like. The pinterest that I saw used this pattern so I went to the website and I got it. It can be found here.
Step 2: Place parchment paper over top of the image. Trace the image with glue.
Step 3: Let the image dry and you will be left with clear outlines of the original image.
Step 4 (this isn't really shown in the image above): Peel off the image from the parchment paper. I recommend doing this one piece at a time and placing it on your canvas by looking at the original image. Once they are arranged how you want them use mod podge to adhere them to the canvas.
Step 5: Paint the entire canvas one color.
Step 6: Ta Da!

I have plans to make a second one but even though it was a simple project it was quite tedious.

Courtney tries to get candle wax out of carpet

Courtney tries to make frosted vases

I haven't posted in awhile not because I haven't been trying things but because I've been trying and FAILING! I've been trying to do image transfers with mod podge and it just hasn't been working out as easily as these tutorial say it will so if anyone has helpful suggestions please let me know! But here is a project that I was able to successfully complete:

I saw this on Pinterest and loved the concept of creating my own frosted vases. I wanted to use them for candles and I have to say, they look great! 

Check out the original posters' website, she shows a variety of ways to use the vases. I believe she used more of a white spray and twine for hers. DIY Vases Her site contains 52 projects that I may be referring to for more craft ideas :)

Sorry some of the pictures are so dark, my flash wasn't on and I didn't know until it was too late. I bought my glass vases at Wal-Mart for less than $2 each (can't remember the exact price), Krylon Frosted Spray Paint $5.99 at Hobby Lobby (it was on sale when I went), votive holders .99 at JoAnn Fabrics, Yankee Candles in Kitchen Spice $1.99 each at Cracker Barrel. I thought the votive holders would help keep the wax from getting in the bottom of the vases but these were so snug on the candle that it happened anyway!

Courtney tries to make Santa Hat Brownies

As seen on my pinterest. (here) I found this adorable recipe that I thought would be perfect for my departments holiday potluck.

Courtney Tries to make a Top 10

As a lover of coffee, I thought I'd make a top 10 of my coffee must haves. 

1. Keurig Coffee Maker: I have the special edition with 3 brewing sizes. 

http://bit.ly/czNb2X (tip: use one of the 20% off coupons) $149.99

2. My K-Cup  Reusable Coffee Filter http://bit.ly/cDYIwy $17.99

I saw on the Bloomingdale's site for $14.99

3. Copco Travel Coffee Mug: I picked this one because they donated to Susan G. Komen foundation :) http://bit.ly/cqil3y $4.99

4. K-Cup Storage Drawer: I like this one because I can put my brewer on top of it, space saving!

http://bit.ly/uArliR $24.99 (again, use a BB&B coupon)

Another alternative with more storage: http://bit.ly/rvY10u

5. Splenda: the big bag! I keep this next to my coffee maker for my sweetening needs.

http://bit.ly/sil21v $17.95

6. Copco Cold Beverage To Go Cup: perfect for iced coffee. http://bit.ly/9GrUrN $7.99

7. Bag-in Gourmet Coffee Dispenser: keeps your coffee fresh & has a handy scoop. 

http://amzn.to/sgSYFe $9.64

I got mine from Old Time Pottery for $4.99 but couldn't find it on their website.

8. Dunkin Donuts Mint Mocha Coffee: my favorite holiday brew &  because of #2, I can brew it in my Kreuig :) http://amzn.to/w2xE2y I got mine at Target & can't remember how much I paid but I have a hard time believing it was $15 but if I did, it was worth it!

9. Peppermint Mocha Creamer:  http://bit.ly/tgOtYl Most grocery stores are running specials on these. I'm not brand specific with this, International Delight was available when I went shopping last but Coffee Mate is good also.

10. Alumni Mug: A tribute to my Alma Mater. It was purchased at Universitees on campus, but they do not have them listed on their website. 

Courtney Tries to Make a Holiday Wreath

I love the holiday season but didn't really like any of the wreaths I saw at the store so I thought I would make one myself. 

I bought all my ornaments at Big Lots & Old Time Pottery. They were both having great sales so I didn't have to feel bad about ruining these. Truthfully, I wish I had purchased one more of the tubes of ornaments  and a second color in the mini ornaments but I made it work!

I actually ended up using a wreath hanger and put the ribbon over top of it. If you do this, make sure you put it on the wreath before you hot glue the ornaments in that area, otherwise you'll have trouble getting it on after they are glued in place.

The final product! I'm pleased with how it turned out :)

Don't be afraid to use other Christmas embellishments. My favorite parts are those little additions:  poinsettia, leaves/pine branches with drum & present and little birdie.