A Fun DIY Art Project

I've never had a grown-up bedroom before. I mean, I've always had a bed, a dresser, and then absolutely no decorations. I should be proud that I'm not reliving my college days and have only a mattress and box springs on the floor. I've moved up.

Truth be told, I'm a terrible decorator. I learned from my mom who jokes that her decorating style is "Early American Attic" - you know....anything she's found, been given, etc.

So last year, I had "decorate my bedroom" on my list and I never made it happen. I want to but then it seems so silly to spend money on a room that I'm the only one who ever sees.

So Sunday I got the decorating bug. I was bored and needed a project. Red is my favorite color so I started there. I got a beautiful mirror for Christmas that I'd hung above my bed so I used it as my inspiration. Then I spent some time scouring for wall art and couldn't find a thing. So I got crafty.

Here's my bedding set and my mirror.

I dug out my mod podge (what crafter doesn't love this stuff?)

Then I took some 12x12 canvases I had bought for a different project. I had scored these on a great deal at Walmart - it was $5 for ten of them. I used a few and then they've sat in my closet a while. I painted the edges black. I didn't bother to be exact - paper was going to cover it up anyway. 

Then I found some paper that I liked. I liked several pieces in this pack - it looked like old wallpaper to me and the colors were good.

Basically I slapped some mod podge all over those canvases, stuck a 12x12 piece of scrapbook paper on it, covered the top with mod podge and voila. . . wall art. I think it turned out pretty good.

If you try this at home, one tip.....the paper is going to be a little bumpy. I actually started over a couple of times because of it. But!! let it dry and those bubbles all go away. The next day, my paper was smoothed out and looked fantastic.

I have a few things left I want to do in my room but I'm on my way to a grown-up room in no time. haha

Oh, one more thing from last year's list...I wanted to buy a new car but was upside down and put it off. Well, thanks to some wheeling and dealing and some work on my credit, yesterday I signed for my new car. Love it! Road trip anyone??

39 x 39 - Be On Stage

I added "Be on Stage" to my annual bucket list with a bit of hesitation. I'm an introvert. I've learned I'm not shy but I'm definitely not the stage type. I prefer time alone or with a couple of good friends. I am inside my head a lot. I think before I speak. I'm not an attention-getter. 

So I added "be on stage" and then wondered how I'd make it happen. I freeze in front of a ton of people. 

Imagine my surprise when this was one of the first things I accomplished. Although, it feels a bit like I'm cheating so if the opportunity arises, I may do this one twice. . . 

At our Annual Awards Gala, the president of my Chamber surprised me with the President's Choice Award. He presented it to me on stage and I had to walk out to accept it. I'd like to say I was completely composed and said something brilliant. Instead I said, "I told Chip I wouldn't get on stage." Then I caught my breath and thanked the wonderful people I work with, our board, the folks who volunteer on my committees, and all our Chamber members. 

Then I walked as quickly as I could off that stage in 4.5 inch heels. 

It feels good to be recognized for what I do but it also feels a little funny. It's my job. But I do put a lot of my heart in what I do. 

Without further adieu, here's me accepting my award:

And because you've followed my weight loss journey, I have to post this picture. This is me one year ago at our Gala and this year's gala. What a difference!!