Olivia Renn

Wedding Ideas

2011-08-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

The wedding I was in, finally came and went. It seemed so far away for so long, then all of a sudden it's only days away.
The bride did an amazing job, it was such a beautiful wedding with so many unique and special touches. Here's a little of what I did:

This was a fun sign to make- I used old boards from our deck we took down, and a little paint.

How cute are these little guys? I made the banner with a dowel, some canvas type fabric, ribbon and vinyl letters from my Silhouette.

It's hard to see in the photo above, but here are the button boutonnieres the boys are wearing. They were so fun to make!

I also made hangers for all the bridesmaids
and of course the new Mrs. Yanez!

Congrats to the newlyweds...Love You!

(some photos taken by One Love Photography)

His and Her Mugs

2011-07-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

I've seen these cute mustache mugs everywhere in blogland and Pinterest.

Like here, here, and here.

I had a friends birthday coming up, and I knew she would love them!

They were so easy to make!

I bought some plain white mugs from Target, and used my Silhouette (with premium vinyl) to make a mustache and lips. Kinda like a his and hers cups.

Too bad I didn't buy extra mugs, because I'd love to have a set for us!

Happy Birthday Meg!

Elio's New Room

2011-07-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

I painted my son's room a few months ago, but I just couldn't decide how I wanted to decorate it. I knew I wanted to keep it kinda simple.

We had an old deck that was pretty rotten, and my husband's been working hard to get it replaced.

We're crossing our fingers for it being done by the end of summer.

Anyway I used some of the old wood for a wedding sign, and at that point, I knew I wanted to try to incorporate it into Elio's room.

I tried to choose pieces that had some personality (the really rotten ones!)

This is the entry wall, you can see from our livingroom, so I wanted to keep it simple.

I found this quote on Pinterest and I fell in love with it!

I made this using my Silhouette.

You can find the prints in this Etsy Shop

(They have some super cute things!)

He really does work, and my son loves him.

This print was a card I found and I put a mat around it. I just love the hearts used as the zebra's stripes.

Of course, if you are going to hang up shelves that are as heavy as these, make sure you hang them on the studs. I used a stud finder which was a lifesaver. And don't forget to attach the boards to the brackets, it's especially important in a kids room.

Thanks for stopping by!

A friendly reminder for the little man in your life

2011-06-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

Everyone that comes to our house gets a little chuckle when they lift up the toilet seat, plus my son always say's "Don't miss" when he uses the potty.

I made this with my silhouette, using black vinyl and one of the fonts that come with the program.

Lavender and Blush Bridal Shower

2011-05-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

I went to a bridal shower for one of my girlfriends the other weekend. It was so much fun and one of the bridesmaids, Melissa who put it on, did such an amazing job. I have to share it with you.

Lavender, grey and blush were the colors for the shower.

Here's a few little things I made:

The banner said:

Going to the Chapel

This sign is for the actual wedding day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Coffe Table to Entry Bench

2011-05-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

I've been busy.

Between, my crafting blog, family blog, bridal and baby showers, weddings, training for my Avon Walk, The MOMS Club, and trying to be a mom and wife, I've been a bit busy. I've decided to not do anymore scheduled posts. I've decided, I'm going to post when I can. I think my projects will be better and not so rushed.

So here's what I've got for now:

Coffee Table to Entry Bench

Here's the supplies you'll need:
Coffee Table
Fabric
Batting
Nails and or Furniture Tacks
Hammer and tools
Paint (maybe)

I started off my painting the legs of the table

(they were going to be the only thing showing after it was covered)

Here's what the top looked like before. It was pretty damaged,

but now that's it's covered you would never know!

Then I took the legs off.

I started wrapping the batting around the legs first,

since I thought it would be the hardest part to get smooth.

I nailed it into the table to keep it in place.

Oh, I must mention I had a little help...

...oh and don't worry, I took the gas can away :)

Anyway, back to the project. I put the legs back on and covered the rest of the table in the batting.

Once the whole thing was covered, I brought it on the house. I figured the house was a nice clean spot to layout my fabric and cover it. I forgot to take pictures of this part, sorry. But here's what I did.

I laid out my fabric on my kitchen table, wrong side up. (which was the easiest place for me with the kids around)

I turned the coffee table upside down on the fabric. Then I did the same thing like I did with the batting, kinda pull and nail. This time I used upholstery nails, just so it looked a bit more finished. I made sure the fabric was nice a tight (not too tight though) just enough so there's very few or no wrinkles in it.

Golf Ball Lamp

2011-05-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

I'm LOVING thrift stores!

I've been getting lots of my supplies from them lately. There are always fun and unique things in thrift stores which equals great crafting projects!

For my project today, I used:
old golf balls
a drill
an old lamp,
clamps,
knife
spray paint
and an astro turf doormat.

I took a plain old lamp. My husband took the part where you put the bulb in off for me, and I don't know how he did it, or what tools he used.

I drilled holes in the golf balls

I used claps to hold the ball in place, it made it easier than using my hands.

Slide the golf balls on, one by one.

Take your doormat and cut it to the same size as the base of your lamp. You'll have to cut a little slit in it to fit around the pole where the golf ball sits.

I love the grass (door mat) on the bottom, it gives it kinda a funky look. I chose to leave the golf balls dirty, I liked the look of it.

I spray painted the lampshade a blue / gray color.

Here it is, all together. It would be so much fun on a office desk, or even a sporty kids room.

Hump Day Link Love♥

2011-05-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday!

So that means it's time to link up all your craftiness.

Feel free to link up up about anything, giveaways, crafts, sewing, recipes, pretty much anything you think others would like to check out!
Don't forget to grab my button!

Have a great week,

and Happy Linking!

Hump Day Link Love♥

2011-04-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday!

So that means it's time to link up all your craftiness.

Feel free to link up up about anything, giveaways, crafts, sewing, recipes, pretty much anything you think others would like to check out!
Don't forget to grab my button!

Have a great week,

and Happy Linking!

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

2011-04-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

I'm doing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer again!

If you're interested in making a donation (it's a tax deduction!) click here

Did you know that every three minutes, another woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer? I didn't, and I was shocked to learn how prevalent this horrible disease has become in this country.

I am eager to get started with my fundraising and I need your support! I have pledged to raise money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer as part of my participation in the walk. Your contribution will help to support medical research into the possible causes of and cure for breast cancer, education and early detection programs, and clinical care and support services for women with breast cancer in communities across the country. There is a special focus on helping medically underserved women, the poor, minorities, the elderly, or those with inadequate health insurance. And much of the money granted by the Foundation goes back to the communities where it was raised, supporting everything from local grassroots programs to national organizations.

It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. Whatever you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you for your support; you really do make a difference.

Pottery Barn Inspired Spring Wreath

2011-04-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love making Pottery Barn knockoffs!

This project I entered in So You Think You're Crafty,
knockoff round, and I LOST!
Such a bummer

Anyway, this project was easy and free to make!

Supplies:

Wreath

Leaves or Branches

Eggs

Paint

Moss

First I took some of my chicken eggs, and blew out the yolk. Then washed them and let them dry. I sprayed them with blue spray paint, and let that dry. I took a little bit of black paint and spattered it on the eggs.

I picked a few leaves and branches from my yard and placed them around the wreath.

Then I made a little next out of the moss and stuck it on the wreath. I kinda placed it so it wouldn't fall over by putting some of the branches around and through it.

Free $49.00

It was a fun inexpensive project , and I love that I can reuse the wreath too!

New Blog Design

2011-04-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

Do you love my new blog makeover?

Well, I do!

Not only has April done my blog, but my sister in law's too!

She does wonderful work.

Unfortunately she's no longer going to be doing blog design :( but she has a super fun blog that you will love,

Faith Love and Lipgloss.

Plus, she has amazing style, so make sure you check her out on pinterest too.

Thank you so so so much April!

Strep Throat... AGAIN

2011-04-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a little blogging break.

This is the second time in just a couple months that I've had strep. I am going to take a little time to get better, hopefully I'll be back soon!

Hump Day Link Love♥

2011-04-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday Funday

2011-04-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fav's from the week:

Spring Banner

Sweet as can BEE baby shower

Laundry Wall Art

Friday's Favorite Etsy Finds- Diaper Bags

2011-04-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

This Diaper Bag looks like a handbag, so you can use it after baby grows up.

This is a great small bag

Black and White Diaper Bag

Cute little Pacifier Bag

Pottery Barn Inspired Kids Chairs

2011-04-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

Pottery Barn Inspired Summer Chairs

I saw these cute Adirondack Chairs in Pottery Barn Kids. I thought we had a few chairs like that from last summer for the boys. I headed out to my barn and there they sat. I knew they would be perfect for this Pottery Barn inspired project.

These chairs came from Ace Hardware last summer (They're selling them again this summer!). I want to say they were on sale for around $5 (they came in 4 colors too!).

All I did was print out my boys names on my Silhouette and put them on the chairs.

It was that easy.

I already liked the chair color, so there was no painting or anything fancy.

It took me only a few minutes.

I know they are a little different, but mine cost about $5 and the Pottery Barn costs $79. For the price difference, I'm VERY happy with mine!

Hump Day Link Love

2011-04-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

♥It's Wednesday, time to link up all your craftiness!

Last weeks most viewed link was:

A Great Create and Barrel Knock Off

Feel free to link up all your craftiness; contests, blogs, recipes, crafty projects etc.

Happy Linking!

Blog Swap with Hazel and Honeysuckle

2011-04-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Easy Embellished Cushion Covers

Hi everyone! I'm Marissa from Hazel and Honeysuckle.

I'm a PhD student so I spend most of my time researching, writing about and developing my software to teach social skills to kids with Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism. It's exciting work! In my spare time I craft and blog to stay sane! Please visit me, leave a comment and if you have a blog, tell me about it so I can visit you too!

Today I'm sharing how I made my embellished cushion covers.

You will need (per cushion):

Basic supplies:

* A cushion insert - mine was a little size 14

* A square of "front" fabric, I used calico, that is about an inch bigger all around than your cushion insert

* Two rectangles of "back" fabric - these should be the same width as your "front" fabric, and about 3/4 the length.

* Optional - fusible interfacing. I used this because my calico is a light colour and I wanted to make sure you couldn't see the cushion insert through it! If your fabric is dark or thick enough, you probably won't need this.

Embellishments:

Use whatever matches your decor! I used:

* 1 strip of soft vintage ribbon

* 3 fabric yo-yos, different sizes (click here to learn how to make these)

* 3 fabric covered buttons

What to do:

Firstly, iron all of your fabric panels.

If you're using interfacing, cut it to the same size as your fabric panels and iron it on now.

Lay one of your "back" pieces of fabric on top of your "front" piece, right sides together and lining up the top edges. Fold the inside edge of your "back" piece back a bit and iron it flat.

Now lay your other "back" piece on top of this, lining up the bottom edge with the "front" piece. Fold the inner edge of your "back" piece back a bit and iron it in place.

You want the inner edges of the "back" pieces to overlap a fair bit, because this will be the opening that we put the cushion insert through when the whole thing is finished. You want to make sure that the cushion insert will be hidden when it is in.

OK, sit this aside and we'll embellish our cushion cover!

My ribbon has raw edges, so I wet them with a spray bottle, folded the edges in and ironed them in place.

I then pinned it in place on my "front" fabric (keeping in mind the seam allowance) and tucked the ends of the ribbon under the edge of the fabric panel.

I sewed down both edges of my ribbon using a matching cotton thread. This is how the back looked when I was done (you can see my interfacing here):

Now I took my fabric yo-yos, arranged them along the ribbon strip and pinned them in place.

I used my sewing machine to sew up and down a 1cm strip through the very centre of each of my yo-yos. This will be hidden by the fabric covered buttons, but you can hardly see it anyway - see?

Now it's time to put the whole thing together.

Lay your front piece down, embellishments facing upwards, and lay your backing pieces on top of it, right side facing down. Pin around the edges to hold it in place while you sew:

Sew around all four edges, back stitching at the start and end to secure your thread. If I had a Serger I would also serge these edges to make them more durable when I wash it. You may want to make a second row of stitches for added strength instead.

Turn it right sides out.

Pop in your cushion insert and we're done!

Left: Cushion v1.0 - first attempt!
Right: Cushion v2.0 - this tute!

Now you have a cushion cover that is unique to you! Awesome!

Thanks so much for having me today! I hope you enjoyed the tute and will come and visit me sometime!

Sunday Funday

2011-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

MMM...I can't resist a Peep at Easter, and this Peep Wreath by A Pumpkin and a Princess looks so yummy!

I'd like to have a set of these Couples Mugs. Head on over to Our Seven Dwarfs to check it out.

Crazy Wonderful made these Beautiful Pillows.

Have a great week everyone!

Friday's Favorite Etsy Finds- Handbags

2011-04-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

I love this grey handbag

This blue and orange handbag is so cute!

This is a fun leather handbag

Ahhh, loving this color combo on this handbag.

Hump Day Link Love♥

2011-03-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

♥It's Wednesday, time to link up all your craftiness!

Last weeks most viewed link was:

Fabulously Flawed Paper Flower Key Hook

Happy Linking!

How to Make Jammies Last

2011-03-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

At our house, we love our Carters pj's! The warm fuzzy kind with feet on them. Just like these little monster ones:

Well, since Nico is using Elio's old jammies, the bottoms have kinda lost their traction.

He slips and falls all the time. So I decided to give them a little help.

I took a little puffy paint,

and made some squiggly lines on the bottoms.

I let them dry overnight.

That's it!

Super easy, now Nico will be able to wear them until he grows out of them.

Please go vote!

2011-03-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

I made it through to the next round of So You Think You're Crafty. I can't tell you which project is mine, but head on over, pick your favorite and vote!

Sunday Funday

2011-03-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Kara's Korner hung these great alphabet cards.

Learn how to make one of these pink topiary with Two Twenty One

Check out how this chair makeover turned out from Sisters of the Wild West