Mirror Mirror

Up in the girls bathroom, we've tried to create the illusion of water falling. We've done this with glass beads on the wall and the mirrors over the sink. I started this project about a year ago, and haven't finished the bathroom yet -- still have to put the final coat of paint on the vanity. Up until now I had also only finished one of the mirrors. But today I finished the other one!

This is such a cool idea. It's basically a "Dollar Store Craft" project. Very simple, and very fast.

Here's what you need:

1. A mirror of your choice -- any size, preferably without a frame.
   



2. Glass beads in various shapes, sizes, and colours.
   





3. Good glue that can be used on glass or non-porous surfaces. I used -- E6000, a crafter's glue. But any kind of superglue or cement you find with hardware will do.

Here's how you do it:

1. Begin by cleaning your mirror with a window cleaner.







2. Arrange your glass beads in the pattern of your choice in a short segment so you'll know how to place them. Or you can just get an idea in your head and do it as you go, which is what I did.


3. Run a line of glue in a zigzag pattern along the edge of the mirror, about 15-25 inches long.









4. Lay your glass beads onto the glue in the pattern you chose -- or randomly, like I did.








5. When you get to the end of your line of glue, repeat steps 3 and 4.

Some tips:

1. I'm serious about the good glue. If you use a glue gun, the glass beads will come off. Same with your basic Elmer's or white glue.
2. You should lay out your pattern ahead of time unless you know what you want. I knew I wanted mostly clear beads and a random pattern. If you want something symmetrical, then you should lay out your pattern in front of you for reference. Just put the repeating line of it on the table in front of you.
3. A mirror with a beveled edge works nicely because you can see how wide you want your border.

And be sure to let me know if you try this!

xoxox

Bling Bling

I got a new purse while I was on vacation. It was pretty basic -- but definitely very cute and certainly large enough. And it zips shut on top! Two side pockets give me quick access to the phone, so it's just right.

Just plain. Too plain for me, an I-Like-Me-Some-Bling kinda girl.

So I blinged it up!

I got some charms from Michaels, like these --

And a little bit of chain, and some pliers.

And I used some findings that Bug had laying around -- you can get any kind of metal ring you like, from any old junk jewelry you have and don't wear anymore. Just pull the rings apart and then attach them to the charm at one end and your purse rings at the other.

I did have to adjust the length a bit. And plan to lose them from time to time unless you solder them with duct-tape-strength cast iron.

So now I don't just like my new purse. I love it!

xoxoxox

STASH MONSTER DEVASTES SEWING ROOM OF LOCAL WOMAN

Um, my Wal-Mart got rid of all their yard goods. Plus I went up north to Yankee Civilization where the Hobby Lobby stores live.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

So now I just need to find someplace to put all of it!

xoxoxox

Maybe It's Just Me, But . . .

has anyone at all noticed how the new maxi-dresses for summer do not flatter ANYONE? I've seen them everywhere -- the airport, shopping, out and about -- and nobody looks good in them.

Just my opinion, but I think maxi-dresses are the next thing to follow Crocs in fashion.

xoxox

Still Here

I'm still here but have been on vacation almost all month. I'll post photos of the graduation dresses (which turned out GREAT), and a very cute vintage dress I made for Barbie from a 1954 pattern . . . soon -- gotta get back home first!

xoxox