Oh! The Life of a Renter

It's official! I'm a resident of Lake Ozark, Missouri. After 5 fantastic years in Columbia, I've taken a leap and moved away. I figure if two of my friends can move to Texas and California... I can manage the lake!

Since I'm renting my new house, painting isn't really an option. Nor was I ready to take on such a task. Even though I can't paint, I still want to bring color into my living room! My pillows can only do so much.

Speaking of pillows... Here are a few of my favorites that I have found lately:

DIY Ruffled Rosette Flower

Missouri Pillow, Etsy

DIY Pillows from Sweaters, Pinterest

Etsy

Recycled Felt, Etsy

White Linen, Etsy

Oops! Got a little distracted. I do love pillows. If you've ever been to mi casa you will find pillows everywhere: on the couch, chair, bed, and floor. Pillows are the perfect addition to any room!

Back to my post.  I wanted to add color to my living room without painting. I found an excellent idea on Make It-Love It's blog to hang fabric. What an excellent idea! 

I picked up a few pieces of fabric at JoAnn's that matched my living room. The tutorial suggests using plywood, staple gun, and other supplies I didn't have.

Since I didn't have (nor want to buy) the necessary supplies, I was stumped as to how to complete this project. Then! A lightbulb lit above my head.

While walking around Michael's craft store, I found myself in the paint section. I found two large white  paint canvases. I will admit, they were more expensive than the plywood approach...but they were much easier for me to handle!

I measured the fabric to fit the canvas like a snug blanket. Then, I started cutting and gluing away!

Lastly, I hung the newly wrapped canvases on the wall using 3M heavy duty frame strips. I stepped back and took a few photos.

An hour later, I was sitting on my couch and they fell on the ground. I jumped so high I thought I was going to land in my bedroom. Luckily, no one was trying to break in... I had only overestimated the capabilities of 3M products.

I put my thinking cap on and used nails.

Then, I ate a cookie. Really.. I did! My landlord made me cookies.

P.S. I joined a Linky Party! Check it out here: Tater Tots and Jello

Stamp Stamp Stamp-a-Roo!

I don't know about you, but I love stamps. I wish I had more uses for them! I am always instantly attracted to them at Hobby Lobby and Michaels. Any chance I could in 2nd grade, I was always stamping things. Sometimes just for fun! 

I found a great project from Oh! Crafts that uses the rubber from pencils as a stamper. Since I'm not very artistic (I can only draw stick people) I knew this was my shot to use a canvas. Maybe I was a tad over zealous with the canvas... but this was an experience. 

Using my pencils and plethora of stamp pads, I started stamping! First I started with a pattern of lines. 

The basics for a beginner like me

I will admit it was difficult stamping on the canvas, because the circles looked grainy because of the bumpy texture. Although, I secretly loved using the canvas! I know Ali Pitt would be very proud of me. 

Next, I was feeling bold and I decided to recreate a heart. Apparently, I have forgotten how difficult it can be to free hand draw a heart. If you think its difficult to draw a heart ... try stamping one with a pencil! It was not a pretty sight.  After I finished, I flipped the heart upside down and it looked better that way! I think I'll save that canvas for something else... I'll spare your eyes that photo. 

Next, I decided to use card stock for my next creation. This was fun because there was no rhyme or reason to my stamping procedure. It turned out bright and colorful and I can't wait to frame it and display the finished product!

Next, I'll think I will try and tackle a shape of some kind. Although I will use a pattern first! This was a fun craft and super easy. It would definitely be a fun craft with little ones, too! 

As this cute print from Etsy says, Seas the day!