DIY Candle Holders

Hellooo! I made a couple of candle holders today, but it was a long morning before I got to them! <br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdUAiVyyippy-sYR4PteLyjxgfKO_-yzugKrgyUmlteldZygcZhKcpz4pMx8ddWnjPtOwt6kQ1e_BknbigUwjJw2egZLNwE-8XXAUnIgpO3ksQpM_DfADOweuhiWKqxwhkRvr1Sv2wdo/s1600/candles+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Candle Holder, candle holders" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdUAiVyyippy-sYR4PteLyjxgfKO_-yzugKrgyUmlteldZygcZhKcpz4pMx8ddWnjPtOwt6kQ1e_BknbigUwjJw2egZLNwE-8XXAUnIgpO3ksQpM_DfADOweuhiWKqxwhkRvr1Sv2wdo/s320/candles+013.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></div><br />This morning was the kind of morning I know you all can relate to. It goes like this...<br /><br />I wake up vaguely aware that morning is imminent. But I fall back asleep.  <em>Bliss</em>. Those last few minutes before the alarm are <em>ALWAYS</em> the best!  <br /><br />As I was happily dreaming, Big A apparently hit "snooze", and I didn't wake up until 6:45 - which is fine, except I leave the house at 7:10.  We have two teenagers who attend two different schools, so we have an early start. I managed to slug down one gulp of coffee, and that's it.  Let's just say I don't do well without coffee, and wasn't looking my best at drop-off. Forget Soccer Mom, more like Horror Mom. This is what I look like when I don't have time for coffee:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=top+10+memorable+movie+moms+scary&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=NUGt197QbqEp5M&tbnid=iEZfjGkevscBEM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.screenjunkies.com%2Fmovies%2Fgenres-movies%2Fcomedies%2F10-best-horror-comedy-movies%2F&ei=6N5uUdiIBePt0gHHmIGQCQ&bvm=bv.45368065,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNGV-BQyflnssbLknefeEe5j8S0A-A&ust=1366306884366564" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="327" id="irc_mi" src="http://media1.break.com/breakstudios/2012/2/3/Beetlejuice.jpg" style="margin-top: 33px;" width="485" /></a></div><br />That might actually be a little generous, I think I looked worse than that... This is how the kids were looking at me: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTkjcbc2rFjZgDPSG0oYZGgw-HhkchOYKhzJrHGfoylJQdospvTOw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="YLFYgOWY28wHZM:" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTkjcbc2rFjZgDPSG0oYZGgw-HhkchOYKhzJrHGfoylJQdospvTOw" style="height: 179px; margin-top: 0px; width: 263px;" /></a></div><br />I skulked and slithered my way home, and managed to pull myself together for the day. (And by pull together, I mean  - drink a gallon of coffee.)<br /><br />It's our little ones birthday this week, so it was his party this morning at preschool, where the tradition is for the parent to cook the child's favorite food for his or her birthday.  Most kids choose cookies, or pudding, or cake. I am lucky enough to have a four year old whose favorite food is meatballs. You can imagine how easy it is to mix up and cook meatballs with 15 preschoolers! And, you know, nothing screams BIRTHDAY like a meatball.  Most of the kids kept asking "But where's the cake?". And who could blame them? <br /><br />Anyway, the morning is now over. I'm now looking forward to a better start tomorrow, and to the weekend! Saturday is my step-daughter's wedding shower! <br /><br />So, in my spare 3 minutes, I thought I'd quickly show you an easy and inexpensive gift you can either give to yourself, or to someone else. I made these cute prizes for the shower:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The dollar store really does have some decent glass candle holders, vases, wine glasses etc. For a dollar how can you go wrong? And with a few minutes of time, some glitter, bling, and some glue - you have a cheap and cheerful gift. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I use this glue - not only does it have a little built-in brush (handy), it also dries clear. Note that the hardest part of this project is opening the glue. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5QtJADE-CYyr_CbzRycr8WbHWD6dhejBOmtzX9lpHXXIXjNj5m9ZiqbpXxPlFBBXxrnuZAJS39zvkiF-9NY6X1Xk5ixLBDt9ZQMQXe5Se7pKhyksvLx934Sr1-CTyosOwpq9-_I_Urg/s1600/april+15+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5QtJADE-CYyr_CbzRycr8WbHWD6dhejBOmtzX9lpHXXIXjNj5m9ZiqbpXxPlFBBXxrnuZAJS39zvkiF-9NY6X1Xk5ixLBDt9ZQMQXe5Se7pKhyksvLx934Sr1-CTyosOwpq9-_I_Urg/s320/april+15+047.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong>To open glue:</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1. Happily pull glue out of your cupboard/desk and try to open it. Notice that the cap will not budge.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2. Think... Hot water.  Run top of glue under boiling hot water. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3. Try cap again and notice that now it is "slippery when wet"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">4. Think... knife. Run the knife blade under the cap. (Careful!!!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5. Try cap again and notice how it is now mangled from the knife.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">6. Think...More hot water.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">7. Try mangled cap again. Rejoice!!!</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, I have all sorts of glitter and beads and <em>DIAMONDS</em>! </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you do not, try the dollar store, or Michaels, even WalMart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiYxfZQwogXszFpMcwmxcWWSZmZqia1xnT4_Pz9_01XRTvLhZIO_vUJ4o1UdAHDu1ocqJt-VPRi7Q-DplWnTsY_qIr1wdUgedpyxg7GuqYCnQv5h0qAX644WjfivvfefWALLvF81SyGQ/s1600/april+15+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiYxfZQwogXszFpMcwmxcWWSZmZqia1xnT4_Pz9_01XRTvLhZIO_vUJ4o1UdAHDu1ocqJt-VPRi7Q-DplWnTsY_qIr1wdUgedpyxg7GuqYCnQv5h0qAX644WjfivvfefWALLvF81SyGQ/s320/april+15+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Take your plain Dollar Store candle holder. I had this one and I wanted to put the diamonds on it. To ensure a little of the candle showed, I just taped off some of the glass with painters tape, see below. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eYLwEi8Q_6hoqSftp3Fvhf4Xj0NZVWqeospJkxsxjp2pbB5TEVm1JwRNPWJ3Yp7vZBkSV5tF-X2ghtce-ugXf58RKF_TfL2lUxkinLwIXqANpHuSxUAqKaYjA6_Yv0e2a8fMP6FgvUY/s1600/april+15+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eYLwEi8Q_6hoqSftp3Fvhf4Xj0NZVWqeospJkxsxjp2pbB5TEVm1JwRNPWJ3Yp7vZBkSV5tF-X2ghtce-ugXf58RKF_TfL2lUxkinLwIXqANpHuSxUAqKaYjA6_Yv0e2a8fMP6FgvUY/s320/april+15+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuylh7CkcUZyekenBcSKeSLSOIR49YJ8gejcLBaI2XduNvVJptH0n8fxmq1Zxhqp8VbDl8yUhKThl3XkORoDtIq-E4K6QrN5CRLE7A0Yhy_8Swe80EPIHD9q0xgISpN2Z9b8dmT58QnZQ/s1600/april+15+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuylh7CkcUZyekenBcSKeSLSOIR49YJ8gejcLBaI2XduNvVJptH0n8fxmq1Zxhqp8VbDl8yUhKThl3XkORoDtIq-E4K6QrN5CRLE7A0Yhy_8Swe80EPIHD9q0xgISpN2Z9b8dmT58QnZQ/s320/april+15+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next I brushed on the glue (generously) and added the diamonds. Notice my very precise placement? Yeah, that was hard, but I try to persevere!  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BEdEm1-e6rrAi5izd1ZL3hSpyAmlqtxwfshY7h17NvN6pZamstXAxUS_B6Wvv4lZh1XDcs9OcXb26MhGQzfFsjjs0YUOzFckd10Dij9-O25m4-8KEuVMa6Ibv1mr1hfyMJ9-LETzzwQ/s1600/april+15+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BEdEm1-e6rrAi5izd1ZL3hSpyAmlqtxwfshY7h17NvN6pZamstXAxUS_B6Wvv4lZh1XDcs9OcXb26MhGQzfFsjjs0YUOzFckd10Dij9-O25m4-8KEuVMa6Ibv1mr1hfyMJ9-LETzzwQ/s320/april+15+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When dry it looked like this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdUAiVyyippy-sYR4PteLyjxgfKO_-yzugKrgyUmlteldZygcZhKcpz4pMx8ddWnjPtOwt6kQ1e_BknbigUwjJw2egZLNwE-8XXAUnIgpO3ksQpM_DfADOweuhiWKqxwhkRvr1Sv2wdo/s1600/candles+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdUAiVyyippy-sYR4PteLyjxgfKO_-yzugKrgyUmlteldZygcZhKcpz4pMx8ddWnjPtOwt6kQ1e_BknbigUwjJw2egZLNwE-8XXAUnIgpO3ksQpM_DfADOweuhiWKqxwhkRvr1Sv2wdo/s320/candles+013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPip9h2jiTVy71nfHSgccu2-8IqPitq2po3OAjXkD8W1lyt87q4ho3hGtnYsKhEgNwLWiGpZHMXamxcdCInLbeI-r40D9MSqiXdj3nalfPC1iS8nyhbLOKRSHdFDq8VlH3_9SUBxT7XCs/s1600/candles+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPip9h2jiTVy71nfHSgccu2-8IqPitq2po3OAjXkD8W1lyt87q4ho3hGtnYsKhEgNwLWiGpZHMXamxcdCInLbeI-r40D9MSqiXdj3nalfPC1iS8nyhbLOKRSHdFDq8VlH3_9SUBxT7XCs/s320/candles+012.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also bought these dainty little candle holders and just brushed the glue inside, and sprinkled with gold glitter. After a few hours drying they looked like this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5QtJADE-CYyr_CbzRycr8WbHWD6dhejBOmtzX9lpHXXIXjNj5m9ZiqbpXxPlFBBXxrnuZAJS39zvkiF-9NY6X1Xk5ixLBDt9ZQMQXe5Se7pKhyksvLx934Sr1-CTyosOwpq9-_I_Urg/s1600/april+15+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rSrPGeOS8m3djVo3gzJ_4lnIHVjHofWH2AwM7ze7q9MFNp5uL3S9ke0uDQLe3U9qj0Km2kHdRsg_4Nakc818z47ews-9u7CMJEOGScT99pW_RoZ6RA2MjJnK9rguYE1OYHRexqzLhRk/s1600/candles+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rSrPGeOS8m3djVo3gzJ_4lnIHVjHofWH2AwM7ze7q9MFNp5uL3S9ke0uDQLe3U9qj0Km2kHdRsg_4Nakc818z47ews-9u7CMJEOGScT99pW_RoZ6RA2MjJnK9rguYE1OYHRexqzLhRk/s320/candles+010.JPG" width="171" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdUAiVyyippy-sYR4PteLyjxgfKO_-yzugKrgyUmlteldZygcZhKcpz4pMx8ddWnjPtOwt6kQ1e_BknbigUwjJw2egZLNwE-8XXAUnIgpO3ksQpM_DfADOweuhiWKqxwhkRvr1Sv2wdo/s1600/candles+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>I hope the girls at the wedding shower like them! Now I'm going to pick my kids up from school and try not to scare the children again. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://twoyellowbirdsdecor.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g430/jshcroeder/Grab-Button-3.gif" /></a></center>

DIY Candle Holders

Hellooo! I made a couple of candle holders today, but it was a long morning before I got to them!  This morning was the kind of morning I k...

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DIY Sunburst Mirror (Under $8!)

<div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello and welcome! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPS-Z0Dy92l3ol0xE_1S61us1Ub-cNMStO1RbnaM0lj5raYlyA1JQqCHeXatOyJPplUMErfMR5AQLIcbt-4LImgctQ9UgLHDC-lxhKkyOQAS1FeoKHjQTaSUm4L8WSDkqYbYFlj__fMo/s1600/finished+star+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPS-Z0Dy92l3ol0xE_1S61us1Ub-cNMStO1RbnaM0lj5raYlyA1JQqCHeXatOyJPplUMErfMR5AQLIcbt-4LImgctQ9UgLHDC-lxhKkyOQAS1FeoKHjQTaSUm4L8WSDkqYbYFlj__fMo/s320/finished+star+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Another sunburst mirror has been in the making around here. I know they've been popular, and perhaps over-done, but I don't think they'll ever go out of fashion. They make such a big impact, are simple to make, plus inexpensive.  All you need is a mirror, some spray paint and a glue gun.  For the sunburst, you can use just about anything you have around the house. <br /><br />I'm making this sunburst mirror using paint sticks and BBQ skewers. But I've seen it done with twigs, driftwood, paper, silverware, chopsticks, etc. <br /><br />If you want to see how I made my sunburst mirror (well, technically it's my sisters, cuz that's who I made it for) see below! <br /><br />First, I cut out a circle of card board - it's from the top of a pizza box, cuz that's what we had for our gourmet dinner last night. I figured I could use it to lay out the paint sticks and skewers. Waste not, want not, right?<br /><br />I just the skewers and paint sticks all out on the counter to make sure I was clear on my spacing. And just to get a rough idea of how it would look, and if, in fact, it would look good. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WUg848eCe932xNr5iXlY4jLtE1f9nXnJZjW8e_BjvqPNUWqk0_POk60kC1OuwjYBPWwBdnNv2ptgxRWt-sYZlM4N_venIVS7VYzZAh1TlqIeCc7WAiWDuYHSRDD3VtqIpElcUHe6Pbs/s1600/april1+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WUg848eCe932xNr5iXlY4jLtE1f9nXnJZjW8e_BjvqPNUWqk0_POk60kC1OuwjYBPWwBdnNv2ptgxRWt-sYZlM4N_venIVS7VYzZAh1TlqIeCc7WAiWDuYHSRDD3VtqIpElcUHe6Pbs/s320/april1+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being allergic to anything that requires measuring, I used the precise art of "eyeballing" the spacing and lay them all out on my cardboard, using my hot glue gun the hold them together. NOTE: Don't be skimpy with the glue. I don't want skewers falling on my sisters head while she sleeps, cuz this is going over her bed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5zQJw4u15o3Hn9pkIRHmDD9dGX3UpmUsHZ0sWTQ1Cd-ibuvJtGz95mA_9r_aUuAqNpx8yu3rWUjRJgTRzGrqYSKIvU_J6Rx_BF45EtVkwL3a0GFce_r0yikkIwVjs9af9HY1-ZgEEwE/s1600/april1+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5zQJw4u15o3Hn9pkIRHmDD9dGX3UpmUsHZ0sWTQ1Cd-ibuvJtGz95mA_9r_aUuAqNpx8yu3rWUjRJgTRzGrqYSKIvU_J6Rx_BF45EtVkwL3a0GFce_r0yikkIwVjs9af9HY1-ZgEEwE/s320/april1+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then took the sunburst outside on a dry, and somewhat non-windy day, to spray paint. I gave it three light coats of the paint, and then I let it sit there for a couple of hours to make sure it was good and dry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I then attached the mirror, using the <em>precise eyeball method</em>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the back of the cardboard I glue-gunned the you-know-what out of the picture hooks and wire to make sure they stay tight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0Bz1enhmXfZUOhD2YnAp5HM5ZFKvRsq9xSjTp6sd_bOt56Yug5eCD3zHjg-zttR95QqyDZ5DnRoSyfmUZGcb4R_AAYuuRwM5noQN4XD9fQKxBSI24U1fZph3G490Z5j4_4ZYvaB4UZA/s1600/lissa's+sunburst+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0Bz1enhmXfZUOhD2YnAp5HM5ZFKvRsq9xSjTp6sd_bOt56Yug5eCD3zHjg-zttR95QqyDZ5DnRoSyfmUZGcb4R_AAYuuRwM5noQN4XD9fQKxBSI24U1fZph3G490Z5j4_4ZYvaB4UZA/s320/lissa's+sunburst+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, here we are - the finished product: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPS-Z0Dy92l3ol0xE_1S61us1Ub-cNMStO1RbnaM0lj5raYlyA1JQqCHeXatOyJPplUMErfMR5AQLIcbt-4LImgctQ9UgLHDC-lxhKkyOQAS1FeoKHjQTaSUm4L8WSDkqYbYFlj__fMo/s1600/finished+star+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPS-Z0Dy92l3ol0xE_1S61us1Ub-cNMStO1RbnaM0lj5raYlyA1JQqCHeXatOyJPplUMErfMR5AQLIcbt-4LImgctQ9UgLHDC-lxhKkyOQAS1FeoKHjQTaSUm4L8WSDkqYbYFlj__fMo/s320/finished+star+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the final product you may see where I <strike>made a little mistake</strike> had a <em>slight</em> <em>eyeballing miscalculation.</em> Can you see it? Oh, well, don't tell my sister - maybe she won't notice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The final sunburst mirror measures 30" x 30". So it's a pretty decent size, big enough to take the place of a headboard in a bedroom, or to hang in a substantial blank space!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYemJy8uwgFo9x5cUl2VbrvBxU00DI4zxWLU6XSVBafYk1cxBVCNxgAcf5uRQsK1f4gVWiNspP4oUPhe-iyAm4hP7zthjIQoETjlHGgkXrJKKNdN7yjsxy7G8Qv8qVUVJvrlOWNBpupA/s1600/april1+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Cost breakdown:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mirror = $3.99</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spray Paint = $3.89 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Paint Sticks = free at any paint store</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BBQ skewers = free (cuz I had them)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cardboard = free (minus pizza!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Picture hooks, glue, a Lil wire = free (pilfered from Big A's tool box) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>TOTAL</strong>: $ 7.88 (plus a little glue, etc.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, I've compared before, but check out the price of this wooden mirror!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0063USMF6&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Or this one!!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00B7HB39C&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They're so pretty - but I'd rather spend the time to make my own, and spend 8 bucks! Not too shabby eh? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I like the idea of adding a little bling to these sunbursts, such as little glass tiles or tiny circle mirrors (that I have a few packages of), but for now we're going to go rustic. I'm not sure if my sister likes bling. She lives in the country, in a house with exposed wood beams and a stone fireplace, so yeah, I'm confident with staying rustic. I hope she likes it. And I really hope it doesn't skewer her in the eye! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>

DIY Sunburst Mirror (Under $8!)

 Hello and welcome!     Another sunburst mirror has been in the making around here. I know they've been popular, and perhaps over-done,...

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Tools You Need

Having a conversation with Big A is <em>usually</em> very helpful.  But some days, well, not so much.<br/><br/>Me:  <em>Which tools could you not live without when it comes to the house?</em><br/><br/>Big A: <em> My car-washing mitt.</em><br/><br/>Me: <em> I said for the HOUSE.</em><br/><br/>Big A:  <em>Honey, the only tool you need in this house is my brain.</em><br/><br/>Me:  <em>I'm pretty sure you just called yourself a tool.</em><br/><br/>Clearly, I wanted his help making a list of the tools that a new home owner would love as a gift. But I guess I'm on my own!<br/><br/>Here goes:<br/><br/><strong>Compound Mitre Saw. </strong> Big A couldn't live without this.  For quick accurate cuts, but long rips are not possible. It's relatively small, and therefore portable. Big A uses his for moulding. I really need to learn to use this so that I can make my own frames!  From wikipedia: A <em>compound miter saw</em> has a rotating vertical pivot allowing the cutter head and blade to be tilted sideways in addition to the horizontally rotating table. This allows vertical and horizontal angled cuts as well as cuts angled in both planes. (In English: it can cut angles).<br/><br/><strong>Cordless Drill.</strong>  Every home owner or apartment dweller needs a cordless drill.  Use it to drive screws and drill holes.  The battery size is important for long periods of use and a short charging time.  Look for a drill with a reverse switch and a keyless clutch.  Try the drill in your hand to make sure the fit is good.  The size of the handles and weight vary.<br/><br/><strong>Gorilla Cart.</strong>  Forget wheelbarrows.  This is easy to load and unload.  A new home owner has a lot of hauling to do and this makes it much easier.  It doesn't tip over, and you can load it with gravel, rocks, lawn debris, groceries, garbage, mulch, etc.  The handle comes off so that you can attach it to a lawn mower or ATV.<br/><br/><strong>Nail Gun.  </strong> If you have any major work to do that requires hammering, a nail gun will make the job go a lot faster and save your shoulders! A nail gun requires an air compresser.  There are cordless nail guns, but they drain the battery very quickly, plus, if you buy an air compresser you can use that for lots of other things.<br/><br/><strong>Air Compressor.</strong>  For me the main consideration is portability.  An electric air compressor can be used for nail gun, staplers, filling tires, blowing spider webs away... There are kits sold that include nailers, staplers and air compressors.<br/><br/><strong>Power washer.  </strong>I love the power washer.  As long as you choose one that is light enough to easily move it around, you can't go wrong.  We have one that is very heavy, so I can only use it when Big A is here to move it where I need it. You can clean the grill, your car tires, the porch, sidewalks, outdoor rugs (carefully), remove old chipping paint...<br/><br/>That's it for now.  If Big A comes up with any useful suggestions, I'll update this post.  However, I'm not going to hold my breath - he's busy washing his truck.<br/><br/><img alt="" height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/stores/auto/detail-page/B000QX52CM1lg.jpg" width="600" /><br/><br/><a href="http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=as_acph_thi_thd_122_1225?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&node=5709829011&tag=fymoho-20" target="_blank">Shop Amazon - Top Holiday Deals in Tools </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br/><p style="text-align: center;"> Important note:</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em>If you give any of these as gifts to a woman, best to give it WITH a pair of earrings or new boots.  Tools are useful and great gifts, but, let's face it, they don't make your ears or feet look good.</em></p>

Tools You Need

Having a conversation with Big A is usually very helpful.  But some days, well, not so much. Me:   Which tools could you not live without w...

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