Let It Be...

This project took a bit longer to complete than anticipated. Not because the project itself took a long time, but it took me a long time to decide on paint colors and letter design. So finally, I decided to stop over-thinking (if you have been following me, you know I struggle here!) and just decide on something - even if it is not the perfect choice. And in the end, I like it a lot.

Oh, and I chose the phrase "Let It Be" because I love the words, I love the song, and I need these words constantly reminding me to just let thing be, to not over-think, to let go of control, and just roll with the unplanned punches of life sometimes.

Here's how I did it:

1. I printed out some large black letters - I think they were 650 font. Then, I cut those out.
2. I picked scrapbook paper I liked, and traced the above black letters on to it. Then, I cut those out.
3. I painted the canvas. I couldn't find the color of blue I wanted, so I mixed a bright turquoise I already had, with a blue-grey color called Blue Jean. I painted 2 coats, including the edges and allowed a few hours between paint coats. (The color in the pictures looks quite a bit brighter than it does in person)

4. I figured out the placement of the letters and where I wanted them on the canvas. You could measure this for precision - I am too impatient though and prefer to eyeball.
5. Then I mod podged them on the canvas.
6. Once the letters were on, I  mod podged over the whole canvas and letters to finish it.
7. Let dry (this is is the stage where you look at it and think you just ruined the whole piece with mod podge - don't worry, it is supposed to look like that and dries clear.

**So if you look close in my finished piece, there are some streaks that did not dry clear on the middle right and I have no idea why. I am a veteran mod podger and have not had this happen before. If anyone can fill me in on what went wrong, or better yet, how to fix it - I would be thrilled :)

Running and a fun project for those race bibs!

Last summer I ran my first 5k. I had spent my whole life loathing running...and avoiding it at all costs. I went from not being able to run around the block to running my first 5k in a couple months via a couch to 5k type app called 5k Runner. It gradually increased my running time, while building my endurance and confidence.

In the past, I would try to run as long as I could, then panting and out of breath, walk for a while...and end up discouraged that I could not run very long without needing to stop (and try to breathe!!). I also got hubby on board running with me. It is something I enjoy doing with him as well as on my own (and not just because he pushes the double BOB...though that IS nice!!) Running together provides time for conversation without distraction, and opportunities to  encourage each other to push harder. Running alone is like my own private meditation with my thoughts. Both are nice.

Running became a peaceful and surprisingly enjoyable place for me to escape in. If I am having a tough day with the kids, a run is just the ticket to refresh me. If I am mad about something, I run faster, harder, and farther - and feel much better at the end. Even on a "perfect" day, a run is a great time for me to collect my thoughts and ideas.

I can now say, I really enjoy running...and I never thought I'd say that...ever. Once I did my first 5k, I felt empowered and inspired to keep running. I did a few more. I took a break through the winter months since I am big baby for being cold and how my lungs feel running in frigid temps, but spring is here (well, almost) and I am ready to go again and have started signing up for more runs. I am lucky to know some great mama friends of varying levels who inspire me to run with them. I am not the fastest by any stretch, but I finish running and that feels great. I also have zero desire to move beyond a 5k. 3 miles feels just right for me - at least at this point.

After the runs, I am left with these race bibs - reminders of some fun and challenging times (YES, I referred to running as "fun" - crazy, right?!). I don't want to throw them out, but I also didn't really know what to do with them. I stumbled upon some ideas on pinterest (of course) and the wheels started turning. I ran (pardon the pun) with the inspiration I found to make it my own and fit what worked best for me.

I got a board from the craft store and painted it a couple coats of a nice charcoal grey. Then I stenciled on "RUN".

This was my first time stenciling. I had to do each letter separate so they didn't mess each other up, and I did a couple coats of a fun marigold yellow (I have NEVER been a yellow person, but I have been loving grey and yellow together lately so this may be my first item of decor with yellow on it!). The letters were a little messy...

so I cleaned them up with a small paintbrush and my charcoal grey again.

Finally, I used some screw hooks and placed them where I wanted them. (They fit all the bibs I currently have, but if I need to add a different size later I can, or I might just punch additional holes in the bibs to make them work for what I already have in place. 

And finished! Easy, functional project, ready to hang in my craft room. Love it!

Playroom Art

I saw this idea on Pinterest (of course) and loved it! It seemed easy enough and a great project the kids could do. They loved every second and are still asking when we can make another one.

First, I applied the letters to our canvas. This sounded easy, but the letters kept peeling back up. I knew they would not survive the kids painting on them that way, so I improvised...broke out the hairspray and sprayed those bad boys down. Problem solved...for now.

Next, I set the kids up with washable tempera paints and they dove into the fun part.

I told A (almost 4) that the goal was to cover all the white spots with paint. She took on the challenge with flying colors. G (almost 2) preferred painting thick globs in one general area. His sister was kind enough to help him spread it out a little, and together they coated that canvas and had a blast doing it. During the process, the colors ended up sort of mixing together into a mess of green and blue, but that's ok, we like those colors.

After the paint dried overnight, I took on the {seemingly easy sounding} task of peeling the letters off to reveal our masterpiece. Maybe it was the hairspray I used to keep them on originally, or maybe it was the letters I used, the type of paint, or a combo...but those letters did not want to come off! I tore up my nails digging at them (good thing I'm not an 'I care about my nails' much kind of chic) to get little slivers of them up and peeled them up in many many super small unsatisfying little pieces. I used an exacto knife very very carefully so I didn't pierce the canvas, to get the edges up but that didn't help much, if at all. It was a royal pain to put it nicely. And a total b$^3h to be honest.

When I finally got all the letter pieces off, I was not left with clean white letters like I expected, but luckily for this project, the messy edges were perfect. In fact, I'm not sure it would have fit the painting if the letters hadn't come out like this. The kiddos were way proud of themselves over their little work of art and it hangs in the playroom, quite appropriately. I love seeing this hanging in there, knowing their little fingers made it so proudly.

As much as I adore the way this turned out, I would love to figure out how to make this decal removal process easier and cleaner for future projects. If you have suggestions I'd love to hear them!