I Totally DO Windows!

I have to show you my latest creation. I'm so proud of how it turned out!
Here's the scoop...
My mom had several old windows in her garage. She had done a h-u-g-e picture window for her den. Since she was left with a few extras she was more than happy to send one my way.
I washed it down, sanded the rough edges and cleaned the glass. For a split second I thought about touching up the paint. BUT, then my lazy side convinced me otherwise. Thank goodness for that! ;>
Next I used my iphoto and a Walgreens coupon to print off black and white prints for 10 cents a piece. I selected a few of my favorites and a few of Rachel's newest work.
I picked up several sheets of scrapbook paper that had colors I wanted to accent with.
I used my handy dandy tape runner and attached the pics to the paper, and then the paper to the glass.
Of course I rounded the corners, because I love rounded corners!
Then I attached the picture hanging wire to the window. I did have to go back and tighten it because I didn't do it right the first time.
Finally, I hung it over the fireplace... I LOVE IT!!! It just brings so much color to the room.
Thanks Joseph for all your help. Without you I would have wound up on the hardwood floor with a window pane on my face!

I'm still working on my mantle. I really want to beautify it.
You will notice that I now have the most fabulous clock residing there. It's been passed down by my grandpa "Op", to my mom and now ME! Growing up it sat on our fireplace mantle. My mom refinished it and was always so careful with it. I can picture her hands setting the time on it. Just hearing the chime sounds like home. Thanks mom for making my mantle special!
So I'll keep playing with the mantle arrangement and see where it leads...



Update:
Here's a pic of the latest arrangement. James added a robin's egg he found to my infamous white bird. Thanks James, now my mantle is complete! :)

A Room With Personality

So, you start with this cute kid...


Whose room looks like this...

Which is ok, but doesn't have quite as much personality as the boy who sleeps there.

You throw in a mom who is really enjoying her new found redecoranging skills...


She thrives on this low cost - high imagination type project.
So she busts a move over to the Thrift Store.
And she finds these sad frames.
The cost for all four is $2.00!


Then this charming dad picks up a couple of cans of navy spray paint...


The frames are lightly sanded, cleaned and then painted with a glossy navy blue...



A handsome young man volunteers to help.
He takes these old boxes...


And he cuts needed backings for the frames...


You pick up some coordinating sheets of scrapbook paper at the Hobby Lobby.
They just happened to be on sale!
You use a tape runner to secure the paper to the cardboard.
Then you trim off the excess paper...


You center the paper in the frame.
Push gently and firmly.
Then secure the tabs...


It's looking pretty good but we're not through yet...


We still need to accent with the vehicles on the bedding.
So in comes a mom-made drawing on bright card stock.
We use our tape runner to hold it in place.
And we remind ourselves that it "doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful"...


We repeat these steps for all four frames.
Once the frames are dry "enough" we add picture hangers to the back.
And, VOILA personality plus ...




Creative Note:
The airplane picture will be modified once I purchase additional scrapbook paper.
I should have bought two pages of the same print for this frame.
Live and learn, right?!

Also, I am not sure if this is the final solution for this wall.
I feel as if there is still something missing?
I tried this...

With the intent of adding ribbon to all the frames.
Big Daddy said I just added too much girlyness.
So, I'm going to live with it and let it speak to me.
I also have plans for curtains.
I'm thinking simple and bright.
What do you think?
Come on, be nice, but give me some ideas! :D