Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Hollow No More

So about a year ago I bought an ottoman with my couch. Well as you know many people like to use ottomans as extra seats but you see I am one of those unfortunate people who was unable to use her ottoman as an extra seat for people. Why you ask? That's an excellent question and one that I have answer for. My poor ottoman was hollow inside. Yes, I know it's sad but true.  As a way to make me feel better and to give my ottoman another purpose in life....
I decided to make it hollow no more.

This project took FOREVER by the way. I have pictures and stories to bring you along my journey. 
I convinced one of my fantastic cousins to get up early with me one Saturday and go to Lowe's to get a piece of wood to begin my project. She was gracious enough to even tell me how to measure and she made she I bough the cheaper (price wise) of the two woods because the Lowes man wanted me to buy a $20 piece of wood! No thanks! I am a poor college student. Oh we also bought screws and wood glue to complete the supplies. 

Ok, on with the story. I got home and immediately started on my project with little knowledge of what I was doing. I laid the piece of wood in the middle and I get my drill (which ps thanks cuz for lending me yours) and get what I think is an appropriate drill bit size to drill holes into the wood for the screws. Well I was wrong folks! It wasn't the right size and it took me about 30 mins and 20 tries to figure that out. So I text my one cousin and tell her this isn't working she suggest looking in her brother's drill box for extra bits. Well I looked and I didn't see them. I was determined to finish this project so back in the car I hopped to drive to Lowe's to purchase the proper size drill bits to make my life easier. Only $10!
 ( You're welcome cuz)
So after getting those and returning home I begin to drill the right holes in the wood to make it easier to screw in the screws to secure the wood. I had two holes down and two more to go and what happens? That's right the drill bit breaks and is stuck in the wood!!! ARG!!!!! So frustrating! So I go to the next size up and finish the project! 
It really took me almost 3 hours when it probably should have only taken me at max an hour. Fun little fact coming your way: as I am putting away the drill bits and the drill back in it's carrying case guess what I discovered? My cousin had drill bits all along just like he said he did! In my defense they were hiding.. SEE???

IIII was looking inside the little box not on the inside of the lid! Oh well who doesn't love new drill bits? Right cuz?
And now the moment you have all been waiting for. Thanks for hanging with me as I drag on this story of my "simple" ottoman project. The finished product!
 DRUM ROLL PLEASE>>>>

And yes for those of you wondering, I am going to cover the ugly wood up with fabric but that is for another time and another project. This took long enough. 
I am glad that my ottoman is Hollow No More!!! 


P.S. Thanks again to the people who helped me and answered my txt messages and phone calls as I diligently sought to complete this project! Y'all are the best! 


Sunday, January 15, 2012

TuTu Anyone?

So I decided to get a big jump start on being crafty. I actually completed this craft project in December of 2011. I got the idea from my cousins. They recently had a little baby and made her a tutu to come home in from the hospital. It looked easy enough so I decided to make one for my friend's little girl for Christmas.
It wasn't very difficult to do and once I got the rhythm down on how to "tie" the tule around the waist band the rest of it was a breeze. (Thanks to you know who for helping me get the right amount of tule and showing me how to actually do it)
I must say my friend's little girl looks adorable in her tutu and I am soo obsessed with making them now that I am planning on making her and my little cousin matching Mardi Gras tutus. I also am hoping my Best Friend from Texas comes with her two little girls so that I can make them matching ones as well.

Enjoy :)

Below is a picture of the completed project:


Below you will find the most adorable picture of a 5 month old wearing an amazing Christmas tutu:

It has begun...

Alright so now begins the new year with new and old goals in mind. I want to become a runner and a craftier person this year. I am keeping this blog as a way to make myself stay motivated to actually do the things I said I was going to do this year and so that friends who live elsewhere can check in on my life from time to time. Yes I know there is facebook for that but you see I deleted mine back in November of 2011. And no I do not regret deleting my facebook account.

I recently just signed up to run the Crescent City Classic in New Orleans. I am very excited about this because I plan on running the whole time. Hence my New Year's Resolution to become a runner.
I must admit I have yet to start training for the 10 k but that all changes tomorrow (I think).

Even though my running hasn't officially begun I have however got a jump on my craftiness. I will update with details on a later blog.
So please sit back and enjoy the ride as you watch me attempt to become a runner and a craftier person in the year 2012.

P.S
Thanks in advance to all those people I am going to bug (or already have) for advice and tips on how to do all of the above!!