Another

Ha! Did you think I would stop just because July is over?! I had to try this one. I used the same roll of removable wallpaper I got at Target for 29.99 that I used on a dresser that sold at the shop and a shelf that was passed up at the garage sale. Fixing the kitchen if even just a bit has made such a visual difference! Here is to DIY ( renters style! ) 

A Goal, A Project a Day

For the month of July I made a project a day. Weather it was a big one, a furniture redo, a recipe, a junking find, a scouting job it was something. I did it. On my summer off, I did not sit around on my backside all day but I created everyday and even made a little extra cash in the process. Here is just a sampling of my projects a day..... 

Awhile

Yes it has been awhile but with a move under my belt and a summer in full swing I have excuses that really makes sense for neglecting my writing and posting. It is a Sunday here and I actually have my feet up. One little project idea I have is using the things that didn't sell at my rummage sale this past week and making them over. What a bunch of dweebs who past over my cool stuff! Number one project turned out so sweet and special. It doesn't need a lot of explaining but we as a family took this "ok" and a bit eighties painting to the next level of cool. I bought it thrifting mainly for the frame and put it in the shop thinking someone would snag it but no. So after it sat in the sale I took it inside and bought some acrylics and set everyone to work. 

First off I spray painted part of it gold. Cause, well I had it. Then Maddie went first. I have to say she was the most thoughtful of her brush strokes and took the most time. Carefully stepping back and planned out her process. Like any amazing artist :) 

I made marks and shapes from time to time in between everyone's turns as well. Next up was A and in true fashion made a few marks with seemingly no effort or plan and they turned out to be the most bold and awesome. How does he do it? 

Jack added his lines the next morning along with Ellen. They both took to the brush and paint and canvas with tons of gusto. Without a care in the world and with no plan but added so much to the texture and composition that everything worked together. 

I then went over some of the rougher parts with a gel medium. Urgh I just love it so much. I of course could not wait to hang it. Even though it was nap time I ever so quietly hung it on a sturdy existing nail left here when we moved in. The stairway to the kids rooms/level has been transformed with a pop of much needed color, movement and texture. 

First order

Well that was fast. I have an order for 50 raspberry macarons for an April bridal shower. How exciting! 

Now what to use for the filling?!

-espresso ganache

-chocolate ganache 

-white chocolate 

-Raspberry preserves

The mind reels. 

I know I will have a blast testing them all out. 

Today

And today I used my first batch of purple which I froze to make plum and vanilla bourbon buttercream macarons. I am on a roll. This weekend I am going to make one more batch to make sure I am not dreaming. Salted carmel. 

Fluke Free

Vanilla buttercream with orange and elderflower marmalade. They are lovely and light and amazing. Promise. I am so relived it isn't and wasn't a fluke. I have found my recipe and my techniques and success! I can't wait to share them with my friends and family.

 

Goal win

I can't recall how the obsession began or when I had my first one. But lord I have been trying to make these for a long time now. Below the blue was my first crack at them. They weren't perfect but I was pumped to get this far. You see a true French macaron has "feet" 

I would get a few good ones, some with cracks, some were flat. I would tweak the recipe, the oven temp, I would use mats, then parchment paper, I would make my own almond flower and then buy it. But i would only get a few to work. These were to crunchy. 

And then over spring break. I did it. I did it twice. I made 100 perfect, foot-ed french macarons. This has been a goal I set for the year, to figure these suckers out.  

I am making more tomorrow.... Just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. 

Getting in the Sprit.

 

It is that time of year again. Time for lefse making, cookie decorating, and eating large amounts of food. But in the small business world it means making money. We have to start early on the holiday grind. At Hello the House I have started to revamp my space into a funky winter wonderland. I want to stand out and be the space to come to for fun and unconventional décor. I have hand dyed over 70 bottle brush trees and made adorable vintage cars into "traveling" snow globes.

 

I just love how these little winter scenes turned out and I am bound to make more. Looking forward to the weekend as the start of the official shopping season and big traffic at the store. I am anxious to see how sales are and what everyone is finding at the shop. It isn't the reason for the season but in the cycle of the dollar my art and crafts being sold help me and my family pay the bills and enjoy our holiday as well. Cheers to all.

What a photo op

I mean an antler chair? I need more. All it took were two flocked light weight antlers from Patina in Uptown at $8.95 a piece and an old chair my mom brought to me. I seriously think people would love these. I have chairs galore.... I feel a antler chair movement coming along. 

Scout Obsessed

I have been so busy. With the start of a new school year, getting back into the routine with the kids, keeping up with selling vintage on Etsy and at Hello the House in downtown Hudson, and now starting Scout I am beat and it isn't even fall yet. 

But I love it and busy at this point hasn't turned into overwhelmed... Yet. 

Here is a peak at a store display Scout Supply Co. Is doing for a great environmentally sound and stable shop in Hudson called The Purple Tree. 

So honored to be asked to do this. 

Follow Scout Supply Co.

 

Check out and follow Scout Supply Co, my new vintage rental shop. Just click on the Scout name and check it out!  My goal here at Scout is to bring that DIY sprit to your next event and photo shoot. Helping you to stand out in the sea of trendy weddings and looks. Thinking beyond "popular at the moment" Scout can translate your vision into a classic and timeless event in your life. Here at Scout we will go above and beyond to make sure your moments visually fit your style. Let us start a conversation today and let Scout be part of your story.

Scout Snapshots

So a weekend at the farm turned into a inspiring photo shoot for Scout. I brainstormed this idea right before leaving and as luck would have it we scored a few items along the way. I mean who knew an old wooden ironing board could make such a great bar?! I am hoping to launch a Scout Supply Co. website soon and hopefully a blog as well. In the mean time we are enjoying throwing party mock ups for ourselves and partaking in the props as well! Cheers. 

Scout Supply Co.

https://www.facebook.com/ScoutSupplyCo

Here at Scout we believe that searching for the perfect decor and vintage details shouldn't cause headaches or evoke stress but rather add a particular charm, personality and distinct beauty to our lives in an easy and carefree way. Our goal is to make finding that special vintage detail for your wedding, next significant event or photo shoot as easy as apple pie. If you are looking to infuse a little vintage in your life let Scout lead the way. 

Oh Ms. E

She teaches me this everyday.

Project a day. Hey!

Ohh lets see project a day. In a nut shell. A movie education night for the kids. 

Craft day with Maddie. 

Chocolate zucchini cake. 

Homemade dill, from homegrown, and biscuits. 

Inventorying prairie plants at River Crest. 

Working on design inspiration for an exciting design job coming up. 

Headbands for the shop. 

So here I am. Keeping up and getting it done. Whew. How can it be only, I mean already, August?!