Uncle Sam

Look who’s hanging out on my front porch… Uncle Sam!

      

I am so excited to get him finished and out on the front porch. Doesn’t he look great!! We have our flag flying and Uncle Sam greeting the neighbors as they drive by. God Bless America and Happy 4th of July!! 

** Please ignore the awful condition of my door and door frame. Hubby is in the middle of sanding and preping so he can re-stain the front door and paint trim (as soon as the weather cooperates). Of course, when I'm ready to take pictures it’s still under construction (just a little embarrassing... sigh). Oh well, it will look awesome when he gets it done! (I pinky promise to post a pic after the door refurb)

My Inspiration

Anyway, my inspiration comes from one of my favorite blogs… Krystal at Sassy Sanctuary. Let me tell you this is one talented lady! If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting her blog, I encourage you to stop on over (here). I not only stalk follow her blog but I stalk follow her on Facebook and Pinterest too! 

This is Krystal’s version of Uncle Sam. She has a great story about how she came across this idea and she created good ole' Uncle Sam from scratch. He is made from a table leg… so clever!! You will find the materials needed and her instructions (here).

Uncle Sam @ Sassy Sanctuary

Thank you Krystal for encouraging me to go for it! Go stop by Krystal's blog and let her know that AJ sent ya!

I think my version turned out so great!!  What do you think??

A huge major shout out goes to my son and his wife for helping me. Due to my physical limitations they had to do the cutting and a lot of the painting but believe me when I say… I was the official back seat driver pointing out my opinion every step of the way!

Now, all I have to do is finish the wreath for the door. Once again, I have fallen for another one of Krystal’s projects and have been cutting fabric for days trying to get my wreath done. She failed to emphasize in her instructions that you will be cutting millions of strips of fabric forever and ever!! Seriously, it’s a great pattern and I plan on making a wreath for every holiday. Can't wait to show you!!!

My son is already thinking about taking the Uncle Sam concept and making something Halloween and maybe Pilgrims for Thanksgiving. Yippee…  this could be fun!! 

Up next… finishing my patriotic wreath then I have an awesome mantle display to show you that will rock the best patriotic theme (hint: pick your plum)!! So stay tuned...

Thanks so much for stopping by...
Simply AJ

** Don't forget to leave me a comment letting me know you stop by and if you have a blog let me know so I can pop over for a visit!! 



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Patriotic crafty projects... stay tuned!

How many projects can one person juggle at the same time...  Two or three ??? 

Oh no, no, NO... Not me try 7 (That would be S-E-V-E-N) !!    

Whew, I'm up to my ears in projects and stressing out trying to get several of them completed this weekend. Don't ask me why I started so many at the same time... just a moment of insanity!

I have a couple of awesome Patriotic projects (4th of July) that I am wrapping up and *YAY* they are coming together perfectly! (Happy Dance)

Can't wait to show them off!! 

A Must Read... Fresh Style Magazine

       
                      This is a fantabulous publication... Fresh Style - Summer 2011






                                                            via

I receive an email the other day from one of the blogs I subscribe to called Sada Lewis (Online Notebook) , she wrote a great piece about this magazine highlighting two well known bloggers that were featured in this edition. Well, when I saw the cover page (just like Sada) I was hooked. I had to get my hands on a copy of this magazine!  

So, I sent the Hubs out to find it. Basically, I told him not to come home without it... (lucky for him our local grocery had a copy). When he got back home, he walked in all proud with his chest puffed out declaring... Mission Accomplished My Dear! (My Hero - He received a high five and a big fat kiss from me!)

Okay folks, when I say that I didn't come up for air for hours and every page is worn out... I mean it... Seriously good stuff!!

The photography is amazing, the articles are informative and well written, the project ideas are easy and affordable and it's totally geared for us DIY chicks (most of the items were found at thrift stores and yard sales where they reused/recycled). 

The Fresh Style Blog has several tutorials with “how-to” instructions and lots of pretty pictures.

The best part (this is just my opinion), is they feature talented bloggers and Etsy artist - which is so refreshing to see. These are the same bloggers we follow daily and get our crafty inspiration from. I love the fact that they are being highlighted in such a great media outlet. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy articles about designers and different projects and/or products but it’s also fun to see everyday crafters strutting their stuff and sharing inspiration in actual print.


Here's a blurb from the editor, Andrea Fanning, about Fresh Style...  

Fresh Style is a new, special-issue magazine that celebrates creative living—exploring possibilities and looking past the surface of things to discover hidden potential. Inside the issue, you’ll find quick and easy projects, tips from design experts, spotlights on creative bloggers and Etsy artists, and tons of ideas on how to recycle, repurpose, and fill your space with personalized décor. From handmade jewelry and kid-friendly crafts to home accents and garden delights, this colorful collection will become your go-to guide for DIY style.                          

   

Another thing that I thought was pretty cool... Under the "Contact Us" section, they want to hear from us about great crafty blogs out there or if you have a project(s) that you want to share with them. I know several of you out there have some amazing projects that would sure look good in print!  Hmm... something to think about!   

• Please take a look at Sada's post here about Fresh Style (I enjoy her blog!)
• Check out Fresh Style Magazine here (You can order by mail from here too.)

I have added a couple of new project ideas to my list and will be making a trip to a few thrift stores and Goodwill sometime in the near future!!

So my friends... I would recommend this magazine if you’re looking for some fresh creative ideas or you just like looking at all the awesome pretty inspiration.

** This is 100% my opinion and I'm not associated with this magazine/company in any way.

Until Next time...
Simply AJ

A Non-Crafty post... I'm Back!!

Hello my Crafty Friends...  

First, I want to apologize for the long absence and lack of posts. 

To those of you who left a comment for me and never received a response or even a simple thank you... I am on my knees begging for forgiveness!!
 
Over the past several months, we have faced some major challenges and life changing events here at our Nest which became top priority and honestly has consumed all of my life time.
 
Like we always do, we have re-grouped, banded together and are facing these life issues with faith, courage and lots of love & support from family and friends. It truly amazes me how things work out when you walk in faith and trust in God’s timing.

From Pinterest Pin: factsaboutyou.tumblr.com

 It was my vision to have my blog in high gear by now with daily post and regular features but I quickly found out that I have a lot to learn. I have revised my goals and created some new plans which hopefully will get things rolling again.

I want to thank those of you who sent me such sweet emails and positive words. I really appreciate your thoughts and I look forward to posting more of my projects and some helpful tips/tricks that I have learned throughout the years.


Simply AJ