Signs of Spring

Spring is almost here!! I see signs of grass, lots of mud, and the birds are singing loud and clear! There is just something about spring time that energizes me! And I can sure use it after the long winter full of sick kids that I’ve had!

So, to celebrate the “almost” arrival of spring, I have a springy project for you today!! I have seen these around a lot and decided that it was time for me to make one for myself!!

Birdhouses… they are everywhere! And since making this one… I’m hooked! I can see many more bird houses in my near future! I also have an idea for the décor in my new scrap space… can you guess??? ;) Anyway… on to the project!

I purchased this wooden birdhouse at Michaels for just over $1!! I could hardly believe it! I knew that it would look fabulous all fancied up! Here’s what I did…

1. I began by painting the entire bird house using paint that we had bought for the trim in my daughter’s room. It’s white with a hint of pink in it. I used a small paint brush to apply it… then right away wiped it off using a soft rag. It left it with a nice whitewashed look.

2. Then I trimmed the patterned papers that I wanted to use. Each piece was inked heavily to add dimension and an aged look. I adhered these papers using Helmar Acid Free Glue.

3. Using a script stamp, I stamped on the facing edges that you can see.

4. I then embellished it! This is the fun part!! There are unlimited ideas for embellishing these little beauties! And it’s SO easy! Give one a try!!

As you may or may not know… I am in the process (slow process) of renovating to get my own scrap space. While I am waiting, I am trying to go thru my supplies and get a bit more organized… preparing to organize things in my new space! While working on this birdhouse project, I made use of several things on my mini. I want to share a tip with you today that I use a lot… especially on my mini! It helps keep things so organized for me!

I LOVE to use binder rings to group things together!! I think the one I use the most is my ring of bling… it’s my pearls, jewels and such that are my most commonly used.

I also have rings that group together families of ribbon. Ribbon that comes by the yardage is always looking for a place. Since I do not have my ribbon organizer up yet, this is what I do with some of my favorite, most often used trims…

I will use these rings of trims when I have my ribbon organizer up as well! They will hang so nicely!

I hope that you have been inspired today! Inspired to create… and inspired to organize!

Until next time… Happy Scrapping!

Tina McDonald