His & Hers Fish Paintings

I've been looking for more art to fill my office wall, and when I saw this idea on Pinterest, I thought it would be great to make my own!

I'd link you to the original DIY, but unfortunately I couldn't find a working link. Here is OP's blog.

The pin said to use Elmer's Glue or Puff Paint, but I wanted some extra dimension so I used hot glue. I also decided to use two of our favorite colors on each painting instead of one.

Here is what I made! I seem to have started a fish motif in my apartment, and I wanted to continue that with this project.

For Kenny, a narwhal in purple and blue. 

And for myself, a koi in red and orange.

I really love how these turned out! What do you think?

Let's Celebrate: National Punch Day!

September 20 is National Punch Day!

Nobody is sure if "Punch" refers to the fruit drink ... or hitting somebody.

Kenny gave me a light slug (more of a tap, really) to celebrate, but I decided to go the nonviolent route.

Mmmmm. Tastes like victory.

Are you celebrating National Punch Day today?

A Winter Home

It seems like just yesterday that I painted up my little polka-dot outdoor tables and planted my springtime garden.

Since then, I've obtained new plants, some have grown, and some seasonal ones have already expired.

And now fall is in the air, and it brings with it... brrrrr!

So I needed to find a space where I could house my plants during the chilly months. The main challenge was, where? I have two windows in my apartment, and one of them has been recently occupied by music gear. The other window has the couch in front ... but ... maybe I could squeeze eight inches out of the space for a shelf?

YES!!!

I looked everywhere but couldn't find a thin, short, inexpensive shelf. So I went with Plan B: a slab of laminate flooring and cinder blocks.

At this point I want to take a moment to recognize how awesome Habitat for Humanity ReStore is. I was able to get materials for a functional shelf at a very College Kid Budget-friendly price. Plus the volunteers were very helpful and my money is going to a good cause. Awesome all-around.

Plus, check out this cool strawberry pot thing I found there! I'm excited to fill it with a new plant next spring.

I feel that the end result is nice-looking and functional. My plants will get light and stay warm through the winter. Score!

As you can see, I've named some of my plants, but not all of them. I'd like your help in naming the rest.

From top to bottom we have: Chloe the Dieffenbachia, Helen the Chocolate Mint, an unnamed ornamental flower guy, Remy the Plant Mom Gave Me But I'm Not Sure What (help here, Mom?) an unnamed Cayenne Pepper guy, and an unnamed Oregano guy.

Help me fill in the blanks, please! :)

G.Pinks Finds: Third Sunday In June

G.Pinks and I took a walk downtown and found Third Sunday In June while we were out.

With such active Geocachers in Corvallis, we were surprised to be the first ones to find this in the last couple weeks!

Do you like treasure hunts and adventuring? Try Geocaching!

Pop Tab Bracelet

I have a very large number of pop tabs that I've been collecting in a cup for the last two years or so. I keep seeing cool pop tab projects and getting inspired, but I haven't done anything with them yet.

So when I saw this project on Pinterest I figured, that can't be too difficult, right?

Well, it definitely took some noodling out. The video that they included in their post was very helpful!

Here's what I made:

I figured that bright orange would be great for school spirit functions. ;)
(Go Beavs!)

My Eco-Easy Wall Art

This idea has been floating around on my Arts & Crafts board for quite a long time, but I've finally completed it!

Here is the original:

And here's what I came up with!

I chose light mint for my all-over color and added in bursts of yellow and purple.

It took a LONG time to collect all of the toilet paper rolls - and my awesome mom contributed MANY - but I think it looks great!

Plus, it has filled a big visual void on my wall. Yay!

Prepared For Anything

Today I got a surprise from my mom in the mail.

Ta-da! Toolbox!

I feel that having a box full of tools is one of many steps to being a Responsible Young Adult. But up until this point, I had been keeping all my tools in a shoe box.

But now I have all kinds of space for Command hooks and nails...

...and extension cords and hammers!

I'm all kinds of jazzed about what I can put in there next. Maybe a set of wrenches? Some screwdrivers? A level?

Whatever it is, now it has a home! YAY!

Thank you so much for the wonderful surprise, Mom!