Blogging Made Me Do It! Featuring Diane from In My Own Style

There's absolutely no way you can walk away from today's post without learning something new! In fact, I don't think it's possible to visit today's guest's blog without learning something new and valuable every single time you visit. 

Diane, from In My Own Style, is the queen of DIY tutorials. I just deemed her that title, but I'm sure you'll agree! I am constantly amazed at the creativity that oozes out of her pores and her ability to walk you through a project, step by step, is simply over the top.

I'm thrilled that she's sharing her time with us today. Ready to see what blogging has made Diane do?...

Blogging… I have been at it now for 2 ½ years so far. I wanted to start a blog about 5 years ago, but when I opened an account with Blogger I was just lost. I had no computer tech skills at all and the learning curve was just too steep for me at the time.  Fast forward to August 2009 and my desire to be a blogger was just too intense, so I focused and for the next 3 months I learned as much as I could about blogging.  My first post went out in early November 2009.   

I am bringing this up because Dana had asked me to take part in her “Blogging Made Me Do It” series.  If I wasn’t a blogger I would be computer clueless right now. Blogging made me learn…  Now I can honestly say that I am pretty computer savvy – not quite a ninja, but I am amazed at all I have learned about the technical side of the internet.  I can read “HTML” now and can edit a photo in Photoshop, make a blog header, button and post graphics.  Blogging made me do it… it made me focus and use my brain in a way I never thought I could.    

I write a DIY Decorating and Crafts blog with a lot of tutorials and photos.  I try to post 3 times a week, but sometimes it just isn’t possible to get a project made, photographed, and then write about all the steps on how to do it.  I had to come up with a way to make the process go smoother.  I needed a space to work in that would allow me to create and make things, a place to photograph them, as well as a place to write about them. I am lucky that I had an office already in my home, but that was designed for the way I used to work before I ever knew what a blog was.  Blogging made me sit back and really think how I could turn that home office into a studioffice to make all the steps required to put out a DIY tutorial blog post go smoother.  Hence I created the “Creative Wall”.  It is a wall that I have hung all the things I need to make the projects that I post, plus a place to take a clear photo of them, along with a desk to sit and write about it. If I wasn’t a DIY blogger, I would have never created this wall.

Creative Wall post:  

{Tutorial: Craft Wall}

Blogging has also made me do a few projects that didn’t come out quite as planned, but I posted about them anyway – you have heard of them- the “craft fails”. Where bloggers show what didn’t work to keep it real. 

I had made over a chandelier in my dining room and it came out wonderfully. Having completed that successfully gave me the confidence to do another brass chandelier that was hanging in my foyer, but using a different method.  It came out OK, I wasn’t super happy with how it looked, but I posted it anyway.  It got mixed reviews, and I totally understood why.  The funny thing - an editor at Apartment Therapy liked it and it was featured on Apartment Therapy.  If I hadn’t posted it, I would have never had a huge increase in blog traffic and new readers coming to my site from Apt Therapy.  Blogging made me do it… it made me take a leap past the fear of thinking everything has to be perfect that I post about.  Putting what I didn’t think was great out there for all to see was scary, but I learned that we all like different things.  It is the idea that may spark someone’s imagination or inspire them – not the actual project itself.    Since then the chandelier has had a few tweaks.  

1^st Chandelier Makeover: 

BEFORE

AFTER

{Complete tutorial available here}

2^nd Chandelier Makeover: 

BEFORE

AFTER

{Complete tutorial available here}

Tweak on the 2^nd Chandelier: 

{DIY chandelier shade cover tutorial}

And on a more recent note – just last week I was doing a post as part of a Walmart/Plaid promotion where a group of craft bloggers were given a $25 gift card to buy something at Walmart to then add our own style to with Plaid paints and Mod Podge. I bought a rug and started painting it, until it turned into a big mess late one night a few days before the post was scheduled to be published.  If I wasn’t a blogger I would have just went to bed at 11:00 PM. But since I had to have a project completed in two days and knew Walmart was open 24/7, I got out of my painting clothes and into something presentable and I drove 30 minutes to Walmart to get something new to paint on.  It was a nice trip - no traffic at all at that time of night.  I got home around midnight and started on the piece the next day.  It is a saddle stool - it came out great and I made my deadline just in time. 

Painted Monogram Stool:  

{Tutorial: How to paint a Monogram on a stool}

 Wow! Right? Make sure you take the time to click on the links below Diane's pictures. Each link takes you to one of her detailed tutorials. There are loads more pictures to enjoy and learn from. My favorite is her brilliant picture taking spot on her creative wall. Jump back up and check out the secret roller shade in the top right corner that she pulls down to give herself the perfect backdrop for post pics. She's a smart one, I tell ya!

Transparent Tuesday

Today's transparent topic: Frugal Decorating

In light of being completely transparent, I have to admit that my house isn't really decorated the way I'd like it to be and the reason for this...I'm too cheap to buy what I really want!

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I paid full price for anything. When I walk into a store, it's like I'm a magnet to the clearance section. I buy what I'm drawn to then figure out a way to make it work. My friend recently told me I should have called my blog, "Make it work," instead of "Make Them Wonder." She claims this is my motto! I hadn't realized how often that phrase escapes my lips until she called it to my attention.

Sometimes, this way of doing things is fun because it's a challenge and pushes my creativity, but other times it leaves me wishing I weren't such a penny-pincher and didn't have guilt attached to buying nice things.

Okay, so where is this headed? Well, since I'm no stranger to the clearance section, I found myself there yesterday while at Lowe's and found a steal that must be passed on!

This exact same mirror....

For only $38.00 (or $39 if you want to get technical)...

It's not the sturdiest of mirrors, but not once has anyone ever noticed this is a plastic knock-off of the expensive original wood version. Well, maybe they have but they've been kind enough not to call it to my attention, who knows?!

Black not the color you're looking for? That's okay, grab a can of spray paint while you're in the store and make it whatever color you'd like. I've seen it in all different colors...white, gold, navy, etc. What a super easy DIY project and an incredible price at that!

I still heart succulent terrariums

How's this for procrastination? I wrote this post back in January about how much I love succulent terrariums. I even gave lots of good tips to create your own, but guess what? I didn't have one in my house until just a week or so ago!

Glad I got my act together, because this is how they turned out...

A trip to the big orange store, along with a trip to Hobby Lobby for the containers and I was set. All ready to plant...

Making sure to layer rocks will help with proper draining. I cleaned out the sole's of Reed's tennis shoes and had just enough rocks to pull of this project! Just kidding, but we did make a trip to the playground to borrow a scoop or two.

I varied each layer of rocks and dirt just for fun, then added in the plants.

If they grow much, I'll definitely need to replant. But for now, I love how they fit just right in their new little homes.

Anyone want to take bets on if I'll still have these little fellas around in another 6 months? I'll try my best. My fiddle leaf fig trees are doing great so maybe I just needed the motivation of having plants in our house that I truly love, to make me turn in my black thumbs for a shade closer to green!

Blogging made me do it! Featuring Cassie from Hi Sugarplum!

I've really been looking forward to this post, friends. I'm pretty sure today's guest doesn't need an introduction, but just in case you've been living under a rock...break out your thesaurus look up 'Cassie' and I guarantee it'll say 'hilarious!'

Cassie's sense of humor is just as fabulous as her DIY projects, frugal travel tips and her recent pool bathroom makeover. This chica is not afraid of color!

Check out what she has to say...

Hi guys, I'm Cassie from Hi Sugarplum! I've enjoyed reading this series, and am excited to take part today. It's funny because when Dana asked me what blogging has made me do, I went in a totally different direction than the others! I thought of the head-shaking, running around like a crazed chicken, forced occasion.

Let's back up to March, and the exciting email I received from Katie of Bower Power and Sherry of Young House Love to join their next Pinterest Project. After recovering from the excitement, I went into sheer panic. I mean, I post about projects as they come to me, not create them on the fly. And certainly not for an audience as big as theirs!

I had been toying with the idea of DIY Faux Painted Antlers, so decided to give them a whirl. I tried modeling clay, plaster and paper mache....and it seemed each method was worse than the last.

But what could I do? Not post a project on Pinterest Challenge day, one that I was co-hosting with Katie and Sherry?! Uh, no! Which is how I ended up spending an entire weekend forcing a project that I'd normally have just ditched. I might have eventually posted this project, after ironing out some of the kinks, but blogging made me do it sooner than that. And actually, they aren't the worst-looking things ever to come out of my Project Gallery, but I did get a few scathing comments.

On the bright side, blogging has also given me more confidence in myself to create a home I love. It's not meant for a magazine, but to make me and my family happy when living in it. And while I stumble trying to find my way and my style, so far it's true to me.

Thanks, Cassie, for sharing your wonderful project and home with us! Make sure you stop by Hi Sugarplum! and tell her how much you enjoyed it, friends.

I hope you all have a happy weekend!

Random Act of Kindness #37

Today's RAK challenge comes paired with a game. Ready to play? 

What do these 3 pictures have in common?

#1

#2

#3

Oh, I threw ya with that last one, didn't I?

Give up? Should I make you think a little harder before revealing the answer? Okay, okay I know ya'll like challenges so we'll keep the game going a little longer.

Picture explanations: (Remember we're looking for the common factor)

#1- Reed came home from church camp last night and immediately after his shower, this is what he said, "Momma, wanna snuggle?"(obviously not an actual picture of the moment, but you get the point)

#2- I enjoyed my first full facial yesterday and boy, was it relaxing!

#3- When I told Bryn her friend was home to visit from Singapore she said, "I can't wait to give her an anaconda hug!" (think about that one for a second...it's actually really funny!)

Ding, Ding, Ding...you guessed it! 

"Touch"

RAK Challenge #37: Make it a point to touch the people you care about today.

This may seem simple or silly but in today's times of electronics and hustle and bustle, I think we often forget to touch the ones around us. There are hundreds, probably even thousands of studies that show the benefit of human touch. The emotions produced from a kind touch are awesome. A simple touch can reassure, soothe and even calm a person. 

I think this is a great way to spread a little kindness to those you love. 

Okay friends, you know the drill...go out and be kind!

Blogging made me do it! Featuring Megan from Megan Brooke Handmade

As promised, friends, here's the second dose of your triple treat this week. And guess what?...Megan asked me to write my own "Blogging made me do it!" post which you can read over on her blog today.

Megan is one of my newest blogging friends. She left a kind comment one day, I responded and next thing ya know we're swapping posts! Isn't it cool how that happens? She has a desire to inspire and shares some wonderful creations. Megan really tugs at my heartstrings with the post she offered up today...check out her transparency. Love a girl who's willing to be real!

I'm so honored to be apart of Dana's 'Blogging Made Me Do It' series. I started my blog out of a need for another creative outlet. I had opened an Etsy shop {which I've now all but abandoned :/} several months prior to blogging, but was seeking an outlet where I could showcase other projects I was working on and hopefully inspire others to get creative. When I wrote my first blog post a year ago, I didn't really know what to expect. Besides hoping to inspire maybe one or two people, I really was just looking forward to meeting and getting to know other bloggers and other women who had a passion to create. What I didn't expect was how much blogging would push me to grow as a person.

Source: weheartit.com via Good Morning London on Pinterest

Blogging has forced me to put myself out there and to step out of my comfort zone. You see, I'm typically not good at sharing my thoughts and not really one to be all 'look what I did.' And a huge part of blogging is putting your thoughts out in the open for all to see and read and to 'show' people the things you've made or accomplished. Not my strongest suit. I've had to learn to get over the fear of what others will think of what I've said or what I've done and be confident in myself. I can now say I no longer fear the 'publish' button {as much as I used to}.

Source: tumblr.com via Sally on Pinterest

Blogging has also made me push my creativity. In this day and age with tons of diy/decorating blogs and Pinterest, it's easy to come across a million projects you can replicate exactly. Having a blog, you want to come up with fresh & new ideas, not just recycle things that everyone has already seen. So I've had to push myself and challenge myself to take all the inspiring things I've seen and love and create something that is totally my own and that fits me. Now when I'm working on things, I see it through the lens of the blog. How can I make this project more visually appealing, more inspiring, or more unique which in turn has challenged me to push my creativity.

Source: us.fotolog.com via Kymberly on Pinterest

And the biggest thing blogging has made me do is to learn to take risks. As a general rule, I'm not much of a risk taker. Those that know me would probably describe me as a pretty cautious person. That's not to say I'm not a 'go-getter.' Once I set my mind to something, there's no turning it back most of the time. But, usually the things I'm going after are never super risky. But, I'm learning that if you don't take the big leaps, you'll never end up where you want to be. The first big risk I've taken is switching over from Blogger to self-hosting on Wordpress. To some that might not sound like a huge risk. But for someone who is technically challenged, it was. I've had to learn how to read and write html code, how to edit CSS, and learn what name servers are {although I'm still not 100% sure what that means}. And, at any minute there is the risk that I could totally mess up my entire blog and it could disappear or crash and it's totally on me to fix. Ahh! But, I love knowing that I completely own my little blog and it's so much more rewarding when I figure things out on my own {like when I figured out how to fix the padding in my CSS template all by myself!}.

Another risk I've taken is signing up for my first blog conference {Haven} later this month. I'll be a super small fish in a sea of big fish. I've never met any of these women and am terrified that I'm going to be the awkward middle school kid who doesn't fit in with the cool kids. But, I know that I'm going to make great connections and learn so much and feeling a little awkward is a risk I'm willing to take. I'm so glad I decided to start blogging. I've 'met' some incredible people {including Dana} and have learned so much along the way. Blogging is a lot of work, but it's made me into a better person {cheesy I know, but it's true}. Can't wait to see what the next year has in store. Thanks so much Dana for including me in this series!

Aren't you glad Megan shared with us today? Okay, all you lucky souls who will be attending Haven hop on over to meet Megan and keep an eye out for her friendly face at the conference.

Transparent Tuesday

I have a confession to make...summer scares me. The long, hot days. The 'what are we going to do today' constant questioning from my kids.

Am I the only one that feels like summer is the ultimate test of my mothering skills? I get to play referee, be the activity director and of course there's the short order cook position. Don't forget that your kids "must" do some sort of school-related work to keep the minds fresh and to make sure they don't loose everything they were just taught in school. Really? I never did school work in the summer and seemed to do just fine. Why is there such a push these days? Does it really make that big of a difference?

If I were a "good" mom, I'd have super fun activities planned each day. Maybe something like this...

a
1. Draw with Sidewalk Chalk
2. Play with Water Toys in the Yard
3. Slip N Slide
4. Make Giant Bubbles5. Paint Items Outside with Water  (It dries and there is no mess!)
6. Go to a Local Fishing Pond
7. Backyard Campout
8. Draw Monster Pictures on Paper, Hang them in the Yard and “Melt” them with the Hose or Spray Bottle
9. Head to a Splash Park
10. Go on a Treasure Hunt for Rocks and Paint them
11. Participate in the Summer Movie Program! (Kid Friendly Movies are only $.50 during the Summer!)
12. Collect Flowers and Press them in Books
13. Outdoor Picnic
14. Create a Campfire and Do S’mores
15. Head to the Zoo
16. Make a Lemonade Stand and Sell it Outside to the Neighbors
17. Take a Tour of a Fire Statio
18. Head to a Water Park
19. Go on a Family Hike
20. Have a Movie Night Outside with Pillows and Blankets
21. Make Homemade Ice Cream
22. Head to a Free Fireworks Show or Have Your Own at Home
23. Do a Family Game Night with Fun Prizes at the End
24. Go on a Bike Ride
25. Take a Family Walk
26. Go to a Park and Feed the Ducks
27.  Have Bathtime in the Bathtub with Glowsticks!28. Build a Fort Inside on a Rainy Summer Day
29. Let them Color on your Windows with Window Markers or Crayons
30. Purchase Solid Colored Shirts and Hand Kids a Bleached Pen to Create their Own Designs
31. Make Your Own Playdoh32. Do an Outdoor Scavengar Hunt
33. Color Ice Cubes and Set on the Drive way to Melt
34. Fingerpaint with Pudding
35. Make Tin Foil Dinners and Cook them in the Oven.
36. Teach your Kids to Sew.
37. Make cute hair clips with your Kids.
38. Find Shapes in the Clouds
39. Water Balloon Fight
40. Play Outdoor Night Games
41. Go to the Library Each Week and Read Books at the Park
42. Make Homemade Popsicles43. Backyard Tic Tac Toe44. Make a Marshmallow Shooter, Spray Paint the Outside and Have Teams
45. Blow Up Balloons and Cut Water Noodles in Half for a Fun Game.46. Make Your Own Slime47. ABC Hunt- Write all 26 Letters on your Driveway and Find Items Outside and Place Next to Each Letter.
48. Make Rootbeer Floats
49. Go to One of the Free Museum or Free National Park Days in your area
50. Go to a Baseball Game
51. Make SnoCones at Home
52. Plant a Garden
53. Go to a Dinosaur Museum
54. Head to a Farm and Feed the Animals
55. Participate in Kids Bowl Free!56. Go Star Gazing
57. Go Miniature Golfing
58. Head to Free Movies in the Park (Check local cities for times.)
59. Do a Kid Fun Run
60. Make Your Own Lava Lamp61. Go to a Library Storytime
62. Go to a Carnival or County Fair
63. Go Fishing
64. Make Necklaces out of Colored Pasta
65. Have a Princess Tea Party Outdoors
66. Have a Muddy Sandbox Day
67. Flashlight Tag
68. Travel to New Playgrounds
69. On Rainy Days, Create a Homemade Music Video
70. Write with Chalk on your Trampoline.  (It washes right off and looks more like a Chalkboard!)
71. Make homemade popsicles with fruit juice and popsicle molds.
72. Have a read-a-thon day at the Park with treats.
73. Go have a picnic at a park or a camp ground site.
74. Haul the TV and DVD player outside for a starlit movie night.
75. Door Bell Ditch Someone with Ding Dongs!

{source of summertime fun}

The truth is that we'll more than likely do several of the things on this list, but in reality, these activities only take up a tiny portion of that loooong day. And, does anyone have the magic solution to making opposite sex siblings agree on the same activity? 

So, in my transparency today, I confess to you that summertime causes a bit of anxiety on my end. I'll pray my way through this summer and ask God to give me an extra dose of energy and creativity, because the last thing I want my kids to recall when they think about summers past is that  they were torture because mom was cranky!

Anyone else need a summertime prayer? Leave me a comment or send me an email: dfrieling1@gmail.com.