DIY Japanese Fishing Floats

Have you noticed the replicas of glass fishing floats popping up in design magazines and home decor stores lately? 

Pottery Barn's Japanese Float Lamp

Authentic Glass Fishing Floats originated in Norway in the 1840's. It is a beachcomber's high treasure to find one these antique floats. Most of the ones that are washing up on beaches today are actually from Japan. Japanese fishermen started using them extensively from 1910 to the 1940's. They are glass balls, often pretty colors because they are made from recycled glass, that have fishing nets tied around them. They were used to keep the fishing nets afloat, but after wear and tear they escaped and made the long voyage to shore. Apparently, Alaska is a good place to beachcomb for them, so I can look forward to that! Oregon gets alot of them too, so I am not sure why I havent been lucky enough to find one here in Washington.

Image from Completely Coastal

A few weeks ago I saw that Kasia over at Kasia's Crafts posted a tutorial on how to make your own knock-off float decor. Ingenious! Why, if fishermen can make them why cant we, right? Anyway, she used twine for her replica. 

I noticed that I had the same jug she used for her project, so I whipped mine out but couldnt find any twine or rope. Too excited to wait until I could go buy some I decided to try it using yarn. I liked it until I finished it, and then I scrapped it because it reminded me too much of those knitted plant holders from the 1970's...eww! 

I just couldn't shake that image from my head so I bought this sisal rope from Lowe's. I liked Kasia's twine version but after trying the yarn I decided I wanted a super chunky look to mine.

I followed Kasia's tutorial, and made a ring of rope at the top and tied my pieces of rope all around the ring.

Next, I just started tying them into knots, kind of like that funky braid we used to do as kids, do you remember that?

There it is! All done. When I got to the bottom of the jar I just tied the ends of the rope to the rope on the opposite side of the jar...just like Kasia did. Here it is on my mantle...

Yes, I am redoing my mantle decor again. Don't get too attached to anything on that mantle because I change it just about as often as I change my mood. Today I spent ALL DAY deep cleaning. I don't know about you, but I am a Fall cleaner. Who wants to clean in the Spring? I love decluttering, deep cleaning, and redecorating in the Fall. Its such a cleansing process for me. I love it! I love to get rid of all the junk before I am holed up with it all Winter and make room for the holiday decor. The moving sale really gave me a kick start, and now I have to do it because I am taking pictures of the house so I can list it for rent asap! Here is another shot of the mantle. Its not done yet, but I have to keep it really simple until I take all the pictures.

Remember what the mantle looked like before?

I'm linking up to these FUN link parties!

I'm still here!

I yi yi! Sorry I have been MIA this last week. Mid-week I decided to stop procrastinating and host a moving sale. I have been dragging my feet about getting ready for our big move to Alaska, mostly because moving is such a hassle and because I really don't want to leave our beautiful home. I loooooove our house! It's the first home we have owned and I love every detail about it. I love all the little finishing touches here and there, and I really love the location. We have all the small town country charm with the river literally in our backyard and the produce farms literally across the street. Our neighborhood is straight out of a storybook, filled with families, block parties, the most intense holiday decorators, and the best neighbors I could ever ask for. How could that get any better? Well, add in that its only 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city with all its shopping and restaurants and it just gets better and better! Are you beginning to understand why I am having a hard time packing up and being proactive about the move? We are learning just how spendy it is to live in Alaska and I know we could never afford what we have here. There are so many logistics that go into moving but this move has taken that to a new level as I learn it will take 5 days aboard a ferry, that we need to bring negative degree sleeping bags in case the car heater stops working, and we need to leave room in the car for gas cans because once we get to Alaska we will still have 700 more miles to drive in the dead of winter through stretches without gas stations!  In short, I AM FREAKING OUT! I keep telling myself it will be ok. I know it will. I have faith that it will be ok, because we have been blessed with the clear understanding that we are meant to go to Alaska. Without a doubt in my mind, God wants us there. He has made that very clear every step of the way so far from how we received this assignment to solutions for the details of the move itself. I still don't know how it is all going to work logistically, but everytime I start to wig out I get a clear sign to have faith in God and to hand it all over to Him. Need an example? The other day we were on our nightly family walk when I came to the realization that we would have to leave for Alaska a whole month and half before I originally anticipated. The ferries don't run often in the winter and to get there by my husband's report date we need to leave 6 weeks early! This creates a whole slew of problems ranging from scheduling movers, to finding renters, to missing the holidays in our home. I quickly felt the stress welling up inside of me and just as I was about to burst into tears I looked down and saw this...

Isn't that incredible? It's a sign written in sidewalk chalk covering the width of the street and says "Have faith in God!" WOW! It instantly brought me peace and reminded me to stop and just give all the stress and worry to Him, and let Him make it perfect.

Last Tuesday I finally pulled myself up by my bootstraps and threw together a moving sale- materializing the fact that we are indeed moving. I had no idea how much work it is to put together a sale! Rummaging through everything, weeding out what we no longer need, cleaning it all up, organizing it, and the hardest part...putting a price on all our things, things with memories. Like our couch, the first piece of furniture my husband and I bought together. Young lovers in our first apartment, that couch was the only thing we had to our name and that was enough for us! As hard as it was, I pulled it off and it was a pretty successful sale. When all is said and done we made close to $1000! Craigslist is really a wonderful thing! Now I am left with empty spaces in our home. I will be busy this next week rearranging so that some of the rooms don't feel so lonely and taking pictures so we can list our house for rent. {sigh}

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I am still here. I have missed my blog and all you readers! I know it has only been a few days, but what can I say? I'm addicted! I cant wait to peruse my favorite blogs and see what everyone is up to, especially as people pull out all their fall decor! Fall is my favorite season and since I wont be able to decorate for Christmas this year I have decided to go all out for Fall!   Today, I started to work on transforming the front porch. Here's a sneak peak into what's to come...

Thanks for hanging in there! I promise this week will be full of fun (probably Fall themed) posts! :)

I've been featured! :)

WOW! Someday Crafts just featured my DIY Designer Jeans tutorial! I am just giddy with excitement! Thank you to all the gals over at Someday Crafts! I feel so honored! I have been a fan of their blog for awhile now!

I just found out that Busy Mommy Media featured my Laundry Room Makeover too! They featured it on July 23rd but I just now found out about it. A BIG THANK YOU! Better late than never, right? If you havent seen their site, you really should head over and check them out! Pretty cool!

Kelly at Honest Nice Woman also featured my Laundry Room Makeover on July 26th. Gosh, why I am just finding out about these now? Guess I'm a slacker! Thanks Kelly, I am so flattered! Again, better late than never.

I also found out that Yellow Alien featured my Lamp Makeover on the Turkish site 10marifet.org. Thanks!

Nothing tickles me more than being featured or meeting new followers! I just love the blog community! Its so great to share ideas and inspiration with all you creative people out there!

30 second tee-SKIRT

A few days ago I stumbled upon CuteCircuit, a London based wearable technology company. CuteCircuit makes clothing that features "smart textiles" and "micro Electronics". Anyway, they also gave us this tutorial on how to turn a tee shirt into a skirt in 30 seconds!

Tutoral excerpt taken from CuteCircuit.com:

1.  Get a large shirt you think will make a good skirt and that you are willing to sacrifice to the gods of fashion. Suggestion: Steal your boyfriend’s death-metal shirt! You’ll be doing him a favor.



2.  With a fine pair of scissors or a seam ripper, cut the collar in 2 places where the shoulders are and open the top shoulder seam a little. This opening is the waist, so don’t open it too much at first. Try it on and see how much you need to open it.


3.  Turn the sleeves inside to make pockets! If you want to get really fancy and make pockets that you can actually put something in you can turn the whole skirt inside-out so that you can stitch across the sleeve opening to close the pocket.


4.  Finally, if you want extra refinement you can add a snap or tie-string at the waist to keep that skirt clinging to the hips. And voilá: A new skirt with a fancy 40s style tulip shape!

This is just too brilliant not to share! Now I am going to start thrifting for some cute tees! Wouldnt this be so cute to try with an old college tee shirt? Perfect for tailgating!

Heather Brown Surf Art

Recently Nadia over at Livin' La Vida Aloha introduced me to the work of Hawaiian artist Heather Brown. Her art is so stunning I just had

to share it with you too! Heather lives on the North Shore of Oahu where she paints these bright, vivid island scenes. I love how her paintings are so cheerful and whimsical. I would love to have some of these hanging on my walls!

She even has tees and market bags!

I loooove owls!!!

"Watch out! She has a can of spray paint..."

"...and she knows how to use it!" ;)


Nothing is safe when I start swinging around a can of spray paint! My newest victim, lamps. My mom gave me a pair of lamps when I was home for Christmas in 2006. They used to be my sister's. I had pretty traditional decor back then so I used them as-is until now.

Do you remember my post about the movie set on "The Bounty Hunter"? If you remember, I said I was inspired by this lamp...

Sorry its a bit blurry, I had to blow it up so you could see it. I love the green base and I especially love the shade. Inspired to recreate it, I bought some spring green spray paint ($3) and sprayed my lamp bases. Happy with the results, I went to Target and bought textured drum shades ($15).

Once I got home, I whipped out my fabric paints and started hunting around my house for something to use as a stencil. I didn't find much but a metal flower medallion. I thought I might be able to use it as a stamp, but after a test run, it was an epic fail. All I had left were my foam snowflake stamps. I have to limit my daily outings as I have a toddler who is nearing the terrible twos, so another outing to the craft store for a medallion stencil or stamp was out of the question yesterday. Not wanting to put off the project any longer, I ran with it. I stamped the snowflakes onto the lampshade, then went back with a small artist's brush and modified the pattern. I don't think they look like snowflakes now, do you? Well, lets hope they don't because at this point there's no turning back!

Are you ready for the reveal? I wont keep you in the dark any longer (oh, I crack myself up!). Let there be light!

Here is my lamp next to a really bad screen shot of my inspiration...

And here is the before and after...

Pretty cute huh? I think it looks totally different! It's so happy and fun! Now the lamps reflect my vintage eclectic design style and instantly become the center of attention in our guest room.

Here is my challenge to you: go through any old, outdated items lying around the house and find something you can re-purpose or give new life. You will be surprised how inspired you can be when you are wielding a can of spray paint!

I LINKED THIS UP TO THESE AWESOME LINK PARTIES!

A piece of Hawaii

Here is update number 4 on my DIY Man Shops Globe/Anthropologie inspired quilt. I want this quilt to just ooze sunshine so I can find some aloha on the dark, wintry Alaskan nights ahead of me. I have always admired and longed for a handstitiched Hawaiian quilt but I could never afford one. I actually choked when I saw the price tag on one during my last trip to the islands. The prices are deservedly high because it takes months and even years to hand make these gorgeous quilts. I wanted to include an homage to the traditional Hawaiian quilts in my aloha quilt, but I have heard how tedious and labor intensive it is. I have never quilted before and probably wont be doing it again, and I am doing this all by the seat of my pants, so I said to myself "what the heck- why not? Its just a couple squares!"

First, I printed off images I would like to quilt. Hawaiian quilts typically feature repetitive patterns of things from nature such as pineapple, kukui, plumeria, tuberose, maile, etc that are then appliqued to a backing fabric.

Next, I cut out the pattern I wanted, folded it into fourths and cut out a fourth of the pattern. Then, I folded the square of fabric that I have choose for the applique into fourths. Placing the pattern over the folded fabric, I pinned and then cut out the pattern through the layers of fabric. I choose a simple pattern that was easily cut into fourths but you can venture out into more detailed patterns and fold it into eighths! Whew! This being my first try at it, I opted for fourths.

Once, I had the cut out, I had to applique it to the backing fabric. I just pinned it but if it is an exceptionally detailed pattern I would suggest baste stitching it. Then I used my sewing machine to applique the cut out to my backing fabric.

Traditionally, Hawaiian quilts are composed of solid colored fabrics. To make the Hawaiian quilt square look natural with the rest of my quilt, I used the same patterned vintage reproduction fabrics as I have used throughout the rest of my quilt. I think its a fun twist on the traditional Hawaiian quilt square.

Typically, the next step is to hand quilt this to a batting and backing fabric. I would quilt it by following the lines of the applique, producing a wave-like effect. The lines following the contours of the applique can symbolize the waves and tides surrounding the islands. Because, my entire quilt wont be entirely done in this Hawaiian method, I am waiting until I am ready to quilt the entire quilt. After I have quilted the whole project, I will then go back and recreate the Hawaiian quilting effect by topically applying embriodery floss.

That was alot more work than the typical patchwork pieces I have done. Because my move to Alaska is in a little over 4 months, I wont have time to do too many pieces in this Hawaiian style, but I am glad I decided to include it. I think it will give the quilt a little bit more history and authenticity.

These are the rest of my pieces for the week:

*Click here to see the AWESOME link parties I am linking to.

Help the families of our fallen heros...

On July 28, 2010, there was a fatal C-17 crash at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. The plane crashed during a practice flight for an upcoming airshow, killing all four crew members aboard. This is so heartbreaking and it resonates with us so deeply. We mourn for the lost crew members and their families. These families are going through my husband and I's worst nightmare. All had spouses, many had children, and all have countless other family and friends- all feeling the tremendous loss of their loved ones. In another awful turn of events, one of the wives of the pilots killed, Melanie Malone, just lost her father less than two weeks later in another freak plane crash carrying the former Alaskan senator Ted Stevens.


The spouses in our current squadron wanted to show support for these families. We have decided to collect monetary donations and divide them equally amongst the individual family's preexisting accounts. This way the families can use the accounts for any need- dinners, babysitters, moving expenses, funeral arrangements etc. I built a website and paypal donation account to open up this opportunity to you and the general public. The site has biographies and obituaries, a condolences page to leave comforting messages for the families, and last but not least a donation button. If you would like to directly help these families, we ask that you please donate to this cause.


Thanks for taking the time to help these families, either with kind wishes or donations. Every bit helps!  Please, please, please share this with your email contacts, Facebook friends, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc! The website itself has sharing capabilities to facilitate posting to Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc. I have created an html button for the website if you would like to add it to your site. The button and code can be found on my side bar.

Here is the website: http://ElmendorfFamilyMemorialFund.blogspot.com

Long Exposure Photography

I just recently became familiar with the German photographer, Michael Wesely. He is known for his long exposure photography. It is simply astonishing! Some of his exposures last as long as 3 years!!! That means it took 3 years to take a single photo. The effect is amazing! His photos follow major urban construction projects and even the life and death of a bouquet of flowers. The long exposure gives the photos an eerie, ghostlike feeling. 

In 2001, the Museum of Modern Art asked him to document their major construction/renovation project. These are some of his images from the project. Some of these exposures took 3 years!

The streaks in the sky are the pattern of the sun as it rises and sets as the earth rotates. Incredible!

Through the use of filters and a very small aperture, yet one that is standard in a professional camera lens, Wesely is able to diminish the amount of light hitting the negative to the point where he can extend the exposure many thousands of times longer than we would ordinarily expect.

His work has been compiled in a book that accompanied his exhibition, Open Shutter. I would looove to flip through this book! I find his method of photography to be spellbinding!

Features & Awards

I am just speechless! I have been just showered with blog love this week! Thank you everyone! I get all giddy and do a little jig everytime one of you leave me a comment!


Today my DIY Designer Demin tutorial was featured on Tatertots & Jello! I loooove their site and I look forward to their weekend wrap up party all week!

As if that wasn't enough, then Beat Until Fluffy featured my Reese's Smores today!




On August 2nd, my DIY No Soliciting Sign was featured on My Collection of Ideas! YAY!


And on August 10th, Ginger over at Loves to Dream recommended my Flip Recipe Book idea!


Then on top of all that happiness, I received not one, not two, but THREE awards! Glee!

Melissa over at Oh My Darling gave me the Sunshine Award 
Now I am passing it on to Livin La Vida Aloha and The Polished Pickle!

A Blog With Substance award from the lovely Sassy Sites!
I am honored to pass this award onto 10 other blogs with substance:
Decor Chick, Oh My Darling, Lets Dish, The Happy Home, Green Submarine, Just For Love, Vintage Revivals, Frilly Details, The Mommyhood Memos, and The VG Huis

And the Versatile Blogger Award from my new friend A Pretty Place to Play!
I am passing this award onto Beat Until Fluffy and Antika Moda

To accept the award I am supposed to name 7 random things about myself.

1) I can color match anything! Seriously, give me a color swatch and I can mix up paint and match it in a couple minutes. It comes naturally, but one of my Interior Design courses really helped me hon in on it.

2) I am an avid snowboarder. This winter will be my 10th season! WOO HOO! A lifelong dream came true last winter when I got to go to Whistler/Blackcomb (a place I fondly call my snowboarding mecca) for the Winter Olympics! That trip knocked my socks off!

3) I am a bit of a clean freak. Ok, ok, maybe a little more than a freak. I just love a clean home. Oh, and the sheets always have to be pulled up to about midway where my pillow is. I thought this was common knowledge learned during Bed Making 101, but my husband obviously slept in that class-pun intended ;). He stretches them WAY over the pillow and has excess piled up under the pillow!! UGH!!!

4) I love Mexican food and I am obsessed with Hatch New Mexico Red Chiles. That stuff is crack!

5) While my husband was in pilot training in Oklahoma, I became a barista at Starbucks. I wanted to have a "fun" job. I always had such serious, high stress jobs so I wanted something fun for the 6 months we were there. I loved it! It really refined my palette and now I can make a mean cup of jo! My go-to drink is an Iced Venti Shaken Green Tea with only 4 pumps of Classic...mmmm!

6) I am a red wine girl. I used to hate it and only go for sweet whites, but after working at Starbucks I am able to pull the subtle flavors out of food and drink and it makes it so much fun! Syrah, Shiraz, Sangiovese, and anything Old Vine are faves!

7) I am an awesome bargain hunter. My husband tells people he can find what he thinks is a good deal but if he brings me I will find it 75% cheaper. I dunno what to say...its a gift! :)

You sure know how to make a girl feel loved! Thank you!!!!

You might need a tissue...

Here is a happy way to start your weekend. This is a video compliation of surprise military homecomings. I wish I had a picture of my son Noah's face when he saw his Daddy get off the plane from his second deployment. He was only 10 months old. We were afraid he might not remember Daddy right away, but we were wrong. He had a blissful look of surprise on his face and crawled in his Daddy's arms. Precious.

This is a picture the base photographer took for the front page of the newspaper of my husband and I reuniting after his first deployment. 

Hope this video makes your day! It sure made mine! 

A Dress and a Ditty {guest post}

I have a special treat for you today. I have asked my friend Melissa over at Oh My Darling to guest post for us today. I simply love Melissa's musical and fashion taste. She always picks out the prettiest dresses and playlists. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do! Now let's give her a warm ALOHA! Take it away Melissa!

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Hi there! I'm Melissa, and I’m delighted to be stopping by with a guest post -usually you can find me over at Oh, My Darling. Emily and I are calling this little feature “A Dress and a Ditty” because I’ll be featuring a great song and a few dresses that somehow relate to the song. I hope you enjoy it!





This song is called “Let’s Get Out of This Country,” and it is performed by the super-fun and talented band Camera Obscura. The lyrics and overall mood of this song bring to mind a whimsical little jet-setting jaunt with your lover, to somewhere fun and romantic (Paris, perhaps?).

If my fella and I were able to blow off work and fly overseas, I’d be sure to pack a dress like The Line Blue Cotton Dress by After Showers, as this beautiful handmade dress would pair perfectly with a pair of comfortable Toms or sandals and a roomy canvas bag – perfect for a busy day of sightseeing and shopping.

For a dressier night in the evening – let’s say we’re going to a 5-star French restaurant and then topping off the night at a swanky jazz club (is jazz even popular in France? I suppose that’s irrelevant to this little fantasy journey), I’d love to wear the Summer Spritzer dress from Modcloth. With just a simple little necklace and a pair of glamorous shoes that we just happened to find at a great boutique earlier in the day, this dress would make a magical night in another country all the more unforgettable.

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Thanks Melissa! You can look forward to the A Dress and a Ditty series here on FMA! Be sure to check out Melissa's darling blog, Oh My Darling, and share some bloggy love!


Like the Camera Obscura song you just heard? You can buy/download it here on Amazon.