Lent Centerpiece

As I sat down to eat my oatmeal this morning I knew something had to change...

 

I needed a new centerpiece.  My Valentine's Day arrangement had expired!

So, inspired by the Lenten season, here's what I came up with. 

 

And here's how to make your own...

  

You will need a wooden base, a dow rod (about 1/4 in diameter), wire, (one gauge that fits through beads, one a bit heavier to fix dow rods together)  wire cutter, and a collection of random beads.   

  

Cut your dow into two pieces, one slightly longer than the other, so that it will make a nice cross.  Next, drill a hole in the center of the wooden base so that the longest dow rod fits into it very snuggly.  

 

To create the cross fix the two dows together by tightly twisting a wire and wrapping it around as shown above.  

   

O.K. Moving on.  Fix the thinner wire to the base of the cross by twisting it tightly, using a jewelry crimp bead, or a simple square knot like I did.  Then, begin stringing.  I have a massive collection of mismatched beads from old projects and broken jewelry.  If you aren't a borderline hoarder like I am, I  think you can buy big bags of random beads at Hobby Lobby.   

  

Once you have a nice long strand, begin winding it around the dow.  The best part about this step is that you can't mess it up.    Every once in awhile twist the wire around or underneath itself to help secure the beads.   So, let's review... Strand, wind, twist, and repeat.  Work your way up the cross and across the arms.

 

As you work your way to the end of the dow rod, there will come a point where you can't wrap it without the beads slipping off the end.  Once this happens just start winding back the other way.  To cover the exposed ends apply hot glue and top with plastic or wooden beads.  (Hot glue doesn't work so super well on glass beads.)

  

And that's that!

  

Kinda looks like jelly beans, doesn't it?

  

I added this grass for a springy feel. You can find it in a 12x12 sheet at, where else but Hobby Lobby.

  

 

Now when I sit down for breakfast I'll be reminded of the Easter miracle!   

Jesus saves!

Thanks for stopping by!

Photo Wall

I've always wanted to do this.  In fact, I've tried before and failed.  Actually, I've tried twice and failed.

That explains why I have an abundance of black frames and lots of holes left behind in the walls of apartments past.

This is the before...  

 

Here's the during...

 

Trace your selected frames on brown paper bags, cut out, and tape to the wall.  This will allow you to find just the right arrangement without pounding in a zillion holes in your wall. 

I taped off the corners and started hanging.  In hind sight I realized that I should have left the paper ones up, removed one at a time, and replaced it with the frame.  Oh well, my way worked too. 

 

I left some frames picture-less so that I would have a little flexibility in their arrangement, and just  filled them in afterwards. 

This is the after...

 

"K" Tutorial to come

 

 

Now I'm a far cry from a professional, but I've had enough flops to compile a list of tips for creating your own photo wall.  

1.  Plan ahead.  Do you want your arrangement to have a defined shape or a more organic one?   

2.    Only use photos that you adore. Good quality photos that you adore!  

3.  Find a common element for all the items you plan to hang.  I used all black frames.  All different shapes and sizes, but all black. I also used our last name as a theme.  One picture has Little Miss holding a Koenig sign.  One frame features a "K." The long frame on the bottom spells our name in those letter photos that you see absolutely everywhere.   

4.  Mat (or is it matte??) your photos.  It costs a little bit but makes a HUGE difference.  Don't worry about the smaller frames.  I chose to mat all 5x7's and larger, using the same mat for all.  

5.  Use a level!!!! Don't try to eyeball it.  If your frames are cheap like most of mine are, they don't come with any awesome hooks on the back, and therefore shift from time to time.  I bought this stuff called Candle Fast.  It's a wax that is typically used to hold candles upright in candle sticks.  I used a teeny tiny bit behind each frame and now I don't feel compelled to adjust them each time I walk in the room.  

If you create a photo wall of your own I'd love to see your finished product!

Freebie Friday- Tea Dyed Dress

 A few weeks ago, I posted some family pictures that my friend Katie took for us.  I thought briefly spent a ridiculous amount of time planning our attire.  I wanted us all to coordinate, you know, look like we belonged together, without looking like we were trying too hard.  

I knew I wanted Munchkin to wear this tea-dyed onesie from a previous Freebie Friday.

 

So, on to Little Miss' dress, today's freebie. 

Etsy has, what I call t-shirt dresses, all over the place.  It's basically a t-shirt hacked off about half way down and an added skirt.  Simple right?!?

 

So here's what I did.  I found an old t-shirt from Little M's drawer and  tea-dyed  it.

Then, I added a two layered ruffle skirt. (insert imagination here!) There is no tutorial because I was really winging it.   

I hate to leave you hangin' so if you are interested,  Ashely over at Make It and Love It, has a nice tutorial, and a much more professional product if I must say so!

 

 

It turned out pretty cute, but a little rough.  The seam where the t-shirt met the skirt was a little frumpy, so I added this snazzy belt that I've been hanging onto for way TOO long.  No kidding, I think it's from Jr. High.  Sick, I know! 

Elastic that I had on hand helped to create more of a waist.  Finally, add a fun button.  Buttons make everything better!

 

So...

t-shirt from drawer...$0.00

tea from pantry...0.00

white fabrics from "Jamie's Mom" collection...0.00

belt from Jr. High...0.00

button from my stash...0.00

 total... FREE!!!

 

...and pretty stinkin' cute!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy weekend!

 

Etsy L.O.V.E

I'm still in Valentine's day mode and I want to share my LOVE with my followers!

(Let's be honest, I forgot to post this yesterday!) 

Get 10% off in my Etsy shop.  

Here's how.  

1. Become a follower of Well Rounded. 

Already a follower?  Skip to step #2.

2. Post a comment below telling me about your Valentine.  

Here's what you'll find...

 

 

 

And so much more....

 

 

Nails on a Chalkboard

Aren't there words that just ERK you?  You know, things people say that just make you cringe. 

As kids, there were certain words that just weren't allowed to come out of our mouths, and to this day I'd rather listen to nails run across a chalkboard than hear them.  

And, although I occasionally let them fly, here's the list of things I won't let my kids say, and what we replace them with.

"Shut-up"

Replace with "quite please"

"I'm gonna kill you."

 No replacement... just don't say it!

"Oh, my God"

(when not speaking about the Lord.)

  We replace this with "oh, my heavens," which sounds adorable coming from a two year old's mouth!

"dang-it" or "damn-it"

We use  "dog-on-it" (Is that right?? We say it, but I've never had to spell it!) 

Or "piffle"... thanks Grandma!

"stupid"
We say "silly," which in certain situations sounds very silly.

So, now I'm dying to know... what's on your list??