DIY Necklace Holder

I'm a very visual person. Out of sight- out of mind.

I'm all about lists and notes- it helps me stay organized. I think that's why I considered making this blog- ONE place that contains all my paintings && projects?? Yes please!

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Anyways- I have SO many necklaces, I tend to forget I have them which is why I normally don't wear jewelry.

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But lately, I've noticed myself buying some necklaces and bracelets that i've fallen in love with.

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I told myself I couldn't buy ONE more until I make some type of cute necklace holder. That way, I can see my options every morning.

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This brought me to my first DIY project (well, not first EVER.. but it's been a while). First for my blog anyways. :)

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I did some research online of some necklace holders and eventually came to the conclusion of wanting to buy a plaque of wood, && add some different kinds of knobs to give it more of a vintage look. 

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I purchased the knobs on my go-to website: www.ebay.com

Each one ranged in price from $.99 - $3.00 each. STEAL!!

There are LOADS to choose from, but i just picked my favorites.

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 Thankfully I was able to borrow the drill//drill bits from my work so it made this project much easier.

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I've been obsessed with the color blue for a while now, and most recently TURQUOISE has been my color. I painted the plaque I got from Michaels Arts & Crafts store with acrylic paint. 

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The next step was to measure out where I would put knobs, and use the drill bits to make the holes for the screws to go into. Using the drill was probably the hardest thing I had to do, which i may or may not have had some help with .. ;)

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I decided to buy some small hooks to put on the underside of the wooden plaque, that way there are more spots to hang the essentials. Those only needed a hammer to be put in (thankfully).

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I used some sandpaper to give the turquoise paint a more rustic look. I think it helps the color blend into the wood and look a bit more natural.

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Took some time, but it was a successful project and I'm very pleased with the finished product as well as the aesthetics it adds to my room. :)

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Until next time<3

My First Painting

A Lifetime of Inspiration

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This was my first painting I have ever completed.
Can you believe it? Back in 2006, when I was 16 years old. Usually people start out with small, experimental pieces. But not this girl!

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I started this painting with a
few different pictures and used my favorite parts of each as inspiration, leading to this end product. I started with the palm tree, && after it was completed, I was shocked how great it turned out. 
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I didn't know I could create something that I loved so much and enjoy doing it at the same time! I must say- I was very proud of myself.
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As I finished the painting, I took a step back and looked at the finished product. This was the very beginning of a love and passion for painting && creating art. 
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I decided to give it to someone very close to me at the time,
 as a Christmas gift, with a special note in the back. I actually didn't see it again until four years later.. with a new addition to the note in the back. The story behind this painting is like a bit of a fairytale to me, there are so many different aspects to it.
They've turned into great memories.
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This painting will always have a special place in my heart && in my home.
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Until Next Time<3
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