Dreams do come true...

This building may not look like much but I can verify that it is a dream come true!

We can't keep a lid on it any longer...WE GOT KEYS...to a 2400sq ft. shop/office/craft space building. This is a building for Junque 2 Jewels to do even bigger & better things!

We dream big and are looking forward to using this new space to do more for customers & bring more great ideas to fruition.

It also gets lots of business *JUNQUE* out of our house which I am also thankful for!

Right now we will be using the space to make lots & LOTS of frames...

better get back to work.



Tennis

Junque 2 Jewels

Desk Do Over with Chalk Paint

I'm on a bit of a painting kick right now, trying different techniques in re-finishing projects and such.

Today I wanted to share my first attempt at refinishing furniture by making my own chalk paint. The great thing about chalk paint I heard is you don't have to sand or strip the projects before painting, saving lots of hard work. Sign me up for this short cut!

So I snatched up this old desk on Craigslist for $20 and went to work...literally-if you know me, you know I went to work right away and didn't want to stop until I had a finished project but it RAINED which was so frustrating! Anyway, it did eventually get done but here is where we started. UG - ly!

Keep in mind when selecting peices to re-finish that you want a solid wood piece -not veneer - that is still in functioning condition (i.e. drawers open easily etc.).

I started by mixin' up a batch of DIY chalkpaint...2 parts paint ( I went with Valspar in "Man Cave" greyish color) and 1 part Paris of Plaster. Mix REALLY well so you don't get chalky white blobs when you start plaint. It will be thick and almost looks like rising dough - very airy & fluffy. Then get started painting...

This chalkpaint is so thick that it covers well in 2 coats and dries to a chalky matte finish. I let mine dry over night and then went to work sanding using a combination of our electric palm sander and 120 grit regular sand paper for the more detailed areas.

The chalkpaint worked like a dream for the distressed, slightly chippy finish I was going for! It exposed the wood along the creases and on the leg details. For my piece, the wood originally was a light Oak stain and I wanted something darker so I coated the piece with a Mahogony stain to get the darker wood look.

Lastly, I wanted a slightly shiney finish so I decided to have the hubs seal with a layer of Shellac.

(I don't have the patients required for spray painting anything yet!)

Here is what she looks like...sans handles which are still being painted.

Overall, I loved the experience of working with the chalkpaint and look forward to re-doing more Craigslist finds!

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Katie
J2J

"Super sized" Ruler...a.k.a. Growth Chart

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So I've been inspired by a smattering of growth charts pinned on Pinterest. I had an "I can do that" moment so... I did! I took 8" wide pine board and transformed them into these keepsake growth charts I can measure my kiddo on each year, month etc.

This is such a better alternative to marking on a wall or door jam that is forever bound to a home that you may move from. I love it! I also love that it was a simple project - some stain, paint pen & stencils and in about an hour you can whip one up too. Here is my first version:

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For this second version I wanted something old looking, chippy paint - the junkier, the better was my thought on this one. So I stained & painted and sanded until it looked like this.

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Katie
J2J

Addicted to Pinterest

Like the rest of the crafty world I am now totally addicted to Pinterest. This is a fabulous site full of ideas & inspiration on any topic you can think of!

I am using it for gathering future party ideas like this circus themed party from catchmyparty.com

I also of course love all the DIY projects ideas like these dollar store tiered trays from thecottagehome.blogspot.com.

There are also great gift ideas for teachers, family & friends! I've also made reading lists and pinned about vacations I'm dreaming of. It's also a great way to find amazing little blogs from all around the world who are interested in the same things I am intereted in.

Anyway, I'd love for you to follow me...and share your Pinterest link so I can check out what you are pinning too. Follow me here: http://pinterest.com/likethegame/

Celebrate Scrapbook Layout with Pink Paislee

I haven't shared any scrapbooking layouts in awhile but I have been busy creating! Here is one of my favorite layouts. It features new products from Pink Paislee & House of 3 line "Soiree". Doesn't it just feel like a party when you look at it?

 There are so many little finds with this line of products! The little banner pin flags & sparkly glitter elements.

I also love the tissue paper in the line - yes I said that right - TISSUE PAPER! It's perfect for creating ruffly edges and dimension without bulk .

Celebrate Scrapbook Layout with Pink Paislee

I haven't shared any scrapbooking layouts in awhile but I have been busy creating! Here is one of my favorite layouts. It features new products from Pink Paislee & House of 3 line "Soiree". Doesn't it just feel like a party when you look at it?

 There are so many little finds with this line of products! The little banner pin flags & sparkly glitter elements.

I also love the tissue paper in the line - yes I said that right - TISSUE PAPER! It's perfect for creating ruffly edges and dimension without bulk .

Pin It


Now I'm just ready to add photos from our fun 1st birthday crop to make this layout about a bash complete!

Light it up Blue

April is Autism awareness month and there are so many great happenings to share that will help promote the awareness of the affects of autism on individuals, families, your neighborhoods, schools and the world. For me and my family we live every day with the reality of life with Autism and how it impacts our daughter.  While I am often hesistant to share "our story" as everyone has strong opinions and thoughts about the subject I will say this...it has been life changing for us.

We are okay with being weird according to everyone elses standards. We celebrate our childs differences & her quirky-ness. We advocate diversity & acceptance versus dwelling on differences. We try to empower her. We coddle her sensitivity and compassion for seemingly un-important things...we hope she holds this in her heart even as an adult. We do not think she needs "fixing" we are proud to call Kaia Allison our daughter.

Off the soap box...
One fun way to participate and show your support is by lighting it up blue...change your lightbulbs to blue as a show of support. It's like giving a great big hug to all of those touched by Autism ; ) Get your blue bulbs at Home Depot for $1.65!!!

Locally, here are some Autism related events you can participate in!

April 1st “Light it Up Blue” Campaign, Panera Bread Autism Fundraiser, Buy a Smoothie and proceeds go to Autism Speaks, and change your porch light to blue…

April 2nd-WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY & Sensory Sensitive Movie “HOP” at Fiesta AMC in Fayetteville 10:00am

April 8th – Autism Support Mtg. 6-7:30 Nancy Kay, Local Lifecoach/Counselor speaking about Stress Relief for the Families.

April 15th/15 - Crop for a Cause Scrapbooking Fundraiser Event, by 2 Katie Designs. Visit http://www.2katiedesigns.com/ for more information.

May 7th- THE EVENT!!! 2nd ANNUAL AUTISM WALK 6:00am setup-12:00pm clean up!!

June 6th NATURALS AUTISM AWARENESS NIGHT 6:00pm. Tickets $8($4 goes to NWA Autism Support Group)

MORE INFOR ABOUT LIGHT IT UP BLUE:


http://www.autismspeaks.org/press/world_autism_awareness_day_light_it_up_blue.php

Autism Speaks Kicks off World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month Celebration with its Light It Up Blue Campaign


Over 500 Iconic Buildings and Landmarks Around the World will Shine a Bright Blue Light on Autism

Autism Speaks Launches New PSA Starring 5th Graders from Pelham, N.Y. and Introduces a FREE Light It Up Blue App Available through the iTunes Store NEW YORK, N.Y. (March, 24 2011) – Autism Speaks, North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today announced its 2nd annual Light It Up Blue (LIUB) campaign – a unique global initiative to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and help raise funds and awareness of autism as a growing public health crisis.



LIUB will begin on the evening of April 1 when more than 500 structures in over 120 U.S. cities and 25 countries will join Autism Speaks to shine a bright light on autism. Iconic landmarks around the world – including the Empire State Building and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, the Willis Tower in Chicago, Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, along with the Niagara Falls and CN Tower in Canada, Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil and the Sydney Opera House in Australia – as well as airports, bridges, museums, concert halls, schools/universities, restaurants, and retail stores, will light up in bright blue to help kick off Autism Awareness Month and celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.



The public can actively participate in LIUB by supporting the campaign virtually with the launch of a free Light It Up Blue iPhone App and new Build a Blue Website. The LIUB app is available at the iTunes Store and allows users to become part of this global initiative by turning their own pictures blue with a choice of five different style frames. Americans are encouraged to upload the photos to the live stream on LightItUpBlue.org. In an effort to help raise much needed funds for research, participants can also Build a Blue Website and ask friends and family to support Autism Speaks by making a donation to their personal page.



In addition, Autism Speaks will launch a new 30 second PSA starring 5th graders from Pelham, N.Y., singing an original song composed by one of their classmates for LIUB. The PSA is set to air starting March 21 on broadcast and cable television and SiriusXM satellite radio and is live on AutismSpeaks.org. As part of its ongoing, award-winning public service ad campaign, to promote autism awareness and encourage participation in the LIUB initiative, Autism Speaks has once again produced web banners that can be downloaded for free.



Individuals interested in finding fun and creative ways to participate in LIUB should visit LightItUpBlue.org. The website provides a number of ideas from hosting autism-themed gatherings to viewings of autism-themed films and TV programs to wearing the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin or by purchasing specially marked blue light bulbs and LED lanterns sold exclusively at Home Depot to light the exterior of your house. The site also accepts donations to fund autism awareness and research efforts.



“We are very excited to see all these landmark buildings, some for the second year now, illuminated in blue as part of our Light It Up Blue campaign to support World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month,” says Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. “We also want to give a special thank you to our corporate and retail partners for their dedication and the generosity they have shown to this cause. Together, we will light the skies like a beacon of hope and ensure that our message of autism awareness will reach millions around the globe.”



The following Autism Speaks corporate and retail partners will Light It Up Blue by raising autism awareness in stores starting on April 1 and 2:



Toys“R”Us

Casey's General Stores

Build-A-Bear

Dollar General

etnies

FelCor Lodging Trust

Gaylord Hotels

LAMAR Digital Media

Lindt

The Home Depot

White Castle

Zappos

Zale Corporation Bergdorf Goodman

Bloomingdale's

Coldwater Creek

Elizabeth Arden

Lord & Taylor

Neiman Marcus

Nest Fragrances

Ralph Lauren

Scentsy

The NBC Experience Store

T.J. Maxx

Walgreens