Last Name Wall Art

I am one of those people who loves giving gifts.  I love it!  I love to really think about what someone might want or appreciate.  I love to see their reaction when they open it.  I love to design/create something unique that you can't find at the store. I just love everything about it! I love it!

I knew when I saw this tutorial from Full of Great Ideas that I had to make one and I knew exactly who I wanted to make it for...my parents.  Their anniversary is on Christmas Eve.  This means that even if I don't draw either one of their names at Christmas, I still get to give them a gift without breaking the rules.

After searching (and searching and searching) through all of the letters, I finally decided on a good mix of colors and designs that I knew they would like.  It was pretty quick and easy to create the design.  

Plus, I totally lucked out and came across this great frame at an antique mall.  It was originally a picture of a shoe and I only paid $12.  That's right...I said $12.

All that was left to do was print the design.  But for some reason I couldn't get my act together and get that part done.  Next thing I knew it was Dec. 21st and I hadn't done a thing yet.  So, without taking the time to check out the prices at all the different places I could have it printed, I rushed down to Kinkos and just went for it.  I am sure I could have done this cheaper, but I didn't have the time.  There was only 3 days left to get it printed and in the frame.  But, I don't regret it.  I turned out just as I had imagined.  I was thrilled with the final result.  

And more importantly, so were mom and dad!!

A few great finds...

I have been tossing around several ideas for a headboard for a few years now.  Should I use a door or shutters?  Maybe I should make my own fabric covered headboard...or perhaps I will find just the right headboard while browsing through thrift stores and garage sales.   But, so far...no such luck.

Instead I decided to create a gallery wall with several ornate picture frames that I have collected over the past few months.  A few coats of white spray paint on each one and now I have a cohesive collection...

I love how it turned out, but I have discovered that in a very strong thunderstorm there is a bit of a safety hazard involved.  Around 2 am one morning, a very strong burst of thunder knocked two of the frames off the wall.  Luckily they didn't hit me in the head, but it was close.

Did you notice the adorable chenille blanket?  I just happened to find that at an antique mall one day and fell in love.  When I bought it, I thought it was a twin or double and it would be perfect for my guest room.  But, as it turns out, it is a queen and fits perfectly on my bed.  Lucky me!

And just in time too...it has been so hot here, last week we reached 112 degrees and the heat index was in the 120s.  AAAHHHH!!!!  I needed to get the comforter off my bed because it was too much.

Here is another one of my favorite finds...

An adorable TV cabinet/armoire from Pier 1 (I think) that I found on Craigslist for $75.  It is in such great shape and is the perfect fit for my family room!

Isn't it fabulous?

The perfect place to hide the TV and all the obnoxious boxes and cords that go with it.  Plus, I gained two drawers to keep movies & board games in.  (And by movies & board games, I mean all the junk that is laying around the room and I want to hide before someone comes over!)

Notice the picture sitting on the floor next to it?  I will definitely be showing that off later.