The 20-Year Old Tray

I made this tray in my Grade 9 woodworking class. Not too shabby, eh?

Would you believe my my mom still uses it everyday to hold her copious amounts of tea while she reads curled up on the couch? Yup, that means she's had it for 20 YEARS!! How's that for motherly devotion...and craftsmanship for that matter?

I really think my high school shop teacher would be super impressed at how well this little tray has stood up to daily wear and tear. 20 years worth...

This is WAY behind, but my mama approached me about refreshing her tray "Lather Creations" style for Mother's Day and I thought that was a pretty fun idea. She's in the middle of a kitchen redo so it's the perfect time to revamp her beloved tea tray.

So the plan is to sand her up, do some repainting and add a little something special - I have a cool little graphic idea and I  promise to share the 'after' shots once it's done.  Remember friends - if it's solid wood, odds are you can do something cool with paint to give it a whole new look.

Do you have an old wood tray? Why not paint it creamy white or soft turquoise and distress it heavily for a vintage look? Or paint it a sleek solid in a vibrant bright like raspberry or lime green? Such a great, inexpensive way to add a pop of colour to your space.

Does your mom hoard your childhood items? What would she show off of yours if I stopped by for a visit?

By the way - love you mom and thanks for all your ongoing support - your my biggest cheerleader! Now we just need to figure out how to display those synchronized swimming medals!! Tee hee...

Have a great night friends...

Delightful DIY: Madras Madness

It's Sunday, the weather is finally AMAZING and I've crossed the two giant projects off my list for summer (getting my invites out and finishing my two Red River College workshops). I know I keep going on and on about it but I feel ready to just enjoy the summer, do things on my own time and do lots of fun creative projects.

Remember how I finished my straps last weekend on the maxi dress? Well I picked out my very first pattern to do from start to finish and that's what I've been up to the for the last day and a half. Obsessed much? Yup!


Pattern: Simplicity 2593 
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pattern $: 5.95
Fabric Cost: $13.00 

I picked out this 'easy' simplicity pattern with a design by Cynthia Rowley (fashionista to the end!!).  For the fabric, I went with a super summer madras plaid cotton in a feminine pinky-brown colour palette.

I won't pretend to be able to do any sewing tutorials that will actually help you but I when I feature my sewing on Delightful DIY, I'll share my pattern details and lessons learned! For this shirt, i had big plans to do the twisted collar on the cover shot but I ended up losing steam after finishing the basic tank top.

A few things I learned:
-the size is really the size Lenore so you don't need to add extra inches all around (hello boxy!!)
-I don't need to pin the pattern to the fabric to cut it, just weighting it down is enough and saves tons of time
-always, always practice your seams on scrap fabric (good think I picked out a patterned, textured fabric to hide all my flaws!)
-patterns tend to be too short so I always make my length longer then pin to fit perfectly
-adding darts is not so hard - thanks google!
-there is no satisfaction like making my own clothes...so so cool!

Here's some pics of the finished product. Forgive me for I'm make-upless...how's that for brave??

So yes, it's definitely on the boxy side and it's a big big in the neckline but all in all - for under twenty bucks it was a great first project.

What are you up to this weekend friends? Hope it's lovely where you are!

Smitten Kitten

The thing I'm most excited about for summer is dresses. As I've mentioned before, I've never been a big dress person until now - my love for them is just exploding! Probably since I've been getting dresses for my wedding events/showers/photos this summer. Any excuse is a good excuse right??

Browsing my fave online shopping sites offers all kinds of dress eye candy and today I'm sharing my fave casual dressing pics over at J.Crew.  I love love all of these and if funds were unlimited...I would be pressing 'buy' for sure!

You'll notice a trend here - the dresses that suit me are empire waist or more casual loose tunics. I am totally adoring the boat neckline, almost-cap sleeves, higher waist and gorgeous red print on this gem.

Simple white lace and eyelet has always been a fave and it's so hard to find summery dresses with sleeves that still feel lightweight - so this tops my list!

Another lovely boatneck shape, in a thoroughly modern colour palette.

The easiest of summer dressing - basic black, easy fit, drapy sleeves and a flattering v-neck...perfect.

 {all images via J.Crew}

These are not a dress but I couldn't help throwing them in...rubber ballet flats??? A Manitoba-must I would say! Why not look adorable during rainy season and while gardening?

 {Image via J.Crew}

What's your fave style of dress friends? Where do you shop for dresses?

Hope you have a lovely day!