Let's start at the very beginning

Maybe its because of my mom and her uncanny ability to arrange flowers.  Maybe its because of my awkward teenage years filled with anything but loveliness.  Or maybe its because of some innate quality given by God to appreciate beauty in His creation.  But, whatever the reason, I love to find loveliness around me. 

Like my beautiful magnolia tree ...

 

or my sister's precious twins...



 

And I just want to add more beauty to my corner of the world.

I don't know about you, but Pinterest is one of my favorite things!  It is SO lovely!  It is filled to the brim with pretty things!    I can lose HOURS browsing boards!  And I'm sure, I'm not alone.  Do I hear an amen?  All the possibilities!  I am particularly drawn to DYI & Crafts.  There's just something about the possibility of creating that thrills my heart! 

Considering my love affair with pinterest, I think the most appropriate way to kick off this blog is with one of the pins on my DYI board just waiting to be made.   So, here goes nothing...

Oh, Martha Stewart!  You're level of perfection is SO unattainable!  And yet again, you've drawn me in.  The other day I decided to make her personalized coasters for my sister-in-law's birthday.

I started with blue painters tape, cork coasters (only $2.77 for a set of 6 at Hobby Lobby), craft paint, paint brushes, and vinyl letters.  The vinyl letters were really tough to find!  I finally found mine at Home Depot near all the numbers for addresses. 

The next step was to tape the coasters to make the design.  For some of the coasters, I cut the painter's tape to make skinnier lines.  I also, added the vinyl letters and numbers (for my brother and sister-in-law's anniversary date). 

Next, I started painting!   I gave each coaster two coats.  Note to all future DYIers...use a GOOD paintbrush!  Seriously! I began with a cheap brush.  The bristles kept sticking to the paint.  AHHH!!! Thankfully, my husband is the artsy-type and had a good brush for me to use! 

Next, my hubby saved the day again!  He suggested I remove the tape before it completely dried.  I guess that's the way real painters do it!  Apparently, if you wait till its dry, paint could flake off

I decided to get creative and add stripes to a letter.

The result...

I don't love that!

But, overall, I am pleasantly surprised by the results...

I was so enamored with them that I made another set as a hostess gift for a friend! 

So, YEA for the newest pretty creations! I would highly recommend this DYI!  Here's hoping these will add a little more loveliness to my sister-in-law's life!