Where We Are

Posted on April 22, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

Life has managed to grab a hold of us and has kept us focused on our personal life for a bit. My sister has been tackeling a very difficult class. It is very difficult to start a new project and just as you are getting your groove have to take a break. That is what happens when you put off what you can do today for tomorrow. We’ve quickly come to learn that trying to study for our personal goals and give creative content does not work.
For the last two weeks I have been studying for my real estate license test. (It’s been longer than that but I have been really burning the brain cells as of late).I have taken the license exam twice and have missed it both times by one point. Both times were extremely difficult to swallow. The second time made me rethink my career choice. I asked God to guide me because he is the only way I can get through this barrier. He gave me a fighting bone in my body, so I’m going to retake it. This bone must be from God because I feel so exhausted,beat up, and ready to give up.
The great part about this massive beat down is I have grown an AMAZING relationship with God. The uncertainty that I have been feeling is withering away. He is opening my eyes and changing my heart. Real Estate is my avenue and I have a great feeling it open up more possibilities. I have also realized my love for creating beautiful things and blogging. These two weeks of no blogging have been difficult. I found myself many times wanting to post something, then pushing myself to study more. Good things are on the horizon for Traces of Creativity, please be patient with us.

D.I.Y Inspiration

Posted on April 5, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

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Ikea Strandmon Wing Chair- Inspiration
ETSY Fabuless Fabrics Royal Micro Suede

This week has been interesting to say the least. I am fully understanding the let go and let God we discussed earlier this week. On a positive, I have been really studying for this test I have failed many times, and I have used non studying time to plan more D.I.Y. projects. I am not a planner so this is a really good step, plus it is on my New Year wish list for my life. Over the past few months I have been looking at amazing house tours. The best part about blog house tours are most of the time these people are regular Joes who just have a sense of style. I LOVE IT!! I feel a real sense being able to accomplish anything. Time to step my game up!

This week I was blessed with some leather wing back chairs. They are used but in GREAT condition and I am wanting to learn to reupholster, so what better to practice on. Looking at these “diamonds in the rough”, I knew I needed inspiration immediately. I started doubting myself, why, I have no clue. The Ikea Strandmon wing back chairs look so similar to these chairs so I figured I would use them as my inspiration. If you have not seen the Strandmon chairs they are simple, yet a great accent to a living room or sitting room. During our last Ikea visit, I started to give my husband the I want it look. He immediately said “Craigslist and do it yourself.” Since then I have been patiently waiting for a pair of perfect chairs to come around. They are here and they were free (Thanks Jen!!!).

I have looked at soo much fabric online they all started to look the same. I thought I wanted a bold print, but quickly remembered 3 important things. I have a kid, a husband, and I change my mind like I change my underwear. Which means I need a dark, sturdy, solid fabric. Oh yea, and cheap! Well thank you Fabuless Fabrics on Etsy. $5 a yard for a royal blue micro suede upholstery fabric. Hopefully, this whole project takes no more that 10 yards…..maybe I should get more just in case. I can’t wait to get started!! I will be sharing photos of my progress on my Instagram (Traces of Creativity) so tune in.

New Music – Ari Lennox

Posted on April 4, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

I feel like poopie today. It’s rainy and little guy and I are under the weather, even though he seems to be 100%. The best part of being under the weather is doing absolutely nothing in the house and laying in the bed. Since I am determined to take Traces of Creativity off the ground I am using this time to get inspired, and window shop from home.

I am a lover of all music. If it speaks to me, it does not matter the genre, I am listening to it and playing it until I get tired (emphasis on I). Ask my husband, I must of played the Young the Giant cd a million times plus, and didn’t care when he asked me to play something else. Yesterday, I was lucky enough to Facebook my way to Ari Lennox. While reading my daily gossip from Necole Bitichie ( I know I shouldn’t, but some of her articles grasp me….okay, most of them) she had her video as a Bitchie NewArtist. Yes, back to Ari Lennox, she is a soul, rock, afro jazz singer from Washington D.C. Her voice is BEAUTIFUL! AUTOMATIC chill bumps guaranteed. I listened to the beginning of her video and immediately missed the soul movement that was popular when I was coming up. She is channeling an Amel Larrieux, Corrine Bailey Ray, and Erykah Badu style. Am I missing someone? Could real music be making a come back?? I hope so for the future generations!

Reebok & Alicia Keys What A GREAT Mix!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

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Freestyle Hi Wedge Alicia Keys $89.98

Classic Nylon Slim Alicia Keys $64.99

Freestyle Hi Alicia Keys $79.99

I have seen some of Alicia Keys’ advertisements for her Reebok sneaker line, and I am super excited. We are cankle sisters. Since her amazing after baby weight loss I would hardly call them cankles anymore. After seeing how amazing her legs look in the freestyle hi wedge, I knew these sneakers were a must!! Every shoe in the line is AWESOME. Above are a few of my favorites! All I can say is GET IT!! They are under a $100 which is perfecto in my book.

Keep Calm

Posted on April 1, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

Image via Google.com Stay calm posters

First off, let me start by saying sorry for missing those days last week. My mind is everywhere and I needed to focus on one thing. It never happened, but it was a nice try. Good thing I believe in the man upstairs. I kindly dropped my cares off with him. I am thankful that he is carrying me through a time that I think is the most mentally draining, yet rewarding time in life. Today, I started to feel that little stress demon creep into my spirit. I wanted to combat it with a keep calm poster to make me happy. I Googled and all of these came up. Wow! All I could do was laugh. Totally forgot about the stress the demon and laughed for five minutes. There are soo many of these keep calm posters! Who knew so many people had a need them? This definitely made me feel better. There are things you learn every day, but understanding why the lesson was important is major. I want to sum up learned/understood lessons at the end of every month. So, I want to say Bye to March, and Hello to April. What are your learned/understood lessons for March??

1. Let Go and Let God!

2. I can do all things through God!

3. There is a plan. I have to have patience!

4. Stop putting off for tomorrow what you can do today!

5. You can’t push your beliefs and thoughts on others!

6. You can’t be a communications specialist without reading! Good bye skimming.

7. Social media is necessary in any business. ( I knew this. Now, I fully understand it)

Easter Dress Toddler Boy

Posted on March 27, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

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Children’s Place Oxford Shirt $16, Colored Flat Front Shorts $26.95, Cherokee Holden Canvas – Grey $16.99
Gap Convertible chambray shirt $26.95, The Children’s Place bandana patchwork shorts $17.95, nomad slip-on shoe $16.95

When I was growing up Easter Sunday meant big dresses and suits. No kid wants to be looking for eggs in a shirt, tie, and sports coat or a huge dress. I know I didn’t. There are no parents that want to see their son or daughter with grass stains all over their Easter best. I say come as you are. My intention for my little guy is for him to be comfortable while we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. I think the outfits above are nice enough for church as well as Easter egg hunting and whatever else your Easter calls for.

Making Old New

Posted on March 26, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

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I bought black and white picture frames a few months back hoping that I could decorate my foyer with them. Yea, the frames went on the wall and were extremely boring on my beige lackluster walls. They did nothing but blend in to the boring background. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE beige because I can add any color to my house and not have to take in account the walls, but a black frame with black and white photos in it, is not where it is at. I was going to sell them but I am making a conscious effort to use what I have before purchasing something new. We do not have a money tree growing in our backyard so re-purposing is a must. So, immediately I thought what can give these photos the pop I am looking for. Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhh (My light bulb in my head sings)…..FABRIC. I love fabric because it is just like paint, it can change anything for the better!

What you need:

Elmers Glue all

Rotary cutter

Xacto Knife

Your fabrics

Frames

Ruler

Scissors (For clean up)

What I did…

Make sure to iron your fabric. Wrinkles around the frame will make the project look messy. Detach the picture from the frame. This is where your xacto knife comes in. You have to detach the picture from the cardboard frame. Be careful not to cut the frame or the picture (like I did). Once detached, place frame over the the desired fabric. I measured about 3 inches around the frame, then cut away excess fabric. Then adhere fabric to the outer side of the frame using Elmers Glue all. Use the xacto knife to cut out the inside. Make sure to have an excess of 1 inch to ensure enough fabric is able to fold over the inner sides of the frame. Glue the fabric to the inside square. I did a diagonal cut at the corners to make gluing and folding easier.

WALA!!

Insert the re-purposed frame into glass frame with all contents originally in the frame.

Being Safe

Posted on March 26, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

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Source: Pinterest via La Bella Via
Art and Typography: Monique Bellavia

I have been seriously thinking about my life and my safety blanket that I am all wrapped in. God has blessed me with awesome people in my life, an awesome life, and I cannot complain. I have been afforded this opportunity to take the step and I am soo scared because I am in my comfort zone. It made me question my comfort in this safety net. What do you think about what Diane Sawyer is saying?? I think she is on to something, it is just a matter of taking that step pass what you comprehend.

All You Need Is Fabric & Paint

Posted on March 22, 2013 by TracesofCreativity

Bamboo kitchen utensils from West Elm $6 for one

Back on Lizset’s Diary I talked about having colorful utensils for the spring and summer entertaining. There is nothing better than surrounding your great bbq food with outstanding serveware. I have been thinking of how I can spruce my kitchen up and I found one of the answers. Bamboo kitchen spoons dipped in paint. Very quick and simple. While in Wal-Mart I saw a set of bamboo utensils for $6.99. You can use $2.98 paint samples from your local Lowes or Home Depot to achieve your own look.

West Elm Ironwork Flocked Window Panel
$89.00 – $119.00

Curtains can be difficult and be costly depending on the fabric and how long you want each panel. The great thing is there are coupons! Joanns and Hobby Lobby send out monthly coupons, they also have an app that offers coupons. You can find a fabric on sale or full price and use a coupon to help with savings. Once you get it home, sewing will be simple. It’s crazy to me how much curtains cost nowadays. I know it seems like a lot of work but the reward is worth it. Or if you have a plain curtain use a stencil and paint or spray paint to make a master piece.

Nate Berkus Geometric Toss Pillow Target $24.99

If you have been following us on Instagram you know that I am on an accent pillow making mood. 1 yrd can get you three accent pillows! Or use a stencil or tape and paint to spruce up a plain accent pillow.

Parsons Floor Mirror – Diamond Grass Cloth $499.00

Hellllooooo!! This is a floor mirror wrapped in fabric. Need I say more. Easy, Easy, Easy! Your friends will be in awe and your head will be held high because you re purposed or made all of it. Are you excited?? I know I am!! Check back every week to see what new projects we take on!