DIY Burlap Flower Door Decoration

I have wanted some kind of decoration on my front door for years. What would go there has been a tough decision for me, though. I have always felt what was displayed on the front of my door should reflect what someone would find on the other side of it. After many internal debates, I had finally decided that what went on my front door needed to incorporate the words "Love Lives Here." I want my home surrounded with love! This is, after all, the Lord's home. 

A few weeks ago I was wandering through Michael's craft store and saw this huge burlap flower with black trim. It was beautiful! I had tons of burlap fabric and black pipe cleaner, so I got to work.

I free-handed a flower petal the size I wanted. Mine measured approximately 8" in height. How many petals you cut will depend on how large or full your flower will be. I cut eight. Flip your pattern over and cut out eight more (or whatever your number is).

Placing them wrong-sides together, take one petal from each pile and sew them together.

TYPO! Oh well, I'm not perfect anyway, remember?

Get out that glue gun! Attach your pipe cleaner along the stitch line of each petal. 

Arrange your petals in a circle however you like them best. Then using your glue gun, just put a dab at each overlapping corner to keep them in place.

Then cut out a circle of felt and glue it to the back. Now all of your pieces are nice and secure. Embellish the middle and your flower is done. I didn't add a photo of this. I just used a jewelry piece on mine.

Let's move on to the sign, shall we? 

Tra-la-la-la, it's off to the signage we go ...

To keep this simple, I used a couple pieces of die-cut cardboard and letters I had on hand. (Shh ... don't tell my mom, but I used her die-cuts on shoe boxes awhile back.) Glue your letters down and ... tra-la-la ....

Paint them! I spray painted them gold, then black, giving them an antiqued look. 

FYI: Whilst painting these outside, my neighbor said, "Painting again? You're always painting something. You're the painting lady." That's right, I've got myself a reputation!

I attached them with ribbon, and was done.

I love this. It reflects me perfectly. I am a tender-hearted person, always eager to love people. More so the older I get. And of course I love flowers.

So this is what you'll find at my little abode here in Boone. What will I find on the other side of your door?

Love dearly,

Steph

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Plus-size Summer Style Guide

Asos Trousers $28.83 // Asos Dress $21.21 // Ruche Dress $38.99 // Trixxi Dress $26.99

  1:  STOP THINKING OF YOURSELF AS "PLUS-SIZE"

It seems "plus-size" has become a negative connotation which somehow means larger women are ugly. I hate that stigma! The "plus" does not mean more. The term "plus-size" is for marketing purposes so that consumers can go to a store and find exactly what they're looking for. Think of how congested the women's department would be if all sizes, 2-24 were lined up in one spot. Consumers would never be able to rifle through it all and stores wouldn't make a profit. It's the "user friendly" way to shop. See what H&M model, Jennie Runk, has to say about being a plus-size model.

  2:  KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS

This is extremely important no matter what size you are. It's not the size you're looking for, but the fit. Different brands have different sizing guides, as well as different departments. Don't think you can go from Misses wearing a size 12 to Juniors and get into a 13. It may seem discouraging when you find you can't get into that 13 but rather have to wiggle into the 15, but that's because juniors are meant for a younger audience, whom they're assuming aren't quite fully developed. Sew, Mama, Sew has a great guide to finding your best fit.

  3:  WEAR SUPPORTIVE UNDERGARMENTS

Now that you know your figures, you are ready to start styling. The most important part of styling your body is properly supporting it. A good supporting bra is important, especially for bustier women. If your shoulder straps are cutting into your skin, you're wearing the wrong size bra. Consider going up a size (or more) in your band. If your cup barely covers your nipple, you need to increase your cup size. A too small cup gives your breasts room to sag. So pull those babies up! 

  4:  SHAPE YOURSELF

Don't be deceived into thinking that because you're larger than the model shown, you can't have her curves. I spoke with one reader who admitted, "I've had four babies and carry almost all of my weight in my stomach. I hate it." C, you have my sympathy. My advice? Invest in shapewear. Women of all sizes should invest in this. Why? Because it slims out everything you don't want shown and gives you a flattering silhouette. It's also a great way to disguise pantylines. Spanx are my favorite! They are also favored by celebrities of all sizes, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Oprah. They carry a nice size price tag, but are worth it.

  5:  DITCH THE MEN'S T-SHIRTS

It may seem practical to throw on looser fitter clothing, but the truth is, baggier clothing makes women look frumpy.You're a woman with curves, flaunt them, don't frown on them!

  6:  PLAY UP YOUR ASSETS

Everyone has something they'd rather cover up and something they like to show off. If you have smaller ankles consider cropped pants or a knee length dress. This one shoulder Trixxi dress is perfect for someone broader across the top and narrower down the bottom. If you prefer to cover your midsection, try a bold maxi dress like this Dream Chaser dress or this Hydrangea dress. Maxi's are perfect with a cropped jacket. If your ass is your best asset, flaunt it with a printed pant like these Aztec trousers or a floral jumpsuit. Create an hourglass by drawing attention to your waistline, through to your hips. The lines of this pencil skirt or this belted floral dress do just that.

  7:  ACCESSORIZE & STAND OUT

Accessories are what make every outfit. Statement necklaces and stacked bangle bracelets are always a sure bet. 

  8:  DARE TO BE YOU

Don't think because black is slimming, you're destined to wear black forever. Wearing striking colors shows confidence, which is sure to get you more compliments. Whether it's a dress or a striking piece of jewelry, the brighter the color the better! Step out with a bold day look. Keep your eye shadow soft and natural looking and put on your brightest red or coral lipstick. Never leave home without your lipstick.

Love dearly,
Steph

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Thrifting fail

I had been working on a different post for today, but something changed, and I just needed to share it with all you lovely readers.

Yesterday was awful. It was a terrible day that I just wanted over. I wanted to crawl back into bed and pretend I had never gotten up to begin with. It did slowly improved upon a trip to the Goodwill in West Jefferson. (Thrifting is very therapeutic.) As I was passing by the linens, browsing for vintage floral sheets, I saw this darling vase sitting in a shopping cart. Unsure if the cart belonged to someone, I stalked it secretively, waiting to see if said person came back to claim the items.

No one did!

I returned home to find the kids disobeying and offering an unhealthy dose of whining and attitudes. After the day I had had, I did not have the least bit of patience for it. I cut their (late) dinner short and sent them off to bed early. 

This is when I began unpacking my thrifty finds. As I unwrapped my vase, excited to clean it out and fill it with handmade floral's, I noticed it had little cherubs on it. How cute!, I thought. Wait just a moment, is that cherub grabbing the other cherubs no-no spot?! Oh my word, he is!!!

NAUGHTY CHERUB!

Further inspection of my defiled vase revealed the penis shaped spout.

It's shaped like a penis!

And water pours from it!!!

Neither me, nor Logan had noticed this at the store. It just seemed like a pretty pot that no one had decided to claim. After a horrendous day, noticing this was just what we needed. All we could do is stand there and laugh. I mean, I brought home a pornographic vase!

*BA-HA-HA-HA-HA*

Happy hump day!!
Steph

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