PORTRAIT OF A TWO AND A HALF YEAR OLD

my niece Mara at 2.5

squashing bugs//abra-dabra magic tricks//playdough pizzas//cutest laugh ever//top knot rocking // preference for Ama always // spooky shadow chasing // hmmm hmmm song requests //

Just have to say...

I just have to say, I truly am the luckiest auntie in the world. How cute are these kids? Can't get enough. 

BIKE MAKEOVER

Okay so I have to admit, I definitely took on more than I was prepared for with this bike makeover. I thought to myself...oh I'll just paint the bike, no big deal. well it was definitely an advanced level spray paint project. Last time I'm ever doing that!!! 

First thing I did was take a ton of photos to reference so I could remember how to put it all together.This majorly came in handy. 

Next was taking the bike apart and giving it a little sand down so the spray paint has some texture to grab onto. When I took the bike apart I kept the pieces all organized in zip lock bags so I could remember which bolt went where. Also very handy.

Once I took it apart, I covered up anything I didn't want painted ivory with plastic bags and painters tape. 

Next step, painting! For paint colors I went with ivory and then I used a metallic silver for some of the hardware. To avoid getting sloppy drips I painted in lots of light misty coats, layering on another coat every 30 minutes until I had a solid even coat of beautiful glossy ivory. 

       Next I gave it a clear coat, 24 hrs to dry, and then I put it back together!!

As my original bike seat and handlebars were being held together by electrical tape, I bought some brown handlebar grip tape and a Schwinn seat. 

I'm so happy with how it all turned out! 

COUCH MAKEOVER PART B.

I was beyond thrilled to see that my tapered legs that I had ordered from Etsy had arrived. (I ordered them at an Etsy store called Thirteen Colonies Wood Products. They sell replacement furniture legs that fit Ikea pieces so there's no mount replacing-related stress involved. Love it!

The legs I bought were unfinished maple, so next step was going to Home Depot and choosing a stain. I went with MINWAX Wood Finish #224 "Special Walnut". I gave each leg one even coat with the foam brush and then let the stain sit and penetrate the legs for about 20 mins till the depth of color I was going for was achieved. Afterwards I removed the stain with a clean washcloth.

 

I let them dry overnight and them put them onto the new sofa and VOILA! Project complete.

Here is the final BEFORE and AFTER shots: 

I'm so happy with the finished product. Now its onto the next project!

OAKLAND TEMPLE

We loved visiting the Oakland temple!