52 Weeks of Felting - Week 6

Happy weekend!  I don't have too many things planned for my weekend...there are a couple orders to work on, some friends coming over tonight, maybe a visit to an antique store.  I'll squeeze a run or two in there also.  I'm happy to report that the 5k training is going nicely, and the tattoo fund is growing. Oh, and the husband talked me into registering for a 15k trail run in October.  I'm not sure what I was thinking--but he's a pretty sweet talker....so, yeah. 

Anyway, week six of my felting project brings us a panda!  He's sleepy.

You can find him here in my shop for 25% off until next Saturday! Have a great weekend!

DIY Map + Corkboard = Shop Sales Map

Hi guys! I have a fun project to share with you today.  Backstory: my little shop keeps growing, and I thought it would be really interesting to keep track of where I ship my products.  So, I decided I needed a world map/corkboard so I could mark those places with pins.  Map/corkboards aren't easy to find.  So I made one--and you can too!

You'll need...

A map (you can find inexpensive maps on Amazon)
A piece of lightweight plywood
A roll of cork (or two depending on thickness--available at Lowe's or Home Depot)
Liquid Nails (or another heavy duty adhesive)
Caulk Gun
Spray Glue
Tacky Glue (optional)
Pen
Pencil
Scissors
Small sponge brush
Saw Tooth Picture Hanger
Map Pins

Step 1: Either cut your map to the size of you plywood, or vice versa.  I chose to cut my map, since it was a little large and had a border with flags that I didn't need.  I centered the plywood on the map, traced, and then cut it out.

Step 2:  Cut your cork to size.  I traced around the wood onto my cork. The cork that I had was given to me by a friend.  Cork cracks easily, so take care when cutting. You can find cork Contact Paper and other cork rolls at home repair stores like Lowe's or Home Depot.  Depending on the thickness, you might need two rolls.

Step 3:  Glue the cork to the plywood.  I used Liquid Nails to adhere the cork to the wood.  I spread the liquid nails around with a sponge brush, which you should wash immediately if you plan to use it again.  After the entire piece of plywood is covered in adhesive, carefully press the cork down.  I set another piece of heavy wood on top and let the Liquid Nails dry for 24 hours.

Step 4:  Glue the map to the cork.  After the Liquid Nails dries, it's time to glue the map to the cork.  I used a spray adhesive for this.  I lined the map up with the cork and used binder clips to hold one side in place.  I coated the left side of the map with the spray adhesive, pressed it against the cork and used binder clips to hold it down. (Um, you should use the spray adhesive outside.) I did the same to the other side.  I also used a dab of Tacky Glue on each corner, for good measure.  Again, I set another heavy board on top of the map and let it dry for another 24 hours. 

Step 5:  Attach your picture hanger.  After your glue is dry, you can attach your picture hanger.  I chose a saw tooth hanger, which was simply nailed into the plywood/cork.  Measure and mark the halfway point of your board and attach accordingly. Make sure that the little nails or screws aren't long enough to poke through your map.  I also gave each nail a little dab of Liquid Nails just to make sure the saw tooth hanger was securely attached and very strong.

Step 6:  Pin your map!  Place your pins wherever you'd like to mark.  You could use this map to mark where you've traveled, or if you have a shop like me, mark where you've shipped your product! I just put one pin per location. 



Step 7:  Hang it up!  I also personalized my map with cute little cork letters that you can get in the scrapbook section of craft stores. :)

So what do you think?  Could you use something like this in your home or for your shop?

52 Weeks of Felting - Week 5 - AND A Giveaway Winner

I decided to make another garden friend this week.  Meet Sherman the Snail.  I envisioned a cute snail with a shell that had a pop of color, so I mixed in some pretty blues, greens and yellow with the brown of the shell.  I really like the effect.

Oh, and that's Luna...she says "hi!" 

You can purchase this snail here for 25% off until next Saturday.

Now...I have a giveaway winner to announce!  I really enjoyed reading your "best Valentine's Day gifts."  Thanks for sharing!

Congratulations Beverly Lauzon!! You won the Valentine's Hippo!  Check your email!

The List-February

February: I've got plans for you! I'm so excited to be linking up with Erika at rouge & whimsy and Beth at dot in the city for The List.  The first Friday of every month, we'll be sharing our lists with you. "Lists of what?" you might ask.  Well friends, I've got a list of lists, so you'll be reading about what I'm currently obsessing over at the first of each month. I write lists like none other, so I'm sure my topics will run the gamut. 

Fitness Goals for February:

Photo

--Yoga class once per week
--Yoga/cardio/weight training class once per week (which is different than the above class)
--Ballet class once per week
--This plank challenge at least five days per week
--Training for the The Color Run

Things to make:
--Seven pillow covers, including this one and my own (slightly less profane)  version of this one
--This cute felt heart bookmark by my friend, Holly

Recipes I have tried or want to try:


Orange Thyme Cherry Lip Tint

--Food Babe's Turmeric Cooler (delicious!)
--Peanut Butter Chocolate Quinoa Cookies
--White Bean Cakes with Roasted Winter Vegetables

Products/Shops I'm loving right now:
--My Erin Condren Life Planner
--This amazing Geometric Bear Brooch
--This shop's soaps and lip balms (LOVE!)



What would you add to your list?




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