another bright idea

Safe Kitchen Knife Storage

2012-01-31T16:38:00.000-05:00

I don't know whether to call this a "tip" or a "tutorial" so I guess I'll just call it a "tip-torial." (Sorry - I must be giddy from the 50+ degree weather we're having today!)

At times I can be a bit of a klutz around sharp objects. I've lost count of the little scars on my hands from X-acto knives, razor blades or sewing machine needles. Yes, sewing machine needles. Don't ask me how I managed to do it but I once stitched right through the tip of my index finger and nail. But I digress ...

Anyway, considering all that, keeping my knives loose in a kitchen drawer would simply not work. Years ago I saw this tip in a magazine somewhere and have used it ever since. It started with an empty glass container like this:

And a whole bunch of these:

And I have a nice safe place for my knife storage:

Up until a few days ago, it was just the plain glass container and the bamboo sticks. But I decided it needed to be prettied up a little. I simply used spray paint (Krylon Catalina Mist), some scrapbook paper and some ribbon trim and glued it on. I may also give it a layer of Mod Podge since it will be on the kitchen counter.

I didn't stop there. I used more paper on my steak knife holder and a can from nut snacks.

Just a little something to brighten up my kitchen a little. And save my fingers. A tip-torial!

Monday Moanin'

2012-01-30T15:16:00.000-05:00

Where does it say that time seems to fly faster and faster the older you get ...

I remember when I was a kid - a school day ... Sunday church services ... or a summer day with nothing to do ... or waiting for my birthday - the time just CRAWLED ...

In the same vein, I wish I could stop ideas from jumping into my brain. I know, I know ... I shouldn't complain that ideas for projects and TTDs (things to do) slam into my brain with aggravating regularity. The problem is, I end up with scribbled notes all over the house ... and I get heart palpitations because I will NEVER have enough time to do all the things I want to do or try. I'm simply not going to live long enough ...

For some reason, all of the above is especially acute on Monday morning ....

Your Time Is Limited

2012-01-28T16:15:00.000-05:00

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs

2012-01-26T09:01:00.001-05:00

My scrabble cards have been making quite a few appearances in Etsy Treasuries lately. Happy to see them taking their bows for Valentine's Day!

Tangerine Tango + Brass Band = Gorgeous

2012-01-23T13:05:00.000-05:00

When I heard that Tangerine Tango (Pantone 17-1463) is 2012's color of the year, my first thought was - orange is my least favorite color, and I haven't created anything in that color.

But when I started looking through my photos and collages, I had such a feeling of guilt wash over me! How could I forget the most favorite rose in my garden: Brass Band?? (When I did a little research, I found it's one of Oprah's favorite roses also.) Of course, I didn't create that rose - a much higher power did - but I haven't resisted taking many photos of that beauty. If it weren't for the fact that my Brass Band rose is currently asleep under a few inches of snow, I would have gone out, got on my knees and apologized for forgetting it for just a moment!

Turns out my rose is almost the exact shade for 2012.

I also found a few more photos/collages that qualify.

So nice to be au courant for a change!

Floating "Book" Shelf Tutorial

2012-01-20T08:42:00.000-05:00

A while back in my post about the Sisterhood of the Traveling Vases there was a glimpse of my floating "book" shelves. Although I built these several years ago, the method I used was quite simple and the only technique I was aware of at the time. Since then I've seen several other techniques that are much more complicated so I'm still happy with mine. I thought I would back-track and show you how I did it.

I actually put up an entire wall of shelves in the dining area of my condo. My original thought was it would allow me to change out the display when I wanted to without pounding a lot of holes in the wall.

To be honest, I really wasn't sure of what I was doing when I built them, so later on I'll also tell you what I might do differently if I were to do it again. Here's the wall.

Here's the smallest book shelf:

The middle shelf:

And the largest shelf:

The book titles weren't random - they're my little daily inspiration: The Courage to Create, Encounter with Art, The Art of Excellence.

Here's how simple they were to put together. Take two large L-brackets and, using a very strong glue (not positive but I think I used wood glue), glue one side of the brackets to the inside back cover of the book. Clamp and let dry thoroughly. Screw the other side of the bracket into the wall. Paint the part of the bracket that is visible the same color as the wall. Close the book. That's it!

Since I always have something on the shelves the brackets are either covered or they just fade into the background. I think the large brackets are required to support the books; smaller ones like I used on the other shelves (see instructions below) wouldn't provide the necessary leverage.

What would I do differently? I would use thicker, sturdier books like the center one. That one's holding up the best. As you can see, the narrow book in the foreground of this photo is starting to warp and bend a little. I might have to replace it at some point.

I did have directions to follow for the book shelves, but I had to wing it for the rest of the shelves.

I started by creating a layout.

And then I scrounged for materials. I had a lot of remodeling done when I first moved into my condo - it was in really bad shape. I'm sure the builders thought I was nuts because I wanted to save all the scrap wood they pulled out! That old 1960s-style window molding came in handy, though. Here's the basic construction of the shelves:

The white pieces were glued, then nailed, then painted. The rope trim was painted first, of course, then glued and nailed. I resorted to smaller L-brackets for these shelves and screwed them into the studs for sturdiness. For the shelves that were below eye level, I put the brackets underneath, .

For the shelves above eye level, I put the brackets on top.

These shelves look like they're floating as well. Here's the final result.

As for what I would do differently, I think I would have made some of the shelves a little deeper. I'm limited as to what I can put up there because the shelves are so narrow. I also would have made the "lip" a little shorter. I actually have pieces of 1/2" matboard on the shelves to prop up the items, otherwise they look like they're drowning.

All in all, I'm pleased with it. And the floating "book" shelves are quite the conversation piece for my guests. What do you think? Try it, you'll like it!

Linking up to Whipperberry Friday Flair/Link Party.

Tip: Two unique containers for houseplants

2012-01-19T16:13:00.001-05:00

As I was cleaning house the other day (yes, I do that occasionally!) it occurred to me that I should show you two easy containers for house plants.

I had a large plant that had outgrown its container. I wanted a floor-standing pot since I'm limited on table/counter space, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money. So I headed off to my local Lowes and Home Depot stores to look for ideas. These plant pots were on sale at half off. They are light pots made of some sort of composite materials. I bought two, used my E-6000 glue, and glued them together. Works perfectly! My new plant stand is light so there's no problem moving it around when I clean. I had intended to paint it but I was too anxious to repot the plant so I left it as is. It works in my color scheme as it is but if I get bored I can always paint it later.

(Please ignore brown tips and dead leaves, please.)

The second idea is one I have used many times in the past, although I only have this one going on right now. I like/sort of collect tins, either vintage or reproductions or just contemporary food tins that I like. I have quite a few tins from DiCamillo Bakery - I think they are soooo beautiful!

I discovered a long time ago that standard plastic pots - the ones with a lip on top like this one - fit neatly into my tins and other containers, with the lip nesting nicely on top.

It works perfectly and adds a nice decorative element and some height to your houseplants.

So I don't lose track of the lids I just put them underneath.

I'm betting this would work with a lot of different containers like tea tins, etc. Almost any round container is a candidate. Just measure the diameter and match it up with a plastic pot from the garden center.

A word of caution: when you water your plants and some water drops into the tin, it will eventually rust.

A second word of caution: if you visit the DiCamillo web site you will be sorely tempted to buy. Not only do I love their containers, they are responsible for my insatiable craving for biscotti. See that blue green container I showed up above? Yep, I just bought it. (Chocolate biscotti!!) I was a little disappointed to see that this one and some of their other containers are no longer tin, but cardboard. So be sure to read the descriptions carefully if you want tins.

Happy planting!

2012-01-16T10:07:00.000-05:00

My two most aggravating personal moans ...

Headaches - I get what I call "weather" headaches ... not necessarily when it's raining like most people's weather headaches. Mine seem to be related to barometric pressure and sudden changes ... I have awakened with one of these headaches the last three days ...

Sleep - I. loves. my. sleep. I usually don't have trouble with sleeping. Last night I kept waking up about every hour ... then I end up sleeping late which throws off my whole day ... and I wake up with the worst case of bed hair you ever saw ....

The flip side of Valentine's Day

2012-01-15T13:09:00.000-05:00

A year or so ago I participated in a workshop that my friend Natasha conducted. As I recall, one of the challenges was to write a 20-word poem and illustrate it. I kind of like the 20-word poem idea - it really forces you to get to the point and to make every word count.

Taking a look at these three pieces, seems they kind of represent the flip side of Valentine's Day. For some people it's not all hearts and flowers and champagne and chocolate! Here's three examples of mine that ended up in my shop. I think the collages came first, then the words. The first two prints include an ACEO with the poem. The third one is a framed collage. (These are all part of my After-Christmas sale going on right now.)

No cupid's arrow for me

My heart beats

cold and weary

This loneliness

embraces me

I hold it tightly within.

Pale pink roses arrive,

crisp white envelope

tucked among the thorns.

Letter unread,

she arranges the vase

and sits alone.

He controls my every move,
every appearance, every film.
Does he know who I really am?
Ready for my closeup ...

I have actually thought about starting a linky game here with that idea - 20 words, with illustration. But I'm afraid that too many people will get turned off with the word "poetry," thinking it has to be some high art concept. It's not. What do you think? Would you like to participate in something like that?

More Bright Ideas - Valentines

2012-01-14T17:45:00.000-05:00

Some cute Valentine's gifts from my More Bright Ideas shop. Click on the photos to go directly to their links.

Got Valentines?

2012-01-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

Looking for a Valentine card? I have a few of my Scrabble cards listed in my shop: Another Bright Idea.
Click on each photo to go directly to the link.

These two cards have been very popular also.

Are things kind of rocky with your sweetheart right now? Or is your lover far away? Try these ...

These digital collages would be a perfect gift also.

Wish I had a sweetheart right now. Sigh.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Moanin'!

2012-01-12T19:43:00.002-05:00

So sorry I disappeared since my Monday Moanin' post. I have had computer problems for the last three days and the weird thing was that it would come and go so I kept putting off calling a tech to come out. Just trying to save money ... I finally gave up and he's coming today.

In the meantime, I wanted to remind you that there's an After-Christmas Sale going on in both of my shops.

At anotherbrightidea all digital collage prints and photos are on sale.

At morebrightideas all holiday decor and home decor items are on sale.

Sorry - I can't post photos right now, so you'll just have to pop on over to see for yourself. I'm going to be reviewing, editing and purging in both of my shops very soon. So if you had your eye on something now's your chance. Otherwise, it may end up in one of my relatives' homes soon!

(UPDATE: He was here for two hours. Now I'm exhausted, headache-y and ready to sleep.)

Monday Moanin' dot dot dot

2012-01-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

I have always been an avid daily newspaper reader, even as a kid, which accounted for those frequent ink smudges on my face and hands that my mother was constantly wiping away. Back in those days the newspaper ink rubbed off way too easily. There have been two columnists I particularly enjoyed over the years. Herb Caen wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle and was a Pulitzer prize winner; I followed his column daily when I lived in SF. Caen practiced what he called "three dot journalism"... a series of short pithy statements and musings ... a habit I picked up from him a long time ago.

My other favorite was Bob Talbert (Detroit Free Press) whose first column of the week was called "Monday Moanin'." And that's just what it was ...

I'm not above stealing from my two favorite columnists (rest their souls) so I'm instituting an occasional Monday column that combines the two. And I must confess ... it's not as easy as it looked when they wrote it!

When I follow written directions step by step but I don't get the result I'm supposed to get ... then what ...

I really really hate it when mechanics, car wash attendants, valets change the radio stations in my car ...

Don'tcha just hate people who leave their grocery carts in the middle of the aisle and go looking for something ...

My ears hurt anytime I hear someone pronounce Iraq and Iran "eye-rack" and "eye-ran"... They are correctly pronounced "ear-rock" and "ear-ron" ... Do a Google search to hear it for yourself ...

Sorry bloggers! The French word "Voila" is spelled v-o-i-l-a, not "wallah" or any other phonetic variation ... Please ...

So what are your favorite Monday Moanin's??

The Absolutely Positively Easiest Flower Tutorial

2012-01-07T23:19:00.000-05:00

I have been saving and pinning the flower tutorials all those talented bloggers out there have been publishing. But I came up with one today that I think is the easiest yet!

It all came about from my resolution for the past year to use up all the supplies and materials I have around my studio before I go out and buy more. In the past I have gone a little crazy with after-Christmas sales so I have quite the stash of ribbons of all kinds. There's quite a few of the 2-1/2 inch wide nylon wired holiday ribbons - the kind that are all over the place during the holidays - and that's what I was playing with when I came up with this tutorial.

Step 1: Scrunch

Step 2: Tie

Step 3: Fluff.

See? Easy-peasy!! I used about a 15" long piece of ribbon and tied it with wire. Then it was just a question of pulling and shaping the wire to form the flower.

I got a little carried away, trying it out with some of the other ribbons.

This red rose is from a wired Satin Polyester ribbon. It wasn't as easy to "fluff" but I like the effect - it looks more like an old-fashioned ribbon rose. I like it!

I haven't decided yet what I'm going to make with some of these. So I took a piece of scrap matboard, punched some holes in it and stuck the bows on. I can hang this for the time being so I have the samples handy to inspire me.

I would love to try this with an even wider ribbon - but I'm not allowed to buy any more stuff!!

I can think of a lot of applications for these ribbon flowers (and the bonus will be that I use up all the ribbon taking up space in my studio). Stay tuned!

Linking up to Today's Creative Blog, Take-a-Look Tuesday, Strictly Homemade and Carolyn's Homework. (see sidebar for links).

With A Little Courage

2012-01-07T08:55:00.001-05:00

Just a little inspiration to help you along with your New Year's resolutions. Enjoy your weekend!!

It's Times Like This ...

2012-01-05T08:18:00.002-05:00

I just have to vent ...

I spent about 3 hours last night inputting thumbnails and links in the Featured Artists page. And then ... and then ... it all disappeared!!! I had been regularly updating/saving (I thought) so at least some of it should have been saved. But NOOOOOO! I don't know if it was something I did - I'm still trying to figure out the new interface - or the blog or my browser ... have no idea.

These are the times that try (wo)men's souls. - Thomas Paine edited by moi

UPDATE: Okay, the featured artists are in their place. The spacing isn't perfect, but I just can't struggle with it anymore. Seems like you have to go to school and learn HTML code to accomplish what you want. I don't know if I can fit so much more knowledge in my brain ... ;p

Do You Have Time to Read?

2012-01-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

I used to read a lot of books, probably a book a week at minimum. That was before computers ... before my online shops ... before a blog ...! It bothers me, and I'm trying to carve out time to get back to it. In the meantime ...

One of my sisters is a constant reader. She loves mystery writers, especially female mystery writers (Kathy Reichs, Catherine Coulter, Nora Roberts, Patricia Cornwell, Allison Brennan), some political and historical books (Scott Turow, Bernard Goldberg, Bob Woodward, John LeCarre). She is also in the process of downsizing to a very cool independent living place so I offered to take some of her books and try to sell them online for her. That's how I ended up with a lotta lotta books. And there will be more!!!

I have them posted online, but I thought I would mention it here in case you or someone you know has the same passion for these types of books. I also must say that she's very careful with her books; they are spotless and look brand new. If you're interested, I can bill you through Paypal for the book plus media mail shipping, which is very reasonable.

Email me (a-b-i@comcast.net) and I'll shoot back a list of the books that are available.

I thank you, my sister thanks you, we all thank you ....

Under (Re) Construction - Story of My Life!

2012-01-03T08:34:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite cartoons and I've had it for years. Obviously, it hits close to home for me. I'm the only person I know whose To-Do List is four typed pages! I told someone recently that I'm not going to live long enough to do all the things I want/have to do. It's particularly bad in January, when I make a ton of resolutions, most having to do with getting organized.

That's just my way of asking you to be patient with me and my blog. You may have noticed that I now have "pages" at the top. Sometimes I have a lot of trouble finding old posts to link to and I figured that you might sometimes have the same problem. So I'm going to make it easier - I hope. Problem is, backing up through some three years of posts is going to take a lot of time.

So bear with me - I'll eventually finish! And good luck with your January organizing!

Brilliant Idea, I Must Say!

2012-01-02T16:14:00.001-05:00

Like probably a lot of the population, one of my resolutions - again - is to be more disciplined with my exercise program. Truth is, I'm pretty disciplined with just about everything EXCEPT exercise, even though I know that it's more important for me than for most people, since I have been through so many back surgeries (and, ahem, because I'm more than a few pounds overweight). Getting exercise in the summer is not as hard, since I walk in the neighborhood and my friend and I started walking at some local nature centers. But in the winter there's no way I'm walking outside (I hate being cold). I have a treadmill in my bedroom but I find it incredibly boring and after 10 minutes I'm wondering how soon can I quit?!

Here's my morning routine: I have an over the bed tilt-top table that I bought to use after my surgeries. The recuperation periods were SOOOO long and boring the table allowed me to work on my laptop. And I'm still using it. I usually have two cups of coffee while watching Good Morning America and doing all my online tasks such as reviewing and posting on my Etsy sites, Facebook, Pinterest, etc., and reading the blogs I follow - all while sitting in bed. Love it.

However, once I'm done with all that, I'm anxious to eat some breakfast and get into my studio so it's too easy to blow off any morning exercise. This morning I remembered seeing those office treadmills where employees walked on the treadmill while they worked, thus achieving the ultimate in multi-tasking.

OH NO YOU DIN'T!!

OH YES I DID!!!

Multi-tasking

That's not me but a photo from an article in the LA Times. My treadmill has a little platform on top so I was able to place my laptop right on it with just a front brace to keep it from falling off. It worked like a shot! I was able to walk at a moderate pace and still read the blogs I follow. No I wouldn't be able to jog and read, but I'm medically forbidden from jogging anyway because of the stress on my back. Fast walking is the best I'm allowed to do. So every so often I stopped reading and sped up the pace for a few minutes, effectively doing interval training.

I am so thrilled that I tried this. The best news is that 30 minutes went by just like that!!!! I didn't get bored and I was still able to read the blogs I follow with no problem. Who knows - today 30 minutes, tomorrow maybe 60 minutes!

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T09:08:00.001-05:00

Thank you for being here for me during 2011.

Wishing you all things good and pure

and happy and loving and fulfilling in the new year!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Vases

2011-12-29T17:33:00.000-05:00

I have two inexpensive black plastic vases that I acquired many years ago. I don't even remember if I bought them or they arrived as flower arrangements. But over time they have become quite versatile!

In 2009 I provided decor for a nephew's graduation party. His preferred colors were black and red so I put together these buffet table arrangements with the vases. I bought some silk flowers in red, blue and white and used the reds here. The branches and "curlies" were spray painted black. I had the curly ribbon on hand and I added some shiny black shred to cover the floral foam. The flags were various quotations about music (he's an extremely talented pianist), education and "congratulations" in various languages.

This past June his younger brother graduated. His preferred colors were lime and blue, so the vases and the branches got a spray paint job. I used the blue flowers, painted the white flowers with the lime green paint and added a blue bow and curls. This nephew is a photographer, so the decor focused on photography. I added "film strips" with photos from his younger days.

Fast forward to this Christmas. I hadn't gotten around to disassembling the arrangements and just put them up on my "book" shelves and forgot about them. When I started my half-hearted Christmas decorating I made a few small swap-outs and ended up with this:

How easy-peasy is that?? I love this color combination - blue-green and lime green - so I think it's a keeper. I have a few more years before the next niece graduates, so these vases will get a vacation until then!