Michele Made Me • I Just Found Her

I am working on a paper chain craft idea and just happened to google "gum wrapper paper chains." That led me to a craft site that I had never been to before, one that captured me for a chunk of time.  If you haven't visited Michele Made Me before, and you like paper crafts and crafts from recyclables, then this is a great, inspiring site.

Her site is filled with tutorials on how to make many, many simple things using stuff from around the house. What makes Michele's site so special is its beautiful design, well assembled tutorials, great photography and a creative sense of style. She clearly has a great eye for design. There were many projects that caught my eye, for many seasons. Here are just a few photos to encourage you to go over and check out more of her work and ideas.

Half Circle Wall Flowers

Lace Hearts

Dragon Tail Necklace

Simple, yet stunning.
Now back to my paper chains!

©Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Laundry Progress

Earlier in the spring I shared with you my big project for the year- finally finishing my laundry room.  As a quick reminder - and for all my new followers (welcome all!) here is what my laundry room currently looks like. It is in serious need of intervention.

This is not a one week quick project and I have been working on the plans for several months. Here is my initial floor plan of hopes and dreams. Click here for more info on the plan.

I had last reported that I was re-learning Sketch-up to try and create a 3-d drawing of the space because of its unique characteristics like a cathedral ceiling! Here is one view of as far as I got in Sketch-up. Like many drafting type programs it really has a hard time working when you have rooms with angles that aren't 90º - or at least it is challenging for a beginner (me!). You can see how I am going to create a small utility room for the water heater and water pump in the lower right corner, and then have a wonderful laundry/pantry with lots of enclosed storage in the remaining space.

Although this drawing is lacking detail, it was helpful in visualizing the space and is enough information for me to start getting quotes and lining up trades people.  I have quotes from a plumber and a carpenter and I have gotten the first drawings of a possible cabinet layout.  Check these out!

The professional program didn't handle angles well either so they just hint at where they will be, hence the staggered cabinet tops.

Below is a bird's eye view which gives me the most information.  By looking at these I was able to put together a list of questions and can continue working with the designer to try and create the most functional, yet beautiful space possible.

Exciting times (and messes) ahead for me!

Rlated Posts of Interest:

• Scary Laundry Room
• The Big Project • Laundry Room
• Laundry Room • Collecting Ideas
• Laundry Room Progress 

©2012 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

Adirondacks in Brilliant, Beautiful Colors

I went to my local hardware store yesterday and just had to smile. Out in front were a slew of Adirondack chairs in a rainbow of brilliant colors.

I am not generally one that is drawn to bright color in decor. I tend to the natural wood tones with a little bit of sage green or denim blue thrown in for variety - all very earthy. But something about these chairs just made me smile.

I am absolutely not in the market for outdoor furniture. I have several sets already (all in earthy tones) but oh, I was tempted. But which colors? 

And I was so tempted to rearrange them on the sidewalk and put them in rainbow order!

But I didn't. Instead I went in a purchased more bright red spray paint for more dancing sticks. Hmmmm. Maybe color is starting to creep into my style. Interesting.