DIY

Treats Not Tricks! It’s Fearless Friday Y’all!

November 2, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

Saturday evening was the

beginning of what would be several

days of lots of fun times!

Fearless Friday treats not tricks will give a glimpse

at a fun no hassle week,

for once, in a long while!

Ready to go!

The Cabana Boy decided that he would finally get it in gear, just suck it up, take a generous amount of supplements & meds, drink a large glass of orange juice 🍊 with a little “kick” 🥃, and haunt along with me. I will be doing a more in depth post on our costumes at a later date. Steampunk round 2! (Steampunk round 1 – 2017) Probably will pop up in October….next year – 2019, hahahaha! NO procrastination here, just perfection. I want it very detailed, so it takes a minute.

: Stop #1

: Stop #2 for the night

My sister and brother in-law dropped by for a day or two, so that’s always a treat. It would have been even better, had I been able to talk her into bringing hair clippers or a bottle of color. I really didn’t even try this time, though. I’m just going to have to make a trip to visit her….soon. Trying to decide on style / color… If you have suggestions drop them in the comments.

Best Treat Yet!!!!

Can’t wait to get started on this project.

We’ve been looking for a camper for a while. I found one we went to look at on Monday. My new home away from home arrived in my driveway on Tuesday! This is my favorite kind of sweet treat for me – – – NO CALORIES! And it will be enjoyed for a while, not just once. This will be the inspiration for MANY post to come, I’m sure. It’s in great shape, but will be getting a glamping makeover! Besides all of the travel we will be doing in it. So ExCiTeD!!!!!

T or T with the Grand!

Sweetest face ever! Yep, prejudice!

Greer MDO Trick or Treat

Greer’s MDO Trick or Treat was a great success Tuesday morning. They take the children all around town to local businesses. The owners & towns people are happily awaiting them. My little Minnie Mouse was precious. I was blessed to be able to do this for the second year in a row.

: Roll & Trick, Treat & Roll

: Having fun!

After that nice little stroll, I headed to pick up one of my FAVORITE twins.

Cathy Wilcox – Headed to BBLL on haunting’s…

Cathy Wilcox joined me on the next haunted outing.

We went to the Old State House

Speaker: Brian Irby is an Archival Assistant at the Arkansas State Archives. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in History from UCA, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public History at UALR.

Museum for a Brown Bag Lunch Lecture.

Our speaker for the day was Brian Irby. He spoke on other haunting’s last year, too. They do BBLL once to twice a month on various topics throughout the year. This one just so happened to be about places in Arkansas that are tied to stories that they might be haunted. Some of the stories have been totally debunked. A few have no explanation of apparitions, noises and ghostly appearances, all the while one was just completely creepy….

Old Mike 😳

Story telling

That story was about “Old Mike,” who died in Prescott, AR. He was a traveling salesman. He arrived by train. No I.D. was found when he died in 1911. They embalmed him and put him in a casket on display for a while. To see if anyone would know him.?.?.? The funeral home was also the local hardware store. No one ever claimed him. He eventually ended up in a closet in the back. He was a local draw. People just came in to see “Old Mike,” so they were sent back for a look. Local school children even took field trips to see him. A circus tried to buy him, but the townspeople thought that would be inhumane. Every few years they would re-embalm him and put new clothes on him. (Eeewwww yuck!) After Arkansas State Legislature put laws on the books, someone sought to have him buried.

Old Mike – Bust

Which the town did in 1975, some 64 years after he had died. NOT creepy at all… But if you are ever that direction and would like to take a peek a replica bust of him is on display in Prescott’s Depot Museum.

: Old State House Museum & Trina

: Old State House Employee

: Cathy & Trina

: Trina & Cathy

: Fountain

: Trina, Cathy, Dr. Hawley & Jessica

Mount Holly Cemetery

Trina with angel

After Cathy and I wrapped things up at the BBLL we decided to head on up Broadway a little piece to the Mount Holly Cemetery. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Arkansas, if not anywhere. It has some of the oldest graves around. If you are ever around it is worth the trip, especially if you happen to be a cemetery / history buff, which I happen to be a little infatuated with both.

Fun with Friends

Wayne, Bill, Marie, Donna, Robert & Trina

A fun Halloween evening was wrapped up with wishing good friends farewell for now, as they will be relocating to Wisconsin next week. We were able to bid them farewell with steaks – hot off the grill, sweet potatoes, wine, a great visit and happy time. What a treat, no trick about it! We love you Bill & Marie and will miss you immensely! Be blessed in your new segment of life.

Years together 1

Years of fun 2

It’s Friday y’all find something that makes you fearful and DO IT anyway! Be FEARLESS!

Enjoying my state of Rhapsodyville,

Trina

Steampunk DIY – Fearless Friday

October 19, 2018 By rhapsodyville 2 Comments

Steampunk Funk

Steampunk DIY Costume

The decision to do steampunk was mutual among my crew. Noah, is always up for a great costume. I have a love for the steampunk look and incorporate many elements in my everyday style, so I figured it would not be much of a stretch for me to create something great. I did have to take a trip to Hobby Lobby for a few extra pieces to add a little pop, but other than that I had most of the items.

Go big or go home,

so I did 2!

A base to start with.

The hats I used as a base for Noah’s outfit were left over NYE party favors. I decided to do two – not knowing which method of transforming them would work the best. I wanted to try to achieve a weathered leather look. I basically paper mache’d them. I haven’t done that in like 25 years. I broke out my very FAVORITE tool to start with – iPad and headed to what I believe to be a crafters best friend – Pinterest! I was able to find many looks that I loved. So….I decided to blend several.

Prep Your Work Space!!!

Always cover the surface where you will be working on projects like this with a cheap, plastic, disposable table cloth. I failed to do that on this project and it was a regret! Before you start this project you need to locate a vase, large can of veggies, or something that won’t cause the top of the hat to bow or dip. Make sure it’s tall enough to keep it from touching anything while it dries.

Hat # 1 – Tissue Paper Hat

Recipe: Mod Podge – Homemade

Tissue paper hat.

Ingredients:

1 cup of glue

⅓ cup of water

Mix well

I took at least 10 sheets (will depend on size of sheets) of tissue paper and tore it in strips. I wanted the texture of the tears, not so much a clean cut look from scissors. I only wet the hat in a spot or two to stick the tissue paper to it, then I gently applied the tissue, used a paint brush to apply more of the mixture. I had to be extremely careful. When the tissue became “too” wet, it would wad up and make a mess, so less was definitely better. I just decided I would have to do 2 – 3 applications, after it dried, completely in between each layer. I had to keep in mind that the cardboard was getting extremely soggy. Shaping the interior to fit your head while it was pliable was very important (this one was damp for long enough that it did not fit very well by the last coat).

: Before I start.

: Tissue layer 1.

: 2 layers on each.

Newspaper hat.

Hat # 2 – Newspaper Hat

Recipe: Paper Mache Paste

Ingredients:

5 Parts Water

1 Part Flour

1-2 T. of Salt

Paste & newspaper strips.

Directions: Put 4 parts water into a pot on the stove and bring it to a boil. While you are waiting for it to boil, mix 1 part flour to 1 part warm water. Let is dissolve & while whisking this mixture briskly to remove lumps. Once your pot of water is boiling, slowly stir in salt (helps to combat mold & mildew) along with water and flour mixture. Mix well and let it boil for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Mix to a gooey glue-like consistency. Add more flour and/or water as needed to achieve desired consistency. If you make more than you will use in one day, be sure to store excess in the fridge overnight. When ready for reuse, heat and add additional water to thin and smooth if necessary. I cut lots of strips of newspaper and proceeded to dip the strips in the pan / bowl, run them over the edge through your fingers to remove the excess. I only wet one at a time. Careful not to over wet the cardboard. This took 2 applications. I did let it dry completely in between the applications.

: Papers have dried and the painting begins.

: Painting over & under.

: Hat #2 sanded, #1 will have to wait.

: Hat #2 – Painted 1 coat & sanded.

After they both dried the one with the newspaper fit Noah’s head the best, so we chose to make it the focus for his costume. Now on with the work!

Finished & decked out!

After completely drying, I used a fine sandpaper to take the rough spots off (think I actually did sanding after 1st coat of paint). I then proceeded to paint it with acrylic paints. Black all over for the first and second coat. Brown acrylic with just a drop or two of water to thin it out and just hit certain areas with it to give definition and make it have that leathered look we were shooting for.

He rocked it! Aunt ChaCha thought so, too!!!

I did not throw hat #1 out…

I may have to use it myself for a different look,

at another time.

He loves being the center of attention…LOL!

Mess is cleaned up!

Yay!!! Now the fun part starts…

Adding all the bling, dull bling – punk bling!

: Googles in the making.

: Eye design done.

I really had fun getting into the design lane.

My heart was made to create, it makes me happy! I have to watch myself because this kind of detailed designing, and making things like this can totally consume me. I have quite the collection of odd-n-in pieces of jewelry from over the years. I knew I had saved all the broken necklaces, bracelets, only “one earring”, leftover buttons, spare parts from different mechanical things for a reason. I just didn’t know what reason, until I started really looking at how to put this type of costume together.

This is my chest of BROKEN treasure.

I did pick up a few packs of small items at Hobby Lobby; such as sprockets, clock faces, hands for a clock, a box of mixed embellishments (which included some of my favorite round & square fasteners and some tiny glass apothecary vials. I used brooches, feathers, leather, elastic, welding goggles, swim goggles and several other odds and ends that I had in our shop, closet (closets), and jewelry boxes.

Hummmm I can do so much with so little….

I had extra acrylic paint on hand to touch up things that might need a coat of brass, copper, pewter, silver or gold. For assembling I used E6000, hot glue, needle & thread, spray glue, super glue, mod podge, fasteners, chains, fishing line, pins, and wire. I think I forgot to take a picture of my beautiful “hot mess” of metal and feathers!

Antique hat of my mom’s. Wish you could see the netting on the back.

Noah’s hat turned out smashingly, I think. I made Wayne goggles, he went with a very abbreviated steampunk look. He got out of what he put into it…so wasn’t much. LOL! My hat was actually an antique of sorts. I snagged it from my mom’s stash. She wore it when I was a child. The feather was so old I tried not to touch it too much, because it broke / disintegrated when I touched it. I used a gathered bunch of tulle, hot glue and a barrette to hold and attach it to the hat. I added goodies to spice it up and had a great look for very little work.

All tied up!

Gloves

Found the fingerless gloves for .99 cents, added a few things to liven them up. I used fasteners to add everything on them, so I was able to remove it all. They turned out pretty perfect. Noah almost didn’t give them back. I found an extra tux tie that I added a little somethin’, somethin’ to, also. What I regret is that there is not ONE picture of my entire costume. I had a great faux leather diagonal sash that had all kinds of cool gadgets attached. We can’t find a good picture of Noah’s gun either. It was a great water gun that he painted and tricked out.

He is so handsome, punk and all!

All in all, I feel that for about $20 bucks, several hours and 3 costumes, 2 parties and 1 Halloween behind us; it was very successful. Have fun and Steampunk safely!

Hope you enjoyed my Rhapsodyville

side of creatin’ somethin’! ~ Trina

DIY – STRESSED / Distressed Chalk Paint Cabinet Re-birthed

September 12, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

STRESSED / Distressed

Chalk Paint Cabinet Re-birthed

I had cause to stress while doing a remodel, I was 8 months pregnant during this time, who knew I was capable of some sound decisions, like not throwing out the kitchen cabinets would give me something later to “distress.” Who knew, LOL!

When we remodeled our home in 1999, I just couldn’t bring myself to throw the kitchen cabinets away. They were after all STILL practically brand new (1996). Most of them were able to be used in our laundry room of the remodel.

There were however, a few left to remain in a state of basic cryogenics. But a need finally arose for one of them to be brought forth into the sunlight, cleaned and prepared for life on the wall again! In a new room (guest bath), with a new look.

What it look liked when I first started.

Confession is good for the soul

I am going to go ahead and make a huge confession when I redid this cabinet for the bathroom it was in 2016 – took pictures through the steps and process, but going from phone to phone they were left in cyber space history, so the ones you will be seeing don’t have all the steps, sorry… The original 1996 cabinet that has the White Sapphire oil base paint are still in my garage, looking just like it did when I started working on it. Therefore, I snapped a shot of it to give you an idea. (Which I must say the one I used looked quite pristine after cleaning for it to have been in a damp, dark shop for 20 years. So when you wonder about the quality & care of oil based paint……………). I did cut and add a piece of trim at the top to give it a finished look.

Easy Way Out – Distressed Chalk Paint

Since they are oil base and I wanted the easy way out….yep you guessed it chalk paint! The DIY kind, too. I’m way too cheap and like color variety that often isn’t offered in most families of branded chalk paints. Besides I am a paint junkie. I shop ALL the mistints at our local Sherwin Williams (hint, hint – a regular $25-40 a gallon of paint usually cost $5.00), so chances are I will “mix” my own color if I don’t have exactly what I want. ( I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS TO AMATEURS!!!! YOU HAVE TO ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TYPES (latex – flat, eggshell, low sheen, satin, semi-gloss, gloss and those are just latex….don’t even get me started on oil base, alkyds, in or outdoor…..ect…. You must do your homework, if you wonder down this path) TO MIX AND YOU SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU ARE MIXING IT MUST BE MORE THAN YOU WILL POSSIBLY NEED FOR THE PROJECT, BECAUSE CHANCES ARE YOU WILL NEVER MIX THAT EXACT COLOR AGAIN…..EVER!!!!! You can paint some of the color on a 3×5 to have just in case…but also write brand, grade, and type on the other side of the card. That way if there’s an emergency you can carry it to store and have them shoot it with the color gun and they can get really close.

It’s all in the mixing

This is the recipe I like

I did however have a color that was speaking to me! I used this formula for turning it into chalk paint that I found a while back on Pinterest (I have tried many, so I’m not sure exactly who to give credit for it, but I have it save on my iPad in notes without any info…sorry). One thing that I have found to be quite beneficial if you chose this route is use sift plaster of paris, warm water and whisk well before adding them to paint. Don’t stir paint too vigorously as to add air when adding together, bubbles and foam are not good with paint, js.

Distress – less mess – don’t stress

I knew I wanted a break in the dark paint. After I had cleaned the cabinet well, I took a Qtip put a little Vaseline on it and rubbed where I knew I wanted the “distressed” look. I have learned over time that distressing is often easier with great prepping………..

Let’s get it on!

After the first coat it looks messy and not great AT ALL. If your a little OCD get that second coat on ASAP! Chalk paint dries pretty quick, MAKE sure it’s dry before distressing! Hit it with a touch of sandpaper here or there if needed.

[ If you struggle with at least mild OCD (only in certain areas & on particular projects) the whole distressing of furniture in any form or fashion is a mountain to climb all by itself. I will tell you though it is worth the climb….it has helped me in many other areas that needed less control.]

After the second coat I distressed where I place Vaseline (didn’t use the a Qtip – hence the advice to use one), with oil base being the bottom layer I had more of the gray come off than I wanted, but I lived with it, (FOR THE TIME BEING).

Wax away

I do not have the exacts on measurements nor would I EVER recommend you trying this, but I used Minwax furniture wax, scooped out several spoonfuls, put them in a glass jar that I placed in a water bath on stove (low temp) till it slowly melted, then I added a small amount of black enamel paint to tint it. I mixed it really well, then took it off of stove, out of water (DO NOT GET ANY IN THE WAX) and let it cool to firm back up. Then I applied to cabinet, let it set a bit, took old cotton cloth diaper (one of my very favorite accessories when doing anything DIY) and polished – well if that’s what you call it.

Accessories

I also cleaned hardware with water vinegar mixture, rinsed well, let dry, took outside and spray painted with hammered chrome color. After drying, we reassembled it and put it up.

STRESSED…. Over a Serious Mess

WISH THAT WAS THE END OF THIS TALE….. That it was great and looked beautiful for years and…… BUT NNNNNoooooooo…..

Wax on chalk paint furniture should be reapplied every year or so….. Who knew….well, I should’ve, but if it’s not the OCD taking over my brain, it’s big cousin ADD totally kicks in, SO I probably never finished the last half of the directions that tell you this is a must.

I would NEVER, ever put a wax finished piece like this in an EXTREMELY humid, hot, not ventilated great area EVER. (Sonsansional tends to shut himself in there for 20-30 minute shower/dress time without opening the door.) The wax began to slowly ooze down the front & side of the cabinet, looking like it came from the set of a horror flick, but it left this terrible shade of light gray chalk matter in it wake.
I will NEVER, EVER make this mistake again…………..(I hope………….)

Here & Now

So…Fast forward to the present: How ya gonna fix this hot mess? Well, more DIY, fixin & mixin. Decide to leave up. Scraped the big runs of wax off. I used mineral spirits on a clean cloth and wiped it down vigorously. Next, I sanded a little in areas were I was in question of whether there was still to much wax. Wiped it with mineral spirits again – THE ENTIRE CABINET. Applied new coat of chalk paint, same color and mixture that I had used previously.

: What it look liked when I first started.

: Happy with how this paint & wax turned out.

: The lighting in this room is zero help to make this look good…it actually does now!

: Who wants that mess to fix

: Ughhhh…

: Streams of wax

: All waxed up to Polyurethane

The difference maker

Hope this gives a little help if you happen to have a mess or you want to keep from having one! Have fun and make something you love!

Lean In,