Coffee Filter Wreath

My sister asked me over the other day to try out this new project for a wedding shower she is throwing. After seeing the final turnout I decided to make two of my own at home. Thanks sis for the inspiration! Here is what you will need:

A pack of coffee filters. I bought 1-160 pack at the dollar store (used all 160 filters with 10 left for two wreaths)

One foam circle (also from the dollar store). Mine was super thick so I cut it in two with a bread knife giving me two wreaths. Can’t beat $.50 each!

Glue gun

Thick marker or sunscreen stick in my case to form the filters around

Ribbon to hang wreath with

Patience-project probably takes about an hour per wreath

The fastest way to start this project is to separate the filters & lay them out on your table or large space. Then one by on squish them around the stick to create the desired shape. Once I did 30 or so of these I started gluing them to the inside rim of the foam circle. I squeezed a nice line of glue down then placed three squished filters in a row. I had to hold them in place for a second since the foam takes a minute to contact with the filters. Careful, the glue can come through the thin filter & burn you. Continue placing filters down until all green is covered. The closer you place them together the fuller the wreath will look. If you feel the wreath isn’t full enough, no problem, just dab a small amount of hot glue on the end of a squished filter & fill in the few empty spots. All should be dry within a minute so attach the ribbon & hang!

I will admit with both on the wall they look a bit frilly so you may need a cool husband like mine to get away with hanging these ones 🙂

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Chalkboard Door

I’ve always wanted to try out chalkboard paint! Since our kitchen will eventually get its makeover with a black stencil I thought the kids would enjoy a black door that could be played with 🙂 They love it!

Quick steps:

This project took 15 minutes to paint but 4 hrs had to pass before the 2nd coat could be applied (which took another 15 min.)

1. Clean the door

2. Tape it off with painters tape

3. Edge door in with a brush, then use a small roller to paint door fully (I used Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint from Home Depot $10 (Lowe’s was $14.95))

4. Wait 4 hrs, then repeat step #3

5. Wait 3 days before using chalk on it 😦   (worth the wait!)

BTW, store bought erasers haven’t worked very well in cleaning the door of chalk. I’ve found that a regular wet kitchen sponge will bring the area back to a great matte black color (dry with paper towel)

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Roark

Due any day now, this family of soon to be 5, invited me into their inner circle to document & give thanks for this past year as a family. These kids are so excited about the baby on the way & have been so sweet to Mommy during her 9 months. The Roarks have supported my photography from the beginning calling on me for head shots & dance school photos for their families growing business, http://www.rhythmselite.com. They are so kind & generous & it’s an honor to take their portraits each year. Congrats on the new addition!

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Senior year

One of the highlights of senior year is getting your senior pictures done! It was such a pleasure to create these lasting memories for Ian. He’s an actor & musician. Ian brought all his skills to the camera lens with his easy going & willing to do any pose attitude. He was a true rock star!

His family is such a blessing to know. They are a great example of a tight knit family. Ian & his brother are close in age, but instead of the common rivalry they have many of the same friends & hang out together at school. Both boys are super polite. Having two kids myself, I’m always trying to make the next right parenting move 🙂 This family is  such an inspiration-a great picture of quality parenting & quality kids. 

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