I’ve lately decided that it’s a GOOD THING to surround yourself with big ideas. It’s a BAD THING to compare yourself to others. Collecting and compiling ideas is inspiring but it doesn’t make you any less of a Mom-Wife-Cook-Baker-Artist-Homemaker-Insert Whatever Title You Want if you can’t execute all those big ideas all day every day.
There has been mucho conversations going on in cyber space lately about “how much is too much” and how overwhelming social media can be on women and, more specifically, women who are Moms. I guess as a whole, we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to every little thing we read or see online. Sometimes it’s hard to be self-focused (self-centered?) when you are inundated with examples of how much another woman is doing in her day to day life. Why can’t we do it like that? How come I have no time to figure that out? When could I possibly fit that into my day?
I have those moments too. I see every single pin or blog post and instantly think, “I could do that! make that! figure that out!” Luckily, my Mom zaps me back to reality reminding me that just because I CAN do something I see doesn’t mean it’s a great idea to actually go ahead and do it.
Like these adorable Princess Peg Dolls for example.
I could absolutely, without a doubt, paint these lovely little ladies. But my Mom steps in and so kindly says WHEN would you paint them, darling daughter? Why not just spend a few dollars more and BUY them already painted?
Same goes for this beautiful peg doll nativity set.
I’m not sure why I feel like things aren’t good enough if I don’t make them myself. Maybe it’s the creative part of my soul. Maybe it’s OCD. Maybe I’m just really addicted to the making. Whatever it is- I’m trying to hush it up. Because, honestly, handmade is handmade- no matter whose hands did the making.
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On that note- I just had to make this for the girls bedroom (I can’t quit cold turkey!):
I’ve been eyeballing up some similar mirrors like these:
Aren’t they lovely?
A few months ago, Brandon and I found a mirror at Goodwill for $3.00. It had a nice big wood frame and was in perfect condition so I snatched it up knowing lightning would certainly hit with a big idea.
After seeing those mirrors on pinterest-that big idea- I couldn’t let it go. I knew I’d be making a pom pom mirror. I considered the felt balls, but they get really expensive to buy and I failed at making my own a long time ago so I didn’t even try to go that route. I’ve been waiting to finish this project until I get some wiggle room in the budget for crafty shenanigans- but by some stroke of luck my brother’s friend’s Mom happened to drop some old craft supplies at my doorstep. Inside the lovely box full of goodies was a giant bag of pom poms. All sizes, all colors.
It was meant to be!
I had a perfect picture-laden tutorial set to go for this project but I somehow deleted all those photos. You’ll have to just follow my instructions instead (try and keep up):
1. Using a glue gun, glue the pom poms to the mirror frame.
2. Keep going. (are you keeping up?)
3. And going… until the whole mirror is covered. It’s as simple as that! I started on the inside with the smallest size pom pom, and worked my way out, gluing the pom poms on one row after another. I tried not to put any of the same color near itself- no pattern or anything. Random and crazy was what I was going for.
I love how it turned out. The texture is awesome and it looks especially great with the dark walls in my girls’ bedroom. I think I’ll eventually hang it over their dresser, but I’m dragging my feet on actually hanging anything until I have every little thing ready to go and I can make a plan for what goes where.
On to quilting and gingerbread house making and Christmas Card ordering (ugh). We’re nearing Christmas and I’m not nearly done with my giant to-do list!
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