Birch Trees Art

I finished painting these birch tree canvases for our master bathroom a couple of weeks ago.  It took a little bit longer than I expected, but the extra work was definitely worth the work to get the look I was going for.  Originally, I was going to do these two-toned, but it never looked quite right.  Once I changed the stripes on the trees to black, added slight shadows, and washed the grey with a slightly darker grey, things really looked better!  Here's a close-up:

I used a white paint in gloss and the other colors in matte to give another dimension to the pieces, but you'll have to wait to see that part of it until I finish up the rest of the master bathroom.  Since these are hung in our bathroom, I sprayed the canvases with two coats of matte artwork sealer to protect them from condensation and splashing water. 

Once we finish caulking the new trim, I will be able to get home tour photos of the master bathroom!  Also, the piano bench re-upholstery project and painting the hallway to the garage purple are finished, both with amazing results.  We also found some great Craftsman style knobs on clearance at Lowe's for our kitchen cabinets and installed them.  We had a very productive weekend last week, and I can't wait to show you all of our recently finished projects.

Hair Clip Tree Tutorial

First off, I have to admit that the idea for this hair clip tree was not originally mine.  This is just my version of it.  I first got the idea from my sister-in-law, Jenny, who is responsible for all my girls' cute hair accessories.  This is how she displays her clips at crafts shows and in her studio.  Do you want to make one, too?  They are super quick and easy.  Here is what you will need.

• A basket, pot, vase, or other container
• Floral foam
• Hot glue gun
• Moss or something else to cover the foam
• Sticks (I got a big bundle from IKEA)
• Scissors

First, cut your foam to fit inside your container.  I used a big kitchen knife with great results.

Glue the foam to the bottom of the container for increased stability.  Next, cut your sticks to length, if necessary.  Put each stick in the foam and make adjustments until you are pleased with the arrangement.

I didn't glue each stick into the foam, but if you want to, now is the time.  When you're done with the sticks, grab your foam cover.  I found it easiest to put the glue down in the foam first, then push the moss down on top.

Once your moss is covered, clip all your flowers, bows, and such to your tree and place on the bathroom counter, on top of a dresser, or wherever you like.

Now all my daughters' cute, girly hair clips can double as my bathroom decor!

 Linked up: TT&J