Ombre Heart Wreath

I had an impulse to craft something cute for Valentine's Day (despite the fact we don't really celebrate it) and I didn't want to spend any money (I feel like that is how all of my craft projects begin). I thought a little wreath of some sort might be fun and easy.

First, I rummaged through our recycling bin for some cardboard and packing paper. You could also go the styrofoam wreath route, if dumpster crafting is not for you!

I traced out the largest heart I could fit.

Then I drew a smaller heart inside, and cut it out.

Then I rolled up scrap kraft paper (newspaper would work well too!) and wrapped tape around it. This was to give the wreath some dimension. It looks pretty rough at this stage, but once the yarn is on, it isn't so lumpy and uneven.

I went through the yarn I had on hand and picked some colors that might work well together.

Then I just started wrapped yarn around the wreath, trying to put even amounts of each color on either side.

So simple, and the price is right for a piece of decor which will only be up for a short while.

Also, did you see my Chalkboard Valentine on Instagram?

Linking up to the CSI Project Valentine's Day Linky Party.

Around the Town: The Newish Bay Bridge

It's been nearly 24 years since the Loma Prieta earthquake sent a section of the upper deck of the Bay Bridge collapsing down onto the deck below it. It wasn't the worst of the Bay Area's damaged roads, but those of us who live here have known for the last couple decades that it would not withstand another Big One.

For the last ten years, the new safer span has been under construction. And finally, on Labor Day weekend last year, it was completed.

The strange thing is, I barely noticed the new bridge while it was going up. I knew it was happening, slowly but surely, but it wasn't particularly distracting. Maybe others paid more attention.

With the new span open, the old bridge span sits empty and dirty, waiting to be disassembled. The first few weeks were hectic as commuters slowed down while they took in the view of the old bridge and the new span they had to navigate. It was frustrating (as a fellow driver being forced to slow down), but the novelty has worn off enough now that it isn't causing the constant traffic jams.

I know I watch too much Walking Dead, but tell me this doesn't look like a herd of walkers will be coming into view any minute!

The first weekend it was open, we walked the footpath along the new freeway. Last weekend, we visited it again.

It is novel in that the old bridge had no access for pedestrians and bicyclists at all. And that it stops just short of Treasure Island which means it doesn't actually allow you to get anywhere.

It is just shy of four miles each way, which was a good walk (or an easier bike ride). And it provides a perspective of both the bridges, the Port of Oakland, and the bay that we've never really had before.

It's worth a visit if you find yourself in Oakland/Emeryville with some free time. Or wait another year, and you'll be able to walk all the way to Treaure Island!

Top 5 Projects of 2013

Happy 2014, everybody!

Last year was a pretty good one, don't ya think? This year is starting off with a lot of sniffles and sneezes (ugh!) in our house, but I know it's gonna get better from here!

In 2013, B and I had a few big adventures (like France and Spain!) and did some projects around the house (though you'd never know it since I haven't shared updates on our kitchen and bedroom...coming soon, I swear!), but I think the little DIY decor and craft projects were the most fun to share. And I guess you think so too, but they were some of my most popular posts!


Here were the top 5 projects of 2013:

Number 5

DIY Leather Strap Hurricane: this was the easiest project of all! A few inexpensive belts, cut and buckled, gave a new look to a plain vase.

Number 4

Super Easy Felt Pillow: wrapping up the year with a project which would make a great addition to your home, or a great gift for someone else (and as usual, I made it without a sewing machine!)

Number 3

DIY Captain's Mirror: this project proudly hangs on our bedroom wall, and I really do love it. I think even B has come around on this one. :)

Number 2

DIY Gramophone iPhone Speaker: B and I came up with this novelty speaker for a Christmas gift, and it turned out so cute!

Number 1

DIY Woven Rope Basket: this project was by far, the most popular one I shared this year (and likely the reason you're reading this now!). I've loved seeing other crafters and bloggers try their hand it it too!

Thanks to every single one of you who stopped by to check out my blog. I can't wait to share new projects with you in the coming year. And with that said, I have some exciting news to share...

I (along with fifteen other rad ladies) am going to be a contributor on Remodelaholic this year! I'm honored to be among some really great bloggers, and I hope I can bring some fun and inspiring ideas with my home decor and gardening roundups!