1 year down, 29 more to go

I'm back! I know, it's been such a long time. Almost 6 weeks since my last post. I bet you thought I ran out of projects to do. (Like that will ever happen) The truth is the last project took a lot longer to perfect than I had originally anticipated, and I got the urge to complete a few others in the process. That means lots of projecting and no blogging. Don't worry though, they're coming. 

Out of everything going on, it is perfect that this post comes today. You see, On this day last year, I signed my life away on the dotted line to become a first time home owner. That's right people....today is my 1 year housiversary! Can you believe it? I can't. Time has flown by. I have to say it's been such an amazing year. I was told that you will spend the first 6 months to a year doing nothing but "house stuff", and they were not lying. As of today I am happy to say though, I have done something to every room in the house. A couple of weeks ago I finally got around to tackling the last room, the half bathroom. I kind of had an idea of what was going to happen in here, but was never really in a rush to do it...until now.

So, before we discuss the actual bathroom, let's talk projects. The first project came from an idea I saw on Pinterest. I've had it pinned for awhile, but was just waiting for the right time to use it. Basically, you fill a glass bottle with acrylic paint and move it around to coat the inside. I had all of the materials for it already so, it cost me nothing to do which was even better.

I grabbed my cheap acrylic paint and mixed 2 shades of green in a cup. Why 2 shades?, because I couldn't decided on which 1 shade I wanted. The combination though was perfect. I added a little water to the paint to make it move around a bit easier. I poured all of the paint into the bottle. Then, I tipped the bottle upside down to pour it out, turning the bottle so it would coat the sides.

After I poured all of the excess paint out of the bottle, I turn it right side up, and there you have it. Pretty easy huh. I decided to not coat the inside completely as to leave a little visual interest.

For the next project I decided to paint something. It's been such a long time, I actually miss painting canvas. For the last year it's been nothing but walls and furniture. I pulled these 9x12 canvases out of the closet. I actually had this idea for awhile, so I bought these months ago when Michaels was having a sale. My idea was to create a colorful background with a silhouette type image on top. 

First, I tackled the background. Now, my technique was a little unconventional...for an adult. I started by squirting different colors onto the canvas and then used my fingers to mix it all together. Basically, Finger painting! (I know, took it back to Kindergarten. The good ole days without cares or bills.) Sorry at the lack of pictures for this part, but my hands were covered and messy. I even made sure to stop and put my paint clothes on so I didn't ruin yet another pair of sweatpants.

After the first layer I wasn't really feeling it. The colors were looking a little dull and I had missed a few spots. So, I went in for another round. This time it turned out a lot better.

I let the whole thing dry overnight before painting on top of it. The next day I added the image. I wanted something a little fun and kitschy so, I went with the universal bathroom symbols.

I cut both pictures out and used some tape to secure them down while I traced around each one. Then, I filled them both in with black paint.

Now that the projects are done it's time to put everything together. Here's a before picture of what the bathroom looked like a month ago. 

 

And this is the after

Are you feeling it as much as I am! *Snaps in Z-formation*. 

The color I settled on was Natural Linen by Glidden. I'm actually in love with the color. It's kind of the color I was going for in my closet room. Kudos to my friend for making me go with it. The paint color took a little while to decide on. When I first moved in I was leaning towards a chocolate brown. Then one day I walked in there and brown made me think of poop. That was quickly the end of that design idea. I hate painting bathrooms so whatever color I chose was going to stay....FOREVER. On the other side of the bathroom I added the mirror. I was looking for something rectangular, but saw this while in Homegoods and really liked the frame. When I got home and held it up to the wall I actually really liked it. The decor, I went simple. I didn't want to do too much or make it too fussy. The shelves I already had. They were actually the shelves I originally used for the big picture wall in the office. As for the other items, I wanted to create a nice eclectic mix. Some of the items I had, some of the items I bought, and the rest I made. 

So, with that my house is officially a work in progress. YAY! And to those of you that are scratching your heads thinking..."Well what was it before?" Let me clarify. I guess it's always been a work in progress. I think I more so mean it feels good to be adding and editing as oppose to taking on large overhauls. It finally feels like MY home, and it feels amazing! Not soon enough either. The summer time is coming, and I can't wait to enjoy it. Oh wait, I guess that means I better get some patio furniture now. (The work never ends)

On to the next project!