Crafty Secrets Leftover Challenge & Porch Update

This week on the Crafty Secrets forum, Carla challenged us to use leftovers on our projects. Leftovers are scraps of paper, ribbons, stamped images, etc. that are leftover from other projects.

You may recognize this bird image from an earlier post. I also used paper scraps from K&Company, leftover cardstock, a little scrap of ribbon, and a diecut corner that I decided not to use on another project.

I swiped the main image with Ranger Distress Ink (Vintage Photo) and brushed the paper layers and die cut with a Krylon gold leafing pen. The vintage button is from a collection my dad and his antique dealer buddies gifted to me. Thanks, Dad!

I was very happy with how quickly this card came together. I need to use leftovers more often.



Porch Update: Rich and our neighbor made a run to the "wood store" (as the kids call it) last night and picked up all of the lumber and hardware for the first building phase of our new porch, which includes setting the support posts and building the frame, decking, railing, and balusters.

This phase should go pretty quickly because it's very similar to the process we used building our back deck last year. Plus, we with experienced and dedicated help like this; you just can't go wrong!

This is Shannon helping Rich build our deck last summer. She was five years old and obsessed with helping build. She couldn't wait for Rich to get home from work, so they could go work on this huge project together. She can work a mallet and read a tape measurer and a level.

Hey, you have to admit - the girl's got style, in addition to mad carpentry skills!