<![CDATA[ - b l o g]]>

<![CDATA[ - b l o g]]>Fri, 04 May 2012 05:43:53 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Is this yours Mr. Mittelstadt?]]>Fri, 04 May 2012 07:32:57 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/05/is-this-yours-mr-mittelstadt.htmlWhen you're known for things that are "perfectly imperfect" and for making chic home decor out of road-side garbage, every once-in-a-while something shows up at your house that even I can't put a name to. That's what happened earlier this week when after a run, my husband brought home the following. (See pictured below.)

Immediately I tagged it as art, saving it from the trash, but exactly what it is I'm still not sure of. A flame? Something interpretive? Really, it's a nice piece of wood.

Upon further investigation (turning it over to see if there's a signature...I do watch Antique Roadshow from time to time) I discovered that there is indeed a signature, or rather a name written in pen, non-script handwriting. The name reads "Richard Mittelstadt."

Of course I googled the man and came up with this: CLICK HERE. He is indeed an artist, from Minnesota, but he is a watercolor artist and his bio mentions nothing about a discarded career in sculpture.

All I can conclude is that he may have "owned" this piece rather than "created" it. Also, that there could be another Richard Mittelstadt here in Minnesota that likes to write his name, in kindergarten letters, on the bottom of pieces of wood. Both equally as possible.

Are you there Richard? Can you shed some light on this 4ft mystery?

]]><![CDATA[Axel Invited]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:28:40 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/04/axel-invited.htmlAxel was invited to his first friend-birthday party last weekend. He was really excited...as was I. For the gift, I hit up my new "source" for ideas...Pinterest. Although Pinterest requires that you belong to Facebook or Twitter in order to join, I look at their stuff anyway. My personal feelings on mass-social-networking will have to wait for another time. However, until Pinterest changes their feelings about allowing "outsiders" in, I will continue to enjoy the ideas of other people until I can contribute myself.

The idea that struck me as fabulous for a boy birthday was this: Fort Making Kit! What kid doesn't love to hide-out in a fort/cave/tent/secret lair?!

Adapting a bit from the original inspiration, this is what I came up with:

Fort Supplies:
2 flat sheets - Savers: $2 each
1 Energizer Lantern - Target: $5
2 packs of glow sticks - Dollar Store: $2
1 piece of rope - Dollar Store: $1
14 clothespins - from home

Also needed was the fabric for the drawstring bag and the old t-shirt to cut up (to make the ties on the sheets). All-in-all, this gift cost about $12.

custom drawstring bag

A look inside.

One of the sheets with t-shirt ties sewn on corners and down the middle. I included 2 sheets total in the Fort Kit.

]]><![CDATA[Hello...I live here.]]>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:09:50 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/04/helloi-live-here.htmlToday I introduce what could be my most favorite "Built by Jahred" project. While my husband spent his last few days working at the hospital, I was secretly collecting materials for our latest rusti-chic project – a day-bed made from upcycled industrial pallets. While I gave up a bit in "studio space" to make room for our overnight guests, I do believe this room has turned into a "sanctuary" (no pun intended Jesus).

Here is a list of what I spent...and of course the photos.

Pallets: Craigslist - $3 x 4 = $12
Wood for bracing: Habitat for Humanity ReStore = $1
Steel wheels: Menards - $4 x 4 (minus the Lowe's coupon which Menards matched) = $14
Sandpaper and screws: Used scraps from previous projects.
Mattress: Slumberland = $88
Linens: Savers (50% silver tag day) plus a 30% Earth Day coupon - Sheets, Pillowcases and a blanket = $6
Total = $121

]]><![CDATA[2 posts - 1 day]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:22:05 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/04/2-posts-1-day.htmlI was going to wait until tomorrow to post these awesome Savers finds, but I'm just too excited about it.

In the last week at Savers I have found two mirrors. The first a bronze/gold oval with a hint of sparkle – hung in my basement hallway to add a bit of light. The second a gold beauty – hung in no other room but my studio because I'm hoarding this feminine masterpiece all to myself.

Total cost of mirrors:
1 - $8.99 (used a 20% coupon besides)
2 - $4.99 (used an Earth Day 30% coupon)
Total - $10.63

Hooray to reducing, reusing and recycling!

]]><![CDATA[Happy Etsy-versary to Me!]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:54:45 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/04/happy-etsy-versary-to-me.html

Yesterday was my 4th Etsy-versary. It's hard to believe it's been 4 years – Axel's whole life. Although the above photo isn't my own, all the Etsy magic of the last four years I will fully claim – with a sincere hope that it will continue!

Over the weekend a couple of friends and I re-made something old-fashioned and I think the result is just darling. Here are our latest "friendship bracelets."

]]><![CDATA[Quick Photo Updates]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:44:10 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/04/quick-photo-updates.htmlSo I'm not being lazy, just distracted. I realize that my blog has slowly been slipping...and as I approach my 4th Etsy-versary I'm hoping to be renewed in my commitment to both the shop and my readers. Here is what I've been up to in the last couple of weeks:

What the boys have been eating:

Personal Pot-Pies. They report - Yum.

Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread. They report - Spicy

What Mom's been sewing:

All shapes and sizes...I'm obsessed.

What the boys have been up to:

When your kid turns 4, it's ok to admit you can't fit inside their play-things anymore. Jahred has made a compromise with Axel...only part of him fits. It's really hard to say "no" when he just wants you to come inside and read!

]]><![CDATA[Sharpie Shirt - Tie Dye for Toddlers]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:22:11 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/04/sharpie-shirt-tie-dye-for-toddlers.htmlI've been a bit quiet on here lately – perhaps it's the nice weather! Axel and I did manage a fun project the other day however, one you may already have all the tools needed to make with your kids!

Here's what you need:
Sharpie Permanent Markers in assorted colors
91% Rubbing Alcohol
Medicine Dropper (makes things easier)
Plastic Cups
Rubber Bands

Here's what you do:

Place plastic "Solo" cup inside shirt. Rubber Band around the lip of the cup (from the outside). "Really mom, I'm going to write on this shirt?" "Yes Axel, go nuts!" Make small dots or scribbles inside the cup lip. Use plenty of color.

When you're satisfied with your coloring, use the dropper to place the Alcohol over the design. You only need about 5ml per spot. It will continue to spread long after you stop adding drops. Add another cup and repeat.

Make as many circles as you want and allow then to dry. Once they are dry, remove the cups and "set" the color by rinsing in a cold water/vinegar mixture (or place in the dryer for 15 minutes). We still have to do the back of Axel's shirt, but we'll save that for a gloomy day.

Seriously, it's a no-mess, tie dye project that even a 4-year-old BOY can love! This would make a great, inexpensive "kit" to give as a Birthday gift!

]]><![CDATA[Axel's Big Excitement]]>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:07:22 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/03/axels-big-excitement.htmlAxel would like to officially announce to his...my...blog that he is going to be a big brother! This coming July we'll be bringing home our second little prince to Axel's welcoming arms...and room.

Today I thought we could make a special project just for Axel, the big brother. While blogging around I noticed several people making magnet boards out of these ENORMOUS "Oil Drip Pans." Reports said you could find them at an auto parts store or, more commonly, at Walmart. I totally took the idea and ran, having wanted to get the magnets off my fridge for a long time and give Axel a place to display his own art – on his own terms.

We found the tray indeed at Walmart, costing $10, and also purchased $3 worth of the 3M Command Strips (the locking, Velcro-like kind). The pan really isn't that heavy, just large.

When we got home, it literally took me two minutes to hang the thing. There was a tacky emblem, indicating that it's an "Oil Drip Pan," and that didn't quite fit in to my "educational theme." I asked Axel to make a sign to hang over the emblem, suggesting, "Axel's Room" or "Axel's Art."

Off the top of his head, without hesitation, Axel said, "No Mom. The sign should say Welcome Home."

"Huh?" I asked.

"Yeah, for my new brother!"

How clueless I am.

So that's what we did. We made a "Welcome Home" sign and the first piece of art was Axel's prized ultrasound photo, the only glimpse he has of what's to come.

]]><![CDATA[blustery day]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:05:47 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/03/blustery-day.htmlWhen I woke up this morning, a blustery day greeted me and reminded me of Winnie the Pooh. It seems, in his stories, the wind is at a constant clip and the clouds fearlessly race by. After preschool drop-off, I was blown to the grocery store where I found just what we needed to spend the afternoon – a kite featuring none other than Axel's pals from the Hundred Acre Woods.

When you have a four-year-old who has seen the world and experienced more than his share in just a short time, it's nice when you can give him a first. Today was the first time he flew a kite. He was thrilled!

]]><![CDATA[Spring.]]>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:58:27 -0600http://www.jlstephenscouture.com/1/post/2012/03/spring.htmlSpring is definitely in the air this week, and my lawn is turning green. I am so thankful this time of year for my favorite leafy green, one that is so plentiful in my damp landscape, moss. Isn't moss the greatest substance? It's like lawn...that you don't have to mow. It's the first to show it's bright green face in the spring and the last to batten it's hatches for the winter. It spreads...yea! It feels awesome on your feet...mmmm. It even looks cute as a photo backdrop. Welcome moss, please stay for the summer?!

Along with the moss come a few of my other spring favorites. Here is a list:
- Balled-up man-socks at the front door. (Because I have to get mean if I see them in the house, on my furniture).
- Slimy dog, with a side of newly thawed poo smell.
- The ever-looming fear that snow could make a return any day.
- It's now time to bathe your children every day, but not quite warm enough to do it with the hose.

But seriously, these are the things I really love:
- Waking up, windows open, with a cold nose and not wanting to leave the covers.
- Barefoot runs to the mailbox and beyond.
- Seeing everybody newly invested in fitness and having "running partners" on the trails.
- Freckles.
- Picnics.
- Grilling.
- Bonfires.

Here's hoping our 60 degree weather is here to stay. Here's hoping you have a bit of moss to brighten your day.

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