A little Family Tree

This year for Christmas, we (as in all 8 siblings)  wanted to do something special for the folks. The idea appeared in the form of our version of a family tree.

The idea is that as a tree grows, the leaves and branches come and go. The roots however, grow deep and wide will keep the tree strong and healthy. So, we need to always nourish the roots.

On the back of the tree plaque is an inscription that says:  "A family tree spreads deep and wide, sweeping our legacy in it's stride."

With 8 siblings, we can't help but create a spectacular family tree!

Basically, we took photos of every member of the family at approximately age 2 (or as close to it as possible) and mounted the on wooden tags.  Here is where the tree- or roots- comes in.  At the top, was mom and dad.  From there were each of their children (the siblings) and then the grandkids that belong to each child.

We hung them from a long wood plank and mounted the wood tags to chain, so there is some movement.  As a bonus, we took pictures of just the grandchildren and mounted  them to wooden plaques.  This was a kind of then and now thing.  Black and white was the theme because some of the old photos did not look good in full color, which means oxidized pink.

Tada!  Merry Christmas Mom and Dad.

-Tara

Leather Peter Pan Collar -

I have been so inspired by the fun little accessory that has become very popular.  The Peter Pan Collar necklace.  Looking at all of the styles that are out there, finding exactly what I wanted escaped me.  Well, this caused the little voice in my head to say...you can do that!

That is exactly what happened.  I drew up a pattern, used some scrap leather and some jewelry embellishments.  Viola.  New statement piece.  Love how lightweight it turned out and  the simplicity of it. 

If you want to do this project, instructions and the pattern for this Peter Pan Collar of Leather are at www.whimsyfunk.com.  Or click here for the link to the pattern. 

-Tara
Bring a bit of whimsy to your funky world.

Pressed Penny!

 Have you ever pressed a penny.  You know, from one of those machines that smash an image into a penny and makes it into an oval.  

I have a bunch from years of making the cheep little souvenirs.  Now, I was left with a big bunch of penny's that had been stretched.  I took those little mementos and made a bracelet.  I really like the way it turned out!

To see more about this little project, go to www.whimsyfunk.com. 

 So, what do you think?

     -Tara

Another chalkboard upcycle idea

I have a thing for chalkboards lately. It's not so 'lately' because it's been an interest for at least 5 years. But, something about the function and form of a cute chalkboard really appeals to me.








I found some old cabinet doors for $1 about a year ago. And they've been waiting for some new clothes.  So, I painted the inside with chalkboard paint, and taped it off to paint the outside frame a cream color.

Then I added hardware I found on clearance at Anthro 4 years ago that were just waiting for a use.

  I needed a way to hang it, so I popped of the little pull tabs on these soup cans and screwed them into the back of the cupboard door.

At Anna's request, here are some pics of exactly how I screwed in the pull tabs and the drawer pull. On the back of the chalkboard, I took very short screws and screwed them into the small spot on the pull tab.

I did this on both sides. And put dry wall screws into the wall to hang it just like a picture. Before I hung it, though, I found a stud in the wall to center the chalkboard on, because I wanted to screw the drawer pull into a stud for more stability.

I got a long wood screw (about 4 inches) and found a stud. Then screwed in the long wood screw through the drawer pull and through the hole in the cupboard door where the original drawer pull was drilled.

 That way the screw would hold the chalkboard into a stud for more stability.

There it is. Another idea to keep you up at night.

--Summer