Assembling a 12" Child's Bike

Before I continue on with all the fun posts I have planned, I wanted to finish the assembling of the kids bike (from this post) that I transformed for my daughter.  If you've stumbled across this post looking for how to disassemble a children's bike, just start at the end and work backwards.

After I painted the bike (using self-etching primer and standard spray paint -- since the more durable metal paints don't come in pink!), I was ready to put things back together.

Kids Bike Transformation

It took much longer than expected, but I finally finished the project I was working on for my daughter's fourth birthday!  Oh my goodness it feels so good to have it done!  And the icing on the cake is that my daughter LOVES it.

One day while taking my son's bike to get a new tire at the bike shop right around the corner from our apartment, my daughter spotted a tiny pink bike, just her size.  She had a great time riding it around the shop.  At the time she just had a tricycle for herself, which she was quickly outgrowing.  I suddenly had the idea to transform my son's old 12" [black, Batman] bicycle, which was in dire need of a new wheel, into a pink princess bicycle for my daughter. 

When first considering the project I thought it would be fairly straightforward.  Take parts off, take stickers off, spray paint, put parts back on, done.  However, when I got down to the point of having everything off, I got really intimidated and let it sit for a couple days just thinking, "What on earth did I get myself into?"  Thankfully my determination won out and I pushed through to the end. 

This is when I started to panic a bit.  (I apologize for the crappy photo)

Ta da!

I'm so happy it turned out so well. Now on to my other 5,378 projects. :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll be linking up to these fabulous link parties:

Monday -  Craft o Maniac Monday -- Craftastic Monday -- Amaze Me Monday -- Make it Great Monday --  Tuesday -  Get Your Craft On -- Sew Cute Tuesday -- Upcycled Awesome -- Tip Me Tuesday -- Tuesday Talent Show --  Wednesday -  Seven Thrity Three -- Wallet-Friendly Wednesday -- Create and Share -- Whatever Goes Wednesday --  Linkin’ with Lil’ Luna -- Thursday -  Strut your Stuff Thursday -- Transformation Thursday -- Thrilling Thursday -- House of Hepworths -- Friday -  Remodelaholic Friday -- Flaunt it Friday -- Frugal Friday -- Weekend Wander -- Show and Share Day -- It's Fun to Craft! -- Tickled Pink Fridays -- Weekend Wrap-up Party -- Catch as Catch Can -- Friday Flair -- Feature Yourself Friday -- Simply Link {Party} -- Pity Party -- Design Dazzle --  Saturday - Strut Your Stuff --  Lovely Crafty Weekend -- Sunday -  The DIY Showoff Project  Parade --  Sunday Showcase Party -- Creative Bloggers Party -- I Heart Naptime -- Think Pink Sundays

Going on a Fast

I've decided to go on a fast.

A project-acquisition fast.

Why?  Because this is what my creative space looks like right now.  

I have so many things I've purchased (including decor, furniture, fabric for clothing, clothing to refashion, etc) that I just haven't gotten around to completing!  I've decided it's time to actually start completing those unfinished projects (or get rid of them completely).  I'm going to see how far I can get on just the things I have right now.  I will allow myself to purchase some small supplies to help me complete the projects such as buttons, thread, glue, paint, sandpaper, etc, but no new projects to work on.

I especially need to get started on using my fabric stash.  I got a little addicted shopping Fabric.com's clearance section (with free shipping after $35 and frequent 15-20% off total purchase coupons) that I acquired a lot of great quality fabric for awesome prices. The big obstacle right now is making slopers (basic patterns used to create other designs) custom with my measurements so I can start designing and creating clothing that will fit me perfectly.  Being tall has made it very difficult to find anything that will fit me right (so I don't really have many clothes currently available to wear).  Also being "cheap" I find myself purchasing ill-fitting clothing on the clearance racks (like cute shirts at Macy's for $5 each!) with the intention of altering it... but then getting around to doing it is another story!

So.  No more new projects for me until I work through what I've got.  How long will it take me?  We shall see!

P.S.  Are there any other project hoarders collectors out there like me?

Children's Hutch -- Hopefully Transform Into Kitchen

I like to browse online classifieds from time to time (okay, since the weather is cold and rainy I've been doing it a lot).  I stumbled upon this vintage children's hutch for $5.  FIVE DOLLARS.

Photos courtesy of the seller

Yes, it needs a ton of work, but I was so excited to find it.  It's such a unique and rare piece.  I have plans to put in a sink (although I'll have to sacrifice one of the drawers, and turn one half of the bottom into an oven.  My goal is to have this finished for my kids for Christmas.  We'll see if it actually happens!  ha ha

Finding a Balance

My parents are very good at keeping stuff around "just in case" and growing up around all that stuff made life seem a bit too cluttered and cramped.  So when I got married and started my own home, I decided I wouldn't have much stuff around.  But recently I've realized that having some select, beautiful things to decorate with, hang on the walls, etc, helps a house feel like a home.  I'm trying to find a balance and have been scouring thrift stores and yard sales lately in search of things to do just that.  I've definitely found some fun things and have also definitely piled up lots of projects that may or may not take me forever to complete!  We'll see. 

But a few days ago I did find a chair that I am absolutely in love with.  I paid $35 which is more than I would have liked to spend, but it's so beautiful and surprisingly very comfortable.  It makes me happy every time I look at it.  Or sit in it.  Or walk by it.  I'll post pictures soon.