Coffee Filter Lamp

This unfortunately was not an original idea. But I really liked it when I saw it a few places so I decided to make it. I don't remember where I first saw this project, it was over two years ago. Just know that many other people have made it.

I started out with only four items. Coffee filters, hot glue sticks, a hot glue gun, and a paper lantern.

Coffee Filters

Hot glue sticks

Paper Lantern

Hot glue gun

I started at the bottom and worked my way up. I just shoved my finger in the middle of each filter to make a point, put a dab of glue on it, and let it cool. Then I did it over and over and over again.

Making a point in the middle with my index finger

After one session of gluing I only was a fourth finished. I knew this was going to take a long time, but I really had no idea.

Finally, after a few more evenings of gluing, I was finished! I had a beautiful big fluffy snowball of coffee filters to light the corner of my bedroom.

I bought a light kit at Ikea for $5 and hung it based on the instructions. Then I was good to go; Flipped the switch and "let there be light". Woohoo!

Book Projects

A few weeks ago Doug and I stumbled upon an estate sale. It had been pretty picked over by the time we got there but I found a few treasures. These were just 25 cents each. And they're beautiful. I bought 4 of them but was so excited for my first project that I didn't take a picture of the first book while it was intact.

Vintage Readers Digest Books

For my first project I cut off the front and back cover of my favorite patterned book. Then I found a few fun pictures from inside and cut notebook paper to make an assignment journal so I don't fall behind in my schoolwork. I tried binding it with chain but it broke. Then I tried metal brads and that didn't work either. I ended up using elastic. It's not pretty but it works really well.

Isn't it fun?

My second project involved cutting a shadow box in the cover and pages and adding some genuine beach shells collected in Mexico. Eventually this project is supposed to end up in my mom's downstairs bathroom which has a beachy shell theme.

I have two more books which means two more projects. Any suggestions? I'm thinking of making the navy and yellow one into another notebook since it's so cute.

The Church History Museum with Grandma and Grandpa

When my grandparents come to Utah, they stay in a condo in downtown Salt Lake. When we visit them, we often end up at the LDS Church History Museum. Friday, August 10th was no exception. I have been there so many times that I didn't take a lot of pictures, but here are a few.

My handsome grandpa and author J. Carlyle Parker

Probably couldn't have crossed the plains in 4 inch wedges

Next time a customer wants a "vintage" wedding dress, I'm pulling this one out

"The Mormon Creed Is To Mind Your Own Business" I didn't make this up.

Abraham before almost sacrificing his son Isaac

A volunteer at the museum told my grandparents that they looked like this couple

The Museum was holding its annual international art competition. The last two photos were submissions. Abraham was my brother's favorite. I highly recommend looking at all of the submissions here. Not all of them are religious and they are all beautiful.