Month: October 2014

DIY Photo Table Runner / Day 3 of Feel Good Blogging Challenge

Sharing a tutorial that adds value to my readers kind of freaks me out a little.  I’m not going to lie.  I have written tutorials in the past and I love each one I’ve done.  But being asked to write one today, without warning is a little scary.

DIY PHOTO TABLE RUNNER
I’m going to share how to create a fabulous photo table runner using muslin, pictures, sheet music and paper doilies.  You see, I hosted my sister’s bridal shower in my backyard a few weeks ago.  I went all Pinterest crazy on it and create a lot of neat, personal touches for her.  She is the only sister I have and her wedding is a pretty big deal.

I found a few different versions of a personalized photo banner and decided to combine them for this event.  My sister’s favorite song is Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  Our Mom used to sing it to her before bed when she was a little girl.  I had several copies of it printed, pictures printed and purchased some paper doilies on sale at Hobby Lobby.

I asked my Mom to come over the night before so we could get it started.  I had purchased some muslin from Hobby Lobby (with a coupon – my sister would be proud!).  I had an 8 foot table and the table was 30” high.  I wanted it to hang pretty far off the table to where it was actually draping the ground.

bridal shower decor
What you need for this DIY photo table runner
:

4 ½ yards of fabric in about a 5” wide strip (if you don’t want yours to be as long as mine then you can take off some length).
50-70 pictures, all different sizes
15 pages of sheet music
15-20 paper doilies, all different sizes
hot glue gun\

Here’s how you do it:

Lay out your fabric on a table.  Start gluing your pictures, sheet music and doilies randomly.  Keep in mind the direction of the pictures.  More than likely the runner will be in the middle of the table with people sitting on both sides.  You want to try to get the pictures to be facing the correct direction so someone or words aren’t upside down.  Keep gluing until you have all of the muslin covered.  I went over the runner one more time gluing smaller pictures and doilies to add more of an interest.

DIY table runner
It’s a pretty simple DIY project that really adds some personal touches to the table.  I think overall I spent about $35 on the entire project.  I ordered the prints from Walmart.com with a coupon and had them shipped to my home for an even cheaper cost.  I would recommend doing that if you have several weeks before the party.

Day 2 of 7: Multi-Passionate

multi-passionate

I’m continuously fascinated with learning more, developing my skills, and becoming a better person.

I love the idea of growing into a deeper, wiser individual.  I’m passionate about helping others, expanding my horizons, trying new experiences and being with those I care for the most.

Being creative touches my soul and awakens my senses.

It all started in grad school (well this blog did, my other ones started in undergrad and that’s a whole other story!).  I needed a creative outlet to keep me sane during the long hours of class, school work and having three jobs.  I’m truly a creative at heart – not one particular area of interest.  I like to call myself a free spirit, a multi-passionate woman.  I took my nickname – Mere and my middle name – Lynne to create the site name.  It seem to flow off the tongue easier than my previous attempts at blogging.  I wrote about the stressors of working too much, studying too hard and not having enough fun.

I tried for a short period to be a fashion blogger, but I had to face the fact I preferred to be in jeans and a t-shirt over high heels and designer labels.  I have finally found comfort in who I am and where I want my blog to be.  I share DIY tips, recipes, my life, my love for our three dogs, and a lot of being married.  The love I have for my dogs and to create a more organized home really shine through.  I try not to force myself to fit into any box.  I think it’s more inspiring to let things flow naturally.

I’m following along Alex Beadon’s Feel Good Blogging Challenge.  Hop on and join us!

Feel Good Blogging Challenge

Alright, I need a kick in the pants to get my spark back for blogging.  I have ideas, I think about future posts but I have had zero motivation to come here and actually post anything.  I follow the super-inspiring Alex Beadon and jumped feet first for her Feel Good Blogging Challenge.  Today is day 1, challenge 1.  I am wasting no time to get started on this post because I know myself.  I will put it off and wait days, weeks or even a month before getting around to it.

brewery
We were asked to answer 5 questions about ourselves.  Here are my answers:

  • Who are you?

I’m Meredith, blogger and founder of merelynne.com.  I’m also a wife, a dog-mom who wants to rescue every stray dog I come across, and I’m a professional.  I recently moved myself and my family back to my hometown so I could start working for/with my Dad.  I’m slowly learning the business while beefing up his marketing efforts.  I love what I do.  More than I ever thought was possible.  I finally feel like I have a purpose and am excited to wake up every morning to get ready for work.

I’m passionate about so many things – my family, my career, helping others, being there to listen when someone needs a friend, taking pictures, being organized, and building a solid foundation with my husband.

  • Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging years ago during my undergrad.  I had a different site name and a different point-of-view.  I was mainly doing DIY projects, but that was hard to keep up with under a college girl’s budget and time frame.  Now under a new name, new domain address and with a little more maturity behind me I blog about my life.  I feel confident about who I am, where I’m going and who I want to be.  I like to share stories of being a newlywed, DIY projects (when I have the time), parties I throw, dinners I cook that don’t end up in the trash, and tips on being more organized with a busy schedule.

  • Who is your blog for?

My blog is for me and women, who like me, are busy.  I may not have children, yet; but I do have quite a bit going on.  I know I’m not the only woman who has family living in different parts of the state, a full-time career, schooling to further oneself, a blog, side projects that bring joy, and so much more.

  • Something I’ve been working on lately that I’m really proud of?

Being healthier.  I joined the local Crossfit box and have fallen in love with it.  J and I have been focused on eating cleaner and at home more often.  I’m proud of myself and the journey that we’ve been on.  I’m excited about our future as a team and know that I will never be little-miss skinny Minnie, but I will be proud of my body and my confidence.

  • What’s one message that you hope people take away from my blog?

You can do many, many things with the 24 hours in your day – including spending more time with the ones you love.  That it’s okay to not be perfect and have a new post every day – people will understand and relate to you better if you’re a little more real.

Can’t wait for tomorrow’s challenge.  If you’re ready to take the jump then join me.
Bud's paw