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This is a special post. It comes from the heart. It is all about finding trash and making the best of it. It is also KariAnne’s story. Yes, the KariAnne of Thistlewood Farms that inspired me to paint my happy chairs! It is all about a nautical sign that is So Close To Amazing!
And now you are wondering, what the heck am I talking about? What is this so close to amazing?
It is a moment! A feeling you get…
When you get this close and then … you just don’t make it to the finish line.
You get this close… and the meal still doesn’t turn out the way it’s meant to.
When you get this close … and the diy project does not live up to your vision.
Sometimes you have an item and you see that it’s useless… In fact it has the word “trash” written all over it. But you know me, I love a trash challenge and always try to find a use for it. So it was with this piece of MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard.
I really wanted to do something with this and I started to daydream.
A sign…for the hubs!
A sign with lettering!
And with a drawing on the other side.
And to finish it off I would add a piece of rope around the edges and hang it up.
Like this! The rope would be the perfect touch! It would be amazing!
But I had other things to do …like finish the bookcases that I’d been painting. Instead, I sweet talked my very talented daughter into making it for me. I told her my vision. And she got excited.
“I got this mom” she said!
She painted one side of the board a silvery gray color.
And then added some stick-on letters. But first she painted them in various blue shades.
When I asked her how she made them look like little seascapes she said “by adding dots of different colors onto the broad paint brush. When you drag the brush across the surface you get different colors going across.”
I had no idea she was so clever.
Here is the whole side. I was so excited by what I saw. It was going to be more than amazing!
She then flipped over the board and painted the other side a deep blue.
And then she drew a little sailboat and some other pretty things.
And it was done! It was perfect…
Now to add the rope.
Only… I couldn’t add the rope the way I had originally wanted without hiding some of the painting.
It was so close to amazing… but not quite there.
My vision had gone out to sea! No cute rope wrapped around the edges!
No close to amazing would have been more like it!
But you know I wasn’t going to give up after all the work my girl had put into this sign. So I did not mention it to her, but I took a bad situation and turned it around!
Using a stapler I added two round staples to the top of the sign and then tied the pretty rope right there up on top!
It may not have been my vision but now it was so close(er) to amazing! Or a different type of amazing! Because my vision is not the only one that is amazing!
And so I got my sign and I got to use my rope as well.
And the hubs got a fun sign from his daughter!
A triple win!
You can see here that the rope would have wrapped around the ends just fine on this side of the sign.. Amazing!
Now why am I carrying on like a little kid? Because my friend KariAnne has written a book! And it is called…. So Close To Amazing! And why am I talking to you about it? Because I am part of a group of lucky ladies that got an advance copy of it and am reading it and savoring every single page! And no I am not being paid in any shape or form to talk about this… I am just really enjoying this book and want to share with all of you.
The book is all about those little moments when we get this close to amazing but we don’t quite make it. Kind of like what I am always saying that perfection is overrated. And you know I have plenty of those projects that don’t always go the way I wanted them to.
KariAnne talks all about those moments when we get almost there to perfection but then something goes wrong. It is God’s way of letting us know that we need to slow down and re-evaluate. In our life, and even with our DIY projects.
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The thing that first attracted me to KariAnne’s blog was her gorgeous home, which is filled with a ton of thrifted finds that she has DIYed into one of a kind creations. But once I looked past all those stunning photos (and there are plenty) I was hooked by her writing. I felt as if KeriAnne was sitting right across from me at the breakfast table telling me all about the days adventures and mishaps. And there are plenty of those. She had me in stitches!
She is supportive and reassuring, like a sister would be. And she is the worlds No. 1 cheerleader when it comes to helping us get through our own so close to amazing moments. Whether they be DIY projects or life lessons to be learned. There are plenty of those in her book as well.
I highly recommend this book and I don’t even care if you pre-order it from me on my Amazon link above or from somewhere else. Order it and you will thank me later! Oh and make sure to have tissues on hand, she is one funny lady.
Sometimes it is all about opening ourselves up to seeing another person’s vision. My husband was so impressed with the sign he put it up on his wall. And there was no discussion about “my so called vision” to ruin the day. It was Amazing just the way it was! I hope you’ve enjoyed my So Close To Amazing nautical sign project.
And make sure to pop on over to Amazon and check out KariAnne’s book. It will be available on September 5th, but you can pre-order it now.
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. Above is a Pinterest worthy image!
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More of my So Close To Amazing moments
Mary, Your sign is beautiful and amazing. A great post!
If you have ever been over to KariAnne’s blog Carol, you know exactly just how amazing she is.
Yeah, but you know that this sign did turn out amazing right? It’s good to have a vision but it’s good to let it go and go with the flow – you are so good at the art of improvising Mary! Your daughter is super talented, this is just lovely.
Thanks Julie. I was really ambivalent about it till I read KariAnne’s book and then realized I was being too much of a perfectionist and that I should just embrace what we had created and celebrate that instead of something that never was.
What a beautifully written reminder of what’s important! You and your daughter are crazy talented and I do need to step back and not worry about “perfection.” Whatever that is, right? Absolutely lovely 🙂
What is this thing called perfection? Let’s celebrate artistic license instead!
I enjoy your writing style so much Mary. This little sign is adorable. Its obvious your daughter received some of your DIY talents. So cute. Pinning.
Thank you so much Leanna. I will pass your compliment on.
What a wonderful post Mary! Your daughter is so talented and sweet. I love both sides, I´m sure your hubby does too! Kari Anne is amazing and you are too!!!
Thanks Katrin. After reading her book I feel as if she has added a fire to my DIY skills.
Mary,
Your daughter is so talented! She did an awesome job on the sign and I’m so interested to try her painting technique! And the best part is – you didn’t give up, you figured out what would work, which when I think about it – doesn’t nearly every project have issue? Or is that . . just me? lol Have a great week!
I think every single one of them has some sort of quirk or issue! But I always say what kind of bloggers would we be if we couldn’t find a solution. It may not always be what we originally envisioned but we will find a way nevertheless!
The apple definitely doesn’t fall too far from the tree! You must be a proud Mama. I have a ritual when reading KariAnne’s blog posts. I carve out quiet time with my favorite blend of coffee while being transported into her eloquently written tales. I preordered my copy via your affiliate link and added another that’s been on my Must Read List for quite some time. Can’t wait to sip many cups of my favorite java while devouring her new book!
You are going to love it. It will make you laugh and cry. She truly is one in a million. And so inspiring I can’t tell you how happy she makes me. Thanks Marie for ordering it. I’ll be virtually sitting on the other side of the table enjoying a cuppa with you.
Beautiful story Mary! Your sweet sign is even better than amazing since it now has a special memory of your daughter sharing her talent. I love her letters too…how perfect to give a beachy look!
We love our beachy look Wendi. And the hubs is very happy with it since it represents all he loves.
The sign turned out quite amazing! How fun! And I love the paintbrush idea for the colors.
So Close to Amazing is one of my favorite books so far this year!!!
It is truly much more than just #SoClose, but so inspirational and uplifting. And KariAnne’s sense of humor is like no other!!
Thanks Mary. I love the nautical sign project and do think even though it didn’t turn out the way you thought it would, your daughter made it look amazing. Amazing that KariAnne’s book looks totally amazing too.
It really is amazing. And I know that we are overusing that word but she is truly special and so giving of her knowledge.
Your daughter brought your vision to life for sure. I bet your hubby was thrilled with it! Kerryanne is an amazing gal. I bet the book is wonderful! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Jann I am so proud of her you have no idea. She does these things so effortlessly and I have to struggle and drive myself crazy!
Your daughter is talented like her Mum and I love the story 🙂
Thank you Amber for the compliment to my girl and for the story!
Now you just got me into thinking (inspiring) for a man cave sign for my husband’s office! Great job!
That would be so much fun Katerina. Every guy needs to have one of these signs because we ladies usually take over all their spaces. 😉
Such a beautiful sign Mary! And such a lovely story! Thank you for sharing.
Neelam
Thank you Neelam for your sweet comment.
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said it is a ‘new kind of amazing.’ Seriously, Mary, I love this DIY. It turned out so beautifully. While I know what you mean by the vision not matching the final product, it’s all par for the course with DIYs! This one looks terrific!
Thanks Jelica. We just need to learn to let go of our preconceptions and love what is right before us.
Mary, first off, I LOVE Bill’s sign! You two did a great job with the vision and the execution. The blue on the letters is so cool, love the technique!
Second, you are the queen of finding the bright side, I love that about you, more than you know.
Third, so close to amazing happens to us all. For me, I see the vision of what I want life to look like, and I work to get to that spot. But, that’s my vision. I fail to realize, often sadly, that God may have a different vision. And guess who wins? LOL Just because I don’t get what I want doesn’t mean that it’s not amazing, it’s just not the amazing that I planned for. I have to change my perception, look at it in another way. Most times it turns out more amazing than I could have dreamed-God thinks much bigger than I do!
You get me Nikki! That is exactly what KariAnne is telling us. God oftentimes has other plans for us we just need to keep our eyes and ears and most of all our hearts open to accept it.
A very talented mother needs a very talented daughter to stand beside her! This sign is so beautiful, I love every single detail… the colors, the rope, the design!!! So creative!!!
Thank you so much Christina. She is so brimming with talent. I am just waiting for her to reach her peak!
What a beautiful sign completed with team work. And yes KariAnne is so amazing to have brought our group together through her book. I don’t know about you but since reading the book I am not so hard on myself because like you, I am #soclosetoamazing. It is a must read for everyone.
I agree Debra she inspires all of us to feel good about ourselves and to acknowledge our accomplishments. It is truly an inspiring and warm group.
Just a thought from a non-crafter! Glue the rope around the edges so it looks like a rope frame and it won’t touch the inside to obscure anything. I love KariAnne too! Thank-you and you are amazing!
Thank you Ellen that is such a great idea. I will try it and hope it stays. KariAnne is the best!!
I think your daughter did a fantastic job on the sign. It turned out super Cute, and you saved the day once again!
I know all about those almost amazing projects, I have had plenty of those.
Sounds like a fun book, I’m going to have to check out KariAnne’s blog.
You are gonna love it. She is so full of life and enthusiasm. And of course lots of fun DIY ideas too.
This post is amazing, Mary! It’s so uplifting in itself – with you taking us step by step with your vision and wonderful attitude of accepting what was not meant to be. Although our plans often turn into something so much better. And that is what happened with your awesome sign. I think it turned out so much better than you had imagined. And that, my friend, is amazing too!
Gail KariAnne has been such an inspiration for me. Even when I am down in the dumps her cheer shines through and encourages me every step of the way. And it is her inspiration that has helped me see that it is always ok and we can find solutions if we see things from a different perspective.
Mary,
What a beautiful post! I love you sign and your solution! Thank you for being a part of this journey. 🙂
Happy day!
KariAnne
And what an amazing journey it is KariAnne. Thank you for letting me be part of it.
Karianne’s book sounds wonderful — and so is your daughter’s painting. I actually like the rope as you ended up doing it, possibly more than I would have the other way. Trying to visualize. Either way, looks good. And thanks for sharing the “dot” technique. I hadn’t heard of that but it makes some sense and I may have to try it.
Happy week!
Jeanie I am always learning new things from my daughter. I try to always keep an open mind.
This is amazing! Love this post!
KariAnne is amazing and she spreads her amazingness to all of us!
Awesome! Your sign is sooo beautiful! I love it! That’s what happens when two talented people join forces! Hope your Hubby is happy!
Hugs,
Marjan
Yes he is Marjan in fact in the next post you can see it proudly displayed on top of the shelf unit.
Beautiful sign Mary! And I see your daughter is as talented as you are! I love the special paint treatment she came up with!
She is very clever! 😉
What a fun post!!! I love how your daughter and your combined talents created a perfect gift for your hubby! It’s always interesting to me that sometimes we start out with a vision of how something should end up being, but then it changes with someone’s help and is even better in the end! A lovely piece of artwork… a treasure your husband will always treasure! Pinned a ton. <3
Barb 🙂
Thank you Barbara. You never know how things will turn out when you start something so it is always a good idea to be flexible.
The family that DIYs together! Love it!
That is exactly what we are! 🙂
You Mary are AmAzIng in every sense of the word. I don’t think I have ever met someone who is quite like you. When you introduced me to KariAnne’s blog a few months ago I was smitten. She has such a beautiful natural way about her and her projects are all stunning. Kind of like you. Good, kind, talented and incredibly rare.
She is what makes me get up in the morning and not want to give up. She also make me realize that it is really okay when projects turn out less than perfect. Thank you dear Michelle for your sweet words!
Yeah Karianne is great she was my first mentor in blogging. I took lessons years ago from her. Need to get her book, I.m just so busy with my own blogging and have so many courses I need to finish. Love the sign!
Maria
Maria those courses never end and it seems like we know half of what they are teaching already. Or by the time we read them they have changed the game on us. We just need to keep plugging away. But if you have some time get KeriAnne’s book. It is a great read. Just like having her in your home.
It loooks like the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. Your daughter is very talented Mary!
xxx
Thank you Doreen. She does these things as an after thought. I wish I had half her talent.