GPS Coordinate Welcome Printable

Up today is a quick how-to on making your own GPS coordinate welcome sign for your humble abode. I'm sure you've seen them all over Pinterest, but it only takes a few minutes if you have a Photoshop program of some type. If you don't, you could feel free to email me (via the CONTACT tab) your coords and I could whip you up one real quick & email it back to you. I'm feeling generous today, what can I say.

Here is the one I made for our entry way:

I changed the numbers up a bit, seeing as I didn't think it was a super wise idea to put our exact location on the internets. But you get the idea.

Want to make one? Well then, let's get crackin!

Step 1) Determine your GPS coordinates. I used THIS website. All you do is put your address in at the top and then it spits out your coords at the bottom of the page.

Here is where you put your address (in the slot marked address, go figure!):

Here is where it comes out (the 6 slots on the bottom):

Step 2) Find a background. To get the chevron pattern, I googled "free chevron background", then clicked on IMAGES. You can get the same one HERE.

Step 3) In Photoshop, use the background you just found, and then add a text box for your coordinates. I also lowered the opacity of the background and the text so it wasn't as dark/bright.

VOILA! Here is an example of another one I made.

I printed it out 8x10 then stuck it in a matted frame. Art for under $10. Right up my alley!
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Master Bedroom Wall Happenings (Free Printables!)

I took advantage of the nice weather yesterday and finally stained the sunburst mirror for our bedroom (tutorial HERE). I was SO nervous as I was staining it because holy smokes, it was dark. It stinks to spend so much time on something and then ruin it with the finishing. I just kept going and hoped it would be ok. I let it dry overnight and this morning it looked PERFECT! I think the dark stain is exactly what I was envisioning for the space. I wanted something dark to contrast all the white, and I think it will tie in with the dark brown leather chair (that I have yet to buy) in the corner and the leather ottoman under the smaller window. Adds a bit more masculinity to the room, which is nice. I want the space to look luxurious and relaxing, and give a nod to the man who also inhabits the space. Nothing TOO girly froo-froo.

I think I might need to move it a tad lower, now that I see the photos. I have a thing about wall decor hung too high on a wall. From what I've noticed, people tend to hang things much too high on their walls. It should be eye level in the center. Obviously, this piece is different, and it was super tricky getting it hung by myself.

 



I am really happy with how the stain allowed the dimension of the wood to show through. You can still see the variation in tones and such, which is what I was hoping for. I didn't want it to lose all definition once finished, which is why I went with stain instead of paint.

I also put together some "art" for the space next to the window. I found the brushed silver frames at Target for 50% off (with mats!) and I printed off the ampersand and the Dr. Suess quote with our printer. The ampersand is perfect for our bedroom, you know, Mr & Mrs, His & Hers, Heather & Steve. Cute stuff there people. For both pieces, it was under $15. Bargain. I chose gray for the ampersand and a gray-blue for the quote.

Printables are a GREAT way to put together very inexpensive "art" for your walls. All you need is a frame & a printer. If you don't have a printer, you could have it printed via one-hour photo at any photo lab for a buck or two. Still very cheap.

I found the Dr. Suess quote HERE and the ampersand HERE. They offer them in all different colors and there are LOTS more free printables on their site. There are so many free printables on the web, just do a search on Google or Pinterest and you'll find a bucket full. You just print them in whatever size you are looking for (I did 8x10 & 5x7), throw them in a frame and call it done! I also have made a bunch myself in Photoshop. Very easy, quick, and a bit more personal.

With the fan addition and the wall hangings, the room has more personality already. Still have to do the other roman, chair and find something for above the dresser. Among other little things. All in all, things are coming together nicely!

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A Bit Of Entryway Progress

As you can see here, my entry is in need of some attention still. Bare bare bare:

So I spent some time in Photoshop and made up a bunch of different printables based off a slew of ideas I found on Pinterest (you can check out all the different ones I have pinned). I just printed them here at home, since we have a new printer full of ink, but I could have just as easily ordered 1 hour photo prints of them too. I made 5 different ones, but I only have 3 white frames at the moment, so that's all I hung so far. Michaels has a great coupon for 25% off all frames (even sale ones!) for this week, so I think I'll be heading over there in the next couple of nights for a bunch. If I am ambitious I might even start working on my gallery wall in the family room too. We'll see.

Here are the 3 I have done already. It won't stay this way. I'll add more to the wall with just the one. Also, we plan to open up the dining room by knocking out the space that the 2 frames are on, so clearly that will change down the line.

I also haven't decided what to do in terms of furniture. I think once we remove that side wall, I would like to put a tall, narrow piece on the wall with the closet. Maybe something with baskets so we can store things like mittens, kid shoes, keys etc. Maybe something like this? (Target)

Although white and narrower even. We'll see what I can find.

Here are some close ups.

The one on the left says "Welcome to" and then our GPS coordinates. Although, the ones you see are not our exact ones. I didn't think that would be a great idea, putting our exact location online. So I edited a bit.

The ampersand I really like because it looks like a fancy E. That line you see through it is just a reflection of the railing. If you haven't noticed, I am trying to introduce a bit of sunny yellow throughout the first floor. With the grays and whites, it gives the first floor a nice connection. Plus it is so cheery and light.

The other two prints I made will be added as soon as I snatch up some more frames. The horizontal piece looks so lonely and definitely too small all alone on that wall.

I have also thought about adding some white coat hooks here. I go back and forth because I think they would look nice, but the thought of people hanging their jackets here makes me cringe a bit. It would be so cluttered I think. I have also thought of adding some board and batten to the entry. I'm just not sure yet. We'll have to wait and see how things end up once the walls are opened up. That chair doesn't fit and won't stay, but for now it is nice to have a spot to park it when you are putting on your shoes.

So it's coming along. Piece by piece right?  Anyone have any thoughts on where I should head in this space?