Show and Tell...Oh, and Ask

Well, I have a little bit of a lengthy post today, as I have something to show you, something to tell you, and something to ask you! So let's get started, shall we?

Show:

I'm FINALLY linking up to Heidi's Craft Challenge of the Month. Her challenge was to show a craft using monograms. I racked my brain, and just couldn't come up with something for the longest time.

Then finally I had an idea. As some of you may know, I was recently called to serve as the secretary for the Young Women program in my ward. I went from carrying an average to small sized purse for church every week, to needing something to carry all this:


I was on the lookout for something cute, but didn't want to spend a lot of money. I even considered bribing one of you crafty ladies to make me a cute tote.

But then I stumbled upon this at Walmart for only $10!

Pretty cute, eh? But it still needed a little something. Being named Xazmin has had it's various downsides for me throughout my life. One of them being that with all the adorable monogrammed jewelry, clothing, hats, bags, etc....unless I pay a fortune to order something CUSTOM, I can NEVER find anything with my initial!!!

I decided my new Young Women's bag needed a pink "X". I found the font I wanted, and as per instructions from Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick, I painstakingly cut it out with an exacto. Can I just say, "Sarah, I think you're INSANE for using this method to cut out entire phrases for stenciling onto your walls!"

Well, I first bought some spray fabric color. It SO did not work on the dark bag. So I wiped it off with a wet paper towel. I looked high and low for some fabric paint that wasn't that 3D gel stuff. Finally, the lady at Michael's told me I could buy a medium that was meant to be mixed with regular acrylic paints to make them fabric paint...SWELL!

So next, I tried the stencil thing again. Problem is, the paint ran UNDER the stencil because of the material, and shape of the bag, I couldn't get it to lay completely flat. DANG!

So out came the wet paper towel again. As I am extremely impatient, I didn't wait for it to dry naturally after I cleaned it off, I just dried it off with a dry paper towel.

I ended up free-handing the initial the best I could (which isn't saying much), and the dang paint bled because the fabric was still kinda wet.

I'm not too thrilled with the result, but whatevah...I still wouldn't miss out on Heidi's party for the world...so here ya go!

Tell:

Speaking of my new calling...can I just tell you how thrilled I am to be working with the Young Women? I can't tell you what this program did for me as a teenager. It's what kept me anchored to my values and beliefs, even through my difficult struggle with my very rocky relationship with my dad. (We're all good now). There are many things that I would have done just to spite my dad if it weren't for my strong conviction to my faith. This conviction was made stronger by my involvement in the Young Women program. I hope I can help offer this to the Young Women I am now working with.

I also have the privilege with working with the most amazing ladies in the presidency. I look up to them so much, and am just thrilled to be serving with them.

We are going to Girl's Camp in July! Girl's Camp is a "way to help young women develop leadership skills, apply gospel principles, strengthen testimonies, and learn self-reliance and outdoor skills. It also provides Young Women presidencies and advisors opportunities to develop caring relationships with young women." (church handbook: Young Women)

Our presidency and our camp director are ALL new to planning and carrying out camp on our own! This should be an adventure. But I couldn't be more excited and am looking forward to this time where we can really bond with the girls, away from the world and all it's distractions (cell phones, T.V., music, BOYS!), and help them come closer to their Savior. Wish us luck...or pray for us if you're so inclined!

And now on to ASK:

I need some advice. I fell in love with this project from Thrifty Decor Chick.

I went out and got my supplies. Here's my layout. Now here's my question. As you can see, these are mostly neutral colors that will blend with my decor (even the gaggy pink carpet).

The 2 papers in the bottom of the right column, and the middle paper in the left column are black and ivory. The rest are earth tones. I had planned on painting the sides of my wood squares dark brown. I have both dark brown and black in my decor.

My question is...will it look bad to have the dark brown sides on the squares that are sporting black papers? Please give me your advice...Thanks!

I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend and are having a beautiful Sunday!