*shew*Hang on, while I catch my breath.

Its finally over.  Take that, Fall semester.  I kicked those classes rears, for sure.  I can’t wait to see my grades.  Really, the semester wasn’t that bad, until the end.  But since it is the end, these past two and a half weeks have been non-stop working for me.  That’s all I’ve done.  I hardly even did house work, so Billy had to do most of it.  I almost feel bad for that.

Almost.

But school’s not the only thing keeping me busy. Now, that things are settling down,  I can finally share with you what we have been doing to get ready for the holidays.  The Sunday after Christmas, we put on our Santa hats and decorated the house for Christmas.  We just finally got an extension cord, so maybe we’ll get to put some lights outside, too.

These little girls have been busy doing their best to make it feel like Christmas, too! Actually, we’re already almost out of hot chocolate.  I love how hearing the girls laughing and playing just makes the house feel so much more warm and cozy.  We cleaned, rearranged things and plugged in a ceramic heater in the garage for them.  This small townhouse is no match for those little balls of energy.  This way, they’ll have a little more room to run around.

Yesterday we started baking.  I claimed the kitchen for the whole evening solely for baking.  We have about five different cookies, already.  Today, I want to make a few different combinations of chocolate covered pretzels. I have chocolate, white chocolate and butterscotch to play with.  Tomorrow I’ll make a couple scratch pumpkin pies and Friday, I’m cooking for a Christmas dinner for friends.

This kitchen is hot, so watch out!

Our Christmas celebrations begin this weekend and I’m so excited.  I love this time of year!  Getting dressed up in cozy fashions, seeing people you haven’t seen in a while, giving to those you love, eating lots of yummy foods and snuggling up close to your loves.

How about you?  How have you been getting into the Christmas spirit?

Welcome back, friends!  Ready for another run with some self discipline?  Here’s a little lesson I learned in a most unexpected place.

{a linscape drawing I did with charcoal and India ink. the goal was to create atmosphere and mood.}

When I was in high school, I took as many art classes as I could.   I took almost every single one they offered {which was more than more school’s offer}.  Well, the other day, as I though about my drawing projects so far this semester, I started comparing my high school art classes to my college ones.  The different way they were taught, the types of projects, and the way we were/are expected to execute them.

Then I thought about the quality of work I’ve done for each level.  That’s where I stumbled upon my lesson.

In high school, I raced through each project, excited to see the finished product and impatient to start the next idea I’d dreamed up or been assigned.  College is a little different, however.  Most of your hands-on classes are called ‘studio’ classes.  Both of my art classes are only two days a week but for three hours at a time.  That means I have to sit and work on that project for at least three hours at a time and generally for more than one class session.

Woa.  That was something new and a little intimidating for me to think about.  Three hours of nonstop drawing?!

Two things happened because of this, though.  For one, I found a way to let me mind go and sort of meditate, per say.  It has turned out to be quit relaxing.  And, two, the time spent really shows in my work.  I once thought of myself as just a lover of the arts, but not really possessing much talent for them.  Now, I might not be so hard on my self.  Now, I’m definitely no Jackson Pollock, but I’m thinking my skills aren’t quite as lacking as I’d thought, either.

So, what’s the moral of the story?  Haha, no, really, there is one this time.

Talent or not, masterpieces are made with patience and self discipline.  Two things I need a tremendous amount of work on.  But this lesson doesn’t stop at my art/school projects.  It runs over to the rest of my life as well: home projects, cooking, parenting, exercising, blogging, my relationships with friends, family and God and so much more.

The art projects are just proof.

What about you all?  Any lessons learned, lately?  Any projects you’re finding you may just need to slow down and use some self discipline to make yourself put a little extra time into?  Share them below in the comments section!

A few weeks ago, I decided Lilie’s bedroom needed some sprucing.  I more than just a new bed and linens.  I wanted something big for her wall.  Something bold to match her awesome personality.  I looked in stores and a little online for some DIY ideas but just didn’t quite find what I wanted.

Then I was body-slammed by an awesome idea: I’ll just get a big canvas and let her paint it.  So, we loaded up the girls {Lilie & Frankie} and ventured out to our creative home-base: Hobby Lobby and which offered a sweet little surprise.  The bigger canvas’ weren’t as expensive as I’d thought.  Being that I was so overcome with happiness, I bought a 48’‘x24’’ size canvas.

I first covered the canvas with a gray background before releasing them. I found big tshirts for them both, filled a couple of egg cartons with paint, put a paint brush in each hand and set them loose.

They loved it.  I think the size of the canvas {and the fact I was taking photos} made them feel like this was really important.  You could see so much effort and concentration in their little faces.

The painting took a while to dry but turned out great.  I hung it in the very center of Lilie’s largest wall.  It makes such a statement for the little room.

LIlie loves it and is so excited to tell everyone she and Frankie painted it.  Them two are so cute.  Their little relationship is so interesting to watch grow as they both learn the ways of the world.  I’m glad I was able to help create a moment in time for Lilie to hang on to for years to come.  I hope this canvas and color can someday bring back lots of great memories for her.

As I said in an earlier post, my mom and grandmother are planning a reception/celebration for out marriage.  However, its a bit last minute and was meant to be a surprise.

{via}

The event is not meant to be a formal reception with all the bells and whistles one usually includes.  Its more of a get together of sorts, at least if you ask me.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m so excited.

{via}

Its going to be held in a pavilion at a park right outside of our home town.  Due to the last minuteness and the goal to save as much as possible, I’ve been trying to think of ideas and searching for Autumn DIYs.

{via}

Being that my theme is more of a natural and outdoorsy one, I’ve had quite a bit of luck in this endeavor, given the season.

{via}

In fact, I’ve had such luck, I thought I’d share my favorites.  I figured I’m probably not the only one who loves finding quick and easy ways to spruce things up for the season.  And good friends share, right?  Right.

{via}

And we are good friends….right?  That’s what I thought.

Ran across any festive how-to’s, lately?  Do tell!!

p.s. Have you entered the giveaway yet??? 

Rumor has it a give-away is happening right here.  Well, I say we should just squash those rumors and make them true!

Yep, Fuzzy.Little.Wishballs is finally hosting its first give-away.  I figured with this being such a big week and all {blog launch & wedding} now would be a perfect time.

Plus it just feels nice to spread the love and I’m so full of it these days.

So, I’m giving away a handmade Wishball Tote bag.  If you’re anything like me, you can never have too many bags.  Its 14″x9″ and 5″ deep.

How do you enter, you ask?  Well, you have four chances to enter your name.

1. Like Fuzzy.Little.Wishballs on Facebook {worth one entry}
2. Share this post on Facebook {worth one entry}
3. Follow me on Twitter @MeghannChapman {worth one entry}
4. Tweet “Tote bag giveaway at http://www.FuzzyLittleWishballs.com/wishball-tote-bage-giveaway/ via @MeghannChapman” {worth one entry}

Remember the mason jar to lantern how-to I did a couple months back?  No?  Then go check it out and come back when you’re ready to move on.

Memory refreshed? Good, let’s go.

I had an idea for this little thing after seeing something on Pinterest.  I wonder if I can turn this into a seasonal project?

I first created this project in the summer using seashells and rocks.  Perfect summer time pieces.

Well, now its Fall.  My absolute favorite season.  So, when I saw a similar idea made with leaves, I knew I had to do it.  

Its a super easy, festive way to spruce up your home or office for the season.  

Just go grab some colorful leaves form the yard and a hot glue gun.  Try to find ones that aren’t yet crunchy, though.  Empty out your mason jar and, one at a time, use the hot glue to stick them and cover the jar.

Just add a little tea light, and there you have it.  A lantern fit for Fall.

I love the glow it puts off.  So pretty.

Do you have any DIY perfect for the season?  Well, don’t hold out on us!  Share!!!

Morning friends!  Friday at last!  The weekend is upon is and a busy one, I expect it to be.  My Dad and stepmom are coming to visit.

Each year, my family chooses a family in need {usually medical} and holds a big golf tournament to raise funds to help support the family.  The tourney is held at the same golf course every year.  It started as a memorial when my uncle died and has been going for over ten years, now.

But enough about that.  I’m joining a link party!  Remember my attitude check, last week?  Well, this week, I’m linking this one up to Lindsey’s Its the Little Things link up party.  Here we go!

Billy and I had lunch, Sunday, at our favorite Nashville restaurant, Demo’s.  I love the way they do sweet tea.  

They only make unsweetened, but give you this little pitcher of liquid sugar.  You can then make your beverage as sweet as you like and it mixes in just perfect, instead of settling to the bottom after a little while. Such a clever little idea.

This pretty little thing surely has made me smile this week.  A new mug!  I love finding a pretty new mug. 

The mere purchase of this ginormous canvas had me doing a little dance.  More photos to come on its finale.

This sudden burst of chilly weather has made for several perfect cardigan & scarf days. Love.

Playing with Lilie always makes me smile.  She decided we should build helicopters with her legos.  Grand idea, but with little success.  We had fun pretending it looked like a helicopter, though.  

She’s decided it would be a good idea to put her toys away when she finishes playing.  We’ll see how long this lasts.

Another thing responsible for a few smiles this week: pumpkin spice.  We have been frequently stopping into TJ Maxx to check their coffee supply.  They have several brands to choose from {including Starbucks} at relatively decent prices.  They’re not cheap brands, so you can expect to pay more than $3 or $4 a bag, but its worth it.

This is the one we tried this time and I’m loving it.  We went back for another flavor in the same brand.  Oh how I love pumpkin spice.

And you?  How was your week?  Anything spectacular happen?  Or maybe something small that lifted your spirits a bit.  

In the comments below, share something that made you smile this week.

Hope your weekend is lovely!

I’ve recently taken an interest in restoring some of my old furniture.

I have a few pieces that were left to me when my paternal grandmother died, years ago. I cherish them and love their quality, age, and the memories they hold.  But, lately, I’m feeling they’re starting to need a little refreshing.

I was left an old, worn, 7-drawer, wooden desk that I’ve been using since middle school.  Its heavy, but this desk has followed me every where and I do not intend on ever letting it go.

Along with it, I was given a solid, old, cedar chest full of blue willow dishes.  I treasure the chest, its self, just as much as what’s inside.  That was the first piece, we redid.  We sanded it down and stained it a dark mahogany color.

It looked brand new.  I was nervous to even set anything on it, it was so glossy{which you can’t really see, here}.  The chest is beautiful and turned out so well, I’ve decided to go on to another piece.

I grabbed an old bookshelf that belonged to Billy.  I’ve always loved the distressed furniture I saw in homes, magazines, and online; but I’ve always been nervous to try it.  So, I figured a small bookshelf would be a good start.

It took me a while to sand this thing down.  It was a task and I’m seriously putting some thought into the need of a small sander, if I keep with this.

Lilie and I chose the most perfect color.  We used an acrylic indoor paint to cover the shelves with two coats.   I’ve been a fan of this color for a while, but never managed to get it into my decorating.

I let the paint dry for two days before sanding on the edges and shelves to create the distressed look.  The backing was removed and trashed, so I used a pretty floral fabric with some pop of color to back the bookshelf.  I love the extra little flare it adds.

Its so nice to finally have my books back up on a shelf, instead of in a box.  What an eyesore, that’s been.  I set some thrifted and personal items on top.  And moved some wall decor around.

I’m very happy with the way it turned out.  I love being able to put in the work and then have something physical to show for it.  Talk about gratification.

Plus, its like a whole new piece of furniture, without the new-furniture bill.

Next project: Lilie’s room.

Have you ben working on any projects lately?  Home or work?  

At last, at last.  Friday has come.  Ok, so I haven’t really been itching for it to hurry up at all.  Really. I actually feel as if the week has zoomed by.

My classes are great and my teachers seem quite likable.   One, I’ve had prior and adore {she’s my hero}.  My drawing teacher’s kind of cute {I love telling Billy that, anyway}.  Also, I haven’t been handed a crap ton of homework, yet {which is a huge plus}.

 However, getting back into the routine of school while also working around everyone else’s schedules, is some work.  At least, it takes some getting used to.  I’m not going to lie.  Its exhausting.

I fear, with so much going on, eventually it will be very easy to get frustrated.  I have devised a plan in order to keep my eyes on what’s important and my heart in good spirits.

Every Friday, I want to take a minute to sit down and recollect all the blessings I’ve experienced for the week.  I want to record them here.  Sort of a Fortune Friday, if you will.  A post for all that made me smile that week.

Ok, so maybe not all that made me smile….But my top picks, I suppose.

An attitude refresher.

Lets get this party started.

Adorable vintage Ad I found at the Nashville flea market.  Love it.

Lilie’s art makes my heart melt.  She’s developed so much skill
over the past three weeks of school.
Much to look forward to!

I adore the way she finds my headbands and chooses to wear them.
She wore her hair like this all night.
Simple and yet so cute.

Hobby Lobby shopping spree.  ’Nuff.  Said.

I love the feeling of being in the studio.
I can’t even describe it, but I can promise its a good thing.

Lilie and I painted the book shelf {finally}.
Still one or two more steps for this
process, but I love how its looking. 

And you?  What made you smile the most this week?  Favorite memory?  Event?  Moment? Please share!

So, we meet again, do we?  Another Thursday, another installment in the Summer of Growth series.

Last week, we went over some of the basics of photography–I mean, good picture taking.

This week, I’ve dug up some more indepth tips to share.  We’re still not getting complicated or professional grade, though.  So, no worries.  I just like to have fun with my camera and hope for some good photos in the end.

Choose a new focal point.  Try to capture your subject in a way you have never viewed it before.  Like zooming in to a part no one normally seems to notice.  You might surprise yourself with the outcome.

Remember your rule of thirds?  Don’t be scared to break it every now and then.  Symmetry.  Sometimes, it just works.

Patterns are something that make for good photos.  Whether it be in nature or something man-made, patterns seem to really draw a person into the photo.

Instead of leaving room for a background, don’t be scared to just use up the whole space with your subject.  I love this photo because its so focused on the subject, there is no background to distract the eye.  Yet there is plenty of content for the eye to roam around and take in.

I want to use this example for two tips.  Perspective or point of view.  Try taking your picture from someone else’s point of view.  If you’re photographing children, be sure to utilize their perspective.  Get down on their level.

Also, reflections.  Use them.  They’re always fun and they always capture a view you, otherwise, might not have thought of.

Framing.  Try to find a way to frame your subject but working with what you have.  It doesn’t have to be centered or use straight lines, though.  the more organic and natural, the better.  It just leads the eye in and brings more focus to your subject.

And my last tip, to share: let your subject do all the work.  This photo is one of my favorites.  Its one I took, but lay very little claim to.  Her pure beauty is the subject of this photo.  Lilie did all the work here.  I just pushed the button.

So, find something you’re passionate about and start clicking.  One of my tips in the first post was about excess.  Take as many pictures as possible and you’re more likely to come out a winner.  Don’t ever give up, keep practicing and keep experimenting.

Photography is an art and art is a form of self expression.  Your pictures are only yours.  No one can really outright label them bad and no one can tell you exactly how to do it well.  Try different things and do what works for you.

But most importantly, make sure its fun.

I sure do hope this information was helpful, in some way.  I can’t wait to see some of your photos!