Monday, August 8, 2011

A New Direction

Happy Monday to you!!
I hope that everyone had a great weekend.

I was busy cleaning the house after not cleaning for about two weeks!
OOPS!
The hazards of redoing a room I guess. :)

Last month at the Flea Market I picked up a vintage map that I wanted to use for my son's room. Laurie convinced me that Modge Podge was easy and that it would look great Modge Podged to canvas.
I have seen it done before and loved the results so I went and purchased a large canvas and some Modge Podge and off I went!



I first painted the edges with the color that was close to the map.



I then made the color "mud" with brown and gray and mixed them with water to make an aged wash over the blue that I had painted on.

I then proceeded to apply the Modge Podge and unroll and smooth and unroll and smooth.
I didn't take any photos of that because I didn't have enough hands and was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get it laid down before it dried. :)


After the map was on and dry, I took a stamp pad and hit some more spots for a more of an aged look.



It turned out ok and I like it and even though it is wrinkled, I just pass it off as it just gives it character and depth. :)


My son was really happy with it so that is what mattered and next time I think I will try it a smaller scale to get used to the Modge Podge. :)
It was fun to do though and I love peeling glue off my fingers!
Come on now, I know there are more you out there that do as well. :)



Also last week I told you about some changes that I had going on.
Well,
last week I quit my job of 8 years.
I had had enough and without saying too much about it I will just say that I didn't like the person that I was becoming and my family was feeling it.

It was time to move on and I am happy to say that I have another part time job at a local restaurant either hostessing or bar-tending
(if I can learn how to make drinks)
The best part is that two of my friends work there and it is a little bit more flexible so that will help with the kids.
I am really happy and can't wait to head into a new direction

(aaahhhh, see how I tied the title into this! ? Get it? OK, I know, I am a bit of a dork :) )

and see where this adventure takes me.


Photobucket


linking up with

Kirsty Girl

58 comments:

rjerdee said...

Here's to hoping your new direction takes you to places you'll love to be...good luck on the new job :)

tinajo said...

It looks great - well done! :-)

tinajo said...

Oh forgot - good luck on your new job! :-)

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

I struggled once iwht Mod Podge and canvas. Mod Podge Amy told me to paint the canvas first and it works better. Yours is great. Good luck with your new job.

beachcomber said...

i love your map idea! good luck with your new job.
xx

Brandi said...

loving your map project. I bet it looks great in your son's room. good luck with you new job. I'm sure you'll enjoy working with your friends.

Comeca Jones said...

So happy you made you made that life change.Applause!!!!!

Cassie Bustamante said...

good luck with your new job! and good for you for quitting your other job- you have to go with your gut, and if you can't look in the mirror and be totally happy with the person in front of you then you need to make a change. and you did that!
i also love the map and i love the wrinkles. they help it look aged, used, and time worn!

Deborah said...

Hunny I love what you've created with this map and canvas!!!
Oh its going to blend in so nicely with your theme and your little darlin' is going to adore it all!!
I love how you aged it...its perfect!!!
Can't wait to feast my eyes on the big reveal!
And sweetie, I am overjoyed for you about your new job!
Good for you Michelle...you did it!
I'm so excited for you and so happy that you are so pleased with your "new direction".
You a dork? No, no, no...you are the cutest and I soooo get it! Lol
Love you so my precious friend xoxoxoxoxo

Deborah :)

NanaDiana said...

Great map-Old maps are a bit wrinkled too you know~ Good for you for quitting your job. I have had leanings that way myself. When your job becomes a source of unhappiness it is time to move on. Now, quick, fix me a margaritia, will ya? Just kidding- I don't drink 'em~ xo Diana

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Michelle, this is wonderful. The wrinkles DO ADD depth and age and your painting is just masterfully done!!! IT IS MONDAY!!!!! Have a successful week in whatever you do dearest! Anita

YONKS said...

Love the map. What is Modge Podge. We don't have it in the UK?
Di
X

Libbie said...

Amazing Map Michelle!!!! It looks awesome! Your skills are endless! Just sorry that you had to finally clean the house ;) I keep inviting people over so I have to otherwise I would never want to :)

Exciting that you are trying a new job! They are lucky to have ya! Hope it is going good!

The Single Nester said...

Great job on the map! Love the blue tint. Good luck with your part-time job. I know what you mean about having enough. After 12 years on Wall Street, I walked away with no job but a passport and did some traveling. I am still searching for the "vocation."

Low Tide High Style said...

The map looks awesome!!! And I'm so happy for you that you made that much needed change!

Kat :)

Claudia said...

Hello,

Love this project. The map came out awesome!
Take care and wish you well.
Claudia

Jessie Saxton said...

Nice job on the map! Cool idea:) I am anxiously awaiting the BIG REVEAL!!!

I am so happy that you found a new job, and eliminated something from your life that was dragging you down:) I hope that it is eveything you hope and more:) Because you are such a sweet person:)

Have a great week!!
Jessie

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

LOVE how the map turned out, wrinkles and all!

Good luck on your new job and a big CONGRATS to taking the chance and leaving a job that was obviously making you and yours unhappy. I've worked at the same place for 18 years and the same office within that place for 14 years... the last couple of years have progressively "gone down hill" and I've been thinking of a change so I really admire someone that was able to make this kind of change in their life!

~Chris

erin's art and gardens said...

hi michelle!
the map looks great...love the wrinkles! i have tried mod podge too and struggled with the bubbles and wrinkles....i saw recently to use a roller or brayer and only push the wrinkles in one direction...maybe that works? OR "embrace" the wrinkles, like the ones on my face ! ha ha

good luck with your new job!

erin
xxoo

Karena said...

Michelle I love the map!! Great job. I is tough working with mod podge on large pieces!

Congrats on moving on when you knew things weren't right at work!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm wishing your the VERY best with your new job! I know it's not easy to make a change but it's not worth it to stay in a job you don't enjoy! It's not good for you! Love the map! I so want to make something like this for our library area! I should TRY! ♥

Kelle Dame said...

This looks really neat!! I love modge podge!!! His room is going to be awesome!! Good for you for starting over with a new job. Life is too short!
Kelle
xoxo

At The Picket Fence said...

First of all my friend, that map looks AMAZING and way better than my first mod podge attempt! :-) And secondly, I am thrilled for you that you were able to leave your old job and start something new. I pray it is much more of a fit for you and your family and that it takes you in a fantastic direction! :-)
Vanessa

michele said...

we love so many of the same things! i love what you've done with the map--so beautiful. i am saying a prayer for you right now as you begin this new chapter of your work life. you are such a gem.

hugs.

michele

Marie said...

Beautiful Michelle...I love how you age washed the edges so that it all blends well. I did a project similar to that last year, but just mod podged the print to the canvas and did not do the edges...hmmm, very clever my dear. Happy Monday!
-Marie

Tanya said...

I love it! Can't wait to see it hanging up :) Good for you for taking such a big leap. Sometimes its hard to walk away from somthing so familiar, but if it feels better for you than good job!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Good luck in your new ventures!! Love your new artwork too! :)

Suz said...

Good luck in your new direction! The map looks fantastic. Love the look.

sharon said...

Hi Michelle -

You did a great job on the vintage map. I especially like the blue perimeter - it really adds to the overall design. Your son is a lucky guy!

As for leaving your job for new horizons....well sometimes knowing what you don't want is better that knowing what you do. I'm sure you'll find the right situation for yourself and you'll feel refreshed by it.
Best wishes!

Seawashed said...

I think it turned out great! And all that matters is that your son loves it. Best of wishes with your new direction. Sounds like you will be somewhere that makes you happier. I have also been trying to find a part time job for two years...but for now my etsy is helping and most importantly I'm doing what I love most~ mothering and art. ox Kerrie

Sylvia said...

I get it , Michelle , you are so talented and braved .I love the vintage map ; it looks great and it will contribute to your son's 'worldview ':) I hope your new direction will bring you happiness .As a wise man said :You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight. Enjoy your journey !

Vicki said...

Michelle, I love this map. The color wash you created is perfect over the blue. You did a great job. It is hard to us MP and not get wrinkles with a piece that big. It looks great. Good for you for changing jobs and going in a new direction. I hope it makes you happier.

Tonya @ Love of Family And Home said...

The map turned out beautiful!! I LOVE mod podge...there are so many possibilities!! I wish you the best with your new job!! You have to do what's best for you & for your family!! I hope that this new direction is the answer for you!!

SLR said...

i love it! i want to try this with a map sometime...
you did a great job on it!!
good luck with your new job, i hope it makes you much happier :)

Kirsty Girl said...

I love it Michelle! Can I have one for my room too please? hehe

Tricia said...

The map looks great, Michelle! What a good idea giving the canvas a vintage look. I did this same project last summer for my son's room. The map was huge though and we had to make the canvas. I tried mod podge and that didn't really go too well. Luckily, I had a backup map, so I tried spray mount and that went better. It's starting to come a little undone now though :(

I totally get what you are saying about the job...it's no fun working somewhere that makes you unhappy. I hope trying something new will work out wonderfully for you.

xo Tricia

the fishermans cottage said...

What a great job you did with the map, looks wonderful.. Good luck with your new job Michelle :) x

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I am a huuuuuge fan of old maps. They look so lovely!! We had some that I thought we'd lost but yesterday they turned up in our attic. Yay!!!

And I am a fan of peeling glue off my hands too!!!

Your map project looks awesome. Well done!!

Sarahx

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Love what you did with this map and I wish you lots of luck with your new job:)

Blessings,
Linda

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Great project!! And I love the edge treatment too. Learning to make cool cocktails could be fun, right! All the best on your new job!!

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Love the map!;) And good for you for not staying at a job that didnt make you happy!! xo Rachel

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Loving your map project Michelle!
And good luck....sounds like you are heading in the right direction!

Arabella said...

I had a feeling something big was going on and I'm SO proud of you, Michelle. I'm very happy to hear that your new position will be more flexible and I can feel that you're already much happier.

The map project is adorable and I really love the wrinkles in it - I agree it adds character. The fact that your son likes it is all the better. Yes, I too, love peeling glue off my fingers LOL!! What is that about?!

Love ya,
Marie
xoxo

Cathy M~(checkitoff) said...

Michelle, congrats on the new job!! It sounds like it was a perfect time for a change!! I love the map (all maps actually)!! Love how you mounted it and painted the edges~you clever girl. Oh his room is going to be awesome!! You are one busy girl and I admire everything that you do!! hugs, cathy

Cathy M~(checkitoff) said...

my explanation points look like this: l that is funny :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

When it's time to move on, it's time to move on. I've certainly learned that!
Brenda

beachvintage.com said...

Love what you did with the map. I adore vintage maps.

Seaside Style said...

Hey Dear Friend. there is something waiting for you at my blog!!


Linda

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

I love it! Your paint technique added a so much to the end result and it's always a plus when the kids like it too :D

Debra from Bungalow said...

Wrinkles and all, I think it looks perfect. I especially like the aging...great touch!

Good luck to you on your new job!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

This is a terrific idea for mounting a map! You did a beautiful job. Congratulations on your recent job change. It feels so good to move on from something like that!

Anne said...

Sounds like you've mapped out a great new phase of life, Michelle! (pun intended) Best of luck and enjoy, its such a good thing to leave a situation that makes you unhappy. Love the map -- and i kind of like peeling modge podge off my fingers too...

Rose West said...

I love how the map turned out! I truly wish you the best in your new direction :) Change can be very difficult, but it also opens up new adventures and friends. Keep looking up!

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Congrats on your new job. I hope it works out well for you.

The map turned out great. I have a hard time working with modge podge. But most important your son loved it!

Pam Kessler said...

I think it's wonderful that you knew when enough was enough and quit the job. I did that about 1 1/2 years ago, but have yet to get another one. I'm getting bored with staying home now, so I should probably get another job soon. Your map is cute. I haven't done any large mod podge projects yet. But if I get to pick glue off my hands then I will have to try it.

Jane said...

The map looks fantastic. I'm a modge podge user too, dabling in some 'mixed media' canvas art. It's a bit fun peeling the podge of my fingers when i'm finished! Good on you for leaving the old job. Doesn't it lift your spirits to walk away. I did the same a few years ago, having working in different levels of administration for many years. Now I worked in aged care, visiting dear oldies and I've never had such job satisfaction. to go home from work each day, knowing that i've been appreciated and made a difference to someones day is priceless. Love your blog, there are some similarities that I can relate to. Best wishes, Jane x

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

Fantastic and creative! I love maps so this project is right up my alley.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Congratulations on your new job! I hope you have a lot of fun there! Change can be scary, so good for you for taking the plunge! I'm proud of you sweetie!!

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