How to align frames on the wall perfectly / Kako savršeno poravnati okvire na zidu

How to align frames on the wall perfectly by ana@carpe_diem
 



 

Ne znam za vas, drage napravi-sama-cure,

ali ja sam hodajuća katastrofa

kad mi se u rukama nađu istovremeno i čavli i čekić.

 

Nije mi problem zabiti čavao u  zid,  nego je problem u količini rupa u zidu

koje nastaju od pustih pokušaja da slika bude na pravoj poziciji.

 

I kako sakriti te rupe IZA slike?

(Da muž ne vidi :)

 

 

I don't know about you, dear DIY girls,

but I am a walking disaster

when some nails and a hammer happen to be in my hands at the same time.

 

I don't have a problem with nailing, the real problem is an amount of holes on the wall

that magically appear when I try to find a right position for a frame.

 

And how to hide all those holes BEHIND the frame?

(So my husband can' see what happend :)

 

Nakon malo mozganja, odlučila sam napraviti shemu koju ću staviti na zid

i pomoću koje ću točno označiti gdje ću zabiti čavle.

Dakle, trebala sam točno znati ŠTO i GDJE želim objesiti na zid.

Odlučila sam tri okvira i set od četiri komada gipsanih morskih zvijezda i školjki

objesiti iznad kreveta u gostinjskim sobama.

Izmjerila sam željenu duljinu gdje ću smjestiti okvire u odnosu na krevet.

Izrezala sam dva papira u željenim dimenzijama.

(Mogu se koristiti bilo kakvi papiri, novinski, ostaci od printanja...)

 

After a little bit of brainstorming, I have decided to make a scheme to place on the wall

so I can trace nailing positions exactly.

So, I needed to figure out WHAT and WHERE I want to hang on.

I had my mind set on three frames and a set of four plaster seastars and shells

to hand above a double bed in guests' room.

I have measured the lenght of the hanging area in relation to bed.

I have cut two pieces of paper in desired dimensions.

(You can use any kind of paper you want; newspapers, printing papers...)

 

 

 



 

Na prvi papir sam razmjestila okvire i gipsane dekoracije.

 

I have arranged frames and plaster decor on the first piece of paper.

 

 



 

Sve sam okrenula naopačke, licem prema dolje.

 

I have turned everything  over, face-down.

 

 



 



 

 

Drugi papir sam položila preko svega.

 

I have layed second piece of paper on top of everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Napipala sam kvačice za vješanje na okvirima

i olovkom označila poziciju na papiru.

Jednostavna točkica je dovoljna.

Papir presavinite na pola i označite sredinu, sa malom strelicom, npr.

 

I have felt the hangers with my fingertips

and marked the position on the paper with pencil.

Simple dot is good enough.

Fold the paper in half and mark the exact middle, with small arrow, for exaple.

 

 



Prislonite papir na zid i zaljepite sa selotejpom.

Poravnajte papir koristeći vodenu vagu i strelicu na sredini papira.

Kad je papir savršeno ravan,

pronađite točkice, pritisnite ih olovkom da se prekopiraju na zid.

Kad se makne papir,

na zidu će ostati točne pozicije za rupice.

Navalite!



 Place the paper on the wall and secure it with some tape.
Align the paper on the wall using (spirit) level
and the little arrow on the middle of the paper.
When the paper is align perfectly,
find the dots and trace them on the wall using pencil.
When you remove the paper,
you will see exact position for nailing.
Go for it!

 

 

 

Savršeno poravnani okviri, po meni.

Perfectly aligned frames, by my standards.



 

 

 

Naravno, ovaj trik sa papirom se ne treba koristiti samo kad želite ravne linije.

Može dobro poslužiti i kad želite aranžirati veći broj okvira različitih oblika i veličina.

 

Of course, you don't have to use this trick for aligning only.

It is usable when you need to arrange quite a bit of frames in different shape and sizes.

 

 

 

 

Meni je svakako uštedio dosta vremena i živaca,
a da ne spominjem da od onda nemam niti jednu rupicu viška po zidovima
koju moram sakrivati kako znam i umijem ;)

This trick had saved me some time and nerves,
not to mention that I no longer have any extra holes on the walls
that need to be hidden somehow ;)

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking to these fabulous PARTIES

and to Coastal Charm link party, as well!

 

 

Make your own Advent Decor / Napravite sami adventski vjenčić

Make your own Advent Decor by ana@carpe_diem





 

Prva adventska nedjelja je za dva tjedna!

Pravo je vrijeme da se počne razmišljati o adventskom vjenčiću;

bojama, veličini i obliku svijeća, potrebnim ukrasima.

 

First Advent Sunday is only two weeks away!

It's the right time to start thinking of Advent Decor;

colors, size and shape of Advent candles, decoration needed.

 

 



 

Adventski je vijenac krug ili prsten od zimzelenog granja s četiri svijeće. Postavlja se na stol u vrijeme došašća kao simbol iščekivanja Božića. Svake nedjelje u došašću pali se po jedna svijeća.

Više o ovom običaju možete pročitati OVDJE.

 

 

Advent wreath is a circle or ring of evergreen branches with four candles. It is set on the table at the time of Advent as a symbol of anticipation of Christmas. Every Sunday in Advent one more candle is being lit.

You can read more about it  HERE.

 

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Zašto ove godine ne bi napravili sami adventski vjenčić?

 

Why wouldn't you make Advent Decor yourself this year?

This is what you need:

 





 

 

Za izradu vjenčića najradije koristim slamnati vijenac jer je on obavijen najlonskom uzicom (kao onom za pecanje), što ima svoje velike prednosti.

Potrebni su još i podlošci za svijeće.

 

I use straw form when making Advent Decor because it is wrapped with nylon string,

which has some great advantages.

You will need some candles holders, as well.

 

 



 

 

 Slijedeći korak je pravljenje vjenčića.

Za to je potrebno razno zelenilo;

borovina, čempres, smrika (borovica), hrast,

magunja (planika), kadulja...

svega što se može naći.

 

Prvo sam napunila unutrašnjost slamnatog vjenčića

i to borovim grančicama.

Svaku grančicu sam ugurala ispod flaksa (pela) i tako u krug.

 

Next step is adding evergreen to straw base

You can use anything you can get:

pine, juniper, oak, strawberry tree, even sage....

 

I inserted the inner part of the straw wreath first

using pine brenches

pushing it under the string (fishing nylon, to be exact).

 

 



 

Nema veze ako malo robusno izgleda,

to je tek prva faza :)

 

Doesn't matter if it looks untidy,

this is just  a first phase :)

 



 

 

Zatim se popunjava vanjski dio kruga

 opet grančica za grančicom.

 

Then you fill the outer part of the wreath,

brench by brench.



 



 

Ako neka grana nezgodno strši,

može se poslije i podrezati.

 

If any little brench is sticking out,

you can trim it later on.

 

 

 

 

 

Vijenac se nastavlja puniti sa različitim zelenilom.

Najzadnje se puni gornji do vijenca.

Taj dio najljepše izgleda ako se naizmjenice koriste dvije različite vrste,

npr. smrika sa bobicama i nešto lisnatije.

 

Contuinue adding diverse greenery to the wreath.

You will finish the top part last.

You can achive the best look if you add two different sort of greenery,

for example, juniper with little berries and some leafy sort.

 

 

Kad je zeleni vjenčić gotov,

odrede se mjesta za podloške za svijeće,

namjeste se svijeće i dodaju se ukrasi po želji.

 

When the green wreath is done,

place the candle holders,

then the candles and other decoration .

 

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Prošle godine sam se upustila u rustikalnu avanturu:

 

Last year I was engaged into a rustical adventure:

 

 

LINK TO ORIGINAL POST





Ideju za ovako dekorirane svijeće sam vidjela na Internetu

(pošto nemam originalni link, neću stavljati originalnu fotografiju)

i odmah se zaljubila u tu ideju -

juta i čipka!

Grubo i nježno.

Rustikalno i elegantno.

Krasna kombinacija.

 

 

I've seen this idea for decorated candels on Internet

(but since I haven't got link to original source, I won't post original photo)

and fall in love with this decor -

burlap and lace!

Rough and delicate.

Rustic and elegance.

Lovely combo.







 

 

Za ovaj vjenčić sam koristila  šiške/češere  koje sam izbjeljivala

(više o tome pročitajte OVDJE),

zaljepila sam ih pištoljem.

Iako mi izbjeljeni češeri nisu poprimili boju kojoj sam se nadala,

ova nijansa se odlično uklopila sa jutom.

 

 I decided to use pine cones that I have bleached

(read more about it HERE),

glued it with glue gun.

Although my bleached pine cones didn't turn as I was hoping for,

this shade worked just perfect with burlap.

 

 

Koja bobica tu i tamo,

koja šiškica,

raznoliko zelenilo...

 

Some berries here and there,

some pine cones,

different shades of green...

 

--------------------------------------------------------

 

Još malo prošlogodišnje rustike!

 

Another bit of last years' rustic decor!



 

LINK TO ORIGINAL POST

 

Koristila sam konopac umjesto mašni i vrlo jednostavne svijeće,

izbjeljene šiške, bobice.

 

I have used rope instead of saten bows, very simple candles,

bleached pine cones and natural berries.

 





 

Ovo je bio vjenčić za našu studenticu,

njoj poznati mirisi doma.

 

This Advent Corolla was meant for our girl at University,

 familiar scents to remind her of home.

 

 

------------------------------------------------

 

 

Pošto živim na moru i jako volim dekorirati naš dom morskim detaljima,

prije par godina sam unijela dašak mora i u adventski vjenčić.

 

Since I live at the sea and I expecially love coastal decor in our home,

I  decided to provide a marine touch to Advent Decor couple of years ago.

 

 

LINK TO ORIGINAL POST

 

 

Koristila sam bež ukrasni konopac,

umanjenu verziju onoga koji se koristi na brodu :)

 

I had some beige rope,

a smaller version of those used at ships :)

 

 



 

Koristila sam zelenilo koje sam našla oko kuće,

ali sam dodala i neke prave morske stvari:

 

I have used evergreen that I could find around our home,

but also have added some real sea stuff:

 







 

kućice od morskog ježa,

sea urchin,

 

 

 

morske zvijezde, jednog volka (rplja, kažemo mi),

školjke - to su kućice (po našu - kunjke)...

 

starfish and a winkle,

some shells...

 

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Ako nemate pri ruci prave školjke,

a sviđa vam se morski adventski vjenčić,

uvijek možete koristiti gips!

 

If you like Marine Advent Decor,

but you haven't got any shells or sea stars,

you can use plaster!

 

LINK TO ORIGINAL POST



Još jedna bijelo-zelena kombinacija, ali sam morskim ugođajem.

 

Another white-green combo, but with marine twist.

 

 

 



Izlijte u gipsu sve što vam se sviđa i ukrasite vjenčić!

 

Pour some plaster into form and use everything you like!

 



 

 

Ovaj put sam se odlučila koristiti satenske mašne koje sam zavezala oko svijeća.

Tako je vjenčić dobio elegantan izgled.

(Mornarsko-plava mašna bi isto izgledala fantastično.)

 

I have used satin bows that time. I have tied them around the candles so my Advent Decor got its elegant look.

(Navy blue bow would look amazing, too.)

 

 



 

Nemojte zaboraviti na prirodne ukrase, oni su uvijek najbolji.

 

Don't forget to add some natural decor, they always look the best.

 

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Ako ste više tradicionalniji tip i volite crveno-zelenu kombinaciju,

možda vam se svidi slijedeća ideja.

 

If you are more of traditional type and prefer red-green combo,

you might like following idea.

 

 

 

 



LINK TO ORIGINAL POST

Za izradu ovog crvenog vjenčića koristila sam  crvene bobice tetivike,

koja je kod nas vrlo raširena i taman se zacrvene  ovo vrijeme.

Naravno, mogu se koristiti i neke druge bobice,

samo pazite da nisu otrovne.

 

I have used some Mediterranean smilax berries for this one.

 It is wild plant that is quite common in our region.

Of course, you can always find something else in nature near you,

just make sure its not toxic.

 

 

 

 

Žirevi hrasta crnike su isto jako dekorativni.

Nema potrebe za mašnicama uz ovako lijepe plodove iz prirode.

 

Oak acorns are very decorative. as well.

There is no need for some extra bows or such, with these superb gifts of nature.

 

 



 

LINK TO ORIGINAL POST

 



Uvijek se možete poigrati oblikom svijeća.

Ove su bile u obliku šiške, zlatne boje.

 

You can always play with candles' shape.

These were in shape of pine cones, golden.

 

 

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Moj posljednji prijedlog je mali odmak od svega što sam prethodno predstavila.

 

My last proposition is kind of twist from everything I have presented earlier.

 

 

LINK TO ORIGINAL POST


 



Vrlo je jednostavan, ali ne zato što sam ostala bez inspiracije :), 

nego zato što sam htjela probati nešto drugačije.

 

It is quite simple, but not because I've lost my inspiration :),

but because I wanted to try something different.

 

 

 

Jedan dio slamnate podloge je ukrašen zelenilom,

a ostatak je obavijen pergament papirom (papirom za pečenje).

 

One part of straw form is covered with greenery 

and the rest is covered with pergament paper (baking paper).

 



 

 



Jedini ukras, osim svijeća i mašnica,

su prave šiškice i bobice od čempresa koje su došle sa granama.

 

Only decoration, besides candles and bows,

are natural cypress cones and berries that came along attached to branches.

 

 

 



 

I četiri mudre poruke napisane na smeđem papiru rukopisom,

 zarolane i umotane u ostatke iste mašne, te priljepljene na grane silikonskim pištoljem.

Svake nedjelje se otvara i pročita  jedna poruka.

 

And four wise messages hand written on brown paper,

rolled and wrapped into the same ribbon, glued to the greenery with glue gun.

Each Sunday, one message is going to be read.

 

 

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Nadam se da vam se svidio ovaj odabir mojih adventskih vjenčića

i da ste bar malo inspirirani napraviti ove godine svoj vlastiti.

Izrada nije teška, zar ne?

Samo se treba krenuti :)

 

 

I hope you like this selection of my Advent Wreaths/ Corollas.

Making it is not so difficult, right?

You just need to start :)

 

I hope I have inspired you to make one of your own.

 

 

 

In the meantime,

carpe diem, everyone!

-------------------------------------------

I am linking to these fabolous PARTIES!

 

 

Featured:

 

 

Thank you !!

 





























My DIY costumes inspired by animals

DIY costumes inspired by animals by ana@carpe_diem

Over the years I have created many costumes for my children.

Some of them were inspired by animal kingdom.

I loved making each one of these costumes,

and now, when my kids grew older,

I watch photos with great feeling of nostalgia,

because they don't want to be

sweet bees

or beautiful spotted ladybugs

or little frogs

or fluffy sheeps

or cute ants

or most amazing penguins anymore :)

 

This is a small round-up

with links to costume-making tutorials.

 

 

 

 

LADYBUG

 

 

It was my oldest's first Carnival.

She was the cutest thing!

 

 

 

 

 

PENGUINS

 

Those are the costumes inspired by my little son's first steps.

Also his first appearance in costume.

 

 

 

 

BEES

 





 

That year I have joined my kids in Carnival.

If you would like to see the size of my bee wings ,

visit this post.

 

Please notice that these photos are taken before digital era, hahaha :)

 

 

 

 

SHEEP

 

 

Mama sheep and two little lambs, I suppose :)

 

 

 

 

ANTS

 

Feet, feet everywhere...

Antennas, too!

 

Ants can come in various colors, did you know that?

Visit the post and see for yourself.

 

 

 

 

FROGS

 



 



Now, we are talking colors!

 

These costume were a huge hit,

because noone knew who is wearing them.

 

Mom frogs even had eyelashes :)

 

 

ˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇ

 

Hope you have enjoyed this small round-up of my DIY costumes

inspired by animals.

If you would like to see some of other costume I made,

please click HERE.

Hope you'll find something you like!

 

In the meantime,

carpe diem, everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Easy Hydrangea Wreath / Jednostavan vjenčić od hortenzije

Hydreangea Wreath by ana@carpe_diem

 

It is hard for me to believe it is middle of October, already!

We are having such a nice weather, sunny and warm,

doesn't fell like fall at all.

 

I have been reading a lot of fall themed posts on various blogs lately,

so I figured I should contribute, as well :)

 

Ne mogu vjerovati da je već sredina listopada!

Temperature su ugodne, dani su sunčani, ne osjećam jesen.

U zadnje vrijeme se po blogovima najviše piše o jeseni i jesenskim projektima,

tako da sam pomislila da bih i ja trebala pridonijeti tome :)



 

Living among evergreen trees, it is hard to spot fall. Really, it is!

Actually, I have noticed that fall is approaching when I realised that my beautiful hydrangea is loosing its color.

 

 

Živeći među zimzelenim drvećem, vrlo je teško uočiti dolazak jeseni. Stvarno, je!

U stvari, jesen sam počela osjećati tek kad sam vidjela da moja lijepa hortenzija gubi boju.



So, I have gathered all of my hydrangea blossoms,

found a wire in a garage

and started to make a wreath.

 

 

Odlučila sam odrezati cvatove hortenzije,

našla žicu u garaži i počela raditi vjenčić.

 



First I have decided where am I going to hang a wreath,

then how wide it is going to be,

and then I started to string one blossom after another.

As you can see at photo above, I cut the blossoms so it has small petal that holds small flowers together.

 



 

Prvo sam odredila gdje ću objesiti vjenčić,

zatim sam odredila koliki će vjenčić biti,

pa sam počela nizati cvatove jedan po jedan.

Kao što se vidi na gornjoj fotografiji, cvatove sam odrezala tako da ostane mala peteljka koja drži male cvjetiće skupa.

 

After a while, I got full, nice looking wreath.

Of course, not all blossoms are the same size.

First I used the biggest ones and tied the wire's ends together.

Then I inserted smaller blossoms where I noticed some  blossom size irregularities.

I used florist wire to secure them to the wreath.

 

Nakon nekog vremena sam dobila lijep i pun vjenčić.

Naravno, nisu svi cvatovi iste veličine.

Najprije sam nizala najveće, zatim privezala krajeve žice jedan za drugi.

Manje sam cvatove umetnula u vjenčić na mjesta gdje sam uočila nejednakosti u veličini cvatova.

Učvrstila sam ih za vjenčić cvjećarskom žicom.

 

Next step was to hang the wreath on its place.

I think this pale shade of green suits well this stone wall.

I belive that this wreath will serve for a long period of time.

 

Another thing I schould to is to put some fall decor on.

I can't help it, I am stuck in everlasting summer :)

 

 

Vjenčić sam objesila na kameni zid.

Mislim da uživo još bolje izgleda,

blijedo zelena boja se odlično uklopila sa raznim nijansama boje kamena.

 

Mislim da bih uskoro trebala promijeniti dekor u jesenski.

Ne mogu si pomoći, zaglavila sam u ljetu koje nikako ne prolazi :)

 

 

In midtime - Carpe diem, everyone!

U međuvremenu - Iskoristite dan!