We wrapped up week 1 of 3 (haha...sure) of online We wrapped up week 1 of 3 (haha...sure) of online learning and we’re all losing it a little. Things that are helping: pretending that we’re in the Mystery Machine, headed for a campground with a mystery to solve! Jude says the camp counsellor is pretending to be a ghost while Luca was busy getting “Honey” into her sleeping bag for the night. And then a pirate showed up, so this story is really getting good 😂

@playmobil is honestly a life changer because the kids get to build AND use their imagination. It’s a win-win, and let’s face it, we could all use a little win these days.

How are you all coping with kids at home?
Why yes, this is exactly what my dining room table Why yes, this is exactly what my dining room table looks like right now. No, there aren’t markers, papers, toys, food, crumbs and tears on it. Nope. Nope. Nope. None of the above. Everything’s cool and calm over here, folks.

(If it’s not abundantly clear, I am joking.)
What does your Monday morning look like today? We’re over here prepping for online learning (note computer on dining room table) and I’m using our @playosmo to get our kids engaged in some math and language activities before we really get going. Every time I post about our Osmo, I’m asked: “do you really like it?” And my answer is always “YES!” I mean, just look at these kiddos. Jude is obsessed with the tangram and Luca loves sounding our words - he was trying to figure out whether to use ‘k’ or ‘c’ for ‘cat’ here. To them, they’re “playing”...but we all know what’s REALLY going on! #unboxingosmo #osmosocialclub
Well it would seem that I just CANNOT figure out r Well it would seem that I just CANNOT figure out reels, but I’m not letting that stop me. I made one showing you the materials and steps to make this super easy ornament storage so would you go watch it, pretty please?

I’ve been using this method of ornament storage for 7 years and it all started with a cardboard box, some red cups and a single layer. A few years later I upgraded the system to multiple layers, used foam board and white cups and voila! Scroll over to see what I mean.

Would you try this? It’s super easy and you can probably still go ahead and just use old cardboard and whatever cups you have on hand. It’s the best thing I ever did for my holiday decor!! Just make sure you use double sided tape or hot glue to attach the cups - loose cups are no bueno!

If you do this, show me, ok? I wanna see everyone put away their ornaments with no breakage! 🙌
Ready for lots of THIS over the next couple of wee Ready for lots of THIS over the next couple of weeks...but with a puppy in the middle of it all. We’re picking up Taco on Friday so prepare yourself for puppy pictures ALL over the place.

Also: I’ve been feeling uninspired lately and have taken a little break from both posting and consuming when it comes to social media. I’m trying to soak up the holiday magic, read things other than captions (as I write this that seems weird), and even writing more things down.

This time of year always makes me reflective - less because it’s the end of a calendar year and more because it’s my birthday in 9 days. Yes. It’s on the 25th. Yep. Christmas Day. No, seriously. Yeah, Christmas baby! I don’t mind it now, but I didn’t like it as a kid. Oh you know someone who also has a birthday on (or very close to) Christmas! Cool! <— that was just me reacting to like every single conversation ever about having a birthday on December 25th. 😂
I’m still thinking about these adorable little @ I’m still thinking about these adorable little @tubicenlighting lamps that you just touch to turn on and off. And this cutie little door all decked out with a smart doorbell and lock. And the beautiful blue kitchen by @remodelcanada.ca. And all of the vanities from @canaromatoronto. And this gorgeous hardwood flooring from @coswickcanada.ca.

Can you believe this was all under one roof? @improvecanada has 350 showrooms and it was so much fun seeing how many we could get to yesterday.

I’ll be sharing lots more about @improvecanada in the coming months, but if you’re curious and want to go see it for yourself, they’re open! You can call and book an appointment or even have a customer service rep help you make an appointment at showrooms suited to what you’re looking for. Pretty great, right?
#improvecanada # ad #makeitright
So I made a thing and I’m totally in love!! Now So I made a thing and I’m totally in love!! Now I just need to gather all of the boys for an adorable family photo. Christmas miracle, maybe?

I made these sweaters for all of us last weekend using my @officialcricut Joy and now I may need to start personalizing a LOT more shirts around here! It was my first time using infusible ink and I love how the sweaters stays super soft! I may just be wearing this for the rest of the year!

O.S. If it wasn’t clear, our last name is Murray 😆

Have you made matching Christmas sweaters? What would be on yours if you did? # ad #cricutmade
Are you crafty? Do you know someone who is? Or may Are you crafty? Do you know someone who is? Or maybe you’re like me and you like to think you’re crafty but lack the patience to take out a whole bunch of things to make one tiny craft? Well then I have the thing for you. Meet the @officialcricut Joy! It’s tiny but mighty, and you can just have it casually sitting on a shelf waiting to be used when inspiration strikes because it takes up basically no room at all! I made these labels using mine, and you can swipe to see another easy project you can make with a Cricut Joy. It’s the perfect little gift! I even wrote a blog post about why I think so. I’ll share another Cricut project with you later this week!! # ad #cricutmade
Can you believe this room was completed two years Can you believe this room was completed two years ago? And I still love it as much today as I did then. And I still believe that my kids can have a fun, comforting space even if they don’t get to decorate it themselves with superhero bedding and Lego everywhere! But ALSO, I would never judge you if you’re that parent who does let your kids decorate with all the primary colours because you do you, boo and if it makes you and your kids happy, I say do the dang thing!!!

Ok that is all. Have a wonderful judgement-free day!
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Decor
  • DIY
  • Life

The Learner Observer

Decor • DIY • Lifestyle

  • Home
  • Decor
    • One Room Challenge
    • Thrifting
  • DIY
  • Life
    • Food/Drink
  • Holidays

Decor, DIY · February 28, 2013

“I brake for birds. I rock a lot of polka dots.”

In case you’re wondering, the title of this post is a quote from Jess of the show “New Girl.”  You can read the whole adorable thing here.  Back to the actual blog post…

There seems to be a huge influx of patterns in fashion and home decor lately, and I have to say it can be refreshing to see geometric patterns on everyday items because it makes them so much more special.  My first attempt at patterning on decor was with the cigar box, and I am still completely happy with the look!  For this little project, I wanted to also incorporate the metallic trend that is making a comeback and we needed a little catchall bowl for the living room.  It seems watches, rings, and my bobby pins tend to end up on any surface around the main floor, and I figured a bowl meant for these little things would at least keep them all in one place.

gold bowl main

My intention was to find a plain white bowl at a thrift store or the dollar store, but I was having no luck finding a shape I liked, and a size that didn’t make it look so much like a soup or ice cream bowl.  On a trip to IKEA (yes, I do know that it seems that I am there every other day… however, I promise you that’s not the case), I saw some sweet little white bowls, then a little turquoise beauty caught my eye.  I got them both.  At $3 a piece, I figured the bowl not used for this project will be put to use somewhere else… the bathroom could use a catchall too!

I stopped at a craft store one Friday night (I know, I have a very exciting life), and came home to plot how I’d make good use of my new gold Sharpie paint marker!  I should mention that I got the oil based marker as opposed to the water based one.  I’ve read the oil based can last longer and handle more wear and tear.

gold  bowl 1

My initial plan for the bowl was to free-hand some sort of design on it, but I was afraid I’d mess it all up and the oil-based paint is just so permanent!  Then I figured I’d use tape to make a stencil, like on the cigar box, but a linear pattern seemed too ambitious on a convex/concave area, so I brought the hole puncher out and decided on polka dots.  Because seriously, who doesn’t love polka dots?

gold bowl 2

As usual, I didn’t follow a particular pattern and just stuck the hole-y tape down on the bowl randomly.  I failed to take pictures of me actually filling in the dots with the marker, but it was pretty straight forward – it was just like using a marker to fill in circles!  Duh!

gold bowl 3

As you can see, some MOST of the dots are not perfect.  It seems that I either needed better tape or I should have pressed down much, much harder (probably the second one…).  Either way, I’m happy with the results.  The imperfections don’t really matter, I still think it’s a great and fun little piece!

gold bowl 5

And one last shot, just because I adore this little bowl so much!

gold bowl 6

Has anyone tried any stenciling projects with tape or a Sharpie marker?  I’d love to see what you’ve made – I’m itching to use the marker again!!

signature

 

Here and here are where I’m linking up!

 

WOOOT!  This post got featured! :)

Show-and-Tell-Button2
March 5, 2013
2013-logo-link-party-featured-button-hoh
March 6, 2013
March 10, 2013
March 13, 2013
March 13, 2013

 

March 13, 2013
March 13, 2013
March 15, 2013
March 15, 2013
March 15, 2013
March 15, 2013

 

 

 

 

March 15, 2013
March 15, 2013

 

Written by Thalita - Visit Website

In: Decor, DIY · Tagged: crafts, DIY, entryway, gold, Sharpie, stencil

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Everything You Need to Know About Planning IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
Make Tree Stump Tables Without Losing Your Mind
Fabric-Covered Storage Boxes – Because Twins Come With A LOT Of Stuff!

Comments

  1. Deli says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:35 am

    So adorable and trend. Loved it.

    Reply
  2. Katie B. of HousewifeHowTos.com says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    That is absolutely adorable! I’m Pinning it. And, if you haven’t already, I’d love if you’d come join my How To Tuesday link party, too.

    http://housewifehowtos.com/link-party-2/how-to-tuesday-link-party-10/

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      February 28, 2013 at 10:07 pm

      Thanks so much Katie, and I definitely will!!! :)

      Reply
  3. Courtney says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    So cute! I’m going to have to try this one!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      February 28, 2013 at 10:09 pm

      Thanks Courtney! It’s super easy – heck, if I can do it, anyone can!

      Reply
  4. Lora @ craftivitydesigns says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:19 pm

    Very cute! I like that you used the colored bowl – I’ve seen a lot with white, but the gold looks great with that blue :)

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 1, 2013 at 7:25 am

      Thanks so much Lora! Glad you like it :)

      Reply
  5. Leanne says

    March 2, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    That is so cute! Found your blog through Live Laugh Rowe :) New follower!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 3, 2013 at 7:02 am

      Thank you Leanne!! :)

      Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    March 4, 2013 at 10:48 am

    Very cute and great idea with the hole punch and painters tape!

    Kristina

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 4, 2013 at 10:51 am

      Thank you Kristina! Amazing what you can do with everyday stuff at home :)

      Reply
  7. Leah says

    March 4, 2013 at 5:32 pm

    So pretty – darn, I was just at IKEA and didn’t see pretty blue bowls like this one. Love the gold dots, it’s a great combo.

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 4, 2013 at 5:43 pm

      Aw well there’s ways next time, Leah! Thanks for reading and checking out the blog!!

      Reply
  8. ntcreations says

    March 5, 2013 at 1:25 am

    super cute!!! Do you think you could wash that kind of sharpie paint marker? I popped over from Project Inspire… I host a Tasteful Tuesday Party that I would love for you to join! http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/03/tasteful-tuesday-link-party-and-features.html

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 5, 2013 at 5:43 am

      Hi Emily. Thanks so much! I’ve heard that the oil markers are ok to be washed, especially once you bake the item in the oven (which I have not done yet). I’ll definitely link up today and add your button to my links page. Thanks again!!

      Reply
  9. ashley rachelle says

    March 5, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    so in love! very kate spade. sometimes a good-looking random pattern is hard to achieve – but you totally rocked it! xo

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 5, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      Oh my goodness… that might just be THE greatest compliment ever. I’ll have to frame that and put it up on my wall…”very kate spade”?!?! Ashley, you’ve just made my week! Thank you SO much!

      Reply
  10. twopurplecouches says

    March 5, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    Yeah!! You’re back!!! And your new site is totally amazeballs ;) love it!
    and love this polka-dotted bowl, and New Girl.
    i love a lot today, apparently!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 5, 2013 at 1:06 pm

      haha laughed out loud at that one! Thanks so much!!! Can’t have polka dots and not channel a little New Girl goodness… plus I just cut some bangs, so I had Zooey on the brain!

      Reply
  11. Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com says

    March 5, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    LOVE!! :*)

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 5, 2013 at 1:41 pm

      Thank you!!! So glad you liked it :)

      Reply
  12. Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says

    March 6, 2013 at 1:37 am

    Thalita, this turned out fabulously. In fact, I have an idea to refashion a purse with gold dots…and I thought about using paint, but a sharpie might do the trick, as well! Thanks for the inspiration, girl.

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 6, 2013 at 6:53 am

      That sounds like an amazing idea!!! These oil based markers seem great so far – really holding up to stuff just being thrown… I mean carefully placed… In the bowl :)

      Reply
  13. Bethany says

    March 6, 2013 at 2:00 am

    That’s so cute! Great idea to use a hole punch!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 6, 2013 at 7:10 am

      Thank you Bethany! Spur of the moment idea :)

      Reply
  14. Beth @ Free Stylin' says

    March 6, 2013 at 10:55 pm

    SO pretty! Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 7, 2013 at 9:00 am

      Thanks Beth! I really appreciate you stopping by :)

      Reply
  15. Crystelle Boutique says

    March 7, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    This is really pretty! It deserves a feature!

    hugs x
    Crystelle

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 7, 2013 at 1:11 pm

      Thanks Crystelle!! I really enjoyed making it, and it’s one of my favourite little things in the house, so it’s such a bonus when other people like it too!

      Reply
  16. Selene Galindo says

    March 7, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    What a cute idea! I love the colors you chose..will be trying this very very soon! Thanks for sharing!
    Selene @ restorationbeauty.com

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 7, 2013 at 7:51 pm

      Thanks Selene! Looking forward to going to check out your blog now!!

      Reply
  17. cindyeikenberg says

    March 7, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    This is beautiful! Popping over from the party at livelaughrowe to say hello and tell you how much I like your bowl. Thanks so much for sharing and have a great evening!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 7, 2013 at 8:04 pm

      Oh that’s so nice! Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  18. Michele says

    March 7, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    Love polkadots too! Now I’m inspired to do an easter bowl:)
    http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/02/flourless-knockout-ninja-brownies.html

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 7, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      Polka dots are just so fun you can’t help but love them right? I’d love to see it when you make one!!

      Reply
  19. Leia says

    March 7, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    Love it- so cute! And I love how easy it is! I’m definitely pinning this! Stopping by from Talkin’ About Thursday blog hop.
    -Leia @ latitudeadjustment1.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 7, 2013 at 10:28 pm

      Thanks so much Leia!! I’m so glad you stopped by, and thanks for the Pin!

      Reply
  20. ngnrdgrl says

    March 7, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    This bowl is too cute! I love the turquoise color and the gold sharpie really does seal the deal. I have seen people using these sharpie markers for so many wonderful projects. I saw someone stencil on their wall with a sharpie marker! Oh, my! I haven’t tried any sharpie projects out (yet). Thanks for sharing with us!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 8, 2013 at 6:12 am

      It’s definitely encouraging to see others working in much bigger ways with such a small item!! Starting small is always comforting I suppose :) Thanks so much for stopping by and checking it out!!

      Reply
  21. Laura @ Elegant Nest says

    March 8, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Love this little bowl! It reminds me of my gold leaf~polka dot~paper mache bowls I made last fall…but much easier. Gonna have to try this out!

    http://elegantnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/paper-mache-bowls_29.html

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 8, 2013 at 3:40 pm

      Thanks Laura! Off to check out your bowls right now! They sound amazing!!

      Reply
  22. cuckoo4design says

    March 8, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    Stopping over from Happy Hour at Design, Dinging and Diapers. Love your gold Sharpie pola dots. My project was with a gold sharpie too. I’m #202

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 8, 2013 at 1:40 pm

      Thanks for checking out my sharpie project!! I’m headed over to see yours now! :)

      Reply
  23. Bethany Lee (@PitterAndGlink) says

    March 8, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    This is so cute! Great job!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 8, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      Thank you Bethany!!! So glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  24. Anja says

    March 9, 2013 at 7:18 am

    Clever idea! Love the gold details, and the way you did them, the polka dots turned out so neat.
    I am your newest follower, by the way!

    Anja @ cocalores.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 9, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Hi Anja,

      Thank you so much!! I’m just about to go check out your blog now. Took a quick peek – you have some great projects!!

      Reply
  25. Diana Rambles says

    March 9, 2013 at 11:02 am

    Super pretty! I’d like to invite you to participate in my Pin Me Linky Party. It goes Fri-Tue. I allow up to 3 links each week! I’m a new FB follower!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      Hi Diana,

      thanks so much for the comment and invite. I’ll be sure to pin and link you button my my Link Parties page!

      Reply
  26. Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above says

    March 9, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    This is so pretty. We have a link party called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop and would love to have you share this and any other posts with everyone. It runs from Tuesday night through midnight Sunday. Here is the link to the party.
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2013/03/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-blog-hop.html
    We are also having a giveaway this week for a $50.00 Target Gift Card, so head over to enter.
    We hope to see you there.
    Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:10 pm

      Thanks so much! I’m linking up now and will add your button to my Link Parties page!

      Reply
  27. Lauren Monique says

    March 9, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    That’s adorable! Love a cute bowl for a catch-all for jewelry and keys.

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:11 pm

      It almost makes you want to have them all over the house, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by Lauren!

      Reply
  28. eskibs says

    March 9, 2013 at 6:51 pm

    This look awesome! I have to be honest, I didn’t used to be a gold person, but I’m loving touches of it here and there now. This bowl is the perfect balance. I cannot wait to try this technique :) Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 10, 2013 at 5:44 pm

      I’m with you! I was never big on gold… now I love seeing little bits of it everywhere. Thanks for the kind words!

      Reply
  29. Julie says

    March 9, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    This is awesome! I want to run out and buy a gold sharpie right now!!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 10, 2013 at 5:39 pm

      haha Thanks Julie! They are pretty awesome :)

      Reply
  30. carriehurst says

    March 11, 2013 at 11:19 am

    If you’re going to have a “catchall”, it might as well be cute! Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 12, 2013 at 9:45 am

      I totally agree :)

      Reply
  31. Jessi @ Practically Functional says

    March 13, 2013 at 9:20 am

    Love this! I featured this on my blog today! http://practicallyfunctional.net/2013/03/the-fun-in-functional-link-party-41/

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 13, 2013 at 10:21 am

      That’s amazing! Thanks so much!!! :)

      Reply
  32. carriehurst says

    March 13, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    SHaring this on my FB page tomorrow!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 13, 2013 at 6:29 pm

      That’s so sweet. Thank you!!!!

      Reply
  33. Gail (@repurposedlife) says

    March 13, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    I love sharpies and painter’s tape!
    you did a wonderful job with this bowl. It’s so pretty!
    thanks for linking up and linking back to catch as catch can.
    gail
    ps catching you!

    Reply
    • thelearnerobserver says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:14 pm

      Thank you!! Those are always good tools to have when crafting :)

      Reply
  34. Holly Lefevre says

    March 14, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    This is awesome. I love how you did it. I am featuring you later n Tickled Pink!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 14, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      That’s amazing! Thank you so much!!

      Reply
  35. Meg says

    March 15, 2013 at 9:35 am

    This is so cute, have you noticed any problems with the sharpie coming off? I tried this with a regular sharpie and baked it for 1 hour and the sharpie came off in the dishwasher…any tips, ideas?

    -Meg, http://www.willwork4cupcakes.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 15, 2013 at 1:36 pm

      Hi Meg,

      Great question – though I have not yet washed this little bowl (since we don’t eat from it), I don’t know if the dishwasher would completely ruin it. What I CAN tell you is that we literally throw our watches, rings and other nick knacks in it very day and there has yet to be a scratch on the polka dots! I hope that helps a little. I do want to try using this on dishes that will be washed frequently, so I will follow up once I see the damage (and hopefully it’s none!).

      Reply
  36. Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says

    March 15, 2013 at 10:28 am

    This is too darn cute!! I literally just made over some desk accessories for my office with a sharpie paint marker! I’ll have to share with you! And I use regular sharpie metallic markers to make pretty polka dots on my manicures. :) Great job!!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 15, 2013 at 1:33 pm

      Gabbi that is genius!!! I never would have thought of that for manicures! I definitely want to see your desk accessories – you might just inspire me to do more with this magic little marker!

      Reply
  37. Mandy |Small Fine Print| says

    March 16, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    This is very cool :) You did a great job!

    I’d love for you to join my weekly linky party going on right now at smallfineprint.com

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 17, 2013 at 7:37 pm

      Thanks so much Mandy. I definitely will! :)

      Reply
  38. Shavonda @ AHomeFullOfColor says

    April 10, 2013 at 3:21 am

    Hi there! Just found you via HoH! I love your version of this profect! I really like the way you used tape and a hole punch to create your dots. I did a gold polka dot project a while ago, too and I would have never thought to use the tape and hole punch combo. I just freehanded mine. Thanks so much for sharing. You can check out my project, too if you’d like

    http://www.ahomefullofcolor.com/2013/01/polka-dot-plate-art.html

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      April 11, 2013 at 1:43 pm

      That is so awesome! Thanks for checking it out :) I LOVE the designs you used for yours!!!

      Reply
  39. Justynn says

    May 10, 2013 at 10:23 pm

    I love this! going to try it myself. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      May 11, 2013 at 7:01 am

      That’s fantastic! Thank you for stopping by :)

      Reply
  40. Sharon B. says

    June 6, 2013 at 12:56 am

    I love polka dots and I love this project! So glad I saw this at the ditto diy gold challenge. I’m pinning it to my polka dots board on Pinterest!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      June 6, 2013 at 6:54 pm

      That’s so sweet of you, Sharon! Thank you!!

      Reply
  41. Sherry Hart says

    July 5, 2013 at 9:11 am

    Brilliant!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      July 5, 2013 at 9:29 am

      Thanks Sherry!! :)

      Reply
  42. Kassie says

    January 14, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    This is so cute! Gonna have to try it….

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      January 15, 2014 at 12:06 pm

      Thank you, Kassie!!! It’s almost too easy not to try ;)

      Reply
  43. Brandi says

    August 9, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    This is such a cute craft idea. I love the gold polka dots!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      August 10, 2014 at 6:41 am

      Thanks, Brandi! I seem to have a bit of an obsession with both of those things: gold and polka dots! :)

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Hookin Up with HoH #138 | Pink Daisy Decor says:
    March 8, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    […] to jazz up a boring bowl? Take a cue from The Learner Observer and paint metallic polkadots on […]

    Reply
  2. The Fun In Functional! {Link Party #41} | Practically Functional says:
    March 13, 2013 at 10:06 am

    […] Gold Polka Dot Sharpie Painted Bowl – The Learner Observer I love how this looks, and how easy it is to do! (Not food-safe, but you can use it for keys, sunglasses, change, or whatever!) […]

    Reply
  3. My version of DIY Cameos says:
    March 15, 2013 at 1:07 pm

    […] colour was pretty hideous – mustard-y and dull.  So I tried using the gold marker from the polka dot bowl project… but that would have taken forever (DUH, what was I thinking?), and much like the […]

    Reply
  4. Gold Polka Dot Bowl says:
    March 26, 2013 at 3:41 am

    […] The Learner Observer, Thalita needed a little catchall bowl for her living room.  She had tried without success to find […]

    Reply
  5. DIY Polka-Dot Painted Bowl | Things To Do Yourself - DIY says:
    June 28, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    […] I BRAKE FOR BIRDS. I ROCK A LOT OF POLKA DOTS. […]

    Reply
  6. Blow out the candle: The Learner Observer is 1! says:
    August 17, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    […] what the heck HTML is and what plugins to use (still learning…).  I made the now infamous sharpie bowl and updated my “About” page thanks to Lauren‘s influence.  She’s a […]

    Reply
  7. Wall Unit to Kitchen Hutch Makeover — the thinking closet says:
    August 23, 2013 at 8:02 am

    […] love for you to check out some of my favourite projects on The Learner Observer so far, like my Sharpie Paint Marker Bowl, or my attempt at putting together my first Gallery Wall, or that time I Dip-Dyed a Pillow! And if […]

    Reply
  8. Catch as Catch Can 114 - My Repurposed Life™ says:
    June 29, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    […] how to paint polka dots on a bowl […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Next Post >

The Gold Rush

Hey, I'm Thalita! Daydreamer, serial decorator, mama of twin boys, lover of thrift stores, fuelled by coffee! This is the space where I share my DIY triumphs and failures, as well as interior design inspiration and regular life stuff.

Categories

On the Blog

  • Decor
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle

Reader favourites

  • DIY Double Sliding Doors for under $150
  • DIY Cookbook Stand (Using Scrap Wood)
  • How to Create a Symmetrical Gallery Wall

join the club

trending now

  • DIY Double Sliding Doors for under $150
  • DIY Cookbook Stand (Using Scrap Wood)
  • 4 wayd to help keep pet hair off the bed for good! | TheLearnerObserver.com Clean comforter and pets. Is it possible to have both?
  • DIY Inexpensive Wood Countertop

Instagram

We wrapped up week 1 of 3 (haha...sure) of online We wrapped up week 1 of 3 (haha...sure) of online learning and we’re all losing it a little. Things that are helping: pretending that we’re in the Mystery Machine, headed for a campground with a mystery to solve! Jude says the camp counsellor is pretending to be a ghost while Luca was busy getting “Honey” into her sleeping bag for the night. And then a pirate showed up, so this story is really getting good 😂

@playmobil is honestly a life changer because the kids get to build AND use their imagination. It’s a win-win, and let’s face it, we could all use a little win these days.

How are you all coping with kids at home?
Why yes, this is exactly what my dining room table Why yes, this is exactly what my dining room table looks like right now. No, there aren’t markers, papers, toys, food, crumbs and tears on it. Nope. Nope. Nope. None of the above. Everything’s cool and calm over here, folks.

(If it’s not abundantly clear, I am joking.)
What does your Monday morning look like today? We’re over here prepping for online learning (note computer on dining room table) and I’m using our @playosmo to get our kids engaged in some math and language activities before we really get going. Every time I post about our Osmo, I’m asked: “do you really like it?” And my answer is always “YES!” I mean, just look at these kiddos. Jude is obsessed with the tangram and Luca loves sounding our words - he was trying to figure out whether to use ‘k’ or ‘c’ for ‘cat’ here. To them, they’re “playing”...but we all know what’s REALLY going on! #unboxingosmo #osmosocialclub
Well it would seem that I just CANNOT figure out r Well it would seem that I just CANNOT figure out reels, but I’m not letting that stop me. I made one showing you the materials and steps to make this super easy ornament storage so would you go watch it, pretty please?

I’ve been using this method of ornament storage for 7 years and it all started with a cardboard box, some red cups and a single layer. A few years later I upgraded the system to multiple layers, used foam board and white cups and voila! Scroll over to see what I mean.

Would you try this? It’s super easy and you can probably still go ahead and just use old cardboard and whatever cups you have on hand. It’s the best thing I ever did for my holiday decor!! Just make sure you use double sided tape or hot glue to attach the cups - loose cups are no bueno!

If you do this, show me, ok? I wanna see everyone put away their ornaments with no breakage! 🙌
Ready for lots of THIS over the next couple of wee Ready for lots of THIS over the next couple of weeks...but with a puppy in the middle of it all. We’re picking up Taco on Friday so prepare yourself for puppy pictures ALL over the place.

Also: I’ve been feeling uninspired lately and have taken a little break from both posting and consuming when it comes to social media. I’m trying to soak up the holiday magic, read things other than captions (as I write this that seems weird), and even writing more things down.

This time of year always makes me reflective - less because it’s the end of a calendar year and more because it’s my birthday in 9 days. Yes. It’s on the 25th. Yep. Christmas Day. No, seriously. Yeah, Christmas baby! I don’t mind it now, but I didn’t like it as a kid. Oh you know someone who also has a birthday on (or very close to) Christmas! Cool! <— that was just me reacting to like every single conversation ever about having a birthday on December 25th. 😂
I’m still thinking about these adorable little @ I’m still thinking about these adorable little @tubicenlighting lamps that you just touch to turn on and off. And this cutie little door all decked out with a smart doorbell and lock. And the beautiful blue kitchen by @remodelcanada.ca. And all of the vanities from @canaromatoronto. And this gorgeous hardwood flooring from @coswickcanada.ca.

Can you believe this was all under one roof? @improvecanada has 350 showrooms and it was so much fun seeing how many we could get to yesterday.

I’ll be sharing lots more about @improvecanada in the coming months, but if you’re curious and want to go see it for yourself, they’re open! You can call and book an appointment or even have a customer service rep help you make an appointment at showrooms suited to what you’re looking for. Pretty great, right?
#improvecanada # ad #makeitright
So I made a thing and I’m totally in love!! Now So I made a thing and I’m totally in love!! Now I just need to gather all of the boys for an adorable family photo. Christmas miracle, maybe?

I made these sweaters for all of us last weekend using my @officialcricut Joy and now I may need to start personalizing a LOT more shirts around here! It was my first time using infusible ink and I love how the sweaters stays super soft! I may just be wearing this for the rest of the year!

O.S. If it wasn’t clear, our last name is Murray 😆

Have you made matching Christmas sweaters? What would be on yours if you did? # ad #cricutmade
Are you crafty? Do you know someone who is? Or may Are you crafty? Do you know someone who is? Or maybe you’re like me and you like to think you’re crafty but lack the patience to take out a whole bunch of things to make one tiny craft? Well then I have the thing for you. Meet the @officialcricut Joy! It’s tiny but mighty, and you can just have it casually sitting on a shelf waiting to be used when inspiration strikes because it takes up basically no room at all! I made these labels using mine, and you can swipe to see another easy project you can make with a Cricut Joy. It’s the perfect little gift! I even wrote a blog post about why I think so. I’ll share another Cricut project with you later this week!! # ad #cricutmade
Can you believe this room was completed two years Can you believe this room was completed two years ago? And I still love it as much today as I did then. And I still believe that my kids can have a fun, comforting space even if they don’t get to decorate it themselves with superhero bedding and Lego everywhere! But ALSO, I would never judge you if you’re that parent who does let your kids decorate with all the primary colours because you do you, boo and if it makes you and your kids happy, I say do the dang thing!!!

Ok that is all. Have a wonderful judgement-free day!
Put the finishing touches on our front porch this Put the finishing touches on our front porch this past weekend and I gotta say, this might be my favourite one yet.

Truth: I actually really dislike the exterior of our house. With exception of the front door, it’s pretty darn ugly. The 1970’s red brick mixed with buttercream yellow and burgundy siding are like the WORST combo ever. Add in little bits of the foundation which is painted blue and the concrete isn’t pretty either.

BUT those things don’t stop me from prettying up this little space anyway. Because for like 99% of us, making a home takes time. Renovating takes time. Even if TV shows and social media lead us to believe otherwise.

Now if you want to see some front porches full of personality and holiday cheer, all by Canadian ladies who get that nothing happens overnight, do I have a great lineup for you! Go check them out! #acanadianchristmasporch
@markovadesign
@vinyetetc
@onehouse2barns
@bethanythislittleestate
@thesuburbanhome
@celineshouseonramsey
@alysia.jantzi
@unclutteredhouse

Connect

join the club

  • Privacy Policy
  • Press

Copyright © 2021 The Learner Observer · Theme by 17th Avenue