Shopping & Crafting

This weekend was super eventful. I spent the majority of it crafting, binge watching Vikings on Hulu, chugging coffee and shopping on ETT. Oops.

In the last week really, I have newly acquired a schooling quality standing marginal, FITS breeches, white full seat breeches for dressage, colored rein stops, and Equilibrium Stretch/Flex boots. Each item was LESS than $50 each too. YES. FITS Breeches for less than $50. I couldn't believe it either. And the Equilibirums I got for $40. FORTY. 2 items I could never afford full price and there they were on ETT for a steal. What is life. I follow Aimee's standard for shopping, if its super cheap, buy it, even if you don't need it. I needed everything but the Equlibriums though. And the FITS. Okay okay.. In other news, I might have found a saddle, like to purchase. More on that later. Sidetone if anyone knows anyone that needs a size 16 saddle, let me know.

So what else did I do this weekend besides not ride because it was -10* windchill and blizzarding the whole fucking weekend? CRAFTED. 

Yes, crafting. I haven't done much in the ways of creativity lately, unless you count sketching a little here and there...

...but Jackie (aka BFF Extraordinaire and Yankeepants second momma) requested a stall plate and I was like, UM YES ABSOLUTELY I want one too, lets get crafty. To Michael's!

The most expensive shit was the wood stain and chain, otherwise, the wood itself wasn't too pricey. (SPEND ALL THE MONEY!!)

I will tell you this, staining wood, in the garage, when its -10 outside is less than wonderful and the stain itself wasn't really drying. SO, I brought the whole operation inside and covered my tables with paper bags and was so so so careful. So. Careful.

Before and after, 3 coats

Staining wood is insanely fun for some reason, and I was like, what else can I stain? STAIN EVERYTHING.

After the stain was dry (I did 3 coats, about 45 minutes in-between each coat, I cleaned/watched TV while they were drying, questioned life and my sanity) I then got to work painting the names. Yes, I used stencils, because I didnt want to spend four hours with a shaky hands (too much coffee) painting letters.

I painted 3 coats on the letters after the original stenciling was done, which was horrible because my hand was shaking, but I got it done. Then, I painted around the outside because reasons. Afterwards, I glued on the wooden crowns, because OTTBs, that I bought for $.99 and felt super accomplished for the day.

The whole process took almost all day simply because of dry time, and I'm still not quite done because I need to find a way to attach the chains so they can hang and be portable for shows!

I might start selling these for anyone who wants one, as I can do ANY color, any stain and any design, painted or glued.

I made these with the intention to be portable  & I think they turned out pretty baller. Despite no riding, the house is clean, I am fully stocked on tack and clothes and my DIY crafting was a success! Yay weekend.