Sunday, May 15, 2011

My CRAZY INSOMNIA and a POSITIVE "CRAFTY" Message!



"Now I lay me down not to sleep.
I just get tangled in the sheets.
I swim in sweat three inches deep.
I just lay back and claim defeat...
Lids down, I count sheep.
I count heartbeats.
The only thing that counts is that
I won't sleep...My mind is racing,
filled with lists of things to do
and things I've done.
Another sleepless night's begun..."
"Who Needs Sleep?" ~Song By Barenaked Ladies




I have battled the 'insomnia monster' for years.  It is a struggle that I have fought with, cried about, prayed about, sought medical advice about, and have come to ACCEPT.  I know as I age, that it is only going to continue.   I believe my battle is due to my 'racing, creative mind'.  I am constantly thinking about new projects, things I want to accomplish, and my hopes and dreams!  YEP!  my 'right brained thinking' is something that I LOVE about myself, but it is definitely a contributing factor to my insomnia battle.  Here is a great link to understanding insomnia, and reasons that you may battle insomnia.





I thought I would find a 'fun', creative way to poke fun at my 'insomnia issue'!  My dear friend Melissa sent me this adorable picture and suggested it would be perfect for the bedroom.  I HAD TO AGREE... here is the link where you can purchase these adorable ZZZZ's along with so many other fantastic products!  And NOW, my rendition!





I decided to create my Z's because I believe in the power of positive thinking, and seeing the ZZZ's spelled out in front of me is a very positive 'visual' message!  I also decided to create the Z's to match my bedroom.  I have beautiful 'robin's egg blue' walls, and throughout the bedroom, I have used black and white photos,  and red as my accent colors!  My bedroom is SO relaxing and cozy, and SO ME!





Here are the Materials you will need:
  • 3 'Z' letters (I got mine at Michaels)
  • Black and White Acrylic Paint
  • A paint brush
  • A toothbrush
  • Matte acrylic sealer (I love Krylon)



I LOVE enamelware, and I found this adorable Black Enamelware Coffee Pot at a garage sale for $1.00.  This pot served as the creative force for painting my letters!  
Too cute and SO easy... here's what you do!



Paint your Z's with your Black acrylic paints.  I am not sure what my Z's were composed of, but thankfully they only needed one coat of the paint.  Be careful not to use too much paint as you may leave globs or drips on your letters where you don't want them.




After the black paint has dried, lay your letters out, and place a dollop of the white paint in your palette.  Dip your toothbrush into the white paint and scrape it lightly against the edge of your palette so there is not 'too much' paint on the toothbrush.  Hold the toothbrush over the letters, and with your pointer finger, pull against the bristles and flick the paint on the letters.  It does not matter if you get a variety of 'flecks' on your letters... that is the beauty of using this technique.




Allow your white paint to thoroughly  dry, and then using your Krylon matte finish sealer, spray one coat.  Allow the first coat to dry and then spray one more coat.  
Allow to dry thoroughly.





I chose to hang the letters where I could see them from my bed.  I hung them on a wall across from my bed under a little black shelf I have hanging.  I measured down from the base board and centered the letters under the shelf.  Luckily the letters had predrilled holes for hanging.  So I hung them, stepped back and said, "I LIKE, LIKE CRAZY"!  
Too cute, and a powerful positive message with three simple letters.




Now I am getting requests from other family  members for their own "personalized" letter messages.  I love it!  This project took under one hour to complete, it is inexpensive, yet SO priceless.




I hope you will go and have fun making your own Z's, and I hope you will experience some great Z's as you lay down to rest!  Sweet Dreams! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ................


Living, Loving, Laughing and getting sleepy! = )



Patti


Here is a great link giving some great tips that I myself have implemented to improve my sleep!



10 comments:

  1. Love your projects~did the Zzz help?

    ReplyDelete
  2. You absolutely inspire me. This is the funnest post! I'm wondering with Melissa--did it help? You know what has been helping me go to sleep lately? I've been memorizing Colossians in a year with Ann Voskamp and every night I recite the verses. I never get very far...I'd like to think it's the sanctity of scripture covering me in grace. And maybe it is, but...I think it just keeps my brain from playing over and over those busy thoughts! Maybe I should try an art project :). It isn't helping my scripture memorization much :).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Melissa.... ummm.... well last night I was a little wired after the survivor episode! lol so was up later than desired... tonight will be a different story and I expect success! xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Laura, as you can read above, last night the zzz's were not such a success but after a hard days work, and all the things I need to accomplish before bed, I know I will sleep well. I LOVE YOUR IDEA of memorizing Colossians and quoting it as your fall asleep.... I am partial to Philippians so I may start memorizing that. Oh and you SHOULD try an art project... what a joyful way to express our inner creativeness!!! It is SO relaxing and soothing, and a way to just let go and express talents you may not even suspect you have!!!! lol... many of my projects are started out on a 'timid' note, but once I get into it, it takes over, and I find joy and peace... some of those fab fruits of the Spirit! = ) Thanks so much for stopping by... gonna start on Philippians tonight!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Patti - Isn't life grand? The older we get the less sleep we need. I love the song lyrics and your art project was sweet. I rely on reading my bible and praying to help put me to sleep. Have a lovely week. Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you SO much Charlotte for stopping by. I believe you are right... reading the Bible and praying are the best way to go!!! And thankfully, because of reading, praying, and my letter ZZZ's LOL I did have a good nights rest... NOW to I am planning on having a GRAND day! just found this quote...
    "I am a child of humor. Laughter is just another form of positivity." ~ Dodinsky
    I plan on laughing bunches today, and I hope you will find much joy and laughter in your day! have a super week!

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