Thanks for stopping by to join this summer’s extraordinary behind the scenes blogland tour.

It’s been fun to jump on the tour ‘bus’ throughout the summer and get a behind the scenes view of all the wonderful home and DIY blogs on the tour.

 

Behind the Scenes Blogland Tour at AnExtraordinaryDay.net

My friend Mary Beth from Cupcakes and Crinoline invited me to join in this extraordinary Blogland Tour.  Earlier in the summer I had other invites, but I just wasn’t able to join in the fun.  Her invite came at the perfect moment and I’m so glad to be joining the tour. Thanks Mary Beth!

One of the things that we may or may not grasp when we read a blog is how wonderfully kind, thoughtful, and encouraging a blogger may be.  In addition to all that, though she is a busy work-at-home mom, home educator, and blogger, Mary Beth has become my friend and cheerleader.  I am delighted to introduce her to you today.  Please be sure to take time to visit Mary Beth, peruse her blog, and pick up some amazing homemaking tips, DIY projects for the home, and kids’ crafts.

 

Today’s Blogland Tour bus stops for a behind the scenes tour An Extraordinary Day.  After you’ve enjoyed your visit here at AED, the blogland tour bus will stop briefly at three more blogs, to conclude today’s tour.

Are you all buckled in for the ride?

Enjoy the tour!

 

Here’s a glimpse into “my world” as a Home/DIY/Inspirational Blogger…

 

Coastal Vignette ::  ASCP Sideboard :: Handpainted art :: DIY Clamshell  :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

What am I working on?

Selecting and editing photos.  This is the most tedious task of blogging for me.  I love taking pictures, but wading through them, trying to decide on the best ones, takes way more time than I want to spend on the task.  How do wedding, family, and portrait photographers do it?  In addition to that, I’m finishing up a long-awaited, heavy in photos, tutorial for that cute words of affirmation letter box you all loved.

I’m also working hard to get my head around the fact that summer is now officially over. [sigh]  This week I’m putting my crafting hat on again and working on transforming some pink luncheon plates into something totally unexpected for fall decor.  My fingers are crossed, hoping it comes off as fun as I’m envisioning it.   Did you hear that I’m now a part of the new contributor team at Create. Craft. Love?  I’m excited to be sharing an easy doable project that will go live there in mid September.

Recently I was contacted to create a style board.  I have never done anything like that before.  It should be fun.

You all know how I enjoy tablescaping.  Recently, I finished up two tablescape photo shoots….one very dressy and the other a very casual table setting…so be watching for those.  Last month, I spent the perfect summer day with a friend doing a bit of thrifting.  Actually,  I just went along for inspiration…and came home with a birthday present…a set of perfect-for-fall dishes…minus the plates.  I know…crazy…who buys a set of dishes minus the plates?  You’ll just have to wait to see how that all works out….there’s a fun story I’m looking forward to sharing.

This week I’m traveling to my home town to visit a friend and do a photo shoot at her home.  I can’t wait to show you her creativity.  Want a hint of the goodness to be seen?  [Birches and birds.]  Cross your fingers for some good weather and good light so I can shoot some great photos.

 

Natural-Fall-Wreath-Tutorial-AnExtraordianryDay.net_

 

 

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I look at my blog as a magazine.  Do you love picking up beautiful magazines with lovely photos, inspirational words, and creative home and garden ideas?   I sure do.  If I get a chance to spend a few hours at a large bookstore, you can always find me in the magazine section.  That is my happy place for sure.

That is the same experience I want you to have here at An Extraordinary Day.  But, instead of flipping from article to article in one sitting, I send you, nature photos, home decor ideas, spiritual inspiration, gardening ideas, creative crafts for the home, printables with quotes and scripture verses, an occasional furniture makeover, seasonal vignettes, lovely tablescapes, and  a yummy recipe thrown in for good measure, a day at a time.  Besides that, generally what sets my blog apart from others is that I, most often, can be found creating things without spending any money, using what I have at hand.   These days you may see a little bit of a change from that.  It’s because right now all my things are in storage so I’ve had to discover others ways to share crafty inspiration here on the blog.  When life hands us lemons, we need to make lemonade.  My hope is this lemonade has just the perfect amount of lemony sweetness.

 

#tablescape #thanksgiving Mixing Silver and Gold for Thanksgiving :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Mixing Gold & Silver for Thanksgiving

 

Why do I write/create what I do?

I think that writing and sharing here is a calling.  After spending many years editing other people’s thoughts and promoting their ministries (while improving my writing skills along the way), I was nudged to begin this blog.  Here, I am inspired to share what I am processing spiritually and to encourage and inspire you, too.   I really do want this spot to be what I say in my tagline: A Place of Joy and Inspiration

Creativity is a big thing to me.  I appreciate your creativity, I marvel at God’s creativity, and I love being able to get creative myself.  All my life I have enjoyed creating.  I’ve never felt crafty, but I love working with my hands to make beauty for my home and garden.  Now, I get to share that with you too.

 

#Printable  #Quote "As an artist I dip my brush into the heart of God" :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

I dip my brush into the heart of God PRINTABLE

 

How does your writing/creating process work?

My creative process is all too random.  Although I am known for being very organized, I am not very organized when it comes to the blog.  I wish I was.  Oh how I need to find that sweet spot.  Instead, I find myself too spontaneous and much less planned than I care to be.  There are lots of reasons for that right now.  However, I very much need to work harder at focusing.  Right now I have notebooks with miscellaneous thoughts jotted down which is helpful…but often they get lost amongst all the other miscellany.  I’m planning to order a Blogging Planner to get some structure to all the spinning thoughts in my head.  This is the one I am considering.  If you have another that you love…please let me know.

All that being said, I do have a writing process for my Joy Day! posts.  Every Saturday I sit down and write the Sunday Joy Day! post for the next day.   Often I will quietly wait in silence.  I might start reading some Psalms or other books in the Bible until I sense that I need to spend some time with a particular verse or series of verses.  From that spot, I will process those thoughts with you and that becomes the post.  Other times my inspiration comes through my daily quiet times and reading.  Sometimes it’s as if God points a hundred arrows at a passage, message, etc., and I know that is what I will need to use and process with you come Saturday.

 

folkart washstand makeover with chalk and wax by AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Antique Washstand Chalk Paint Makeover

 

Now…for a brief introduction to some upcoming stops on the tour!

 

Melanie of  Lost and Found Decor

Melanie is a wife and stay-at-home mom to 3 boys who loves shopping at flea markets and tag sales.  Two years ago, she turned her hobby into a business called Lost & Found, where she sells vintage decorative items as well as refinished furniture.  LostandFoundDecor is her blog which chronicles her adventures as a junker and small business owner, as well as personal stories from her daily life.  

 

Lost and Found Decor Chalk paint Makeover featured at AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Melanie’s “in-a-flash” and stunningly gorgeous makeover with chalk paint.

 

Kim of Curtain Queen Creates

Kim is the creator of the blog, Curtain Queen Creates.   As a life-long DIY enthusiast, She blogs about everything DIY in The Land of Making Do (her family farm), as well as recipes, tablescapes, gardening, and posts about faith each Spectacular Sunday.  Kim’s goal is to encourage others as she speaks from her heart about using the things we have on hand – gifts from others, family mementos and heirlooms, plus items collected from “junk” shops and travels, to create interest in unique ways, and invoke comfort.

 

Curtain Queen Creates - Swinging Door - featured at AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Here’s a glimpse at Kim’s all-time favorite DIY project, the swinging door she added to her kitchen which was inspired by a door in her late grandparents’ home.  After refurbishing the door, a dear friend and stained glass artist, made glass replacements from a pattern of dogwood blooms, flower buds, leaves and stems, which they designed together.

 

Brooke of Brooklyn Berry Designs

Brooklyn is the Loop Hole Queen.  She wants to do it all at once and is always on the hunt for a shortcut, a less expensive option, or a trick to make it easier.  She runs the design and lifestyle blog,

BrooklynBerryDesigns.com.  Her day-to-day life is full of list-making and checking, and running after her 3 boys.

 

Brooklyn Designs - Twin Boy's Room - AnExtraordinaryDay.net feature

Here’s a glimpse of Brooke’s latest makeover of her twin boy’s room.

 

Thanks for jumping on the bus for the behind the scenes blogland tour today.  Be sure to take advantage of all the stops on this fun tour!

If you have other questions to ask me….please do.  

Maybe I’ll create another post answering your questions!
Wouldn’t that be fun?!

 

 

One last thought….

Just in case you didn’t know…today there is a ONE DAY SALE on the Nester’s new book, The Nesting Place.  It’s been getting rave reviews.  If your kitty hasn’t been able to cough up what’s needed to get a copy…now’s your chance.  You can download a digital version for just $1.99 today.  UPDATE: The Kindle version is now $2.80…what a deal – regularly $19.99!   The Kindle version is now now $7.99…still a deal. You don’t need a Kindle…just download the app like I did and read it on your laptop or whatever.  Here’s the link for The Nesting Place book.*

*This is my Amazon affiliate link.  When you shop through my link I receive a small commission on each purchase.    Thank you!!!

 

Wishing YOU an extraordinary day!
Diane

P.S.  Have you been missing me at the Project Inspire{d} Link Party?
I’ll be back with my fellow hostesses on September 15.  I hope you’ll join me again, then!

 

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Comments

  1. Oh, Diane, I loved reading about your thought process regarding your blog and blogging. I can’t wait to see your upcoming projects and congratulations on being a contributor at Create. Craft. Love. So much is going on ~ how exciting!!!

    Hugs, mb

    p.s. Thank you also for such kind words ~ you are a blessing.

    • Diane says

      Thanks sweet friend!! I do hope I can keep all the balls spinning…hence the need for a special planner. [wink]
      I so appreciate you Mary Beth….it was/is my pleasure to honor you. [hugs]

  2. Congrats on being part of the touring through blogland. Loved learning more about you and where your inspiration comes from. Also congrats on being a contributor at Create, Craft, Love. Hope you’re having a great weekend!

    • Diane says

      Cathy your words of encouragement mean so much, to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
      Hope you’ve been having fun in the garden. Happy Fall!

  3. It’s nice to get to know a little more about the woman behind the blog! I love your faith and your outlook and your decorating! My home may never get to be a showcase, but that’s ok. It’s (also) filled with love.

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks LuAnn! You know…if you are creating a sanctuary for your family and it’s a place for love and laughter…you have a home that most of the world would envy. Big hugs to you my friend!!

  4. Kim says

    Thank you, Diane, for sharing your creative processes. You are so inspiring! I see why you need the blogging planner – and congratulations on the new contributor responsibilities. I just know you’ll be a huge asset! Thanks also for the link to get the e-book deal. I’ve heard about what a great book The Nester wrote
    <3 Kim.

    • Diane says

      You, my friend, are a great blogging friend. Let’s see…how many smiles have you put on my face today? 🙂
      Thanks so much for your kind words and for your friendship, Kim!
      Big Hugs!!!

  5. Diane your blog is such an encouragement and even though we have never met, I can tell you are a lovely lady. Thank you for inviting me to join the tour 🙂

    • Diane says

      I feel the same about you Melanie!! 🙂
      I’m so glad that you could join the tour. You are always so inspiring!!
      Blessings, my friend! 🙂

  6. Carol says

    I enjoyed your tour and can definitely identify with being random about blogging and having way too many photos to edit.

    In my book, summer doesn’t end until September 21 so I am taking full advantage of 17 more days of summer.

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks Carol! To get good photos you have to take a lot of pictures….but sorting through them is such a chore….too many decisions. LOL
      I like your take on summer! I’m hanging in there with you for a few more days. 🙂
      Blessings!!

  7. Mel says

    None of what you shared, surprised me. I think if someone sticks around and really reads you, those things you shared here are self evident. You are an amazingly transparent and authentic person. You might not see yourself that way, but I think we’re the least likely to see ourselves as we truly are….which is why we need one another, eh?
    I love what you shared about your process, unorganized as you might see it. It all makes sense to me. 🙂

    • Diane says

      Ah Mel….your visit is like a warm hug. There is nothing better than being “known” is there? I also appreciate your candor. It’s refreshing. But, you have me thinking….I want to be as honest/real as I can be in this very public forum, yet one never knows how it all comes off. Bless you my friend!

  8. Cathy says

    I love reading this and getting to know you a little better. Congratulations on the new contributorship at Create Craft Love. Thank you for introducing us to 3 new lovely bloggers here at Share It One More Time. Cathy

    • Diane says

      You are so kind and gracious Cathy. Thank you for your kind words. You just put a huge smile on my face. 🙂 [hugs]

  9. Kathy says

    This was awesome to read, Diane – I think we’re all more alike than we realize! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    • Diane says

      And I think we all try too hard to measure up to some invisible standard. 😉
      Thank you so much for you encouraging thoughts. You bless me, friend!!!

Trackbacks

  1. […] the required four questions and then introducing three other blogs, one of which was mine.  (See Diane’s Blog Tour post here.)  I was surprised (and a little intimidated) when Diane asked me to participate…but I […]

  2. […] posts, great DIY projects, and though-provoking stories. I was very honored last week when Diane shared about my little corner of blogland on her site, and invited me to join her in a backstage DIY blog tour that has been going on this […]

  3. […] go with the set of dishes I loved, and received as a gift, that has no plates.  I mentioned them here, but unfortunately, someone forgot the key elements to that tablescape when she went to do a photo […]

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