Looking forward...

A couple of days ago I ordered some fabric from one of my favorite online fabric stores. This particular store has free shipping on orders over $35. That's a great perk, and I take advantage of it now and then. The other day I was in the mood to browse, so I took a look-see and ended up purchasing some fabulous fabrics. I'm looking forward to whipping up a few new Hang Ups. Here's a sampling of the fabric I bought.

These two selections are from the collection called "Flourish" and are designed by Alisha Place Frost for Studio e Fabrics. "Flourish Floral Tiles" (top) is a repeating floral tile design in orange, lime, charcoal, light blue and taupe on a turquoise background. "Flourish Interlocking Bangles" (bottom) features an allover design of interlocking brown circles on a turquoise background. I can't wait to make them into a bag. If you go here, Studie e has made available a free tote pattern that you can download and use to make an adorable tote with this fabric line!

I also took advantage of some Amy Butler genius and bought some fabrics from her Lotus Collection. You might know by now how much I love morning glories and her rendition on fabric is no exception. I also love her creation "Full Moon Polka Dot" in cherry. I hope they compliment each other in color. That's the only complaint I have with Amy Butler's fabrics. One never knows, when they order online, if the fabric colors will compliment one another. It's much easier to buy her fabrics in person, so you can see the colors next to each other... Wish me luck!

And finally, a little more Amy Butler -- from her "Lotus" and "Midwest Modern II" lines -- with a little Sandi Henderson (top left) from her "Ginger Blossom" line. Can't wait to mix these up and design a few totes from these beautiful fabrics...

Next week I'm going to take my sewing machine out of retirement and dust her off a bit. She had a prolonged vacation during the holidays. Today we have four grandchildren and two daughters arriving for a visit. Fabric comes in a distant second when there is family around! Have a great week!

Lemon Scones

I thought I would share a favorite recipe of mine today. I found this scone recipe a couple of years ago, and it's been a favorite ever since. These scones take no time at all to make. They have a smooth, flaky, buttery-sweet consistency, and the touch of lemon flavor is delightful. I occasionally substitute the lemon rind for orange or tangerine rind for a little variety, or to use what I have immediately available. I baked some of these last night and served them with homemade jam, and they were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Take note of the substitution for the buttermilk. You can use the substitution in a pinch, but the buttermilk adds flavor and a smoother texture to the scones, so if you are planning ahead of time to make them make sure to pick up some buttermilk. You won't be disappointed.

Lemon Scones

1 cup buttermilk ***
1/4 cup honey
1 egg
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon raw sugar

(***Substitution: 1 cup buttermilk = 1 Tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice plus "regular" milk to make 1 cup. Let stand 5 minutes.)

Mix the milk, honey and egg. Sift in the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter, followed by the lemon rind. Roll out into 3/8" thick on a floured surface. Cut into wedges. Lightly grease and flour cookie sheets. Sprinkle raw sugar on top of scones. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown (10 - 18 minutes). Transfer to cooling rack, but serve warm. Devour with jam or warmed honey. If baked before serving, they can be nicely warmed in the microwave.

Tips:

• Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into triangles.

• I bake them 12 - 18 minutes (depending on the size), which was a bit longer than the 10 minutes the original recipe called for. However, we live at a high altitude, so if you are a sea-level dweller maybe the 10 minutes will suffice. Just check them throughout the baking process and take them out when they are slightly golden brown.

As Julia would say...
"Bon appetit!"

Fabulous Fondant

I hope you are all enjoying the holidays. We have been so busy around here! Most of our children and their families have visited in the last couple of weeks, and the rest will arrive in a few days. We've had such a good time. A few nights ago we had a creative activity. My son and his wife took a fondant class earlier this year, and they made these fabulous creations,

...so several nights ago we all gathered 'round and they taught us a little about cake decorating with fondant. Earlier in the day my son made 7 two layer mini-cakes for us to practice our techniques.

That night they taught us the basics. First you cut the top off the bottom layer to make it flat, and you straighten up the sides. Some cream cheese frosting is added between the layers and a thin layer of butter cream frosting is added to the top and sides of the cake. The fondant sticks to the butter cream frosting...

Then they demonstrated fondant rolling and placement, and we were ready to decorate...

Here's the creation I made...

And here are a few more that were made by family members that night...

This was such a fun family activity!

I've linked to Funky Junk Interior's "Saturday Nite Special."
Check out the DIY projects and Christmas stories!

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

I spy with my Etsy eye something
teal-icious with a squirt of lime!

Clockwise from top left:
Indian Summer Print
Lime Square Pillow Glass Earrings
Gilded Cage Handbag
Apple Jacket
Lime Green Ornaments

Happy New Year!

Thankful Thursday

Usually for my Thankful Thursday posts, I answer the following questions in regard to what surprised me, moved me, and inspired me on a weekly basis. However, because it's the end of the year and I'm feeling a bit reflective I'm going to answer these questions with a larger perspective in mind.

What surprised me this year?

Our family grew by leaps and bounds in 2009. We added three more individuals to our ranks -- two grandchildren and one son-in-law. What always surprises me in these instances is how quickly each individual assimilates into the family and how natural each addition feels. (I don't very often post photos of my family, but here's the latest photo of our expanding family taken in August at my daughter's wedding...)

What inspired me this year?

I have received inspiration through many sources over the years, but I think what makes this year different in that regard is the inspiration I've received from my many blogging friends. It's a wonderful thing when authors of blogs can exchange ideas, establish resources, fire imaginations and create thoughtful, thought-provoking exchanges with those who would normally be outside their sphere of influence. My blogging friends have inspired me often this year!

What moved me this year?

There are several references in the scriptures to the "tender mercies of the Lord." I have come to realize that these "tender mercies" are the very personal and individualized blessings and ministrations which we receive from and through the Savior. Some are poignant and obvious blessings of protection or healing, while others come in a more subtle, quiet form as inspiration, support or confirmation. More often than not these heavenly mercies arrive when I least expect such an affirmation, so the impulse is to label them as mere coincidence or luck or good fortune. When I do recognize the source of these ministrations, I realize how wonderful it feels to be blessed, watched over, supported, and protected by Him, and I realize, once again, that He is mindful of me and aware of my needs. And I feel loved. I am moved by the many tender mercies my family has received this year.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

(...a few days late)

I spy with my Etsy eye something
pale pink...

Winter Wonderland Cookies
"Sweet Summer" Fine Art Photo
Sea Urchin Shell Knobs
"For Love" Fine Art Photo
Cotton Candy Earrings

Merry Christmas

This beautiful original music and video by Shawna Belt Edwards, with artwork permissioned by Liz Lemon Swindle, Joseph Brickey and Mark Mabry will put you in the Christmas spirit.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
(Click on the video below and go directly to You Tube for the download.)

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

I spy with my Etsy eye something...
winter white

Clockwise top left:

Toffee Cupcakes
Hand Embroidered Plush Mini Koi
Birch Tree Cardinal Pillow
Charm Bracelet
White Chocolate Fizzing Bath Melts

Been busy...

This is such a busy time year. I hardly have time to look at my favorite blogs, let alone write a post of my own. The last few days have been busier than most, thanks to a little granddaughter of mine. Several weeks ago her mother called to ask if I could "play Santa" this year. Avery wanted to write Santa a letter and her mother was wondering if I (aka "Santa") might be able to answer it. I enthusiastically agreed! A few days ago when I received her letter, I realized it might have been better if I'd considered all the ramifications...

Avery is a precocious little thing and a prolific writer, as was demonstrated by her letter to Santa...

She started out with the usual greeting and then went on to ask 20, yes 20 (I counted), questions for Santa. They were perceptive and thoughtful questions, such as...

"Which reindeer is your favorite?"

"What is your favorite elf's name?"

"Do you have lots of friends?"

"Do you like doggies?"
(This was a good opportunity for Santa to petition Avery to quit
carrying around her cat, Cosmo, by the neck.)

"Who gives you Christmas presents?"

"Do you like your job?"

"Do the reindeer get along?"

And finally, "Are the elves fun to play with?"

It took me three pages to answer five questions. "Santa" may need to publish a Volume 2 and 3 later in the year just to satisfy her curiosity.

I took advantage of the situation and added a few words of advice from "Santa", like "Always remember to be kind to your little sister..." (Her parents owe me for that one.)

I learned early on in my parenting that Santa's admonitions carry big weight with children. As a young mother throughout the month of December, I hourly belted out "You better watch out... You better not cry..." when my kids were young. It worked like a charm. Every. Time.

I have to admit, with all the busyness going on this time of year, it was so fun to sit down, relax, chuckle and respond to a little girl's questions and wish-list for Christmas. It was my favorite moment so far this season.

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

I spy with my Etsy eye something...
frosty

Clockwise top left:
Givre Vintage Faceted Glass Earrings
Textured Tumbler
Winter Blues Texture Pack
Blue Frost Handknit Designer Scarf
Ruffle Wristlet Frost Grey

Wishing you all a warm and cozy weekend!

Thinking Outside the Box...

I have two examples of "thinking outside the box" that I'd like to share with you...

Some traditions in our family are meant to be kept, like putting on a nativity play every Christmas Eve and sharing spiritual thoughts about the Savior, but it's fun to see other traditions evolve and adapt to family circumstance and change. You might know that my husband and I have seven children, but our family has grown in the last seven years to include five more children (in-law) and seven grandchildren. Several years ago after buying the many items to fill stockings for our children and children-in-law that were going to be with us that Christmas, I saw the writing on the wall. That year I had spent way too much money on too many little items of little significance or consequence to fill umpteen stockings! I realized with each passing year and the addition of more children-in-law on a regular bases, this tradition of filling Christmas stockings for our children needed to be revamped. The next year I decided to use the money I would spend on many insignificant little stocking stuffers for each stocking (those little gifts add up!) to buy one meaningful gift. I bought just enough presents for each of the adult children that was going to be at our home that Christmas Eve. After the nativity play and spiritual thoughts that Christmas Eve and after grandkids were nestled in their beds, our children and children-in-law gathered in our family room for this new tradition. It has become one of our all-time favorite Christmas traditions.

We run this tradition much like a "white - elephant" game. As I said, my husband and I buy one nice present for each of the children there that evening. Then we draw numbers and the person who picks #1, chooses a present and unwraps it. Then the person who draws #2, can either pick the present that #1 opened or choose another from the pile. Each gift can only be traded three times. This goes on until the last person is finished, and then #1 gets one last chance to keep the gift he has or choose one from another person in the room. These gifts are really fun to buy because you can get very creative. We have had massaging pillows, restaurant and movie tickets, cash (wrapped so no one can tell just how much money is really there), best selling books, redeemable airline points for tickets, and many more fun, creative expressions of love! Every member in our family has the "competitive" gene, so this activity ends up being filled with laughter and fun! (Last year we had to instigate a new rule that no "alliances" could be formed before or during the game.) The moral of this story is that sometimes it's good to "think outside the box" when you revamp an old Christmas tradition into something more suitable for your current time and place.

Here's another example ... Yesterday I decoupaged a couple of boxes for this year's "white elephant" tradition. I have a few gift cards that needed a cute place to reside, so I whipped up some more colorful boxes. I love the traditional colors of red and green for Christmas, but this year I'm using lime green and bright red to wrap presents in, so I bought some scrapbooking paper to reflect those colors for these decoupaged boxes. I made some traditional looking boxes a couple of weeks ago, but I thought you might like to see a different twist on these paper mache decoupaged boxes. (Click here for instructions.) It's my second example of "thinking outside the box!"

Happy Holidays!
Brrrrr. It's so cold in Colorado.
Last night it was -20 degrees with the wind chill.
Try to keep warm wherever you are!


I've linked to "Show & Tell" at Blue Cricket Design.
Check it out to see more creative posts!

Be Still...

I love Christmastime. I look forward to the purchasing of presents, the decorations, Christmas trees, delicious sweets, parties, and all the merriment that this season has to offer. Although these things can be beautiful, sometimes I allow these festivities to clutter my mind and compete for my attention and the true meaning of Christmas gets buried beneath the glitter and the glam.
And I almost forget. What should be a holy season filled with peace and love, goodness and service, gratitude and remembrance, worship and reflection becomes a hectic scramble of presents and decorations that almost eclipses the real meaning of our celebration. Almost. Fortunately, in still, quiet moments clarity prevails and I catch a glimpse of the Christ child. No wonder He said, "Be still, and know that I am God." In stillness comes understanding, inspiration and peace. This morning I watched this video. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...



(This video is produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is entitled "The Nativity," but the audio has been removed and replaced with a recording of Amy Grant's "Breathe of Heaven.")

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

I spy with my Etsy eye something...
c-c-c-c-cold
(It was 8 degrees here last night!)

Clockwise top left:

Klondike Snow Peeps (set of 3)
Romantic Dreamy Landscape
Tranquility Bracelet
Pure Joy Yarn
Winter Woodland Kit
Goat Milk and Shea Butter Soap

Framed Ornaments...

When people use the term "framed ornaments", they are usually referring to Christmas tree ornaments that are miniature picture frames you can hang on your Christmas tree. Here are some "framed ornaments" with a twist. This is a way to create a seasonal decoration with items you may already have on hand. I generally have a few extra Christmas ornaments in my boxes, or I can always put aside a few that I usually reserve for the tree. In any case, you start with a few ornaments...

Next, grab some Christmas ribbon (or jute) and string the ornaments onto the ribbon. Tie a bow in the ribbon and hang it from a little nail on your wall. Then grab a picture frame and "frame" the ornaments by surrounding the ornaments and hanging the frame to the wall.

That's it! Could it be any easier?

I'm linking to "Transformation Thursday" @ The Shabby Chic Cottage. Head on over to see more creative designs.

Repurposed Centerpiece

Last month I created a centerpiece with a wooden tray, a floral urn, and a large candle for my Thanksgiving dining room table. I loved the size and shape of that piece, so for Christmas I wanted to repurpose some of those same items and create a decoration for our living room table.

I started with the same darkly stained wooden tray...

and the flower urn that I used for the Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Then, I bought an inexpensive glass hurricane-style candle holder at Hobby Lobby, kind of like this one, for half off...cause I'm cheap. And smart.

I filled up the urn with some polished river rocks I keep around the house. I wanted those rocks to help "secure" the hurricane and boost it up a bit. Then I "planted" the hurricane and filled the edges with moss. Next, I added a little greenery and berries around the base of the urn...

Then, and this was the tricky part, I made it snow. Right into that hurricane lamp. Don't ask me how. It's a trade secret.

And I plopped some bright, red Christmas balls right in the middle of that snow...

And that, my friends, is how this repurposed centerpiece came to be.

Today I'm linking to "Show & Tell" at Blue Cricket Designs.

Quick, Easy & Affordable

Here's a quick and easy gift idea to give to friends, neighbors and loved ones this Christmas season. It would be a cute present tucked into a gift basket with a variety of goodies as a pre-Christmas gift, but I think in the spirit of "less is more" this little gift could stand alone! Here are the specifics:

6 3/4" Square Wooden Plaque @ Hobby Lobby: $.89 w/40% off coupon
Acrylic Craft Paint or American Accents Spray Paint: approx. $.10
Modge Podge: approx. $.20
Scrapbooking Paper: $.20
Also, collect the following items:
paintbrush
distress/brown ink pad
paper cutter (optional)
sandpaper

Paint your plaque with acrylic craft paint or spray it with American Accents Rust-oleum spray paint. As the paint dries print the "saying" onto a piece of scrapbook paper that coordinates with your paint. Trim the saying to the correct size of your plaque and distress the edges with an ink pad. After the plaque has dried, Modge Podge the front of your plaque and the back of your scrapbook paper and apply the paper to the front of the plaque. After the glue has dried use sandpaper to rough up the edges of the plaque and the paper, then go over those edges with a distressing ink pad, brown shoe polish, brown acrylic paint, or whatever else you have to make them look a little distressed and more "vintage." Finally, liberally apply a finish coat of the Modge Podge over the entire front of the plaque to give it texture and sheen. For under $1.50 you have a cute, meaningful plaque to give a friend or neighbor. (You can't buy a bag of chocolate chips for that!)

FYI: My computer savvy son created the lettering for the plaque and I have it in a word document. If any of you are interested in making one of these, just email me (my email address is on the sidebar of this blog), and I will be happy to send you the saying as an attachment in an email.

Today I'm linking to "Toot Your Horn Tuesday" @ A Silly Little Sparrow.
Check out the ideas at "Get Your Craft On" at Today's Creative Blog.
Also, "Show & Tell" at Blue Cricket Design.

Enough Already

Are you getting tired of the placemats to pillows theme? Yes, I hear you. I've been known to obsess and beat a good idea to death. I promise this will be the last post for awhile on this subject, but I had to show you these last ones. I do love a good deal, and this was the best deal I've found yet...

Here are the specifics:

Placemat: $3.99 @ Target
Stuffing: Poly-Fil for $1.80 on sale @ Hobby Lobby
Time spent: 10 minutes per pillow (no exaggeration!)

I found these placemats at Target and couldn't resist them. They are a slightly furry fabric, which seems much more appropriate for a pillow than a placemat. They were "lined" so all I had to do was open up a hole in the seam, fill with a little stuffing and stitch the seam back up. (Go here for more detailed instructions.) I made eight -- yes, eight -- in a little over an hour. At under $6 each it's hard to come by a more affordable gift for friends for Christmas. Plus, they have the "cute factor" going for them...

One more reason to love Target.

Tonight I'm linking to Funky Junk Interior's "Saturday Nite Special." Go here to find more delightful decorating ideas!

Also linked to "Metamorphosis Monday" at Between Naps on the Porch for more creative finds!

And one more... Go to "Get your Craft On" at Today's Creative Blog for more ideas!

Repurposing -- Holiday Placemat Pillow

Ahhhh. After a one and a half day decorating marathon, the halls are decked! Christmas is upon us, and at our house it's all around us. Yes, it's time to break out the Christmas decorations and maybe make a few new ones! Here's a new application for the "old" trick of repurposing a placemat to create a pillow. This time it's a holiday pillow. Here are the specifics...

Cost...
Placemat: $5.95 @ Crate & Barrel
Napkin: $3.95 @ Crate & Barrel
Stuffing: Poly-Fil $1.80 on sale @ Hobby Lobby

This pillow was a little different than the others I had made because the placemat wasn't "lined." It was just one piece of fabric, so I needed another piece of fabric for the back of the pillow. I could have used fabric from my home stash, but I decided when I bought the placemat to buy a complimentary colored napkin to use for the back of the pillow. So easy.


When it came time to make the pillow I laid both pieces of fabrics (wrong sides together) on the ironing board with the placemat facing up. I lined up two sides of the napkin and placemat and ironed the other two sides of the napkin over the placemat to show me where best to fold the napkin so all sides would line up. Then I pressed the newly made napkin hems for those two sides. (No need to stitch those hems because that will be taken care of when you stitch the placemat to the napkin.)

It was time to pin the placemat and napkin together -- wrong sides together. Then I sewed along the already existing 1" hemline of the placemat, leaving an opening in the bottom of the pillow for stuffing access. A little stuffing filled the pillow, and the hole was stitched shut! So easy. So quick. So festive! So dang cute!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

You Are Apple Pie

You are warm hearted and generous. You're the type of person who's willing to take a small piece of the pie so that everyone can have some. During the holidays, you do your best to give as much as possible. You are always thinking about what you can do for others.

Your ideal holiday would be spent with your closest family and friends all in the same house. The greatest present anyone can give you on the holidays is to simply be there.

What holiday pie are you?

Mini Paper Mache Boxes

I'm always looking for containers to wrap presents in at Christmas time. A few weeks ago I came upon this post at Holly's Haven. I admired the cute gift box she made from a recycled candy box. It got me thinking. I love the idea of the container being part of the gift. For example, a piece of jewelry being placed in a container that later could hold earrings, a ring, or some loose change. Here's what I came up with...

First I bought a few 99 cent paper mache boxes at Hobby Lobby...

Then I bought a few sheets of scrapbook paper and collected these items that I had around the house...

Then I went to work and created these cute gift boxes. I just cut out some paper and modge-podged the scrapbook paper to the paper mache box. (Tip: When you modge-podge make sure you put modge-podge on both surfaces -- the paper and the box. This assures a tighter seal.) Next you "paint" modge-podge all over the outside surface of the paper. This adds a sheen to the surface. When the box was dry I distressed the edges of the box a bit with an ink pad. Next I punched out my flower petals, distressed them, wrinkled them up a bit, stacked them, and used a brad to secure them together and to the top of the box. It would be easy to make bigger boxes too, by adding several "flowers" to the top of a larger box. This was one of the easiest and most fun projects that I've done in some time! Cute, eh?

These cute boxes could be filled with a piece of jewelry, a gift card, or Hershey's kisses! The possibilities are endless! ;o)

(Thank you, Holly, for sharing such a cute idea with us all!)

I've linked to Today's Creative Blog's "Get Your Craft On"
and "DIY Day" at A Soft Place to Land !

Also...
to Funky Junk Interior's Saturday Nite Special &
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!
Head over to all those links to find more creative ideas!

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

I spy with my Etsy eye something...
frosty!

Clockwise:
Frosted Rose Necklace
Icy Wreath
"Let it Snow" Gift Tags
Needle Felted Lamb
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Winter Tree

"My Little Chickadee"

"My Little Chickadee" is the perfect name for this beautiful purse! Once again I've created a Hang Up from Tina Given's line named, "Annabella" for Free Spirit. This cleverly designed collection features a dreamy warm colorway in "mink." It certainly has a little something for everyone -- florals, dots, swirls, and even an adventurous bird or two! You might remember "Fields of Gold" that I made last month from this same line. "My Little Chickadee" features little birdies amongst amber flowers and lime green vines. You may not have many birds visiting your gardens this time of year, but if this tote heads to your home you could always have a chickadee close by!

"My Little Chickadee" is in my Etsy!

Thankful Thursday...

What surprised me this week?

This week I received so many kind, thoughtful comments of encouragement on my blog. We all feel this way, so I know you'll understand it when I say that it both surprised and delighted me. Thank you so much for taking a little time to respond to one or more of my posts. It was appreciated.

What inspired me this week?

I hope I can verbalize these feelings adequately... For several weeks now I have been inspired by those who can take items of seemingly little worth or value and transform these pieces into objects of beauty. I've been captivated by many individuals on blogs who have truly learned the art of taking a worn, useless object and altering it to become serviceable and something of merit. Their abilities to create, repurpose, and reuse are inspiring.

As I was contemplating these projects the other day, I was given a little insight into another application of the principle of "repurposing." At the time I was reading the Bible detailing Christ's life and ministry. I was led to recognize Jesus' innate ability to acknowledge and show concern for those individuals of seemingly little worth or value in society. In most cases, through his ministrations, those individuals were changed and their lives repurposed. Because Jesus acknowledged their individual worth in his eyes, by demonstrating faith they became someone of value in their own eyes. Thus, they were able to repurpose and change their lives. Miraculous transformations, to be sure. Christ's life and teachings transformed many who witnessed him. I am grateful and inspired by His ability and willingness to transform me and my life.

What moved me this week?

This quick message moved me this week. It's a wonderful reminder of the potential and desire we all have to create...

"Prairie Nights"

Swirls, scrolls, thistle-like fleurettes, and mosaics combine to create a playful, cheerful feeling in this Michael Miller collection, aptly named "Whimsy," by Valerie Pillow and Anne Maxfield. I love the focused, uncluttered color palette in these fabrics that spotlight indigo blue, lime green and bright white. The fabrics I chose from this line for "Prairie Nights" remind me of a thick, dark night on the plains. Thistles growing. Grasshoppers singing. Moon glowing. Stars shining in an inky indigo sky. To me, "Prairie Nights" reflects the whimsical, vibrant sights and sounds of a night on the prairie. This is a pattern I designed myself. I have to admit, I love the wide hips on her and the rounded buttoned strap!

"Prairie Nights" will be found in my Etsy very soon.

Finally Finished...

Do you remember that blickity-blank-blank chair that I bought at a local flea market and started refinishing a few weeks ago? Yes, that one. You will remember that I repainted him two weekends ago, after a dastardly first attempt, and the only thing left to do was dress him in some new, more contemporary garb. At that time I mentioned that I was a little nervous about starting the reupholstering. Generally I'm fairly confident around fabric, but upholstering is something I've never done, so I was hoping it would go well. I am happy to say that little chair and I made up this weekend. Yes, we are once again on good terms. I might go so far as to say I've fallen in love with him all over again. If my husband was a jealous man, he'd be worried.

This is how it played out... This past weekend I committed my husband and I to reupholster said chair. Sometimes these projects are not marriage strengthening. Six years into our marriage we wallpapered and tiled all in one month, and it almost spelled the end of an otherwise beautiful relationship. We committed then and there, because of our love for our children and each other, never to tile or wallpaper together again. Old memories die hard. Because neither of us had any experience upholstering, I was afraid of the tension that might be generated from such a project. I'm here to say, those feelings were unfounded. We breezed through this project with nary a cross word spoken. Not only did the chair get a fashionable redo, but my husband and I remain very happily married. It was a successful weekend all around.

Here's the run-down. When I first bought the chair I realized I would need to add more "filler" on his seat because he sagged. It's nothing to get embarrassed about. Age does that to you. Don't ask me how I know that. I bought a 2" seat cushion from Hobby Lobby to add a little cushiony goodness to his seat.

Then I covered the cushion up with the filler that had been on the chair originally...


From there I used the fabric that had been on the chair originally as a pattern (adding additional fabric to the edges because I knew I would need more fabric to go around that added cushion) and cut out the seat fabric. I thought adjusting the fabric to the chair would be difficult, but because I have experience with fabric, I know that it is a "forgiving" medium so I could stretch it a little here and pull it a little there to make things work nicely.

I tacked the fabric down with a cheapo $7 upholstery stapler/tacker that I bought at Hancock's Fabric. It worked like a charm. Then I bought some carpet tacks at Home Depot, which are longer than upholstery tacks, and hammered those all around the bottom inside edges of the chair. The reason I used the carpet tacks was because, on the top of the chair especially, I was going through multiple layers of thick fabric so I needed the longer "nails."

I remember complaining as I was taking off the fabric on the original chair that I had to remove tens of thousands of upholstery tacks. I thought it was excessive. However, as I was tacking and hammering I realized I was putting in just as many staples and tacks as had been there originally. I kept imagining someone sitting down on the chair and having every seam bust apart, tacks pinging around the room, etc. Thinking of the generous frame of Great Aunt Hulda alone, made me add 103 more tacks... (just kidding -- I don't have an Aunt Hulda -- but you know what I mean...)

At this point I was singing the happy song, because upholstering the bottom part of the chair had gone swimmingly!

For the top part of the chair I again added little more substance to the back cushion and tacked it into place using a needle and embroidery floss...

Again, I used the old fabric as a pattern and cut the new fabric out, cutting generous seams, and tacking it into place with the stapler and then securing better with the tacks. I trimmed all around the edges.

Then I made a pattern out of paper for the back cover. I used the pattern to cut out a piece of fusible interfacing and ironed it to the upholstery fabric. Then I cut the upholstery fabric about 1 inch wider than the interfacing and turned the upholstery fabric over along the edge of the interfacing to make a nice finish on the edge of the back cover. I tacked the cover to the back of the chair and then applied some trim with a hot glue gun to cover the edges.

And now for the finished product...

Approximate Cost:
Just trying to keep it real...
Chair - $34
Fabric - $25
Trim - $3
Tacks, staples - $3
Extra cushioning - $10
Stain/paint remover - $5
Sandpaper - $3
Primer & paint - $10
Total: $93

I was hoping it wouldn't cost this much, but alas, it did. Next time I'll shop at Goodwill or a garage sale for the piece of furniture. Had it been an all wood chair it would have been much less expensive. Still, I'm very happy with the result...

Here's the before...

And, the after...

Check out the following DIY linky parties:
"Trash to Treasure Tuesday" at Reinvented
"Do It Yourself Day" at A Soft Place to Land
"Toot your Horn Tuesday" at A Silly Little Sparrow

Ginger Harvest Cookies

Last night I made a batch of quite possibly my very favorite fall cookies. That's a bold statement for me because I have a penchant for cookies -- especially in the fall. Suffice it to say, that this cookie is filled with delectable fall spices and deliciously sweetened flavors. I love thick, chewy cookies. This recipe is chewy goodness at its best! Just thought I'd share...

Ginger Harvest Cookies

• 6 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 6 tsp. ground ginger
• 3 tsp. baking soda
• 2 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4+ tsp. salt

• 2 1/4 cups shortening
• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup molasses

• 1/2 cup coarse sugar or raw sugar

In medium bowl sift together the flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl beat shortening until softened. Gradually add the 2 cups of granulated sugar; beat until fluffy. Add eggs and molasses; beat well. Add half of flour mixture; beat until combined. Stir in remaining flour mixture a little at a time.

Shape into 2 inch balls and roll in sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in 350 degree oven for 12 to 14 minutes until cookies are light brown and puffed. Do not over-bake or the cookies will not be chewy. Let stand for 2 minutes before transferring to rack. Cool.

Enjoy!

Child's Activity Table Reveal...

You may remember my post last weekend about my "Old and New Refinishing Projects." Well, yesterday I completed the Child's Activity Table that I started refinishing last weekend. This table is destined for the grandkid's play area in the rec room. You may recall that I purchased this little end table for $12.99 at Goodwill. To recap:

My muscley man popped off the top of it with his bare hands,

and I stripped off the stain and varnish and sanded it down.

Then we plugged up the holes left by the spindles and sanded some more, and more, and more.

I'm a quick study. It doesn't take me but one disasterous experience to learn my lesson. The more time you spend on prep, the better the end product.

On Wednesday we had a nice warm day, so I started the painting process. First, I primed the little table by using Rust-oleum American Accents Primer. I then added two coats of Rust-oleum American Accents Heirloom White spray paint in half hour intervals. That particular paint and color is the rage in furniture refinishing circles. Peer pressure drove me to use it, and in this case peer pressure was a good thing. I let all that dry overnight in my toasty warm garage.

Next I chose to add a little glaze. (Some call glazing "antiquing", others "faux finishing." Putting a glaze finish on furniture makes it look like something other than "new" wood. It adds highlights and "ages" the piece of wood or furniture.) Saturday when I went shopping for glaze, I learned that glaze comes in a clear form. You pour the amount of glaze you anticipate using into a small container and then add an acrylic paint to the glaze to formulate your color. This made me nervous. I like others to do the dirty work, so I can blame them if the color doesn't turn out right. Anyway, I reluctantly mixed my colors, which wasn't as difficult as I had anticipated, and went to work.

I have no photographic chronology of the glazing of the table. I was too busy to snap pictures. Suffice it to say, I painted the glaze on the table, sections at a time, and then rubbed some of it off with a soft piece of fabric. I used an old sock. It worked like a charm. At one point I had to get a damp piece of fabric to remove more of the glaze. The glaze and acrylic paint are all water soluble, so it's easy to remove more glaze if necessary. Clean up was a snap. (FYI: Glazing is an imperfect science. You just eyeball it till you get the amount of color and detail that suits you.) Then I kicked that little table around the garage and slapped it a few times to make it look distressed. I probably could have skipped that step. Ten minutes with the grandkids would have had the same effect. ;o)

And now for the reveal...

Overall, I'm very pleased with the results, especially for a first time refinishing project. I can't wait to see our grandchildren gathered around this little table having fun!

I've linked to Funky Junk Interiors "Saturday Night Special". Click on the button to see more creations...


Another Linky party @ Poppies at Play...

Friday's Fabulous Finds

I spy with my Etsy eye something...
citrusy

Clockwise, fromtop left:

Circus Stripe Cushion Covers
Thanksgiving Charm Bracelet
Loofa Soap
Merino Wool Yarn
Lil' Girl Cupcake Tote
Original Watercolor

Repurposing -- Another Placemat Pillow

I had an extra 10 minutes today, so I whipped up another placemat pillow. If you're not sure what I'm referring to, scroll down to the post below and all will be explained. Here's my latest placemat to pillow transformation.

Cost...
Placemat: $7.95 @ Crate & Barrel
Stuffing: Poly-Fil for $1.80 on sale @ Hobby Lobby
Time: 10 minutes

Less than $10 for a beautiful
-- one of a kind --
embroidered pillow.

Placemat Pillows

This afternoon I could be found at one of my favorite stores, Crate and Barrel. I hadn't been there for several months, so I took my time browsing the isles and looking at all the desirable entertaining and decorating items they had on display. That's my idea of a eye candy. My eyes kept being drawn to the pillows they had featured -- especially the appliqued pillows. Here's a sampling of what I saw...

Just beautiful. I'm drawn to these vibrant, earth toned colors all year long, and I was imaging how beautiful one of these pillows would look in my family room. Most of large pieces of furniture in my family room are brown-toned, so I like to accessorize with bright colors, and I thought one of these pillows would do the trick, until I looked at the price tags. Now, I don't mind spending money on a quality item every now and then, but I just couldn't rationalize spending between $37 - $50 for one of these beauties. Simply couldn't bring myself to do it. Then my eyes lit on this placemat.
Again, I was drawn to the beautiful appliques and colors...

Hmmm. Months ago I read an article where someone had taken a placemat and transformed it into a pillow. I checked the back of the placemat and it was "lined." A beautiful possibility began to take shape. A purchase was made and I high-tailed it home to begin the transformation.

All you have to do is use your seam ripper and open a hole in the bottom seam. Stuff with a pillow form (14"x18") or stuffing and sew the seam back up. The whole process takes the better part of 10 minutes. Seriously.

Honestly, this little gal is just as pretty as any of the other pillows I saw and she was a fraction of the price. I'm dancing the happy dance. What's more, two more placemats came home with me and are awaiting their transformation (scroll up to see my favorite one completed)...


Head on over to "The Shabby Chic Cottage" for Transformation Thursday and "Tales from Bloggeritaville" for some Thrifty Thursday ideas. Also linked to Funky Junk Interior's "Saturday Night Special!"

"Chinese Lantern"

I love Chinese Lantern Lilies like the one to the left. This time of year I often see them in the stores. I am drawn to their shape, their color, and their paper-thin appearance. Nature is incredibly beautiful, isn't it?

A week or so ago I created a tote from Laura Gunn's "Lantern Bloom" collection. I named her "Gilded Cage." Today I chose another fabric from that same line and "Chinese Lantern" was born. The fabrics in this line speak to me. I love the abstract prints and the Asian flare of this collection. The bold colors and hand-painted variations make them chic and sophisticated. Toting "Chinese Lantern" is like hanging a painting from your shoulder! The fabric that I chose for today's creation depicts tall turquoise vases stuffed with delicate branches of hot pink lantern pods. The straps on this Hang Up flaunt fabric reminiscent of a turquoise tile mosaic. Oh, and there's two big, coconut buttons to boot! Just beautiful!

Without further delay, let me introduce you to "Chinese Lantern"...

She can be found in my Etsy shop later today...

Results for October's Give-Away Give-Away...

I'd like to thank everyone who participated in my Breast Cancer Awareness Give-Away Give-Away. I was touched by the beautiful tributes of those who entered the contest. Thank you for sharing your very personal stories and experiences with breast cancer survivors and their caregivers in such a sensitive and loving way. It's obvious those you nominated are some very brave and selfless souls. I wish I had a tote for every nominee as all were deserving, but only one can win...

This month "It's a Party!" goes to Happy Cottage Quilter who posted this sweet tribute about Carlee.

Old and New Refinishing Projects...

Although no one will be happier than I to hear this bit of news, I am sure you will be pleased to know that I repainted the pain in the neck chair today and so far, so good. By the time my husband and I were done sanding and stripping the wood on that chair, it was down to its bare bones, so it grabbed the paint I sprayed on it and held on for dear life. Whew. In a few days I am going to tackle the upholstering. I'm a little nervous about doing that work. Usually I'm fairly confident around fabric, but upholstering is something I've never done before, so I'm just hoping it goes well. Several have asked what fabric I'm going to use on the chair, so I'm giving you a sneak peak. I'd love to use a sassy, new designer fabric, but I couldn't find one that would peacefully coexist with my existing furniture, so I had to buy something a little more traditional and boring staid. I looked for a fabric that would work with the earth tones in my family room, but also one that had a touch of black that would enhance the black paint on the chair. I'm hoping this will work...

As I was waiting for the coats of paint to dry on the above mentioned chair, I started a new project. Yes, it's not enough to be knee deep in one project, I needed to stretch myself thinner still by adding yet another cog to the wheel. A little background... I've been noticing more and more as I peruse "shabby to chic" furniture refinishing blogs, that many of the items bought to be refinished are purchased at Goodwill Industries. Last Saturday I coaxed my husband into taking me to a Goodwill retail outlet in a neighboring town. I was hoping to find and purchase a little table to refinish for the grandkids play area. It needed to be short enough for my grandkiddos to sit or kneel on the floor and use it, because I didn't want to have to store a bunch of chairs, so I went looking for an end table that I could shorten the legs and refinish. Are you following me???

Off we went to Goodwill. There wasn't much of a furniture section in this store. It was very limited, but this little table immediately caught my eye. It was love at first sight.

It's not that I particularly love "I Love Lucy" style furniture, but look at the height of that first tier. It was the perfect height for what I wanted, and I loved its chunky spindly legs. I consulted with my husband who said he could rip off the top part of the table without any problem at all. My man has muscles. Here's the proof...

Perfect height. Perfect size. Perfect price. This, my dears, is why people shop at Goodwill...

And I got a sweet little Curious George sticker for no additional charge. Should have left that on for the grandkids...

Getting back to today... As I was waiting for the paint to dry on the chair, between applications I started stripping the stain and varnish off the table. In order to fill the little holes left from the spindles in the top of the table, we bought some wood plugs at Hobby Lobby. We filled the holes half way up with glue, popped the plugs in, and sanded a bit more...

I'm telling you right now, I am loving this little lady...

This next week, weather permitting, I'm going to paint her "Heirloom White" and add a little "antique" glaze to accentuate her curves. Wish me luck.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Thanksgiving has to be one of my favorite holidays. I love the whole idea behind having a holiday that is based on a virtuous principle -- that of gratitude. There is something wonderful about gathering family and friends together to celebrate our appreciation for blessings received. In comparison to other holidays, I think Thanksgiving has, for the most part, been unsullied by commercialism. That's a point in its favor as well!

I've been trying to come up with a simple centerpiece for Thanksgiving this year. I usually buy a fresh floral arrangement, but this year I was perusing my blog list and came upon this idea from "Deck the Halls of Home with Joy." I loved how Brenda took an idea and made it her own. I had seen some silver and gold holiday serving trays like the one she used on sale at Target in their holiday section, so I decided to give her idea a shot. When I got to Target I ended up buying a dark wooden serving tray instead. I thought it might be more practical for year-round use. I also bought some bags of small gourds and mini-pumpkins while I was there. Then I went over to Hobby Lobby to buy some candles and hurricane lamps. Even at 50% off, I didn't want to spend as much as it would have cost for three tall candles and three hurricane lamps, so I ended up buying one very large candle and a small floral urn to put it in -- both at 50% off -- and about half the price of the other.

It was time to put it all together... I've never had mad skilz when it comes to floral arranging. I always hand that chore off to someone else, rather than do it myself. Unfortunately my husband was hard at work, so I couldn't pawn the task off on him, and none of my daughters live at home anymore. It was up to me. Mores the pity. I took comfort in the fact that placing gourds in a tray shouldn't be that hard. I grabbed some twigs and leaves from my at home stash and went to work...

I like the fact that I can reuse this idea year after year and reuse the different items -- tray, vase, candle -- throughout the year. Plus, all said and done, it cost about as much as I would normally spend on a fresh floral arrangement. All in all a pretty sweet little score.

Friday's Fabulous Finds

I spy with my Etsy eye, something...
pale pink

Row 1:
Pale Pink Dwipe, $20, JustAnotherHangUp
Pink Sugar Soap, $4.99, BeautifulSoaps
Pink Leather Soft Walkers, $32, RoseToesShoes

Row 2:
Petal Necklace & Earrings, $32.50, ChristineWDesigns
Fine Art Photograph, $25, Afiori
Whisper Pink Neck Warmer, $19, Econica

Row 3:
Floral in Pale Pink Print, $10, MeArtDesign
Tree of Life Pendant, $65, Shellamie
Reclaimed Wool Brooch, $13.50, TheJuneBride

A Little Acorn Love?

Trust me, I'm not making a political statement with the title of this post. Let me explain... Today I went shopping for some placemats for our casual dining area just off our kitchen. I had three qualifications: 1.) I wanted an autumn theme or colors, 2.) I wanted the placemats to look informal or casual, 3.) I'm cheap -- I wanted them to be inexpensive. I looked everywhere, including Target. Generally speaking, I can find anything I want or need at Target, but not this time. What's a girl to do when her favorite go-to store doesn't deliver? She makes them herself. That's what she does. A little acorn love = burlap placemats with acorn stenciling.

After the disappointment of not being able to find anything suitable, I drove over to Hobby Lobby to purchase some burlap. I bought 2 1/2 yards of burlap, four acrylic paints, and some thread for $10. The burlap was $2.99 / yard, but I used a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby's website that brought the price down to $1.80 / yard. This made six double thickness placemats that were 13 x 18 inches. I cut the placemats out using my rotary cutter which made the job really quick and easy. I used some interfacing (optional) that I had on hand, sandwiched it between the two burlap pieces, and zig-zagged around the edges of all three layers. Then I moved on to the stenciling...

(Here's a little tutorial if you're interested.) Since, I chose an "acorn" theme I found this site on the internet that had an acorn picture, downloaded it to my computer and resized it to be about 5" x 6". I printed out six copies of the acorn on regular paper. Then I cut out the top part of the acorn and on another sheet cut out the bottom part of the acorn, like the two examples below. These paper stencils will last for two placemats and then you'll need to change it out by making a couple more stencils.

Keep all of the pieces because you'll eventually use all of them. Now you're ready to stencil. I use a small piece of sponge to stencil with rather than a stenciling brush. I find I have more control with a sponge. I make my first acorn using the stencil for the top part and then using the stencil for the bottom of the nut.

For the middle acorn you need to cover up the bottom part of the first acorn so you don't paint over it, like this. Use the piece that you cut out of your stencil for this. You can use a little tape to lightly hold it down.

Then place the top stencil where you want it, like this, and stencil away.

Take the top stencil off and put the bottom stencil next to the already painted top and color in that part of the acorn.

I put three acorns on each placemat, but all that is personal preference. I think these would be cute with pumpkins or leaves too.

It took me about 2 1/2 hours from start (cutting out the fabric) to finish to make six placemats. These placemats have a rustic, woodsy, imperfect feel to them, which, I'm hoping, adds to their appeal. At least that's what I'm trying to convince myself. Six placemats @ $1.66 each. I wouldn't use these for Thanksgiving Dinner, but for casual dining they'll work and you've gotta love the price...

Head over to "Just a Girl" to check out more creations!

"Gilded Cage"

"Lantern Bloom" by Laura Gunn for Michael Miller fabrics may be one of my favorite fabric lines of all time. I know I say that often about various fabrics. My problem is there are so many fabulous fabric designers that I am a bit fickle when it comes to declaring favorites. I'm like a 12 year old with a new crush every other week. Suffice it to say that this line, "Lantern Bloom", is gorgeous. This collection is filled with abstract prints with an Asian flare. Unique designs including hanging bird cages, tile mosaics and vases filled with delicate blossoms are presented in vivid hues. The fabric looks textured, distressed, earthy and alluring. It compels you to reach out and touch it and then examine every nuance. Laura Gunn, by her own admission is a "mother, artist, designer, and compulsive crafter." You can find her blog, "Paint in my Hair" here. She started out as a painter by trade, so as a result her fabrics capture the textures and variegations found in that medium. Very cool, sophisticated, and contemporary. I love them.

And, I love "Gilden Cages," which is what I named my latest Hang Up. It is, obviously, made from two of the fabrics in the "Lantern Bloom" collection. Oh, how I adore this fabric. First, let's take a look at the $4.20 button. She's French. Ohhh-la-la. Apparently French things are pricey, at least their buttons are, but I couldn't pass this one up. It's rich and earthy and so perfect for this tote. There are two of these babies -- one on each side of "Gilded Cages."

Having introduced you to the buttons, I will move on to the pleats... there's three on each side. I say this because sometimes a purse will be one-sided. By that I mean, all the special doo-dads will appear on one side but not the other. The extra special features on my totes cover both sides...

And finally, here she is in all her splendor. I wish I could give my little bird away with the purchase of the tote. She seems to fit right in...

You can find "Gilded Cage" in my Etsy.
Please don't forget to scroll down and sign up
for my special Give-Away Give-Away...

Been busy...

I've been busy lately trying to build up my Etsy shop a bit. Last week I finished off six dwipes (dwipes = a diaper and wet-wipe mini-tote) and included them in my shop. The little boy dwipes that I added are made from fabric from the Oh Boy! line by David Walker Studio for Free Spirits Fabrics. This line has a charming array of designs from dinosaurs to trains, lions to planes, and dots to robots! It's everything a little boy could ask for.

I buy a good deal of my fabric online. Even with the shipping costs, the cost is comparative to what I would spend in a quilting (fabric) store in town for the same fabric, and there is often much more of a selection online of the types of fabrics I prefer. I've had good and better experiences with online fabric stores. I'd like to highlight an Etsy fabric store that I particularly like -- Fresh Squeezed Fabrics!

Some say I'm particular. Some say I'm picky. Others might say I'm choosy, finicky, and persnickety. If I was to be honest, I would have to agree with them -- especially when it comes to fabric. I like my fabric to arrive in pristine condition. Nicely folded. Carefully packaged. On time arrival. It's wonderful when you find a store that meets all those qualifications. That's how my fabric arrives when it comes from Fresh Squeezed. Randi, owner of Fresh Squeezed Fabrics, is a fellow Coloradan and she has a delightful and inspirational blog as well. I just thought I'd pass on the information, as I know I appreciate getting other people's recommendations.

Anyway, here's a sampling of the dwipes I made with the Oh Boy! fabric I recently purchased from Fresh Squeezed Fabrics...


You can check out Just Another Hang Up's Etsy store, to see these and the new little girl dwipes I created!

Don't forget to scroll down and enter my Give-Away Give-Away -- a tribute to breast cancer survivors and their caregivers and supporters...

A Special Give-Away ... Give-Away

Did you know that this month is National Breast Cancer Awareness month? It's actually more than that. This month is the 25th anniversary that, as a nation, we have recognized October as the month to remember those lost, honor those who have survived and reiterate a commitment to finding a cure of breast cancer. I'm sure I would be hard pressed to find an individual who hadn't been affected by this disease. In honor of those who have contracted breast cancer and their caregivers and supporters, I am hosting an impromptu party and giving away this perfectly pink tote, named "It's a Party!"

Come join us for a celebration of life and love. In the title of this post it lists this contest as a "Give-Away ... Give-Away." That's because this contest is going to be a little different. You will still be submitting your name for a drawing via a comment below, but the lucky winner will have this tote sent to a person of his/her choosing. (Yes men, too, are encouraged to enter this contest for a special woman in his life.) That's why I say it's a "Give-Away" (from me to you) "Give-Away" (from you to someone of your choosing). When the winner is announced, I will acquire the address of the intended recipient from the winner and send it directly to that person with a note from the winner!

Here's where you come in. Most of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer - whether the person has lived with the disease themselves or been a caregiver or supporter of one. It's a tough job to work your way to a healthier self when you've had cancer, but it is also challenging to be a caregiver or supporter of a loved one or close friend who has the disease. All are deserving of our support. Your job is to think of someone you know who has been affected by this disease and nominate them to receive this Hang Up if you should win. Please give us a little insight into what makes this person extra special to you. If, by chance, you are a breast cancer survivor, then by all means nominate yourself!

Here are the specifics of the contest...

• Make a comment below and your name will be submitted into the contest.
• Put a shout-out on your blog, by noon Friday, November 6th, and your name will be added two more times. (Make sure you let me know in an additional comment that you have posted a shout out.) Please spread the word.
  
• In your comment, please mention the first name of the person and your relationship to the intended recipient should you win the drawing. Also, please give us a little insight as to why you admire this person. If you are a breast cancer survivor, then nominate yourself!
  
• The recipient of this tote must live in the continental U.S. or Canada. (I will provide postage.)
• Although each contestant can only nominate one person, the same person can be nominated more than once.
  
• No anonymous comments. Please leave an email address or blog that I can visit. Private bloggers must leave their email address. If I don't have any way to contact you, your name will not be eligible.

This contest will run until midnight on Sunday, November 8. The winner of the contest will be announced the next morning.

In memory of Dianne
&

in honor of her daughter (and mine)

Friday's Fabulous Finds

I spy with my Etsy eye something...
rustic


Starting at top left, clockwise:

• Rustic Handbuilt Mugs, $20, JustWork
• White Vinyl Lettering, $20, SquierDesigns
• Organic Baby Blanket Birch Trees, $42, SewnNatural
• Rustic Tea Light Holders, $12, StudioElan
• Fields of Gold, $49, JustAnotherHangUp
• Handknit Scarf, $109, Namolio
  

Thankful Thursday

What surprised me this week?

I've been on the receiving end of a lot of kindness and attention lately. My foot is eons better now and mending perfectly, and it feels good to be getting back to normal. This last week a number of people in our area have come down with the flu. I had the opportunity to help a few of them. It surprised me how satisfying it felt to be once again on the giving end of service, rather than the receiving end.

What moved me this week?

Yesterday Colorado experienced a record early snowfall. It snowed most of the day and into the night. I received a phone call from a girlfriend last night. She was concerned about the snow on my driveway. She knew that I'd had foot surgery last month, and that it might be difficult for me to shovel it with a sore foot. You see, my usual form of snow removal -- my big, strapping hunk of a husband -- was out of town. This morning my friend's husband called to see if I needed any further help shoveling the snow. Good friends. They move me and bless my life.

What inspired me this week?

There have been many times in my life, when I had a thought or feeling come over me that was not my own. As a parent with children living at home, I often felt inspired to do or say something to help keep my children physically, emotionally or spiritually safe. Those feelings have come less often as my children have left home and started their own families. Today, however, I experienced again in a very real way the prompting, guidance, and instruction that only the Holy Ghost can provide with regard to the safety of my family. I am grateful for moments of clear understanding and inspiration.

"Fields of Gold"

I was listening to the Playlist on my sidebar this morning and knew as I heard the song "Fields of Gold" that this is what I needed to name my new Hang Up. "Fields of Gold" seems to fit this tote to a T. The fabric on this saucy little number is from the "Annabella" line from Tina Givens. Fabulous. This line is filled with rich brown, sassy aqua, lively pink, moss green and golden hues. It's one of my favorites.

I tweaked the pattern I devised yesterday a little for this one. It's a little fuller up top and through the base of the bag. This one has plenty of room for the woman who carries many "essentials." You know the type. Like me.

Anywho ... here's "Field of Dreams." She'll be resting in my Etsy very soon.

woodsy button...

triple pleats...

like a bouquet of fall flowers...

or a field of gold.

"Sassafras"

Mmmmm. Ever had home-made root beer? There's nothing better on a hot summer day than a little sassafras. It's a favorite of mine. Very sweet and intoxicating. Kind of like this new tote I created today. That's why I named her "Sassafras." She's sweet and intoxicating! I love these beautiful fall/winter colors -- root beer brown, salmon red, golden wheat, pumpkin orange with a kick of cool turquoise. Turquoise is the color of choice this year in many fabrics -- that's for sure. This (aptly named) fabric line, "Hot Blossom", is the creation of Josephine Kimberling for Robert Kaufman fabrics.

Today I did a little designing and creating. I designed a new pattern and put it together with these beautiful fabrics. This Hang Up has all the usual features. It's fully lined, interfaced and fleeced with two roomy pockets. Yes, it has all that and much more, including:

a rounded frame for the button...

three of the cutest pleats you ever did meet...

an ample, spacious interior for all of your needs
and wants...

I think she's adorable.

Bloomin' Tuesday

We've had a little bit of every kind of weather this last week -- a little sun, a little rain, and a little snow. That's the way it is this time of year in Colorado. As the local saying goes, "If you don't like the weather right now, wait ten minutes and it's bound to change." The weather can drastically change within an hours time in Colorado. These photos were taken earlier in the week in our yard on one of our Indian-summer, picture perfect, days...

Happy Bloomin' Tuesday

Sourdough Bread Bowl

Just one more way to use this recipe.
Creamed Vegetable Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl.
After my stress-filled refinishing day,
I needed some good, down-home food to relax me.

It worked.

A Lesson Learned...

I prefer it when things go my way. I'm an analytical person residing in an artist's body. I have my moments of creative panache, but deep down I'm a very structured person. If I have a plan, come rain or come shine, I'll stick to it, by golly. Problems arise, however, when "the plan" doesn't cover all the variables. That's what happened last week as I began the refinishing and reupholstering process of the chair I bought a month ago. You will remember I posted details last week of the first phase of my "shabby to chic" chair project -- the refinishing of the wood. I took photos (above) of the lovely wood chair I had painted. It was a beautiful, satin black, and I mentioned in my blog post that I was looking forward to moving on to the reupholstering of the chair. I'll pick the story back up where I left off, but I'm warning you the story gets ugly...

Back to a week ago: Yes sirree, I was feeling very accomplished and, dare I say, a little cocky about my first attempt at furniture refinishing. I had primed the wood and applied two coats of black satin paint on my beautiful chair. It looked charming and I couldn't wait to start on the reupholstering...

Several hours after the picture taking and the uploading of my blog post detailing the painting of the chair, I went outside to check on my handiwork and, much to my chagrin, I notice the black paint had started to bubble in several places on the chair. My calling as a fine furniture refinisher came crashing down around me. Apparently, I had neglected one of the elementary rules of furniture refinishing ... that of sanding. I had drawn the erroneous assumption that one either sanded or used primer. I thought one replaced the other as the first step. A lesson learned. It appears one must sand and prime to achieve the kind of finish one would capture from a professional job.

Well, this totally messed up my "plan" and my analytical self took a tailspin. I wanted this project to be packaged in a neat little box, instead it was turning into a nightmare. My precise plan and time-line for this chair's revamp was booted from here to Kansas. Dang! The only thing left to do was to strip all my applied paint and the old varnish and stain off the chair and start over. Humility is a hard pill to swallow.

Saturday around 10am I started the dastardly deed of stripping all the wood on the chair. A little after 2pm, I was finished. Yes... it took that long. Horrible work. Horrible! Here's what the chair looked like after the first step of applying the paint and stain remover. In keeping with this spooky time of year, it looks like something one might see on Halloween night.

Applying the remover was the easy part. Clearing away all that gobbily-gook was the test. All of a sudden all the handsome curves and rounded corners that I had bragged about on this chair became my nemesis.

After four long hours of back-breaking work, this is what I have to show for it. He's down to his bare little bones. No paint. No varnish. No stain. N'ked as a jay bird. All he needs now is a little sanding and a kick in the pants. Hopefully the weather will improve and in the next couple of days, I'll be able to (1) sand, (2) apply primer, and (3) give him a proper painting...

"Wonder Fall"

In early September I decided to make three totes out of the four fabrics to the left. I had been to a fabric store that day and had a difficult time trying to figure out which of the fabrics to buy, because they all appealed to me for different reasons. So... I decided to buy them all and do a little experiment. I thought it would be fun to see how different or similar they would appear by using slightly different combinations of the four fabrics in three different totes.

As you will remember the first tote I made was christened "Fall Fever."

Then I went on to create "Loose Leaf"...


Today I finished the last tote in this set of "triplet" Hang Ups. I named her "Wonder Fall." She's a whimsical little thing with those funky dots covering her top!

Here they all are. Triplet sisters, but definitely not identical. Two are residing in my Etsy. One has already flown the coop...

Friday's Fabulous Finds

I spy with my Etsy eye something...
"butterscotch"

• Set of Crochet Dishcloths, $12, NewMoonCrochet
• Cherry & Walnut Acorns, $28, MaxWoodCreations
• Large Yellow Serving Bowl, $30, KarenLorenc
• Platypus, $35, NeverEnoughHours
• Butternut Tiger Eye Chain Bracelet, $28, mcrdesigns
• Terracotta & Butterscotch Booties, $18, carameldiezel
• Harvest Moon Turbinado Sugar Scrub, $9.75, solticescents
• Butternut Squish Sock Yarn, $19, DyeabolicalYarns
• Douglas Fir Bear, $25, SleepyKing

Thankful Thursday

What surprised me this week?

My foot is recovering. I had a similar surgery two years ago on the other foot and the process was so much more painful and the recovery so much longer. It's a wonderful surprise to have this recovery go smoother. I'm so grateful!

What inspired me this week?

I have been inspired lately by those who can reuse, refurbish, refinish and recycle materials to meet their needs. I've visited a number of blogs trying to find out the best way to refinish the chair that I've been working on. I'm amazed and inspired by those who have the talent to take something that I would consider "junk" and change it to something beautiful and functional. (Here or here are two examples.) We live in such a disposable world. I know I've been guilty of that philosophy most of my life, but I'm beginning to realize the advantages of refurbishing an item to suit your needs. It a creative, inspiring attitude -- and I like it!

What moved me this week?

I wish I could live near my children. They are spread across the country from one coast to the other. My husband and I have seven children, five children-in-law, and seven grandchildren and if I had my way they would all live within a five mile area of my home. There's nothing I like better than spending time with family. The fact that I don't live close to them never makes me more anxious than when they are ill or in need. Oddly enough, that's the time that I miss being closest to them the most. What moves me and makes me feel grateful is when other people step in to help my children and their families when they are in need. I am so grateful for their support and kindnesses. Their service may come in the form of babysitting needed, an invite to dinner, a plate of chocolate chips cookies, an arm around a shoulder or an offer to bring in a meal. It moves me to see the service and sacrifice of others on behalf of my precious family.

It's "Party Time!"

Are you ready for a little soire'e? Well get ready, because it's "Party Time" at Just Another Hang Up! That's the name of this fun-filled tote I made yesterday out of Lila Tueller's fabric line called "Soire'e." I've loved this collection (currently on sale at The Quilted Castle) since the moment it was introduced.

The dictionary defines "soiree" as "an evening party or social gathering." That's a bit subdued for the dynamic, opulent designs and pigments in this fabulous line. Lila's "Soire'e" is set in a lush garden with overgrown vines, blossoms and gazebos. Vibrant shades are found in the buds, leaves and blossoms in this lively line. Everyone loves a garden party. It's definitely "Party Time!" ... and you're invited.

"Party Time" will be found in my Etsy later today...

Bloomin' Tuesday

As is much of the nation we are having some fabulous fall weather in Colorado. When we speak with out-of-state visitors, they are usually surprised by the weather along the front range in Colorado. Often they associate Colorado with freezing temps and heavy snowfall. That may be true in the mountain regions, but along the "front range" (from Ft. Collins in the north through Denver to Colorado Springs in the south) the temperatures are much more moderate and the snowfall considerably less. It's not unusual for us to have 60 degree weather on Christmas day. This time of year we enjoy crystal clear, cerulean skies and rich earthy shades saturate the landscape. The small photo above was taken a few minutes ago in our front yard. A couple of days ago I went into our backyard and took the pictures below to give you a taste of an October day in Colorado...

I hope you're having a beautiful day
in your neck of the woods!

Sourdough Apple Braid

I have read a number of posts recently where ladies have incorporated apples into their recipes. Tis the season for a little apple love. A couple of days ago I decided to make another batch of sourdough with the same recipe I gave you earlier. It's so easy to pull my sourdough starter out of the fridge in the evening, mix in a few things, and leave it on my counter to rise all night. I love that process. The airy, pungent dough greats me with a soft "hello" when I come downstairs in the morning. By mid morning we have the aroma of sourdough bread drifting through the house, and by noon there are loaves cooling on the counter. Surely there is bread in heaven.

For this impromptu recipe I concocted an apple filler, much like you would make the filling for an apple pie. Chunks of pealed apples, sugar, lemon, cornstarch, spices -- you know what I mean. Once again I divided my risen dough in quarters and made two regular rounds (for sandwiches, etc.) and two apple braids. Oh goodness, does it get any better than this? Then I plopped some of that appley goodness in the middle of the dough and braided away. I let all four breads rise once again, and then I made up a little glaze of 1/6 cup honey and 2 Tbsp. melted butter and brushed it on the tops of the braids. Without further adieu all four items were shuffled into the oven. Oh, the sweet fragrance that permeated my house.

Meet my Sourdough Apple Braid...

Do you notice that the appley cinnamon filling is hard to contain? It keeps playing peek-a-boo. Like this...

And this...

I'm beginning to worry about the safety of this loaf.

It may not make it to the conclusion of this photo shoot...

Fortunately, I made two of these.
I can have one fully digested before my husband comes home
and still have one left to share with him.

How's a girl supposed to keep a slim-trim figure
when she reasons like that?

Mmmmmmmm
Generous chunks of smooth, sweetened apples...

The refinishing begins...

You may remember several weeks ago I posted about a chair I had purchased and was looking forward to refinishing. It had the ugliest raspberry fabric covering it, but its bones were fabulous. Beautifully turned and carved features. I mentioned that I needed some advice as to how to reupholster and refinish it, as I had never done either before. I then mentioned that I was thinking of painting it black. That caused a bit of a stir. I heard, in no uncertain terms, that I should not paint that chair -- let alone, paint it black. If I had to paint it at all, a couple of you suggested that I paint it a lighter color to show off the beautiful detail of the chair. I've heard this advice before, and generally I agree wholeheartedly. I appreciated your advice very much.

Today I started the refurbishing process. The first order of business was to take off that delightful raspberry fabric. Oh, I hated to see it go. Not really. I delighted in ripping that fabric right off ... or at least trying to rip it right off. There were no less than 12,532 tacks holding that fabric onto the chair. Seriously. Well, not "seriously" seriously. I might be exaggerating, but there were far more tacks than I think would be necessary. However, never having reupholstered anything maybe it is necessary. I'll have to look that up. Anyway, when I started taking off the backing of the chair, looky what I found under that raspberry facade...

I should have warned you. Should have told you to put your sunglasses on. So very attractive. Sort of helps you get your Halloween on, doesn't it? I actually really like the color orange, but I prefer it in splashes rather than tidal waves. Know what I mean? I was hoping to find an envelope with a stash of bills or a Revolutionary revolver worth thousands tucked inside the upholstery. I've watched enough Antique Roadshow to realize those things can happen. Instead I found fuzzy orange upholstery fabric. Dang. I decided to leave the orange fabric on for the time being. I think I'll just rebatt it a little and upholster right over that orange fab and new batting.

Next I had to take the fabric off the bottom of the chair. When I took off the raspberry fabric on the bottom, thankfully there wasn't a stitch of orange fabric. I know I'll have to totally rebatt the seat as it is starting to sag. That happens as you get older. I won't tell you how I know that. After yanking out no less than 10 thousand tacks, I had the fabric off the seat. It was nasty. {shiver} I had the urge to wash my hands during this process. A lot. Here's what the chair looked like at this point...

Now, for the apology and explanation. I'm sorry I didn't take your well-meaning and expert advice as to how to refinish the wood. I truly did appreciate your suggestions. When I first read all your advice I decided not to paint the chair and decided to strip the wood and stain it instead. I even bought the wood stripper and all the other equipment to do just that, but my heart kept telling me I was making a mistake. My problem is this. This chair is going in my family room. That room consists almost entirely of brown leather and wood. The room screams for a little variety. I decided to throw caution to the wind and paint the chair black, then if I really didn't like it I could always use the wood stripper and all the supplies I had on hand to restain it.

I first used a primer. A few of you were right on when you said you would paint the chair a lighter -- cream -- color. It did show off the details...

But... Oh Mama. I'm so glad I followed my heart. It may not be what you would want in your home, but it is exactly what I was looking for in mine. Here's a little sneak peek of how the wood looks this afternoon.

Hello handsome...

What fine looking curves you have...

Care to hold my hand?

More to come when he's dressed properly...

Friday's Fabulous Finds

I spy with my Etsy eye something green....
lime green to be precise!

Clockwise from top left:

Lotus lil Hoot, $42, by Manic Muffin Totes
The Princess Earrings, $22, by rafya
Recipe & Treat Cards, $15, by DingbatPress
Patty Young Fabric Bundle, $27.25, by FabricCloset
Hairclips, $7, by cutecumber
Hand Dyed Yarn, $20, by vieuxrouet

Candy Corn Done Right...

Candy corn has never been a favorite of mine. Other than the shape and colors of that particular candy, it's never appealed to me. Too sugary and tasteless. I would venture to say that I am not alone in my opinion.

That's why I was so intrigued when Karla, over at "It's the Little Things that Make a House a Home" came up with this stylish way to incorporate candy corn into her Halloween decorations. Her idea was absolutely inspirational as far as I was concerned, so I thought I'd give it a try and I came up with a version of my own...

Fortunately a couple of weeks ago we had a rather terrific windstorm that knocked a hefty branch off our aspen tree, so I had plenty of sticks to use. I just spray painted those babies, plopped them in a container (any will do), and whaalaaa!

Then I thought to myself, "if it works with candy corn, perhaps it will work with eyeballs." And it did...

These decorations incorporate the "Three "E's" of decorating.

What? You've never heard of the "Three "E's?"
Seriously?

Well, I guess that's because, technically,
they are my "Three E's" of decorating.

They are:

Effective
Economical
Edible

Mouthwatering Magic

I've decided to hang up another shingle. I believe I've found something better than sewing. Years ago my daughter encouraged me to open a bakery. That was back when I cooked on a regular basis. Judging from how often my oven gets turned on now, that thought probably wouldn't cross her mind. We even had a name for our bakery... "Sweet Mamas." Great name, don't you think? Well, if ever I should open that bakery I have found my signature item.

Do you remember last week when I told you I made a sourdough starter? I mentioned in the next few weeks I would show you a few of the items I made with that starter. Well, strap on your seat belts ladies because the next few photos might have you lunging for a bite of your computer screen. Seriously. I have baked a lot of breads in my time, but I honestly believe this is the best. The sourdough goodness of this bread is absolutely delicious. The crunchy exterior is heavenly. I'm not kidding when I say it rivals San Francisco's marvelous sourdough delicacies. FYI: Here's where you can find this "Classic Sourdough Bread" recipe and the recipe and instructions I used to make my sourdough starter. (I divided this recipe into four smallish rounds.)

Now, are you strapped in good and tight? I wouldn't want to be responsible for the ruination of your computer screen. Without further ado...

Maybe I'd better stick to sewing...
It's calorie free.

Halloween

Lately, I've had more time than usual to peruse the internet. I've come upon a number of blogs with a DIY (do-it-yourself) attitude! I've realized, once again, that there are a whole lot of very talented and creative women out there. Yesterday I came upon a couple of blogs featuring easy Halloween decorations that I wanted to try.

This particular decoration is actually fairly unassuming.
It melds into the background...

until you light it...

and turn out the lights.

Then it becomes the center of attention...

A real show-stopper...

with its googley eyed goodness...

This idea came from Sarah, at Thrifty Decor Chick. Here's all you need to complete this cute project. Many of the items you might already have at home. If not, Hobby Lobby has all of its candles and votives on sale this week at 50% off. These votives were on sale for $1.50 each (they are larger than most) and the candles were $1.25 for six! Google eyes were $1.99 -- enough for two votives. I had the rolled gauze on hand...

Waaa-aa-aaaaa...

Bloomin' Tuesday

This is the time of year when Bloomin' Tuesday becomes a bit of a challenge. Seriously. There just isn't much blooming when temperatures dip to 19 degrees and snow is falling. Of course it is close to 60 degrees today, but this last weekend we had a cold front move through (emphasis on cold) and all of my blooms took a dive. This is what my garden looks like today...

The patio furniture obviously should have been stored away about two weeks ago. I'll take care of that later today...

My roses were blooming steadily through last week, but this is what they look like today. Can't even get them to raise their little heads. That's snow in the background of the photo ... and my tears on the rose!

Enough of the pity party. Take a look at the resilience of this leaf. He has one appendage that has turned into a beautiful russet red, but the rest of him is hanging on to summer for all he's worth. So funny. As much as I love autumn, I know how he feels.

All this chilly weather just gives me more reason to stop by the store and pick up some of these lovelies. It's as good an excuse as any to fill my house with flowers.

Ms. Green Thumb Jean has suspended Bloomin' Tuesday for the winter. A wise decision. It's difficult to come up with a Bloomin' Tuesday post every week when there's snow on the ground and frost in the air. Every once and awhile I'll still post a Bloomin' Tuesday and come spring it will be a weekly occurrence once again!

"Give a Hoot!" Give-Away Results...

It's time to reveal the results of this month's "Give a Hoot!" Give-Away. This little Hang Up is sure to make one little ghost or goblin happy on Halloween night! Thank you all for participating in this month's contest. Feel free to come back often to peruse my blog and Etsy shop. All the rest have sold but there is one child-size Halloween tote remaining in my Etsy this morning, so feel free to grab it before it flies out the door!

Without further ado, "Give a Hoot" Trick or Treat bag goes to:

Enjoy!

odds 'n ends...

I've been a knitting fool lately. It's one of the few things I've been able to do, so I've done it. A lot. A few weeks ago I came upon this site, Free Knitting Scarf Patterns. I love free things. I love the internet. I love free things on the internet, so I tried a pattern and really liked it. Mostly because it's easy-peasy, but also because I think the pattern works up well. Here's one of the scarves I've been working on...

I've also been feeling a bit "domestic" of late. I think it's the cool fall weather -- makes me want to fire up the oven. I've been craving sour dough bread, so today I made a sour dough starter. The only negative thing about making a sour dough starter is the strong smell that the multiplying yeast gives off. By this afternoon my kitchen will smell like a brewery. It's not a good thing for a little Mormon gal's kitchen to smell like a brewery. It's sure to raise some eyebrows. Within a few days, however, I'll be able to pop the sour dough starter into the fridge and my kitchen will take on its usual fragrance. I'm excited to have the aroma of sour dough baked goods drifting through my home as I bake some delicacies in my oven! Here's a look at that starter. It looks kind of scary and halloweenish if you ask me... waaa--aa-aaaa. This will be a great example of something good, coming from something bad. I'll snap some photos in the next few weeks of some of the items I bake with this awful looking stuff...