Project Friday

This week I'm joining 'Project Friday' hosted by Sugarplum Cottage.

I don't know about you but I have a hard time finding designer tissue boxes that go with my decor. I have been wanting a box holder for awhile and happened to find this one for $2.50 at a household sale. I had never seen one like this.

I decided to paint it dark green to go in my bathroom. I lightly sanded it because it had a varnish on it. Then I painted it with 2 thin coats of acrylic paint. Remember 2 thin coats is always better than one thick one. Don't worry if the paint appears too bright. Sanding will soften the color.
When completely dry I sanded the edges with fine sandpaper. Since this piece was stained before, I just sanded to let the stain show thru.
This process also works with layers of color like in this tea box. You can see stained wood and a dark blue under the red.
This crayon box has a layer of dark green as an undercoat.

If your sanded wood doesn't have enough color or the final color isn't dark enough, cover the entire piece with a water base stain and wipe until you have the shades you want. This process will also darken the areas where the wood comes together to add a more antique look.

I added a star to cover the hole for hanging and a candle I got at a craft show last weekend. This whole process can be done in a very short time. The most important thing is to make sure the layers are dry before adding the next layer or sanding.
For more 'Project Friday' posts go visit Rosemarie at Sugarplum Cottage. She has shown you how to make a beautiful, quick and easy hydrangea wreath today.

Three Dollar Find!

Can you guess what this great find is going to become?It's certainly not good enough to refinish.
I'll show you after it gets a little TLC.

I love bargains on the stuff nobody wants on the last day of a sale.

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

Welcome!We have been in summer this week! The temps have been in the high 70'2 and low 80's and there is no shade because the trees haven't leafed yet. We'll be back in spring mode soon and who knows, we could have a frost up thru the end of May!
I had to show you my Lenten Rose one more time. This is the prettiest it's ever been.

Some of the daffodils are still blooming. This one is huge!

I also have a few tulips open. I planted them in bunches but only a couple flower in each bunch. I do love the color of these.

My small forsythia is in full bloom. I transplanted this 2 years ago so it's just beginning to fill out. In a couple years it should be beautiful.

The forget-me-knots are all over. I just pull them out, after they bloom, where I don't want them.

The blooms on the Brunnera 'Jack Frost' are very similar to forget-me-knots but are a more intense blue. This is a favorite shade plant. The silvery leaves add real interest.

Laurie gave me this violet but this isn't where I planted it. They sprang up everywhere so I dug out a lot in the fall.

Even the lemon thyme is in bloom already.

I forgot I planted this Fritillaria. According to the package I planted 8.

I saw at least one other bud so far. Laurie had these and I just love the checks.

I hope you've enjoyed a spring walk thru my gardens. If you would like us to see your garden just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky below and add a link to this page on your blog. The Bloomin' Tuesday post is up no later than 10 PM on Monday night if mornings are hard for you. Everyone is welcome. Wouldn't it be fun to see gardens from every state? Enjoy the rest of our spring tour!

Gramma went shopping!

After the craft show Laurie and I did a little shopping. Jerzie didn't have any summer clothes that fit so I got her a couple outfits.The ones on the right are Paytons and the ones in the middle are Jerzies.
I went and picked up the girls in their pjs this morning because Mommy had been up sick since 2 am. This is the new outfit that Jerzie chose to wear today.

I'm not sure how Mommy and Daddy feel about dressing the girls alike but I found these outfits last week and couldn't resist.

I have bought Jerzie a patriotic outfit every year so I found one for them both. Jerzie liked the bling on the star.
Last week after I posted we made this pig finger puppet.

This was another dollar kit from AC Moore. They are great for her age and she loves making things.

We have spent most of the morning on the deck. I got the furniture out this weekend. Jerzie couldn't wait to blow bubbles and swing.

We hope you are having a great day!

Food for Thought

Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.

Show and Tell

I was going thru some boxes in my basement and I came across my Amish stuff. I decorated my upstairs bathroom with it a few years ago.These pieces are all made entirely of cast iron.

This teeter totter has always been a favorite.



I also love the boy swinging from the tree.

I don't know that I'll ever use these again but I'm just not ready to let them go.

For more Show and Tell go over to Kelli's House.

I love it!

I have always loved Cat's handwork, especially her crazy quilt pieces. I would see something on her blog and then check it out again in her shop. By the time I decided if the colors were right and where I could put it, it was gone. The other day I spotted this piece. You all know how much I like birds! The best part was I didn't have to worry about the color or the size.

It is the perfect tote! Heavy canvas with a nice long strap. I didn't give anyone else a chance to buy it while I thought about it. A couple clicks and it was mine! It will be perfect for the craft show Laurie and I are going to this weekend. I love it!

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

First, I would like to say welcome to all the new bloggers that have joined us. Remember everyone is welcome even if you can only share once in awhile. It is so much fun to see what's bloomin' in all the different areas. Thanks for spreading the word and please, keep it up! I had Saturday and Sunday off at the store this week and the weather was great both days. I got a lot done but nothing real noticeable. I did get out a couple of my garden art items and I'm starting a new project that I'll tell you about when I get more done. Luckily, I took pictures because today it's windy, cold and rainy!
Does anyone have any idea what this is? It's probably just a weed but I've never noticed it before and I think it's quite pretty.
The stem seems to almost be woody and I noticed that it closed at night.

A couple more primroses are blooming this week. I really like this dark blue one.

These are the only 3 hyacinths that I have. I planted them a few years ago when I got it as an Easter gift. This is the best they have looked in awhile. They usually get snowed on at a critical time and they aren't as pretty. Of course the scent is wonderful! They are a little strong for me inside but I love them outside.

Even tho my daffodils aren't as plentiful this year I still have a few different types. I have no idea what any of them are.

I have white with a bright yellow short center blooming,

white with a larger pale center,

all yellow with a even longer center of the same color,

and my favorite, pale yellow with an orange center.

The Hellebore's (Lenten rose) are doing very well. I love the color but they are hard to photograph because they have a tendency to face down. I may need to move it as I had to take out the tree they were under. They like sun in the spring and shade in the summer.
I hope you're all ready to show us what's bloomin' this spring in your garden. Just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and put a link to this post on your blog.

Happy Gardening!

My Sweeties!

Payton came along with her big sister today. She changes every time I see her. Her eyes are as dark as her sisters but they are still blue. We're hoping they stay that color.

She is really smiling now and she is very strong. Mommy felt her move in the 3rd month so she really built up her muscles.
Jerzie went out on the deck to water her sunflowers. There is one growing in all but one pot.
Since she is such a good gardener, I decided we should try growing a pumpkin.

I found this cute kit at Lowe's for 97 cents.

It has everything you need to grow pumpkins.

The large pellet goes into the peat pot which goes into the paper cup. Then you add 1/3 cup of warm water. After a few minutes and some chopping and stirring you have a pot of dirt.

Add the 3 seeds and put the clear dome on top until the seeds start to grow. They had at least 2 other kits. I think one was sunflowers but I don't remember what the other one was. I hope we get at least one pumpkin. I'll keep you posted on the progress.
We've had a great morning and now both girls are taking a nap. Rest time for Gramma!

Food for Thought

~ This is great ~

Listen intently & follow along with the words forward and then backward.

Make sure you read as well as listen.This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20 year old.
The contest was Titled "u @ 50". This video won second place.When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause.

So simple and yet so brilliant.Take a minute and watch it.
The 2 ways to view the YouTube Video is to watch the small screen that plays automatically or,
Once the video starts, click on the square next to the bottom right square for full screen.

A Lost Generation.

Show and Tell

Today I'm going to show you a few more of my favorite pins. These all have a garden theme. I love the tiny charms on this pin and silver is my favorite finish.
This trillium is completely made of leather. I was amazed by the handwork and trillium are some of my favorite spring flowers.
I painted the garden on this pin. I copied the design from a wind chime I made. It is painted on a tin pin form.

Thanks for stopping by for Show and Tell. To see more Show and Tell posts go visit Kelli's House.

'Addicted to Pane'

It happened a little after 10 on a dark and rainy night. I was driving home from work. Visibility was bad as the lights glared off the wet city streets. Even though I don't see as well at night, especially without my glasses, I spotted it. It was sitting on the curb in a pile of garbage. I couldn't help myself. I pulled over, and turned off the headlights. I tried telling myself, 'You shouldn't do it. You don't need it! Why?' Hard as I tried, I couldn't talk myself out of it. I opened the car door and crept around to the back of the car. I opened my trunk, all the while carefully watching, making sure I had no witnesses. With my heart pounding, I ran to the curb and grabbed! What an exhilarating feeling, I did it! I rescued this poor, defenseless, sad looking window!This isn't like all the others, this one is tall and skinny. Sure the glass is broken but that doesn't mean it should be kicked to the curb. It has a perfectly good, sturdy frame and I'm sure it can be rehabilitated.
Is there a 12 step program for window addicts? Any other addicts out there? Maybe we could start a program. We could call it 'Addicted to Pane!"

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

Not much bloomin' in my garden yet but there is lots more green than last week. The columbine is growing real fast now.Jerzie and I went for a little walk and we saw these wild violets in a neighbors yard.

The vinca around the tree out front is starting to bloom and there are lots of buds.

I'm very disappointed in my daffodils this year. Lots of green and very few blooms or buds.

This is the only color of primrose that is open so far but several are showing buds.

I planted daffodils in front of my day lilies last spring and there is only one bud. I hope they bloom next year.

I'm not sure what this little flower is but there is only 1 so far.

The hyacinths are just about ready to open.

I hope you all have more going on than I do. It's been sunny but still cold.It is pretty early for spring around here.

If you would like to show us what's bloomin' where you are planted, just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post. Click the button on the side bar for more information and a choice of buttons.
Have fun watching spring unfold!

Easter Fun!

Egg hunt.Help, Uncle Chris!
I got one!

What's inside?

'NM&NM' bunny, my favorite! Ducky water globe with glitter.

Cupcake purses from Suzanne's shop.

New spring jacket.

New outfit.

My 2 sweeties!

Pretty in pink!

A Glad Easter!

More Spring!

What do you do when you can't find the color eggs you want? Paint them! I put 2 coats of acrylic paint on my bright colored plastic eggs. Much better. The paint rubs off easy but they work great for what I wanted.Gotta have birds with those eggs.

A little spring added to my corner cupboard,

a touch...

or two to the dining room.

The mantle will probably remain the same until fall. I made the fern window, the hydrangea wreath and the drawer/box on the right of this picture. Click on the words to see how they were done.

Since there was no Show and Tell this week I decided to join in Project Friday. Go visit Sugarplum Cottage for more Project Friday posts.

Words

Words have become a big part of home decor again. Remember all those country items with words and sayings? Do you have words as part of your decor?Do you buy certain words because of their meaning or because they are the right size and color for a certain area of your home?
I realized the words around my home represent my priorities.
What's important too you and the others in your home?

My biggest word is family and I have it in 2 places. Family is what is most important to me.

I also have a couple laughs and loves. Of course I love my family and friends and a large part of my relationships involves laughter.

Everyone needs some hope, especially in these hard times.

I'm also 'hoping' that in these time people will ...

Get back to the basics. Get back to family time (free). Get back to having (free) fun by just spending time together. Get back to the basics!

Live well (enjoy life, not things), Laugh often, Love much!

Do you have words in your home? I challenge you to show us the words in your home that reflect your attitude and the way you strive to live your life.

Please, leave me a comment when you post your 'words'.

It's Bloomin' Tuesday!

Welcome!I had a great day on Sunday. Big surprise, I got the day off AND it was a cool sunny day. My favorite weather to work out side and I sure enjoyed it!
As you can see my mini daffodils and crocus both survived the snow last week.
We also had very high winds during the week and some of the crocus were blown over.

I'm hoping everything will survive the 3 to 6 inches we are supposed to get tonight!

Anemones.

Not sure what this little bloom is or where it came from.

I was very surprised to see my Lenten Rose blooming.

I just cut of the old leaves a couple weeks ago. I love this color and plan to get more.

Has spring arrived in your area yet? It's been so much fun to watch spring move across the country. If you would like to join our garden tour just add your name and permalink to Mr Linky and add a link to this post on your blog. Everyone is welcome! If you would like a Bloomin' Tuesday for your blog, click the button on my sidebar and you will have the choice of 3.

Come on, let's take a walk.

Edit; We had 3 inches of lake effect snow (It has been so warm the lake is no longer frozen)over night and they are calling for 6 to 10 more inches! This is normal March weather for our area.

Glitter and Glue!

Jerzie and Payton both came to visit today because Mommy is back to work.

First we had to water our seeds.Look what we found in one of Jerzie's pots! One little sprout so far.
Payton watch us work on our next project.

She's already growing up.

We had to play with 2 of Jerzie's favorite things.

Glitter and glue!

Then she decorated a basket with stickers and add all her beautiful glittery Easter eggs!

Didn't she do a super job?

Food for Thought

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

~Mark Twain

Show and Tell

I am a pin person. Today I'm showing 3 pins made with dried flowers. I got this last pin at a craft show. It also has a clip so it can be hung on a chain. I especially like this pin on light denim.
These next two pins are made by a local crafter. They are about 1 inch high, excluding the bar in the top photo. This crafter also grows all her own flowers for her crafts.
She also makes beautiful dried floral framed wall art. I had several of her pieces but after many years the flowers fade. I can't imagine working with such a delicate product. She is truly an artist.
Thanks for stopping by! For more Show and Tell posts go visit Kelli's House.

No Foolin'...

Just something to make you smile!

Jerzie playing with her Backyardigans guitar.

(Sorry I missed most of her but shaking at the end of this video!)

All she needs now is her Aunt Laurie's boots from the 70's....

...and we'd have a second generation Go Go Girl!

Happy April 1st!