Fun Find

I was thrilled to find a white glass compote at the thrift store the other day.  I thought it would fit in perfectly with my decor.  I love it's petite size.

 Layered on top of a pretty scalloped platter and filled with flowers from my rose shrubs, I have to say I'm completely smitten.

What's not to love really?

If you ask me, I'm thinking it likes it's new home too!



How about you, have you found a treasure your completely smitten with lately?

Enjoy your day,

Robin



Monogrammed Rag Wreath

I not sure how you were during the Olympics but I watched alot.  By the second week I was starting to feel guity about my lack of production around the house.  To help ease my conscience I started a rag wreath project.  It was easy to sit and watch beach volleyball and tie simple knots.

I had so much fun with this project.  Truth be told I haven't made one of these wreath since the eighth grade back at summer camp.  As I worked and watched the Olympics I relived old camp memories.

Here's the finished wreath.

I won't bore you with how I made the base of wreath itself.  There are countless tutorials around and I dare say most crafty types have made at least one of these in their lifetime.  I will however show you how I made the middle monogrammed piece.  After the last strip of fabric was tied to the wire frame I took a long piece of fabric two inches wide and folded it in half.  Next I cut from the folded edge towards the unfinished edge every inch or so along the whole piece.

Once that was finished I hot glued it to the inside of the wire frame right over the knots of fabric.



Here is another view.



The next step was the monogram.  I drew a large "J" on another scrap of fabric and filled it in with craft paint.  I then placed my wreath on top of a flatten cereal box and traced the opening.  After cutting out the circle and making sure it fit, I hot glued the "J" onto the carboard.  And then hot glued the cardboard onto the wreath frame.

The finished project I hung in the basement above a small shelf.

To tell you the truth, I'm not crazy about how this turned out.  I like it . . . but don't love it.  I think it may be because the fabric is too stiff and bulky.  Regardless, I'll use it for a while and see if it grows on me.  LOL

On a side note, it's wonderful when your kids get a little older and no longer play with some of their "little kid" toys.  This little donkey has been a favorite of my kids for years.  I've always thought he was sweet, and since I'm a sucker for donkeys I've been waiting for the perfect time to make it mine.

After my neice and nephew were over the other day, my foot found those sharp little donkey ears for the last time.  I thought it best for all those involved that donkey hangout with my vintage book for a while.

Hope you have a lovely day,

Robin



Freshy Clipped Hydrangea's and a New Ruffled Tablecloth

Good Morning!

How is it possible that we find ourselves beginning the last two weeks of August!  I realized this morning that my kids have two weeks and two day until school starts - - - WHAT!!!!!!.  It seems I've been enjoying my summer of laziness a little too much and better get my act together soon!

Speaking of which, while watering the slightly too crispy looking flowers in my garden this morning I couldn't resist the urge to clip a handful of Hydrangea's.  Since I thought they would be perfect to help show off my newly sewn tablecloth I didn't hesitate . . . much.

Ahhhhh, nothing beats a jar full of Hydrangea's . . . back to these beauties in a minute.

First take a look at my newly finished tablecloth.



This has been one of many projects in the back of my mind for the past few months.  After procrastinating most of the summer, last week I dug out the sewing machine and a set of Lenda curtains purchased at Ikea.  One of the curtains I simply laid over the table as the base.  The second curtain I cut up to make the ruffle.  After pinning the ruffle to the base I quickly sewed it on and I was done!  Super simple and quick.  Now my nasty oaky table honey won't let me near with a paint brush is all covered up.  (hmmm, wonder if honey will at least let me paint the chairs?)



Now back to the beautiful Hydrangea's.

This bunch were clipped from my Limelight Hydrangea's.  I love that they are just starting to get a touch of green and a dusting of pink to them.

I think they are just gorgeous at this stage.

Since the flowers were so pretty and I didn't want to just set them down and walk away.  Such beauties deserved a little more of my attention.  A set of jelly molds I picked up at a recent flea market were set between the jars of flowers to hold tea lights.



Vintage handkerchief's from my collection were set out to use as napkins.  This is something that I have been doing for a while now for special occasions.  I love the pretty designs you can find and the pop of color they add to the table is a welcomed addition.  

There you have it.  Hydrangea's and a tablecloth.  Pretty exciting stuff for me! 

Just because I can't help myself, here's one more pretty photo for you.

Enjoy your day,

Robin

 

Linked to:

Transformation Thrusday

 





Dreaming About . . .

. . . A Gravel Patio.

I've lusted after the gorgeous gravel patio's seen online and in magazines for years.  I'm thinking it's time to make it happen.  I have the perfect spot for it and all the supplies leftover from my garden path project a couple years ago so it should be an easy thing to get done.  I'm hoping to get started on it sometime this week.

Until I can show off my own patio a thought a few inspiration photos were in order . . . Enjoy!!!!

Source:  Unknown

Source:  Unknown

Source:  http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/

Source:  Unknown

Quick Farmhouse Chair Makeover

I have another quick summer project to share today. 

I picked up this great farmhouse style chair at a garage sale and instantly fell in love. 

After debating about what color to paint it, I decided on a cheerful cherry red.

The seat was covered with a crisp red and white stripe which I love.

I think I made a good color choice since now I love the chair even more and I know it will look amazing in my kitchen.  I'm even thinking about repainting my existing black chairs in the same color.  What do you think?

Can't wait to here what you have to say,

Robin

 

Linked up to:

Primp Your Stuff

 

Simple Candle Holder Makeover

Well Hello! 

Sorry I haven't been around very much lately.  Summer is flying by so fast I'm having a hard time keeping the kids busy and finding time to blog.  I'm hoping to be able to balance it out a little more the next couple weeks since I miss chatting with all of you.

Despite being busy with the kids, I have managed to complete a couple small projects around the house one of which I'd like to share today.

I picked up a wood candle holder at the thrift store a couple weeks back.  I loved it shape and chunkiness and thought it would be perfect painted white and distressed.

I've placed it on the small table between the two armchairs in the living room.  It looked a little lonely all by itself so I added two rocks from my ever growing rock collection.  I think it make a nice, simple display.



Rock collection you say? 

I know it may seem a little weird but here in Minnesota it's what's available to pick up as we wonder around on camping trips and to the cabin.  It's become a bit of a family tradition to look for a perfectly round, white rock.  We have found a few that are very close but as of yet the perfect rock has been allusive.  It's still fun to hunt for it though, which is how my collection continues to grow and why it seems I like to use them around the house during the summer.  They remind me of warm days, sunshine and fun with the family.