Caution ... X Rated

Anyone interested in framing
pics from Vintage prints/goodies 
and applying their own 
sayings?
I'm so bad.
I completely enjoy 
being sarcastic and
edgy based on
my mood at
the time that
I print stuff.
I find it therapeutic
to talk "nasty" without
really hurting anyone's 
feelings.

Hello Darlings.....

Is life treating you and yours Good?

I sure hope so.

For me it's been busy .... busy with

the grands .... busy with work ....

and busy with life in general.

My creative endeavors have been

blanketed lately as a result.

I plan to change that.

Working on small projects has helped

keep my creative side focused and has

kept my feelings of being overwhelmed under

bay.

Not to change the subject but ....

I picked up a cannon point and click camera for 8 bucks the

other day and it has built in video!  It is a dated

camera but it's just the toy I need to document 

my corner of life while in the throes of a project.  I won't 

need to worry if it gets a little paint or a scratch here and there.

I'm painting a kitchen chair or I should say "repainting" a 

kitchen chair.  I have some lovely material (actually a cloth shower curtain he heee) bought it from Ross's to cover the seats.  The grands put quite a lot of strain on my chairs so they are not fancy. "All" the chairs will be getting 

a face lift as time and energy dictate.  I also have a "Big" 

can of dirt/water scotch guard to saturate the seating material with to prevent dirt from busy grand darling feet.  

Anyhoo the video above is unrelated to this post but thought many of you would enjoy my video and getting to know

a little more about me and one of my grand loves .... Blessing to ya for the rest of the week. 

I Love my reborn darlings.  Their little crochet hats are just too sweet. The soft handmade coverings were initially a means to distinguish one twin from another (according to the lady who gave me the hats and who had "live twins" of her own). 

Being the late bloomer that I am .... I taught myself how to crochet.  I'm not really super good at it and so I tend to pick out patterns that are not only easy but quick.  

                                        Bevs country cottage

I really enjoy this ladies information regarding crochet.  Her many patterns are easy and quick.  She has some awesome baby booty patterns as well.  Please check her out .... and like me you'll be glad you did especially if your a beginner crocheter.

Cheap Shabby Pantry

Picked up this sleeping beauty recently.  Nothing fab about her

other than she is old and came out of a farm house.

I've been working on her a little at a time and am by no means done.

  I love that she is thin and tall ....  and I like that the door opens and closes easy.

 She fits well

 housed between two other cabinets in the kitchen.

She holds my toaster, can opener and

other kitchen items.  I'm thinking I might paint the inside with

some bright happy color or maybe even line the shelves with some

material.  

Any ideas?  Do share!! 

I'll try to post after pictures when I'm done.  

Easy Ruffled Beginner Crochet Flower.

Homespun From The Heart: Easy Ruffled Beginner Crochet Flower.

Easy Ruffled Beginner Crochet Flower.

              Lovely and Simple Crochet Flower For Beginners.

I'm a late in life learner.  Never picked up the fine arts of crochet until I was a bit older.  I started my adventure with crochet when I took a rag rug class years ago and from that ventured with trepidation into regular crochet.   In all honesty I'm still not that good...but I can swing a hook around some yarn and make hats and other less complicated stuff and actually read a pattern.  I gotta confess that "simple" is best for me so I'm selective about what I do.  One of the fun touches that add enhancements and make a simple easy project such as a hat or even a blanket look attractive are the embellishments.  So here ya go .  I am a member of this wonderful group on Face book.  What is awesome about Crochet Granny is the projects pictured have the written instructions so if you want to test your skill or copycat it you can.  Have fun with this...it's easy and good practice for newbies.  Nothing feels better than curling up with some yarn and throwing out flowers on a hook.

Fairy Lantern Tutorial

                              Fairy Love

Found the awesome project while strolling round the internet.  With Mason Jar madness going round .. what a perfect project that is easy breezy.  I wanted to be sure that credit is given to the artist so please enjoy the vide and tutorial.  This is definitely on my list of must do's soon.

Homespun From The Heart

http://kattssouthernhome.blogspot.com/

Hello ... yes I know ... been forever ....

Not posted in far too long... shame .... why? .... well I look at what's out there and I think ..."why would anyone want to read what I have to say? ...or share? ...or do? ... but that needs to change ... my attitude that is.  So ... what with the new year and all I want to share a new blog with you that should prove fun and productive.  Do you enjoy food? or eating or anything that smacks of down to earth good ole southern style living?  Check out my co-workers blog.  She is a face book friend and co-worker ... but what I sorta really like about her is the yummiest of food fare she's always whipping up.  That being said ... check it out ... (I think she wants to be Pioneer Woman number 2...but don't tell her I said that). When she publishes her new cook book  (in the near future I hope) ...  I wanna be the first on the list to buy.  Okee dokee now go and check her out. 

               http://kattssouthernhome.blogspot.com/

Inner thoughts on Childhood

Childhood



she takes flight and vanishes like a wayward bird ...

and quickly dissipatates.

Like the moist sparkle of dew in the morning sun ....

or as a silken moth in the palm of the hand,

it suddenly turns to dust.

The inquisitiveness and innocence wanes like the rush of the ocean tide.

That magical place, once so full of life and laughter fades. The griviences of life is a poisen. The sweetness of childhood becomes edged with bitter.

What was once fragrant and full of color yellows whithers and dulls. The remnants of what was blisters and blows with the beat of the wind.
 


Sweetness of nature becomes a knowing ... an understanding ... "Life is not always fair and sometimes the days of tomorrow brews pain."
 


With time it becoms edged and crusty by the cares of life. It vanishes like a velvet midnight mist in the harsh light of day.

Reality, commitments, death, sickness and responsibilities often consume and lend weight to the soul and heart.

Sadness, overwhelming drudgery and dissappointment smother the sparkle and wonder of life and like a vice around the neck chokes out the vivid spark.

　

Despite the negatives ....

Unrealistic expectations should not shadow nor lord itself over the expression of laughter, creativity, fun and friendship.

Childhood can be ageless.

Growing up should reflect saftey and love.

Nurture and compassion should be the protective ring around the heart. It should be alive with eagerness and anticipation ... like an easy breeze on a spring day.
 


A little one should don the crown of acceptance and spontaintity ... without malice and discontent.
 


There is one legacey I wish to instill in the hearts of my grand children.

It is to always embrace a childlike attitude in every day life and never allow the wirlwindS in life to crush the spirit of wonder and joy that resides in their hearts.
 i HOPE TO LIVE LONG ENOUGH THAT i MAY BE AN EXPRESSION OF CHILDLIKE WONDER IN EVERYTHING i DO. i WANT TO SHADOW EVERY CHILD ... AND EXPECIALLY MY GRAND CHILDREN WITH THE JOY OF SEEING LIFE THRU COLORED LENSES. lIFE IS HARD AND IT WILL OFTEN REAR IT'S UGLY HEAD SOON ENOUGH. lET THEM FACE THIS WITH CLAIRITY BUT ALSO WEAR A SHEILD OF CHILDLIKE PRENSENCE IN THE FACE OF A BIG BAD WORLD.

 

 

bjk 2015

little box redo

This simple beauty started out as a cheap forlorn wine box.  
She broad cased a cheap/glued picture of grapes and such depicting her original use.
I saw a gem in her plain decor and quickly snatched her up... and for a few measly bucks I made ownership official.  

A bit of rough sanding quickly removed the paper remnants. A Black base-coat and white top coat allowed her beauty to shine,  Distressing, old lace and other sundries proved to enhance her appearance as well. I made the gauze ribbon rose by twisting the material to my liking and hot glued it to the top.  I had a jewel looking pin that I also embellished the rose with  (hot glue) and a bit of lace for the leaf.  In keeping with the original handles I streamlined the look a bit with a thin string of natural twine.. thin ribbon and an old key.  I also tied a tear drop gem and allowed all to drip from the enclosure of the box. 

I added some love on the inside of the box as well.  Old fashioned/vintage wall paper lines the inside and on the under side of the lid is a sweet press board saying.."blessing" and little pearl embellishments.  

This is what she looked like as I was sanding the box.  I hated the rope handle! It had to go!

 you can see two black knobs on the towel...I was at the phase of trying on different ideas.  In the end I did not use the knobs.  I think my finished choices turned out well...what do you think?

In the process of her beauty treatment.  Here I used some lace that I literally tore
off a small pillow!  Don't under estimate the small things you have around the house.
I save everything.

I will try and find a picture of the inside of the finished box.  you get the idea though.
never pass up those sweet boxes...there is so much you can do with them!

My little grand darling Nevaeh enjoys holding my babies.
I collect reborns...and WE do not allow them to cry!

Something about the incessant whine of a baby wracks to the very bones of me.  It's not normal for a darling to cry, fuss, fidget, writhe and basically stay uncomfortable "All" day long.  What in the world can the matter be?. As a caregiver and adult it's supposed to be my job to find out.
I'm a firm believer in swaddling, warm baths and lavender rubs from the top of the head to the bottom of the babies toe.  Warm breast milk if not ideally taken from the breast can be in a cup or even a syringe.  Whatever it takes to get that tiny belly happy and full.  Maybe a good burp and some comfort in the rocking chair.  Slinging or wearing a baby against ones body is another wonderful approach for that comfort zone so desperately needed.  Unfortunately in an institutionalized day  setting this is prohibited. 
I wish we could incorporate some of the natural approaches to child care in daycare. With a dozen babies all needing attention it is not feasible.  I don't wish to offend anyone as I understand many moms need to work and I would not have a job otherwise.

Goodies purchased on the cheap from the Thrift Store.  I'll display them in an old bowl

I LOVE old things. It's crazy ... something in my genetic makeup ... I thrill over shabby, chipped, lovingly rugged and worn. The history, the usage and the homespun look is what appeals to me I guess.

  Nothing in my home is expensive or valuable. My kids quite often fuss and call my stuff junk.

  I'll never change. It's all good though ... it reflects my personality. That being said the kitchen gadgets were .50 each... the clock is not old but looks old. I plan to replace the glass face...no biggie...just a few screws .. it keeps perfect time. The oil lamp is old and missing the glass globe. I have extras around the house. It was only 5.00... Can't wait to use it for a romantic dinner with hubby or when summer storms come and whacks out the electricity. 

Rag Rugs and Rainy Days

I'm working on my rag rug... Today I sat in my lounge chair with Jordan snuggled comfortingly against me. The rain made such a soft patter against the window. Jordan watched as I made my stitches with the cotton
strips until he fell asleep. The room was pleasantly dark and cozy. Nothing beats the feel of a large wooden crochet hook slipping in and out to the rhythm of the rain and the sound of my darling breathing. I'm an old fashioned sort of girl and derive a lot of pleasure from something as simple as this. I would not trade it for all the money in the world....really...

I

My babies....Elizabeth Marie, Amber Lynn and Gracelyn from Ashton Drake,...

Long time no see my friends....My life has taken a new turn and one of my new interests in life are Reborns.  Please enjoy my little girls and anticipate more to come. 

Life is good and I am still busy making crafts.  I am part---time now so hopefully I will have much more time to post and become active on my Blog site.  Blessings.

Got Red? - Gift Basket

My ex DIL is very much loved.  She gifted my husband and I a beach condo stay for a week.
It's not the first time she has blessed us.  I put together a lovely red gift basket as a "Thank you".
She has the red thing going on in her kitchen.  Everything placed inside had little in cost but lots in
love.  The most expensive items were 4 pier one red coffee mugs that I utilized as the center theme

of the basket.  I made this cute print ... framed it with a red Waverly sample piece and topped it
off with a sweet vintage hankie.  I even recycled the red mesh from a cluster of onions wrapping the sugar and creamer containers.  I thought the basket turned out great.  What do you think?

rocker glider redo on the cheap

You can see the images from a sweet children's book I
used too unisex the chair.  They are so vintage and cute.

Her is the chair with her coverings that can be removed and washed.
I don't have the skills to redo the pillows so I came up with this
covering.  It was a lovely waffle shower curtain that
I cut and put a sweet shabby rose trim on from another piece
of material. 

Here she sits looking a bit sad

I purchased this reject for $20.00.
Her rungs were loose , she smelled like
a stale ash-stray and she was a
horrible brown.
The pillow cushions were in great shape otherwise ..
no tears or damage.
They (the cushions) were washed and came out fresh and
intact.
Our new grand-darling was due soon.
Looking around became depressing...these
new chairs varied so much in price from 500.00
down too 159.00 or so.  The cheaper chairs did not
look like they would hold up under stress.
The second hand rockers were high in price too.

This rocker cost 20.00 from an online local re-sale site.  The supplies included white wash paint from Sherwin Williams and other paints in soft moss green.
I also used acrylic in soft greens, blues and rose.
Basically I cleaned the wood, sanded it, reinforced it with wood glue, washed the pillows and slapped on a white
 base coat to cover the brown.  After it dried I rubbed with an old cloth some
of the moss green in a slap stick fashion.  I merely layered softly several of my
colors to give it a washed out effect ... nothing special or fancy.
I used several colors so I could have a unisex finish.  I wanted
the finished product to look shabby.

Summer theraphy

My dear friends...please forgive my not posting.  My life has been upside down.  I hope to keep up at least once a month or more.  I love your posts and continue to read despite my not being active.  I hope all of you have a great summer.  That being said... my first post in quite some time.  Enjoy.


I have this thing I do in summer.



It’s refreshing and so very simple.


My co-workers are convinced I’m more than a dizzy going grey blond.


Quite the contrary, it’s the most therapeutic process I do to regain my inner balance.


It’s easy, it’s free and it has fantastic results.






It clears the mind and yet invigorates better than a mean cup of coffee.


It’s especially nice when the weather outside is a thousand degrees. Nothing beats


It on a sultry day so thick with humidity you can slice it with a knife.


What in the world can it be?

What am I talking about?






I’m talking about washing your hair… and not in the sink either … and not with hot


water. Here’s my process.






You drench your head with the garden hose first and then using your favorite shampoo work up a thick frothy layer of suds. Massage your head vigorously.


Make sure this is done while bending upside down at the hip to get the full benefit. This allows a good view of the cool water cascading down your strands of hair. When the water


runs clear it’s time to work in some silky conditioner. Be sure to remain upside down during the process. Grab a thick fluffy towel that’s been warmed by the sun and towel dry your hair as you slowly stand up.


The blood might rush a bit to your head so go easy.


You’ll feel absolutely refreshed! Like a new person!


The cool tingly sensation, the sweet scent of clean and the simple process just accomplished will leave you with a sense of well-being and natural energy. You’ll feel as though you just wiggled your toes in a gurgling cool brook. No 8 hour energy drink , carbonated soft drink or thick caffeine rich cup of coffee can do that! It’s quicker and cheaper too!


.

Darlings.. I take no credit for anything here other than finding the picture of the
 tea party.
In my catching up (is that at all possible?)
I came across this sweet little spot.
I am always saving glass jars
and this project will be a good
one for Halloween. 
Break out the oarnge paint!
Gather up the glass jars!
and lets make it happen!

http://prairiecottagerose.blogspot.com/search/label/Tutorial

why is everything sooo expensive?

I love Fall!  So in my need to start embracing the change of season

I went to Michaels to get a peek at some of the fall foliage.

One of the wreaths had a price tag of $69.00!  Please!!

I am not a professional floral designer but I knew I could

produce a lovely design without heavy cost.

I hope you like it.  It was fun, relaxing and cheap.

I had to get the 3.00 plaque at Ross's since I

was in their neck of the woods.  I know it's a bit early for the Halloween

thing but it was just too cute to pass up.