queenplinker

Magnolia chair

2011-02-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

A neighbor was throwing out this little chair. Um, over eleven years ago. It's a lot work hiding a chair that long! The footstool has been in hiding too. After a bit of searching, I found it at my husband's tool shop.

The only 'before" picture, I was documenting my excitement in finding a chandelier crystal tucked into the chair cushion. Wait..that's a crystal off of my chandelier, that's packed away in the basement. How do those things happen? Did I get the chandelier from the neighbor as well? I don't remember, such are the problems of being a pack rat.

I added some 'chippy' to the legs and arms.

And a magnolia bloom to keep my toes company.

I'm not sure what room it eventually reside in. At least its days of 'hiding' are over!

Todays challenge:

rediscover something you already own :0)

A chocolate lover lives here

2011-02-09T14:46:00.002-05:00

Here's a (pardon the pun) a half-hearted attempt at a tutorial for a chocolate wreath. I started this a few days before Hubby's had his own heart issues.

By the way thank you all for the well wishes and concern. He is doing very well. His tests didn't show any underlying health issues that would have caused the A-Fib. He still has a stress test scheduled for next month. He plans on going, despite the fact I'm perfectly capable of providing him with plenty of stress ;0) In fact, the day of his release they said he could go back to his normal routine, including exercise! We feel happy. blessed, and aware of how much he means to all of us!

Now, lets make a mess. The finished heart is about 20"x 18"
You'll need...

5 (2 1/2") styrofoam balls cut in half (10 total).
1" sheet of styrofoam cut in to 2" squares, some of those are cut into rectangles. I ended up with 14 pieces out of the sheet. You don't have to be precise with how many you make, I'll explain further down.
1/8" foamcore board
a scrap of cardboard
paper cupcake or candy cups
pink crepe paper roll
red tissue paper
craft paint in dark, milk and white chocolate colors (I used a pink as well). You need to purchase a box of assorted real chocolates for comparing the colors..yes, it's essential ;0) your welcome.
piece of ribbon for hanging
paint brushes, glue gun, tooth picks and a scrap of foam

It takes about three coats of paint to cover the texture of the styrofoam. I used toothpicks and stuck the "chocolate pieces" into a larger piece of foam to dry faster.

I tried out a few practice drizzles. The opening on my craft paint was too large, amounting to a glop (far right) rather then a controlled line. I transfered my paint to a bottle with a finer tip.

Once your pieces are dry, lay them out, roughly into a heart shape, and trace around them. This is why don't have to the exact amount of pieces that I made. How many pieces you have made will dictate the finished size.

If look closely you can see my paper template. I used the template and traced it 2" larger onto a piece of foamcore and cut with an x-acto knife.

Here is where things started getting crazy in my life. a few days away from this project and I lost concentration and forgot to take anymore photos. Told it was half-hearted tutorial! Hopefully, I can talk you through to the end.

I glued two layers of crepe on the edge, scrunching and ruffling as I went around.
I used a piece of castoff cardboard, cut, scored and notched so that the edge would be the same height as the "chocolates". I scrunched and glued tissue around the cardboard band
I used candy cups and glued four to each chocolate piece...only because I didn't have any cupcake cups. Then hot glued each piece into the box.
A ribbon to hang by

This was inspired by a wreath I saw at the Dallas Gift Market. I was ready to buy two, until, I saw the price...300.00 each, that was wholesale, people! That wreath had a fabric edge detail, instead of crepe paper. I assure you, it wasn't more then 10.00 worth of fabric.

Now that I'm feeling so clever, I was going to make this heart again for my son's school party. I was going make brownies and decorate them to look like chocolate pieces. However, school is canceled today and most likely tomorrow. Not sure if I want 30 brownies staring me down over the weekend...we'll see. Until I can decide to bake or not to bake, I'll just enjoy the wreath.

Yummy and guilt free :0)

Linking up at Today's Creative Blog. Today's post is about The Funky Junk Sisters, with a photo of a yellow camper to swoon over, promise!

And The DIY Showoff lots of creative ideas to get the juices flowing.

I love being linky, a great way to meet new blogs!

A case of the pre-spring crazies

2011-02-08T12:13:00.000-05:00

I have shamelessly asked for a baby goat for Valentines.

Not any ol' goat will do. I don't expect he'll find the perfect baby before the 14th.

It will also take a bit of time for the hubby to make a cart.

I've shamelessly asked for a cart as well.

Really, how could you want a goat and not the cart too?

A barrel of fun, indeed!

More of these wonderful photos can be found here .

God bless the man that lives with a crazy woman.

Are you being shameless this Valentines?

My man has rhythm

2011-02-05T21:40:00.000-05:00

A scary few days on the old farm. Last Thursday and Friday was a beautiful 70 degrees! Amazing, since it's now a ear numbing 14 degrees. We used the warm weather to catch up on some gardening chores. Mostly shredding leaving and moving soil and compost to some vegetable beds. A feel good day!

However, in the early hours last Sunday morning KingPlinker woke me and said he felt strange. He asked me to feel his chest. My expert diagnosis was that a madman hopped up on thirty cups of coffee was playing bongos on his chest. Trust me, I wasn't quite able to laugh or make jokes about it at the time. In fact, neither of us could figure out what to do. Hindsight says we should have called an ambulance. But we were concerned about unnecessarily alarming the kids. And we didn't want to wake them so early, just to spend the morning waiting around an emergency room.

He drove himself to the hospital. It wasn't a long wait, 30 minutes later he called to say they were med-flighting him to another hospital. His phone battery was going dead and he would call once he got admitted to a room. I didn't know what was going on and he said he would explain later. This is where things got really stressful, I (they, actually) misplaced my husband and had no way to contact him! We were told he was flown to a different hospital!

Always up to documenting a "moment", Mr.Plinker used the last of his phone battery to snap a photo of his adventure!

About 7 (did I mention stressful) hours later. I found him, fifty miles away, laid up in a hospital bed, charming the nurses. I was finally able to know what was going on with his heart. The doctors believe he had become dehydrated (hear that gardeners..drink your water!) and his potassium dropped. This sent his heart into a rapid afib, a condition where the heart beats at such a fast erratic rate its no longer really "pumping" the blood.

In the first few hours they were able to get his heart rate lowered, with the rate lowered his heart was working again, as far as pumping. But the the erratic rhythm remained. He spent four days in the hospital, trying different meds. None worked, as the last resort they sedated him and gave him a 'shock'. He now has his rhythm back.
If he has become a better dancer is yet to be seen. As long as I have many more years to share on the dance floor...

Where can three months go?

2011-01-25T15:48:00.000-05:00

Well they go quickly, I know that much. October found new life with the birth of two bull calves.

It was an amazing experience to have the opportunity watching Sally give birth. Sally was our 'first time' heifer and she did beautifully. I only stepped in to make sure his airway was clear.

She kept that look on her face for the next few weeks...what is that?!

I had expected our older cow Sally Belle to give birth first and was eagerly watching, but no such luck. Instead, three days after Sandy, I awoke to find another little boy in the pasture.

Still damp and wobbly.

While Sally's birthing went well, we soon discovered she had an obstruction in her udder causing quite a bit of farm drama. We had to insert a tube into her teat to release the pressure. You can stop gasping and holding your chest, now...it wasn't a painful procedure, promise. It did however put her at a high risk for more problems and I was beside myself with worry. After a few weeks, her initial engorgement had gone down enough that the calf was able to latch on.

No one has missed any meals since, and as they say, "growing like a weed". Both have put on black fuzzy winter coats. No chance of anyone getting lost in the snow.

Just as I was settling into a comfortable routine of working with two milk cow and getting my other chores done. I came down with what I thought was an innocent enough cold. I've never really been down and out, bed sick, since I've owned the cows. I've always worried, exactly what would happen and how would I manage.

My cold came and went and I muscled though the morning milkings..true grit!!!

Then my cold moved into my chest and a severe case of bronchitis. Each night I was greeted with coughing spasms. Spasms so hard, I'm sure I woke up everyone within a twenty mile radius. One night, I got up to use the bathroom, went into a coughing fit so hard I threw my back out. As I stood there, well not so much standing as hunching over, crying/coughing in pain, peeing on myself. I thought "Hey, I'll never worry about having a cold again!"

And the chores still got done! Tho, not a whole lot of much else. I laid on the couch for about two months thinking of all the wonderful, fun things, I wish I had the energy to do. Namely, redo the living room. After that much time on the couch, I'm sick of looking at it. Oh, and that energy, it's Back!!!

I'm really excited to get back into the swing of things and see what everyone has been up to. Hope the holidays were good and that everyone had a chance to visit, and to be with those they love.

love :0)

I got an idea

2010-08-17T12:48:00.000-04:00

An idea, which could be dangerous, especially when electricity is involved. However, with some care I think we can pull it off.
Right after I posted about making the metal rose I happened over to The New Victorian Ruralist One of those blogs where the best of the web/ blogs and are posted each day to drool over. I could spend all day looking through the older posts (actually, I have). This is what I saw, a few samples of Terrain's rustic light fixtures.

After seeing those I ran and grabbed my rose, held it upside and thought, yep, I like it. I like it a lot.

We are going to make two for the back porch. The hard part is going to be finding two matching rusty light cages. I would like them to be in the center of the flower.

Letting my little light shine :0)

Nibbler

2010-08-14T13:44:00.000-04:00

A friend of ours has loaned us a nifty little tool, a pneumatic nibbler. It zips through sheet metal. Our first test was a success (a rough rose) and now my mind is spinning with ideas, mostly making a 3D sign for the side of the barn. But I'm curious and would love more ideas.

What would YOU make with sheet metal and a nibbler?

Petite pick me ups

2010-08-11T11:40:00.000-04:00

Thank you, for all the lovely comments about our home. It's so nice to be able to share all the hard work we've put into, and will continue to put into the old homestead. I'll try and write more stories about Tia, possibly this winter.
For now August is really starting to get to me, we're hovering between 100-115 heat index for weeks now. All I've done this past week is splash water on my face and read books. The cows stay under the trees and the dogs dig deep holes under the shrubs. We cope, we wait, we are all wishing for fall weather.

When almost everything else in the garden is dormant, a Texas native will laugh at the sissy plants. Clematis pitcheri...laughing.

I've also finish a small collection. An attempt to draw the boys into the kitchen while I cook. They can't resist a game.

I don't have to worry about monopoly pieces being strewn about.

A game I can display and cook with ;0)

Game on!

Tia's home tour... 1940's

2010-08-04T19:18:00.000-04:00

Our home has its own photo album. We've added our own photos as we remodel (a life time of work). One day I would like to think that someone will appreciate our old photos the way my family appreciates these from the previous owners.

The pond is much smaller now and overgrown. The only ducks we have are migrating visitors.

No remnants of Tia's rose garden remain. Of course, I love roses, so many have been reestablished. I think Tia would approve.

This once was a working ranch situated on over 500 acres. A house staff and equipped for entertaining. Two stoves, two ovens and two refrigerators, we have since scaled down to one of each. The original floor was black and red linoleum tiles. We found the tiles under yellow sheet linoleum. Much of the house had been remodeled in the 70's with yellow formica, linoleum and yellow and orange shag carpet.

I am happy to say we are 75% shag carpet free...Like I said, it's a work in progress.

The informal living room has changed very little...maybe next year.

If you look in the far right corner you'll see a chaise lounge. I have that in the sewing room. Only, I bought mine three months before we bought the house at an antique mall 70 miles away. It's electric and vibrates...weeee..and a pearlescent green. I've never seen anything like it before or since. The previous owner said Tia's chaise was indeed green and electric. What are the odds that I purchased a chair from our future home?

The master bedroom was originally yellow stripes and roses. I know because the bathroom closet still has this wallpaper. I love it, just don't think I would care for sooo much of it. Look, it's even on the ceiling.

If you look out the window you'll see Tia. Our home is known by the locals as "the house Tia built".

The basement these days is a disaster of rust colored shag and paneling. And last on our list of remodeling.

The kitchen room is now our dining room. When we remodeled the kitchen, we took down those two doors and opened this area into the kitchen. That poodle picture in the background is made of bits of trim from Tia's wedding dress. Isn't that so sweet.

I actually wish this wallpaper was still here. Tia grew ferns as well as roses. She had ferns growing in large pots hanging from long chains on the tallest trees. I so want recreate the fern/tree garden one day.

Another room that has change very little over time is the formal living room. It's the same size and backs up against the informal living room. The big plan is to open them up to each other and create one large living space. All in time :0)

That's all I have for today. One day I'll get around to posting our, before and after pictures. Just think of these as, before the before pictures.

Hope you enjoyed the tour :0)

Mr.Clowers amazing cornmeal contraption

2010-07-31T15:13:00.001-04:00

We went to the flea market Friday. Nothing like waiting till triple digit temperatures to load up the kids for a day of walking. We are beat!

Today, I'm treating myself to a snack. Hot water cornbread topped with greek yogurt, figs, then drizzled with our neighbor's honey and cracked pepper. Yum!

Hot water cornbread is easy, mix cornmeal, salt and pepper with boiling water till you get the consistency of wet oatmeal. Drop by the spoonful onto a greased skillet and smooth down flat. Cook till golden brown on both sides, they'll be crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Hot and cool, creamy and crispy, sweet and peppery..makes one happy heat exhausted mom!

I thought you might like to see where we get our cornmeal. Mr. Clowers lives near us and we are fortunate to get fresh cornmeal anytime we like. And once a month he hauls his amazing cornmeal contraption to the flea market. We stopped by to say "hi" and I snapped a few photos of his diesel mill. I don't know if it's the heat or our new tractor..I think I'm turning into a gear head ;0)

Hope your day holds a sweet treat for you :0)

One man's rust is another's treasure

2010-07-28T17:09:00.000-04:00

It all worked out! A deal was struck. Farmer A, B, and C traded goods until they were all happy. A win, win, win situation.

No one is happier then I am! She is a dream come true!

Look...little 'wings' to carry me across meadows :0)

I overheard Kingplinker telling her..."No more of this garbage", he was speaking of the bits of wire and twine found tangled all over her..."I'm going to love you, clean you up and take good care of you."

Am I jealous much?

Not at all. I'm delighted! She couldn't be in better hands. Strong, capable, greasy hands :0)

Those hands will have her restored and looking as pretty prettier then a BMW in no time!

She's home :0)

Twenty-10 and 1/2

2010-07-27T14:43:00.000-04:00

In January I created my twenty-10 (2010) to do list. It's there on my side bar. With July quickly coming to an end and the year half over I'm beginning to see what plans for this year are realistic and what may not get accomplished.

As most plans, they hinge on financial ability. This last year has far been the most challenging in keeping our heads above water, some tears, mostly laughing at the previous months, shaking our heads and thinking how in the heck did we make it. My husband and I both grew up dirt poor, you learn how to laugh. Laughter is priceless, we spend that at will.

Our biggest accomplishment was getting our 100 acres paid off in full. Our house is a separate deed from our land. We will never be homeless, our land has two share-cropper houses and if worse came to worse, we would be able to live in one of those. I don't think this would ever happen, however it's a great comfort to know we have options. We will have land and the land will provide for us and our animals.

Our milk cow ladies, Sally Belle and Sandy Belle, are due in to calve in September. This is such a huge deal and blessing, our cows are the backbone of our farm. It just so happens that I enjoy milking a cow, but even if the idea horrifies you...Imagine never having to spend a dime on butter, milk, cream, artisan cheeses, yogurt, cottage and cream cheese. They provide all the milk and dairy we can consume, and none of it goes to waste.

If the cows give birth to heifers, they will grow up to be a milk cow. More milk for us, or sold as milkers to offset the cost of feeding alfalfa. If a bull calf is born, it will be raised as a steer and eventually provide beef for my family.

Clabbered milk will provide for our future pigs. If and when we get a suitable pasture set up for the pigs this year. Much of this 'organic pork' plan hinges on getting a tractor to grow enough of our own organic grain. Some girls long for their first BMW, I long for this.

We have been feeding layer pellets all summer to the chickens. I'm eager to get rid of this expense by feeding clabber and free range. I'm so excited to have the incubator up and running this year.

The extra roosters will bless my family by going to freezer camp and is better then watching them fight amongst themselves.

We've been blessed with so many eggs. Enough to freeze, hatch and eat fresh. Great job my feathered sweeties.

'Silver Sage' egg and wall. It takes a special hen to lay an egg that matches your favorite Restoration Hardware paint color.

So this is where we are with the animals and farming. Not a bad year, not bad at all. Still much work to be done to get *organic pork* off my to do list.

However,

Today and everyday, I'm grateful for all I do have :0)

canned sunshine

2010-07-26T17:17:00.000-04:00

What blooms in the spring

Is transformed by summer

The gifts from my trees

Become gifts to share and winter treats for the family

This years harvest produced 11 quarts, 16 pints and 11 half-pints of pear honey.

The sweetest wages for a days work :0)

Upholstery project :: Swimming in Flowers

2010-07-20T14:58:00.001-04:00

Finished another chair today, by far the most labor intensive project I've tackled so far. Not perfect, but I'm gaining more and more confidence with each try.

The fabric is a neutral green and the stitched fish are a bluish pink. The colors compliment each other much better then the photos show.

I turned the print on its side to make room for sewing on the fish and the delphiniums and flowers gave the nice impression of aquatic plants.

A far cry from the homely darlin' I dragged home from goodwill.

Homely, but good bones.

I'm a DIY showoff

Taking a seat and relaxing today ;0)

Where do chocolate covered strawberries grow?

2010-07-17T20:25:00.000-04:00

At the peak of a chocolate buttercream mountain

where the morning dew is as sweet as sugar

the pollination is by non-pareille

and the garden pests do little harm when they're spirals of caramel and marshmallow.

My son requested a chocolate strawberry cake for his 12th birthday. The snails were are an attempt to "boy it up". When asked what he thought of it, he said, he was "lucky to have a mother that makes him cakes". What a boy!

I'm the lucky one, sweetie. Happy Birthday!

Genealogy

2010-07-14T17:10:00.002-04:00

Have you looked on-line lately for your family history? My family has kept wonderful records, but what recently surprised me is how many cemetery and grave sites are being documented through photographs. In the next few months my brother and I hope to visit these sites. But I'm thrilled to have found this so far!

My great (5x) grandfather is documented.

'A Cenotaph' is monument erected in his honor and means he is not interred or buried in this location. I believe I'm coming close to finding his actual gravesite. I know it's a family plot on private property... Riley Mountain next to Honey Creek, Between Llano and Austin. It's just a matter of finding out who the property now belongs to.

James's daughter, my great (4x) grandmother

Her Husband, Hiram

Especially sad are the graves of Phoebe and Hiram's daughters that didn't make it to adulthood. Sad and beautiful.

A brief edit: these photos are from cemetery databases, most family records will say what county a loved one passed away in. You can 'google' what cemeteries are in that county. From there you can search individual cemeteries. Most all the sites have a list of the interred. With the help from groups like Boy Scouts and many others now these cemeteries now have photos. Thank you, to those individuals for their hard work!

Here's hoping...you find your own connections today :0)

On Dulcy's doorstep

2010-07-13T20:49:00.000-04:00

Two new knit tops await me to finish them. A chair is half upholstered. What I really need is new hobby..really...I don't need sleep at all!

Look at this dear woman's work!

Dulcy's Doorstep is where these hand hooked delights are from.

playful

cute

A primitive art with bright colors...love!

And talented friends!

What skill or craft would you like to learn?

Magenta Spreen

2010-07-10T15:32:00.002-04:00

Magenta Speen is the hot pink version of Lamb's Quarter, Pig Weed, southern spinach. Others simply call it a weed.

Since I don't work, any meal I can put into the freezer I view as a bank deposit. Money and gas saved not going to the store. And just like banking.. a plant that doesn't require a withdraw in the form of fertilizer, cultivating or simply time is a savings account. Magenta Spreen is my savings account, one with a high rate of return. I let it grow with abandon.

You see, spinach is tedious to grow in the south. It requires liming the soil, vilagent weeding and picking is a hunched over pain in the back. Sometimes it requires winter protection and other times it gets so hot it never has a chance to leaf before bolting. Magenta Spreen is a cousin to spinach, it has the same flavor, yet a rougher, thinner leaf texture. Now I'm not going to tell you it's a great substitute for spinach. I fell for that trick with Malabar.

The problem with Malabar, it doesn't taste anything like spinach to me, it's bland. The young smaller leaves have the same fleshy, thick texture of spinach, let the leaves get too large and they get unbearably slimy. Last year I combined malabar with spreen leaves to create a 'fake spinach" salad. It was ok, not something to crave.My Malabar vines didn't make it through this last winter. No plans to replant.

Magenta Spreen an entertaining plant. The sparkly hot pink coloring rubs off easily. Has been used for 'makeup' on the lips and cheeks, and indian war paint by resident gardener and children.

At a time when not much else is blooming. Drought tolerant and grown in full sun the magenta leaves compliment the colors of Carolina Phlox grown in the shadier areas of the garden creating a nice color flow from one bed to another.

It's now gourmet! This post is entirely inspired by A Hungry Bear Won't Dance and her recipe for Lamb's Quarter and Garlic Scape Pesto. I'm a fan and lurker. I couldn't follow her recipe exactly, the garlic finished blooming last month, but garlic chives I have plenty. Her sun dried tomatoes I substituted with roasted yellow pear tomatoes. No Olives. It wasn't a spinach dish, it didn't have to be, it was wonderful! I can't photograph food, but mine tasted as good as hers looked. promise.

While the Mangenta Spreen will never be an exact substitute for spinach, I've a new appreciation for what it is. Tasty, practical, carefree... easy to weed were it's not wanted and beautiful.

Go grow, gather and enjoy :0)

my sincerest Anthropologies

2010-07-09T15:19:00.000-04:00

I mean imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

Theirs:

Sorry Anthropologie, couldn't help myself

Seed, stock, and pears equals a beautiful day

2010-07-09T14:53:00.000-04:00

We've been scraping paint off the old milking shed all week. Hot, sweaty, icky work. Sweat, headache, nap and repeat, all week long. My heat induced headaches and naps last longer then the time I do any actual paint scraping. My sweetest has muscled through most of it.

Otherwise, keeping busy.

I planted 15 cultivars of heirloom winter squash. I don't like planting this late in the season, but we've been blessed with a week of rain, making the ground workable. And I missed out on getting so many things in the ground this spring. Another item I've added to my 'to do' list is to come up with a much more glamorous way of storing my seeds. What a mess.

I was able to get cream peas planted (in the white bag). I've been growing these for the past three years. I'd hate to think of having a winter where I can't pull a bag from the freezer whenever I want. These were passed to me from a friend, the cultivar name forgotten. They are simply the best field pea EVER. I'll never grow another black eyed pea again, that's a big statement coming from a southern gal.

Then I moved into the kitchen and readied myself to put up some soup stock for later use. I saved all the trimmings and bones from the 60 pound pig we roasted over the 4th. I gathered carrots, garlic and summer squash from the garden. My brother brought us lots of interesting veggies from his CSA in Austin along with various other bits of veg left over from the get together. I roasted them all in olive oil and sea salt for an hour at 400 degrees. Added the meat bones, 4 gallons of water and a few bay leaves then simmered for four hours. The house smells amazing.

That left the evening open for pear picking date with the Hubby. So much fun...a great ending to a wonderful day.

old fashioned pear picking dohicky on a stick

I'm saving the pears for another day (when I want to get away from painting the barn) and can these sweets.

Hope your day is filled beauty and wonders :0) While you're at it...plan a date under a tree.

chocolate chiffon

2010-07-01T15:10:00.000-04:00

I recently found a tasty chocolate colored chiffon fabric for 1 dollar a yard at Fabric Mart. Went a tad crazy and got 20 yards. Not sure what will become of it, yet.

Photo unknown, any idea?

Anthropologie

There's a time for doing and a time for dreaming

The not so Everlast lid

2010-06-29T11:17:00.000-04:00

Have you ever seen Everlast aluminum cookware? It's a vintage cookware, hand hammered and forged, really beautiful. Sorry, I don't have any examples to show. I've had a few pieces over the years and never really whole heartedly collected it. When we had a garage sale this last fall I still couldn't part with an Everlast lid that I've carried around for 20 plus years. I've long given up hope to ever finding its mate, but I just knew it had somekind of potential. That's when Kingplinker suggested he could cut off the flower and turn it into a knob. That's why he's a keeper.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4 of July! I will be taking a blogging break to clean and prep for our annual "God Bless America, Let's drink some barley pop and blow things up" event.

We're roasting a whole pig underground this year which has already proved to be an eventful experience. Leftover pork recipes, anyone?

Revel in your Freedom!

Chipmunk in a bag

2010-06-26T07:49:00.000-04:00

Normally I would be using 'chipmunk in a bag' to describe my hubby's mad dancing skillz. Not today, today happens to be my Snitw's (sweetest niece in the world) birthday. The last time I saw her, I told her about a funny little chipmunk I saw at the store. When you rub his back he makes a chattering noise. A noise I find obscene in real ground dwelling rodents, but funny from this guy.

I didn't really have any intention of actually buying it for her. Until, she looked at me and batted her big brown eyes and said in a small pitiful voice 'if I had a chipmunk like that, I would dress it up, give it tea, and keep it safe.'

Then her Aunte K said, 'Aunt Lynea can sew some clothes for the little chipmunk'

...huh? ..sew what?...

I tell ya, I tried.
I made the hat and the bag.
I really, really tried.
I could not get motivated to sew clothes for a chipmunk.

No worries, I plan on reminding my niece that her Aunte K knows how to knit :0)

I'll have a piece of cake for ya! or two

A day of gathering small treasures

2010-06-24T18:34:00.000-04:00

Gathered the last of the blackberries and the first of the figs.

The scent of sweet magnolia

Gathered an idea of what treasures await me

While the ladies decided they couldn't wait and gathered a few pears of their own

And the smallest, sweetest treasure of all. Our very first incubator hatched chick.

Wishing you a day filled with your own small treasures

Sewing up summer wear

2010-06-22T12:06:00.000-04:00

This comes at a good time. Last week as I was undressing for bed, my skirt zipper stuck. The shirt I was wearing, being thread bare and a favorite, I removed carefully to avoid ripping it. I must have made an awkward move, because my bra strap snapped off. *deep sigh* I need some new clothes.

Right now I'm starting "mission knit". Knit fabrics have always terrified me but, so have zippers, buttonholes, pants and jacket patterns, silk....The only way to get over avoidance sewing is to jump in, make some mistakes and learn along the way.

Here is my very first knit top!! Drafted from my favorite thread bare tee, the sleeve detail I made myself. I'm rather pleased, at least I know where the mistakes are and hopefully fix them on the next tee. I'll be making the next neckline higher for sure.

Proud as a peach of my ruffled sleeve caps.

I used McCalls pattern 5929 for my gingham top. Went together fairly easy, I did shortened the sleeves and added a cuff.

Both skirts are made from Butterick 4461

I tried to move that magnolia a bit off center so it wouldn't look like...well you know... a fig leaf. I'm self conscious wearing both it in public. I used drapery remnants for both skirts. I look at them and think Ooooh cute...then my big brain flashes this image.

Earlobe tug to my fiends :0)

Where were we?

2010-06-19T20:26:00.001-04:00

The last three months have sucked. Walmart SUCKS! Feel free to slap me..slap me so hard I see buttercream covered communist stars. However, I did quit, so please don't hurt me.

It wasn't all bad. I made new friends. I can add icing and decorating a cake in 10 minutes to my big list of skills not utilized. A new family member, a kitten! I wouldn't have found her (in the middle of the road) just when she needed me (having been hit by an car) if I hadn't been on my way to work. She's happy healthy and healed. Actually, she's nearly two pounds of trippin', curtain climbing, psycho kitty. I love her.

I didn't get much done in the garden this spring, no weeding, planting or sowing. I did manage a few photos. This is the last time I'll be looking back...moving forward my friends...moving forward.

See you soon :0)

the sewing space...is ho hum at best

2010-03-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

Got the call, got the job. Passed my drug test and background check. They must not have gotten whiff of my union forming days. Pity, I must now bring down 'the man' one cupcake at a time. Just kidding, I'm actually excited to get some bills paid off in a fun way. The best part of this job is that I'll be driving by Goodwill everyday. I'll be picking up the best pieces to reupholster, slipcover and sell.

I start tomorrow. I am a bit concerned how to work full time, raise three kids, garden, grow our own food, reupholster, and blog/chat with my friends. Things will work out, they always do.

Besides this post is really about the new craft-sewing room. I wanted to have this grand reveal of a space that inspires others. Sadly, it hardly inspires me.lol

BEFORE

I painted the floors white and started moving the cabinets I wanted in the space. The beds have to stay, we have company a few times a year.

Then I started adding color by painting the inside of the cabinets.

This shelf is not done, I plan on some stencils and foo-foo stuff to finish it off. I have about 100 cigar boxes. I've started to transfer scissors, pens, pencils, beads, notions of every sort into the boxes and label them.

What doesn't fit into the boxes will be put into jars. I hope the end result will be a mad woman's version of a french cigar and candy store, twisted, I know. There's just isn't an explanation for this space. I think it will take some time to work out the details and get it the way I envision it.

The focus of the room? My sewing machine, this same machine sewed some of my baby clothes. Almost all of it's attachments and cams have been lost over the years.

So when I saw this 80's Ward machine for 25.00 yesterday I grabbed it!!! Goodwill still has a 603 Singer for 29.00, but I think I better leave it for another lucky individual.

I've named her Galactica! If you squint really hard she looks like an 80's microwave oven.lol She won't replace my Dressmaker, but boy have my sewing options grown!!!

Ho-hum or not, time to get crafty!

Beautiful Blogger, I'm blushed :0)

2010-03-03T17:04:00.001-05:00

I'm really honored that Rene at Cottage and Vine gave me this beautiful blogger award. Mostly because Rene has such a beautiful blog herself. An amazing eye for detail and wonderful style. She works hard at putting together a beautiful home and it shows. You have to go see what she does!

Thank you, Rene!

I'm to share 7 things about myself and pass it along to 15 more bloggers.

7 things about me, whether you wanted to know or not :0)

1. Number one is big news. Who's your favorite khaki and blue wearing, big box, cake decorator? ME! Yep, pending the drug and background screening. Rolling back my sanity and practicing my spelling.

2. I desperately want to love Jell-o. I'm mesmerized by all those little inexpensive boxes and the promises of culinary technicolor fun. Yet every bite I've ever encountered left me gaging, grabbing my throat and rolling on the ground like a 5 year old reenacting a death scene. I know. Dramatic.

3. I was Kelly for two weeks. As my new second grade teacher took role call, she asked "what name we would like to go by". Sure, she meant first or middle name and most likely didn't mean make one up. Momma made me change it back.

4. I love dairy cows and hate socks, still.

5. I do not like my belly button touched. This knowledge and my reaction to having it touched is pure gold to my children. Just know, I will karate chop you... no matter your age.

6. My husband looks like a viking.

7. I think vikings are hot.

Please don't take away my award ;0)

15 bloggers that inspire me. I would give it back to Rene too.

A Little Bit of Sanity and a Lot Chaos

Talking Trash

Red*Neck Chic

Olde Sow Farm and Creamery

LANDSCAPE DESIGN decorating style

Old Flowers 4 Me

Peridots Garden

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Waiter Waiter Percolator

Torie Jayne

The Vintage Laundress

Give all these lovely ladies a visit, you'll be glad you did!

It's a small world

2010-02-24T19:48:00.000-05:00

Live on the edge ;0)

Garden Inspiration

2010-02-22T17:34:00.000-05:00

I've noticed a few things missing from my garden.

Photo, Nibs Blog

Aren't these cool. Always a shady spot.

photo, Martha Stewart

Wire fence from American Fence Supply. Keeping those darling pesky rabbits out of the veggies with style.

From Fern Vale Farm. The perfect gate for Animal portraits.

Agave Parryii such amazing coloring!

Pam Penick found the perfect turquoise bench. Wasn't that nice of her? Now if I can get her to bring it to my garden ;0)

I think I can make these plant supports.

Or maybe not ;0) Sussex Gates makes it look easy.

swing from Sitting Spiritually

And how have I managed to live my entire life without a double seated tree swing? How have any of us managed?

I hope this is your year for a tree swing :0)

Chocolate molds

2010-02-18T14:23:00.001-05:00

In 2003 I was contacted by Wendy Mullen and ask to contribute photos of antique molds and examples of chocolate work. It's a wonderful book, especially the pages of chalkware art.

Now and until Easter I'll show you some of my favorite molds. I love Easter and most of the molds are indeed bunnies. Bunnies in every size and shape imaginable :0) Hopefully I'll find some time do some special chocolate work to show you too.

Hoppity hop hop :0)

Miss Alainious and her lucky, lucky stars

2010-02-16T23:36:00.001-05:00

Or a review of the past few days in pictures.

My poor mother didn't have electricity for three days. I enjoyed the visit, I think she was ready for some peace and quiet ;0)

I got my sugar-buzz on with lots of pink fluff.

School was cancelled Friday, Valentine party held on Monday instead. I made the candy favors by sewing candy into a glassine bag with name tags, bits of doiley and crepe. A tad girly for my sons...I don't think they care as long as candy is involved.

At goodwill, I found a 70's English bike, complete with basket.

A big sturdy oak coffee table. I'd like to paint it gloss white. Then paint a stylized water lily on the top. Not sure, just thinking out loud.

Kingplinker totally surprised me today with a cabinet that may end up being my new bird cage, and two small sofas. The sofas have such great detail to them. Perfect for practicing my new upholstery obsession.

Another Goodwill find. I'm thinking this one may end up with thread sketched quail.

I hit the jackpot of sewing notions. Over thirty zippers and a huge bag of buttons, belt buckles, snaps, just good fun sewing junk.

I found yards and yards of beautiful fabric on sale at Handcocks. They forgot to put a sign out, I reminded them and got first pick!

My Goodwill finds, chair, coffee table, sewing notions, bike. All less then twenty-five dollars . Two sofas and future bird cage cabinet, free off of Craig's List. Three ponies, that equals twelve lucky horseshoes!
As if I wasn't euphoric enough. The only drawing I've ever entered, I won. I'll tell you more about it later, it deserves its own post ;0)

Rub your belly three times and blow a kiss to the nearest person, and the luck will be passed to you :0)

A beautiful morning on the farm

2010-02-12T09:57:00.000-05:00

Have a beautiful day, my friends. Stay toasty.

Can You picture this?

2010-02-11T21:04:00.001-05:00

I would really love to come across an old china cabinet.

One with great bones,

Unlike these cabinets, the one I'm looking for has curved glass sides that have been broken out.

It's almost impossible to replace curved glass. Making my cabinet less expensive and a great project for repurposing.

You see, I don't want it for china....

I'll give you a hint.

Ah ha, start back from the top. Take another look at the china cabinets, imagine them with wire mesh instead of glass. Doors with the bottoms reworked to hold trays for easy clean up. The question is, can you see these china cabinets as bird cages for finches?

Oops, almost forgot credits, all the cabinets are from the 'sold' archives off Brass Lantern Antiques .

BTW, If you haven't heard, Texas is closed and bingo at the VFW has been canceled. It's called snow, but we rarely see it. Run, do not walk to the nearest grocery store and buy everything you can get your hands on, including sunscreen. This could last 24 hours folks. If you start to starve the sunscreen makes an outstanding Alfedo sauce substitute. Again, bingo night has been canceled ;0) Keep calm..carry on.

TWEET :0)

The Mimi Rose chairs, reupholstered!

2010-02-09T18:26:00.000-05:00

Done! My knuckles are bruised and battered. I never in a million years would have thought this to be so hard. Have you ever scoffed at how much it cost to recover a piece of furniture, trust me they earn every dime.

These two chairs belonged to my husband's grandmother. She purchased them with green stamps, how cool is that. If you don't remember green stamps, take a look at Carrie's post HERE , complete with retro catalog pictures, fun stuff.

I used this better then burlap looking fabric from Walmart (the b*stards), better because it doesn't feel like burlap. There is some really pretty things being done with burlap these days. Just check out Robelyn's, Red Neck Chic post HERE . She makes awesome purses with it added, purses I love.

Thread sketched some birds. Thanks to Clutterpunk's site here. Then made piping using twice as much material as cording. I gathered the fabric till it ruffled, fun huh? Don't they look like a pair of Debutants at their coming out party?

My camera is acting funny and I have trouble enough getting interior shots. You'll just have to believe me when I say they turned out nice.

It's bittersweet being finished, I've stalled as long as I can and need to get out and apply for a job. Since I live in a rural area, my options are walmart, walmart and oh yeah, walmart (the bastards). Don't get me wrong I'm grateful for the time I've been able to stay at home. I know there are people not as fortunate as myself and I'm not scared of hard work. I just wish I had more options available. You think those soul sucking, community killing, drone boxes care whether I'm creative.LOL I think not, make sure you hang those plastic shoes in a straight line. Like my outlook and cheery disposition? I'm sure they will too. I'll probably be hired as a door greeter right on the spot. The bastards.

2010-02-05T14:56:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's Friday!
I've been up to my eye balls with my reupholster project. One chair has far more damage then I first thought. I've washed off dog pee (it better be dog pee or I'm gonna freak!), noticed some of the wood details have been chewed off, again dog. That dog must have had some serious issues to pee and chew on the same chair.

The frame that appears to have been busted and reinforced once before, now needs it again. And I'm basically starting off with nothing but a frame and springs. Oh and the spring have to be retied...never tied a spring before. This is going to get interesting.lol

I finished the foot stool. Sorry, I don't want to show it just yet. Kingplinker doesn't like my piping detail. I tried to get all fancy shmancy with it. He's not one throw around criticism and I can see his concern. But I'm hoping when I'm done he will have a change of heart seeing them as a whole idea that's come together.

I mean, it's not like anything could really go wrong, right?

Enjoy a challenge today!

Cannas

2010-02-02T23:24:00.000-05:00

I've been looking at cannas this evening. I'm not all that fond of tropical plants, but I've gained a lot of appreciation for them over the past few years. Here in the South they're so common, they're often overlooked as anything special. A common plant usually is special, it's the common plant that can withstand neglect and still prosper. It's a plant that has a lot going for it, it's just overly and improperly used. Knock it off, I will, if you will :0)

Here's some inspiration to mix things up in the flower bed. What about planting some large purple leaves to the back of some pink roses or how about, dwarf variegated foliage with dainty leaves and flowers of blue flax. The combinations with these cannas are endless. Here are a few on my wish list , enjoy the view.

Above, Maudie Malcome grows 4 feet tall available at www.tytyga.com

I love a pink canna! A perfect way to add a bit of girly color when everything else is suffering through our summers.

Striped Beauty, the flower and the leaves! Tall grower at 3-4 foot. These would be lovely defining a garden room wall. Photo by www.Lancasterfarm.com

Dawn Pink - An impressive dwarf with beautiful oval bronze leaves. The plant is very compact, not getting above 3’. The flowers are an electric coral pink and contrast perfectly with the foliage. That's the description from www.plumeriapeople.com . Mmmmm, I have a perfect spot for these, don't you?

This is Sunbust Pink. Do you see it? It has pink variegation!!! OMG! Yes, I need a dozen or two. It's a dwarf only growing around 2 foot tall. So sweet. Another from www.tytyga.com

Wyoming The foliage is the real show stopper. I would like to use this next to an aqua painted bench, too much in your face color? lol

Stuttgart Is another I'm eager to try, the variegation makes me a bit nervous though. Our intense Texas sun tends to burn such coloring. I'll have to work at finding it a home with perfect light. Available at www.thewatergardenshop.com

How 'bout it, are ya kookoo for cannas?

Vogue topper and tempting patterns

2010-01-30T13:12:00.001-05:00

Since I cut out eating sugar during the week, I've dropped 6 pounds. Quite the testament to how much I was putting away the sweets, huh! I know once the garden season is in full swing, I'll loose more with all the activities.

I hate to sew any clothes knowing I'll have to alter them only a few weeks later. But I'm getting twitchy not get my sewing fix. What's a twitchy, sugar and sunshine deprived woman to do? Hats. I've never sewn a hat before. You know what? It was fun. 16 hours, lots of hand sewing, designing fun.

I used Vogue pattern 8440, from bottom right pic, I know, I'm brave like that. lol You have to have faith that you can do better then the pattern pictures, always.

Vintage felt from stash, leather from Goodwill skirt, the hat lining from same skirt and gingham from stash= one cute hat

I can't decide to leave it like this or add a bit more gingham.

Really, it a good hat despite the fact it's owner is a goof ball that can't keep a straight face, when....oh, hardly ever :0)

don't hold it against the hat.lol

Speaking of Vogue patterns. I've noticed on Pattern Review that Vogue has some really nice new patterns out. By nice, I mean blur your vision and lets imagine them made with a different fabric and some creative detailing....

Isn't this cute! Can't wait to sew this!

I'll bet I can match up the stripes a tad better. lol Come on, Vogue, that just looks sloppy!

While we're at it...day dreaming that is...I want that adorable girl's haircut and color too.

I love this Jacket and yes, I think it's a jacket and not a blouse. If I were her mother, I would make her put a shirt on. Love that skirt as well.

However, I don't love them worn together...too much, over the top, too peplumnessy.

This one has great vintage lines and lots of room for embellishment.

Isn't this stunning! I don't have a single place to wear this beauty. Please don't pity me, after all I do try and avoid places that would require me to be dressed like this in the first place.

Unless it's the backyard, then I'll dress to the hilt for the cows :0)

I'm getting the pattern anyway, just to see the sleeve construction. Maybe I can work the idea into something a bit more casual.

Comfy, I like it, and wraps suit my figure.

I really want that lower left purse. Hey! That looks like the sleeve off the red dress.lol

I really like the apron in the upper right hand corner. I need an apron as big as a dress. One that would completely cover me while milking. The larger pockets are a bonus and look like they would carry lots of eggs. I already have quite a few apron patterns...yet, I've already talked myself into this one as well. Funny how that works.

Sew cool, my friends. Have fun today!

Leather rose tutorial

2010-01-29T21:17:00.000-05:00

I have this pink felt hair pin that I purchased from Claire's, many moons ago. I've worn it so much that my family and friends probably wonder if it's attached to my head. Time for a change. A teal flower :0)

I started by making a pattern from the petals...You don't have to worry about this, because KingT copied it into a PDF pattern for you, click HERE . Thanks Hunny!

Materials needed:
printer, for pattern
Fabric, leather, suede, felt or heavy decorator fabric
Hot glue
scissors
pen

Your finished flower is going to be 4" across. I used an ink pen to transfer each pattern piece, twice. You will have six pieces total. 2 small, 2 medium and 2 large. Cut to the inside of you markings.

*Pre test the ink from your pen on a small piece of fabric, make sure it's not going to smudge while you're cutting the material.

Starting with the smallest pattern piece. Take a petal and add a small bit of hot glue to base and begin to roll. Work slow keeping neat and tidy with the glue, work in small increments. Your first petal will be a small tube, continue to wrap using the second petal. As you glue each petal, pinch the base to create a pucker in each one (photo further down in post) and so on, until you've completed all four.

Take your small tiny rosette and glue to the center of you second piece of Fabric, continue wrapping and glue the petals

Above is a photo of the rose from the outside, this has the first of the medium size petals attached. Here I hope you can see how I have been 'pinching' each petals as the glue cools.

Around and around until you have a completed rose. Here you can see the metal pin, just like my rose from Claire's.

That pin is actually a plant marker, cut, bent with needle nose pliers and the points sanded till they no longer caught in my hair.lol A small round piece of leather is glued over the end. I imagine you could easily glue on safety pin or broach jewelry finding.

My second rose (seen below) I glued onto yo-yo covered interfacing. Giving me a background that I can easily sew onto a hat.

Tomorrow, I'll be back with my hat!

A flower for my friends.

My colors

2010-01-27T22:36:00.000-05:00

I suppose the next time I'm hanging out in East Dallas having my tarot cards read. I could throw in an extra 20.00 and have my Aura checked too. She would tell me, "Your aura is a trio of aqua, teal and turquoise green, flecked with peach and red. Glowing all over in amber colored shades of honey, not yellow, honey."
Then I would say, "Pffft puh-leese, I could have told you that...Give me my 20.00 back!"
Somethings a girl just knows!

Just from today:
Leigh from Brabourne Farm posted this insanely stunning kitchen by Susan Southham. The black accents are a nice touch, and I'm in love with the patina on those hanging pots.

Erin at House of Turquoise posted this today, from Chicago Home and Garden.

The rest I don't remember collecting or where exactly I collected them. I sometimes pull a photo to my desktop just because it makes me happy. I never expected to be sharing them with you. Before I knew it these colors became part of me and needed their own folder..."my colors"

I'm dying to rummage through this armoire, don't act you didn't think about it :0) Those candles on that pieced together chandelier, sooo charming!

The above photo is labeled "Adore-Viabijoukaleidoscope" Yes, I do adore.

This last is labeled 'Roboppy". Probably not pragmatic living room colors, but they suit my aura just fine :0)

What color is your aura?

Chocolate frogs

2010-01-26T17:42:00.001-05:00

Etiquette schmetiquette, I've gone and invited myself to a tea party. I happen to be visiting Old Flowers For Me and she said they needed some chocolate frogs for her tea party...can do :0)

I originally put together this design together over five years ago, for my sister-in-laws bridal shower. Her 'thang' is frogs. I had tags made with "taking the leap", only her frogs were pink polka dotted and orange bows finished the wrapping.

I've also used this frog theme in the past to make boys birthday favors by simply changing the frogs spots to blue and changing the flower.

The molds are CK Molds #90-12958 for the frog and CK Mold #90-13109 for the lily pad. The lily pad is actually a 4 leaf clover sucker mold. The water lily is fondant cut with a " flower stamen" gum paste cutter in two pieces, just fold the petals up on the top piece, finish with nonpareils and a smile.

Sorry, now the icky legal stuff, Combining these molds to create this frog and water lily favor is the intellectual property of Lynea Harrison under a LLC. I would love for you to create these for your friends and family, but to copy for monetary gain is prohibited.But I know you would never do such a thing like that :0) Thanks.

Hello, Valentine...Texas

2010-01-25T13:30:00.000-05:00

Want to add something sweet and unusual to your Valentine cards this year?

Place your Valentine or love letter in an envelope, have it addressed and stamped as normal. Now place that card or cards into another envelope stamped and addressed to:
Postmaster
Valentine, TX
79854.

The postmaster will see to it your cards are postmarked from Valentine! Amaze your friends...You went where, just to mail my card? Cute stamps are encouraged :0)

Note: Please have your letters to the Valentine postmaster no later then February 10th.

Vintage postcard image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

Mending broken hearts

2010-01-23T17:31:00.003-05:00

It has been a sad few days here on the farm. We lost our beloved big red dog, Huffy. I'm having a hard time focusing on anything that requires a recipe, so some simple candy is in order to think about something else for awhile.

The pics made me smile, especially since the little ceramic squirrel is officially known as 'Sugarbuzz' in our house.

Happy thoughts will prevail...

1..2..3... check, check

2010-01-20T16:34:00.001-05:00

Yesterdays curtains turned out swell. I need to get out of that bathroom and back to the other items on my 'to do' list. Remember that bathroom vanity was painted to get it out of my future sewing room. Then it needed a chair, then a curtain.,, If I don't stop myself, I'll be in Lowe's price checking tile. lol

I have been making small amounts of progress elsewhere . The sewing room floor is painted. I'm waiting for the funds to put in molding. I used to own a chocolate shop and gift store that was decorated to look like an old candy store. I kept some of the shelves and displays and excited that I got them moved into the new sewing room and awaiting a fresh coat of paint. A sewing room should feel like a candy store, right?

My old sucker stand converted to a thread holder.

candy jars of buttons

I have lots of jars :0) endless possibilities

I don't think I have enough going on, so I'm starting to reupholster these chairs too. lol

The fabric (sitting in the chair on the right) looks like burlap but has a really soft touch to it. An absolute steal for 1.50 a yard at walley world. I hope to get these into shape for less then 10.00!

My Mother-in-law just gifted these to us. They were her mothers. I'm so honored to have them. Love the rose details.

Feel loved, my friends :0)

Slip up

2010-01-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

My foray into slipcovers is not starting well. I think terry cloth is a poor choice of fabrics to start with. Thats the excuse I'm sticking with.

I've had this vanity chair forever. I love the shape and couldn't bare to part with it, though it needed help. It had been broken and was welded back together. I forgot to get a good photo before starting (bad blogger), it was once gold and green vinyl. Anything has to be better then gold and green vinyl. I had my husband paint it white for me (good hunny).

The slipcover I made from a cheapy towel. The fabric store only had white or pink terry cloth and the towel was cheaper then buying terry cloth by the yard. I used a 1/4" binding around the bottom, the cloth proved to be too thick to hem. In hindsight, the 1/4" binding was way to small! I'd use much larger next time.

Here you can start to see what a mess I made of the binding.

The silver lining, a vintage button found a new home.

Here is the fabric I have chosen for the bathroom curtain. I love pintucks and ruffles. The cloth is thin, but I was able to salvage the lining from my old curtain to save a few dollars. I should be able to have them finished a hung tonight, if I get off the computer soon ;0)

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

My Momma is Awesome

2010-01-18T11:45:00.000-05:00

I hope you've seen the site My Parents Were Awesome. It's so endearing to see the love people have for their parents and the images that their children perceive as awesome.

I happen to think this an awesome photo of my Momma on Booger Red. My Momma does not. She would like you to know that she always dressed much better then in this photo. "It's so embarrassing" and she wants you to know that she had fabulous western wear, hand sewn and embroidered by my Grandmother and great Grandmother. She was not wearing her good clothes in this photo. She wants you to know, don't forget.

My Momma was voted most beautiful in High School. She is too humble to accept this without making up excuses as to why people voted for her.

My Momma was a rodeo gal. And once, when a horse she borrowed got spooked and ran out of the arena. He crossed a four lane highway and dumped her in a cotton field. She told the paramedics it was Satan's fault and they hauled her in for evaluation. Yes, the horses name was in fact named Satan....My Momma can tell a funny story.

I love it when I have conversations with my Momma that go like this..

Momma: "Remember that sewn angel horse I got for you"?

Me: "Um ...no, what is an angel horse"?

Momma: "A horse with angel wings on it"

Me: "You mean a Pegasus"?

Momma: "No, this was a horse with angel wings on it"

Me: dying laughing ..."On no, I probably got rid thinking it was a tacky Pegasus"

I do wish I had that angel horse, a wonderful reminder of what a great sense of humor my Momma has.

Just incase you couldn't tell any of that from looking at her photo.

I wanted you to know my Momma is awesome.

What are you waiting for? Go add your parents!

Faraway Friday 2

2010-01-15T14:48:00.002-05:00

In My House

Today, we are visiting Northern Europe, a Scandinavian country... uh, o.k. ...I really don't know where this blog is from. Just that it is worthy of a visit.

The blogette is a fabulous funky dresser. She possibly owns her own store, makes the displays. Is in numerous magazines, could be a stylist or having an affair with a celebrity, hard to tell. If you can't read the language you get to make these things up, my new rule. Has a wonderful home and pretty friends with the occasional photo or two of adorable babies!

As if that weren't enough. This is the little guy that makes me a follower!

Whoa there, killer, calm down.

If he doesn't make you smile, your case may be hopeless ;0)

In My House

Have a great weekend,
wherever you are!

Garden & Guns

2010-01-14T15:05:00.001-05:00

Oh, its real!

And it's awesome!

Stop laughing and go check it out.

GARDEN & GUN

Turquoise Empire

2010-01-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

My first piece of empire furniture, well technically my Mama's first. I remember when she bought it, I was 18. We had a small nook in the wall of our dining room that this piece fit perfectly. The only problem, we moved soon after, and it never looked good anywhere else. That why she gave it to me, no doubt.lol

So after 20 plus years of being moved around, shunned and hidden away. Let me introduce you to my newest favorite piece of furniture. It was a long wait, baby, you look smashing in turquoise. I can't wait to put you in the bathroom as my vanity....and doll*u*up, like a proper dressing table with bobbles and frilly nonsense!

Isn't it fate that I found this magnolia wallpaper on a recent trip to Goodwill?

Have a wonderful day!

slipcovers...skirts for your furniture

2010-01-12T10:42:00.001-05:00

I've never been a big fan of slipcovers. Not that I disliked them, just didn't give them much notice.
Yet, this year a goal I've set is to make my own slipcovers and piping. Seems I want to slipcover everything in site!
My change of heart happened when I noticed more and more slipcovers resembling skirts. Look at all these lovely details.

ruffles

more ruffles

sweet pleating

Lace hems :0)

Most days, I'm not dressed as well as these chairs.

I'm starting with a small vanity chair, wish me luck!

Photo credits #1,3 unknown, #2,4 Country Living, #5,7 Country Home, #6 House Beautiful

Smooth or bumpy, big or small. I love them all...winter squash.

2010-01-11T12:38:00.002-05:00

It's colder here then it's been in thirty years. Not that it matters I'm usually stark raving mad to get into the garden by this time every year. I console myself by plotting my veggie garden. Checking the planting dates and rotation schedule. Then when I get really desperate I take out my seed packs, look at their names and fondle the larger seeds. In a caring earth mother sort of way..nothing kooky.

Last year I traded, begged, and pleaded with other gardeners to amass my seed stash. And thanks to their incredible generosity, see what I have to look forward to planting this year. Sadly this is only a fraction of the cultivars that I would like to try...can anyone say obsessed?

Black Futsu (photo, Plant world) & Galeux D' Eysines (photo, Seed Savers)

Georgia Candy Roaster (photo, Seedman) & Jarrahdale (Johnny's Seeds)

Kakai (photo, Exjordinanary Seeds) & Lakota (photo, Super Seeds)

Long Island Cheese (photo, Seed Savers) & Long Neck (photo, Reimer Seeds)

Queensland Blue (photo, Martha Stewart) & Red Warty (photo, Gourmet Seed)

and lastly Sucrine Du Berry (photo, Rare Seeds)

Aren't they beautiful? Next fall we hope to raise our own pork and much of the excess squash will be used to feed them. It also be nice to raise enough to help out with our local family services. The rest is all mine to sample!!! Anyone have a favorite squash recipe they'd like to share?

A bit of trivia. Did you know that when you purchase a can of pumpkin puree to make your holiday pies your most likely cooking with this. Not the big orange globes we know as pumpkins, but the humble, reliable widely grown (in the south) Curshaw.

(photo, Rare Seeds)

Only 4 and a half months till winter squash planting time!

Todays Hang-ups wink

2010-01-10T17:03:00.000-05:00

I love it when a new idea just falls in my lap! This morning I was debating whether or not to get rid of a few mismatched sugar bowls and creamers. I've been saving them in hopes of having enough to make small flower arrangements for my Easter table. But it's taking too long. I thought to myself you better find an idea for these or get them out of the house. Packing away is not an option...I forget about things...My new 2010 motto, use'm or loose them!

Then this afternoon Brabourne Farm , which by the way, is an awesome blog and worth a visit any day of the week. Oh yeah, Brabourne Farm, she post this pic form Catrin Cargill Interiors.

And voila! My problem solved!

A nail, glass knob, old bias trim and misfits. It took me longer to photograph and write this post then it did to hang these. Don't you think this would be cute with mismatched teacups too?

Sugarbuzzed

2010-01-09T16:24:00.000-05:00

Sugarbuzzed. Isn't that a GREAT word!

Sug... are...Bzzzzz...Ddd

Seriously, clench your teeth and say it out loud. I'll wait.

See, how cool is that? It makes your teeth vibrate! How many other words can claim that fame.

I've been over indulging in the sweets for some time now. I quit smoking in July and rewarded myself with daily doses of fresh lemon curd. Then came the halloween candy, Thanksgiving pies and Christmas. Sheesh, I still have a hidden stash of treats left over from Santa.

Before I end up hurting myself, I've decided to really pay attention to my intake. I've been off the hard stuff for a few days. And just so I don't feel deprived, I'm going to treat myself to sugar only Saturdays.

Eventually, I'm going to make special treats on Saturday. Make the most of my special day with cakes, tarts, cookies to share with the kids and not squander it on a box of Jr. Mints. Until then I 'm working my way through a dresser (don't give away my hinging spot) full of marzipan and Nutella.

I've already had a piece, or two, today. Can you tell?

Faraway

2010-01-08T15:33:00.000-05:00

Lets take Friday and turn it into a day for visiting faraway places. When you come across a blog in a foreign language do you turn back, or do you stick around and look at the pictures?

Petits Bonheurs

*I think* translates to "small pleasures", not sure on that tho. Two semesters of French and all I came away with..."Hurry, let's go to the library and have a ham sandwich"...money well spent.

So if wonderful photos send you into daydream mode, head on over and have a mini french vacation.

I love the small lace detailing, I wouldn't mind a grownup version of this dress.

My imagination tells me the owner of this car wears tailored white gloves and has a fine collection of pillbox hats...do not ruin it for me.

Ahh, even those french kids can make a mess look stylish.

Adorable!

Did we enjoy our trip to Petits Bonheurs

My favorite store hates me, or will soon

2010-01-07T17:04:00.001-05:00

Dear Anthropologie,

Why you gotta be so cruel?

I'm 6' 2" and 2 hundred blah, blah, blah pounds...have you ever bothered to make a 16 or 18 dress size? And while I have your attention, lets discuss your prices. Even in a good economy it's not like me to fool with a 100-200 dollar skirt. Soooo??? Fine be that way. I can do without you.

In fact, I think I can do better. How's that for some big girl confidence. This year all my clothes are going to be my very own Anthro knock offs. Let me know if you have your own knock-offs. I would love to see them. All you skinny-minnies keep buying, I don't want them to go under.

First up Anthro's blue plaid ruffle skirt.

And my version, I made the side ruffles not so large and added a vintage do-dad ruffle thingie-ma-bob to the side. I wish I could get a photo of me wearing this, it looks much cuter on a person then on the cheapy manikin.

Next up Antho's feathered headband. Ooo la la.

And mine, Do you remember the turkeys we had at Thanks Giving. We raise our own birds and these are "hillbilly headbands", for sure! You'd never know by looking at them tho :0)

On to another subject. I wanted to show this tray made by Jen at The Cottage Nest . Isn't that stunning! Sorry Jen, that tray is not safe from being knock-offed. May be a Valentine version??? You so talented, it was bound to happen!

Gone sewing..everyone have a good one!

I'm ready!

2009-12-21T19:07:00.000-05:00

Or, as ready as I need to be. Here on out the pressure is off to get my sewing done. I have a few more things to do, but no one will notice if they don't get done. Know what I'm sayin? Some of my sewn items turned out pretty nice. Like an apron for my SIL, who loves black, white and red. Yeah, she digs my hallway for that reason too.

An embroidered pouch to hold a vintage belt buckle.

I made a half dozen of these shopping bags. The thread sketched bird I totally copied from Clutter Punk's site. I doubt my family will ever figure that out tho.

Another apron, this time a mini apron in chocolate brown and pink gingham...for the sweetest niece in the world!

I made twelve of these little pouches from my kids drawings layered between thin plastic. You can find the tutorial on-line...please do, If you really enjoy torturing yourself!!! I never what to see another again!

Not sure what I'll do with them yet. I'm thinking of filling them with treats and using as place cards, since I didn't get around to making party crackers this year.

Now are you ready for my mistake? Are you sure?

Are you o.k.? I promise the itchy burning feeling will subside once you stop looking at it. I had such high hopes. I still think the little aprons as pockets are a cute idea, it just the colors. Oh gawd, the colors! How could have I gone so wrong?
Oh well, what's Christmas without one really hideous gift...Heck yeah, I'm still giving it!

sewing room inspiration

2009-12-16T11:52:00.000-05:00

I had to make a quick trip to Oklahoma yesterday. By Quick, I mean nearly five hours there, and five hours back. To make the most of the trip, I made note of every Goodwill I passed along the way. Then stopped at them all on my return trip. Goodies galore! I found over 15 yards of wonderful woven fabrics, for less then 20.00! I love sewing gifts for others, but I'm a bit eager to sew a little for myself soon too. I think most of my goodwill fabrics are going to make some really cute skirt and dresses.

Most of the drive was spent daydreaming. I've decided, after the holidays I'm going to redo my sewing space. Some of the things I'm considering.

I'm going to use auto paint on all the metal items such as sewing machine and metal desk and tables. I really like the use of matching paint on the industrial machine and table. I have an old oak and iron drafting table much like the table in the second photo, my husbands going to be thrilled when he hears my plan to move it upstairs. It will give the room more of a vintage feel tho. A few things I covet from these photos. The dress from, stools and that amazing wire basket in the background. Do you see it? The one holding bolts of fabrics...I love it soooo much! I also like the artistic touch of the slopers hanging on the wall. Will have to copy, If I ever get around to making my own slopers...could happen.

Next, check out the cabinet holding the fabric! What an awesome idea. Treating your fabric stash like it's so important it should be held behind glass...yes, please!

There's not really a single item from this third photo that I need to complete the sewing room. But I love the monochromatic feel and should probably keep reminding myself not to stray too far from this scheme. I always freak out and start adding lots of color, when I don't think it necessary. Oh, I guess I could put a bulletin board to good use.

Top photo is from Brookman Harris a crazy talented stylist.

Glass cabinet photo is from here

Check it out, such a lovely sewing blog in turquoise and red!

Dear Santa...

2009-12-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

All I really, really want for Christmas is a gallon of turquoise paint!

Photo from World of Stock

Cynthia's lovely picasa photo

Susie's cool Flicker photo

Image by Arden, Flicker...yummy

Hmmm, I can remember where this photo from, haaaaha.

Photo care of One Kings Lane

You see, Santa. I have big plans for that gallon of paint. I've been good, other then a few potty-mouthed moments in traffic and then there was that time....nevermind.... a bribe???

Gussied-up jars of green maters

2009-12-13T12:41:00.000-05:00

Go ahead, drop by unannounced. I'm ready!
Every year I get caught off guard needing a quick gift. These turned out cuter then I thought they would. It's hard to gussy up a neon jar of unripe tomatoes, at least in holiday colors.

First let me show these super sweet , made in china, adorable kind of crap I live for! These are little clothes pins and line used to hang holiday cards. Stinking cute. I found these in a box of my Momma's stuff she has stored at our house, Merry Christmas to me!

For the lids I used the left over ticking fabric I used to make my bedskirt. Sewed on a few vintage sequins from an old stash. Discovered some teeny tiny jingle bells in my stash. Discovered teeny tiny jingle bells make me squeal in delight.

My sweetie made me printed dress tags to hang by cheepie chinese clothes pin....and I'm one happy girl...I feel crafty...

As a bonus, Kingplinker made the tags blank, just for your use! Hint, craft stores carry some really cute mini wooden clothes pins.

free dress tag PDF

Kingplinker's quick present

2009-12-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

Take one wall with a sad blank space on the right....

One inspiring sample of wallpaper. Those little white ghost leaves haunt me in my sleep ;0)...
and a husband that complains that I never keep any paintings....

Equals, cheap, quick painted Christmas present for Kingplinker! Bonus, I won't have to look at that blank space anymore, sneaky huh.

I seriously want to squeeze the stuffin' out of that sweet tweety! Only fourteen days, I have 4 more stocking stuffers, 2 purses and one apron to sew. The pressures on!

Wallpaper from American Blinds Pattern #: AW51048 at 9.54 a roll.....BARGAIN!

A try at the holiday table

2009-12-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

Here's my attempt to dress the dining room table for Christmas. I think it'll look fine once all the food is laid out. Food makes everything better, doesn't it? So many people out in blogland do this sort of thing so much better... but, I'm learning.

I needed something for a tablecloth, our table doesn't fit standard table sizes. For a dash of color this vintage wallpaper worked.

And what's up with the creepy Sinter Klaus and barrel full of children? I don't know for sure, I've heard different variations of this German tale. If you have one, please share your story.

First oil

2009-12-10T10:48:00.000-05:00

Much Holiday madness today, I leave you with an older painting. My first painting in oil, gifted to my dear brother who convinced me I would enjoy working with oil. He was right.

The Kitchen

2009-12-09T15:22:00.001-05:00

In 1999, I found a magazine that featured the kitchen of my dreams!
Some of the things I love about this Great American Kitchen...
Vintage stove...LOVE
An entire wall of subway tile...LOVE

silver accents, here and there...LOVE

SS wall ovens...LOVE

glass front cabinets...LOVE

Hex tile floor...LOVE

dark wood countertops...LOVE

Old fashioned sink...LOVE...LOVE...LOVE

I'm not very good with good with design, so in 2005 when we remodeled our kitchen I set out to copy as much as I could from those photos.

Here are the results

We were unable to fit in a vintage stove and opted for simple stove top. Hex floor, another no go, too expensive. Instead we used a cherry wood laminate.

Glass cabinets we kept to one end of the kitchen as they were expensive, we opted to use them as more of a focal point. We found some antique swinging bathroom doors, salvaged from a now demolished school.

We painted the kitchen side of the doors white while leaving the original stenciled signs...just because I like them.

The fridge was supposed to flush with the cabinetry, but after two previous failed attempts to get it right, I told the carpenter to forget it. I think he fibbed a wee bit when said he had installed a built-in before. We were both happy just to move on.

My favorite pic from the magazine had to be the sink, I started looking for it right after I purchased the magazine, before we even owned a home! It's six feet with double drain boards and legs. It was form a convent in upper New York. A hassle to ship, refinish and instal. Worth every difficulty *my husband may say differently.

I was barely able to get enough subway tile to make me happy. Besides the birth of children, when Lowe's stared caring cheap subway tile, it was the happiest day of my life. It's behind the sink and the backsplash for this wall. Also wrapped around the section for the wall ovens.

That's all for now. I see blogging is not as easy as it looks. I'm going to quit today while I still have functioning brain cells. Hope your day is a happy day!

X-mas Factoid

2009-12-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

When he wasn't kicking ass and taking names, what did Charles Bronson do with his days? Why he was a live model for the Creepy Caroling Doll Company.

Many thanks to my step dad for bringing me this Cutty-Shark liquor display (Not surprising liquor had something to do with this), it's brought me years of laughs. We used to have a little toy pistol tucked into the waistband of his tiny pants. It's gone now and while unpacking I noticed he's missing his pants button. We really must stop messing with his pants are people are going to think we're weird.

Ah, la vache!

2009-12-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

I opened a three month aged farm cheese this afternoon. This one is special for me. The herbs I used are from my sister and brother-in-law, brought back to me from a recent business trip to France. My sister-in-law, besides being incredible, sweet and talented is also smart. How smart? Like food scientist smart! The company she works with in France also produces chocolate covered marzipan. I just happen love fresh marzipan! She always brings me goodies, I love her. Sorry, I'm not trying to brag.

I just wonder sometimes how I ended up so incredibly fortunate and I'm not talking about the marzipan.

Oh right, my cheese. Holy cow, it's good! Half of it I'm going to rewax and give to my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas. Tonight I'm going to use the other half on a grilled cheese with sauteed apples and smoked ham. MMMmmmm. For now, I really must force myself to stop nibbling on it!

Fuzzy cows and petite paintings

2009-12-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

It was another cold morning. The thought of getting up and out of my warm nest of a bed to milk a cow is not that appealing. Yet, something happens once I've entered the milking shed with Sally Belle. Her eager and hilarious cow sized appetite, the big brown eyes pleading for me to be quicker with her food. Her size is intimidating and she calms me by relaxing herself. She allows me to snuggle up, bury my face into her warm flank to keep my ears from freezing. And as I settle into a milking rhythm, my cares wash away. It's become my morning meditation time and I can't imagine a better way to spend a cold morning.

So please let me introduce you to Sally Belle. Normally she's a sleek, sexy, supermodel of a bovine. The cold has prompted her winter fur tho, and she has more of a "fozzy bear" then supermodel thang going for her.

Crummy pics, I know. Cows don't get out of bed to have their picture taken for less then 10,000 a day. Ruminants, what can you do???

Back inside I find a warm corner and play with some painting ideas. I found some beautiful chandelier crystals at the flea market. They're heavy, domed with a flat side, perfect for a small painting. I lucked out and found some silver fittings at Micheal's. The painting under the chandelier charm is a woodpecker dressed as Mary Queen of Scots. I didn't realize till I was done, how much it reminds me of a Ricahard Scarry Illustration. I adore his style. I grew up with books of driving dogs and dapper farm and woodland creatures

The chickadee painting mounted under a fisheye paperweight was one of those "hey, I did good" moments. So, pleased with myself and the chickadee, I decides to paint another.

At 4x5 it the smallest canvas I've ever painted. Speaking of the canvas, I've had it for years. It was old when I bought it at a garage sale. It's remained blank all those years, I was too scared to paint on that blank perfectness...just waiting for a chickadee I guess.

Oh my, tomato pie and a day of canning

2009-12-05T16:42:00.000-05:00

This is it, the last of the tomatoes, till next year.

The ripe tomatoes I used in tomato pie. The recipe is old and simple. Basically a pie shell, tomatoes, 1 cup swiss cheese and 1/4 cup mayo. From there you can add other tasty bits to your liking. Tonight I added parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts, and some chopped sundried tomatoes as well. I have no idea what kind of tomatoes these are I planted over 30 cultivars of heirlooms last year, only to loose track of what was planted! I hate it when I do that, which is fairly often.

Yeah, its d*amn good! Especially when it served up with a rosa wine, a gift from my sister-in-law. I love the chickens on the label...does she know me, or what?

Green tomatoes made 14 pints of chow-chow. Can you what guess my friends and neighbors are getting this year?

Here is reason the tomatoes had to be brought in, the first frost....still no snow.

Thanks Giving

2009-12-04T10:10:00.000-05:00

Our home grown gobblers. A different experience. Raccoons killed four of our eight chicks last spring. That left us with 3 toms (boys) and one girl. I can't remember what the girls are called, hens? It doesn't really matter, she's not going to come when you call her anyway. Hopefully, and I do have my doubts, we still have a breeding pair.

We butchered and cleaned a Royal Palm and a Narragansett, both heritage breeds. The Royal Palm was slightly larger, 12 lbs.

Not much taste difference between the two. But the texture between heritage and store bought was noticeable. The breast on the heritage birds is much smaller, almost sad looking. Taste was the same as store bought (tasted like turkey) . It was the texture that was noticeably different, not fatty and none of that "spongey" weirdness butterball turkeys have.

As you can see from the photo, they were not very pretty. O.k, they were down right homely plucked. Instead of the traditional whole turkey on the platter we opted to serve them carved into family size pieces and it helped with presentation. Once everyone had a taste they seem to forgive them of their "farm style" appearance. We were very thankful for them.

finished purse and bedskirt

2009-12-03T19:57:00.000-05:00

While I should have been outside enjoying the weather, I was inside finishing some sewing projects. At last, a purse I can be seen outside of the house with. I'm so happy how it turned out. The turquoise and pink rose fabric was a decor scrap. Just so happens that it matches my thrift store trench perfectly!

My new bed skirt. I've developed a strange affection for circus stripes and old fashion ticking. Need more.

Snow, really?

2009-12-03T19:24:00.000-05:00

Sigh, forecast, 32 overnight with possible flurries in the morning. I hate to admit it, but it looks like Fall is over. What a beautiful ending to the year it has been!

No Hunny, I'm not pregnant

2009-11-23T18:51:00.000-05:00

I thought this retro fabric was adorable fabric for a purse, not so thrilled when my purse turn out looking like a baby bag. Ironically, my next shirt looked just like a maternity blouse. I suppose the industrious sort would get themselves knocked up to wear, I won't.