Mar
2021

Flowering Spring Bulb Centerpiece

categories: DIY, Easter, Spring

My local store had shelves of flowering spring bulbs on display as you entered the front door, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, in a variety of colors.

Needless to say, I brought home a couple of each.

Once I was home, I gathered different size clay pots from my potting area, and some potting soil, to transfer the plants from the plastic containers they came in.

I planted some together, others alone in smaller pots.

Gave the bulbs a good watering, and cleaned off the pots before I placed some of them on a basket tray.

Added a white bunny, and some of my decoupaged eggs, for a beautiful spring centerpiece.

The tray is in my living room now, but I plan on using the pots on my Easter Sunday dinner table.

I decided to top each pot with some moss for a more finished look.

The bulbs will continue to flower, and by Easter, they should provide lots of color to my table.

This is the first time I have done this, but I think it will be something I do every spring.

It is just so easy.

Together, it all feels like spring, and looks like Easter.

Once the bulbs have finished blooming, they can be planted outside for next year’s blooms.

I am sure your local store has a similar display out front.

Pick up a couple pots to bring some spring to your home.

The pots are easy to care for, watering every 3 days, and give them lots of sunshine.

So that’s it, an easy and simple way to create a beautiful spring centerpiece.

Hope you all were inspired, and are enjoying the beginning of spring.


Mar
2021

Decoupaged Easter Eggs

categories: Crafts, DIY, Easter

Saturday was the first day of spring.

With it comes hope.

Hope that we can once again gather with our friends and families.

I already have a date with a friend for lunch outdoors, at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

We plan to meet the first day the temperatures are in the 70’s, with lots of sunshine, and after we have had both of our Covid vaccines.

My sister is already talking about a family cookout in the park.

Our family has not been all together in over a year.

I spent my first day of spring working on a project that has been on my “bucket list” for years, decoupaged Easter eggs.

The supplies needed were faux eggs, the kind you can paint and decorate, paper napkins, Mod Podge, scissors, craft paint, and a brush.

The first step is to cut out selected images from the napkins.

I picked floral napkins with lots of different flowers.

When cutting out your images, cut as close to the edge as possible.

Paper napkins are usually 2 or 3 ply, you will need to separate the layers, you want to work with the patterned layer.

Brush the Mod Podge on the egg, enough for your image, and then add the image and gently pat it on the egg.

You should try to pat out all wrinkles, but a few will not hurt.

Smooth out any excess Mod Podge on the egg with your brush.

When dry add one more coat of Mod Podge over the image to seal.

It may appear a bit cloudy, but it will dry clear.

That is it!

Look at my beautiful results.

They look like hand painted watercolor eggs.

I love that I can store them and bring them out every Easter.

I painted a few of the faux eggs spring colors, and I placed them all in the crate the eggs came packaged in, so lovely.

It is not a difficult project, but there are lots of simple steps. Steps that are well worth your time.

I also changed my front door wreath on Saturday, pink magnolias will now greet everyone.

Lots of bunnies around my home too!

After all, Easter’s on its way!

Spring blessings.


Mar
2021

A New Sewing Box

categories: DIY, Flea Market Finds/Thrifting

My Momma loved to sew.

I can’t remember a time in her life that she wasn’t sewing.

She loved quilting.

Tiny stitches, one right after the other, such beautiful work.

Momma always had a sewing box near her, different ones over the years.

I now have her last sewing box, I don’t use it, just treasure it, and all the things inside that were hers.

Today would have been my Momma’s birthday, how I miss her.

I do not sew much, but I do have thread, needles, the basics. They are kept here and there, never had a “sewing box” of my own.

When I found this wood box at the thrift store ($4.00), I thought it could be a wonderful sewing box.

Cleaned it out several times, sanded it a bit before staining the box, inside and out, except for the lid, which I painted.

I wanted it to have a vintage look, so of course, I painted the lid white with chalk paint and added a vintage type handle.

After sealing the lid with a chalk paint wax, my box was complete.

It is beautiful to me.

I now have my own sewing box, one I hope someday, someone will treasure, as I do my Momma’s.

I am sure she is smiling down on me as I write this post.

If I close my eyes, I can see Momma with her sisters, sewing, and Grandma crocheting, singing the old gospel songs they loved.

Hope you all love my sewing box, and thank you for letting me share some memories with you today.

Happy Birthday Momma!


Mar
2021

DIY Beaded Risers

categories: DIY, Flea Market Finds/Thrifting

Just like many of you folks, I have done some cleaning and organizing of my cabinets, drawers, and closets during this stay close to home year.

Having extra time is one good thing that has come from this past year, time for chores we have put off doing.

I worked on de-cluttering my kitchen cabinets and found two salad bowls.

Two that used to be four.

What in the world happens to things!

Where do they go!

Before I put the bowls in the “donate” box, I tried to think of ways to use them.

So, using the bowls, two pedestal pieces, from my thrift store stash, and some wood beads, I decided to try to make some serving risers.

Yes, I know you are thinking, not another project with wood beads!

Sorry, but I love the simple look using them.

I glued the beads around the pedestal pieces with E6000 glue.

The next step was to paint, one white and one gray.

When painting, I used a sponge brush overall, but a stencil brush to sort of “puddle” the paint around the beads, which helped to fill in any gaps.

It worked great, and gave the pieces a unique look.

I did not paint the inside of the bowls to keep them safe for food.

Tried different ways to use the pieces, and decided one should be a cake pedestal, by adding a wooden plate to the top, and the other as is for serving.

Added a second row of beads to the white piece, and I pretty much decided it should be the cake pedestal.

I love cake pedestals, I have several.

Maybe it is because I love cake!

I turned the pedestal upside down and glued the wood plate to the top with E6000 glue.

It turned out so nice.

I love it!

Don’t you think it will be beautiful on Easter Sunday with a yummy coconut cake, or maybe chocolate sitting on top!

I really was surprised that the two lonely salad bowls turned into two beautiful, useful riser pieces.

Happy Monday, happy early spring.

Blessings!


Mar
2021

DIY Wood Sign

categories: Crafts, DIY

Today I will be sharing one of my favorite projects with all of you, a wood sign featuring Psalm 46:10.

I purchased this wood piece some time ago at Hobby Lobby, 50% off, of course.

It is a rather large wood piece well worth the $6.00 price.

Wasn’t quite sure just what I would do with it at the time, but I loved those beads around the edges, so it went home with me!

Thought about all the ways I could use this piece, maybe a tray, but I decided on a sign, one I have been wanting for some time.

I painted the piece with several coats of white paint and applied a beautiful lettered decal I found on Etsy.

If you have never visited the Etsy site, I encourage you to do so. It is filled with handmade and custom items.

The decal is one of my favorite bible versus, Psalm 46:10,

“Be still and know that I am God”.

This verse has helped me during many rough times in my life.

After the paint had dried, I applied the decal to finish up my sign.

It turned out perfect.

The decal is delicate, the lettering beautiful.

In no way does it look like a decal, but hand painted lettering.

This was so simple to do, a one day project.

Love the outcome.

It is now hanging in my dining room.

The combination of the beads and the beautiful lettering has made this a favorite project.

Working on projects and being creative has helped me so much during these stay inside days.

Easter is coming and I am now working on some fun projects to share.

Have a wonderful blessed day.

Hugs!


Mar
2021

Thoughts of Spring

categories: Easter, Spring

Well, it isn’t spring quite yet, but temperatures are warming.

Yesterday it was 60, with lots of sunshine.

Last week I cleaned off our porch and we actually sat out for a bit.

Just the thought of spring makes me so happy!

It’s time to put away the pine cones and winter greenery for some bright and airy spring branches and flowers.

So, I double masked myself, and took a little trip to Target and Michaels.

Spring cherry blossoms came home with me.

They were 40% off at Michaels.

They look so nice in my balloon vase.

So “springy”.

I really enjoyed looking at all the spring and Easter decorations that are out now!

At Target I found this oh so cute ceramic bunny basket for $3.00.

How cute, with the little bunny cutouts all around.

It is a good size too, with a gold handle.

I still find it hard to believe it was only $3.00.

How sweet it would be filled with colorful Easter eggs, or what a cute Easter basket filled with lots of fun things for someone you love.

Target has a spot in the front of the store with items from $1.00 to $5.00.

There are always nice seasonal items.

I also found these burlap carrots for $1.00 each.

A small basket filled with these carrots would be a simple Easter touch.

At these prices you can afford a bit of spring decorating in you home.

My little shopping trip was enough for now, letting me know spring is just around the corner.

It’s coming.

Spring is coming.

You can already feel it, can’t you!

I hear birds outside my window as I write this!

It brings hope, hope that our lives might return to some kind of normal.

With love and prayers that you all are staying safe.

Think hopeful, spring thoughts!


Feb
2021

Love is Kind…Love is Patient

categories: Crafts, Valentine's Day

Life can sure be stressful.

Some days are especially difficult for caregivers.

As a caregiver, I some days forget the way I should be, it can be so hard.

In the bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4 talks about love, describing it in many ways.

Everyone should take time to read this.

There is a project I have been wanting to try, yesterday was the perfect day for it!

Using a blank inexpensive canvas, I traced around a wood shaped heart on the canvas.

Followed up with placing stick on letters around the heart, “Love is Kind…Love is Patient”.

Painted the entire canvas, including the letters, with two coats of white paint. Sorry I forgot to take a photo of this step!

When completely dry, I very lightly painted gold on the letters.

I really wanted the gold to be soft, not harsh, as the letters were out of the package.

A sweet reminder of something we all need more of in our lives, kindness and patience.

“Love” this project, it is especially nice for this upcoming Valentine’s Day.

I plan on placing my canvas in my home where I can be reminded just how much my husband struggles.

Just to walk a bit, takes so much out of him.

He has put up with me for 51 years.

I think that after 51 years of putting up with all my shenanigans, the least I can do is show him love and patience every single day we are together.

Love to all of you folks.

Baking heart cookies today, I hope they turn out as beautiful as I want them to be!


Feb
2021

A Cute and Simple Valentine’s Day Table Idea

categories: Celebrate, Valentine's Day

It has been oh so cold here, hot cocoa everyday.

Today it is snowing, lots of it!

Spent time these past few days putting up a few Valentine decorations and making some cards and crafts.

So funny that as a child I never liked Valentine’s Day, but love it now!

In grade school we would all walk around the room and lay cards on the desks of our classmates.

My fear was that I would return to very few cards placed on my desk.

It happened, and I was crushed.

On a happier note, and making happier memories, today I thought I would share a Valentine’s Day idea that anyone can do to celebrate a bit.

All you need is a red table napkin folded 4 times to form an envelope.

Fold each side to the center, one over the other, and then fold up twice from the bottom to form the shape of an envelope.

Fold the flap down, and it looks exactly like a red envelope!

Don’t you think it is so cute?

You could place a simple greeting inside for those you love, or maybe a sweet treat, heart chocolates, or a Valentine cookie.

So simple, a surprise for those you love when they come to the table.

Valentine’s Day for me is telling and showing all the special folks in my life that I love them.

Show them in special little ways.

It’s LOVE day!

Until next time, with love and blessings.


Jan
2021

Flea Market Winter Decor

categories: DIY, Flea Market Finds/Thrifting

How empty my home seemed after all the Christmas decorations and sparkle was put away for another year.

There is still lots of winter left so I did keep some things out, pine cones, snow covered trees, and evergreens, wintertime things.

I needed a winter piece for my dining room so I pulled out an old, rough box from one of my flea market visits.

I love boxes, there are so many amazing projects you can create using them.

Yes, my box is rough and not perfectly made, which makes me love it all the more.

I simply sanded it, and using a sponge brush I painted the outside of the box.

Added some wood balls for legs, using E6000 glue, and a vintage handle from Hobby Lobby.

Filled my old box with snow covered pine cones and evergreens.

It is now a lovely winter piece for my dining room table.

Love it!

It is just so nice.

The snowy leaves and pine cones, add a little bit of sparkle to my home.

Although it is the dead of winter, this project will help my home not feel so sad and empty.

Wintertime in our homes can be beautiful by adding cozy and warm candles, pillows, throws, and special pieces like my old box.

I sure hope you all are staying safe, and that your homes are warm and oh so cozy.

Love you all!


Dec
2020

A Special Christmas Gift

categories: Christmas, Family

Quietly sitting in my living room, just me, in front of my beautiful Christmas tree, looking at photos of a niece I did not know for 21 years.

For Christmas she sent me an album filled with photos of her 22 years of life. Oh my goodness, it is wonderful, so wonderful.

On the back of each photo she wrote of her life, her family, and so much more.

How beautiful she is, inside and out.

I now know that fall is her favorite season, that sunflowers and roses are her favorite flowers. She loves flowers.

She hates birthday cake, birthday cookies, her choice.

She has a horse named J.N. and is accomplished in riding and competing.

That her grandfather somewhat taught her to play “Amazing Grace” on the mandolin.

There is so much more she shared on the back of each photo in this album.

Tears come when looking at her photos, how I wish I had been part of her life growing up. To take her shopping, to spoil her, to love her.

Tears of joy and sadness.

A perfect gift, one she took much time to put together.

How thankful I am for this gift, and for my beautiful niece.

Thank you for this special Christmas gift, I will cherish it always.

Thank you with all my love.