Crabtree Falls and the Brew Ridge Parkway

A much needed sojourn to the Blue Ridge Mountains was in order. Three days with no real plans – no internet and no mobiles – but pack extra quilts and plenty of wine and cheese. 🙂 A last Winter hurrah. 

Day 1: Arriving in the afternoon, we puttered around the cabin located next to the rumbling Tye River. Dinner was a steaming pot of chili and cornbread washed down with 3-Buck Chuck wine and Coors beer while settling in with a Harry Potter DVD marathon.

Tye River. © 2016 AccuWeather.

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It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere

It’s that time of year, again.  I must get back to school and lesson plans. So how much can we cram in a weekend?

Spent time on the beach with George and Connor . . .

Attended an outdoor soireé featuring Alison Glass with her handcrafted fabrics and quilt sample ideas . . .

And made a tiki bar beer bottle opener for my friends. This was a very easy and quick project.

Supplies: 1″ x 6″ pine wood, drill and screws, drink bottle opener, 4 bottle caps, staple gun and staples, paint and brushes

How: Cut wood into 1) 22″ length for back, 2) 4.5″pieces for sides, 1) 4.5″ x  4.5″ piece for bottom  and 1) 4.5″ x  5.5″ piece for the front. 

Attach front to sides with screws. Drill holes into the bottom for drainage. Then, screw through the back into each of the side pieces. Screw on bottom piece (from bottom-side up).

Add decoration – there are a ton of design ideas online. I painted a clock face and attached bottle caps using a staple gun. Lastly, attach the bottle opener (ours came from Total Wine).

Remember, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere  ; )  Have a good week! – – Joanne

Old Lucketts Store

George and I traveled to northern Virginia to visit Old Lucketts Store. Yep, THAT Lucketts you’ve seen in Country Living, Flea Market Decor, Southern Living and other magazines.

The drive there was quite picturesque; the Blue Ridge Mountain Range in the distance and the burbling Potomac.

Styled as “vintage hip,” Lucketts is full of unique treasures and antiques. 

Goodbye 2014 :: Welcome 2015

Happy New Year! We’ve been enjoying a long and lazy holiday break. I finished my last project for the year just in time for Christmas: 16 quilted table runners for family and friends.

Quilted Table Runner

Over the past year, George and I learned a lot of new tricks and techniques, received much appreciated advice and made a few friends while doing what we love: creating, building and crafting. I am honored to share a few of my favorite blogs with you; knowing you’ll find something to enjoy from their posts as much as I: Fox and Finch Antiques, Hello, Scarlet, and Ol’ Perly Jenkins.

I look forward to attempting new projects this new year. I did not realize how “crafty busy” we had been until I looked back over 2014. Indulge me as I share a few with you:

Well, I have three, actually 😉

Salvaged Wood Shelf

DIY Farmhouse Night Stand

Architectural Wall Art

By far, the easiest project!

DIY Necklace Holder

Though, not a 2014 project, this was the most viewed one for the year.

Pallet Kitchen Island/Work Table

Anyone see a pattern here? I guess we like creating with wood. 🙂 I’d love to know your favorite 2014 post or project.

Here’s to a fantabulous New Year to you and yours! – – Joanne

Mistakes & Happy Endings: DIY Farmhouse Nightstand

“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”– Bob Ross

I’ve been chompin’ to get started on the second night stand for my Bedroom Revamp, but repairing the water-damaged Family Room took precedence. Finally, last weekend we were able to get going, using the same basic pattern as the first bedside table we made.

 

Instead of a tray top, I designed this piece to look like a vintage wash stand.  With wood and supplies left from the other table, I only needed to purchase two glass knobs and sand paper. Once built, I stained it with Minwax Early American and let it dry overnight.

DIY Farmhouse Bedside Table :: Done!

I finally completed one of the DIY farmhouse-shabby chic bedside tables for our bedroom update. I think it turned out rather nice; if I say so myself. 😀