Wedding Gift Quilt

Well, that’s it. Party’s over.  For many students in the States, it’s back to school (ummm, we started back two weeks ago). It still feels like summer and it’s a beautiful day to photograph a gift to my friends! This is the first quilt I’ve made that I am giving to someone outside my immediate family. No pressure!  😉 

My dear friends are blending their families when they get married in September. I thought long and hard for the right design, feel and color. I wanted to give them something from my heart.

They live at the oceanfront with their four boys and two dogs. Michael Miller’s Indigo Ikat line reminds me of the water, while not appearing too girly.

I envision this new family snuggling together by the fire on winter nights as they watch a little TV wrapped in their family quilt.

I hope they enjoy it for years to come!

Have a good week! – – Joanne

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Weekend Finds and A Little R& R

This summer, we have been very busy (see Budget White Kitchen Makeover or Bedroom Revamp). We’ve worked straight through June and July, throughout most week nights and on weekends. While my sister and I have the summer off, George does not. He even took his summer vacay week off to work on the kitchen. What a guy! 

Then, August was upon us before we knew it!  And, you know the saying, “All work and no play . . .” So-o-o, we decided it was definitely  time for a little R&R break. 🙂

A few restorative days at the beach were in order . . .

Hmmm, think I need a pedi!

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My Ah-Mazing Mom ^ and Sistah >

Certainly needed to work in a little sight-seeing thrift-ing . . .

Quick! Know anyone who needs a leather topped mahogany table for only $49?

1940-50’s mahogany table

 

Who couldn’t use a vintage wood ladder (or two)? 

 

Glass jars speak to me. Even vintage pickle jars. I envision a seashell collection inside. 

Ever since we started our bedroom revamp, I have fallen for vintage cotton linens.

And a nostalgic trip down memory lane . . .
Digging through loose photos packed in shoe boxes, I found two fuzzy photographs: my daughter and niece playing dress-up in my ruffled, stained 1980’s wedding gown. Got to love those 1980’s fashion mistakes.  

Ha! I certainly don’t remember being THAT thin. What ever happened? 😉  

 

Well, I feel rested and ready to complete that kitchen makeover tomorrow morning. Hope those who are now experiencing summer are able to take a little R&R break. If you’ve the time, please check back in a week or two to see our progress. Thanks for stopping by!

Have a good week! – – Joanne

Refashioned Blouse :: Little Girl Sundress

I pulled a white peasant blouse (sales tag attached) from the grab bag. The batiste-like fabric features self-fabric ribbons and eyelet cut outs. The neckline is machine smocked . . .

. . . and the hem has a sheer underlay.

Very pretty and would make a perfect sundress or wedding party dress for a little girl.

Repurposed Beer Bucket

This shabby pail was created from one of the saved beer buckets from our daughter’s DIY Vintage Rustic Wedding. The only item I purchased was the spray paint.  It was a quick project and was super easy.

:<>::<>::<>:

Breakdown:

Time: 45 minutes (add additional drying times)

Cost: $2.49 (spray paint)

Difficulty: Super Easy!

:<>::<>::<>:

Supplies:

bucket

Rust-o-Leum Hammered 7213 Silver spray paint

Behr Brushed Almond homemade chalk paint

foam brush

The Graphics Fairy typography

wax paper

tape

inkjet printer

dark brown Briwax

clean rag

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To achieve this shabby look, I covered the blue island-themed (not a favorite) pail . . . 

Corona, anyone? 😉

2013 Favorites

::<>::      Looking back on 2013      ::<>::

Another quick year gone. Is it because I am growing older that the years are flying? 😉

All the same, 2013 was a decent year. I dipped my toes, left my comfort zone. I was encouraged and I learned. I was inspired by some very clever folks, homegrown and professional. Here are just a few. Hats off and thanks to all of you (check them out!):

Old Pearly Jenkins

DIYPassion

Hello Scarlet

SUZIK

For Those Who Love Dresses

Pretty Handy Girl

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:: <> :: <> :: <> ::

. . .And then, some of my own personal DIY favs that made me happy:

DIY Blended-Family Outdoor Wedding

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Doggie Biscuits in a Jar Gift

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Dream Art Workspace aka Craft Room

..

What a year, right?  Thank you for visiting my humble blog. I look forward to another fantastic 365 days of sharing with you. 

May you have a happy and healthy 2014!

— Joanne

Tin Can Repurpose: Organize Art Tools

Me thinks summer is at end. It was 70ºF (21ºC) this morning, a bit breezy, Saw Man wants to cover the pool and winter coats are on sale. *sigh*  I guess it’s time to de-clutter, organize and start putting things away; especially in my Art Dreamspace room.  I need to organize my small hand-held tools and Pinterest has a TON of ideas.  I decided to repurpose tin cans – my favorite old “go to” standby. I’ve used tin cans for art projects, wedding décor, punched lanterns and now to organize my small hand-helds.

Clean vegetable tin cans and a worn Lazy Susan I purchased from the Goodwill Store fit my needs. For the cans I needed decorative papers, a ruler/pencil, Washi tape, brush, scissors and Mod Podge.

The Lazy Susan was spray painted with Valspar Satin Whipped Apricot, a buttery yellow. It was in such bad condition, that it took four coats.

I laid the can on its side, measured how much decorative paper I’d need to wrap completely around it and glued it on with a lot of Mod Podge.

I added cutouts and Washi tape for contrast.

I like to remove a can now and then to use at different work areas.

But, they could be glued or screwed to the Lazy Susan for stability. This is such an inexpensive, creative and great way to repurpose – not to mention that this room is getting a much needed Fall de-clutter!

Have a good week! – – Joanne