Out with the old...

Where has the time gone? Where have I been? Christmas has come and gone. Phew! I enjoy the season but am glad when all the hustle and bustle is overwith.

I made these stockings for a sale, but made six in case they didn't sell, so I could use them for our family. I had made four earlier, that sold at a sale right away. The kids protested not using the traditional red ones, at first, but then realized these burlap ones were bigger, so then they were fine with them!

This has not been a great year for me for several reasons, but things are looking up, and I am hopeful for a better 2012.

Unprepared

Well, if you happened to log in and see my last post, now deleted, you would have wondered what was going on. I was having computer troubles and was having difficulty logging in and posting a message. Of course the one that finally posted was one that expressed my frustration, and then I, of course, couldn't delete it!

I have pictures to share but came unprepared because I was actually out running errands and dropped into the library for a quick computer visit on impulse. So, I shall get back in the groove in the off chance you check back in sometime looking for something new to read!

All white alweady!

Thought I would show you what I've been up to. Of course we moved again and I got rid of a lot of stuff. I'm trending toward a white decor with some touches of brown. Ugh, I know, I have hated brown as a decorating color for ever. But guess we can change. So what you are seeing is my beautiful lamp shade atop my vintage lamp. I saw the shade idea at Farm Chicks last year and thought I could replicate the look. Turns out I could. I love it!
This creme 'dough' bowl I've had for a few years and like it on my table. Kind of a farm style look to my shabby glam.

I've had the corner cupboard for a few years and finally painted it white. It is sooo cute!

And then a hint of what I am going for in "new" dishes. Still my love of old silverware, but now paired with creme, white and brown dishes. They can be all creme, all white, or combined with brown like these little salad plates. I am also collecting the brown and white Oregon dinner plates, so if you see any on your out and abouts, pick them up for me!

Signs of Spring

The calendar says its almost summer, so I went in search of signs of Spring to ensure that we actually had one! This is what I found.

Some delicious Rhubarb from which I've already made two yummy pies, and this beautiful blooming "cotton candy" tree that to me was the perfect tree.

Shady Lady

I saw a lampshade like this last year at the Farm Chicks sale in Spokane and thought it looked pretty cool. I also figured I could make one so I went on the hunt for just the right shade and found this beauty at a yard sale, of course.

I removed the fabric that was on the shade then cut strips of fabric from different materials, tied them to the shade form and wa la! She's beautiful!

Now that I know how easy it is I won't wait so long to make the next one. I have a shade all ready for it in my bedroom just waiting for me to get to work.

Pallet-able

Well I don't know where I have been or what I have been doing that has kept me away from posting for so long. But maybe this will get me back on your good side. Look at these fun ideas for pallets. Yep, those bothersom wooden things that people try to give away. Now you know what to do with them! You can bet I already have my eye on a couple!

home baked

It seems like every magazine I read lately has a recipe for homemade biscuits. I used to be quite the Baking Powder Biscuit baker but hadn't made any in awhile. I couldn't take it anymore. I had to tie on an apron and whip up a batch. Of course I used an old metal bowl and a vintage silverplate meat fork to blend the ingredients. Who needs a pastry cutter?! Next I kneaded the dough a little so it would form some kind of cohesive blob. Then I rolled it out just a bit with my handy dandy wooden rolling pin I have had for over 20 years. Cut some biscuits with what else, but a vintage biscuit cutter. Plopped them in a pan and baked.

While they were still warm I spread on some butter and strawberry jam. Mmmmmm. Nothing better on a rainy afernoon! For this recipe, look in Country Living Magazine March 2011. I'll have to have my daughter show me how to make links to such sites, but until then, you'll just have to borrow the mag, look it up on line, or go buy one yourself. Happy eating!