Watermelon Soup

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T11:43:00.000-06:00

All my love, to you and yours

Hollandia Cruiser

2012-02-11T12:28:00.002-06:00

I am taking out ten dollars every week until my birthday at which point I'll buy this bike for myself. It is exactly what I have been looking for. Great color, great style, pedal brakes, and racks for transporting things. I am aware that at this point, I don't really have a need for it or even anywhere to ride it. But I've also learned that when something comes along that is exactly what you've been looking for, and have waited years to get, it's best to snatch it up. These things don't just happen everyday.

Child's Own Studio

2012-02-03T20:32:00.002-06:00

I saw this website called Child's Own Studio on the blog Stephmodo tonight and I think it is absolutely brilliant. They take the drawing of a child and turn it into stuffed animals, or people, or cars...whatever its a drawing of. Here is a really great example.

Amazing Scarf Tutorial

2012-02-03T20:09:00.000-06:00

Dirt Cheap

2012-02-03T19:05:00.000-06:00

I love to go scavanging through Hudson's Dirt Cheap in Tupelo. Their house stuff and miscellaneous objects are usually pretty worthless, and same with men's clothing. But women's tops are almost always guaranteed to impress. Lately they've been carrying a lot of things from Target. Here's what I scored on my trip yesterday.

This purple leopard print sweater for $7 which is the most I spent on anything.

This cardigan is a lovely violet, and I actually think I have the same one in pink, but need more purple in my wardrobe so I bought it. $5.00

This red striped shirt is much more flattering on than hanging. A little girl at work had a red and white striped top and light blue skirt this summer and it was just the cutest French inspired outfit. Decided I would try a more grown-up version. $3.00

This peach tee is delicate and lovely. $5.00

Lastly, a fun light-weight shirt I could wear to exercise or just out running errands. $5.00

Finally a Before and After

2011-12-20T14:11:00.002-06:00

Kitchen at time of purchase

Kitchen during demolition.

Kitchen now. Not really much else to be done. Just hung the spice rack today.

Losing Yourself

2011-12-19T01:10:00.000-06:00

I feel like I have fallen so far from the person I used to be. Who worked on art, exercised, ate at least somewhat better than I do now, and prioritized going to church and spending time in prayer. There are so many things I want to blame it on. Work, our house reno, Matt. None of those are really the issue though. I'm the only one who can change me, well me with God's grace.

This picture is from my 6 months in Australia, kind of towards the end of my stay there. I got up on Sundays, dressed, grabbed my purse then went down to the garage to get on my bike for the 2 mile trek to Frenchs Forest Baptist Church. It was a difficult ride, with plenty of hills, bird attacks, and this giant sewer thing I had to carry the bike over, but I chose to go. There was no guilt from anyone to go. It was my choice to fellowship with other believers and be encouraged in my spiritual walk. Now I'm doing good to drag myself to church out of some kind of sinner's guilt.

I exercised in the mornings with the girls, road my bike places, and did lots of hilly walking with 2 little buggers in the pram. I felt healthy, and confident. Now, not so much.
I get on spurts every once in a while to go to the gym that I've had a membership to since February. I'll feel good after a couple days of exercise, then I guess I give up. Also my sweet tooth may be the death of me. For Christmas, the kids at the Montessori school kept bringing sweet treats for the teachers and I showed absolutely no self-control. I mean absolutely positively none! I think if I stopped eating sugar I would go into some kind of lack-of-sugar-coma.

Anyway, if anyone out there has read to this point in this post I'd be shocked. I just feel very angry with myself and couldn't sleep till I got it out of my system some how.

My goals to a better me:
1. Read the bible and keep a prayer journal again
2. Exercise before work and yoga at night
3. Eat healthy. It would probably take me making food to take with me all the time, meals, and snacks. Then not eating the stuff I come across when I'm out or at work.
4. Drink lots of water. Stop drinking sodas because I crave the sugar.
5. Make more of an effort to visit with friends and family. I went yesterday (Saturday) to see my best friend from highschool who lives just over an hour away. Every time I go there I leave wondering why it's been so long since my last visit. Also got to have a great instant message chat with my best friend from college the other night and it lifted my spirits so much.
6. Paint, carve, sew, craft, photograph. Anything to get some energy and thoughts out.

So, tomorrow/today I will make myself do this. And then the next day I will try to do it again. Then again. and again. I don't know any other way than to try to do it one day at a time. Keep my goals short term till I'm really back into healthy habits.

Toggles

2011-12-16T19:24:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I went to Old Navy to hunt down a Christmas gift for the husband, and to get some long exercise pants for me. I found both of those, plus a couple tops for me. I also tried on this coat, and really really like how it fit, and the interesting color blocking going on. It appears to be great quality. I would be using a 30% off coupon, making it about $45.50, quite reasonable for a warm and snuggly winter coat. The only problem was the toggles. Now I like toggles just fine, but I wasn't a fan of how these are attached with stark white rope. It felt like they should have used a bit less contrasty color, like a tan or even red or brown from the colors of the coat. On closer inspection I saw how the rope was attached, and think it would be relatively straight forward to replace it with something better. Just didn't want to buy the coat, manage to ruin it, then be $45 in the hole. Still pondering it over; may have to consult the best seamstress I know, my mom.

Designing my Studio

2011-12-14T11:56:00.002-06:00

Here is my list of necessities for my future art studio:

1. Lighting- a wall of windows (not quite as fancy as the picture below, but same concept), glass doors, and a stainglass window I create. Would also need really good lighting for night time use.

2. Storage- Need good storage space. My art dresser will fit in there, will have a wall of narrow shelves, and preferably a loft style storage spot.

I like the use of the desk side. I plan on having a large work surface reaching out into the center of the room, but the far end could have open storage like this piece.

I love the idea of a peg board for hanging certain supplies. I'll probably pull out every piece of art supply that I have before putting things in the studio, and figure out where exactly I want everything to go so I know there is a place for every bit of it.

These shallow shelves are great because I'd be able to see exactly what I have. This picture actually makes me giddy.

3. A drying rack- I want a drying rack like this wall mount one. It has just enough slots for one person. Its only $89.40 which isn't the worst price I've seen. Going to do more research, maybe make it into a Valentine's Day gift (since that's the next holiday I can get away with getting a gift from the hubby).

4. Easel- Matt got me one for Christmas this year. I just put it together tonight and I love it so so so much. It's the perfect size, made of sturdy solid wood, and just beautiful. I'll have to post a better picture later.

5. Heating and Air- May just be a window unit and then a space heater, but I do need something to make the summers more bearable.

My Christmas List and a guess on Matt's

2011-12-09T11:52:00.001-06:00

I would like two or three of these OXO cutting boards in the 10.5x 7.5 size. These are from Bed Bath and Beyond for $8.99.

I would also like 2 of these French White Ramekins, also from Bed Bath and Beyond. I want them so I can do this whenever I have a hankering for some cookies.

Also on my list are these style folding stadium seats. Not because of sitting in bleachers, but for sitting at work during nap rubbing kids' backs for hours to get them to sleep. Would really help to not have to strain my back. Whatever color seems the least obnoxious in person, no neon yellows or anything, but it doesn't have to be black. Both of these pictures are ones from Dick's Sporting Goods.

Matt's List

My husband is incredibly hard to buy anything for, other than gift cards. He wants a boat cover for his boat, but those are pricey and hard to know what size.

I also think he would like gift cards to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy more hunting equipment for all those deer he kills every year (and by kills I mean watches walk by in the woods).

We would someday like a Keurig but will have to save up for it. When we get one a nice to-go cup would be a good gift. And that is close to all he ever mentions wanting.

He does need more long sleeve shirts though, the end.

Frosted pane, no pain at all

2011-06-26T19:51:00.005-05:00

Our livingroom has a door that leads into the future garage. Right now it looks into the clutter, sawdust, and junk that is the work room. I had considered etching the glass but then saw that they make contact paper you can put on, giving the frosted effect without damaging the glass.

This is the door before we applied the contact paper.

We took of the grid by just unscrewing it in nine places or so. Very easy. Then I cleaned the glass with some ecofriendly glass cleaner and a paper towel.

We got the contact paper from Home Depot. There were lots of different options but I decided on the one that gives the look of rice paper. For the sheet, which was almost the exact size of our door's glass pane, it only cost about $21. Not too bad. We used a spray bottle with water, a few drops of dawn and sprayed it onto the glass. Then we pealed off the backing and attached it to the window. We had to shift it around a little but it wasn't a problem. Matt had to cut off a small strip of excess. To smooth out any bubbles I used a credit card and scraped outward and down. We put the grid back on and called it a day. Was faster and easier than I thought it would be. No longer looking into our messy garage. Yay!!

Building the Built-in

2011-06-21T16:39:00.002-05:00

My husband does carpentry, so he is building our bookcase for the living room. There will be five pieces on that wall. Two cabinets, two bookshelves, one window seat. This is what the one on the right looks like. Still in it's two pieces.

The left bookcase is already put together and attached to the wall. We'll have the window seat between the two. Matty hasn't gotten to that part yet.

Renovation on River Road

2011-05-20T21:36:00.006-05:00

Matt and I have been working on the living room lately. It took a lot of demolition but we finally get to put it back together. The archway that was there originally was in pretty poor shape. They didn't take the time to do it properly so we took it down and started from scratch.

These are a few pictures of what the entry/dining room and living room looked like when we bought the house. Lovely green peel-and-stick tile, old bent fan, cabin wood on the far wall.

Moldy ceiling, more peel-and-stick tile, and just generally poorly constructed everything. All had to be torn out and redone. Even the windows.

This is the current state of our house. That table is just till we can build a farm style one. The bar is unfinished, and obviously so is the rest, but I think it's really come a long way.

My beautiful new archway. Blue in the back of the bookcase which is the same blue as the door in the living room and also the ceiling.

Coffered ceiling in the living room. The blue is Mount Airy and the walls are Sourdough.

Touches of Red

2011-05-19T18:31:00.008-05:00

Our guest bedroom is going to have neutral walls. Possibly a pale blue,or greyish color and the accent color will be....red. Not fire engine red. Or neon red. But a beautiful shade of crimson. It's hard to explain but it will be great.

I think this pillow would look perfect in the bedroom. The maker, Sukan is one of my favorite sellers on etsy. The pillow cover is a bit out of my price range, plus it would be coming from Europe so shipping is a lot, but it is fun to dream.

A couple of weekends ago I went to Birmingham, then Atlanta with my bestie, Lydia. The main purpose was to go to the High Museum of Art. We of course decided to make a trip to IKEA. It was fantastic. I really want to take Matty. I got several things and it was only $36 total. One of the things I got were these shelf brackets. They're the perfect shade of red and for only $5 I know they'll go great in the room near the corner desk Matty will be building. I'll probably use a natural board and seal it for the actual shelf. I think white has too much contrast and more red is just too much.

uh, yeah. some more

2011-05-16T21:21:00.002-05:00

Another fantastic tutorial. This one is from Tao of Craft. I would love to have a few of these for a nursery with a woodland theme. Wouldnt that be sweet?

A simple yet impressive tutorial on V and Co. by guest blogger Cluck. Cluck. Sew. I'm not really a flower person but I think this pillow is great.

Favorites, and More Favorites

2011-05-15T08:34:00.003-05:00

I seem to save a lot of tutorials in the favorites list. Maybe someday I'll take a weekend and try them all. These flowers are so delicate and lovely. The tutorial is from Mrs. Priss.

Design*Sponge is one of my all time favorite blogs. Partly because of all the before and after photos submitted that basically rock my world. Also for the sporadic tutorials that seem like something I could actually manage. This faux-pottery project is pretty cool and looks like it would be a quick afternoon craft time. Project submitted by P.S. -I made this... and no that wasn't some subtle way to say I submitted it. That's actually the blog's name. :-)

Favorites

2011-05-13T19:43:00.004-05:00

I've been using my husband's laptop for a while now since my charger and battery went kaput. Whenever I find cool projects or websites I save them in a folder on his favorites tab. This one is the Snow Ruffle Pillow and the tutorial for it is on V and Co. Vanessa has a great blog. Highly recommend browsing through it.

I think these wall decals by Shanna Murray are really charming. I could see this going above someone's bedside table.

I love this tutorial from the blog A Few of My Favorite Things. She found a shirt she liked on J.Crew and decided to make her own version. It turned out really great. Have a look.

Vegetable Garden

2011-04-23T13:41:00.004-05:00

Our house when we bought it had not been lived in for 4 or 5 years. That means 1. the inside of the house smelled atrocious and 2. the yard looked like the secret garden having not been tended for so many years. And a result of no. 2 is that our yard has had leaves and such decomposing on it for years and years. It is incredibly fertile and has more earth worms than most people would know what to do with. Matty and I decided (mostly I decided) that we wanted to have a vegetable garden. A month or two back I bought packets of seeds, then lost them, then found them again, then lost them again. And today I found them again. So I decided to make a quick project and get those seeds growing.

Matt and I are both huge fans of squash. I love them cooked down so long that they turn into mush. Flavorful, buttery, delicious mush.

(ignore th paint on my hands. I have also been working on the house today)

When I opened the corn packet I don't know what I was expecting, but not raisin looking kernels.

Tomato seeds are probably my favorite out of the ones I planted. They remind me of really, really rediculously small bird eggs. I think anything in miniature is fun so these were a nice surprise.

Matt hates cucumbers. Unless of course they are in the form of pickles. I really enjoy cucumbers, on salads, as cucumber sandwiches, and also pickles. We may try pickling some if I get a good crop.

I needed a way to mark where I planted what, so I got toothpicks, tape, a sharpie and scissors and made my own mini markers. When we plant them out in the yard I'll have to find another way to mark what's what.

I put all four containers of seeds on a cookie sheet, on a stool, in the front window. Decided that I'll need to get strawberries and watermelons too.

Breath Taking

2011-04-19T19:12:00.005-05:00

photo by Jason Busch, stylist Rachel Brown

I came across this awe-inspiring photo on the design files. She has an interview with photographer Jason Busch. His website has incredible work. But there is just something about this image that made me stop. Hill End Artist Retreat is in the outback of Australia. I don't know if I am subconsciously drawn to it because of its location or not. It does remind me of the house from the movie, Australia. I loved that house as well. Maybe I'll design the exterior of our house to play off the appearance of homes found in the Australian outback.

mini mushrooms

2011-04-17T13:03:00.004-05:00

I made these little mushrooms a few weeks ago with Sculpey III clay from Hobby Lobby. It was a quick little project and fun to do. They are currently sitting in my kitchen window. I like having little burst of fun around the house. I'll probably make more and hide some on the book shelves, in the linen closet, and in the pantry.

Window Shopping

2011-04-01T17:45:00.003-05:00

This desk would fit perfectly in our guest bedroom. Well, our future guest bedroom. Right now it houses our couch, tv, trunk and mini fridge. The husband wants an office. Unfortunately our house won't really have an extra room for that so I think this desk would be a great solution. Space saving and very functional.

Admiring this hammock from over at World Market. I think I know the perfect place for it in my backyard. Only thing it lacks is a giant net surrounding it to keep the mosquitos out.

Premier Prints

2011-03-14T21:34:00.008-05:00

Traditions, Cloud/Linen

I have elaborate and possibly overly ambitious plans to upholster a headboard for my master bedroom. I've drawn off the outline, gathered ideas and tips, measured and calculated. I've had this vision in my head of a patterned fabric, linen with a white print or something similar. A decorative pattern but not too overwhelming. The only catch so far was that I hadn't been able to find any fabric remotely resembling what I've envisioned. I had high hopes my favorite fabric store in Jackson, Premier Prints, would have something, but I just don't make it down there enough. Then the other day I realized there is an outlet fabric store near me in Sherman that is the supplier of my favorite store. Imagine my excitement. This Saturday I'll be trekking up there to browse the options in person. I've found these two fabrics on their website and think one of them may be what I'm looking for.

Suzani, Cloud/Denton

Certain Curtains

2011-02-21T17:38:00.003-06:00

these curtains are from Through the Country Door

When it comes to buying things for the house, I always have something pretty exact in mind. Then I have to search and scrounge and really hunt for that perfect thing I've imagined. Sometimes if I can't find it I try and create it. My living room is a shade of khaki or tan, not sure what to call it. The paint name is Sourdough. Then the accent color is a beautiful warm, antique shade of green. That green is what will be on the walls in the entry/dining room.

I wanted to bring the tan in so I've been looking for an interesting curtain with a country cottage feel. I came across these curtains last week and just keep looking at them. They're linen and absolutely beautiful. I never thought I would choose plaid, but there it is. A rich tan linen plaid. And for just $24.99 a panel, I couldn't be more sold on them. Now I just want to run it by the husband and order them.

Vintage Spoon Garden Marker

2011-01-26T17:00:00.002-06:00

This spring I'm going to have rows of vegetables and fruits. I'd love to have squash, tomatoes, zuchini, strawberry, watermelon, sweet potatoes, and others that I just can't think of at the moment. I'm also going to have an herb garden in the kitchen window. Wouldn't these garden markers by jessicaNdesigns be just lovely to go in the window box. I had considered them for the actual garden, but it's going to be a pretty big plot and they may just get lost. But they would definitely stand out in the kitchen. Plus, a set of three is just $18 which is pretty good price for supporting a fellow artist and crafter.

I also think these would make for lovely gifts. Great for Mother's Day, bridesmaid's gifts, and your garden loving friend.

2011-01-21T19:48:00.002-06:00

Ok, so a girl I went to college with posted this on Facebook, from YouTube, and it totally cracks me up. I don't know if it's cause I went to Zumba last night for the first time and this turtle has better moves than me, or if its just because watching something shake its backside is naturally funny to me. Enjoy!

Brown Paper Packages

2011-01-19T18:44:00.002-06:00

Isn't this a lovely way to wrap a gift? The yellow and white accent is vintage shelving liner. The white band is canvas fabric. Add some jute twine and a diy flower and you've got the best wrapped gift around. This project is from a blog I discovered today. The Thrifty Crafter.

Our Monster of a House

2011-01-19T12:17:00.004-06:00

I don't say that because of it's size but more of the giant, unruly, misfit of an undertaking it truly has been. Here is a video from when we first kind of started the house. It was still in the demolition phase.

Fruit Bowl

2011-01-05T20:08:00.004-06:00

I think my counter needs this amazing bowl. I've been thinking about what bowl I want to use as my fruit bowl. It's been a year and a half and I still hadn't found one I liked. But then I was looking at some unfinished wood sitting on my granite counter and it hit me. I need a wood bowl. Real, raw, unfinished wood. This bowl from Target is perfect.

Creative and Rustic

2011-01-01T11:06:00.003-06:00

I'm really loving this adorable creative bedroom. The bed is so sweet. I think Matty will be building all of our beds. ah, the beauty of having a carpenter husband.

This New Years day I'm working on the house (shocker). I've been feeling really greatful for Matt having a day job. I've been able to spend more time with him this past week than probably in the last 4 months. Night shift was absolutely horrible, but it is over now! He's still sleeping, but when he's up we're going to work on getting the kitchen put together. Pictures to come

Kitchen Accessory

2010-12-30T09:41:00.005-06:00

The kitchen remodel is coming along pretty well. I've been working on getting the cabinet doors put on and tidying up the rest of the kitchen. When washing dishes I noticed that there was no real convenient place to put the sponge, so I did me some etsy shopping. Here are the two I like the most. This first one is by Extrudergirl. I really like the color of the glaze. It looks like it would match our ceramic serving pieces. Also the price is rather great at $12.

This second one is equally great. The pear is such a beautiful color and would add real character to the kitchen. Only set back is the price is a bit more than the first option. This lovely handmade pear is $38. Made by sarasgallery.

Anjuli and Sam

2010-12-23T16:36:00.003-06:00

This video is dreamy. Really enjoyed watching it.

Anjuli and Sam from max and molly on Vimeo.

. . . Found via The Traveling Cabinet.

Bath Design with a Natural Twist

2010-12-23T09:57:00.003-06:00

I really like the simple details of this shower curtain from Anthropologie. Unfortunately I could never justify spending $118 on it. Instead, I will attempt to make one of my own.

Since designing our house renovation, I've realized I really like to have natural materials as often as possible. We have grey slate in the master bath, linen style fabric for the shower curtain and small window curtain, and I have big plans to have natural reed wallpaper in the hallway. Keeping with that theme, I think these buttons from etsy would be so perfect for my shower curtain. I think my husband would like to attempt to make some for us, but if that doesn't go well I will most likely be ordering some of these.

Perfect PostCard Calendar

2010-12-17T19:28:00.003-06:00

I am totally enamored with this DIY journal project from Design*Sponge. You keep the calendar going for several years. Each day writing a little tidbit about what happened that day. And as the years go by, you'll be able to think back on what was going on that day 1,2,3,4 and so on years ago.

You can find the tutorial here.

Kitchen Renovation

2010-11-30T15:24:00.003-06:00

Here are a few photos of our house renovation. These are all the same wall of the kitchen. Top picture is the original state we bought it. The cabinets were pretty poorly done. If you look carefully, you'll see that instead of having handles, they put knobs in the two holes the handle would have gone in. Looked pretty rediculous, but we saved all the knobs since the finish was brushed nickel and that's what we are using in our house. The room even felt so much smaller, though we have so much more in it now. The middle picture is before the start of the backsplash and pre-painting.

We plan on having some cabinet drawers built on Thursday, which I guess means I need to go pick the paint color. It's going to be the same blue as our Casafina dishes. They will all of beaded board facing and a simple trim.

Treehouse for Me House!

2010-11-19T19:47:00.003-06:00

I want my backyard to have cool details like this one. We have plenty of trees, will just take a bit of planning to figure out what I want it to look like someday.

photo found via A Cup of Jo on Design*Sponge by Mike and Emma of M + E

Kid's Play Kitchen

2010-11-12T23:22:00.002-06:00

I have to admit, I've thought before about what toys I want my kids to have. Mainly, no video games, but plenty of games that inspire creativity. Well, talk about creative! Look at what a grandmother and grandfather made for their little grandchild, Milla. An amazing little kitchen from an old entertainment center. Pretty incredible, right? I just had to share it.

pictures from Amy at Giggleberry Creations found via Design*Sponge

Pillow, low, low, low

2010-11-11T19:50:00.005-06:00

I've started looking at accesories for the living room. All these pillows would go with the color scheme. I really think I want to buy this striped one with the different shades of green.

Also digging these zigzag green and white pillows. The color is brighter than the curtains, but I could tie it all together. This one is unique, too. It's blockprinted and lovely. There is also the plus that it appears to be the exact color of the curtains I bought yesterday.

Raffia, Jute, and Wood

2010-11-10T21:37:00.005-06:00

I've been designing the living room lately. We have a large chocolate brown leather sectional, a large flat screen tv, and a bare room.

The coloring will be fun and have lots of different textures. The walls will be a shade of tan, the floor will be white and navy blue on concrete. I'm going to paint the whole floor white, then tape off a geometric pattern, and roll a rich navy blue ontop.

I think I want to have a braided jute rug. It wouldn't battle with the floor for being the strongest pattern. But the texture and natural fiber will make for a great addition. This one is from Overstock.com.

Also, these lamps I've added are made by the blogger "Meet Virginia". I had seen ones like this on an HGTV show, which ironically is where Morgan saw them. I want to make two and have them hanging near the library side of the living room. I think they'd make for interesting lighting and would carry the natural fibers from one end of the room to the other. .

I went this evening to Tuesday Mornings to see if they had a pair of curtains I had been eyeing. They did, so I got them, $40, in a beautiful shade of apple green. This picture taken from my phone doesn't even resemble the color it is. The final pictures of the rooms will better represent what is there. I'm going to find ways to tie all the colors together from the room. Like by having throw pillows, and artwork that reflect the mood, style, and colors.

Rickshaw Bagworks

2010-11-10T11:08:00.004-06:00

I never know if I'm the last person to hear about something, but this is the first I've seen of these bags. Rickshaw Bagworks is a very unique company in that they don't have fabric waste. The bags are designed so that every piece is used in the making of the bag. Watch this video to learn more about it. .

I am particularly fond of this yellow small messenger bag, made of Cordura nylon. It measures a lovely 10"Hx 14"Wx 6"D with two pockets under the velcro flap. I'm pretty set on getting one, but I just have to convince the hubby of it first. I usually buy purses and then use them until they basically fall apart.

Bags discovered through Daily Grommet

Capturing Nature

2010-10-22T21:35:00.003-05:00

I love this photograph. It reminds me of another one Isaved a while back that I just searched several folders for on my computer and couldn't find. I love things from nature collected and captured in glass containers. I've started a collection of butterflies I had found laying permanenty asleep around our house. They look lovely in these little jars I got from a craft store. I also have a birds nest that someone found while working on our house. I want to put it in a glass container of some sort, and possibly even purchase fake robins eggs to go in it. I could have groupings of my collections on our bookshelf that will be built soon. Also on a shelf above the built-n bookshelf, will be my globe collection. Vintage camera collection will be dispersed among the old books. I am very much looking forward to having my living room complete.

photo from Wabi-sabi found via Aesthetic Outburst

My House To-do List

2010-10-13T12:54:00.004-05:00

THINGS I CAN DO ON THE HOUSE TO MAKE IT LOOK MORE COMPLETE:

LINEN CLOSET: PAINT INSIDE GREY, PUT SHELVES BACK IN, DO TOUCH UPS WHERE PAINT WILL GET SCRATCHED OFF, PUT LINENS IN AND STACK ON SHELVES
PAINT BEDROOM DOOR TRIM
PAINT BATHROOM CEILING
LAUNDRY ROOM: MUD, SEAL GROUT, SAND LAUNDRY ROOM, PRIME LAUNDRY ROOM, PAINT, FIND A RACK TO HANG CLOTHES, GET THE IRONING BOARD CLEANED UP, PUT BACK IN, MAKE A COVER FOR IT
SEW SHOWER CURTAIN AND BATH CURTAIN
WORK ON PANTRY-CLEAN OUT FIRST, CAULK, PRIME, PAINT INTERIOR, PAINT EXTERIOR
CAULK AND PAINT DESK AND CABINET ABOVE DESK
RILEY’S TO PICK PAINT COLOR FOR KITCHEN, CABINET AND WALLS
FIX FOAM BACKDROP OF CABINET
MAKE SLIP COVER FOR AUTOMAN
CLEAN OFF LIVING ROOM FLOOR
TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR ABOVE OUR BED
TEAR OUT BOARDS FROM THE BARN AND WORK ON BUILDING US A NEW HEADBOARD AND FOOTBOARD.
PAINT THE LIVING ROOM WALLS.
PAINT THE LIVING ROOM FLOOR WITH A PATTERN.
HANG CURTAINS IN BEDROOM
CLEAN OUT TUB
DESIGN OTHER BATHROOM

Skelies

2010-10-12T19:37:00.003-05:00

This is the begining of my skeleton key collection. None of these keys open doors anymore, except one of them. It will someday open the door to my art studio when my hubby can build it for me.

There will be at least two more keys. I bought a couple new gold colored ones from a hardware store, but I don't like them looking too new. Matt suggested I bury them in the yard to age them faster. I got impatient and just threw them out the front door somewhere to weather, and will remember to hunt them down again someday later.

Whittling Whales

2010-10-02T14:58:00.006-05:00

Having been without the internet for the past few months, I've desperately missed looking at art blogs. Now every free minute I have, I spend on the internet getting caught up with the blog world. I also find it so very inspiring to look at all the neat things other people are up to everyday. This fun whale is done by the talented man at Ready for the House. First he whittled it in wood, then had it cast in brass.

Can't you imagine it in a little boys room, on a dresser as the drawer pulls? It would be so charming.

A Rustic Mississippi Christmas

2010-10-01T16:52:00.004-05:00

I saw these lovely little fabric birds with button eyes on one of my favorite blogs... Lobster and Swan. I want to make a big grouping for Christmas this year. There could be so many variations with different beautiful fabrics and sweet little buttons

. .

I think this year I would like to have a Christmas tree with a rustic twist. I could sew lots of little birds like these, have a string of cranberries, and some ornaments that look like they're carved out of wood. I could take small pine cones, dip them in a paint, or shimmer, or polyurethane. They could add color, shine, or just an extra outdoorsy feel.

I would also like to make some ornaments like this star one above. I made an attempt at it last year but never actually put them on the tree. This year will go better. Maybe Matt would even want to make some with me. They're made using a flour salt mixture.

Wedding Tapestry Photos

2010-08-30T21:02:00.002-05:00

I love these pictures from Lena Corwin's wedding. She's a super creative soul. You should check out the rest of the wedding photos on flickr.

Anna-wili

2010-08-05T20:17:00.002-05:00

I just came across these beautiful paper sculptures by Anna-wili Highfield on Blue Moss Girls blog. I think it would be cool to make a few birds to hang in a child's room. Owls may be a little scary for a kid at night, but some pretty bluebirds or something would be really fun for any kid.

Viva Terra

2010-07-29T18:53:00.003-05:00

I'm searching through some recommended shopping sites from CountryLiving magazine. This clock is from Viva Terra. It is very reasonably priced at just $69. It is called Boatwood clock.

This is an ecosphere. I've known people to have one and I've always been rather fascinated by them.

Yellow! Yellow! Yellow!

2010-07-15T07:54:00.005-05:00

Here's the scoop.  I do really love yellow.  I wanted to keep a glass paneled door that connects my living room to the future garage, but it is in bad shape and Matt said no.  I think I mostly wanted to keep it because I was going to paint it yellow.  Well now, after seeing a project from a blog I found, I can still get my pop of yellow, and keep the hubby happy.  Introducing....Crafty after all.

crafty after all found via Sarah Marie Cowan

Beautiful Patterned Tile

2010-07-11T18:37:00.003-05:00

I love the tiles in these pictures. I wish I could find some like this in Tupelo, but so far no luck.

Night Jobs

2010-07-07T20:47:00.002-05:00

night sky

ARE THE WORST EVER :-(

Avoiding Packing

2010-07-06T21:50:00.007-05:00

This is how I spend my time avoiding packing the apartment... looking at blogs. And when doing so I found this gem of a globe. I think I might either have my collection displayed on one shelf, or have at least one globe in every room. We'll see.

found at Graham and Green via iamagreedygirl

Plans for the Day

2010-06-23T11:26:00.006-05:00

Let's see here...

1. Go get a 5x10 storage unit for two months so we don't have to worry about moving everything last minute in a few weeks.

2. Work on boxing up unused things by room (almost finished with the kitchen)

3. Buy some groceries so the hubby and I don't starve tonight. I know he'll appreciate that one.

4. Also buy some bubble wrap while at the store

5. Work on my birthday invitations. New goal is to mail them by this Friday

6. Clean up the apartment... but just a little

7. Go by the house, sweep a little, finish prying up the brick in the corner of the living room floor. (guess what mom, they aren't actually glued to the concrete or anything... it's just a matter of prying them apart from each other)

8. Order kitchen sink and have shipped to the store

9. Read more of The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Arch Designs

2010-06-22T10:20:00.004-05:00

I just came across this picture on Design*Sponge and I love the arch. Our house had a poorly made archway between the entry/dining room and the living room. Matt took out what was there and is going to put a better one back in. Now I've got to figure out how I want the arch to look.

Note, this is a view of the entry room pre-renovation.

Flower Light

2010-06-21T09:23:00.001-05:00

I think this orb flower light is pretty cool looking, but I don't think I could convince the husband to let me hang one in the house.

found via apartment therapy

On the search for the perfect rugs

2010-06-17T13:49:00.002-05:00

I found a website with really nice rugs, for really cheap... Take this 5'1"x5'1" rug.... for $72! I really think I may get it..not sure where I'll put it, but how often do you find a deal like that? I'm only wondering how expensive the shipping will be cause it's coming from Iran. Well, headed to browse the site some more. Need a perfect rug for under the bed in the master bedroom.

Master Bath

2010-06-16T17:38:00.004-05:00

The master bedroom, walk-in closet, and tiny master bath are now in the works. We've got the rooms divided with studs and I'm trying to figure out what I want in the bathroom. We really only have room for a tiny shower, but I'm fine with that.

I love this tile from the Home Depot. It's called Merola Tile Penny Round White. This tile is pretty awesome, too. Also from Home Depot. It's a bit more expensive than the other, but our bathroom being so small, I might have to fight for nicer tile. It's Merola Tile Lantern White.

Matt is a fan of these shower heads...the rain type. Sounds fine to me.

I am a fan of pedastal sinks and medicine cabinets. Conveniently, this bath had a medicine cabinet in it already, so I'm going to salvage, clean and jazz up the mirror we already have.

I think these old boxes make a fun storage solution. Stackable is very good in a small bath.

Skeleton Keys

2010-06-03T16:20:00.005-05:00

I would love to get the set of 3 skeleton keys from Three Potato Four. I'd add them to my collection of 2 I already have.

Ducklings and new Guineas

2010-05-13T16:27:00.002-05:00

Here's a few adorable little feather puffs that The Extra Mile has gotten.

Guest Bath Purchases

2010-05-13T14:34:00.004-05:00

Today I went to TJ Maxx and found a few gems.

There was the magazine holder, which I think every bathroom needs :-)

Also this super fun, elegant, and textured bathmat.

Then there were these three baskets that match the bathmat perfectly and would look so great in some vertical shelves. Sold!

Backyard

2010-04-25T21:42:00.004-05:00

We aren't sure, but the land in the back with barn may be on our property. We'll tear down the barn, after salvaging some of the good wood, and my studio will be back there. The creek will be cleaned out and fixed a bit and a beautiful little bridge will go across it.

The Front of the House We Want to Renovate

2010-04-25T21:15:00.005-05:00

This is a view from the back of the property looking through the trees to the back of the house.

This is the narrow bathroom on the hallway. We'll be tearing down some of the walls to the left where badly made pantries are now in the kitchen. Taking out the current yellow sink and putting in two pedestal sinks with two matching mirrors. Also taking out the yellow tub and putting in a nicer one. Real tiles on the floor, and a lovely color of paint.

This is the wall in the kitchen that the bathroom is on the other side of. The kitchen won't miss the couple extra feet. Instead of putting the pantry back, we'll be putting in a counter and cabinets.

This is the kitchen when you turn around. Obviously it's pretty rough. We'll be tearing out the current cabinets, putting the stove back where it was originally which is on the left side of this picture, then building new cabinets for the kitchen and putting nice ceramic tile down. I think this house will be unrecognizable when we finish. The room this is looking into is the front entry room. The door on the left goes into the kitchen. The door directly across from this archway is the hallway. Down it is the bathroom, linen closet, three bedrooms, and the extra bath in the master bedroom. . . . This video is the front of the house with all the trees. The ugly left side of the house will be bricked a few feet up from the bottom, all the brick on the house painted to one color, and siding put above the brick on the left. There will also be a new metal roof put on the house. There is a very large room in the house that really serves no purpose. It's on the far left end. While renovating it will be the work space. After we're mostly done, it will be made into a two car garage and storage space.

the things I've found

2010-04-22T13:39:00.005-05:00

These are my latest finds. This old metal globe is from the Salvation Army. I've been collecting globes for a while now. It's been a slow going collection, but I love the newest addition.

This is a small pencil sharpener I found at an antique mall in Hattiesburg. It looks like the camera Lydia found for me in Birmingham. Cute set.

These are one of my greatest finds! I got seven of these bubbled glass plates for 4.50 and I'm going to use them in my stained glass. It's going to go above the doors to my studio. I've been drawing some ideas for it in my sketchbook. I think it will look amazing when it's done.

Here is the mosaic I made at the Mosaic Shop in Jackson when I went with my friends, Dottie, Lydia, and Kate. The colors go great with the colors of my apartment decoration.

A crayon tin I got at Cracker Barrel this past weekend. I'm using it to hold the little collage paper cut outs I keep in my purse.

The Birthday Girl

2010-04-22T13:14:00.004-05:00

This is my sweet little niece, Mia. She turned five about a week ago. I remember meeting her when she was just under a year old. She has grown and blossomed into a beautiful, kind, considerate little girl. She loves treasure hunts, her cat Bastian, and her family. When she opened her gift from me and her Uncle Matt, there were two ring pops, a pink and a blue, and her first thought was to give the blue one to her big brother. What an angel. Happy Birthday Mia!

Studio Library

2010-04-19T10:31:00.006-05:00

The more I think about my future studio, the more excited I get. The latest update with it is the size. It is no longer going to be an 8x12, no sir. Now it will be a 12x12! My father-in-law, Reed, said its not much more expensive to add those four feet, plus it will seem like a lot more space. I'm totally down with that. Part of the studio that I feel very ill-equiped for is the bookshelf. I've been keeping a list of art books I want when I someday have money. Here's the four big ones:

Lotta Prints: How to Print with Anything from Potatoes to Linoleum by Lotta Jansdotter

One-Yard Wonders: Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric! by Rebecca Yaker .

In Stitches by Amy Butler .

. and Advanced Origami by Michael G. LaFosse .

So family, friends, and any random reader...my birthday is July 12, anniversary June 20, and I recently adopted a puppy so Mother's Day is May 8. And everyday inbetween and after those is my unbirthday! Just saying :-)

Way to Go Walmart!

2010-04-13T19:38:00.006-05:00

I've been looking and drooling over awesome bikes that are far too expensive for me. Then the other day I was at Walmart and saw a bike for 84 dollars that's pretty great. Actually my little sister had it till someone stole it. So I thought, maybe I'll look and see if they have anything good online that's not in the stores in Tupelo. And lo and behold....Look at this beauty!!!!!!!! She will absolutely be mine. I just have to wait till I get paid and have a bit extra money.

Electra Gypsy Bike

2010-04-05T21:13:00.002-05:00

Wayne Pate

2010-04-03T19:55:00.003-05:00

I love this print of Wayne Pate's. Reminds me of my days in the delta.

Studio Decoration

2010-03-26T21:44:00.004-05:00

I just got this tile in the mail today. I ordered it on etsy from L'esperance Tile Works and its even better in person than I imagined it. This picture does not at all do it justice. It will go perfectly in my studio someday.

The tiles at the bottom will be the edge tiles of the counter in my studio. They're a light mint/aqua green. Matt and I found them in an abandoned house in Fulton. I've got a whole box of them. I think the rest of the counter I'll use old white china plates with green or blue accents in them. I'll break them up and do a mosaic. The leaf hangers were "given" to me by my big sister. ;-) Thanks Allison, I love it! It's going to hold my art smocks. And you can see my little sunflower tile to the right.

Rat Photography

2010-03-26T20:27:00.002-05:00

I found this picture a while back on Double Takes blog and still think it is one of the cutest little things ever. Photography by Jessica Florence

Estate Sale Glory!

2010-03-26T19:43:00.002-05:00

What's better than a 25 dollar antique camera? Getting that camera at half price! A couple weekends ago I was visiting my bestie, Lydia, in Birmingham and we met up with another one of our good friends from college, MK, and the three of us went antiqueing. The first thrift store we went to was pretty cool. The owner told us about an antique store that was going out of business and having an estate sale because the owner had died. While sad circumstances, I couldn't have been more excited to see Lydia walk over to me carrying this beaut.

Matching Frames

2010-03-26T17:05:00.002-05:00

I recently painted a grouping of my picture frames all one tan color. But then after seeing these, I'm really loving the sky blue.

found via absolutely beautiful things

Studio Excitement!!

2010-03-20T21:00:00.009-05:00

Yesterday Matt, Matt's mom, and I went to Home Depot after an early supper at Cracker Barrell ( I had the grilled chicken with mac and cheese, green beans, and a couple biscuits) and Matt gave me the best news ever. I was looking at the sheds they have outside and basically fell in love with this little 8x12 foot one. Matt said when/if we move he'd build me one for my studio!!!!! I think mostly because he doesn't want me getting oil paints and stuff on the nice new floor of our future home. Whatever his reason, I am super ecstatic and can't stop plotting and planning. I've been collecting studio inspiration pictures for a while, but never with the thought that I would post them, so I'm sorry if I can't link them to the original owner.

This is a picture of the shed they have at Home Depot. Obviously mine will be much cooler cause I get to pick what goes in it and the lay out and stuff, but it will give you the general idea. Also, the shed looks much bigger when you're in it.

This is a little view of the inside, I took it with my smart phone. The pre-made shed has three windows, one of which is kind of small. While in Home Depot, I found three windows I like, two the same size and one a bit bigger to go on the end of the studio above where I'll have my sink. Three windows will come in at $200. We're trying to build the studio for less than it would cost to get one pre-made, which is about $2,000 for the size I liked. My windows will be white framed instead of metal, and they slide easily.

And now for the inspirational pictures.

I like the tile floor of this little outdoor room. I'm also a fan of the exposed ceiling. I really like homes with beams, and it gives that feel on a small scale.

This building is more of a future studio look, when we have room for a bigger one and more money to put in it. But I super love the look of these windows, the roof, and the colors.

This picture is one of my favorite. I think this building is closest to the size and style mine will be. I also really like the white walls so I'll probably paint it after Matt and I build it. The shelf going across on one side is nice. I'll have one to showcase things I like and as storage for more art supplies. Also fun to think about window treatments. The picture below is this building from the outside.

I want to pick or build the door for my studio. It will be bigger than this one. maybe be a double door and take up most of the front of the building so I can open it up. I'd also want to have a screen door so on summer nights I can open the door and windows and not have to worry about the mosquitos. May also get Matt to build on a little porch on the front. Then I'd have somewhere to put a chair and could hang or place things outside to dry faster. I can already see myself spending tons of free time out there with Buck. Painting, printing, drawing, playing. It will be such an inspirational place. And one of the best parts, is that I can take it with me when we move again after a few years. I wouldn't want to get so attached to my studio then have to leave it. That would be hard.

I like the director's chair, white walls, and exposed ceiling. I'm already picking out the furniture and things I've been collecting that will go in my studio. I'll probably bring in my green folding chair my mom and I got at an antique mall. And my wood artist stool I bought from Hobby Lobby. Matt is going to build me a big easel. And I'll have my cabinet/dresser that holds my art supplies right now. It kind of doubles as a desk. I'll probably have to get creative with table space. maybe have a camping style table that folds up from the wall. I'd put it under one of the windows.

I like the cedar planks used on this roof. I'm not digging the swoop in the middle of the roof, but the material used is beautiful.

I started looking at sink faucets. Matt's dad has a sink like the one below. It's just hanging out by their boat shed. So I'm going to use it in my studio, but I want a new faucet. I really like copper but it will probably end up being too expensive. Who knows, might can find a nice one at a thrift store or something.

So, yeah, that is the rambling and excitement about having a studio someday in the near future. I've been dreaming about this for years and years, and finally the dream will be coming true. I've also looked at lighting, I'd probably have some running lights, or whatever their called where you can point them to different places. And then have another main light. I'll have to figure out what the counter will be made of cause it has to be pretty cheap. Also need to think on the flooring. I don't think I want a laminate, or even outdoor carpet. I can't keep it the chipboard he'll use to build it cause I'll get splinters in my feet, and nobody wants that. I like the idea of wood floor, but Matt thinks that's kind of silly since I'll end up ruining it with paint and stuff anyway. It will all come together eventually.

YAY! I am so excited. Now I want to move 35x more than I did yesterday.

KAVU, KAVU, KAVU

2010-03-17T16:36:00.006-05:00

It's no secret that for years I've been a fan and big supporter of back pack sling purses. Kavu was the first one I owned. I wore it, stiched on it, made a spin art print on the back, and finally loved it till the color was unrecognizable and holes were made where my journal sat. Then came the next and best of the sling purses I bought. It was a kiwi green, with Ecuadorian patterns of every color. It was better than it may sound. And this purse lasted me for a couple years, till one day, in a dramatic ending, the side came undone and holes were made in it. I've also had a swiss army one that was the color of boysenberry, and my most recent is just a brown canvas fabric, but doesn't have much extra support, so I'm not expecting it to last very long. Which is why I am now looking for my new back pack sling purse.

These three are the contenders. I think I am most drawn to the one on the left. The colors are so rich, and I figure it can get pretty dirty before I have to wash it. The purse on the right is my second favorite, but I'm not sure if the colors are too muted. And the middle purse is really just for another option. I like the colors, but when viewed up close, the pattern is kind of strange.

So friends, what do you think?

Inspiration

2010-03-15T19:29:00.004-05:00

I'm going to use this painting as an inspiration for a series of paintings. I really need to work on my art more. Hopefully the new house will be big enough I can use the second bedroom for my art room.

painting by Ellen Lanford

I think the series will be of 10 paintings:

4 landscapes

2 still lifes

1 portrait

1 abstractish painting

2 architectural

and all will be oil paintings. I'd like to do them on wood boards with a wood border so I can pick the size of each. First I'll do little practice paintings in my sketchbook/journal.

For All Who Are Lovers of Mermaids (yes that means you Ashby)

2010-03-04T15:35:00.005-06:00

Aren't these cupcake decoration kits amazing?! I love all of them.

I thought you would like the mermaid set, Ashby. You should have a mermaid party at grad school.

And when I saw these two, I thought, How cute would this be for a little boys birthday party!? Allison, you should totally do dinosaurs or out-of-this-world-robots for his birthday theme. Kaleb could be the babybot. I'd help decorate and make fun invites and everything.

And these lovely bird ones are absolutely, positively, without-a-doubt, going to be on my cupcakes for my birthday this year. There are 24 in a set, and I will be turning 24. Too perfect? I think not. And I think I shall use them as inspiration for my party decorating. like make everyone funny striped hats, and bright colored decor. I'm so excited about them.

all of these fantastic cupcake kits are from the meri meri shop found via a blog I just discovered and so far love, Oh Happy Day!

Her Art Leaves Me Amazed

2010-02-28T20:32:00.002-06:00

These are leaf cut outs by Jen Stark. Pretty great, right?

found via lost

Really Clever Rings

2010-02-24T12:10:00.002-06:00

This set of rings is so clever and funny. I could never pull it off, but I think I'd make an instant friend with anyone who wore them.

luckyduct's etsy shop was found via i am a greedy girl

Spring Cleaning

2010-02-23T19:07:00.002-06:00

I've been thinking lately about wood hangers. I would love to someday have a closet full of them. It would look so organized and clean. Plus mine would look alot like the picture above because I color coordinate my shirts. Amazon has a pretty decent deal on sets of wood hangers, but even a decent deal is too much for me when I'd need about 100. But someday....

the top picture was found via anh-minh

on habitually chic

It's Kaleb's 1/2 Birthday!

2010-02-20T20:11:00.001-06:00

Printing Inspiration

2010-02-17T17:54:00.003-06:00

I just came across this image on Lena Corwin's blog and now I want to immediately go work on a print. I'm not sure what she used, but I know I could just use some sticky backed foam and a piece of wood. I even love the simplicity yet abundance of her flowers. I could do a little series of something kind of abstract in several shades of blue, then hang it above my couch. I think that will be my project for tonight. Pictures to come.

I Want One!

2010-02-16T14:07:00.004-06:00

Awesome little guy!

a wrap(ish) sweater

2010-02-15T19:19:00.003-06:00

I'm almost certain that this knit savvy mom made this sweater herself. Amazing! If I knew how, I'd make at least three. It's so flattering and I love the buttons.

found via shivaya naturals

Charming Old Postcards

2010-02-15T10:32:00.005-06:00

Dear Annie,

I will send you a card to tell you how we are all progressing. We are all O.K. We arrived at 2 o'clock Sat Eve. Say I guess you found what I forgot. I took the toothache and was thinking of having my teeth filled when I thought of my purse. You can just carry it home with you when you go up there. I will just borrow some. I went to preaching at Neshoba yesterday.

Daisy

Post marked on March 31, 1908

We are still enjoying our stay in San Francisco. Last night we walked to Union Square then decided to take one of those steep hills in order to take the outside elevator to the roof of the Fairmont Hotel where we could get a fantastic view of the city. Was thankful for my "Daddy's" shoes because I couldn't have done all that walking without them. Cy is now in a meeting but will join me at noon for lunch. We leave for Honolulu tomorrow. Hope you are getting along fine.

Love Jean & Cy.

Can't read the postmark, but looks like the 70s.

Hello Miss Rose,

How are you? I thought I would send you a card. You wrote a nice letter in the last commercial. Hope to hear from you soon.

yours truly, Lafayette Butler

Postmarked on Mar 13 at 6 PM in 1908

I love looking at the old postcards in antique stores. These are three I have acquired recently. I always search for ones with legible writing. They seem so much more meaningful when you know someone was excited to find them in the mail years and years ago.

Bruce Munco's Lighting is Brilliant!

2010-02-09T20:06:00.004-06:00

Aren't these incredibly beautiful? The bottom one is an ocean of CDs! Amazing! Check out his website. It has tons of fantastic images. If I had the money, I'd get him to design a chandelier for my future house.

found via white & wander via aesthetic outburst

Salt Water Sandals

2010-02-09T19:21:00.003-06:00

I've wanted these shoes for about 3 years now. And this summer/spring I am going to own a pair, or two. I really want the red ones, but I love these yellow ones on zappos. I can't find a store that carries them, so I'm just going to have to order a pair and hope they fit. And since I have a job, starting Tuesday, I hopefully will be able to afford a pair in a month or two.

Crate Headboard

2010-02-08T17:07:00.003-06:00

Can you tell I'm looking into headboards? I think this is a particularly nice/creative option. It belongs to a guy name Kyle, a friend of the blogger of The Constant Gatherer.

Rainbow Brite

2010-02-08T12:47:00.003-06:00

I love this necklace. I'd like to try and make one but haven't been able to find round flat beads like this yet. I was looking for wood ones to paint and then seal.

found a while back via wiksten made

Rainy Days are Sleepy Days

2010-02-04T22:18:00.002-06:00

I love the way Jessica of Scrumdillydilly's decorates her bed every month. It looks so fun and inviting!

found via hidden in france

can't let The Man get me down

2010-02-04T15:24:00.003-06:00

soo, yet another day of joblessness and trying to stay busy. been working on a baby present for my cousin, cleaning the kitchen, and making a basket inspired by the colors of the ocean. i feel like i need a vacation from life. may write to ellen for help.

this photo cheers me up a bit though, trying to figure out how to trick matt into taking a funky picture together.

one down, one to go

2010-01-28T09:56:00.002-06:00

A couple days work, but it's done. I know it needs something else, but I'm not sure what. I figure I'll just leave it sitting around and I'll figure out what it's lacking.

Cheers!!

2010-01-27T19:37:00.004-06:00

These are the glasses I got at the antique mall in West Point on court Friday. Best picture I could get with my lighting, but you get the idea. And just think seven for $5!! Major deal.

And here is my table set up. I love my dishes, and silverware, my little green salt and pepper shakers I got at Wall's for 50 cents, and of course my new 1960's glasses. The brown placemats were given to us from our niece, Delta Grace. She picked them out her self, and she's only two. What a smart 2-year-old. And the little blue bowls I got in Australia in a "basement" store.

easy peasy

2010-01-25T11:22:00.002-06:00

This was my first attempt at a magazine bow. I think it looks just as good as a store bought bow, and the paper adds heaps more interest. I, without a doubt, will never use a regular bow again.

tutorial here on how about orange

Dream Studio

2010-01-21T20:20:00.004-06:00

I love this building from the blog Liivian Talossa. She's Finnish so I can't read what she writes, but I love looking at her images. And I really love this building. I can imagine it with stained glass in the tops of those windows, having the front door be a big double door so the whole room can open up. Having a loft on the top part that could have a little bed for the younguns to play on. Ahhhh, a beautiful studio is my biggest ambition I think.

Hey Lyd, Check This Out!

2010-01-21T19:52:00.003-06:00

I found a new cool blog, How About Orange, and she gave a tutorial on how to make your own gift bows. I fully intend on making every bow from now on, and I bet you will too. It's sooo simple, how did we never think of it? anyway, enjoy the tutorial.

Poppy Duvet Cover

2010-01-21T19:48:00.002-06:00

I would looooooooooove to have this.

Sneak Peek

2010-01-21T10:16:00.004-06:00

Here's the new trunk/ filing cabinet/ storage/ coffee table. I haven't done anything to it yet, but I plan on priming the inside, painting it a light blue, adding filing folders to one half of the trunk, putting handles on both ends to make it easier to carry, and polyurethening the outside so the paint won't chip anymore. I love it. Also playing with the idea of putting little feet on it, but I don't know. That would be the last thing I do if I did it at all. You can also see my green folding chair and artist stool in the background. The den is really coming together now.

This Mirror Quacks Me Up

2010-01-20T10:05:00.004-06:00

I came across this incredibly charming mirror on Urban Outfitters. I was thinking the other day about someday having a bathroom with birds as a theme. Have a bird cage in it and feathers, I don't know... it was just a thought. But this mirror is so funny, it would definately go in my bird bath. ;-)

My dog, Buck

2010-01-11T10:07:00.004-06:00

Protecting his bone is hard work. Once he was out of the sun, he'd crawl over in the light with his bone and go back to sleep.

Perfect Baby Shower Gift

2010-01-08T14:32:00.002-06:00

Hey, go over to Lisa Leonard's online shop and check out these adorable spoons. I'm totally getting one for each kid I have someday.

A Gaggle of Lanterns

2010-01-05T15:23:00.004-06:00

I think it would look amazing to have a grouping of different size/style white lanterns. They could all sit on a shelf, or be the centerpiece for a fun party. All of these lanterns are from whole sale mart and I'd like to buy...

Four of these little ones

Two of this size lantern

One unique hanging lantern

and three of these slightly smaller dome lanterns.

But these are just dreams of mine.