...zueeuz.blogspot.com

Putting a Few Things Together

2012-02-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share some pictures of a few things I've put together lately.

First up is this tiered caddy, my take on the caddies I've seen on etsy, Pinterest, and Pottery Barn.

I have collected a bunch of these vintage loaf pans for a project I ended up not liking, so I used them here.

Some more rings made from vintage earrings.

Wine bags from vintage fabrics.

Had some old and not so old glass paper weights.

Put some vintage bits and pieces under glass.

Some more sun catchers.

Made some cupcake stands and some flower cupcakes.

Inspiration from Pinterest.

I tried my hand at some faux mercury glass candle holders.

A couple necklaces. This perfume bottle got a rhinestone earring bling.

I added a cameo to the front of this locket picture album necklace.

Now I need to list some things in my etsy shop. A little embarrassing having the shelves empty after I gushed last fall about how easy they have made the listing process. My bad.

Have a great week everyone!

Back In Time

2012-01-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

In time to enter a giveawy offered by one talented lady over at Villabarnes.

I haven't been able to sign in to google on my laptop for a while now. So the idea of trying another computer finally occured to me tonight. Duh!

Bingo, I got in. Back to commenting for me!

And posting again once I get some pictures loaded on this computer, ha!

So check out Villabarnes for all the beautifully refinished furniture and home decor items.

And enter her latest giveaway!

Door Knobs, Hose Heads, and Casters, Oh My!

2012-01-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

This fall my favorite junk shop opened a 'vintage boutique'. People lined up for the grand opening. Oww some very cool stuff was snagged before I could get to it but I was able to get these 3 large jars. I've had them on my kitchen island with fall stuff, then Christmas balls. So what to do now?

I'm ~~stealing~~ copying this idea from someone out there in blogland. Sorry, don't remember where, if it's you, give yourself a shout out and I'll give you the credit.

These lovely rusty bits are usually in a drawer, waiting for me to create something with them, for shame! Now they're out in the open, practically yelling at me to get busy!

Some day soon, or not, they will become these.....

Linking up with
Vintage Inspiration Friday over at Debra's Common Ground
and
Saturday Night Special at Donna's Funky Junk Interiors.

Birthdays

2012-01-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

These are the kind of pictures you get when you put it off until 2am the morning one of the kids leaves.

My kids birthdays are fairly close together and right after Christmas, end of December and mid January.

Picture taken after BD round one

So the little girl is already back in Minnesota, although school doesn't start for a couple more weeks, she's working. Just to make conversation my last night with her this past August I asked if she had thought any about her 21st BD in Dec. Why was I surprised when she already had a plan?! The plan was to go out with some friends here in TX after midnight the day before, then have a family breakfast before catching a flight to MN to spend her BD night with friends there. And that is what she did, ha! In all fairness, you do have to book early to get good air prices.

Picture taken after picking little girl up from downtown BD round one

The boy is still in town, thank God for local girlfriends. But school starts for him next week and he'll be off before his BD so we're going to dinner tonight to celebrate.

Presents are always kind of a jumble, they make their lists and we figure out what to give when. This year the boy went to a Packer game as part of his presents. Then only had a few things on his list, including a fry pan and muffin tin! Mr. Excitement is still deciding what he wants for his BD.

So with the hubbub of family visiting, exchanging gifts, and getting ready for the little girl to leave, we found ourselves presentless on BD eve! Apparently that dress was not a BD gift but and exchange for Christmas gift, ugh! Such a bad mommy, off to Target to get a card and CD and what not. But I did make this necklace for the momentous occasion of her 21st birthday.

Can be worn long or double up and short

21st key charm

St. Christopher and/or guns for protection

Happy 21st Little Girl!
And Happy 23rd Birthday to the Boy!

I apologize for the inconsistent spacing and font sizes.
So annoying!!!
Blogger will do what blogger wants to do.

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T04:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all you in blogland!

I've got a cold, my head is stuffed, but I wanted to wish you all the best this Christmas and the coming New Year!

So jealous of all you enjoying a winter wonder land this time of year.

Getting in the Mood!

2011-12-04T12:02:00.000-08:00

I still have not put up much for Christmas decoration. Mr. Wonderfrul got them all down from the attic yesterday. I made divinity for a cooking exchange yesterday. Looking around blog land for some inspiration and trying to get in the mood. But what I think I need is some of the white stuff.....

SNOW!!!

Unfortunately, here in Texas it's not very likely to happen any time soon.

So in the mean time.....

A friend posted this on face book and it just put a smile on my face, hope you enjoy!

http://www.dogwork.com/snow2/

Halloween Fun Around the House

2011-10-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

I hosted Halloween Keno at my house last week so Halloween is pretty much done for me. We don't get many trick or treaters. In fact we don't even answer the door. The puppy goes banana's when the door bell rings and as far as kids walking out on the street, forget about it, it's a bark-a-thon. (I know, we haven't trained her well, but she's almost 77 in dog years, she is what she is.) Anyway, we put a bowl of candy on the lite front porch and close the curtains.

So before the season it gone completely I thought I'd share a few pictures from around the house.

This is an old picture I have, I pretend it is my mom and sisters.

I've added some which hats for the holiday.

Got these fun changing pictures at the dollar store, cut off the plastic frames and popped then into some odd frames I had lying around.

Hand bones in a shadow box and some other creepy pictures. I can't remember where I stole this idea from, but I did get the graphics from the Graphics Fairy.

Now this is something I brought back from up North this September. My sister picked it up from me sometime this summer and this is how she road home with me. This is a re-enactment, so you could see how funny she looked to people on the highway.

I spent a couple nights at my son's in Oklahoma City so my car was parked in the lot near the door. So she must have attracted some attention.

Actually, she kinda creeped me out whenever I walked by, and I knew she was there!

Anyway, she's been hanging around the living room looking for a place to rest so I put her to work for Halloween.

Prefect!

It's Autumn Front Porch

2011-09-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Been so long since I posted, it's a new season!

I was out sweeping the front porch, cutting off all the dead leaves from the plants when I remembered someone was having a porch party this Friday. That would be Debra at Common Ground with Vintage Inspiration Friday #57 Fall Front Porch.

So here are a few pictures of my "trashy" front porch.

Now, can you tell why I'm calling it "trashy"?

The flower containers on the door are TRASH cans, ha!

That's another collection that's out of hand. Why do I find vintage trash cans so cute?! I almost bought another one at an estate sale this morning, but I resisted.

If I go back for half price day and it's still there, I'm not making any promises.

Enough of being good

Let's go in now, bye!

Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jig

2011-09-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm finally home after over 4 weeks visiting family in the beautiful mid-west! Lucky me, I missed the hottest August on record here in central Texas. I mean I was hot up north, how I wonder could I have survived 25-30 degrees hotter!

So here's the run down on my wanderings...

Saturday, moved Baby Boy to Oklahoma City

Wednesday, drove to Minneapolis to see Little Girl

Friday, to my little sister in Wisconsin

Monday, to my Mom's in the UP of Michigan

Saturday, to my brothers in Wisconsin

Monday, back to Minneapolis to see the Little Girl again

Wednesday night, Rochester to visit old friends and Gold Rush in Oronoco

Sunday, through Iowa with my older sister's in Illinois

Friday, back down to Oklahoma City

and finally Monday, home.

Baby Boy's apartment, camera shy girlfriend

Little Girl clowning around in a restaurant cut out

Treasures washed and ready for inspiration

Pieces for projects

Not the fanciest spool cabinet around but for only $10 and likely the only one I'll ever afford

Bittersweet, how appropriate, since the picture's glass broke on the way home.

A cheap old clock so I can turn it into a shadow box.

With my sister at Gold Rush. This table setting was the scene of a photo shoot the day before.

My friend Kathy with the tray she was lucky enough to buy. I don't know how many people told her they wished they'd bought it when they had the chance.

Stop and feed the horses before we can get home to unload.

My nephew and his son.

And another nephew's girls.

I've got more pictures and stories but they'll wait for another post.

On the Road Quickie

2011-08-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

I've been away from here for so long, I just want to post a few pictures to show you all a little of what I've been up too. I'm a little more than half way through an almost month long trip to visit family in the beautiful mid-west.

My first stop was only 6 hours away in Oklahoma City where my baby boy moved for law school. I'm stopping there on my way home as well so hope to share a few shots of a clean (ha!) apartment. What?! You're not holding your breath?!

Next stop Minneapolis to see the little girl.

Then Wausau, Wisconsin to see my little sister and her family. (I'm really bad about taking pictures.)

After about a week at my Mom's I remembered to get the camera out.

My nephew lives with my Mom.

Well, him and his 2 dogs and I don't know how many train models!

Cute little trailer parked in someone's yard in my hometown.

Just a fun dresser with flowers I couldn't pass by without taking a photo. This was on the way to my brother's house in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Now I'm back in Mnpls, but leaving tomorrow for Rochester. We used to live in Zumbro Falls, near Rochester so I'll be visiting a few friends as well as meeting my big sister for Gold Rush in Oronoco, this coming weekend. Yippy!

The a few more days at her house in Illinos next week, which might include a visit to the American Pickers shop Antique Archaeology in Iowa.

Even though Gold Rush is a big junking deal I've collected a few treasures already.

Including this beauty case I've already put to good use holding some craft toys.

A few treasures I had handy. That jar of buttons is one of 8 jars I had to buy from my Mom's homemakers group because my Mom had donated all her buttons to their garage sale! What was she thinking?!

Phew, good thing they had them for the low, low, low price of $1.50 a jar!

The jewelry box I cleaned up for the little girl.

Darn, the picture with her happy face didn't turn out.

Well this has taken a lot longer than I'd thought, especially when I keep nodding off.

Sorry in advance, it may take a while for me to respond to your comments since I'm

on the road again!

Where This Blogger Creates A Mess

2011-07-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm not a 'neat and tidy' type a gal.

Usually on the way to 'neat and tidy' I get distracted by something sparkly.

Or tarnished, rusty, or chipped!

Plus my "create" areas, and craft storage areas, are all over the house.
At any rate, this is as good as I got it for the Where Bloggers Create III Party.

This is my sewing room, located on the second floor of our home.

I recently swapped the location of the day bed and sewing table. This arrangement really opened up the room, making it feel much larger.

It might not look like it but this room has really been cleaned up, it's just not looking all cute with fun and interesting craft storage and displays.

Being a commitment phob, I can't commit to where I want to attach this shelf to the wall. So here it sits.

I got this rolling self rack at a garage sale for $15. One of those deals where you can't pay fast enough and get it in your car before they change their minds.

I finished and posted about these lockers in time for my 1 year Blogiversary, see more where I posted about them here.

They are in the open family room area, just outside the sewing room.

This is the closet in my husband's study where I keep my scrap booking supplies.

Notice I didn't say where I do my scrap booking. That's because lately it's only been where I store the paper supplies I like to buy.

I added boards to the depth of one shelf, to make it into a desk.

It took me a while to find this old step stool chair combo so I could either sit at the desk in the closet or reach the top shelves.

Then there is my desk in the laundry room/pantry where I do my jewelry making.

I recently reorganized this area and posted about it here, if you'd like to see more.

Depending on what I'm doing I might be running between all 3 of these areas, dragging supplies out to the 4' by 10' kitchen island to work on whatever.

So, that's Where this Blogger's Creates! Even if all she's creating is a mess!

Thank you Karen of My Desert Cottage, for hosting this shindig! And thank you for taking the time to visit my mess over here. Have fun checking out all the creative spaces, I know I will.

Sparkle and Whine

2011-07-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

I'm a mid-west girl, I'm out of my element here in Texas.

So I'm going to blame the too hot weather for my lack of activity.

It's sooooo hot, hear me whine....

Now the Sparkle!

I haven't been too active here in blogland but I was on the ball enough to enter a giveaway offered by the lovely Robyn of The French Circus. She creates beautiful one of a kind jewelry from vintage finds and the most beautiful semi precious stone beads. Plus she loves flea markets and decorating! What's not to love? Definitely do check out her blog.

And, lucky me, I won!

Such pretty packaging, such a delicate pink!

Good things really do come in small packages.

Rosary beads, garnets, and rhinestones, oh my! And fleur de lis, ooh la la!

Thank you Robyn, I love them!

I broke one of my own rules though, I wore them before I sent a thank you, shame, shame on me.

But they are such beautiful dangles!

This last picture was also my first attempt with Picnik to make my blurry close up more presentable.

No it's not blurry, it's art, ha!!

And more Sparkle!

I recently bought an ughly little chandelier at Savers. It was a cheap thing but the crystals were, if not actual crystal, at least glass. I paired them with some vintage jewelry crystals I had and added them to some old silver plate server and candle stick pedestals I made.

I got the idea from someone here in blog land, can't figure out who, but I'll look some more and a link when I find her.

Edited: I just finished dinner and tried a new search for the original idea. This time I included "knob" and I found her! It was from Janis over at RUST Vintage Inspired Design where I got my inspiration. See her original post here. I think she had one with crystals hanging from the tray as well but I can't find that picture.

Ya, I was having fun playing.

Linking up with Beth of Gypsy Fish for her Silver Sunday!

Hope you all are having a great weekend, thanks for taking the time to stop by.

Susanne.

Where Have I Been

2011-06-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

So, what's been keeping me.....

2 weeks ago I got sick with some stomach bug, couldn't eat, stomach in constant cramp. I probably would have suffered in not so silent, silence but we were going on a trip at the end of the week so after a few day my doctor fixed me right up with some anti stomach spasm meds.

Short story long I was feeling good enough by Friday morning to get off the couch and venture out to an estate sale. Ya, I wasn't up to posting but I had energy enough to read emails.

So with my assurance that I could get what I wanted for less than $500 and Mr. Wonderful's blessing, after his "has the thrill of the new living room furniture worn off already?" I was off bright and early to get this.....

I'm such a sucker for french provincial, I'm about to start annoying myself.

This is the old set we bought for our first house 25 years ago. I still like the style fine, but the stain, or lack there of, wasn't doing it for me anymore. Mr. Wonderful doesn't like painted furniture (ya, the cupboard is painted black but I do get my way occasionally) and I wasn't up for stripping and staining and hiring it out wouldn't be cheap. So.....a sweet young couple answered our craigslist ad and I hope they enjoy it for as long as we have.

I plan to change out the seat cushions when I find the perfect fabric but in the mean time the fabric is in good condition and even matches the rug. So does Pebbles!

The style is so different from before, I'm having a creative block of what to put on top, but no worries.....yet.

After running back into Austin, cause I left behind the dang leaves in my excitement, and giving it a quick wipe down with Old English, I was a bit worn out but I had to get packing!

Because Mr. Wonderful ~~spends so much time at work~~ is so good at what he does he was rewarded and because ~~I work so hard to spend the money~~ we don't spend enough time together, spouses (or guest of his choice) were invited. We've been lucky enough to go on a couple these conferences before but the company had stopped hosting them in efforts to trim the budget so we're glad they brought them back.

Along the north shore of Oahu

The conference was on Maui but we spent a few days ahead on Oahu in Waikiki.

Along the road to Diamond Head

Sorry I wasn't up to hiking to the top of the Diamond Head crater.

Maui was so lush.

I thought these trees were so cool.

Arizona Memorial

We toured Pearl Harbor.

The Arizona

I was confused, I thought the attraction would be the ship when of course it is the Memorial.

The Missouri

Not to worry, Mr. Wonderful did get to tour a battle ship. He had an uncle stationed there at the time who was able to swim to safety.

We had a car on Oahu so we saw alot in a few days. But on Maui we were bused to and from the airport to the resort. We were surprised how much it looked like parts of Texas, all brown with scraggly trees. However, the resort was very lush and posh. Definitely the nicest hotel we've ever had the pleasure of staying. Gotta love it when someone else is paying the bill!

The view from our room.

For me it's all about the decor.....

Not a great picture but that's a chaise lounge at the foot of the bed. We used it as a dumping ground but I did have to sit in it just once before we checked out. Ha!

An interesting piece of furniture.

Probably a nicer bath than ours at home!

A quick picture on our way to catch the bus back to the airport.

The event kept us busy with planned activities like speakers and dinners and our free time was spent at the resorts beach and pool areas. Our one outing was snorkeling which neither of us had done before, so that was fun. We managed not to burn ourselves into looking like lobsters. Didn't get the chance to do much shopping but did bring home a few little trinkets.

We didn't take alot of pictures. I am years behind in scrap booking. The pictures I take now are mostly for blogging. Ha! Oh well, in 10 years time, I hope to have grand children to photograph. No pressure!

Memorial Day Etsy Pics

2011-05-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

'Thank You to All Past, Present, and Future ' by zueeuz

Remembering, honoring, and giving thanks on this Memorial Day to all those who so bravely serve our country. Our debt to you can never be repaid.

RomanceWriter $2.50	gwensewvintage $1.25	thevintagemode $3.25	MeetTheInLaws $3.00
CassiesTaleVin... $3.50	RomanceWriter $2.50	EphemeraObscur... $3.50	perkswife $49.75
CorpseKeyCo $3.50	VintageFosterC... $4.00	CassiesTaleVin... $8.50	MeetTheInLaws $3.00
vyeshi $9.00	TLN2 $2.50	fotografikasho... $2.95	maclancy $12.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Thrift Share and Vintage Inspiration

2011-05-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

I was just thinkin', it's Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday over at Common Ground and I've got nothin'!

Oh, but I do!

I had taken pictures of my estate sale treasures from last weekend intending to get them in the Thrift Share Monday over at Apron Thrift Girl. Ya, that didn't happen. But wait! Her party's still open so I'll link with her as well!

So, I do have something to share for today!

First off, this pair of vintage suitcases.

They match on the outside but the smaller one is kinda pinkish purple, love the double pockets on the top!

And the other is more gray.

I don't know, his and hers, or just a different dye lot for the fabric to fade differently?

The scuffs are cleaned up and they are displayed in my baby boys room for now. Actually I should run around and take some pictures, the house is clean cause we're expecting company this afternoon.

I got a few odds and ends, here's a couple more interesting. I think the holder thingy will come in handy if when I try soldering again. And I love the color of this vintage travel journal.

This is the coolest thing I got. I saw it in the sale listing but I wasn't able to go until half price Sunday. Surprisingly it was still there, so I snapped it up first thing!

It's got a nice file size drawer and a little built in tray in the top drawer.

But the coolest feature is that the back is finished nicely so that you could face it into a room.

I tried and tried to work this into my living room when we got our new sofa and chairs delivered this week but I couldn't make it work. It's alot bigger than it appears, 50" wide by 25" deep.

I thought about selling it on craigslist but I really do love it. I'm just a sucker for french provincial! It's in our bedroom for now.

Have a great weekend!

Call Me a Paint Groupie

2011-05-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Or just call me a big nerd but I just got this email and I have to share it with you all because I just love Behr Paint! They're having a rebate, $5 off a gallon.

Hey, five bucks is five buck!

I will have them color match anyone else's color. I haven't tried their new paint with primer yet, their regular paint has always worked just great! Okay, fine I did use a primer with red, but red is difficult, it doesn't count!

Now all I have to do is figure out what I need to paint!

Below is just copied from my email so

	click here for the link! Also, I edited my last post to add something I forgot.....check the end of the post.

White Wednesday One Hundred

2011-05-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

I'm celebrating the 100th White Wednesday post with
Kathleen of Faded Charm.

I got together with a few girlfriends the afternoon of the royal wedding to watch the goings on, to oh and ah or just laugh at the hats. We wore hats and white gloves. This is the party favor I brought.

A little English Ivy in a vintage tea cup.

I made a little tag from some lacy paper left over from a previous project.

Just for fun!

Quite the motley crew.....let's just say alcohol was involved and leave it at that.

Edited 5-19-11
I forgot to tell you all about the signs some kids were showing around my little girl's campus the day of the wedding.

KEEP

CLAM

YOU

CAN

STILL

MARRY

HARRY

Well ya, he is the cuter one and the bad boy! Too funny!!

What do you call it White Wednesday

2011-05-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

I popped over to Ebay to see what these were called, and sure enough, I guessed right.....

Cherub Compotes!

I'm such a sucker for these guys!

I did a craft show a few weekends ago and meet Karin who had a booth near by, see her etsy store here.

She had moss lined compotes, something along the line of this.....

find this on ebay here

I tried to make something like this with a stuffed piece of velvet....

didn't turn out so good.

I might try the velvet again now that I've figured out what I'm doing.

This roll of moss is similar to what I used. I got mine at Michael's but I couldn't find it online.

find this here

Such cute little faces.

Anyway, the trick is to start with a Styrofoam ball or floral foam. Shave the ball down so that the bottom fits nicely into the shape of your compote and the top has a smooth dome shape.

Cut a circle from the sheet of moss an inch or so larger than your dome. Use tacky glue and stick it on wrapping the edge down a half inch or so around the part that will go in the compote.

I'd like to option to remove this from the compote without causing too much damage so I stuck it in with floral sticky clay.

I use my kitchen counter for way more crafting than my Mr. Wonderful would like.

The tiny flowers are just pearl head pins with circle of book paper, cut with pinking shears, and glued around the pin head.

That little lace doily basket was made by saturating the doily in tacky glue then draping it over a loaf pan to dry.

Edited 5-13-11
Connie from She Dreams Big asked "What are you going to do with them all?" Guess it was only obvious to me, ha! I made them as jewelry display stands. I brought a couple to the store, Che Bella, that carries some of my stuff. I need more styrofoam if want to make some more.

I'm linking up with Kathleen at Faded Charm for her 99th White Wednesday.

Check all the white goodness out and stay tuned for her

100th White Wednesday Post Giveawy!

Vintage Inspiration Friday and a Random Thought

2011-05-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Just a quick picture of something I picked up the other day. Something that just puts a smile on my face when I see it.

Seriously, who thought "Ah, yes, a pickle planter, that's what we need!"

I guess they had me in mind.

I was hoping my cards would fit the other way but they look cute this way as well.

So, here's a random thought.....

I refer to all my junking finds as my treasures. I thought because they are as good as gold to me. But as I'm squirreling away my finds from this morning, I got the feeling that I was hiding them, like buried treasure!

And how many times have I wished I'll made a map! Ha!

source

Anyway, in the mean time, I'm joining Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday!

Git'er Done or Close Enough

2011-05-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

I want to share pictures with you all of my little clutter room. Before we had this house built I studied as many floor plans for ideas that I could find. This one old book from the library had floor plans with rooms set between the garage and the kitchen, almost a like a second kitchen, they called them "clutter rooms". What a great concept! Well, with space and money limits, something's gotta give and my clutter room is only half the size I wish it were. This room has our utility sink, laundry, my desk, and pantry. With so much going on, it ends up being my dumping ground.

I've started cleaning this room up many times but either gave up in frustration or got distracted by something sparkly, since the desk is where I make my jewelry! Here's a before picture of my desk.

No, this is NOT staged! This would be my usual MO.

I'm lucky if I had 2 inches of desk to work on, ha!

So I recently got excited when Heather Bullard posted about her recently remodeled laundry room. See where she added a pretty carpet in front of her machines and more about her lovely space here.

Now my room had been carpet free since I'd taken the piece of velco, that called itself a rug, out. And this little old Karistan carpet was just taking up space in the garage when I decided to bring it back inside. I first put it in front of the machines like Heather but my rolling chair kept getting caught on it.

The rug finally gave me the final shove I needed to clear out the room so you could actually see the floor.

This little face you see, looking around the corner on the right, is my Granma's string holder. Love it! My kids find it scary, can't wait for them to see it here, ha!

I just recently added that shelf just about the tops of the washer and dryer because I was so tired of fishing out hangers or socks that would fall behind the machines. Also serves as a place for the bleach and soaps.

Would love to get some big beautiful shiny new machines, if my Mr. Wonderful would stop fixing these! They've been around almost as long as him, 22+ years.

Ya, easily the busiest square footage in our house!

A few close ups of my jewelry area.

I don't know, do I have enough sissors?!

A few details.....

I had just some plain black cork material on the back splash of the counter desk. Ideally, I would put fabric here but never found exactly what I wanted. These are Reader's Digest pages (hum, where did they come from?) stapled to the cork. So no big expense or time spent if I do find the perfect fabric. Even though not much of the back splash shows with all that's in front of it, the space is much brighter.

All my little chotchkies are put away and I even labeled the drawers!

Since I'd rather look at the pictures than read the words, (are you still with me here?) I cut out clear vinyl tags and 'clung' them to the drawer fronts with a little swipe of a wet wipe.

BTW, wet wipes are my new favorite 'tool' to have on the desk. They take care of glue messes and clean figure prints or other missed grime from the vintage parts and pieces I use.

I got the idea to put corbels in the desk key hole area from a picture in a magazine, ages ago.

a little blurry, sorry!

So here's a shot of the rug that finally got me organized.

Nothing all that special but surprisingly it really warms up the room!

It's not the prettiest room in the house but until I decide to not do jewelry in this room, or fall out of love with all my good junk, or blow out the wall into the back yard, this is about as de-cluttered as it's gonna get in here.

What's left on the to-do list then? Paint.....someday.....hopefully!

And then there's the mud room across the hall.....

Wire Cloche Tutorial

2011-05-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

A couple lovely ladies asked and I did take some pictures while I worked on the wire cloches, in anticipation of doing a tutorial, so here we go.....

See more pictures and my inspiration in my last post.

This is the cloche pictured in the pictures below. I made 3 all together with some variations.

To start, you'll need re-bar wire (available at hardware stores), wire cutters, needle nose pliers, masking tape, and 8" cake pan (used as a form).

Cut 4 pieces of wire, 36" long. Holding together, bend in the half and form into a loop, like a cursive little "e". Take one of the spokes and twist it around the base of the "e" a couple times then spread the other spokes out like the spokes of a wheel. Using the same spoke, begin to weave around the top, over and under. Having an odd number, 7, spokes will allow you to continuously go around, over and under at least 2 rows. You should be able to do all this with your hands but use your plies to bend in the wire end to keep it form snagging on anything.

The "e" should form a knob on top, use plies to adjust.

Bend the spokes down forming the cloche shape. Using plies, twist a loop and foot at the ends of the spokes. This will make it safer for any puppies who insist on sitting next to you as you work.

Make bends in the wire like this wherever you want a cross wire. I have one at the bottom and a second about 5" up.

(This picture shows a cross wire because I added this step in the design as I worked to stop the cross wires from slipping.)

My 8" pan was a spring form and not the best choice, a plain pan will be easier to remove from your cloche. Whatever size you use, measure the circumference and divide by 7. For an 8" pan mark the masking take approx. every 3 5/8".

Tape the spokes at the marks. (Again, your spokes will have the bent notches so will have to extend below the lip of the pan.)

Cut a piece of wire for the cross wire the circumference plus 8", (an extra inch to wrap around each spoke and an extra inch to end off.) Tape down the end of the wire and begin to wrap the cross wire around the spoke. (Again, you will be working below the lip of the pan not above as pictured.)

Pinch the cross wire tight/flat.

Then pinch the spoke notch tight around the cross wire. You pan form will still be on, remember I added this step later. Sorry, for the confusion.

After you work your way around, make a loop in one end, then thread the other end of the wire through the loop, bend, and pull tight around the pan. Then trim excess and use pliers to close loop and remove pan form.

Repeat the process for each cross wire you add. I wanted a pear shaped cloche so I used a 6" pan for my second cross wire. I was hoping for a smooth, sexy, shapely cloche but ended up with some lumpy (cellulite?) lines. Oh, well, that's life.

Hope that was clearer than mud.

Like I said I made 3 different cloches.

One using 18 gauge wire, which is easy to manipulate, for the cross wires. In this case use the 8th spoke to wrap around the base of the top knob a couple times and trim the excess. Then attach the smaller wire to do the weaving, which will be much easier and go around 5-6 rows.

The last one was made using only the 18 gauge wire. It's the smaller one pictured in my last post. It turned out stronger/sturdier than I'd thought. I might try this again and get more creative with fancier scroll work, since it's so much easier to work with.

Another idea from one of my inspiration pictures is to have coils of wire the length of each spoke. This would help to hold the cross wires in place and cut down on some of the notching and twisting I used. If you did that I'd suggest using the 18 gauge wire, forming the coils on a 1/4", or smaller, wood dowel. Slip them on the spokes before you curl up the feet.

BTW, I don't like the 18 gauge wire I have. It appears to be painted black. I used to be able to find this unfinished like the re-bar wire at he hardware store. Hopefully I'll be able to find it again.

I'd love to see pictures of your creations, so please share!

Good Luck!

And this is where that nosy puppy ended up. Better safe than sorry!

Vintage Inspiration Friday - Wire Cloche

2011-04-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

I seem to get alot done when I'm avoiding doing something I should be doing. I just can't seem to finish cleaning and organizing my laundry/pantry/office/craft room. One of these days I'll have reveal photos to share, but not today.

My internet was down earlier today. Instead of doing the unplug and replug thing to get it going again, I just looked at my email files. This is where I copy and store favorite ideas I find online and in blogs.

Cool stuff like this.....

From Pink Roses and Other Passions


From 52 Flea

So, I tried my hand at making a couple for myself.

The chicks seem to like them, hope you do too.

Linking up with Vintage Inspiration Friday at Debra's

Common Ground.

If you're trying to avoid doing something.....or not.....

get yourself on over there!

Easter Lamb

2011-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm joining Chania at Razmatz for her Easter Photo Challenge.

Never did get up into the attic to get my box of Easter decorations. But this week, I had some unexpected fun with a friend and her visiting sister and this lamb followed me home.

The Lamb

Have a joyous Easter!

More Thinking Than Doing Going On

2011-04-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

In my quest to stay focused and get things done I've been thinking about upholstering a couple stools and an ottoman. I'm a sucker for stools and benches, they over run the house!
My Mr. Wonderful loves them too.....not!
But back to me!

They're stacked in the living room next to a sideboard.

They're stacked next to an armoire.

They are in front of or under chairs.

I have one here because I first had it as a side table by a chair but when I got a little french provincial nightstand to replace it, I just put it here and it's just stayed. I put my purse on it so it doesn't go on the kitchen counter. That would be my effort to avoid more germs, ha!

And when I went around to take these pictures I came across these as well.

This is actually a tool box, upside down.

Sorry, please do not adjust you screen, fuzzy picture.


This one I was going to revamp but it got a little worse before it got better so.....

These are the ones I'm thinking about upholstering now, plus an ottoman with the cutest feet, but that's in my storage unit.

Then it dawns on me.....

I don't have a stapler!

I've had 2 of these.....

Sears Craftsman, but I've broken them both. I liked how they worked, forward action and all, but the casing is plastic and that's what broke. Sears doesn't have the lifetime warranty on their tools like they used to, hence the second one. It did have some jamming and miss firing, but are there any staplers out there that don't??

After a quick search on line I might get one of these.....

Also a Sears Craftsman but this is the 'heavy duty' model. Not that I consider what I'm planning or what I've done in the past to be 'heavy duty', but maybe Sears does. It looks about the same as the other but with a metal casing. Plus, bonus.....I recently found a Sears gift card I'd forgotten about!

Problem is, there are mixed reviews so I'm looking for more, possibly mixed, reviews. Let me know if you have had any experience with this stapler or if you'd recommend another. I'd appreciate it.

I'd love to run out and buy an air compressor and a truck load of tools to go with, but alas, I'm not independently wealthy, nor do I think I'd use them enough to warrant their purchase.

Hope to have something to show you soon!

12 Ways to Repurpose Home Furnishings

2011-04-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

The HGTV site had this link on their front page Check it out!

12 Ways to Repurpose Home Furnishings

Number #1

I think this is so cool. Did you see the hanger as a curtain hanger, to funny!

Hurry up Joan of Anything Goes Here has sold almost all her hangers in her etsy store

Linking up with

Kathleen of Faded Charm for White Wednesday #95.

Got Me Some Good Junk

2011-04-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Most of my found treasures from last week are cleaned up and ready to enjoy. As I mentioned in my last post, my sister came for a visit, timed around Round Top. She's the best junking partner! We like alot of the same stuff but didn't fight over too many treasures. She was only here Tuesday through Saturday, never enough time. We also hit some local garage sales and junk shops, as well as a couple unique shops my sister likes to visit when she's in this neck of the woods.

I think this was my first purchase in Warrenton. Totally an impulse purchase, not on my list, didn't need them, not antique or vintage. Just had to have them!

New shades for our Dining room chandelier. The plastics still on, they're just propped up there so I can see if I like them.

They are a wider and shorter shape than my previous shades. I also bought some shade clips, chandelier bulb size. Glad to find them since I've never seen them before. Got them from, Bea Rudder of

LampShadesandFinials.com

Bits and pieces of jewelry and ? sold by the quart jar. I crammed all this, except the small perfume bottles, in my jar plus a handful of things my sister picked out And my manicure survived!

Not sure where this will end up, I just loved the chippy goodness of this old table part (I think).

This is a mix of flea and garage sale.

I didn't notice until I was taking pictures but these brads have the tiniest acorns on them.

I want to change out my store display with this piece.

Boxes and frames.

I bought this picture for the frame but I like the picture too. I haven't cleaned it yet so not sure what condition it's in. The letter 'n' is for by baby boy Nicolas.

This is as cleaned up as it's going to get. It had been used as a painting stool and the top, which was originally caned was covered with 2 different attempts to make it functional.

Some lenses I'll need to practice soldering to use. Can always find a need for crystals!

I got this half pillar to put in this odd niche in our guest bath. I'm thinking of adding some hooks but need to decide what I'll hang from it before I figure out what kind of hooks to use.

What do you think? Plates? Pictures? Diddley bops?

Communion cups. Seriously, what did I think I was going to do with these?!

I got these at a garage sale that should have been an estate sale. But they were practically giving the stuff away. There is a set of 8 each of the glasses in front. The guy had dropped the box with the plates that morning so there were only a few unbroken plates. I really just bought this for the pitcher. My sister suggested I use it for Margarita's and I was sold! See why I like junking with her?! Those are plastic melamine glasses in the back, my mom still has some of these from when we were kids, I just like them.

A few odds and ends from here and there. I have several of these chunky glass ashtrays. I don't smoke but if I did.....

I love the shape of the tapestry covered purse but not the print so much, I'm thinking of embellishing/covering it with lace or something.

Game pieces and beads.

Old silverware box, chandelier parts, and what my sister calls an ugly bouquet, but I like it for some reason. It's something I've never seen before but came across 3 more while out and about. That's happened to me before with other things, has that ever happened to you? Weird!

Almost forgot about these, they were tucked in a different corner of the garage.

Another wicker trunk. This will go at the foot of a twin bed in my little girls room whenever I get around to bed swapping the kids rooms.

Original fabric.....not! Seriously, do some dealers just make this stuff up or are they just misinformed?!

But I just l-o-v-e the inside color!

And this room size (14x16) rug, just love, love, love the colors! I used to see these all the time but wouldn't pop for the price tag. This one has some damage on the ends so I got a good deal. This would go great with our more shabby than chic LR furniture now, but not so sure with the new furniture we just ordered last week. I may take the sections apart and use them as runners in our front and back halls. Then use the rest to upholster some stools or an ottoman I have waiting for me in my storage unit.

This is a box of things my sister left behind. Should I tell her I didn't find any Christmas balls? The prettiest things are covered, a little blue vase in the tea towel and some beautiful vintage animal prints on the bottom. Our husbands are meeting up in Dallas for NACAR next weekend so she'll get a belated treat box.

Oh, and the best place to get coffee in Warrenton is from the Coffee Bug guy, ask anyone, they'll tell you where to find him! Even Tori Spelling and her husband sent their assistant to go fetch them some! Yup, that's it for our brush with fame.....and I was waiting in the truck! Ha!

The Party's Over

2011-04-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

My sister and her husband visit is over and they left for their home in northern Illinois in the wee hours this morning. I got up to say good bye but then went back to sleep for a few more hours. Having most of our family in the beautiful mid-west we've made similar trips many times, it's a looong day!.

Their visit coincided with Round Top on purpose, but we did have some other fun in the sun. We had a couple nights grilling and swimming in the pool. One afternoon we rented a boat on Lake Travis. And of course we enjoyed plenty of rita's all around.

My sister and brother in law.

Felling a little wind blow in the back of the boat.

My Mr. Wonderful at the wheel.

My sister and I spent 2 days around the Round Top and Warrenton areas. The first morning was cooold, not what my sister came down for! But I'd rather have a little cold weather than sweltering heat. It took us a while to get in the groove but by the time we were out of time, we were also out of cash and space in our truck.

I haven't unpacked and cleaned my treasures yet but since I have been MIA in blogland lately, I wanted to get a quick post up. So here are a couple pictures of mostly my sister's treasures waiting to be loaded.

Some of what she collects are old prints and paintings that she frames herself, cutting her own mats and re-building vintage frames. The new addition they've added to their house has an arts and crafts feel, so that stain glass window will go in there someplace. She plans to put grand baby pictures in the windows of the old doll house walls.

The muscle! That scrolls and leaf iron piece is a newer, something I've had in my house for awhile, that she's bringing home for her daughter to use in her home.

This is the best picture I got of them about to leave. I told you they left in the wee hours of the morning!

I'm hoping to get all my treasures organized today and tomorrow to show you all in a post but my sister and I were up late last night yakking so I think it's time for a nap.

Thrifty Finds

2011-03-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

My thrifty weekend started with an alley sale at my favorite shop in Georgetown, Gatherings.

Big roll of black lace ribbon, egg shaped sachet, stack of sauces, tiny jewelry box, mini rocking horse planter, wall sconce, holiday napkins.

Now, here's where it all becomes a little fuzzy.

Music book? From my favorite junk store in Georgetown?

Oh, I did get a couple croquet sets, newish, from them. I need to come up with something clever to turn them into.

I can't remember where all these things came from.

I do remember I got these pictures when I went back to Gatherings for half price Saturday.

These letters I got at a, new to me, shop in Florence.

These are also from an antique shop in Florence.

Funny, I've only driven through, never stopping in Florence before.

More half price day.

Estate sale Sunday.

This is a sweet little purse that's more red than the picture lets on.

It has a few moth holes in the chiffon layer (that's what you get for 2 bucks) but I'm thinking of adding some of those twisted roses everyone is doing and maybe some bling.

I usually don't do this much running around on the weekends but my Mr. Wonderful was out of town so no one was around to keep me out of trouble.

So I found a new, to me, site to link up to. This should be fun.

Salina of Apron Thrift Girl hosts a Thrift Share Monday, check it out!

Silver Sunday - Ice Buckets

2011-03-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen these guys in awhile.

I originally collected them to use in my little girls bathroom.

For Q-tips, cotton balls, and what.....maybe toothpaste and toothbrush?

She's changed them out for something else.

So they've been sitting on the top shelf of one of the bar cupboards since we moved here 4 years ago.

Just noticed them again last week when I was looking for something to put silverware in for a get together we hosted.

My favorite is the one with the start shaped etchings. Just a little silver but enough to play along with

Beth's March Silver Sunday at Gypsy Fish Journal.

Chippy White Wednesday

2011-03-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

I was pokin' around on line and came across an idea to use something I already had. Ya, go figure! I may not be using the "good stuff" like Karla at Karla's Cottage suggests but.....well, actually, this is the junk, ha!

I bought a couple "boxes" of junk from a couple estate sales for the door knobs. Apparently, no one else is making those picture holder door knobs around here cause mine were flyin' out the door last fall. So, there were also these door face plates in the boxes.

Enter Robo Margo!

I don't remember exactly how I found her but after I got there I realized she had a mirror etching project in the latest Flea Market Style magazine. Good thing too cause I was confused by the magazine directions. If anyone else was, she has the instructions free for a while because of the published article. All kinds of re-purposing ideas, right up my alley, check her out!

So short story long, this is what I made.

Margo calls them sun catchers but I think they'll be just as cute hung on a door knob or peg.

I didn't waver much from her design, maybe a little more use of the re-bar wire. What's the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Linking up today with Kathleen at Faded Charm for her 90th White Wednesday, (WOW!) where you'll always find inspiration.

Susanne.

2011-03-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Paying It Forward

I'm participating in a wonderful little blog project called...

Pay It Forward 2011!

When I read about it, at Danielle's My Blessed Serendipity Live I knew that I just HAD to be part of it. What a wonderful way to share friendship, inspiration and creativity all while "paying it forward."

Here's how it works....

The first five people who comment on this blog post will receive a handmade gift from me, Susanne.

In return, you must FIRST write a blog post explaining Pay It Forward 2011. Then.... send out a handmade gift to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment. Take your time...you don't need to send them all today or tomorrow. Gifts from the heart are worth the wait!

This is such a sweet way to make new friends and share the love of things we create with our hearts and hands.

"It's not the size of the gift that matters, but the spirit 
of paying it forward."

Project Finished & Blogiversary Giveaway Winner

2011-03-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's taken me a few days to get this post up. One of my bestest friends, Karalee, who moved away, was in town this week and we were pretty busy playing all week!

First of all I like to give the answer to the Bonus Round Question, "what project have I just completed?"

My hint was that it's been on deck for a year. That was supposed to get you to look at my very first post where I blathered on about starting a blog and accountability and getting projects done. Well I'd like to say I've made a vast improvement in that department, but that would be a lie! However, with the one year mark looming and my Mr. Wonderful out of town for 10 days, I no more excuses not to get that one project I mentioned in my first post done, done, done!

Just one of you lovelies guessed correctly, the one who has known me the longest! Kathy, knows me from our Minnesota days. No, I didn't haul these monsters from the frozen north, they haven't been on the deck that long.

(Kathy, do you remember the garage sale I had before we moved? Oh, the good junk I parted with.....)

Here are the lockers in my sewing room that I told you all a year ago I wanted painted.

Man they were ughly!

I took them apart so I could carry them downstairs more easily by myself. I didn't realize one of the inside walls was shared. Ya that one was a fun one to carry, ha!

I ended up doing more prep work that I originally intended. The best solution for removing the 3-4 layers of paint would have been sand blasting but I wasn't up for the expense or the logistics of that.

I removed the old plastic combination locks and locker numbers. BTW, the best way to remove rivets is to drill them out. Thank you Google!

Ta Da! Here they are!

Not perfect but at least they are just one color and clean to store all my ~~crap~~ precious supplies.

For now, I have some twill tape ties for knobs, the plastic locks will not be returning. We'll see how well they work out. Or if I come across something else I like for knobs I may change them out.

Here are the locker numbers, ya, it was 'fun' to pick the layers of paint off them too! I just got some silver brads, (out playing with my friend) I'm going to put these back on with. (Oh, ya, I did so just end a sentence with a preposition and I'll so it again, cause that's how I roll.)

I had a roll of black on white toile wall paper which was enough to paper the locker insides, with just a few feet left to spare.

I've taken the lockers out of the sewing room and put them in the upstairs open living area instead. I've moved things around in the sewing room and I think I'm going to like the new arrangement much better. In all, I moved about 10 different pieces of furniture around from 3 different rooms upstairs. Hope to have new pictures of those completed rooms at some point. Still some bed swapping and headboard painting I want to do.

(Yikes! I just flashed to a year from now, scrambling to get that done!)

I love my tags! I went a little crazy collecting these little coasters that I lined with adhesive chalkboard paper, embellished with lace and trim bits and put magnets on the back. So the labels are easy enough to change if I move things when I reorganize.

I sold these at some craft sales last fall but thankfully I still had enough for each door.

Thank you all for entering my giveaway and joining in my One Year Blogiversary! Thanks for all the warm fuzzzies! So with great pleasure I'd like to announce the giveaway winner.....

The oh so creative Lorrie, from Fabric, Paper, Thread!!!

I'm looking forward to another year in Blogging, only wish I'd gotten on board sooner!

xoxo

Susanne.

BLOGGERS' BODEGA

2011-03-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

I'm joining Debra and Nicole

at Capers of the Vintage Vixens,

who are host Bloggers' Bodega on Tuesdays.

Please visit my ETSY shop.....

zueeuz.etsy.com

Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 2nd is the last day to enter my

One Year Blogiversary Giveaway!

click here to enter

Here are some of what you will find in my etsy shop.

Vintage keys with bling.

Journals made from vintage Readers Digest books

Book markers made from their spines.

Spritz cookie press necklaces.

Vintage earring bracelets

Vintage inspired bouquets.

Hookers and Strippers

2011-02-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a little gadget I got at my favorite junk store some time back.

It's a little wool stripper.

It only cuts one thin strip at a time.

I think you could clamp it onto a counter or table edge

but there were no clamps included.

I've always loved old wool hooked rugs,

with their beautiful muted colors and primitive designs.

I'm not as adventurous as Cathy at Acorn Hollow.

Here's a beautiful large rug she recently finished.

There was also a super cool covered ottoman but I couldn't find it again.

I think I'd like to try something small little pins.

Maybe heart, star, or flower shaped or maybe just a circle.

Getting some inspiration from a couple talented hookers on Etsy.....

Loopy flower from Autumn Hathaway.

Wool hooked circle ornaments by Primitives for sale.

But is little chick is pretty darn cute. Also by Primitives for Sale.

Be inspired to start hooking or go shoppin'!

Happy Vintage Friday, on Saturday.

Joining Debra at Common Ground.

Check out my giveaway for my 1 Year Blogiversary.....

Blogiversary Giveawy

One Year Blogiversary!

2011-02-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

All righty then!

March 2nd will mark my one year blog-iversary! So excited!

I have had so much fun this past year in blogland. I don't know what got me started reading blogs, but once I started ricocheting from blog to blog I was hooked. Soon my stalking turned into a desire to start my own blog, to participate more fully in the fun. It's been amazing finding others who share the same ideals and aesthetics, as well as discovering worlds I never imagined existed. I have enjoyed the generous outpouring of feelings, ideas, inspiration, and encouragement.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, left a comment, or become a follower of, my little old blog. I really really really appreciate your visits and feel the love!

I want to celebrate with a give away. So I hope I've picked some exciting treats to entice you all to enter.

These are a few things I've been playing with lately.

First, there is a journal that I posted about recently here,

someplace for you to put down your really bid ideas or

keep your grocery list,

and a bookmark,

.....and some birdies, 'cause I've got to use up all those book pages somehow!

Second, are some sweet little posies in vintage Blue Willow coffee cup.

Tucked in, is a vintage mirrored place setting piece that I've written, "Think Spring".

If you haven't seen these before there is a frosted section on the mirror which allows you to erase and change the name or message.

Lastly, is a spring inspired necklace I've made especially for this occasion!

A skeleton key is surrounded by pretty little pink, white, and gold charms.

The tiniest flower basket filled with pink rhinestones,

a white and pink pearl dangle,

a rhinestoned butterfly,

and the sweetest little pink shell button I've ever rested my eyes on,

layered atop a white flower button!

All on a vintage gold beaded chain I found on a recent treasure hunt.

The rules?

I'll borrow some from other giveaways out there.

To enter:

leave a comment on this post for one chance

followers get another chance

add this button to your sidebar for a third chance

One Year Giveaway

Bonus Round:

Guess correctly what project I have just completed.

Hint:

It's been on the docket for at least a year!

Please, if you would, leave a comment for each entry, thank you!

I will pick a winner after midnight March 2nd central time. I will be employing the ever so sophisticated method of putting all your names on little pieces of paper and asking an impartial picker to draw one name from a hat.

Silver Hearts

2011-02-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Gina over at Junk In My Trunk clued me in on this new, to me, tool from Whale Shark Websites that allows you to post a treasury from etsy to your blog. Here's proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks!

I love to collect little trinket boxes so in honor of Valentines Day and taking a que from Beth at Gypsy Fish Journal I went treasury hunting at etsy to bring something to her Silver Sunday.

Happy Valentines Day!

'Silver Sunday' by zueeuz

Trying out whalesharkwebsite.com app to post treasury to my blog.

Pascalene $55.00	BurlapCharms $6.00	pullz $48.00	HeirloomLinens $5.00
BlueGrotto $200.00	vintagecoco $25.00	LucyandEllen $50.00	catuzcate $10.00
rarefinds4u $2.85	ThinkOldThinkN... $10.00	BeadedBegonia $18.50	oldvintagestor... $18.00
tinymuses $11.00	VintageStarrBe... $13.99	BurlapCharms $7.00	sarpearbear $4.50

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Packers and Etsy Listings, Win Win

2011-02-07T16:15:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo!!! We're PACKER fans at our house. I watched the game by myself, well, just me and the puppy. The little girl is at school and Mr. Wonderful and my baby boy actually got tickets to the Super Bowl! A once in a lifetime thing so it's fantastic that the Packers WON!

I started this post last night because I watching the game is too stressful. I only like to watch the Packers when they are running away with the game. When they're losing it's too frustrating and if it's close like last nights game turned into, I can't handle it!

I'm tried to use my time wisely. I've listed a few new things in my etsy shop. I have really been neglecting etsy, hopefully this will be a start of me getting back on track. I't just that my inventory is so unorganized. A couple months ago I was asked by a new boutique in town to carry some of my stuff. Something I've always wanted, by was afraid to ask. So what's at the store and what's at home for me to sell, that is the question. Not that it's all that complicated, I'm just a procrastinator. Yadda yadda yadda!

Here are some bracelets I've finished lately. I love these! I saw something like these along time ago on etsy but don't have a bookmark for it. Thank you, whoever had the idea first! I've made a couple before but it takes a long time to find a good variety of earring sets to mix and match. I made one for myself from my Gramma's earrings. Just makes me smile to wear it.

Also, I didn't show you what else I did with some of those Reader's Digest insides. I think I saw book pages folded like this on Teresa's blog Garden Vintage Antiques.

I haven't gotten them all listed on etsy yet and I'll probably take some to the shop. (I guess I didn't use my time that wisely.) So if you see something you just gotta have let me know, I'll "hook you up".

Judging a book by it's cover

2011-02-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

I've always liked the covers on old Readers Digest books. The colors and designs, just do it for me, what can I say? I wanted to make some journals using the RD cover for the covers. So what to do with the rest of the book. I didn't want to just toss it in the recycling bin.

For Christmas I made a few trees. See the post here.

Last summer I got carried away making these, see the post here.

Cootie catchers.....ignore the spelling error, I eventually fixed it but didn't take another picture.

Then I needed a different way to card my earrings because of a tag issue for a sale I wanted to join.

So I came up with this.

Still I have alot more pages than ideas. How many unbound book stacks can one have until their family turns them into the hoarder show?!

Anyway back to the point of this post.....the journals.

So here they are. That's velvet fabric on the spines. Pictures are pages from the books. I'm much more comfortable embellishing with fabrics and notions than paper. I don't know how some of you do it, I just can't get loose enough

The insides are stacks of vintage and odds and ends paper. Accounting spread sheets, graphing paper, steno pads, music composition sheets, odd scrap-booking papers, and a variety of lined and solid color sheets. I saw someone use a mix of recycling paper somewhere online a long time ago and always thought that was a interesting idea.

I thought the spines would make fun bookmarks.

I haven't posted in forever and I haven't linked up with Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday for even longer. Treat yourself to a look around Common Ground for all the vintage goodness over there.

BTW, we finally got some snow action that everyone else in the nation seems to have already gotten. Only a half inch for us here, boo hiss! Remember, I'm from the mid-west I love the stuff.

Yeah, a little wind with this weather too. That first cushion is not just covered with snow. Those #%& squirrels ripped the top off to get at the stuffing for their nests. Well, I hope they're warm!!!

I'm leaving it in hopes they won't attack another cushion.

The water's on so the pipes don't freeze.

School is canceled because of the ice under the snow. Mr. Wonderful went to work. Just me and the puppy here. She was able to find a spot to go potty so she's all right. By the time I go out all the snow will be melted.

Keep warm everyone!

Passing it Along

2011-01-24T10:45:00.000-08:00

Suzan from Old Grey Mare has honored me with a Stylish Blogger Award.

Thank you Suzan!

Maybe some of you have gotten awards before and it's no big deal but for someone to take notice of my little old blog, well for me, it's a big deal. Warm fuzzys all weekend.

So here are the award rules:

Receive the award,

say thank you,

reveal 7 things about yourself,

pass it on to 10 favorite and stylish bloggers!

7 things about me.....

Oh boy, here we go!

I'm number 5 of 8 kids, 4 boys and 4 girls. Yes, Catholic.

I grew up in a teeny tiny town in Upper Michigan, not northern, Upper, there's a difference.

We live in Texas now but look forward to the day we can move back to the mid-west, preferably Minnesota.

I am a horrific speller. And spell check is making me even dumber.

I over use explanation points!!!

Can't help it!!!

I'm just so darn excited by all the cool stuff I see blogging!!!

I'm afraid of creepy crawly things, heights, the dark, and sleeping with the closet door open.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that, besides my engagement ring, I'd rather wear rhinestones than diamonds.

10 Favorite and Stylish Bloggers.....

This part took the longest, picking just 10 blogs to mention, anyway, here goes.....

612 Riverside

Theresa because she's so passionate about her family, creativity, and generosity in sharing.

Capers of the Vintage Vixens

Debra and Nicole because mother/daughter sharing a passion for vintage.

Garden antiques vintage

Because of all the places she goes and all the eye candy pictures she takes.

I am Like a Bird

Angela because of her junkin' purchases, good thing we're blogging friends because we'd fight for finds if we went shopping together.

Junk Redefined

The Pfarkel sisters because I would love to be junkin' with my sisters in the beautiful mid-west!

Mamie Jane

Jane because she's just so darn clever with all her creations.

Shabby Vintage Junk

Tamarah because this funny lady makes the world smaller.

Time Worn Interiors

Theresa because of all things white.

Up in the Attic

Pammy because of the things she likes to make and because I never laughed harder than at this post:

May The Forth Be With You!

Vintage Junk in My Trunk
Gina because again someone else I shouldn't go shopping with.

So there you have it. Thank you again Suzan for the opportunity to tell you all a little bit about myself and about some of the lovely blogs I follow.

Cherubs, Crystals, and Bears...Oh My!

2011-01-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

Just a few pictures of the rearranged living room.

Out with the Christmas, in with the crystals.

Maybe an odd mix but it is what it is.

Those chunky not candle stick pieces are ashtrays. Almost make me want to pick up the habit.

Have I mentioned this piece before? My sister gave it to me a few years ago, love her, love it!

Pretty much the same things, just in different places.

But I had the favorite chair that didn't have a spot so I dug this old chippy table out of storage to give it a place to go. I haven't used this table since our last house

I love it's chippy color. You should have seen the once over Mr. Wonderful gave this corner of the room when he got home. Priceless. The little girl was sure he wouldn't even notice. But he didn't say a word. We'll see, maybe it will grow on him.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

We also celebrated my baby boys birthday last night since this would be the last night we'd all be together before he and the little girl go back to school. His BD is next week.

With 'Sweetie'. That's how he answered his phone one day when he thought it was her calling and not me!

Ha!

These pictures remind me of that commercial with the family trying to take a family picture, with all the goofy grins, closed eyes, and cut off heads.

"To the cloud!"

This is as good as it got.

What are you doing?

Little sister, big brother, so sweet and innocent!

Digital cameras were such a great invention.

So now both my kids are in their 20's, does that make them vintage or me?

Or am I antique or just old?

Hooking up with Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday, check them out!

Surprize Estate Sale

2011-01-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Christmas crumbs are all put away, Mr. Wonderful went back to work, the kids were sleeping in, and I was all set to go to my favorite junk shop with my best junkin' pal Jan. I was to meet her at her charity group's thrift store, then have lunch and off we'd go. But her friends who joined us for lunch had a different idea, surprise, an estate sale in their neighborhood. I'm cool with that, who isn't up for an estate sale?

So off we went.....

The newish (10 yrs old?) neighborhood is one of those Sun City developments, where all residents must be 55 or older. Walking in this house, you'd swear you were in the 1960's! I'd never been in a new house that was so stuck in a time warp.

Practically every stick of furniture was french provincial!

I'm not kidding 2 complete bedroom sets, kitchen set, dining room set and hutch, living room, even a sweet little vanity stool, all french provincial. Which I love but this was to much, even for me. Especially since I couldn't use any of it! Nope, my storage unit is full,

don't ask, don't tell.

Now that's not to say I didn't find a box full to bring home with me. Actually I'm lucky I limited myself to just a box! There was so much that was so up my alley. I may have to go back again to see what's left at half off.....

Enough yacking, here's what I scored.....

Believe it or not, this is one jewelry set, necklace, bracelet, and earrings.

Could you imagine wearing this? Those earrings practically touch the necklace.

Otay, I've been know to make some pretty chunky necklaces, like this one.....

It's just crazy! Crazy delicious! I think I can take half the babbles away to create other pieces and still have a pretty chunky necklace.

A couple more pairs of earrings, baby booty charms.

This tie pin, looks like one of those things (?) surveyor's use.

This funky little mirror I might be able to do something with.

More old sheet music.

Some of it's pretty old with interesting graphics. I might try to resell some of this instead of cutting it up. Some of them have alot of writing on them, even graffiti!

Like this guys goatee and hair do? That Letha, what a cut up!

Too funny, this one has ukulele arrangements! Seriously?!

Another pair of these, just because.

And this because.....

I already had this at home.

So I could make this.....or this.

I don't know, something doesn't look right. The parts feel a little off, like something's missing or been added. I'll figure it out plus I have spare lamp parts in my stash to try.

My definition of a surprise is

Something you didn't know you wanted until you got it.

Linking with Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday.

Piece of Cake - Not!

2011-01-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

The little girl's birthday is between Christmas and New Years. So, of course, always a hectic time and a few bloopers have happened. Like the year we invited a boy to 'sleep over'. Opps! But it also worked out nicely when I forgot to leave a gift tagged "From Santa".

(I know, who knew they actually looked at the tags?!) But the day was saved for the crying little girl when a gift was discovered (saved for her birthday in a few days).

"Oh, look, Santa left it in the closet for some reason!"

Here's the little girl, at 20, with her cake, red velvet, of course.

A little lumpy but not too bad when it's all white on white together.

But here are the snow flakes before they went on the cake.

Not so glamorous, huh? And these were the nice ones! After trying 3 different tips on 3 different pastry bags or tubes, this was as good as it got. I ended up using an old metal cake decorating tube thingy and re-warming the melted white chocolate chips under hot running water every few flakes.

Definitely no 2 alike for these snow flakes!

And speaking of flakes.....

With the big brother, kneeling, and I'm not sure what's up with that GQ pose.

And the 'little' girl in 4 inch heels, taller than Dad and most definitely taller than Mom!

So this is my most recent blooper.....that I know of anyway.

Check out the other "oops" at Susan's blog, Between Naps on the Porch, where she's hosting a Blogging Bloopers Party, 2010.

Merry Chriatmas

2010-12-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to All

and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Link to Kathleen's Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground.

She has a picture from my last weeks post included in her post this week.

Thank you Kathleen.

Finished Project

2010-12-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

I had several projects I planned to finish this month, before my kids came home for Christmas break. Well, I didn't cross much off that list but I don't have time to worry about that now. Because I want to show you all one thing I did get done. First let me show you my inspiration.

Does anyone remember this from the Decorating Cents show that used to be on HGTV? I can't remember how long ago I first saw this dog house, but I've always wanted to make one.

I don't remember this from the show but it's kinda a cute idea. I like the little pressed glass bowls, ok the beaded trim is alittle too much. I might put this on my list for when my little girl take the puppy to live with her.

Otay, sorry, I got distracted by something sparkly. I'm getting a little cocky here, having actually finished a project!

Short story long, here's our new dog house!

I think she actually likes it! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!

Plus this weekend I got her to roll over, something we never did before.

Does it count if bacon was involved?

See, Pebbles stayed in even after I was done taking pictures and put the unsightly phone and remote back on the nightstand.

Linking with

Kathleen of Faded Charm, White Wednesday.

Also linking up with

Pammy at Up In The Attic for Project Monday.