Off to a good start . . .

Armed with paper, magazines and my ever present diet Snapple,

 I started an August To Do list  - projects both big a small.

I ran a few of my ideas by Steve - I have to move slowly with him especially when the changes involve "his" kitchen - and he likes all of my ideas.

via

Pendant lights and open shelving are two of the items on my list, but the project is on hold until after a little San Francisco vacation we have planned.

Painting a few signs and decorating bottles (I wish I could credit the sources, but I don't remember) are also on the list, but today I wanted something quick and easy.

I don't know where I found this picture of teacups hanging in the garden - I love the whimsy of it all.

I gathered together teacups, keys and metal bits to hang in the garden.

A garland of teacups and tidbits is a totally silly thing to create, but I was feeling silly today.

No one actually sits on this bench in the garden, but it is our view when we sit around the fire pit and lately that has been a nightly occurrence.

So I am wondering just how long it will take Steve to notice that there are teacups hanging across the garden.

I wanted to get started on the signs, but Joshua and Aylin are staying just up the coast in a beautiful house and we couldn't pass up the chance to walk on the nearly deserted beach.

The sunset was spectacular 

and we're going to take Lulu to visit tomorrow.

But, before we hit the beach tomorrow, one of these scraps of wood will be transformed

into this cute sign - again, I don't recall the source.

And, I need to put together packages for the winners of a giveaway I did on Instagram.

July ended slowly in terms of my creativity, but it looks like August is off to a good start!

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Join me at Cozy Little House for Tweak It Tuesday

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One last thing

I have been meaning to mention this for quite some time.

I have always replied to comments from my email and a few months ago I noticed that there were comments on my post that I did not see in my emails.

I try to remember to check the post, but please forgive me if I don't see your comment and reply to it.

I'm A Copycat

If "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" then I am definitely a flatterer.

I pinned the ring of keys on the right over a year ago.

I changed the items on the scale when I was doing my next Pinterest "copycat" vignette.

Another copycat project involved changing the color of a favorite bench.

The  yellow bench and  white bench were both pinned over a year ago.

I recently switched this red bench

with this green bench in the living room.

I really like the bench as is with the yellow stripe down the center, but the shade of red definitely clashes with the red sofa in our guest room. 

After a new coat of Annie Sloan Arles, I set up the bench to emulate the Pinterest pics.

The scale and books are back in the house.

Since it will be outside, I'm not sure what will end up on the bench.

But, I am sure I can find  some great ideas on Pinterest,

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OSTRANENIE

This morning I was reading the blog, Sarah Jane Down the Lane and learned a new word.

Ostranenie

The artistic technique of forcing the audience to see common things in an unfamiliar 

or strange way, in order to enhance perception of the familiar.

What a great word.

Ostranenie led me to my first Valentine project.

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I am a doer.

But, my M O is to do things at the last minute.

I remember one Christmas going out on Christmas Eve morning to buy flannel to make KC a nightgown.

I finished it for her to open Christmas morning.

I always loved making Halloween costumes for the kids, but I usually started about October 28.

So I am very proud of myself tonight.

It is January 9, not February 9, and I have a new creation.

I found the red metal heart in the attic when I was looking for something else.

It began life as a Christmas ornament with jingle bells.

I removed the bells and then asked myself, "okay, now what?"

I used ostranenie.

I decided to look at things in a different way.

What if the metal heart was hanging in an open frame?

I found a package of little Ikea wood frames in the garage.

A dab of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White, a little wire, ribbon and black beads and I was in business.

The beads were to cover the holes where the bells had been attached.

At the last minute I remembered a LOVE key and attached it.

I love the rough texture of the heart.

And, I love that I hung the heart on the outside of the frame.

I am totally inspired to make something tomorrow night, and Friday night, and Saturday...

And, I will challenge myself to look at things differently and use them in unexpected ways

Bring on Valentine's Day - I'll be ready!

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I am linked up at

Jennifer Rizzo - Fabulously Creative Friday

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Homespun Happenings - Rustic Restorations Weekend

The Shabby Creek Cottage - Transformation Thursday

Handy Man Crafty Woman - Wicked Awesome Wednesday

Primp - Primp Your Stuff Linky Party

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson - Share Your Cup Thursday

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