3 Quick Projects

Between workmen in our bathroom (not a fun way to spend $$$$) and Little Lulu, I knew today would be spent at home.

 Last night I looked for inspiration for projects that would not take much time and would fit with my August mantra of "use what I have".

This cute little vignette at White Lace Cottage became my first project of the morning.

We eat on small plates for most meals (portion control) and I have lots of different colors of dishes.

We are always rummaging through the cupboard to choose a plate in the morning so this little dish strainer is perfect for holding plates and bowls for our morning fruit and yogurt.

A roll of webbing I found in my parents' garage earlier in the summer

combined with a birdcage frame I found at TJ Maxx months ago became the second quick project.

I simply stapled the webbing to a piece of cardboard and attached the key with wire.

I love the bench beneath the trees in the garden all dressed up with pillows and a banner, but the banner and the pillows are now covered with sap from the trees.

I spent too much time embroidering the banner to see it destroyed so a change in the bench became project #3.

This Moda fabric is a favorite and I only have a skinny strip left, but I was able to cut out hearts for a banner.

I placed batting in between 2 hearts, sewed the hearts together and connected the hearts with ribbon.

I washed and dried the banner so the edges would fray.

A simple basket with a plant is a much more practical choice than the cushion which I can grab from a cupboard if I want to sit and relax - unlikely with Little Lulu!

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I am joining the following parties

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

Lavender Garden Cottage - Cottage Style Party

Shabby Creek Cottage - Transformation Thursday

Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays

Ivy and Elephants - What's It Wednesday

Rooted in Thyme - Simple & Sweet Fridays

No Minimalist Here - Open House Party

The Pin Junkie - Friday Link Party

Green Willow Pond - What We Accomplished Wednesday

From Duvet to Tablecloth

Last Sunday when I spent 4 hours working in the attic, I came across lots of things I had forgotten I even had.

I found a quilt and pillow shams to redo our bedroom, white fabric for new bedroom curtains, and some great vintage tablecloths of my mother's.

I also found a denim duvet cover from KC's college days and knew just how I would use it.

 I laid out my favorite white tablecloth on top of the duvet, cut around the tablecloth, hemmed the edge and VOILA! - I have a new tablecloth.

When I cut out the tablecloth, I ended up with 2 pieces and enough scraps to make a second tablecloth with a ruffled edge.

It was a beautiful sunny day so I set the table in garden using my fun new polka dot flatware.

 The blue bucket was hiding in the attic and it was full of shells.

Steve barbecued sword fish and we sat in the garden enjoying the evening.

Tomorrow's project is new bedroom curtains.

And, creating a birdbath out of this rusted bucket.

Fun projects . . .  free projects . . . using what I have.

What will I find the next time I go up to the attic?

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 Kris of Junk Chick Cottage and Susan of Must Love Junk have started a new series Saturday Spotlight  - the blogger behind the blog.

Hop on over to  Junk Chic Cottage to read about me or Must Love Junk to read about Mary Alice of Chateau Chic.

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I am joining in at the following parties

Creative Home Expressions - The Creative Home and Garden Hop

Redoux - Link Party

Funky Junk Interiors - Party Junk 198

10 Days . . .

Spring Break!

We ALWAYS go skiing for spring break.

But, not this year.

Steve's shoulder is healing, but definitely no skiing this year.

We went skiing on our honeymoon - Steve was still in college so we set our wedding date during spring break.

But this year we will be spending our time here.

Dorje got into the picture so show how happy she is that there won't be a sitter and she will be at home with the human she loves best (Steve) and me.

So, with 10 days, I have a big project list.

#1 PILLOWS

 I will be making 2 yellow pillows and 3 in the red polka dot fabric the living room sofa and chair.

We are going out to dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday, but I will get started before we leave and the plan is to make at least one tonight.

#2 PAINT THE CABINET

I have never loved how my antique record cabinet turned out when I painted it BB - before blogging.

Had I seen all the inspiring paint jobs on Pinterest and blogs, I would probably never have chosen to go with 3 colors.

Tomorrow will be a drive south to the closest Annie Sloan Chalk Paint dealer.

Annie Sloan Old White is the plan.

Steve won't be able to drive with me so I get to leisurely look through the stores in the little antique mall AND I will be able to visit Home Goods.

#3 TABLE CLOTH

When I found the polka dot fabric, I saw this fabric in the same series.

I like it, but I don't think the size of the print is right for the red polka dot so it will become a table cloth.

#4 PATIO TABLE CLOTH

I bought this fabric before I settled on the red polka dots.

I want a bright tablecloth for spring so I am making use of the "mistake" fabric.

I think I might have to make a long white table cloth to go under it and I am hoping there is enough of the yellow fabric for some chair cushions too.

#5 PAINTED BENCH

Since his surgery, Steve has been bumping into the glass top sewing machine table.

I moved things around the house and put this little black bench next to the chair.

The bench will be Old White also.

A white cabinet, a white bench - oh, I really am going over to the light side!

#6 TACKLING THE JUNGLE

My garden is crying out for help.

I need to work in the garden EVERY day to get it under control.

Rain is forecast for Easter, but the rest of the time should be perfect for gardening.

#7 PAINTED DRESSER

We bought an entire bedroom suite 25 years ago and the only pieces we still have are the mirror and dresser.

I'm thinking blue.

I will see the selection tomorrow at the ASCP dealer and make my decision then.

I don't want to move the dresser out of the room mainly because Steve is not allowed to do any lifting.

So, this might be a drawer by drawer slow process.

#8 WINDOW SEAT CUSHION and PILLOWS

This should be #10 on the list because I probably won't get that far, but I always say "aim high".

If I put it in writing then I am more likely to complete it.

#9 PAINTED BOX

I found the little wooden box in the garage months ago and planned to paint it and add the little clock knob.

I have no excuses.

This is probably one of the easiest projects on the list.

#10 PAINTED BENCH

Don't I already have that on my list?

When I was looking for something to replace the sewing machine table I found this bench also.

I want to paint it for the garden.

10 days . . .

10 projects . . .

Wish me luck!

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I will be partying at

A Delightsome Life

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

My Romantic Home 

The Pin Junkie

French Country Cottage

The Shabby Nest