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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

A Simple Change


Diane from Confessions of the Obsessed commented this morning that I might just be a workaholic.

I explained that I am definitely hyperactive and I literally never sit still.

If I sit still, I fall asleep.

And in addition to being hyper, I am also lazy.

I needed to take this fabric up to the attic because it was taking up space in the garage.


I was too lazy to pull down the attic stairs and go up to the attic - a disaster waiting 'til June to be cleared.

I have been wanting to make a new cushion for my bench for months so instead of going to the attic, I went to my workbench to sew.


Steve bought this bench for me from a neighbor's garage sale for $1.


Bear seems to like the new cushion.


I was going to make pillows from all the other colorful fabrics I had on hand, but once I saw the cushion on the bench, I knew I wanted white.


I made a simple ruffled pillow, but it just looked so plain.

I googled white linen pillows to get some ideas for "spicing" it up, checked on Pinterest, and ended up at one of my favorite blogs, Cabin and Cottage..

Jacqueline always features the loveliest linens and as I read through her latest post, I remembered that I had a cute little white Martha Stewart handkerchief I purchased at Big Lots of all places.


I sewed the handkerchief onto the center of the pillow and loved the result.

I have one more handkerchief so I can make one more pillow.


Our garden room is improving - from all angles.


The view from the living room.


The view from the porch. 


The view from Steve's studio.

A simple change.


A colorful pillow . . .


and our garden bench is all dressed up for spring.

Anyone want to come over for a glass of lemonade?  

Bear will scoot over for you.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I am partying at

Fishtail Cottage - Cottage Garden Party

No Minimalist Here - Open House Party

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

Cozy Little House - Tweak It Tuesday

House Kaboodle - Blog Party You're Gonna Love It

BeBetsy Smashingly Good Living - Brag About It Linky Party

Lavender Garden Cottage - Cottage Style Party

Fluster Buster - Creative Muster Party

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33 comments:

  1. My Garden DiariesApril 30, 2013 at 9:16 PM

    I wish ya lived closer so that we could stroll on down!! I would love to sit and chat! Ok and you being a workaholic...I think it is the artist in you!! As for your garden room...it is awesome! The pops of color and the decor just make me happy! I can not believe you guys got that bench for a dollar!!!! That is outstanding! And your pillows pull it all together! Great work!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Quintessential MagpieApril 30, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    The blue and white color palette is so pretty on the bench. Great job, and that's a real find at that price!

    I love your stepping stones and how you have mossed around them, or is that a cover crop of some sort? Whatever it is, I keep wanting to do this in our side yard.

    XO,

    Sheila

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  3. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow April 30, 2013 at 10:58 PM

    So pretty and beachy too!

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  4. Shabby chic SandyApril 30, 2013 at 11:31 PM

    You have inspired me--I am going to make a cushion just like that! I have the perfect bench for it. Love the kitty--looks like my Fez. Have a great day!

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  5. PaulaMay 1, 2013 at 4:08 AM

    How lovely!

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  6. chateau chicMay 1, 2013 at 5:00 AM

    I would LOVE to drop by for some lemonade. Problem is it would be hard to leave!!! I love the way you can whip up pillows and cushions with no effort at all, and they always look so pretty. GREAT bench...what a steal!!
    Mary Alice

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  7. JunkchiccottageMay 1, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    Hi Carol,
    That cushion is adorable. Wow a dollar for the bench. SCORE!!!! That is a great bench. I wish I lived closer too we could sit out in your garden with an ice tea and just chill. Love that space.
    Kris

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  8. Acorn to OakMay 1, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    I love your new bench cushions. They look great! What an awesome deal to find that bench for $1! Wow! Your garden looks like a wonderful place to hang out. And, it just keeps getting nicer and nicer. :-)

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  9. MelanieMay 1, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Happy colors, a beautiful pillow, and a gorgeous kitty...I'd love to come over and have a glass of lemonade with you!

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  10. Vicky HuntMay 1, 2013 at 4:33 PM

    Love the cushion and I wouldn't mind sharing it with Bear! He looks a lot like one of my cats...:)The white pillow goes perfectly with the cushion....so crisp and clean! Enjoy...:)

    Blessings, Vicky
    Life On Willie Mae Lane

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  11. The TablescaperMay 1, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    Your patio looks so inviting!

    I'd love to have you share it at Seasonal Sundays!

    - The Tablescaper

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  12. StaceyMay 1, 2013 at 7:19 PM

    Love your new cushion. The blue and white looks so pretty out in the garden. The house behind gives the perfect backdrop.

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  13. UnknownMay 1, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    Very pretty! I just found your blog and am having lots of fun exploring your archives.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fluster BusterMay 1, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    If you don't want to bring the remaining fabric to the attic you can just drop it off at my house. I can think of several uses. Thank you for sharing on Fluster’s Creative Muster Party!

    Robin
    Fluster Buster

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jemma@athomewithjemmaMay 1, 2013 at 9:15 PM

    You have such an eye for everything! Love all of the colors and then you toss in some white! Perfection!

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  16. Aida May 1, 2013 at 10:39 PM

    I love those colourful fabrics! I think I will take up sewing soon. Your photos are beautiful, and your cosy backyard look so inviting.

    Thank you for stopping by the other day.

    Blessings,

    AidA

    ReplyDelete
  17. Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com May 2, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    I'm coming! What kind of cookies are you serving with the lemonade ? :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. DianeMay 2, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    You know that I said that, just because I am jealous of all of your energy!!! I love this sweet spot and the white is adorable on the bench. The eyelet is the perfect finishing touch to your pillow. I would love to spend the afternoon reading in that space - you notice that I did not say working - hahaha!!

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  19. AnonymousMay 2, 2013 at 8:17 AM

    Hi! Thanks for joining in the BeBetsy Brag About It Linky Party! I love the post and it was just in time because I have been trying to do the same thing in my backyard space. Love the choice of colors and the picture from inside your home to garden is wonderful. My husband and I are planning to finish up our stone patio as well - small but quaint - hopefully it will be as beautiful as yours. Thanks again and let's keep in touch - love your blog and ideas. Sharon

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  20. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseMay 2, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    The pillow turned out so lovely. I admire how you thought of sewing a handkerchief on it. I would never have thought of it.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Leslie HarrisMay 2, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    You lazy? I want you to please come over to my house and be lazy. There's lots of beautiful blue cushions and white pillows that need to be created!!! I love your brand of laziness.
    ps. I'm jealous of your pillows, they look fantastic on the bench.
    Leslie (Gwen Moss)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Castles Crowns and CottagesMay 2, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    Your abode is absolutely CHARMING and has a lovely French flair from the northern part in Brittany! Oh dear, ONE DOLLAR for that bench? QUELLE BONNE MARCHÉ! What a deal!

    I am so happy to see you visited today! This will be a super fun "trip" as we visit one another's posts. Have a great weekend! Anita

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  23. Manuela@A Cultivated NestMay 2, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    So cute! I love the ruffles around the edge. Your garden room is looking really great!

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  24. LorrieMay 2, 2013 at 4:50 PM

    I'll take a glass! That bench is a great buy for $1. I love the way you've gussied it up.

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  25. ReneeMay 2, 2013 at 5:24 PM

    Yes please for the lemonade. What a lovely outdoor room. Love the cushion and the pillow. The blue is so pretty.

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  26. Miss LindaLeeMay 2, 2013 at 7:39 PM

    I always enjoy my visit here and love seeing how things are changing both inside and outside. Love your imagination and your pieces are always beautiful.

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  27. Liz @ Quirky VistasMay 2, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    No matter where you are it looks like you have a great view of your garden room, how wonderful! I love your cobblestone patio and the sweet, sweet pillow you made. What adorable touches. Tell Bear there's gonna be some company soon and to practice sharing, because I love lemonade and a patio bench with a cute cushion!
    Liz

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  28. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonMay 2, 2013 at 8:51 PM

    Bear, make room for me! Your garden room is looking lovely for sure. Love the new cushion and the pillows turned out fabulous! Great inspiration from Jacqueline! Thanks for sharing with SYC. You should hop over to Tracie's at Fishtail Cottage and link up to her Garden Party.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  29. Judith @ Lavender CottageMay 3, 2013 at 4:00 PM

    Your garden bench looks cozy, and made pretty with the addition of the new cushion and pillow. I have drooled over Jacqueline's linens myself a time or two.

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  30. JeanneMay 4, 2013 at 9:00 AM

    Hi Carol, This is a belated thank you for the sweet comment on our 50th anniversary. I have been on a blog break but I am back. Our anniv. was wonderful with many great memories to treasure. Long marriages are not common. Good for you.

    Your garden room outside is so awesome. Your $1. bench looks fabulous. Love the pillow with the addition of the hanky. Very creative.

    Happy weekend.
    xo, Jeanne

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  31. Fishtail CottageMay 6, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    sigh, I really would love to find some seat cushions like yours for my picnic table benches - would be so much nicer than sitting on raw wood! thank you so much for linking up to the first garden party of the season! everything in your post looks so inviting! xoxo, tracie

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  32. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageMay 7, 2013 at 10:27 AM

    Wow! Fun seeing me here while catching up to you! Gee thanks! Love your sweet white pillow. The blue and white is gorgeous together.

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  33. must love junkMay 7, 2013 at 6:44 PM

    I'd love a glass of lemonade in that gorgeous 'garden room'!! And Bear could sit on my lap-adorable! :)
    Susan

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