The Prim Schoolmarm

my living room redo

2010-03-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I finally got a new look in my living room. I had a gigantic entertainment center that I had lvoed and adored when we purchased it. It was oak. We bought it at a church that gets rejects from the Levin Furniture Dept. Store. We knew we couldn't afford the $1700.00 price, but the church had it for $200.00. The bridge needed stained and a piece of one of the towers needed reglued, but to save that much money was worth any work. It was huge. It covered the entire wall.Well, as the years went on I got tired of the center, but didn't want to buy something simply because of boredom.

Well, our big tv finally died and most of the newer models need to sit on a stand, so hallelujah I could finally justify getting something new.

Go to my older post to see the other entertainment center.

Here is my new stand, tv and yes, I do have a wall (hee hee). I actually had to get out the paint and paint where the center covered the walls. Oh what fun! Don't mind the glare on the tv.

Penny rug runner

2010-03-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

Well it has been a few months since I posted that huge pile of wool clothing that I got from Salvation Army. What a pain to wash, dry and rip it apart, but it is nice to have all that wool at my fingertips.

So I made the sheep mat that hangs on the little rocking chair (it was in an earlier post). I made a candle mat for my trashy swap partner (Sew Many Girls blog). Now I took on a larger job. I saw a runner similar to this one on Taylor's Farmhouse blog. I really liked it, so I tried to make something like it, but not an exact copy. I used colors that can be changed from room to room. It is a pretty good size and that bottom layer of brown wool is very thick. It was a large coat. I am pleased with the end result. Let me know what you think. Thanks and have a good day, Kim

My wonderful Trashy Swap Goodies

2010-03-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

I know, I know it has been forever. I have been so busy with work, kids, training for the marathon, blah blah blah....

Well, on to the goodies. My "trashy swap" partner was Allison from Sew Many Girls blog. She is incredibly talented and I was thrilled with my package.

My favorite item is this rag-quilted table runner. It is great colors for any of my rooms and it fits my coffee table perfectly. Don't you love the prim stars???

She made this adorable Annie doll.

She made this Spring wool framed sign. It looks great on my hutch and I love this thin wooden shelf. She even sent all of the little prim fixins for it.

If you haven't yet done a swap through Char at The Pickled Pepper Patch, you don't know what you are missing. I highly encourage you to join in the next one she sponsors. It is fun and rewarding!! Thanks again Allison. I love everything!!

Have a great day, Kim

Look at what I won!! Fantastic!!

2010-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am sooo excited because I won a wonderful giveaway from Sherri at Here Goes my Life blog. I won 2 Country Sampler magazines. They came on Monday. She had them wrapped so adorable too. As you know, here in PA we have received a whopping 32 inches of snow. Let me tell you I could have cried when I walked out to the mailbox and saw them. What a treat at such a lousy time of the year! We have been out of school all week due to the snow, so the magazines have greatly helped with the extreme boredom. Thank you so much Sherri!!

The one issue features Karen (My Colonial Home). Wow! What a gorgeous place!

Have a great day girlies, Kim

Wool, wool and more wool

2010-02-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

My mom, my aunt and my grandmother try to go to Salvation Army every Wednesday. It is half price day. So, last Tuesday night I called my mom and told her she was going on a mission for wool for me. I told her to look for blazers, skirts and coats made from 100% wool. I told her the colors I would like to have too. This is the stack of goodies she found for me. Would you believe I got all of this for $11.00? Since I have not been teaching all week due to the 32 inches of snow that we received and half of the district still doesn't have power, I washed, dried and tore apart everything. Some of this is really nice and thick.

I thought I would show the first wool rug that I made. I got the sheep pattern from Primitive Blessings, Twigs and Sprigs free stitching patterns. I ironed freezer paper onto my wool and traced the patterns on them. I cut them out and blanket stitched them on. I have it resting on the little rocking chair that I just painted (see my previous post). I really like it! I am getting the penny rug bug for sure. I am almost done with another one. I will post it when I finish. Have a great day and stay warm, Kim

my rocking chair redo

2010-02-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

Hi folks,

Home from school again. Haven't had any school this week yet and got the call off for tomorrow too. I haven't seen this much snow since 1993. We were cleaned up and then last night we got about 8 more inches. That brings my total to about 32 inches since Friday night. This is absurd!!!

Well now that I have been home all week, I have been busy. Our big screen tv died a few weeks ago. We sold it and the giant entertainment center on Craiglist. Now I have have a smaller tv stand and that gives me more floor and wall space. I have had this little rocking chair since I was 2 years old. I painted, sanded and stained it the other day. I have it next to the new tv stand. It looks cute there.

Hope everyone is snug and warm and has power. Can't wait until Spring!! Love, Kim

a few hearts and tons of snow

2010-02-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how much snow we got here in PA. When I woke up yesterday morning I couldn't believe the sight. We got about 22 inches. I went downstairs and looked out of my dining room window and could not believe what had happened. One of our flowering pear trees split apart and landed right on our pool deck. I ran upstairs woke up my hubby and quickly started checking out our other windows (nervously). There was another pear tree that split and broke off in 2 places- unbelievable. My hubby, my dad and my brother in law cleaned the tree off of the deck with a chainsaw. We were truly blessed because the tree stopped before hitting the pool. The railing held it and there was no damage (even the glass table it fell on didn't break). WOW! Thank you Lord.

The day seemed so long. I got a lot of cleaning and crafting done. I read some stories to my younger son and made some soup. My older son was outside from 9am until 6pm (he was exhausted, but had a wonderful time in the snow). I got most of my Trashy Swap stuff made and a few things for myself too. I made these salt dough hearts. I only painted them so far. I am still going to sand and I think even put some stain on them. I also sewed a few of these heart bowl fillers for my table bench in the dining room. That's all I have been doing lately. Hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend. Can't wait until Spring!! Love, Kim

wooden box wall hanging

2010-01-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

Good day to ya! Over break I decided to make the wooden box hanging that Char had the tutorial on a few Wednesdays ago. I have a few old, cookie cutters hanging from the peg nails. I placed a winter prairie doll, some pine and berries into the box. It was very easy to make. I had to make it smaller than the plans called for, but I wanted to use wood that I had laying around.

I also changed around my bowl rack. I put all of the bowls on the top shelf and added my sheep from Char on the bottom shelf.

I got the candle board at an inside garage sale last week for 50 cents. I haven't decided if I will paint it or not. It sits nicely on my stovetop board.

Have a great day and talk later, Kim

My first 2 penny candle mats

2010-01-10T03:38:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

What a crazy "weather" week! Our schools were cancelled on Monday and Friday. That gave me 2 extra days to play. I decided to make a plain circle mat with 3 stack pennies and I made a heart mat for Valentine's Day. I am pretty proud of the results. Of course the stitching could be neater and more organized, but for my first attempt, I am happy. I went to so many different tutorials on the web and got great tips. I put the round mat on my table bench and the Valentine mat is on my short kitchen counter. I have heart salt dough ornies in the oven right now. I am going to paint them and put them in the bowl, on the mat. I usually don't do much decorating for Valentine's Day. If you have any cool, prim suggestions for easy to make stuff, please leave me a comment. Thanks a bunch and try to stay warm!!!! Lya, Kim

Can you tell what I am attempting to make????

2010-01-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hey people- how's it going?

Well, I have loved the penny rug for a long time now and over the break I did a lot of Youtube and blog research on how to make one. This is my absolute first attempt, so be nice.

I bought 2 wool blazers and a wool skirt from Sal Army. I washed them in hot water and dried them. I ironed them (with a towel on top to prevent the shine.) I ironed on freezer paper and traced my 3 different circles. My smallest is 1 inch then 2 inches then 2 1/2 inches. I got a lot better at sewing them with practice. I am hoping to be done by the weekend. If so, I will post the finished product.

Hi, I am Kim and I'm a Goodwill-aholic!!! :)

2010-01-03T04:08:00.000-08:00

Okay, I surrender!! I am addicted to Goodwill stores. I stop every chance I can get to check out the "junk" racks. There are awesome treasures out there and I have reaped a "bounty". I was not even 5 minutes from one that is 15 minutes from home. I kept going back and forth in my mind- stop or not, stop or not. I figured I would stop and look for just 10 minutes because I left the boys at home while I went to Walmart to get the oil changed in the car.

Okay, so I am in the store and quickly doing my left to right scan of every piece of junk in there and then I saw it. It was on top of a shelf at the end of an aisle. I was hoping to find a wooden bowl, but this takes the cake. Do you believe the size of this beauty? It is such a beautiful color and very smooth too. I paid a whopping $1.99 for it- "suckers"!!!! I came home and made the snowman head bowl fillers out of the queen size Warm and Natural my in-laws bought for me for Christmas.

So, when your mind is playing tricks on you (go home or shop, go home or shop)- you should go shop!!! Have a great day, Kim

My table bench

2010-01-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Look at what my dad made for me!!!! I love this table bench.

Let me tell ya, I gave him the wood and dimensions about 5 months ago. He had already joined the 2 pieces of wood together to make the large board about 5 months ago. I was just waiting on getting some legs on her. She was worth the wait!!

I painted it black, then barn red. I then sanded it well to distress it. I stained the whole thing with Minwax Dark Walnut and wiped it down.

As I was taking the plain wooden piece from my parents house, my mom asks, "I don't get it. What is it for?" I need to show her some blogs- hee hee.

Well, it made me happy. I have this really big dining room table that we inherited when my husband's mom past away 13 years ago. We had to refinish it (it was in dreadful shape, even had silver duct tape around the edges-yuk). Well, it has a drawer that contains the leaves of the table and on that drawer door is a label: this is table number 252 out of 300 and the date is March 1, 1896. WOW!

I love this table and its new addition of the bench. have a great day!! Kim

BTW: the black candle holder with the greenery and oranges was part of a WONDERFUL gift from my buddy Char (thanks again girlie)!!!

My first big project with NO HELP!!!!

2010-01-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Okay, so my hubby bought me a nail gun for Christmas (no not for fingernails or anything girlie like that LOL, but a brad nailer). So I had been thinking about making the bench that Kris had the tutorial on way back in April (http://simplyprim.blogspot.com/2009/04/bench-tutorial.html).

I love those benches and thought I could do it, only because Char and I both made Kris's blanket crane this summer at my house and her directions and pattern were very easy to follow. So I got up the morning after Christmas day and while everyone was still asleep, I went to work in my "shop" aka, the basement. I pulled up Kris's tutorial on my laptop and started sawing and sanding and nailing and painting and sanding and staining and VOILA- I love it!!! I put it at the foot of my bed. I plan on making one a little smaller to place on top of this one, but for now I have some cute decor on it. The picture frame was a tutorial Char had on her site earlier this year too. What goodies you gals put out there for us! If you fancy this type of bench, then definitely check out her tutorial and definitely become a follower of Simply Prim. Enjoy, Kim

hurricane lamp from salvation army

2009-12-31T15:42:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Praying that everyone has blessed New Year ahead of them!

I got this hurricane lamp at Salvation Army last week for $3.99. I have wanted one of these for quite some time. It has a copper bottom, but there was some paint drops on it and the rest of it seems kinda rusty. I decided to spray paint the whole think black. I dried some oranges and placed them around the bottom. The only thing I don't like is the light bulb. I need to find one that isn't so bright. Maybe I will do a silicone bulb instead.

Have a great one, Kim

an entertainment center redo

2009-12-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

Hey girlies,

Almost Christmas time!! Hope everyone is ready for it. This summer I was a little too energetic in my cleaning and dusting and I accidentally broke a glass panel in my giant entertainment center. It wasn't just plain glass. Of course it had fancy smancy stuff on it and would be rather expensive to replace. I kept contemplating what to do. I thought about tin, copper, wood and I didn't feel comfy with any of those. My hubby wouldn't let me paint the whole thing (even after begging). He likes the natural oak. I am all for barn red, but "whatever". Anyway, I saw on someone's blog of pic of their kitchen. Their cabinets had pleated material and I thought, "hey that could work on my center".

So I took some plaid material and a staple gun and went to work one night while the hubby was out playing basketball with church buddies. I love the look. It matches everything in the room and when I get tired of it, I will just take out the staples and use different material.

Have a great one, Kim

my prim santa crow

2009-12-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Well my buddy Char emailed me this free pattern from Bridgeway Primitives. It is over 2 feet long. He is a giant. She and I were supposed to get together and make these, but she is a very busy lady (always helping out with decorating the church for many events and homeschooling her kiddoes) and I work full time during the day. So, I had to make him myself. My kids like it, but my hubby doesn't think he looks like a crow at all. What do you think?

I put him on the wreath to make him stand out more. He seemed to get lost just hanging somewhere in the house. I like him. He is unusual and interesting.

Have a great one. Get ready for Christmas. It's coming quickly. CYa, kim

My prim snowman

2009-12-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

Is everybody getting ready for Christmas? I love this time of the year. I love the lights and the anticipation.

So I decided to try making a fabric snowman. I kinda made it like how you make the fabric pumpkins. I cut out a big, medium and small circle and I baste-stitched them closed and stuffed them. I connected them with tacky glue. I dirtied him up with coffee and cinnamon. I used peppercorns for the eyes and mouth. I will probably use little sticks for arms. I made the nose out of fabric and hot glued it to his face. I think he turned out well for my first attempt. I love looking at all of your photos and reading your ideas. You really inspire me. thanks and Merry Christmas, Kim

snowman salt dough faces

2009-12-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I tried out Colleen's salt dough recipe from

http://andbabymakesfive-colleen.blogspot.com/2008/12/whatcha-working-on-wednesday_10.html

My son Ethan and I make a batch of it and had some fun being creative on a Friday night. It was so easy to do and they turned out really cute. I had some of my girlfriends over for a Christmas party and they commented on how cute they are too. Since it is so easy to make, I took the flour and salt to my school this past Friday and had my second grade students make ornaments for Christmas. I rolled out the dough and they used cookie cutters. I baked them in the big oven at school. We are going to paint them this week and then they can wrap them up for gifts for their family members.

Go over to Colleen's blog and check it out and see how easy they are to make.

Have a great one, Kim

Check out this wonderful giveaway

2009-12-14T04:17:00.000-08:00

She is ending the giveaway tomorrow. It is a wonderful light arrangement all decked out for Christmas!! Isn't it beautiful!! Go to: http://thebarelythereprimitivebear.blogspot.com/ and enter for your chance to win. Thanks, Kim

my prim candy canes

2009-12-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Did you see the freebie from the Pickled Pepper Patch? If not, then over to Char's blog and grab this from her Share box before it is gone:

http://charsethman.blogspot.com/

I love the way they turned out. I have always been more of a "wood" chick, but I am liking this muslin sewing stuff. I just need to get more confidence with it. Anyway, here are the 7 candy canes that I made. As you can see, I put 4 in this cute little jar on my kitchen countertop and used the last 3 in this greenery swag on top of my dining room hutch.

Holiday blessings to ya, Kim

cute little lamp

2009-12-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

I was at the Women of Purpose conference in Hershey, PA a few weeks ago. While there, we went to the Hershey Outlets. In the adorable store, Christmas Tree Hill, I found this lamp for $11.00 I love the way it looks and fits into this spot on my kitchen countertop. I bought the Christmas ring to go around it there too. It has greenery, tin snowflakes, a few candy canes and a snowman attached to it. It is very crisp and neat looking don't ya think?

Enjoy your day, Kim

Christmas decorating (inside photos)

2009-12-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful time making things and decorating for the holiday season. have a wonderful day, Kim

busy busy busy

2009-12-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

This was a frame that I found at GW. It had a picture of a little girl holding a rabbit. I turned around the picture and stenciled Jesus on it. I love the depth of this frame.

Does your pretty, wooden, dining room table look like this too? I will be doing "redo"s until next year- ha ha!! Good deals from garage sales, GW and Salvation Army. Happy crafting, Kim

wooden bin redo (craigslist find!!)

2009-12-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this wooden bin that I got off of craigslist for $25.00 Everyday I type into the for sale search box: wooden or primitive or chandelier. Well when I saw this I knew I had to have it. I met the lady only 10 minutes from my house. I love it, but now that I painted it I really love it. I chose barn red over top of black. I sanded it and used Minwax Dark Walnut to finish it.

What do ya think?? Have a great one, Kim

snowman faces in a frame (very easy)

2009-11-30T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I thought I would share this little snowman picture that is very easy to make. First I found a long rectangular frame at GW. I painted it black and sanded it. Then, I cut out homespun to fit the cardboard backing of the frame. I "tacky" glued it to the cardboard. Next, I used a plastic drinking cup to get my circle pattern. I cut out 3 circles in osnaburg muslin and 3 in warm and natural. I "tacky" glued the warm and natural first, then I glued the osnaburg on top of that. I cut out funny shaped noses from orange homespun. I glued those on too. Finally, I painted dots for the eyes and mouths. I think it turned out cute. I am thinking of taking them off and "grungying" up with coffee mix though. Enjoy!! If you have small frames, just make one face.

wooden plate redo

2009-11-29T12:58:00.001-08:00

Hi guys,

I am soooo excited for the holiday season!! I have been going crazy making things thanks to your tutorials, free patterns and GW stuff. It is so hard to find the time when you work full time, have two children, a hubby a dog and love to run. Well anyway, for the next few posts you will see a lot of my makeovers and end products from patterns and tutorials that you put out there. Thanks.

This is a plate that I picked up for $0.99 at GW. I repainted it and stenciled Glory to God in the Highest. I like how it turned out.

hi everyone

2009-10-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hello,

A few weeks ago my buddy Char came over and we made these little stump prairie dolls. Aren't they too cute. Very easy to make too.

This is a better look at the adorable sheep that she gave to me also. Isn't it great? She knows how much I love sheep.

I also got this penny rug from ebay. I love the colors and feel it will be appropriate all year round. It is felt not wool, but very nice to look at anyway.

Have a great one, Kim

My little snowpeople

2009-10-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Well, I finally got a Saturday without a soccer game. With all of the rain we have gotten here in PA, the field was extremely too muddy for the little ones to play. So, I decided to get out the old sewing machine and give these little snowman, stump dolls a try. I just took some muslin and drew a "made-up" pattern on the front. I sewed them and turned them right sides out. I stitched the nose, eyes and others on them. I filled them with polyfil and some rice. I think they turned out pretty cute for my first try. I will certainly make more for gifts and fillers. Give them a try- what do ya have to lose?

Have a great day, Kim

I love crows

2009-10-17T09:26:00.001-07:00

Hi there,

Don't you just love crows? I do. I love them as much as I love sheep. :)

I finished this free stitchery pattern that was posted on someone's blog and please forgive me because I can't find where or who I got it from. If it was you, please let me know. I love the pattern. I think it turned out great! I have it framed and sitting on my stovetop cover. I also made the little crow block to go with it. I got the homespun balls 3 for $1 at a Fall Festival. The black plate was a redo from a yard sale. I also got it for $1. I love thrifts and sales.

If anyone has a nice free pattern for a wooden crow and wouldn't mind sharing it, I would love to have it. I won't mass produce it or anything, I just would like to make a few for fillers in my home. I am not in this for a profit, but for enjoyment. Thanks a lot. God bless your day, Kim

fall decorating

2009-10-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I got some paper mache boxes and wooden bowls from goodwill painted this weekend. Last weekend we went to the Apple Cider Festival in Altoona, PA. There were so many beautiful craft items. I bought the prim pumpkin that has a tin star and a cute crow on it. It was only $7.00. I thought that was a good price. I also bought 6 homespun wrapped balls. They were selling 3 for $1.00. I couldn't pass that deal up. I know I could make them myself, but to sit there and cut all those strips of homespun. No thanks. I would rather someone else do it for 33 cents each- ha ha. Well, gotta go. Very busy week with teaching and soccer every night (3 more weeks of soccer and then finally a break)!! Enjoy your day, Kim

Also, I tried that Applesauce Pork Chop recipe that Kris from the Simply Prim blog posted. They were AWESOME!! They melted in my mouth. They had a great taste. I made them with some butternut squash and peas. Very good dinner. Thanks Kris.

a Home Interior makeover

2009-10-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

How many of you have that wooden ladder from Home Interiors from back in the mid 90s? I do. I love it, but it needed changed. I forgot to take a before pic, but picture it in your head. It was brown and was filled with those Willowtree Angels from Hallmark and specialty stores. Well, first I painted the entire ladder black. After it dried, I painted it a nice, country green. When that dried, I took my sander and sanded all of the edges, corners and in between spots. When done sanding, I took my Minwax Dark Walnut stain and painted the entire ladder with it. I then wiped it off and let it dry. I love how it turned out. Do you see the adorable sheep? My best bud Char from the Pickled Pepper Patch came over a few weeks ago to craft and she gave him to me. She knows how much I absolutely love sheep. Don't get rid of those old Home Interior things and look for them at g-sales and goodwill. They can be primmed up very easily. Make your sanded and dark walnut stain your 2 new best friends- hee hee. Have a great one, Kim

new prim curtains in my dining room :)

2009-10-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I have really been wanting a change in my dining room. The old curtains that came with the house were more country than prim. I kept looking at your blogs, Country Sampler and of course hitting the Primitive Place forum for ideas. I finally decided to buy 8 yards of osnaburg fabric from JoAnn Fabrics with my 50% off coupon and a gift card I had gotten for my bday. So, for $16.00 I got new curtains. All I did was cut the 8 yards in the middle to make 2 very long pieces. I flipped the material up over the curtain rod and pulled them to the side with homespun. I then stapled the homespun to the window trim and then finished it off with a rusty star. I really love them. They look great during the day with the sunshine coming through. I love no-sew projects.

Have a great day, Kim

last garage sale this season "finds"

2009-09-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

I went to a pretty good neighborhood sale Saturday morning before my son's soccer game. The boys came with me, so needless to say I spent WAY more than I intended to spend. We came home with a scooter, pogo stick, legos, hot wheels.... I only got a few things, but I like what I got. The metal pumpkin with the cute fabric turkey inside and the leaves and berries on top was only $3.00. I love it. It was the first item I bought. I got a nice, big Tupperware bowl for 50 cents. I found the lamp for 50 cents too. I plan on spray painting the bottom brassy part a nice, flat black and I will get a cool shade for it. I got a couple of frames for 25 cents each and I got the wooden plate for $1.00. I will be sure to prim it up soon. I hope to get to a few more sales before the weather gets to unbearable here in PA to shop in someone else's yard- LOL!

Have a great one, Kim

my fabric pumpkin and some stitcheries

2009-09-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

I made one of the cute little pumpkins that Char had a tutorial on at http://charsethman.blogspot.com/2009/08/tutorial-tuesday_18.html

It was sooooo easy to make and turned out really cute too.

These are a few stitcheries I did for Fall:

I got the free patterns from Homeberries. I didn't frame 2 of them yet. I love the cat one.

One more thing..... This is a wool autumn piece that my great friend Char made for me. She is the best. I love it. It is so clean and perfectly made. Thanks Char.

Have a great day, Kim

blanket crane finished

2009-08-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Been rather busy with some projects. My buddy Char (pickled pepper patch) came over last week and we each made a wooden blanket crane. We followed the wonderful tutorial posted by Kris over at simply prim blog. I absolutely love how it turned out. If you get a chance, go over and check out her other projects and tutorials. She does great work!

Starting back to school today. Got some excitement and got some jitters. Even after all these years of teaching, I still get nervous. Having some gorgeous weather today in PA. Have a great one, Kim

decorating for Fall

2009-08-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I was getting a few things out for Fall and thought I would share. I am making a few signs and redoing some wooden bowls for the black and red hutch, but I thought I would show my "so far" look. Can't believe summer is almost over already. Have a great one, Kim

my solar light post

2009-08-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

Char (yes, the infamous Char of the Pickled Pepper Patch) came to my house the other day and we had a good time crafting. We made a solar light post. She is so clever. She had the whole thing planned out in her head and whipped it up so quickly. I used a solar light that my boys accidentally broke the first day I put it in the ground. They kicked it over with a soccer ball and it cracked off the stem (boys will be boys). I hot glued it to the top of the post. It looks so nice at night. I plan on taking it with us when we go camping. It is portable and small enough to fit in the camper.

We are getting together today for another project. I will leave you in suspense until we post it. Have a great day, Kim

updated rooms' pictures

2009-08-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I haven't posted for a long time, but it isn't because I haven't crafted for a long time. I have been busy working at the community pool, getting my classroom ready for school to start (I teach 2nd grade) and doing a lot of garage and goodwill stuff over. I thought I would post pics of my living room and dining room walls. I don't have the before pics, but I thought it would be nice to share what my room look like. I think they are coming along nicely. I started to redo them slowly since January. My boys constantly tease me about "wooden" redos. We go to Goodwill or garage sales and they know their mission- look for wooden things for mom. They know all about paper mache boxes, wooden bowls, trays, shelves... I am raising them right- hee hee. Thanks to you for all of your constant inspiration. Enjoy, Kim

My chinese auction fall window

2009-08-10T04:44:00.001-07:00

Our West Newton Swim Team hosted an 8 hour swim meet on Saturday. There were 300 swimmers that participated including my 2 sons and me. That's right, me. They have parent events also. I took first place in freestyle and third in both back and breast. We had a lot of fun! My older son got 2nd in free and 3 in both back and butterfly. He is really fast.

Well anyway, every year I make a window for the chinese auction. Here is the one that I did this year. I just cut out 2 tall pumpkins from 1 inch pine and painted, sanded and stained them. I nailed them to the window. I took a piece of muslin and cut it for a valance on the back and stapled it onto the back of the window. I took a board and cut it and painted Autumn Blessings on it. I cut the tin stars and hot glued them to the board. I believe they got $45 for it. I am always out looking for windows in people's trash.

Enjoy your day, Kim

And the winner is.......

2009-08-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I know this was to take place on Friday, but I worked all day and had to finish a craft for a chinese auction and then yesterday we had an 8 hour swim meet and then drove 3 hours one way to see a camper that was for sale. The camper turned out to be "crappy" and moldy and gross.... Sorry I am late, but better late than never. So here is the winner of my first giveaway.....

Black Sheep Lisa

Congrats to you and here is what you won:;

Hope you enjoy. I will email you for your address. Thanks to all and have a great Sunday, Kim

Cath's Pennies is having a giveaway

2009-08-02T11:11:00.001-07:00

Hey guys,

Check out the beautiful fall penny mat that Cath is giving away on her blog. Go to her blog at

http://cathspennies.blogspot.com/2009/07/giveaway-time-pumpkin-penny-rug.html

My birthday giveaway!!!!!!

2009-08-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

Hello folks,

I am going to have my first giveaway for my August birthday. I haven't taken a picture of it yet, but I will soon. I have just completed a stitchery and I put it in a frame. I did a redo on a little peg shelf from Sal. Army. I also will include two, small, paper mache boxes. One will be painted and one will have fabric. This is too much fun!! Hope everyone's summer is going great!! I can't believe we are in August already. Time is flying by too quickly.

Okay, so all you have to do to enter my giveaway is leave a comment here on this post. In your comment please tell me something great that God has done for you. I will choose the winner on Friday, August 7. Good luck to you!!

Here are some pics of my boys, my hubby and me. We went to the Pittsburgh Pirates game last week. We had free tickets. They lost, but we had a great time and got free beach towels. Can't beat it.

no sew curtains for my kitchen

2009-07-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I kept looking at my old (9 year old) lace kitchen curtains and I don't hate them, but I definitely needed a change. I checked out a bunch of blogs and saw that a lot of you make your own from sheets, so I figured "why not?". So, I went to Gabriel Brothers and found a Queen size flat sheet. I brought it home and luckily it still had all of the creases from being folded so nicely in it's little package. Well, all I did was cut out 4 rectangles along those creases. I bought Stitch Witchery and ironed them. I used some green checked homespun for the tiebacks.

I really like how different they make the room feel. I told my older son that they make the kitchen warmer (meaning the atmosphere is cozy). He replied, "Yeah, it isn't as cold in here anymore." hee hee hee- boys, you gotta love em!!

My hutch redo- need opinions..

2009-07-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I like my dining room hutch so much better now, but I am not sure what to do with the panels at the bottom. I took out the punched tin and replaced it with the homespun material. I really like it, but does it need more? I stitched 3 little samplers on muslin: faith, hope and love. I was planning on putting those on the panels. They aren't very big, but when I put them on it, I didn't like it. Does it look okay naked?

I love how the red and black turned out. It was really easy to do. I just got the redware plate from ebay. It came in the mail today. I love it. It is from Ohio. The total cost with shipping was $7.00. You can't beat that! I saw all of the redware and yellow ware on Behind my Red Door blog and love it and decided I had to have a piece myself.

We finally are having a few sunny days here in PA, so we are back in our pool. Enjoy the picture of my sons and their friend fooling around on the steps. Crazy boys!!

Look at what I won!! Fantastic!!

2009-07-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

I have been so busy with picnics and such that I haven't gotten much accomplished lately. I went to GW last night and got a few goodies. So, I will be busy soon enough. Plus, the weather here in PA has been gorgeous lately so I have been swimming and working at our local pool (asst. magr).

Well, onto the goody. I won the wonderful Americana Annie doll from Kim at simple-needs. She is soooooo big and sooooo prim. I love her!! She looks great on the little chair that was a redo from my mom's basement. Please take time to go over to her blog and check out her other goodies. http://simple-needs.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by. As soon as I can figure out my scanner, I have 2 patterns to share with ya. Have a great summer day, Kim

Anyone out there from Montana???

2009-07-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My hubby and I have seriously been talking about moving to the state of Montana from Pittsburgh PA (quite a move I know). My older son has Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here in PA we only get about 55 days of sunshine a year, so he is incredibly moody (like PMS for boys though). So my question is: Can anyone give me any helpful info about Montana? How is the weather? What is a good part of the state to move?

I am a teacher so finding a job will probably be hard, but he needs a change badly. I have been to Montana twice back in the early 90s. I loved it and would welcome the move. Please help!

Thanks, Kim

wall redo (bowl rack and shelf) :)

2009-07-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Well I haven't posted because I have been busy thrifting and redoing. First, here are the bowls I got at Goodwill for a total of $4.00. I was so excited. I painted, sanded and stained of course. I got the shelf for $3.99. I left the towel holder stained, but painted the rest. I really like how they turned out.

Here is a picture of my dining room wall before the redo:

Here it is after the redo: (My dad made the bowl rack for me from Char's wooden tutorial)

I got the quilted stars in the frames for .99 each. I painted the frames. I got the star tin for .49

Much better don't you think? I am going to paint the hallway and my walls going upstairs and hang all of the photos there. This is now my favorite wall in the house.

Have a great one, Kim

a few projects and splattered plates

2009-07-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I forgot to mention that Char also sent me these beautiful splattered plates. She knows how much I love the color green and thought of me. I love them.

I also did 2 new gameboards for my kitchen countertop. I am in the process of begging my dad to make me the bowl rack that Char gave the instructions for. I think the boards will look great displayed in it. I will probably put the splatter plates in the rack also (what do ya think?)

I have a wooden Uncle Sam that I want to give a pattern and instructions for, but I am having trouble with my scanner. As soon as it is working I will share.

Have a great one, Kim

Look at what I won!!! Wowee!!!

2009-06-30T06:12:00.001-07:00

Hi folks,

It has been such a great summer. I was especially thrilled to have won the wooden surprise giveaway from our pal Char at the Pickled Pepper Patch. I can't believe I won. What a blessing!! As you probably read, she found this wonderful tray at GW and primmed it up to my liking. I love the green. It matches my kitchen perfectly. It covers all 4 burners on my ugly stove very nicely. I love that I can change the decor with the seasons. Thank you Char!!

I have found a few GW goodies too and I am planning a giveaway in the next 2 weeks, so keep checking back for more info. Have a great day, Kim

peg board updated

2009-06-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My dad recently made me the primitive candle ledge that Char had on her site a while ago. I love it and wanted to show it. For the complete plans, go to The Pickled Pepper Patch blog.. I think it looks great in my living room. I painted it black, then country tan. I sanded it and stained it with Minwax dark walnut. My aunt gave me the candle. She was selling it for 50 cents at her g sale. yippee! I like how it all looks together. Have a great one, Kim

garage sale redo and my gameboard wall

2009-06-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

How is your summer going? I am loving being off for the summer.

I wanted to show you my makeover for the kleenex box from the g sale. I also have been working on a redo for my living room wall. I took down some nice country pics that my aunt had given me and I made a few gameboards. I have 2 more gameboards and a sign to add to the wall, but I thought I would show the change now.

my americana table runner

2009-06-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

I went to Sal Army earlier this week and I found this really nice quilted table runner. I have a big dining room table. It is a tiger oak and it is dated 1849. I have a hard time finding nice things for it on a budget. Anyway, I found this runner for only $3.99. It is perfect for summer and July 4th. Enjoy!!

garbage can (potato bin) redo

2009-06-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

I wanted to show you how to take a potato bin and transform it into a garbage can. My aunt was throwing away this years ago and I snagged it from the trash. All I did was take the entire back panel off. I took a piece of wood (about 5 inches wide) and nailed that going across the top of the back. I use 2 clips to hold the garbage bag to the piece of wood. It works well. I lift the flap in front to put garbage inside. When the bag is full, I take off the 2 clips and pull the bag from behind. It works well. I just painted it black to match my hutch and new countertops. I really like how it turned out. I am going to replace the heart and star with round knobs.

Enjoy your summer, Kim

Nice tray redo

2009-06-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

It has been a while since I posted, but not since I've been crafting. I have been so busy. I am enjoying my summer off and hanging out with my two boys. I went to Sal Army on Wed (1/2 price day) and found some yummy stuff. I also got some nice shorts and tanks.

Well, onto my favorite. I have wanted a stove top cover for a while now, but I didn't want to ask my dad to make it (my hubby doesn't have the skills :) Anyway, before I left to go shopping with the boys I had cleaned the house and when I went to leave I looked at my stove and I hated the way it looked. It is about 7 or 8 years old and it isn't as pretty on top as it used to be. Well, I was looking at all of the "junk" at S. A. (sal army) and I found this tray for 99 cents. I love it. As soon as I got home that day I did my redo on it and I am pleased. As you can see from the pic, it covers most of my stove and I am happy!

I simply painted it black, then antique white. I then sanded it and stained it with Dark Walnut (Minwax). I really like it. Hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think. Have a great one, Kim

great prim stitchery site

2009-06-11T11:22:00.001-07:00

Hey guys,

I found a great site that has lots of prim stitching E-patterns for like $1 or $2 and so shipping. They are really cute! The site is http://www.primsicalpatterns.com/

She has cute seasonal, rag doll pics, americana...

Enjoy!! Kim

My new door and garage sale stuff

2009-06-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

A nice paper towel holder and a kleenex box that had a prairie girl and flowers.

I finally painted my door on the back porch. I love the way it turned out. My neighbor (down the road) likes it so much that she asked if she could borrow the stencil and do hers the same exact way. Of course she can-" the more the merrier" I say. It really changed the look of the whole porch. I love barn red. I would love to have a whole house that color.

My sister got the wreath on sale at Lowes last year for $5.00 What a deal!

I haven't finished these 2 garage sale items, but I remembered to do pics of "almost" befores. I had already started to sand when I remembered to flash a pic. I will show final stage soon. Busy,

busy, busy.

My swap goodies...

2009-06-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hello.
Recently I joined in on Char's "primitive porch" swap. I was partenered with Rene from Two Mile Creek blog. Boy oh boy did I get some "goodies". My absolute favorite is this rag doll and swing. Isn't she adorable and BIG too.

She also made these fantastic wind chimes from a cheese grater and odds and ends of serving trays. I love it. Once my black eyed susans bloom, it will look so cute! It really works well too.

She also made these cute signs and Halloween items for Fall.

She did all of the wire work on this jar herself too. I have it hanging on a hook by my rose bushes. I may keep my pruning shears in it.

I love everything and highly recommend signing up for the swap. It is fun and you get to know someone from blogworld better. Hope you enjoy the day, Kim

A few new signs

2009-06-04T06:03:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about school being almost over (ONE MORE DAY!!!) but who's counting? My dining table is covered with garage stuff waiting to be restored to a new prim world :)

The following 2 signs were made with stencils from the Homestead Stencil Company (check out their site) it is awesome and inexpensive. She has an OOPS! section. They are very cheap, but you don't get to pick what you want. It is like mystery sale. Well, I ordered 2 medium and I loved what she sent: Fear is having faith in the Enemy and Walk by Faith, Not by Sight. They are perfect for me.

I love this rooster sign. I painted it on a gameboard that I got at Sal Army for 99 cents. It goes perfect in my kitchen. My mom gave me her Warren Kimble rooster dishes.

I love this sheep sign. I made one for my mom too. I have it with some checkered fabric and my chicken feeder lamp on the piano. I have a lot of sheep in my dining room.

Well,that is all I have to share now. I am so excited about my last day of school (maybe more than the kids) hee hee. I am looking forward to getting projects done and checking out your blog ideas. Keep em coming!! Thanks and see ya, Kim

Look at what I won from Sandy...

2009-06-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

I was totally blessed from Sandy at The Olde Country Cupboard last week. She picked my name for her giveaway. Go on over to her blog and check out her fantastic work!! Thanks again Sandy.

Look at how adorable this crow "feed sack" pillow is. It looks great on my little chair in the corner. It was the perfect addition.

I also received the Primitive Dolls sign. The colors are perfect for my family room. It looks great!

This is my favorite gift. I love the prairie doll. Isn't she adorable. She is big too. She looks wonderful on the little chair and she matches the boxes and the quilt. I just love her!!!

Sandy also threw in a couple of fantastic smelling tarts. I have them in a bowl in the kitchen.

Once again, many thanks!!

Have a great day, Kim

Garage sale goodies

2009-06-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hello and it's good to be back. I have been so busy with redoing treasures that I haven't posted anything. So here goes. The boys are almost done with soccer and I am grateful, except that next week swim team starts. I don't mind. I am a teacher and Friday is my last day of school. I cant wait to be a SAHM.

Well I hit some yard sales this past weekend and I mean I hit them hard. I have redone a few, but lots more to do.

This stool was just plain brown with a lot of scratches on it. I paid $2.00 for it. I sanded, painted, sanded again and stained it. I love the stencil too. I think it came out cute.

I got the flag tray for $1.00. Perfect for Memorial Day.

I bought the little box for 25 cents. It had a bunny on it. I painted it and stenciled it. I got the bucket for 25 cents too.

Have a great one, Kim

more paper mache boxes

2009-04-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!

I did my first fabric, paper mache box. I am not crazy about the way it turned out. I think I used too much stain. It is really grungy. I like the top box. I think I am more of a "painted look" kind of gal than "fabric". I like their size though. They fit nicely on the blanket chest.

I can't believe we only have 25 more days of school. These last few months have gone by way too quickly. I am running the Half Marathon in the Pittsburgh Marathon this Sunday. It is 13.1 miles. I am excited and nervous. I will have my hubby take pics and I'll post them next week.

I have been so inspired by so many of you lately. You really are a talented bunch of folks. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day, Kim

My prim towel rack

2009-04-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I just loved the towel rack pattern that Char posted last Wednesday. I emailed my dad from work and asked if he would cut and put together 2 for me. He emailed back an hour later- they're done. My friend Jen and I got together Friday evening and painted them. Good times! I love simple projects that are quick and easy to do. I hung some homespun on them and I am almost done with another stitchery. I will put that on the rack too. I love how it turned out.

I found a cute Americana sheep pattern on Twigs and Sprigs. I am going to stitch it and use it as a door prize at my Memorial Day picnic.

Enjoy the sunshine and nice temps! Have a great evening! Kim

another great class from Char :)

2009-04-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I have been so sick with a sinus infection, but on my way to recovery. Well, this past Saturday Char did another wonderful craft class with us gals at church. We are so blessed to have her. She is so talented and gifted in many areas of crafting. So, on Saturday we did a paper mache box class. Some of the gals covered their boxes with fabric, some decopauged and others painted and stenciled. I had a lot of fun! I love get togethers and hanging out with friends. So I did this triple box set. The stencil set is from the Homestead Stencil Company that Char has posted on her site. Their quality is fantastic and so are the prices! I came home from work early today because I still wasn't feeling well. But, that didn't stop me from starting another set of boxes. This set I did the large round covered in homespun and the upper round a painted. As soon as I get stain to finish them, I will post pics. Have a great evening! Kim

Super Gluten Free Pancakes (tasty and easy)

2009-04-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here is my sons' favorite GF pancake recipe:
1 1/2 c. brown rice flour
1/3 c. corn starch
2 T. ground flax seed ( get the milled stuff at Walmart in baking aisle)
1T sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp xanthum gum
2 eggs
3 T applesauce ( or canola oil)
1 1/2 - 2 c. buttermilk (I use rice milk)

Mix the dry ingredients. Then, stir in eggs, milk and applesauce. Cook on hot skillet. Enjoy!!

TS redos and how to get stain off of your hands tip

2009-04-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my redos from the thrift store. I like the gathering. For the past 8 years, it was just the red cabinet (with the door closed not open either). How boring! Now it is dressed up a bit and more eye appealing. I love the thrift stores and with the weather getting better (besides tons of rain and mud), I can't wait for garage sales. Yee-haw!! That is my passion in life! Have a great day, Kim

BTY: I have a tip to share with those of you who forget to put gloves before staining. I am so busy with work, soccer, training for the half marathon, church music ministry, yada yada yada. Anyway, the past 3 times, yes 3, I have used the sponge brush to put on the stain and then of course I take a rag and begin to wipe it off. Everytime I forgot to put on gloves to protect my hands. Well, I have found the best thing to take off the unwanted stain is Goo Gone (from the dollar store). A little goo gone and some dish soap and it is all gone. Thank goodness or my hands would have been stained dark walnut on Easter Sunday LOL!

Best out of 5 attempts Gluten Free pizza crust

2009-04-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Well, if you are a gluten free maniac like me, here is a great recipe for ya. First of all though, I want you to know how much money you can be saving by making your very own rice flour. It is very inexpensive with the right tool. My SIL has a VitaMix dry blender. You can get a grain mill attachment if you have a KitchenAid mixer (trust me, worth the $110). I buy 2 bags of brown rice- not pre or parboiled, just plain ol brown rice. It takes 45 sec. to grind up 2 cups of rice into a beautiful flour. 2 bags fill a large tupperware pitcher.

Okay, so here is the recipe:
You will need:
2 cups of rice flour
2 tsp. xanthum gum
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c of water
2 T olive oil

Mix the dry ingredients. Then cut in the oil. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of water in slowly while stirring Knead dough and add water is too stiff. Pre-bake for 15 minutes at 425. Top and bake another 20 minutes until toppings are done.

My son is dairy free also, so I usually skip the cheese and just use Walmart sauce, pepperoni, mushroom and banana peppers. Yummy!!

Some redos

2009-04-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday morning all,

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter! I redid a chair and a little table this weekend. The chair was in my mom's basement. It was a light wooden chair, like an old school chair. The table was another treat from my sister. She keeps me well-stocked. "Good things come to those that wait". I keep waiting and she keeps giving LOL.

I am going to start posting some gluten free recipes soon too. More on that later though. Enjoy your day. I gotta get to work! Kim

My finished signs

2009-04-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Here are the signs that I made last week. I really love them! I sold 3 at work 10 minutes after I got there. It helped to get Easter basket goodies for my boys. The leftovers will be used for my house and for gifts- or maybe just for my house ha, ha ha! Seriously, how many Welcome Friends signs can I person have in their house? LOL Kim

My chicken feeder lamp

2009-04-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I made the cute chicken feeder lamp that Char (The Pickled Pepper Patch) gave wonderful instructions for, but I don't have the pip berry candlering. Where would I find one of those? That really dresses it up. If not that, does anyone have other suggestions to use? It makes a nice nightlight for my kitchen. What a cheap project!!

Enjoy your weekend, Kim

stressed

2009-04-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Is anyone else out there totally stressed? This morning I woke up with butterflies in my chest. I keep praying, but it hasn't lifted. I teach 2nd grade and it is a full moon right now. A full moon is a hard time to be in a primary classroom- they are nuts!!! Luckily we are off tomorrow for Good Friday. I need the rest.

Well, I haven't posted for a while, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been crafting. I just finished about 8 prim signs. I brought them with me to school today and I have already sold 3 (just in time to make some extra cash for my boys' easter baskets). I will add the pics of the signs later. I am writing this quickly while they are in art class. Thank God for art, music, gym and computers.

I also had my retired dad put together a wooden project from Char's site "The Pickled Pepper Patch". He made the candle holder. I will paint it tomorrow in my spare time. Did I mention that I work full time, have 2 young sons and am training to run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon next month _BUSY!!

I also finished a stitchery for my son's teacher for Easter. It was a sheep with Glory on its blanket. I forgot to take a pic, but it was really cute!

Well, gotta go. I will post pics later. Everyone have a terrific Easter!!

Hutch Redo

2009-03-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

I have been soooo busy lately with big projects that I haven't had time to post anything. This past Friday I redid my hutch in the kitchen. I had some helpful advice from Char and I love the way it turned out. It was tan with crackled doors and tin stars before, but I like the new prim look with the black and sanded off spots. I put some before and after pics. Let me know what you think. My hubby isn't wild about the big knobs on the upper doors, but I like the chunky look. Have a great week!! Kim

really good coloring pages to use as stitch patterns

2009-03-24T12:58:00.001-07:00

hi guys,

You may have already seen this site before, but if not it is a cool one. I stumbled across it at work today and thought I would share it with you. There are lots of cool Christmas and snowmen coloring pages that seem prim and work would as patterns for stitching and best of all--- they are FREE!

Enjoy!

http://freechristmascoloring.com/

I attached a sample for you to preview.

thrift store finds

2009-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

My son and I went out to get a new backpack and soccer ball today. I wanted to stop at the thrift store so badly. Boy am I glad I did. I got about 5-6 things and only paid about .99-1.99 each. I can't wait to start primmin them. We had a great time together. He found a couple of shirts. I will show you the pics of the finished products. Kim

Easter stitching

2009-03-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

I finally finished that free pattern of the Easter bunny. I noticed a lot of you stitched the same one. Don't ya just love freebies!! I love how it turned out. I had the my girlfriends from church over last night and I got a wonderful gift. Char (Pickled Pepper Patch) came over and brought me the cutest little prim bunny and eggs in a trencher bowl. Isn't it adorable!! I LOVE gifts!! I know it sounds selfish, but it is my "love language". Some people like kind words. Some people like stuff done for them, not me I love a gift. It can be as small as a pack of gum and it wouldn't matter. To know that someone thought of me enough to give me something makes me joyful inside!!

I have seen so many of you making the Fly Screen Cover from Char. I better get on the ball and make it too. That is such a creative idea! You guys are doing a great job! Enjoy the rest of the weekend, Kim

what to do with plastic eggs?

2009-03-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I think I am finally recovered from the weekend as a chaperone for church camp. Wow! It was exhausting, but a lot of fun!

So, I have a question. I have a ton of those little, plastic eggs for Easter. How do I prim them up? I am looking for any suggestions. I have a little bit of homespun and paint. I have seen some cute ideas on the blogs, but I didn't see directions. If anyone wouldn't mind sharing I would love to hear from ya. Thanks a bunch!! I am almost done with 2 stitchings. I will post pics asap!!

Have a great one, kim

Lookie what I won!!!

2009-03-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hello all and Happy Friday!!! I love Fridays!!

Well on to the good stuff. I won one on the MANY giveaways that Tidymom had posted last week! I am so excited!! I won the 3 McCall's candles from Antique of Not. I chose these scents: "Grandma's Kitchen", "Shortbread" and "Cinnamon". They are so exquisite! They just came this morning. My son already voted that Shortbread is the best. I am favoring the cinnamon. They are all fantastic!!! The site is: http://www.antiqueornot.net/

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I am leaving in a few hours with my son to go away to a church youth retreat. I am the chaperone for the 11 girls going. I am very excited! Talk later, Kim

busy stitchin

2009-03-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hello! I really enjoyed reading many of the blogs today. I especially loved the salt dough ornaments for Easter. I forgot the blog, but I know that Tidymom posted it. They are so cute! I am definitely going to try them with my second graders.

Well, this is what I have been working on the past 2 days. I am making this sheep. I am going to "prim" stain and frame it for an Easter gift for my son's teacher. I haven't decided what to put on the center. I was thinking Glory or Simplify or Joy. What do ya suggest? She is a christian. I won't get any crafting done this weekend (or much sleep). I am going to be a chaperone for my son's church retreat called Breakaway. I am looking forward to getting away with him.

I hope you all have a great weekend. I have 2 wood projects that I am working on and then I am hoping to post a pattern for you. Talk later, Kim

Cute little "prim" bench and my tall bunny

2009-03-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! I have been so busy trying to get some projects complete. Here is the little bench from my sister. I love it! What a difference from the original piece. I think it is warm and cozy.

I started this wooden bunny over a year ago. He stands a little over 4 foot tall. I still need to cut out a base for him to stand. He will go in my dining room. I really like how he turned out. I bought the pattern online. I can't remember from where. I'll get back to you on that. Isn't he cute? Just in time for spring.

My husband is trying to get in shape. We just ordered a workout (13DVDs) called P90X. I am totally excited because I enjoy working out even more than crafting. We are going to start tonight, so everyone say a prayer for him that he can walk tomorrow (hee hee). Anyway, everyone have a great day and talk later, Kim

finally finished!!

2009-03-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Hope everyone had a great weekend! What a wonderful change in the weather. I felt like I went away for a while. It was refreshing! Hope everyone remembered to change their clocks and made it to church on time this morning.

Well, I finished the redo on the little end tables that my sis gave me for my porch. I really love how they turned out. I sanded them and painted them black. Then, I painted them country tan. Next, I sanded again and stained. I also finished a little bench that my sis gave to me a few years ago. I got tired of the natural wood look. Now I think it is my favorite little piece. I really feel accomplished. Having this blog is great. I feel like I have to finish a product because someone out their is waiting to see it :)

I should've joined that procrastinator's challenge because I have a ton of stuff that I need to complete. Enjoy the pics and talk soon! Kim

haven't forgot about you

2009-03-07T14:55:00.001-08:00

I can't believe this incredible weather. It is about 78 degrees today. I have been so busy running, that I didn't have time to craft. Well, I took a few pictures of things that I have been wanting to work with, but didn't get the gusto to do them. Today, I sanded some wooden furniture that my sister had given to me. I am going to paint it black, then tan, sand it and stain it for nice porch furniture and the little bench will go at the bottom of my steps with some dollies on it. I am in the middle of painting them now. I am outside, listening to all of the wonderful birdies and enjoying a smooth breeze. I will post the pics as soon as I get it all finished. Have a great Saturday night.

Spring Stitching done :)

2009-03-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

Well, I am so sick of this horrid cold weather, but loving the 2 hour delay this morning. I was able to tea stain my Spring sheep and frame it. I took a picture of it on my favorite hutch in my dining room. I think it came out great! I am knew to the stitching. I saw lots of cool pics from your blogs and figured I would give it a try. I got on google and typed in "how to backstitch". There are tons of tutorials out there that show you clear as day how to do this stuff. Now, I have to get started on the Summer sheep. I love these patterns from Char. They are too cute! Have a great day and stay warm!!

HAPPILY STITCHING

2009-03-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had some sunshine and higher temps, so I went for a long run. I like to run to clear my head. When I came home, I took a hot shower and then got busy stitching. I am working on the Spring lamb that Char had posted on her blog The Pickled Pepper Patch. I am excited that she is posting all 4 seasons. I want to complete the set and frame them. They will be perfect for the little nook at the bottom of my stairs. So here is how much I have completed so far. I am going to try to finish it tonight. Everyone have a great night and hopefully spring is coming soon!

Signs on Saturday

2009-02-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

This morning I had a real treat. My buddy Char from the Pickled Pepper Patch taught a craft class at our church. We brought already cut and base coated boards to the class. She brought her box of stencils and goodies. We made signs for our houses. I love them! We had so much fun talking and laughing and crafting. What a great way to spend my day off. I chose the following stencils for my signs: Be Still and Know that I am God (pictured with my title on the blog) and Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. She made it very simple and easy to follow. I will definitely be making plenty of these for future gifts.