WhAt I'vE bEeN WoRkInG oN...

Hey there! yesterday I went shopping at Joanns..and found some pretty interesting drapery cloth. it is in the home dec section and was 50% off it is like muslin only thicker and not at thick and stiff as canvas..but it is so nice for these embroideries.it was on the long role their and is $12.99 a yard..but it is on the big roll..I also so got some huck cloth..looks like embroidery fabric..so going to give that one a try too....This is what I am currently working on..started it last night..It goes in this stretcher like thing that I also got at joanns and it works nicely to hold your stitching..it takes a bit to get the fabric situated but once its in..it works nicely..
I did this one on tuesday night..this is on stained muslin..turned out pretty well..I am so enjoying watching TV and being able to sew and just relax...and the fact that I am killing two birds with one stone...:)

this is on osnaburg..this is more difficult to work with..going to try regular cross stitch material..it is hard to work with as it is floppier to work with...if that makes any sense....Well I was doing a skin care party tomorrow..but no one can give me the courtsey of calling me..so only 3 people are wanting to come..so not worth my time...they have the best body butter you can imagine..its like having a spa treatment..and it smells so good..they are just a skin care line and body care line too..anyway the weather is gorgeous..got some muslin stained and on the clothesline..I am in love with that clothesline..it soooo takes me back to being a kid and running through the clean laundry while I was growing up..it is the little things that tickle me..so I think I am going to take out some wood to paint and let dry in the sun and get the kittys out to enjoy some of this sun and maybe get some rays myself and read some free magazines I picked up at the show I went to last week..I hope you all have a wonderful day..

WhaT WeVe BeEn WoRkiNg On...

Hey there guys and gals!! we have been busy this weekend...and we had some pretty nice weather too boot too..My tulips are finally starting to bloom in the front portion of our yard..although they get too much shade I think..so am going to translpant them in the back yard this fall I think...I am just not liking what is going on in the rock wall...its too mish-mash for me...so any ideas would be great..

Okay I had this wonderful idea for my roaster that I bought..you know when you get one of those lightbulb moments..and you just know its going to work...well this was one of them..my laundry supplys look soooo good here now...and I can easily pick it all up and move it should I need to..versus trying to call of of that in one felled swoop..which wouldn't happen cause that laundry jar is big....I still have a shelf to buy and hang..so some of this might go on the shelf..or I just may add more to the shelf..yeah thats what I will do...I also covered the cat litter container with fabric that was black and white..I stained it and it smells wonderful..I need to make more of this wonderful vanilla smelling concoction...love ite...Since I got my laundry room decorated with all the nice things that Dani sent me..I just had to cover that unsitely litter container and the water heater..they are hideous and stand out like sore thumbs...so I gathered it up and sewed on velcro to the fabric and used stick on to the bucket...I didn't take a before photo of that..:)

but I did take a before photo of my water heater..not too pretty huh?

here is the after..done the same way as the bucket..but I did it on the bottom as well...the litter box hides the bottom.so no one sees it.. where that doll/baggy hanger is..is where my shelf will go...will paint it black and distress it and it will have pegs on the bottom of it...but the fabric matches the wooden washboards that Dani made me...good color choice on the fabric I think...what do you all think of this makeover...should have done this years ago...eventually we will replace it with one of those on demand water heaters..we had them in italy..they are nice and they are more efficient..

here is above my shelf in my laundry room..I added a borax box...love the vintage look of it..and added the basket with the cute little stained sock sticking out of it and he picture..I think when I get my shelf that picture will go on the shelf and the basket will be centered there..

I moved the washboard from above the water heater to the other wall by the back door and added a sock stretcher also made by Dani..and an enamelware pan that I had outside...and didn't know it was there till I started rummaging.I love it..I hung all of these with those little prim squareish looking nails..the ones you use for doll hair on wooden dolls...they are more like tacks..

here is the entrance to my laundry room with my laundry letters hung above the back door..my DH thought these were wooden..they look so neat there..love the colors too..

just another view of the washing station...Hubby needs to fix my vintage clothes hanger..apparently it is comming out of the wall..the huge molly didn't stay put..so we need to find a stud and fix the hole in the wall and move this....

I really wanted an old fashioned laundry clothesline..they have them at home depot for about $40 bucks. this one cost about 15 bucks..so no i can walk out on the deck and hang up my teastained fabric or doll pieces or my actuall laundry..it will work for now...so I am pleased with the way it turned out and the convenience of it..

also yesterday we fenced in the garden..gotta keep the dog, and kittys and the occasional deer that pass through here..I would rather not have this..but needs to be done to protect the plants..we used the plastic fencing on the side and in the front as seen below and it is hooked with copper wire so we can access from either side very easily and it keeps the animals out..and we can still see the lovely stuff growing...:)

so that was pretty much what we did yesterday..then we had our home teachers over from church for dinner..we love these guys..2 brothers that we just adore..they love to ride their harleys and they invited Mike on a camping trip this july..they will have a blast...we always love when they come for a visit..they have taught me so much about the gospel..and Pasquale is also my sunday school teacher..and he Rocks!!!

last night the DH was showing me that Tucker is getting his new teeth and the ones that are missing etc..and we noticed his baby canine was super loose so hubby got it out for him so I could save it..Tucker didn't even realize it...so that is what you are seeing here..I have never had one of my pets teeth...now I just need to put it away for safe storage..do you think I should leave him a quarter under his pillow..just kidding maybe a doggy bisquit..lol...well that is it for me today..going to do some sewing..got lots to do for these up coming shows..so I really need to focus..yeah I say that now...but I really do....gotta lot of wood to paint..take care and enjoy your tuesday..:)

The PeOpLe hAvE SpOkEn

Folks if you have music or slide shows on your blogs..please remove them..while I love looking at them..I would rather read what you all have to say then sit and wait for it to load..because it has seriously become a problem and I will move on..I have gotten more responses to this entry then I did on my previous entry (which by the way I thought was a fabulous one)..so on that note..lets stop scaring people to death when they go to your blog because the music suddenly comes on and makes us jump out of our skins and like another blogger said she may have several windows open and have a garbled mash of music..I love listening to music, but it gets in the way of reading at times and I end up turning down the volume altogether and I may NOT like your choice of music...so lets band together and save your music for your own enjoyment and if my blog is slow to come to..please let me know as I do have some stuff on there that may slow it down and I want to practice what I preach..have a wonderful sunday everyone..

ThiS SloWs eveRyThinG doWn

Hey there guys and gals alike..This needs to be said as I find it frustrating to go to some of your blogs that have music on them...I have high speed internet so I know its not me..Lately I have been frustrated on some of your sites and don't bother to read them as I have to wait soooo long for the music part of it to load..I move on to the next one...I took advice from my friend Connie and got rid of mine as I don't want anyone not wanting to stop by cause it takes forever for the music to load..just thought you all might want to know this..it is very frustrating to say the least...some are slower then others..but still frustrating...:)


Addendum:
I have gotten alot of responses to this one..and alot of you agree..doesn't matter if your speakers are turned down or not..it is slow with the music being played...I too love music but hate to sit and wait for a blog to load..and there are some tunes that I just don't want to listen too...:)

I HiT ThE MoTheR LoAd...

Hello there and welcome to my blog..Today I have lots of eye candy in store so if you like photos you will see them here...so grab something to drink and get in a comfy chair there is lots for the eyes to see...Yesterday I went to my favorite haunt and my good friend Carolee and Bob Pedersens house for their yearly spring sale..They have it again in July and their regular christmas season which starts the day after thanksgiving and runs through the week before christmas..They are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for these events..I have been going here for at least 13 years and they have been in business for at least 26 years..I know where have I been, I have lived here since 1986..:) Bob and Carolee travel all over the world and on their adventures they bring back lots and lots of stuff for us to buy..they have their favorite haunts as well that they always travel too and get really good prices on all this stuff. In addition she is making alot of stuff as well from these found items and selling them as well..For this event only the kitchen part was closed off this year..but she let me in anyway so I could scour the wooden spoon section..didn't find any as I bought them out last year of their great stash..so will have to wait for the November show... but alas I did find some wonderful items which you will see below..but I took my camera this year so I could show you why I love this place SO much!! The above picture is the entry to their charming 101 year old home!..I love this house and its charm...all the lighting still is in great working condition too..

Here is the front door entry with Carolee herself tending to her garden..oh her garden is my most favorite as it has such whimsy with all of her teacups and lawn art..truly a feast for the eyes...:) Now you know where I get some of my inspiration..from Carolee and my bestest buddy in crime, Kimmy....Kimmy couldn't make it yesterday and probably a good thing as we would have been fighting over stuff yesterday...

Okay one more photo of the front..They have stuff everywhere for you to look at...and look and buy I did...:) I am a total consumer..just ask DH...

here is the driveway with their little sleeping trailer that they haul behind the truck when they head out for the open highway across the United States...That exact spot where the trailer is, is where yours truly will be for the July 17-19th event will be, selling my garage sale stuff and some of my homemade items...she mails out about 800 post cards to her customers for each event...so this will be a huge show.. so I will set up my tent and tables and shutters and sell, sell, sell...I can't wait.. it is only $25 bucks and the proceeds are all mine...pretty great huh? she is the only one here in this good state that does this..everywhere else you go it is a huge fee and they take 20% of your earnings...which sucks in my opinion, but that is how the ball bounces around here..

Is this not the cutest..and so whimsical..this would look so good in front of my house..but I already have my riding lawnmower there and it is paid for...but I do love red...:)

There is a gentleman that makes these items such as this glorious Sunflower!!! oh I love it..he was there at the show yesterday, purchasing some items...oh I would love a couple of these in my yard..but they are spendy and I am a cheap skate...but worth it if I had endless cash...those teacups look like that melamine type stuff that are made into bird feeders and they are all over her yard..I love the mix of colors and I love her garden..this is her veggie and flower garden...

Here is the garden shed that Bob built, and I believe he sells these as well..at christmas time he also makes a little wooden house or cabin and it is in great detail and little wooden figurines that he makes as well..and they are wonderful..he does the nicest job with his wood stuff..truly if you are on Bainbridge Island you will not leave without buying something..they are the nicest people you could ever want to meet and you will walk away with a huge smile on your face.. at christmas they have hot cider just as you walk in the door and little buckets to hold your treasures in as you shop..it is magic at christmas and so warm and inviting as they have their woodstove all stoked and warm and toasty and you enter their home..

this is part of their front porch probably my favorite this year..as I LOVE kitchen stuff and I love RED...oh this was so neat how she had it set up...I wanted it all..she always has it nicely displayed and in a way that you can see it, so you can imagine it at your home...

here is a better photo, the flash didn't work above..I almost got that little towel that said kitchen on it..but I am going to make my self some..they are cross stitched on..

here is their glorious garden..don't you just love it!!!!

here is the other side of their covered porch and more eye candy to look at and buy...around the corner in the back was where I hit the motherload...but you will have to wait as I have more photos to show you...besure to click on the photos to see all that they have to offer...;)and get some inspiration as well..:)

here is the inside in the living room with that cozy woodstove with the neatest wood and brick mantel/fireplace..they had silver and lights and baubles galore up there at christmas time last year..it was festive...the room straight ahead has alot of my favorites there..I will show you in a couple of photos down..sorry these are not in order..

this is behind the front door and that window takes you to the front porch..this table was themed for mothers day..and it was pretty..I bought some quilted pillows that Carolee made with little sayings on them..I bought 3..one for me and the other two for gifts..

okay here is that room I described above..she has her ormanents that she makes and buys and a multitude of other items that you will see below..

ahhhh the glass ware isle..she is nicely organized as you can tell so looking is easy..in a previous post way back when I showed you my vacuum lamp..Bob made that..

here is another room that is right next door to the previous..just go through another doorway and here you go..aren't those red quilts too much..she has the bed usually loaded with fabrics, blankets and she had a christmas tree here by that stand with ornaments and garland etc. I will be sure to take my camera this christmas so you can see it all decked out for the holidays..

this again is in the previous room with all the glass/plateware..I buy alot of her silverware and use them on a daily basis...Okay be prepared now to have your socks knocked off this is where I hit the motherload, hence the post title...when I got home I spread of what I bought and got for free!!! YES FREE!!! caus these folks love me...:) all in my front walkway...here is what I got...

all that wood that you see in the wheelbarrow and on the ground was FREE!!! they got it for free and Bob was going to break up the wood and use it for something else...so I started grabbing it up and when I came back..( I left my checkbook at home) and I.D. glad I didn't get pulled over...I thought if they don't want this stuff. I am sure I can do something with it or pass along this to you out in blog land...

I bought 2 very interesting rakes that are in a bucket with gravel.. I will hang these on the fence that will be installed this summer along with other garden type stuff..Oh I can't wait to decorate that up..I will never want to leave my garden after this..but it needs the eye candy and we are on our way towards getting there..these little rakes were $4 buck a piece, and she was having a 10% off day and you got to reach in the bucket for more savings and guess what I pulled out another 10% off..so I got 20% off my total and glad I did...

okay again the photos are out of order..I didn't want to have to start over again..but this is the stash of stuff I don't want...so if anyone is interested in any of these items... I will let you know what I want for them..+ postage...

I also picked up this wonderful light aqua blue wheelbarrow it is in wonderful condition..I think it will stay here in front...with potted flowers in them..I already have 2 in the front portion of my yard..so not sure if this will stay here in front of the house or in the back yard...you know me..I will tweak to my hearts content on this one..I only paid $8.50 for the wheelbarrow..a steal in my book...

more of that yummy free wood..I am going to use the stencils I got from Retha and use the labels I got from Rene on alot of these items..they will be primmed up indeed..if anyone has ideas on colors and what to put on these...please let me know..

look at this stuff. there are 3-4 of the same items here..I love the big plaques...I gotta get hot and start some painting for my upcoming shows..I am doing 3 this year...haven't done 3 ever..so this is going to be a challenge and some fun...I hope...

the one with the hole in it..I think I am going to do a sampler to put behind it..in the wheelbarrow above there is a candle sconce that I may also do a sampler to put behind it..something different..

Okay now onto the purchases...I love that red/cream metal square plate..it reminds me of a sampler done in redwork...I paid $2 bucks for that..I got a potato masher and a fork with the 2 prongs to use in my cooking..next is an enamelware plate that is going to be a kitty plate..we have others that actually say kitty on them..but we lost one..probably due to a raccoon... I love these little crocheted doilys and I have some on my kitchen curtains..so the two octagon ones are going up there as well.. the others are going as gifts..the little quilted pillows are made using old quilts and Carolee added a cute little saying to each of those..I paid $3 bucks a piece for those..and one is for me and the other 2 are gifts...the 2 plastic bags are filled with cedar shavings..that I also got for free..I will use those with lavender to fill my little sachets with..they have more and told me I could get some anytime I wanted...:) SWEET!!!

here is the glassware and 2 bundt pans that I purchased as well. the bundt pans will be another bird feeder like the one Kimmy has..I think I have all that I need to make this one..The big glass jar with wooden handle is going to be our Sun Tea bottle as hubby wants his sun tea..so gotta get it cleaned and fill er up today as we are getting another glorious day today..the glass jar in the center is an old coffee jar that says Vacuum packed coffee, highest quality commercial importing co. 1 lb. net on it..I love it..need to find an old zinc lid for this wide mouth beauty and it is going as a gift as well..I already have one that I use that I paid alot more money for about 15 years ago...I also got two more big glass jars, the kerr was $6 bucks and the other with the wire/glass top was $9 bucks...

Carolee had the sweetest little aprons hanging up in that kitchen area and I fell in love with this apron..now mind you I don't wear them..but I love them..it has little kitchen gadgets on it for baking and it says don't kiss me I am busy...haven't decided if I am keeping this or going as a gift..for now it will hang up with my others..

Here is the neatest tea pot. I have ever seen..I actually have one down in my kitchen on my stove that is taller and shaped kind of like this...I only paid $5 bucks for this..it is clean as a whistle....so you all know where this is going...might have to trade these out..will see..

a top view of the pot..well I had a most wonderful time yesterday..since I was on the island..(it is an island) the only way on is by bridge or by ferry...it is about 15 minutes from us.. My DH works on the island so since he forgot his lunch yesterday...I called and asked if he wanted to go to lunch..so we went to mexican..oh boy was it good..he got salmon tacos, with black beans..very tasty..I have never had a fish taco before..and it was good..I had a taco like salad with the warm chips on the bottom with cheese melted and nice cooked warm chicken scattered throughout the green salad topped with peas, black olives, onions, guacamole...and a special sauce..this was recomended by the waitress as her favorite and I can see why..it was tasty...Today Tucker is at work with his dad... much needed break for me..that dog drives me nuts sometimes..and is at that teenage state in his life where he doesn't want to listen to anything...just frustrates the heck out of me...so he is off to work and will be going to work this next week...yippee!!! I love Tucker don't get me wrong..but I am definitely a cat person..through and through..Well, I hope you didn't fall asleep..I think this was my longest post so far...I hope you enjoyed your tour of one of my favorite places...there aren't many here...Take care and enjoy your weekend..I hope your days are glorious and filled with sunshine...:)

It FinaLLy goT hErE and It WaS sO WoRtH iT!!!!!!!!!:)

Well I have been waiting to blog all day waiting for my package from the laundry swap I did to arrive..so in the meantime..I tweaked..I pulled out the roaster and put in on the kitchen table and put an oversized towel that I got in italy at one of their swap meets and added oranges and my grape hyacyinths..and hung the lid on a rack as you can see...I will probably use this for serving this summer like napkins, silverware, condiments etc..I just love this piece...
I am so in love with the color. Okay now the moment you have all been waiting for..Well at least that I have been waiting for...my package from Dani "olde homestead Peddler" arrived..she and I did the laundry swap that Char over at pickled pepper patch put together in March...This was way too much fun..and I got a new and dear friend to go along with all of my goodies...I thought I did a great job in spoiling her...but I think I got the better end of the stick on this one...oh Man did she bring the hugest smile to my face...I was like the kid who couldn't wait for christmas...This was just the best surprise to get in the mail...

so this was on my front door and I knew it was from Dani...oh I couldn't wait to get in the house and tear open this box!!

I got the funniest card from her...it says: And you said they wouldn't notice our Thongs!!...lol..

here is the inside of the card and Dani if you ever come this way..you better let me know so we can do lunch...cause I want to reach right through this computer and give you the biggest hug!! you totally out did yourself and you say this was your first time..well you would never know it...everything smells and looks so yummy..I can't wait to "pimp" my laundry room now..

Here is my box, just waiting for me to dive into...oh and I couldn't wait let me tell you!..I love the tissue paper and there was so much of it and it was all in great condtion and you can bet I will be using and recycling it...:)

Okay is this too cool or what? it is paper mache letters painted all prim like and they are hung with old fashioned style wooden laundry pins! on rope..with the cutest little label on the N..oh I think I know where this is going..you will see it tomorrow when I am done decorating...

I love these wooden boards one is for laundry and the other is for pressing..Now people don't laugh at me..I am not sure how to use these as I have never seen these before...so if any one out there knows..please tell me..I feel like an idiot...but I love em and know where they are going too..love the colors..Dani you did a FAB-U-LOUS! job...:)

Oh this box was endless I tell you..just endless and I am loving every bit of it....She also gave me a sock dryer!! gosh I hope I have that right...love it...I think I will need to remodel the whole room now and push out a wall to hang all my stuff up..lol...this will be the most prim room in my whole house..and I must tell you..visiting those of you that have these really prim houses makes me want to prim mine up even more..but will have to do it very slowly...you know cause it costs money and all..but after seeing each and everyones TS finds...I now go to the TS and see things in a whole new light..it has made shopping much more fun now...:) okay we are not done yet..go and get a drink or something to eat, cause there is more eye candy that you all must see to believe...it just keeps getting better and better...:)

Is this too much or what..I just love this print and the Cat Nap Inn wash room at the bottom..I love these paintings/prints and want them in my home and now I have my first one...

Okay she filled up this apple basket with more yummy smelling goodies..OH my gosh I think I am in like a chocolate coma, only this is way better....on top were two little tags that instantly caught my eye as they have my dearly departed kitty Otto Bisuit on them...I gotta tell you Dani, this brought tears to my eyes and does still as I write this...You are so thoughtful in remembering my little precious angel...I love these tags...Thank you!!! I have a big lump in my throat right now...:)

here is the front of the basket, another wonderful tag that talks about washing all woolens...and she wove a pretty piece of fabric in between the rungs on the basket..now take a peek below of all the goodies that were inside this basket...

My two precious little tags of my otto bisquit..

I love these tags that she made me..I might need to bring out my metal tree that I got for Christmas from Renee and put these on it...you notice it says cat nap on the tags...too much I tell you..:)and all with kitty angels..I love all the detail you put in to these Dani...you are just too much...

and then there are the W A S H day tags..oh these are too cute.. hope you are still hanging on..cause we are not finished yet...

She made these cute labels and on the left this is a cloth label and it is carpet freshner? did you make the carpet freshner Dani? I love the way she sewed it up the back on this jar..it has holes on top..so I can sprinkle out my freshner when I vacuum my carpet...can't wait to use it..and in the middle is laundry linen & room spray...oh does it smell so good..I need to have my hubby make me an old fashioned laundry line so I can hang up my linens and clothes outside when the weather is nice..and spray some of this on them when they are drying..ohhhh this is too much...on the right in a cute vintage bottle are Dani's home made button melts for my tart warmer..and do they smell good enough to eat...oh my home is going to smell so flipping yummy...if you have never been to Dani's site before..she has a website and makes the neatest things..so stop over and check out what she has to offer...you won't be disappointed.:)

okay last but certainly not least...she made me some hand made soap....I love love love hand made soap..and some cute primmed up clothespins...and the most adorable little sock/airfreshner..she primmed this up so cutely and the photos don't do it justice..she put a cute little piece of fabric on the toe and sewed it up and then put a hanger on top..and it is stuffed with a yummy smelling scent...Oh Dani you don't know how much you have made my day today..This was totally worth the wait (not your fault) intentionally...lol..things happen..but this was wonderful doing this with you and making a dear good friend to boot...Thank you again so much for all of this..I will do a swap with you anytime girlfriend....:) This was the best...

okay one last photo..this is Tucker today..he is doing much better..but he hates that collar..so we take it off and let him relax a bit with out it..he is healing up nicely and wants to play...okay gotta go and get dinner started..we are having pasta with salmon in a cream sauce...this was something they fixed in italy and it was goooood...the pasta is a lemon pepper pasta that my next door neighbor got at Trader Joes..and it is sooo good..I just went down stairs and already the juices are flowing..I told DH what I want for my birthday next month..a shelf to put all of my laundry goodies on ....oh and that new clothesline too...would it be cute with all my Tea stained muslin and dollies hanging on it to dry?...:)