Summer Craft Night

While my daughter was in town we had a girls craft night with my daughter-in-law and a good friend of theirs. It was so fun to share life stories, creativity, laughs, and a bit of chocolate.

We made these cute butterfly mason jars that I first saw here.

 The sweet snow cone garland idea was found here and will be such a fun decoration through the summer months. 

Then each of us made a patriotic canvas using lots of red, white and blue paint and glitter.

 It was an enjoyable evening and I can't wait until we can do it again!

A Compilation of Cupids

It's that time of year when my home becomes 

infested with little winged angelic creatures 

that symbolize love.

They can be found on pedestals,

mantles,

 

 

tables, 

 

and under glass.

Stalking a Trough

One day at the thrift store I noticed an item in another shopper's cart. It was a lovely, perfectly aged, long, skinny trough. I was in love, yet sad that I had missed such a wonderful piece. Because it was love at first sight for me, I had a hard time letting it out of my sight. So I very nonchalantly stalked the pretty little trough. Please tell me that I'm not the only one who stalks other thrift store shoppers hoping that they'll put back a coveted item! Actually I already know that I must not be because one thrifter told me that she had a woman come up to her after she purchased an item and offered her more than 10 times what she had just paid. Fortunately I did not have to go to such extremes for this trough. The other shopper put it back on the shelf and walked away. That's when I swooped in to make that little trough mine and we have lived happily together ever since! It's been such a fun piece for decorating for summer and fall.

Autumnal Scenes

My "official" Thanksgiving decorations
are still packed away.But this morning I am enjoying the early rays of sunlight
shining upon the few autumnal scenes
I have thrown together in my living room. I love this time of year!

Happy Independence Day

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Mantle of Love

Three months, yes, three months of use out of those
mercury glass candlesticks on my mantle. I think that is a record for ANYTHING sitting on my mantle.
But they looked so good there at Christmas,
and I loved the reflection of light in January,
and there is nothing more romantic
than candlelight for the month of Valentine's. So I've decided to go against my usual tendencies to change everything
on the mantle and just go with it one more month. I'm pretty sure that things will change next month. . . . .
maybe even the color of the paint.

Mantle Glam

I'm afraid that wedding decorations (for the one we've been hired) have taken precedence over Christmas decorations so far this year. But I have managed to glam up the family room mantle a bit.Am I the only one that thinks that shiny silver against a backdrop of deep red is such a stunning sight to see? Don't forget to add your name to the Fabulous But Frugal Giveaway.
Giveaway closes Saturday the 18th at midnight(MST)

Pretty Pumpkins

I have been having so much fun making pretty little fabric pumpkins to give as gifts. They're so easy and yet so cute!First use a plate or anything circular to make a pattern on light weight fabric.Cut the circle and sew a running stitch around the edge.Stuff with a layer of beans and then fiberfill (or use all beans or rice, or all fiberfill). Pull the thread to close the opening and make a few more stitches to keep it closed.Hot glue on a real stem from a pumpkin or squash and that's it!I added a few hand-stamped tags to give to friends and neighbors with the idea that they could gather their family and pass the pumpkin while sharing the things they are grateful for.These sweet little pumpkins were so fun to make that I couldn't help but make a bunch in all different colors and sizes just for me.

Flag Mania Mantle

HOW TO DECORATE A MANTLE

FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY
Directions:
Step 1---Place as many flags as possible.
Step 2---Stand back and ENJOY!

Four For The Fourth

Here's four simple ideas to decorate for the Fourth of July.

DISPLAY IT!

Nothing shows your patriotism more than displaying the American flag.
So hang it in a window.Drill one hole, or more, in a finial and stick in a flag.Place a bunch of flags in a vase or urn.

FRAME IT!

A simple idea---put a flag in a frame.Frame It.

GROUP IT!

Display your patriotic collections in a group for more visual punch.
Like these Uncle Samsor these barn stars.

DECLARE IT!

Find yourself a piece of wood, some paint and a brush (or scrapbook paper and vinyl) and paint a flagor a word.