tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61511079683270749612024-02-19T09:10:53.470-08:00The Delightful DilettanteNoun (A person who enjoys the arts or someone who engages in a field as an amateur out of casual interest rather than as a profession).Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-28414462914818456702013-02-25T13:37:00.000-08:002013-02-25T13:37:56.710-08:00I made it through the Holiday season, that's the good news. The bad news: I lost my Dad on January 14, 2013. I am still trying to wrap my head around him being gone. I have lived with, and taken care of my Dad, the past 8 years, since my Mom died. He was my rock, after my Husband died, 6 years ago. Now he's gone. There's such an empty place in my life.<br />
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It wasn't that we weren't expecting something to happen to Dad, it's that now he's gone. It's not that he was the one who always told us: "Don't be sad. I've had such a good life, marriage, kids, job....", it's that now he's gone. I'm nobody's little girl, anymore.<br />
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I'm the caretaker of the family. I worry about everyone. It's my job to take care of what needs to be taken care of....Now I have so much to take care of, and no one to take care of. Out of habit, I still put his cereal bowl out on the counter, every night. Then remember that I don't have to do that, anymore. I still make sure there's a full jar of coffee in the cabinet. Then, I remember that he won't be here to drink coffee with me, ever again.<br />
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When I lost my Mom, it broke my heart. When I lost my Husband, it shattered my life. And, now I've lost my Dad. There simply aren't any words....<br />
Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-55728147078117258462012-10-19T10:48:00.002-07:002012-10-19T10:48:58.925-07:00Crazy, Crazy Year!My niece got married, last weekend. It was absolutely gorgeous! It has been exactly one week since the rehearsal day. Guess what? I'm still tired!<br />
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This has been such a crazy year! I've not had a single weekend that something really, <strong><u>really</u></strong> important was going on. On one hand, that's a good thing (idle hands, all that...); but, on the other hand I'm exhausted! hahaha <br />
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And, here we are coming into the Holiday season. I have so many great ideas! But, I'm really re-thinking my Holiday decorating for this year. Just not sure it's really worth all the time and effort to clean it up. I absolutely LOVE the decorating part. If only those little elves would come take it down, and put it away....<br />
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I know I'll gather the energy. But. today, I just simply can't. <br />
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Anybody else tired?<br />
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Till next time....Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-69796800432777171112012-09-20T21:22:00.000-07:002012-09-20T21:23:46.193-07:00Amanda's Kitchen Bridal Brunch Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Amanda's Kitchen Bridal Shower Brunch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last weekend, I was honored to host a Bridal Shower for my niece, Amanda. My co-hostesses, and I, decided to make it a "Kitchen" themed brunch. I haven't been very creative, lately. But, suddenly I got inspired! hahaha After seeing all the darling "retro" decorations on pinterest, I decided to give it a whirl! Now, mind you, I have been doing paper "pom poms" and "fans" since I was in elementary school....everything old is new again, so they say!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As one of our gifts for the shower, we ordered the most darling white apron, and had it embroidered with red letters.</span></div>
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That's where the whole "red white Apron" theme took off.....</div>
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My daughter made the cutest Apron Invitations:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7DVy7C3gqZx7ZGN_fw0FVjSw4HpjAXRvkHpg0TZRRw3wl95CvFaHTK1w5MAsnpiPnwzhMUciTjGUJBs4z06gkrEBVeWFEFu1hrrW_T_tyPljVQrO2R8azHvwgoYzW9Dljgt-8SRVO6gM/s1600/Amanda's+Invitation+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7DVy7C3gqZx7ZGN_fw0FVjSw4HpjAXRvkHpg0TZRRw3wl95CvFaHTK1w5MAsnpiPnwzhMUciTjGUJBs4z06gkrEBVeWFEFu1hrrW_T_tyPljVQrO2R8azHvwgoYzW9Dljgt-8SRVO6gM/s320/Amanda's+Invitation+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to try my hand at a cupcake liner garland. Now, I love, love, love some of the garlands, I have seen....but, I also love, love, love being different! hahaha So here is my apron-esque spin on a cupcake liner garland: Super Simple, Super cheap...and I think it turned out cute as it can be!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38HYJJ9Zgr_g_lVBMNdsECQvS21resqXyY5b1sbS0lfX8IwTvS82673-BDA1MUn2Krsbw0EXPcual9f1NpyW-b3e0gNJLg45sx09POtbOOvbQf8S6sPD3U3s9DWKXRXogUz-3TCdJ0vu3/s1600/Cupcake+Garland+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38HYJJ9Zgr_g_lVBMNdsECQvS21resqXyY5b1sbS0lfX8IwTvS82673-BDA1MUn2Krsbw0EXPcual9f1NpyW-b3e0gNJLg45sx09POtbOOvbQf8S6sPD3U3s9DWKXRXogUz-3TCdJ0vu3/s320/Cupcake+Garland+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ljQa86-tpH91V_RGaTcfL4T77ixnh-xvhM8JdGXqSoGsRFrGSw3Lju-069ioj2LAXqKETtixXe5GR5c3_VpFXQPNjp8qOalJfW2a_ijitaR3Dr7Xju3RR77Z7EERVsyH_TDjbIaqBTz/s1600/Cupcake+Garland+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ljQa86-tpH91V_RGaTcfL4T77ixnh-xvhM8JdGXqSoGsRFrGSw3Lju-069ioj2LAXqKETtixXe5GR5c3_VpFXQPNjp8qOalJfW2a_ijitaR3Dr7Xju3RR77Z7EERVsyH_TDjbIaqBTz/s320/Cupcake+Garland+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyhbaRpNnEm1Ky2UWiIxCdyhOUGC2klz_YV3hnjxxD9iwN41jsr7K5vVkGFprRP4YwdZUznp4gucRsxmbbmhZuJhGX8OFtwmJTXVviPak981epd_9tlEAIc_qd80tlpX-BcRXnkTxZ0yb/s1600/Cupcake+Garland+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyhbaRpNnEm1Ky2UWiIxCdyhOUGC2klz_YV3hnjxxD9iwN41jsr7K5vVkGFprRP4YwdZUznp4gucRsxmbbmhZuJhGX8OFtwmJTXVviPak981epd_9tlEAIc_qd80tlpX-BcRXnkTxZ0yb/s320/Cupcake+Garland+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the quality of the pics! I'm working from an Iphone, with not so great room lighting...</div>
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After I finished the cupcake garland, I wanted something bigger, for a banner with her name. It also had to stay in line with our whole apron theme. I grabbed a package of long red napkins, a package of summer clearance gingham napkins, and some paper doilies:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgU90MrTzQSfqeHXlOvLBONtYv5mSvI21ZFOchdfefNaXWCXjaGFiaLQp7QFr0zPn3G4hcduXwRAbYA6epWe3b_VOBDCsRwDfm3K4p1LQKhCtNj64pHGMzhHQkpr_D1315pPQgbatlYMy/s1600/Napkin+Garland+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgU90MrTzQSfqeHXlOvLBONtYv5mSvI21ZFOchdfefNaXWCXjaGFiaLQp7QFr0zPn3G4hcduXwRAbYA6epWe3b_VOBDCsRwDfm3K4p1LQKhCtNj64pHGMzhHQkpr_D1315pPQgbatlYMy/s320/Napkin+Garland+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie12RUvd-GBEbWNWqVWH3ZsxGfvcSxHw9xFq2x7KKCK-KRH365q-V6m5HnsFxnk3K-R6EkT8LliLLzq-2Ah_WpMWdSfbI21nrSMy70qU86STuwAwTlC2rljx3l5ygmLHHXMPv0hOxHOKSJ/s1600/Napkin+Garland+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie12RUvd-GBEbWNWqVWH3ZsxGfvcSxHw9xFq2x7KKCK-KRH365q-V6m5HnsFxnk3K-R6EkT8LliLLzq-2Ah_WpMWdSfbI21nrSMy70qU86STuwAwTlC2rljx3l5ygmLHHXMPv0hOxHOKSJ/s320/Napkin+Garland+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWarOAaSRoQlw-Wccfgb7RVWeqoWeZzoQO1qQREOL8feA4Y16n5osxdzewGOoQ1vmOA06lt4B3_b4ukEwNckbjcJIivCdTjjf8Qu710uNYn89hAXU8Ze0MsPGsK41Dngxakv_tX_dlYOg/s1600/Napkin+Garland+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWarOAaSRoQlw-Wccfgb7RVWeqoWeZzoQO1qQREOL8feA4Y16n5osxdzewGOoQ1vmOA06lt4B3_b4ukEwNckbjcJIivCdTjjf8Qu710uNYn89hAXU8Ze0MsPGsK41Dngxakv_tX_dlYOg/s320/Napkin+Garland+3.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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And, last...I wanted to try my hand at some small paper pom-poms. I took one of the gingham clearance napkins. It was 2-ply, meaning that the top layer of paper had the checked design, and the back layer of paper was white. I separated the 2 layers, and made a checked pom-pom and a white one, with 1 napkin:</div>
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I did a couple other decorating items, but forgot to take pictures. I'll see if anyone else happened to snap them. If so, I'll post them.</div>
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Till next time!</div>
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Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-8912309642496050972011-12-12T08:30:00.000-08:002011-12-12T12:20:08.132-08:00Tis the Season! (To get sidetracked)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVpcfKJo9hSHebiY7C0wJv2tYCjSdf0MLEphCeZx2vQuYqUL-TW4_bnYmYsQBAxyNYgz8DGXhm3QDuZ8WiTlTzXXe-VvskRySuGMGJRz4T-h7KZSmNHBuGJNpMMfz2cmVxmqxEimkvRG8/s1600/Christmas+Tree+and+small+Santa+rug++December+2011++Patricia+Smoot.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685280790561659570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVpcfKJo9hSHebiY7C0wJv2tYCjSdf0MLEphCeZx2vQuYqUL-TW4_bnYmYsQBAxyNYgz8DGXhm3QDuZ8WiTlTzXXe-VvskRySuGMGJRz4T-h7KZSmNHBuGJNpMMfz2cmVxmqxEimkvRG8/s320/Christmas+Tree+and+small+Santa+rug++December+2011++Patricia+Smoot.jpg" /></a><br />I know on my last post I was going to post about the drop-cloth curtains, that I had made. Well, it's the time of year that I wait for all year long! It's Christmas time!! I have, and always have had, an obesssion with all things Christmas. Maybe it's because my birthday is Christmas Eve...Maybe it's because there is nothing more precious than seeing childrens' eyes light up with the magic of all the lights, and presents, and candy, and...Or, maybe it's because this is the time of year when we all become kids again. I just love it, ALL of it! I still remember the smell of that new baby doll that I got for Christmas, every year. I still remember trying to stay awake and hear Santa bringing in the presents. I still remember the Christmas dinners when my Grandma had the most beautiful table set, with her finest china.<br /><br />I was so very lucky to have married a man that loved Christmas, as much as I did. He was the biggest kid of all Christmas morning! And, he <strong>always </strong>made sure that I had both Birthday <em>and</em> Christmas presents. After we had our children, we had so much fun with Christmas! He <strong>had</strong> to have the biggest Christmas tree he could find. There were several years that we had to bolt the top of the 14' tree to the wall in order to keep it from falling over. And Christmas lights...Oh My Gosh...We lived very near a small community airfield. Everyone used to tease him that we were going to have planes landing in our front yard, if he kept adding Christmas lights.<br /><br />I have to admit, that since losing my husband almost 6 years ago, the Holidays just don't hold the same magic. I have grand-kids, now, and what I wouldn't give for them to spend Christmas with their Grandpa. He would have spoiled them even more rotten than I do!<br /><br />My late husband started a tradition of giving me porcelain villages about 25 years ago. My best friend collected Department 56 houses. I thought they were the most gorgeous Christmas decorations I had ever seen. He always blamed her for his decision to start my collection...Truth be known, he loved them as much as I did! Each year, for weeks, we would plan the layout of "The Village". Over the years it has grown immensely. I do still receive houses for gifts, and I buy a few myself. But, nothing will ever compare to the older buildings of my collection, that were gifts from him.<br /><br />My kids, and most especially my grand-kids have never known a Christmas without "The Village". It's a tradition, now. Here are the pictures from this year's creation:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-4t7e07FIZp1-6Oi2z6TyvXfb8bhgaH9d6OiZC_zXZrESSC9LMIGLFVBVHpAweOXqjn_cqYWt0_KMIS-qgYMchisP975sjP05VGa7IsCDb9IssywXNYZ8rIb40wd1Nvun9_q8Ckv3ZkU/s1600/Overview.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685290482494777266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-4t7e07FIZp1-6Oi2z6TyvXfb8bhgaH9d6OiZC_zXZrESSC9LMIGLFVBVHpAweOXqjn_cqYWt0_KMIS-qgYMchisP975sjP05VGa7IsCDb9IssywXNYZ8rIb40wd1Nvun9_q8Ckv3ZkU/s320/Overview.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9bktlF_pjskhIuaqHjJ76ondB0lJw5xVuuLysEaAo2D3zjDgqCZYway6o3cwTVIKOxdJ7lgQXaerGyV5SPaQgFvyMjQYrL2u3RtZXdshO_l_QICYKDpXldbUeDl3nY_JRy4DnZQtDx24/s1600/Village+Street.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685290499137764962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9bktlF_pjskhIuaqHjJ76ondB0lJw5xVuuLysEaAo2D3zjDgqCZYway6o3cwTVIKOxdJ7lgQXaerGyV5SPaQgFvyMjQYrL2u3RtZXdshO_l_QICYKDpXldbUeDl3nY_JRy4DnZQtDx24/s320/Village+Street.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8asStQ07XKg1feAUYzWTm6DeHSWkU4NGEcymBe1zYMhxiLYoZ1XNnHfJXtTMEshj3cI2lH51HQVqra2Z72iK9xgq2OPeXKkjuQaHBKJxAQUYYglcWZLwOr85NXe9wrHgm7t4ce2mrOcQ7/s1600/Overview+Skating+Pond.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685290495806636962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8asStQ07XKg1feAUYzWTm6DeHSWkU4NGEcymBe1zYMhxiLYoZ1XNnHfJXtTMEshj3cI2lH51HQVqra2Z72iK9xgq2OPeXKkjuQaHBKJxAQUYYglcWZLwOr85NXe9wrHgm7t4ce2mrOcQ7/s320/Overview+Skating+Pond.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYOKfh7ES9AjjJTzoywe7kNaKAzr8TDNyr6nuuyHyuHXnaGo53BHOl2kWMLSrHFS6Qht4TvJB4xFaDTlM1eyoymdmvdUoThUUpeYs8ixgAAqaEOrjeOgg_q0tqRkhVfsXcTXuH7skS4_O/s1600/Dickens+Village+Buttertub+Farm.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685290493475522050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYOKfh7ES9AjjJTzoywe7kNaKAzr8TDNyr6nuuyHyuHXnaGo53BHOl2kWMLSrHFS6Qht4TvJB4xFaDTlM1eyoymdmvdUoThUUpeYs8ixgAAqaEOrjeOgg_q0tqRkhVfsXcTXuH7skS4_O/s320/Dickens+Village+Buttertub+Farm.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8HYb2BpTo0V0Bzzm62R1fmP8PJORSP5EJw_NL8K8N_py22_5XX-hNqP7S0cU42NTb9wOnkllx1jHH3y5naUCVFGaNZSB6NeTQJ2wsH9iTrjc5L9_Zokxka-HDSYncF-YwxcYfXJFjlig/s1600/Dickens+Village+Fezziwigs+Warehouse+and+Delivery+Wagon.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685290488075909522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8HYb2BpTo0V0Bzzm62R1fmP8PJORSP5EJw_NL8K8N_py22_5XX-hNqP7S0cU42NTb9wOnkllx1jHH3y5naUCVFGaNZSB6NeTQJ2wsH9iTrjc5L9_Zokxka-HDSYncF-YwxcYfXJFjlig/s320/Dickens+Village+Fezziwigs+Warehouse+and+Delivery+Wagon.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOMAsXlODi14HoPaEnl2sTEFFJN7ZNIRLUIKZlSE9pDB3mXVXW0PK5ujzZCbfi9G8VuOXroW4Ab8jbB4dEodi8Gg-opcN7WeRjUVoGsOY8EO6A685rfZLCrDKu6QWh9yH7sEuEIqxWH_s/s1600/Dickens+Village+Sleigh+Ride.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685296733101093650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOMAsXlODi14HoPaEnl2sTEFFJN7ZNIRLUIKZlSE9pDB3mXVXW0PK5ujzZCbfi9G8VuOXroW4Ab8jbB4dEodi8Gg-opcN7WeRjUVoGsOY8EO6A685rfZLCrDKu6QWh9yH7sEuEIqxWH_s/s320/Dickens+Village+Sleigh+Ride.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXO-pK1TGAJ5c4ylwwlYzcMb23wMsiF4Rk6Ea75Imi0EWECWE8Q4nb9_ne4OkLDkANCXnUAMEEzltjb5q7wrBR9-hy7luli3TsvH1-0huRFLvfSzlqI4n1tcPMNtGt-Jt8DEGXzrAkUan/s1600/Dickens+Village+Here+Comes+the+Bride.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685296729543254354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXO-pK1TGAJ5c4ylwwlYzcMb23wMsiF4Rk6Ea75Imi0EWECWE8Q4nb9_ne4OkLDkANCXnUAMEEzltjb5q7wrBR9-hy7luli3TsvH1-0huRFLvfSzlqI4n1tcPMNtGt-Jt8DEGXzrAkUan/s320/Dickens+Village+Here+Comes+the+Bride.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12pATyENaWhFyhmLECJHbLwW1AYR7-F0DA7wxzGxFb47Cra5TqX0TEz-eSNyXbdxf4pLCnNc2LtFzQZ1iAkc3xJs3s1iewRxq3_KVa0Nv0o7FU_SCgyjNXRc2GM5a0jz_-RM4AmZh4AYN/s1600/Dickens+Village+Gathering.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685296728632004978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12pATyENaWhFyhmLECJHbLwW1AYR7-F0DA7wxzGxFb47Cra5TqX0TEz-eSNyXbdxf4pLCnNc2LtFzQZ1iAkc3xJs3s1iewRxq3_KVa0Nv0o7FU_SCgyjNXRc2GM5a0jz_-RM4AmZh4AYN/s320/Dickens+Village+Gathering.jpg" /></a><br /><br />At the top of the page is a picture of this year's Christmas tree and one of my Santa rugs. One year, when we were out Christmas shopping, I found the most beautiful Christmas rug at Sears...of all places! It was huge!! I had to have it! Unfortunately, not only was it beautiful and huge, it was sold. I tried every way in the world to convince that salesman to let me have that rug. He called all of the other stores in the southeast Texas, and this was the only one left. I was heartbroken. A little something to keep in mind...this was waaayyy before the days of the internet, and the instant gratification of finding anything, anywhere in the world. I proceeded to finish my Christmas decorating...whining the whole time. I don't care that I was a grown woman...I <strong>needed</strong> that rug!! You will never know the thrill I felt when I not only got the big Santa rug, but also a smaller version (the one in the picture), for my Birthday! My husband, and my Dad, bless their hearts...managed to find the only 2 Santa rugs left in the whole state of Texas...and they were mine! I still think they are the most beautiful Santa rugs, I have ever seen. And NOOOO, they have never been used for rugs! I have always hung them as a tapestry-type of decoration.<br /><br />My Santa rugs lead me to my other Christmas obsession, errr I mean collection: Santa Claus. Over the years, not only did my Husband collect Dicken's Village houses for me, but I also started a pretty substantial collection of Santas. Now keep in mind, that they have to be the right type of Santa. I'm a very traditional type of Santa collector. Here are a few of my most treasured Santas:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC2aLjPbiqbspB5AjIiqlBF-Twu24IkjZxiv_1r1PyIgaWBAQb2tLd1JfUyVTH7FFNE3W_pQk2MXLNOqTbW9Qa8AOqxNF2PS5owlYkT-IJish2oLK9L43JDNOXE9RYVkufj6VanGwAtjZ/s1600/Santas2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685304323607703314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC2aLjPbiqbspB5AjIiqlBF-Twu24IkjZxiv_1r1PyIgaWBAQb2tLd1JfUyVTH7FFNE3W_pQk2MXLNOqTbW9Qa8AOqxNF2PS5owlYkT-IJish2oLK9L43JDNOXE9RYVkufj6VanGwAtjZ/s320/Santas2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VKKf5wd0omfvvAE6Mf2AOJHViIBdAqQ38tT0WDWQcolzkNUXe5JDPBbg5T02g8ERHlXk2BwJRpKfT6MuT06nwkSQJnaID16huOsXx8gtKoFEIMwOeIXHeFT1PMJAEJqpgK0li1MyDxIP/s1600/Mr+and+Mrs+Claus.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685304326628562610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VKKf5wd0omfvvAE6Mf2AOJHViIBdAqQ38tT0WDWQcolzkNUXe5JDPBbg5T02g8ERHlXk2BwJRpKfT6MuT06nwkSQJnaID16huOsXx8gtKoFEIMwOeIXHeFT1PMJAEJqpgK0li1MyDxIP/s320/Mr+and+Mrs+Claus.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdesjOerNSGGOqgx9fWoisVtN1QjNizYdmnSl-QFxFO8tqAJ-tDHvSgEKlCctRiY0CXZssEpve1giRPr9bhxThNdKKAIcI74v50rHxqrGP2zOrc2qI0BDeifLb7nfZdnYRfZSIMWMAOUK/s1600/Breezeway+Santas++December+2011++Patricia+Smoot.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685304322788403602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdesjOerNSGGOqgx9fWoisVtN1QjNizYdmnSl-QFxFO8tqAJ-tDHvSgEKlCctRiY0CXZssEpve1giRPr9bhxThNdKKAIcI74v50rHxqrGP2zOrc2qI0BDeifLb7nfZdnYRfZSIMWMAOUK/s320/Breezeway+Santas++December+2011++Patricia+Smoot.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I've got every Santa imagineable, from the most expensive Fitz and Floyd to the least expensive Dollar Store variety. The only criteria is that he has to "look" right.<br /><br />The last Christmas collectible that I have are my Hallmark ornaments. Starting the first year we were married, we collected dated ornaments. My childrens' first Christmases, our First House, 10 years together...then 20...and our last: 25. It saddens me deeply every year to put that ornament on the tree. It is a keepsake ornament to mark milestones together. Heart-shaped, cream-colored porcelain with a small medallion included for each significant milestone together. I will never get to use the 30, 40 or 50 year marker...it really breaks my heart, over and over again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjotF6HyILTg9iUVmObWcRw6nP2-a2nUCXvVsu_T1rQXQQZBg84kd_2YwZf8s78mO1Zt3CxkdlHb21NOPkc0eGibvXqKBCoaWd8CSYQtpt-Uhv2uZHEH5iG9rSu03EG9kfHYar72GrSLmk/s1600/Christmas+Ornament+2005.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjotF6HyILTg9iUVmObWcRw6nP2-a2nUCXvVsu_T1rQXQQZBg84kd_2YwZf8s78mO1Zt3CxkdlHb21NOPkc0eGibvXqKBCoaWd8CSYQtpt-Uhv2uZHEH5iG9rSu03EG9kfHYar72GrSLmk/s320/Christmas+Ornament+2005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685338340514739138" /></a><br /> <br />So bittersweet...this Holiday I love so much. There are days it really makes me sad, and then I just have to remember all the wonderful memories. And, I have to look into my Grandkids' faces to find the happiness and joy that Christmas is supposed to bring. My Christmas gift this year...a new Grandbaby on it's way! For that I'm so thrilled...and it's time to start planning next years Village display, or better yet, how to keep the new baby out of "The Village". <br /><br />Merry Christmas Everybody!<br />Till next time...Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-46830521264022625352011-11-09T08:28:00.000-08:002011-11-09T09:16:51.401-08:00My Crafty Side: The Barn-Craft Room: Gift-Wrapping Cabinet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNoaDJZSsSCjd6ln7cxwQbIfiH0vlzFiAz2W6oTSou2LBnlSuJpmBuC9Nq6KZYRIJ_CdqHjmI671_yegivCJOdqr-3lZzi2_2OylFjcr-Q3gtMbEM-DfiFKJ6HTPfj0y0qf-wbG2qAAJT/s1600/Gift+Wrap+Cabinet+Inside+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673036475389775906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNoaDJZSsSCjd6ln7cxwQbIfiH0vlzFiAz2W6oTSou2LBnlSuJpmBuC9Nq6KZYRIJ_CdqHjmI671_yegivCJOdqr-3lZzi2_2OylFjcr-Q3gtMbEM-DfiFKJ6HTPfj0y0qf-wbG2qAAJT/s320/Gift+Wrap+Cabinet+Inside+1.jpg" /></a><br />Opposite the Ribbon Caddy, in the craft room, I had another 2' x 2' corner...that <em>needed</em> something! I had seen different ideas for storing gift-wrap, and came up with this idea.<br />I found a small cabinet at the local thrift shop. It cost less than $20. The cabinet was the perfect size!<br /><br />I removed the drawer and the door. I used the drawer hardware to make a bottom shelf that would slide out. I then used a lazy-susan mechanism, that I had left-over from another "never-happened" project, to mount a wooden circle base to the pull-out shelf. I drilled holes to hold left-over dowel rods. These rods would support the rolls of wrapping paper. I could now slide out the whole base, and rotate to see different paper rolls. I made a new door, and painted the whole cabinet white. I used small tea-cup holders, and dowel rods, as well as, pieces of elastic, on the door to hold tissue paper, bags of filler, scissors and tape. I added a small pink glass knob, that I purchased at Hobby Lobby. Yay!! A re-purposed, DIY, perfect-fit, Gift-Wrapping Cabinet was born:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwfJXLOcChEIErKuqGWvTLAPRbjHJhoL6vLUKO44MTSqRQFzHIip9DghIF7rbmR3Du-uQ9mylTc8pmushtexMe38hAIvjpdCeyx-X5YrSYjeU7IQQg3KqxhVuyw5-_D3Z5jLuRpVmwEy3/s1600/Wrapping+Paper+Cabinet+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673038585081928898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwfJXLOcChEIErKuqGWvTLAPRbjHJhoL6vLUKO44MTSqRQFzHIip9DghIF7rbmR3Du-uQ9mylTc8pmushtexMe38hAIvjpdCeyx-X5YrSYjeU7IQQg3KqxhVuyw5-_D3Z5jLuRpVmwEy3/s200/Wrapping+Paper+Cabinet+1.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgic5ZdgNEo9FwY-EhShmPBXzQR2cpcREI-46RlFQUpSnBcLSf3GUBZo2dEuZSHz7AwOlpGFHlMn5hHbVkKTloFD6aVbCAhqmFmAGthH7ND5SDi7pzPHZ0xjvt1syxvuHHOwv3kRwn7gkMI/s1600/Wrapping+Paper+Cabinet+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673038589772010466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgic5ZdgNEo9FwY-EhShmPBXzQR2cpcREI-46RlFQUpSnBcLSf3GUBZo2dEuZSHz7AwOlpGFHlMn5hHbVkKTloFD6aVbCAhqmFmAGthH7ND5SDi7pzPHZ0xjvt1syxvuHHOwv3kRwn7gkMI/s200/Wrapping+Paper+Cabinet+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKqnHB45_3MydtLDHEa_7P8pmcvkOYZP7m7zB6k-0KpbSCk6OTer84CtLZw4o_a5xoHfwb18ZS0EffpYFndEj7NxemOm1Z38JNsvqu92RsGhzgvZbPVWOgX2Yi0Z5kZ5X1a223YFXEpBu/s1600/Wrapping+Paper+Cabinet+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673038601144575938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKqnHB45_3MydtLDHEa_7P8pmcvkOYZP7m7zB6k-0KpbSCk6OTer84CtLZw4o_a5xoHfwb18ZS0EffpYFndEj7NxemOm1Z38JNsvqu92RsGhzgvZbPVWOgX2Yi0Z5kZ5X1a223YFXEpBu/s200/Wrapping+Paper+Cabinet+3.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0k7S5PWX_dNsOlDzu_otlmyjfssjfQhRnqO4b0-_yrqwADx65ZSH-ohyH8QOhIHzS77L2tO9LBbxGIfaaquqarjZRqIu6ElVjvRNspX6mhcfemumoVQVZXQE2miTbRO6IuzW_YsQBavk-/s1600/Gift+Wrap+Cabinet+Inside.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673038601281246338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0k7S5PWX_dNsOlDzu_otlmyjfssjfQhRnqO4b0-_yrqwADx65ZSH-ohyH8QOhIHzS77L2tO9LBbxGIfaaquqarjZRqIu6ElVjvRNspX6mhcfemumoVQVZXQE2miTbRO6IuzW_YsQBavk-/s200/Gift+Wrap+Cabinet+Inside.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_mO5XsAkwhJVN4BIIfNt9-wPnIrkd42EA96RITTobZIzq5GTr0JFKc2WpWDYetNLmsM0oOifiVJ28feGpIZbHdQwgizmn2Bu5j3AyPgg323BKln2WmIfcpYsvDojUwUfJ7JGwP7ikUuO/s1600/Gift+Wrap+Cabinet+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673038609423956274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_mO5XsAkwhJVN4BIIfNt9-wPnIrkd42EA96RITTobZIzq5GTr0JFKc2WpWDYetNLmsM0oOifiVJ28feGpIZbHdQwgizmn2Bu5j3AyPgg323BKln2WmIfcpYsvDojUwUfJ7JGwP7ikUuO/s200/Gift+Wrap+Cabinet+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Next Up: Drop Cloth Curtains<br /><br />Till Next Time...Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-38409430531198236102011-11-09T07:56:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:24:39.308-08:00My Crafty Side: The Barn-Craft Room: Ribbon CaddyOver the years, I have collected LOTS of ribbon! I needed someplace to have the ribbon displayed, and accessible. I had a 2' x 2' space to the left of the farmhouse table, in the craftroom. I decided to design/build my own ribbon caddy. I'm sorry I didn't take more pictures, while I was doing this. Here's the finished product:<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdXjk5QWZuwUxXbcVIe5n_5l0EMQtS6tJe84pVyC2Y8BU5pd9iBfrsUv5C2UecSDDO-jBpnmbJ896QyVwDELyGNdGwUriv9vxHl9wC9jQAuKhhQ00WnBFBiJjWCWyYYqBey5Ghzgg0Ssh/s1600/Ribbon+Caddy+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673028394803685842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdXjk5QWZuwUxXbcVIe5n_5l0EMQtS6tJe84pVyC2Y8BU5pd9iBfrsUv5C2UecSDDO-jBpnmbJ896QyVwDELyGNdGwUriv9vxHl9wC9jQAuKhhQ00WnBFBiJjWCWyYYqBey5Ghzgg0Ssh/s320/Ribbon+Caddy+1.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />I wanted something that would fit in the aforementioned 2' x 2' space, that would hold all my ribbon, and that could be moved easily. I put the caddy on rollers. I used 12 - 3' dowel rods. I drilled holes in the bottom frame to hold the dowels in place. But, I needed some way of holding the tops in place. I used clothes pins, tacked to the top of the frame, thru the hole in the middle of the clothespin. This allows the clothes pin to open and close freely. And allows the dowel rod to be clipped into place, when not needed...or unpinned and tilted out to be able to access the ribbon on the rod. I tiled the top of the table with cheap 4" x 4" tiles, that I "hot-glued to the wooden top. I then purchased very thin trim boards from Michaels, for the border. And purchased some ready-to-use "grout-in-a-tube", to fill in between the tiles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LEITBk0-jja6wcfOrl4wje7tKKK7OjZI42CrzX1QUufJY9_7eBRd2Rh_1N-TErzJvirz1hy02BTLz1T-A-8FvPCKXFsjzKRnltTU0ejU-eh2iwlG6e5_dWjwIKQciIGaBlmK3sN9ini4/s1600/Ribbon+Caddy+Top.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673027733919968226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LEITBk0-jja6wcfOrl4wje7tKKK7OjZI42CrzX1QUufJY9_7eBRd2Rh_1N-TErzJvirz1hy02BTLz1T-A-8FvPCKXFsjzKRnltTU0ejU-eh2iwlG6e5_dWjwIKQciIGaBlmK3sN9ini4/s320/Ribbon+Caddy+Top.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Zl7nxXfvrqSHedcacI35StQUeEjAYK13GhuGznZsGklNbfCt8CaD4JD8nF9KyRjnZqC3NTT4VA8WW3mRxdE1jaGlJsZYLcXCFpz7RzsHV2l14L2AELxv0ZiquSqpU0-I49pTJ37A1bIT/s1600/Ribbon+Caddy+Spindle+Close+Up.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673027728023092082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Zl7nxXfvrqSHedcacI35StQUeEjAYK13GhuGznZsGklNbfCt8CaD4JD8nF9KyRjnZqC3NTT4VA8WW3mRxdE1jaGlJsZYLcXCFpz7RzsHV2l14L2AELxv0ZiquSqpU0-I49pTJ37A1bIT/s320/Ribbon+Caddy+Spindle+Close+Up.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdXi5ippdkEr82T20QVPrPPoTuEOsXoJ0LxHKjOHXbiMn19LyIT4n4B4ilm6zQ-NKnX_vuLIl_NUE7cc61fXaNWkxA2dnkQ1k2u_Zh75FGMzRRtrWLdT6QSAD-w2V76STs6Sbt7faDWGO/s1600/Ribbon+Caddy+Fastener+Close+Up.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673027717745612626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdXi5ippdkEr82T20QVPrPPoTuEOsXoJ0LxHKjOHXbiMn19LyIT4n4B4ilm6zQ-NKnX_vuLIl_NUE7cc61fXaNWkxA2dnkQ1k2u_Zh75FGMzRRtrWLdT6QSAD-w2V76STs6Sbt7faDWGO/s320/Ribbon+Caddy+Fastener+Close+Up.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoMble-ZI_fOl2m5jq8FjpLPwimitzHgQ1zmNYrLleyTIRgJG7AnmS43RC1tbb81iVscfyehHMVYcS2qBE7cH9cc4rLwfBJSsiIPdT7grJeqVReFb0LC2cLINurklbgrgy3nj7gongkmb/s1600/Ribbond+Caddy+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673027712296958914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoMble-ZI_fOl2m5jq8FjpLPwimitzHgQ1zmNYrLleyTIRgJG7AnmS43RC1tbb81iVscfyehHMVYcS2qBE7cH9cc4rLwfBJSsiIPdT7grJeqVReFb0LC2cLINurklbgrgy3nj7gongkmb/s320/Ribbond+Caddy+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Next Up: My Re-purposed Gift Wrapping Cabinet<br /><br />Till Next Time....Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-58204952386700771962011-10-25T09:30:00.000-07:002011-10-25T12:00:48.594-07:00My Crafty Side: The Barn-Craft Room: Trundle Bed<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5saYTKxMdhvtPZEFuaWC2oALN9L9sjNC2bvHTltL6DkyWjHOH3FdEbf1o7vicCKzdgz1rAHmj1NYr3PXEj13DOaLK_SYmDgpZfWUfmR0PlI5EtrSDGlE7gTENopQg_bVqv8kuvBeuYzkE/s1600/Trundle+Bed+Complete.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 197px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667468583416222626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5saYTKxMdhvtPZEFuaWC2oALN9L9sjNC2bvHTltL6DkyWjHOH3FdEbf1o7vicCKzdgz1rAHmj1NYr3PXEj13DOaLK_SYmDgpZfWUfmR0PlI5EtrSDGlE7gTENopQg_bVqv8kuvBeuYzkE/s320/Trundle+Bed+Complete.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="left">After completing our Barn: Craft Room, we wanted some type of couch/seating area in the room. We had an extra set of twin mattresses and box springs. The original "couch" had a daybed type of feel. This provided the wanted seating and the sometimes-needed sleeping space. I placed some of my Mom's old quilting hoops on the wall, along with a heart-shaped wreath and a few accessories. It was comfortable, and fit with the decor:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTYufiKSC_3sjzPdgAyZ88RYXNPDJKJUBJo8V152RJojIvJprYwnLumUZJ-byfdtu0_HNrWJ9GjDast4Nl3mMnXdPoPW80rd5GvHiGQLVoVmcdUTsIBUORCgSrdK8A3dKGAGGhttizM_I/s1600/Craft+Room+33.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667471416661365266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTYufiKSC_3sjzPdgAyZ88RYXNPDJKJUBJo8V152RJojIvJprYwnLumUZJ-byfdtu0_HNrWJ9GjDast4Nl3mMnXdPoPW80rd5GvHiGQLVoVmcdUTsIBUORCgSrdK8A3dKGAGGhttizM_I/s200/Craft+Room+33.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="left">After several months of barn fun...it became apparent that we were going to need more sleeping space for weekend guests. I started trying to figure out how to make our twin-size space into a pull-out king sized bed. The answer was a trundle unit. </div><br /><div align="left">I shopped for different daybeds with trundle pull-outs. But, nothing fit the decor of the room. Well, I say that...but what I mean is that nothing<em> affordable</em>, fit the decor of the room. So, of course the logical answer to the problem: make something! </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I wanted a Victorian/Rustic/Front Porch type of bed. I know, I'm just a little crazy when I start getting ideas... Here are the pictures of how I built the bed:</div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodysIh4DjUiwdjTx_WtRqP7jqFS39KVh2fDAboFYOmHzY6spME_05BWpPqXHCoxxH4aqOt9b9Jta9wpnlm8xhqhB-1d_Sm1gq0pw5hzak1K13MjT-SalTH0DD5_h1Er_5k4Jvtz2Ng01V/s1600/Trundle+Bed+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667471417813606994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodysIh4DjUiwdjTx_WtRqP7jqFS39KVh2fDAboFYOmHzY6spME_05BWpPqXHCoxxH4aqOt9b9Jta9wpnlm8xhqhB-1d_Sm1gq0pw5hzak1K13MjT-SalTH0DD5_h1Er_5k4Jvtz2Ng01V/s200/Trundle+Bed+2.jpg" /></a><br />For the back posts of the bed, I used 2" x 4"s attached to the wall. For the Front Posts, I wanted something more decorative. I went to Home Depot and looked at 4"x4" posts. I looked at landscaping timbers, and I looked at Porch Posts. The landscape timbers were "treated wood". I didn't want those in close proximity to sleeping guests. The Porch posts were tempting. But, they were wood core, with a white painted/laminated exterior. I didn't think the white would be a good match for the room. So...I found these Newel Posts. They were natural wood, not treated or painted, and they had a nice "turned" section.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmq_jDtVgnUZJqckcX0saqZNn7hYHilLXbcIFGgRI5jMVCxc1VS-I3dATyU1MLQOv3H7jbpqLkiPMxnHhEY6uiAZa7lMR13mnJkdwTjaBm1mhhoh2VdOlXiws79hipWHIi1Xrtq-7USS6/s1600/Trundle+Bed+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667471423510557314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmq_jDtVgnUZJqckcX0saqZNn7hYHilLXbcIFGgRI5jMVCxc1VS-I3dATyU1MLQOv3H7jbpqLkiPMxnHhEY6uiAZa7lMR13mnJkdwTjaBm1mhhoh2VdOlXiws79hipWHIi1Xrtq-7USS6/s200/Trundle+Bed+4.jpg" /></a><br />The only problem with the newel posts was the heighth. They were 54" tall. So, I used 2- 2"x4" boards screwed together to match the dimension of the newel post, and achieve the heighth that I wanted.</div><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqu5bl9UXUqY0AON7HvYdtMgiHOZPajxxdc6dm-CqihtBMj5EnKvDkmxccGzc3w5M8ZA6GkYMH_iDXsSAHAKbLI9SSmP4ZE3zrP-4YlsGcCHoyvi0DjvC3QKcksra6HEB93W8vViAfZgy/s1600/Trundle+Bed+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667471430040042706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqu5bl9UXUqY0AON7HvYdtMgiHOZPajxxdc6dm-CqihtBMj5EnKvDkmxccGzc3w5M8ZA6GkYMH_iDXsSAHAKbLI9SSmP4ZE3zrP-4YlsGcCHoyvi0DjvC3QKcksra6HEB93W8vViAfZgy/s200/Trundle+Bed+1.jpg" /></a><br />I stripped the padding and fabric from the one of the box springs to reveal a wooden frame. Who knew that there are actually no springs, in a "box spring" foundation? I needed something to finish out the desired porch-look at the top of the newel posts. The exposed box spring frame was perfect. And, it provided a base for extra storage on top of the bed, as well as, a support for the roof of the actual bed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFfySO1nzlUbSu1qbEW8dltMaLZlpPwuqSCxtSLKH9hqbh8MAWu9KFIH-77lGTqRq7L9MqPo2HVe4JniUCAzgNLqAinGvA1czRcrvFC425ls9Crbc-LrBFbI92wDCjAMo0HHIc9dDwXTo/s1600/Trundle+Bed+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667471434071611858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFfySO1nzlUbSu1qbEW8dltMaLZlpPwuqSCxtSLKH9hqbh8MAWu9KFIH-77lGTqRq7L9MqPo2HVe4JniUCAzgNLqAinGvA1czRcrvFC425ls9Crbc-LrBFbI92wDCjAMo0HHIc9dDwXTo/s200/Trundle+Bed+6.jpg" /></a><br />I attached the bed rails to each post.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrAxPgXo3Qsc8VZ-paSCXz6naQ_AeYQSzFsH0TQk84f3U9Xbf6oUAZJ5-DXb9RotmluYXe11ht-2_w2wVTetBeFjguHQVf3tbC6bENILXpjfHANzAoUN9A4HwWSB3VftWf6zKf9O70ZFB/s1600/Spindles+and+Top+Frame+trimmed+out.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667474468884541042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrAxPgXo3Qsc8VZ-paSCXz6naQ_AeYQSzFsH0TQk84f3U9Xbf6oUAZJ5-DXb9RotmluYXe11ht-2_w2wVTetBeFjguHQVf3tbC6bENILXpjfHANzAoUN9A4HwWSB3VftWf6zKf9O70ZFB/s200/Spindles+and+Top+Frame+trimmed+out.jpg" /></a><br />Because I was going for a "porch" look bed, I used turned spindles on three sides of the bed. I then placed a "hand-rail" along the top of the spindles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpAZbnvRym6_ixd0eA8x1Ds6fixURhaLwIBfj-eHH4J8MvTI2sh7C3TsjAE8xoU90tk5WIKEhSZo15mWycw1Fm1L_tqKeaF1hYBtWrbMVY0GwZfDMyV4AWFLDLKS0hUSOc6DtUS9L5tNC/s1600/Tin+Ceiling+Top+of+The+Bed.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667474469025027842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpAZbnvRym6_ixd0eA8x1Ds6fixURhaLwIBfj-eHH4J8MvTI2sh7C3TsjAE8xoU90tk5WIKEhSZo15mWycw1Fm1L_tqKeaF1hYBtWrbMVY0GwZfDMyV4AWFLDLKS0hUSOc6DtUS9L5tNC/s200/Tin+Ceiling+Top+of+The+Bed.jpg" /></a><br />For the ceiling of the bed, I used 2 pieces of left-over corrugated tin, framed in with 1"x4"s.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IAfeq2PTzqLGfZ6oX4m9pHVY5We2QV-WJvNLK7t2d44X7ZdHUdssb6TBsUENtfYmTVeYmBiJnC90v_eabIMGpSfCWLXsk491OfynQPw7EGqDFdqExNL0wF2HKs8L_dQP-ftn_ug8FdSf/s1600/Plywood+Base+in+place.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667504926672958530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IAfeq2PTzqLGfZ6oX4m9pHVY5We2QV-WJvNLK7t2d44X7ZdHUdssb6TBsUENtfYmTVeYmBiJnC90v_eabIMGpSfCWLXsk491OfynQPw7EGqDFdqExNL0wF2HKs8L_dQP-ftn_ug8FdSf/s200/Plywood+Base+in+place.jpg" /></a><br />I cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to fit for the top mattress.<br /></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt15ubxTHOitD-Cv8_9X88MNLFo1PE8msxQgeOMnudLgQjsHDiSccjFiONru6ZR7uqdmL8JZ68nG1YY3GYBxhI5Ynec6TMD8tmMkTWNamt2yJsVHAp6zUmv4n-UQwL3hI6G0MZF4TqIu2B/s1600/Trundle+Stored.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667474478287434530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt15ubxTHOitD-Cv8_9X88MNLFo1PE8msxQgeOMnudLgQjsHDiSccjFiONru6ZR7uqdmL8JZ68nG1YY3GYBxhI5Ynec6TMD8tmMkTWNamt2yJsVHAp6zUmv4n-UQwL3hI6G0MZF4TqIu2B/s200/Trundle+Stored.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I had to purchase the "trundle" unit. That was the most expensive part of the whole project. This unit was $75.00. The unit raises up to the same heighth as the stationary twin mattress. This makes a full King-sized bed, when needed.<br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n1Dfrz9hvYBkMsPR8wPrWP7ILL_ABZDEm50N-Guyp3vYov3VAj7jKobR8eygRJj1EIUdD8wHSQGa0mcJ_ir_kE3t_LJdeMN304DDfARHDMNm-596h9tddusDwO5bjlc_t4UDUOjo8tL_/s1600/Trundle+Bed+11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667474485821940866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n1Dfrz9hvYBkMsPR8wPrWP7ILL_ABZDEm50N-Guyp3vYov3VAj7jKobR8eygRJj1EIUdD8wHSQGa0mcJ_ir_kE3t_LJdeMN304DDfARHDMNm-596h9tddusDwO5bjlc_t4UDUOjo8tL_/s200/Trundle+Bed+11.jpg" /></a></p>I added some small details to the front posts: iron scroll brackets, and wood-burned Texas stars.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCphiouFw4e0ki6AkxLnFSklUQKNHv770c8n30ZXw9_roY5XMoFLeLcGeahRuCMen9Y832uVpJUl4m4TmXMhts5sAXhe54blBGOu0GbEy4zsJXZ4tkbuBAn0wvjiDd8ppUqY-TTQs2n4xn/s1600/Trundle+Bed+14.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667476218410303202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCphiouFw4e0ki6AkxLnFSklUQKNHv770c8n30ZXw9_roY5XMoFLeLcGeahRuCMen9Y832uVpJUl4m4TmXMhts5sAXhe54blBGOu0GbEy4zsJXZ4tkbuBAn0wvjiDd8ppUqY-TTQs2n4xn/s200/Trundle+Bed+14.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw3jCdEkK-MAEeoJWSDhq79u6I9tkpMmqdSaFFkPbC8UNH-vudkxSMQtHXTe73YQW3Fz-iY3DIadcWY12iqglSfnfoxJd6_oAp2751ZEhXOo31J-O5JZrmf3YjM7weqXXVrrExzkN_6E4/s1600/Trundle+Bed+13.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667476207068016290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw3jCdEkK-MAEeoJWSDhq79u6I9tkpMmqdSaFFkPbC8UNH-vudkxSMQtHXTe73YQW3Fz-iY3DIadcWY12iqglSfnfoxJd6_oAp2751ZEhXOo31J-O5JZrmf3YjM7weqXXVrrExzkN_6E4/s200/Trundle+Bed+13.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I think the bed turned out perfect! All-in-all, I spent less than $200 for the whole project. But, I had access to the mattresses, and lots of scrap material. I have plenty of storage on top of the bed. And, it could have been easily finished out for a bunk, on top. I think I achieved my desired goal of the "Front Porch" feel. The bed is king-sized, when needed; and, twin-size seating area most of the time...No wasted space. I am using one of my Great-Grandmother's quilts for the bedding. I Love It!<br /><br />Till next time...Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-85301126609517775362011-10-13T10:51:00.000-07:002011-10-13T18:05:46.721-07:00My Crafty Side: Family Recipes as Kitchen Decor<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQ0vaFRbptHRTAqiXBC7mcGTFjpOvm7ZFiR-vbLGT2UuABGv8BjScPOoJNi-1SvEkPWjXwRCjbJcFiQvnwqEZpyBsKNTO0XzmIgFYjr5SJCMKRelFoZc9Voz7VcpaHBkVq1VqD3XNNsun/s1600/Family+Recipe+Frame.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 188px; HEIGHT: 121px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663099333084090370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQ0vaFRbptHRTAqiXBC7mcGTFjpOvm7ZFiR-vbLGT2UuABGv8BjScPOoJNi-1SvEkPWjXwRCjbJcFiQvnwqEZpyBsKNTO0XzmIgFYjr5SJCMKRelFoZc9Voz7VcpaHBkVq1VqD3XNNsun/s200/Family+Recipe+Frame.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As I said in my "About Me" section, of this blog, I am passionate about a few things: Family, History, Crafting. This project blends all of these into one fantastic creation.<br /><br />After Christmas, this past year, I wanted to do something with the plate-shelf that ran all around the top of the kitchen cabinets. Over the years, I had displayed plants, knick-knacks and dishes on the shelf. I really wanted to do something totally different. I've looked at the trendy decor: Roosters, Tuscan, Contemporary. While, I love many of the looks of those styles, it wasn't what I was looking for...<br /><br />So, I came up with something that would blend Family, History and cooking!<br /><br />I asked each of our family members what the one thing was that they remembered Mom, or Grandmas, cooking? I printed those recipes on scrapbooking cardstock, along with a picture of the cook, and their complete names (including maiden). I cut each card down by a couple of inches, all around the edges. Then, I used a special punch to create a cut-out design, at the top and bottom of the recipe card. Next, I mounted the cream colored recipe card onto a textured red cardstock, that just happened to match the wall color, perfectly! I bought 8" x 10" unpainted wooden frames from the local Dollar Tree store, and wooden embellishments from Hobby Lobby. I spray painted all the wooden parts, an off-white/cream color. Then glued the wooden embellishments to the frames.</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG3LcWCSznOTSX3NPAElooODhu7TOnIoIGKn8DtKCiuH9fsI1i_YtXQ0Ow_5X5vFdKZnIrgIvnkdy_yi_MHyMl8IA9BeHisyURG7SdD_hCqLnF0yawrv8ywwFW3gf42QfH0drkxPJQ1HS/s1600/Grandma+Little+Cajun+Rice+Dressing.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663136387132532530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG3LcWCSznOTSX3NPAElooODhu7TOnIoIGKn8DtKCiuH9fsI1i_YtXQ0Ow_5X5vFdKZnIrgIvnkdy_yi_MHyMl8IA9BeHisyURG7SdD_hCqLnF0yawrv8ywwFW3gf42QfH0drkxPJQ1HS/s200/Grandma+Little+Cajun+Rice+Dressing.jpg" /></a></p><br /><div align="center">I then displayed the recipes along the plate shelf with some family china, a small metal wall sculpture that was painted cream, a store-bought "Family" sign and a few other red/cream what-nots that I found at Hobby Lobby.</div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1pxAZIb5FdhUSrZBcoBAUrBJ7Orgt8cnscYsN15w4Rlc_-Kcl5zlXppIS1-BCGZmvak8zyLO8D3YE3tsGB-uIEa95fTJzMD8Dr1IdE3-54FxV8BZ05e5-iKnA_yq_gtQiDL8azHj_Ihk/s1600/Family+Recipe+Kitchen+Shelf+Overview.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 288px; HEIGHT: 56px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663099333747359362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1pxAZIb5FdhUSrZBcoBAUrBJ7Orgt8cnscYsN15w4Rlc_-Kcl5zlXppIS1-BCGZmvak8zyLO8D3YE3tsGB-uIEa95fTJzMD8Dr1IdE3-54FxV8BZ05e5-iKnA_yq_gtQiDL8azHj_Ihk/s200/Family+Recipe+Kitchen+Shelf+Overview.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="center">I have a double window in the kitchen. I made a valance out of scrap styrofoam sheets; covering it with red toile and dark red fabric. I used window sheers, along with a lacy tablecloth fabric, to make the curtains. Red/White China was placed above the valance.</div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIhZH6HrE2tjTGaIBVt5pJO3lEI99PSt8wrl0AZdnGKtkVnrnDKyVIu43X09EVDjk7bV-azkzpOGMUNMJsBnu8hy2dWrn14YvtORDrEMvxonvv11rYaGuFx6ovkKmwXReE_BloX7wziSs/s1600/Kitchen+Toile+Valance+and+Thrift+Store+Dishes.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663099345642834002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIhZH6HrE2tjTGaIBVt5pJO3lEI99PSt8wrl0AZdnGKtkVnrnDKyVIu43X09EVDjk7bV-azkzpOGMUNMJsBnu8hy2dWrn14YvtORDrEMvxonvv11rYaGuFx6ovkKmwXReE_BloX7wziSs/s200/Kitchen+Toile+Valance+and+Thrift+Store+Dishes.jpg" /></a></p><br /><div>I <em>love </em>the very personal look to my kitchen decor. And, I like that some of our family's most loved recipes are on display, not stuck in a box or a book. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Till next time...</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-20936109287766724082011-10-08T10:13:00.000-07:002011-10-25T09:22:13.305-07:00The Barn: Craftroom<div align="center">The Barn: Craft Room- Honoring our Past; Creating in the Present; and Preserving for the Future</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTClP4x39GDGey5F-1veZ9SV4bpqx7sX01eqEVX-Bnj-IAhuLHN9KG9Gcd0LO0vKHwqsLzmBvgIegUn1tqQ9POe_Q4o0u6E4IUVa1cReH8dRvQbhvt9DZ8VLxN-NY3QchejtlFoK4ErC_/s1600/Completed+Crafting+Space.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661172723048641970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTClP4x39GDGey5F-1veZ9SV4bpqx7sX01eqEVX-Bnj-IAhuLHN9KG9Gcd0LO0vKHwqsLzmBvgIegUn1tqQ9POe_Q4o0u6E4IUVa1cReH8dRvQbhvt9DZ8VLxN-NY3QchejtlFoK4ErC_/s320/Completed+Crafting+Space.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPql8yhuH-3S9vHSCDCAI7Np65t8A-x655ZxKhNxqZIBP2KvFT68uEMywF6bFq_unfx4q2xqxbUpQwFD0jJonvvJruzNHyhdFDuyiJRRjoP0qLbcVjX5jYd-fHb0UQg4Q9S10A35kimni/s1600/Trundle+Bed+Complete.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 197px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661172722735756850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPql8yhuH-3S9vHSCDCAI7Np65t8A-x655ZxKhNxqZIBP2KvFT68uEMywF6bFq_unfx4q2xqxbUpQwFD0jJonvvJruzNHyhdFDuyiJRRjoP0qLbcVjX5jYd-fHb0UQg4Q9S10A35kimni/s320/Trundle+Bed+Complete.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I have always dreamed of having a place to do my crafts. If the project is D-I-Y, I'm in! I guess it's in my blood. My mother, and hers, were both ultimate crafters. Actually, my Grandmother was a seamstress for Neiman-Marcus, back in the day. My mother was also a seamstress, quilter, dollmaker. My sister is a certified "Floral Designer". And I just like to create!<br /><br />For so many years any, and all, creativeness was done in a spare bedroom, or on the kitchen table. The door to the bedroom could be shut; the kitchen table cleared....This all changed when we built the new Barn. A brand spanking new space dedicated to creating! YAY!<br /><br />The following pictures don't even do our space justice...but, it's a glimpse inside our perfect craft room, and some of the projects that have already been done:<br /><br />The Beginning: the room is 10' x 15' with 10' tall walls. The walls are 1" x 4" pine, and the ceiling is corrugated tin. At one end of the room the "working space" was installed.<br /><br />Now, I want you to keep something in mind as you read this...I did these shelves all by myself. I planned, measured, cut and screwed every single one of these <em>BY MYSELF</em>. That top shelf was a 2' x 10' x 1" solid piece of board. I had to climb the ladder and wedge that board into place, before screwing it into the supports. I did this twice...even though I measured everything accurately, the wall gave me fits. I would get the board up the ladder, and it wouldn't wedge into place. At one time, I really thought I was going to stand on that ladder until someone missed me, and came looking for me! These shelves were a real challenge; that I did manage to conquer. Will I do this again (by myself)...absolutely not! (Edited to add: Never say Never! Read the blog post on the "The Barn: Kitchen")</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqVkVGHC2D_j6G3v7ABSaMWuWqDls_Xkp-xnCNJinxybHMPT6_iiW01ikYoFkxlvluXg-Hjnu_6SgUHXfhUFDtV-BirAv5sFiO5JxT7n0C06JjvhOaqlAP-mkaJECfHf3v8IO9z_gWG7S/s1600/Craft+Room+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 292px; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661172723672802690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqVkVGHC2D_j6G3v7ABSaMWuWqDls_Xkp-xnCNJinxybHMPT6_iiW01ikYoFkxlvluXg-Hjnu_6SgUHXfhUFDtV-BirAv5sFiO5JxT7n0C06JjvhOaqlAP-mkaJECfHf3v8IO9z_gWG7S/s320/Craft+Room+1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjFxZvFN1mGRpFBZxj-9T646SlWNOB_ztZGNQ5KyI-toySM6IL3t0G6On-2408VJrbd8w97BfQ66l6HI2CQ8w_6MBz5N7jxAmKJQZgwBPVi5MgXD3ZgWezbMS52IyIpDZReFz2X3bPD9M/s1600/Craft+Room+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 305px; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661172726471025666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjFxZvFN1mGRpFBZxj-9T646SlWNOB_ztZGNQ5KyI-toySM6IL3t0G6On-2408VJrbd8w97BfQ66l6HI2CQ8w_6MBz5N7jxAmKJQZgwBPVi5MgXD3ZgWezbMS52IyIpDZReFz2X3bPD9M/s320/Craft+Room+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Everything is starting to take shape! BUT, those blue plastic totes just did not fit in with the whole rustic/Victorian theme...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fwQWbtiZn5RS-FsCexCMX0WBy8HjLKSsrZDrDc29B5hVUU28t4bYlj9GgkAFuYEXvF2f1k31ZWILAA61gcMGv_vfqS8ZzrOGvayYKBrb1snQxVCrOFFAPKLTbFdFNRpMWkpC7ND909jt/s1600/craft+room+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661174291712244834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fwQWbtiZn5RS-FsCexCMX0WBy8HjLKSsrZDrDc29B5hVUU28t4bYlj9GgkAFuYEXvF2f1k31ZWILAA61gcMGv_vfqS8ZzrOGvayYKBrb1snQxVCrOFFAPKLTbFdFNRpMWkpC7ND909jt/s320/craft+room+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The farmhouse table is the first table my husband, and I, ever bought. It was a perfect choice for the new craftroom. The top is small white tiles, and the trim is natural wood to match the walls. I bought "shoe-box" plastic organizers at the dollar store, and labeled them to hold all of our craft supplies.<br /><br />Wooden "Bushel Baskets" took the places of the blue plastic totes. As well as, providing the perfect space for some of my grandmother's crocheted doilies; they also store fabrics and plenty of silk flowers for future projects.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QvHxzhpDoUGcojd4ebWm2vPZb4wDLgLJ3fp977NyC2DBoGRpvLm1_PoCroDoIINliEjsXnMEPHQy_wsjaAK8jq_baDWZWE_ZpUTHM5oB7CwWxNKYT46uKpxa_c3mVhRLofUAC3-_ZJIM/s1600/Bushel+Basket+Storage.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 191px; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663405838132430802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QvHxzhpDoUGcojd4ebWm2vPZb4wDLgLJ3fp977NyC2DBoGRpvLm1_PoCroDoIINliEjsXnMEPHQy_wsjaAK8jq_baDWZWE_ZpUTHM5oB7CwWxNKYT46uKpxa_c3mVhRLofUAC3-_ZJIM/s200/Bushel+Basket+Storage.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ59qx5iQd8WFUnA8ijIwUDIaxyfAwlbnEitzZcfNQKHM6Eag-3ieh8w5Eax1F2aBHZNHaPoExudDYdjM3o22-9W9_nBOCNCF8WXQlbTPnoBOfmAXr2MC8bbyQGNiuNLMQoCV0JvCHsMRr/s1600/Basketful+of+Doilies.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 178px; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662663625348248706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ59qx5iQd8WFUnA8ijIwUDIaxyfAwlbnEitzZcfNQKHM6Eag-3ieh8w5Eax1F2aBHZNHaPoExudDYdjM3o22-9W9_nBOCNCF8WXQlbTPnoBOfmAXr2MC8bbyQGNiuNLMQoCV0JvCHsMRr/s200/Basketful+of+Doilies.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Craft Room: Ribbon Caddy:</strong> <em>Over the years</em>, my sister and I have managed to collect quite a lot of ribbon. <em>Over the years</em>, we have managed to have that ribbon scattered <em>everywhere</em>...from plastic shopping bags to an obscure place in the closet...you name it, we've got ribbon. We really needed a place to keep all that ribbon! Here is one of the first "projects" I created for the new craftroom: A Ribbon Caddy!! I internet-researched a lot of ribbon caddies...nothing even came close to being big enough. We had a 2' x 2' space on the left-hand side of the farmhouse table to accomodate my ribbon caddy. I then proceeded to build the perfect place for all our ribbon:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRJzlQriHowwOuSwP6smfSNxXCY26-_YsdXoV_FldXz7IH6wGd7f3JLWsHnpuQ4weDyXIo32J8_FBrkORmLYjBxk2Jj4q85r6ZCycz0pAQ4a-IxHQyJ-EIbtiwhZaosAH4kvSdVTHnul7/s1600/My+first+Craft+Room+Project+++Custom+Designed+Ribbon+Cage.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661177042954441362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRJzlQriHowwOuSwP6smfSNxXCY26-_YsdXoV_FldXz7IH6wGd7f3JLWsHnpuQ4weDyXIo32J8_FBrkORmLYjBxk2Jj4q85r6ZCycz0pAQ4a-IxHQyJ-EIbtiwhZaosAH4kvSdVTHnul7/s320/My+first+Craft+Room+Project+++Custom+Designed+Ribbon+Cage.jpg" /></a><br />I will include a more details on the ribbon caddy in another post.<br /><br /><strong>Craft Room: Gift-Wrapping Station:</strong> On the other side of the farmhouse table, I wanted something to house all of our gift wrapping supplies.<br />I will put a more detailed tutorial on the re-purposed Gift Wrapping Cabinet in another post.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QHMJwhlhc9YdvUs4JtsN6McIb52mwZVphlO0XdLGF5vP0iLFTCvKIY_jP7i0f5az84MO7_RheouXD_H1T3ZYdv4jw9FP5tW_IMuVNdJZhViyt-B1nwJpfgSHKgyVxKi9ioZtlj7sONvK/s1600/Gift+Wrap+Cabinet+Inside+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667450135871594674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QHMJwhlhc9YdvUs4JtsN6McIb52mwZVphlO0XdLGF5vP0iLFTCvKIY_jP7i0f5az84MO7_RheouXD_H1T3ZYdv4jw9FP5tW_IMuVNdJZhViyt-B1nwJpfgSHKgyVxKi9ioZtlj7sONvK/s320/Gift+Wrap+Cabinet+Inside+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Craft Room: Drop-Cloth Curtains:</strong> We wanted some way to close off the "working end" of the room. While this is a space dedicated to crafting, I do have grandchildren and an occasional overnight guest that spend time in the room. I wanted to be able to hide all our "mess", if needed. And, I was also a little concerned about little fingers playing with the sewing machine, or exacto knife, or... The solution was to make curtains to close off the room. I used painter's drop-cloth, battenburg lace valances, and aluminum conduit for the rod. I will provide a more detailed explanation of the curtains in another post. But here is the "working end" of the room, hidden behind the curtains:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMG3jJ6e8fKG7VwUTURPmEwBant7XIVVXcz2FJgfEU22xApv48j_aU0UYAMfVBuEcwx_Td1tCoZaGeOTMXZ1nz_1CQ3-x3IOPmzu8J9RaDoxYkaWnO_htXckdObsTdrA0zz4UrSOn6Nqk/s1600/Drop+Cloth+Curtains+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667450143182566194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMG3jJ6e8fKG7VwUTURPmEwBant7XIVVXcz2FJgfEU22xApv48j_aU0UYAMfVBuEcwx_Td1tCoZaGeOTMXZ1nz_1CQ3-x3IOPmzu8J9RaDoxYkaWnO_htXckdObsTdrA0zz4UrSOn6Nqk/s320/Drop+Cloth+Curtains+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I didn't realize this post was going to be so long, or have so many pictures! I think I'm going to break this up. But, I'll include here the many "things" that make this room so special. As I mentioned, I'm not the only crafter of the family...it's a generational hobby. Over the years, as we've lost our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and several Great-Aunts, we have accumulated many of their sewing, quilting, crocheting, and decorative items. What better spot to pay homage to these special ladies, than to place their possessions in our craft room...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPngsgpBOI79BJzCgeznMPKp-xub1R-N61o6UYL3klS8MWShgr7YRjjw9TKobjQUbWh1McuCaAAQKvSHq7veKzbTmatiSa-saC6dHG9HV4Jjz3sttNPng9hzcm2oyEb20vjdGiufm8uDP1/s1600/Craft+Room+Close+Up+Aunt+Allie%2527s+Sewing+Machine.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 216px; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661174301983675570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPngsgpBOI79BJzCgeznMPKp-xub1R-N61o6UYL3klS8MWShgr7YRjjw9TKobjQUbWh1McuCaAAQKvSHq7veKzbTmatiSa-saC6dHG9HV4Jjz3sttNPng9hzcm2oyEb20vjdGiufm8uDP1/s320/Craft+Room+Close+Up+Aunt+Allie%2527s+Sewing+Machine.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L1bNq0A461arNxQkxDZB6E2ay2kP9ciOV253TqbwrJFGfUbQSysC8NHuEm7T-SehF4Kefb-ROQjrAnWNUprU_DdM7OW2N6LGNibJJsD-2idf2nGJM5_rYg1NXRmOYOnMPVMl5JQBeMLj/s1600/Craft+Room+Close+Up+of+the+Original+Documents+from+Aunt+Allies+Sewing+Machine+purchased+in+1928++also+a+VERY+old+Needle+Book.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 187px; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662663619964469090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L1bNq0A461arNxQkxDZB6E2ay2kP9ciOV253TqbwrJFGfUbQSysC8NHuEm7T-SehF4Kefb-ROQjrAnWNUprU_DdM7OW2N6LGNibJJsD-2idf2nGJM5_rYg1NXRmOYOnMPVMl5JQBeMLj/s200/Craft+Room+Close+Up+of+the+Original+Documents+from+Aunt+Allies+Sewing+Machine+purchased+in+1928++also+a+VERY+old+Needle+Book.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgOrfl9rh8VBarke8FEnQ0-bU0DXWiNyBHmG_iDYIZNuHjbEmSdRIrDLod3XaNlkb4KjCAB0BbMoVVwU-gfSoU_H9HOu7ixkuQetJJYtf93-UPX5OUaH7j5tTlLF2CxblASw6xGz1x26H/s1600/Craft+Room+38.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 166px; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661174303236388194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgOrfl9rh8VBarke8FEnQ0-bU0DXWiNyBHmG_iDYIZNuHjbEmSdRIrDLod3XaNlkb4KjCAB0BbMoVVwU-gfSoU_H9HOu7ixkuQetJJYtf93-UPX5OUaH7j5tTlLF2CxblASw6xGz1x26H/s320/Craft+Room+38.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lcQ4M6c6uFiQy3tG3wBT3n_iFwaQ6fsuZoZHilVRJir-zol1hwFCVfdrEuxDS6Pd76ERN_Vg-GR1OU7gRl8S2HHjgXio4aXrV4dJaqUXMBYEkLbp-heQtxmBuVPKOlMEFLZSxa7WZr5j/s1600/Craft+Room+Great+Aunt%2527s+Sewing+Machine+and+Rocking+chair+with+Grandmas+Lamp+and+my+crocheted+tablecloth.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 265px; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661175692499560690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lcQ4M6c6uFiQy3tG3wBT3n_iFwaQ6fsuZoZHilVRJir-zol1hwFCVfdrEuxDS6Pd76ERN_Vg-GR1OU7gRl8S2HHjgXio4aXrV4dJaqUXMBYEkLbp-heQtxmBuVPKOlMEFLZSxa7WZr5j/s320/Craft+Room+Great+Aunt%2527s+Sewing+Machine+and+Rocking+chair+with+Grandmas+Lamp+and+my+crocheted+tablecloth.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQ1QioKs3Cfk1SY1aYV9FMdjvP5eoG1iBIUD6xH7ERKxBVj9BRD1h-6JLyMLQ0lYckizJtobVfzPMsLOO9adVv1so_40YnGeCAnAjpI5WnXN1VcsDpDOV5K4BmXVxG8EoyQWRKiVyFID4/s1600/Craft+Room+Shelf+with+one+of+Grandma%2527s+Doilies.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 313px; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661175702436629618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQ1QioKs3Cfk1SY1aYV9FMdjvP5eoG1iBIUD6xH7ERKxBVj9BRD1h-6JLyMLQ0lYckizJtobVfzPMsLOO9adVv1so_40YnGeCAnAjpI5WnXN1VcsDpDOV5K4BmXVxG8EoyQWRKiVyFID4/s320/Craft+Room+Shelf+with+one+of+Grandma%2527s+Doilies.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4pgpcgTiyRX8kHcCD0NimsSWyLUGjgv1yOmOayLRN-umzMPoOZlNp63s4b5R0oEQlEp1CHyV_m4BoFlXXhw-HU1y1hPB06ecSM_IS8szclii86wByL4O2SzC5ro6xeGy7oWEP1WyFZS-/s1600/Moms+Pitcher+and+Bowl+Set.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661177043954661874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4pgpcgTiyRX8kHcCD0NimsSWyLUGjgv1yOmOayLRN-umzMPoOZlNp63s4b5R0oEQlEp1CHyV_m4BoFlXXhw-HU1y1hPB06ecSM_IS8szclii86wByL4O2SzC5ro6xeGy7oWEP1WyFZS-/s320/Moms+Pitcher+and+Bowl+Set.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGYzwcYsZixMI4ARY4Nk-0CrxmpBW-eSALGQ61OZE9ga001d2EnWu9rbdobbbf6zL5868L5thPwvxANoxga-HaJLG1ukKq0pY6wjD8cKmrprz3ew012Gbn7pR9UfyWuYGK30mOXepexJv/s1600/Vintage+Paper+Dolls+from+my+Aunts.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 277px; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661179274385384434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGYzwcYsZixMI4ARY4Nk-0CrxmpBW-eSALGQ61OZE9ga001d2EnWu9rbdobbbf6zL5868L5thPwvxANoxga-HaJLG1ukKq0pY6wjD8cKmrprz3ew012Gbn7pR9UfyWuYGK30mOXepexJv/s320/Vintage+Paper+Dolls+from+my+Aunts.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Next Post: The Barn: Craft Room - Trundle Bed Project.<br /><br />Till next time...<br /></p>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-84983586078222828852011-10-05T10:06:00.000-07:002011-10-08T10:12:00.018-07:00The Barn<p align="center"><strong>The Barn: The Beginning</strong></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX8pNrdCAXOgzUZ2JllPGX8fpx2y0hAHnwt4Gk95FPKM8mrNAvVEiAiPt0YqcALgr4Xq9EEVgtwADrSJ7AsgQ5JpRNfgg5nUM7YGBPpWBLsp3n7skDXdowrAFztZi6aODQfcaJtb-WOxL/s1600/40x60Barn+Final+Plan.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661169275534718914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX8pNrdCAXOgzUZ2JllPGX8fpx2y0hAHnwt4Gk95FPKM8mrNAvVEiAiPt0YqcALgr4Xq9EEVgtwADrSJ7AsgQ5JpRNfgg5nUM7YGBPpWBLsp3n7skDXdowrAFztZi6aODQfcaJtb-WOxL/s320/40x60Barn+Final+Plan.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />I wasn't really sure how to present our big family project...Sometimes the best way to start something is to jump right in!<br /><br /><br />In September 2008, Southeast Texas was hit hard by Hurricane Ike. We live almost 100 miles north of Houston. So, we didn't suffer near the damage that a lot of our Southeast Texas neighbors did. Our Barn took the biggest hit.<br /><br /><br />We decided to build a new "bigger/better" version. Plans were drawn, and contractors called. In our new barn, everyone had their favored spot. My sister, and I, wanted a dedicated Craftroom, My brother, and sis-in-law, wanted their own room to stay in when they visited. We all wanted a common Game room/Gathering place, and a huge porch. And we also wanted a bunk-house for any weekend guests. We needed dedicated "Barn" space for the tractor, 4-wheelers, lawnmowers, tools, etc. I used a very inexpensive software program to draw the plan, at the top of the page. It really helped in being able to plan out the spaces.<br /><br />We came up with a plan: 40' x 60' metal pole barn, with a 20' x 40' covered porch. We would use half of the barn for "barn" space, and the other half for all of the rooms we wanted. Work began on the new building in October, 2008. We had the shell of the barn built. And, finished the inside rooms ourselves. The rooms would be as follows: 20'x 30' Gameroom; 10' x 15' Craftroom; 10' x 15" Bunkhouse; 10' x 17' Brother's Weekend Hide away; 10' x 6' Bathroom; 10' x ~7' Tool Room. The other half of the building would house the true barn.<br /><br /><br />We were going for a very casual, rustic, grown-up "Playhouse". After all, it's "just a barn"! :)<br /><br />In the next few posts, I will describe all of the rooms, with pictures, in detail. Throughout our rooms, we used 1" x 4" pine, for the walls. The absolute lowest grade of boards we could find. We wanted all the knot holes and bark-edged boards to add to the rustic nature of the space, and give it a log cabin ambience. All of the rooms had ceilings made from corrugated tin. The walls are 10' tall throughout the building/barn. This really opened up the spaces.Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-24723256060980567952011-09-29T17:26:00.001-07:002011-10-10T10:25:53.619-07:00My Crafty Side: Victorian Dress Ironing Board Cover<div align="center"><br />PRETTY <em>and</em> FUNCTIONAL</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p>The inspiration: I found this perfect gown at the following website: Frocksofages.com The name of the dress: "Peach Victorian Bustle Ball Gown with Pearl Flowers". This dress was voted "2009 USA Best Ball Gown in the World" - 2nd Place Winner. It was the perfect gown for the Craft Room: Victorian and Peach.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcqQqqI7R_ekakmwvATaQYYXW8uj4OoY6imRzeGNeALfMYFaNBtvnf_hGD2MYxr7QWaLELvOSXY1XBgAIY0YTsFFmu-F2kX5b1k1mIv2Br2kxkzcNrQOedViZJY5nXXfQh73jYqHTcq0E/s1600/Peach+Victorian+Ball+Gown.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 191px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661908092965128066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcqQqqI7R_ekakmwvATaQYYXW8uj4OoY6imRzeGNeALfMYFaNBtvnf_hGD2MYxr7QWaLELvOSXY1XBgAIY0YTsFFmu-F2kX5b1k1mIv2Br2kxkzcNrQOedViZJY5nXXfQh73jYqHTcq0E/s320/Peach+Victorian+Ball+Gown.jpg" /></a><br /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>My version: Keep in mind this was for an Ironing Board "Cover"...not a dress. And, it was made from a Thrift Store dress and hat...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl0DUDTvDzdzlj8mkXzHTZDyajset0j37Efed1-Y0eNXd7g81GFRQlVzrgu2YABUcDO1zM03edIb4yTHRTehUsYkjHAsF7jkG-OFJQC7J187900Qym6TQ21lkahle1l95gGcA5yBLU7Jp/s1600/Finished+Dress+View+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657945953982385586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl0DUDTvDzdzlj8mkXzHTZDyajset0j37Efed1-Y0eNXd7g81GFRQlVzrgu2YABUcDO1zM03edIb4yTHRTehUsYkjHAsF7jkG-OFJQC7J187900Qym6TQ21lkahle1l95gGcA5yBLU7Jp/s320/Finished+Dress+View+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I don't like the look of an ironing board standing in the corner. In the craft room, I wanted something creative to hide the board. Let's face it, we're talking about a "craft" room...So, this is the place to be crafty! To fit in with the decor of the room, I wanted something Victorian-esque with a peach color scheme.</p><br /><p>I used a 1" x 4" board, cut slightly larger than the base of the legs. I drilled 4 holes in the board: 2 for the hook to hang on the wall, and 2 for hooks inside the "bag" to accomodate the leg of the board.</p><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">I covered the board with a natural cotton muslin fabric. I then measured the length of the ironing board, and cut a piece of the muslin fabric, as well as a satiny liner fabric. I sewed the 2 pieces of fabric together, trimmed my corners and turned inside-out. I then hot-glued it to the edges of the board. Thus, creating a 3-sided "bag" to cover the ironing board.<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa266FEZK8Usm092oYH1zZHPRe2dx5jiyGZm9pp49n6tTPU2Kidat_aW3W7FeZ2Yhl-jBKb5H70nf6ebKjs-ZrCV7t5l-WIuFdDdgBZp38fk3FqIaJQLP4NJZgruLOCTsjHnCoGjqfqZ-/s1600/Craft+Room+The+begining+of+my+ironing+board+cover.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657944147448150674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa266FEZK8Usm092oYH1zZHPRe2dx5jiyGZm9pp49n6tTPU2Kidat_aW3W7FeZ2Yhl-jBKb5H70nf6ebKjs-ZrCV7t5l-WIuFdDdgBZp38fk3FqIaJQLP4NJZgruLOCTsjHnCoGjqfqZ-/s320/Craft+Room+The+begining+of+my+ironing+board+cover.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Uhb8w3S6BnKorim0jyumQgwMsedqjmshxPp2Da4aB8OhZhVLv_xu8AVLSqbGAq9q4Og-9xSGWibTxdyu_JBghZvd2UDqYVFYaC5xV8Ijxou5WwsD9bLm_VYKhijOi8mzAEQHjpfnhy2P/s1600/Craft+Room+Ironing+Board+Cover.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657944141134898258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Uhb8w3S6BnKorim0jyumQgwMsedqjmshxPp2Da4aB8OhZhVLv_xu8AVLSqbGAq9q4Og-9xSGWibTxdyu_JBghZvd2UDqYVFYaC5xV8Ijxou5WwsD9bLm_VYKhijOi8mzAEQHjpfnhy2P/s320/Craft+Room+Ironing+Board+Cover.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGCnzBQMy_ryu64azh8f3xChyZdr-_aja_psQUtCcxsbrF88p4WxxrbGlj907HYRiIFAi2tkHwrlRpCbIb36VxLJCH_oczVJyNnS4-fODlDoaUmpEjUoQB7sfhExtBfKLY-fOBua1P4Qq/s1600/Craft+Room+Ironing+Board+Cover+Details.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657944149426231250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGCnzBQMy_ryu64azh8f3xChyZdr-_aja_psQUtCcxsbrF88p4WxxrbGlj907HYRiIFAi2tkHwrlRpCbIb36VxLJCH_oczVJyNnS4-fODlDoaUmpEjUoQB7sfhExtBfKLY-fOBua1P4Qq/s320/Craft+Room+Ironing+Board+Cover+Details.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now to creating the dress...I went to the local Goodwill store, and found the perfect dress, AND a hat! I bought them both for less than $10. The dress was originally some sort of party dress, with long sleeves that were puffed at the top, and tapered to fit at the wrist. The dress was knee-length, with 3 rows of ruffles at the bottom.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I had some 3" sheer, off-white lace, in my stash. Perfect! I also had some small seed pearls that have pieces of flexible wire attached. I think they use these in floral creations. I don't know why I had them...</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">I used large T-head pins to attach the dress to the top of the board, pinning it to the bag, I had previously made. Then, I created a wide waist band for the dress, and just slipped it over the skirt. I tucked a small pleat along the middle of the dress, and waist band. It was held in place with just a couple of whip-stitches. I then tucked seed pearls along the pleat, to look like small pearl buttons. Next, I brought the middle of the ruffled skirt to just below the waist band. I was going for a "bustled" look. I tucked pieces of the 3" lace in between the ruffles, to add some fullness, and detail. Finally, I made small armbands trimmed with lace. I was able to "poof" the sleeves through the bands, for an old-timey looking sleeve. The bottom of the "bag" serves as the skirt.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">I then glued lace to the hat. And, finally, I created a small sheer-ribbon bow, with coordinating tiny silk flowers that was pinned to the hat.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Voila! A faux Victorian dress that hides my ironing board. I love this project! I'm very happy with the results.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDrNng0_LYrYF7Y-WkrQEX72AhPu6685o_aEcA9pr40P1F2mUv3cA4tFo6DuCtv-d7KLYA4kE7yF4cGScdw79XF9xd7drs_nQoYSi4aXv9s-8PMFFKzbAnkA3Qpau-CmgQJ9rIVg7Kni6/s1600/Finished+Dress+View+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657944152234633874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDrNng0_LYrYF7Y-WkrQEX72AhPu6685o_aEcA9pr40P1F2mUv3cA4tFo6DuCtv-d7KLYA4kE7yF4cGScdw79XF9xd7drs_nQoYSi4aXv9s-8PMFFKzbAnkA3Qpau-CmgQJ9rIVg7Kni6/s320/Finished+Dress+View+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM43XfmghcTYUnuXG9Q59_eHb6CmJdVI4RiHcr3u_lhSS8h5Sb-0uRgyynm9fWP8be-vp1t0khWlRV9E7MfiEEKIOHziKlC1m84OF1QSLt1slEwKjzUoi8dmQ9MtRQKbGBOd9aOUfvsAl/s1600/Waistband+and+Pearl+buttons+detail.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657945958253669250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM43XfmghcTYUnuXG9Q59_eHb6CmJdVI4RiHcr3u_lhSS8h5Sb-0uRgyynm9fWP8be-vp1t0khWlRV9E7MfiEEKIOHziKlC1m84OF1QSLt1slEwKjzUoi8dmQ9MtRQKbGBOd9aOUfvsAl/s320/Waistband+and+Pearl+buttons+detail.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qysdAlyFNtdKTmotfPl546Y4CxQCme8XiFFn98LUdEZIBSwSw40defVK0EAdw4RxlUSVLWLcjruqNEal6g_x_J8tlArfiP-KM6LJGIcmydnpHToPOaIixULHttf7TI4tiJMF5C76i4de/s1600/Sleeve+Detail.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657944153797648658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qysdAlyFNtdKTmotfPl546Y4CxQCme8XiFFn98LUdEZIBSwSw40defVK0EAdw4RxlUSVLWLcjruqNEal6g_x_J8tlArfiP-KM6LJGIcmydnpHToPOaIixULHttf7TI4tiJMF5C76i4de/s320/Sleeve+Detail.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtwSOyFDy37Pbo5A3rBs0R7fo8l09JolrKMGqlY2ufDTGi1jZbyxuWdXBr09abOL2-U-hULPMXrV5ynswHGM0D_MlEFWiZItwbqqK1u-Z7qkyUjeO9groXCxvuMvpSwp99s4zY0pYdLKG/s1600/Victorian+Hat+-+Before.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657945949309115122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtwSOyFDy37Pbo5A3rBs0R7fo8l09JolrKMGqlY2ufDTGi1jZbyxuWdXBr09abOL2-U-hULPMXrV5ynswHGM0D_MlEFWiZItwbqqK1u-Z7qkyUjeO9groXCxvuMvpSwp99s4zY0pYdLKG/s320/Victorian+Hat+-+Before.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdKKKevltE0STldDv8nZV74vEarAYff5CDdoCkppwXG_pEMS2438waHDeBUQkvdlytYvkCFhsrB1oz3pPlnherKHsd1h5x86egvrnStzgeppxf0PBCm1tsb08vyW-GqFc0EiBexf9iF-r/s1600/Victorian+Hat+-+After.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657945949884211250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdKKKevltE0STldDv8nZV74vEarAYff5CDdoCkppwXG_pEMS2438waHDeBUQkvdlytYvkCFhsrB1oz3pPlnherKHsd1h5x86egvrnStzgeppxf0PBCm1tsb08vyW-GqFc0EiBexf9iF-r/s320/Victorian+Hat+-+After.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe5xsoYHegznJfvR7wYbdX8dZAGfWcXZfQr4t-l6naWs1bsi4deK2OU1lEKacTOF9TXVaJ7QCbJVXMtg-8f_FpYZvBNcDEETVUp_5TJx83KkBxAhCbI62q3As2NaxS5GgNQwqytthcVru/s1600/Victorian+Lamp+and+Hat.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657945961515967714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe5xsoYHegznJfvR7wYbdX8dZAGfWcXZfQr4t-l6naWs1bsi4deK2OU1lEKacTOF9TXVaJ7QCbJVXMtg-8f_FpYZvBNcDEETVUp_5TJx83KkBxAhCbI62q3As2NaxS5GgNQwqytthcVru/s320/Victorian+Lamp+and+Hat.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl0DUDTvDzdzlj8mkXzHTZDyajset0j37Efed1-Y0eNXd7g81GFRQlVzrgu2YABUcDO1zM03edIb4yTHRTehUsYkjHAsF7jkG-OFJQC7J187900Qym6TQ21lkahle1l95gGcA5yBLU7Jp/s1600/Finished+Dress+View+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657945953982385586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl0DUDTvDzdzlj8mkXzHTZDyajset0j37Efed1-Y0eNXd7g81GFRQlVzrgu2YABUcDO1zM03edIb4yTHRTehUsYkjHAsF7jkG-OFJQC7J187900Qym6TQ21lkahle1l95gGcA5yBLU7Jp/s320/Finished+Dress+View+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Till Next Time... </div></div></div></div>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-55785330519576976152011-09-27T22:47:00.000-07:002011-09-28T22:07:58.770-07:00My Crafty Side: Diaper Cakes and Baby ThingsGood Morning! I thought I'd post the few diaper cakes I've made. I love, love, love doing these for family and friends! The type of cake that I make is called "boutique". I like the simple look of the swirled diapers. And, it is much easier, and quicker, than rolling each diaper. I also opt for a more traditional type decor, than functional. This is simply a personal preference. I like the more elegant, simple look of the cake. Here is a brief tutorial, followed by pics of my creations:<br /><br />I use 1 Box (96) of Pampers Swaddlers size 1 diapers. I like a very plain, white, cake to work with. Most disposable diapers have designs of different types on them. The Pampers have a very pastel border around the waistband, that is hidden in the center of the layers. There is also a small, faint, yellow line running through the diaper. It is so small and pale, that I haven't had any trouble with it detracting from my overall designs.<br /><br />Your cake will need a base to sit on. I use "foamboard", from my local Hobby store. It comes in 3'x2' sheets. It cuts easily, and can be stapled, glued, or taped.<br /><br />In order to make a circle of diapers, you have to have something to hold them, while getting the spacing correct. I use an empty 12-pack soda box. Simply cut the sides, lengthwise. You will only need 2 of the 4 pieces of cardboard.<br /><br /><em>Helpful Hint: Although, I haven't done it on my previous cakes, I would highly suggest cutting the sides of the box, almost in half lengthwise, again. Here is the reason: The sides of the box, as originally cut, are almost the same height as the diapers. You will be packing the diapers in very tightly, and will need to tie them with some type of ribbon, or my preference clear fishing line, after you have placed all the diapers. If the cardboard circle is as tall as the diapers, you really have to work at getting that ribbon/fishing line inside the box and around the diapers. MUCH easier to have about half of the diaper exposed!</em><br /><br />Staple one end of the boxes together. Then determine how big you want your bottom layer of diapers to be. Staple the other ends of the box, after this determination has been made. Now, you've got a cardboard circle.<br /><br />Place this cardboard circle on the foamboard that will be used for your base. Determine how big you want the base to be in relation to the cardboard circle. Cut using an exacto or razor knife. As you can see from my cakes, I have used both circle and square bases. I have also completely covered the bases, or pleated around the edge of the base with ribbon. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless!<br /><br />Now that you have your base completed, put your cardboard circle on the base. Place your diapers in the circle, with the waistband toward the center. After you've filled the circle with diapers, work on spacing each one around the outside edge in a consistent lap. When you've got the perfect "swirl", tie a ribbon (or clear fishing line) tightly around the outside edge. Now simply cut away the carboard circle. But, save it!! You will be using it for the next layer.<br /><br />For the top layer simply make a smaller circle with the cardboard. Place it on top of the first layer, to make sure and get the correct size. You will want approximately a 2" smaller diameter circle from the bottom layer. Staple the box, and place your diapers. This top layer is a little more difficult to work with, simply because of the smaller space. But, it's just a matter of getting the outside edge to look consistent with the first layer. Tie the diapers, again, with ribbon or fishing line. And cut away the box...that's it, you're done!<br /><br />Now for the fun part...decorating! You will need a topper large enough to cover the center core of the top layer. For my safari-themed cake, I simply cut a small circle from my foam board and covered with the same material as the base. For my pastel blue and pink cakes, I used tulle, underneath the topper. To top off the cakes, use your imagination. I have used the small picture frame (with the new baby's initials), or a left-over shower invitation (Pastel Blue Boy's cake), and also a spruced up Christmas ornament (Pastel Pink Girl's cake).<br /><br />At the bottom of the page is a hot pink/zebra square diaper cake. This is not one of my fave's; but, the mom-to-be was using that color scheme for everything, and doesn't really care for "traditional" themes. So, I had to be a little creative, and think outside the box. She loved the cake! And, that's all that matters!<br /><br />I have also included pictures of the baby sock rose bouquet that I did for a centerpiece. This was for the same shower as the Pastel Blue Boy's cake. I honestly can't remember the exact instructions for making the baby sock roses. But, I got the information from the internet.<br /><br />And here are the pictures:<br /><br /><strong>Safari Themed Diaper Cake: </strong>This is my most current creation, made just a couple of weeks ago.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYo0QJXC1zDgqRfuuCfK0K4PPOQ_IG42Hprk4nOad7lpKAeMpACOdMDKSzyL6wfSw9su87jDWHFgt7FgZPzUJ8keML53KATTgzo9qxQILPz33XWHO90Y_YC64z8TLestNzV9t-s70mioy/s1600/Safari+Diaper+Cake+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657291735105629746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYo0QJXC1zDgqRfuuCfK0K4PPOQ_IG42Hprk4nOad7lpKAeMpACOdMDKSzyL6wfSw9su87jDWHFgt7FgZPzUJ8keML53KATTgzo9qxQILPz33XWHO90Y_YC64z8TLestNzV9t-s70mioy/s320/Safari+Diaper+Cake+5.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PKAmHhf4RSqkHvteO3c8rxsWvq_OO8wdTpNKU580ujVlnimy8bNUrwGsHhWfsAgETa1f3KZgBLl7LbZh7eYRjTy4Ff7sxfwdNlGAGkYtRpli3H_1pzS57aECqlCkjmT0GpxQ6npTU6U3/s1600/Safari+Diaper+Cake+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657291737706714306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PKAmHhf4RSqkHvteO3c8rxsWvq_OO8wdTpNKU580ujVlnimy8bNUrwGsHhWfsAgETa1f3KZgBLl7LbZh7eYRjTy4Ff7sxfwdNlGAGkYtRpli3H_1pzS57aECqlCkjmT0GpxQ6npTU6U3/s320/Safari+Diaper+Cake+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_nl-8GYENbOFVxwOYT39h3636EnFIpjPYchr3o3pK2woPHYqTdsZYw8qVsp5vTlTwEOFcciLYB-dJZGF6oJMoEaCsM4qsrCNTvB-V816hKKwqja5GKZS3uw3AZFY5xd2RwdGldu4-kwA/s1600/Safari+Diaper+Cake+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 295px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657291731879643778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_nl-8GYENbOFVxwOYT39h3636EnFIpjPYchr3o3pK2woPHYqTdsZYw8qVsp5vTlTwEOFcciLYB-dJZGF6oJMoEaCsM4qsrCNTvB-V816hKKwqja5GKZS3uw3AZFY5xd2RwdGldu4-kwA/s320/Safari+Diaper+Cake+3.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGBhALsSdMIpxEs2InuA3dNGxLzrBjcKS95rkM9QsOtiIjLUDASA3Kn8igvYMa334rxNXsHyImMk96iZhZ-frXQxe79OXa0-ImC0si2UNEGtKfTTOc1_kZnRBFwWLcvxTn7rdQ6scLoyX/s1600/Safari+Diaper+Cake+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657291732603637410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGBhALsSdMIpxEs2InuA3dNGxLzrBjcKS95rkM9QsOtiIjLUDASA3Kn8igvYMa334rxNXsHyImMk96iZhZ-frXQxe79OXa0-ImC0si2UNEGtKfTTOc1_kZnRBFwWLcvxTn7rdQ6scLoyX/s320/Safari+Diaper+Cake+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><strong>Pastel Blue Boy's Cake: </strong>This is the very first cake I ever made. I think it turned out so pretty! And the baby sock rose bouquet really complimented the cake.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Zznk_qhYgsO5C5J0IGR9YLWNnn-3ZL2XC_45FyatJmJczd-yfec9_Ffp5uXVbTyrR1MpfmIkgRIE9O58tnYIuzcU3H-pONIG-TYuhrT1Y7R6Mz2aSjECAdOUViNFy45MvxMFvN8L1iaG/s1600/Baby+Boy+Diaper+Cake+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657289872990660978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Zznk_qhYgsO5C5J0IGR9YLWNnn-3ZL2XC_45FyatJmJczd-yfec9_Ffp5uXVbTyrR1MpfmIkgRIE9O58tnYIuzcU3H-pONIG-TYuhrT1Y7R6Mz2aSjECAdOUViNFy45MvxMFvN8L1iaG/s320/Baby+Boy+Diaper+Cake+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4_PbZCQ15AxcR9AtUiKDSXqz3G_p-6d-dbzb8XMtdtZxiotQvzN8dxPpGDw0NphUUJmcHFNpSVqhJ246TwZw6Fterjwi2V2WJbuuWG-o1DBe8LOlTVNpmZobcbKhR-42LjSnhRYQCCi4/s1600/Baby+Boy+Sock+Wreath+Overview.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657289875311001394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4_PbZCQ15AxcR9AtUiKDSXqz3G_p-6d-dbzb8XMtdtZxiotQvzN8dxPpGDw0NphUUJmcHFNpSVqhJ246TwZw6Fterjwi2V2WJbuuWG-o1DBe8LOlTVNpmZobcbKhR-42LjSnhRYQCCi4/s320/Baby+Boy+Sock+Wreath+Overview.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZyRwTzhRoOSnRJBn6E5ggfxZAN4-6nG-ppeiUztOkJ0uBULL8otvT3FWPpZkLgLSCDpltTg6Fzg3MkXwkDATPlx-uFgDJeIP5C3PXPDjz-40xYiyyxQKAV-lOCpQ3s4LqmTqF9jeYknN/s1600/Baby+Boy+Sock+Wreath+Close-Up.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657289877539239170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZyRwTzhRoOSnRJBn6E5ggfxZAN4-6nG-ppeiUztOkJ0uBULL8otvT3FWPpZkLgLSCDpltTg6Fzg3MkXwkDATPlx-uFgDJeIP5C3PXPDjz-40xYiyyxQKAV-lOCpQ3s4LqmTqF9jeYknN/s320/Baby+Boy+Sock+Wreath+Close-Up.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Baby Girl Pastel Pink Diaper Cake:<br /><br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsB3geDVUz3B_er0t6MJhBECAF1n1dNradB3Vj_rVJKOLdQ4lKy-Z9z9Kc41EqB5JrqGoE8EEMoROjkSxouVCSBqyytjTs3ovanfKu7Y26bGPXnrwYTexTFkLmRYWCe_SDj4kFFipVf26/s1600/Baby+Girl+Diaper+Cake+-+Soft+Pink+and+White.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657289872771331026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsB3geDVUz3B_er0t6MJhBECAF1n1dNradB3Vj_rVJKOLdQ4lKy-Z9z9Kc41EqB5JrqGoE8EEMoROjkSxouVCSBqyytjTs3ovanfKu7Y26bGPXnrwYTexTFkLmRYWCe_SDj4kFFipVf26/s320/Baby+Girl+Diaper+Cake+-+Soft+Pink+and+White.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Hot Pink & Zebra Diaper Cake:</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7bWI2o_lfjYKGf1Hsz8QFF4A6DjJWK2h30Bi0_1d5G_pFhx9vE60lJqGu5E7TUjPKex3aQP3bb_h2JymAIvvU1_xmBKHKueEGNkBcEdqz4mweq9y9ug3iFCQYX3nP_vVLpbsinLFwLpt/s1600/Zebra+Diaper+Cake.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657441799278665858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7bWI2o_lfjYKGf1Hsz8QFF4A6DjJWK2h30Bi0_1d5G_pFhx9vE60lJqGu5E7TUjPKex3aQP3bb_h2JymAIvvU1_xmBKHKueEGNkBcEdqz4mweq9y9ug3iFCQYX3nP_vVLpbsinLFwLpt/s320/Zebra+Diaper+Cake.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>I really wish I had taken more pictures of the first diaper cakes. Live and Learn! I hope you enjoyed seeing my cakes. I am really wanting to do a little cowboy diaper cake. I wish I knew some soon-to-be Mommy, having a little boy! Till next time...</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6151107968327074961.post-86853608723021225362011-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:002011-09-28T21:55:41.128-07:00My Crafty Side: Texas Flags<div><br /><div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Texas My Texas</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><br /><br /><div>After gathering all the pictures of the different Texas Flags, I've made, it hit me that I might be a little obsessed with the whole idea. Geeze, I didn't realize how many things I've done, with the whole flag theme. Now, I am not going to say I'll never make another Texas Flag project...but, seriously, get a new gig lady!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Here they are, in all their glory:<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I wanted to do something rustic and Texas for our family playhouse a.k.a. "The Barn". We had quite a bit of unused 1" x 4" boards left from doing the walls. I don't like to throw things away...I can always find a use for them. So, I came up with this idea to create a Texas flag for our gameroom.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657256030269717954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXu7F0VVcwWMQSAAv-0-bMzafFnyMoKfBvu1xXtQzY0Uznmg56o-QXLO9aqnzf9IM2LNIb9LJ2NmimCKGmL7rGQ410erx6DnBdYM0APlAjAVTt2uFg-iFr2tphit6IaICU1CKazkbU8Qb/s320/Texas+Flag+1.jpg" /><br />I have since made 3 flags, and have been asked to create several more for friends. The last one I donated to our local VFD auction, and it surprisingly brought in over $200! I am thrilled that someone would actually pay money for my flag, and that it raised some much-needed funds for our small Volunteer Fire Dept.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Here are the step-by-step pictures of the auction flag:</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9c8bFtxG7wk9TwsSiPGEC797BQVUatbb37Ok6dwmmXC-RGTBJu764mqgb7DgV7bhJCAYmbN9YH6HwiqCwdhuJcVn4jHTUplX78V2nE5xQwggEwAfEIVBZj9cUkHEEbZckuGGRlMyo-bv/s1600/Texas+Flag+2+step+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657258007136774610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9c8bFtxG7wk9TwsSiPGEC797BQVUatbb37Ok6dwmmXC-RGTBJu764mqgb7DgV7bhJCAYmbN9YH6HwiqCwdhuJcVn4jHTUplX78V2nE5xQwggEwAfEIVBZj9cUkHEEbZckuGGRlMyo-bv/s320/Texas+Flag+2+step+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEETFbmZiXZaNnnQ1cJC1vU_u8eVRkg9q7guRNG6xRVcYbGQ7tZFqo9WXuDijLcXqMS37-J8atx7QnFigU9WKCVrt981WuL9oupcbyIvKkj86DHRldurSRUMnSu2qJ0oRYGaRoBxkTAEq5/s1600/Texas+Flag+2+step+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 317px; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657258010203012306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEETFbmZiXZaNnnQ1cJC1vU_u8eVRkg9q7guRNG6xRVcYbGQ7tZFqo9WXuDijLcXqMS37-J8atx7QnFigU9WKCVrt981WuL9oupcbyIvKkj86DHRldurSRUMnSu2qJ0oRYGaRoBxkTAEq5/s320/Texas+Flag+2+step+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSSpEYlyLcipkV-6JJ1M0_VQV6tpzFTJuuYXbm9sL0xdddhfxjtP8Ibf3OPTklHMEXFtFPR4SUytYobRkVTePglZR5yQYaFIG9FeIU8eWT91Ndh8lWgVY9W-Ji2cz8hyphenhyphenBuA1Jy1StDxKf/s1600/Texas+Flag+2+View+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657258013846279634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSSpEYlyLcipkV-6JJ1M0_VQV6tpzFTJuuYXbm9sL0xdddhfxjtP8Ibf3OPTklHMEXFtFPR4SUytYobRkVTePglZR5yQYaFIG9FeIU8eWT91Ndh8lWgVY9W-Ji2cz8hyphenhyphenBuA1Jy1StDxKf/s320/Texas+Flag+2+View+2.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Here's a little rug I crocheted for the Bunkhouse in the Barn. I bought 2 yds each of bargain fabric, in red, off white, and blue. Then I tore the fabric into 1" wide strips. I tied the strips together, end-to-end, and created a ball of fabric "thread" similar to a ball of yarn. I used a very large crochet hook, and started making rectangles. I honestly did this all by look, and feel...so no specific instructions. This picture doesn't look very square...but it is, I promise! :)</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657264814799485810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWrWI6iXEfhH-6xwx8eXchWAtjrTjCZnMc0Qc4vVsvOTrnyqxr8zMBlSMQ2SZ7lKPzo8DS46Odi2yEB59qcEiMp2fklOP5JsOBCNpsiQuMidiU63QnMh6anpJyZhUnThqn0RRGJKkhJHF/s320/Texas+Flag+Crocheted+Rag+Rug.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Also for the bunkhouse, I created a rustic tin flag, out of some left-over material we had from the ceilings in our barn:</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657267295263989522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntjq-wY59s89Xj5-jHPITJ5qs1ExzrPDA0QTeMdkL2dWJwS8furAuDcWvBDZBFt9f_OK5vrvZ09hSTrN9P1SpZkitlKNCR6VxEKnHGmM62sefFS9dFrwa3_fvyI6onJbsQFhpzqv18OA1/s320/Rustic+Metal+Texas+Flag.jpg" />And lastly, I created a Texas Sized shower curtain for our rustic bathroom. The ceiling in the room is 10' tall. The shower is 6' wide. I cut out the star from the top section, and then stitch-witched the white material to the back of the opening. I then frayed the edges of the blue fabric opening, and also the edges of the two bottom panels (red and white). I used very cheap rope from the local hardware store for the tie-backs. For curtain rods, I have begun using 1/2" metal conduit from the hardware store. It is extremely sturdy (no sagging from heavy material), comes in 10' lengths and can be cut easily with a metal saw blade. It is also very cheap. I needed 3 rods for this bathroom project: 1 for the top blue panel, 1 for the 2 bottom panels, and 1 for the clear shower curtain inside the 2 bottom panels. In order to make the the clear shower liner, I bought clear plastic tablecloth material from walmart. The plastic was 42" wide, so I used 2 panels 72" long. I then used small metal curtain rings that clipped to the top of the plastic panels. The small rings simply slide onto the metal conduit curtain rod.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhvq-d-qz5fCD0cXO-0g2nQy-bqhqoBRuup9lS8P-9TXtbj8qK6zaVdRFhsdZg4KoWcoCCZVvB1a5KxpO6lUvbxanIvPddpRzBnIDY5HCqNeDHlZXF6muY6gBEtbQI2ZEZ3QGMWLEPbOC/s1600/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+1.jpg"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kwEhka-lDFecqkc1rbo1GMQIMNdfY2Pl7Z2Wsx5Ekctbh-Gwn8oC4lIsLxZQmeRdsa5SxpWp_PU2n0x_llX9C1759Wes_bDmNX-Lu9WN3RN_jdl6bAg-steacwGhrcOiJevm7_zmFtl-/s1600/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657271804959009586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kwEhka-lDFecqkc1rbo1GMQIMNdfY2Pl7Z2Wsx5Ekctbh-Gwn8oC4lIsLxZQmeRdsa5SxpWp_PU2n0x_llX9C1759Wes_bDmNX-Lu9WN3RN_jdl6bAg-steacwGhrcOiJevm7_zmFtl-/s320/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+2.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhvq-d-qz5fCD0cXO-0g2nQy-bqhqoBRuup9lS8P-9TXtbj8qK6zaVdRFhsdZg4KoWcoCCZVvB1a5KxpO6lUvbxanIvPddpRzBnIDY5HCqNeDHlZXF6muY6gBEtbQI2ZEZ3QGMWLEPbOC/s1600/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 189px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657271798535739410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhvq-d-qz5fCD0cXO-0g2nQy-bqhqoBRuup9lS8P-9TXtbj8qK6zaVdRFhsdZg4KoWcoCCZVvB1a5KxpO6lUvbxanIvPddpRzBnIDY5HCqNeDHlZXF6muY6gBEtbQI2ZEZ3QGMWLEPbOC/s320/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhvq-d-qz5fCD0cXO-0g2nQy-bqhqoBRuup9lS8P-9TXtbj8qK6zaVdRFhsdZg4KoWcoCCZVvB1a5KxpO6lUvbxanIvPddpRzBnIDY5HCqNeDHlZXF6muY6gBEtbQI2ZEZ3QGMWLEPbOC/s1600/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+1.jpg"></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhvq-d-qz5fCD0cXO-0g2nQy-bqhqoBRuup9lS8P-9TXtbj8qK6zaVdRFhsdZg4KoWcoCCZVvB1a5KxpO6lUvbxanIvPddpRzBnIDY5HCqNeDHlZXF6muY6gBEtbQI2ZEZ3QGMWLEPbOC/s1600/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+1.jpg"></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhvq-d-qz5fCD0cXO-0g2nQy-bqhqoBRuup9lS8P-9TXtbj8qK6zaVdRFhsdZg4KoWcoCCZVvB1a5KxpO6lUvbxanIvPddpRzBnIDY5HCqNeDHlZXF6muY6gBEtbQI2ZEZ3QGMWLEPbOC/s1600/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+1.jpg"></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhvq-d-qz5fCD0cXO-0g2nQy-bqhqoBRuup9lS8P-9TXtbj8qK6zaVdRFhsdZg4KoWcoCCZVvB1a5KxpO6lUvbxanIvPddpRzBnIDY5HCqNeDHlZXF6muY6gBEtbQI2ZEZ3QGMWLEPbOC/s1600/Texas+Flag+Shower+Curtain+View+1.jpg"></a></div><br /><div>Okay, I think that's it for my Texas Flag creations! Well, until I can come up with something else...haha </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Till Next Time...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849474219868074689noreply@blogger.com0