Fall Days

I've been busy. Busy doing lots of this...

 and this. Son is coming home this week for Thanksgiving. So excited!

 Also this-I draw the pattern on fabric ...

 and start backstitching. I'll add some color after the stitching is done. This will be a Christmas ornament for other son. Teeny tiny stitches.

 I've also begun another project to use some of these pretty vintage tea towels. I'll show more as I progress. Some crochet is in order.

 I couldn't pass this up on Craig's list. I'll be doing some painting soon. It kinda matches the one I already have. These will be our night stands.

 I'll leave you with a pretty picture. The light was coming through the blinds. There is Bowie in his "spot"-he lays on the back top of the couch and looks out the window while he sunbathes. Notice the doggie picture and the little white Scottie. Even the wood carving on the wood furniture reminds me of a dog.

 Bowie says "Have a good week"!

By the way, our weather has been fantastic. Love the fall!
Leslie

Happy Fourth!

I added a few simple patriotic touches this year. This 48 star flag was an antique store find. I thought it looked good behind the red boots.

 Planted a few flags here.

 And just a single flag in the kitchen hutch.

 Here's a rerun of a vignette from the old house.

 Our front door at the old house decked out.

Last, I could not get this video turned so you'll have to turn your head. Next time I'll try to do a better job. Here's Bowie at the obstacle course at the  Dog Park. 

It's been so hot here, I thought I'd do some painting in the office and doing some organizing in there. I'm taking a little blog break and will be back around the second week in July. Have a Happy, Happy Fourth!

Home is Where You Hang Your Hat

We went to First Monday Trade Days in Canton a few weeks ago. I hadn't been in a few years, Some things had changed, but some were exactly the way I remember them. If you've never heard of it , it's a huge flea market that's been going on since the 1850's. It's over 100 acres. I bought a few little things, some which I'll share later. I found this cool piece of molding and these rusty hooks. 

I needed a little hat rack by our front door. Front door is to the left. The double door goes into the office. The carved piece above the door was from a garage sale headboard piece that I painted. I added the antique milkglass doorknobs and escutcheons when we moved here.

So I just put the hooks on the molding and made my own hatrack.

       

 We've been busy, doing outside projects. I stained our fence. I'm not sure what possessed me to do this, but it took alot longer then I thought it would. I felt like Tom Sawyer, but ended up doing it by myself. We added the birdhouse trio.

 Everything is blooming already. The photinia wall next to our pergola is beautiful covered in lacy white flowers.

 I have been planting our pots and annuals.

 I have sweet potato vine growing with the gerbera daisies. Hope they do well in our hot Texas summer..

 This was Bowie the other day. He's saying"Who me?"

" I haven't torn up any paper napkins, nope it wasn't me."

Just had to share. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Leslie

Fabric Transfer Pens and Random Things

I just checked out this new to me gel pen. You write directly on your fabric. I would use this with a light box to trace an embroidery pattern.

When you are done, you use a hot iron and voila! Here it is half done.

Here is the same view. It is completely gone! Like magic. This was just a test. I will try it on my next embroidery project. I love the sharp fine line it makes. I usually use the blue markers that you spray with water for the ink to disappear, but there's alot of dripping and rewetting. I think this might do the trick. 

 I found these at Target in the school/office supply section. A three pack for about $3.50. Much cheaper than the blue markers from the sewing store. Let me know if you've used this method before and how you liked it-as usual I'm late to the party.

 Having fun making some vintage Valentines.

 Our town just opened it's own Dog Park this weekend. The weather has been in the 70's. Amazing for January and perfect for a trip with Bowie.The best thing is, it's 5 minutes from our house.

 He made some new friends and had a great time. That's Cookie on the right.

I've been busy doing alot of random stuff especially outside since it's been so nice. We are supposed to get cold this week.  Need to get focused on a project! Hope your weather is calmed down and you have a great week.
Leslie

Evolution of a Table

This is the story of the evolution of one thrifted old sewing table. I took the antique sewing head out and have it displayed. First, I used it in my craftroom as-guess what? A sewing table.

 Next, it moved into the family room as an end table/all the tv junk table.

 Then I decided to paint it, and it moved to my bedroom.

 I tried to hide Bowie's crate under it, but the crate kept showing it's ugly old self.

Got a little creative, with some wood and lots of dowel rods and a little help from Hubby.

 So the crate has morphed into the reading table in my bedroom.

 There he is nestled in his cozy quilt and soft pillows.

 Added a cute knob and a little latch.

 There you have it. This is where His Majesty sleeps at night.

 "I like my new digs" says the interior design dog.

Wonder if the little table that could will change into something else? Not for awhile anyway. Lot's of new stuff in my Etsy shop. Will be adding more this week. Joining Tweak it Tuesday at Brenda's Cozy Little House.
Leslie

Happy Christmas!

We're almost ready. We took Bowie for his first trip to see Santa and he was like an old pro.The tree got decorated, although I haven't uploaded the pictures yet. It looks pretty.

 The baking is almost done. I have to make blueberry scones today. I will box up the cookies to give away next week.Shopping is done and presents are wrapped.

 We are having friends and family coming for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas day. I still have grocery shopping and housecleaning left. I am really excited for next week. Then I can relax and enjoy the Holiday.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas holiday and very Happy New Year. I'm taking a little break until after the new year so I'll see you in 2014!
Leslie

The Weather Outside is Frightful!

Here is the beginning of my Christmas decor. I started outside. We have a very small porch area. Mixing the plaids is so festive.

 I used an old shutter to hang a grapevine wreath and childrens ice skates.

 I put the tree in a Scotch cooler. I'm loving the plaids together.

 Here's a look at the front of the house. I put lights in all the garlands so at night they are really pretty.

When I took these pictures on Wednesday it was 80 degrees here. Today it is 27. It dropped over 50 degrees.No it's not snow, but ice covering the ground. Bowie has been slipping and sliding. Here he is in his new Christmas sweater-gotta keep warm!

 Everything is covered with it. It is really pretty on the trees, but dangerous. Everyone is snug at home today and in for the weekend.

 We'll be using this alot. Watching movies, making popcorn and getting the tree up.

I hope you are all safe and snug. More decorations to come next week.
Leslie