Roses On a Headband

My daughter asked for a headband with small roses- not the big chunky (but cute) ones found at places like Anthroplogie.  Here is our version (and there are several versions out there in web land). 

I purchased a headband at Target (2 for $4).  I used some light weight, cream remnant fabric.  There isn't really a pattern.  I just cut a strip of fabric about four inches wide. 

Then I rolled up the material until it was about 1 inch wide- started at one end and rolled the fabric up like a cinnamon roll- and I took stitches on the bottom holding everything in place as I went.  When the rose was the size I wanted I cut off the extra material, folded the ends under and stitched them in place. To finish just hot glue the roses onto the headband....

2/26/10  Since those directions were as clear as mud I thought I'd add a picture. 

Sorry to add to this post again- but I found a place where you can buy a similar finished headband (if you don't want to make one)- here at love stitched.

Another way you can make these is to wad up your knee high nylons- hah!

Snow Day

To my children's delight we woke up to this view of our house this morning (a neighbor took the picture for us)- I guess I won't be out in the shop painting my bed this morning..... someday......

Helping Haiti

It makes my heart overflow to see all of the people around the world that have stepped up and reached out to help the people of Haiti.  I've chosen to help out in a very tiny way with this group that is doing  tremendous service.  If you have time, read story number six about an amazing woman, Liz Howell, whose husband was killed in the 9/11 attack on the pentagon.  She has dedicated her life to helping others.

This same organization is helping people around the world.  Visit this site and don't miss the video link on the right about providing wheelchairs to those that have been confined to their beds for years- please stay tuned until you hear the song sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (that is when the story really starts)- you'll need a tissue- and you'll have a feeling of gratitude for your families health for a LONG time. 

For Today's Nap

I think for today's nap I'll lounge about here-

I wish!  I found this inspirational website -Cabbage and Roses- through Chez Fifi.  It has a definite Cath Kidston feel- love it! 

I especially love the comfy but feminine clothes....

All the better to drool over- no shopping from this shop for me-these English gems are outrageously expensive....  does anyone know of a cheaper version????

On the Home Front

Mr. Wonderful, aka Farmer John, aka my sweet husband has been oh-so-very-busy.  He recently planted ten fruit trees, a strawberry patch, a raspberry patch and snap peas.  The chicken coop my son-in-law built has been painted barn red and is awaiting the chickens.  The little chicks have arrived (and are chirping away in their heated home in the playroom as I type)- I had no idea how noisy those adorable little fur balls are!-

We may end up with a full fledged farm :o)

New pillowcases for the new bed

While I wait for good weather so that I can finish painting my bed I've been working on new bedding- I was inspired by these pillowcases from Rosehip on etsy (which are a good deal once you consider the cost of designer fabric and cool colored crochet thread- not to mention the time involved).

You Go Girl has made a few of these adorable pillowcases as well- here is her version. The patterned fabric is from Free Spirit- designed by Jennifer Paganelli.

I adapted my baby blanket scallops for the brighter pink crocheted edge above. All of the ric rack really is vintage (a yard sale find).

The fabric for these pillowcases I found at WalMart- but the colors were too bright. I washed them with Rit color remover. Then I washed them with chlorine bleach- still too bright. So, I used an old Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic trick and turned the fabric inside out- now it has that vintage look that I like. I cheated a bit on the fancy pink crocheted lace pillowcase trim in the above picture- it is purchased crocheted lace from WalMart that I dyed pink with Rit petal pink dye.

We've lived in this house for about five years and I haven't really done anything in my bedroom- as I mentioned before I'm design schizophrenic. Seriously, I change my mind about the style I want things about every thirty seconds. So, I'll try out this bedding for a bit and then see what I'm in the mood for- right now it is a delightful burst of Spring and sunshine!

True Love

True love is….

• Getting up in the night to make sure that your kids are safe and tucked in their beds all warm and cozy

• Playing reading games with our son instead of watching TV

• Praying for our children

• Teaching a teenage son how to fix a car

• Telling his daughters how beautiful they are

• When coming home to a dirty house and a stack of dishes- jumping in and cleaning up without being asked and without a word of criticism or complaint

• Letting me know it is ok if I wake him up in the middle of the night because I can’t sleep and just need someone to talk to

• Making homemade bread and pancake breakfasts

• Taking the family camping and then when we get back home staying up late putting everything away and washing all the filthy camping clothes, blankets, etc.

• Holding my hand while I fall asleep at night

The list goes on and on and on-

To my perfectly wonderful hubby- thanks for being you- Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!

Crocheted Scarf Completed

Well, another project checked off of my to-do list!  Have you ever written something on your to-do list, after you've already completed it?- just so that you have something to cross off.... come on, admit it- you do it, too!

I made this scarf out of 100% wool (clearance at Hobby Lobby) and just for fun I added a little flowery thing and a button. The free pattern for this scarf can be found here at Hooks, Yarns, and Family.

Amazingly Delicious Chowder

We had this soup for dinner last night and it was a Super Yummy!  The recipe and the picture are from Southern Living- the recipe is here.

Bling: Pearl and Chiffon Necklace

My daughter wanted a pearl and fabric necklace.  Her husband and I strung the "pearls".  I added a little flower- just sewed it in place- see this post for flower making directions- isn't it cute?!.  (um, don't look at the top of the necklace where  I messed up on the knots and have a bit of exposed thread- it's not perfect- but I still think it's quite pretty)!

The chiffon fabric from this shop doesn't fray and it is only about $1.50 a yard and they ship FAST!!

Michaels Office Supplies

I found some fun office supplies in the dollar section at Michaels.  What  I LOVE are the oh-so-cool patterned packaging tapes.  I think I should just get busy and send care packages to everyone I know so that I can play with it.  The other stuff is pretty cute too!

Thrifted Candlesticks & a Distraction

Well, I learned that when you teach twelve little girls how to embroider you should have the needles pre-threaded and ready to go!!  My hands were shaking (I was diagnosed with essential tremor disorder last year- but I still think it is just a side effect to my other medications). Anyhow, it was taking me forever to thread each needle.  Luckily I had an eight year old that was proficient at cross stitch and needle threading. She ran around helping everyone.  Wow, was I grateful!!!  Other then that delay the embroidery project was a big hit.

I haven't finished my projects because I spent yesterday running around town with this little guy- my grandson and his parents are in town and it's wonderful!!  Way more fun then crafting.  Actually I still had time to craft I just wasn't in the mood...

Here is a quick shot of some thrifted candlesticks.  One was found at the Salvation Army (needing a paint job), one at a yard sale and one on Clearance at Hobby Lobby.  That is where I found the "Christmas" bead garland on sale for half off as well.

Projects in Progress-

I'm keeping pretty busy around here.  This little crocheted scarf is well underway.

My version of this bed is almost ready for some paint and antiquing glaze...  the free plans are here.

These little pears were on clearance at Hobby Lobby and are just awaiting a date with the spray paint- and some warm weather for outside painting.

Later today I'll try to teach twelve little girls how to embroider- What have you been up to?