A week with a Two Year Old

Last weekend we celebrated hubby's bday and it was great to see all of the family.  I decided that the two year old was old enough to stay for a week at Grandma's by herself.  What I didn't take into account was that maybe Grandma was too old for a week with a two year old.  She is a joy, this little Addyson.

We picked wildflowers from the yard which are so beautiful this time of year.  On Wednesday, we went to Tiny Town, a small amusement park that includes tiny houses, a playground and picnic area and a train.  I took my 14 year old granddaughter, Skylar along for help and reinforcement.  We finished the day off with lunch and shopping.  I don't know about them, but I was pooped!

Our matching shirts were a hit except with Skylar, who did not think they were too cool.

I tried painting and crafting this week, but clean up was a real chore with a two year old.  We concentrated on gardening instead.  Something so calming about getting dirty.  And Addyson loved it.  We have potatoes, onions, radishes, cabbages, peas, and squash up in the garden as well as a couple of healthy tomato plants in pots.  The flowers are beautiful this time of year, here in the cool Rocky Mountains:

My old ice box holds a mixed bouquet on the front porch.

 Pansies grow well here in our cool weather.  I love their vibrant color.

 I bought this old washer at an auction for $15.  It doesn't work but holds two flower pots perfectly.

 Irises bloom at a different time of year here at altitude.

I love to repurpose items as containers.  This old tea kettle is too rusty to use inside, but makes a great pot for outdoors!

Little Addyson goes home tomorrow.  I will miss her so much.  BTW, tomorrow is also my 44th wedding anniversary.  So I had better check on Little Bit.  Have a great weekend, my friends!

Monday, Monday

Last week was a very active week for me.  I gardened, met my friend Dawn for lunch, did shopping, ran errands, and of course crafted!  Dawn met me on Tuesday for lunch and gifted me this great table runner!

I love how it looks on my old drop leaf table.  Thanks Dawn!

I also worked on some more of my spoon ornies,  I wanted to try some designs other than snowmen, so this is what I came up with.

These spoons (Dawn picked them up for me at Costco) are less ornate than some I have been using, but they bend more easily and the bowl is bigger.  I think they turned out really well.  If you are wanting to do these for yourself, here are a few pointers:
      Bend the spoon before painting.  My workbench has a wooden vise and it works perfectly for bending.
     Tape off the areas that you do not want to paint.  I use blue painters tape because it is easy to remove. 
     Paint with a spray on primer.  This helps the paint adhere.  After I finished, I put a top coat of clear and dusted with glitter.  Add a bow.....or not!

I also finished up a couple of centerpiece items that I had laying around.  The snowmen were cannabalized from some ornies that never sold. Add some snow tex and tada!

Well, back to cleaning out the guest room and laundry......where does it all come from?????

Another weekend flies away...............

It seems like this week, like all the others seems to be flying away.  I had some type of errand to run nearly every day, and when you live out in the boonies like I do, it takes a big chunk out of your day. 

On Friday, I did my normal grocery shopping, went to weight watchers (down 11#!), bank, etc.  I ran in to an old friend in Sprouts.  We worked together about 15 years ago.  What a pleasure to catch up and have a brewski with Cindy.

I am working on some garlands.  These are easy to make and are a great seller at my shows. 

Okay, okay, it has already been established that I am a poor photagrapher, but you get the idea. Wanna make your own?  These are easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.  This one is done on a strand of 20 miniature lights, like the ones you get at Christmas.  Starting in October, you can get these at the Dollar Tree for.....ta-da....$1.  You can get them at Hobby Lobby now, but not at that price.  I like the white strands for this, but you can use the regular green ones.  Cut your fabric, or tear it if you like.  These strips were about an inch by 11 inches.  You could cut them a bit shorter if you like.  Tearing the fabric gives it a bit of a prim look.  I use a rotory cutter and it makes it fast and easy.  Then simply tie it on to the light strand.  You don't have to double knot it.  Just tie and you are done! 

Now here are a couple of tips:
      1.  If you are going to sell these, opt for the 20 light strands.  The longer ones are too hard to display.  If a customer wants a longer one, suggest a special order.
     2.  Tie between two lights and count the number of piece that fit.  Multiply it out so you know how many strips you will need.  That keeps you from getting nearly finished and running out of fabric, or having hundreds of little strips left over. 
     3.  If you are making these as a gift, or for yourself, measure where you want these to go.  If it is on the mantle, or over a headboard, you may want a 35 light strand.   These are really cute on a tree as well.....garland plus lights....no brainer!
    4.  Get creative!  These do not have to be lighted!  You can also tie onto rope or heavy jute.  You can make them prim with different homespun colors.  Mix up fabrics to use up those scraps!  Tie on snowmen, bells, birdhouses, or whatever your little heart desires!

Gotta go, my peeps.  Time to get busy.