A Cloche Inspired By Nature

A Summer Cloche

 filled with paper wasps nests, fern leaves

 and a pair of bird watching binoculars.

All things inspired by my husband,

who always inspires me.

(Buzz's Garden Journal)

I

 love being married 

to a 

Naturalist 

It's kinda like having a little boy...

You never know what he'll bring in the house next. 

(I always check his pockets on wash day)

":o)

Deconstructed Lampshade DIY

Does anyone else like this deconstructed look?

  Source: labrocanteuse.blogspot.com via Geneva on Pinterest

Even though I think it might be hard to live with on a daily basis, it really appeals to me.  Of course, that's probably because I'm always drawn to time worn things.  

At any rate, I decided to try to recreate this look on a lampshade that was in dire need of a makeover. Of course, if you don't like the deconstructed look you may think it's still in dire need of a makeover. ":o)

Let me show you what I did 

I cut scraps of linen into three inch squares

I glued the top of the squares onto my shade, leaving the bottom part loose.

(I used a white fabric glue)

Kinda like laying bricks... Staggering the layers

I raveled the edges, then sewed old buttons randomly onto the shade

Finally I wrapped & glued  thread around the top to finish it off... (I noticed there was a loose thread up top in this picture...don't worry, I fixed it). 

Deconstructed Lampshade!

I like the way it looks with my little decoy lamp.

Speaking of Lamps!

I'm helping my daughter re-do her apartment, and this was her exciting find when we were shopping at LulaB's Antique Mall last week.  It was a bargain at just $35.00.

I brought it home so her Dad could re-wire it for her.

Her taste is very Kitsch and Mid Century Modern.  I'm having a little bit of trouble wrapping my head around it, but I'm getting there.  She has more talent in her little finger than I'll ever have, so it's fun watching her and her new husband putting their home together.

I'm just honored that she asked me to help!

":o)

Deconstructed or Retro 

Which is your favorite?

Pinterest Inspires the Frugal Lifestyle

A couple of days ago my friend Pat, author of "Corn in My Coffee Pot" sent me a message that Frugal Hacks had featured my blog and  pinterest board in an article on their blog.  

I had never heard of Frugal Hacks so I was anxious to find out what it was all about.  As it turns out, it's a blog  that focuses on living contentedly within your means.  In fact, their philosophy kinda goes along with mine...

"True contentment is not having what you want, 

but wanting what you have" 

DL, one of several contributing writers for Frugal Hacks lives in a mobile home and mentioned our remodel in her article, however she expounded even more about the pins I've accumulated on my pinterest inspiration board "Repurposed" .... Then she went on to give examples of how she repurposes things in her lifestyle.

Her entire article inspired me to take another look at my inspirations.  If you'd like to see them for yourself...just click on the board below. 

My "Repurposed" board has some of my favorite pins!

Living a frugal lifestyle can be creative and fun! 

Baseball Flower

                                                                  Source: seasonsincarver.blogspot.com via Geneva on Pinterest

Washtub Lighting

                                                                Source: atelierjoya.blogspot.com via Geneva on Pinterest

Toolbox / Flowerbox

                                                             Source: confessionsofacurbshopaholic.com via Geneva on Pinterest

and

Lights made from old globes!

                                                          Source: rosebudscottage.typepad.com via Geneva on Pinterest

Well, you get the idea!

":o)
The concept of repurposing just flows through my veins...

My Mother  taught me all about being a good steward  and living the frugal lifestyle...she's the Queen of using what she has on hand.

Thank You Mom!

If you'd like to follow Repurposed or any of my Pinterest boards

just click on the little pink P on my sidebar.

I'd LOVE to see YOU there!

Stonecreek Settlement

This past weekend Buzz and I attended a wedding in the  Village of Salado, located in the Texas hill country between Temple and Austin.  It wasn't the first time we'd ever been there...in fact, we've traveled to Salado once or twice a year since the mid 1980's.  It's our favorite getaway spot and always inspires us.  

Today I wanted to share our favorite Bed & Breakfast location... Stonecreek Settlement.  Owner's Jill & Johnny Shipman have created a wonderful atmosphere for relaxing as well as special events.  We've just never seen anything quite like it.  They have seven cottages and a couple of extra rooms, one called "The Treehouse" as well as overflow destinations at their home across the street... 

I hope you'll enjoy just a few of the MANY photographs I took.

 We sat under this gazebo listening to the rain ... well into the night.  

It was so peaceful!

 a perfect spot for watching hummingbirds

the gardens just outside our cottage

we stayed in "The Fredericksburg" along with my brother and his wife

 Johnny is also a sculptor ... 

isn't this trumpeting angel beautiful!

 You'll have to go to their website and see the 

interiors of these wonderful cottages.

They didn't forget a thing!

  

everything is just perfect

they even remembered the birdies!

The wedding was just down the road at 

The Inn at Salado

It was the highlight of our weekend!

Congratulations

Dustin & Elizabeth

Scripture & a Snapshot - Psalm 119:90

When ordinary people 

grasp the faithfulness of God, 

they can do 

extraordinary things...

Hummingbird

I just happened to have my camera in hand when this little fella came by.  

Made me SO happy!

When Buzz and I were planning our new garden we wanted to make sure it would attract birds, butterflies, bees ... etc, etc, etc 

Happy, Happy, Joy,  Joy! 

Our planning has paid off!

(I love his little feet)  

":o)

Join the party!

A Rural Journey - Rural Thursday
2805 - Potpourri Friday

Soap Box = Gift Box

When I shop at TJ Maxx, one of my weaknesses is their soap ... like this Patchouli that just happened to be packaged in a nice little box.   Of course, I love the soap, but knew I could recycle the box as well.

This probably isn't what you would have chosen to do with it, but I thought it was a fun project.  Besides...since it's so HOT outside, this project had me thinking COOL.  As in ... it will be Autumn soon.  

 By the way... this soap is Fabulous!

I spray painted the box black ... inside & out

 Added graphics from "The Graphics Fairy" using Mod Podge

I hand cut around the silhouette of this creepy guy...

Twasn't Easy!

I put a coat of tinted decoupage glue over the entire box then dusted the lid lightly with glitter...The spark lees even made this creepy guy look good.

I also sanded around all the edges just to soften them up a little.  I thought about adding a little bit of tinsel around the lid, but it didn't look so good, so I opted out on that idea.

Wah Lah!  

A Gift Box

Does He Scare You?