tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48422560570813195602024-03-12T22:15:52.691-05:00Gingham CherryCraft, tutorials, sewing, furniture revamps and so on.Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-16880755682158345492014-06-11T19:14:00.000-05:002016-01-14T20:25:25.989-06:00Hump Day Colour Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Mint green is a hot colour trend right now as you would have noticed. I like it well enough but don't have any inclination to decorate with it. Miss E, however, is full on in love with this pretty colour. She has gone back and forth between a love of green and pink over the years but is now over the last pink phase totally. So, we have been slowly de-pinkifying (that is a word) her room and adding in some mint green touches. That is the inspiration behind my hump day colour round up today. Let's enjoy some minty freshness (ha ha):<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xF6uTwydQ88/U5jnyrMdXMI/AAAAAAAAE5g/KERu-8Wz2ak/s1600/cross+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xF6uTwydQ88/U5jnyrMdXMI/AAAAAAAAE5g/KERu-8Wz2ak/s1600/cross+pillow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/128120883/peach-or-mint-on-white-plus-cross-throw" target="_blank">Pretty pillow</a> (I love that cross symbol).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xM6PTCGVcVY/U5jnyvNCUYI/AAAAAAAAE48/YSM2_wMes8A/s1600/earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xM6PTCGVcVY/U5jnyvNCUYI/AAAAAAAAE48/YSM2_wMes8A/s1600/earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/172876885/seafoam-mint-green-silver-earrings?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share" target="_blank">These</a> are so classic.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnzYIYpyfh8/U5jnyuqSfnI/AAAAAAAAE44/XD-Snd3k4Us/s1600/green+and+neutral+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnzYIYpyfh8/U5jnyuqSfnI/AAAAAAAAE44/XD-Snd3k4Us/s1600/green+and+neutral+bag.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/104494474/mint-green-colorblocked-with-gray-bottom?ref=af_circ_favitem&atr_uid=10625435" target="_blank">Gorgeous bag</a> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYIeWNkNqSQ/U5jnztK7bpI/AAAAAAAAE5c/G4c6jtlWwTE/s1600/mint+chair+-+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYIeWNkNqSQ/U5jnztK7bpI/AAAAAAAAE5c/G4c6jtlWwTE/s1600/mint+chair+-+dining+room.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Dining room with a green chair - beautiful wood tones here. (<a href="http://kinteriorsblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/a-touch-of-mint/" target="_blank">Via</a>) </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHnf7fkVIGU/U5jnznt2VDI/AAAAAAAAE5M/T6YPrK4KwWM/s1600/mint+green+grandfather+clock.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHnf7fkVIGU/U5jnznt2VDI/AAAAAAAAE5M/T6YPrK4KwWM/s1600/mint+green+grandfather+clock.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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Mint green <a href="http://www.crystelleboutique.com/home/grandfather-clock-painted-in-mint-green-and-uber-cottage-chic" target="_blank">grandfather clock</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OC2FkUfiO3w/U5jn0VrZWsI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/tW2tNaDaEoc/s1600/mint+green+metal+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OC2FkUfiO3w/U5jn0VrZWsI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/tW2tNaDaEoc/s1600/mint+green+metal+chairs.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/minty-fresh-chairs-172801" target="_blank">More lovely green chairs</a> in an equally lovely dining room.</div>
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(there is a pic collage - this is the last one but the others are good too)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61NtRFNxJMc/U5jn01_CVdI/AAAAAAAAE58/DF0wu3mkflo/s1600/mint+green+side+table.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61NtRFNxJMc/U5jn01_CVdI/AAAAAAAAE58/DF0wu3mkflo/s1600/mint+green+side+table.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.creamylife.com/interior-design/8018/2-by-fryd-magazine.html" target="_blank">This side table</a> might just change my mind about decorating with mint green - love it!</div>
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(you just need to scroll down a bit for this particular pic) </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbr4SzyF0dA/U5jn1Md_kxI/AAAAAAAAE5k/F1R3kDtkLbA/s1600/owl+planter.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbr4SzyF0dA/U5jn1Md_kxI/AAAAAAAAE5k/F1R3kDtkLbA/s1600/owl+planter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What's not to love about <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110333892/owl-planter-ceramic-mini-owl-desk?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=green+owl+planter&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">this little guy</a>? So adorable. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QlTzbcO7Ek/U5jn1SUW1PI/AAAAAAAAE5s/LTq_IIC11q4/s1600/unicorn+phone+case.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QlTzbcO7Ek/U5jn1SUW1PI/AAAAAAAAE5s/LTq_IIC11q4/s1600/unicorn+phone+case.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Ha ha, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188880423/mint-green-unicorn-iphone-case-always-be?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share" target="_blank">cute</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYWXj_QUfMU/U5jsH27kjeI/AAAAAAAAE6I/RBQejdpcROs/s1600/mint+green+house.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YYWXj_QUfMU/U5jsH27kjeI/AAAAAAAAE6I/RBQejdpcROs/s1600/mint+green+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/183858/Crisp-Architects-traditional-exterior-new-york" target="_blank">Swoon</a> (although I would prefer sky blue or grey - oh yes, grey would be lovely here).</div>
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<i><b>So, tell me, are you on the mint green wagon or not?</b></i></div>
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-89359725202436214732014-04-25T18:50:00.000-05:002014-04-25T18:50:07.995-05:00Favourite Finds Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeeoJlULO4g/U1rxHhWhO5I/AAAAAAAAE18/K0mfCwlgBTs/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeeoJlULO4g/U1rxHhWhO5I/AAAAAAAAE18/K0mfCwlgBTs/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Blossom tree in our backyard - this is from last year but it will look like this soon again...</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How has your week been? Good? Mine has been great because we are starting to see Spring all around us and that is a VERY GOOD THING up here in Minnesota after the never ending winter. Not sure where you all are but hope you are having great weather!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are some fun things I have come across lately and thought you might like them too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. I seriously need to know where to buy these little figures from. <a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/tiny-peoples-wonderful-world" target="_blank">Tiny People's Wonderful World.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. This <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/111459501/10-x-fabric-deco-tape-mix-colourful?ref=exp_listing" target="_blank">fabric tape</a> would be awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Not sure if these would even suit my place but I think <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/06/diy-honeycomb-shelves.html" target="_blank">these honeycomb shelves</a> are really beautiful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Such beautiful <a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/vassilis-tangoulis-white-silence" target="_blank">photography</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-visit-to-replacements-ltd-factory-tour-199047" target="_blank">This could be one of THE most fun places to visit</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. I am a total sucker for these <a href="http://www.freevintageposters.com/2013/11/to-new-york-hamburg-american-line.html" target="_blank">vintage travel posters</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7. Love <a href="http://allisonvesterfelt.com/use-your-gifts/" target="_blank">this article</a> about using your gifts and talents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8. This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmFmYLAveWM&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">video</a> is mesmerising.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope you all have a great weekend!</span><br />
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-72682740725787026222014-04-20T01:52:00.001-05:002016-01-05T07:35:58.320-06:00Happy Easter!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBhZx4ttjOY/U1NuI2Ej1cI/AAAAAAAAE1s/OiGxC9E-_qI/s1600/happy+easter+banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBhZx4ttjOY/U1NuI2Ej1cI/AAAAAAAAE1s/OiGxC9E-_qI/s1600/happy+easter+banner.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope you all have a lovely weekend!</span></div>
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-57531839041286827422014-03-13T17:40:00.000-05:002016-01-05T07:36:27.581-06:00How to Make an Easy Rolling Clothes Hamper<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a quick little fix for our laundry room (cupboard) that is one of those things that just niggled at me. For some reason, random items of clothing get left all over the main floor of our house. I am often <strike>yelling at</strike> gently reminding someone to go and deposit said items in our laundry. I keep a laundry hamper there so the items aren't on the floor again in case there is laundry in the machine already (which there often is of course). The laundry hamper I had there was a large'ish square fabric one that just fit in the space in front of our little tub but I often had to drag it out to reach the tub or something on the shelves and so on. Anyway, of course it wasn't a big deal but it often got left out in the hallway and it was fabric (not great for keeping clean) and a bit cumbersome blah blah blah and I have been focussing on attending to all these little annoyances lately. In the hope that my life will start running as smoothly as I imagine everyone else's does. Ha!</div>
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So, I picked up a smaller hamper from The Container Store (it was about $20 from memory) and thought I would attach some castors to it. I love castors. They are great on all sorts of furniture too in my opinion. Obviously I couldn't attach the castors to the plastic on its own so I cut out a rectangle from some scrap wood to match the base of the hamper. Well, I started to cut it out and the commercial size jigsaw I borrowed from my contractor neighbour went all crazy and wouldn't shut off and I had a little moment of panic in the garage trying to turn the thing off. My neighbour then finished cutting it out for me. He is good like that. :) </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hdJ1g-GM6Y8/UyIsSf6RR_I/AAAAAAAAExk/2hKo9bqThec/s1600/hamper_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hdJ1g-GM6Y8/UyIsSf6RR_I/AAAAAAAAExk/2hKo9bqThec/s1600/hamper_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wood, meet hamper....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtuvHLcnesw/UyIsSQZKfbI/AAAAAAAAExs/3rof3N3Y6AQ/s1600/hamper_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtuvHLcnesw/UyIsSQZKfbI/AAAAAAAAExs/3rof3N3Y6AQ/s1600/hamper_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was thinking about leaving the wood natural but decided my less than glamorous laundry cupboard (not to sound ungrateful - I am very glad we even have a laundry with a little tub) could do with a little hit of colour. So I primed the edges that would be seen. I didn't do the whole top and bottom because, well why bother?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HufT5a3vnE4/UyIsSfG1NWI/AAAAAAAAExo/V1wx6-zsw5U/s1600/hamper_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HufT5a3vnE4/UyIsSfG1NWI/AAAAAAAAExo/V1wx6-zsw5U/s1600/hamper_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then two coats of a pretty blue. I then attached this to the bottom of the hamper with poster putty so I could drill some pilot holes for the screws that were attaching it from inside the hamper bottom. Keep reading, that will make sense soon.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUQc5WfFJpk/UyIsS6BI0rI/AAAAAAAAEyU/ez00AdT00O4/s1600/hamper_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUQc5WfFJpk/UyIsS6BI0rI/AAAAAAAAEyU/ez00AdT00O4/s1600/hamper_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found these washers that are a decent size but with a smaller central hole (got them at Home Depot) as I thought they would hold the plastic down better than just the screws.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dM0QzmmvSQ0/UyIsTB41gII/AAAAAAAAEyA/bjvVtahjgP0/s1600/hamper_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dM0QzmmvSQ0/UyIsTB41gII/AAAAAAAAEyA/bjvVtahjgP0/s1600/hamper_05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can see, little measuring was done to make these even. I just eyeballed it. It was a little tricky drilling down into the hamper when I realised the screws I was using wouldn't stick to my magnetic drill bit. So I busted out an old trick.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SWeWF8ffb4/UyIsTJgGOlI/AAAAAAAAEx4/2xEoqUuLwzc/s1600/hamper_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SWeWF8ffb4/UyIsTJgGOlI/AAAAAAAAEx4/2xEoqUuLwzc/s1600/hamper_06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yep, poster putty. Worked like a charm.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pqgCKYQqQ/UyIsTo_fNZI/AAAAAAAAEyI/y7RuIdQV22Q/s1600/hamper_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pqgCKYQqQ/UyIsTo_fNZI/AAAAAAAAEyI/y7RuIdQV22Q/s1600/hamper_07.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I bought four of these small castors to attach to the bottom. I got these at Ace Hardware (obviously). My only requirements were that they needed to be small enough to not stick out from under the hamper and they had to swivel, for obvious reasons.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPZuZTEps9o/UyIsUDtpPoI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/OSf70Iw6Ol0/s1600/hamper_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPZuZTEps9o/UyIsUDtpPoI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/OSf70Iw6Ol0/s1600/hamper_08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I marked out my spots, drilled more pilot holes and then screwed them on. Oh, I took out the poster putty from between the wood and the hamper before I attached the wood too.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r3NSE6Qtqg/UyIsUU1gl3I/AAAAAAAAEyw/gESPfUdazHE/s1600/hamper_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4r3NSE6Qtqg/UyIsUU1gl3I/AAAAAAAAEyw/gESPfUdazHE/s1600/hamper_09.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here she is, a little fun touch and mobile now!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRDVEpVPADs/UyIsUriMfaI/AAAAAAAAEyc/w4wKtlLv4_E/s1600/hamper_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRDVEpVPADs/UyIsUriMfaI/AAAAAAAAEyc/w4wKtlLv4_E/s1600/hamper_10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here it is tucked into our laundry closet (like I said, there are no glamour shots in this post). It fits perfectly and is easy to just scoot out of the way when I need to get to the tub.<br />
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Just a little thing but it helps to make my day run that just a teeny little bit smoother so that suits me just fine. Anybody else been trying to remove little annoyances from their day too?</div>
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-52828433484712678212014-03-04T17:55:00.000-06:002014-03-04T17:55:07.255-06:00Spring cushion (pillow)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, pretty cushion/pillow....</td></tr>
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So, how is winter going in your neck of the woods? Are you stuck in Narnia like some of us?? Or do you live in Texas and smugly watch the weather channel? If so, let me know your address and I will be on my way!<br />
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Well, whilst outside looks like this still (aaaaand it just started snowing again... yay! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">NOT</span>) I am trying to keep my sanity by keeping busy. I have a whole spreadsheet of projects to do to keep my mind off the NEVER ENDING COLDEST FLIPPING WINTER in the history of <strike>the world</strike> me.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our yard is literally half full of snow... gonna be a swamp back here!</td></tr>
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Anyway, I have a gazillion half done projects but actually managed to start and finish this cushion (pillow) cover today in the time my kids were doing their math lesson. It is super quick and super satisfying. I can't claim this as my idea, the wonderful Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick showed me how <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-made-pillows-out-of-what.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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First, a couple of days ago, I bought this placemat at Target when it took my eye with its pretty Spring like yellow. I am desperate for anything that even hints at Spring so this got thrown in the cart quickly when I remembered this project. Oh and obviously you need a fabric placemat with two layers of fabric for this type of project.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzv3Etdqh_A/UxZi9ITWfII/AAAAAAAAEwo/024sW7vmgu4/s1600/placemat_cushion_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzv3Etdqh_A/UxZi9ITWfII/AAAAAAAAEwo/024sW7vmgu4/s1600/placemat_cushion_01.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then you simply use a seam ripper (or quick un-pick as my Mum always calls them) to open a seam of whichever side you want.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWBZ1mdIKAE/UxZi9YvTsWI/AAAAAAAAEwg/JhljjnhzE6w/s1600/placemat_cushion_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWBZ1mdIKAE/UxZi9YvTsWI/AAAAAAAAEwg/JhljjnhzE6w/s1600/placemat_cushion_02.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stuff it with polyester filling or down filling or straw or whatever takes your fancy.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh_DqQmiHz0/UxZi9vpu_oI/AAAAAAAAEwk/eKO6IYOd0uo/s1600/placemat_cushion_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh_DqQmiHz0/UxZi9vpu_oI/AAAAAAAAEwk/eKO6IYOd0uo/s1600/placemat_cushion_04.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stitch it closed again by machine or by hand, whichever you prefer. I pinched mine down on the side and put pins in first to hold it and then stitched it on my sewing machine (sorry, forgot to take photos of that step). From memory, I think Sarah did hers by hand to sew it back up. My placemat already had an outline stitch so it was easier to just follow the original stitch line anyway.</div>
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Then, TA DA, plop it on your sofa and bask in the joy of making something yourself. I have a bunch of cushions (pillows) on my sofa's that I am planning on giving some love to so stay tuned for some more ideas.</div>
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-29485116925095068082013-11-05T11:44:00.000-06:002016-01-03T19:54:22.774-06:00Squirrel stamp and ornament<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, I made myself a squirrel stamp.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTbTa3SP2wY/UnksxnHa1QI/AAAAAAAAEtM/A-uf3ZGDzN8/s1600/Squirrel+stamp+-+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTbTa3SP2wY/UnksxnHa1QI/AAAAAAAAEtM/A-uf3ZGDzN8/s400/Squirrel+stamp+-+09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I made a little ornament. I will try and post tomorrow showing the steps.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgFmP-eTgf8/UnkszRXJDkI/AAAAAAAAEtU/sWq7zFIPZFs/s1600/Squirrel+ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgFmP-eTgf8/UnkszRXJDkI/AAAAAAAAEtU/sWq7zFIPZFs/s400/Squirrel+ornament.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am imagining a little tree full of woodland theme ornaments. I don't have any woodland themed ornaments so I am challenging myself to make them. I am going to do multiples of each (I have this thing of having to have at least 3 of every ornament) so I am not trying to think of 50 different ornaments. Whether I get there or not, well, we will see. We are lucky enough to be having family visit us for Christmas (SO EXCITED!) and I have a loooong list of projects/cleaning/decluttering I want to get done before they arrive in early December. I have a bit of a habit of trying to do too much at once. Like we all do I am sure. They might be lucky to just find the bed made. :)<br />
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-92174654883692145892013-10-07T14:41:00.000-05:002013-10-07T14:41:36.419-05:00Pinterest Inspired Bench<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BS015wtMy9g/US5wJQO5o6I/AAAAAAAAEOo/LW0mV8cdMsI/s1600/bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BS015wtMy9g/US5wJQO5o6I/AAAAAAAAEOo/LW0mV8cdMsI/s400/bench.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think I might have mentioned that I liked the easy instructions I found for making this little Shaker style bench and that I wanted to have a go at it. I had it all finished a while ago (read: a year) but forgot to blog about it. Ha ha, don't you love my confused decorating here? I was just transitioning between Halloween and Thanksgiving so you get both!<br />
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Anyway, this is a really easy woodworking project that didn't require anything more than a drill, wood glue and screws. I had all the timber cut to size at Home Depot but you could do that yourself if you have wood lying around and a saw to cut it with. As it was, the guy at Home Depot totally stuffed up the measurements so I had to adjust the sizes on a couple of pieces after I started putting it together and realised it looked a bit odd. Oh, I also borrowed a jigsaw from a neighbour to cut the triangular notches in the legs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/278449189430562642/" target="_blank">This is where I found the instructions</a> and I strongly urge you to have a go. It was a very quick project. It took longer to paint it!</div>
Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-24942576891610454352013-09-04T14:48:00.003-05:002013-09-04T14:48:48.829-05:00Hello<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, hello there, if anyone is still around. :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f15qEeNxmSU/UieMjfsvEKI/AAAAAAAAEpU/g-TUWwCf870/s1600/hello+cushion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f15qEeNxmSU/UieMjfsvEKI/AAAAAAAAEpU/g-TUWwCf870/s400/hello+cushion.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Dropping in with a quick little project I did a few weeks ago. My wonderful sister and her husband made the trek across the Pacific to come see us (another sister is coming for Christmas - yay!) and I made this pillow for the guest bed downstairs. I love it! So cute for a guest bed and helped cut down on the 'twee' I had going on in the room (what better spot to satisfy my secret love of everything granny floral?). <br />
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I made a simple envelope cover from a drop cloth (seriously love those things), hand wrote the word on there with a disappearing ink pen and then embroidered it using a simple backstitch and a thicker crochet yarn in a dark pink. I am sure I could have taken a bit more time and got it more 'perfect' (or, you know, in the exact middle...) by printing out a template, tracing it on or making a stencil yada yada yada but then I wouldn't have done it. I only have snippets of time to do anything when the kids are home on holidays. They are back at school as of yesterday so I have a list as long as my arm of projects I want to tackle now... I am working on rehab'ing a tray and freshening up my foyer right now. Be back soon with the results!</div>
Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-28035053440793448942013-04-26T13:24:00.002-05:002013-04-26T14:12:49.251-05:00Busy doin' but not bloggin'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While we have been dealing with this stuff (thankfully this is all gone now and we finally have a day above 40 degrees today! yippeeeee!!!!).......</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvFkTM99v5Q/UXq2QX6OIcI/AAAAAAAAEUc/5beWVH2HGnY/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvFkTM99v5Q/UXq2QX6OIcI/AAAAAAAAEUc/5beWVH2HGnY/s320/IMG_0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was busy doing some inside stuff like hanging this gallery wall in our family room. It is our favourite room in the house but was a but unloved on the walls and still felt very 'we just moved in'-ish. Sooo, I finally got busy to stop myself from going CRAZY from the snow still hanging around in April. I really wanted to only hang things that meant something or that I really love so I can get the most enjoyment from it everyday. It is a mix of my kids' art, a framed doily my Nana made, the Home sign (which was made for us by our best friend Barry for us to take with us on our international travels and we have hung it in every home so far - it is the first thing we put up), a plate that always hung in my Nana's home, a favourite print from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackapple" target="_blank">Emily of The Black Apple</a>, a bottle of seaglass collected in Uruguay by another dear friend and gifted to me, seashell art I made fom seashells collected in Uruguay, favourite thrift store finds, etc.). This wall was blank for a very long time but I put up the picture ledge last September and it has been only the picture ledge with a few accessories since then so this has been a long time coming. What can I say? I don't like to rush! :) I kid you not though, when my husband watches tv, he sits in a chair directly across from the tv just to the left of where I took this photo from and he DID NOT NOTICE the entire gallery wall (I did it while he as out of town). After a few hours I just had to ask if he noticed anything different about the room.... sigh...</div>
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I have also scored a few thrift shop finds lately. The above items were bought on a spring break Macklemore style 'thrift shop challenge' ($20 in my pocket...) with my kids. The picture is a bit dark (it is a dark room plus it has dark carpet) but that super cute mid century bedside table was only $5.99! So happy with it - it now resides in my son's room. The globe was $10 and I loooove its soft colours. I also got a little wooden craft plaque that I want to make into a key hook for near the garage door entrance, a wood and marble chinese checkers game and a tiny little English porcelain plate (I collect them - they are personal salt cellar type plates).<br />
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I also repainted my Home sign. I can't remember if I have ever shown it before but I painted it a taupe colour to match the decor in our apartment in Malaysia for some reason that escapes me now. I don't know when I will learn that I just like a lot of colour. I have always loved it but now I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it in yellow. That photo above looks a little odd but I just got a new iMac and have always been a PC girl so it is taking some getting used to. Therefore my old trusty photo editing tools (which I was not very good at anyway but at least I knew how to use them a little bit!) are not around.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFUY7YKTUjg/UXq4EkID2wI/AAAAAAAAEVY/E975I_GnBw4/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gFUY7YKTUjg/UXq4EkID2wI/AAAAAAAAEVY/E975I_GnBw4/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did this embroidery for my dining room (as part of another gallery wall). I showed a picture of an oversized embroidery that I was taken with in <a href="http://www.ginghamcherry.blogspot.com/2013/02/favourite-finds-friday_15.html" target="_blank">my last post</a> and I wanted to do one but simpler. This is certainly nowhere near as large as my inspiration one either (it was 1m [3'] across, this is about 36cm [14"]). I have never done much cross stitch either so I just did a simple back stitch. This is the second version as I tried it first with regular embroidery floss but the line was too fine and you couldn't see it unless you were right in front of it. I used an economical knitting weight yarn for this version and it does show up better but I think I have to have another try at it so I can see it from my kitchen. I love the yellow but it is still hard to see from a distance. I am thinking of cutting out felt letters and stitching them on next. Not ready to give up on some form of yellow yet!</div>
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So, that is a quick update of a few things I have been busy with. Hopefully I will be back soon with some more but my blogging schedule is a bit unpredictable right now (award for stating the obvious goes to me...).<br />
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Hope you are all enjoying a glorious Spring/Autumn wherever you are! I am going to go and stare at the trees and imagine leaves on them...</div>
Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-14562854554334256392013-02-15T11:56:00.002-06:002013-02-15T11:56:39.657-06:00Favourite Finds Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
No crafting happened around here this week unfortunately (apart from the kids making crayon hearts for their valentine's for school). Busy earlier and A has come down with a horrible cold Wednesday and I am fighting it off. Nothing much happening except domino rally and lego building. I need to drag the poor kid out to buy some chicken pieces so I can make a big pot of soup (and try out that recipe from last week's list).<br />
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So, in no particular order, here are my favourites from this week:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew-fO5VB96c/UR5xKKErrbI/AAAAAAAAENo/uEVSK-guk00/s1600/Kids-Always-Puppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew-fO5VB96c/UR5xKKErrbI/AAAAAAAAENo/uEVSK-guk00/s320/Kids-Always-Puppies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://life.younghouselove.com/2013/02/kids-views-on-the-coolest-house/" target="_blank">This link</a> from Young House Life where kids describe what they think would make a cool house. Cute and funny.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0PBGekSw3w/UR5xKhXvsrI/AAAAAAAAENw/qaWoQYhWSIU/s1600/university-6f77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0PBGekSw3w/UR5xKhXvsrI/AAAAAAAAENw/qaWoQYhWSIU/s1600/university-6f77.jpg" /></a></div>
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I just signed up for their <a href="https://photojojo.com/university/" target="_blank">$5 iPhone photography course</a> starting on March 1. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCWxPXdvkJk/UR5xKjZ04vI/AAAAAAAAEN4/6S4Q2UoYJHQ/s1600/IMG_0141_905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCWxPXdvkJk/UR5xKjZ04vI/AAAAAAAAEN4/6S4Q2UoYJHQ/s320/IMG_0141_905.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you have received your copy of the latest Country Living, <a href="http://reedvanbrunschot.com/The-Embroideries" target="_blank">this huge cross stitch sampler</a> is featured in a home on the front cover. I love it! It is 1 metre across.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5Pk1FDgafw/UR5x9zD4LFI/AAAAAAAAEOE/bzR0Q1eSnR8/s1600/A25040122_027_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5Pk1FDgafw/UR5x9zD4LFI/AAAAAAAAEOE/bzR0Q1eSnR8/s1600/A25040122_027_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have quite the thing for bunnies and I adore <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-hardware/A25040122.jsp" target="_blank">this hook from Anthropologie</a>. They have a fox too. I saw this on the lovely blog, <a href="http://myoldcountryhouse.blogspot.com/2013/02/monday-makeover-powder-room-revealed.html" target="_blank">My Old Country House</a> when she redid a bathroom and used it there.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N54e12wGxrE/UR5x-gfS_II/AAAAAAAAEOM/J9fDkzdyN3M/s1600/6a0120a6a93724970b017d3f06d0f0970c-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N54e12wGxrE/UR5x-gfS_II/AAAAAAAAEOM/J9fDkzdyN3M/s320/6a0120a6a93724970b017d3f06d0f0970c-800wi.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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These pretty papers are available through Toffee Magazine for <a href="http://toffeemagazine.bigcartel.com/product/smarty-pants-paper-pack" target="_blank">$2.50 for an instant download</a>.</div>
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These bowls come from Country Road Homewares, a store in Australia. They have this shape they call Bistro bowls and they bring out new patterns every year. They have other matching items as well like mugs and my sister has a lovely growing collection of them in different patterns. I bought two of these in pink (stowing them very gently in our luggage for our return trip) and have been happily using them since. They just brighten up my morning a bit. :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgXVdXKKqto/UR51KZmS-LI/AAAAAAAAEOU/0pZF6obWrt8/s1600/Oyster-Catcher-holiday-rental-in-Mousehole-Cornwall-Unique-Stays-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgXVdXKKqto/UR51KZmS-LI/AAAAAAAAEOU/0pZF6obWrt8/s320/Oyster-Catcher-holiday-rental-in-Mousehole-Cornwall-Unique-Stays-2.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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This is a holiday rental in Cornwall. I have always wanted to visit England and, if I go, I want to stay here! So lovely and it is right on the shoreline. I found this through the <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2013/02/15/the-oyster-catcher-an-old-stone-house-on-the-harbor/#" target="_blank">Hooked on Houses blog</a>. Be warned if you visit her blog, you will be hooked too!</div>
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Hope you are all well and happy weekend!</div>
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-66062310897824005112013-02-14T22:24:00.000-06:002013-02-14T22:24:19.702-06:00Happy Valentine's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5aj6u9PYpw/UR24DyJWZZI/AAAAAAAAENU/LM4RTOlDu8E/s1600/Valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5aj6u9PYpw/UR24DyJWZZI/AAAAAAAAENU/LM4RTOlDu8E/s640/Valentines.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Well, I am squeaking this post in by the skin of my teeth... Busy week, sick kids, blah blah. Anyway, on to the photo. My sister and her family visited us from Australia last September/October and, on one of our outings, we spent some time on the banks of Lake Superior in Duluth (we all loved it btw!). It is a very rocky/pebbly shore and I had the great idea that we could all look for heart shaped rocks as I had seen a number of them on other people's blogs awhile ago. We did find a few but my sister also found this lovely little heart eroded into a big rock. So I will leave you with that and save my 'bah humbug' anti-Valentine rant for another day.... :)</div>
Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-21676628986490311032013-02-09T03:00:00.000-06:002013-02-09T03:00:10.812-06:00Cabin fever 2013 - pinch pots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGucJE9y8Ck/URUdLYMCxCI/AAAAAAAAEME/HxZtgcve1ww/s1600/pinch+pots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGucJE9y8Ck/URUdLYMCxCI/AAAAAAAAEME/HxZtgcve1ww/s400/pinch+pots.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My favourite side effect of winter is the kids' renewed interest in doing crafts together. They tend to avoid it in the summer when they can be outside all the time and I miss doing these things with them. Recently at school A made little 'pinch pots'. A regular 1st grade item apparently. For those of you without little ones to tell you, a pinch pot is just a clay pot molded by hand from a blob of aforementioned clay. You can get them quite smooth if you keep a little bowl of water close by and dip your finger in. Decorate however you like (I have a big jar of random beads and another of sequins that have been our decorations of choice). I am guessing you can paint them once dry but I kind of like the natural colour. The school one was painted and kiln fired (yellow! so cute). I bought a big bucket of Crayola's air dry clay from Target (the kids' art and crafts projects section) and ours dry in front of the fireplace. I am not sure what we are going to do with them all (be warned relatives back in Australia with birthdays looming...) but we have quite a row of them on our dining room windowsill. I love that this is such an easy craft to set up as well. Just grab the bucket of clay and a few embellishments and pull out your chunk of clay to work on. I think I need to buy more clay.</div>
Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-7591765117286054272013-02-08T13:09:00.001-06:002013-02-08T13:09:41.498-06:00Favourite Finds Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I wasn't kidding about my love of alliteration the other day (I am sure I have mentioned it many times actually....).<br />
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To finish up the week I am just going to share a few random things I came across this week that I enjoyed.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhshZtOytfo/URVJg654ntI/AAAAAAAAEMU/LRv-VFo3LYc/s1600/869668f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhshZtOytfo/URVJg654ntI/AAAAAAAAEMU/LRv-VFo3LYc/s400/869668f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just bought this great <a href="http://www.posterrevolution.com/poster.cfm/hogsmeade-retro-travel-poster-13x19" target="_blank">'Hogsmeade Retro Travel' poster from Poster Revolution</a>. E is a huge Harry Potter fan and this poster is only $4.80 today (don't know for how long).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr__Qv6cP60/URVJg9gXRqI/AAAAAAAAEMY/yDXA1ktAV5E/s1600/8068991908_b83ed73640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr__Qv6cP60/URVJg9gXRqI/AAAAAAAAEMY/yDXA1ktAV5E/s400/8068991908_b83ed73640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am going to try out <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/10/chicken-noodle-soup/#" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen's chicken noodle soup recipe</a> - it looks fantastic. I should try more of her recipes as they all look wonderful.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxJDASa3P-Q/URVJg-ccLMI/AAAAAAAAEMc/n1rc5MUzIhA/s1600/6a00d8345196d169e2017c36a465d0970b-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxJDASa3P-Q/URVJg-ccLMI/AAAAAAAAEMc/n1rc5MUzIhA/s400/6a00d8345196d169e2017c36a465d0970b-800wi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This image comes from a wonderful blog that you have probably already heard of, <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2013/02/catching-up.html" target="_blank">Posie Gets Cozy</a>. Alicia writes so beautifully and creates the most heart achingly gorgeous things. But I just love this photo of some vintage wallpaper swatches. That yellow one has me drooling.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WlR-YwEnnlU/URVJhU5Jx_I/AAAAAAAAEMk/EOU0EXsb25k/s1600/PB-3T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WlR-YwEnnlU/URVJhU5Jx_I/AAAAAAAAEMk/EOU0EXsb25k/s400/PB-3T.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Loving these cool eco friendly <a href="http://www.nakedbinder.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PB" target="_blank">binders from Naked Binder</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZIpW4UdEKQ/URVJh9kJEDI/AAAAAAAAEMs/9SueurUodhk/s1600/woven-heart-how-to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZIpW4UdEKQ/URVJh9kJEDI/AAAAAAAAEMs/9SueurUodhk/s400/woven-heart-how-to.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Isn't this adorable? I love this little <a href="http://www.minieco.co.uk/woven-heart/" target="_blank">woven heart valentine</a> from Mini-eco in the UK.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apSy8TtvIlY/URVJh1emNXI/AAAAAAAAEMw/5Znv7i77-C4/s1600/iloveeverything04sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apSy8TtvIlY/URVJh1emNXI/AAAAAAAAEMw/5Znv7i77-C4/s400/iloveeverything04sm.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Last but not least, I love this <a href="http://www.gerberadesigns.com/triedandtrue/?p=3151" target="_blank">free printable colouring page</a> from Gerbera Designs - it comes blank and you colour it in however you like (obviously...). I am going to do one for each of the kids.</div>
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What have you discovered this week? Do you overuse the word 'love' in your descriptions of things?? Feel free to share in the comments!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(disclaimer: none of these links/opinions are sponsored or affiliated in any way, none of these websites or people probably even know who I am - these are just my personal opinions of things I have come across in my internet browsing travels this week)</span></div>
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-61581942346758199842013-02-07T05:00:00.000-06:002013-02-07T05:00:08.546-06:00Thrift Store Thursday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdJeOMr-xBE/URH08x0OqeI/AAAAAAAAELU/pMAkbJ3iqCM/s1600/brass+bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MdJeOMr-xBE/URH08x0OqeI/AAAAAAAAELU/pMAkbJ3iqCM/s400/brass+bell.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Look at this lovely lady I picked up the other day. She is a brass bell. I haven't found much info online about her but the cheapest I saw it sold was on Etsy for $17. So I am counting my $4 pickup a bargain. I am very discerning about what I buy at thrift stores now - I bought too much when I first got to the US and discovered these fabulous places close by me - and often leave with nothing. But I just love this and I couldn't leave her there. I don't even like anything gold normally. How about you? Picked up anything fab lately?</div>
Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-775990156439488502013-02-05T19:03:00.000-06:002013-02-05T19:03:16.471-06:00Receipts running rampant....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
That post title makes no sense but I have an unrelenting love of alliteration and try to fit it in anywhere. In the spirit of the usual New Year goal of getting more organised, I did a little makeover of my receipts folder. Living the dream over here, let me tell you, and yes I am just going to ignore the fact that my last post was still a Merry Christmas one.... ah, things have been busy. We went for a visit back to Australia for 3 weeks and I don't like to post about it online beforehand, for security reasons, but that was a welcome break from the cold up here in Minnesota. After that we had school camp to get ready for, hubster travelling for work, everyone but me coming down with the flu, the start of gymnastics meet season, yada yada yada. You all know how it goes. Another thing that has been getting in the way of me posting has been the difficulty I have found in finding a spot to photograph my projects adequately in this house. This has been an ongoing source of frustration but I have just rigged up something that seems to be working. I will post about that another day so you can feel free to copy my amateurish ways...ha!<br />
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Ok, well on to this makeover I mentioned. I have had this receipts folder for umpteen years and it irritates me. Always has. You know how sometimes it is the little things that just get under your skin? Well, ridiculous as this is, this little folder which I use quite regularly just hasn't been functioning great and it is a source of minor, but present, irritation so I decided to just do something about it to bring some pretty functionality into a mundane task of my life.</div>
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You can tell how old it is by the red Dymo tape label on it - yeah baby. Those things are probably collectible now.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXHUKYVxG3k/URGCh_awUiI/AAAAAAAAEJk/5oEpHEIhoMk/s1600/receipts01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXHUKYVxG3k/URGCh_awUiI/AAAAAAAAEJk/5oEpHEIhoMk/s320/receipts01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">First things first, I really didn't like the flap so I cut it off as close to the hard cardboard shell as I could.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QPHVsO_0kA/URGChyHiutI/AAAAAAAAEJs/BUShbBP3uyk/s1600/receipts02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QPHVsO_0kA/URGChyHiutI/AAAAAAAAEJs/BUShbBP3uyk/s320/receipts02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I chose a cute patterned scrapbook paper to glue to the outside covers, measured the exact width and made it a little longer (top to bottom) so I could fold it over on the inside for a neat finish.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wg2IRKvirXw/URGCiACM-QI/AAAAAAAAEJo/JOGX5wkANi4/s1600/receipts03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wg2IRKvirXw/URGCiACM-QI/AAAAAAAAEJo/JOGX5wkANi4/s320/receipts03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used Mod Podge but you could use any glue you have to hand (a glue stick would work fine). Spread your glue on quickly and....<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSLTg_ll9rE/URGCigL34oI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/fyJ2Sdio0Qc/s1600/receipts04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSLTg_ll9rE/URGCigL34oI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/fyJ2Sdio0Qc/s320/receipts04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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press it onto the side.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0229jgqZu8/URGCix-k47I/AAAAAAAAEJ8/U3AWwI5go2s/s1600/receipts06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0229jgqZu8/URGCix-k47I/AAAAAAAAEJ8/U3AWwI5go2s/s320/receipts06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is that little bit of overhang. I used a regular glue stick along the edge and folded it over to the inside. Just held it for a few seconds and it stuck fine.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUIj6EdCaCk/URGCi5x0WKI/AAAAAAAAEKA/1ecEdqsDaJk/s1600/receipts05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUIj6EdCaCk/URGCi5x0WKI/AAAAAAAAEKA/1ecEdqsDaJk/s320/receipts05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The inside was still looking like a hot mess thanks to my oh so beautiful sticky notes stuck over printed labels so I wanted to make this look a little nicer too.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blLXdJ3OmIA/URGCjIl7K5I/AAAAAAAAEKE/KjDeEJg1Vp0/s1600/receipts07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blLXdJ3OmIA/URGCjIl7K5I/AAAAAAAAEKE/KjDeEJg1Vp0/s320/receipts07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I grabbed another piece of scrapbooking paper and cut off a strip that I thought would be wide enough to cover up the printed lettering on each little flap.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RTIhabPK04/URGCjcmOOCI/AAAAAAAAEKU/h1RY0Zjtsq0/s1600/receipts08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RTIhabPK04/URGCjcmOOCI/AAAAAAAAEKU/h1RY0Zjtsq0/s320/receipts08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then cut them into little rectangles, folded them in half......<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4ZlCJ7NJys/URGCjgW5iRI/AAAAAAAAEKM/WRlNCvjGy1s/s1600/receipts09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4ZlCJ7NJys/URGCjgW5iRI/AAAAAAAAEKM/WRlNCvjGy1s/s320/receipts09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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slapped a bit of glue on it.....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnxpMkL3drw/URGCjkWU-7I/AAAAAAAAEKQ/yRci9kqVCEY/s1600/receipts10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnxpMkL3drw/URGCjkWU-7I/AAAAAAAAEKQ/yRci9kqVCEY/s320/receipts10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and added it to each flap in the three sections. This looks fiddly but I just eyeballed everything and it went really quickly. I may or may not have made sure each piece of paper was lining up the same pattern of lines...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Id9JwKXNpPM/URGCkL2r3AI/AAAAAAAAEKc/JkB0MyJcaAs/s1600/receipts11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Id9JwKXNpPM/URGCkL2r3AI/AAAAAAAAEKc/JkB0MyJcaAs/s320/receipts11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I got out my trusty label maker and added labels that I will actually use.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4WGm3QY7oc/URGClTQVb2I/AAAAAAAAEK0/cLvSlwQD8FQ/s1600/receipts12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4WGm3QY7oc/URGClTQVb2I/AAAAAAAAEK0/cLvSlwQD8FQ/s320/receipts12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This little folder lives on a shelf above my computer so I added a label to the end by poking a hole through on the side and tying this little hanging tag on there. I bought some cheapo letter stamps at the Target dollar section a little while ago for the kids and used it here. I am claiming a quirky charm to it rather than admitting my stamping effort looks a little wonky.<br />
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I might make an elastic band to go around it if I find it needs it but it doesn't usually get full enough to warrant anything like that.<br />
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So, there you have it. A quick and easy little office update which I am sure will make me smile just a little bit every time I use it and, really, who doesn't need more little smiles in their life? :)</div>
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Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-44229987348659717272012-12-12T23:54:00.001-06:002012-12-12T23:54:47.974-06:00Merry Christmas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello there! Yes, I am still alive and kicking over here. Wow, didn't quite mean to take that much of a break but there you go, life happens. Between some residual health issues and the constant round of school, kids' activities, having to feed people and so on, the time just slipped away. Honestly, that is going to be my one New Year's resolution - slow.life.down. There must be a way that doesn't involve going to live in a remote cabin in the woods and removing yourself from civilisation (as tempting as that sounds some days!). Humour me, tell me there is.....<br />
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Well, I am just dropping in to show a couple of quick Christmassy projects I did around here and then I won't be back until the New Year. I hope you are all having a wonderful, wonderful holiday season - no matter how fast it ran up on us all.<br />
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My first quickie decorating project involved this awesome thrift store find - this beautiful apothecary jar for a mere $12. I have managed to find a reasonable number of small ones in thrift stores but I am in love with this larger beauty. Miss E and I very quickly and simply decorated it with epsom salts in the bottom for snow, a little miniature tree I had picked up at Michael's awhile ago (with just this sort of project in mind) and a couple of Schleich animals from the kids' collection. Then I tied a little snowflake patterned ribbon to the top knobby thing. A white and silver glitter pompom may have made its way in there too. :) <br />
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I have this sitting on the little bookcase I use for our very small front entrance next to one of my blue mason jars with some sticks decorated with glittery little birds and shiny and glittery stars. Last year I tried to wind tiny little battery operated lights onto these branches and they were a royal pain and they didn't look that great except at night when they were lit (plus they went through batteries like nobodies business) so, obviously, I didn't use them this year again. I prefer them without anyway and am glad that A didn't remember them because that boy sure does like a string of lights!<br />
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One other touch I did was to take my boy scout troop fundraising wreath (say that 3 times fast) with the big red bow and just changed out the bow so it didn't clash with my orange front door. Yes, I painted our front door orange. With our landlady's blessing. She is awesome like that and I am glad because it makes me ridiculously happy every time I drive home and see it welcoming me. Now I just need to paint those little red bells on the pinecones.... or not. Probably won't get done if I'm honest. :) The bow is big enough to distract from that anyway, right? Plus, who cares??? We aren't talking about heart transplants here.<br />
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Lastly I had a go at some chalkboard art on the kids' easel which sits in the corner of our dining room (I googled chalkboard message images and found this one but cannot find the link now). I have taken to drawing and writing seasonal messages on it. I love looking over from the kitchen to the dining room and seeing the pretty words (which look better from a distance - you can't notice the mistakes then!). Not sure what quote I will put up for the New Year. Got any favourites? Please share!<br />
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Anyway, those are a few of my simple little touches around our home. Simple little touches are all I can manage this year but I kind of like it like that.<br />
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So I will sign off for 2012 now and see you in 2013 (barring any disasters on the 21st...)! :)</div>
Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-75138568267953897652012-07-31T22:52:00.000-05:002012-07-31T22:57:06.060-05:00DIY Felt Tablet Sleeve<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was lucky enough to get a tablet as a gift this last Christmas and, after a while without any protection save the odd magazine, it was in danger of getting a bit beat up in my bag. I was looking around at cases and kept on seeing all these lovely really thick felt tablet cases (sleeves?) around that I liked but I didn't want to spend the money they usually sell for. They are generally made of really thick wool felt which is beautiful but is quite expensive to buy for the home crafter (3 sheets can be around $18 and up). So, I decided to make mine out of 29 cent craft felt sheets instead which happen to be just the right size. Yay, I love a bargain solution!</div>
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4 sheets of craft felt</div>
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Sharp scissors</div>
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Sewing machine</div>
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Ten minutes of your life</div>
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1. Line up 2 craft sheets on top of each other and stitch a straight line across the top leaving a small border. Do the same with your second 2 sheets. These individually stitched sides provide the opening when the other sides are all stitched together.<br />
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2. This shows your two sets. Don't worry too much about lining them up perfectly as felt sheets are rarely exactly the same size.<br />
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3. Lay one stitched set on top of the other set in your chosen colour combination and pin the heck out of it so it doesn't skew too much when you sew it all together.<br />
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4. Stitch around the outside 3 seams and not the top one where you have already stitched obviously. I used generous seams because my Asus tablet is smaller than an iPad. I think with smaller seams the iPad would still fit (someone try this out and let me know!).<br />
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5. Use your sharp scissors to trim off the seams all around and give you a nice clean edge. That's it, you are done!<br />
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For another one I made, I used pinking shears for a more decorative edge. </div>
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On this one, I chose yellow for one side...</div>
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and grey for the other. Going with the whole colour blocking trend right now. I am so hip... ;-)</div>
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I really like the colour effect on the trimmed sides and the double thickness on each side makes it nice and sturdy. Best of all, because it is so cheap and quick to make, if I want a different colour combination it is no hassle.</div>
</div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-80540709356593055242012-07-13T16:09:00.000-05:002012-07-13T16:09:33.224-05:00Fabric samples from Spoonflower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I recently received some new fabric swatches of my designs from Spoonflower. I am really happy with how the grey and blue graphic ones turned out but I think I will re-work the daisy flower one. The background was too pale and the effect was kind of lost. What do you think? You can buy yardage of my designs <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/spelunks?type=designers&q=ginghamcherry&x=36&y=5" target="_blank">here</a> if you like! (There are only 3 designs being offered publicly as yet but I will be adding more regularly).<br />
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Happy Friday everyone!</div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-29444193288864683922012-07-11T16:49:00.001-05:002012-07-11T17:05:56.062-05:00Strawberry and nutella crepes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is Miss E's birthday today (10!! holy cow!!) and she requested crepes for breakfast. Just like the strawberry ones from the Original Pancake House. Oh good. No pressure. We looooove the Original Pancake House and we love their crepes. I have never made crepes but was inspired by my good friend Melanie when she whipped up fresh peach crepes for breakfast (with bacon on the side mmmm.....) when we stayed with them on our way back from Kentucky. Oh My Goodness, they were good. I am a decent cook so I gave it my best shot and I think they turned out great! We all feasted on these for breakfast and I was satisfied when Miss E declared them the best birthday breakfast ever (awww, way to warm your mama's heart). Miss E customised hers with a slathering of nutella on the inside before we piled on the fresh strawberries. I had mine without the nutella but they were good either way. Here is a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Basic-Crepes/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">link to the recipe</a> I used. The only adjustment I made was to add a splash of vanilla and I doubled the recipe (we have enough for leftovers for the kids tomorrow morning - yum).</div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-14518525813764089732012-07-07T08:30:00.000-05:002012-07-07T08:30:00.478-05:00Match bottle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I saw this idea awhile ago but I can't remember where I saw it. I thought it was a genius recycling idea and I just happened to have a little bottle sitting around the house that I hadn't recycled yet (I am a sucker for cute bottles). I am pretty sure the original had an engraved bottom for striking the matches on but I don't have a dremel so I used the striker on the side of the matchbox and affixed it with double sided sticky tape. Works great and looks cute!<br />
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<br /></div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-66283475901027659002012-07-06T18:29:00.002-05:002012-07-06T18:29:56.662-05:00Shaker Village in Kentucky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well I have been AWOL for a bit longer than I thought but am back now! My family and I actually just did a big road trip and saw some of the good ol' US for ourselves. It was a blast and the highlight for me was staying at the <a href="http://www.shakervillageky.org/" target="_blank">Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill</a> in Kentucky during our trip. This is a place that I have wanted to visit for a long time and it didn't disappoint at all (despite E and I getting violently ill on the morning we were supposed to leave - ugh). It is a BEAUTIFUL place and I want to just move right in and live there pretty much. I know my Mum and sister's would love it too. I took so many photos (about 400!) so I have whittled down as many as I could to give you a little look at this spectacular place. I am already planning a return visit next year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The tree lined centre road (turnpike) of the village that is only for pedestrians now.</div>
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They had these lovely wooden benches dotted everywhere, sometimes accompanied by a table. Don't even get me started on the white fences everywhere. So beautiful.</div>
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The east family dwelling where we stayed.</div>
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The windows everywhere had deep sills and these simple white linen curtains (this window was in our room). Perfection.</div>
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A door to the central meeting house. They work very hard at their restoration work here and do it beautifully but I also think there is beauty in the old peeling paint.</div>
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Another bench and some of the miles of stone fencing everywhere.</div>
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View of the Central Family Dwelling from the Meeting House across the way. This building is made of 2 foot thick limestone from basement to roof top. Note the two gates and two doors. One for women (left) and the other for the men. They had separate staircases inside too.</div>
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Like these. This is a view of the hallway heading to their common meeting room.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JNAivBvUAY/T_dpNK1CJmI/AAAAAAAADbM/bQBZBst4BoU/s1600/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+lower+level+kitchen+area+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JNAivBvUAY/T_dpNK1CJmI/AAAAAAAADbM/bQBZBst4BoU/s400/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+lower+level+kitchen+area+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Part of the basement kitchen area in the centre family dwelling.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BC1F1zrg5s0/T_duGJSndgI/AAAAAAAADc0/DOxDwZxQIW8/s1600/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+bedroom+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BC1F1zrg5s0/T_duGJSndgI/AAAAAAAADc0/DOxDwZxQIW8/s400/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+bedroom+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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One of the bedrooms - love those rugs and bed coverlets (hand loomed on the property).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwpJs6Xry14/T_duHnzbg0I/AAAAAAAADdU/bzuwhbnZYoc/s1600/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+men%2527s+bedroom+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwpJs6Xry14/T_duHnzbg0I/AAAAAAAADdU/bzuwhbnZYoc/s400/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+men%2527s+bedroom+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Love the simplicity of this bedroom.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUPq6Eif1w0/T_duHyHeeWI/AAAAAAAADdc/DtP8gbuBoK0/s1600/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+stool+in+front+of+high+cupboard+in+a+bedroom+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUPq6Eif1w0/T_duHyHeeWI/AAAAAAAADdc/DtP8gbuBoK0/s400/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+stool+in+front+of+high+cupboard+in+a+bedroom+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Gorgeous and very tall cupboard in a bedroom with a stool.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN9GXHrB4H0/T_duFkpZONI/AAAAAAAADcs/JXWTiwwM1mg/s1600/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+baking+room+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fN9GXHrB4H0/T_duFkpZONI/AAAAAAAADcs/JXWTiwwM1mg/s400/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+baking+room+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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I loved this big old cupboard in the baking room.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X696kFlZhw/T_duIZZu_-I/AAAAAAAADdk/RyQJXylXGVc/s1600/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+upper+hallway+landing+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X696kFlZhw/T_duIZZu_-I/AAAAAAAADdk/RyQJXylXGVc/s400/shaker+village+pleasant+hill+-+upper+hallway+landing+in+centre+family+dwelling.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Beautiful upper hallway in the centre family dwelling (my favourite building).</div>
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The kids got to pat a baby goat....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Smdu548mAc/T_dpJdYB56I/AAAAAAAADaE/Vfz9r5azIyA/s1600/having+fun+on+an+old+swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Smdu548mAc/T_dpJdYB56I/AAAAAAAADaE/Vfz9r5azIyA/s320/having+fun+on+an+old+swing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and play on a wooden swing (there is one of those benches again - seriously want one or three)...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75E9_v1uAtM/T_duEmtsuEI/AAAAAAAADcc/kaS2yJBz0Wg/s1600/fun+on+a+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75E9_v1uAtM/T_duEmtsuEI/AAAAAAAADcc/kaS2yJBz0Wg/s400/fun+on+a+fence.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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and stand on fences at dusk while we waited for the fireflies to come out.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Best time ever.</span></div>
</div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-21586734036646320392012-04-19T15:07:00.000-05:002012-04-19T15:07:22.594-05:00Thrift Store Thursday plus the Tooth Fairy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNrpha4Z9v0/T5BuXvJhXnI/AAAAAAAACno/0LZZeVsL3YU/s1600/hoops+and+thread+rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNrpha4Z9v0/T5BuXvJhXnI/AAAAAAAACno/0LZZeVsL3YU/s400/hoops+and+thread+rack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I haven't been to the thrift stores that much lately and I have been <i>very</i> selective about what I buy when I go. I am in the process of decrapifying my house and I just don't feel like bringing anything more in. More on that in another post. Having said that, I couldn't resist picking up these large embroidery hoops as I am planning on using them to make some wall hangings for above our very bare bed. The June Tailor thread spool rack will come in very handy on my sewing table (and it was only $4.99 - they retail for $18 - so score!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NjtfH2pd0Js/T5BucBMZMJI/AAAAAAAACnw/tl4n3H9SEOI/s1600/tooth+fairy+key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NjtfH2pd0Js/T5BucBMZMJI/AAAAAAAACnw/tl4n3H9SEOI/s400/tooth+fairy+key.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A lost his second tooth the other night in bed so he put his tooth in a little box under his pillow only to NOT find any money the next morning. <i>Apparently</i>, the tooth fairy couldn't get in because I had locked all the doors and windows *whistling innocently*. Lucky we remembered to put out the 'tooth fairy key' (a key I had covered in glitter awhile ago with a pink ribbon hastily attached) last night so she could make her way in and deposit the cash... :-)</div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-52529757841353376482012-04-07T21:36:00.000-05:002012-04-07T21:36:40.730-05:00Happy Easter!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRnikT7-Nmo/TbMKz6XCgZI/AAAAAAAAA4U/98w6EnObhWY/s640/b7.jpg" /> </div><br />
This photo comes from one of my favourite new blogs I discovered, <a href="http://alwayswithbutter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Always with Butter</a>. Beautiful recipes and beautiful photography. This <a href="http://alwayswithbutter.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-eggs-baby-bunnies.html" target="_blank">post from Easter last year</a> just kills me. I want a bunny!!</div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-34705490247430960852012-03-27T17:34:00.000-05:002012-03-27T17:34:53.672-05:00Seed Packets - Free Printable<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rImwF11WE1c/T3IooxXyhSI/AAAAAAAACNg/jp6IoYvrE2E/s1600/seed+packets+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rImwF11WE1c/T3IooxXyhSI/AAAAAAAACNg/jp6IoYvrE2E/s400/seed+packets+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In honour of my wonderful Nana (who used to tend a lovely garden which holds many wonderful memories for me) and the arrival of Spring here in the Midwest, I have created these little printable seed packets for any other avid gardeners. Of which I have to admit I am not one. In my mind I have this vision of peacefully tending a well kept garden that flows with floral and edible abundance (as birds twitter and frolic about me! ha ha). The reality, probably not uncommonly (we all have our little delusions right?), doesn't match at all. I quite enjoy gardening when I do it but I can't say the overwhelming desire to do it more than haphazardly has overtaken me so far. Although, I have kept a geranium inside and healthy over the winter so there is hope for me yet. :-)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy, you green thumb types! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20762423/spotty%20plaque%20-%20blue%20and%20green.ppt" target="_blank">{DOWNLOAD HERE}</a></div></div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4842256057081319560.post-73135867441147385082012-03-21T20:53:00.001-05:002012-03-21T20:56:58.177-05:00Scalloped Gift Tags - Freebie included!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgDWNqNbIFM/T2p-kRf4RCI/AAAAAAAACJQ/bYXex80pHBY/s1600/scalloped+gift+tags+00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgDWNqNbIFM/T2p-kRf4RCI/AAAAAAAACJQ/bYXex80pHBY/s400/scalloped+gift+tags+00.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Want a whole slew of pretty gift tags to keep on hand? As my older followers would know, I am quite partial to designing free printable papers around here. I love to print them out and do stuff with them and lately I have been enjoying making these gift tags to keep a stash handy. Only problem is I really don't like all the ink I end up wasting (or, really, having to hold on to the remainder of the sheet until I think of another use for it) on the full sheet of printed out design. So I made this paper with three different patterned strips that I could cut down and use with my scalloped circle punch. That way I get three different designs for one sheet of card rather than having to print out 3 sheets if I want a variety. So, you will need: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaVh1hYaB6M/T2p-k3_UZkI/AAAAAAAACJY/6pZp5zURtK0/s1600/scalloped+gift+tags+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaVh1hYaB6M/T2p-k3_UZkI/AAAAAAAACJY/6pZp5zURtK0/s400/scalloped+gift+tags+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">printed sheet (<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20762423/Graphic%20tags%20-%20chartreuse%2Bgrey%2Bblue.pdf" target="_blank">download here</a>), scissors, scalloped (or plain) circle punch (2 inch), hole punch and string.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szD6MykOj2A/T2p-lT6lrgI/AAAAAAAACJg/54MTE_MvuxA/s1600/scalloped+gift+tags+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szD6MykOj2A/T2p-lT6lrgI/AAAAAAAACJg/54MTE_MvuxA/s400/scalloped+gift+tags+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cut the strips to just below the design on one edge (so you can line up the punch easily).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCEwMYTPrFQ/T2p-mJ4IOJI/AAAAAAAACJo/ElHG3X2bTSc/s1600/scalloped+gift+tags+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCEwMYTPrFQ/T2p-mJ4IOJI/AAAAAAAACJo/ElHG3X2bTSc/s400/scalloped+gift+tags+03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Line up your punch and cut out along the line...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-7baO174hU/T2p-mqSoPrI/AAAAAAAACJw/eMJzG6imrYk/s1600/scalloped+gift+tags+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-7baO174hU/T2p-mqSoPrI/AAAAAAAACJw/eMJzG6imrYk/s400/scalloped+gift+tags+04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...until you have a nice little pile of tags.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLb7_yUqNm8/T2p-nJjW2sI/AAAAAAAACJ4/408FSgWure8/s1600/scalloped+gift+tags+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLb7_yUqNm8/T2p-nJjW2sI/AAAAAAAACJ4/408FSgWure8/s400/scalloped+gift+tags+05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hole punch and add string. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Em2Bcy5fst4/T2p-nXrZO2I/AAAAAAAACKA/RXN4frLrx3Y/s1600/scalloped+gift+tags+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Em2Bcy5fst4/T2p-nXrZO2I/AAAAAAAACKA/RXN4frLrx3Y/s400/scalloped+gift+tags+06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep going until they are all done. Cute huh? I am giving them away as present fillers too.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiemFuF-7zg/T2qCORA4dSI/AAAAAAAACKI/wpkDAXr4Lwk/s1600/bench+seat+-+step+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiemFuF-7zg/T2qCORA4dSI/AAAAAAAACKI/wpkDAXr4Lwk/s320/bench+seat+-+step+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Other news around here. I have started on ripping off the fabric on my bench seat finally. As I suspected, the construction is pretty cheap but that is fine for what I want to use it for. I need to pull it apart to get some of the fabric off and I need to buy a staple gun for the reupholstery part (I really thought I had one already...). I will have to do it at night down in the basement though. A was very upset to see the 'lovely flowers' going. He actually cried and asked me to glue it back on! Sorry, son, not on your life. Trust me, it will look much better once I am done with it. He is a funny boy - gets so attached to the strangest things. Miss E meanwhile very matter-of-factly commented as she walked past 'oh, thank goodness you are getting rid of that hideous fabric'. That's my girl.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2NG0nnQUfU/T2qDplYHARI/AAAAAAAACKY/A6ocUzAq5jg/s1600/pussy+willow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2NG0nnQUfU/T2qDplYHARI/AAAAAAAACKY/A6ocUzAq5jg/s400/pussy+willow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In fear of jinxing it, I do believe Spring has arrived and is here to stay (yippee!). Our pussy willow tree is always the first to flower it seems (she says as a veteran of two Minnesotan spring's - including this one..lol). Last year when it flowered it was so fast and then, bam, it was covered in leaves and the flowers were gone. Quite the quick lady. Looking forward to the flowering fruit tree in another part of the yard too. I have no idea what fruit it might have been - last year just as it burst into flower we had a gigantic storm that stripped them all off! Seriously, the flowers were all open and delightful for a maximum of 3 days I think. It might just be an ornamental variety too of course. I don't have a clue really.<br />
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How is Spring or Autumn in your neck of the woods?</div>Catherine Pearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10620269683340269199noreply@blogger.com0