A Bushel and Peck

Candy Buffet Birthday Party

2011-06-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

My son had a Candy Buffet Swim Party with some kids in his school. It was a blast and the kids burned off the sugar in the pool. What a great idea this was and the kids were thrilled!

Fourth of July Decor Ideas!

2011-06-11T02:59:00.000-07:00

http://poshposh.com/2009/07/index.php?page=30

http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/fourth-july-crafts-0707

http://www.crazydomestic.com/2010/06/fourth-of-july-favorites.html


http://home.blissreads.com/2010/07/02/diy-vintage-inspired-4th-of-july-decorations/

Sunny Yellow Flowers!

2011-02-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

I found the coolest long basket and had to buy it and then decided to fill it with bright Sunny yellow flowers! I love the way it turned out and it just brightens up the room!

Glad to be back on the blog!

Soaking up the Sun!

2010-05-04T02:55:00.000-07:00

It has been sizzlin' hot here in Florida reaching into the mid 90's and humid the last few days. We have been swimming, grilling out and soaking up the sun here at my house. I have been enjoying reading up on my favorite blogs and started reading a new book. I hear there is rain in our forecast for the next few days so maybe I will get caught up around the house.....maybe =) Thanks for stopping by.

Kathleen

Fairy Door Treasure Find

2010-04-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

I found this Photo Album for 2 bucks at a thrift antique shop. It was broken and Christmas theme. I loved the door on the front and decided I was going to make a fairy door with it. So, I ripped off the Christmas wreath and started to paint it and remembered--- I need to take a Before Picture! So here is the Before-

Here it is after some fairy dust----

Now we wait for a visit from a Fairy!

Fairy Door Fabulous Trash to Treasure Redo

2010-04-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

I worked some fairy magic and here is my after:

Now we wait for a visit from the Fairy!

Candle Holder REDO!

2010-04-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

I bought the brownest candleholder you could find at a thrift shop for a couple of bucks. Imagine it brown... I forgot to snap a before picture..shame on me. I know. My brain has been forgetting a lot of stuff lately. Anyway, I spray painted with a silver paint and bought some pretty lime green candles. I also bought some lime green polka dot ribbon to match the candles. I dressed it up and voila! Fabulous!

Happy Easter! Special day to remember!

2010-04-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter service. My oldest daughter was baptized and confirmed today at church. It was a special service for us and we are so proud of her. This has been a beautiful Easter and the next week is Spring Break. Can't wait to hang out with the kids and have some fun. Life has been too hectic! Thanks for stopping by! Have a Happy Easter!

From Blah to Fabulous! Craft Room Remodel!

2010-03-12T04:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been MIA for a few months. My dad and I have been building cabinets from scratch for my craft room. We started by taking apart the room then worked a few hours everyday building. He drove a half hour everyday to come and work with me and for that I am very grateful. I love the way they turned out and am so excited to have everything so organized and neat looking. Thanks for reading!

Motivated Mom and a Fancy Domestic Goddess!

2010-01-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

I am trying to Motivate myself to stay organized for the New Year. I keep a tidy house and usually stay on top of things but wanted to find a system to help me stay organized this year. Motivated Moms has a great printable weekly worksheet for the year for 8 bucks. It gives you a daily and weekly system checklist and helps you stay on task. I love it! Here is a link! Motivated Moms. I printed my checklist and of course used on of my snazzy clipboards (the domestic goddess one) to hang it on the wall and motivate me! I hope I maintain it and I hope it motivates me for weeks to come!

Teacher Gifts Decoupage Tile Coasters

2009-12-13T16:44:00.001-08:00

This year I get to buy gifts for 9 teachers. My kids all have co teaching classes and it isoverwhelming. I chose to make something. I came across these beautiful napkins in a boutique and decided to make coasters with them.

My supplies were:

a box of tiles (48 cream tiles for less than 12 bucks) at Home Depot
A package of napkins
decoupage (Mod Podge) and foam brush
polyurethane sealer
cork on a roll with adhesive back at Michaels (used a coupon)

I took the napkins and cut them into 4 squares. Each napkin will make 4 tiles. I then decoupaged the napkin to the top of the tile and coated the top. After it dries completely I give it a coat of polyurethane and let it dry. I then cut my cork into squares and stuck it to the back of the tile. This is so the tile won't scratch furniture. You could use felt squares, too.
I think they turned out great and I was able to make 9 sets and for a great price.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas...A peek into my home for the holidays

2009-12-11T03:09:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas and thanks for stopping by.....

Kathleen

My Advent Calendar Made from a Picture Redo

2009-12-09T02:33:00.000-08:00

I made this from a picture I bought at Michaels to alter on purpose! I covered each of the ornaments in coordinating scrapbook paper or painted them to match the theme. Then I hot glued them to the picture and voila!

Curly Paper Christmas Wreath DIY

2009-11-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

DIY Paper Christmas Wreath

First, Pick out your double sided cardstock. Then rip strips. I did 5 sheets total and ripped them all at once. I also then rip the 12 inch piece in half to make 6 inch strips.

Next, I curled the ends around my fingers so they would be curly on the wreath.

Next, I pin the center of the piece to the wreath and arrange them all around.

Here is a closeup of the wreath!

Voila! Here is my Paper Christmas Wreath!

I made this adorable Paper Christmas Wreath using double sided Cardstock, a foam wreath and sewing pins. That is it! Didn't it turn out so cute? I love it!

Fireplace Christmas Garland Love

2009-11-20T03:29:00.001-08:00

i fell in love with Christmas Garland in the new Grandin Road catalog but wanted to spend a lot less on my garland so I made my own. This is what I bought...

four 6 ft garlands at Walmart (2 dollars apiece)
A 6 ft garland of golden fern looking leaves (at Michaels half off for 5 bucks)
four gold pearl picks ( one dollar each)
three golden pinecone ornaments for decoration
and of course a strand of lights.

I took the four garlands and wrapped them together to make one nice thick garland...perfect. Then I took the leaf garland and intertwined it with the garland. Next, I wove the lights throughout. Finally I added the picks and ornaments and hung it on my mantel. It is perfect and I love it!

Greeting Cards I did it!!

2009-10-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

I finally listed more greeting cards in my etsy shop! It seems as though life got really busy then we got sick and then busy again. I love making handmade items and I love my etsy shop! I hand cut and color each card and glitter and glam them up! Thanks for checking them out! Pigtails Paper Trails

Redo for Above the Cabinets Simple Cream and Black

2009-10-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

I redid above my cabinets with cream and black. I love the sea grass and the hint of color it adds to the look. Thanks for looking!

Inspiration Wall Art Canvas

2009-09-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

I love the inspiration I get from the blogs I follow and I love creating for my etsy shop. Several bloggers have made different types of inspirational canvas art and I made one for my etsy shop. What do you think? Check it out here: Pigtails Paper Tra ils

Pumpkins, Acorns and Scarecrows Oh MY!

2009-09-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

I am just finishing up decorating for fall and I wish the weather here in Florida would feel a lot more like fall! Meanwhile, I will put out my pumpkins and scarecrows and bales of hay and dream of fall in the air.

Antique Store Dress Ups

2009-09-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

I love my local antique shop and can always find something to buy, which is why I try to steer my car in another direction when I am nearby. My latest buys were an acorn, a champagne cooler that I turned into a plant stand and cool polka dot lime lamp! Thanks for checking out my great buys...each under 10 bucks, of course the champagne cooler was empty but still an fantabulous find, Don't cha think?
Come visit the blog party over at It's So Very Cheri also on my sidebar!

Rooster Party!! Join in the fun!

2009-08-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

Here are my roosters! To see everyone's roosters at the Rooster Party! Go HERE!
Thanks for stopping by.

Kathleen

I fell in love............with a movie

2009-08-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

A friend and I went to see Julie and Julia and I fell in love with this movie. It was fantastic and I now want to get my hands on some great beef bourguignon and just might have to cook it myself! I wonder how many people will be at the store today picking out beef.... I better make a trip early. The movie takes you through so many angles such as women in living their dreams or just trying to accomplish something in their lives. It tells love stories and especially a love of food story. I could see it again and probably will but not until I take my chances at some beef bourguignon! If you get a chance, grab a girlfriend or your mom and head out to see this movie...you will Love it!

Family Tree Transformation!

2009-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

The before picture with the magnets that kept falling off!
My fix it for the magnets...my looking on the rough side hot glue gun!

Here is the box and what the tree is supposed to look like!

Here are my tags in process! I inked them and then glued printed quotes to them and dried them!

Here is how the tags turned out!

AFTER: My finished Quote Family Tree

If only all family trees could be fancied up like this one....well I would miss a few people in my life if I did that :) This is a wooden magnet photo holder that I got on clearance at Kirklands for 4 bucks. (the magnets wouldn't stay on much less hold a photo). I grabbed it because I knew it had possibilities and turned it into a inspiring quote tree and I love it!

Rooster Parade -- Cockadoodledoo

2009-08-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Join in this fun Rooster Parade!

Join in this fun rooster parade and check out all of the great rooster decor at Bella Vista!

The cutest button wreaths project!

2009-08-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Shabby Nest has a tutorial on how to make the cutest button wreaths and I had to try one! I found it on One Pretty Thing a weeks ago and then headed over to the Shabby Nest to start the project. I think it turned out perfect! I love the creamy buttons against the black framed mirror I think it adds a nice touch and it was soooo easy to make...a little hot glue...some buttons and a circle cutter (made it easier)!

Dreams and laughter

2009-07-31T02:42:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about life and how precious my children are to me after my oldest daughter lost a good friend suddenly to a brain aneurysm (she was 11 years old). I just can't bear to imagine the pain. So, I prayed and I was sad then I started thinking about my own goals and dreams.
I tend to write off big goals and dreams and think it's silly to dream that big and then I found this quote... If others are not laughing at your dreams you are not dreaming big enough.
So I leave this post thinking my dreams and goals need to be big enough so that others think they are silly, not me. I need to dream bigger!
Thanks for reading my rambling today...it has been a long couple of weeks and I thought I would share a little of my journey.

Black and Creamy Tablescape Thursday!

2009-07-30T03:03:00.001-07:00

this week I had coffee and homemade chocolate chip cookies (from allrecipes, love that site) with my new favorite mug and plate! I bought the mug, bowl and containers at Homegoods! I bought the black and cream charger at Hobby Lobby. I actually have two of them and keep them up as decor! I absolutely love Homegoods! I dream of a free shopping spree there one day! aah! A girl can dream, right?

Red table runner turned window mistreatment

2009-07-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

I had a beautiful red quilted (my fav) table runner and I wanted to use it somehow in the window. I bought some shutters over the weekend and decorated the sides of my window and thought somehow.....

I could use the runner to add some pizazz to the plain red curtains already there! I took on old curtain with tabs and cut off the tabs and then I stitched them onto the table runner and slid it between the red curtains and voila! I love it! It adds the perfect whimsy to go along with the new shutters.

Pantry From Wire Shelving Chaos to Organized Wood Shelving

2009-07-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

Oh I wish I had a before picture of my pantry and after living here 7 years I can't find one anywhere. Picture lots of deep wire shelving crammed with everything you can find and unable to actual find anything.

Now the after is wooden shelves my Hubby and I built and installed and now we know exactly what we have..... for now :) (wink)

From Blah to Blooming Roses!

2009-07-25T03:53:00.001-07:00

I had a lampshade laying around that came with a lamp and was well pretty boring. I wanted to add some pizazz to it and thought about my little girls room. I took a bag of roses from the craft store and hot glued them all around. then I took some beaded ribbon and glued it around the bottom. I am displaying it on the lamp that it came on, but I am on the lookout for something tall and skinny that I can paint from the thrift store. ;) Then it will be perfect......but for now the shade is definitely blooming roses!

Blueberries Creamy White and Daisies tablescape

2009-07-23T03:05:00.000-07:00

I love blueberries and daisies so I made a little breakfast for one with a cup of blueberries, creamy white china and a blue vase full of daisies. What a nice breakfast and a nice treat it was to not eat off a paper plate for breakfast!

Fancied and Filled Up Booth Today!

2009-07-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

Today I started with an empty booth in a local boutique and filled it and fancied it up with my altered art and great finds! I took before and after pics and I am so excited about my new venture!

Metamorphisis Monday Gold to Black Mirror

2009-07-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

I changed up my mirror with some paint from gold to black which now matches my kitchen!

Not too shabby for a Monday afternoon, huh?

Cotton Candy Pink Ice Cream Social Tablescape Thursday

2009-07-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Vintage Doll Candy Jar

Daisies and Ice Cream Bowls

I decided to use this vintage doll candy jar and ice cream bowl and spoon set to set this table! Pink balloons surround this beautiful setting and pink daisies sit next to the bowls! I would have filled the bowls with ice cream but then I would have eaten it all :) I love the pastels and just listed the vintage candy jar in my etsy shop. She is pretty!

Old Printers Tray and Fun Craft Organization

2009-07-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

I found this great old printers tray at an antique store yesterday and snatched it up to store my crafting doo dads in and love it! Just thought I would share! I love the look instead of the gazillion little plastic containers I had sitting in my craft room before now it has a nice look to it, don't you think? Plus it was only 16 bucks!

Price My Space Nesting Place!

2009-07-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

1. Barn Stars from Kirklands - Paid $12 for all of them

2. lamp from Bed Bath and Beyond clearance $40

3. Quilt- handmade wedding gift from my grandmother-- priceless

4. Bought the shelf for 10 dollars at a thrift store and the R from TJ Maxx (don't remember but only a few bucks. The planters are from Southern Living and I paid $20 for both!

5. The console table was given to us by my parents. We had an amoire we weren't using they had a table-- fair trade

6. The light hanging down was from a garage sale. The new homeowners were changing out all the new lights to newer ones-- Paid $25 bucks

6. Clock from Homegoods paid 15 dollars for it

7. The tiles are from Southern living and I got them for 5 bucks each (friend was a consultant and hooked me up)

8. Another Southern Living steal at $10 and I added some color to age it!

9. I paid 20 dollars for this old window at antique store and added my kids pictures inside with hooks.
10. Hooks from Hobby Lobby for 2.50 each! love hL 40 % off!

11. My neighbors were selling their home and had hauled some stuff out to the street so I grabbed this perfectly great trunk for free!~it's full of shoes!

12. Red wagon from Michaels with angel from my mom!

Total Price: about $150 give or take a few bucks :)

Here is my entryway! I wish another room would have been clean enough to take pictures but I was a little lazy this weekend with a big birthday party at our house and decided to price my entryway!

How to have a Fabulous Princess Party

2009-07-12T11:23:00.001-07:00

Play Kiss the Frog with bright red lipstick and a frog drawing! The closest one to the frogs lips Wins!

Have some fabulous cupcakes baked and piped with pink icing!

Make sure your princess has a fancied up birthday hat to wear!

Hang lots of pink streamers over the princess table!

Give the girls teddy bears to dress up!

Let them make Tiaras and put on make-up! Give them some fancy costume jewelry to dress up with and take home as party favors!

Add Sequins to some dollar store mirrors so the girls each get to take home a fancy mirror!

That is how we had a Fabulous Princess Party!

Tablescape Thursday Artichoke Green

2009-07-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is my tablescape for this Thursday! I love green dinnerware and love artichokes and pears so I thought they just fit together perfectly on the table. I found this big green bowl at a boutique on clearance and fell in love with it. The green cups and saucers were a clearance item at Homegoods (love that store!) This is an inexpensive yet colorful tablescape! Check out other tablescapes here: Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Giving into the smiles of my little one! Happy Birthday!

2009-07-08T02:25:00.000-07:00

My youngest turns 6 tomorrow and has been admiring american girl doll catalogs for years. She asked for one for her birthday tomorrow and pleaded and pleaded. So we secretly ordered one and thought it would be the greatest surprise. Yesterday, the UPS man stopped by and delivered the box. She saw the box and yelled, "It's my doll! I know it" How did she know? We get packages all the time. Well, we caved and let her open it and I thought I would share an early birthday picture of her with her first America girl (mortgage my house lol) doll. My oldest daughter never wanted one (well maybe she did but I couldn't justify the price) but when your baby gets older and they still want a doll...you sort of want it to last forever. Happy Birthday Emma! I love you!

Happy Fourth of July- My Home Decor

2009-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Visit Twig and Thistle for these printables

The message block is one of the ones that I made and sell on etsy! (wink, wink)

We are celebrating this year as we do every year with a pool party and BBQ at our house. I have been decorating a little for the party and thought I would share! Happy Fourth of July! Celebrate our Freedom! safely, please.

Loveseat from thrift store to Magnifique!

2009-07-03T00:15:00.000-07:00

I picked up this loveseat, actually I stuffed this loveseat into my trunk from a local thrift store. I didn't take a picture of the loveseat but remembered the picture before I stuffed the last cushion and covered it.

This loveseat sits at the end of my bed and is perfect! I slipcovered it and added two pillows.

I added a little side table next to it and now it's my favorite place to hideaway and read a book.

The cost of this wonderful nook was $40 for the loveseat and then I purchased a slipcover and pillows from Walmart! Don't you just love the pillows and the new line of decor they have now?

Tablescape Thursday Rooster Blue Style

2009-07-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my tablescape Rooster Blue Style! I love adding a cookbook as a decoration. There are so many beautiful cookbooks and they make a perfect centerpiece. Now I am off to check out the other links for tablescape Thursday and get inspired!

A Lamp Redo from Marbles to Seashells

2009-06-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Between Naps on the Porch

The marbles that were in the lamp now occupy a ziploc bag. I wish I would have snapped a photo while they were in the lamp but you will just have to picture a lamp full of marbles and race cars.

These were the race cars!It would have been a cute lamp for a boys room however didn't really work in my bathroom!

So I painted the lid from red to a creamy brown!

Then added a brown shimmer to a very denim lamp shade using craft paint!

And Voila! Here it is filled with seashells my family collected at the beach last week and set up beautifully next to my tub! I love it!

Making a Cloche from a Vase

2009-06-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

I love the look of a Cloche, but I have so many vases in my pantry that I decided to use on of those. I picked up a bag of knobs and removed the screws. I then hot glued the knob to the bottom of the vase and flipped the vase over and voila! A Cloche!

Black and Cream Toile Faith Hope Love Corner

2009-06-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Black and Cream Toile Signs of Faith Hope and Love (I got cheap at Hobby Lobby---$2.oo a piece). The table that sits underneath is decorated with fabric ( that I did a mistreatment on) and a table scarf. The bunnies are an after Easter clearance and I don't think they are Eastery! My topiary is decorated with fruit and grape lights that I love!

Plates on my Cabinets Transforms from Plain Black to Style!

2009-06-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

I saw this idea in Country Sampler Magazine and loved it. So, I went to my favorite store Hobby Lobby and bought some plate holders and some metal plates (in case I forget they are there) and hung them up with ribbon and a screw (on the inside of the cabinets). I

Fruit of the Spirit

2009-06-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

I just finished my latest canvas for my etsy shop and I love it! It turned out so pretty and I imagine it in a little girls room or in a vintage kitchen.

Spare Bedroom on a Budget

2009-06-18T03:48:00.000-07:00

She painted the back wall brown and the other walls a cozy blue. She also bought a couple of yards of fabric and made a headboard out of plywood, foam and fabric and some coordinating curtains! Isn't it perfect?

She collects raggedy dolls and has a few on display in the guest bedroom! I love the look of her collection!

This is a closeup of the headboard she made!

Well, we are back home from Texas but I wanted to share my sisters spare bedroom makeover on a budget. With a can of paint and a few yards of fabric she made a cozy spare bedroom for us to stay in.

We are loving our Texas Vacation!

2009-06-14T03:37:00.000-07:00

The Stockyards in Fort Worth
Tornado Warnings

Us plus 7 kids hiding in bathroom from weather!

In Suite at the Rangers Game

Me and the girls --official cowgirls!

Texas Vacation

2009-06-12T03:40:00.001-07:00

A few days before we arrived my sister and kids were in a terrible accident. The baby was sitting exactly where the car was hit. Thankfully, everyone survived and I am glad I was here to help this week so she could take them to doctors and buy a new car. The insurance company they have had to deal with has been horrible and we pray they just do what is right and honest.

My daughter was quick to make friends in bible school....she is the one in the yellow shirt!
The one on the left is my nephew on the right is my son! They have had a blast this week!
My youngest girl in the orange outfit with the green bow is singing along with her cousin in the blue at the end of the day!
Here is my daughter a little grossed out but learning to clean fresh chicken eggs. A city girl goes country :) without her cell phone!lol

My Nephews Beautiful Nursery with Bunnies and Peter Rabbit

2009-06-08T04:05:00.000-07:00

I am loving taking pictures throughout my sisters home and this room is one of my favorites. She did a wonderful job decorating the nursery and I thought you would enjoy a peek! It has a rabbit theme and lots of Peter Rabbit items that she made herself. The border is two pieces of trim with alphabet cards slid in between! What an awesome idea!

We arrived in Texas and I promised Roosters!

2009-06-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

We finally made it after several layovers! We are officially in texas and I am happy to introduce my morning friends! Here is chickpea the Rooster and some great rooster decor at my sisters! see you back soon for some great ideas.,.....coming soon!

Great Giveaways!

2009-06-07T04:17:00.001-07:00

Check out these great giveaways! Click on the picture below to register for them!

Fab Bandana Crafts!

2009-06-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Country Living Magazine Bandana decor
They have descriptions and details on how to make each of these fabulous inexpensive colorful bandana Decorations!

Fabulous thrift deals and Off we go to Texas!

2009-06-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

I bought some nightlights today at a local thrift shop that sells items to help support abused women and children. I love all three of them and placed them around my home. I got a fabulous deal on these fabulous lights. Two of them were 2.99 each and the church was 5 dollars!~ Unbelievable!

Now I can't wait to wake up in the middle of the night and see them all lit up. I am way too excited about nightlights and I think it is time for a vacation. This weekend the kids and I are heading to stay at my sisters for 10 days. I will be dragging three kids through two airports to get there.

The kids are so excited because their cousins have chickens and we only dream of chickens. They will be in paradise with their cousins and the chickens. I hope they lay eggs while we are visiting. Check back through the next weeks and I will be posting pictures from my sisters home (sh! don't tell her) and of course of the kids and the chickens!

My favorite Paint Colors!

2009-06-04T02:25:00.000-07:00

This is a "My favorite colors" Link Party hosted by 320 Sycamore
Ralph Lauren Black Silk for the cabinets and Behr Butter Cookie for my walls!

Ralph Lauren Black Silk and Behr Butter Cookie for the walls

Ralph Lauren Black Silk and Behr Butter Cookie!

My kitchen cabinets are painted with the black silk and the walls are butter cookies which has the perfect subtle yellow (my favorite color) background! I was so happy I took the plunge and painted the kitchen cabinets. It took me seven years but now I wish I would have done it sooner! That's my advice...if you are pondering! Go For it!

An old Weathered Window

2009-06-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

I love old weathered pieces that I know have a story built into them. I fell in love with this old weathered window and bought it for 20 dollars at a local antique shop.

Once I brought her home, I hot glued clips on the inside to hang pictures in each panel. I added hardware to hang her up and voila! She hangs in my entryway and tells a new story in my home.

Mister Bluebird on my Shoulder.....

2009-06-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

My son left the cotton next to the birdhouse in case they get cold and need something to keep them warm. It's still there weeks later but I don't have the heart to take it down. He is so thoughtful!

Everything is Satisfactual....Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Zip-A-Dee-A My oh my, what a wonderful day .....Plenty of sunshine heading my wayZip-A-Dee-Doo-DahZip-A-Dee-A............

This is my latest addition to my 365 album , which by the way, I haven't missed a day this year! I love the album so far and have really enjoyed going back over the last 5 months and reliving everyday moments. I can't imagine how neat it will be years from now!

We have birds in our birdhouse and they keep flying in and out! I think they are feeding babies now. I wish I could get closer but I will sit on the porch and continue to zoom in and take pictures for the time being. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Beautiful Day and A Swim

2009-06-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

The kids were so happy it finally stopped raining here in the Sunshine State. We haven't seen a lot of sunshine lately. So when the sun came out they ran and jumped into the pool. Of course, that meant I heard."Hey Mom Watch this" about a hundred times We even had some neighborhood kids peek over the fence and ask to join us. The kids swam for hours and it was nice to sit in the sun. It is so nice to see them splash and smile and the beginning of summer just a few days away.

Metamorphorsis Monday in My Entry Hall

2009-06-01T02:02:00.000-07:00

Metamorphisis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
All I have is the after photo for these but on the wall alcove above I cut out wallpaper stones and placed them around the alcove. I love it and now it is framed out nicely!

This candlestick was boring black until I roughed it up quite a bit....now it is perfectly distressed!

I love these bunnies but when I bought them they were squealing for some more brown so I added a little bit more and they match with my decor now! They are perfectly dirty! :)

All of these items are in my entry hall and I especially love the change to the alcove. I am sure I have a before picture somewhere but it's easier if you will just imagine a bare alcove. I do love the way it turned out and for only a few bucks and some scissors it looks great!

That's my metaphorsis Monday blog, head on over to the link at the beginning of the post to see others!

Signs Signs Everywhere Signs........

2009-05-30T14:47:00.001-07:00

These are a few signs that I found courtesy of Art.com and they made me smile......scroll down.... I also included the signs I have displayed in my home and I hope they make you smile.

These are my signs..They are around the kitchen and they tell a little bit about me :)

I love to have signs in my home.....little reminders to laugh or to show my personality. Here is a glimpse into my personality and my signs.

As you can tell, I enjoy coffee quite a bit and I love to cook and have a sense of humor. My signs make me smile and remind me that life is too short to be serious.

Nesting Place Lampalooza Party

2009-05-28T03:28:00.000-07:00

The chandelier I added stings
of beads and some beading to pizazz it up. I was a gift so I feel as though I can't really change it permanently! The pink chandelier is in my craft room and I love it!

I am game for a party especially one I can attend in my Pj's. The nester is hosting a Lampalooza party where we all expose our lamps. So here it goes, here are a few of my lamps. One of them has a tassel from the Nester hanging on it. Shout out to the host! Leave a comment and I'll come over and visit!

Kathleen

Vintage Style Up Above My cabinets

2009-05-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

Up above my cabinets lives a collage of vintage items from old milk bottles to irons......from bread boxes to pinball games. I love the bright colors up against my butter walls and next to my black cabinets. In the middle of my kitchen sits the word art. I know it looks to high from the picture, but I took the pictures standing on top of my cabinets. So, from the floor (and I am short) it looks perfect! thanks for looking!

Hall of Presidents at Our home

2009-05-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl I made a poster of George Washington that my mother kept for me and had framed when I was an adult. My husband, who is a banker has an uncut sheet of money framed in our hallway. (who else would frame money, right?) Anyway, it's dollar bills but it is so cool. I have added over the years framed presidential art my kids have made at school and it looks really neat. I like the idea of combining the pieces of art all together with coordinating frames. It's our own version of the Hall of Presidents.

Showing off My Kids Artwork in an inexpensive way!

2009-05-24T03:18:00.000-07:00

My kids are constantly making artwork so I made this hanger and I rotate their fine prints in and out when they make new stuff. It is a 1 x 4 piece of wood painted and then I nailed in some binder clips and decorated above each one with a metal scrapbook phrase that I hot glued on. The kids are proud and I love it and the bonus....it was cheap!

What to do with empty photo frames? Ideas?

2009-05-22T02:55:00.001-07:00

I have had intentions to make these since I saw them in a boutique but have yet to do it. I am trying to add my own twist to it and can't figure out exactly what I want to do. It's a great idea and I am thinking of painting a silhouette of the children in each one. I was inspired by kari and kijsa blog on silhouettes. What do you think about painting silhouettes in an empty glass frame? Or do you have any creative words that I could write instead of the traditional?

All Grown Up! sigh....

2009-05-21T01:28:00.001-07:00

Here she is my baby graduating kindergarten. We are so proud and it's amazing how it hits you when it's the last one of your children finishing kindergarten. She sang and did such a good job and you can tell I am a proud mama typing.

We have been busy with custom orders! Its' a Good thing!

2009-05-20T03:49:00.000-07:00

My Latest Custom Order for Heidi
Using Martha Stewart Punches

Love these Luminaries Cheap to Make and Pretty

Great Party Favor Idea... Put chocolate inside instead..MMm!

My sister and I have been so busy with our custom message blocks that it's a good thing! Like Martha Stewarts...good things Ideas! So in honor of Martha's good things Here is an idea from her and a picture from me. By the way, I am going to my last Kindergarten Graduation today. My baby is going to be moving on to first grade. sigh! I will be busy taking a million pictures...see you back tomorrow.

Antique Footboard transformed into a bench!

2009-05-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

this weekend I convinced my husband that this old footboard could be converted into a bench instead of sitting in the garage. He had no idea what my vision was but was kind enough to work with me on this one. It turned out perfect and if I ever want to use it as a footboard it will have a bench attached but for now it's in my hallway.....sitting pretty!

The Old White Dresser

2009-05-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Country Living

If you are driving through Robertsdale, Alabama near Gulf Shores, you need to drop by the... White dresser... and say hello. This store carries southern bell items and decor. One of the artisans is 80 years old and she designs handmade embroidery beautiful pillowcases. This store is soon to be carrying our line of altered art. So when you stop by take a look at Pigtails Paper Trails art.

Repurposing broken furniture

2009-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

We bought my daughter a dresser and while we were carrying it in we set down the mirror that went on top. Meanwhile, my son decided to play indoor soccer and shattered the glass. So, the frame has sat in the garage and I have had to keep my husband from throwing it away. I knew one day I would have a lightbulb moment and do something with it. Well...here it is a nice chalkboard framed in my hallway. I love it and best of all all it cost was a can of spray chalkboard paint and a piece of wood.

This is the behind the scenes at our house

2009-05-13T02:44:00.000-07:00

Ever had one of those days... I was attempting to craft and I hear a funny noise coming from the bathroom as I step in there is about an inch of water everywhere.. let me add clean water...thank goodness! It was the back of the toilet and for some reason it just started flooding.

Now on to the next thing, I bought a package of 9 craft scissors last week and it took me an hour to find one. Who ate them? Did someone come into my house and steal my scissors? I still can't find the other 8. I know the kids took them but where in the world did they put them]? or was it my mom getting revenge for all the years she couldn't find her "good" scissors? I am sorry mom for taking your "good scissor" and the ones with the cool funny edge you used to cut fabric. I now know how much those meant to you.

If you have had this problem with scissors before give me some tips on where kids hid them... Now off to have coffee so today might be a little more sane..maybe.

Oh and as you can see under the scissors my craft mat is full of glue and mysterious paints and glitter. If you know of a good way to clean these please leave me a comment. Thanks

Kathleen

We have been Featured! Thanks Kari &Kijsa

2009-05-12T03:14:00.000-07:00

Blog sisters-- Kari and Kijsa have featured us on their website! They have done such a great job on the posts! They tell our story better than we have, I think. Head on over there and visit their design blog...we have been lurking over at their blog for awhile and are honored they chose to blog about us!Kari & Kijsa

My latest home decor creations

2009-05-11T02:58:00.000-07:00

Back to my day of vintage and antique shopping last week. Besides the awesome bird cage, red table and dairy barrel, I also found an old window and turned it into a picture frame. I found two old black sconces and repainted those framed them and added a metal R in the middle (our last name initial). I found a great wooden shelf to hang the quilt by grandmother handmade for us for our wedding. I love the way the entryway turned out and it is so refreshing to no I made or reused items to do it!

2009-05-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

GIVEAWAY! FREEBIE!!! ... Here are the rules.... Go to MY BLOG FOR ETSY HERE http://pigtailspapertrails.blogspot.com/.

You must live in the continental United States! You can either do one of two things to be entered into the contest. Go to our store HERE and pick out your favorite item and comment on it at our pigtails blog! Or you can grab our blinkie on the pigtails blog and add it to your blog and link your blog in the comment section HERE. If you do both that would be extra nice :)!
The giveaway is a laminated notebook..handmade and our newest creation that will be for sale in our store soon. It is 5 x 4 closed and 5 x 9.5 open. Giveaway ends on May 15 th Friday.

Pass along this giveaway! I will use random.org to pick a winner!
My blinkie code is on the right of this page and the link to my store is http://pigtailspapertrails.etsy.com/

Thanks to myscrapchick for template!

Vintage Retro Themed Home Edition

2009-05-08T03:03:00.000-07:00

Here are the three red items I bought to match!
Closeup of birdcage...I added the light and bird!

Old dairy barrel very heavy and matched perfectly~

My kids came home and each one of them asked the same thing..."are we getting a bird?" No we are not... "Why do we have a bird cage?" It is for decoration. "that's wierd"

But for now I hit the jackpot with my favorite colors and lots of goodies.

Organization and Storage for your Entryway

2009-05-07T03:23:00.000-07:00

photos by All You, Gemma Comas

My Home Ideas has some great ideas to help you get organized. Spring cleaning is nice but I like to spend the summer coming up with a plan to get organized for the new school year. Something that I can take my time on and start the new school year organized. These are some great ideas and the good news is there is no rush..shop around and get good deals. Refurbish what you already have...you have all summer :)

Beautiful Bicycle for My Mom

2009-05-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

I made this beautiful bicycle for my mom for mother's day...don't tell her. I think she is going to love it! I bought the bicycle at Michaels and then decked it out with moss and flowers! I want to keep it...isn't that a sign of a good gift, though?

Tweens love and well...love them :)

2009-05-04T03:16:00.000-07:00

My oldest is a tween and we just finished volleyball season and I am so proud of her effort and her social skills. She can get along with anyone and have a conversation and sometimes it gets her trouble (at school for talking) but it is something about her that makes me proud. In honor of her I am doing this post for tween decor!

The decor comes from Canvas Graphics

Inspired by my last post I wanted to create art to help you feather your nests!

2009-05-01T02:55:00.000-07:00

I decorated these wooden letters and didn't they turn out so pretty? They are perfect for those wanting to feather your nests! Thanks for looking and post a comment with a link back to your nests all feathered up!

Feathering Your nest!

2009-04-29T16:44:00.002-07:00

I found some great inspiration from FEATHER YOUR NEST
and I am sharing the pictures with you. They have a great blog with lots of ideas and I just love staring at the pictures.

Birds Nest in a Beautiful Frame

2009-04-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

This Beautiful frame is listed in my Etsy store. I just finished it today. I love how it turned out!

Wall Ideas and Decoration Inspiration

2009-04-27T02:24:00.001-07:00

I still have photos of ideas from shops from my trip. I have not yet attempted these ideas but still have the best of intentions. I wanted to share a few and if you have done any of these and have pictures post a link in my comments.

Kathleen

Grape lights and a topiary and VOILA!

2009-04-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

I bought a set of grape lights from a general store while on vacation. When I got home I remembered I had a topiary with regular lights (an after christmas clearance special). I wound..wounded..wrapped..wove.. whichever the lights around the tree and then added branches..picks of fruit to make it a year round topiary. I love how it turned out and Yeah now I can leave this twinkling lights out all year! I am a soft light fanatic!

Kathleen

Just listed on Etsy Cute Gifts!

2009-04-23T09:32:00.001-07:00

I just listed these two cute gifts on etsy... an altered tin with large scoop and an altered journal for those who love to browse the internet :)

Vintage Ice Cream Pendant Banner

2009-04-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

I just finished this vintage ice cream banner and listed it in the etsy shop! I am on a roll this week and my craft mojo is in full gear. I might as well craft away before I lose it! :)

Pigtails Paper Trails Etsy Shop

I miss my dog ...

2009-04-21T03:32:00.001-07:00

Sunday night we lost our golden retriever of 11 years to cancer. It was the saddest night my children have ever experienced. I cried all day yesterday. So I am posting a picture as a tribute to the many memories we have of Beau. We miss you!

Kathleen

Cupcake Pops Cake Awesome!

2009-04-19T04:14:00.000-07:00

I used the famous Bakerella's Cupcake Pops and formed them in a basket into a giant cake. It was awesome and the kids loved it! Even the parents asked to take some home for siblings! I felt like the best hostess :) Thanks Bakerella!

My little boy turned nine and his party was such a success! It seems like you put so much time into planning but this year I made sure to sit back and enjoy the party! It was a blast!

All I want is a new pair of drawers

2009-04-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

I know I have blogged about her craft room before but would you look at her drawers. I have drawer envy! I am on a mission to organize my drawers in the next week and will post before and after pictures when I am done.

I know it won't look like allsorts

but it will be imperfectly mine!

Birthday Reminder Invitations Altered

2009-04-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

I bought these cute birthday boxes and altered them with paper and a little reminder to about my sons birthday party on Saturday. I plan to hand them out to his class (and they were all invited) on Friday. I added paper and stickers I made to the clear box and filled them M&M's. I used Martha Stewart cupcake stickers to top them off. Love them!!

Treasures from our trip

2009-04-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

We shopped until we dropped and also found the best boutique/store. I asked if I could snap a few pictures and they let me, but I think they suspected that I owned a competitive store. If they only knew, I was only looking for inspiration and beauty. My store is cleaning my home after three kids. ha ha!

Hoots, Tweets, Chirps and Cockadoodledoo

2009-04-09T04:14:00.000-07:00

My Treasury on Etsy... It's great go check it out. There is so much great talent out there.

MY TREASURY

Inspired by Shopping at Archivers

2009-04-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

Mt sister and I went to Minnesota with our mom for the weekend and spent all of our money at Archivers. We are so inspired to create some awesome items for the etsy shop with the latest and greatest! so check out the store and the blog for all of the great altered items we will be adding. My sister landed back in Texas a day earlier than my mom and I and has already listed one with an owl- it's awesome!

Fancied Up Clipboards - Love fancied up anything!

2009-04-01T05:31:00.001-07:00

Just added some fancied up clipboards to etsy. Who wants a plain clipboard? Not me. I love to jazz everything up. I have a friend who bought one for each kid and hung them in a row in the kitchen to put their schedules, papers, etc... She custom ordered them for each kid. Love custom orders so if you don't see anything you like just send a message through etsy requesting what you do like!

2009-03-28T11:29:00.001-07:00

I love Easter and Spring after winter as much as I love fall after summer... it perks up my mood. I guess it's the change of pace. I can't believe it's almost Easter and the kids have 9 more weeks of school until summer.
I am heading to Minnesota (Mayo) for my one year post-op appointment ( Mayo built me a custom jaw and fosssa last year when mine turn into tiny pieces) next weekend. Yes I live a half hour from Mayo in Florida, but the specialist for this surgery is in Minnesota....

We are making it a girls weekend and my Mom is flying with me and My sister is flying up from Dallas. It's kind of nice to have an appointment so close to the Mall of America even though it's a long way from Florida and I have to break out my winter clothes :) Can't wait to post some pictures from our trip!
Meanwhile, we have a crazy week ahead and I am getting a crown on Tuesday(which means Valium) I am such a whimp when it comes to the dentist. I always tell him to give me enough drugs so I don't hate him and I start loving him. So send me some love and good thoughts and have a Mimosa for me Tuesday morning. :)
Thanks!

Mammograms and my crazy life!

2009-03-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy these last few weeks in what essentially led me to a mammogram and ultrasound! AGH! The good news is that my breasts did not stay flat ...the bad news is that they still can't identify the lump. I just had an exam back in October so I was glad that I did my monthly check and found it. This is a reminder to everyone...do your monthly breasts exams! Now I wait until I see the doctor again to discuss what's next. Now off to decorate for Easter so I can posts some Easter decor pictures.

I wish I could live on this Wisteria Lane

2009-03-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Wisteria

All pictures are from their store! Go take a look. I wish I could afford all of these items but a girl can dream~and it is definitely inspiration.

Fried Laptop, Blooming Azaleas and Roses

2009-03-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Good News and Bad News...

As you can see my laptop Fried and that is why I haven't blogged. The good news is that my Azaleas are blooming and my roses are beautiful! The only thing is we are covered in Pollen right now. Achooo!

Nesting Birds found a home in my entryway!

2009-03-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

I found a way to make my own birds like the ones in the Williams Sonoma add. I took some vases I already had and went to Michaels to get moss, nests and birds and some flower stems. I also dressed up my wagon with a bunny and a birds nest. I love the colors of spring and the brightness it brings to my home.

Nest Bell Jars

2009-03-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Williams Sonoma is selling these but I am too cheap and always have to try and make my own!

I love this idea and think I have some perfect vases I can turn upside down and make a few of these for nearly nothing. Off to the craft store to dig for goodies!