Thursday, July 28, 2011

Figuring out this whole "blog" thing

It has taken awhile... but I finally think I have a handle (be it slippery) on this whole blogging thing.  Trying to maneuver my way around the World of Technology has proven to be a bit of a daunting task.  I have been begging the Hubster for help, but with his crazy schedule and my crazy schedule... I had to hold him hostage to get a bit of help.  Now, with 20 minutes of his time and some determination on my part, I think we have it down.  I have finished a few pieces... The large dinette set is completely finished and looks SWEET!  I have finished a beautiful cedar chest and am now onto many more projects.  I have tried uploading photos and blog entries via my iphone... and CRASH!  I now have to research why the photos will not upload.  Here we go again with the technology challenge.  I will figure it out!  Now... I have added some tabs at the top of my page... Please pay close attention to The Prairie Pickers and Peddlers Market with our upcoming open house event.  I pasted this from my friend Deb's Blog... TwiceNice... because she is the bomb and is way more organized and ahead of the game than I am.  I am getting there!

Monday, July 11, 2011

A grouping and a reminder.

2. Here you will see a grouping in my powder room along with a quote from Albus Dumbledore.  Yes, I am letting my goofy and fun side show.  I began reading these books to my children when they were first published and we all fell in love with them.  The quote, in particular, I thought would be hysterical above the toilet.  I believe one should always find the time to contemplate the deeper meaning of life's philosophies.  Why not use your time wisely in the restroom?
 "It's not our abilities that show
                      who we truly are; it is our choices"  Albus Dumbledore

The Curry Family definition

In my rush to leave for vacation, I quickly decided to snap a few iphone photos of a few projects from my home.  I hope you enjoy these and they inspire something in you!
1. Our family definition.  I have had this "C" for quite a long time, and couldn't quite figure out what to do with it.  I tried it on my front door, in a grouping with photos, on a shelf with other "C's", finally I took it down and it sat on the garage shelf.  Then I had an inspirational moment.  I LOVE subway art!  I do, I really do.  I made quite a few of them this year as graduation gifts, and they were a hit.  So, why not use the "C" to highlight our last name and create subway are in our newly redecorated powder room.  So here it is:
P.S. Pleas disregard the lame photography... I truly was doing this as my husband was waiting patiently in the car.

Six Piece Walnut Table and Chair set in progress.

This is the current project in progress in my garage.  A not so beautiful walnut table and chair set.  Yes... I  said "walnut".  I didn't really think that I could find a piece of solid walnut furniture that would be unattractive.  But, I am a bit of an over achiever.  Please tell me that you sensed the satire in that last statement.  These chairs are still a work in progress.  I am giving them the "charm" by using Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in beautiful "Versailles", and I have my eye on some exquisite Waverly fabric.  I really can't tell you at this point as to whether the fabric I have my eye on will make it to the final cut.  As I have said, all things "jockey" for a permanent position.  These chairs are awaiting their touch-up sanding and their coats of wax.  When I finally return home from our combination family wedding, vacation, and college tours... I hope to finish them ASAP, because I can't wait to see the finished project.  On to posting some photos of a few of my favorite completed projects from my house... With the intentions that these may give someone, (anyone) some creative inspiration.  

Posting from my iPhone

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

First Post of a New Adventure

And, here we go..... The first blog.  Will anyone be that interested in the artistry and musings of a 40-something woman on a quest to find her passion?  Let's hope there may be a few out there who are willing to attempt this journey with me.  With one of my 4 children out of the house ~ another one on the way out, next year ~ and 2 very active and independent little boys left at home, it was time to give some thought to what I would like to do now that I am beginning a new stage in my life.  With some help and prodding from my husband, family, and friends (especially Miss Deb Owen, check her blog out at... http://twicenice.blogspot.com).  I figured... why not?  I do enjoy and respond to all things creative.  I love to look at other's work and wonder... How did they do that?  Can I do that?  Can I tweak it?  Do I want it in my home?  Can I create something all my own?  We shall see.  We shall see.  Now being a mother of 4 ( a stay at home mother of 4), means I have had to budget, A LOT.  I don't mind it so much.  This has allowed those creative juices to flow.  I prepared homemade family meals, I quilt, I sew, I re-purpose, I repair and re-purpose things, I find new ways of using things that I may already have or have found picking.   What is picking?  Oh my!  Garage sale bargains, free items, thrift stores, estate sales, any sale.  You name it, and I will give it a go. 


 On a soapbox note:  I really believe we are a blessed society that is so quick to throw things out and buy new.   We have huge homes and are never quite content with what we have... and continue to want more.  A consumer society.  I am ready to re-consume.  Okay, that may not be a word, but let's start a revolution!


I will be starting this blog as I am leaving on vacation... so bear with me.  What better time to start something than the present?  So even on my travels, I will be looking for unwanted furniture to give new life to.  Got a picture frame?  I can make something with that.  How about linens, fabric, odds and ends? Check, check and check.


On this blog you will find some re-purposed items for sale, some artistry items, eventually (hopefully) some tutorials, yummy meal plans and recipes, ideas, musings, links to some great blogs, great finds, and a little humor.  Okay, I hope you get my humor and silliness.   You may occasionally see a cute little blond head, or a sparkle of a blue eye.  Those are my children.  I am a pretty proud mom.  You may see a strikingly handsome, tall man... that would be my husband.  Yeah, he is pretty fabulous.  


So, without further delay... let's BLOG!