appleberrycottage

Dollar Saturday

2012-01-22T11:20:00.003-06:00

I stopped into my local thrift store yesterday. All orange tag items were only $1.00. I found a green plaid wool skirt for only $1.00. I also found a Woolrich plaid pair of shorts for only $1.00. Not too bad for wool items. I think the green (very pretty in person, I just don't want to mess with my camera and adjusting colors now) will look great as leafs or grass in a rug.

We didn't have a snow day on Friday, but did get about 7 inches of snow by Saturday morning. So, I spend Friday evening hooking my new dark wool. I did an experimental row at the bottom of the rug, just to see what a row of each looked like. I wanted to make sure I was going to use all three plaids. (which I am)

I then started outlining the edges with 2 rows, then outlining the flowers with 2 rows. I cut equal amounts of each wool, threw it into a basket, and am randomly pulling out worms to hook. I like the look of the black/brown ~ it's very subtle. I'm hoping to get more done today. Once done with outlining, I'll add some interest to the background by drawing some s's or c's and going around them. I haven't attempted that before, so yet something new to experiment on.

Have a great weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Hoping for Snow

2012-01-19T20:41:00.002-06:00

While thinking about my floral rug, I started a snowman rug. Its was in an older issue of Create and Decorate. I've always admired the hooked rugs, and kept certain patterns in mind. (I've also used them for punch needle) I used a tan/grey/brown mini plaid for the scarf. This plaid was previously a Talbots skirt that I found at a thrift store for cheap. Because the plaid is so small, it hooks up very textured/bumpy looking. I'm not sure that I like the brown for the twig arms. It's a piece of reclaimed coat wool. I have a darker piece of brown that I might try on the other arm and compare them. I also needed a light pink for the cheeks. All I had was some left over hand dyed wool from a penny rug.

I also needed a light pink for the cheeks. All I had was some left over hand dyed wool from a strawberry penny rug. I was thinking the pink was a bit too deep, so I tried some dyeing without dye. I threw the piece of pink wool into a pot with some off white wool, and let it simmer. I now have a light pink wool to try. (I'm getting closer to really trying some dying)

I got home from work today, and found a package that I had ordered from Designs in Wool! More wool. Dark, primitive wool. I really like the wool on the right. I can't wait to see how it hooks up. The wool on the left I wasn't sure about when I ordered it, but am giving it a try. It's so much darker than in the photo when I ordered, which is a good thing. It's a dark blue, but almost looks black. It might give a different color once it's cut and next to the other darks. (thanks for suggesting it, Mary) Now to wash it to full it, cut, and hook.

I also ordered a cream/beige plaid. It has softer colors than I expected, but again, that's a good thing. I want to use it for the snowman and have subtle variations.

All this new wool will keep my busy. All I need is a snow day tomorrow, but it's not gonna happen. We do have a winter storm heading our way tomorrow, but not enough to close schools. But, I can hope.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Monday's Finish

2012-01-16T22:01:00.003-06:00

I just finished my little (12x15) rug. I really liked how this one turned out. I didn't do any color planning, just followed the photo on the pattern. I wish all color planning was that easy!

I love the grey border and roof on this rug.

The back. I used strips of wool fabric instead of twill tape. It's a bit softer than twill tape. Since it's a small rug, and will most likely be put on a wall, I'm not worried about the durability. The binding is matching wool fabric strips.

This is the wonderful striped wool fabric that created the roof and border. The photo shows it a bit brighter than it actually is. It hooks up grey, with hints of brown/gold and blue. This has made me re-think about mill dyed fabric. I'm now going to search for more plaids that can be used in other rugs.

I almost want to make another one just to see how quickly it can be made. I do have a piece of monks cloth large enough to make another one. I'll have to see if I have enough of the wool.

~*~ Laura ~*~

PeNNy RuNNeR

2012-01-08T19:46:00.006-06:00

Here it is ~ the penny rug that's on my dining room table. This was one of my first attempts at a penny rug, and it was designed to be used. I wanted something that would fit in the center of the table, but still allow plates, silverware, and glasses to fit on the table without going on top of the rug. So, I put some paper on the table to see how large to make the runner. No magic formula, just measured to suit my need.

I then took the measurements, and traced a rectangle on freezer paper. I used the freezer paper to cut out the background. It helps give a really sharp edge, plus, it helps give an exact backing size. (more on that later) I used wool felt for this one, but now I only use 100% wool. (had to start somewhere)

I used various colors of pennies and layed them out so the bottom color goes diagonally. I didn't use freezer paper to cut them out. I used an idea on another blog of using a Sizzix machine with a circle cutter. Yes, it did give exact circles. But, I found using this machine wasted a lot of wool felt. Now that I use wool, it would waste WAY too much. If I was doing this again, I would trace my circles onto freezer paper using a circle template. The circles can touch edges (very slightly), as then there would be no wasted wool.

I stitched them in groups of 3, then blanket stitched them to the background. After I made this penny rug, I found a wonderful tutorial for blanket stitching. You might want to check out

http://lynetteandersondesigns.typepad.com/lynette_anderson_designs/2009/09/blanket-stitch-my-way.html

After stitching the pennies onto the front, you can finish the back with either wool or cotton quilt fabric. I used cotton. If you are using wool, use the freezer paper from the top of the runner. Cut exactly, and you will have an exact copy of the top. If you are using fabric, iron the freezer paper onto the fabric, and cut, leaving a 1 inch border on each side of the freezer paper. Then iron the edges of the runner exactly on the edge of the freezer paper. An easy way to get an exact size of the top. You will now be able to stitch the bottom to the top, and not have the cotton fabric ravel. I didn't know this trick when I made this runner. Yes, the edges do have a button hole stitch, but the quilt fabric still ravels slightly.

I've seen other ideas for the background instead of wool. I've seen aged weavers cloth, quilt fabric and ticking. Walnut ink crystals are a great way to age the fabric.

I did have to start a project to use my new frame. I started a snowman rug with some scraps that I had on hand. The white/tan is a few worms of wool that I sprayed with walnut ink. I love the color of walnut ink to age fabric (not too orangy, not too drab ~ just a wonderful shade of brown). I wanted to see how it would look for the snowman. (the color is lighter than in the photo). Now to decide if I go for tan or grey to age the snowman....

~*~ Laura ~*~ (still warm in Chicago, but that's gonna change soon)

It's Here!

2012-01-04T19:33:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, my new rug hooking frame arrived! Merry Christmas to me. (yep, I chose my own Christmas gift this year) The box wasn't very large, but the base and 2 gripper tops all fit inside. As I opened it, and it smelled like freshly cut wood~ mmmmm. I did have to assemble it, which was a total of 2 screws. Easy enough to manage ~ just have to be careful of the sharp gripper strips.

Here is the octagonal frame top. I went with this over a larger rectangular one, as I thought I would be easier to maneuver in circles. Since I have nothing to compare it to, it will be tons easier than the hoop I'm currently using.

I also got a smaller square frame top (it came as a set). I put it on top of the octagonal to compare the sizes. The square might be nice for a smaller mini rug, or even punch needle. I chose the lap base, as I hook sitting on the couch. I can always get a floor frame attachment, but at this point, I don't think I would use it enough.

Thank you for the nice comments on the penny rug that's on my dining room table. I will get some photos, and write up a tutorial. There are a few things that I would do differently if I make another one. This one gets a lot of use, and gets crumbs/spills, as we eat in our dining room every evening. I really don't mind if it's gets dirty, as it's to use. I can always make another one.

It was back to work/school for me on Monday. Our district gave 2 full weeks off, but we had to go back on Monday, when the rest of the area was off for the holiday. I didn't mind going back, as I like my job this year. (I didn't say that last year!)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Tweaking

2011-12-30T18:37:00.004-06:00

I ended up tweaking the bird on the rug. After looking at the photo, the bird seems just a little too fat on the left side. So, I took out a row of black loops, and replaced them with the oatmeal background. The crow now has a sharper beak, and seems a little more appealing. Now onto binding.

Yesterday I was out shopping, and found these Pendleton wool pants. They are a pretty tan/cream color. Can't wait to cut them apart and wash them. It should be nice wool to hook up.

I also found these wood board. The painting won't stay. I could see some type of punch needle or hooked rug attached to it. Yet another piece to put on the pile to do ~ sometime. But for a "whopping" 25 cents, I couldn't pass it up.

Didn't get any crafting done today. Instead, I took one of my teens to the doctor. He had a cold that turned into an infection. Hopefully he'll feel better now that he'll on antibiotics.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Almost finished

2011-12-29T11:37:00.003-06:00

Almost finished! Last night I finished hooking this small rug (approx 14" x 12"). I steamed it, and it just needs some binding. I did end up putting in my initials in the corners for something fun. Maybe I should use some fabric transfer paper and make some rug labels, but that's another project. I even thought I should keep a record of what I used for each rug. I might be a good reminder of colors, and how certain wools/colors change when hooked. I did learn that the green in this rug is darker than the original plaid. I thought more of the lighter values would pop out, but I still like the overall effect.

While my saltbox rug was drying, I started re-hooking the blues in the floral rug. I like this blue a lot more (although the other blue was very pretty, too, but just not the shade I was looking for). I'm still debating on the background and what to do. I have seen some other wools that are a mottles/spot dyed. I wish I could test them out. Hey, that might a whole other concept of selling wool: see the entire wool piece, then see how it looks when hooked in a rug. =)

I'm even thinking ahead to another project that could use the brown/tan wools..... I found an adorable rabbit rug pattern. Not springy or Eastery, just plain folk art. I could get it in either monks cloth or linen. I've only hooked with burlap and monks cloth. Should I go for the linen on this next one? It might be fun to try, especially when I get my Christmas gift that I ordered. I didn't get in in time for Christmas, but I'm waiting for a new lap frame! (been using a Morgan hoop, and need to get an upgrade). I'm hoping the UPS guy brings it to me quickly!

Chuck, our pet turtle, has been getting lots of attention while everyone is home on break. Chuck even got some Christmas gifts: a water mister, new mulch, and some hay. He's one lucky turtle!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Doing "nothing"

2011-12-26T22:25:00.005-06:00

Today I did nothing. :) I stayed home, with the exception of driving one kid to a friend's house. Other than that, I watched a movie, and worked on a rug that I started a couple weeks ago. The house and flowers were done with an Oxford rug punch. My hoop isn't big enough to hold the rug tight, so I opted to hook the background. Just need to get some more of the grey plaid wool to finish the border and the binding. The greens are a green plaid, the house was done with 3 different overdyed red plaids, and the flowers were done with 2 of the red plaids. The rood and border are the grey plaid that is under the silver pick in my previous post. The grey plaid really hooks up nicely ~ lots of subtle shading.

This is my youngest and I last evening. We stopped at a local park that gets all decked out in lights and light figures (trains, windmills, ships). One of my teen sons wanted to quickly try his new camera, so James and I posed for photos. No snow on the ground this year, but that's fine with me!
I received my wool for the background of the floral rug. I got a soft black, grey, brown, a brown/green, and khaki. I did try a test strip, and attempted to marry the wools. The before is the lower wools, and the after are the strips on the top of the photo. Not much difference. Not sure if I need to add more black wool when I marry the wools or not. Or if I should just leave them as is and see how it turns out. I'll have to re-work the blues first while I'm debating the next step.

Here are the newer blues for the flowers. A lot more muted/primitive shades. I really like the newer shades of blue!

Then to decide how to attempt the hooking of the background. Do I try one color around all the edges of the flowers and stems? I'm thinking just cut the wool, and randomly pull the strips out of the basket. It's suppose to be primitive, so I just might see what random looks like.

Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas!

~*~ Laura ~*~

MeRRy CHRiSTMaS!

2011-12-24T20:39:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas! I've had the last week off of school/work, along with my youngest. The high school is in a different district, so they had school through this past Wednesday. I enjoyed the quiet of only having one kid at home for a few days. I finally finished all my shopping, wrapping, and Christmas cards. This evening was church, then out to dinner for Christmas Eve. Tomorrow we'll open gifts, then head to my parents for dinner.

More rug photos to follow this week. I've been working on a small saltbox house rug.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Picks and Parades

2011-12-04T20:37:00.004-06:00

I did a little shopping this past weekend at my local quilt shop. I found the wool in the background, which will work for a roof on my next project. I also found this silver nut pick. I'm going to try it out when I'm rug punching. I don't know what tool to use to push the wool ends to the other side. I would think scissors might accidently cut the wool. I don't have any prody tools, so this will do (I think!).
I found these 2 wool skirts at a local thrift store. The black plaid is 50% wool and 50% lambs wool. I can't wait to see how it will wash up! The green has lots of flecks, and will work well for grass. It was almost a long skirt, so lots of wool for cheap.

Today was the annual Merry Cary Parade in our town. I went to see Matt in the marching band.

At the end of parade, Santa always makes an appearance. In the downtown part of town they have sleigh rides, a petting zoo, and a couple kiddie rides. My kids have outgrown the kiddie rides, but I saw a couple kids from school in the parade that must have had a good time.

Hope everyone has had a great weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

GiNGeRBReaD MeN

2011-11-29T21:27:00.004-06:00

I started getting out some of my Christmas decorations. These adorable gingerbreadmen are a new addition for me this year. I found them at a garage sale this past summer. I think I paid a whopping $1.50 for the entire set! The person was downsizing and getting rid of all her craft items/supplies. I really didn't need any of the supplies, but was happy to take these.

I've been hooking on my rug the past few days. I have everything but the background done. I still want to get a more muted blue for the flowers, but will need to decide on where to get the background wool. I'm thinking of an antique black background. I want lots of different variations in it. I'm thinking several different textures/plaids all overdyed the same black. I don't know of anyone who would carry 5 different textures. I've found a couple sellers that sell 3 textures, but I'm not sure if that's enough variation. Anyone have any suggestions for sellers? Something that has black, tan, and hints of possibly green? I'll end up using the wool to bind the edges, too. That way it's guaranteed to match the background.

It's been back to school/work for me after having last week off. I do have to say it's nice going back to a job I enjoy. I really enjoy working with the kids, and we have a great class this year. It's low pay, but the hours are good and it's close to home. =)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Not a Creature Was Stirring, Not Even a Mouse

2011-11-25T19:06:00.002-06:00

I just finished a whole bunch of these mouse ornies! Photos don't do them justice, as they are much cuter in person. I might be listing some on Ebay soon, so I'll keep you posted. Now that this project is completed, it's back to the rug I've been working on.

For Thanksgiving, our family went to my parent's for dinner. Today, I stayed home from shopping. (with the exception of a trip to Ace Hardware) I didn't want to deal with crowds and getting up at the crack of dawn. I guess there wasn't anything that I saw on the ads that made me want to deal with the Black Friday chaos.

This past week has flown by too quickly. But, only 3 more weeks of school until I get 2 weeks off for Christmas. I now need to take down the fall decorations, and start putting up the Christmas ones. Guess that's my project for the remainder of the weekend.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Turkey Time!

2011-11-20T17:18:00.004-06:00

I just finished punching this turkey for Thanksgiving! I love this pattern, as it has SO many different shades of orange in it. The person I'm making this for wanted the date changed, so I used this year, instead of an older date. I just need to paint the hornbook and mail it off to her.

My next big project is going to be a bunch of mouse ornies from this pattern from Country Stitches. I always like to make one, and then see how I want to change the materials. Since I don't have any wool roving, I'm already thinking of using some of that fakey wool stuff. This will keep me busy this week.

I don't have work this week, as it's parent teacher conferences. Aides don't go to them, so I'm off. It means no $, but I'll like the extra time to get these projects completed. Plus, I have to start my Christmas shopping list. I'm really behind, as I was battling colds for the past several weeks. (gotta love working with germy kids!)

I had a neighbor drop off some wool fabric today. It was left over from her neighbor's garage sale, and they knew I'm into wool lately. I'm not sure if all of it is 80-100% wool, but it looks like a couple pieces are. I'll have to wash and dry it to see how it washes up. For free, it's worth a try!

~*~ Laura ~*~

My new Oxford Punch!

2011-10-30T21:15:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, I went to a rug hooking class. The teacher invites back previous students to encourage new students and do a show and tell. While I was there, I started hooking more of my rug. I finished the flowers, and started the leaves. I'm not sure I like the blues that I picked out for the flowers. They are very pretty blues, but I think I might need something a little more toned down/primitive. I'll wait to see how the leaves look before I decide to change anything.

Friday night I went to the football game to see Matt in the marching band. James brought a couple friends so they could hang out at the game. It was cold, but we won and advanced to the next round. Andrew and Rachel went to a Svengoolie appearance. For those not familiar with Svengoole (a Chicago area celebrity), he plays horror films, and makes fun of them. Andrew brought a rubber chicken to be autographed. I think this made his entire year!

Now onto the really cool news ~ I got an Oxford punch needle. It's been sitting in the shop, just waiting for me to purchase it. I figure I know how to punch needle and now rug hook, so this is a combination of the two.

I don't want to use wool yarn, but strips of wool from rug hooking. This is my first attempt without reading any instructions. I just need to work on spacing, and make sure to punch all the way to the handle.

The gold was punched with a #8 cut (1/4" wide). I then wanted to see what a #6 cut looked like. The loops a a bit higher, but I like them higher. This will be fun to play with once I'm done with the couple projects that I'm working on. I just wish there were a few more hours in each day!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Goodies!

2011-10-27T21:27:00.003-05:00

Last evening, I went in search of some candle rings for my dining room chandelier. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to locate them. Guess the stores don't carry them. So, not wanting to wait to order and ship some, I made my own. I found some berry branches at Hobby Lobby, twisted them into a ring, and placed them on the chandelier candles. Since the candles hang high, no one will see the twisted wire ~ only the berries hanging down. Best part ~ they were 40% off!

I started a Thanksgiving turkey punch needle for a special order. I loved punching this pattern last year. This one will be done with 3 strands, and I changed the date to this year.

Today, the mailman brought me my package of wool that I ordered from Ram in the Thicket! Yipee! http://raminthethicket.ecrater.com/ I found Susan's site while browing for rug hooking wool. Best part is that you can purchase a small amount, as in a 3x18 strip of wool. No need to buy 1/8, or 1/4 yard, when you only need a small amount. It's a great way to get a few shades closely matched. I can't wait to cut and start hooking with this! It's for my floral rug that I started.

Now to see if I can get my photos uploaded. I've tried several times, and blogger won't upload photos for me. Finally got the photos to upload!

*~* Laura ~*~

Happy Monday!

2011-10-24T22:03:00.003-05:00

Only 1 more week until we get all the trick or treaters. I've been a scrooge this year, and haven't really decorated for fall. Just a couple door hangers on the front doors and a few bowl fillers. (like my Frankenstein faces above) I don't like to do corn stalks anymore, as it attracts mice, squirrels, and raccoons. We've even had outdoor pumpkins eaten by critters. We certainly don't need more of them around!

I finally got my camera working today. My SD card was stuck on "locked", so I was unable to take photos. Got a new card tonight, and I'm good to go. I realized that there was only 1 choice available for SD cards, as my camera won't accept the HD cards. (yep, I have an older Canon, but it works and I like it. I'll use it until it dies) This is my rug that I've been working on. I didn't get anything accomplished this past week, as cold season hit my household. But, now that we're feeling better, I ordered more wool for the flowers/leaves. Can't wait for it to arrive!

While I'm waiting for my new wool, I also have been re-working the bird rug. I didn't like the background, so I tore out several rows and re-hooked them. I'm still thinking of doing something different with the wing. It just doesn't stand out enough.
I have a pile of worms that I tore out. I would like to re-use them, but will need to iron them to flatten them out. Anyone have any good techniques for doing this?

~*~ Laura ~*~

Playing hookie

2011-10-04T12:52:00.003-05:00

I'm playing hookie from work today. (ok, a personal day) Couldn't ask for more gorgeous weather! I need to spend some time this afternoon working on my rug. I started the flower this week. I LOVE the red flower. It's 2 barn red wools, but different plaids. (click on the photo, and you will enlarge it to see more detail) It really gives nice dimension to the piece.

Last night I looked out our patio doors and saw something crawling out of our neighbor's shed. I had to see what's there now. ( we've had foxes, skunks, and raccoons)

Still a raccoon. A really BIG raccoon. Might make a nice coon skin cap for my son. =)

I'm off to wash the car in the gorgeous weather!

~*~ Laura ~*~

~~ Went Shopping ~~

2011-09-24T16:46:00.003-05:00

I decided to head out and do some shopping today. Not the regular grocery/errands shopping, but shopping at the Country Folk Art Festival in St. Charles, IL. I haven't been to this show in many years (too many kids, not enough $ to spend). It's a small show, about 40 vendors. But, it's all good, high quality folk art.

I did try to snap a few photos. (I feel funny taking photos, as it's their booths/items. I don't want to make them think I'm stealing their ideas/patterns. I would rather give a link to their website/blog and hopefully get them some more customers. I just enjoy browsing!) The above photo was from http://www.carolecollinsquilts.com/ . There were some hooked rugs that I was admiring. He did wonderful work, and I was amazed at how low his loops were, but very even. Gives me something to strive for.

I also admired a booth by The Cooperage http://www.cooperagedesigns.com/ (blog at http://www.flew-the-coop.blogspot.com/ )She had tons of punch needle items, plus patterns.
Here's some more of her items. She also had a couple wool hooked items. My kind of stuff! =)
While I didn't buy any finished items, I did find some hand dyed wool pieces. (in my opinion, it's even better!) A couple pieces of gold and reds for the rug I really need to start. Now that I have the starting colors, I can start cutting and hooking.
~*~ Laura ~*~

Re-working

2011-09-10T20:23:00.003-05:00

Though I haven't posted this week, I've at least thought about it and took a few photos! I ended up re-working the wing on my bird rug. I switched the color scheme by using red for the wing and grey for the inside. I did a little outlining of the wing and the squiggly inside wing area. I think the contrast in the colors is a bit better now. I've blocked it, and now just need to bind it.

I won a giveaway on Ann's blog http://aholeinthebasketprimitives.blogspot.com/ !! It's a rug hooking pattern designed by Buttermilk Basin. I can't wait to get to do this project, especially now that I know how to transfer patterns onto monks cloth. Thanks so very much, Ann!

This week I transferred a pattern onto monks cloth for the first time. When I ordered my wool cutter, I asked for some red dot transfer paper. They didn't carry the red dot, but suggested a product called crack stop. I decided to give it a try since I haven't used either product before. When I got it, it reminded me of the drywall repair tape that I've used, but it a large roll. That's exactly what it is! One side has a slight adhesive on it, so that it sticks to the backing and doesn't move. I first put it over the paper pattern that I had and traced using a Sharpie marker.

I lifted the crack stop off the paper, then placed it on the monks cloth. It held with no movement, even when I was tracing.

When finished tracing, I peeled the crack stop off the monks cloth, and viola ~ the pattern was on the backing!

I now have the next pattern ready to go. (don't look at the line on the right side of the backing. The directions said to draw a rectangle a certain size, and once I did, the floral design didn't fit inside of the rectangle. So, I ended up enlarging the rectangle.) Now to zig zag the edges, cut my wool, and start hooking!

Yesterday was Andrew, Matt and Rachel's 16th birthday! Hard to believe it's been 16 years since they were born. There was a home football game, so we went to see Matt in the marching band. He's one of the trumpet players up front.

Today was a family birthday party for my trio. They now have money to spend, so we'll see how quickly they spend it!

~*~ Laura ~*~

~~ HooKeD ~~

2011-09-03T22:06:00.005-05:00

The bird rug is hooked! After finishing the background, I ended up hooking the wing in a mill dyed black. (cut on my new Rigby wool cutter) I'm not sure if I'm crazy about the solid black, but it will do for now. I wanted a really primitive, folk art piece, so the black fits into that color scheme. Now to block it, then do the binding. I'm thinking of binding it with the same wool as the edging and bird, the spot dyed grey/black wool. There's not enough of this wool left over, so I'll have to dye up some more. As I look at the photo of the background beiges, it's not as defined as this photo ~ it's more subtle. I outlined the bird and borders, then worked my way into smaller sections, slowly going inward until all the area is covered. (just what I do for punch needle) I think on the next rug I will hook it with more rows on the bird outline (or whatever picture I'm trying to outline). Just so much to learn on rug hooking.

I won a giveway on Ann's blog http://aholeinthebasketprimitives.blogspot.com/. I can't wait to get the adorable rug pattern, especially now that I have a wool cutter. Thank you SO much, Ann!

This week was the first full week of school. I haven't worked this many hours (or should I say, worked outside the house) in 16 years. Needless to say, I was tired, and my feet were tired. With 27 kindergarteners in the class there's just not a lot of time to sit. I'll have to search around for some comfortable shoes with good support. Glad I didn't go and buy any cute, even if they hurt my feet shoes. But, it gives me an excuse to sit on the couch with my feet up, and do some rug hooking in the evening.

The weather has been hot here the past couple days ~ way too hot and humid. I'll be glad for the cool down when it's only going to be 60 degrees on Monday. That will feel down right frigid!

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

IT's HeRe!!!!

2011-08-26T19:28:00.004-05:00

It's here ~ my new Rigby wool cutter! I ended up ordering the Rigby, as I already had a #6 cutter head. (the cutter head that I ordered new for a used Rigby machine that I purchased on Ebay. The machine was too old and didn't have a notch for the cutter head, so it kept slipping and not cutting. THEN... the machine literally broke in half. So, lesson learned. Only buy a wool cutter that you can try, or from a reputable rug hooker) So, I got a new machine with a #8 cutter head. It clamps to my dining room table, so it's very stable and doesn't move at all during cutting. I do protect the table with some rubber jar opener thingies.

I had to try it out, and here's a small pile of worms ~ all nicely and quickly cut!

The #6 is on the left and the #8 cut is on the right. Since I like primitive rugs, this should be enough to get me started and keep me happy for a long time.

I did start hooking the background earlier in the week. It's a combination of 2 different wools~ oatmeal and beige. It's just enough color difference to give some depth, but without being too overpowering. I had started with 3 colors, the 3rd coloring being white, but I thought it was too much color difference. (there's still a spot of white by the bird legs that I'll have to re-hook) Now that I have my own cutter, I an easily play around with the wing and see what colors I like.

This week was back to school. I started as a kindergarten aide. Yesterday was the first day with the kids. I came home exhausted. Today was a bit better. I'm still getting adjusted to a new routine of having to be out of the house earlier. Plus, getting home later than last year, as the school day was lengthened by an hour. I'm hoping to get settled into a routine next week (and leave time for some hooking).

Have a great weekend, and for those on the east coast, stay safe!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Decisions, decisions......

2011-08-20T22:36:00.004-05:00

I finished hooking the border of this rug. Black overdyed with cranberry corners. But, I'm still stuck on what to do with the wing. I have a grey wool, but it doesn't offer a lot of contrast between the wing and body. I also tried a soft black, but once again, not a lot of contrast. I'm thinking of now trying a darker mill dyed black. Decisions, decisions....

We're having fun with Chuck, our turtle. He loves to climb and walk around our screened deck. He tries to climb the screens to get out. He sees the yard and likes to walk around it. Makes me want to build a safe turtle enclosure for outdoors. But, I'm sure he would still try to climb and escape!
He's quick!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Work in Progress

2011-08-15T09:07:00.003-05:00

I got a little further on my rug. I need to go cut more black wool at the local quilt shop, but I also need to "fix" the border on the rug. I try to hook in every 2 squares on monks cloth, but the left border is 1 row wider than the bottom. I might finish hooking the other borders before I decide to remove a row. I might decide to add another row to the bottom instead. I'll see how the other sides look first.

This weekend we got rid of our old van. We tried taking it to Carmax, but they only offered us $50 for it. So, we didn't sell it to Carmax, but called a wrecking yard. The parts are worth more than $50. So we got a few hundred bucks instead. It needed a new motor, and that was just the beginning. It would cost more to repair than the car was worth. The tow truck driver arrived, and then the hail storm hit. Thankfully, it was only small hail.

On Friday, I received a call with a job offer! I'm going to be a kindergarten aide at school! It will be 33.75 hrs per week. I haven't worked a full time job in 16 years, so this will be a change. It's not good money, but it's close by, and I'll still have Thanksgiving week, Christmas break, spring break, and summers off with my kids. I start next week, so this week I'll be trying to finish some of the unfinished projects around here.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Bird Rug

2011-08-11T13:59:00.003-05:00

I started hooking my new rug today! I took some of the wools last night to a local quilt shop. I met the rug hooking teacher, who brought her cutter. The shop now has their own cutter, too. So, I was able to try a Bliss cutter. I liked it, but it seemed to move around on the table a lot. I guess you need a really smooth surface for the suction cups to stick. I'm now debating which cutter to buy: Bliss or Rigby.

This is how my mottled wool cut and hooked up. It's still very much black, but has lots of shades of grey in it. It's just the look that I was hoping for! (I did try to "marry" the black and grey wool, but it wasn't black enough. So, I went for the dyes). I'm now debating what color to do the wing. I had a small section of a black and tan plaid, but it just didn't seem to blend well. Maybe a solid black? Or outline the wing with black or grey and then fill it with the same mottled wool. The curvy inside piece will be a barn red and black plaid. Maybe I'll hook that section next and see how it looks before choosing the wing color.

I had started another punch needle project ~ a graphic from Bird in the Hand Primitives.

Only 2 weeks until school begins. Wish the summer was a bit longer, especially now that the weather is perfect here in Chicagoland! But, we went back to school shopping with my mom. I picked up school supplies for my youngest. My high schoolers don't know what they need until they get lists from their teachers. Hopefully I'll still be able to find all their supplies and that the stores aren't too picked over.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Mottled Wool

2011-08-06T22:19:00.002-05:00

Look what I did! Plain black wool is, well... boring. After browsing some mottled wool online, I decided to attempt some myself. I'm not a dyer (yet), but am adventurous in trying new things. So, I took a piece of medium grey wool, rolled it up length-wise. Twisted it, and then tied it with yarn. I put it in a pot with some brown dye, but not enough to cover it. When it was done, I took it out and unrolled it to check the results. It gave just few brown splotches to add some interest in the background. I then re-rolled, twisted and tied it, and put it in a pot of black dye. I liked it, but wanted a little more black. So, I did the process again with the black dye. And this is what I got! I'm hoping this hooks up nicely in a rug. It has enough color variations to add some interest. I could see doing this mottled black with a tan background, too. Maybe add some dark green for a vintage look.

I just started another punch needle project~ a snowman. Something cool after hot, mosquito filled days.

~*~ Laura ~*~

A Trip to the Zoo

2011-08-05T21:40:00.003-05:00

This week was my "vacation" week. I didn't have to work at school, as summer school is over. My husband and one teen are in OH for a shooting match/school. So, that leaves me at home with 3 kids. (only 3 kids, yep, that's a vacation!) On Wednesday, we went to Great America. The place was packed, and the lines too long. But, it was only in the 80's and not in the 90's so the temps were good and had to use some free tickets from reading.

Today we went to the Brookfield Zoo. I was fearing it was going to be too crowded, but to my surprise, it wasn't. Got 2 free tickets from a museum pass at the library, and headed on our way. James really liked the snow leopard who was sleeping.

The lions put on a show later in the afternoon.

Matt (who didn't want his photo taken) got another mold-a-rama.

Matt, James and Rachel looking at the mokeys in the rainforest.

James really wanted to go to Stingray Bay. It was feeding time, so we bought a small container of fish and tried to feed the stingrays. We didn't have any luck with them eating our fish, but the stingrays did come close enough to touch. Gotta love this photo!

Tomorrow the guys will be home, so that will mean laundry. After all the walking at the zoo and Great America, I plan to keep my feet up and relax. I planned out my next hooked rug, but need to experiment with a piece of grey wool first.

~*~ Laura ~*~

A new member of the family

2011-07-30T22:46:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the newest member of our family! It's a ornate box turtle. He doesn't have a name ~ yet. The kids are still working on naming him. We do know it's a "he", but don't know the age of him. We adopted him from someone who was re-homing him.

He came with just a really small rubbermaid contatiner. So, a trip was in order to the store to get him a better habitat. We got him a large 1/2 log to hide underneath, a small feeding dish, a large water soaking dish, a turtle bone, and mulch. We did get a larger rubbermaid type container, but found it wasn't deep enough. This smart box turtle was able to climb on top of the log, and then reach the top of the container. So, I switched it for another container that I had in the garage. I really think he could use an even larger one, but didn't see one at the store. Maybe I'll try Home Depot to see what they have. But at least he now has a nice, safe home. The previous owner didn't have mulch, so he couldn't burrow. Late tonight he was happily under the log digging down into the mulch. We still will have to investigate a light for it when it gets cooler. We'll try the sun as long as it's warm outside.

I haven't started any new craft projects yet. Now that summer school (I was working as an aide for 5 weeks this summer) is done, I have to tackle some household projects. I cleaned out the family room and James's bedroom. I still have his dressers and desk to do, but at least I found the floor on his side of the bedroom. =)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Another finish

2011-07-25T22:20:00.002-05:00

Just a quick photo of a ditty bag that I just finished this evening. I took the punch needle piece and sewed it onto some aged ticking. Perfect to hang on a hook or peg board. I just listed it on Ebay.

Now to decide on the next project......

A FaLL FiNiSH!

2011-07-24T20:29:00.002-05:00

I just finished this punch needle penny rug. I know, it's early for fall, but it's nice to dream about cooler weather. It's been so hot here in Chicago this week. Now that the extreme heat is gone, the thunderstorms arrived. We didn't get flooding here, but other areas of Chicago did. I'm hoping all the rain will get my lawn looking green again. The areas of the lawn that never got shade had turned a lovely shade of brown ~ yuck.

Back to the punch needle piece. The graphic is from Primitive Betty's. I punched it using 3 strands (was waiting for my new punch needle to arrive) of floss. I added some wool tongues and backed it with black wool. I did edge the piece with some black wool yarn so that all the weavers cloth is hidden. I just listed this on Ebay.

This week we found out our old van will need some serious motor work. Since it already has 150K miles, it's not worth it. So, we'll be looking into getting rid of it sometime in the next few weeks. I think our mechanic will be happy to see that van go away! I don't think we'll miss the oil drips all over the driveway.... =)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Flea Market Finds

2011-07-12T15:55:00.005-05:00

A new flea market opened this past weekend ~ only about 5 minutes from our house. I read that the promoters were trying to get antiques and some good stuff at the market, so it was worth checking out. Best part~ it was free. There were nice large tents for the sellers to set up their good underneath, and keep us customers cooler on a hot day.

I found a couple vintage washboards at one booth. I'm thinking of a punch needle piece on the smaller one, and a rug hooking piece on the larger one. I have no specific patterns in mind, but it's nice to have a vintage piece put aside.

I went back on Sunday to the market, and it was smaller. Some of the nice antique dealers weren't there. I was going to get a few photos of some vintage hooked rugs that one dealer had. I normally don't see many rugs, but maybe I'm noticing them now that I've learned how to hook them.

I did manage to find this painting when I went back on Sunday. It's done on a wooden board, unfinished edges, and a simple wire hanger. I'll have to move some decorations on my walls to find a spot for this one. I couldn't pass it up!

Last week the goodies I ordered arrived! I now have a new medium Cameo needle for punch needle.

I also ordered this pattern that could be adapted for punch needle or rug hooking. I thought it was only the card stock pattern, but it came with some scraps of wool and muslin!

I also received some free wool scraps and a star penny pattern! I think I'll be ordering from Primitive Gatherings again!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Punch Projects

2011-07-06T14:51:00.004-05:00

This little punch needle mat just needs some finishing. It's already punched, aged with walnut ink, and edged with some cording. But, it kinda plain by itself and needs to be adhered to something, but still am deciding on what.

In the meantime, I stated fall punch project. Normally I punch using 6 strands of floss, but my medium size Cameo needle broke. Not the metal part of the needle, but the plastic part of the top of it. I do have to say it lasted for a LONG time, and was able to do many projects. It was probably time to get a sharp new one. So, while I"m waiting for my new needle to arrive, I'm using a small needle with 3 strands for this project. It's finer in texture/appearance, but it's still prim in colors. I already have a finishing idea for this one ~ something that I haven't done before. (you'll have to wait and see!)

I have a few boxes almost ready to go from some Ebay sales. I'll be using this craft money towards a purchase of a wool cutter for rug hooking. I'm hoping to get one this summer. A new one. Nothing used. I had gotten an old one off Ebay, but it didn't work. I ordered a new cutter head, but that didn't work, either. The machine ended up breaking in half ~ literally. So, if anyone else is looking into purchasing a wool cutter, don't buy it until you try it, or from a reputable rug hooker. I guess I learned by lesson the hard way!

My older 3 teens have officially completed drivers ed. Here in IL, they need to have their permits for 9 months, plus get 50 hours EACH of driving. At least I don't have to worry about paying for car insurance yet. They now need to find things to occupy themselves for the rest of the summer.

Hope all had an enjoyable 4th of July weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

PRiMiTiVe CHaNDeLieR MaKe OVeR

2011-07-02T19:54:00.003-05:00

For the past 11 years, I haven't like the fan in our dining room. It was here when we moved to this house 11 yrs ago, but just didn't know what to put in it's place. I didn't like any of the newer fans, as the light kits didn't offer enough light for the room. So, the old fan sat there until this weekend. (we couldn't put together the brass chandelier we got previously that my son took apart, so had to start looking again)

I found this black Williamsburg fixture at Lowes. It has 6 arms that hold 60 watt bulbs. The price was right $79 - perfect. My son, Matt, and I put it up last evening. The hardest part of the job was removing part of the chain, as the chain was really thick. I put a hook in the ceiling so that it swags, and it centered over the table. (the fan wasn't centered over the table, which really drove me crazy) I liked the chandelier once it was installed, but something still seemed off. It was the black candle sleeves/covers. It had black metal ones. Not the white/off white, or dripped type of candle.

I went to another store, but they didn't have any short plastic candle sleeves, only the taller ones. I did see some places to order some online, but then I had an idea ~ spray paint.

I took the black metal sleeves and primed them with spray paint that I already had. I did have to nail a large nail into a board so that the sleeve would stand up for painting. I then used some white satin spray paint, and this is how it looks:

I now have a primitive chandelier with white candles. It just needs some pip berry candle rings for a finishing touch. It now looks like a chandelier I saw for over $200 !

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Goodies from the Fair

2011-06-25T20:59:00.003-05:00

Last night I finished this little cupboard hanger. I backed it with a piece of black wool, and stuffed it with snippets of wool. The front is lightly aged with walnut ink. I'll be listing this on Ebay on Sunday night. I started punching the other piece, but don't know if I'll finish it by tomorrow evening so that I can list them at the same time.

Today was a trip to the Folk Art and Fiber Fair at the Lake County Fairgrounds. I didn't take any classes, but I did go browse the vendor booths. There were a few booths with items for rug hooking and punch needle. I purchased this cute bird rug pattern. Still simple lines and small enough for more practice. I'm not sure what colors I'll hook it in, but I did buy some neutral beige/off white/oatmeal wool for a background.

Even if it's not used for this rug, I'm sure I'll use it for another one. If I'm using all 4 colors for a variegated background, do I have to "marry" them by simmering them in hot water? Or can I just use them as is? I'm thinking that if they were married, it would give a more blended look. Leaving them as is would offer more contrast.

There was a booth with lots of punch needle patterns and displays that was drawing quite a few questions from shoppers. I guess not too many are acquainted with punch needle, but I can see a growing interest.

I realized I've done a LOT of punching, as part of my Cameo punch needle broke last evening. Luckily, I was able to super glue it back together. I'll have to order another medium size needle in case the super glue doesn't hold. It also might be nice to have a new sharp needle.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Back to punching

2011-06-23T20:59:00.003-05:00

This week I started a punch needle project. It's an applique/quilt pattern that I adapted into a punch project. I need to add a border of cording, and backing. The punching went quickly, as I used my Morgan lap hoop. Without having to hold the hoop or set it against a table, even the "stitches" came out evenly and smoothly. I had several hours of sitting at home yesterday to to this project, as we had a plumber come out to install the new bathroom counter, faucets, and rod out main line.

I even drew up the next project. Another applique pattern of a saltbox house. This one would look great as a hooked rug, too.

I'm hoping I'm now more motivated to get some projects done. I'll have to be getting up early starting next week, as I'll be starting summer school. Went in for the meeting today, and I'll be a 1 on 1 aide for a boy in 5th grade. This is a whole new experience for me. It might give me a good idea if I would like being and aide during the regular school year, or if I should pursue something else.

This weekend I hope to go to the Folk Art and Fiber Fest at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Might be fun to browse around and see if there's any rug hooking supplies.

Have a good weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

SuMMeR PRoJeCTS

2011-06-16T14:25:00.002-05:00

Now that summer is officially here, I got around to finishing the smaller penny rug. I really wanted the pattern for a larger penny rug, so I enlarged it on a copier, and added some extra length to the middle section. I need to get more green floss for the leaves, but it's another project that I started. =)
This is sitting in the middle of my living room, taking up all the extra space. It's a faucet and vanity top for our upstairs bathroom. There's a smaller bathroom downstairs that I still need to buy an extra faucet for, so that I can call someone to install them.
I finished binding the second little rug that I hooked. On this binding, I did something different. Instead of added cording and whip stitching, I simply turned under the edge, used a piece of black wood instead of cotton twill tape,and whip stitched together using strips of black wool. (I'm trying to upload a photo of the binding in progress, but blogger won't let me) I really like this edging for a small piece, as it's not bulky. It gets me inspired to do a few more projects!

Now to find the time for more projects. I end up driving the kids back and forth to drivers ed. Then at the end of June, I'll be a teacher's aide for summer school. It's a new experience for me, but I'm looking forward to it. (especially since I found out my youngest needs orthodontic work - soon. I already have 2 in braces currently) I'm hoping that this job experience will lead to something else when school begins.

Hope you're having a great summer!
~*~ Laura ~*~

Countdown

2011-06-01T15:53:00.001-05:00

Now that the school year is winding down, I actually cut out my next project. It's a small wool applique table runner. I'll start with the normal pattern, then enlarge it to make a larger one for my dining room table.

Slave labor is still in fashion around here. If the kids want to drive, they have to wash the car. I'll have to inspect the wash job, but they have all summer to improve their washing skills!

This past weekend, we had a birthday party for James and my dad. I think both were happy with the gifts they received. James got some video games, just one Lego set, and computer game items. It will keep him busy once school is out.

My dad got some new shirts, and a new iHome. We'll have to see if he can figure out how to work the iHome, or if Matt needs to make a visit and show him again. (but it might require Matt's selection of music!)

Only 2 days left of work for me. I'm taking the last full school day as a personal day, so that I can take the teens to summer school for drivers ed. One more day of finals for the high schoolers, then they are officially out for summer! Let the count down begin!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Memorial Day weekend

2011-05-30T21:07:00.005-05:00

Just a couple quick photos for now. Today was the Memorial Day parade. Matt is in the marching band, so of course I had to go and get some photos. My husband and youngest were marching in the parade, too, for Boy Scouts.

Andrew spent the weekend at a shooting match. I now have a dirty van to wash and vaccuum. Maybe the rain tomorrow will help do the job!

Almost Summer Vacation

2011-05-20T21:46:00.004-05:00

I'm counting the days until summer vacation - 8 more work days to go! (I have a couple personal days, so I can't count them) I had started out the year working just 10 hrs a week during lunch at school. Since February, I've picked up another 9 hrs a week being a substitute one-on-one bus aide. I don't mind the extra $, and it's still during school hours/days. I'm hoping I'll get some hours/work this summer, too. But, I'll have a few projects to keep me busy. I haven't done much else around here. My bathroom vanity is still waiting for a coat of pure white paint.

The over the toilet cabinet that I currently have upstairs will be replaced. The current one looks good in the photo, but the sides are all a lightweight plastic. The plastic yellowed with age, so I painted it a few years ago. The inside is yellow, and I'm afraid some might start cracking and falling apart pretty soon.

So, I was looking around at a few stores for replacements. Since the sink vanity will be white, I wanted something to paint to coordinate. I managed to find this study oak piece at my local Goodwill last week. I just need to paint. Not bad for $9.99.
I still need to finish the rug I'm working on. I really am liking this second one more than the first one. I think it's the way I'm hooking the background. I'm trying to do more "rows" to fill in, since the rug is small. I think it just makes it look a bit neater. I'm hoping I'm motivated to get it done this weekend,as I don't have many plans.

Hope you are all having a wonderful spring weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

New Wheels

2011-05-02T22:03:00.003-05:00

Thanks, Grandpa! My kids are thrilled to get a new set of wheels. Ok, not brand new, but new to us. We still have 2 minivans, and 2 official drivers. But, next week my 3 older kids are eligible to get their driving permits. In another year, we could then have 5 drivers. Two adults, and 3 teen drivers. Just the thought of auto insurance makes me cry. (yep, I got an estimate - gulp) It's different driving a car. I've driven a minivan for the last 16 years. But, I'm going to see if this gets better gas mileage around town, especially considering gas prices this week. Maybe the next vehicle should be a motorcycle, golf cart, or ???? =)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T21:04:00.003-05:00

The Easter baskets are filled and ready for tomorrow. My teens think they are too old (ok, 2 older boys think they are too old) for Easter baskets. My daughter doesn't think she's too old, and will take any candy. My 10 year old has a huge list of everything he wants in his basket (hope he isn't disappointed). My kids decided that the fake grass that I use to put in the bottom of the baskets was too messy, and didn't want it this year. So, just plain buckets so they can get to the candy ~ and quickly! I have a feeling that it will be their breakfast before church tomorrow morning.

Yesterday the kids were off school, so that meant I had the day off work, too. I worked on another rug (just like the last one). I started it on Wednesday evening at a local quilt shop. There was a rug hooking class, and I went just to sit in (I had already taken the class). There aren't any hooking groups around here, but it's fun to see what others are making. I switched the wool on the house on my project. It looks really spotted in the photo (from the flash), but it's a very light shading in the wool (not spots). It's easier doing the same project again. I'm just learning how to go around curves, fill in smaller spaces, and fill in shapes like stars. I'm doing this in hand cut 1/4" strips, so it's primitive. It might look/work up differently with narrower strips, but I do like the prim look when it's done.

Today was a bit of yard work. I started putting out all the mulch we had delivered from the Boy Scouts. Only a few more bags to go. The weather has been so cold and rainy, I haven't even wanted to be outside until today. It's sure better than the snow we had a week ago!

I hope you all have a joyous Easter!

~*~ Laura ~*~

I finally finished!

2011-04-16T19:49:00.003-05:00

I finally finished this cute little rug! I bound the edges with black yarn, and used a piece of black wool instead of twill tape for the back. I want to make another one to work on getting the loops even, and work on edges of color changes. With everything, it takes time to learn. It's so cold today, that working with wool sure sounds good! This afternoon it was snowing. Nothing like last Sunday, when it was in the 80's.

I started patching some holes in the upstairs bathroom ~ getting ready to paint that room next. I might have to take out a tile on the upstairs bathroom floor. It's not adhered to the floor, so it's causing the new grout to crack. Maybe an area rug might be an easier fix! =) For now, I'll wait for some caulk to dry so that I can move onto the next step of taping and priming.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Budget Bathroom Makeover

2011-04-08T15:51:00.004-05:00

I'm finally able to post a few photos of my budget bathroom makeover. It's a small bathroom on our lower level. Because it's so small, it's hard to get photos. But I tried to take a few. This is the back wall (photo taken to reflect off the sink mirror). I have a simple peg rack that I painted white. It's behind the door, so it hides the towels, and there's just enough room so that the door doesn't hit the peg rack when it's opened.

I painted the walls light blue. The walls were originally off white, so it's a big change to see a color on the walls. (primer is left over from painting my parents bathroom. ceiling paint is left over, too. blue paint is Ace Royal at $25.99. There will be enough to paint the upstairs bath in the same color)I still need to take this old medicine cabinet off and spray paint it. The bottom is worn/rusty, but a coat of spray paint will fix it.
The new brushed nickel light fixture. Same wattage as the old hollywood light bar, but it's brighter. It was a whopping $29.87.

A new toilet seat with brushed nickel hinges for $17.88. We've previously purchased the cheap ones for $5-10, but they didn't last and looked horrible. I'm hoping the next level up will last a little longer. I already had the brushed nickel handles for the cabinets. I just needed paint. I did use a pricey Benjamin Moore for Metal and Wood for $25 a quart. I wanted something substantial since this room has a lot of moisture. (yes, it does have a new fan, but we have one teen who uses this room and hogs all the hot water!)

While painting the ceiling, I had to take down the vent cover. The old one was rusty. I could have spray painted it white, but on the back side, it had some stick on foam that had disintegrated and made it really gross. So, for $ 5.89, I got a new one. This over the toilet cabinet was a freebie from a neighbor who re-did their bathroom. A coat of white paint brightened it up and coordinates with the vanity. I even painted the dark brown baseboards white. I found the trick of caulking the gap between the baseboard and the wall to make a seamless "canvas" to paint. (do I even dare think about painting all the woodwork in the house white?)

I still need to get a new white countertop and faucet. I'll also have to look for a new kleenex box holder. My son, Matt, wants to install some new pure white electrical switches/wallplates. After we get the new counter/faucet, I plan in framing the mirror with some white trim. I'll also need a small something for the wall to decorate. It can't be a framed print (too much moisture), or anything that sticks too far out into the room. Maybe some type of wooden painting/sign?

So, for a little over $100 so far (and a lot of time), it looks like a new room. The biggest expense will be a new counter and faucet ~ the faucet being the most expensive item to purchase. Now to think about getting started on the upstairs bathroom....

Earlier this week, I caught another squirrel and relocated it. This was the one who was really determined to chew through the screens on our deck and build a nest. I haven't seen any more trying to get in, so I"m hoping that's all we have to catch.

It's suppose to warm up here in the Chicago area this weekend ~ I can't wait!

~*~ Laura ~*~

I need a break from Spring Break!

2011-03-31T21:03:00.003-05:00

One week just isn't long enough ~ I need a break from Spring Break! Today was grocery shopping (we still have to eat), and shopping for home stuff. I found this light fixture in a brushed nickel for our lower level bathroom. It's a tiny bath room, and not a lot of space between the mirror and the ceiling. We removed a 3 light hollywood bar light, and put in this updated one. It's the same amount of wattage and same number of bulbs as the old one, but it's brighter. I think because the lights are pointed in a downward direction. Now to paint the room. (can you see the stenciling that was there previously?) Not much wall space to paint, it's just going around the cabinets that will take some time. I also installed some new toilet seats and a new floor vent on the upstairs bathroom. I did take a break to watch American Idol. :-)

On Tuesday, this was Rachel before.

This is after. She now has braces (on the top, then add the bottoms later). She chose pink and purple bands. She's thrilled to start the process of straightening her teeth and correcting her bite. I can't wait to see what the end result will be!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Spring Break

2011-03-29T13:42:00.004-05:00

It's spring break this week. I finished hooking this mini rug, but still need to bind it. I want to do a couple more, just to get use to getting all the loops even. I found some extra monks cloth pieces at a local shop, so that I have some background for small projects.

This week I want to tackle some household projects while the hubby is on a business trip. The upstairs bathroom really needs some work. The white tile floor had cracked/missing grout. I filled some in, but of course, the grout color didn't match. The old was just a cement color. I used some grout refresh to change the color of grout to white. Now that it's dried, it really looks nice! It did take 2 coats, but it really brightens the room.

Since I liked the results of the floor, I started on the shower tile. I used a wall paper steamer to steam clean the tile/grout. It took off the hard water/mineral stains that cleaners didn't remove. I used the same grout refresh to brighten the grout tiles. It's looking like a new room. I need to replace the vanity top/sink/faucets. I saw some wooden counters in photos with a drop in sink that looked really nice. I need to shop around to see if I can find something cut for me. Now to start the lower level bathroom.

My son, Matt, has been busy replacing the doorknobs in the house. I found a deal at Menards, and with a rebate, it came out to $2 per knob. Our old ones were worn, broken, and an ugly Mediterrean style. I'm now thinking of adding trim to the doors, and painting all the woodwork white this summer. Too many ideas, I just need more time/money! :-)

Tomorrow is the last day to use the discount code for Bella Michele Jewelry. Be sure to click on the link in the previous post to browse through her hand made necklaces and earrings. It makes nice gifts for Easter, Mother's Day, and graduations ~ especially since they can be personalized!

~*~ Laura ~*~

~~ HaND STaMPeD JeWeLRy PaRTy ~~

2011-03-20T21:35:00.004-05:00

http://www.bellamichelejewelry.com/

Hello friends!

I am hosting a jewelry party through Bella Michele Jewelry. No need to leave your home for this party….it’s an online party and YOU get the savings!

Perfect for gift giving (better yet…spoil yourself!), Bella Michele Jewelry features hand stamped sterling pendants that are simple and classic and fun.

This party is EASY…here’s how it works:

1. Go to the Bella Michele Jewelry website at www.bellamichelejewelry.com.

2. Look around. Stay awhile. =0)

3. If you see something you like, purchase it using code: Party4Laura

4. You will receive 20% off your order.

5. Your order will be shipped directly to you.

6. Enjoy your new jewelry!

The dates of my party are from March 21^st – March 28^th, 2011. Any purchases you make during this time will help me earn store credit…thank you in advance!

Let me know if you have any question and Happy Shopping!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Michele is my very talented cousin who creates hand stamped jewelry.

Slurpees and stores

2011-03-19T19:07:00.002-05:00

It's Slurpee time! I had taken James and his friend to the school book fair on Friday, but it had already closed up (the note had the incorrect ending time). So, the boys thought it would be a good idea to stop off at 7 Eleven on the way home for a Slurpee. Not a bad deal for them!

Keeping with the book theme, I took 2 of my other kids to the Borders that's closing. We went to see what was left. Nothing too exciting. We did buy a couple books and a water bottle (or in Rachel's case, a coffee bottle).

Today was a nice day outside, so I wanted to take a drive down the the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I hadn't been there before, so was shocked to find the parking lot full. There is a flea market next door to the ReStore, so many of the cars were for that. I wasn't really looking for anything, but went to browse with many ideas.

I did mange to find this chandelier. It still had the sticker on it, so it's new. It's a very classic design, BUT in bright brass. It' wont' be staying bright brass for long, though. It's gonna be black. I already have the primer and spray paint. I just need my husband to leave on a business trip to paint and hang the light. (he doesn't like change, but once it's done, he should like it)

The chandelier will replace this old ceiling fan. The light fixture on the fan has a broken socket for one of the lights, so the new chandelier will provide more light. I can't wait to get rid of the victorian fan!

Be on the lookout for an online party/discount coming this week! I'm having a Bella Michele Jewelry party. That means a discount for YOU!

~*~ Laura ~*~

First sign of spring

2011-03-15T21:44:00.004-05:00

I haven't gotten too far on my rug hooking project. I"m just working on the background now. The barn red house was a plaid wool. It was a bit thicker of wool fabric, so it's really heavy. But I like the bits of black that show through when hooked. It gives it a textured appearance. But, I found it's a lot easier to hook with the plain, overdyed wool, rather than a thicker plaid.

The cold bug that hit my kids hit me, and my husband this weekend. The dirty house is really bugging me, so that's a good sign that I'm feeling better. I just wish the house would dust itself so that I wouldn't have to take the time to do it! :-) I think I would rather be rug hooking. I also have a punch needle project that I drew up several weeks ago that needs to be done.

Saw the first sign of spring this past Sunday ~ our first hot air balloon! The Windy City Balloon Port is in the next town over. We regularly see the balloons during summer. It's nice to watch from the ground. (I admit, I wouldn't go up in one.)

Got the schedules for driver's ed this summer. All three of them have different time slots. Andrew and Matt do have the same class time, but behind the wheel are on different days. So, all of June will be spent driving back and forth to school. (ok, my kids said "they" will be driving back and forth~ I'll be the passenger. HELP!)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Busy Beaver

2011-03-07T09:30:00.004-06:00

I spent this weekend working on some wool applique projects. I did a lot of stitching ~ working busily as a beaver! This one was from a graphic by Robin at Bird in the Hand Primitives. I added some wool tongues for a mini penny rug.

Now that I'm in the spring mindset, I made some wool applique candle mats. The green on the bunny one and the yellow on the chick one are some wool that I hand dyed. I"m hoping to get these on Ebay tomorrow.

While I was stitching, I finished the Valentine sheep penny runner. (ok, I haven't put away the Valentine stuff yet.) Right now it's on our living room coffee table, which is an antique cedar chest. (yep, it's covered in remotes and toys) I think I'll leave it out for a while to enjoy it, then put it away for next year.

I started on my next project ~ a small (8 x 13) hooked rug. For now, I'm using an Olfa cutter to cut the strips into 1/2", then cut then cut then by hand in half to create 1/4" strips. This rug is drawn on monk's cloth. The first one I did was on burlap, which didn't have a lot of give to the fabric. I'm finding the monk's cloth easier to work with. It's softer, plus, the fibers move and it's easy to slide the wool strips through the holes. Because I'm not fighting the tight burlap, the hooking is going quicker. :-)

I caught one squirrel this week. I took it for a drive, and it's been relocated to the other side of town in a conservation area. I'm hoping to get the other one, if it would cooperate and go after the peanut butter in the trap. Then I can clean out the next they were building, and repair the screens.

I'm off to cut more wool strips as I work on the rug!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Friday Finishes

2011-02-25T18:51:00.003-06:00

Here's my first finished rug hooking project. It's a small 8x8 rug. Once I blocked it, it really started to lay flat and get a nice finished appearance. (oops the photo is sideways!)

I've also been working on a table runner this week. I need to sew the backing and the hearts on. This project is for me. I think it would look nice on my living room coffee table, which is an antique cedar chest. It's a little late for Valentine's Day, but I could say I'm working ahead for next year!
I received a rug hooking pattern that I ordered. It's a smaller mat size, and simple enough for beginners. Plus, I think I have enough wool colors to complete it. The pattern is drawn on monks cloth, so I'll try hooking on that and compare it to burlap.

I will also be working on another table runner. I saw the pattern in the quilt shop when I was taking the rug hooking class. I need to get the pattern enlarged, so that the runner will fit on the dining room table. I'm thinking a black background with a lighter tan basket. I'll have to see what I have in my laundry basket of wool. I'm hoping I have enough thrift store black to do the background. I keep trying to buy wool skirts/pants when I see them at my local thrift store. After some trial and error, I'm getting pretty good at picking out which wools will felt up nicely. I just wish I could find more plaids at dirt cheap prices. They are tough to find.

This afternoon, I saw the 2 guys on the deck. Had to get at least one photo. They got really mad when we tried to chase them out of the deck. So..... off to Ace Hardware to get a trap. Tomorrow I'll spread peanut butter on the trap lever, and leave it out. I'm sure it will be easy to catch one. I just need to find a place to let it go ~ somewhere FAR away from here. I don't want them back and chewing through the screens again.

~*~ Laura ~*~

The war continues

2011-02-24T21:34:00.003-06:00

This is one of the squirrels that's currently trying to build a nest on our screened deck. I caught him/her running away to a neighbor's tree. I tried stapling more screen material to the area, but the stupid squirrels chewed through the new screen and brought in more grass for their nest. I've caught 2 of them ~ I'm thinking male/female. I certainly don't want baby squirrels on the deck. Next step is to live trap them and take them for a drive. Now to round up a trap this weekend.....

Last Sunday was the Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquet. It was held at a local banquet hall (they clean up the mess!) The entertainment was a Native American storyteller. He brought in hides for the kids to sit on, and lots of artifacts. I was amazed at how quietly all the kids sat and listened. They really enjoyed listening to him. The totem poles were a painting project the boys did before the banquet. It's milk jugs painted and put on poles for display. Made for a nice photo op!
My youngest, James (2nd from the left) crossed over from Cub Scout to Boy Scouts. Why can't he just stay little??

I finished my rug, and will get a photo tomorrow (hopefully). I'm just a little behind on uploading photos and videos ~ and trying to figure out how to remove the squirrels!

~*~ Laura ~*~

It's war!

2011-02-18T21:11:00.003-06:00

I've declared war! No, against my family, but a squirrel that is trying to build a nest on our screened deck. Last summer there were some tears in a couple screens, but in attempts to get great fox photos (remember the fox family last summer?), I didn't repair the screens. So, now that the weather is warmer, the squirrels are busy. Duck tape fixes everything, so out came the duck tape. And a little blue painters tape, too.

Here's where the squirrel was attempting to bring in grass to build the nest- at the top corner. We'll see if my duck tape will fix the problem.

A couple projects I've been working on. It's the Cub Scout blue and gold banquet on Sunday. I created a program/booklet with photos of the past year's activities. Makes a nice keepsake for the boys. I also was busy cutting paper for place cards.

I have my next rug hooking class tomorrow afternoon. It's for binding/finishing the rug. I couldn't find an exact match of yarn, so I opted for a yarn to match the heart. I'm not concerned on this rug, as it's more of a learning how to put it together project. I did order a pattern for my next rug. It's a small oval with a saltbox house on it. I liked the design, plus, I already have the colors of wool to complete it. I can't wait to get it in the mail!

Have a great weekend!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Ebay dilemma

2011-02-13T12:25:00.002-06:00

I've been quiet this week, as I haven't worked on anything. I've picked up a few extra hours being a substitute bus aide at school, so I'm not home as much. I have been working on a program/souvenier booklet for the Cub Scout blue and gold banquet, which is next week.

I do have a couple listings on Ebay that are expiring today. Once in a while I browse through other punch pieces that are listed. I love seeing what others are creating and admire their work. But, a couple listings caught my eye, simply because they looked really similar to things I had done. Not just copying patterns, but variations, and one original. This seller hasn't quite spelled out that they punched the piece, but they have tons of items listed. I know it would be impossible to finish that many items, even if you craft for 8 hours a day. One listing has already disappeared or was a buy it now (I don't remember). One listing is still there. Do I send a note to the seller to give me credit for it? Anyone else see their items, too?

~*~ Laura ~*~

2011-02-06T15:33:00.003-06:00

Last night I finished hooking my first rug! I tried to get my initials in the corner, but I think I needed to make them a little big larger. Guess I'll have to make another rug and try again! I do have a pattern in mind, but still need to order it. I can't find any monks cloth at the store other than the really large kind. Maybe I'll try my local cross stitch shop and see if they carry any.

I just listed this cupboard hanger on Ebay this afternoon. I like the black background better than the white one, but I might change my mind tomorrow and like the white one better.

James went to Eagle Cave last night with Cub Scouts. Just what boys love~ crawling around in dirt. :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

The Great Chicago Bilzzard ~ 2011

2011-02-02T13:14:00.003-06:00

It's all over the news ~ Snowmegaddon in Chicago. Although I'm about 50 miles NW of the city, we got hit. This is what I saw when I opened my front door this morning. Some reports say we got 18-20 inches of snow last night. Snow, along with thunder and lightening. And more snow. And this was after I was out snow blowing at about 8pm last night.

My youngest, James, tried to clear a path out the front door.

All the drifts in front of the garage door. Well over a 1/3 of the way up the door.

I'm now VERY tired from doing several hours of snow blowing. Not the easy kind where you just walk behind it, but pushing and pulling the snowblower since the snow was so deep. I had plans of doing some rug hooking, but that will have to wait, as my shoulder and hands are too tired.

Last night, I almost finished the punch needle piece. Just need to add a couple more rows of black around the border, then create a pinkeep from it. Hope to get that one on Ebay soon.

Hope you're all staying warm!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Sunday happenings

2011-01-30T11:59:00.002-06:00

I haven't been punching much this week. Between running kids around, I just lost some energy to craft. But, I worked a little more on this piece. I changed some of the green colors from the original pattern, and am changing the background from ecru to black. The black really makes the other colors stand out. Now that I'm done finishing the parts with all the color changes, the background should go quickly. Maybe I'll work on this while I'm watching the ice skating on tv this afternoon.

Sorry, the photo was taken through my deck screen. The snow has moved by the shed. That only means one thing - - - they're back! No, not the aliens ~ the foxes. I'm really hoping to see more pups this spring. That is if spring ever gets here. We're expecting a winter storm Tues/Wednesday. We'll see if the storm materializes or not. But, if it's snowing, Woodstock Willie (our resident groundhog) won't see his shadow, so it will mean an early spring. Woodstock is where the film Groundhog Day was filmed. They now have some Groundhog Day events in the town square. Too bad Feb 2 is a school day, or I would drive out there to see Willie.

Big new this weekend ~ James won the pinewood derby for the Webelos II den! He's never won before, so he was thrilled to win during his last Cub Scout pinewood derby.

~*~ Laura ~*~

A Spring Time Finish

2011-01-23T20:56:00.004-06:00

I finished this cute little cupboard hanger ~ just ready for spring. We here in the Chicago area got a little snow and a lot of cold this week, so spring sure sounds good! I just put this punch needle piece on my selling blog. (I really need to try to keep some new items on that, and still keep some items on Ebay) Just click on the snowman box on the left side of my blog, and it will take to you the listing.

I have a pile of wool that's ready to be washed and felted. I'm not sure what all of it will be, but when the price is right, I snatched it up. I really like getting basic black, as it always goes nicely with punch needle backings.

Here's an interesting shot that I took of the frost on my kitchen window. It's pretty, but cold!

I've only done a little more on my first rug. (ok, I didn't want to complete it all in the first week, so I switched to another project)

I started another punch project. It's the same heart Valentine, but I'm going to make it with a black background for something different. I started it today during the Bears game. I usually don't watch football, but since it was Bears vs. Packers, it was more the the Super Bowl atmosphere.

Have a great week!
~*~ Laura ~*~

I'm now a rug hooker!!

2011-01-15T20:32:00.003-06:00

Thanks to all the encouragement from you guys! I signed up for a primitive rug hooking class, and today was the first session. There's a second session in February (for finishing techniques) ~ enough time to finish this small project. The wool was already cut, so all we had to do is learn how to hook. I chose some brown/tan colors. For this project it's not about the colors, but learning how to get the loops even.

Here's the back of the rug. It's done a a burlap, something inexpensive to start with.

I still need to finish this punch needle project that I started this week. It's a applique/quilt pattern from All Through the Night. I used the pattern for punch needle instead. Kinda cute for spring with the eggs and chicks! I'm using 3 strand for this one, as the flowers and chicks have small detailing that wouldn't show up if I used 6 strand.

I received my penny rug pattern from Cathy. I can't wait to start this one! I thought that I had some tan wool, but realized that I didn't. So, I went on a trip to the local thrift store on Friday. I found this wool skirt for $2.99. I still need to wash/felt it, but I think it has just enough wool for the project. If it doesn't I saw a beautiful oatmeal color wool at the quilt store this afternoon. It's more a a grey/tan, but it would be really pretty for this pattern. But, I can't beat the price of thrift store wool. :-)

I'm looking forward to having Monday home for the MLK holiday. A few more hours to hook and punch. (oh, and drive kids around)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Valentine Snow Angel

2011-01-12T22:18:00.005-06:00

Just one quick photo today. I put the cording on the edges of this piece, tacked it to a vintage grater, and just listed it on Ebay. The snow angel is adapted from a graphic from Twigs N Sprigs. I changed the buttons to hearts, and changed the sign to something more Valentines like. Definitely NOT your lacey, feminine Valentines decoration. I'm sure if I changed the colors to something pinker/redder, it would change the look of it entirely. hmmmmm....Something to think about!

I've already started another punch needle project, but it's for spring. We have several inches of snow on the ground, but I'm thinking about spring already. Maybe because my 3 older teens just signed up for summer school this week. They will be taking driver's ed. Yep, 3 learning how to drive all at the same time. Doesn't that sound like tons of fun???

~*~ Laura ~*~

3 strand vs. 6 strand

2011-01-09T15:28:00.002-06:00

I put the finishing touches on the Valentine punch needle. I put a piece of spot dyed cranberry wool on the back, and added some homespun strips for hangers. I really like the way this one turned out. This one was done with 3 strands of floss, and I normally use 6 strands. What's the difference?

Here's a side by side comparison of the 2. The one on the left is 6 strands, and the one on the right is 3 stands. DMC floss comes in a skein with 6 strands that can be separated. Punch needle takes this floss, and creates small loops to create the design. Using 6 strands gives it a more primitive, rougher, larger look. Using 3 strands give is a finer look. It's easier to get detailing in using 3 strands.

I punch using a Cameo needle. For 6 strands, I use a number 2 setting and a medium needle. For 3 strands, I use a number 1 setting and a small needle. I found the using 3 strands I used less floss, as the pile (height of the loops)is lower. The weight of the 6 strand is more, as more floss is used.

I haven't experimented with 1 strand, or using a thicker yarn. It's still on my "to do" list.

I'm still in the job search mode. Something part time, but yet flexible. Yep, I'm asking for the impossible. After a position I interviewed for was filled (I think they are hiring back someone that was let go due to budget cuts, so I never had a chance), I have to keep searching. I have a lead that I"m hoping turns into something.This lead was a company that contacted me, a couple years after I sent in a resume. That's always promising!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Valentine Angel

2011-01-05T15:12:00.003-06:00

I finished the Valentine angel this morning! I decided to make a little pillow/pinkeep out of it. The front is a piece of plaid homespun fabric, and the backing is a piece of spot dyed cranberry wool. It's whip stitched together with some cranberry pearl cotton. I just love the muted colors in this one.

I also got some photos of the baby afghan. Now to edit, upload and create some Ebay listings tonight. It might be late tonight, as I have a planning meeting for the Cub Scout Blue & Gold dinner. I also need to finish the other punch piece, but am still debating on how to finish it. I thought I would also put some quilt shop fabric behind it, but it just didn't seem to do the piece justice. I still have plenty of barn red/cranberry wool, so that's a possibility, too. Maybe I'll start another project, and then get inspired on the finishing touch.

Yesterday I ran to the quilt shop to pick up the backing fabric, and I did sign up for a rug hooking class. I can't wait to learn something new! :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

A few finishes

2011-01-03T10:11:00.003-06:00

This is the latest that I've been working on. The angel is a freebie design from Twigs N Sprigs. I added some borders (that still need to be punched). I'm hoping to get this one and the other one that I finished punching on Ebay later this week.

I also finished a baby afghan last week. I hadn't crocheted in a few months, so it was good to get back to something mindless. Yes, I've done this pattern so many times, that it's mindless. I just need to to check which row I'm on, and sporadically check the pattern. Now to get this listed to Ebay tonight.

I also finished an order for a kitty and pumpkins. The buyer didn't want faces on the pumpkins, so they could be more neutral and be used through Thanksgiving.

Using a plain cinnamon stick for the stem just seemed a little too boring. So, I put it aside for about a week, and thought about what I could do to dress it up a bit. Well, pumpkins have leaves, and the curly q's coming from the vine. So, I decided to add a wool leaf and wire curly q to each pumpkin. Now to box them up and get them to their new owner!

It's back to work today for me, and back to school for the kids. My husband has the day off, but goes back tomorrow. I'm hoping to get some more punching done today, so that I can work on the finishing parts of the 2 punch pieces.

Have a good week!
~*~ Laura ~*~

Thursday's Work

2010-12-30T19:22:00.003-06:00

A Thursday with nothing to do. Still a day too early to take down the Christmas decorations, and payday isn't until tomorrow, so no money to spend. So, I pulled out a pattern that I bought a while ago, and started punching. I went with the directions on the pattern, and used 3 strands. I usually punch using 6 strands for a more prim look, but the outlining of this piece needed 3 strands.

It always looks like a mess without all the background punched in. The loops spread out, and distort the picture. But, the main parts are done, and time to start the background.

Once I started the ecru background, it began to take shape.

After spending most of the day working on it, I finished punching the piece! Now to decide how to finish the piece. I have an idea of a wool pouch to hang on a peg, but I'll have to see what colors of wool I have.

Speaking of wool, I'm debating whether to sign up for a rug hooking class. I've seen so many wonderful rugs, that I would like to try one. But, I know that will lead to needing more supplies ~ namely wool. Then, if I really like it, a cutter. Decisions, decisions.....

~*~ Laura ~*~

Yarn holder

2010-12-27T17:31:00.003-06:00

I found a new use for a vintage wood bowl ~ as a yarn holder. I've been busy crocheting a baby afghan, but that big ball of yarn kept rolling around the floor. I usually use a carrying bag to store it in, but mine is full of punch needle supplies at the moment. So, I looked over at the coffee table, and tried a bowl that I purchased at an antique store a few weeks ago. It's a shallow bowl, but it does the trick of holding the yarn in one place.

I'm still playing with my new Sony Bloggie touch. The camera portion doesn't have a flash, but it does take indoor photos.

Not too bad for a darker room, with only a couple lamps on.

Here's the photos it takes outdoors. James was really wanting to try out his new bike, so I took it outside. He needs to get comfortable using hand brakes instead of coaster brakes. He only rode up and down the street a couple times, as it's really cold. It's suppose to warm up in the upper 40's by Saturday, so I'm sure he'll be out more, as long as it doesn't rain.

I playing with the video part of the Bloggie. It can take still photos while it's still video recording ~ how cool is that?

I'm back to crocheting. Maybe I can finish this afghan in the next couple days. :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Moving around

2010-12-26T16:16:00.005-06:00

One little addition to the family room resulted in LOTS of moving around this past week. My husband got a bonus (first time EVER). He's always dreamed about having one of those flat screen LCD tv's. So, we had enough for that, a sale blue ray, and a new tv stand. It all fit nicely in the space from the old tv/entertainment center. Of course, the old entertainment center wouldn't fit the new tv, which is why we got a new stand.

We only had one tv, so the old one went upstairs, along with the entertainment center. There was a cable outlet already on the wall, where the previous owner had their tv. It's a corner entertainment center, but we put it against a flat wall (makes it easier to clean around). But, the china cabinet that was there needed to be moved.

The china cabinet is now where the piano was. The piano is where the antique secretary was. (I would like the get rid of the piano, as no one plays it. Rachel had taken lessons for a couple years, but isn't interested in playing anymore) The antique secretary is now downstairs in the hallway. Of course, now all the things on the wall will need to be moved around. But, I'll wait until all the Christmas decorations are down to see if this is where all the furniture will remain. Guess it will keep me busy during my week off!

Since the secretary is not centered on the wall (makes it easier to walk around the lower level hallway), I'll have to add some things to the wall to balance it off.

Here's a quick Christmas wrap-up:

James got a Star Wars Lego set. He spent a lot of time today putting it together, and he finished it.
Matt at my parent's house yesterday. The photo taken with a new video camera. It also takes photos. I'll still have to play around with it to figure out all the features.

Andrew with his Svengoolie t-shirt.

Rachel with her new purple bike. She'll want a car next, as she's eligible to take driver's ed this summer. But, she rides on bike paths, and all over town on her bike. At least she won't outgrow this one.

James, also, got a new bike. He's never had a new bike. All his other ones were hand me downs. He rode the one so much, that it's falling apart. This one had hand brakes (but one speed), so it will take some adjusting, especially down hills. It's suppose to get warmer later this week, but rain. But, just maybe he'll be able to test it out.

I have this week off, along with the kids. I just printed out a couple Valentine graphics to use as punch needle patterns. Yep, thinking ahead to the next holiday for Ebay sales. I also started a baby afghan with some left over yarn. Need to run and get some more yarn at Walmart. It was nice to take a few weeks off crafting, but my hand and itching do some more. :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T10:29:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!

This is the photo that was on our Christmas cards this year. I just sent them out on Monday, so I'm hoping they all arrive by today. I finally finished my shopping and wrapping yesterday. Then I started on baking cookies. The snow started falling this morning, and we should get about 3 inches of snow for a white Christmas.

I hope all of you have a blessed Christmas!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Chrismas play

2010-12-20T21:13:00.002-06:00

My youngest, James, is full of surprises. He volunteered for a part in the Sunday School Christmas play. I didn't know this until I received a letter saying he had the part of Joseph! James hasn't done any plays/acting before, so it really surprised me that he wanted to do this. The play was just for the 4-5th graders, and parents. The parts didn't need to be memorized, but the kids needed to be familiar with their parts. The play wasn't rehearsed, but the kids did a wonderful job.
Since our school has cut many extra curricular activities, a school play isn't an option. None of his brothers or sister enjoys acting. But, maybe James would? I'm just glad that he enjoyed it, and wasn't scared. (they put the words on a powerpoint slide on the back wall to help the kids read their lines)

I haven't done any crafting. I'll be working on Christmas gifts, wrapping, and re-doing the house. Re-doing the house, as we just got a new tv tonight. The new tv doesn't fit into the old entertainment center. It's a nice Habersham Plantation corner unit that we purchased 19 years ago for our old house. Don't want to toss it out. So, have to move it upstairs to the living room. Which means moving a china cabinet, piano, and antique secretary. Now everything on the walls isn't in the right spots, so all that will have to be moved. All for one new tv. It will keep me busy trying to figure out where to place everything. I'll try to get some photos later ~ you don't want to see photos of boxes, and stacks of stuff looking for a new place to call home. :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

This N That

2010-12-13T22:06:00.003-06:00

Gee, I haven't blogged in the past week ~ oops! I went through some photos of what I've been doing, and here they are. The high school had their winter band concert last week. I went to see my favorite trumpet player.

Went to the Merry Cary Parade. It's an annual Christmas parade in our town. James and Russ are holding the Cub Scout banner.

Andrew was holding the Boy Scout banner further back in the parade. Sometimes I think there are more people in the parade than watching! It was cold, but not as cold as today.

We had a snow storm come through Chicago. We only got a few inches of snow, but the wind really blew the snow around. Now the bitter cold wind chills have settled in. Perfect to stay indoors where it's warm.

I need to start a few new projects (one's for Valentines), but have been working at my side phone job. They've had a couple projects, and I won't turn it down. The extra $ always comes in hand at this time of year. I also *finally* started my Christmas shopping. Now to get it finished...... :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

* Snowman finish*

2010-12-04T16:32:00.003-06:00

I just finished the snowman! It's my first original design!

It took a few extra coats of paint to get the color right on the hornbook. It was too dark, so I put more barn red paint on, sanded it ,and a light coating of gel stain. Just a hint of mustard paint shows through. I lightly aged the punch needle piece with walnut ink, but didn't use it on the snowman. The snowman already has light color variations, and I didn't want that altered. Sometime the walnut ink will make those variations disappear. It did mute the oatmeal and blue sky colors, though. A simple string of vintage buttons completes the top.

And, yes, I cut my own wood. It's a scary thought. Me and power tools. I bought my own jigsaw and learned how to use it. I'm not great at cutting, but I'm learning. But, the great thing about primitives is that it's not suppose to be perfect! If it's lopsided ~ it's even better! :-)

I'm going to put it on Ebay Sunday night, unless anyone sends an email wanting to buy it. Let's say $45, and free shipping in the US.

We had our first measurable snow today! *** We got about 3 inches or so. It's going to be cold, so it's going to stick around. Makes me want to get some Christmas shopping done (I haven't even started yet!!). I have some lists done, and just need to go. As the kids get older, it's easier to just give the green stuff (cash). But, I have to get a few other goodies, too! I know I have the entire week before Christmas to get stuff done. Some years I'm done shopping before Thanksgiving, but this isn't one of those years.

~*~ Laura ~*~

* December Snow *

2010-12-01T19:52:00.004-06:00

It's the first of December, and the forecast was for snow flurries. It was snowing more than just flurries this morning, so we got a coating of snow. I'm NOT ready for winter. But, I was ready to punch snowmen. This is the project that I'm currently working on. It all started with the hornbook. I had cut a different shape, but the jigsaw knicked the edge and cut it. I didn't want to throw it out, as the rest was still good. So, I made a couple more cuts to make a rectangular shape with a longer handle. I then took some paper and drew up this snowman to go on the hornbook.

While I was sketching, I drew some blushed cheeks, which I then transferred and punched. It's a blush color, so it's not really pink, and not really peach. It just adds a little something to his face.
Now to add some cording, and paint the wood. I'll go more traditional on this one ~maybe a barn red background, and tan cording to set it off.

I had to run to a different grocery store this week to get whole cloves for a school project. It was worth the drive, as the cloves were a fraction of the price of other stores. While I was there, I stopped into the Goodwill store and found this cute little basket. It easily holds the salt and pepper shakers on my counter. For a whopping 49 cents, I took it home. :-)

This has been a week of things breaking and being repaired. Our old van is getting some engine work. Our mechanic had some problems with the gaskets, but finally got them to seal. But then, it developed another problem which is being worked on. We're hoping to get it back tomorrow or Friday at the latest. Then, last night, our printer cartridge exploded. It had been leaking and leaving streaks all over the sides of paper, but new cartridges are expensive, which is why we didn't replace it. Got a new name brand toner cartridge now. But, I now need to get some Oxy Clean to get the stains out of the carpet. Sigh. Now to learn how to replace the cartridge in our new kitchen faucet. The manufacturer sent me a new one, as the water pressure is really low. I'm hoping this is the last of things breaking for a while. (I can only hope!)

I'm off to paint!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Thanksgiving recap

2010-11-29T15:43:00.003-06:00

Thanksgiving week is over, and now it's on to Christmas. My youngest, James, had the entire week off last week due to parent/teacher conferences. My high schoolers still had school on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, I got a call that my mom's oven stopped working, so I was hosting Thanksgiving dinner instead. I had just finished making some desserts, and now needed to clean and make the turkey, etc. One of my favorite desserts was the chocolate truffle ~ yum! Super simple to make:

1 package brownie mix, prepared as directed
3 boxes instant chocolate mousse (in jello/pudding section) prepare as directed
12 oz Cool Whip
2 packages Heath Bits

Break brownies into small pieces. Layer half the brownies, half the mousse, half the Heath Bits, half of the Cool Whip. Repeat. Chill. Can make ahead, but keep ingredients separate. For best results, make the same day as serving.

I split the recipe in half, as it makes a lot. You can adjust the amount of any ingredient. I like less Cool Whip, but lots of mousse!

I also made some apple pie for all my pie lovers.

My bil, sister, niece and dad. (sorry, no photos of my mom or my family!) My youngest niece couldn't come, as she's in college in England. For them, it was just a normal day.

The day after Thanksgiving, I didn't do ANY shopping. (I have to confess, I haven't started Christmas shopping.) Instead, we went to the lighting of the local park with some friends and then for pizza. The park was SO crowded ~ and cold. Behind Andrew and James is a ship created from lights. With displays like this, no wonder it's always crowded!

I'm making another punch needle project, but this time in more muted tones. I'm hoping to get it done in the next couple days. Too many other things to do, like grocery shop, shop for band concert pants and shirt for my son, etc. Speaking of which, I need to run to pick him up now....

~*~ Laura ~*~

2010-11-23T13:10:00.004-06:00

There's a giveaway on "The Shabby Chic Cottage" blog. Bella Michele jewelry is giving a gift certificate. Go check it out and enter! Michele is my cousin, and has been stamping jewelry for a home business.
http://theshabbychiccottage.net/

~*~ Laura ~*~

~~ SNoW ANGeL ~~

2010-11-23T10:15:00.002-06:00

Yet another new piece! I was up early to get the kids off the school. Yep, there was still classes for the high schoolers today. The elementary district was off for parent teacher conferences. So, once the older kids were off to school, I was able to lightly go over the hornbook with some ultra fine steel wool. It looks so old and primitive with the crackles, worn paint, and stain. I glued the punch snow angel to it, tied the hang tag, and added a string of vintage buttons. It's something VERY different for the winter. It will on Ebay tonight.

I have one teen home sick with a stomach bug. I'm hoping no one else catches it for Thanksgiving. I have to make a list of groceries to get so that I can make some dessert to bring for Thanksgiving dinner. I know the stores will be packed tomorrow, so maybe I'll head there tonight. Maybe. We're down to one vehicle today. Our old van is being repaired to keep it going for another few years. It has 146K miles (or is it more?) and still going. I'm hoping it will be the Energizer bunny and keep going, and going, and going. It might be getting rusty, but with 3 teens that will be learning how to drive next year, I don't want anything expensive. I don't know if it will be done today or tomorrow, so we have to share the other van.

I drew up another design for a snowman punch project. I"ll have to edit and and start working on that today.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Work in Progress

2010-11-22T19:53:00.002-06:00

I managed to finish the snow angel after running out of floss. I went to Joanns this weekend, and they were out of DMC 3371. So, today I went to Hobby Lobby and they were also out of it. I can understand maybe a cranberry color this time of year, but dark brown? I managed to locate just enough to finish, and am now waiting for the stain to dry on the hornbook.

This one I painted with a base coat of black. Added some crackle medium to see what that does. Topped it with a coat of antique yellow. Sanded it, and then some brown stain. Can't wait to see what it looks like together! I might have to lightly sand a bit of the stain off, just to get it even. But I think the yellow will really set off the angel wings and make the piece "pop". I'm hoping it will be done and listed on Ebay tomorrow. :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Vintage Grater ornie

2010-11-21T19:47:00.002-06:00

I liked that vintage mini grater so much, that I just had to finish something to go on it. I wanted a few of the grater holes to show, so I measured what I wanted the punch needle piece to be. It's 1" x 3", which isn't very big for a punched piece. I drew up a snowman with a star, and this is what he looks like. The snowman is 2 different shades: white and an oatmeal color. The background is also 2 different colors: black and a very dark grey/tan. I punched it using 3 strands instead of 6, since the piece was so small. I haven't punched using 3 in so long, it took a while to get adjusted. I added a small cording to the edge, and adhered it to the grater. I'm not sure if I'll list it on Ebay tonight, or wait until tomorrow evening. The ending of the auction (if I listed it tonight) would fall on a holiday weekend. I'm not sure if that's a good or not. But, he will be up for auction sometime this week! :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

A Couple New Finds

2010-11-20T17:31:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I went in search of a few buttons for the snow angel punch needle. The dress needs just a little something to add some interest. I checked Joann for buttons, but nothing seems small and quite right. So, the next stop was my local thrift/antique store. I found a large mason jar filled with buttons. I found 2 small buttons for the punch project, and used the rest to fill the bottom of my wood bowl on the dining room table. It will make it very easy to search for buttons when I need them! Plus, it makes an interesting/vintage filler.

While I was in the store, this mini grater grabbed my eye. I've never seen a mini version of one. It was more expensive than the standard size, but it's SO unique. I could instantly see a mini punch needle project attached to it. It's the perfect size to hang on a peg rack, or use as an ornament ~ no hanger is needed, just use the handle.

Today I went to a craft fair, but didn't buy anything. I wasn't in search of anything in particular, and mainly went to browse and to get ideas. I didn't see anything that jumped out at me, so I left empty handed.

Tonight I'm going to work more the snow angel in hopes of finishing it by tomorrow. I just hope I don't run out of the background floss! I bought the last 2 skeins of those colors at Joann, and Hobby Lobby is closed on Sunday. We'll see how close I come!

~*~ Laura ~*~

Jobs??

2010-11-18T09:33:00.005-06:00

I've been punching this week. The first project is an order for a fall black cat and pumpkin bowl fillers. The other is this snow angel that I'm still working on. I did this pattern last year, but with a light blue background. In an attempt to be daring and try something different, I changed the background to a mixture of dark floss. I think it makes the snow angel stand out. I'll see how I like it once it's all finished. I do like some of the color combinations to achieve an overdyed appearance. I mix 2 different colors of DMC and punch them at the same time. Some are just a very stuble shading, but it really brings some interest to the piece.

In between crafting and my school lunch mom job, I've been searching for a new place of employment. Ideally, it would be 15 hrs a week and close by. So, when I found and ad for a part time office assistant, I excitedly sent off my resume. I received a call for an interview, so I went.

I arrived a little before my scheduled appointment and entered the front door. The person sitting at the front desk had about as much enthusiasm as a rock ~ literally. No smile. No "hello". (gee, do you think she likes her job in a small office?) This was my first sign that it was going to be an "interesting" interview. I was let in the door, and told "follow me" to a conference room looking like it came from the 1970's.

The person who interviewed me was not from this country. That's not an issue, unless you don't understand our language/lingo. I was asked about my math/accounting background. I mentioned that I have a BA, which included an accounting class, plus many business classes. Plus years of experience in various admin jobs. (I thought this was all positive) I was then asked if I count on my fingers or use a calculator. (um, where is this leading? Does it really matter?) I answered that I use a calculator. I was then asked, not only once, but TWICE, if I count on my fingers AND if i counted on one hand or two hands. The person even held up his hands to show me. (at this point I was waiting for Candid Camera to jump on out. Who asks this type of question? My son said I should have said I count on my toes! ). I was then asked why I would want to leave my current job. I mentioned the environment (schools closing, possibility of another one closing, layoffs, etc). The language barrier (he didn't get the lingo) then was VERY apparent, and he thought I said environment. Like in environmental allergies. Do I stop and correct him? I couldn't even ask a question, as he kept talking. (yep, I just wanted to get out of there ~ and quickly!). At the end, I finally was able to ask a question. I asked when they were looking to hire someone; December or possibly January? I'm thinking with Thanksgiving and Christmas, they might be searching ahead of time. Nope. Monday. As in 6 days. Well, that eliminates me (thankfully), as they wouldn't want to wait for at least a 2 week notice at my current job. They haven't called me back. I'm SO disappointed ~ NOT! :-)

I'm not sure which direction to take for jobs. Do I start some type of online business? If so, what? How do I go about getting wholesale products without having to buy/store lots of stuff? Lots of questions. But for now, I'll just keep punching and keep my eyes open for other possibilities. Who knows, maybe I was on candid camera and just didn't' know it!

~*~ Laura ~*~

~ SNoWMeN!! ~

2010-11-14T16:21:00.002-06:00

I've been busily working on finishing 5 sets of snowmen bowl fillers ~ and I finished them! I plan on getting them on Ebay later tonight. It takes a while to get photos, crop, edit, upload and create the Ebay listings. Plus, I have to kick a couple of my kids off the computer so that I can use it. :-)
I have 2 sets of star snowmen. Each set has 3 ornies, and are very lightly aged with walnut ink and generously sprinkled with mica flakes.

I have 2 sets of snowmen face bowl fillers. One set has larger bead/coal eyes. This set above has medium bead/coal eyes.

A set of larger snowmen with ice branch arms. It's a coated wire FTD floral product, so it won't break like real twigs. Plus, I can bend them into the shape I desire.

I also finished this Christmas stitchery pillow. I had stitched it last year, but never finished it. This is my absolute favorite Christmas stitchery pattern by Homeberries.

While I've been crafting away, I had a new kitchen faucet installed yesterday. I guess nothing is made to fix. It's more work/$ to get parts than it is to replace the entire faucet. I'm thankful that I found someone to install it, and get an estimate for the soffit/facia. Now to get that fixed before it snows.

We didn't get any of the snow that the upper midwest got yesterday, but that's fine with me. It was just cold and rainy for the last high school football game of the year. Our team lost in over time, so they are out of the playoffs. :-( That means marching band is officially done for the year. But, next is pep band for basketball games.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
~*~ Laura ~*~

Punch Needle Finishes

2010-11-11T10:04:00.004-06:00

I liked the last punch needle turkey SO much, that I finished another one ~ just in time to put up for bid before Thanksgiving. This one I made into a cupboard hanger. It's backed with a piece of hand dyed soft black wool. It has a string of buttons on the left, and a walnut aged tag on the right. LOTS of color changes and blending on this piece! I'm going to get some better photos, and put it up for bid on Ebay tonight (unless anyone wants to send me an offer by tonight, then I would gladly sell it outright).

I also finished a punch needle mitten ~ perfect to leave up all winter. I punched the sheep with 2 different needle heights to give it a little more definition. This piece is also backed with a piece of hand dyed soft black wool. You could put an evergreen branch or sweet annie to fill the mitten. (I like to leave it up to who's buying it, as some might be allergic to dried flowers) I'm also going to put this one up for bidding on Ebay tonight (unless someone wants to send an offer ~ I know I'm not giving a lot of time)

When I haven't been punching this week, I'm lined up someone to come fix me kitchen faucet that's leaking all over. He's also going to look at our aluminum trim that was torn off in the wind storm. The trim is still hanging there, but I don't think it would last all winter when the snow and ice come.

I've also spent a lot of time looking for a new part time job. I'm only working 10 hrs a week, and would like to find something with a few more hours (Ok, and a little more $), but still a little flexible for school schedules. I've seen a few ads, but nothing has come of them. Anyone want to hire me for administrative work? :-)

I'll also be listing (hopefully) some snowman bowl fillers on Ebay this weekend. I have several different sets sewn and stuffed. I need to do the finishing part now. I have some large snowmen, star snowmen, and some round snowman face bowl fillers. It's hard to work on snowmen when it's been SO nice outside this week. The temps have been in the 60's ~ and it's November!

~*~ Laura ~*~

The Turkey's Done!

2010-10-31T19:53:00.002-05:00

I finished the turkey this afternoon ~ just before the trick or treaters arrived. I just listed it on Ebay for a one week listing. It will still arrive in plenty of time for Thanksgiving Day. I get to enjoy it a week before it's shipped off to the winning bidder. I think I'll really miss this piece.....

~*~ Laura ~*~

A Teriffic Turkey!

2010-10-29T20:25:00.003-05:00

Well, I just had to keep punching yesterday until I finished it. I just LOVE how the colors blended on this one. The background is a mixture of dark brown and a putty/dark grey/brown/tan. I used 3 strands of each blended together to punch 6 strands. It gives it the overdyed look, and gives it depth.

I now need to cut some wood to finish the piece. That will be a project for tomorrow ~ along with dentist appointments for all of us.

I have yet another pattern that I've had stashed away since spring. I'll have to see what colors I already have and make a list of what I need. This mitten isn't too Christmasy, so it can stay up all winter. (not that I want to think about winter right now, but I know it's coming)

I made it through lunch at school today. I wonder why it was so loud and the kids all wound up? Not that class parties and Halloween coming this weekend had anything to do with it! :-)

Have a good weekend!
~*~ Laura ~*~

Turkey Time!

2010-10-28T14:00:00.002-05:00

I started and can't stop! I began punching last night, and absolutely LOVE the way this one is turning out. It has all the fall colors ~ orange, rust, gold, tan and cranberry. The pattern has options for using overdyed floss from Weeks Dye Works, or plain floss from DMC. Since this piece will be for Ebay, I'm using DMC. (if I used WKW, the starting price would be WAY too high). I'm using their conversion chart, so combining 2-3 colors to achieve an overdyed appearance and subtle shading.

Almost done with the turkey, just the tail is remaining. Then onto the background. I'm thinking of finishing this one on a hornbook ~ maybe painted barn red or gold? I think a brown painted one wouldn't set off the colors in it, as the background is a combination of very dark brown and grey. I'll be busy tonight punching away. Once I start, I have to finish it quickly. :-)

I'll have to get some estimates for fixing our soffits/facia. I walked around the outside of the house yesterday, and found the wind had torn off some aluminum trim. I think the wood underneath is a little soft, so there might be some repairs in order. I was going to wait until spring to see how much it would cost, but now that some pieces are ready to fall off, I better see what's involved now. At least the wind seems to have died down a bit this afternoon.

~*~ Laura ~*~

The windy city

2010-10-27T09:15:00.004-05:00

Although the windy city got it's name from the long winded politicians, it sure was windy weather-wise yesterday! Strong gusts of wind were knocking down trees and power lines. Our neighbor's basketball hoop was blown down with the wind. I'll have to go outside and rake and pick up some small branches, but we had no major damage.

This past weekend, my youngest, James, went to a Cub Scout campout on a submarine. It's on the Manitowac River in Wisconsin. Yes, they brought their sleeping bags, and slept overnight on the sub.
Here's a view from the periscope they were playing with. He had a great time, but came home really tired. Andrew had a Boy Scout campout this past weekend. They made teepees, and were all set to sleep in them~ until a lightening storm hit. Since it was close to home, they sent everyone home, as there weren't any safe shelters. But, we had to go back and take down camp on Sunday morning. Matt went to NIU on Saturday to march in their half time show. It was high school day, and several schools were invited to join the NIU marching band. Rachel ran errands with me while the boys were away on Saturday.

It was the last regular season home game on Friday. Our first playoff game is this weekend, but it's an away game. So, there still might be another game to march in if they win this weekend.

I still need to start the turkey punch needle. It's sitting in my dining room, all set in it's hoop. I just need to motivation to get going. Since my Bible study was canceled this morning (no power at church), I have a little extra time. Do I punch, or go outside and pick up??

~*~ Laura ~*~

New Ebay listings

2010-10-21T21:47:00.002-05:00

I finally got a few photos and listed 2 sets of ornies on Ebay tonight. I didn't want to dig in our storage room for the mini tree, so I grabbed the first Christmas greenery that I saw, which was a big wreath. I headed to our deck to utilize what daylight I could for photos. Now to figure out why the photos on Ebay aren't showing the borders that I put on photobucket. ???

I spent this morning steam cleaning the carpet in the family room. It's an ugly brown, but as long as it's clean I can live with it. What's amazing is that I'm able to SEE the carpet. I spent all Saturday afternoon picking up Legos on half of the family room. Those little pieces tend to take over whatever area that James is in. Then the Legos get mixed with the army guys and have quite a battle, though the battles never seem to get cleaned up!

The other half of the family room, just to show the other half of the room. Maybe one year we'll get new carpet, but we'll have to play the Lotto. I also look at the tv, one of the old "regular" tv's. All the new ones are nice, LED, and flat screen. But, we have a corner entertainment center (I know it's not in a corner, but it was in our old house) that will only hold a very small flat screen. So, that would mean a new table. It's always one project leads to another. :-)

Our house was "boo"ed this week. Once it's dark, you ring a neighbor's doorbell, leave the bag of candy, and don't get caught. Some years, the note is to post a copy of a ghost on your door, so that you don't get "boo"ed twice. Now to get some candy so the kids can do a few houses before Halloween. I'm kinda glad this one we didn't have to post a copy on our door, as we might get more treats on our doorstep (hopefully chocolate!).

~*~ Laura ~*~

Tuesday's Turkey

2010-10-19T20:35:00.004-05:00

I've chosen the next punch needle project to start. It's a primitive turkey! The pattern calls for some Weeks Dye Works and other threads, but I"m using the DMC and combining colors. I"ll make one, and then I can make notes for possible changes on other ones that I do. Even though the pattern is stamped onto the cloth, I made a trip to Office Max to photocopy the cloth so that I can have a printed pattern.

Here's a sneak peak at what it's suppose to look like!

This past Sunday was the Cub Scout rocket launch. Andrew was supervising one of the launch pads. James is all set to push the button for launch.

James with a another Scout, who happens to be one of my favorite kids from lunch last year. Since the school was closed, I was sent to another school. I sure miss some of the kids from last year!
No, it's not my neighbor's Cadillac with the roof sawed off! It was the annual fire station open house for fire prevention week. They used the jaws of life to cut off doors, then remove the roof. The flight for life helicopter couldn't come, as it had an emergency to go on. But, the demonstration on the car was quite interesting.

I'm hoping to have 2 sets of ornies on Ebay this week. I finished stitching them, just need to take some good photos (which involves getting the mini Christmas tree out of storage for some added color in the photo) and get the listings set. One set is 4 Santa ornies, and the other is a set of 4 snowman ornies.

It's another busy week with 2 different part time jobs. One at school, and the other doing some phone work at home. But the extra $ comes in handy when Christmas is approaching ~ only 2 months away!

~*~ Laura ~*~

My Sunday afternoon

2010-10-11T19:04:00.003-05:00

It was another warm day on on Sunday ~ perfect for a walk. We have lots of small conservation areas within a short drive. I haven't explored all of them yet, so I set off for one that I had never been to. The path was just mowed grass, plus a wood walkway over the marsh area.

Went past a marshy pond, and then into the prairie with a few pretty trees.

Different birdhouses to attract birds. I'm not sure who lives in this one, but it makes for a nice photo.
I finished up a set of 16 ornies yesterday and today. The spray glue is now drying, and they are ready to be packaged. :-) Then to decide the next project....

~*~ Laura ~*~

A Long Weekend

2010-10-09T18:51:00.002-05:00

It's been a long weekend. James had no school on Friday, which meant that I also got the day off (I'm a lunch mom at school). He and I went to the store and wrote out his Christmas list. We then went out to lunch ~ just the two of us. I worked a little on cutting more ornies ~ I just need to do the sewing part now.

Today, I quickly took Matt to a local conservation area to snap a few photos. It's SO nice outside ~ almost hot at 86 degrees. The trees are really bright and colorful. Lots and lots of yellow leaves. We even saw a couple hot air ballonos as we were leaving. I wouldn't want a ride in one, but I imagine the view from above is breathtaking at this time of year!

Lots of beetles flying around. These guys were on some type of large seed pod in the field. Kinda a cool photo.

I'm not motivated to work with wool since it's so hot outside. But, I need to finish an order, and then make extra to list on Ebay.

Have a great weekend!
~*~ Laura ~*~

MoRe ORNieS

2010-10-03T20:32:00.003-05:00

I was able to complete another two ornies tonight. Between church, and then a Boy Scout event this afternoon, it doesn't leave much time for completing tons of needlework. The scout event was a court of honor/picnic. It sure was cold outside today! Only in the 50's for a high. There's even a frost warning tonight.

I made a gingerbread ornie from the same pattern as the Santa and snowman (pattern from Little Stitches). I wanted to test out some photo tips from a library book. So, this first photo I took I used the automatic setting on my camera. It washes out the pale yellow bowl the gingerbread man is in.

I then changed the setting to portrait, and the light setting to florescent/no flash. It did photograph darker, but it still looks like the flash didn't go off.

I now changed the setting to aperture priority (Av) on my camera. I changed the f stop to 8.0. It really seemed to capture the correct color/brightness. I'm going to have to use this when photographing crafts for Ebay. I have never experimented with the Av or Tv settings on the camera. I'll have to do some more experimenting, as the photo turned out better than on the automatic settings. Now that I"m strictly selling crafts online (and not craft fairs), photos are what help sell the item. Now if I can show the texture of these in a photo..... (gotta love wool!)

~*~Laura~*~

WooL APPLiQue ORNieS

2010-09-28T20:30:00.003-05:00

I just finished a set of 4 wool applique ornies! They are so much cuter in person. The stitching went quickly ~ it's nice to have a quicker project than punch needle. I used Valdani to stitch the edges, which gives it an overdyed/variegated look to the tan blanket stitch. I did decide to finish them with a dusting of mica flakes ~ it really gives it a finished look.

I just put them on my selling blog. I have 2 Santas and 2 snowmen completed right now. You can chose any combination of them. I'm planning on making more, so if you need more, just drop me a note.

~*~ Laura ~*~

WooL APPLiQue ORNieS

2010-09-28T09:49:00.003-05:00

I started the wool applique ornies! It's an easy pattern, and I'm using my pile of wool scraps to complete them. The black background pieces are perfect for those thrift shop finds (ie: wool pants, wool skirts). I've never been able to find some cheap off white wool, so that's a quilt shop piece of wool. The snowman jacket is a herringbone blazer that I found and overdyed with a cranberry ~ perfect for this piece! I'm using Valdani thread to blanket stitch around the edges. I thought the slightly overdyed/variegated look would add more of a primitive touch. It would be easy to make the pattern into something more traditional, just by altering the colors.

The snowman are also stitched, and waiting to be blanket stitched together. Now to decide on a hanger. The pattern calls for a brown string loop. Don't know if I"ll go with that, or look in my stash of supplies and see if anything else might look good.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a short walk at a local conservation area. Seems like some of the birch trees there had already dropped their leaves. But the reflection in the water still looked pretty.

Just playing around with the portrait and macro settings on the camera. The above photo is unaltered ~ look at the blue sky!

It's another nice day outside today~ I'll have to get outside to and enjoy this nice fall weather!

~*~ Laura ~*~

HaLLoWeeN BoWL FiLLeRS

2010-09-26T17:15:00.000-05:00

I just finished the set of Halloween punch needle bowl fillers! They are even cuter in person. The walnut ink is drying as I type, but I'm going to list them to Ebay later this evening. The pattern was a wool applique pattern from Wooden Spool Designs. I took the outline of the pattern, and adapted it to punch needle. I added a cinnamon stick for the stem, as I thought it would be a bit sturdier than a twig. I've already started tracing some Christmas ornies onto freezer paper ~ I"m on a roll!

The boys got back from Boy Scout Aircamp this afternoon. All are tired, but they had fun. James did the wall climbing with his friend.

They checked out some Navy jets.

James did some kayaking in a "pool".

I'm sure they will all head to bed early tonight, while I see how much laundry there is to do.

~*~ Laura ~*~

Pumpkin punch needle bowl fillers

2010-09-25T19:57:00.004-05:00

I'm finally getting around to finishing these pumpkin punch needle bowl fillers. I came down with a cold last weekend, so I didn't get much accomplished (other than sleep!) during the week. I picked up the punch project that I was working on, and just about finished two of the three bowl fillers. But, now that I'm almost finished, I can't wait to complete the set! The pumpkin stem is a cinnamon stick. It's a little bit sturdier than using a twig.

I just need to finish the black cat to go with the pumpkins. I usually don't make bowl fillers, so I've forgotten how much work it is to bind the edges with floss. I once tried to machine sew and edge (with right sides together), but that didn't work too well. I think it give a nicer edge when it's hand bound (to a piece of felted wool). Then to age them with some walnut ink. I'm hoping to get them done to list on Ebay tomorrow ~we'll see.

One of my next projects will be some wool Christmas ornaments. My mom's friend always buys ornies, so I need to make something different each year. I found this really cute pattern, and think I have most of the supplies already at home. I really like the Santa and snowman ones. I'm thinking I could use a black background for each, since I have some black wool. (thrift store finds) The directions even had a dusting of glitter. I'm thinking of some mica flakes for an old fashioned look. But, I'll wait to see how they look before I add anything extra.

The leaves have started changing around here in Illinois. So, this afternoon was a good time to play around with the camera. (ok, Matt's camera today, since my husband has my camera at Scout Air Camp this weekend)

Some of my neighbor's orange mums that are just beginning to bloom.

The last of the Stella D Oro day lillies ~ one of my favorite perennials.

One last bloom on the hydrangea plant.

This afternoon, I also manged to take Rachel shopping to get some jeans. We found 3 pairs ~ for a grand total of $12.00 at the Goodwill store! She likes them, as they are already broken in and softer. (I like the price!). Going to Goodwill is always interesting. You see MANY different types of people there. The guy getting out of his truck while we were leaving was down right scary (at least I *think* it was a guy!). But, we always manage to find something that she likes, so it's worth the trip.

I'm off to put some binding on the black cat.

~*~ Laura ~*~

He made the paper!

2010-09-13T19:33:00.003-05:00

http://football.dailyherald.com/story/?id=407491&image=313237&prev=39,6

I was just browsing at the local newspaper online, and found a photo of Matt. He'll be excited to find out once he gets home!

Halloween and Homecoming

2010-09-11T20:26:00.003-05:00

Now that the hot, humid weather has gone, I can think about fall. I started a punch project for Halloween. It's a black cat and 2 pumpkins. I took a wool applique pattern, and traced it on weaver's cloth for punch needle. It will be some primitive bowl fillers for Halloween. I've only done one set of punch needle bowl fillers, and this will be my second set. I usually make them into cupboard hangers, or mount them on hornbooks.

High school homecoming was today. Rachel and Matt went to the dance tonight. (Rachel is second from the left, and Matt should be pretty obvious!) I drove the silly group to the dance, and still have to wait another couple hours to pick them up.

The football game was this afternoon. At least the rain from this morning stopped. I had to go see the half time show this week.

We got the early this time. Early enough to get seats in the bleachers. :-)

I was even able to pick Matt out this time. He's the guy on the right with the trumpet. He does well. Especially considering that he only took one year of trumpet in 5th grade, and then dropped out of band. (he didn't like getting up before school, as band met before school). Now that he's a freshman, he's joined band since it's a class "during" school. (and lots of practices at night)

Tomorrow night is a family birthday party for Andrew, Matt and Rachel. I'm doing the easy way out, and ordering pizza! :-) That might leave me a little time in the afternoon to get some crafting done.

~*~Laura~*~

Back to work!

2010-09-07T22:18:00.005-05:00

I'm really trying to get back into a routing for crafting, now that school has started. Yesterday, I worked to finish punching this Santa piece. I aged it lightly with walnut ink, but it still shows the over dyed floss.
I had previously cut out some hornbooks, but got around to painting them. I sanded them, painted them, sanded again, then aged them with gel stain. The two boards aren't the same. I try to cut unevenly ~ on purpose. Can't have a primitive board looking too perfect! :-) I think it gives each one a uniqueness and character of it's own.

Tonight, I put the finishing touches on the Santa. I aged a hang tag with walnut ink, and tied a string of buttons around the top. On this one, I took a brass tag, and stamped NOEL. I then oxidized it to age it, and left some of the aging around the edges of the metal.
While I was in a finishing mode, I put the final touches on the snowman punch needle. I liked the Santa pattern so much, that I took the idea and put a snowman in the center instead. I put mittens instead of Christmas trees around the border. This one also has a brass tag that reads SNOW. I just put both of these on Ebay tonight. If the same person wins both auctions, I will offer FREE shipping to the winner!

While I had my metal stamps out, I stamped out GERANIUMS on the spoon I had previously flattened. I realized how hard it is to stamp on spoons! This one is a silver plate, and not sterling. So, it's a bit harder to get the impressions than stamping on a thinner, softer metal. But, it's fun to experiment with different ideas. This garden marker will go into a pot of geraniums on my front step.

I next have some bowl fillers that are half sewn, and need finishing. Now that I'm motivated, they might get done! :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

Comments

2010-09-05T18:20:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I'm playing around with some features on blogger. I found a section with comments, and saw lots of spam. Me, not being too bright, goes ahead and deletes ALL comments. I thought it was just a section, and that it wouldn't delete all comments from posting. I was wrong! Oops! So, if you posted a comment ~ it disappeared! Sorry! I guess it needs to have a warning that will tell you it will delete the comments from the blog, not just the comment section on the dashboard.

Santa and silver

2010-09-05T14:08:00.007-05:00

I just finished over dying some floss for the Santa punch needle. I've made this pattern a few time last year, but each time I used a different combination of floss for the background. This time I want to try over dyed floss for a subtle blending of tan. I started with 4 skeins of DMC 422, an put them in tan Rit dye. It only took a few minutes before I pulled them out. I untied them, and let them dry.

Some parts will remain color 422, but the remaining parts will be dyed tan. I'll have to start punching to see how this one turns out. I've put down the punch for a few weeks, so it's time to get back to work. :-) The cooler weather might help me get back into the craft mood.

I started playing around with more metal punching this week. I ordered some sterling silver discs, and made myself a silver hand stamped necklace. I stamped my initial on one, and a music note on another. A pearl adds some color to the necklace. I like how it lightly jingles when I wear it! I still have some brass discs that I can add to some punch needle projects as a finishing touch. (silver isn't quite as primitive as brass or copper, so the silver will be for jewelry) It's always fun learning new crafts and techniques!

~*~Laura~*~

Friday Night Lights

2010-09-04T20:18:00.003-05:00

Last night, I went to my first high school football game ~ the first one since I was in high school. The weather changed, so it was crisp and cool. The first time I had to wear a jacket since springtime.

My son, Matt, is in marching band and plays the trumpet. The band all sits together in the bleachers. It was SO crowded, that we didn't get a seat in those bleachers. For a while, we stood at the end zone, but later found seats on a small section of bleachers. Funny thing, we had to stand to see, as all the others in front were standing. Next time I now know to get there really early to stake out a seat on top of the bleachers to get a good view of the half time show.

Here's the band getting ready to take the field. No, I couldn't pick out which one was Matt!

We had a family photo taken in August for the church directory. It's impossible to get all 6 looking perfect, but this one wasn't too bad.

They also took a photo of just the kids. From left to right: Andrew, Rachel, Matt and James.

I really need to get crafting again. I'm just not motivated. Maybe it was all the hot weather. But, a cool front has hit today ~ it almost feels like fall. The first fall cold hit, too. Rachel came down with a runny nose and sore throat. Sure hope it doesn't hit the rest of us.

Enjoy the long holiday weekend!

More weekend photos

2010-09-03T14:45:00.005-05:00

I'm famous! Ok, not really, but one of my photos is famous. The photo on the top of my last post was shown on a local Chicago nightly news. The weather segment always has some photos that viewers send in. I sent it in, because it was a great photo, and it appeared on the news, and in the newspaper. How cool is that?

Last weekend, we took a boat ride out on Lake Michigan. It's a double decker boat like one of these. We sat on the top and got some sun. (too much sun ~ ouch!)

We saw the tall ships from a great viewpoint. This one is the Bounty, which was from Pirates of the Caribbean. I think next time, it would be cool to get tickets to ride on this one!

We took a ride of the ferris wheel. What a gorgeous day ~ not a cloud in the sky!

A look down at Navy Pier.

A better view of the skyline. The lake was filled with boats.

We then headed toward Millenium Park to see "the bean". I am not a fan of modern sculpture, but this one is interesting. No seams, and shiny all over.

It's almost like a mirror. This is the view when you walk under it and look up~ a tunnel view. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, see if you can see me. I'm in a black t-shirt looking up with a camera.

We also walked past a fenced off lot. What a mess! No, it's not a junkyard, but the set of Transformers 3. We didn't see anyone filming, as the filming was mainly done at night.

I just finished the first full week of school/work. I'm a lunch room supervisor, and assigned to a different school this year. It's just SO different. Let's just say I've needed a LOT of chocolate this week. I'm looking forward to a long weekend. :-)

~*~ Laura ~*~

My weekend

2010-08-30T10:28:00.006-05:00

This past weekend, my cousin from California http://ahousefulofboys.blogspot.com/ came to visit. My sister and I took her downtown Chicago on Saturday to do a little sightseeing. We took the train, then a bus to Navy Pier. Even though I'm 50 miles NW of the city, I've never been to Navy Pier (since it became a tourist attraction). The Tall Ships were there, so the place was packed.

We took a boat ride out on Lake Michigan to get a view of the skyline. We also got some nice photos of the ships. The sailboats were sold out, so we couldn't go on those. (I even tried a couple weeks in advance to get tickets) So, we went on one of the double decker ships, and sat on top to catch some sun.
I'll have to upload the rest of my photos, but ran out of time today. Check back tomorrow for more!

~*~ Laura ~*~

New Etsy Shop

2010-08-25T14:28:00.003-05:00

I've been looking at a few items that I've made, and trying to decide what to do with them. I have about 8 stitchery candle mats, and a few other assorted items. I've been exclusively selling on Ebay, but am looking for something different. I don't think a selling blog brings enough traffic. (which reminds me, I REALLY need to update my selling blog!) So, I went to a local resale/antique shop that use to take some craft items. They are now focusing on the vintage/antique stuff. No luck there. I don't know of other shops in the area that would take items, so this afternoon, I opened an Etsy shop. Etsy works like Ebay, in that it brings sellers and buyers together. But, Etsy is strictly for crafts. I just listed 3 items at a low price, just to see what will happen. I'll have to take some more photos while the sun is out, and get more items listed.

http://www.etsy.com/search_results_seller.php?search_query=theappleberrycottage&search_type=seller_usernames

I've purchased a couple items from Etsy sellers, and the transactions have been great. I did find the listings for Etsy quite simple and quick to complete. I am unable to use templates to get unique backgrounds, not using them saves some time. I was able to create categories (so far just candle mats), so buyers can easily see other items. The listings each last up to 4 months (or until it's sold), so no need to keep re-listing unsold items.

Now that school has started, it's nice to get back into a routine. My older three kids just started high school as freshmen on Monday. So far, they all like it. My youngest started 5th grade today, but is playing VERY noisily at the moment, as it was only a 1/2 day of school. :-)

I would love to hear about any Etsy experiences from a sellers standpoint.
Laura

appleberrycottage

Dollar Saturday

Hoping for Snow

Monday's Finish

PeNNy RuNNeR

It's Here!

Tweaking

Almost finished

Doing "nothing"

MeRRy CHRiSTMaS!

Picks and Parades

GiNGeRBReaD MeN

Not a Creature Was Stirring, Not Even a Mouse

Turkey Time!

My new Oxford Punch!

Goodies!

Happy Monday!

Playing hookie

~*~ Went Shopping ~*~

Re-working

~*~ HooKeD ~*~

IT's HeRe!!!!

Decisions, decisions......

Work in Progress

Bird Rug

Mottled Wool

A Trip to the Zoo

A new member of the family

Another finish

A FaLL FiNiSH!

Flea Market Finds

Punch Projects

PRiMiTiVe CHaNDeLieR MaKe OVeR

Goodies from the Fair

Back to punching

SuMMeR PRoJeCTS

Countdown

Memorial Day weekend

Almost Summer Vacation

New Wheels

Happy Easter!

I finally finished!

Budget Bathroom Makeover

I need a break from Spring Break!

Spring Break

~*~ HaND STaMPeD JeWeLRy PaRTy ~*~

Slurpees and stores

First sign of spring

Busy Beaver

Friday Finishes

The war continues

It's war!

Ebay dilemma

The Great Chicago Bilzzard ~ 2011

Sunday happenings

A Spring Time Finish

I'm now a rug hooker!!

Valentine Snow Angel

3 strand vs. 6 strand

Valentine Angel

A few finishes

Thursday's Work

Yarn holder

Moving around

Merry Christmas!

Chrismas play

This N That

* Snowman finish*

*** December Snow ***

Thanksgiving recap

~*~ SNoW ANGeL ~*~

Work in Progress

Vintage Grater ornie

A Couple New Finds

Jobs??

*~* SNoWMeN!! *~*

Punch Needle Finishes

The Turkey's Done!

A Teriffic Turkey!

Turkey Time!

~~ Went Shopping ~~

~~ HooKeD ~~

~~ HaND STaMPeD JeWeLRy PaRTy ~~

* December Snow *

~~ SNoW ANGeL ~~

~ SNoWMeN!! ~