tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12344155515893438262024-03-13T08:27:22.377-04:00Libbie's HomeLibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-5618323642240448762012-07-18T08:44:00.003-04:002012-07-18T08:44:36.936-04:00A post every 6 months or so?Oh my, it's been a while. The least I can do is give people something besides "Happy New Year" to look at if they stumble on my blog...<br />
Here are some pictures of some gardens I visited last weekend. Lots of fun ideas.<br />
So peaceful. I hope you enjoy the tour.<br />
If you want a closer look I think you can click the pictures to make them larger.<br />
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I hope you all have a lovely day :)</div>
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Melissa</div>
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<br />LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-1255146089090954682012-01-01T00:01:00.004-05:002012-01-01T00:01:08.682-05:00Happy 2012!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNIHoIKmWSE/Tv0FYHQoa4I/AAAAAAAAAxw/n8Kiqi2Vpoc/s1600/img046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNIHoIKmWSE/Tv0FYHQoa4I/AAAAAAAAAxw/n8Kiqi2Vpoc/s320/img046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-20575039005365431392011-12-30T08:46:00.001-05:002011-12-30T09:36:58.653-05:00Get a jump on your Valentine's Day crafting...Here are a few vintage Valentine postcards that I have. They were received in the mail in the year 1912. I thought it was fun to think about using something from 100 years ago to make something new.<br />
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I think I will make some pillow tucks with some of them. I have been wanting to try out some of this stuff: <br />
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I found out about Bubble Jet Set 2000 from my friends at <a href="http://www.materialrewards.com/">Material Rewards</a> in Dansville, NY. They have used loads of it for the quilts they have made for the children of deployed soldiers.<br />
You soak the fabric in the solution for a few minutes and then let it dry. Once it's dry, iron it onto some freezer paper, cut to 8.5x11 inches and you can print right onto the fabric with your inkjet printer. The images will be vibrant and last through washing with mild detergent. I like that I will be able to get tons and tons of images from just one bottle. The bottle says 40-50 sheets depending on the weight of the fabric.<br />
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I will keep you posted on my progress with this idea. But first, I have to finish off a couple more UFOs that were part of <a href="http://libbieshome.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-to-begin-with-my-new-years.html">my resolution for 2011</a>. Sadly, I can't really call this resolution a success, but I have finished a few of the things in the line-up. I'll keep working on it. You might have noticed that I tend to get side-tracked easily.<br />
So many ideas, so little time...LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-677127463502353262011-12-28T07:24:00.000-05:002011-12-28T07:24:20.629-05:00Jar Light TutorialGood morning. :) I hope everyone is having a relaxing week after the Christmas rush. I am getting a few things done around the house that have needed attention for a while now. Vacations come just in the nick of time, don't they?! I was planning to go to school to do some work today, but it's finally snowing here. And blowing. A lot. I have to make that snowy blowy drive when school's in session, but today I can choose the comfort of home instead. There's always tomorrow for a day at school playing catch-up. Or the next day.<br />
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My holiday decorating was pretty minimalist this year. But I had a phone call Monday night and arrangements were made to have people in on Tuesday night. Yikes! Well the area that was most in need of at least a little something was my stairs. They were bare. Na da. Nothing. Zip. <br />
So I thought about what I have on hand, and this is what I came up with:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OLIH3I0UO-U/TvsCZvbxszI/AAAAAAAAAvA/eNV0y2Wqwak/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OLIH3I0UO-U/TvsCZvbxszI/AAAAAAAAAvA/eNV0y2Wqwak/s320/IMG_3679.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore the fact that the stairs are <br />
"temporary" - unpainted plywood and all.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's the quick how-to. I had the jars on hand because I didn't make strawberry jam this year. (Next year... There is always next year.)<br />
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This is a branch of greens that I have had for a few years now. I use wire cutters to harvest what I need.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut really close to where it "branches".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use a berry pick which you picked up on a huge sale.<br />
Just pull one strand out at a time. It's actually rather therapeutic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dbOt-SLKds/TvsDgTFQcaI/AAAAAAAAAv4/ooYG7VWsd5c/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dbOt-SLKds/TvsDgTFQcaI/AAAAAAAAAv4/ooYG7VWsd5c/s320/IMG_3661.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used two berry strands and two "branches" from the greens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXlNtRjsF64/TvsDpxUW0ZI/AAAAAAAAAwE/AZDQ8Z2tvn0/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXlNtRjsF64/TvsDpxUW0ZI/AAAAAAAAAwE/AZDQ8Z2tvn0/s320/IMG_3662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twist the ends of the greens together to make a circle. <br />
Wind the berry strands around that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfpd76zbXfs/TvsD3iGEUII/AAAAAAAAAwQ/8tSoZAoIZe8/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfpd76zbXfs/TvsD3iGEUII/AAAAAAAAAwQ/8tSoZAoIZe8/s320/IMG_3663.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set the mini wreath on top of the jar and place the candle in it.<br />
Hmmm... needs something....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMtQMIuxD7k/TvsEDNkzobI/AAAAAAAAAwc/P7mJ6F5vcf8/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMtQMIuxD7k/TvsEDNkzobI/AAAAAAAAAwc/P7mJ6F5vcf8/s320/IMG_3672.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A strand or two of the berries wrapped around?<br />
They were going to be a pain when turning the <br />
candles on and off.<br />
I think it needs snow...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0dBGcXvwOc/TvsES68GKII/AAAAAAAAAwo/NYQkYn39ehA/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0dBGcXvwOc/TvsES68GKII/AAAAAAAAAwo/NYQkYn39ehA/s320/IMG_3674.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do I have that looks like snow?<br />
This stuff - and better yet I'll still be able to<br />
use it when I'm done with the jars!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PRuMhizcl0/TvsEs2_UkOI/AAAAAAAAAxA/tE3L18RFaIk/s1600/IMG_3675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PRuMhizcl0/TvsEs2_UkOI/AAAAAAAAAxA/tE3L18RFaIk/s320/IMG_3675.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't use this funnel for jam last June,<br />
but it came in handy for this job!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQiBnvVT810/TvsE5xfih3I/AAAAAAAAAxM/jfVgu80VHpI/s1600/IMG_3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQiBnvVT810/TvsE5xfih3I/AAAAAAAAAxM/jfVgu80VHpI/s320/IMG_3677.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those little pellets are pretty bouncy, so pour slowly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAv1kTUbNmE/TvsGHkHcAcI/AAAAAAAAAxk/h3iVafQ1cbo/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAv1kTUbNmE/TvsGHkHcAcI/AAAAAAAAAxk/h3iVafQ1cbo/s320/IMG_3684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the kind of look I was going for. Simple.<br />
I love the soft light from the jars going up my stairs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I think I'll add some of my snowmen to the empty stairs and this look will be good for me through January. :)<br />
Have a lovely day!LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-3034535394880642652011-12-21T06:36:00.000-05:002011-12-21T06:36:50.255-05:00Merry Christmas to All<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOpAOpcwt7g/TvG_AoETOXI/AAAAAAAAAuM/zSglMiz_LeE/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOpAOpcwt7g/TvG_AoETOXI/AAAAAAAAAuM/zSglMiz_LeE/s320/IMG_0966.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I have had yet another beautiful surprise <br />
in the mail from Linda of Parker's Paradise.<br />
I am truly humbled by her ongoing generosity. <br />
I wish I could convey to her how much her <br />
gifts in the mail have touched me and lifted me up.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have had almost zero time for blogging lately. Haven't posted, haven't read very many other posts. But vacation is coming at the end of the week. Our school goes til the end of the day on Friday, so I still have 3 more days of high energy fun with my 4th graders. :) They have really been on their best Santa-is-coming behavior this week. Hopefully I can sneak a little time over my week off to catch up with what's happening in blog land. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpOYaOPDkOg/TvHEmjkZDeI/AAAAAAAAAu0/Y2JOE797H3k/s1600/vintage-xmas-card-787026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpOYaOPDkOg/TvHEmjkZDeI/AAAAAAAAAu0/Y2JOE797H3k/s1600/vintage-xmas-card-787026.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas and best wishes for all good things in 2012!</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-19374828155638122011-11-27T15:39:00.001-05:002011-11-28T21:41:50.374-05:00Another Christmas OrnieI have been having some fun doing just a little crafting during my long Thanksgiving weekend from school. I have a rather large collection of juice can lids waiting to be turned into something wonderful. I started this collection because these are the perfect size to do a little tin punching with the kids at school. They love designing their own ornaments from these juice can lids!<br />
I started with these items:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5MfVOqP7Lo/TtKYN2K-2NI/AAAAAAAAAtI/yecHwtm33YQ/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5MfVOqP7Lo/TtKYN2K-2NI/AAAAAAAAAtI/yecHwtm33YQ/s320/IMG_0886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The tea lights are $2.50 a box from Walmart. The berry string is actually two strands taken from a pick and then twisted together. That amazing hunk of rusty wire is something my husband had laying around his tool bench. (He always seems to have such items just when I mention a shopping trip...)<br />
<br />
I spray painted the juice can lids back in the summer with this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zk7b6PVoPFM/TtKY1j6ln8I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/8hQJdv7-hEY/s1600/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zk7b6PVoPFM/TtKY1j6ln8I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/8hQJdv7-hEY/s320/IMG_3361.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>I punched two holes on each side of the lid so that I could poke the two wire ends through and then bend them over. I thought this would make it easier to level the ornie when hanging than if I just had one hole on each side, but I think you could make it work either way probably.<br />
I used two 8" pieces of wire which I twisted together, leaving two ends about an inch and a half long on each end. <br />
I poked the wire ends through the holes in the lid and bent them over using my little needle nose pliers.<br />
Then I wrapped the berry around the wires. I came up with this idea when I realized my tea light would probably slide off the lid pretty easily, but it was just the touch this ornie needed. :)<br />
<br />
To do the tea lights I first painted a thick coat of this on each one:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqGMtQoEK_s/TtKakkxwWFI/AAAAAAAAAtY/5A1vksSXcnE/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqGMtQoEK_s/TtKakkxwWFI/AAAAAAAAAtY/5A1vksSXcnE/s320/IMG_0911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>When I bought it I didn't realize it was pretty sparkly, but I have found many uses for it just the same. I use it as a base coat and then grubby up the project by painting a coat of Mod Podge over it and then sprinkling cinnamon and cloves over it while it's wet. I had a picture of the sparkly look, but I accidentally deleted it. I don't have anything currently in that stage, so sorry!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnG5BksLCIY/TtKbepC7-MI/AAAAAAAAAtg/6vZkFb8dlnY/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnG5BksLCIY/TtKbepC7-MI/AAAAAAAAAtg/6vZkFb8dlnY/s320/IMG_0860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFtRbBBMFNc/TtKbvLr-y8I/AAAAAAAAAto/HIzPzrGr0SE/s1600/IMG_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFtRbBBMFNc/TtKbvLr-y8I/AAAAAAAAAto/HIzPzrGr0SE/s320/IMG_0861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is what it looks like after the second coat of Mod Podge:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDmI4KFZlHo/TtKcGAy7GRI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Jya1Afjjco4/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDmI4KFZlHo/TtKcGAy7GRI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Jya1Afjjco4/s320/IMG_0856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here is the finished ornie:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzRbf08dWBs/TtKfv7sZf5I/AAAAAAAAAt4/1wJisGFbdGY/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hzRbf08dWBs/TtKfv7sZf5I/AAAAAAAAAt4/1wJisGFbdGY/s320/IMG_0900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I don't have my tree up yet, but I can't wait to make a few of these to put on it!LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-25206083373569042982011-11-26T15:21:00.001-05:002011-11-28T05:22:49.093-05:00Christmas in the Kitchen<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-color: #4e0505; color: #f1c232; font-family: Unkempt; font: normal normal bold 24px/normal Unkempt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em; position: relative;">Christmas Decorating in the Kitchen</h3><div class="post-header" style="background-color: #4e0505; color: #f1c232; font-family: Unkempt; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3857107300669573532" style="background-color: #4e0505; color: #f1c232; font-family: Unkempt; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 620px;">Here is a quick winter bouquet that fits right in with kitchen decor.<br />
<div>The ingredients:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgPVtdcU-o8/Tsm6GP3F8pI/AAAAAAAAAqo/MK8EmsfuXAI/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f36e00; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgPVtdcU-o8/Tsm6GP3F8pI/AAAAAAAAAqo/MK8EmsfuXAI/s320/IMG_0779.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div>Twist the berry pick into the evergreen pick until you are happy with how it looks. Tuck that arrangement into the upside down grater and fuss with it until the bottoms of the picks don't fall out the opening of the grater. Then hang the spring with the candle in it onto the front of the grater. And done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW34aMdHqtw/Tsm6s4rssmI/AAAAAAAAAqw/WGpyV8jS-WQ/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f36e00; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QW34aMdHqtw/Tsm6s4rssmI/AAAAAAAAAqw/WGpyV8jS-WQ/s320/IMG_0784.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></div><div>You could hang a tea towel from the handle and it would finish it off nicely! A quick gift - for yourself or a friend. :)<br />
<br />
Here's another kitchen themed idea:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhgXH3nIXg8/TsnA0i2MDUI/AAAAAAAAArg/FflsfP6jEy0/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f36e00; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhgXH3nIXg8/TsnA0i2MDUI/AAAAAAAAArg/FflsfP6jEy0/s320/IMG_0770.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I used brown craft wrapping paper that I cut to fit in my printer to make the label for this little rolling pin. I gave the rolling pin away, but I think I need to make one of these for me, too! For the homespun background fabric I just measured it wide enough so that a little wood could peek out on both sides and made it long enough so I could sew a seam and turn it. Then I slipped it over the rolling pin. I used my xyron sticker maker machine thingy to make a sticker out of the label, and I stuck it right to the fabric. I was thinking that I could also have made the label paper long enough to wrap around the rolling pin. (Then it could have been removed after Christmas...)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekmiv-3ePWA/TsnA0IgXzNI/AAAAAAAAArY/hJg-dNlF_1M/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f36e00; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekmiv-3ePWA/TsnA0IgXzNI/AAAAAAAAArY/hJg-dNlF_1M/s320/IMG_0772.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The label I created:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GKocJareuw/Ts1cpMkJlVI/AAAAAAAAAtA/ojMujslTYK8/s1600/rolling+pin+Christmas+verse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #f36e00; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GKocJareuw/Ts1cpMkJlVI/AAAAAAAAAtA/ojMujslTYK8/s320/rolling+pin+Christmas+verse.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(151, 68, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The upper image is the one I used for the small rolling pin I covered. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lower image might work better for a larger rolling pin.</div></div></div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-47586782364128637782011-11-23T14:51:00.000-05:002011-11-23T14:51:12.561-05:00My Incredible Swap Treasure from Margie<div style="text-align: center;">I participated in <a href="http://bumblebeelanecottage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christmas-at-cabin-swap-sign-up.html">Amy's Christmas at the Cabin Swap</a> and my partner was <a href="http://hungryhookprimitives.blogspot.com/">Margie from Hungry Hook</a> Primitives. Holy guacamole! What a lovely assortment of prims I just opened!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hfwpGaVLcI/Ts1Ja853bWI/AAAAAAAAArw/DGKwkvPpYII/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hfwpGaVLcI/Ts1Ja853bWI/AAAAAAAAArw/DGKwkvPpYII/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a shot of the whole kaboodle:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AcMMK6Slgw/Ts1Jk_T-NII/AAAAAAAAAr4/RB1Re3aR7oA/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AcMMK6Slgw/Ts1Jk_T-NII/AAAAAAAAAr4/RB1Re3aR7oA/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know! AMAZING!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some close-ups of the items:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEUuNIzTNek/Ts1KOph__UI/AAAAAAAAAsA/_XvWp-roB8o/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEUuNIzTNek/Ts1KOph__UI/AAAAAAAAAsA/_XvWp-roB8o/s320/IMG_0846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have never owned any hooked rug items before, so you can't even imagine how excited I was to open this grouping of mug mats! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(And the first person who actually puts a mug full of anything on one of these is going to suffer serious punishment!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEgLkZrFf0Q/Ts1KP2qa1SI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/y6eLuOw56m0/s1600/IMG_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEgLkZrFf0Q/Ts1KP2qa1SI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/y6eLuOw56m0/s320/IMG_0830.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love these labels - the pictures don't do them justice. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qBq7SgSe8g/Ts1KQTL3CcI/AAAAAAAAAsY/MxyjciCMhx8/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qBq7SgSe8g/Ts1KQTL3CcI/AAAAAAAAAsY/MxyjciCMhx8/s320/IMG_0834.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love this little guy! I've already auditioned him in several spots.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xfjiv2yBvc/Ts1KRPXrxdI/AAAAAAAAAsg/TkS_OI1r_l0/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xfjiv2yBvc/Ts1KRPXrxdI/AAAAAAAAAsg/TkS_OI1r_l0/s320/IMG_0836.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just bought some orange clove tarts at Walmart to try out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guess what I'm going to do as soon as I finish this post?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qiul_dZvBM/Ts1KRthvp0I/AAAAAAAAAso/lvHo2SSLOz0/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qiul_dZvBM/Ts1KRthvp0I/AAAAAAAAAso/lvHo2SSLOz0/s320/IMG_0837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These mini pillow tucks are so cute! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a couple of ideas for where they will spend the holidays, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Margie really spoiled me. When I opened this package I instantly started worrying that I didn't send Margie enough treasure in return! (How could there ever be enough to balance this amazing-ness?!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sent Margie's package priority mail on November 18th from our little post office, and it then spent from the 19th until the 22nd sitting in Rochester, NY. It then moved to West Virginia. The post office might need a map because Pennsylvania is just below New York. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, I should not be stressed because the delivery confirmation still says the expected arrival date is November 21st. Apparently there is going to be time warp involved... Grrr...</div><br />
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</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-81659981465628995662011-11-21T18:25:00.001-05:002011-11-22T05:26:34.163-05:00Joy Ornie Make-doHere's a little more JOY for you. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkypc1R5kqc/TsmzkefWGDI/AAAAAAAAAqY/HhjYRY24n1I/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkypc1R5kqc/TsmzkefWGDI/AAAAAAAAAqY/HhjYRY24n1I/s320/IMG_0767.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Here's the pattern I made. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjjmKqgUOXU/Tsm4vU156vI/AAAAAAAAAqg/GCnNaoLTry0/s1600/img045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjjmKqgUOXU/Tsm4vU156vI/AAAAAAAAAqg/GCnNaoLTry0/s320/img045.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br />
I just drew a star that filled a regular sheet of copy paper, and tried to make one of the "legs" longer so it would fit in the spring better.<br />
I traced the pattern and then wrote JOY in the middle-ish. Stitched the J and the Y. Then layered right sides out and sewed on the line, leaving an opening for stuffing the star. After I stuffed it, I sewed it shut the rest of the way. Then I grunged it, sewed the O (bell) on, and wound the berry vine around it. Ta-da!LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-63548960384615529222011-11-20T21:09:00.000-05:002011-11-20T21:09:11.445-05:00Joy orniesI said I would post a little tutorial for my joy ornies this weekend, and it looks like I am coming in just under the wire. (My husband doesn't call me "Last minute Lissa" for nothin', ya know!)<br />
Anyhow, here's the basics. They are actually fairly quick and easy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsiWpt6fMgQ/TsmwHIbTY0I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/0LuRlGFGP1M/s1600/IMG_0601+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsiWpt6fMgQ/TsmwHIbTY0I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/0LuRlGFGP1M/s320/IMG_0601+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a little clothesline for drying them <br />
after I sprayed them with staining stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>1. Start by visiting Jennie Baer over at <a href="http://www.homeberries.com/">www.homeberries.com</a>. I contacted Jennie to make sure she wouldn't mind if I directed folks to her free patterns. She has moved away from creating patterns to photography - and you should see her work! GORGEOUS! I love the way she captures the eyes on her subjects. (I'm an eye person - it's where I always notice first in a photo.)<br />
Click on the "freebies" tab and then on Ornie Patterns. I used the star ornie outline for my Joy ornies. (She has lots of other really nice prim patterns, so look around!)<br />
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2. Cut two pieces of fabric for each ornie (front and back). I love ticking fabric and I used natural ticking for these ornies. My fabric pieces were about 6" X 8.5", but they could have been a little bit smaller and still worked.<br />
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3. Cut the star out, on the line. Then trace the star onto your fabric using a disappearing ink pen. I used a <a href="http://www.sewline-product.com/products">Sewline</a> air erasable marker. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXwXcoGKk9U/TsmuTRndZ8I/AAAAAAAAApE/1N42tuK0DmI/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXwXcoGKk9U/TsmuTRndZ8I/AAAAAAAAApE/1N42tuK0DmI/s320/IMG_0811.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSiBGNpTZMY/TsmuS3v3A6I/AAAAAAAAAo8/nVi_4nNDyV4/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSiBGNpTZMY/TsmuS3v3A6I/AAAAAAAAAo8/nVi_4nNDyV4/s320/IMG_0809.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>4. Use the disappearing marker to write "JOY" on the star.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPSFs1u2ijg/TsmuT2y-DiI/AAAAAAAAApM/jD3Nf4vSfCU/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPSFs1u2ijg/TsmuT2y-DiI/AAAAAAAAApM/jD3Nf4vSfCU/s320/IMG_0812.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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5. Layer a piece of batting under the top piece of fabric and stitch the J and the Y using your choice of thread. Be sure to leave enough room for your O! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDNFKCCMk9c/TsmuUOc_0pI/AAAAAAAAApU/hmjIoZBrWSs/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDNFKCCMk9c/TsmuUOc_0pI/AAAAAAAAApU/hmjIoZBrWSs/s320/IMG_0814.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZbbfVzxnjQ/TsmuUpgKmgI/AAAAAAAAApc/Yb6LCR4CLY4/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZbbfVzxnjQ/TsmuUpgKmgI/AAAAAAAAApc/Yb6LCR4CLY4/s320/IMG_0815.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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6. Now layer the back layer of fabric (right sides out, not together) and stitch all the way around the star with thread that matches your fabric. Stitch right on the line you traced.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2vWPYyahSA/TsmuVAiEt1I/AAAAAAAAApk/nTk1Qnmqh4c/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2vWPYyahSA/TsmuVAiEt1I/AAAAAAAAApk/nTk1Qnmqh4c/s320/IMG_0817.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNuTDX53d5c/TsmuVijIdpI/AAAAAAAAAps/IJ9pbJR1kIY/s1600/IMG_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNuTDX53d5c/TsmuVijIdpI/AAAAAAAAAps/IJ9pbJR1kIY/s320/IMG_0818.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>7. Cut out the star using pinking shears, being careful not to cut through your stitched line.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TX-_hAgEsNk/TsmuSY3Of2I/AAAAAAAAAo0/ycQpy42ctTM/s1600/IMG_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TX-_hAgEsNk/TsmuSY3Of2I/AAAAAAAAAo0/ycQpy42ctTM/s320/IMG_0819.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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8. Prim your ornie by coffe / tea / vanilla staining and or grunging on both sides.<br />
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9. Sew a bell or button onto the spot where the O should be, going through all layers, but being careful not to take big stitches or it will make a mess on the back of the ornie.<br />
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10. Wind berry vine around and end up at the top, making a loop for hanging out of the end of the berry vine. You can make your own berry vine by taking a berry pick or a berry swag apart. Just take two strands at a time and twist them together, end-to-end.. Because it's wire inside, they stay twisted pretty well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKTU64OIq24/Tsmv3fRQ9ZI/AAAAAAAAAqA/gY9k9kh1UjM/s1600/IMG_0605+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKTU64OIq24/Tsmv3fRQ9ZI/AAAAAAAAAqA/gY9k9kh1UjM/s320/IMG_0605+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imOwgdcUwtc/Tsmv2_1mIII/AAAAAAAAAp4/SLlcVM56iys/s1600/IMG_0607+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imOwgdcUwtc/Tsmv2_1mIII/AAAAAAAAAp4/SLlcVM56iys/s320/IMG_0607+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I have a JOY make-do to share tomorrow. Get your bed-springs ready!<br />
I hope the coming week brings the blessings in your life into a sharper focus. May those blessings be abundant, and even more special when shared.LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-65498496754381655792011-11-19T08:06:00.004-05:002011-11-19T08:23:38.773-05:00Small Christmas Hang Tags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been working on some small hang tags for a little Christmas tree I purchased at <a href="http://www.stonewallcraftique.com/">Stonewall Craftique</a> recently. When I make these tags, I go online and search for free vintage Christmas cards on Google images. Then I insert them into a word document and resize them and arrange them on the paper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am experimenting with how to share these here. I am not sure if this will actually work or not and would love it if you would let me know if this works for you. These tags all fit on one 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper with .5 margins all the way around. Then the images can be cut apart and stuck onto the small hang tags. (I bought mine at Staples and the size is roughly 1 1/4 X 2 3/4 inches.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prior to putting the images on, I coffee and vanilla stained my hang tags and then baked them at 200 to dry them. I do about 5-8 minutes on a side and flip them so each side gets 2 turns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CP82TXQ8EE0/TseeBnw0K9I/AAAAAAAAAoU/GuYrSQ7PkQw/s1600/Small+Christmas+Hang+tags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CP82TXQ8EE0/TseeBnw0K9I/AAAAAAAAAoU/GuYrSQ7PkQw/s320/Small+Christmas+Hang+tags.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will post a picture of my little tree later. Right now, I am going to step away from the camera and give it a little time to think about it's refusal to cooperate. I'm supposed to be getting ready to go with my husband to do our Thanksgiving dinner shopping anyway. Do you think the camera knows...?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And before I forget:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="http://stonewallcraftique.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-everything-giveaway.html">Go check out the "Happy Everything" Giveaway that Dee is hosting over at Stonewall Craftique!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She has a really fun idea for getting <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5</span> extra chances to win! Everyone is a winner with this idea! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Melissa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-84613658144479541282011-11-16T06:52:00.000-05:002011-11-16T06:52:16.475-05:00Ornies from OLM's Swap!I joined in Olde Lady Morgan's ornie swap, and my ornies arrived on Monday! I couldn't wait to get into that box because I had seen some posts about the ornies arriving for other people. I LOVE all of the ornies I received! There's such a great variety. :)<br />
Here's a picture of the collection:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0ZoFLIPiWA/TsOeytS5XYI/AAAAAAAAAnM/HGCUjFcAhBY/s1600/IMG_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0ZoFLIPiWA/TsOeytS5XYI/AAAAAAAAAnM/HGCUjFcAhBY/s320/IMG_0790.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's the individual line up:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoPFgXgjNso/TsOfH9qxN1I/AAAAAAAAAnU/TW8SDP7aEw0/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoPFgXgjNso/TsOfH9qxN1I/AAAAAAAAAnU/TW8SDP7aEw0/s320/IMG_0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by Tammy from <a href="http://aprimitiveplace.blogspot.com/">A Primitive Place</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCm0s47lWbs/TsOfSLQ1piI/AAAAAAAAAnc/ukHeL52XgSk/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCm0s47lWbs/TsOfSLQ1piI/AAAAAAAAAnc/ukHeL52XgSk/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by Rachel from <a href="http://rachcode-somewhereinthemiddle.blogspot.com/">Somewhere In The Middle</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0E-E9SKBM8/TsOfSuDSbvI/AAAAAAAAAnk/wpzesfCu-n4/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0E-E9SKBM8/TsOfSuDSbvI/AAAAAAAAAnk/wpzesfCu-n4/s320/IMG_0799.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by Sheila from <a href="http://countryimpressions.blogspot.com/">Country Impressions</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3Sv2Qu0yJQ/TsOfSzcl4WI/AAAAAAAAAns/sLKQOsPHQjY/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3Sv2Qu0yJQ/TsOfSzcl4WI/AAAAAAAAAns/sLKQOsPHQjY/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Create by Allison Knight from <a href="http://sewmanygirls.blogspot.com/">Sew Many Girls</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rgFm5IzA-58/TsOfTkGD5gI/AAAAAAAAAn8/eThCIEdlHPM/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rgFm5IzA-58/TsOfTkGD5gI/AAAAAAAAAn8/eThCIEdlHPM/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by Marie from <a href="http://primitivesbyoldeladymorgan.blogspot.com/">Olde Lady Morgan</a><br />
Marie also included a bag of treats - Thanks!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>\<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKZ_m7_A87E/TsOfY_kjROI/AAAAAAAAAoE/dAe-0h07DO4/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKZ_m7_A87E/TsOfY_kjROI/AAAAAAAAAoE/dAe-0h07DO4/s320/IMG_0805.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created by Trace from <a href="http://www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com/">Granny Trace Scraps and Squares</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
These are the ornies I created for the swap. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0j7Hq0fraU/TsOiwHB5o8I/AAAAAAAAAoM/jbAR6-D3ldY/s1600/IMG_0605+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0j7Hq0fraU/TsOiwHB5o8I/AAAAAAAAAoM/jbAR6-D3ldY/s320/IMG_0605+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll be back with a tutorial/pattern for some JOY ornies this weekend - after parent conferences are done. I also have some other ideas to share after my swap partner gets her treasures. (I don't want to spoil any surprises!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a great rest of your week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Melissa</div><br />
</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-47729753098981447822011-11-13T09:27:00.000-05:002011-11-13T09:27:12.756-05:00Another Lovely Giveaway and some pictures/tutorials are coming - really!Willa over at <a href="http://www.theoldcupboarddoorblog.com/2011/11/november-giveaway.html">The Old Cupboard Door</a> is hosting a lovely giveaway right now for this amazing make-do:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZne8DB3z_c/Tr_Jbs24TuI/AAAAAAAAAnE/Ot-12wPOlI8/s1600/magicalsnowflakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZne8DB3z_c/Tr_Jbs24TuI/AAAAAAAAAnE/Ot-12wPOlI8/s320/magicalsnowflakes.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
I have been busy working on report cards, getting ready for parent conferences, and sneaking in a little time to work on my swap items for Amy's Christmas at the Cabin Swap. The deadlines for all of those things and more are looming - I like to think of it as a perfect storm. :o <br />
I will be back to post some pictures and basic tutorials of some things I've been working on, but probably not until next weekend. <br />
I hope everyone has a week full of blessings and things to be thankful for as we head toward Thanksgiving week. (And can I get a YIKES! at the thought of it being Thanksgiving time already?!)<br />
Blessings to you,<br />
MelissaLibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-40144690276580686492011-11-12T05:11:00.001-05:002011-11-12T05:14:13.100-05:00Home for the Holiday Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">Go check out this surprise giveaway that Amy is hosting over at <a href="http://bumblebeelanecottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/home-for-holiday-giveaway.html">Bumble Bee Lane</a>!<br />
It's a great way to get in the holiday mood!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzH1NPrbtPA/Tr5GIk6JGzI/AAAAAAAAAmk/kyqL5P3_yAY/s1600/Home+for+the+Holday+Giveaway+at+Amy%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzH1NPrbtPA/Tr5GIk6JGzI/AAAAAAAAAmk/kyqL5P3_yAY/s1600/Home+for+the+Holday+Giveaway+at+Amy%2527s.jpg" /></a></div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-64962668852551618192011-11-04T05:53:00.001-04:002011-11-04T06:00:05.905-04:00A surprise in the mail from Parker's Paradise :)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bFr6XeROPE/TrOwQHKY6vI/AAAAAAAAAmU/EgE2Iq9rXWM/s1600/IMG_0676+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bFr6XeROPE/TrOwQHKY6vI/AAAAAAAAAmU/EgE2Iq9rXWM/s320/IMG_0676+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Linda! <br />
When I saw the pillow on the left I thought,<br />
"I be thankful for Linda!" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>These two beautiful pillow tucks came in my mail a day or two ago. Linda from Parker's Paradise strikes again! It was such a lovely, lovely surprise! I have them on the little cupboard in my kitchen for now, but I know I am going to have fun trying them out in different locations this weekend. :)<br />
<br />
Last night, my elementary school hosted its first ever Autumn Pumpkin Walk. It was an amazing event! I didn't get good pictures, so here's one not so good one just so you have an inkling of what it looked like. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2D5cdQmoTk/TrOxm1PBM0I/AAAAAAAAAmc/uapwGnHYV7Q/s1600/IMG_0654+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2D5cdQmoTk/TrOxm1PBM0I/AAAAAAAAAmc/uapwGnHYV7Q/s320/IMG_0654+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was about 20 minutes before the Pumpkin Walk started.<br />
The outdoor lights got turned off, and that path was FULL of<br />
families enjoying the pumpkins together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It does not even come close to the reality of how incredible the pumpkins looked lining the access road behind our school and winding up onto the side lawn. There were about 400 pumpkins which our students carved in school, mostly on Halloween. This is my favorite school event ever so far! The families that came to the pumpkin walk paid 50 cents a person to walk the trail of pumpkins and got a free hay ride, too. There were refreshments - cider, hot chocolate, donuts, and popcorn - which is where I worked most of the evening. I had so much fun doing that! Everyone was so joyful and happy. It was a much needed nearly perfect moment in time. <br />
My husband drove over to see it, and his word about it was "It was just so <i>wholesome</i>." <br />
The money is being used for field trips for our students, so the cause was terrific, too. There were people who did the walk and took the hay ride and came back to the entrance and donated more money because it was so wonderful. I am already looking forward to next year's Autumn Pumpkin Walk. <br />
<br />
I will admit that I am so glad it is Friday! I am ready for a weekend to rest up. And do report cards. And get ready for parent conferences. And maybe some laundry. And some housework. But none of that will be while I am also trying to teach!! Whew! This school year is a whirlwind so far!<br />
Oh, and I am hoping that I get to sneak to Caledonia, New York tomorrow for a Peddler's Market full of antiques and prims... :)<br />
Have a nice weekend!<br />
MelissaLibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-20864936263360589992011-10-10T09:27:00.000-04:002011-10-10T09:27:20.726-04:00A little Fall decoratingHere are some pictures of the fun I've had with my Fall decorating. I really enjoy getting my treasures out each year. I've had some of these things for years and years, and some are new found or newly made treasures. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cxGt59uoyc/TpLuo0rXz7I/AAAAAAAAAj8/3QII3QIszVA/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cxGt59uoyc/TpLuo0rXz7I/AAAAAAAAAj8/3QII3QIszVA/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nHhfjhVFU8/TpLuqf8EMHI/AAAAAAAAAkE/pCL5ORuyNgk/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nHhfjhVFU8/TpLuqf8EMHI/AAAAAAAAAkE/pCL5ORuyNgk/s320/IMG_0391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhuulE9jl4Q/TpLusEZSdRI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/9bSiwxPgzcw/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhuulE9jl4Q/TpLusEZSdRI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/9bSiwxPgzcw/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfKcYUV4nk0/TpLuskVJCxI/AAAAAAAAAkU/-6mgge3hgcw/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfKcYUV4nk0/TpLuskVJCxI/AAAAAAAAAkU/-6mgge3hgcw/s320/IMG_0403.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I picked up this little witch stitchery for $4.00! <br />
Love a good bargain. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXq89jP2UWU/TpLuuRQ3eZI/AAAAAAAAAkg/cyB9gzkwRWI/s1600/IMG_0425+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXq89jP2UWU/TpLuuRQ3eZI/AAAAAAAAAkg/cyB9gzkwRWI/s320/IMG_0425+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view when you step in my back door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg8kPt8Abrw/TpLuvNMZaWI/AAAAAAAAAkk/VulqB2Nje3s/s1600/IMG_0427+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg8kPt8Abrw/TpLuvNMZaWI/AAAAAAAAAkk/VulqB2Nje3s/s320/IMG_0427+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upJqsuHVA-M/TpLuvh5eR5I/AAAAAAAAAko/GRhrZxkJMmg/s1600/IMG_0435+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upJqsuHVA-M/TpLuvh5eR5I/AAAAAAAAAko/GRhrZxkJMmg/s320/IMG_0435+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this penny rug and coasters from <br />
my blog friend Marilyn!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQhLWBrqAgo/TpLuyvVOf4I/AAAAAAAAAk8/yA6fLdIrnS0/s1600/IMG_0453+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQhLWBrqAgo/TpLuyvVOf4I/AAAAAAAAAk8/yA6fLdIrnS0/s320/IMG_0453+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BD2sp4wd8_s/TpLuzMGwn3I/AAAAAAAAAlA/VWMd6Er3x3I/s1600/IMG_0455+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BD2sp4wd8_s/TpLuzMGwn3I/AAAAAAAAAlA/VWMd6Er3x3I/s320/IMG_0455+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My front room just inside the front door.<br />
The step is a step up into my kitchen.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlbw37cFttE/TpLutaK-c0I/AAAAAAAAAkY/e2Frl3v8CEA/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlbw37cFttE/TpLutaK-c0I/AAAAAAAAAkY/e2Frl3v8CEA/s320/IMG_0405.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNIcLPkVT0I/TpLuztgsbjI/AAAAAAAAAlE/1kyZcxJwfJk/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNIcLPkVT0I/TpLuztgsbjI/AAAAAAAAAlE/1kyZcxJwfJk/s320/IMG_0472.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXJWO3YOonU/TpLutyef3bI/AAAAAAAAAkc/CWkunuDlY3I/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iXJWO3YOonU/TpLutyef3bI/AAAAAAAAAkc/CWkunuDlY3I/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall going up my stairs is impossible to reach, <br />
so myhusband installed a laundry line for me to<br />
hang my quilts on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>Well that's all the fun I have time for now. Laundry and school work are calling (loudly). </div><div>I hope everyone is having a nice Columbus Day. The weather here is sunny and beautfiul. A perfect Fall day. :)</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-79786067744979152612011-10-09T09:41:00.003-04:002011-10-09T14:12:02.931-04:00Long Overdue Thank You x 2I know I have been absent for a few weeks. I am going to do a quick post right now to send out my sincerest of thank yous to <a href="http://parkersparadise.blogspot.com/">Linda of Parker's Paradise</a> and <a href="http://stonewallcraftique.blogspot.com/">Denise of Stonewall Craftique</a>. I won giveaways from both of them several weeks ago, but have not had time to take pictures and post them to share. I feel so guilty for this delay. I know it will sound like I'm making excuses, but I can say that I have never had a busier start to the school year than this one. Blogging (and most fun of any kind) definitely has been put almost completely on hold. I think we all know that sometimes life is just like that. On the bright side, I have a terrific class with fun, fun students. (This helps to make the stress level much more worth while.)<br />
<br />
So here are pictures of the amazing loot I received from Linda and Denise. I loved everything and I have been slowly getting things placed around my house so I can enjoy it all. This is a 3-day weekend from school, so I am hoping to take pictures of the fall decorating I have taken (stolen) the time to do.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9c9qqvKkvsI/TpGhtifO0wI/AAAAAAAAAj0/oMo5y5DxKb4/s1600/Giveaway+from+Denise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9c9qqvKkvsI/TpGhtifO0wI/AAAAAAAAAj0/oMo5y5DxKb4/s320/Giveaway+from+Denise.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the giveaway from <a href="http://stonewallcraftique.blogspot.com/">Stonewall Craftique</a> - Denise.<br />
The primitive cat head is a pin. Love it all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm_m43I0PpA/TpGhvpBzF_I/AAAAAAAAAj4/ybdqtD5LzC8/s1600/Giveaway+from+Linda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm_m43I0PpA/TpGhvpBzF_I/AAAAAAAAAj4/ybdqtD5LzC8/s320/Giveaway+from+Linda.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my giveaway win from Linda at <a href="http://parkersparadise.blogspot.com/">Parker's Paradise</a>.<br />
I thought I won just one item from Linda, but instead<br />
all of this loot arrived in my mailbox! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Thank you so much Linda and Denise! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love all the treasure you sent!</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-45732778110079193212011-09-23T05:26:00.000-04:002011-09-23T05:26:28.366-04:00Happy Fall!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0wEMevW9Bw/TnxNBMWkUpI/AAAAAAAAAjo/3p4B_4NCzK8/s1600/Fall+postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0wEMevW9Bw/TnxNBMWkUpI/AAAAAAAAAjo/3p4B_4NCzK8/s320/Fall+postcard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's pretty fitting that this would be my 100th post. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really love living where I can experience all of the seasons, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but Fall knows that she's my favorite. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To celebrate my 100th post, I believe I will have to do a giveaway very soon...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> My school year is off to a great start. I have a small class with fun, eager learners. We are having a great time getting to know one another. My favorite memory so far (and definitely in my top 3 memories of teaching to date) happened last week. I am not a teacher who gives a lot of homework. We pretty much work from the minute they come in until it's time to go home. I explain to the students that the way I look at it is if they will give their 100% during the day, they have earned some fresh air and exercise and time to relax at night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Well, last week on Monday we had worked really hard the whole day. We had stopped to go to Library and lunch and the rest was work time. It was ten minutes til 2:00 and I started to switch activities when I glanced out the window. The sky was blue with big puffy clouds -it was gorgeous out there. I started to say, "Let's take out our Social Studies books," but I hesitated. I said, "I think we should... Right now, I think we should... go outside for 10 minutes."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> One of the boys in the back of the room says, "Whoa! I did not even see that one coming!" Straight face, just absolutely amazed at this turn of events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I loved that moment and will treasure it forever. And it might just make me go outside for ten minutes a few more times this year, too. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have won two more giveaways in the last couple of weeks! And I got a surprise package from a blog friend. Blessings from blog land. Treasures all. I will share pictures this weekend, hopefully. Right now, I have to get ready for one more day of learning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope everyone has a wonderful first day of Fall!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Melissa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-52051435725130276472011-09-06T20:10:00.000-04:002011-09-06T20:10:26.223-04:00My Book Corner<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">In my last post I said that I was pretty happy about my book corner at school. Here's why. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5pFv5z3Plhs/TmazSsLZIKI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/8kZBYEsQp5c/s1600/IMG_0317+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5pFv5z3Plhs/TmazSsLZIKI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/8kZBYEsQp5c/s320/IMG_0317+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my book corner. I need to paint the back of the two<br />
book cases on the left. That will have to happen on a weekend<br />
when it's a bit less humid so the paint will dry before kids touch it.<br />
The quilt on the table was a gift from a student last year.<br />
I love how colorful it is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I started using a system for my book corner last year where each book has a number and there are bins that are labeled with that number so the kids always know where to put the book when they are done. I got the idea from the <a href="http://www.the2sisters.com/">2 Sisters</a>. It worked great last year, but it took A LOT of time to set up. My husband spent 2-3 days at school helping me and we still had 3 big bins of pictures books left that weren't sorted. I never got them done last year, but this year I was determined - and I did it!! Now there's a place for everything and everything is in its place. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DY5Ag22EQKE/Tma0P5N9rkI/AAAAAAAAAjk/JEU1Yj4Lrqw/s1600/IMG_0322+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DY5Ag22EQKE/Tma0P5N9rkI/AAAAAAAAAjk/JEU1Yj4Lrqw/s320/IMG_0322+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">My husband is a very good sport about the amount <br />
of money I have spent on books for my classroom. <br />
In fact his halo is glowing in that department</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWI4bmxhrgc/Tmazfg-rz1I/AAAAAAAAAjY/kxMlrORe0xM/s1600/IMG_0323+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWI4bmxhrgc/Tmazfg-rz1I/AAAAAAAAAjY/kxMlrORe0xM/s320/IMG_0323+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNrCr-nggeM/TmazhTWL6_I/AAAAAAAAAjc/ibPVi4LxI_Q/s1600/IMG_0319+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNrCr-nggeM/TmazhTWL6_I/AAAAAAAAAjc/ibPVi4LxI_Q/s320/IMG_0319+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mark hung the gutters for me to display books in a couple of years ago. I tell the kids that this is how book stores sell the most books - by showing the front cover and getting our attention. It's a fun way to display seasonal and holiday books, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyEG70cFHrc/Tma0GhyzMmI/AAAAAAAAAjg/ukd0xs0H57k/s1600/IMG_0320+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyEG70cFHrc/Tma0GhyzMmI/AAAAAAAAAjg/ukd0xs0H57k/s320/IMG_0320+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am ready and excited for the students to arrive tomorrow. It's going to be another great year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Melissa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. This was my 99th post! Holy guacamole!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></span></div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-69472753449936132442011-09-05T02:58:00.000-04:002011-09-05T02:58:52.292-04:00I must be getting excited...I can't sleep. It's 2:00 a.m. and I haven't been asleep yet. I keep thinking about school starting, and meeting my new class, and things I want to do, and well, I can't sleep. So I'll do a little blog post and then try to rest again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YjCqa-bI7iY/TmRoWi4-ygI/AAAAAAAAAio/i6w7GvYJZVk/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YjCqa-bI7iY/TmRoWi4-ygI/AAAAAAAAAio/i6w7GvYJZVk/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I finished painting my $2.00 oil painting frame, and I am really happy with it. It's the first time I tried this technique and it turned out pretty good I think. Wendy was the first to suggest this idea when I asked for ideas a couple of posts ago, so thanks, Wendy - and Dee and Annie for backing her up! I liked the sound of the stain idea that you other folks suggested, so I have that on stand-by for my next project. So thank you to everyone, really - I was so appreciative that people gave such great ideas.<br />
<br />
Here's a close-up of what it looks like now:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwBLduPNONQ/TmRobhKvahI/AAAAAAAAAis/BTmGfcuxnaE/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwBLduPNONQ/TmRobhKvahI/AAAAAAAAAis/BTmGfcuxnaE/s320/IMG_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hung it up at school and I love it there right by the door to my classroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PKVrQV99fc/TmRosXm8XoI/AAAAAAAAAiw/hMrakfBYufQ/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PKVrQV99fc/TmRosXm8XoI/AAAAAAAAAiw/hMrakfBYufQ/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The squares on the door will have pictures of the students as soon as I can get them taken and printed. I have done that for the past several years and the kiddos all love looking at them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My classroom is about 90% ready. I have two cupboards I would still like to clean and organize but that might have to wait - the students start on Wednesday! One thing I did accomplish that I am very happy about is finally sorting all of my books. I'll take pictures of that and share it later. I'm pretty proud of it to tell the truth. :) I think you'll understand when you see the pictures...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mark took me for a little day trip get-away last Wednesday and we went to <a href="http://www.presqueisle.org/">Presque Isle</a> near Erie, PA. What a lovely, lovely spot to spend a day (or longer). It is a Pennsylvania State Park location, and it is really clean, with lots of walking (or bike riding) paths to go on, as well as a nice stretch of beach. That's where we spent most of our time - walking and collecting little beach rocks. The PA schools are back in session, so it was pretty quiet when we were there. Here are some shots of what we saw while we were there:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBhtkkLhZ9M/TmRtWMU1aTI/AAAAAAAAAi8/J8T5QpwSRAg/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PBhtkkLhZ9M/TmRtWMU1aTI/AAAAAAAAAi8/J8T5QpwSRAg/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djouvxpHmas/TmRt0MEuqQI/AAAAAAAAAjM/M-0haJa_Z1Q/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djouvxpHmas/TmRt0MEuqQI/AAAAAAAAAjM/M-0haJa_Z1Q/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think there were three lighthouses you can see on the island. <br />
This one you could see from the road and also from the beach. <br />
We walked up to the fence to get this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYHV6DPuxy0/TmRtaJt_QhI/AAAAAAAAAjA/3q1Ubc22bNI/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYHV6DPuxy0/TmRtaJt_QhI/AAAAAAAAAjA/3q1Ubc22bNI/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were several markers for the historical sites in the park. <br />
I loved this one because I wanted to know <br />
why Mr. McAllister only lasted 8 days.<br />
There is a welcome center which we didn't visit. <br />
I'll bet I can find a book that tells me. Next time...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrCGJDYsjv4/TmRttnKMqXI/AAAAAAAAAjI/sn-RNJ9sBLU/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lrCGJDYsjv4/TmRttnKMqXI/AAAAAAAAAjI/sn-RNJ9sBLU/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice stretch of beach for walking.<br />
As you can see it was an overcast day, <br />
which made it very comfortable for strolling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHRDVpwnMSY/TmRteBThoTI/AAAAAAAAAjE/aZQGSCwCA4A/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHRDVpwnMSY/TmRteBThoTI/AAAAAAAAAjE/aZQGSCwCA4A/s320/IMG_0277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved this little cove/inlet section where there were several houseboats.<br />
You can only get to your houseboat by boat. Loved that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fA0fm-Hk_G0/TmRtQsHO5mI/AAAAAAAAAi4/bGNF9SMaXHQ/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fA0fm-Hk_G0/TmRtQsHO5mI/AAAAAAAAAi4/bGNF9SMaXHQ/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark wanted a picture of us. <br />
I will never be a glamorous person. Sigh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, maybe I can sleep a little if I try again now.<br />
I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day and start to September. Cooler temperatures are on the way to Western New York which means it's definitely time to start my Fall decorating. I had to laugh because today Mark looked up at the fireplace mantle and said, "I like what you have going there." (It's all patriotic themed stuff.) Well gee, it's been like that for most of the summer and I'm about to change the whole thing so thanks? Cracked me up. At least he noticed at all, right? ;)<br />
Have a great day wherever you are!<br />
MelissaLibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-56852206714437587472011-09-03T07:22:00.001-04:002011-09-03T07:23:13.202-04:00A Blog Hop That is Coming SoonHappy Labor Day weekend! I hope you have plans that involve fun, food, family, and friends. We haven't made any serious plans yet. We are both working today and maybe tomorrow. But I did buy chips and dip. Pitiful, I know, but it's a start. <br />
<br />
I have been busy getting my classroom ready, and will be continuing on that mission today. I do have some other (not school) things to share - hopefully tomorrow. I painted the frame from the oil painting I shared in a recent post and I really like it now. Have to reassemble it before I can get a picture. <br />
<br />
For now, I just thought I'd share this blog hop that I stumbled upon yesterday. It's starting next week, and I think it will be a good one for fabric lovers. It is sponsored by Moda and 27 of their fabric designers will be sharing a FREE project on their day of the hop. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am getting really close to a 100th post! I couldn't believe that when I saw it. I think I'll do some kind of giveaway when I hit that magic number. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll let you know what it is when I know what it is. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a great day!</div><br />
LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-37529078848434271762011-08-26T08:32:00.000-04:002011-08-26T08:32:24.342-04:00A Giveaway You Should Know About<div style="text-align: center;">Denise over at <a href="http://stonewallcraftique.blogspot.com/">Stonewall Craftique</a> is just getting started with her blog </div><div style="text-align: center;">and she is having her <a href="http://stonewallcraftique.blogspot.com/2011/08/free-giveawayanyone-can-enter.html">first ever giveaway</a>. It's going to be a good one! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rplHX-ByaVE/TleQSg1YYYI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/xpe2aXwAMDw/s1600/stonewall+craftique+giveaway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rplHX-ByaVE/TleQSg1YYYI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/xpe2aXwAMDw/s320/stonewall+craftique+giveaway.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She is starting with this awesome pumpkin she made from a recycled fabric sample. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She will be adding to her giveaway as new things come in to her shop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you'll head over and check out Denise's blog today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am off to school to work on my classroom again as soon as I can get a few loads of laundry on the line. I hope you are all having a good Friday and looking head to a fun weekend. It's hard to believe it's one of the last of the summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prayers to everyone in the path of Hurricane Irene. I keep hoping that it will not be as bad as it is looking right now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-90436649987624577392011-08-22T17:59:00.000-04:002011-08-22T17:59:14.024-04:00If procrastination was a career choice, I would be a leader in the field.So, I've already mentioned a few times that it's time to get going on my classroom at school. But for some reason this year I am having a little trouble getting it in gear. I guess I have had a good time crafting lately and I kind of hate to see it come to an end. Once the school year starts, I usually can't find nearly as much time for home things. So today when I should have gone into school, I stayed home and finished a stitchery and did a few other things. Here's what I worked on. First, I finished a stitchery for myself. The pattern is one that Kaaren from <a href="http://thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com/">The Painted Quilt</a> offered as a First Friday Freebie in September 2009. I think this might even be her very first one. I made one for my Great Pumpkin Swap partner, and I knew I wanted one for me, too. Kaaren's pattern was for a wall hanging, but I wanted to try my hand at putting them into barn wood frames. I really like the way they turned out. (You can see my partner's <a href="http://www.marilynbohn.com/blog/2011/08/the-great-pumpkin-swap-treasures/">here</a>.) I liked working on these stitcheries for another reason, too. Kaaren has been experiencing some health challenges so this gave me some time to think positive thoughts and send up prayers for her, and for other friends who have had challenges lately. I like doing that when I sew. It's almost like meditating I guess.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another procrastination project I worked on was trying out <a href="http://1890gablehousemusings.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-whip-up-some-parched-hearth-corn.html">Misi's recipe for parched hearth corn</a>. My results don't look as good as Misi's so I am going to have to mess with this a little more, I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6vYfsCRLyk/TlLKvG6sVBI/AAAAAAAAAh4/tenM4IaS2Yg/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6vYfsCRLyk/TlLKvG6sVBI/AAAAAAAAAh4/tenM4IaS2Yg/s320/IMG_3431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I went in the garage to get the staple gun to put my stitchery in the frame I walked past a garage sale purchase from a year ago. I think I bought this for $2.00 - definitely not more than 3. When I bought it, I loved the oil painting. It is signed, but the name is hard to read. The year says 1960. The name looks like Sibyl, and it made me laugh because 20 years ago when I was pregnant with our son, I had a little hormone swinging going on. (Probably just a fluke, right?) Anyway, my husband used to say to me, "Sibyl, I want to talk to Melissa now." Funny guy. He knew I couldn't chase him down in my condition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I don't really like the frame so it got stuck on a nail in the garage til I could do something with the frame. I'm thinking about painting it, but now I can't decide what color. Would love to hear any suggestions anyone has.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O061oE41AE/TlLL6udHclI/AAAAAAAAAh8/2uV0gpYE4EE/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O061oE41AE/TlLL6udHclI/AAAAAAAAAh8/2uV0gpYE4EE/s320/IMG_3426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now one last thing. I've been meaning to share this one for a while. I bought this doll in a little shop that I wandered into back in the Spring. I really liked her and when I saw the price tag said only $16 I decided to buy her. She's really tall - over 30 inches. And the sampler on her apron says, "At times I did so dread my needle and thread. Mary's work 1832" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the time I thought maybe it was actually a manufactured doll, but after bringing her home and looking her over, I decided that she really was hand made by someone, so now I really can't believe the price. There's just a couple of problems. Number one - my family thinks she is creepy. They don't get the whole no face thing. Totally weird to them. And can you spot the second issue? Look closer at her feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvHdYd9oRyM/TlLM06jsi0I/AAAAAAAAAiA/tNNk-iwxf5I/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvHdYd9oRyM/TlLM06jsi0I/AAAAAAAAAiA/tNNk-iwxf5I/s320/IMG_3437.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you noticed that her feet go the wrong way, you are correct! There is a string on the back of her head for hanging her from a peg, but it's actually the front of her! I need to cut the string and put her clothes on the other way. Still no face, so the family is still going to be creeped out probably, but at least she'll have a little more dignity. Perhaps I'll do that for another day's procrastination project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm off to go to dinner with my husband. It's $1 taco night at the bowling alley a couple towns over. He loves this! I will be ordering the chicken finger wrap with ranch dressing on the side. We both end up costing about the same amount because it takes about 6 of those tacos to fill him up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tomorrow I will not have the luxury of goofing off all day (and believe me, I do get it that this is a luxury)! I have a workshop at a school an hour away so I'll be practicing getting out of the house at my usual time for school. I don't have any problem getting up early. (We are usually awake by 4:30.) But during the summer I don't rush out the door unless I have to. Play time's over. Back to the real world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope the week is off to a good start for everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-722894713907954612011-08-21T04:00:00.001-04:002011-08-21T04:00:02.222-04:00Halloween Hang Tags<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's one last project I've worked on lately. I really love vintage postcards. I went to google and clicked the Images tab up at the top of the screen, then I typed "free vintage halloween postcards". There are lots of images that you can work with. I saved some of them to my computer and then inserted them into a Word document and resized them to the size I wanted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After I coffee stained my hang tags I put the postcard images on them. I have a xyron sticker maker machine that I have found many uses for, both at home and at school. It makes it really easy to put the pictures onto the hang tags. I bought mine at Walmart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a little Halloween tree that I already had from a clearance sale at Joann's a few years ago. I used the little hang tags for decorations. I can't decide how I actually want to hang them from the tree, so that's why the strings are dangling down like they are for now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBeDcwYb8AE/Tk-0O6TZ0MI/AAAAAAAAAho/s4s-FssfW0E/s1600/Halloween+hang+tag+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBeDcwYb8AE/Tk-0O6TZ0MI/AAAAAAAAAho/s4s-FssfW0E/s320/Halloween+hang+tag+tree.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some larger hang tags I made. I am going to make a pennant banner with them. Still deciding what else I want to put on it to go with the hang tags. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think these also make fun package tie ons. I have a few little trick or treat friends that usually get a special treat bag. I think I'll make some of these for name tags on their bags.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-mqu7fP_yw/Tk-0MFM2FGI/AAAAAAAAAhk/so06pyRSH6w/s1600/Fall+Hang+Tags+-+large.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-mqu7fP_yw/Tk-0MFM2FGI/AAAAAAAAAhk/so06pyRSH6w/s320/Fall+Hang+Tags+-+large.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's that time of year for me to work in my classroom getting it ready to start the new school year with a new class, so I won't have as much time for blogging for a while. I do have a table topper pattern to hopefully share sometime soon. I'm working on writing the directions for it, and will share it as soon as I have that done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for peeking in at the projects my sister and I worked on while she was home from Missouri. I hope if you give any of them a try you'll share pictures!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Melissa</div><div><br />
</div>LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1234415551589343826.post-30166469967229824912011-08-20T04:00:00.009-04:002011-08-20T09:08:35.494-04:00Wooden CD Crate make-overs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41ZGLpYUO-s/Tk-xxmbmONI/AAAAAAAAAhg/vAzhZ3l5_fk/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41ZGLpYUO-s/Tk-xxmbmONI/AAAAAAAAAhg/vAzhZ3l5_fk/s320/IMG_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not sure how long ago I bought a couple of CD crates (from Michaels or Joanns I think), but they have been kicking around my craft shelf for a while now. Libby and I painted them two different colors, then painted the slats on one side with chalkboard paint. I think I am really going to enjoy finding other ways to use that chalkboard paint - I really liked how it turned out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We started with the unfinished crate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lV-Bj353_wM/Tk8BEUJX4vI/AAAAAAAAAhE/4xmt0cEmkBY/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lV-Bj353_wM/Tk8BEUJX4vI/AAAAAAAAAhE/4xmt0cEmkBY/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Libby painted her base coat of red, and I painted my base coat of a brownish color. We used the folkart paint from Walmart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pr_zshohEU/Tk8EfaOz_2I/AAAAAAAAAhI/KaAPZ3cPLrE/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pr_zshohEU/Tk8EfaOz_2I/AAAAAAAAAhI/KaAPZ3cPLrE/s200/IMG_0127.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kdY0kSDDQU/Tk8EfzkgDbI/AAAAAAAAAhM/gIkDrzTM2zM/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kdY0kSDDQU/Tk8EfzkgDbI/AAAAAAAAAhM/gIkDrzTM2zM/s200/IMG_0130.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We let those dry for several hours, then we each painted a different color. Libby used black and I used a darker beige. (If you really want the actual colors, leave a comment and I will look for you.)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We left them to dry overnight (maybe even two), and then we sanded so that the corners and sides looked worn to our liking. Sorry, but I must not have taken pictures of these steps. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After we sanded we taped the two slats where we planned to paint the chalkboard paint so that just the spot where we wanted the chalkboard paint showed. Here's a picture of mine after I took the tape off and Libby's with the tape still on. I hope this gives you at least an idea of how that step went.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="goog_393875960"></span><span id="goog_393875961"></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upQEpWOGEhI/Tk8GFX-KUKI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Cbw1NKNlEpc/s1600/IMG_3382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upQEpWOGEhI/Tk8GFX-KUKI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Cbw1NKNlEpc/s320/IMG_3382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Here's what they looked like after we took the tape off.<br />
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Now we get to the part where I did my usual lack of planning. I meant to add a rub of walnut gel stain to the box before I put the chalkboard paint on, but I forgot or got distracted (oh look, there's a chicken!).<br />
So I taped over the the chalkboard strips and stained yesterday. I loved the effect! However, when I took the tape off the chalkboard sections I found that I had overlapped onto the paint section which left a little bit of lighter unstained wood showing. I retaped and tried again. Not perfect, but I still really like it.<br />
I think it's going to be fun to change the message on the side when the mood strikes. <br />
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Friday didn't go as planned here. My son called in distress about his apartment situation. This is the second apartment he's moved into since the first of July. The poor kid has been trying so hard to be all grown up and independent about his apartment selection, but this situation required parental intervention. Two bizarre apartment situations in one summer is the limit, I think. So Mark went to his rescue and moved him into apartment #3. Third time is the charm, right?! Here's hoping anyway. ;)<br />
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I hope you are all getting your weekends off to a good start. A baby shower today and a bridal shower tomorrow for me. And the continued de-cluttering of my life.... should be a good weekend. :)<br />
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LibbiesHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570859397997305424noreply@blogger.com