June 1, 2012 - Friday

Well... how do you like my HUGE Olde Green Cupboard header?  It kind of smacks you right in the face doesn't it?  hahahahahahahaha!  I'm trying to make some enhancements on my blog and I decided to start by adding the correct OGC logo.... well, needless to say... it's a bit large!

I tried and tried to make it smaller.... no success!  Do you think it could be because I have NO CLUE what I'm doing?  I see you laughing and shaking your head up and down!!!  Never give up... I will get it conquered.  I just told myself... it's no big deal...just post your "chat" and figure it out later.

If all else fails.... I'll have my sweet Heather help me.  She's a guru with this stuff...not afraid to push buttons - explore - read (I hate to read all of those instructions..) and then she manages to figure out how to make things happen!  Ahhhh...... LOVE HER!!

Yesterday I ALMOST FINISHED MY FIRST SOCK!!!  Yes... I have to get them finished before August when we head to Alaska.  I want to wear them!  My toe is almost CLOSED... then I can start on sock number two.  I just love them.. the yarn is so wonderful.  As soon as it's off the needles...I'll take a photo and post. 

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This is so cool!!!  They had this on a "camping" posting... they've taken a headlight and strapped it to a jug full of water.  It illuminates the entire jug and gives you light in your tent!!!  Now... by headlight... I think they mean one of the battery operated headlights you can wear on your head while hiking, working on car engines, etc.  Isn't this a wonderful idea???  So darn clever!!

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I LOVE galvanized stuff.  Don't ask me why... I have no clue as to why it attracts me.  Maybe because it can blend in well with different types of decorating.  Well... old washtubs are especially favorites of mine!!  Look how they have taken the GIANT washtubs and made them into lighting!  Wouldn't this be awesome in a restaurant or bar?  Have I posted this before??  It especially looks great with the white and green accents on the table.  How inexpensive this project would be!

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Then... on a smaller scale... look how they have made this into a lamp shade for a table lamp!  Then you can write on it with chalk!  SO COOL!!!!! 

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Look at my new Annie I found.  Poor baby... it looks like she's been run over with a car tire!  Or stomped on in the mud.  I don't care... I still think she's adorable!!!  Don't you just love her little dress??

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Okay... another wonderful trend I've been seeing... using upholstery jute tape for other things than chairs and couches!  I love how they've used it as a ribbon on this wreath...then attached it to a bright red sled!

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Or... wrap it around wonderful baskets - add some trim - in this case ceramic numbers - and you have an adorable new display.  How simple... how cute!

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And... look at this!  How simple!  Wrap it around candles, fold the raw edge under and attach with upholstery tacks!  OMG!!!!  Can you see a beautiful display with these at Christmas - sitting in an old dough bowl... with greenery spilling over the side... red berry garland inter-twined within the greenery... maybe an old antique Santa sitting in the bowl.  I'M IN LOVE!!!! 

Maybe we should have a "JUTE TAPE" contest... to see who can make the coolest stuff!  It comes in all colors....! Search the Internet... you'll find it!  Go to your local upholstery shop and see if you can buy some from them!  Have FUN and CREATE!!!!

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Then... on the more "blingy" side... take a peek at this sweet thing!!!  I don't know if it's real or not... don't even care... I just think it's so cool.  Wow... I can jump from "industrial metal" to "jute" to BIG BLING really fast can't I?  Pretty unusual to like the rustic and the necklace below.  Oh well...what can I say?  That's just me!!

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And last but not least.. look at this sweet kitty!  Don't you just LOVE his little face?  It looks like a starfish has clasped onto his head for life... or a giant **asterisk** exploded in front of him!  What a cutie!!!! 

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We're going to visit our oldest granddaughters today.  They just moved into an adorable house together and we're taking them a brand new set of POTS & PANS - bright red!  I can't wait to see how they have their little house all put together (Toby and Dayle's girls - Jaimi and Elizibeth).  They are a couple of cutie patooties... and we love them to death!!! 

Then it's off to AUCTION night!  Vic and I are going to check out an auction and see what trouble we can get into!  (That won't be too hard!)

Have a great weekend... sew lots (I plan on it!) and finish up those UFO's!!!

Hugs to all!!

Gloria



May 31, 2012 - Thursday

Wow... what an ending to our long TV watching of Prison Break.  I can tell you this... I've NEVER seen such a show!  I can't remember when a TV show would keep me awake on and off during the night because I couldn't wait to see the next episode.  If your spouses/dads/boyfriends love shows with lots of action, twists and turns, this is a great gift for them.  You can get all of the CDs on Amazon.com - 4 seasons PLUS the final episode.  I can't even begin to tell you how many CDs there are and about 4 hours of watching on each CD!!!  Ok...enough of that... (but I'm tellin' ya... it's awesome!)

Today is a busy day!!  We are having breakfast with some friends - then I'm heading to Cinnamon's for a sewing day.  Then I'm meeting one of my girlfriends for a movie tonight!!  Whew... no grass is growing under my "tush" today!  Ha... not like this past week where I've sat on my but in front of the boob-tube. 

I MUST GET BUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look at what I found!!!  I just loved these stone designs... wouldn't they look so beautiful in your garden?  The white one must have taken forever to make.  Of course... the first time you had a torrential rain storm...they may both float away... but I loved them.  Isn't it so wonderful that someone can take something from nature as simple as a stone and make it into a beautiful design?  I'll tell you - I'm amazed every day at how talented people are... sometimes my jaw drops and I'm simply speechless (which is pretty unusual for me!)

Then... here is something totally opposite from the stones!  Look at this lovely piece of jewelry for your "tootsies".  Now... I must admit... I would probably NEVER wear this - but I thought it was so pretty.  Of course...it has pearls in it!  (I love jewelry with pearls, sterling silver, and rhinestones)

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Okay... I saw this display and it's designed for those homes WITHOUT fireplaces!  BUT... it would still look cute hanging above a fireplace - as the main art piece!  After the stockings are gone - hang pretty photos from ribbons, old fashioned women's hats, artwork, wreaths.  What a different idea and so much easier than trying to pound nails into the wall to make a sweet vignette! 

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I loved how they took this sweet dresser and covered the drawer fronts.  It could be with the same fabric as the curtains... or how about matching the quilt on the bed?  LOVE IT!!!  PLUS... it's so easy to change if you redesign the room!

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I have to show you this great pillow.  My girlfriend, Marti, well..... she loves this pillow.  We found the website where it originated... but it wasn't actually a pattern.  It was a finished product and it looks like it is no longer available....  Boo Hoo!!!

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Here's another sweet embroidery pattern for you.  I love the two little birds at the top!!!

They kind of look like they are mad at everyone! 

Hey... I want you to check something out.  Next time you are outside and you see a BUNCH of birds on a telephone line... look and see if they are all facing the same direction!  I know... I know... this seems crazy... but in almost EVERY instance... they are!  I wonder why??

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Isn't this funny?  they must be buddies because neither one of them looks afraid or "hissy" at each other!  Too cute!!!

Have a great day.... keep sewing and dreaming!!

Gloria

May 30, 2012 - Wednesday

We're going out today!!!  Yippee!!!  The sun is shining...after all of this rain... the grass should be such a pretty green!  I feel like I've been cooped up for a year!  hahahahahaha! (not really)

We have groceries to buy, movies to return... sounds like a blast huh?  tee hee!

We've been watching the old TV series "Prison Break" !!!  OMG!!  What a fantastic show... it's CD after CD after CD - 4 seasons plus the final BREAK!  We are almost finished.  Thank heavens... it's on my mind at night when I go to bed.  Isn't that terrible.  If you haven't watched this... YOU MUST.  I've never seen so many twists and turns in one show.  I know I've told you this already...but can you tell it's pretty darn exciting???

Okay... on to more fun things to chat about...

Isn't this little fellow a hoot?  I posted it because I thought it would be great fun to do with your children or grandchildren... let them make the project and then plant something and watch it grow.  These are those peat pots you can get at the nursery..  They just paper clipped/stapled them together.  I think it's adorable.

I'm always interested in cool photographs...since Heather is so good at it.  I thought this was especially a great idea.  Look at the generations!!!  It would be fun to do with the gals too and have them side by side.  If you happened to be so lucky to have four generations of each on your family!!!

I've seen this quilt before... but I just came across the photo again.  I love the 3D with the cherries.  It would have to be a quilt that wasn't used much... but I think the idea is lovely!!!  Wish it belonged to me!!!

Now..let me tell you...there is nothing better (to me) than a yummy cinnamon roll.  What a great way to make waffles... out of that dough!... mmmmm then smothered in butter and syrup.  Sugar high...here we come!  I can just taste these sweet things right now... (can you tell I'm hungry???  Yes... we are leaving shortly for breakfast toooooo.... yippee....)

This is so cool.  You are to use a smooth surface ceramic cup... !  Permanent Sharpie... write or draw whatever you want on your cup - then bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  What fun projects for sewing groups, family members that attend parties, how about at a wedding shower - for the bride and groom to keep... the ideas are endless.  Hey... I might think about this at one of our next retreats...what fun!!

Okay.... I gotta go.... Jack is getting ready and I need to also.

Have a wonderful day..... keep those needles moving...

Isn't this a hoot??? I've never seen pigs in water... I didn't think they liked it... I know they love mud... but water????  oink...ssssssssqqqqqqqqqquuuuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeaaaaaaaallllll!

Chat tomorrow!!

Gloria



May 29, 2012 - Tuesday

Wow...these Monday holidays get my week all messed up... I swore this was Monday when I woke up.  What a weekend we have been having... especially the last 2 days.  The weather here was a bit frightful!!!  Winds whipping, torrential rain.... we even had tornado warnings.  My hubby and I had our little nest built in the center hallway...away from all windows... so we could jump in the closet if we needed to. 

He's so good... he has a HUGE hurricane stash ready for us... he simply went to the garage - picked out the "essential" tub of stuff and carried it into the hallway.  We decided the closet with all of my quilts would be a good place...at least they would cushion our heads!  HA!

But all was well and it blew over... whew!  I remember as a child we had a tornado hit not far from our little town.  It was something else.  They showed pictures of pieces of straw that where clear through cinder blocks!!!!  Then there was a kitchen table... still had a HOT teapot sitting on it - the rest of the house was GONE!  So bazaar!

So... I did get some sewing accomplished... this is what I'm making!

However, I'm using Primitive Gatherings "Seasonal Little Gatherings" in all of her ORANGE AND BLACK colors.  Seasonal Little Gatherings - Moda

See how there are 4 star units?  Well - diagonally - the backgrounds will be black with orange stars - then the other diagonal direction... the backgrounds will be orange with black stars! 

I thought it would be adorable for the Halloween season... or through fall actually!!!  Go to the link above and take a peek!  They are rich in color and adorable!  LOVE THEM LISA... and MODA!!

Plus... I'm working on the Christmas quilt that Lisa designed for these fabrics. 

So.... as you can tell... I'm a busy girl.  PLUS - designing my own new patterns.  OMG..what do I get myself in to??? 

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I saw these butter paddles the other day and thought what a cute collection they make.  PLUS.. I would love to put some type of wool applique on one of them.. wouldn't they look cute hanging on your kitchen wall???   You could make different ones... one for each month!!!  You can find them on ebay!!  They are not cheap but oh so wonderful.  I think I'll add these to my "antique looking" list !  It's pretty darn long as it is!

Then I found this awesome cabinet!!!!  I want this!!!!!!!  Hey....it's GREEN...that's why I like it!  Wouldn't this be wonderful FILLED with quilts???? LOVE IT!!

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Did you all have a tricycle like this?  I remember we had two different sizes.  Two small ones for Vic and I and one that was larger for my older sister Linda.  I loved my tricycle... it took me everywhere.  We had chunky rocks in our drive way (in the country) so it sure wasn't easy riding on it.  However... further out by the barn... we had a HUGE parking area that was packed down pretty hard and we would ride our bikes around and around!!  What memories!!

Then.. it was time to learn to ride the two wheeler.  We were bruises from head to toe.  Mom finally put the bikes away.  We were to be twin flower girls in our cousin's wedding... she told us we needed to heal.... no more cuts and scrapes... no more bruises.  So we could look pretty for the wedding.  Needless to say we were not happy about not riding our bikes over the summer!

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I found two prints that I thought would be adorable for all of you.. .embroidery.... or they would be adorable with needle punch... or even wool applique!!!

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They were free on-line.  I just love artist that are willing to share their skills.  It makes it so nice for those people that have limited funds and/or have no quilt shops to find these type of things in.

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Well... my girlfriend is coming over to sew and I need to get into my sewing room and get it straightened up a bit.  It kind of looks like a BOMB went off in it... I sure can make a MESS... FAST!!!!  Can't you???

Chat with you tomorrow.... Happy Sewing..

Gloria

May 28, 2012 - Monday  "MEMORIAL DAY"

When I was a  young girl... I never really understood Memorial Day.  It actually was just another day to me.  However, since I've been married and spent 20+ years in the military with my honey... and lived and shopped on military bases my entire adult life... this day has an entirely new meaning to me.

As I awake in the morning and hear the storm outside - it reminds me of the turmoil and hell our soldiers have lived through fighting for our country... so I can sleep in my warm cozy bed, drink my hot cup of morning coffee, and chat with all of you... THEY have given this to me.

To all of you that are currently serving in the military, to all of the families that sacrifice so much from being away from their loved ones, for those of you that mourn loved ones that have died in battle....

Thank you.

Two small words that don't even fill up one line on this page... but yet... fills it completely.  Two of the most powerful words spoken.

Thank you... for my liberty and my life.

May God bless each of you and keep you safe and heal your wounds and calm your sorrow.

Have a blessed day.....

Gloria

May 25, 2012 - Friday

Yippee... another Friday! 

This Friday is FULL of "stuff to do"!! 

1. Finish up cutting kits for B-a-a-a-d Girls Club 

2. Go to Apple store and find out why ALL OF MY CONTACTS have disappeared from my phone (NOT GOOD!!!) 

3.  Go to my friends and pick up some upholstery supplies 

4.  Pack my sewing for Friday Night Sewcial at Cinnamon's Quilt Shoppe 

5.  Buy Chicken for tonight's "picnic" themed dinner....

Okay... that's enough.. I'm tired already! 

Hey...look at this....

Oh my gosh...when I saw this Barbie... I squealed.  You see... when Vicky and I were little girls... we made Barbie clothes just like this!  Our mom and grandma sewed.... everything... and they had so many scraps they let us use... including laces, furs, etc.  We would go to Grandmas and work with our Barbie patterns for days and make all kinds of clothes.  She let us use her sewing machine and supplies.  Can you believe we made Barbie clothes that many years ago?  That's how we learned to sew.  What good memories.  I LOVED my Barbie doll... combing her hair... even the smell of her (know what I mean...that yummy rubbery smell?  I know... I know... weird huh?)  I miss her... sniffle.  I wonder what nasty dump she's been sleeping in for the past 40 years...wwwahhhhhh!!

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See these... LOVE THEM!  My templates (Pretty Pots A Plenty) do this also.  As a matter of fact... I'm in the process of using my templates in LOTS of new designs... hopefully designs that no one has seen yet!  Wish me luck!!!  I can't wait to get started.!!

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You know... when Karen and I were at Kansas City Quilt Market... we both made a discovery!!  We either like quilts with lots of little pieces - or BIG pieces...there is no in between!  Now...take a look at this quilt.  How simple is it?  But how wonderful is it too?  I love quilts like this made with crisp WHITE fabric...then when it's quilted and washed... it's just wonderful...soft...cushy...smells good!  The kind you want to take a nap under  -  outside on the deck... in the shade - with the cool, fresh air breezes blowing... just enough so you need to cuddle under this sweet thing.  Are you with me?

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Hey... I thought this was such a sweet idea for children for Christmas.  Then I thought of adding another portion to this.  As a child cuts off each day... have them write on the back something they are thankful about - that they want to share with SANTA.  NOT what they want for Christmas...but what they LOVE about the season!  It would be great for the mommies and daddies to keep each year in an envelope - then when their children are grown - give to them as a memento of their childhood!

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Hey... I want to own all of these!  I love shakers (have no earthly idea why either!).  I want to make some fun things from them.  I'm always on the hunt in the antique stores!!

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Okay...it's time to get my day started.  I've been sitting at this computer way too long already today!  Isn't it amazing how it "sucks" you in!  Just think - years ago all we had was the newspapers, magazines, and encyclopedias to look for information.  My... how times have changed!

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How sweet is this?  Nothing more heart wrenching that watching a small child say their prayers. 

Have a beautiful day and a super weekend.  Remember to thank those in the military that have served their country and bless the families that have lost their loved ones. 

Chat with you on Monday!!

Gloria

May 24, 2012 - Thursday

Well... this morning is a sad morning!!  My sweet nephew, Luke, has been with us for a little over a week.  He's 17 and just graduated from high school.  He's thinking about going into the military... He wants to serve HIS country!!  Now... how wonderful is that?  To help him in his decision of which branch to choose... he's spent time with my honey (Jack) and they've "bonded" !!!  Jack told him all about the Navy, took him all over so he could see what that life is... and now he's going to make a decision.  Navy or Army!!  He's dream is to be a tank driver (boo hoo) so I'm sure he will go that route. 

What a great kid!  It's so funny...when we were that age (Jack and I) we were madly in love with each other and to see him... well.... it just brings back wonderful memories.  However, he's so YOUNG!  Was I that young?  Heck... I don't even remember!  Good luck to my sweet Luke!  What a great time having him here with us.

Today... I'm madly getting everything ready for my B-a-a-a-d Girls Club this weekend - for their make-it-take-it projects.  I think the number of gals in attendance will be very low since it's a holiday weekend.  However, we will have a blast!!!! 

Since I've returned from market --- my inspiration is HUGE!  I'm making a list of all the new "ideas" I have... whew... is it ever getting LONG!  Oh my!!  Then I looked at my travel schedule... it's going to be a SUPER-DOOPER next few months!

June - sewing with friends at a mini retreat and flying to Wisconsin to Primitive Gatherings Retreat

July - going to Paula's (Red Crinoline Quilts) so we can work on our computer patterns together

August - Quilting cruise to Alaska with my honey

September - Camp Blanding Retreat - YIPPEE!!

October - Houston Quilt Market

November & December - COLLAPSE!!! 

I love being busy... can't stand being bored!  Can you tell???

Here's some fun things for you.....

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Did you know that the lid to a Parmesan container fits on a mason jar?  Isn't that so cool???   I had no clue!  I can't wait to try this!!

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I love this cute packaging!  Red ribbon and jingle bells.  Now I ask you... how can you go wrong with this concept?  So cute and so simple... especially if these jars are filled with your homemade jelly, caramel.... cool huh?

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Now I know this may sound a bit strange... but I LOVE STOOLS!!  Do you?  These... I would give my eye teeth for.  OMG... they all match in construction but at different heights.  WOW... what a great trio to use in merchandising displays... or just IN MY HOUSE!  I know they are a bit primitive - but I guess that's what I love about them... aaaahhhh  chippy paint! 

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I'm on the prowl for these type of containers when I go antiquing!  These are pretty glass shakers and they've taken soft wire... twisted it as seen below and then you stick the ends in the holes of the shaker.  Wouldn't this be so cute on a buffet table with the name of the item on a sweet little card?  Or for place settings at a big dinner?  Or how about in a store with information about a product and the price?  LOVE IT!!!

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Now... this is genius and I wished I  would have thought of it.  When you buy green onions... you know how you sometimes don't need a lot of them... but because of the way they are packaged - they go bad before all of them are used?  Well, here is the answer.  Chop them all up and place on a paper towel and flash freeze them!  Then store them in your freezer - after you've placed them into a clean - used watter bottle.  Then...the next time you need some green onion - shake out what you need and put the rest back in the freezer!  Cool huh?

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Okay... here we are with chippy paint stuff again!  I love how they have taken this old frame and made the picture look awesome inside.  Isn't this clever!  Heck.. you don't need to worry about buying any small frames with this method!!

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Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................. want to make your bathroom smell pretty all the time?  Here is the trick.  Buy your favorite scented oil  -  then just place a couple of drops on the inside of the toilet paper roll.  Each time it's used... the scent will fill the air.  Pretty darn clever huh?  What better place to use scented oil!!!

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Isn't he adorable??? (I know my friend Karen L. won't think so... she's NOT fond of rodents!)  I love the way he's stuffing the carrot in his mouth!  Hungry little boy!!

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Have a great Thursday!  Sew until your eyes go blurry....then take a NAP!

Hugs to all!!

Gloria