mason jars and pine needles::

I hope you enjoyed your holiday and your new year was sparkling too. The tree has since been removed and the many ornaments are all packed and stored away till next year. Some vignettes are still around for a few days more phew, getting there. While, I was removing the tree I stored some pine needles in mason jars so the aroma would linger on a little bit longer.. it smells so great around here. We're in the midst of a snowstorm today so, baking is next on my agenda.Vanilla pound cake here I come..  Stay warm and cozy my friends! Happy New Year ~ Elizabeth

 

drying hydrangeas::

I may be a little late but, have you seen the hydrangeas lately? My dear friend gave me permission to cut some blooms for drying. I love how the petals take on a vintage look don't you?

Here's some tidbits on how to dry hydrangeas:
Leave blooms on the shrub till late summer
~ Cut blooms, strip off leaves
~ I shake them to make sure bugs fall off if any
~ Arrange them with or without water in a vase till they dry

~ You can gather a bunch of blooms and hang upside down but, you can get the same results by just putting them in a vase to dry (I've tried both methods)

Dried hydrangeas add charm to any decor. Enjoy your hydrangeas this time of year. Have a great weekend!

                                                                                 xo Liz

1930's side table reveal::

  Finally, I can share my milk paint project that I've been working on recently. To recap, the day before Easter I attended an auction and came home with this 1930's side table in need of a coat of paint nothing more. READ MORE BELOW... POST ( PAINT it)
  I'm not an expert when it comes to finishes or paint techniques if you know what I mean. Very unfamiliar with milk paint, I thought I'd give it a try. So, here it is the final table in ironstone milk paint from Miss Mustard Seed. I do have to say Marian's videos on you tube are spot on if you want to try her products. Easy to use with great instructions on how to apply. This piece was my practice piece and I do recommend if you've never tried milk paint before to practice before hand. The side table has two coats milk paint to get that chippy look. You can also apply a bonding agent to your paint to get a less chippy effect. Here's where next time depending on the piece I might add this solution. Two coats of Miss Mustard seed wax and it's finished. I'm not 100% certain I like the bottom shelf with all that chippy effect. Let's say I'm happy that I was brave enough to try something new without the help of my hubby for once. To me, that's all that really matters. Oh, before I forget thanks again Marian@ Miss Mustard Seed for your inspiration. Here's to many more milk paint projects to come from me in the future...xo Liz
  
Linking: Miss Mustard Seed "Furniture feature Friday" 

Before

paint it::

One of my new boards on Pinterest is about painting techniques and color choices of paint. This came about after I carried home a bargain of a table the day before Easter Sunday from the auction. Twelve dollars later and clueless about where and what to do next. You tube came to the rescue at 12:00 pm one evening and so did Miss Mustard Seed.
If you haven't seen Marian's work on the web. Her book: Inspired You truly shows her knack in painting and re-purposing vintage furniture. Just peek inside her lovely home filled with furniture pieces that she has restored and given a new life. Low and behold, her love of redecorating her own home lead to her own biz with a line of milk paint to follow in 2012. I've been in awe of her work for sometime now, that I've been itching to start some of my very own projects around here myself. I contacted Marian with my dilemma and she graciously replied with.."Ok, what colors would you like?" She's such a peach of a gal. So, here I am... getting prepared to start the process PAINT IT in the coming weeks at home.
Back to Pinterest and the web for color swatches of Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint products. Making my decision based on my favorite color and my collection of ironstone. I've always been a real fan of neutrals and green,"lucketts green" to be exact by far won my heart. {shown below}

I'll keep you posted on my progress with before and after pictures soon. Have you used milk paint before? Have a great weekend everyone. Wish me luck!
                                                                                 xxx Liz
Images via Pinterest  


   

what's your soap story?

Do you like soap? I've been using my accumulation of soaps here at the house that have been forgotten. It seems that they have been pushed aside for liquid. Not anymore.. I'm lathering up. My favorite above is nutmeg (round) it smells so wonderful. The ironstone gravy boats were a second thought. I think I'll put one by the kitchen sink to use as a soap dish. Does anyone still use ivory soap? My Mom swore by that soap.

...and why haven't I used traditional soap? Beats me.
What are you up to this Sunday? I'm on the mend from a hand injury. Thank goodness it wasn't broken. FYI, I'll pass next time helping Hubby with heavy objects. Finally, after a week I can hold my camera again. So, scary.
   Have a great day. Till next time,
                                                                                 xxx Liz

Linking: A Favorite Thing Sat. @ MHC

fall collage wreath::

 Thanks to Christopher Columbus! Today, was a super day to finish my fall wreath I've been working on.Remember those leaves you've been seeing on here and facebook? Well, here's the finished wreath collage. I had all the supplies at home already including wreath form and burlap. In case you want to make one, here's what you'll need including easy step by step directions.

  Supplies:.1 wreath form ( any size)
                           .glue gun
                           .burlap cut in strips approx. 4 inches wide in
                            the length of the sack. I just cut.. as many as
                            needed as I went along.             
                           (used a corn sack that I cut for this project)
                           . vintage photos, cabinet cards, papers, post
                           .cards, bingo cards, ephemera, 
                           .fresh leaves from the outdoors in various
                            sizes, shapes.
                           .buttons, sewing notions, odds and ends
                           (used a vintage bow tie)
                           . dried flower pod. You can omit..
                            I just wanted to add a different texture here.
 Directions: This is a no sew project. Wrap burlap strips taut around wreath form. Wrap and glue till the whole wreath is completely covered in burlap. Trace different size leaves on postcards and paper from vintage books. Here is where you can be creative. Use whatever you like! Glue in place. I suggest that you design  and place items on the wreath before gluing. I also added a button and a sewing card. Again, be creative. Have fun!
   
   So, what did you create today? I hope you had a wonderful Columbus Day.

 linking: With Melissa @ The Inspired Room.
                                 Today's Creative Blog
                                  xxx Liz

Roadside Peppermint::

               Quick stop at a roadside stand this afternoon while out and about. The peppermint reminded me of Mom. Soon, I'll be sitting with her enjoying a cup or two. Definitely, time for me to make some peppermint tea of my own.
    Here's a tip before cooking. Place cleaned peppermint in the freezer 24-48hrs. before cooking. I don't know the scientific reason behind this method but, makes for great tea. When ready, add 1 gallon of water in a large pot. Add 1 bunch of peppermint. Boil for 10 minutes. Cool, refrigerate, enjoy! Mom doesn't extract the peppermint leaves after the tea is completely cool and ready for refrigeration. She says it adds more flavor. I think she's right on with this.
    The tea of course is unsweetened. Sweeten to taste :)
Tomorrow, is Thursday already. Where has this week gone?
                             xxx Liz