I was going to ...

...do a better job of updating my blog in the new year, but I've already failed at that. Oh well, here goes my second blog post of 2012.

I recently and finally put artwork up in Jack's room after painting it last spring. What can I say, I don't like to rush things.

Here's a few projects I did for his room that I really liked. I used an old book to make a shelf, after seeing the idea on Pinterest. Also, I used an old, plastic dinosaur toy to make a lamp for his room. It was a really inexpensive project. 

I got the toy at a thrift store for 50 cents, the lamp was from a garage sale for $1. I basically just had to disassemble the light a little bit, spray paint the dino, drill a hole and viola I have new lamp.

Happy 2012

 

I hope everyone had a chance to ring in the New Year with loved ones. 

 

I was lucky enough to have my Aunt and Uncle and their son over. It was fantastic. The kids entertained each other. The adults could actually carry on conversations and as midnight neared we all headed downtown Jackson to the ball drop celebration. It was our second year doing this and it was so much fun. Bigger crowd this year and better fireworks to celebrate the year ahead.

I said goodbye to 2011 by finally finishing a project I've been wanting to try ever since seeing it on Pinterest.

I'm excited with how it turned out. I can't wait to make some more.

Making, making, making...

 I've been so busy getting ready for my first craft show. Here's some of what I put together last week. Aren't these skates cute.

 I've had this old piece of ceiling tile forever. I'm so glad that I figured out something to do with it. I also like that this is more wintry so it could be left out beyond Christmas.

 

Here's another wintry item. I just love this precious little deer. This wreath took forever to put together, but I think it was so worth it and hopefully some will give it a home.

I know this wreath is a little crazy, but I think it's so festive. Who knew an old skirt (the tartan plaid) could be put to such a fun use!

Covered in glitter

 After having a fairly successful trip to the Michigan Antique Festival, I decided to tackle my first Craft show. Here's a little of what I've been working on:

 I've been using some of my vintage stash to make "new" creations like these Santa arrangements, which I think would be perfect for bringing a little Christmas to a room like a bathroom or the kitchen. 

I've also been working with a lot of music paper, which I think looks especially beautiful incorporated into ornaments.

Here's a few sweater vases I made. I also have some other things to repurpose. I'm excited and hope the sale goes well, but I have lots to do still...the sale as at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1505 West Michigan Ave. in Jackson, Mi on Dec. 9 and 10, if you are in the area and want to do some Christmas shopping.

Hail to the Turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I'm thankful for so many things, especially my grandma's turkey and stuffing.

Yum! Stuffing!

Decorating for the Holidays

Someone recently asked me if I was ready to start decorating for Christmas and I quickly said, "No, I'm decorating for Thanksgiving." 

On Facebook many people are taking the opportunity to state things they are thankful for during the month of November. I like the trend. 

I decided to whip up this project last night. It took me much of the night and a little more effort this morning. I used items I had on hand, including the Turkey placard I made last year. It was fun to use some scrap fabrics and ribbons I've had taking up space and finally put them to good use.

 

Spring Will Come Again

 I have to give myself a few kudos because I actually remembered to take a before picture. I was given this chair by a friend to do with whatever I wanted for a silent chair auction. I wanted to incorporate some of that natural wood into the design. I almost immediately settled on the idea of a tree and a bird, but because I'm a Michigan girl, I decided to go with Michigan's state bird, the Robin, and state tree, the White Pine.

 

 I'm usually in love with Fall, but this change of seasons have left me feeling a little melancholy. I don't know if being a mother makes the difference? My son Jack started preschool, so maybe that's left me feeling a little blue.

I've comforted myself with the idea that the Robin, a perennial symbol of spring, will come again. I thought it was a perfect metaphor for Michigan, where winter can literally and figuratively be long. 

I can't help myself. I am a hopeful person. 

I believe that Spring Will Come Again, both literally and figuratively.