Burlap Slipcovers

I was inspired by Diane at In My Own Style when she sewed slipcovers for her dining room chairs.  (she has an excellent "how to" on her blog)  Therefore,  I decided to cover my chairs, however, I used burlap.  Because the burlap frays, I lined my slipcovers with muslin.  Diane's slipcovers had a knot/bow on the back (which I loved but I didn't have enough fabric to create the same) so I added a ruffle to the bottom of mine.  The fabric for the ruffle was leftover material from my kitchen curtains.  I love the look, they were simple to do and they can easily be changed for different decorating themes or seasons. 

Before

After

The ruffle detail

I am linking to :  Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch and to Finding Fabulous

Antique Bobbins

What defines a collection?  Do you have to have more than three of the same thing before you have a collection?  If so, then you can say I have a "small" collection of antique bobbins.

Antique bobbins were made from hardwoods in a variety of shapes and sizes.  I love the patina and distressed appearance that they have from their use in th early textile mills.  They make excellent candleholders, as well, I think that they make a very unique display when grouped together.  The bobbins are attractive reminders of the past.

If any of you have an antique bobbin collection, I would love to see it!

Lesa

I'm linking to:  Funky Junk Interiors SNS "Collections"

The "Family" Christmas Tree

As I hung the last bow on the tree, I stepped back to take a look and realized something was missing.  But what?  It has lights, ornaments, bows and a star - what is it?  Then it hit me...the tree has no personality, no family memories displayed amongst the branches.  It is lifeless.

When my husband and I celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple 25 years ago, my Mom started a tradition by buying us a tree ornament.  Every year since then, a new ornament has arrived in the mail just in time to be proudly displayed on our tree.  And, as I decorate every year, each ornament holds a memory, a reminder of our past and the importance of family.



When my children began elementary school, newly crafted ornaments made with their little hands would make their way home to adorn our tree.  One, in particular, still haunts me to this day.  It is a clown-like ornament my son made in his grade 1 class  (he is now 19 yrs old). For the record, I hate clowns!  In fact, I hate anything clown-like, circus-like, mime-like or joker-like.  Anyway, he was very proud of this ornament so it was hung on the tree, of course, at the bottom because he was little and could only reach so high. Over the years, I have continued to hang that ornament, but at the back of the tree...hidden amongst the branches.  Somehow, the clown is found by his "Maker" and displayed front and center on the tree.   (My son is now 6 feet tall so he can reach the top of the tree.)

My point of all this rambling is that my tree is not going to be featured in any upcoming issue of "House Beautiful" so why am I trying to create a designer tree that looks like it came straight from a showroom?  I think every tree is beautiful no matter how simply or elaborately its decorated.  My family certainly doesn't care if the tree's ornaments match the rest of the house decor.  So...why should I keep all the memories packed away so I can display ornaments that have no meaning?!

Therefore, I am digging out the boxes (again) and putting the meaning and memories back into our "family" Christmas tree.

Lesa

I Need to Start Somewhere!

It was only a few months ago that I discovered all of you talented and creative women.  It is so inspiring to read about your decorating and crafting endeavors.  That is why I decided to join the blogging world.  (and, I will apologize now and ask for your patience, as this is all very new to me.)

I, too, love to craft and decorate my home.  I have painted and changed the colors of my walls so many times that my husband thinks we are loosing square footage.  I enjoy painting and repurposing furniture.  In fact, I will paint just about anything.  I've even painted a pair of shoes with craft paint to match an outfit!

My love of painting and woodworking turned into a business and I published ten decorative painting books for crafters.  As well, I became a contributing artist for two craft magazines.  I now own a custom framing shop which keeps the creative juices flowing.

My Books

I am looking forward to sharing some of my ideas, decorating projects and crafts with you.  So...just to give you an idea of what I like to do, here are a few past projects I have completed.  Of course, there are no befores of tutorials becuase who knew I would need them!

Burlap baskets.  I saw something similar on my blogging travels (burlap buckets) and created my own pattern.

An ottoman tray/table I designed usin mdf board and glass.

A console table I built - pattern by Ana White

My fireplace used to be grey tile.  I created a stone-look using drywall compound. 

My backsplash - I created this using drywall compound, paint and varnish.

A picture I painted and framed for an auction. (pattern by Rene Mullins)