Dec 3, 2014 |
I love pine cones. They’re fresh, woodsy, and versatile. Most stores sell them in bags, or if you have neighbors with pine trees, you can ask them for the dropped cones.
Next to my Nutcracker Village, this is one of my favorite Christmas decorations.
A display of pine cones brings a touch of the outdoors inside, and adds a splash of color to any Christmas shelf.
This craft is extremely easy. You’ll need:
- A display container
- Pine cones
- Garland or other decorative filler
- Spray paint
- Newspaper (optional)
Start by selecting pine cones that are sized for your container. You can … read the rest. . .
Dec 2, 2014 |
Sounds simple, right? But until two years ago, I didn’t know how beautiful such an idea could be.
The local dollar store or thrift store is a great source for inexpensive supplies.
- Votive glasses
- Decorative stones
- Platter or tray
- battery votive candles
I found this great candle, tray and stone set two years ago for $14. I just had to add the candles. Since then, I’ve seen similar product at dollar and thrift stores, but I prefer the great selection at craft stores. Choose your product with whatever color scheme you like. Pink glass on a long silver tray. White … read the rest. . .
Dec 1, 2014 |
A few weeks ago, Dot surprised me by crafting this wonderful piece.
The colors are subtle yet attractive. It’s the perfect fit for our Italian Coffee House color scheme at Bedford Manor.
I haven’t crafted for quite some time. Around here, we’ve been deep cleaning and decorating and working and writing. Feeling very productive. But there’s something about crafting that soothes my soul.
And Dot knows it. So on Black Friday, she surprised me by taking me to Hobby Lobby with a $20 budget. At first, I didn’t know what to do. There are so many wonderful options! I did … read the rest. . .
Aug 24, 2014 |
The wind has been blowing here at Bedford Manor. At times its brought with it a cleansing rain, at others, it just stirs the dust. There’s been heat, sun, clouds, humidity, wind, and stillness. The weather just can’t make up its mind.
It’s symbolic of how I’ve been feeling lately ~ uncertain as to my purpose. I hit a rather large wall of writer’s block last month and it’s taken me until two days ago to chisel it down.
I’d previously set a goal to have the first (and hopefully only) draft of NOLA finished by now. I’d wanted to … read the rest. . .
Jan 7, 2014 |
It’s official: the end of the winter Holidays is here.
Tonight I put away my treasured Nutcracker Village.
It’s nice to have my coffee table back in use as a magazine rack, fishbowl stand and, well, a coffee table.
The cats are happy their platform bed is available again.
And while it’s nice to not have to lean too far to the left or right to see Dot on the other side of the room, I miss my Nutcrackers.
I’ll take the tree down tomorrow.
I’m sad to see the season go. Once the hustle-bustle-busyness of Christmas came and went, … read the rest. . .
