Book Tins

 I am keeping busy trying to keep my mind on positive, creative venues.  I know the world is off kilter now and negative actions are going on.  I have grandkids coming over to play, homeschool and visit.  We are trying to create an attmosphere of creativity and calm.  

Did I say calm, with a toddler and active 9 year old!  Keeping them going, gets hubby and I going.  But inbetween, I am working on some new projects.

Jeanne Oliver has online art classes that have kept me sane during these trying times.  I am currently obsessed with The Bookmaker class by Roxanne Evans Stout.  We are painting, collaging, stitching, writing and having fun.  We are taking tins and making books with found objects.

This is great for me because these are my favorite art projects and I have lots of found objects!!

I even found tins all in my house.  Some were new and some were vintage.  I really didn't have a hard time finding metal pieces out in the garage.  We have junked (I have) and stored some great pieces (hubby's tool chest).  My mom had her fathers vintage watch and clock parts, which became mine.   

This can take me down on a rabbit hole journey of memories and thoughts. 

I found this picture many years ago.  I thought it looked like a vintage picture of my grand Ro.

  

After collecting my finds I start on the tins   Thankfully I had the supplies on hand. 

The tin below is for my daughter in PA   The tin had a wonderful Spence of New York. I added a map of London; a gate and a sweet oriental lady. Kiki loves oriental design. 

 

 For me a sweet little one to fit in the big box!  I can store my treasures, well some of them (ha, ha)

 

This is the top of my larger box

This is the one for my daughter here in North Carolina 

Inside is a sweet wallet for scrolls

I had so much fun doing these. I found old boxes and made smaller holders for Valentines treats for my nieces and grands!!

I will do a tutorial on those. Go to the links above for the Bookmaker class. 

Di

Joining

https://www.shabbyartboutique.com/2021/02/create-bale-grow-gather-party-456.html

N

Christmas bedrooms

 Decorating around the house for the holidays especially Christmas has been enjoying. I have taken my time to make each bedroom special. 

This is our guest room. This cottage bedroom set makes me happy.  I have dressed this room with vintage toys and linens. 

 

 

My sister made the wreath for me and I added a Furlong Angel Madonna. This one had broken and I repaired it. In the next room across the hall is the other guest bedroom and my art/craft room. 

I made another display with a wreath with more Margaret Furlong Angels. I love vintage frames and gathered my favorite ones on the painted shelf. I added my German red and white shelf liner and hung my sign.   The red and white linen translates to Where you spin and Weave. 

Our master bedroom is on the opposite end of the house. It is a peaceful retreat in creamy white. 

 

  

I added a touch of color with the blue stockings and quilted bear. 

I hope your holidays are full of joy. Joining https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/charming-homes-garden-link-party/

Di

 

 

 

Friendship School, ca 1916-17. Harvey Toler is the tall man on the right, back row

Clem Cirthworth Toler

Ottis Ipock

M, b. 12 December 1913, d. 25 January 1999

 

Heath and Wellness

 

2020 has been a health stress for me.  Just when I solve one problem, my body directs me somewhere else.  At first, I cancelled my appointments, trying to keep safe.  Then it was recommened people should keep their  health appointments.  I made my appointments and a problem was found.  After weeks of tests, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.  Yes, like Beau Bridges.  Mine is stage 1, no treatment needed at this time.  I have one more test to check all my lymph glands  

I am a retired nurse and worked my early career in cancer nursing.  I didn't like the sound of that!  Goggle is not your friend when you look up key words in your referral.  But, I still looked.  Waiting for appointments and tests are mind blowing.  This is not what my mind, heart and body wanted to hear.  

I have kept busy by helping with the grands, crafting and visiting my blogger friends on instagram.  I even attended a recent Junk in the Truck event in Brevard, NC and went to Leipers Fork in TN.  All this helps keep my mind busy.  But...in the back of my mind is the results of my tests  

My mind clicks to prayers for health and put that positive energy out there.  My years of treatment for Rhematoid Arthritis has taught me to do things anyway.  I haven't stopped doing things I love or limit the possibilities of what I want to do.  I love to garden, craft, junk/treasure shopping and embrodery.

I have family and friends checking on me and sending prayers up!  CLL is a blood cancer.  Since it is a chronic condition, my Rheumatoid medication is stopped.  We will address options for that after my scan  

 I am learning new techniques through on line classes and love the sharing of talents.  Sweet teachers, family and friends keep me focused.  I can not tell you how having a support system makes the world of difference.  A text , message, call or card keeps me upbeat  I am thankful for my hubby who is the kindest, most thoughtful person.  My family is walking beside me every step of the way.

Please don’t put your health on the back burner, thankfully I am in the hands of our great Healer, Di

Di

Storybook Cottage

 A girls getaway with my sister and nieces at Storybook Cottage was a dream!  We felt like in a Snow White cottage upon entering. I was waiting for the bluebirds and butterflies to sweep down and flutter around us!  This was a much needed girls weekend in Leipers Fork, Tn.  

We went to see City FARMHOUSE’s new shop in Franklin, met Kim Leggett and attended the show.  Of course, her new book is out and we got a personal signing.  She is such a genuine and gracious person. 

  

The show was over the top wonderful. I met my favorites on Instagram!  Stacy with Barkingbirds Antiques, the cotton shed ( from Evansville Indian, where my grandfathers family immigrated to); Fatcat & magpie and so many more. 

My goodies from the show

This piece will be used as a frame!

The City Farmhouse shop was fantastic, so many goodies. 

Now to the cottage, which was styled by Kim.  

 

This is just the front entry room. I will share more and the impact it had on us. If you are interested in staying go to Home&sanctuary. Until later, Di