daze of grace

Published Aprons!

2012-01-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

I am published again in Stampington's Apron*ology Magazine! It comes out February First and should be available the whole year. I find copies at Joann's and at Barnes & Noble. It should be at craft stores as well.

My son is deployed with the Army as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. We were going to a "Yellow Ribbon" event before he deployed and they gave us all little flag pins and yellow ribbons. It reminded me of all the yellow ribbons we sold at Fabricland-way back in 1991 for Operation Desert Storm.

At that time my son was three. I had no idea he would be involved in an ongoing version of the same war.

However, he has chosen this as his career.

And because of it, he has had several pairs of trousers completely wear out. I couldn't sew up the crotch again! So I took them and made aprons.

This one with the two layers is called "Duty". That is one of the US Army values. I used cotton for the yellow and the lower part of the trousers.

This half apron is the upper part of the same leg. I call it "Loyalty." I like to use the pieces just as they are to preserve the entire look. I used the yellow to completely bind the three edges. The waist tie is threaded through the belt loops and I re-purposed the buttons at the edges.

Do you remember the John Wayne Movie She Wore a Yellow Ribbon? Love the cavalry! Anyway, this apron is "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon." I used the upper and lower part of the second leg.

These aprons do have some stains as they have been in use for five years. Authentic! But they will last through many washings.

Check these out in the magazine and in my etsy shop.

Ombre Pink Dresser

2012-01-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

This adorable little dresser is one we found at a citywide garage sale. I wrote about it here.

Husband finished it about two weeks ago but I haven't had the chance to post about it yet.

It is only 25 inches tall. It has three drawers in the middle and two on each side. He wanted to paint the dresser because it was a blah color.

It is solid wood and very heavy. It only cost us $15.

He did some stripping but ultimately just used the deglosser.

We bought two sample size paints and one quart. We had white on hand. The pinks are, from lightest to darkest, Primrose Garden, Bridesmaid, and Dragon Fruit. They are Behr is eggshell finish.

The white is Marshmallow.

He tried the original handles but didn't like them, too old fashioned. These were $3.49 each and look much brighter and cheerier!

This little dresser is for sale! As are these two. I have gotten tons of repins of these on Pinterest!

I still have both of these dressers and they are for sale.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Packing and Moving

2012-01-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

Big News!

Husband and I have decided to move! We are tired of the two story tract house we have been in for the past 8 years. It is time to move on. We have even lived in the same town for 21 years (I include the 3 years we lived in the Middle East, as we had our "roots" here.)

We will be moving to a one story house in the next town over, about a ten mile drive East.

So in the meantime, I have started packing. We started with the china cabinet and the close to 100 tea cup sets as we want to paint the china cabinet before we move in March or April.

This is one of my favorites. I will be posting pics of tea cups randomly because I photographed all of them!

Wish me luck!

Blessings,

Jeannine

Kindle Cover in a Book

2011-12-31T18:10:00.000-08:00

This Christmas I made Kindle covers for my sister and mother. They splurged on themselves and it gave me the perfect idea for a gift.

I looked at several tutorials on You tube and then tweaked them for my own.

This is the one for my mom.

I visited our local used bookstore and got this copy of a Sherlock Holmes book for $4.

Then I carefully removed the pages with my craft knife.

I cut a piece of cardboard an 1/8" smaller than the inside of the front and back covers. I get these super straight lines by using my rotary cutter and quilt mats.

I cut a piece of fabric one inch larger all the way around to cover the cardboard.

Here is the one I did for my sister, a Nancy Drew Mystery.

I glued the fabric around the cardboard and then using my Kindle (thank you Husband for the Mother's Day gift) to measure the length of the elastic to hold the Kindle in. I then sewed them in by hand. I used quilting thread.

Here is the empty cover. I glued the covered cardboard inside and weighted it down with the 2009 California Penal Code book; it weighs a ton! (My son has the penal code form police academy.)

Here it is all together with a Kindle.

So there it is. A Kindle cover in a book. And you can pretend you are still reading from a paper and ink book!

Blessings,

Jeannine

I'm linking to Met Monday on Between Naps on the Porch. Make sure you see what others have been up to by going here.

Retro Pyrex Mixing Bowls

2011-12-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you are like me, but there are certain things that bring back memories from childhood. These Pyrex mixing bowls do just that. My mom had only the yellow and green ones left from her original set, but they were in constant use. My sister and I learned to mix cookies and bread in these bowls. They were just always in the kitchen.

This past year Husband and I found several sets of these at estate sales. Well, not sets. We picked up pieces over the past year to put together three complete sets, with an extra yellow bowl left over. All of them are in good to excellent condition. I don't think any of these ever were washed in a dishwasher, unlike Mom's!

However, I do not have a retro kitchen, so these sets are for sale.

They are just so classic and fun to collect. We can't help ourselves.

Hope you enjoyed this little walk down memory lane.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Russian Christmas Ornaments

2011-12-28T18:23:00.000-08:00

I realized I have never shared a special little Christmas tree that I put up each year. It is only a little over one foot tall and I never remove the lights. I just carefully replace the tree in a plastic bin.

What makes the tree so special to me is the ornaments. Husband and I purchased them in October of 1999 when we took our very first mission trip to Russia. We worked in St. Petersburg but did all our shopping in Moscow.

We bought a small box with six handpainted Russian soldiers and three individual ornaments depicting traditional Russian costumes. I adore these. Each ornament is about four inches long.

These ornaments both remind me of our trip to Russia and of a classic Christmas tree. They always have a place of honor.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Christmas Disney Table

2011-12-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas dinner was a quiet affair at home again this year. In fact we moved it from our traditional feast on Christmas day to Christmas Eve. Husband and I are "sharing custody" of our Daughter with her Fiance's family. And son is still serving in Operation Enduring Freedom overseas.

As our whole Christmas this year was Disney themed, so was the table setting. The Mickey hand plates are from Target, this year, as are the red napkins. The napkins were four for $4.99. Great deal!

The square plates are from Kohl's from about four years ago. The glasses are from Home Shopping Network last year, a gift from a friend.

The tealight holders are from Partylite, as are the tealights themselves.

The salt and pepper shakers are from Disneyland.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and enjoy a Blessed New Year.

I am linking to Tablescape Thursday with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Disney Christmas Stockings

2011-12-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

When our son was born back in 1988, we purchased a Christmas stocking for him. It is green and has Santa appliqued on it. I then traced around it and made a pattern to make stockings for Husband and me and then for Daughter when she came along.

We have been using those stockings for the past 20 or so years. This year I wanted to make some new ones to go with the theme for our Christmas decorations. We decided to go with a Disney theme.

So, character stockings.

This is the start of Minnie Mouse.

And Mickey.

Both stockings are lined.

The beginnings of Daisy and Donald Duck.

I sewed the ribbon around the top of Donald. It continues onto the back. Daisy's ruffle also goes all the way around.

Finished. Each stocking only takes about an hour or so to make. All are lined. It just makes them nicer when you actually (meaning Santa) fills them!

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there."

This is our mantle all put together. I made Mickey and Minnie for Husband and me. Daisy and Donald are for Daughter and her Fiance. Our son is serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and I wanted to include him as well. I could not find striped fabric so I cut 7/8 inch strips and sewed them together, then cut out the front. The back is solid black. I used sticky back black felt to make the grin and eyes. It is supposed to be Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

I mailed it to him and it is already hanging in his small room.

You can clearly see the skull lights his sister sent him for Halloween and the tiny little Solstice tree we sent earlier.

Thanks for stopping by and seeing the new stockings.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Jeannine

Christmas Door Decor: Ode to Pinterest

2011-12-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

Like so many people, I am "on" Pinterest. I love it and yes it does waste time that I could better spend on blogging, cleaning house, baking Christmas cookies etc. However, it doesn't talk back to me or insist I repeat myself three or four times or come in tardy like students do and then promptly ask to go to the restroom. But that's neither here nor there. I do enjoy teaching and I'm happy to have the job.

Back to Pinterest.

Earlier in October or November, this lovely picture or an urn Christmas centerpiece was being pinned and re-pinned. I promised myself that I would do this!

And so I did. Sort of. Husband had been given a brass urn at a garage sale when we bought a dresser and chairs. It was scruffy and needed some TLC. I spray painted it silver. The candy canes in the original appear to be several different size tree ornaments. I couldn't find these anywhere on the internet or in stores. I improvised: I bought three packages of plastic candy canes at The Dollar Tree. I then wrapped wire around the bottom of each cane so they could be stuck down in the floral foam.

I bought cranberry florals at Joann's. The branches are cut off an after Christmas clearance tree that my son had in his apartment two years ago. It only cost five dollars so I figured it wouldn't be missed.

Husband and I bought the silver glittery sticks (ting-ting?) at Target. They got glitter everywhere and in the long run didn't work out. Ugh!

Here is the whole thing put together. It obviously is not an exact replica of the original, but it works with our other decor. I still really like the crisp white of the original.

The wreaths are left from last year. I just added in the candy canes.

Have a blessed Christmas season.

Jeannine

Stocking Sale at Etsy

2011-12-05T08:02:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday! I am having a sale in my etsy shop!

30% off everything!

The code is

stocking11

I have some stockings and some aprons for men and women that would make great gifts.

So check out my shop here and see what apron your man could use for the spring barbecue season!

I hope everyone is thinking about buying American made prducts this year.

Blessings,

Jeannine

December Prima Picks Giveaway

2011-12-02T17:55:00.001-08:00

It's a new month and Prima is giving away a new palette of colors. These are just beautiful, bold and romantic for Christmas. Go here to see them used in various projects and to enter yourself to win.

Such lovely colors.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Red/Green Christmas Tablescape with Mikasa

2011-11-30T16:25:00.001-08:00

I love the bright traditional colors of Christmas! This year we did go with traditional red and silver. However, Husband found this set of Mikasa dishes at an estate sale and wanted to do a table in red and green. I think it came out great. The pattern is Renaissance and it is a set complete set for 7 plus a 15 inch platter. We bought it for $60. Lovely design.

The chargers are from Target, this year on the dollar rack.

The rest of the items have been on here before.

Community stainless by Oneida from 27 years ago.

Goblets from HSN last year (gift)

Ornaments from Walmart 3 years ago.

Red napkins 4/$5.00 at Target this year.

Thanks for stopping by for a quick look.

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Please go here to see all the other great tables. Get some inspiration!

Happy shopping and decorating for your holiday season.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T09:35:00.001-08:00

My Son's California Army National Guard Unit on Thanksgiving 2011 in Afghanistan.

I am thankful for all of them serving.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Falling Leaves Tablescape

2011-11-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hello once again. It's time for Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.

This week I wanted to feature the little gold leaf plates. They are from Mervyn's from 2006. Of course they have been gone for about four years now. I miss that store!

The table runner is a scarf Husband recently purchased in Jordan. Lovely colors for a table but not for around my neck.

The chargers are from last fall at Target. Dollar bins, gotta love them!

The rest of the plates, flatware, and glassware have been featured before. I like to keep mixing them up and reusing.

I hope you enjoyed this fall table. We actually sat down and ate at this table right after I took the pictures.

Make sure you look at the other great tables at Between Naps on the Porch. Thank you Susan for hosting!

Prima Fall Color Palette

2011-11-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

Look at the gorgeous colors in this months palette at Prima!

The teals add a special coolness to the warmth of the rust and maroon. I can see how this would make a great scrapbook page or centerpiece for a Thanksgiving table.

Be sure to follow the link above to see what else is going on at Prima.

Blessings,

Jeannine

New Aprons For Fall

2011-11-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

I spent a couple days last week sewing up these aprons. They are a modified combination of store bought patterns. I liked the flounce from one pattern, but it was too long. I cut it down. I used the pocket from a different pattern. The pocket is fully lined with the fabric peaking out.

This first apron has a little plastic leaf button.

This pattern is completely my own design. I love the scooped sides and the ruffle.

This Fall apron has a cheery orange flounce and wooden leaf buttons.

This darker apron would be perfect for serving Thanksgiving dinner. The buttons here are wood as well but round.

Make sure you check my etsy shop. They are going up for sale right now.

Blessing,

Jeannine

I love Costumes!

2011-10-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to you all! Hope your day is filled with happy spirits and cute trick-or-treaters.

We are not dressing up this year as Daughter is away at college still and Son is wearing Army green 24/7 and is far far away.

In 2009 we finally got the chance to go to Mickeys Trick or Treat at Disney's California Adventure. It was so much fun. We came out with bags and bags of candy, enough to last a year!

Even though we are not dressing up, I must tell you, my favorite thing in the world to make is costumes. Today I only have a few to show as the rest are stuck in a very old tired slow desktop computer.

This is Son in the pirate costume I made for him. His date used her own pirate girl costume. I made the vest for him, wrapped his head in a scarf, made a belt and shoulder scarf. I cut ant pinned up a pair of his old trousers and he wore a shirt and shoes that he already had.

Years ago I made four of these Roman guard costumes for our Living Nativity at church. (The helmet is purchased.) I decided to be a Roman Goddess (totally out of character for me-LOL) and used several sheets to make this.

Daughter and her now fiance went as teenage Pebbles and Bam-Bam. We worked on these costumes together. He is actually in shorts and high tops. She used a dog play bone to put in her hair.

We didn't realize it at the time, but we look like a walk through history. Prehistory, ca. 70 AD, and about 1717! Cute!

Have a safe Halloween!

Blessings,

Jeannine

PS If anyone wants help making a costume let me know. Dream job: Costume department at Disneyland!

French Inspired Apron Winner!

2011-10-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the French inspired Apron giveaway is....

Fabby Living who said:

Definetelly a follower! Love the giveaway, thank you for the chance. Your tablescape is so elegant and beautiful, I love the placemats and all the white, thanks for sharing and hope you visit too.
Have a terrific weekend. FABBY

Congratulations! Fabby leave me a comment so I can get your info to send

you your new apron.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Chinese Red Dresser (Buffet)

2011-10-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

So today I am sharing an exploration in salvaging a MESS! This was a freebie that Husband got when he purchased another dresser and bedside table that we wanted. This one was in bad shape! The missing drawer was actually made upside down by the manufacturer. It was beyond saving. We couldn't even give this away at a garage sale.

With nothing to lose we decided to try out a really Chinese inspired paint job.

The top was in bad shape.

We started by removing the drawers and picking the best four. Husband then measured and cut two pieces of plywood to make platforms to later place baskets on.

The first two coats of paint were red. Unfortunately it came out looking hot pink! Since we planned to add more color to that we persevered instead of worrying too much

It took two solid coats to cover the faux wood grain.

After the red we brushed on a coat of black using a dry brush. I kept going over and over it until I achieved the amount of black that seemed appropriate.

Then I took a Krylon gold leafing pen and drew around between the grooves in each drawer and the door. It was really easy. Better than I expected. We replaced the original handles back on it with nothing more than a quick cleaning. I didn't want to lose the "patina" of the handles and make them too shiny.

Finally we found a pair of black baskets at Target to place on the shelves.

There we have a lovely Chinese red styled dresser or buffet.

It was work but a rewarding result. This little beauty is for sale. Let me know in the comments if you are interested.

I hope you enjoyed this little journey of the Chinese styled dresser. It almost went in the dumpster but for $20 of paint we figured "Why not?"

Blessings,

Jeannine

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday. Check out the other fabulous transformations there.

I have also linked with Piece of Work Wednesday at Primitive & Proper. See what else is going on by going here.

Don't forget my giveaway of a French Inspired apron.

French inspired Table and French Apron Giveaway

2011-10-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have finally had some time to myself (too much time with Husband overseas) to put together a tablescape.

I wanted to go all black and white with a sort of French theme to it. It looks a little country French to me but I had fun.

The placemats and napkins are from Target about two years ago. They match the chair seat cushions and the curtains in my kitchen dining area.

The wine glasses are basic crystal from Cost Plus World Market.

The parfait glasses were a find at an estate sale. There are six of them. Now to make some triple layered chocolate something to serve in them! The tray is from a different estate sale. All the other items are the basics we use everyday.

Just for fun I decided to have a giveaway! This is one of my French feedsack inspired aprons, similar to the ones shown in Apron*ology vol. 3.

It is 100% cotton and completely washable.

To enter all you need to do is become a follower and tell me you did.

For a second entry, share on Facebook, then come back and tell me about it.

I will ship worldwide this time. If you are not in the US tell me about where you live-just because I am curious!

I will draw a random comment on Wednesday, October 26 at 5 pm Pacific time.

Good luck!

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. You must check out the other tables!

Thanks for visiting.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Stonegable Has a Giveaway!

2011-10-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

I had to share this gorgeous tablescape that Yvonne at Stonegable did. She is fantastic with filling a beautiful table. She is also having a Mikasa giveaway!

Check her out here.

I hope you enjoy her tables as much as I do.

Congratulations on Two years!

Blessings,

Jeannine

Wedding Dress Alterations

2011-10-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Daughter drove up from college to go to her wedding dress fitting. This time it was just her and me. We were ten minutes early and the shop hadn't opened yet so we went over to Kohl's to look for shoes. We found these awesome blue suede platforms. They have a 5 inch heel and a 1 inch platform under the ball of the foot. We are going to look around for something one inch shorter. But they saved us from having to have the dress hemmed.

Her fiance is 6' 4" while she is 5' 5", so it works out. Both bridesmaids are about 5' 7". You can see some of the details of the dress in the mirror. It is fit and flare, has beading, lace overlay, lace edging, and small three dimensional flowers.

Here the fitter is pinning up the train into a bustle so Daughter will be able to dance at her reception.

As we work out more details I will share what I can (without giving it all away! After all, a bride needs some mystery.)

Hope you enjoyed this little sneak peek at the wedding!

Blessings,

Jeannine

Adult Trick-or-Treating: AKA Garage Sale!

2011-10-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago, Husband and I went to a city wide garage sale in Escalon, California. It's a small town a few miles east of where we live. It was so much fun. I have a Jeep Liberty so we are limited in the size of the pieces we can buy. We drove around a while looking for furniture. We turned down one street and parked. There were garage sales at half the houses on one city block. And these are those little houses built right after the end of World War II. Small

People were walking up and down the streets, buying treasures, laughing and having a good time. It looked like adult trick-or-treating! Except you got to pick your goodies and had to pay for them. But people were out everywhere!

This first piece is a dresser. It had a mirror but we didn't want it. The dresser is only 24 1/2 inches tall!

We are thinking to just strip and refinish or paint it in gradient pinks or lavenders for a very girly look. Any ideas? The dresser was $15! I practically sat on it while Husband went to pay!

These chairs were a find. I've been looking for "new" chairs for my dining table since we brought it home from the ME. Our chairs are breaking and falling apart. They were made of very cheap wood.

Two chairs are stained and two are painted a glossy brown. Eewwww!

I will strip them and refinish. I am not sure I want to paint them. But I do love paint!

What do you think of my finds?

Blessings,

Jeannine

Discovering Myself

2011-10-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

I started this blog on February 1 of 2008. I hadn't realized it had been that long. I began my blog to share some of the scrapbook pages I had made. However, over the years my interests have changed. Currently I am more interested in buying garage sale furniture and painting it either for my own home or to sell. I have painted five different dressers a shade of white for my bedrooms plus several that have sold. I've done a black dining table for my kitchen and a white set to sell (hasn't sold yet.) I posted about it here.

As I look back over my blog I find that it is a lot like me and my daughter. I am 47 and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I'm also trying to figure out a direction for my blog.

These are some things I know:

I love to read and write; my college degree is in Creative Writing. I have actually written one novel and started on another. Not published.

I love to paint furniture.

I love to teach, but don't love the High School Students. I don't like the discipline that takes up much of my teaching time. (I am a substitute teacher.)

I love paper, and scrapbooking.

I enjoy sewing and creating new items. I have taught quilting in the past.

I love my blog but often feel blocked about where to start. Odd for a writer.

I love Wedding Planning from helping my daughter with hers and from teaching event planning.

I know that I don't want to spend the rest of my working years working a job I don't like. This month and through the rest of 2011, I plan on figuring out what I do want to do. And start doing it. My first plan is to put more of me into my blog.

And while I am struggling with this thought, my daughter is working through the same issue. She is a college senior, 21 years old and getting married next September. She is a kinesiology major, yet she does not know what she wants to do for her career. My advice is to find something you love to do so you will enjoy your job. Easy to say! We seem to have the same struggle.

So I hope you will bear with me as I struggle with "finding" myself and focusing my blog. Thank you for coming along on this journey.

Jeannine

Poe Table

2011-09-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

I love English. I don't get to teach it right now however, I'm back to teaching Life Management which is a Home Ec type class. It leaves me with very little energy at the end of the day. So in honor of American Literature and Halloween coming I give you my Poe table.

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door -

Only this, and nothing more."

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore -
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore -
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door -
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; -
This it is, and nothing more."

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"- here I opened wide the door; -
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore?"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!" -
Merely this, and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
"Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice:
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore -
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; -
'Tis the wind and nothing more."

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door -
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door -
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the Nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning- little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door -
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore."

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered -
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore."

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore -
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore
Of 'Never - nevermore'."

But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door;
Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore -
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamplight gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee - by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite - respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore:
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -
On this home by horror haunted- tell me truly, I implore -
Is there - is there balm in Gilead? - tell me - tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore -
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore -
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend," I shrieked, upstarting -
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

Thank you for stopping by to eat and read.

I'm linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Stop in and see how others are setting the table this week.

Jeannine

Painted Bench

2011-09-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

I started back to work as a long term substitute. I'm teaching high school home economics again. Therefore, I'm a little more tired in the afternoons and decided to only do a simple furniture makeover this week.

We bought this piano stool last summer for about $15. I used leftover paint from my daughter's room. It is Behr's Embellished Blue.

I wanted the top to be a little more of a cushion to sit on. This piece of high density foam is left from one of the twin mattresses we bought in the ME for our kids. I wrapped it in a layer of batting to soften the edges. The original fabric was firmly attached with nails so I decided to just attach my foam and fabric over the top. The original fabric was dusty but did not smell.

Here is the finished bench.

I hid the staples and cut edges of the canvas with twill tape hot glued down.

If I was ambitious I would paper the inside with French script paper or something. Maybe later!

Thanks for taking a look.

Jeannine

I will be linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday. Please stop by and see what other people are up to with transformations. I've also linked to Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage.

Giveaway Winner

2011-09-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the African Necklace is AB HOME Interiors! Please comment so I can get your address to send the necklace to you. (Cat not included, unless you want a super cranky, fat cat!)

Congratulations!

Jeannine

Apple Tablescape for Fall

2011-09-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm like just about everyone else in decorating blogland. Kids went back to school the second week of August and my mind starts wandering to fall things and Halloween. Problem is, around here, we will have summer weather until well into November, if our wet

May is any indication of the current weather trends.

So it is very difficult to sell out right away to fall colors. I thought I would ease into the fall by having an apple based table scape.

We live about an hours drive from "Apple Hill" a foothill area of Northern California where apples and blackberries and raspberries are grown by a large group of local farmers. They publish a map and invite the public to come sample their products throughout September and October. Lovely way to spend a day and come home with apple cider and apple pie and some pick your own apples.

All of my supplies have been seen here before, so just enjoy.

I wanted red apples but being from Washington state, I cannot find decent tasting red apples. So I opted for Granny Smiths which are tart and crisp.

Thank you for stopping by.

I'm linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to see what Susan, our hostess, has posted plus all the other great tables. Sure to be lots of fall inspiration.

Jeannine

African Giveaway

2011-09-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

For no other reason than it is September, I am having a giveaway! One lucky Dazeofgrace reader will win this cute necklace.

Because I have been talking about British Colonial style recently I thought I would give away this necklace from Kenya. It is a series of little carved African animals. It is one Husband brought back from Africa.

Spartacus thought it might be fun to wear as well.

To enter just leave a kind comment on this post. I will draw a name out of a hat on September 7th at 7pm Pacific. That should give plenty of time to enter. Please, only US mailing addresses please.

Jeannine

First Christmas Stocking of the Season

2011-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Time to start gearing up on projects for Christmas. I have an esty shop and decided this year I would make stockings to sell. I have been buying old linens at garage sales and added with my stash of quilting fabric, I came up with this one first.

This was a hand embroidered pillowcase. Lovely crocheted edging. Cute little bluebirds. I wanted to be sure to use as much of the handiwork as possible.

I even used a little leftover bit of the crocheted edging for the hanger loop.

A little flower for the stocking toe (it's a completely reversible stocking.)Same design on both sides of the toe.

I'm linking with Jami at Freckled Laundry for Air your Laundry Friday. See what other people are doing with their textiles here.

Thanks for looking,

Jeannine

Our British Colonial Style Living Room

2011-08-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Last week I posted here about British Colonial Style in the home. Today, I'm sharing my living room. It is decorated in a modified British Colonial style.
We lived for three years in the ME. Both Jordan and Syria are former British colonies and Lebanon is a former French colony. British influences are all over Jordan including roundabouts and the types of stores available for shopping.

This is an overview of the entire room. You'll notice that we have a Persian style rug over the Berber carpet with which the entire rental house is carpeted. The carpet was made in Turkey and purchased by us in Jordan.

The curtains are silk from Damascus, Syria. We had them made for some massive windows we had in our flat in Beirut. Now they swag on the floor of our American tract house. The shelf unit was made in Germany for a friend of ours, but she couldn't ship it to her next home country so she sold it and a twin to us in Jordan. The sofas are two years old, from JC Penney.

The piano was purchased by my maternal Great Grandmother in 1902. It has Ivory and Ebony keys. That's pretty colonial! The paintings are of Jerash in Jordan and were purchased there.

A clock from Jordan (unfortunately it doesn't keep accurate time anymore.)

The lanterns were recently brought back from Jordan by Husband. The vase is also from Jordan.

A gallery style arrangement of paintings, also of Jerash.

Spartacus, our 22 pound cat.

The top painting is of the Treasury in Petra, Jordan. The various plates are from countries throughout the ME. Collectible books make great displays with the treasures.

A box from Jordan.

A globe.

Pillows with native animal pictures.

Tassels are very popular in Arab decorating.

The elephant bookends are from Tanzania. (The tusks are plastic, no animals were harmed.)

I hope you enjoyed this tour. Friends have come in and said our house looks like a museum, but I hope it still makes them feel comfortable and welcome.

Jeannine

End of Summer Beach Table

2011-08-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

End of summer and I'm still dreaming about another day at the beach. Here is my beachy tablescape.

The tablecloth is the quilt off my daughter's bed. (Kohl's) The napkins, little shell plates, conch shell and white shell bowl are from estate sales. The vase is from Ross, the other two shell bowls are from Kohl's as well. The pillows are from TJ Maxx. And the lovely books are from Perfectly Imperfect blog (I won them from Shaunna's giveaway a year or so ago.) The plates and flatware are my everyday stuff.

Jeannine
I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Look in on all the other great tables for some inspiration.

Pencil Skirt Part Deux

2011-08-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I posted about wanting to make a pencil skirt here.

I failed to mention how Captain America and the pencil skirt came together in my mind. (It works in Mysterious ways, obviously!)

Two women in the movie actually were wearing pencil skirts and it reminded me that I had been wanting to make a pencil skirt to update my wardrobe.

Here is the pattern I made.

And then I chickened out and bought a pattern! You will happy to know however, that I stuck with the original plan and used the pattern I made.

Here are the pieces cut out and ready to mark and sew. I added a 1/2 inch seam allowance. After I sewed up the skirt it was too large, exactly the size of the seam allowances I had added. Weird. So I went in and took out the extra.

Here is the back view. I need to work on my waistband. For one this wide (2") I should have shaped it. I had to take little darts on each side (but don't tell anyone, they'll never know.)

Side-ish view

Front. I bought the cute white shirt at JC Penney. It is by Worthington and has French cuffs.

Believe it or not, those black pumps are from the early 80's. And yes they are my original shoes. Love them. I had new pieces put on the heels about 10 years ago.

Jeannine

Super Fun Painted Dresser

2011-08-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Cassie at Primitive & Proper painted a fabulous dresser back in July. It was fabulous with its four colored drawers. Check the link here for the full story.

About a week after that Husband and I were out at Estate sales and ran across the big sister of Cassie's dresser. It has five drawers. I immediately thought of her paint treatment. We paid $20 for the dresser. That baby is heavy, but we managed to get it in the Jeep.

Husband did the paint job using shades of green. (We got so excited to start we forgot before pics. It was actually in great shape, just not modern.)

What do you think? Thanks Cassie for inspiration.

It's listed on Craigslist if anyone in the Central Valley is interested.

Jeannine

British Colonial Dream Living Room

2011-08-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Back in 1998 or so I realized that my favorite decorating style is British Colonial. Romantic Homes Magazine did an entire issue on the subject (either that year or 97, I can't remember which, and the issue is packed away) and I have saved and re-read it often.

In 2002, we moved to the Middle East and lived in a country that was a former British colony. There are English/European influences all over the country. We purchased all new furniture there and when I step back and look at our house even now, I realize it is the British Colonial style. Modified of course.

Today I searched the web and decided to put together my dream virtual British Colonial room.

It combines the furniture style of British homes with the native hardwoods found in the colonies. Light airy rooms took advantage of the slightest breeze and local fabrics were often incorporated.

To find a detailed list of how to decorate in this style check out this page at HGTV.

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/british-colonial-style-tips/index.html

First, here are two examples of a British Colonial living rooms.

(from dbl interiors)

(from the inspired room)

Both rooms have natural fibers in the carpet, pillows and window coverings. They also have lots of windows and light colored walls

Love this Zebra chair: European styling with dark woods and a nod to native animals.

(from OldEmpireImports at etsy)

A coffee table from a trunk is both decorative and functional.

The curved style here is perfect for an end table.

Here is my choice of sofa. The neutral color allows you to add all sorts of different colors in pillows or throws. It would also show fewer stains!

A lovely woven carpet. It would be great layered over a grasscloth carpet.

A combination of pillows in different fabrics and prints. Something from the colony (zebra) and something from back home (French tapestry scene.)

I adore this campaign desk. So useful and cute. Perfectly accessorized with the spyglass and pith helmet.

A clock for the mantel.

(from trouvais.com )

Wall art would have to be old maps or botanical prints.

These Apothecary jars would be great on an end table. The contents can be changed according to season or whatever has been collected on rigorous walking outings.

Silver was always brought from the home country. Candelabras for the mantel and silver trays and tea sets for the coffee table.

An old globe to track where all of your new friends hail from.

So there is my dream British Colonial room. In a few days I will post pictures of my tract home that is loaded with a combination of furniture from overseas and here at home. We have so many souvenirs that people have said our house looks like a museum. Not sure that's a good thing. But it is as dusty as one!

Thanks for dreaming with me.

Jeannine

Door Art

2011-08-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

My Daughter and her Fiance went to find him an apartment for his senior year of college. She was showing me the pictures of the different places they looked at and I noticed she had unknowingly taken some "art" pictures. Thought I would share them.

Love the hot pink color in the photo but it was actually red.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jeannine

Pirate Flag Dresser

2011-07-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

I'm linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday. Check out the other Metamorphosis people have posted. And thank you Susan for hosting.

And I linked to Piece of Work Wednesday at Primitive and Proper. Thanks Cassie for hosting.

Any one who truly knows me, knows that I love pirates. Not just the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and Disneyland or the movies, but actual pirates. I have read and own several books on the subject. One is an actual account of life on board ships and the way they treated victims, etc.

So after a while I decided I needed to paint a dresser with a pirate flag, since the Union Jack that has become popular. I wanted to copy without copying. Therefore I did Captain Jack Rackhams flag.

I didn't want it to be strictly black so I bought Glidden in a blue grey slate.

I had to enlarge the flag on the computer then I traced on the back with chalk. Then I centered the flag on the dresser and rubbed over it lightly.

Next step was to paint carefully with the heirloom lace paint. (I forgot the nose and my Daughter noticed and filled it in. After laughing hysterically.)

Then I sanded heavily to give it that wind-worn effect.

I liked these knobs with a little rope detail.

I found an old National Geograpic Magazine map of the Caribbean and burned the edges (and the spot that had the name of the magazine.) Then I decoupaged it to the top with Mod Podge.

I was going to sell it but my son liked it so much that I'm saving it for him. I'll redo his dresser and sell it instead.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jeannine

Captain America and the Pencil Skirt

2011-07-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Husband, Son and GF, and I went to the matinee of Captain America. First off I was thinking it was a beautiful reasonably cool morning and we were going to see a movie instead of hanging out outside. But if you think about it seeing a comic book character come to life in the movies should only be seen as a matinee!

Personally I loved the movie. It had a good old fashioned, polite heroic man, with no swearing.

When we came out at the end of the movie, I told my son, who loved it too, that he still needs to be careful. Captain America does not lead his Nat'l Guard unit!

I have been thinking about making myself a classic pencil skirt in black for a while now. This is just the impetus I needed. Love the look. So I looked at the basic pattern companies out there, but they don't seem to have pencil skirt patterns with waistbands. And I like having a waistband.

Here's a classic pattern from the 50's.

And a more recent interpretation of the pencil skirt.

Since I can't find a pattern I like I found a tutorial on making your own pattern. Should be easy. Back in college, waaayyy back, I started out as a theatre major and learned how to draft patterns in Costume construction. (Actually, my favorite thing to do is make costumes even today.) I switched to Creative Writing and Business when I realized I really didn't have any skills as an actress.

So I will go make a pattern and get back to you later on the finished skirt.

Have a lovely day.

Jeannine

Outdoor Table Scape

2011-07-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

I love joining in at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. This week Susan has a lovely beach table on the porch. Check out all the other links as well.

While I had the table I posted about here in the front yard, I decided to do a tablescape with the newest set of china Husband and I bought at an estate sale two weeks ago. They were extremely dusty and just piled in a box. However, after a hand wash, they were ready to go. I love the delicate blues and pinks. The name on the back is "Cannes." There is a complete set for six but several extra plates and bowls.

Please ignore the bits of my neighbor's car. Its hard to take long shots without getting one or two cars in the photos. Oh, and the garbage cans. Ick, Sorry.

The blue napkins are a recent purchase from an estate sale as well.

The glasses are my everyday glasses from Target, about seven years old, along with the napkin rings.

The flatware is my Community stainless from Oneida, wedding gift that we use every day.

Thank you for stopping by.

Jeannine

Table Refinished-Finally!

2011-07-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

I've linked to All Things Furniture over at Perfectly Imperfect. Be sure to check out the great furniture redos over there.

I love joining in with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday. There are some amazing things linked there-check them out.

I love My Romantic Home by Cindy. In fact her table is kinda my inspiration for this table! She is having a Painted Furniture Party today!

And one more party: Cassie at Primitive and Proper hosts Piece of Work Wednesday. Look at what she did with mint green paint!

So here's the deal:

We bought this dining set for $50 about two years ago and it has been hanging around in our garage all this time waiting to be refinished. Part of the table top had been sanded so there was no way to restain the top; some of the fabulous grain design had been sanded away.

Our daughter was working on moving into a one bedroom unfurnished apartment. I got motivated to get to work. I did strip the top but realized I couldn't save the look.

First, I used deglosser to clean and prepare the rest of the surfaces on the table. Then, I got out my bucket of Elegant Lace by Glidden and my brush, ugh, and got to work.

I loved the shell detail on the legs. I had planned to use some gold Rub n' Buff to highlight the shells.

Then Daughter found a cheaper furnished apartment with roommates. She no longer needs the table. (I will be listing it on Craigslist later today.) Since I would have to order the gold online and I didn't want to wait for it to arrive, I decided to just distress and wax.

This is a shot before the distressing, below.

Husband helped me move all the pieces out under the tree in the front yard. Backyard would have been better, but I'm not hauling that thing around to the back!

It had five chairs, one with the side arms.

Shell detail.

On each on the long ends there is a little red lined drawer. I replaced the handles with Husbands major help.

I recovered all the chairs with a creme colored home dec canvas.

Hope you enjoyed the refurbish. I'm glad it is done!

And I know what I want for Christmas: a paint sprayer!

I hate painting chairs with a brush!

Jeannine

Minnie Mouse style Apron

2011-07-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

My Son asked if I would make a Minnie Mouse inspired apron for his best friend's wife. I'm always up for a challenge. I ordered the fabric online and then modified pieces of several patterns to create my own pattern for this polka dot apron.

I bought trim at Joann.

It took about one full day to create the pattern and sew the apron.

It seemed to plain with just red and white. I went back to Joann and purchased yellow felt. We had just bought a set of Mickey Mouse cookie cutters so I traced the hand, cut two pieces and sewed them together by hand using the blanket stitch. Then I sewed a pin back onto it. Makes a cute removable "brooch."

Of course, the black T-shirt sets off all the red, makes it really pop!

Thanks for checking out my new creation. Maybe I will make another or use a different print for this 50's inspired pattern. Thanks Walt!

Jeannine

Dresser Redo #2

2011-06-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

I thought I would joint Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch. Check out the other makeovers here.

Sometime last spring I was perusing Craigslist and found this dresser for sale for $50. Son and I got in the Jeep and drove down to look at it and bought it. It is made of wood but unfortunately the side panels are nothing but 1/4 inch panels.

It has a cool style, however, so I decided to refinish it. I didn't like the little lion head pulls though so I did change those out.

The top needed a little sanding.

Here it is finished. I put basic little knobs on it and then lined the drawers with black and white Contact paper. They smelled a little funky: part old folks and part barn.

I used the Heirloom Lace by Glidden. I've used it on three pieces that are all in my room now.

Now it is in our bedroom for all of Husband's clothing.

These little stars on top are hanging candle holders. They are from Jordan. One of these days I want to have them wired to be hanging lamps with light bulbs. Maybe I should made that a project?

Since one drawer had a corner missing and there were various dings and nicks it was necessary to distress this little beauty.

Soon I will share the entire room redo. But for now I need to get back to the paint studio (garage) and finish a pair of dining sets.

Thanks for stopping in.

Jeannine

Zen Butterflies

2011-06-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

I love Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch. I always find such inspiring tables. And new ways to remix the dishes I have. Please jump over here to see what others are posting.

I wanted to use the butterfly butter and jam dishes in a different way. This week I used them as chopstick rests. Truth be told, that's what I thought they were when we bought them as the estate sale was a house full of Japanese items (Kimono on the wall!)

I wanted it to be a very simple zen style table. No extra frou-frou this time.

Hope you enjoyed this simple table.

You may notice I have the Facebook button at the top of my page. If you don't have time to comment you are welcome to hit the "Like" button.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jeannine

Fabulous Giveaway at Stonegable

2011-06-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Yvonne at Stonegable is having a fabulous Mikasa Giveaway on her blog. Check out the way she put Mikasa's Indigo Bloom together with her other blue and white dishes.

What really pulled it all together for me was the Hot pink napkins and the Roses.

Please check out Yvonne's wonderful blog.
Have a cool day.
Jeannine

Butterfly Table

2011-06-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Tablescape! I'm linking with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to jump over there to see the inspiring Father's day and Fourth of July tables.

Last fall Husband and I found these butterfly butter and jam plates at an estate sale. There were seven of them and I really didn't want them. Husband insisted since they were so inexpensive. Then we saw them in the March 2011 issue of Romantic Homes Magazine!

Last month we found one more butterfly at an estate sale to even the count at eight. Love them!

The glassware is from another estate sale. We bought about 2o different pieces for $15. Always a great deal.

The flatware, also from an estate sale, is silver plated Community by Oneida.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy your summer.

Jeannine

Happy Prima Picks

2011-06-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

I love all the products from Prima Marketing. Once a month they give a chance for a lucky reader to win a goodie pack. This is the selection for the month of June.

Fresh, summery brights make their way to our Prima Pick this month! These color choices and products are sure to make you HAPPY!

Included are:

921507-Stitched Words

548124-Floret Roses

548278-Trinket Collection

547202-Parfait Collection

544317-Turquoise Alphas

537593-Melange Yellow Flowers

920951-Cabachon Flowers

545215-Journaling Notecards

548698-Deshire Lime/Turquoise Flowers

538644-Yellow Fairytale Roses

547509-Calcutta Leaves

546939-Fitzgerald Beaded Flowers

546465- Petticoat Flowers

548933-Orange Regent Fabric Flowers

920203-Donna Downey Turquoise Album

546892-Treasure Rae Large Roses

546984-Delightful Day small fabric flowers

...............................................................................................................

Want to win some of these high-quality Prima products? Now you have TWO chances to win!

ONE: Repost this Prima PPP blog post on your blog, facebook, or any other forum (please follow all forum's TOU.) Come back here and LINK us to your repost in the comment section!

AND/OR

TWO: Complete a Prima-based project using these products, or the Palette shown above, and submit them to us: sharon@primamarketinginc.com by JUNE 30th! Please put "June PPP" in the subject line.

Make sure to check out their new design girls, too, while you are visiting.

Jeannine

Morro Bay Beachcombing

2011-06-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

I'm linking with Laura at Decor to Adore for Wayfaring Wednesday. Enjoy all the virtual trips.

Husband, Daughter and her fiance and I had a great morning beachcombing at Morro Strand, a beach just north of Morro Bay on the California coast.

The weather was perfect for walking. Lots of wind as is normal on the central coast. It was sunny and we had tons of fun.

Sandollar

Morro Rock

Sea Urchins

Hopefully this will be the beginning of a summer with many daytrips.

Enjoy your summer!

Cottage Giveaway Prize!

2011-06-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

I was very excited to receive my goodies from Kim at ArtJoyStuff. This was from the Fifth annual Cottage Charm Giveaway hosted by The Twice Remembered Cottage. I had to share.

The wrapping on the package was a pattern and seam binding. So cute!

And a cute little brooch.

Inside was lovely journal Kim made, an artist trading card, and a package of collage findings.

Inside.

Thank you so much, Kim. Love all the great things and the care you put into making them.

I will enjoy them!

Jeannine

"Chintz" Tablescape

2011-05-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.
Make sure to check out all the other great tables.

Husband and I went to an estate sale last Saturday. And the Saturday before. It seems to be our hobby these days since we can't sleep in, to go to estate sales. Two weeks ago he bought this lovely set of china. It is "Chintz" by Sango. It has such a lovely delicate pink rose all over. The lady was selling her mother's estate and she said it had originally been a set for twelve. There are complete settings left only for ten. But no chips or cracks. So lovely.

The silverware is the same rose pattern from previous tablescapes.

The small square tablecloth on the gigantic table is from Syria. We didn't have a solid pink cloth and couldn't find one at the stores. I guess we'll have to keep an eye open at estate sales!

I love carnations--mostly for their scent.

Thank you for stopping by. Husband had a great time putting this tablescape together. It was all his plan and execution. Of course I helped by pulling out the flatware, glasses, and napkins.

Jeannine

Giveaway Winner!

2011-05-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

The winner of my giveaway is-----

Pam!

Pam said...

Awwwww! My mom used to make aprons when I was little. I still have one that's tattered and torn, but cherish the memories that go with it. Please enter me in to your giveaway. I'm still trying to figure out this bloggin thing, so I'm using my email address. ha ha

Thank you, Pam

pamelaannseitz@yahoo.com

Congratulations!

And thank you to all who entered. Such lovely comments.

I had fun.

Thank you to our Hostess Kim at The Twice Remembered Cottage.

Jeannine

Estate Sale Finds

2011-05-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Happy May! We are winding down the school year here in our school district. One more week. We have finals and graduation, then Summer! I can hardly wait. I am going to spend my time writing, painting furniture, and if I can swing it, sewing slipcovers for my sofa and love-seat.

Of course we will be spending some time planning Daughter's wedding.

Meanwhile, Husband and I spent some time at estate sales this Saturday. At the first sale I found this great pair of ;inking shears. I have always wanted a pair but they are quite pricey. This pair, by Wiss, was only five dollars. I couldn't pass that up!

The little butterfly dish is a "butter and jam" plate according to the March issue of Romantic Homes Magazine. We had just purchased our set of seven last fall. Today we found number eight! It is not exactly the same, but so close no one will know. They will be featured soon in a table scape.

As will this set of china Husband purchased today. It was originally a set for twelve, but now only has ten complete place settings. But it came with serving dishes. Stay tuned for a table scape!

Thank you for stopping by to see what I've been up to.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway in association with The Cottage Charm Giveaway.

Cottage Charm Giveaway 2011

2011-05-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

I'm joining Kim aka Twila at Twice Remembered Cottage for her Fifth Annual Cottage Charm Giveaway. This is a blogwide giveaway of all things cottagey. I joined last year and had a lot of fun. Make sure you hit the link buttom below to jump over to her blog to see all the other lovely offerings.

Last year I gave away a sweet apron I had made. This year I am giving one lucky winner these two charming vintage aprons. I found them at a garage sale last summer and have been saving them since. They are charmingly embroidered but the stitching is so even and perfect I think they are most liely machine made. It doesn't detract from their charm.

One has several pin size holes, but this is to be expected with vintage, well loved and used aprons.

To enter please leave a charming message in the comments. This giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents. I will draw a random name on May 29 and post the winners name then. Feel free to become a follower, however it is not necessary, just make sure I can email you when you win!

Please check out my etsy shop to see the aprons I ahve made that are for sale.

www.dazeofgrace.etsy.com

Good luck, cottage lovers!

Jeannine

BBQ Aprons

2011-04-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I added new aprons to my etsy shop. But with the promise of warm weather and backyard barbeques, I thought it was time to list some aprons for men. There are three now in the shop, extra roomy.

Trucks.

Flames

Cards

Thank yo to Husband for being my model. There are no little people around my home so I clothespinned the little aprons to the orange tree branches. I'll show you that orange tree when it blooms.

I also added a pair of cute little aprons for girls. They would fit up to about a 7 year old. Both have a ruffle at the bottom.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a pleasant Sunday evening.

Jeannine

dazeofgrace

Renewed Little Dresser

2011-03-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

This little dresser was in Husband's Grandmother's apartment that we helped clean out last December. She went home to be with the Lord on New Year's Day. This weekend while Husband was out of the state, I took the opportunity to refinish the dresser. This is the finished look.

I'm linking with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday.

I thought I'd join Cassie at Primitive and Proper for Piece of Work Wednesday. Check out some of the great furniture makeovers
.

Here is the before picture. It was very dirty and someone had painted right over the handles and everything at one time.

I took the handles off and scrubbed them with a cleaning brush and most of the paint came right off. The dresser itself got a scrub with spray cleaner and a damp cloth.

Here are the revamped handles back on the dresser.

I spray painted them so the color would be even all over. I would have liked a darker color, but this works.

And for once, I went a little crazy! I painted the inside of the drawers a buttery yellow. This is the main paint that was on my daughters walls for many years. It's very bold.

I like the way it turned out. I'm thinking of putting it im my bedroom. I ready to replace the black furniture with white.

Thanks for stopping by.

Garden Party Tablescape

2011-03-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Although it seems like it will never be spring here in the Big Valley, I decided to set a Garden Party table, indoors. The teacups are a series sold at Disneyland, made by Two's Company.

I am linking with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

The green leaf plates are last spring's collection from JC Penney's.

The crocheted tablecloth is one I inherited from my grandmother. I'm sure she didn't make it. Probably her mother did, though.

Cherry

Lily of the Valley

Narcissus

Rose

Cherry Blossom

Hibiscus

Cute bunny salt and peppers from Pier 1, again, last spring.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have enjoyed this little taste of a Garden Party.

Cute Little Cakes

2011-03-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

I went to Joann Crafts the other day to buy some new cake pans as I was in a baking mood. I wanted two six inch diameter by three inch deep pans. They didn't have two that weren't dented.

Instead, I bought a little box that had four mini cake pans in it. They each have an impression in the center.

After you bake the cakes, you fill the center and then put them together so the filling is inside.

I used devil's food cake mix. Then I cut the tops off so they'd be level and then removed from the pans. I filled the centers with chocolate mousse.

Then of course I frosted with chocolate frosting.

One cake mix fills the four pans twice, so I froze four and made two cakes.

I wanted to show how cute and small they are so I put them next to the Coke can. I figured everyone knows the size of a Coke can. However, my Facebook friends kidded me for drinking a diet Coke with triple chocolate cake. Silly people.

We actually divided each cake into thirds. Perfect!

Thanks for stopping by,

Jeannine

St. Patrick's Day Tablescape

2011-03-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Please jump over there and see the other lovely tables.

Hello all. Yes, I too have been absent from blogging for a long while. Still teaching English to High School students. Papers to grade. Husband is coaching the baseball team so I get to drive the boys to games.

However, I thought I would join in for a St. Patrick's Themed tablescape.

Happy little Leprechaun!

I've used all items I have around the house, but mixed them in a new way. Husband and I did sit down to eat right after I took these pictures. On Thursday we will actually have the corned beef, carrots and potatoes (neither of us like cabbage!)

I hope all of you have a happy and safe holiday.

Blessings,

Jeannine

Apron*ology Link

2011-02-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends!

Here is the link to Apron*ology where my aprons are published. You can find similar aprons for sale in my etsy shop.

Jeannine

I'm Published!

2011-01-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! I can't wait any onlger to share the news! I have two aprons published in Apron*ology Magazine. The new issue hits the newstands on Tuesday February 1st. You can find it at Joann Crafts and Fabrics in California. Or you can find it here.

I will also have new aprons to offer in my Etsy shop by then so stay tuned!

Thanks for stopping by,
Jeannine

Bridal Showcase

2011-01-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

We had a poor start for the new year, a death in the family on New Year's morning. That was after a bedside vigil for two days straight. However, She is with Jesus now, had a long life, and lived to see great great grandchildren. What a wonderful legacy!

On to a lighter note:
My daughter and I attended our first Bridal Showcase. It was held at Cal Expo in Sacramento (the state fairgrounds). It was very well put together and had tons of venues, florists, caterers, dresses, photographers and Tusedoes presented.

We arrived early and were in the first 30 or 40 people to get in. We didn't run in to much of a crowd until about an hour in. As each of the rooms got more and more crowded we would move to the next room.

We never did smile so much all at one time. They put a little sticker on each of the brides and every person said "Congratulations" to Daughter.

We watched a fashion show, but didn't see any dresses that inspired her. She has been checking the magazines and has an appointment to try on dresses for the first time next week. It makes her more nervous to think about trying on dresses than wearing a big diamond on her ring!

I'll keep you posted on the happenings as the plans progress. Of course the wedding isn't until late summer 2012, after they have both graduated from college.

Thanks for stopping by,
Jeannine

Russian Christmas Tree

2010-12-25T16:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

In 1999, Husband and I went on our first mission trip with International Commission, a short term sending agency out of Dallas, Texas.

We spent most of the trip telling about Jesus' love in St. Petersburg. However, the last day of the trip we spent in Moscow. It was October and the first snowfall of the season occured that day. October 26. We were in Red Square. We looked across the cobblestone square and couldn't believe we were there, in Russia. Americans. In Red Square.

We did take time to shop. We bought a set of six wooden painted soldiers and three individual Russian peasants. Every Christmas I place them on a two foot tall (including the base) tree. It reminds me of the trip and of the unbelievable fact that we were in Russia. ( I grew up in the Cold War era, obviously).

May you all have a peaceful and unbelievable Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jeannine