Shabby Clothespins

I have the start to a bigger project.  Not sure where that is going, but I do know it is starting with these shabby chic clothespins I just painted!

I picked up a sample jar of Benjamin Moore paint in gossamer blue.

Truth be told I love those little jars of paint, and may have picked up a few other colors on that hardware store trip.  It is a little more grey than the sample shows, and the color I wanted the guest bath to be which somehow I painted more aqua but that is a story for another day.

 I started by taking the clothespins apart and lightly sanding them.  The large pins are vintage, the little ones are new.  The button is one of a large group of painted wooden buttons I am not all that fond of, and figured 'why not' change them?  I painted the top and sides, let dry, painted the backs, let dry, and then gave a second coat to the tops.  Did some laundry while the paint dried.

I used a French script stamp and black ink to stamp the images on the top side of the clothespins, then heat set.  I lightly sanded the top and edges of the clothespins with 320 grit sandpaper and gave them a quick top coat of acrylic varnish.  I let them dry overnight and re-assembled the clothespins.

I'm still working out the details on the

'bigger project' they will be a part of, 

but for now I am just using them in

every little way I can think of! 

I plan to try these in a few other

colors as well, because.....you

know, I just love those little jars

of paint!

Cowgirl Pin-Ups

I've had a busy few days, still doing lots of cleaning out and organizing.  Dull, dull things like linen closets, but a necessary thing from time to time.  I've run across a few things I had forgotten about- a lovely matelasse`bedspread and shams and a hand crocheted pillow my mom had made for me.  

They might seem like things you would remember you had, but honestly when we built and moved into this home I was quite ill.  We were downsizing which turned out to be one of the best moves we made, but there were things that got pushed aside that I just couldn't make a decision on at the time.  So when I have good days I keep working at these things.  And try to squeeze in a project or two just for fun.  :D

Got a few good picks this week- this wonderful chrome over copper English Teapot and the fun, folksy vintage tablecloth it is on

and this '70's vintage ceramic owl bank

I updated a jewelry box I had gotten some time back.  I used some scrapbook paper and a vintage cowgirl pin up image to dress it up a bit.

Free for your use:

And a cute vintage playing card

 

Have a great weekend!

Free Ephemera Friday- Saturday Edition

This week I was supposed to be resting my leg because of the nerve problem, until I can get into a specialist to get some 'nerve mapping' done.  It's hard for me to do anything for too long....sitting, walking, standing, reading....you name it.  So trying to sit still for too long...Ugh!  Too hard!  I decided to try to use some of the time creatively and work with some photo editing software.  I plan to use some Bingo card images in an upcoming project, so I had a little fun and I am sharing it with you!

 

Download Bingo Card Collage Here 


Here is one idea to get you started

And one more freebie to share:

 
Paper Doll Download 

Have fun! 

Free Ephemera Friday #5

Friday is here again....TGIF lemme tell ya.  This has been a rough, rough week.  Won't go into details but my daughter was mugged by thugs, and it has taken a few days to feel somewhat safe again. 

My awesome new Ranger Melt Art Pot just showed up today, and I can't wait to give it a go!  So excited  :D

Thinking about making an art journal of some type

Maybe a cool card or tag

 

We will surely need some images, now won't we??

Have a great weekend!  I am looking forward to a much better week next week for sure!!

Free Ephemera Friday #3

A few more spring images to share

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Free Ephemera Friday #2

I'm back- and it's hard to believe another week has gone by so quickly!  For whatever reason I have been dropping everything I put my hands on lately.  Yesterday I dumped an entire jar of gesso! *sigh*  I did make a cute spring project to share but there is a 72 hr dry time before I can finish assembly so while we are waiting here are a few more free images for you!

Have a fun weekend and I'll be back in a few days with my spring project share!

Free Ephemera Friday

Okay, I know I have made 'promises' before, but I am starting a new weekly feature called Free Ephemera Friday.  I will be sharing copyright free images I have found during the week for your use in your projects as well.

Here are the first of hopefully many shares:

 

If you make something cool, let me know and I will show your work on my blog!

Have a great weekend!!

Vintage Rocking Horse Redo

vintage rocking horse, originally uploaded by ticklish_moose.

Latest upcycle- this vintage rocking horse was found in pieces in a barn set for demolition. Since I found all of the pieces the owner let me have her!

My husband put it back together for me, and I refinished it using Annie Sloan chalk paints and chipping creme. It was my first experience using the chalk paint and I have to say I'm sold!! Currently for sale in my space @ The Antique Gallery.

The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions?

Gosh.......I hope not!

Because lately it seems I have the best of intentions to get things done, and they just do not materialize.  I am still nursing a swollen spleen and the fatigue from chronic/remitting Epstein-Barr, but my spirits are good overall.  I do get somewhat depressed because I do not know how many times I can repeat this cycle before I become bedridden, but I do still have hope that the many prayers floating around out there will give me Divine strength and healing.  So don't give up on me just yet! 

Evidently- from several emails I received over the weekend- I did not get something quite right on my Linky and there was an issue with the hook-up, so I will try to remedy that this week and try again.  I had set it up ahead of time since my sister was coming to visit, and did not get a chance to check it out on Saturday as we were a little bit busy.  

On Friday we set out on our annual trek to an event called Antique Alley about an hour South of where I live.  We had a VERY strong cold front blow through on Thursday evening that missed my area, but hit the Cleburne area quite hard.  A lot of vendors get set up the evening before the event, as you can imagine, and they sustained quite a bit of rain and hail damage.  But, to add insult to injury on Friday the winds were exceptionally strong- with gusts to 40 mph!- and we witnessed whole tables being flipped over and numerous glass breakage and VERY frustrated sellers. We did take refuge for awhile at Whipp's Farm that did provide some breaks from the wind and got some great deals as well!  Here are a few pics from Whipp's:

I got several nice items from Whipp's Farm!  My favorite was this sweet little box for $3

The best part came when I opened it!

 Surprise!  It was filled with Bible verses!!

This is the first one I picked out of the box:

   

I also got some awesome antique books and one new hymnal.  Most were from 1902-1903.  This sheet music is from 1940..Use as ephemera for your craft projects, or just print it out and frame- but this is especially apropos!

Remember the 'reason for the season'.....I consider Easter the holiest day!  Christ is Risen!!  

Have a Blessed Easter holiday!