Glazed from the Heart

Insta-Friday

2011-08-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

My GROW girls that I love! We had an amazing time at our retreat this summer.

My oldest boy trying on hats!

My youngest boy throwing rocks into Lake Michigan.

My middle boy enjoying a delicious cookie from McKinley's!

Beautiful flowers growing outside a restaurant in New Buffalo, Michigan.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun! Two Scoops!

Do Everything

2011-08-02T06:09:00.001-07:00

I have always loved Steven Curtis Chapman. I remember how thrilled I was one year when he came to Baylor for Welcome Week. I love the words to his songs. They are packed with truth and I love that they replay over and over in my head.
I heard his newest song for the first time yesterday on KLTY and I love it!!!

Basement Transformation

2011-08-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely my basement transformation is taking place.
Last summer I painted the steps.
This summer I tackled the wall at the bottom of the steps.

This is chalkboard paint.

This house is full of baseball players and my in-laws have an amazing cherry farm in
Traverse City, Michigan.

Here is one of my sweet little artist. Each boy has a square where they can display their art.

My boys made these beautiful crosses at VBS.
Each boys' handprints are on the wall.

My middle boy painted this super picture on the wall.

5 for the five people who love each other in this house.

I love my new colorful and meaningful basement wall!

Books, Books, Books

2011-07-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

I just read Lisa Leonard's post on books, books, books! I love her blog!
It prompted me to post about several books that I have read and enjoyed this summer.
Let me know if you have read or do read any of them. Curious what you think...

This was a very thought-provoking book about the Holy Spirit. I have never read anything by this author before. My mother passed this book on to me and it really made me think!
I recommend it.

I loved Francis Chan's Crazy Love, so I picked this up at Half-Price books.
It did not do for me what Crazy Love did, but I enjoyed it!
It is a quick and easy read.

LOVED this book!
A dear friend's mother attends Kyle Idleman's church and she bought it for me.
Check out the website.
Highly recommend it.
I could not put it down.
Packed with scripture...

I am finishing up a Bible study that was based on this book.
My mother passed this book on to me too.
What would I do without her???
There is a study book with daily questions based on scripture and a DVD with Lysa that is available to accompany the chapter book.
I highly recommend this book and study.
very applicable
very funny
She is transparent and easy to read!
I loved it!
Couldn't pass up Francis Chan's newest book.
It just came out this month.
Very heavy topic.
He does a great job with it.
Here he is...

Insta-Friday

2011-07-28T21:15:00.001-07:00

I am jumping in on the "Insta-Friday" action.I actually found out about the instagram app. from this post.

This app. has become to me what angry birds is to every male in my home.

I have quickly become consumed and I find myself tuning out those around me as I play with instagram. Oh dear!

Here goes my first InstaFriday...

gumball machine that I took apart and spray painted white

My three precious boys trying on hamburger hats on Mackinaw Island!

Flowers that I picked as we biked around Mackinaw Island.

One of my favorite things in Feastivities. A cup and saucer bouquet. Talk about creative!!!
I love them! Ran in there to work on my space yesterday.

one dozen gorgeous roses I picked up for $9.99 at Kroger yesterday

Hoping to try this again next Friday!

Blessings by Laura Story

2011-07-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this song!

Summer Chalkboards

2011-07-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Here are our summer chalkboards. We decided to drive to Michigan for our annual summer trip to the family cherry farm. Needless to say, one chalkboard represents that drive. I will let you know how that goes...

Ceramics

2011-07-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

I love these sweet little ceramic plaques that I made this summer. I actually fired up the kiln in these temperatures! I used ceramic chalkboard paint on several of them.

What is different?

2011-07-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

I finally got around to finishing this piece in the kitchen.

I bought a post at Home Depot that was intended for a deck and had it cut down the middle and then cut the length I needed it to be.

It only cost $14.

I painted and distressed it and now I have the a sense of completion and I love the way it looks.

Before and After

2011-07-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

One of my projects this summer was to finally do something with this mirror. I ended up taking the mirror out and cutting a piece of wood to fit in. I painted the wood with chalkboard paint and spray painted the frame and distressed it. I have already used the chalkboard quite a bit (including the Father's Day card above), but I am not sure where to permanently put it. I may end up selling it. Not sure...

I used the leftover spray paint to paint this flower pot. These flowers are now officially dead due to the three digit temperatures and lack of water.

Nests

2011-07-16T09:37:00.001-07:00

I am really into birds and nests these days. I soldered these bottles this summer and had to add a nest. I thought my lampshade was looking a little plain so I made eggs with my boy's names and hot glued them in a nest on a stick from the yard. I love the new look of the lampshade and it cost next to nothing. I used clay that was on clearance at Michael's.

More Journal Covers

2011-07-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Extreme Makeover

2011-06-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

I bought this vintage cake dome in Canton several years ago and forgot about it.

I love the transformation! Although I know that many of you may be cringing due to the fact that I changed it up and didn't leave it alone. Maybe I will buy another one and leave it alone. Maybe...

Another Ruffled Bag

2011-06-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

I just finished this Shabby Chic ruffled bag.

Rather than spending the big bucks on Rachel Ashwell fabric by the yard I used Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic sheets from Target.

I linked to My Romantic Homes' Show and Tell Friday.

Published

2011-06-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be published in another Somerset publication.
You can find this magazine at Barnes and Noble and various craft stores.

I have lots of merchandise at Feastivities right now. In fact, I have more than ever up there.

I have an entire table of jewelry for the first time.
Stop by and check it out!

Lots of Necklaces at Feastivities

2011-06-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

As of tomorrow I will have a table full of jewelry at Feastivities. Stop by!!!

All of the flowers clip on and off of the necklaces, so you can wear them without if you like or wear the flower on something else.

This is the photo charm, so this lovely lady comes out and you replace her with your personal photo.

More Moss, Dried Flowers, and Sticks

2011-06-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

Yet another piece from the natural collection with a touch of vintage lace.
I love this burlap canvas I used. I have two more of them left.
I wonder what I will do with them?

Super cute earring/jewelry holder!

All three of these items are at Feastivities.

Mossy Cross Wreath

2011-06-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am really into moss, sticks, eggs and dried flowers right now. There are many more pictures along those lines coming. I dropped off some of these natural creations at Feastivities yesterday.

Bless Our Nest

2011-05-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

I just finished this piece using burlap, chicken wire, vintage lace, sticks from the backyard that my three year old gathered, moss, clay eggs, rubber stamps, wire and tea-stained cardstock. I mounted it all on an 11 x 14 canvas and then framed it.

I can't decide whether or not to keep it or take it up to Feastivities.

I really like it!

I just happened upon this blog. Loved it and linked to it!

SOAR

2011-05-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

I made this last month for a dear friend who reads this blog! Hi, friend!
This just so happens to be the friend who gave me loads of gorgeous lace.
I am finding all sorts of ways to use the lace. Can't wait to post them!

Drop by Feastivities

2011-05-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

I just ran a bunch of stuff up to Feastivities last week. Everything I took up there was $10 or less. Great little gifts to throw in with some food too. Here are just a few of the items...
Cute little bobby pins!

Stuffed fabric hearts with a Bible verse and hanging from beautiful vintage lace...

small scripture canvases

Lots of new embellished clothespin clips. I can't make them fast enough!

Great little bucket to use for pencils, odds and ends, you name it.
The laminated scripture tag even comes off if you want to hang it somewhere else.
Grab some wrapped Feastivities cookies to put in the bucket and you have a darling gift for under $10. Cookies are $4 and Bucket is $5.

Stop by Feastivities and check it out. I am dropping in with new items just about every week.

Susan Lenart Kazmer line at Michael's

2011-05-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have been without the internet for over a week now. Let's hope that whatever they did today fixes it for good! What a mess...

I love this new necklace that I made. I wear it every day!

Michael's actually has a great new line of charms by Susan Lenart Kazmer. The photo charm, the 3 and the box that opens are all from her Industrial Chic line.

More Journal Covers

2011-05-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

These two journals will soon be at Feastivities.
I am LOVING all the lace I was given.
Expect to see lots of it...
I am planning on taking a load up to Feastivities this week.
Hopefully I will slow down long enough to take pictures for the blog.

Happy Graduation

2011-05-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

I made these graduation ornaments as placecards for a graduation luncheon that I co-hosted this month.

First time I had run the kiln in a LONG time!

I may crank it up again before it gets too hot!

Sheet Music Wreath

2011-05-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

I started an infamous music wreath back when they were all over the blogging world. It was intended to be my mother-in-law's Christmas present, but I did not finish it. Then it was going to be her birthday present in March, but I did not finish it. I finally completed it and gave it to her yesterday as her Mother's Day present. Her family has a cherry farm in Michigan so I was thrilled to find the pewter cherries for the center. She is a musician as well. I on the other hand just like the look of the sheet music!

Furniture Redo

2011-05-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

This table was in poor condition and hanging out in my garage.
It now has a new look and a new home.

It is now in my bedroom next to my bed. I covered the scratched up top with pages from an old hymnal. I love reading the words to the hymns!
I spray painted it black and distressed it before attaching the hymn pages with modge podge.
I sealed the top with Pour-On again.
I used a new pull in the drawer. It actually had a handle, so I filled in the 2 holes with wood puddy and drilled a new hole in the center of the drawer.

Craig's List Bench with a New Look

2011-05-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is the bench that came with my Craig's List table, but I am using it outside and not with the table. I just repainted it last week. I spray painted it, distressed it, painted the letters on, distressed it some more and sealed it by spraying a matte finish on it .

BEFORE

AFTER

Spray Paint

2011-05-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

I recently painted this tea cart for my front porch.

I spray paint everything. I do not have the patience or time to brush it on these days. Everyone asks me how I avoid the drip marks when spray painting. Since I distress everything I just sand/distress over the drip marks. Don't stand too close when spraying and don't try to do too much at one time. I will spray a light coat, go pull some weeds... and then come back and spray another coat.

Slipcover by an Amazing Mother

2011-05-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

My mother is amazing! I will try not to make you too jealous, but she can do just about anything. She just made this darling slipcover for this chair. She is so fast that I barely snapped this one before shot. She had already cut off the back cushion and recovered it. She cut this monogram out of a shower curtain I once used and made this pillow. Talk about an extreme makeover... I love it!!!

I love Spring

2011-05-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

I love flowers and I love Spring!

I never expected to have any success with this strawberry plant when I bought it and boy was I wrong!

My parents did some redecorating and I snatched up their cast off shutters.
I love the way they look next to my fountain!

Oh, and I love butterflies too!
Thank you Lord for new life!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!"
II Corinthians 5:17

An attempt at a Tutorial

2011-05-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

I had an area in my backyard that I did not know what to do with. I thought about grass, flagstone, pavestone... I decided to think out of the box and save money. SO...

I went to Home Depot and bought 30 square stepping stones. Well actually I bought 15 one day and made another trip for the remaining 15. I could hardly push my cart with the weight of the stones and my 30+ pound helper!

I love black and white checks. I love McKenzie Childs Courtly Check. I love the Alice in Wonderland look, so I went for it. I drew my pattern with pencil like the picture above.

Using an old rag, I rubbed every other check with MinWax stain. I knew they would end up dirty, so I did not even bother with white paint.
I never took a picture of them after I painted the remaining checks with black paint.
I was just too excited and ready to get them in my yard. No time to slow down to take a picture.
I used outdoor latex paint.

Here is the area with nothing last year on the Fourth of July.Here is what it looked like when I was finished.

Here is what it looks like now with all the beautiful spring flowers blooming.
As of now, I just have dirt in between the stones. I may do something different if weeds get to be an issue. I had even thought about planting something in between them.
Any suggestions???
I am certainly open to them!

Hard to believe that it looked like this 3 months ago.

subtle reminders

2011-04-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

embellished bags

2011-04-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

This particular bag is currently for sale at Feastivities.

These two floral embellished bags will soon be at Feastivities.

Slumber Party Idea

2011-04-29T19:44:00.001-07:00

What a great idea for a girl's slumber party. I am so blessed to be able to help friends who host girl slumber parties. This particular friend had me draw a pattern on pillowcases for the girls to color and take home as their party favor. How cute is that? I love the verse she picked too.
I never took a "before" picture but here is the finished product.
She used fabric markers. I need to check and see whether or not they have faded in the wash.

Look I found another girl in the house. Sally!

What is Different?

2011-04-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

What is different in these two pictures?

Did you find it? I finally got around to repainting my Craig's List kitchen table.

I painted it black. Of course. I distressed it. How surprising!

I found a tablet of paper placemats with place settings at Anthropologie over Christmas. I cut out the parts of the place setting that I wanted. I modged podged them on and then I used
Pour-On again to seal the top.

Jesus Calling

2011-04-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

I received a new devotional book this year from my sweet aunt. Read this post about it. Kerith's "sweet mother-in-law" is also my sweet aunt. I love this devotional book. I have really been enjoying it and highly recommend it! It comes in two different looks. The top one is what I have and the bottom one has a pretty leather cover. Just thought I would let you know in case you are on the lookout. I actually found the leather cover option at Walmart. I snatched up the last one they had and I've already given it to a friend who is also loving it! I ran to Lifeway today to grab some for graduation gifts and they were on sale. The leather cover is a couple dollars more.

I also purchased the children's version and I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to discuss with the boys what we are all reading/learning/applying... I ordered this on Amazon. I love the cover too!

Let me know what you think if you end up buying it!

Yet Another Home Canvas

2011-04-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

this and that

2011-04-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

I recently made this canvas for a dear friend.
Her nursery bedding is darling.
She gave me fabric scraps to work with.

Check out these handsome boys in their Easter attire!

Journals and Lace

2011-04-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

I recently received bags and bags of the most beautiful lace. I love lace! Here are some journals I just finished using just a fraction of the lace! I can't wait to use the rest!

Soul Surfer

2011-04-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

Bethany Hamilton - I Am Second
I saw this movie tonight based on Bethany Hamilton's life and I loved it! WOW! It is definitely worth a trip to the movie theater!

chalkboards

2011-04-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here are our spring chalkboards that we started using back in the snowy weather.

To Blog or Not to Blog...

2011-04-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

All is well. Sorry to not have posted in so long. I am obviously hot or cold on this whole blog thing. I have almost scrapped the blog many times, but then I am glad I didn't. It just seems like one more thing I don't get to. Needless to say, it is at the bottom of my priority list, but I really do enjoy keeping up with you all and documenting what I have made... Since I last posted my camera was dropped and broken, but now it is repaired. Anyone living in Fort Worth needing a good and reasonably priced camera repairman can contact me and I will give you his number. We have switched to AT-n-T U-verse which left me without internet for over a week. Anyone considering that switch can contact me and I can give you an ear full...
Now that I have internet and a working camera, I will try to post what I have been up to lately. I ran into Feastivities and noticed that a lot of my Easter merchandise has sold. I am planning on running more up there this week. Lots of cute stuff. I love the spring and Easter!!!
This canvas and several others are there too.

Another Necklace

2011-03-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

I just finished this necklace.
The flower is actually a clip, so you can use it on or off of the necklace.
This piece is now available on etsy. Free shipping too!

House SOLD

2011-03-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

I posted over two years ago that our house was for sale. Well it finally sold! We signed the papers yesterday and it is officially not our home anymore!!!!

Free Ornament

2011-02-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

I have been going through my bisque and I found this ornament from 2009. Does anyone have a boy who was born in 2009? If so, this is yours. Just leave me a comment and I will get your info. and ship it.

My new business cards came in and I love them.
They are two-sided with a glossy finish and very inexpensive.
I use Vista Print for all of my printing (Christmas cards, postcards...).

Happy Birthday

2011-02-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday!
I had a wonderful day!
It started with the delivery of these beautiful pink cupcakes.
One of my very best friends surprised me with these.
She lives in New York and has four boys and I am here in Texas with three boys. We have not seen each other in 12 years, but I am hopeful that one day we will get our 7 boys together and eat pink cupcakes! Ha!
She had the darling Cupcake Cottage on Camp Bowie deliver them.
Each cupcake was a different flavor and they were each delicious!!!
I was not even aware that The Cupcake Cottage delivered.
I love that place!

My wonderful and thoughtful husband took me to Reata for dinner and then on to the Bass Hall to hear The Ten Tenors. They were amazing.

Thank you Lord for 38 years of life, blessings, friendships, family, lessons learned, opportunities....
and "icing"!!!!!
Wow!!!

Bee Necklace

2011-02-22T20:19:00.000-08:00

I made this necklace for the silent auction at Lily B. Clayton.
The mascot is a bee.

Before and After

2011-02-20T21:59:00.000-08:00

I embellished another Walmart bag. This time I used lace and left the original handles. I stamped a silk flower and stuck a brad through it rather then making my own flower. This lace was actually a ruffle at the bottom of an old window treatment that I bought in Canton a long time ago. It was super easy. I just cut it off and hot glued it on the bag. Wish every project was this easy. The original bag at the top is what I started with when I made this one too.

I linked to:

Extreme Makeover

2011-02-18T20:39:00.000-08:00

I am slowly getting the pictures together of the rest of our kitchen renovation. Again, I stripped all the wallpaper off, textured and painted. I took down the glass shelf and brackets, sanded and patched. I also took down the shelf at the top of the window that went almost all the way around the top of the room. That was actually fun as I grabbed a hammer and released some stress at that point. My very talented mother made the window treatments, the banquet cushions and pillows. I had someone build the banquet for us this summer. I love it! I especially love the extra storage it provides. He used piano hinges so the seats lift up. My round table no longer worked, so I found this on Craigslist (my only Craigslist experience so far). I am going to paint it at some point. Hopefully sooner than later.

Isn't it amazing the difference that paint can make. The room seems so much larger now. I also eliminated some outlets and a phone jack on the wall by patching, texturing and painting over the holes they left.

The three pieces above are from an old door from our 1940 home that we are hopefully about to sell. The door was falling apart. It had naturally crackled paint and it was free. It was actually my first project ever. I made these at least eleven years ago. I managed to get the pieces out of the door, paint them and string wire through holes I made with nails. We didn't even own a drill at the time. I love that they remind me of all the great times we had in our other home. The boys laugh at me and ask why I painted "Relax, Friendship, Home!" Who can remember it was eleven years ago.

I recently finished this project. I bought the letters, frame and utensils at Hobby Lobby. I painted and distressed them all. I painted the plate in the middle too. I was really happy with how it turned out.

Feastivities on Living Social

2011-02-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

For those of you who live in the area, there is a great deal on Living Social today.
Feastivities is the bargain! Click on the link below and take advantage of it while you can.

Feastivities is currently the only location where I have my work. They are so nice to me and so wonderful to work with. I love supporting them and eating their food. It is delicious.

https://livingsocial.com/deals/25780?ref=personalized-link-box-6177237&rpi=6177237

Stampington Publications

2011-02-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

The picture of the necklace in my banner was a necklace I made and submitted to Belle Armoire Jewelry. It is a full page in their current issue. I absolutely love the Stampington publications. They are coming out with more and more publications all the time. I actually started my blog as a result of their Artful Blogging magazine. I fell in love with the pictures and the idea of it all. They gave step by step instructions in the back on what to do to start your blog and so I did.

I also LOVE their Where Women Create magazine. If I ever get my act together and take pictures of my basement, I would love to submit them to the magazine and see if that goes anywhere.

I am especially excited about their new publication Where Women Cook. I loved the first issue and I am eagerly awaiting the next one. It comes out on March 1st.

Although these magazines are a little pricey, they are worth it to me. I splurge. I recently saw on someone's blog that they found them at Costco for a 30% savings. I may need to join Costco.

EAT

2011-02-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

I recently bought this collection of vintage silverplate flatware on ebay. I was so excited when it arrived. It is aged and awesome. I love the details in each handle and the fact that no two pieces match. This is one of many projects to come. I have quite a bit left. This one-of-a-kind wreath is officially at Feastivities and would add charm to any kitchen or dining room.

I have linked to:

Happy Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-14T11:59:00.001-08:00

2010

2011-02-14T11:51:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

I just finished our 2010 book on Shutterfly. It took me forever, but I did it! My goal for 2011 is to complete a page as soon as I download the pictures. I guess that means that I have to have another goal to actually download the pictures shortly after I take them. Uh oh that means I have to remember to have my camera with the battery charged ready to take the pictures. We'll see how this goes...

Clover Lane

2011-02-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

I recently gave my blog a new banner and I was so excited to be able to do it myself.

I found this super tutorial on Clover Lane and it introduced me to Picasa. I too have Photoshop and have not found time to figure it out like Sara at Clover Lane. She also has posted on how to scrapbook with Picasa. I plan on trying that next. Thanks Sara.

"TOMS toppers"

2011-02-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have not heard of TOMS before you can click on the priceless picture above.

I received a pair of TOMS shoes for Christmas and I was so excited because I fully support what they are about. With every pair you purchase TOMS will give a new pair to a child in need.
I don't necessarily think they are the best looking shoes , but I have to admit that they are very comfortable in addition to supporting a good cause.

Well they WERE not the best looking shoes, but they are now. Ha! I made these flowers and attached them with velcro so I can change out my "TOMS toppers." I wore them to a Super Bowl party and they started lots of great conversations about TOMS shoes and a friend gave them the clever "TOMS topppers" name.

This particular color is Ash.
Does anyone out there who has a pair think they run small?
Just curious.

"The Force"

2011-02-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

As the mother of three boys who has lived and breathed Star Wars, I really loved this commercial (along with so many others). "The force" is very strong in our house. I will never forget when my oldest son pretended to open the automatic doors at Target with "the force." At one point my middle son turned everything into a light saber. He had a one track mind.

Top Ten Things

My Middle Son has turned into a Lightsaber!

1. a vacuum cleaner attachment

2. a broken stick of jingle bells

3. the glow stick he received at the Christmas Eve service (Although it was safer than a candle, it proved to be much more distracting.)

4. a french fry

5. a rake

6. a blue plastic baseball bat

7. any stick in any yard

8. the stick left after he finished his corn dog

9. two different color crayons and he had a real battle in his hands

10. a spatula, after he finished licking the cookie batter off

Friends

2011-02-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some Valentine's Day gifts that I made for some special friends.
Only five days left until Valentine's Day.
We are snowed in again today, but I am still enjoying the time off.
Yesterday I was home with two sick boys, but today everyone is doing much better.
If you get a chance and the weather permits, stop by Feastivities for your handmade and homemade Valentine's cards and treats!

Heart Garlands

2011-02-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

Here are the February chalkboards completed and on the wall. I needed something to fill the "Let it Snow" space from January, so we made these heart garlands while snowed in last week. Of course, I got this idea off of a blog! I don't remember which one or I would give them credit. You know how it is when you start linking from one blog to another and before you know it you can't even remember where you started, what you were looking for, or what time it was when you got on the computer. Oops!

The boys and I went through old magazines and cut out hearts. We looked for shades of red and as you can see we actually found hearts and the word "love" twice. It helps when you look through old Children's Ministry magazines from Group Publishing rather than holding your breath regarding inappropriate advertising in magazines these days, but that is another story.

First we cut the hearts out. Then we glued smaller hearts on top of larger hearts, and finally I sewed them together. It was an easy, free, and fun activity.

We cut out so many hearts that I had enough to make two garlands.
I put the second one on the shutter above my mirror.

Home

2011-02-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

I sure do love taking care of these three boys, and I am really going to miss not sleeping in and hanging out with them tomorrow. The snow has melted, we are home from our Super Bowl party and I have spent far too much time on tumblr. I really still haven't quite figured it out. Between facebook, twitter, blogs, and now tumblr I'm quite confused. They all seem to link to each other as well. If anyone uses tumblr please let me know how you like and/or use it. Anyway, there are great pictures, one after another on this tumblr site entitled "Sweet and Lovely Things" where I found the Mother Teresa quote above.

Where has the time gone?

Not only do I love the ones I take care of in my HOME, but I truly love my home as well. Blogs have caused me to notice and appreciate simple things, little details, silly everyday things that went unnoticed. I have to say there was a time when I would have laughed at some of the things I find myself taking pictures of these days (a grilled cheese sandwich).
Here are some pictures of things that I love and now notice in my home.

Baking and Eating

2011-02-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

I made these cinnamon rolls while we were snowed in and boy were they good. I got the recipe out of this cookbook. I love this book. The pictures are so inspiring and the recipes are easy and yummy.

I have actually been reading lately. I joke that I could never be in a Book Club unless they are discussing Go Dog Go, but I have actually been reading big girl books and here are four that I highly recommend.

The first book is Not So Fast, Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families by Ann Kroeker. I couldn't help but think of this book as we were forced to slow down this week due to weather, and I soaked it in. This book will really make you stop and think...

The second book is Chasing God and the Kids Too by Cheryl R. Carter and it is excellent. I knew nothing about the author or the book when I bought it. The title really spoke to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Bumpo is a MUST read. Buy it and read it ASAP. It is a quick read. Once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down. That is all I am going to say about that. Let me know what you think once you've read it.

The last book is Crazy Love, Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan. I hadn't heard anything about it when I bought it and again I was drawn to it by the title. Since reading it, I have come across several people who have also read it and loved it. I actually found it at Walmart for $11.00. My favorite chapter is chapter 8 "Profile of the Obsessed."

What book do you recommend I read next?

Ruffled Bag

2011-02-03T13:08:00.001-08:00

I am watching the gorgeous snow fall and counting my blessings as I sit under a blanket blogging. Here are some pictures of a bag I just made. At this point my sewing consist of a straight stitch which is all I need to make ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles. I used a bag from Walmart in the craft section. I hot glued the ruffles on, cut the existing straps off and made my own. I have never used grommets before, but they were very easy to work with. I needed and wanted a longer strap for my use. I have carried it several times and gotten lots of compliments. I was even asked, "If you don't mind my asking, where did you buy that?" Of course I had no cards on me because I had just switched purses.

I linked to:

Much Fun

2011-02-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

The snow is beautiful and the time at home with the boys has been a blessing. Although I am growing tired with three boys and one me for two days in the house, we are having so much fun!

Today's menu included grilled cheese, turtle brownies and lots of hot coffee and cocoa.

I ended up keeping all of these chalkboards that I had intended to sell. I love them together on my bathroom wall. Each family member drew a snow scene a month ago. We actually took them down and drew hearts today.

In addition, to drawing with chalk, we have been doing lots of coloring too. Coloring and eating!!! Yipeeeee! All of that to say, boy I hope they have school tomorrow! Ha!

2011-02-02T08:44:00.001-08:00

Embellished Purse

2011-01-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to embellishing this cute purse.
I used pretty wired ribbon, my hot glue gun and some fabric for the center.
I may have to keep this one. I love how it turned out.

Journal Covers

2011-01-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

I am still loving making the journal covers and they are still selling, so here are five more. I am obviously still enjoying making flowers too. I will take these five journals to Feastivities next week. If you are interested in one let me know and I will hold it for you. They are $20 and make great gifts. They inspire you to journal!

Hearts

2011-01-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pictures of the one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day treasures available at Feastivities.

I was in such a hurry that I never put a picture in these frames, but think how cute they would be with a picture of your loved one in the blank spot.

Everyone needs a lovely rose pen!

These cute little clips have continued to be a hit, so I now have a Valentine's variety.

There are only a few of the bird nest adjustable rings left. $8 is a steal.

Ruffled Lampshades

2011-01-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

I recently bought two new lamps but I wasn't in love with the lampshades, so I got a sewing machine out and made some ruffles. I bought muslin, tore it into strips, gathered it and hot glued it on the lampshades. I love how they turned out!

I made this flower with some of the scraps of muslin.

I recently painted this piece of furniture black and distressed it, but as usual I forgot to take a before picture.
Hanging horizontally above the mirror is a repurposed shutter I also spray painted black. I love this mirror. I bought it at Golightly's.

Somerset Life

2011-01-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be featured in the most recent
publication of Somerset Life.
I love this magazine.

Happy New Year and Happy Valentine's Day

2011-01-23T14:29:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! I can't believe that we are already through the first month of 2011!

I love hearts and Valentine's Day!
Stop by Feastivities ASAP. There are lots of really cute Valentine's Day gifts there and they are going quickly!!!

No longer at The Brownstone Village/Open House this Saturday

2010-12-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the poor quality of these pictures, but I forgot my camera and was just thankful to have a phone that takes pictures. These pictures were taken at an open house I participated in before Thanksgiving. If you missed that one then you have another opportunity to shop Glazed from the Heart this coming Saturday, December 11th from 1 to 5. If you are interested shoot me an e-mail and I will give you directions to my house.
sharonkaysimons@yahoo.com

I have lots of darling flower pins and clips that I have made.
There are only a few of the cute holly clips pictured above left.

Some Santa pins are left. Great stocking stuffer or teacher gift. It looks cute tied on a gift too.

These cute clips have been very popular! I will be making more. Some people are gluing magnets on the back, some are using them to hang Christmas cards,some are using these to clip their To: and From: tags on gifts... So many uses...

For those of you who don't already know, I have indeed moved out of The Brownstone Village in Arlington. It is a great place. It was just too far for me and I am scaling back. Speaking of scaling back, I am no longer producing the Celebrate cake stand charms, picture frames, plates, platters and velcro charms. You may want to buy what you can on Saturday. Once they are gone that's it.

Hope to see you there.

Giveaway

2010-11-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

I am participating in a giveaway on another blog, so you have a chance to win this necklace. The giveaway ends on Monday, November 22nd and so far there is one entry, so you have a really strong chance of winning. Head on over to Brittany's blog and comment.

Several years ago I took my baby for the first time to Mother's Day Out and was blessed to have the happiest and funniest woman ever take care of him. Brittany was the one to take care of my baby boy and she is giving the necklace away on her blog, so check it out and throw your name in the hat. Thanks Brittany!!!

Come to the Holly Daze Bazaar

2010-11-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

Isn't this such a pretty ring? I love it on the card with the Bible verse. My GROW girls made these and we will be selling them tomorrow at the AHUMC Holly Daze Bazaar at 4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107. We will be there from 9 am to 3:30 pm.

We will also be selling these beautiful nest clips. You could use these to clip papers, chips, pictures and so much more.

These flower clips and pins are even prettier in person!

We also have flower pens. Great stocking stuffer, teacher gift, or gift for yourself.

We will be personalizing canvases and selling yummy treats too.

All of our proceeds will be going to Samaritan's Purse and a Methodist hospital in Maua, Kenya.

We would love it if you could swing by and support our efforts.

Happy Birthday

2010-11-12T17:58:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we had a wonderful time celebrating my sister-n-law and father-n-law's birthdays. The weather was perfect and we celebrated outside.

I love the fall! I went to the Flower Market on Seventh Street and found wonderful fall flowers. They had a great selection.

My husband looks so much like his father. Both handsome men!

Here are some random shots taken in my backyard.

Painted Stairs

2010-11-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to paint steps and I finally got the chance. These are the steps that go down to my basement (so hardly anyone sees them). This actually made it a much easier project to dive into because I had nothing to lose. They could not look any worse and no one would see it if I messed up. First, I cleaned them extremely well. Then I painted the center of the steps a leftover cream color I had. All the paints I used were leftovers from other projects. I actually mixed some colors too. I did not want to spend any money on this. I had measured and marked off my black edges before I started. I was too cheap and lazy to use painters tape. Plus, I knew I would come back with my little wavy brown line where the black and cream met, so it didn't need to be perfect. This project took me awhile and I did ruin a pair of shorts by sitting on paint that I thought was dry. All in all, I could not be happier with how the stairs turned out.

Look at this cutie. What a blessing to be able to stay home with him!!!

I have joined several link parties. Check them out.

Trash to Treasure Again

2010-11-08T22:10:00.001-08:00

Here are some pieces that were cut off of the bottom of some cabinet doors. Many people would throw them away, but as they say "one man's trash is Sharon Simons' treasure!"

I sanded them, stained them, drilled holes, glued on lace and other embellishments, painted verses on them and helped save the earth at the same time.

Trash to Treasure

2010-11-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

I ran by a local antique store this summer and found nothing inside; however, I found some treasures by their dumpster on my way out. I did ask permission before I took their trash. I finally got around to doing something with these pieces this month. I painted them, distressed them, embellished them, drilled holes, added eye hooks... I love making a one-of-a-kind piece that has a story.

Pumpkins

2010-10-30T21:24:00.001-07:00

This pumpkin is in my dining room. It is a fake orange pumpkin that I painted white and antiqued. I love the stem.

LOVE this boy!!!!!!!!!

These pumpkins are in front of my house.

I worked the pumpkin patch at church this week and took this picture.

I found these black and white pumpkins at Target and quickly brought them home and transformed them. I ripped their stem and ribbon off and tore the two pumpkins apart. I glued on actual stems from pumpkins and my own embellishments. Much better!

Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

2010-10-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was blessed to be able to renovate my kitchen this summer. This was one of the projects that was recently completed in my kitchen.

Here is the before picture of my built-in kitchen cabinet.
First, I took down the wallpaper, textured and painted around the cabinet.

Second, I had panels and molding added to all of the doors and drawers.Third, I painted the entire cabinet black, distressed and antiqued it.
Wow! What a difference that made!

Fourth, I had a custom stainless steel piece made to cover the nasty old painted wood counter top.

Fifth, I replaced all of the hardware.

I love it!!!

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Somerset Holidays and Celebrations

2010-10-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to be in the new issue of Somerset Holidays and Celebrations.

Page 86 is me. My piece was at the top of the Table of Contents page.

Here I am on page 86.

Journal Covers

2010-10-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

I made this journal cover for my mother-in-law for Grandparent's Day back in September.
I love this picture of my boys laughing and I love photo fabric for ink jet printers.

This journal cover sold at Feastivities this month.

Kitchen Remodel Leftovers

2010-10-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

This was a shelf that was torn out in my kitchen remodel. I had it cut in half, distressed it, painted it with a verse, embellished it and sold the reused halves at Brownstone.

This is another cabinet that was no longer needed after the kitchen remodel. I turned it sideways and attached leftover pulls at the bottom.
I think this would be great to hang your necklaces off of. It is at Brownstone.

More Journal Covers

2010-10-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

I may be over my journal cover phase, so if you are interested snap them up.
Several of them are already gone, but there are a few left at Brownstone.

Kitchen Cabinet Doors

2010-10-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

I was blessed to be able to update my kitchen this summer and I hope to post pictures soon. The before and after is pretty radical. These are two of the leftover old doors that I upcycled and quickly sold at Brownstone.

Personalized Canvas

2010-09-28T21:04:00.002-07:00

I was really pleased with how this canvas turned out. A good friend gave me her fabric swatches and said she trusted me. I loved the freedom. I glued a frame to the center of the canvas and attached his name on top of some burlap. I printed his name on printable fabric of course.

More Journal Covers

2010-09-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

Here are several journal covers that I just finished and took to Feastivities.

I love the idea of keeping a gratitude journal!

Fabric Hearts

2010-09-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a better job of keeping up with my space at Feastivities since school has started. I recently took these fabric hearts that I made up there.

I John 3:1

2010-09-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

This particular canvas sold, but I am busy painting many more canvases right now.

Cast your Cares...

2010-09-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a piece I made using an old bracelet for the stem and the face of a watch for the flower.

Busy in the Basement

2010-09-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have been busy in the basement again, and I am taking everything as quickly as I can to both Brownstone and Feastivities. Stop by and see what is new.

Daisies

2010-09-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here are two canvases that I have taken to Brownstone. I love the daisies because they remind me of my GROW girls.

This and That

2010-09-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here is another John 3:16 piece I painted.

Here are my three super hilarious boys. This is what they do when I run in Feastivities to "quickly" work. There is a great little play area with a Mr. Potato head for those of you who need to run in with little ones.

I made these crosses this summer and attached them to a tag with a Bible verse. They went quickly, but I will be making more.

New Use for and Old Frame

2010-09-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

A good friend brought me two huge boxes of old frames that she no longer wanted, and I am having so much fun finding ways to use them. Here is one of my favorite uses for the frames. I spray painted them (of course) and took the glass out. I covered an 8 by 10 canvas with fabric, secured it in the frame, and glued on some plates, forks and spoons that I do not use. I actually could have left the glass in the frame and glued the items to the glass with the fabric behind it. I will try that next time. One sold at Brownstone and the other one is still at Feastivities as far as I know.

Here is my second time to link. Check out:

Bridesmaids' Flowers

2010-09-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

I am still in a flower phase. It is lasting longer than I expected. I just finished several more frames and took them to Brownstone this week.

I was so excited to be able to make flowers for seven bridesmaids this summer, and I was completely flattered to see them on the photographer's website and in the girls' hair!
Check it out for yourself.

Baby Gift

2010-09-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

I recently bought this piece of wood at Lowe's when I was buying molding for my kitchen. I am not sure what it's true purpose is, but this is how I used it. I love receiving birth announcements and I always feel guilty throwing them away, so I have started using them as part of the gift. I cut this announcement up and used the sweet picture above on the front and the two below are on the back.

I ran photo fabric through my ink jet printer for the Bible verse and then I nailed it on the wood.

Personalized Journal Covers

2010-09-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

I actually made these journals at the end of the school year. The top two were for my sons' teachers and the bottom three were for my wonderful Bible study friends. I used my sons' old uniform shirts to make the flowers on the top two. I had plenty of stained shirts to choose from.

The cover fits over a composition book, so you can switch them out when you are finished writing in them. Target had the composition books on sale for 25 cents each with the school supplies, so I loaded up. You can expect to see many more of these in the future. I use canvas for the journal cover and I run photo fabric through my ink jet printer for the pictures.
I am loving photo fabric and using it on everything right now.

I have never linked to a "party" before, so this is a first for me. You can click on the "Tea Rose Home" button to see many more handcrafted items.

I Am Alive

2010-09-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

Well it has been almost three months since I have posted and I appreciate several of you checking on me. It has been a crazy summer with lots of things going on and no time for blogging. I won't bore you with the details, but I am back and things are calming down around here. I absolutely love Psalm 62 and cling to this particular verse.

I am totally cracking up. It was just brought to my attention that I painted "medication of my heart" rather than "meditation of my heart". I am obviously working way too late at night! Oops!

More Canvases

2010-06-11T22:44:00.001-07:00

Here are two more canvases that I recently finished and took to Brownstone.

Canvases

2010-06-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some canvases that I just finished and took to Brownstone.