tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-611609130382660442024-03-13T04:12:06.304-04:00The Speckled DogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.comBlogger355125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-49623472381411215832015-02-23T14:52:00.001-05:002015-02-23T14:52:27.700-05:00Instagram & Bidding Farewell to the Blog<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well now, as much as I love blogging, it's painfully obvious that I just don't have the time to fit it into my daily, weekly, or even monthly life, anymore. I'm still making and doing, but I don't have the time to document everything with a bazillion photos, time to edit said photos, and time to do a long write-up on it. So, I've decided to just switch my platform over to Instagram, where, like so many others, I'll be sharing my daily doings in mostly candid photos, with a short blurb here and there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mentioned on my last post that I currently have two separate IG accounts. I would love to have you follow me on either or both!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My </span><a href="http://instagram.com/thespeckleddog" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">blog</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Instagram account is pretty much my personal account. I'll be sharing a lot of pics from my personal life, as well and any crafty stuff I work on. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2K4BF9oSMC0/U6hMDzjYswI/AAAAAAAAAgI/053LKqs2YlM/s1600/Chrome+Legacy+Window+6232014+114611+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2K4BF9oSMC0/U6hMDzjYswI/AAAAAAAAAgI/053LKqs2YlM/s1600/Chrome+Legacy+Window+6232014+114611+AM.jpg" height="522" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also have my </span><a href="http://instagram.com/sweetcarolineathome" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet Caroline at Home</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Instagram account. It's mainly an IG shop for my vintage, repurposed and handmade goods. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope that some of the oldschool folks I met through this blog, who I don't already connect with on some form of social media, will find me through IG. I really enjoy the lasting relationships I've made through blogging. I'm looking forward to picking back up with some of you! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-63678707618931738512014-06-23T12:17:00.001-04:002014-06-23T12:17:36.410-04:00Weekend Happenings<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a pretty busy weekend. Busy enough that I didn't work on anything crafty. BOO.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday was my and my husband's 6th anniversary. We celebrated on Friday night by having dinner at the restaurant where we had our first date.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday morning, I spent some time gathering project photos for a meeting at </span><a href="https://miraclehill.org/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Miracle Hill Thrift Stores</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. It was kind of mind-blowing to see all of the pretty things I've made, and luckily sold. It means other people think my stuff is pretty too! I say mind-blowing because I've never really seen everything all together before, and didn't realize just how much I'd done over the last few years. It was also really motivating because for the last couple of years, I'd lost steam with working on this kind of thing, and have had it on the back burner. I've mentioned before, having a garage full of stuff that I need to get moving. Seeing all of my finished projects has given me the push I need to get my 2nd shop, </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetCarolineatHome" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet Caroline at Home</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, stocked with more upcycled/repurposed items. I see A LOT of paint in my near future! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't work on anything crafty this weekend, but I did manage to get some thrifting in, and got some great stuff! The best find was a 1st edition printing of Rebecca. I picked it up because it looked shabby and I knew it would go well with some of the other books I've got sitting out. I went to check the title, and seriously felt a jolt when I saw what book it was! Rebecca is my no.1 favorite book, EVER! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also launched my <a href="http://instagram.com/sweetcarolineathome">Sweet Caroline at Home</a> Instagram. It'll mainly be covering the thrifting and upcycling/repurposing stuff I do, and will be linked to the Sweet Caroline at Home Etsy shop. I'd love for you to follow me! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32M_Z00EDzQ/U6hLEDEbRLI/AAAAAAAAAgE/hgKvwPAiCfs/s1600/Chrome+Legacy+Window+6232014+114021+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32M_Z00EDzQ/U6hLEDEbRLI/AAAAAAAAAgE/hgKvwPAiCfs/s1600/Chrome+Legacy+Window+6232014+114021+AM.jpg" height="522" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My <a href="http://instagram.com/thespeckleddog">other</a> Instagram account is more personal. I share a lot of pics from my personal life, as well and any crafty stuff I work on. Right now, there's a lot of quilting going on in my feed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I'm starting on a quilt for my niece who is having her 4th birthday party. Of course, she's into princesses, and loves pink and purple. Shocker, right?? I found some really cute fabrics to use, and can't wait to get started.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-74068927438500798032014-06-16T14:14:00.001-04:002014-06-16T14:14:56.890-04:00New Year's Resolution Quilt Update<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in January, I made a <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2014/01/resolution.html">resolution</a> that I would complete a paper-pieced Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt by Dec 31 of this year. At the time, I figured I'd make a flower a week until Fall, and then I'd start on the outline pieces before putting everything together. At that time, I'd just started my third flower, and I was on my way. And then... Yeah, I stopped working on it right after I published that post. Jan, Feb and March were extremely busy months for my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpeckledDog">shop</a>, and I didn't do much else than fill orders. Once that was over, I didn't feel like working on much of anything! In May, I attended a <a href="http://www.sadieseasongoods.com/may-flowers-crafting-hours-spring-craft-party/">craft party</a> hosted by Sarah from <a href="http://www.sadieseasongoods.com/">Sadie Seasongoods</a>. I needed some kind of portable craft, and figured my neglected quilt was perfect. I'm happy to report that I've been working on it daily ever since. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided that I didn't like the larger flowers, and am now doing flowers with the center and two rings around it. I'm planning to remove the third ring from the first two flowers I made, back in January, so that leaves me with these 11 flowers, plus the two from that I need to undo. I should be at 24 by now so I'm still a little behind. Although, I'm thinking now that I'll just stop at 24 because I really don't want a ginormous quilt. Just something I can drape over the end of the of a bed or that will fit on a twin bed. So I guess now, I'm ahead of schedule. YAY! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would have never imagined I would enjoy working on something so tedious, but I absolutely love every part of the process of making these flowers. Even cutting the paper templates. I've always loved having something else to do while I watch TV, and this is the perfect TV project. It's even better than knitting because there are no stitches to count! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-22697966096935218212014-06-10T10:15:00.000-04:002014-06-10T10:15:41.802-04:002014 Etsy Craft Party<div>
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Every year, <a href="http://iconosquare.com/tag/craftparty">thousands of crafters</a> across the world get their craft on, together, at the annual Etsy Craft Party. This year's theme was Recapture: bring new meaning to your photographs. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My local party was hosted by the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/5490/south-carolina-etsy-team">SC Etsy Team</a>, and was held at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Due-South-Coffee/1457616714452951">Due South Coffee</a> located at <a href="http://www.taylorsmillproperties.com/">Taylors Mill Properties</a> in Taylors, SC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">photos courtesy of <a href="http://plateofview.com/2014/04/30/due-south-coffee-roasters-part-1/">Plate of View</a>, <a href="http://www.towncarolina.com/eat-and-drink/open-bar/979-brew-bar.html">Town</a>, Molly Waits, <a href="http://www.sweetothesoul.com/2014/05/the-weekend-of-all-weekends.html">Sweet to the Soul</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd brought along some photos of my mom, not really knowing what exactly we would be doing with our photos. Turns out the project involved embroidering our photos. After thinking about it for a few minutes, I decided just couldn't do that to these photos. While I love the idea of adding some spunk to old photos, these just mean too much to me. Luckily, our hosts provided an alternative project; decorating coffee mugs with paint pens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I absolutely can't draw, but I can doodle. Here's my finished mug. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend, <a href="http://www.sadieseasongoods.com/">Sarah</a>, was wise enough to bring some old candids she found in an antique shop, and her finished project was really great! Here she is, stitching away on a photo that has been the topic of much discussion about it's subjects. Who were they? Best friends? Sisters? What happened to them? Are they still alive? Did they remain friends?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our fellow Etsians/crafters stitching away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mill where the coffee shop is located, is home to many local artists' studios, and so they host a First Friday on the first Friday of every month. This one coincided with the craft party. Many of the First Friday attendees stopped by the coffee house, and I was pleasantly surprised at the number of them who came up to the various (craft) tables, curious about what we were doing. It was nice to see that there's such a big interest in the crafting movement. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really had a great time at the party. I met some new people, and I fell in love with a coffee shop located in an old Southern mill. I can't wait for next year!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-41445779535824458022014-06-06T00:07:00.000-04:002014-06-08T16:15:36.001-04:00Story Stones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1HqbpVaar4/U5DkaZWHdKI/AAAAAAAAAWM/1PeX3m2nJO0/s1600/DSC00870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1HqbpVaar4/U5DkaZWHdKI/AAAAAAAAAWM/1PeX3m2nJO0/s1600/DSC00870.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, a page I follow (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Artful-Parent/116459441711992">The Artful Parent</a>), shared a post on story stones. I knew immediately we would be doing something like this. I'm a big believer in creative play, and besides that, we have thousands of river rocks in our backyard (they were being used in the front flower beds when we moved in). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Story stones are great for introducing little ones to creative thinking by using their imaginations and language skills for storytelling. For smaller ones, like Zoe, who is just over 2, they're great for object identification or grouping games. Zoe loves to just play with hers, putting them in her dollhouses and toy cars, talking to them, letting them talk to each other, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are a a lot of ways to make them. You can do as we did, and paint them with acrylic paints, or you can mod podge stickers and cut out images onto the stones. Getting a child involved in the making of the stones will really amp up the experience, and encourage them even more to play with the stones. Let them choose a few packs of stickers from the store or go through magazines, or thrifted children's books for images they'd like to use. Here's Zoe helping big sis with her story stones. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eYalp7FcpI/U5DortmYrSI/AAAAAAAAAWY/iaa8JV_PqAU/s1600/DSC00848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eYalp7FcpI/U5DortmYrSI/AAAAAAAAAWY/iaa8JV_PqAU/s1600/DSC00848.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*Please make sure to supervise smaller children with story stones that are small enough to be a choking hazard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other Resources:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://informedmama.com/2013/12/02/story-stones-how-to-make-and-use/">Informed Mama</a> has a good many suggestions on ways to use the stones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://childrensbooksdaily.com/story-starters-story-stones/">Children's Book Daily</a> also has some good ideas for stone play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're not up for making your own, there are plenty of Etsy shops that have some really great sets for sale. This </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/stOrystOneslou?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">one</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> has some of my favorite sets including this adorable </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/189593991/hungry-caterpillar-story-stone-set?ref=shop_home_active_5" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Very Hungry Caterpillar</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> set.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S272VgHJ58/U5DtHjc5_FI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Pz7UM2HXsXw/s1600/il_570xN.602280528_j3pd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S272VgHJ58/U5DtHjc5_FI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Pz7UM2HXsXw/s1600/il_570xN.602280528_j3pd.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking these to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/06/creative-collection-link-party-giveaway.html">Creative Collectionn @ Craft-o-Maniac</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-45157793113427042862014-06-02T09:42:00.000-04:002014-06-03T16:49:13.354-04:00Weekend Garden Craft Party<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! I sure did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Saturday, I hosted a garden craft themed craft party, and it was really a lot of fun! We ended up making mosaic stepping stones, and considering none of us had made stones before, I think we did a pretty good job! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started thrifting for items to use for molds and for the mosaics about a month ago. I also <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Stainedglasstile">ordered</a> some really pretty scrap glass from Etsy. Until that morning, when I set all of supplies out together, I didn't realize just how much stuff I'd collected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we sat around the table, eating yummy food, there was a lot of discussion about breaking some of the nicer dishes. All along, I'd thought I'd have a hard time breaking perfectly good dishes, but I was wrong. It was fun!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While some of us were doing the fun part, Sarah and Amy graciously prepared the concrete and molds. I read that it's important to use cooking spray if you're using cake pans as molds. It's supposed to make it easier to get the stone out of the mold, but I can't verify that yet since ours are still curing. We have to wait 5 days! Seriously, that is such a long time to a crafter. I think most of us are definitely instant gratification type gals so 5 days is like 5 months in craft time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was still working away on mine when most everyone left so I never stopped to take photos of their stones, but here's mine. I used some of the pretty china I'd been <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-love-of-collecting.html">collecting</a>. I figured using it to make something pretty was better than just having it stacked on some shelf, where it isn't being seen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was planning this party, I pinned all kinds of gorgeous mosaic stones, thinking I'd do some crazy elaborate piece. Well, I found out that it's not that easy. It took me forever to cut up my pieces. It's really hard to fussy-cut glass! In the whole time that everyone else made at least 2 stones, I was still cutting! I know now that I should have all of my pieces cut out in advance. By the time I started placing my pieces in the cement, it had already started setting so I wasn't able to push my pieces down as much as I'd have liked. I'm planning to go back over the piece with grout to help cover up some of the sharp edges. I'm still pleased with how it looks so far though, and I can't wait to make more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have any of you ever done mosaics? Do you have any tips to share? I'd love to know some better ways for cutting china. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-5187772673860628452014-05-26T12:52:00.000-04:002014-05-26T12:53:05.182-04:00Master Bedroom <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2011/08/master-bedroom-inspiration.html">time</a> I mentioned this space was nearly three years ago, so I figured it was about time for me to share it with you, and finally show what I ended up with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we found out I was expecting (has it really been three years???), we knew immediately that we'd be moving upstairs so we could be close to the baby's room. We chose the two bedrooms that were at the far end of the hall, side by side. At the time, one of the rooms was my husband's studio/office and the other was </span><a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2010/08/while-she-was-out-part-two.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Han's room</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. We moved my husband's space downstairs to the master, and we moved Han into what was the </span><a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2011/07/while-she-was-out-again-part-one.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">spare room</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The new room is a good bit smaller than the previous room, but the furniture fits so much better! The actual master bedroom doesn't have one full wall. All of the walls either have a window or a door so the furniture could really only be arranged one way, and that we didn't have a place for anything extra, like a chair or console table. The new room might be a little tighter, but we have room for more than the bed, dresser and bedside tables. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the wall color, I decided to go with a neutral color, and chose a Better Homes and Gardens color called Creamy Pebbles. I've been really happy with the color and I'm glad I chose a neutral because it'll make it easier for me to make some changes to the decor (new bedding, wall decor, etc) which is something I'm in the process of doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I kept the same drapes, and bedding I'd been using downstairs. and bought new <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/celeste-damask-duvet-cover-sham-gold/">bedding</a> from Pottery Barn. The bedding looks great with the wall color, and blends with the drapes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I absolutely love my bedroom! I love being in there. Not only is is pretty, it's so quiet! It really is a sanctuary for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I mentioned earlier in the post, I'm in the process of planning an update to the room. I've got the bedding, but am still trying to make up my mind on drapes and wall decor. Hopefully soon I'll have a new room to share. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-40285197188624926862014-05-20T07:37:00.002-04:002014-05-20T07:37:34.316-04:00Weekend Happenings<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope everyone had a great weekend. I certainly did! It was full of creating and making. Friday evening, I took my girls thrifting, and I was able to find two crib rails that I can use for displaying baby blankets and quilts when I do craft shows. I guess since they're not supposed to sell second hand cribs, the store had each piece priced separately. These were being sold as "upright ladders" and were $3 each. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday, I spent almost the whole day working on three baby quilts. I was able to get two of them finished yesterday and am working on the third one today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Sunday, I attended a craft party at my friend, <a href="http://www.sadieseasongoods.com/">Sarah's</a> house. I took a <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2014/01/resolution.html">quilting project</a> that I've neglected for months. I worked on it most of the time, but then couldn't resist painting a few Story Stones after watching a friend paint them all afternoon. I took a couple home to Zoe, and she immediately started playing with them so I've found yet another project to work on. They're really fun to do, and kids really seem to enjoy playing with them. *These are not mine. I only did one, so I had to find a nice set to share with you guys. You can find the source under the photo.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0rpkfCZin0/U3s3Ac2AabI/AAAAAAAAAOE/r_CyEW8-yOo/s1600/il_570xN.575606176_11iw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0rpkfCZin0/U3s3Ac2AabI/AAAAAAAAAOE/r_CyEW8-yOo/s1600/il_570xN.575606176_11iw.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Thrive360Living"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">source</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd been admiring painted rocks for awhile, and had pinned a few inspirational photos in the past, but when I actually searched some out on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thespeckleddog/">Pinterest</a>, I found a whole treasure trove full of gorgeous painted rocks.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8-8hr8zIUo/U3s6kXPnMeI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/2krtSJ-H8F8/s1600/2014-05-151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8-8hr8zIUo/U3s6kXPnMeI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/2krtSJ-H8F8/s1600/2014-05-151.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm under deadlines for a baby quilt and blanket today, and tomorrow I have to get the house back in order, but I'm hoping to be able to start one some rock painting Thursday! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-76142777086633919062014-05-15T10:39:00.001-04:002014-05-15T10:39:58.461-04:00Enjoying Spring<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summers here are dreadfully humid and hot. I can't stand to be outside for more than five minutes at a time from June until almost halfway through September. Fall and Spring are glorious though. Today, the high was 93 (it would be so awesome if that were the yearly high), so it was pretty nice out. It was perfection once the sun started setting and things cooled down a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zoe and I spent yesterday with pals of ours. Around noon, we headed to a nearby town for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whitefords-Giant-Burger/372039786148019">lunch</a> and a visit to one of my favorite <a href="http://www.hospiceoflaurenscounty.com/contact.html">thrift shops</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found several goodies today, but my favorites were this full-sized quilt, that I paid just $6 for!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KR69vPcMtxw/U3TPJb_uOyI/AAAAAAAAAIw/hzVX8bk65hw/s1600/DSC00264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KR69vPcMtxw/U3TPJb_uOyI/AAAAAAAAAIw/hzVX8bk65hw/s1600/DSC00264.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And these gorgeous silver plate spoons. I know they're WM Rogers, but I haven't been able to find out which pattern. I'm thinking I'll make either garden markers or use them for some kind of framed art.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a little toddler bonding going on, on the way home. How sweet are they?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FbQHVp9xJVs/U3QqvjlIwMI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/b3W0hyTqEWU/s1600/10338290_10203359792497569_8694957922794539071_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FbQHVp9xJVs/U3QqvjlIwMI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/b3W0hyTqEWU/s1600/10338290_10203359792497569_8694957922794539071_n.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we got back home, I filled up our sad little pool so that the girls could play. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqqAwaQvxt0/U3Qq4bPupWI/AAAAAAAAAIY/zwtX79BlBaw/s1600/d936607026baacdfccba64e306aa5aeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqqAwaQvxt0/U3Qq4bPupWI/AAAAAAAAAIY/zwtX79BlBaw/s1600/d936607026baacdfccba64e306aa5aeb.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our neighborhood pool opens this weekend, and I can't wait to get Zoe in it! That little lopsided thing just isn't cuttin' it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-74476502425470497412014-05-13T10:02:00.000-04:002014-05-13T10:02:49.744-04:00My Mother's Day<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope all of my fellow moms had a great Mother's Day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a pretty productive weekend. I'd decided for Mother's Day, instead of gifts, that I wanted to plant flowers. It'd been something like 5 years since I'd done anything like that. Aside from two azaleas and a knock-out rose tree, there was no color happening in our yard. Saturday afternoon, we headed to Lowe's and loaded up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After breakfast Sunday morning, we headed outside, and got started. This is where we were about half-way through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ran back out to Lowe's for more supplies.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtv4go_UDik/U3IjBb62biI/AAAAAAAAAIE/juNnU3GoLD8/s1600/10253781_10203336743641362_8619141683013270047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtv4go_UDik/U3IjBb62biI/AAAAAAAAAIE/juNnU3GoLD8/s1600/10253781_10203336743641362_8619141683013270047_n.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were out there for hours, and I'd forgotten how much I love being out in the yard, working. We still have a few more flowers to plant, and then we need to mulch. I'll share some photos of everything once it's all done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got some sewing done this weekend too. Saturday afternoon, I started on a little sampler quilt from some of my leftover Scrumptious squares. I had to stop because I ran out of the cream fabric, and had to order more. I ordered another layer cake of Scrumptious too because I really just love it so much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday night, I started on a string quilt, using a box of scraps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's to hoping I get something finished soon! Until next time...</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-57655559336527644132014-05-04T11:42:00.003-04:002014-05-04T11:42:54.206-04:00Kitchen Organizing - Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kitchen gods did not bless my house with a lot of storage space. The few drawers and cabinets there are, are packed with dishes. The sink under the cabinet holds some cleaning supplies, trash bags and dishwasher detergent. The small pantry holds all of my dry foods as well as the dog's food and things like foil and plastic wrap. At least once a year, usually in January, I do a whole kitchen shuffle. I rearrange things, trying to make the space work better. Well, really I just like to watch my family constantly go to the wrong cabinet for a glass or plate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't really do much with the fridge and pantry aside from straightening them up here and there, but man, it sure doesn't take long for them to look like the Tasmanian Devil ran through them! I've done a pantry overhaul a few times, and never thought about taking a photo until I was halfway through it. The last time I did it, I remembered to take pictures before I got started. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Something I did different this time, was to use baskets in both the pantry and the fridge. I've found that this helped keep the fridge pretty organized for longer than normal. So baskets were my "aha" purchase for the fridge.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSpgn7jRXac/U2OcrGE_8AI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Ms10D-rOOBs/s1600/2013-09-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSpgn7jRXac/U2OcrGE_8AI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Ms10D-rOOBs/s1600/2013-09-28.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My "aha" purchase for the pantry was were the Lazy Susans. It's so much easier for me to find what I'm looking for this way! Plus, the double-decker one works so much better than just stacking cans. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really hate the modular shelving they put into the pantries of houses these days. I'd prefer wood shelves, but I guess it's cheaper and easier to use modular. I've remedied things slipping through the slats by using baskets for corralling small packs of things, and cutting boards that act as a base for the shelves. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also have an over the door organizer that holds oils, vinegars and other condiments that won't fit in the pantry. It has been a life-saver! My next step is to try and make use of the space of the side walls. Like this...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know when I'll get my dream kitchen, but until I do, I'll continue to tweak the one I've got!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-57132461185463670602014-05-01T11:39:00.000-04:002014-05-01T11:39:20.494-04:00Scrappy Patchwork Doll Quilt<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I totally finished a project!! Yay me!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijxSRrtTC54/U2JokpUI3_I/AAAAAAAAAFM/EK3Lbkw9eyw/s1600/DSC00053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijxSRrtTC54/U2JokpUI3_I/AAAAAAAAAFM/EK3Lbkw9eyw/s1600/DSC00053.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2014/04/in-progress-pinwheel-baby-quilts.html">posted</a> the other day about a quilt I'd been working on for three months. Well, this one was a year in the making. I actually stopped working on the three month quilt the other day so that I could finish this doll quilt. I'd started it as a small hand quilting project, but lost interest in it a few days after I started it. I put my little project basket away, and it stayed put until a few weeks ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tired of it mocking me every time I was in the same room with it, I decided to finish it by machine. That took like, all of 30 minutes! Well, finishing the top and putting the quilt sandwich together, anyway. See, I have this fear of binding. I've only done it a couple of times, and the last few times I tried it, it just didn't turn out right. Plus, I hate having to hand-sew the back! This little quilt sandwich sat on my <strike>sewing</strike> dining room table, next to my machine for a couple of weeks until the other day when I said to myself, "This is ridiculous! You've got to stop being intimidated by things. Just finish the the thing already!" So, I hopped online to find a tutorial for complete machine binding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ended up using this <a href="http://swimbikequilt.com/2011/10/machine-binding-tutorial.html">tutorial</a> which was simple, and not too involved. Sometimes when a tutorial has too many photos, and steps, my brain kinda shorts out.</span> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sa6puzlKqYI/U2JpZTSxh9I/AAAAAAAAAFg/dizxU5jPoHo/s1600/DSC00040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sa6puzlKqYI/U2JpZTSxh9I/AAAAAAAAAFg/dizxU5jPoHo/s1600/DSC00040.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not perfect, but it's a start, and Zoe absolutely loves using it for her bunny (her lovey) so I think I'll just keep making doll quilts until I get the binding down pat. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhNJO-RqIN0/U2Jok861j2I/AAAAAAAAAFU/THS6zX_uD_o/s1600/DSC00035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhNJO-RqIN0/U2Jok861j2I/AAAAAAAAAFU/THS6zX_uD_o/s1600/DSC00035.JPG" height="640" width="556" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-49576603417305760322014-04-28T14:21:00.000-04:002014-04-28T14:21:16.905-04:00In Progress - Pinwheel Baby Quilts<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm terrible when it comes to completing projects. Seriously. It takes me several weeks to months to finish something that should only take a few days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like this quilt. I think I've been working on this for close to three months. Yes, I said THREE, as in 1-2-3 months. I tend to have numerous projects going at once, and things just get lost in the shuffle. This weekend, I vowed to get the top done, and I not only did that, I started on another pinwheel top just like it. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iC9tPfCu2es/U16YgDW3ipI/AAAAAAAAAEE/UNp-WLhbHt4/s1600/DSC00016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iC9tPfCu2es/U16YgDW3ipI/AAAAAAAAAEE/UNp-WLhbHt4/s1600/DSC00016.JPG" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm planning to get the 2nd top finished this week, and then get the sandwiches and quilting done over the weekend. I've just ordered the binding fabric, and depending on when that comes in, I'll shoot for getting them bound over the weekend too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The collection I used was Moda's <a href="http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/2013/10/designer-select-bonnie-camille-giveaway.html">Scrumptious</a> by Bonnie & Camille. I love all of B&C's collections! In fact, it was their Ruby collection that I used on Zoe's <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2011/09/perfectly-imperfect-quilt.html">baby quilt</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the colors in the Scrumptious line. They remind me of ice cream sherbet and Summer. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cuvxE6FqOyA/U16aDKuf1QI/AAAAAAAAAE4/yDSmXxCQKtk/s1600/8519051541_5e5f1b660c_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cuvxE6FqOyA/U16aDKuf1QI/AAAAAAAAAE4/yDSmXxCQKtk/s1600/8519051541_5e5f1b660c_c.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I purchased a <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/layer-cakes">layer cake</a>, and cut it into fourths, making four stacks of 5" charm squares. I should be able to get at least three pinwheel baby quilts out of the one layer cake. I'm hoping for at least four, but I might end up with three baby quilts and one doll quilt or a pillow cover. I'm planning to list the baby quilts in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetCarolineHome?ref=si_shop">shop</a>, but I may end up keeping one for Zoe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've got several layer cakes laying around here, and I really need to stop hoarding them, and get to making some stuff. I love buying fabric, but hate using it. Know what I mean? It's like opening a new box of crayons, and then not wanting to mess them up by using them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time... </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-22940451102102923922014-04-24T08:14:00.002-04:002014-04-24T08:14:45.592-04:00A New Blogging Journey<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-RPQDNgU6Q/U1j_Bkm4LTI/AAAAAAAAABk/ksKf5c-Bs6w/s1600/DSC09800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-RPQDNgU6Q/U1j_Bkm4LTI/AAAAAAAAABk/ksKf5c-Bs6w/s1600/DSC09800.JPG" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been struggling with this blog for almost three years now. Back in 2010/2011, it was mainly a trash to treasure makeover blog. At the time, I was also selling most of what I made. I was constantly going to thrift stores to find items that I could upcycle and resell. I would occasionally blog a craft or project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the Spring on 2011, I began to struggle with what I was doing. Most of the craft projects I blogged, ended up being donated to Goodwill either because they didn't fit in with my decor or I just didn't have room for the volume of finished items. I'm going to just assume that this is probably common among DIY bloggers. That just seemed like a big waste to me. Like I was just throwing money away. The bigger issue was that it seemed like my thrifting was getting out of control. I was buying faster than I could makeover and sell. Around this same time, I went through a Hoarder's marathon on Netflix, and totally saw myself in some of these people, scouring thrift shops for cool stuff. At the time, I'd taken over most of the garage, and our spare bedroom with items that I needed to re-purpose. You can imagine the uneasiness I felt creeping into my thoughts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About a month later, I found out I was pregnant. This was a complete surprise. It'd been 13 years since my last pregnancy, and we'd assumed that there were no more babies in our future. Needless to say, we were ecstatic! I couldn't think about anything else. I was going to have a baby!! I completely lost interest in my Etsy shop, and stopped doing my makeovers. I stopped thrifting. We cleared out the spare room to make room for baby, and I donated a lot of stuff back to Goodwill. I was too tired to do any kind of big projects around the house and I didn't want my blog to be a baby or mommy blog. So, I basically stopped blogging. I did a few posts during this time, on the baby's room, but other than that, it was silent around here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zoe was born in Feb 2012. A few months after she was born, I felt like I wanted to get back into doing my Etsy thing so I started chipping away at my mountain of thrifted items. Still, I wasn't really blogging. Just a post here and there. I still didn't want to have a mommy blog, and I just didn't know what to write about. With a new baby, it was hard to be able to do a lot of projects, and I just didn't have the time to sit around and come up with blog post ideas anymore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The whole time that I'd been not blogging regularly, I still thought about it, and missed doing it. I would think about how I loved the blogging community, and about how many friends I'd made while doing it, and I missed that! At the beginning of the year, I decided I would start blogging again, and so I did! Most of my posts have been filler posts, which I really don't like doing because there's no substance there. I've done a few project posts, but I've found that I sometimes don't have time for that. Anyone who is a DIY blogger knows how much time goes into a project post. Stopping before every step to take a bazillion photos, going through all of the photos to find just the right ones, editing photos, then doing the post. Then, to get your post out there you have to do the link parties. Oh gosh!! Sometimes it's just too much. I just don't have the time to blog like I used to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now, I'm here, trying to figure out what I want this blog to be. I'm mainly sewing these days so I think any projects I blog, will most likely be sewing-related. My life these days is very much Mommy so as much as I didn't want to have a mommy blog, I think that's the direction I'm going in. Not so much a mommy blog as a life blog. I'll be sharing pieces of my daily life with some recipes and tutorials mixed in. I still have a lot of stuff in the garage, leftover from my thrifting days, so I imagine there'll be some makeover posts thrown in too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope that I can build my little blog back up, but I've found that where I used to crave a quantity of followers, what I really crave now, is quality. I want to make connections with people I have stuff in common with. I really enjoy the friends I made through blogging, years ago. They're some of the people I interact most with on my personal Facebook page, and I've even met a few IRL. I want more of that!! So please, join me on my new blogging journey! If I'm still in your reader, and you see this post, pop in and say hi, and leave me a link to your blog so I can visit you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time... </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-81507675446482632802014-04-01T09:29:00.001-04:002014-04-01T09:29:20.596-04:00Treasury Tuesday - No 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A weekly series featuring an Etsy treasury I've curated.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">click here to visit the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/treasury/Njg2Njk4M3wyNzIzMzk4MjI1/welcome-spring">treasury</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">and get access to any of the items</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826714387605732375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-74911611276855541252014-03-28T15:01:00.000-04:002014-03-29T13:28:10.566-04:00Favorite Things Friday - No 8<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week I <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2014/03/favorite-things-friday-no-7.html">shared</a> some of my favorite Etsy shops for digital sewing patterns. This week, I'm sharing some of my favorite Etsy fabric shops. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1woZ40PK4PyQsOBvkQvrtGojRtukikqt8nXc4OYsCtCQFNbRaeZrD5sbTrrAJqESwjjiL9iJZcyLhuGaVxbaymCLVNArfAlTP0Ok3aIoOP9BTIcV9kKRI0Axxa3-A98iUjRlgHWo7Iw/s1600/2014-03-244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1woZ40PK4PyQsOBvkQvrtGojRtukikqt8nXc4OYsCtCQFNbRaeZrD5sbTrrAJqESwjjiL9iJZcyLhuGaVxbaymCLVNArfAlTP0Ok3aIoOP9BTIcV9kKRI0Axxa3-A98iUjRlgHWo7Iw/s1600/2014-03-244.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get almost all of my designer fabrics from Etsy. I will occasionally go to a local quilt shop, but it's pretty difficult to shop a quilt shop with a toddler. No carts, too packed with fabric to get a stroller around, plus I can only carry a bolt or two when I have Zoe with me. It's just easier for me to shop for these fabrics online, and since I like to support other Etsians, I choose to shop through Etsy instead of some of the larger online fabric shops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, I've found that it's usually about the same cost to shop for fabric from Etsy as it is for me to shop from a local quilt shop. I try to order multiple fabrics at once so I can take advantage of combine shipping. Most of the shops ship in a Flat Rate Priority envelope which is under $6. I think most shops can fit about 8 yards in one envelope. Most of the shops sell designer fabric (Amy Butler, Jennifer Paganelli, Anna Maria Horner, Michael Miller, Joel Dewberry, Moda, etc) at about $8 to $10 a yard. My local quilt stores carry the same fabrics at $12 a yard. If I buy 5 yards of fabric from an Etsy shop, I'm paying roughly $50 + $6 for shipping. Locally, I'm paying $60 for 5 yards, plus tax, plus gas money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get all other fabrics, like blenders and solids at Hancock's, Hobby Lobby or JoAnne, using a 40% off coupon when I can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some tips for buying fabric from Etsy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I find a fabric I like, from browsing Etsy, I'll do an Etsy search for it to see who has the cheapest price. Then I compare their shipping cost to that of the next cheapest price by yard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next, I look through their shop to see if they have any other fabrics I'd like so that I can get as much fabric shipped at once. It's rare that I would pay $9 for a yard of fabric, plus, another $5 for shipping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If the listing says there's only one yard available, and I need more, I always ask if they have the amount I need. Almost every time, the seller will set up a custom listing with the amount I need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once I've added all of the fabric to my cart, and see that the shipping price is more than a Flat Rate Envelope, I'll ask for shipping to be adjusted. If it's just $1 or a little more over, I don't worry about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that I've shared the How & Why I shop for fabric on Etsy, I want to share some of my favorite fabric shops.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMPQZkVJy-YyGwUO2xtYwJ00V7rVAr6iAs-4Vc89ARaRnEtmwCwjuTfOyd34wbDcj948ks0CEBPqAgxfVqGYAe7EaodUHmvNNNQdXJ0ArOQxaDq8eVgi6cWRUWHexkV-oKFns6HQgcQ/s1600/iusb_760x100.12743171_obx1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMPQZkVJy-YyGwUO2xtYwJ00V7rVAr6iAs-4Vc89ARaRnEtmwCwjuTfOyd34wbDcj948ks0CEBPqAgxfVqGYAe7EaodUHmvNNNQdXJ0ArOQxaDq8eVgi6cWRUWHexkV-oKFns6HQgcQ/s1600/iusb_760x100.12743171_obx1.jpg" height="84" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkDoorFabrics">shop link</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You can read Pink Door Fabric's About Me page <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkDoorFabrics/about?ref=announce">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pink Door Fabrics carries a large selection of designer fabrics as well as blender fabrics and patterns. They also carry organics and fabric bundles. I've purchased both fabric yardage and patterns, and have made more than one purchase from them. My most recent purchase included</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikQVxwNmhtdCU7IJVuqN8lE6TCgyz0PWG7rG51j5vZkELClCFNZ30njs9ZB4cDE_zpuXO747L1_1y-kof2AVhFnLaehbsDjkb0ArLCbU1WdLjhiW5O2p4GKjWkyBKWRa8Oe-WOwYrow/s1600/2014-03-241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikQVxwNmhtdCU7IJVuqN8lE6TCgyz0PWG7rG51j5vZkELClCFNZ30njs9ZB4cDE_zpuXO747L1_1y-kof2AVhFnLaehbsDjkb0ArLCbU1WdLjhiW5O2p4GKjWkyBKWRa8Oe-WOwYrow/s1600/2014-03-241.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33kD0rIp0T8hXHFm8s0F1bvhNexYr0symVlPmRnRcu7eZZMJujf-ezpulwbP-_TxXt3kulQ6BvtVaFW3LKBLlY6sr1gCiP2frGrk2Z9jmvaLZWaluj4oa5IUOZvl5x15CBcyRkHmh5Q/s1600/iusb_760x100.9731072_irhm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33kD0rIp0T8hXHFm8s0F1bvhNexYr0symVlPmRnRcu7eZZMJujf-ezpulwbP-_TxXt3kulQ6BvtVaFW3LKBLlY6sr1gCiP2frGrk2Z9jmvaLZWaluj4oa5IUOZvl5x15CBcyRkHmh5Q/s1600/iusb_760x100.9731072_irhm.jpg" height="84" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In addition to yardage, Southern Fabric has a huge selection of patterns. They also carry a rather large selection of pre-cuts, which I love! In fact, all of the purchases I've made from them, have been pre-cuts. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11dI5vJuI_HjTu5bEDNTpSd4ZPAIyze8g84vwxcEEvdsC43n33Mt7eo43XbQoVvwde-plem22s7Z1vnhXN9OneOJ7BUbKMTi6wfG8Pxd8bdPl4iZ_VqB8jhDkPs7K8YNxOAMRgKSgEQ/s1600/2014-03-025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11dI5vJuI_HjTu5bEDNTpSd4ZPAIyze8g84vwxcEEvdsC43n33Mt7eo43XbQoVvwde-plem22s7Z1vnhXN9OneOJ7BUbKMTi6wfG8Pxd8bdPl4iZ_VqB8jhDkPs7K8YNxOAMRgKSgEQ/s1600/2014-03-025.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDVd_QS0XHEpiQYTjEnkf05RbNWDrM2tsWhjhvxNye4gZHrWkzFFZzWDYBiDgrxeNwi0CbAcWKWUfP416H_6URxe8yXeqPK4nW4rdEMfAzz_mX_SWk95Jd5Cc0sp97YnbzHbtai7Xyw/s1600/iusb_760x100.12301840_lecn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDVd_QS0XHEpiQYTjEnkf05RbNWDrM2tsWhjhvxNye4gZHrWkzFFZzWDYBiDgrxeNwi0CbAcWKWUfP416H_6URxe8yXeqPK4nW4rdEMfAzz_mX_SWk95Jd5Cc0sp97YnbzHbtai7Xyw/s1600/iusb_760x100.12301840_lecn.jpg" height="84" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With fabrics sorted by pattern rather than designer/manufacturer name, Fabrics Boutique carries yardage, bundles & patterns. Shipping has been so fast, that I had to wait to be able to leave feedback! My most recent purchase included</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAqtiSXyscorjYDyBW9ZqWP15NIuYBpi2L1Ye1p8Mzda9bXGatXEtU3WSR9HAErEl4NoX00ueN-ZEo2q3lqTJVn0iG9M7Iw9LcnWFixRZ-oFEMrmttWLlWSNC7z5fs6J83Byx9hFOlA/s1600/il_300x300.485150116_bs0m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAqtiSXyscorjYDyBW9ZqWP15NIuYBpi2L1Ye1p8Mzda9bXGatXEtU3WSR9HAErEl4NoX00ueN-ZEo2q3lqTJVn0iG9M7Iw9LcnWFixRZ-oFEMrmttWLlWSNC7z5fs6J83Byx9hFOlA/s1600/il_300x300.485150116_bs0m.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNMEjyQAMxgLHYUwxPrrHYrFjFXm3jskfRuJb7u_T6MLoGL6UP5pIurqi3LNfvDcKaQF99xRMBarVYK_5LpgH7N1nad2XUL6QeNVYMgmT_g275dcGtApaPBtpNVWcPjZ_jxVLyqtm6g/s1600/il_300x300.495700024_npk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNMEjyQAMxgLHYUwxPrrHYrFjFXm3jskfRuJb7u_T6MLoGL6UP5pIurqi3LNfvDcKaQF99xRMBarVYK_5LpgH7N1nad2XUL6QeNVYMgmT_g275dcGtApaPBtpNVWcPjZ_jxVLyqtm6g/s1600/il_300x300.495700024_npk5.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocuE2MEnV1tz5Uq0XhfFneIst3W6WXGXDZmt4HPOOlgq9y4dvLHIgu7zE9cYDrqMTx0IGMGMGc__WegfaBS1fMNhogoXNPKO1P3Y6YysTIwoBNiS2V6GYXEIvfql9NlJ2-KsD6FYIoQ/s1600/il_300x300.506798654_jut4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocuE2MEnV1tz5Uq0XhfFneIst3W6WXGXDZmt4HPOOlgq9y4dvLHIgu7zE9cYDrqMTx0IGMGMGc__WegfaBS1fMNhogoXNPKO1P3Y6YysTIwoBNiS2V6GYXEIvfql9NlJ2-KsD6FYIoQ/s1600/il_300x300.506798654_jut4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEB4gm0CK-ynAGAqcqoVf7a1mle4IbE_ID83NfSzzOSgasbdG-Ert7AcEh9IDkz7aaAvrD8UbO_DUkwB1ioQIzmtYgl5Fm77eC0E22kPecrxVbjETATyoPUXlqGABCR6j9-3kyc4p4Q/s1600/iusb_760x100.12151309_bai3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEB4gm0CK-ynAGAqcqoVf7a1mle4IbE_ID83NfSzzOSgasbdG-Ert7AcEh9IDkz7aaAvrD8UbO_DUkwB1ioQIzmtYgl5Fm77eC0E22kPecrxVbjETATyoPUXlqGABCR6j9-3kyc4p4Q/s1600/iusb_760x100.12151309_bai3.jpg" height="84" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bee Yourself Fabrics carries designer fabrics, home dec fabrics and bundles as well as handmade items like throw pillows and table runners. She has gorgeous selections of Anna Maria Horner, Jennifer Paganelli & Amy Butler. My recent purchase included</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4E-1oKgmik7pI_bdAoDQTLVbPU2r-iAbXizez50AlKjZGn8I-81AVbmHCvqomtFtKJlXqIEBlo3cndQz7kOeavByfXBr7JlUMhSb8x_D7RQ1UXEadGf1hef2CzBtP9rZA-QU7F275A/s1600/2014-03-243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4E-1oKgmik7pI_bdAoDQTLVbPU2r-iAbXizez50AlKjZGn8I-81AVbmHCvqomtFtKJlXqIEBlo3cndQz7kOeavByfXBr7JlUMhSb8x_D7RQ1UXEadGf1hef2CzBtP9rZA-QU7F275A/s1600/2014-03-243.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAVNoCVPqoJUJ0tEiNGSCL7nVYthosut6lq9XFf1rj0PaYeJ5KOFJHuu1rx9ZuVdkGtewyOuUX-b6esEk6JoZaz8qhlKMierx4yQgD3e5LpcZxkD6pzvR9L5P4eFaLWLzlwAc5XUE_Q/s1600/iusb_760x100.11526380_i3ah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAVNoCVPqoJUJ0tEiNGSCL7nVYthosut6lq9XFf1rj0PaYeJ5KOFJHuu1rx9ZuVdkGtewyOuUX-b6esEk6JoZaz8qhlKMierx4yQgD3e5LpcZxkD6pzvR9L5P4eFaLWLzlwAc5XUE_Q/s1600/iusb_760x100.11526380_i3ah.jpg" height="84" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricBubb">shop link</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">You can find Fabric BUBB's About Me page </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricBubb/about?ref=l2-about" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fabric BUBB carries a huge selection of fabrics. Anything from designer to Kona solids to home decor and minky. They sell both yardage and bundles. With orders going out the next business day, shipping is super fast. My most recent purchase were these awesome prints!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9uSWUZmeKT2dOORRPuMWoDyP3bRPBg8IB3fPE9xUYLWEpNtDcij_OaBH_yNuzl2Qsl61vpxlhubncZrZoBCu-w4Cf1m9jc2fDncLns5qEaxjwMzu6-kcf7gS6b_lt0zBd26H0zxi1g/s1600/2014-03-242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9uSWUZmeKT2dOORRPuMWoDyP3bRPBg8IB3fPE9xUYLWEpNtDcij_OaBH_yNuzl2Qsl61vpxlhubncZrZoBCu-w4Cf1m9jc2fDncLns5qEaxjwMzu6-kcf7gS6b_lt0zBd26H0zxi1g/s1600/2014-03-242.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you found this post helpful, and that if you're looking for fabric that the big box fabric spots don't carry, that you'll consider these shops for your fabric needs. It's always a great thing when we can help support small business like these!</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-45631641485232634642014-03-25T13:30:00.000-04:002014-03-25T13:30:04.223-04:00Treasury Tuesday - No 1<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A weekly series featuring an Etsy treasury I've curated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">click here to visit the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/treasury/Njg2Njk4M3wyNzIzMzU5Njcz/sweet-sherbert">treasury </a>and get access to any of the items</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-46784662775411679972014-03-21T00:16:00.000-04:002014-03-21T00:17:57.793-04:00Favorite Things Friday - No 7<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A series of weekly posts, sharing some of my favorite internet finds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I started looking through some of my pins to gather some content for this post, I came across one that I'd pinned from Etsy. It was a sewing pattern for a little girl's dress. That gave me the idea to look through my Etsy favorites to see what other sewing patterns I'd saved on Etsy. Did you know you can create boards on Etsy too? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3UTVY6jQlJn65BQ6HWxtM5Nmb4bCOfGh1Wiccsp4UUDp_Lv_Dy8YO-09J2KpAFLtrfR-6Gdq78xQ_qkzJlOZCLgT987lshqGT3ume7qJXY-5ZRaJ62ehUisVTsi3WL1mOsCqYDInrA/s1600/Kristi's+Favorites+-+Google+Chrome+3202014+21704+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3UTVY6jQlJn65BQ6HWxtM5Nmb4bCOfGh1Wiccsp4UUDp_Lv_Dy8YO-09J2KpAFLtrfR-6Gdq78xQ_qkzJlOZCLgT987lshqGT3ume7qJXY-5ZRaJ62ehUisVTsi3WL1mOsCqYDInrA/s1600/Kristi's+Favorites+-+Google+Chrome+3202014+21704+AM.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, as I looked through my saved patterns, I realized that I usually "like" several patterns from any given seller. I thought I'd take this week's FTF to feature some of my favorite pattern designers from Etsy. I'll be featuring several different shops/pattern types, from toys to clothes, to quilts. Etsy has a great feature called About Me, that allows sellers to give a mini-bio on who they are and how their shop came to be. Since this feature is optional, not every seller has one. When it's available, I'll link to it so you can check those out. I love reading stories about how my favorite shops came to be, and I urge you to take a peek. If you're a maker, it can be really inspiring to read about others' successes, and to see how they were all newbies at one point!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of the shops featured sell their patterns as instant PDF downloads. I love ordering patterns this way because I don't have to wait days to get them in the mail!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first feature is Kim from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/retromama?ref=shop_sugg">Retro Mama</a>. Retro Mama has been open since the end of 2007. She's got some adorable softie patterns in her shop. One cool thing about patterns from her shop, is that she allows you to sell items made from her patterns, as long as you credit her as the designer (following her instructions). You can find her About Me page <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/retromama/about?ref=l2-about">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this bunny pattern so much! I bought this one last year with the intention of making one for Zoe's Easter basket. Of course, I never got around to it, but this year, I'm for sure getting it done! Zoe is a bunny freak, and it'll just make my heart sing to see her loving on a bunny that I made. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/68106508/pdf-sewing-pattern-betsy-basil-bunny?ref=shop_home_active_1">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doxies are by far my favorite dog breed, so of course, I love this Dachshund softie pattern. I actually purchased an already made one from another Etsy seller, for Zoe's first Christmas. Aren't they just the cutest things?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZBNxnbi9yRkaZvI_MW67RN-FxSOnhwJyhH7ieyJIfWCS1125bxdw9Fu7HaLdA7GASuUHCoKxqA0qCtjj4gn_q018UlsnovyGTwpCTJALsut2EnjzpeNNpR65Q3eUVvrl5q5MjYBLRw/s1600/il_570xN.334294037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZBNxnbi9yRkaZvI_MW67RN-FxSOnhwJyhH7ieyJIfWCS1125bxdw9Fu7HaLdA7GASuUHCoKxqA0qCtjj4gn_q018UlsnovyGTwpCTJALsut2EnjzpeNNpR65Q3eUVvrl5q5MjYBLRw/s1600/il_570xN.334294037.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/99305077/pdf-sewing-pattern-milo-and-moxie?ref=shop_home_active_5">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK, seriously, how cute is this Hans and Greta doll set??? Just look at those sweet outfits! You can also purchase these patterns from the shop, separately. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9c7OsV-8yIyu1hKC-QJQqo93KnLVWxJNLIbpa5y00ZWMhsc_Z4YkCuVynXII7OjSKYSSO0oYRiZhP6ulaiuyc2LxPF1YfLa14ffh0I6_wU245vJIYOt7YfmHw3xm72HybYG8L7Th2g/s1600/il_570xN.526066991_gnpk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9c7OsV-8yIyu1hKC-QJQqo93KnLVWxJNLIbpa5y00ZWMhsc_Z4YkCuVynXII7OjSKYSSO0oYRiZhP6ulaiuyc2LxPF1YfLa14ffh0I6_wU245vJIYOt7YfmHw3xm72HybYG8L7Th2g/s1600/il_570xN.526066991_gnpk.jpg" height="522" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/169306410/hans-and-greta-doll-pdf-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_feat_1">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Retro Mama has pages of patterns available, as well as some listings for felt, which can be used for several of her patterns. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My next feature is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlelizardking?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Little Lizard King</a>. I just discovered this shop last weekend while I was looking for a toddler dress pattern. You can find there About Me page <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlelizardking/about?ref=l2-about">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to their About Me page, they are the largest seller of children's clothing patterns on Etsy. I certainly believe it because there are so many I ended up adding to my favorites! Like Retro Mama, Little Lizard King allows items made from their patterns to be sold, in limited quantities, with proper credit given to them for designing</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the pattern. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dress that led me to their shop was this one. I'm planning to purchase this one this week, and have already been planning what fabric I'd like to use. I'm thinking a bold Amy Butler print would look gorgeous here. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFgbLChjr1ORo0wFEgVMii-CF2cRbeakr56IOtMrTOaabEDj33nsqSE9XT0KlMAEEbjw4taPAWtSB0PqpKnATH1h5u16Zd4mRutDqpPXLT7fspQUsCSXDVB2qOWi3AuSGGC4OdR6UDQ/s1600/il_570xN.503227706_xepg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFgbLChjr1ORo0wFEgVMii-CF2cRbeakr56IOtMrTOaabEDj33nsqSE9XT0KlMAEEbjw4taPAWtSB0PqpKnATH1h5u16Zd4mRutDqpPXLT7fspQUsCSXDVB2qOWi3AuSGGC4OdR6UDQ/s1600/il_570xN.503227706_xepg.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/163151385/long-sleeve-dress-sewing-pattern-girls?ref=shop_home_feat_1">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love patterns that use a bunch of different fabrics. It might take me forever to choose just the right fabrics, but it's so much fun pulling them all together. One good this about a pattern like this one is that it's good for stash-busting. I'm also thinking you could use a fat quarter bundle on the smaller sizes. That certainly takes most of the work of choosing fabrics, away. I'm looking at this skirt, and seeing this awesome </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182287831/on-sale-notting-hill-by-joel-dewberry?ref=favs_view_13" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joel Dewberry bundle</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> working really well!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbqkO0_HLy-4yBCqzNFVqMawFP46_Yh8ZpdXdoNuccF6GGrRVvkGbZ5Q6-mkgPozmebTZHjqOmx-1VgTYWkcdKftFca521rrAXgPvnyjy9_rgZWmMJkUJzyc_dJZQ1if9SdaJX1r-Lw/s1600/il_570xN.333358055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbqkO0_HLy-4yBCqzNFVqMawFP46_Yh8ZpdXdoNuccF6GGrRVvkGbZ5Q6-mkgPozmebTZHjqOmx-1VgTYWkcdKftFca521rrAXgPvnyjy9_rgZWmMJkUJzyc_dJZQ1if9SdaJX1r-Lw/s1600/il_570xN.333358055.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/68592923/girls-skirt-pattern-twirl-skirt-pattern?ref=favs_view_17">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This has to be the most adorable dress I've seen in a long time! It would make the perfect Easter dress!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LwsesVNNVa4e8wFA67dNV9VuPXix4UWKRPp6bSFvjHAdOSYzIA9ON_85NMcLXAjqfhJ1xoMcEYim4aTs4eS9qANOcDeAInXcA_w2_vt4XYcsGy7oGGWSuvzl2yLtclCMDpgNReR9fw/s1600/il_570xN.560345212_nm8r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LwsesVNNVa4e8wFA67dNV9VuPXix4UWKRPp6bSFvjHAdOSYzIA9ON_85NMcLXAjqfhJ1xoMcEYim4aTs4eS9qANOcDeAInXcA_w2_vt4XYcsGy7oGGWSuvzl2yLtclCMDpgNReR9fw/s1600/il_570xN.560345212_nm8r.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/179083648/elise-halter-dress-sewing-pattern-girls?ref=shop_home_active_20">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to dress and skirt patterns, Little Lizard King also stocks patterns for rompers, tops, bottoms, accessories, boys' patterns and even costumes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you like boutique clothing patterns, you'll love this next shop. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ViolaLeePatterns">Viola Lee</a> is a shop full of boutique clothing patterns for little girls. I have purchased several patterns from her, and have made two garments using her patterns. I'd consider myself somewhere between a beginner and intermediate when it comes to sewing, and these patterns were a cinch for me! Vicky's patterns are very thorough, and easy to use. You can find Vicky's About Me page <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ViolaLeePatterns/about?ref=l2-about">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK, on to some of my favorite patterns. I'll start with the two I've used. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first pattern I used was the Mattie Mae pants pattern. I made these as part of <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2013/04/zoes-1st-birthday-red-aqua-birthday.html">Zoe's 1st Birthday</a> party outfit. They were freaking adorable!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFRapDj6UgahEDcphGtjUsfZ1mrRgZ1Y59zmp6QtV84pP2ifSDfzdTLjpQbvLQnmKyWHLLJpTwfgQnSpZQGV8H9VnLKj6qHQbFxQ_S6FGXtOtAA2q-uP0aypH62UL5rbgB4JDP_AXBg/s1600/il_570xN.315907629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFRapDj6UgahEDcphGtjUsfZ1mrRgZ1Y59zmp6QtV84pP2ifSDfzdTLjpQbvLQnmKyWHLLJpTwfgQnSpZQGV8H9VnLKj6qHQbFxQ_S6FGXtOtAA2q-uP0aypH62UL5rbgB4JDP_AXBg/s1600/il_570xN.315907629.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/164375531/mattie-mae-girls-pants-pattern-toddler?ref=shop_home_active_5&ga_search_query=mattie">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second pattern I used was the appropriately named Zoe. It's a Ruffled Dress pattern with an option to make it just a top. I made one of these last year, and really learned a lot, like how to work with a bodice, which was something I'd never done before. You can see my version <a href="http://thespeckleddog.blogspot.com/2013/06/summer-sewing-zoe-ruffle-top.html">here</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2ljWEjz9QrgdT_hgXb9AzycrojD04-o75lrY4Qlycra63PlWbkSqeGtzEGsAZLjAfSRRnWczYLzSjoEvHVzOjljRF0ZYXQgxaTngYNXVpzQYoy8BpSDrPfTk8cu2YANsJvd0YGGgSQ/s1600/il_570xN.317091827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2ljWEjz9QrgdT_hgXb9AzycrojD04-o75lrY4Qlycra63PlWbkSqeGtzEGsAZLjAfSRRnWczYLzSjoEvHVzOjljRF0ZYXQgxaTngYNXVpzQYoy8BpSDrPfTk8cu2YANsJvd0YGGgSQ/s1600/il_570xN.317091827.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/98078852/zoeruffle-dress-pattern-and-top-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_4&ga_search_query=zoe">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought the Leatha Lee dress pattern last year as well, and am about to start on it. I bought several fabrics this week that will work, I just need to narrow them down.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2DFTVOqQwY4Oabxm1W0zI6zHlLEW1G7gL1r-dmRpjZizPsPxx-KmnIAisDqNxbeqvYPbfVIHYKX-fdKe4Xrr7qAUW59yDL482Kw_F5beXZDJawzXtKscO4iW8FzE1TGGQVupy_Trmg/s1600/il_570xN.313023130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2DFTVOqQwY4Oabxm1W0zI6zHlLEW1G7gL1r-dmRpjZizPsPxx-KmnIAisDqNxbeqvYPbfVIHYKX-fdKe4Xrr7qAUW59yDL482Kw_F5beXZDJawzXtKscO4iW8FzE1TGGQVupy_Trmg/s1600/il_570xN.313023130.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87084755/leatha-lee-girls-peasant-dress-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=leatha"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">link to pattern</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">If you're looking for boy patterns, I've just stumbled across Vicky's shop for boy patterns, </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/fuddieduddies" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Fuddie Duddies</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This next shop, Cali Faye Collection, stocks patterns for garments that have a little more of a minimalist feel to them. I tend to like both the girly-girl boutique style clothes and the minimalist style for Zoe. I don't want her to be dressed over-the-top everyday so these patterns are excellent for helping add a good mix to her wardrobe. Wow, I'm talking like she's a grown woman aren't I? ha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cali Faye Collection is run by Sarah, and you can find her About Me page <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaliFayeCollection/about?ref=l2-about">here</a>. Like the other designers, Sarah allows you to sell items made from her designs, on a small business based scale, as long as you give Cali Faye Collection credit for the design.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am in love with this lovely pullover. I'm big on dressing Zoe in leggings since they're so versatile, not to mention comfortable, so a pullover like this is perfect to pair with them! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmJLSaTkYkAIr5LIGTFQU9v6fAzL1v12VnOZYdtmFecVsOp7ZzrhhlbERaKqykZOTRA_-lVr-W0xAfiFTAnbbiLdenl3Am3-7NqpG8iRYYA2ATz2fbf-8Gm1dumPyoc2bCppS3U_jog/s1600/il_570xN.551644045_cexv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmJLSaTkYkAIr5LIGTFQU9v6fAzL1v12VnOZYdtmFecVsOp7ZzrhhlbERaKqykZOTRA_-lVr-W0xAfiFTAnbbiLdenl3Am3-7NqpG8iRYYA2ATz2fbf-8Gm1dumPyoc2bCppS3U_jog/s1600/il_570xN.551644045_cexv.jpg" height="622" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175968065/the-perri-pullover-pdf-pattern-and?ref=listing-shop-header-3">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This next top is just so pretty! I love the gathers on the front. The great thing about this top is that it would look good in a small, medium or large print fabric.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEiFIqPcaqCKPHKXXJsN6lcHH6BbK50IjayG_08c840_eVvQfmNvysc_OtKss4gx-1B_e5dFP2f2QQpSOD76xI6Dfn6pKK_CRu1opkRatHLbWPeR4uI8w-0XboTsGXk-uBFibuTa_Bg/s1600/il_570xN.577206641_bq05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEiFIqPcaqCKPHKXXJsN6lcHH6BbK50IjayG_08c840_eVvQfmNvysc_OtKss4gx-1B_e5dFP2f2QQpSOD76xI6Dfn6pKK_CRu1opkRatHLbWPeR4uI8w-0XboTsGXk-uBFibuTa_Bg/s1600/il_570xN.577206641_bq05.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182844523/the-voila-blouse-pdf-pattern-and?ref=related-4">link to pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was the pattern that drew me to the Cali Faye Collection shop. What a cute outfit! These pants are adorable, and can be made as either a pair of everyday pants, or as PJ pants. The top is another CFC pattern, which is sold separately.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s5CgWNDN85KbxBnyX4zjwYlxuKPLXvwH98JMKj0vYUfp-oDafHFLYvkHduogexqeKgbXJ6ee7OiyekPHy2nx2cNGIvILi4s1KbmRfBIEbftSOluNWXdjjFt1fS955eobgU3Uk8XB9A/s1600/il_570xN.432866375_i1mu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s5CgWNDN85KbxBnyX4zjwYlxuKPLXvwH98JMKj0vYUfp-oDafHFLYvkHduogexqeKgbXJ6ee7OiyekPHy2nx2cNGIvILi4s1KbmRfBIEbftSOluNWXdjjFt1fS955eobgU3Uk8XB9A/s1600/il_570xN.432866375_i1mu.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123513317/wide-leg-pant-pdf-pattern-and-tutorial?ref=shop_home_active_15">link to pants pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154428069/the-olivia-top-pdf-pattern-and-tutorial?ref=shop_home_active">link to top pattern</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you've enjoyed this post. I love supporting other Etsy shops, and feel like in addition to making purchases from them, I can hopefully send a few people, who may not have ever stumbled across them, their way. Make sure to stop by next Friday for a round-up of my favorite Etsy fabric shops!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-64901832532988474972014-03-17T05:52:00.000-04:002014-03-21T00:10:57.502-04:00How I Use Photoshop Elements to Edit My Product Photos<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before I jump in here, I just want to make something clear. My photos are far from the best out there, and I'm not claiming to be an expert because I'm not an expert. I'm not even a photographer. I'm just a regular ol' blogger and Etsian who takes bad photos, that I then transform from dark and dingy to <strike>bright</strike> brighter and crisp. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyV9jb8lJhCEj30IwNj1FilI0STYJVx3KLgq_JO7x0-dYo3xUOr9FIy1smwM_An8zdpeKSvCc69Mjvwfil50hjmsVdslTRWvyQ4ayb6UQcfVrkQeYMVcReHR0hr9m7_7lC9gxvkeSMQ/s1600/2014-03-142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyV9jb8lJhCEj30IwNj1FilI0STYJVx3KLgq_JO7x0-dYo3xUOr9FIy1smwM_An8zdpeKSvCc69Mjvwfil50hjmsVdslTRWvyQ4ayb6UQcfVrkQeYMVcReHR0hr9m7_7lC9gxvkeSMQ/s1600/2014-03-142.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently had someone ask what kind of camera and photo editing software I use so I thought I'd put together a little post to share what I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The camera I use is a Sony DSLR-A100. It's at least 8 years old. I've never read the manual so I don't know how to do anything on it except take photos using the auto-focus feature. I've somehow picked up along the way, to use the A/V button to help bring more light into my photos if they look too dark on the camera's preview screen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used to take all of my product photos on my kitchen counter, with a sheet of white paneling as a backdrop. I did this for several years, but have recently found that my upstairs bathroom gets wonderful natural light during the day. I now take my photos there, using a sheet of paneling as a backdrop, and another sheet under whatever the subject is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For several years, I used <a href="http://picasa.google.com/">Picasa </a>for photo editing. I mainly used the "I'm feeling lucky" tool because it seemed to do a pretty good job at making my photos look nice. A few years ago, I think they tweaked some things and suddenly, my photos looked really harsh when I used this tool. I tried using other effects from the software to edit my photos, but I just couldn't get them to look bright and clear. Eventually, I downloaded a trial version of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&Operation=GetAdHtml&ID=OneJS&OneJS=1&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thespedog-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0093FROMA&asins=B0093FROMA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&MarketPlace=US%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">Photoshop Elements</a>. I fell in love with it right away, and bought it as soon as my trial ran out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I only use 3 PSE functions when I edit my photos. I still like to use Picasa for straightening and cropping my photos because I don't like the way those functions work in PSE. Since I complete those actions first, I start off by importing my photos into Picasa. I choose the ones I want and straighten and crop them before exporting them to the folder I use for pre-edited photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once I have them ready to edit, and exported to the specific folder, I open PSE and import them there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first edit I do is <span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Remove a Color Cast</span>. You can see the Before (on the left) and the After (on the right)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXkearJG3SuR6yBAm7tUW_hj_p9VXBn0JdNaFtl-isvH9ZvqCzPCxhkZmX_1PjABcaj9NNqikjKItIQgQAYrFblYEsmKe2PQNP51s14PP8msr1CDH7LcfjobdkZa5UlHSjtXpz7IcoA/s1600/DSC08983-001.JPG+@+74%25+(RGB8)+3162014+104530+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXkearJG3SuR6yBAm7tUW_hj_p9VXBn0JdNaFtl-isvH9ZvqCzPCxhkZmX_1PjABcaj9NNqikjKItIQgQAYrFblYEsmKe2PQNP51s14PP8msr1CDH7LcfjobdkZa5UlHSjtXpz7IcoA/s1600/DSC08983-001.JPG+@+74%25+(RGB8)+3162014+104530+AM.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Next, I use the <span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Brightness</span> tool. This is where most of the change comes in. I adjust both the brightness and the contrast. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">You can see the Before (on the left) and the After (on the right)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFGWjYUNXfSQH7o2CFl9qSA2lWJdR_IR9sbVEaY0HEXacRGZ0dTXjwiQ9LtF3UZz2ePINP5HEh41QXe4J6Z2te-43g-RsuRDy4Sh-V5T3uNRpIDGfv3k5F8Wk2_cn9XuNVjCJLGbAZA/s1600/DSC08983-001.JPG+@+74%25+(RGB8)++3162014+104548+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFGWjYUNXfSQH7o2CFl9qSA2lWJdR_IR9sbVEaY0HEXacRGZ0dTXjwiQ9LtF3UZz2ePINP5HEh41QXe4J6Z2te-43g-RsuRDy4Sh-V5T3uNRpIDGfv3k5F8Wk2_cn9XuNVjCJLGbAZA/s1600/DSC08983-001.JPG+@+74%25+(RGB8)++3162014+104548+AM.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The third step is <span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lighten or Darken</span>. </span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I adjust both the Lighten Shadows and Mid-tone Contrast. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can see the Before (on the left) and the After (on the right).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJNjlw5YaQNEK7kCx-2JhoP7ybLCpNKe37tc8QOG9BApikXTP2wkKm2c2iX0T4hxLjeUT7ktINHIrwHj43tqE7F-oUhsmdOysvBr20Td7QbkD46xjnk0NrxsTm3wOom0J4uvv7y4P0w/s1600/DSC08983-001.JPG+@+74%25+(RGB8)++3162014+104606+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJNjlw5YaQNEK7kCx-2JhoP7ybLCpNKe37tc8QOG9BApikXTP2wkKm2c2iX0T4hxLjeUT7ktINHIrwHj43tqE7F-oUhsmdOysvBr20Td7QbkD46xjnk0NrxsTm3wOom0J4uvv7y4P0w/s1600/DSC08983-001.JPG+@+74%25+(RGB8)++3162014+104606+AM.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's another side-by-side of the Before and After.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNFDTWNkOs6BmPgP4mOmhpl3qFDt7A03T2ebgVAjXrbPT_H3K9T9zsyFq0J5WijhSleMqomVFD-40TsNx7O8WtOJLzqGJNEgcN6B8-T8kqwgDpXRhXA7_Kmoad_rB9Uo0tgQcFR54jA/s1600/2014-03-142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNFDTWNkOs6BmPgP4mOmhpl3qFDt7A03T2ebgVAjXrbPT_H3K9T9zsyFq0J5WijhSleMqomVFD-40TsNx7O8WtOJLzqGJNEgcN6B8-T8kqwgDpXRhXA7_Kmoad_rB9Uo0tgQcFR54jA/s1600/2014-03-142.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know there is so much more I can do with this software. I just haven't found the time to sit down and learn. There are many books on how to use the different Elements versions (I use <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&Operation=GetAdHtml&ID=OneJS&OneJS=1&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thespedog-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0093FROMA&asins=B0093FROMA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&MarketPlace=US%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">version 11</a>). Because I'm a fan of the for Dummies books, that's the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&Operation=GetAdHtml&ID=OneJS&OneJS=1&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thespedog-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1118408217&asins=1118408217&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&MarketPlace=US%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">book</a> I have. There are also tons of tips and tutorials from bloggers that can be found through <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=PHOTOSHOP%20ELEMENTS%20TIPS">Pinterest</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPu9lvZ1Z31RXkZW2X7Y6RveE_Bxguz_CtQO3D9bwA1n-QF7PDumQKFKA5f_Pt2K540_RTA_SuRuH4Cw8vmESFFrt6Zfnr7qgT7HAlE5QJTww7IAYt3CJ0k1NQ3BwbzCQR7Ywu4tDZA/s1600/Pinterest+-+Google+Chrome+3162014+114224+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPu9lvZ1Z31RXkZW2X7Y6RveE_Bxguz_CtQO3D9bwA1n-QF7PDumQKFKA5f_Pt2K540_RTA_SuRuH4Cw8vmESFFrt6Zfnr7qgT7HAlE5QJTww7IAYt3CJ0k1NQ3BwbzCQR7Ywu4tDZA/s1600/Pinterest+-+Google+Chrome+3162014+114224+AM.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/03/take-look-tuesday_992.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SugarBee-CraftEdition+%28Sugar+Bee+-+Craft+Edition%29">Take a Look Tues @ Sugar Bee Crafts</a></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.733blog.com/2014/03/sugar-spice-12.html">Inspire me Weds @ seven thirty-three</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2014/03/whatever-goes-wednesday-214.html">Whatever Goes Weds @ Someday Crafts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2014/03/wow-me-wednesday-137.html">Wow Me Weds @ Polka Dots on Parade</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/2014/03/lovely-ladies-linky-27.html">Lovely Ladies Linky @ The Seasoned Homemaker</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/03/frugal-friday_20.html">Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-88104148581870207162014-03-14T17:58:00.000-04:002014-03-14T17:58:33.116-04:00Favorite Things Friday - 6<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In honor of Pi Day, I'm sharing a round-up of my favorite pie finds from this week. It's 6PM my time so better late than never, I guess! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA7uSZdyZikS7IB6pknICgPDHJaZrYnV0CPVgPamLXmGMRq3nPsUyQkROPUCi9jhdUUkZq4-Vdn9Vd5Cup4Dwtp5Yumact6Q6ZgeYCBtkep57QN4nfmPKT75tcSRiMvVHZJvkEs1xSw/s1600/pie+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA7uSZdyZikS7IB6pknICgPDHJaZrYnV0CPVgPamLXmGMRq3nPsUyQkROPUCi9jhdUUkZq4-Vdn9Vd5Cup4Dwtp5Yumact6Q6ZgeYCBtkep57QN4nfmPKT75tcSRiMvVHZJvkEs1xSw/s1600/pie+day.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd actually never heard of Strawberry Rhubarb pie until a few years ago. I'd say maybe it's just not something that's popular in the South, except I see the ingredients displayed together, in the produce section of the store, during strawberry season. Maybe it just wasn't something my family was into. Anyway, it's something I've been wanting to try for awhile, but the strawberries and rhubarb are still a little pricey right now, plus it's not strawberry season here right now. The strawberries in the stores are from FL. I'll be able to get them from the Farmer's Market soon, so look for a post on this pie soon! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tuZF5DesYYcPF0cHc89Ejb2nozJNcc5nm_8RV430883g3czlsCf0pw1J0AoxXYnr4hGmdxVeepeOHegeDOxCVuOWOF37xk5xwYSI2-k1JZjAK1X3YbVPJPIU4dywThGMxSJNQGnfSA/s1600/rhubarb2-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tuZF5DesYYcPF0cHc89Ejb2nozJNcc5nm_8RV430883g3czlsCf0pw1J0AoxXYnr4hGmdxVeepeOHegeDOxCVuOWOF37xk5xwYSI2-k1JZjAK1X3YbVPJPIU4dywThGMxSJNQGnfSA/s1600/rhubarb2-682x1024.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.the-baker-chick.com/2013/05/classic-strawberry-rhubarb-pie/">Classic Strawberry Rhubarb Pie</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blackberry pie is my absolute favorite pie, yet I've never had it homemade. I've never even made a pie with a lattice crust. This needs to change, and soon!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GvbagShmezVhpuK78TrwmjNEcj2LdZzSLRMHqaToyz2ZQoDWZ_oVZ6eZ2hjg6C-KVDMe0wrJ6-Av7-QI2iHxdmnWwWQ-W1Um9BYc23MBO0tpcRjtQzRMdeh6f-QYFtmnVZ7OT0YDHA/s1600/blackberrypieslice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GvbagShmezVhpuK78TrwmjNEcj2LdZzSLRMHqaToyz2ZQoDWZ_oVZ6eZ2hjg6C-KVDMe0wrJ6-Av7-QI2iHxdmnWwWQ-W1Um9BYc23MBO0tpcRjtQzRMdeh6f-QYFtmnVZ7OT0YDHA/s1600/blackberrypieslice.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://fortheloveofthesouth.com/2012/07/31/blackberry-pie-and-grandmas-secret-weapon/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blackberry Pie</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This one's been making the rounds on Facebook lately. Millionaire Pie. I've never had it, but I'm a sucker for cream pies, and this one looks good enough for me to want the whole thing for myself!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBas_kedobFaGI2kjGIbtE6XXtVDWT1r-OhSoms2LsI2YfDlOLWh1Q7Cz3rXpR37WH-v9bMs5W7gV8d4U659SU7mHixggfzTQrKb9i9yLadd9h2-NfH_3o9YGMa7zhYOP9YJodjgut3Q/s1600/millionaire-pie-yum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBas_kedobFaGI2kjGIbtE6XXtVDWT1r-OhSoms2LsI2YfDlOLWh1Q7Cz3rXpR37WH-v9bMs5W7gV8d4U659SU7mHixggfzTQrKb9i9yLadd9h2-NfH_3o9YGMa7zhYOP9YJodjgut3Q/s1600/millionaire-pie-yum.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.spendwithpennies.com/millionaire-pie-5-minutes-to-prep/"> Millionaire Pie</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Confession... I never liked pecan pie until a couple of years ago. I guess I had a texture issue with it as a kid, and just got it in my head that I didn't like it. Um, yeah.... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oQs2JapWl57OxomDWTbG6rmYPYof01QdAAddVgttfzifpZ7885Owsvk-p5lPPUA-NuH7LNB6HN1jVGNM1Enu-yNZKOp4y7kat7lODRHENjVeIRsNgwErwy7IBKtFv_68FVSWwz-tSQ/s1600/4659cd12c4978e37de94b81780a7ff42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oQs2JapWl57OxomDWTbG6rmYPYof01QdAAddVgttfzifpZ7885Owsvk-p5lPPUA-NuH7LNB6HN1jVGNM1Enu-yNZKOp4y7kat7lODRHENjVeIRsNgwErwy7IBKtFv_68FVSWwz-tSQ/s1600/4659cd12c4978e37de94b81780a7ff42.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/best-pecan-pie-recipe/">Pecan Pie</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the first and only pie I've ever made from scratch. I love this pie! I try to make one each year either on July 4th or Thanksgiving. It's wonderful with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkrM53-Z8uP_go4nNV9K8erlDH9zjDegnakCowaUADZn9S0WSANPLMaMcoGM5mZ2XKvGcg2OzV8hyRe1G0_tdSSDpJaY6etYkVZ1TzCtQ8wzh-gdJXtvYnS6dN2fJBvLGTWppKd_Qgg/s1600/0505p175a-apple-pie-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkrM53-Z8uP_go4nNV9K8erlDH9zjDegnakCowaUADZn9S0WSANPLMaMcoGM5mZ2XKvGcg2OzV8hyRe1G0_tdSSDpJaY6etYkVZ1TzCtQ8wzh-gdJXtvYnS6dN2fJBvLGTWppKd_Qgg/s1600/0505p175a-apple-pie-l.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/double-crusted-apple-pie-10000001054849/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Double-Crusted Apple Pie</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I take that back. I've also made a Buttermilk Pie from scratch. A few years ago, I was reading a novel that was set in Pioneer days. The main character kept mentioning buttermilk pies. I was intrigued, and gave the buttermilk pie a shot. It was a nice custard pie, that had a good flavor that wasn't overly sweet. I'm not a huge custard fan so that was my one an only buttermilk pie. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKfAzioSeaKPJy2jK90ss2GXwrmyQ2dM25c8S1cn2Oi-hgAaUDlqdytjH4aLFhGK0c-rHZd5vnc-Rzzc5q2QYL9jAcOi7FAUvueE8xDZ9DFBzItjhgsk0d6Jlj7ss0Curl83NzhT_7g/s1600/buttermilk-pie-DSC_1003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKfAzioSeaKPJy2jK90ss2GXwrmyQ2dM25c8S1cn2Oi-hgAaUDlqdytjH4aLFhGK0c-rHZd5vnc-Rzzc5q2QYL9jAcOi7FAUvueE8xDZ9DFBzItjhgsk0d6Jlj7ss0Curl83NzhT_7g/s1600/buttermilk-pie-DSC_1003.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/2013/11/20/buttermilk-pie-recipe/#.Uo0t25TXSkQ">Buttermilk Pie</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw this S'mores Pie the other day, and went right out to get what I needed to make it. I've been slammed with appointments this week so I still haven't gotten a chance to make it. Hopefully tomorrow will be the day. Doesn't it look amazing???</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-yvmgDd7KkYR40ZF91bE8jRXpoXuBuomzfFMNi3vetEvJEEFDNT82YgbNwAONFhITnIF0OkDGSPOGJFpOzC7cCtfMYiMD27sDOkqvQNuhuyAmHVjo5fyFI4hQXmsNjFO05xWb7i9iA/s1600/a11c60af049ccf3f541c3a745dc774c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-yvmgDd7KkYR40ZF91bE8jRXpoXuBuomzfFMNi3vetEvJEEFDNT82YgbNwAONFhITnIF0OkDGSPOGJFpOzC7cCtfMYiMD27sDOkqvQNuhuyAmHVjo5fyFI4hQXmsNjFO05xWb7i9iA/s1600/a11c60af049ccf3f541c3a745dc774c0.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/smores-pie/">S'mores Pie</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This photo was just too pretty not to include in the roundup. Those berries just pop! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeFs2DRgU6K4ahF6dEv0-nRk26MYqAga9K5-dmTmOE1gVkaYluzfckZlvedvjQwEwx8WTskxuU2HMu6I2ljh0YsI4rL43DLNfHZ5RVqG_8j_fIHFz1J_YQSeLCwbC_kiRydZ8CtV84A/s1600/6819814029_b92d20f5c6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeFs2DRgU6K4ahF6dEv0-nRk26MYqAga9K5-dmTmOE1gVkaYluzfckZlvedvjQwEwx8WTskxuU2HMu6I2ljh0YsI4rL43DLNfHZ5RVqG_8j_fIHFz1J_YQSeLCwbC_kiRydZ8CtV84A/s1600/6819814029_b92d20f5c6_z.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/10612/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.364em;">Silken Chocolate Raspberry Tart</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This pie looks scrumptious! Right??? My husband is a huge eggnog fan. He's also crazy about gingersnaps so I have a feeling this pie would be a huge hit around here.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil12FjBsxGplHQ3yhkD5Mn71YJTtVaHZ1oWsDWuAqjkWLmOUHEJ8pRWgSQtINjbzxO_DtCnmNsKBdplKeyKvSJkopJbXQzkQsF84DvoqYNGSDjc5KVLs8v-Sts1L1eiL4grJNVmt7eHA/s1600/eggnog-pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil12FjBsxGplHQ3yhkD5Mn71YJTtVaHZ1oWsDWuAqjkWLmOUHEJ8pRWgSQtINjbzxO_DtCnmNsKBdplKeyKvSJkopJbXQzkQsF84DvoqYNGSDjc5KVLs8v-Sts1L1eiL4grJNVmt7eHA/s1600/eggnog-pie.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/skinny-eggnog-pie-with-a-gingersnap-crust/">Skinny Eggnog Pie with Gingersnap Crust</a></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-56635127395342505982014-03-10T12:20:00.000-04:002014-03-21T00:11:23.148-04:00Easter Basket Bunting Tutorial<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been a parent for the last 15 Easters. For about 10 of them, I had the privilege of putting together an Easter basket for my oldest daughter. I love doing Easter baskets! I think it might have something to do with the challenge of fitting everything into such a small space, while still making it look cute. Why is it that the basket seems much larger when you're shopping for things to go in it, than it does when it's time to fill it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, now that Zoe's two, it's time for me to start playing Easter Bunny again. This year, I've come up with a something to add a little more charm to the basket, without using up any of that precious basket real estate, and I've put together a little tutorial to share with you. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14ynC8gX25OTFt9vY6Xe3BrmopxguyMEifR5ezTfqVcM-q9UkR-zyhCIZ2iK-UEQ8V04lW9ZCqi0YMcupP_pigELxt7N0YvTp7z1_PEE1e37fFy4w5s71ojWpHA05alRBH8i8b5e87Q/s1600/DSC08850-+type.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14ynC8gX25OTFt9vY6Xe3BrmopxguyMEifR5ezTfqVcM-q9UkR-zyhCIZ2iK-UEQ8V04lW9ZCqi0YMcupP_pigELxt7N0YvTp7z1_PEE1e37fFy4w5s71ojWpHA05alRBH8i8b5e87Q/s1600/DSC08850-+type.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's what you do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Supplies:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">baker's twine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thermoweb-Heatn-Ultra-Iron-On-Adhesive-17/dp/B000Y0083K/ref=sr_1_4?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1390839710&sr=1-4&keywords=heat+n+bond" style="background-color: white; color: #d5c87f; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Heavy Duty Heat-n-Bond</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> or another iron on adhesive</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">fabric scraps</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc3IpZ3AUgG_RF4zcZAE2eDF06kW_YgNWyGfI5XH1j8Ic76sxqavxvlRzNj9pUcLyvnsCuQbUAXaiatJ8Lb_B949U2SLdAwOMlhYMFIcSG6VJ0PZqJrEhafBd6hTUpuiM3-ovqTGnKw/s1600/DSC08773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc3IpZ3AUgG_RF4zcZAE2eDF06kW_YgNWyGfI5XH1j8Ic76sxqavxvlRzNj9pUcLyvnsCuQbUAXaiatJ8Lb_B949U2SLdAwOMlhYMFIcSG6VJ0PZqJrEhafBd6hTUpuiM3-ovqTGnKw/s1600/DSC08773.jpg" height="338" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tools:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chenille-Kraft-Sewing-Tapestry-Needles/dp/B0044SEQUY/ref=sr_1_5?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1390839784&sr=1-5&keywords=tapestry+needle" style="background-color: white; color: #b3d8ce; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">tapestry needle</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"> (it looks like a needle on steroids, found in knitting section)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">scissors</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">marker</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">iron</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ironing board</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Print the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_iz3gh-MijyUTlOY21IRHRTZVk/edit?usp=sharing">bunting template</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rough side down, lay the Heat-n-Bond over the top of the bunting template and trace as many pennants as you need. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut shapes out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rough side down, iron Heat-n-Bond to the BACK of your fabric scraps.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After they've cooled down, cut out pennants .</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carefully peel the paper backing from the Heat-n-Bond.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now fold your pennants together, shiny sides facing each other. Leave an open section at the top of the triangles. You'll thread the twine through this opening later.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carefully iron the front and back of the triangle together, making sure not to iron the opening at the top closed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Using the tapestry needle, thread the baker's twine through each flag.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tie to the handle or the front of your basket, removing an flags that don't fit, and trimming any excess twine.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/03/take-look-tuesday_10.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SugarBee-CraftEdition+%28Sugar+Bee+-+Craft+Edition%29">Take a Look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee Crafts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.733blog.com/2014/03/make-sure-you-subscribe-to-my-weekly.html">Inspire Me Weds @ seven thirty-three</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2014/03/whatever-goes-wednesday-213.html">Whatever Goes Weds @ Someday Crafts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2014/03/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party-week-138.html">Strut Your Stuff Sat @ Six Sisters Stuff</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/irish-recipes/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+todayscreativeblog+%28Todays+Creative+Blog%29">Link Party Palooza @ Today's Creative Blog</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/2014/03/think-pink-sunday-156/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think Pink Sunday @ Flamingo Toes</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2014/03/wow-me-wednesday-137.html">Wow Me Weds @ Polka Dots on Parade</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/2014/03/lovely-ladies-linky-27.html">Lovely Ladies Linky @ The Seasoned Homemaker</a></span><br />
<a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/03/frugal-friday_20.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-16382393566318341572014-03-07T06:00:00.000-05:002014-03-07T06:00:09.985-05:00Favorite Things Friday - No 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A series of weekly posts, sharing some of my favorite internet finds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I missed this one the last couple of weeks. My shop has had me so busy lately, and I've had a hard time even finding the time to play around online. I'm working on balancing everything and am hoping to be a little more consistent in this space. Anyway, here we go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This skirt is just adorable! I love the stacked ribbon and ruffled pockets.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_0gCRqrUR8BhY-2ioVL2XKF8A3o1IhDKzPqHk0Fh07DmlEqljKBtCu7NMPO81nREmxuwap0dyaQH7Rge_b2B8ZShaOFIwmNf0vHzTw_pJnN8elzsWIhNxGIjRVOfDQxwdzrS_5VoNg/s1600/0a0de0b59450e12ecf8f0b0746ec51e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_0gCRqrUR8BhY-2ioVL2XKF8A3o1IhDKzPqHk0Fh07DmlEqljKBtCu7NMPO81nREmxuwap0dyaQH7Rge_b2B8ZShaOFIwmNf0vHzTw_pJnN8elzsWIhNxGIjRVOfDQxwdzrS_5VoNg/s1600/0a0de0b59450e12ecf8f0b0746ec51e7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://hannapurzel.blogspot.de/2012/07/blog-post.html">source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, how I wish I could crochet! I've purchased a <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/Crochet-Lab-Basic-Techniques-Patterns/23?_ct=iuqhsx-kdyluhiqb-huikbj-sekhiu&_ctp=23">Craftsy class</a>, but just haven't gotten around to watching it yet. I'm a knitter of about 12 years, and while I think knitting is better for clothing, crochet beats it in my book, for blankets, and things like this adorable flower garland.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That pillow fabric is killer too!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cd1XBVUojXlchecRBbjVfrTRsTkWzXvv6hNf-K92dHdKpa_DqhIYcNW7nwsVO2ZF5FjGh0UVFymb_zfT0ymiz_2aZXLpz5d8-d6092jWcqUc8k-i1AsUckQaGAk6Kb9rtt_oMF280Q/s1600/2ffa13ff5a1c239d0ef55f32823361f9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cd1XBVUojXlchecRBbjVfrTRsTkWzXvv6hNf-K92dHdKpa_DqhIYcNW7nwsVO2ZF5FjGh0UVFymb_zfT0ymiz_2aZXLpz5d8-d6092jWcqUc8k-i1AsUckQaGAk6Kb9rtt_oMF280Q/s1600/2ffa13ff5a1c239d0ef55f32823361f9.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://sillyoldsuitcase.blogspot.nl/">source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This cake is adorable! I love the simple look of just a plain iced cake with sprinkles. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-B5wAO_Hh1RXJpxjR9Sr2L6mCTlGBXmOgHM8_SaFLYE8-GREf2lJ5cd9Lrlqgq9nj_GAhnADJKaUn4K6i5cEu0B_Jax25e4tqh4U1rlbAL7w9dKhb7tHM-CpbJrakTFi80B18fr-dg/s1600/075b8cbf16167ce3385f84e4436d9249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-B5wAO_Hh1RXJpxjR9Sr2L6mCTlGBXmOgHM8_SaFLYE8-GREf2lJ5cd9Lrlqgq9nj_GAhnADJKaUn4K6i5cEu0B_Jax25e4tqh4U1rlbAL7w9dKhb7tHM-CpbJrakTFi80B18fr-dg/s1600/075b8cbf16167ce3385f84e4436d9249.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lemon-sugar.com/2013/09/five-layer-birthday-cake.html/">source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK... this kitty pillow, it's so simple, but it's probably the cutest thing I've seen in awhile. There's not pattern for it, but if you already know how to sew, I don't think it'd be too hard to make one up. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBykWAGHuRX7slMNLtKTJui40_8gF6K66KlTtBj1NBizsWw22GyszDPjmrg7N9LhqMJc4s5-fRnHuZ27g4r1p9p6pq4g9wqm9JuOBxzxsTMfRsVDur1UHxJmvCU1sEQ0omswo3tGsjw/s1600/101660611.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBykWAGHuRX7slMNLtKTJui40_8gF6K66KlTtBj1NBizsWw22GyszDPjmrg7N9LhqMJc4s5-fRnHuZ27g4r1p9p6pq4g9wqm9JuOBxzxsTMfRsVDur1UHxJmvCU1sEQ0omswo3tGsjw/s1600/101660611.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/650957/Softy-Bear-Pillow-contemporary-pillows-">source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love Auntie Anne's. Seriously, every time I walk buy that place, I have to buy some nuggets. I'm not the only one because there is always a line. It's like bug to a bug zapper! Problem is, it's at the mall. I loathe the mall. Lucky for me (I think?) Cooking Classy has a copy-cat recipe! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBC6xy_O2NtQtdnyrly5BmOaY-EicvYQ0Q-VzHw9KnRWtZgEcMYwGD0XVjScAPIADP4FWw203wbGoJ0cPRMUiX_6zKCUGH3_YaBwQ8lgYvkN_ECEEqgV0QB_zv4RBMhFMDHIm-4rbsQ/s1600/da39bfbc57f970226128c7f3320401fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBC6xy_O2NtQtdnyrly5BmOaY-EicvYQ0Q-VzHw9KnRWtZgEcMYwGD0XVjScAPIADP4FWw203wbGoJ0cPRMUiX_6zKCUGH3_YaBwQ8lgYvkN_ECEEqgV0QB_zv4RBMhFMDHIm-4rbsQ/s1600/da39bfbc57f970226128c7f3320401fd.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/11/auntie-annes-copycat-cinnamon-sugar-pretzel-bites-nuggets-cream-cheese-dipping-sauce/">source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quilting with solids seems to be really popular these days. It's amazing to me how people can take something so plain, and make it look so gorgeous. Here's one of my recent favorites. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__PvP6NkjTvaeRnIx9eV0W-e1WSWLNkiPk-jDL_iv1JCPGO5GwGa3zGSAmU5js_zUouFxjdmgb2DxbIapJfTRVToVbxI8c7OZWLWMtokPggvM4VyUGEZxbQjS8O8Czf8kqSkrEAYMwg/s1600/7ed5382562705c6f01e4ffc042a922af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__PvP6NkjTvaeRnIx9eV0W-e1WSWLNkiPk-jDL_iv1JCPGO5GwGa3zGSAmU5js_zUouFxjdmgb2DxbIapJfTRVToVbxI8c7OZWLWMtokPggvM4VyUGEZxbQjS8O8Czf8kqSkrEAYMwg/s1600/7ed5382562705c6f01e4ffc042a922af.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-2402209454286236832014-03-04T06:00:00.000-05:002014-03-04T09:36:42.199-05:00Choosing Upholstery Fabric - Decisions Decisions <div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the past month or so, I've been on a mission to replace our tired living room furniture. We haven't had it a really long time, I think maybe 7 years or so, but my style has changed, and as I'm sure many of you already know, a cruising baby, and then toddler, can wreak havoc on furniture. I feel like, if I were ever asked, I would recommend leather furniture to anyone who is planning to have children. Either that, or something covered in a pattern that can camouflage the food and milk stains that will inevitably cover the edges of the seat cushions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another issue I've been having is that we only have the sofa and one over-sized matching chair. I love the chair, but goodness it sure takes up a ton of room! When we have people over, one of us usually ends up sitting on the floor, or depending on how many people we have over, we bring in a few dining room chairs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a couple of weeks, I'd been looking at furniture online, but was having a hard time finding something I really liked, that was also affordable. It seemed the stuff I liked was crazy expensive, or I either liked the style or the fabric, but never both. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One day, I was cruising my local Goodwill when I spotted this chair.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HsclwzL9-fAoUfCmx5zLqUNSgEPO3pxQjtRcGceEN61_Qp4zEw2fdrsSBWR7eRTov0CkVEF7M7QEho5EpwhbftHQ_WAwCSYk3tk3_nrFBh3ZPi1LbEiwhFc6VJDwVvA5yQMZKHPJDA/s1600/1898145_10202695390807942_112656859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HsclwzL9-fAoUfCmx5zLqUNSgEPO3pxQjtRcGceEN61_Qp4zEw2fdrsSBWR7eRTov0CkVEF7M7QEho5EpwhbftHQ_WAwCSYk3tk3_nrFBh3ZPi1LbEiwhFc6VJDwVvA5yQMZKHPJDA/s1600/1898145_10202695390807942_112656859_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aside from the fabric, it's gorgeous, and at only $35, it was a deal I couldn't pass up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple of weeks later, I was poking around on Pinterest when I ran across a gorgeous velvet Louis XV sofa. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mentioned to my husband that I would love to find something like it one day. Later that afternoon...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhqTVuyPxldWee-N5svdr__Jmg-GVZEpL3F1F6dD-d9W8D78XxPLotGlURxIpp2N8ClWUAXuA5UYHzKv2TBmNRa04SOJuikd5HSv8Bp8e6IEvAJPji05z1dxQNzvy-agHYmLgnGrEhg/s1600/1888439_10202695394928045_1467530747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhqTVuyPxldWee-N5svdr__Jmg-GVZEpL3F1F6dD-d9W8D78XxPLotGlURxIpp2N8ClWUAXuA5UYHzKv2TBmNRa04SOJuikd5HSv8Bp8e6IEvAJPji05z1dxQNzvy-agHYmLgnGrEhg/s1600/1888439_10202695394928045_1467530747_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$95!! It was in excellent shape too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About a week later, I was out at the same shop where I got the sofa, and decided to look at their furniture again to see if I could find a wing-back chair similar to the other one. I saw this dingy blue chair that looked like it would work, but it sure looked sad. Until I saw the price! I paid $4 for it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplODn0OBAEsNVCXcc64gG-kkmn9HEVdxq8piIhnw34mQaee-77rTU7Dt_-kJ9DpN6VYFGGiyKiKbe88gBe8Uj-o6BHCnzqzSzudcD2hJVq_7dBHLKGxYCivK6OEQxwgxPxtBNZzAdGg/s1600/1656162_10202695378047623_1096556244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplODn0OBAEsNVCXcc64gG-kkmn9HEVdxq8piIhnw34mQaee-77rTU7Dt_-kJ9DpN6VYFGGiyKiKbe88gBe8Uj-o6BHCnzqzSzudcD2hJVq_7dBHLKGxYCivK6OEQxwgxPxtBNZzAdGg/s1600/1656162_10202695378047623_1096556244_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now the mission is to get these recovered which is something I've never had done before. I contact one local business and was given a quote for labor and fabric yardage needed. I'm still planning on checking around for a couple more quotes, but at least I have a starting point for how much fabric I'll need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choosing fabric will be the most difficult part of this. I'm incredibly indecisive with just mundane, small things so this will be a big decision for me! Of course, my husband and I have to agree on the choice too so that makes it even harder. I also have to consider our two-year-old. We are pretty much out of the food and milk gunk on the cushions, but I know there will be some occasional spills. I need something that is easy to clean. I'm leaning towards something neutral, and would love to just do linen, but I'm pretty sure linen isn't going to be kid-friendly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been pinning ideas of what I might like, I just need some input and some fabric suggestions. If you have any, please leave a comment! Please???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The seat cushions on the sofa are very firm, and we believe they're stuffed with horsehair so we'll be having those replaced. I'm considering just one long cushion, like a bench cushion. Has anyone ever owned a sofa with just one cushion? What did you think of it?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpub418VmHlWnDVejGi-SdzH48JFU1LqtXhlHCpypoD3ooBoxPBgS50hegdTT4pzZSmF3yRxC7uGlSEM5Rk5jomnXu8pPbLC9VCi5BHml-rIHIBVdXOwUh3dEX28cly4CIwea8aOFwg/s1600/550_100092435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpub418VmHlWnDVejGi-SdzH48JFU1LqtXhlHCpypoD3ooBoxPBgS50hegdTT4pzZSmF3yRxC7uGlSEM5Rk5jomnXu8pPbLC9VCi5BHml-rIHIBVdXOwUh3dEX28cly4CIwea8aOFwg/s1600/550_100092435.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the overall look I'm going for in the room. Lots of neutrals. Am I just setting myself up for failure, with a toddler in the house?</span> </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">unknown source</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnOujhhYN685FeyV-ZXqnmtsM6vRS8YqsqIJox5xxfGbYRO2jIrM58uVsDZ1V3itZ2efzFKGBJX5yXUJaacWxvqDPYg5J8LPheYDrlyALKNdggTETkm-PWariBEeYGrmouXMO4qSiww/s1600/$T2eC16R,!zoE9s5ne3OyBR5OjyfoyQ~~60_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnOujhhYN685FeyV-ZXqnmtsM6vRS8YqsqIJox5xxfGbYRO2jIrM58uVsDZ1V3itZ2efzFKGBJX5yXUJaacWxvqDPYg5J8LPheYDrlyALKNdggTETkm-PWariBEeYGrmouXMO4qSiww/s1600/$T2eC16R,!zoE9s5ne3OyBR5OjyfoyQ~~60_3.JPG" height="640" width="534" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm planning to paint all of the wood details white/off-white, and then I'll distress them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NEW-French-Provincial-Style-Louis-XV-Arm-Chair-Sofa-Solid-Oak-Beige-/261343024116">source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk9DpQKD7VzL4C5jMCMeY35RBEM-Skkjtz0OGlta5vUL4CsTMfd_h6X4MQUOxo40Kp_h0redO5pNTjifPI1CpdT2hNhK8cHOiRE-R4EC8HnqO81c_S3R3i6oPqP0bJoF3ibH_5lJpxQ/s1600/0fd2a4a5c9e2d2d885b196682e41244e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk9DpQKD7VzL4C5jMCMeY35RBEM-Skkjtz0OGlta5vUL4CsTMfd_h6X4MQUOxo40Kp_h0redO5pNTjifPI1CpdT2hNhK8cHOiRE-R4EC8HnqO81c_S3R3i6oPqP0bJoF3ibH_5lJpxQ/s1600/0fd2a4a5c9e2d2d885b196682e41244e.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the nubby look of this fabric. Is that linen?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftWZyeh3h7cyuKnwLmuySF-JMZJSA2KJnKZFUb6YO2lnbblnyaYYqfL4M3A_r12Yu3KJ8mW0_OtMFgkSI6Pl91gKTOvcaPWfX6wTQH3oewyZNzgPCvfFffbB5WV5x21D8EKgRLjjcGg/s1600/1c3033755cdb10bc3dcdcf1b93007d9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftWZyeh3h7cyuKnwLmuySF-JMZJSA2KJnKZFUb6YO2lnbblnyaYYqfL4M3A_r12Yu3KJ8mW0_OtMFgkSI6Pl91gKTOvcaPWfX6wTQH3oewyZNzgPCvfFffbB5WV5x21D8EKgRLjjcGg/s1600/1c3033755cdb10bc3dcdcf1b93007d9e.jpg" height="635" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm thinking I'd like just one long cushion like this, but I'm not sure how practical that is. Will it stay put, or will it just get all wonky when people move around on it? Would two cushions be better?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vintagerosecollection.com/">source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhIQliqLyhm36rL2kZFURAJlYsFhfrlIbm20jc4R5B4hBR6JjdffBEhqzwjbXHACWMH581Scz50OyX-QIrIXveI4Z7VnIWZ7vll1xDVAUd47ggQaJUIpBW4XnjXRZOTRubFF9gesKsg/s1600/9d2c8745d5009a90dfd2cc1ec4fe0d29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhIQliqLyhm36rL2kZFURAJlYsFhfrlIbm20jc4R5B4hBR6JjdffBEhqzwjbXHACWMH581Scz50OyX-QIrIXveI4Z7VnIWZ7vll1xDVAUd47ggQaJUIpBW4XnjXRZOTRubFF9gesKsg/s1600/9d2c8745d5009a90dfd2cc1ec4fe0d29.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the throw pillows on this one, but I think the seat cushions might be a little too firm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tarasloggett.com/decor/">source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53pHfFibj4CUr9gd3pftQ8NWrVGENUa96yEqMDjhlYhlaqOGZGX_OMDfeK1g5em5toSBqLzfNwYIkxY7i0mlzOT5UEtiN8ytuMZQSCKo3RHli5DesLako9Kz3mlInAGfx695SbrSLZw/s1600/13bd96a27a3bd4506607b253c671d61c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53pHfFibj4CUr9gd3pftQ8NWrVGENUa96yEqMDjhlYhlaqOGZGX_OMDfeK1g5em5toSBqLzfNwYIkxY7i0mlzOT5UEtiN8ytuMZQSCKo3RHli5DesLako9Kz3mlInAGfx695SbrSLZw/s1600/13bd96a27a3bd4506607b253c671d61c.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of the images I've looked at have fabrics in the brown family, but I like this grey too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/room-idea/picture/pastel-colour-schemes-10-of-the-best/5">source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha95ThgCKvMzSXFBKt6huMdRWFK_wkKojM3sYDVA9qg2xoIl2syxH-2JYCTDV5YkAIlFf2rgvf75DAPzo6m_ZQ60V3aObUQRzUt6SCgCcZn22nEvePXFDHv5fLfoDLb-cHJHDsiOfD4w/s1600/ad750c972995ec40252f76f54b467b19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha95ThgCKvMzSXFBKt6huMdRWFK_wkKojM3sYDVA9qg2xoIl2syxH-2JYCTDV5YkAIlFf2rgvf75DAPzo6m_ZQ60V3aObUQRzUt6SCgCcZn22nEvePXFDHv5fLfoDLb-cHJHDsiOfD4w/s1600/ad750c972995ec40252f76f54b467b19.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So much squish! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://sagolikasinnen.blogspot.no/2012/08/barnens-lekrum.html">source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, so I know a lot of people just read posts, and don't usually comment, but if you have any input that you think might help me, would you please share in the comments?</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-47239323726266850172014-02-18T14:19:00.001-05:002014-02-18T21:07:16.417-05:00DIY Kid's Room Picture Frame<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the past couple of months, I've been working on inventory for a new Etsy shop that'll feature kids' room decor. I've been doing a lot of research on trends, and have literally had hundreds and hundreds of images of various "kid" decor items pass before eyes. I've got kid stuff on the brain, constantly. Feeling inspired, and needing to burn off some of that creative energy, I've been dreaming up ideas that I think would work in a child's room</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. That's what brings us to today's post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I'm sharing a cute little DIY frame that is perfect for a nursery for kid's room. It's a super cheap project, and it's just so cute! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciQ1fJpXYfa49cqNprymLssxnzQanZR2srvRxBZU_5CYwcpgtImSJxjxvK84XQh6vYXU2GliahunWhEqmXXotBX7SLZNAyYFL9gup42bmyU2AgzOSzfA1McEgZlBg7AVLOam2GslBQA/s1600/DSC08295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciQ1fJpXYfa49cqNprymLssxnzQanZR2srvRxBZU_5CYwcpgtImSJxjxvK84XQh6vYXU2GliahunWhEqmXXotBX7SLZNAyYFL9gup42bmyU2AgzOSzfA1McEgZlBg7AVLOam2GslBQA/s1600/DSC08295.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was recently cleaning my studio when I came across some little leftover clothespin people I'd made for another project. In the same bin, I found a few craft store frames. Light bulb!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Supplies:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">craft store frame</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">no-roll clothespins </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">craft paint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">assorted brushes, including one with a tiny tip</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">super glue or other bonding agent</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*optional</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">paint pens </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">furniture wax or some other protective coating </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paint your frame. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If using a protective coat, apply now. I used a furniture paste wax on mine. It protects the flat paint while leaving just a light sheen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paint your clothespins, giving them different looks for skin-tone, hair and clothing, making sure to paint the sides. I found that the eyes looked better when I used a fine tipped paint pen instead of a small brush. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wHpCqkELb_ReZJvGyLYS990LEtOQARwc0Az0f2oDVVo_7ZhMFiKG0dC_S3QWDa06AtVN3g51UrsO64VO7c4hUj1FO-fAzIfboCmXPiAcoz7DswFoo3g84ofPpfxA8YlVf5YxkWv2cw/s1600/DSC08326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wHpCqkELb_ReZJvGyLYS990LEtOQARwc0Az0f2oDVVo_7ZhMFiKG0dC_S3QWDa06AtVN3g51UrsO64VO7c4hUj1FO-fAzIfboCmXPiAcoz7DswFoo3g84ofPpfxA8YlVf5YxkWv2cw/s1600/DSC08326.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Decide on a pleasing arrangement for your people, and arrange three in one of the bottom corners, varying placement heights. Glue in place. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnI6QmcdvS-3s87aXiSjVZywd1cTW3sQq9rsIgixdJ5w-EMFTUNyJthysmxXIJMI63MBXaNTIXagx7lwo_iX1VJWr0t7T9aSlEBP8aaSAMNhNGhI5UR0YZpFZaGcnxooGqkAvq2_RFcQ/s1600/DSC08312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnI6QmcdvS-3s87aXiSjVZywd1cTW3sQq9rsIgixdJ5w-EMFTUNyJthysmxXIJMI63MBXaNTIXagx7lwo_iX1VJWr0t7T9aSlEBP8aaSAMNhNGhI5UR0YZpFZaGcnxooGqkAvq2_RFcQ/s1600/DSC08312.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCzJqBakY_653igdjMPh5Q2YTnB9d3SzFsrxAPRtggZfsMOfgXGJ4emmTpFNUCMiecAw_BiTX3GD_IjLf310QuqyMtsGQPH6-KmBUwk3m9jRhqMb4ZYRzduUjmCpl0wC7Ef93LsOI3A/s1600/DSC08321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCzJqBakY_653igdjMPh5Q2YTnB9d3SzFsrxAPRtggZfsMOfgXGJ4emmTpFNUCMiecAw_BiTX3GD_IjLf310QuqyMtsGQPH6-KmBUwk3m9jRhqMb4ZYRzduUjmCpl0wC7Ef93LsOI3A/s1600/DSC08321.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6j7vDZuaULu1ziDpx_6qRzYd2Es2nPtxfjQzq6SGsCyP0lJtn_ah12NYfWnyVewCHk78wQaBBmQLn87qhSsJmshYuiBAadweQclO_y3wn9SH_uS7TbGDTnKncnuM24zpgfmRfm2goQ/s1600/DSC08307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6j7vDZuaULu1ziDpx_6qRzYd2Es2nPtxfjQzq6SGsCyP0lJtn_ah12NYfWnyVewCHk78wQaBBmQLn87qhSsJmshYuiBAadweQclO_y3wn9SH_uS7TbGDTnKncnuM24zpgfmRfm2goQ/s1600/DSC08307.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved making the clothespin people. It's so much fun choosing colors and patterns for the clothing and hair. I'm thinking this project would be a good one for getting your little one's creative juices flowing. Let them choose the colors and styles while you do the painting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=374212">Inspiration Exchange @ City Farmhouse</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2014/02/wow-me-wednesday-142-giveaway.html">Wow me Weds @ Gingersnap Crafts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2014/02/made-by-me-115-linky-party-and-features.html">Made By Me @ JAQS Studio</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2014/02/16/diy-party-4/">That DIY Party @ DIY Showoff</a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61160913038266044.post-74917166131781956152014-02-11T10:28:00.001-05:002014-06-16T11:45:32.950-04:00Pottery Barn Knock-Off - Chunky Wall Shelf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdG7DobIYtfJDG8pSduCzlEKu3j3_c2Sbl0cdEkdnCTWOzM1RdnqQ1aqVcPkqsfoMnCKFPQWpdhwWxytDsf_9PDsB7rjEjcmeXV7NJLqC178BTJP26DLmvZUG5ERg7J_1J5s6gvFC8_A/s1600/DSC07883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdG7DobIYtfJDG8pSduCzlEKu3j3_c2Sbl0cdEkdnCTWOzM1RdnqQ1aqVcPkqsfoMnCKFPQWpdhwWxytDsf_9PDsB7rjEjcmeXV7NJLqC178BTJP26DLmvZUG5ERg7J_1J5s6gvFC8_A/s1600/DSC07883.jpg" height="640" width="489" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several years ago, I spotted a gorgeous shelf from Pottery Barn that carried a nearly $400 price tag. OUCH! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4liJbfOlqMXLjlSIaJW2CKE7oEQsF0wF99KpdLWr9Sq9AH6K7gxDETlCuGlTDIY_JyOG04GuWDI4dYYaa-f1Zu8pJ9bebXkqsT4tbTzarD_3M-hFVtqm_ycoHBVhjbY-ovBj2jBQQbn4/s1600/img97m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4liJbfOlqMXLjlSIaJW2CKE7oEQsF0wF99KpdLWr9Sq9AH6K7gxDETlCuGlTDIY_JyOG04GuWDI4dYYaa-f1Zu8pJ9bebXkqsT4tbTzarD_3M-hFVtqm_ycoHBVhjbY-ovBj2jBQQbn4/s1600/img97m.jpg" height="358" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tore the page out of the catalog, gave it to my husband, and asked if he could make one for me. He tacked it up in the garage, where it sat for almost four years. A couple of months ago, I took it down, showed it to him, and asked when he thought he would be able to get started on it. A few hours later, I had a hollowed out shelf made from a few pieces of wood, and scrap molding. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaDDS0BR5FCl8HUjgVAO_H0m3NM53qyNdx795RQKZy3QctUBq5MpoPhaRFcxsLyBSdsRRdHu2A90J01JPZ6v5-Q8uhHKlq8kpEQD78ZH1eNAa1CpieFsMblgJJ2lv2K6MRgRI8fhr7dY/s1600/DSC07015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaDDS0BR5FCl8HUjgVAO_H0m3NM53qyNdx795RQKZy3QctUBq5MpoPhaRFcxsLyBSdsRRdHu2A90J01JPZ6v5-Q8uhHKlq8kpEQD78ZH1eNAa1CpieFsMblgJJ2lv2K6MRgRI8fhr7dY/s1600/DSC07015.JPG" height="449" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdg5sLfvzp9YNYAfO38wq7vQvLSUAbIGk2htzz1jDEcmVouvT2rbbXsVGkFZHUKHb-pooQ994L2GU4nKXOgPcELlPFpKD9haLYJjDihVDJeJ1a8Rw5dluH73fP6TBI1eQ33StmXk-Gc0/s1600/DSC07026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdg5sLfvzp9YNYAfO38wq7vQvLSUAbIGk2htzz1jDEcmVouvT2rbbXsVGkFZHUKHb-pooQ994L2GU4nKXOgPcELlPFpKD9haLYJjDihVDJeJ1a8Rw5dluH73fP6TBI1eQ33StmXk-Gc0/s1600/DSC07026.JPG" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now it was out of his hands, and in mine. I was in charge of the finish. Like the PB version, I wanted mine to look chippy and old. This was a problem since he'd used painted pine to build the shelf. There was no way for me to stain it unless I removed the paint. Since I always choose the easy way, that wasn't something I wanted to do. I'd been reading about milk paint for awhile, and following Shausha from <a href="http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Pickins</a> on FB. I learned that using milk paint on top of a dark base coat, will give the same look as if you'd painted over a stained piece of wood. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I headed out to Home Depot, and picked up some dark brown paint. I used two coats on the shelf as my base, and then painted over the top of that with several coats of <a href="http://www.milkpaint.com/" target="_blank">Old Fashioned Milk Paint</a> in Oyster White. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=61160913038266044" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3Wtv-jSJHiz2VecunWnJ1LAfTgYcIe-yRPrTUE_ISLcUfgSkHgeG6jP4Q_2iAVSk0L1A6xT5Cy16tAUdtWodvBHBOwJqViGlr0rzHZANT7PoGuc8hfj2qz28gQda9rfsTb1lGmuY8zQ/s1600/DSC07030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3Wtv-jSJHiz2VecunWnJ1LAfTgYcIe-yRPrTUE_ISLcUfgSkHgeG6jP4Q_2iAVSk0L1A6xT5Cy16tAUdtWodvBHBOwJqViGlr0rzHZANT7PoGuc8hfj2qz28gQda9rfsTb1lGmuY8zQ/s1600/DSC07030.JPG" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Behr in Bitter Chocolate</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGX0_ipTNFdMiCPUR2ztPw4zVmUBu5oYYYinZvHUCccp6pdq2HjnYdHEO2Z5NkLsPL4nNk5qLI2A0zb9WQElPJ5ttb2_x30qPznvlinYo4ZM2BSkX3yRGJDolVZbnIx3913eO1lQtQbQ/s1600/DSC07046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGX0_ipTNFdMiCPUR2ztPw4zVmUBu5oYYYinZvHUCccp6pdq2HjnYdHEO2Z5NkLsPL4nNk5qLI2A0zb9WQElPJ5ttb2_x30qPznvlinYo4ZM2BSkX3yRGJDolVZbnIx3913eO1lQtQbQ/s1600/DSC07046.JPG" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Between coats of the milk paint, I dried it with a hairdryer. Doing this helps create a nice crackle effect that adds to the chippiness that you already get with milk paint.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe8Bjb6GVceYZmV8a5MaGA6VmsewT00SNBKMZ4SOy60IEhz-zPIlQl_iZ6J89AVJZXnGGKqhGuhSmLMOEDvzoU47h3POG6IPqog6ZZ8di-t9ri5ibguhyphenhyphen2Fewo45P3qeRczXmMtf9gCQ/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe8Bjb6GVceYZmV8a5MaGA6VmsewT00SNBKMZ4SOy60IEhz-zPIlQl_iZ6J89AVJZXnGGKqhGuhSmLMOEDvzoU47h3POG6IPqog6ZZ8di-t9ri5ibguhyphenhyphen2Fewo45P3qeRczXmMtf9gCQ/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz1fxm1VwGe_dDNl2rXPj3AtCp0kQlNE1ncHIP6hQgU7K0Gt2C5XpR_Rc_rey3gdlxV03qewjyS1HeKuPRkYnUvQlrCdyrKVxN3lJS2J-dRgfKGs7DFjYFDQ1fa95fJAqwbBoRgXnsdM/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz1fxm1VwGe_dDNl2rXPj3AtCp0kQlNE1ncHIP6hQgU7K0Gt2C5XpR_Rc_rey3gdlxV03qewjyS1HeKuPRkYnUvQlrCdyrKVxN3lJS2J-dRgfKGs7DFjYFDQ1fa95fJAqwbBoRgXnsdM/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the last coat was on and dried, I used a putty knife to scrape down some places where the paint was already chipping, and then sanded a little more with a sanding block.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the way it turned out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />Linking to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://cityfarmhouse.com/2014/02/inspiration-exchange-linky-party-36.html" target="_blank">The Inspiration Exchange @ City Farmhouse</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2014/02/made-by-me-114-linky-party-and-features.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JAQSStudio+%28JAQS+Studio%29" target="_blank">Made by Me @ JAQS Studio</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2014/02/wow-me-wednesday-141-giveaway.html#more" target="_blank">Wow me Weds @ Gingersnap Crafts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2014/02/whatever-goes-wednesday-209.html">Whatever Goes Weds @ Someday Crafts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2014/02/wow-me-wednesday-132.html">Wow Me Weds @ Polka Dots on Parade</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/2014/02/lovely-ladies-linky-22.html">Lovely Ladies' Linky @ The Seasoned Homemaker</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/03/frugal-friday.html">Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest</a></span><br />
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