Desperation

By the time this virus is over, I will probably have been moved to try every craft I happen upon...no matter what. I have always felt like if something was worth doing, it was worth doing correctly...with worthwhile supplies. But, alas, I have been driven to trying some of the $ Tree crafts that are all over the FB craft sites that I follow. I really can't believe I have "stooped this low"...LOL

I'm totally blaming it on the virus. I need to stay busy and crafting is my "happy place". And so, with this in mind-with NO judgement-, I ventured into the ugly $ Tree tinsel realm. For over a year, crafters have been buying the $ Tree holiday tinsel decorations and reinventing them. The problem is that, no matter what you do, you still just have a very inexpensive plastic frame and it really is hard to reinvent it into anything other than that.

But, I will admit, I caved. Since I love decorating for St. Patrick's Day so much...and it is hard to find new ideas...I bought a tinsel covered leprechaun hat and tried out an idea I found on "The Crafty Decorator". If I am being totally honest, I didn't use exactly the same supplies that she used so, maybe that would be the reason I had so much trouble. Let's just say that in order to do this project to my satisfaction - which just means that there will be no evidence of what it started as - I used 7 glue sticks and, even with using my silicon finger protectors, I have many blistered fingers! Also, the end result is far from perfect but, I think when I display it, I might put it on a candle holder in a group of candles so it might work out OK...especially if it is in a very distant, inconspicuous place. Lol You be the judge.

Not only did I buy the hat but, I saw the green yarn and thought that I might like that better than twine...and, it would save the painting step.

The first step is always to remove the tinsel. Everyone who does this says how difficult it is and that you end up having to cut the tinsel into little pieces. I don't know if mine was strung differently but I easily got mine off-and, all in one piece so that I can possibly use it on another craft in the future. I don't use tinsel often but, maybe for Christmas.

The next step is to glue on some felt to the hat brim and top. That way, you have a flat surface for your hot glue. It is only needed in these two areas. Once you get to the main part of the hat, you can just twist it around and apply a small drop of glue every now and then.

Since I have these "button shank removers", I decided it would make gluing easier if these little knobs that protruded were removed.

This is the last time you will see the yarn-at least on this project. The minute the hot glue hit it, it just kind of "smushed" and went flat...and all you could see was glue. It took me about 10 seconds to know this wasn't working. I have seen people successfully use yarn so, I'm wondering if it may be because this yarn is acrylic. I'm not sure, but it was a definite "no go"!

So, it was a default back to the twine. Fortunately, I always have twine. Unfortunately, I don't always have 6 ply - which is what I saw used. My 3 ply twine took so much more - both in quantity and patience...and, I guess time because this thing took forever to cover! I can not tell you how many times I almost called it quits. But, I am tenacious so I persevered!

This is where I broke for lunch and, apparently where I forgot to take any more pictures. I did pick up a very useful hot glue tip along the way. I never knew that if you run the hot tip of the gun (without pressing the trigger) along extra dried glue on your project, the heat will remelt the glue and, at least in the case of twine, it seems to melt the glue back into the fibers and you have a lot less mess. Scissors helped on those big "globs" that fell through on the bottom and, knowing that I was going to paint it helped reassure me that any gaps would also probably be hidden.

 After the paint dried, I cut a piece of black crushed velvet for the brim and then reattached the gold buckle I had removed from the original hat.

I knew I wanted a shamrock on the brim. After trying to make a three dimensional one (very unsuccessfully I might add) from felt, I dove back into the archives and found an extra pin that my grand daughters and I made many, many, many years ago for all of the family, friends teachers, scout leaders, etc. I found the idea in a Martha Stewart magazine and used her free printable as well. The shamrock is simply a green bump chenille stem. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind but I love that it has a touch of sentiment and, honestly, I was OVER this project at that point Lol.

So the suspense is over...here it is in all its glory.

This is probably how I will display. I'm not sure where just yet but maybe in the very deep shelves of the TV unit. Lol

I know this is probably way more than you ever wanted to know about a $1 tinsel hat but, as they say, the end justifies the means. It is now time for lunch and so the day goes. Sorry to tell you but I will be back...stay safe and stay tuned.

 

 

My Cozy Spot

Although I have many cozy "sitting" spots in my home, the family room is where I find myself most often. I will sit in the sunroom on a nice day with a cup of coffee and magazine or even in my living room when I am visiting and talking with company. I am working on a re-do our an office which will probably turn into another cozy "sitting" spot but, when I really want to be cozy, I head to the family room. It is probably the fireplace that draws me in even if it isn't lit...or maybe my cozy chair and a half but, I could really hunker down in this spot.

So, let's see it in all of its Valentine glory.

I still love the heart banner that I made out of the crocheted hearts that my mom made for me. When she first made them (from a pattern I found in a Country Living magazine) for me, I stiffened them and hung them separately from the edges of the shelves of an old country hutch that I had. When I got rid of the hutch, I didn't know where to use them so they sat wrapped in a box for a bit. And the I decided the glitter them and string them for the mantle...and I'm so glad I did! I think about her every time I look at it...and, since I'm in here so much, that is often!

Since I am a sucker for anything with writing, stamps, vintage, etc., I immediately fell in love with these postcard images that I got on a free download-wish I could remember where-a number of years ago. I printed them on to fusible fabric, made an envelope style pillow cover and ironed them on. So simple but I love them.

This is truly when I love this room the most. We have had a number of days this year where I could have a fire. Since I most often just use a Duralog, lighting a fire is no biggie and it lends so much to the cozy factor in here!

So that is the family room for this year. I'm off to get lunch going for my friend's visit but I'll be back. Stay safe and stay tuned.

Murphy's Law

 As many times as it happens to me, Murphy's Law might as well be renamed "Dorine's Law". If it can happen...it will...and usually does. Probably just coincidence, but totally happening once again. 

I had to run out to get some things to do some cooking for my girlfriend's upcoming visit. While I was out, I figured I would just take a quick run through HL and $ Tree to see if I couldn't pick up some more craft supplies to keep me busy for a few more days. As I expected, a lot of the things I was looking for were already gone so I decided to grab some things and make do. Of course, all of the substitute items are too large so, of course, I would normally run and get out the miter saw...but, we all know where this is going. I thought I was at a stalemate but then I realized that the signs that I am re-making are just chip board and, yes, luckily they cut very easily with just a straight edge, a box cutter and a bit of sand paper. Since it is now a rainy Saturday, I decided to give it a start.

I know it looks like I am only doing St. Patrick's Day with this stash but, all of the Valentines stuff was completely sold out so I am going to improvise.

Once it was cut, I popped off the tin shamrock that was glued on and it took some of the paper sign with it. I went ahead and sanded it all pretty well but, I could not get that area smooth and, since I was afraid that it might cause bubbles when I Mod Podged on the scrap book paper, I decided to give it a coat of black chalk paint and use it as the back...and, the only reason I went to that trouble was that I wasn't sure where or how this completed project would be displayed so, just in case...

Then, I painted the other pieces as well...

...made the bow, decoupaged on the paper and gathered it all together.

 The last step was a trip to my trusty glue gun. I really wasn't even sure how I was going to set this up but I kind of like it. Is it my favorite ever craft? Absolutely not, but, it served its purpose. Once again it kept me busy for awhile.

I did think about letting the kids make these but I'm guessing that by the time I next get to a Dollar Tree, most of the necessary pieces will be gone as well.

I also think that the letters are a bit too small but, they are glittered and pretty in person. They are just stickers so, easily removed. If I find any I like better, it will be a simple swap out.

So, here is where it has landed for now. I will probably try a few other spots after lunch...but, for now, I'm hungry so it has found a home.

I'm still debating how I will do the one for St. Patrick's Day so that will be for another post. Stay safe and stay tuned.

Just a P.S. On my way to the kitchen I had to pass my baker's rack. I haven't liked the top shelf since I did it, so voila! From too low and empty...

...to just right. What do you think?

RIP

 I guess it's time to say good-bye to my trusty friend. We have been together so long and have shared so many adventures. But, alas, today she died. I should have seen-or heard-it coming. Today I must say good-bye to my beloved miter saw. I can't even remember when we got it but I have used it so many times and I know I will have a hard time facing life without her. 

Today I was still kind of looking for potential crafts to do with the kids when I realized that I had not made a wood Valentine tag for myself. And, since I had loaded up on wood the last time I did one, I decided to go ahead and cut enough for anyone who might be here times two. I figured I could be ready for St. Patrick's Day as well. And so, I got her down. As I was putting her on my garage floor-which is where I work these days since our woodworking area is now enclosed as a real room in the house-I wondered about how much more I could do with her if I had a legit work area...and I put it in the back of my brain to see if I couldn't find a place the next time I needed her.

Now, cutting these tags is not an easy-or safe-process because the smallest cuts are done on the diagonal with really nowhere to push the wood against at that point so I am used to the saw sounding a bit different. But, this time was really different. It was making the loudest screeching noise. I checked to see if the blade was rubbing but it wasn't. I diddled with all sorts of other things and couldn't find a cause so I persisted. Just when I got down to three left, the blade continued spinning even when I was no longer pulling the trigger. I figured I could use it to my advantage with just six short cuts to go but, as soon as the blade hit the wood, it stopped. Yet, the minute I lifted it, it started spinning again with no trigger. At that point I decided that this might be beyond my control any more and I pulled the plug-both figuratively and literally! Lol

You would think that the last thing a woman of my age needs is another miter saw but, if you do, you would be wrong. As soon as I find one I like on sale, I will be on my way to bring it home. In the meantime, here is what I am up to.

Usually when I do something like this, I cut a pattern out of Contact paper and adhere it to the surface before painting.

That leaves me a nice, crisp outline that I can paint in without one color over lapping the other.

Then, it's a simple matter of just filling in the shape.

In this case, it was a little too much of a contrast for me so I did a bit of distressing and then a bit of a once over with the antique wax. I like using the wax more than stain because it is water based and, if you get a bit too much on, you can wash it off.

Here is where this one ended up. I love the little pops of color and design these things bring to my large pots and urns. I think they will be another perfect project for the kids because now that I have the shapes cut, the rest of the design can be up to each crafter...some can choose to go basic as I did, while others can embellish with as much as they want. And, they can be hung from pots as I so often do or from wreaths or coat hooks or even just sitting as a shelf leaner. Our goal is to always try to make things that will be kept and used.

Then, I was on to St. Patrick's Day. My goal was, once again, to keep it basic and simple. I also planned to do the green shamrock on the wood "stained" tag. But, when I got that done, I didn't think the shape of the shamrock stood out enough so I went back and dry brushed on some white. In doing that, I had to go up to and over a bit of the edge of the shamrock which then necessitated me re-painting the shamrock...and, I had to make it ever so slightly bigger to cover the edges. In doing so, I lost a bit of the shape but, since this is just a wooden tag, I am not going to stress over it. Luckily I love things kind of shabby and grunged up. Lol

I'm not sure where this one will go but you'll probably be amongst the first to know. 

So those were my adventures for today. I'll be back soon with more of the tour. Stay safe and stay tuned.
 

The Dining Room

 Let's move on to the dining room. I think this room is pretty much as it was last year except for a few new pops of hearts. Always have to enter with a greeting from my favorite pig chef!

So here is the new pop of hearts that I showed you the other day. I don't normally use my silver but I decided that I like the vintage romance it lends to Valentine's Day so, I brought some of it out. Lucky for me, I also love the tarnished look. Lol

I didn't like the silver footed bowl empty and I thought the vignette needed some softening. I put the greenery in it but then it looked too plain...hence, the making of the cardboard hearts. Do you see why my days are always full and I never run out of things to do. In my world, one thing always leads to another. Lol

I was so excited to actually be able to use this room for its intended purpose yesterday. We did a little "girl's" luncheon for my sister-in-law's birthday and, since it was a holiday, my youngest grand daughter was able to join us as well. I used my rose dinnerware, placemats and napkin holders with pretty rose patterned napkins, my pink glassware and a pretty bouquet of varying shades of pink roses. It looked so nice...but, you'll have to take my word for it because I didn't think about taking any pictures. It was just fun to be able to set a pretty table again and have some company!

It is a beautiful day out today so I am off to catch up on some things on the old to-do list. Stay safe and stay tuned.