snickerdoodles

finds...

    Early October walks in the forest are soul soothing.  Crisp leaves, cool air and lots of fallen goodies to collect and use in decorating.  It's the perfect time to harvest pine cones and freshly dropped branches before they get broken and damp.   Here at Birch Hill we ended up with a huge and slightly awkward niche heading up the stairs.  It's very tall and finding something to fill it was a challenge. 

While walking behind the house last week I found bundles of nice branches laying along the trail.  We hauled them home.  It took a hour or so of fiddling and trying out different arrangements and containers, but I managed to pull together something to fill the niche...

I'd love to find some light feather birds to perch on a branch or two...probably there will be some out closer to Christmas.  I am going to spray the rest of the branches black and use them for Halloween decorations.

    Yesterday a last minute trip into Kelowna resulted in some more finds.  First we noticed some landscapers digging up all the blue fescue grass at the Cactus Club restaurant.  I asked what they were doing with it, and it was going to be dumped.  Hubbie and I layed down a blanket and filled the trunk with all the poor clumps of rejected plants.

Then at Homesense I found a nice original glicee print in the clearance section.  Down from $150 to $55...we both loved it.  Just what we needed to fill the spot above the mantle till I get to making a canvas,

On the weekend we also moved this dresser to the left side to fill in until we get another Artie unit from Urban Barn for that spot.  It works alright for the time being.  It's all looking a bit too formal/matchy  for me as is but it's getting better.   One of these days I'll find just the right things but finding should never be rushed...especially when budgets are tight.

Don't mind the wild guy on the TV, he shows up on Ry's Wonderpets DVD.  I have no idea what his schtick is but he has the amazing ability to memorize two year olds into a state of near zombie-ness...

 A llethargic two year old = time to write a quick post and clean the kitchen = a happy me.

Better get to the 'cleaning the kitchen part'  so we can head out and start planting our blue fescue plantation. 

We also have our first Christmas party to attend tonight and there are appies to be made.  Christmas parties before Halloween has even passed seems ridiculous but a party is a party and we do love our parties! 

Hope your Tuesday is filled with finds and parties too!

book-a-rama...

Before:

My $5 garage sale book shelf, dirty and spider-webby ready for a clean after I removed the shelves.

Getting ready to paint the shelves...I used about $20 worth of Benjamin Moore paint in Seashell White, the same tone of white as our trim.

After about three hours of work, a couple days of curing the paint, and unpacking the final three boxes of books from the basement, bedroom and family room...

It still needs a bit of work but it's basically operational and fits just right under the boy's den window. 

Some of The Hardy Boys books were hubbies, the rest have been collected over many years of garage sailing and thrift shop visits...I always have a list of what titles we still need in my wallet.  We've finished reading all the ones we do have so far with Noah and it won't be long before Liam starts on the series....and heaven forbid wee Ryan.

We still haven't got the windows cleaned since the build, they are filthy but I'd like to wait as long as possible as we are still stirring up lots of dirt in the yard with our planting.  I think the window installers must have been muching greasy cheeseburgers while they worked because all the windows seem to be exceptionally goobered up.

Did you know if you fling slices of luncheon meat, like bologna or salami against a window they will stick like window clings?   It's true, I've tried it.  Just be prepared to have windows that look like the one above.  Perhaps we should use our Hardy Boys skills to determine exactly what has left ours so greasy...this could be a huge case to break.

Speaking of books, I found these AMAZING home books by Judith Wilson at the library this week...

(I wish I had of seen Judith's work before the Birch Hill plan was finalized, I definitely would have done a few small things differently.  The home's she features have so much character and charm.  They are neutral and modern but still full of warmth.)

The Harmonious Home, Smart Planning For A Home That Really Works is full of tips on flow, natural light, linking spaces and outdoor connections.

Prices start at $14 from the Chapters/Indigo link on my left sidebar.  The earnings from all sponsor-based sales on Snickerdoodles go to World Vision Canada. 

The second book I am glued to these days is Family Living, Creating the Perfect Family Home,

 

Prices start on this one at $23 on line from Chapters/Indigo.  The pages are filled with sweet photos of real spaces.  It's based on three zones...activity zones, peaceful zones and practical zones.  Smart and simply explained.

I haven't seen these yet but I found two other books that Judith Wilson has written that I am planning on ordering tonight...

 

 

The great things with Chapters/Indigo is that shipping is quick and free if you order $39 worth of products. An easy feat for a book lover.  As much as I adore spending time wandering the aisles of Chapters, it rarely happens.  For now exploring topics on line is a wonderful substitute...plus who doesn't love getting a parcel?

Thanks for the kick in the butt to finish up this project tonight...after our long day of rodeo and ranching adventures I was headed for the couch,  but my promise to you was fabulous motivation to putter along. 

Tomorrow is SALSA day.  I have 25 pounds of juicy field tomatoes waiting inpatiently in the mudroom for some kitchen time.  I've never actually made salsa before but I have a great recipe and a team of kiddo helpers to put to work.  Ariba!

Buenos noches amigos

oxo

 

make a mug for Dad...

Father's Day is just around the corner.  This week I spent some time at the school working on a special project for the kindies and grade ones to give their Daddios at the Father's Day party next week.

 

here are the works in progress

Glass paints need a couple of days (at least) to cure before baking so if you are keen on doing this project I would start soon. 

Materials...

a big glass mug or stein

masking tape

rubbing alcohol

Pebeo glass paints, several colours                                                                                              (this has been my brand of choice for over 10 years, you can use whatever you like though)

Pebeo Outliner pen

Instructions...

Wipe down your glass with a swipe of rubbing alcohol to remove any greasy traces that would stop the paint from adhering properly

For young kiddos it's easiest to mask off an area for them to work on.  Paint on the base or rim can wreck the glass when it fires

Have them use a small brush to decorate within the taped area, try to discourage them from painting too thick as it may run or bubble when baked

On the opposite side have them use the outliner pen to write Dad, the outliner pen is a tricky feat for most little fingers so I generally have them write Dad with Sharpie on a piece of paper...stick the paper inside the glass and trace their fabulously naive printing with the outline paint from the tube.

Let the project dry a day or so...carefully peel off the tape

Preheat your oven and bake the glass at approximately 325 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Read the instructions on the paint to determine your perfect settings as all ovens vary.

 

One classes steins waiting for the big tape peel and bake.  Our school is serving the Dad's Root Beer Floats, making stick horses and having a Rodeo party.  Wish I could go too!

Thanks for all the Get Well wishes, hallelujah for antibiotics!  I am feeling much more like me again.  I have my voice back and got to go to the big Olympic fun day at school today.  I am so relieved my poor throat survived that torture session.

Happy Painting!

letting go...

   Leaving our house yesterday afternoon was the hardest thing I have ever done.  We had been soaking up the afternoon sunshine, as the boys played on the snowbank and Barls sat happily with her face to the sun.  We prayed over her and the boys said their goodbyes.  A neighbor and wonderful friend to Barls came also to say goodbye, and to be with the kids while we were gone.  As we started to drive away I saw the boys with their heads bowed praying a bit more...then I saw Liam's body just shake with sobs and Noah embrace him.  We stopped and Liam went to be with Darlene. 

Dogs know when they are going to the vet, it must be the smells.  We parked far away so she could walk a bit, she wagged her tail on her frail body and then as we got closer she refused to move.  Blake ended up carrying her inside.  We got to sit with her a while before the vet came.  She ate several treats and seemed quite content, which made us both glad.

Barley lied in my lap and looked at us peacefully the whole time the vet did the procedure.  Being so weak and dehydrated her heart stopped within a minute and she slipped away.  We bawled and lied with her for a while, then we wrapped her limp body in the blanket and left.   I wish I could take it all back, I miss her so much already.  This morning is the first time I ever took the boys to the school bus without our furry piggie.

Working hard to keep my mind off Barls and stop crying in front of the boys.  I've been avoiding all photos of her and looking at her mat.  The sun was shining today and I took Ry for a walk and saw weeks worth of Barley prints in the layers of ice, snow and frozen mud.  I sobbed yet again, thank goodness for sunglasses.

I am sooo grateful for all the kind words and comforting messages you all have sent along.  Thank you.  Yes she was just a dog...but any pet owner knows that a beloved dog is actually a furry family member.   So thank-you again friends, I feel blessed by your compassion.

Ryan and I had a mini celebration of life today and did Barley's favorite things.  Ate, slept, cuddled and sat in the sun.  I have a real problem with eating to comfort myself but Barley would be most proud of my efforts!  lol

Moving on, I am still awaiting news on the work tender I submitted last week.  It's for a series of summer street banners to decorate the village of Whistler.  I did my proposal sketchbook style and the theme is Moments...simple moments you could have here to bring lifetime memories.

 

The folder opened.  I made it from textured papers and Martha Stewart adhesive ribbons, they are fantastic.  As you can see my my table top I am not a tidy artist by any means.  The mess is all part of the creative process for me. 

 

The four banner theme words reflecting times in nature, on the trails, in the village, and at by the water in Whistler...whether it be a lake, pool or river.  Keeping my fingers crossed, some challenging work is just what I need to move on from this sad week. 

For now I'll keep my face to the sun, Barley style.  Just don't ask me to take off my sunglasses.

here...

 

A little while back I wrote a poem for a local contest...they are installing a sculpture on my favorite lake to bring people together and requested submissions.  Here is what I wrote,

Here

be here, completely present

seeing like the first time,

listening with your heart wide open

deep breathes, inhale the sweetness of the lake

give thanks, sing praise, be glad of life

together

hold tiny hands, kiss loving lips,

offer smiles to strangers, embrace a friend

hear a story, make a memory, share a laugh

be here...

a moment closer to

completion

 The Poet's Pause installation will be on Alta Lake by the huge Muskoka chairs they built.  My poem didn't get picked but I thought I'd share anyways.  I am looking forward to reading the poem from the winner and seeing the final work.  Alta Lake is on "my loop" that I wrote about yesterday.

We are getting lots of snow.  Lots and lots.  I am finalizing window choices, and working on photographs and yet another submission so I will keep this short and sweet.

best to you today!

Peak 2 Peak scramble...

Oh my gosh!  I am spinning.  It's 5 on Friday and I got my entry in for the Peak 2 Peak poster contest sent off just in time.  Unfortunately when I went to finish up today a few of the parts were missing in action, I blame little Ry...he's a theif.  I also found a horse in the VCR today so my gondola could be anywhere.  I sent the photos off as is, there are a few things that need more work.  The gondola cable needs to be stitched on as well as the gondola car.  I also need to finish up my passengers and they have been hard to replicate.  I even threw in a little Gene Simmons, as he lives in Whistler now...and Magnum PI just because I love him.

Making mixed media pieces is an adventure in searching and gathering.  I used canvas as a base, added acrylics, handmade papers, found items like game pieces, and felted wool and silk string.  Here is how it looks so far...

 

I promise to make up for the missing eco post today on the weekend. 

Some other quick updates:

Artrageous was fantastic, lots of fun photos and people.  Pictures to come. Although my ears are still ringing from the music and the crazy siren sounds the d.j. kept using.

Nigella Lawson's Old Fashioned cake was moist and heavy but don't substitute sour creams.  I used non fat and should have used the good stuff!  The frosting rocks, so rich and chocolatey.

I am still in the clothes I slept in last night...I had two weiners an apple and some M&Ms for lunch! 

My hubbie is the BEST for letting me work all day, and taking the boys out to the library.

sew kewl!

Sewing is making such a comeback and I wanna be part of the movement.  During high  school I took Fashion Arts and made a bikini,  I also made piles of baggy boxer shorts one summer and a quilted pillow in home ec, last Christmas I managed to do a couple tea cozies....I think I could still do it.  The problem with sewing is my patience, I am an impatient crafter.  I like to have results pronto...that makes following patterns a challenge.  Also I am technically frustrated and when things get stuck in the sewing machine, or bobbins are empty. I can't handle the hassles and loose interest. 

Lately though some things I've seen have inspired me to overcome my sewing laziness and hit the foot pedal again.  Future Make & Take nights might include some sewing projects.  First I want to get this new book from the library:

 

Anna Maria Horner is amazing!  Also love her blog...

Portabello Pixie tempts me with this adorable pin cushion project.  It looks pretty complicated though...anyone ever tried this?  See more of Sandi on her blog...

 

I am collecting old neckties to do this as a Make & Take session, these would be awesome holiday gifts.

 

I met Robin at Women's Camp in September and she makes super cute bags, I would love this clutch!

 

Spud and Peanut is her company, these bags are well made and not something I would attempt! Plus this bag sells for only $25!  They also make bibs, blankies and smocks.   You can shop at Spud and Peanut through there Etsy store here:

Do you sew?  Where do you love buying fabrics?  Lemme know your favourite things to make.  Maybe I could just pay you to sew me stuff?  Do you have a Grannie who's a sewing maniac who needs a project?  LOL  I am supposed to be finishing painting of the new Peak to Peak Gondola here for a contest but instead I am dreaming about sewing!  Gotta go friends...

don't forget to enter the Bijoux contest...tomorrow is the last night!

Random randomness...

It's rainy today and Liam is still home on the mend.  In between loads of laundry I have been playing with some PEI photos I took at the cottage.  Hubbie's Mummy has lots of little collections around the cottage of all kinds of cute things.  One day when they were out I spent some time finding some funny little compositions.   

In the yellow bedroom there is a curio packed full with tiny treasures much like an I Spy book...

This old radio and happy pig sit on top.

There are lots of sweet doggies all around ...

Look at all those funny faces...love them all

   ...then I carefully took a few precious pups outside for some shots

Thinking of putting prints of some of these on Etsy...they would be cute in a kid's room.  Any thoughts? 

Gotta run I am making plum coffee cakes and a big pizza for dinner and I should get started.  I will post my popular Le Plum Cake recipe soon...you will need about 15 prune plums in the fruit bowl.

Much Love!

Daddy's Day

They couldn't wait...he worked until 5:30 a.m. but they only lasted till 7:30...busting in and piling on top of him bearing all their Father's Day gifts.  I managed to tear them off after a while and we let pour Dad go back to sleep.  Kids get soo much joy from giving homemade presents.  I love it!  I hope they make me gifts for as long as I live...their gifts, their words make my heart smile.  Here are some of the items Dad raked in this year...definitely some keepers. 

It was his day and he picked what we did all day.  Peanut butter and jam sandwiches, then biking to three different lakes in Whistler along the Valley Trail.  It was sunny and lovely.  Then we cleaned up and headed to Earl's for his free steak dinner before church.  After church they played tennis and I stayed back to feed Ry,  then we munched brownies and coconut gelato, a perfect day.

From Noah, he did this on his own,  it's getting framed for sure!

Liam and I made this with plaster of paris, sea glass and polished pebbles, it's a real maple leaf dipped in copper that he wrote on...I bought that part.

They both made t-shirts, this is Liam's...too cute.  We are going to make pillow cases next time.  We did it with Crayola Fabric Crayons and it's easy peasy!

We did these as a craft in Kindie Art...it's a re-used can lid with a jumper ring, stickers and puffy paints.
They all turned out very well and the Dad's wore them with pride.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!

First art project...

It is a damp, dark rainy day out and I've been cooped up with a cranky babe.  Feeling so unproductive and unmotivated.  So I thought it would be a good time to share an art project anyone can do.  There are so many things I long to do around the house, this project was something I wanted to do for a couple years!  Seeing it now, done and hanging makes me proud that I made time, and inspires me to keep plugging away.  To do this project you need to find an old storm window.  They can be found at used building supply centers, garage sales or antique stores, usually for around $20.

Here's a window painting I did called Amongst the Birches...

Instructions

Clean both sides of the window with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils. Everything is painted on the backside of the glass.

Use a simple image as it's a little tricky to figure out the order to paint in

Use a washable marker to draw your image on the front of the window

Turn the window around and start painting on the backside, starting with the highlights first.  So do everything backwards from how you would normally do it...once you start you will get it. If you mess up just use a utility knife to scratch off some dried paint and add what you blooped on.

So, for this I did the black tree knots and accents, then shadows

-then white trees and yellow tree accents

-the background and foreground were last and I painted them right over everything else on the backside.  When you are done simply wipe your drawing lines off the front of the window.

If you aren't comfortable with drawing or painting check out some decals on line and paint some backgrounds.  A good site is  Hambly Screen Prints.  The address is below. 

Good luck and have fun!

http://www.hamblyscreenprints.com/ Next time I am going to do some Hambly Screens on the reverse of the glass from new Umbra Frames.  Maybe Robots for my boys!