Ok, so one picture. I’m working on a few things for the house, and this project has been pretty fun. I’ve searched antique markets from here to the coast, picked up old bottles, and painted the insides. The higher priced paint (red, turquoise, and darker green) leaves them fairly opaque…the cheap stuff leaves them pretty translucent. I’m gonna work with the cheaper stuff again, see what I can do. Although I do like the see through effect…just not the blotchiness.

I’m working on a painting, too…not completely satisfied with it yet. Will post someday.

In the meantime, Maine State Housing is sending an appraiser by next week to see if we have accomplished everything that they want us to accomplish. It’s probably in the small print somewhere (in that huge pile of paperwork that you sign at closing) but we just didn’t realize we were on such a tight deadline. Luckily Erick’s last day of work is today, so for the next few days we will be living/eating/breathing home stuff. It’s stressful, but good motivation, I guess. Gotta look on the bright side, ya know. But prayers that we could accomplish everything to their satisfaction, ON time, would be a great thing. One thing we know? If we could go back, we would SO NOT go with the state housing program. It really bites the big one.

I walk, therefore I swish. Because this belly is full of coffee! All on account of the fact that the boys decided to wake their momma up before the clock had struck 5am. And that requires multiple cups of caffeine for this lady.

I am going to finally reveal to you the projects I have been spending my spare (ha!) time on lately; I’m really enjoying them! I’m plumb out of the white fabric, so I can go no further until a re-order. Here they are, in no particular order:

I’m going to upload them to Etsy soon…only so many things you can accomplish in a day!

Quite awhile ago I discovered this Martha Stewart tutorial on homemade chalkboard paint. I’m crazy about chalkboard anything! Maybe it’s the nostalgia? I already have a wall dedicated to chalkboard paint in the kitchen of our hopefully-soon-to-be home. The wonderful thing about this particular project is that the paint can be any color, and it really is easy to do.

I used a wooden paint panel for this little project, and hope to make 4 or 5 to put on the wall in the boys’ bedroom when we move. (I have two little artists in residence). I’ll simply paint them to color-coordinate with their room. I figure if they stray from the panels, chalk will be relatively easy to wipe off the walls.

This is so cute-wouldn’t it of been great to have these available back in high school instead of those silly paper covers?  I’m loving this journal, and the cover slips off so you can put it on other books!

Find more of Alison’s works here.

The boys were away at Grandma’s yesterday, so I focused and put together a reversible apron that I have wanted to sew for quite awhile. It’s out of Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing book, which is fabulous. I originally bought the fabric for pillows, but decided a springtime apron would be fun. Don’t you feel professional in an apron? I think that next time I’ll use a lighter weight fabric, though. This fabric is a bit of a medium weight, and doesn’t drape like I’d like it too, although it’s definitely usable.

Ryan also had fun with a new dog that Nonnie made…out of gloves. You can’t see the detail too well, but it’s terrifically cute.

And! Oh And! I’m incredibly excited, because I found out about Habitat for Humanities ReStores yesterday. They are filled with overstock and extras from building supply stores, contractors, etc, so the prices are a fraction of what you would normally pay. The proceeds go towards Habitat. There are FOUR in Maine. Four! Camden, Portland, Bath, and Lewiston. Good timing, I’d say, seeing as though we are house hunting. I’m eager to get out and shop!

Well, I’ve made strides; I’ve unglued myself from the recliner. Still have a bit of a way to go, but I’m feeling so much better than the last few days. Therefore! Time to get to something I’ve been meaning to get to for awhile. Hope you enjoy…

Ok, just realized my muscles are too tired to type. Kind of sad, no? So instead of linking each picture with the site, I’m gonna give them to you here:

Top Row: Maddox and Klaus. Seriously cute stuff.

Middle Row: I’m in awe of Amanda’s talent with jewelry. Find her at Bijou Girl Designs.

Last Row: If only I had a girl. Much more to find at Bejeweled Designs!

Well, there are 3 rows in the editing phase…not so in the final product.  I’d fix it but I’m sinkin’! Hope you don’t mind the wonky-ness of it all!

She’s up and rolling! Finally, right? I still have loads to add, but I think I’m going to slow down and list a thing or two a day instead of all in one-fell-swoop. Check ‘er out, let me know what you think!