Wednesday, February 29, 2012

God’s Artwork

During the night we had a rain-ice-snow storm here in Minnesota.  This made for some pretty ugly driving conditions for the morning rush hour.   Being able to stay at home is a much appreciated blessing that gives me reason to love the snow, but I do understand and pray for the people who have to go out in it every day.  I’ve been there, and it’s no fun.

Listening to the storm during the night left me with very little sleep.  I lay awake worrying about whether the ice is damaging our trees (silly, I know), but most of all I worry about Gregg and all of my loved ones driving to work and school in the morning.  Why is it so hard to trust the Lord completely with my concerns? 

Nicole from Coming Alive In Christ posts the daily devotional from Sarah Young’s book “Jesus Calling”.  A few days ago, the post addressed worry, and how as Christian’s we should respond to it.  This post is a must read for the many of us who struggle with the sin of worry (yes, worry is a sin).  I am so thankful that I can put my trust in the Savior for everything!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   Phil. 4:6,7

OK, this post really didn’t start out to be about worry…focus Jane.  This post is supposed to be about how absolutely beautiful it was outside this morning when I woke up.  While I was laying in bed worrying, the Lord was making the world outside my door breathtaking.  Nature truly is God’s artwork!

I had to grab my camera and head outside Smile
DSC_5257 blog
The view from my front door.

DSC_5234 blog



DSC_5216 blog

DSC_5205 blog

DSC_5203 blog

DSC_5222 copy
My home.

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.   Psalm 145:5

Until next time…

May the Lord give you eyes to see the glorious splendor of His wonderful works.

Jane  <><

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Doodles

More Doodles


I’ve been feeling kind of under the weather lately, so I haven’t been up to much.  I thought I would just share with you some of the doodles that I’ve been working on…

Untitled-2 copy
Untitled-4 copy
Untitled-6 copy
This was a doodle that I did for my granddaughter, Lily.

085 copy
…and always remember, “a bird in the hand is worth two on the brush.”

I hope you can avoid catching any of the nasty bugs that are going around.  If you do catch one, doodling is the perfect way to spend time while you recover…actually, it’s a wonderful way to spend time even when you’re feeling great!

Blessings to you,
Jane  <><

My health may fail, and my spirit may go weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.   Psalm 73:26

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Treasure Hunt

Garage sales, thrift shops, flea markets, antique stores, occasional shops.  These are a few of my favorite things.  I consider it an adventure when I go on the hunt for treasures at any of these places.  Hubby Gregg is a pretty good sport when it comes to accompanying me.  The problem isn’t that he doesn’t like to go to these places...the problem is that we have different opinions on the amount of time we should spend at one.  Gregg can go in, do a walk through, and be ready to go in the time it takes me to take my coat off and say hello to the shop owner (OK...I’m exaggerating a little).  You’re probably asking, “why not just go with someone else?”  Well, sometimes I do, and I love the time spent with people who share my love of the “hunt”.  It’s just that Gregg is my favorite person in the world to spend my time with...he’s my best buddy.  I like having him by my side as we stroll the aisles pointing out all of the fun treasures of our childhood as we share the memories that go along with them.

Anyway...once a year on my birthday, part of my gift is a treasure hunt with no time limitations.  Gregg is not allowed to even look like he wants to leave until I’m ready...this makes me very happy.  Well, I recently had a birthday :)

Here are a few of my finds...
DSC_4863 copy  A lovely set of candle holders in my favorite color.

DSC_4868 copy
DSC_4871 copy
Vintage watercolor paint sets to display in my studio.  I’m starting to collect these…they aren’t easy to find.


DSC_4855 copy
Pretty silverware…I like when they’re tarnished.


DSC_4860 copy
This is one of the things that I like to do with my old silverware.  I plan on doing a tutorial for this in the future.


DSC_4874 copy
A wonderful vintage tablecloth in my favorite colors.


DSC_4896 copy
Several yards of this fabric.  I don’t think it’s that old, but I love it…Oh, and guess what color it is…my favorite!  I might make a shower curtain out of it, or use it for picnics.


DSC_4900 copy
DSC_4890 copy
And last, but not least, some old sewing notions and buttons.  You can never have too many buttons.

Until next time…

A wonderful quote from Nicole’s blog

“The safest place to be is in God’s will.”

Blessings!
Jane  <><

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”        Romans 1:16

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Chair Shelf

I’m not the first one to think of this, but I thought I would share this fun decorating idea.  It’s pretty simple.  All you need is a chair (preferably one that has some age and character). 

I had Gregg cut the legs off of the chair first.  Then I had him hang it with screws onto the wall.  That’s about it...I told you it was simple!  The only thing you have to think about is that most chairs don’t have a straight back.  To remedy this, we took a piece of wood and attached it behind the base of the chair seat...it took a few tries until we were sure that the chair seat was level.  You will want to paint the piece of wood a similar color to the chair so that it doesn’t stand out.
The picture is of Gregg and me with our four grandkids (taken about two years ago).

Oh, and don’t throw the legs away.  They can be used for other projects (like candle holders, or anything that requires a decorative dowel).  You could even put a top on them and make a cute little table.

That’s all for now.  Until next time...

To God be all the Glory!
Jane  <><

“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”.
Joshua 24:15

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Pillows and Yo-Yo's

A few weeks ago I had the bug to sew something.  I like to sew once in awhile, but I wouldn’t say that I’m very good at it.  On Pinterest I had pinned a tutorial on quilting for the very beginner, so I got out the sewing machine, and set up my laptop for my first lessen.  My very favorite thing about sewing is all of the pretty fabrics...I have collected many.  You might say that the ratio of fabric that I own to the time I spend sewing is a little off the charts.  I especially love vintage fabrics...I just can’t resist adding more and more of these to my “collection”. 

Well, I am happy to report that I have found the perfect sewing project for those of you who are like me...have lots of pretty fabrics, limited sewing skills, and a kinda short attention span.  The answer is...pillows!

I’m not giving you a tutorial on pillow making...I really don’t feel qualified to teach sewing!  However, if you are interested, I highly recommend the tutorial on the “Diary Of A Quilter” blog.  She gives very clear and simple directions that are easy to follow.  I didn’t make the quilt that she demonstrates, but I used the fabric piecing lesson to make pillows instead.  She also has tons of other very fun sewing project tutorials!

I had so much fun making these!  In just a day I made 4 pillows.  They aren’t perfect, but I’m still kinda proud of them : )  I gave two of them to my daughter Mary, one to my Mom, and kept one for myself (mine is the one with the yo-yo).

DSC_3908 copy

DSC_3916 copy

DSC_3913 copy

DSC_4315 copy

DSC_4322 copy

Yo-Yo’s are a fun way to use your fabric scraps too.  I happen to think that adding a yo-yo to just about anything makes it adorable!  Just in case you haven’t seen these before, I have to let you know about the coolest little invention...the yo-yo maker!  I got mine at Joann’s.  They come in 4 sizes plus a heart and flower shape.  It makes it so easy and quick to do.  I like to add a cute button to my yo-yo’s.

DSC_4778 copy

DSC_4779

That’s all for now dear blogger friends.  Until next time...

Living For Him,

Jane  <><

“Make me know your ways O Lord; teach me your paths.”
Psalm 25:4

Monday, February 6, 2012

Scrabble Photo Cards DIY

Hello again...Hope you all had a great weekend!  Today I thought I would share with you a fun photo card idea.  These cards will bring a smile to your loved ones (especially your “Words With Friends” partners)!

All you need is a Scrabble board game, a camera, and your imagination.

I start by making a list of words that are associated with the theme I’m going with (birthday, love, wedding, etc.).  Now find an area to set up near a window so you get that pretty natural light, and start placing the Scrabble tiles on the board.  I like to start with a big word first and work off of that.  It takes some time to get the words to work together, but that’s the fun part of the project!  I then take the wooden Scrabble tile holder, and put the theme word or words in it, and place it somewhere in the front part of the game.

Now get your camera and go to it!  Try shooting at many different angles to get just the right shot.

Here are some examples of the cards I have made. 
DSC_4621 blog
DSC_4661 blog
DSC_4691 blog
S-009 blog
Please feel free to use my tile designs if you don’t want to take the time to figure it all out.  However, I encourage you to use your own designs too...it’s so much fun to personalize the words to fit a special occasion or a certain person.  My Mom and I worked together on some of them last week...we got silly and giggled like we always do.

I print my own cards on my inkjet printer, but if you have your photos printed at a photo lab, just use double-sided tape to adhere the photo to a piece of cardstock paper.  You may even want to put the photo in a frame instead...what a cute gift that would be!

Until next time...

Soli Deo Gloria,

Jane  <><

“The Lord lives, and blessed be my Rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation…” 
Psalm 18:46

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Our “Cottage Rambler”

One of my creative passions is decorating.  If I were to define my style I would say it’s “shabby cottage” with a little "eclectic" thrown in.  Ever since I began decorating (as a teenager), I have loved antiques and vintage items.  I’m sure this came from my mother’s love of decorating with antiques.  As early as I can remember I have loved to go treasure hunting at garage sales, thrift shops, and antique stores with my Mom...in fact, after over 40 years, we still love to do this together! 

I remember my first apartment...having zero in the decorating budget, I made my home as “cute” as I could with hand-me-downs and garage sale finds.  The funny thing is, I don’t ever remember feeling sad or deprived that I had to “settle” for this.  I just remember treasuring every little piece of furniture and every vintage knick-knack that I could add to my little home.  I was once given some old and tattered red checkered tablecloths.  I used one of them to cover a cardboard box...the perfect solution for an “entertainment center” for our record player (yes, I said record player...this was in 1976).
 Danny baby
Just like a scene from ‘House Beautiful’, right?  Ok, I’m not saying that it was my best decorating moment, but you have to give me an A for effort (I was 19 years old, had a 10 month old baby, and very little money)!  It makes me smile when I think of how cute and clever I thought this was.

As years went by, and more money was available to use for decorating, I found that I still preferred old finds to new ones.  I know there are many women out there who know what I’m talking about...there is a certain satisfaction along with a pleasure and thrill that you feel when you find these special little treasures from the past.  Oh, and the anticipation of bringing them home and finding the perfect spot for them...It just makes my heart happy!

When we downsized about four years ago, we were looking for a sweet little cottage style home to settle down in.  The kind of house that I had seen in magazines and had longed for.  This was my chance to have my dream home!

However, our search was soon to become a series of disappointments.  The dreaded “practical” element soon took over our search.  These lovely little cottages where just that...little.  And what appeared to be “charm” on the outside, turned into homeowner headaches on the inside.  Stinky basements, old plumbing and electrical, tiny rooms with almost no closet space, outdated appliances, bad windows, and single-car garages were the trade-off for living in a “cottage” that was in our price range.

So, after lots of prayer and months of searching, God blessed us with a 1976 rambler that fulfilled all of our practical needs.  He put us exactly where we were supposed to be...and at the same time, He gave us yet another lesson in trusting Him with everything! 

There was just one thing about this house...not only was it lacking charm, it was kinda ugly.   Now I had a new goal...“How do I turn this dated rambler into a “cottage”?  Here are a few “before” pictures...

IMG_0380 flat
IMG_0386 flat
IMG_0377 flat
IMG_0412 flat
That was four years ago.  I can now say that we could not be happier with our “cottage rambler.”  With God’s provision, my vision, and Gregg’s incredible handyman skills, I feel that we have achieved our goal.  Well, almost...we still haven’t quite finished, and probably never will, which is another blessing from God.  He keeps giving us opportunities to do the things that make us feel happy, useful, and satisfied...one of which is to re-create new areas of our home :)  Thank you Lord.

In future blog posts I will be sharing with you some of the changes that we’ve made in our home, and some fun decorating ideas that might inspire you too!

“The love of beautiful things is Heavenly homesickness”.

Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

Oh, how I long for my eternal home with my Lord!

To Him be all the glory!
Jane <><