Lamp post candle holder "make over"

Hello friends! I found this adorable little lamp post candle holder while I was out thrifting this past weekend.   I thought it was so cute and unusual AND would be a perfect wedding decoration.. but I was not fond of the dark wood.  So I brought it home --painted it white, glazed it with crackle paint, added another coat of white, sanded the edges to give it that "well worn" look.. and I loved the results!  With a little tulle bow added -- it will be perfect for the wedding!

Before..................

 

After!

Primitive Valentine "Love Letter"

I have really been in the  "Valentiny" mood these last two days!  After making the Valentine Mailbox for my giveaway, (don't forget to sign up!) I decided I needed to do a Valentine Envelope.  So here it is -- a Love Letter in a envelope all decorated primitive style with 3 red hearts, babies breath, pearls,  berries, moss and a touch a lace. I found the perfect place to display it in my china cabinet!

Give Away -- Primitive Valentine Mailbox

Hello friends!  It's time for a Valentine Giveaway!  I made this sweet little Valentine Mailbox today.  It has two vintage looking hearts that are tea stained, a sprig of greenery, gold berries and a little bird peeking out of the mailbox all sitting on a bed of moss. I would love for you to win this!  Please leave a  comment here on my blog or on my facebook page if you would like to be entered in the drawing.  I will draw for the winner on Friday, Feb. 1st at 11 a.m.   Remember -- if you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment -- your name will be entered twice!  Good luck and thanks for visiting my blog!

Shabby Chic Vignette

Hello Friends!  I have collected quite a few things that fall into the "shabby chic" category.  (Or at least I think they do!)  I already have 92 candlesticks (thanks to the help of some great friends and relatives!)  I have distressed about 10 so far -- some of which are in the picture above.   Hilary has created a pinterest page where she is pinning all the things she likes for the wedding.  I took inspiration from those and created this vignette.  What do you think about this for the centerpieces on each table at the reception?  Each one would be a little different but basically the same.  (Three candlesticks in the middle, stack of old books, picture frame with table number, 3 vintage looking bottles or vases with pink roses/babies breath and small jars with tea light candles.)  Hilary said she liked it -- but did not really like the look of the color from the books-- so she suggested I cover them with burlap or brown paper and then tie on the burlap bow.  Let me know if you like this and any suggestions to improve it.  Thanks for your help!  Looking forward to hearing from you guys!

Mom's Mac and Chicken Casserole

My mom used to make us  a delicious casserole that everyone who ever tried  loved.  Seriously.  It is so simple and my girls often ask me to make it.  Thought you might enjoy trying it.  

Mom's Mac and Chicken casserole

1 large can of Swanson's chunk white chicken

1 box of Kraft mac and cheese

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1 sleeve of crackers (saltines or ritz)

1 stick of butter

1/2 cup of milk 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare  the macaroni and cheese as directed on box.  Add the cream of chicken soup, canned chicken (do not drain) and the extra 1/2 cup of milk to the prepared macaroni and cheese.  Mix well.  Pour into a casserole dish.  Crush one sleeve of crackers and pour on top of mixture.  Melt the stick of butter and pour on top.  Bake for about 20 or 25 minutes until crackers are brown.  Enjoy!

Coffee Filter Flower Tutorial

A friend of mine (Kathy) linked me up to this beautiful coffee filter flower.  It is so beautiful and Christina over at Christina's Adventures did a wonderful job making it!  She posted  a great tutorial @ http://christinasadventures.com/2012/07/coffee-filter-flower-bridal-shower-dcor.html and it looks simple to make.  We have a valentine's banquet coming up at our church and I am in charge of the decorating.  Wouldn't this just be beautiful?  Not to mention -- some for the wedding too!  Click on over and check this out.

Collecting candle sticks

As you all know-- I have a wedding on my mind.  Since I have till December  to get it all together -- I plan to do alot of the decorations myself.  In sticking with Hilary's "shabby chic" theme -- I am collecting candlesticks. I have been busy hitting the local thrift and antique stores lately.  So far, I have found about 25 candlesticks.  My goal is not to pay more than $1.00 for each.  And believe it or not-- I have found all these for a dollar or less.  Several were .25 cents each!  Can't beat that!  Now.. I have to  find about 40 more!

 Now.. I plan to paint all these to give them that "shabby chic" look.  Here is a piece I am using for inspiration:

Found this little jewel at a local antique store.. isn't it darling?  I think I will use it on the registration table.  Well... looks like I have alot of work to do.  Good thing time is on my side.

Shabby Chic - Vintage wedding advice..???

Okay fellow crafters.. I need your advice,  As you know, I am already getting ready for my daughter's wedding on December 7, 2013.  I plan  to make most of the decorations.  It will be a night wedding and she has decided she wants it to be shabby chic/vintage style.  The colors are a very light almost champagne color, pale pink and cream.  Lots of pearl beads and lace too.  The reception  will be a sit down dinner.  All of the tables will be decorated but I wanted the bride/grooms table to be extra special and was toying with the idea of a chandelier over it.  I saw this hand-made one over @  http://markmontanoblogs.blogspot.com/2011/08/wow-butterfly-chandelier.html.  It is made from a tomato cage!  Anyhow, I was thinking..  I could do this using off white pearls, very pale pink flowers and such.. What do you think?  Will it go with the theme or is it "too much"?  Be honest!  I need your help!

Beautiful little Birds

I wanted to share these little birds that my stepmother, Susan,  gave me for Christmas.  You all know how much I love birds because they remind me of my mother.   I placed them on my mantle, put some moss around them, and I just love how "real" they look.  Thanks, Susan!  You know me well.

Blue jean flower necklace tutorial from Tea Room Home

I saw this too-cute necklace tutorial over @ Tea Room Home by Sachiko
http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2012/11/link-party-no85-denim-flower-necklace.html.  It looks so easy to make and really unique.  Thought you guys might enjoy trying to make one.  Share your pic and let me know if you do!

Happy New Year! (a little late)

Well.. hello blogging friends!  I have not posted in awhile because (like you) I have been super busy.  Our holidays were great and now it's back to reality.  2013 is looking good so far.  My oldest daughter, Hilary, is getting married!  Her fiance (John)  proposed to her over the holidays.  He proposed to her in Love Park in Philadelphia.  They were visiting his family in Horsham, Pennsylvania and went to Philly for the day.  As of today.. the wedding date is set for December 7, 2013.  (subject to change - lol).  I have ALOT of planning to do.  I need your help!  Any and all advice is welcome.  I have  not even attended a wedding in over 20 years -- so I am clueless.  Looking forward to sharing with you in 2013.  Thanks for following!

Hilary and John

Love Park, Philadelphia