Chandelier is Up!

Yesterday was spent playing musical fixtures.

This room used to be our living room, now our dining room.

This is where the ceiling fan used to be. 

The ceiling fan in my son's room was on its last leg.

Because the ceiling fan in this room was large it needed to go in what is now our 

living room. 

The living room fan went to my son's room. 

Needless to say my husband spent the day swapping out fixtures in three rooms.

He is awesome, and I love my new light fixture.

One of the things I love most was the total cost of the light.

Fixture was $2.00!

Can of oil rubbed bronze spray paint $5.00.

Total cost $7.00!

If I had purchased a fixture like this new it would have been close to $200.00.

Love my new light and love the cost.!

Lots more work to do on this room. 

Sorry about the poor phone picture, 

So excited when a plan comes together!

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Jackie

Hindrances to Creativity

My full intent was to blog for 30 days straight without interruption, but 

I have made major progress in an area that I haven't been able to in quite some time. 

I have been working on what I believe to be a major obstacle for me

and many others when it comes to the area of creativity. 

Things have been out of order here in a major way for quite some time.

Life happened, and then I seemed to lose the focus that enabled me to 

keep my home orderly, and therefore freeing me up to be creative.

You see when I feel like I need to be straightening, clearing clutter, taking care of the daily stuff,

I choose to believe that I don't have time to be creative.

I seemed to have just been in a fog, unable to concentrate well enough to simply get daily things done.

 I have had a way of letting life circumstances get to me that way.

At the beginning of the month I purposed not to let the first and most important thing take the back burner.I needed to make sure I am taking time to be in the Word daily. 

Simply put, I am asking God to help me get my focus right. 

For the first time in a very long time I am actually making progress. 

I have been working room by room, cleaning cabinets, drawers,

and actually choosing to let go of some stuff that I do not need, I haven't used in a very long time,

or I just have too much!

If I get really honest there can be so much that is just excess!

Far too often, this is what things have looked like. 

Notice the open door. Well our dog knows how to open it, if he could only close it behind himself.

I am liking this so much better!

And this makes me want to be creative, not all the clutter that distracts me. 

Lastly, here is Chloe enjoying her new pillow cover that I put together today. 

The pillow is just canvas duck material. I have tried to make the dog beds look pretty,

but they just get dirty, and I am needing something easy to wash and durable. 

Have a wonderful afternoon.

Jackie

Sunday Scripture

"Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made."

Genesis 2:3

Hope you have had a blessed Sunday!

Jackie

Fair Day

This morning my boy called me and invited me to the fair.

His sweet wife and her parents (I don't like to call them in-laws) were going and 

wanted to know if I would come. Of course I headed that way. We had a wonderful

afternoon, and enjoyed all of the sights of the fair. 

All that being said, here is some creative inspiration from the fair.

Gotta love this blue vintage pickup!

There were handmade quilts galore!

I was especially fond of this colorful one.

This dahlia was beautiful!

We had a wonderful afternoon, and the inspirations sure made me want to come home and make a quilt, grow some beautiful flowers, and who wouldn't love that vintage truck parked in the driveway?

Hope you had a blessed Saturday!

Jackie

Frame Idea

Here's an easy way to create some art for the home

This print I ordered from Jones Design Company last year when she had a sale on a collection

of prints.

However, there are tons of free printables online. If you don't want to order one go on pinterest and type in free printables and the selection is endless!

The frame was purchase for $1.00 at an estate liquidation sale, painted with chalk paint

and waxed. 

I have this grouped with several pictures on my kitchen counter to brighten up my space, and the 

be thankful was appropriate for this time of year. I change the print out often when I feel the need to change things up a bit. 

Spent most of the day putting the back porch together once again. I didn't get a picture of 

a shoe rack my husband made that I stained today. 

Hoping to maybe hang the chandelier tomorrow and maybe a picture of the clean back porch.

Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

Jackie

Creative Catastrophe!

Today's post will be short and sweet!

There will be no pictures.

As I was working on a couple of small projects things went awry.

Spilled a portion of a bucket of paint on the back porch.

Cleaning and tidying the porch for fall was a little further down  the list.

It moved to the top this afternoon.

Borrowed the pressure washer from my neighbor.

(Paint had primer in it, a tad more difficult to clean up.) 

Everything is still sitting in the back yard.

Porch is clean

.

I was too pooped to take any pictures after that one. 

Goodnight.

Jackie

Captain America

Here's today's creative project.

I put together this little cape for my grandson.

Found the Captain America shirt at Wal-Mart.

I am not an expert seamstress, so I was excited that it all came together.

All I did was trace the pattern from another cape that Judah had, hemmed it, 

and added the velcro closure at the top.

Hoping he likes it.

Jackie 

Chandelier Project

When I chose my title  "31 Days of  Being Creative"

perhaps it should have been 31 Days of Projects or something else. 

I will not be creating in the sense that some might think, but I prefer to look at many 

aspects of creativity. Sometimes this will be seeing things, not necessarily as they

are, but what they can be. Sometimes that means improving upon what is already there.

Here is today's project. 

I purchased this chandelier earlier this year for $2.00 at the thrift store.

I knew that I would need a light fixture of a substantial size to hang over my dining room table.

Often that means substantial $$as well.

When I spotted this fixture I knew it would be perfect and the style was perfect.

The only problem being the slightly pinkish color. 

Nothing a little oil rubbed bronze spray paint couldn't fix. 

I am happy to say the fixture is complete, and looks exactly like I hoped it would.

Stay tuned for the reveal in the next few days.

Hopefully I will be able to show you the improved fixture hanging in my dining room. 

Hope you have had a wonderful day!

Jackie

31 Days: Easy Fall Table Centerpiece

I think I probably said in my last post that FALL is my absolute favorite season!

Right now the weather here is perfect.

Not too hot, not too cold. 

It's Just Right!

I consider my decorating style pretty simple.

 Here are the items I used for this simple table centerpiece in my breakfast room.

Round basket tray was a yard sale find.

Grapevine I just cut and wrapped myself. 

Iron trivet to set the pumpkin on, I already had. 

I don't like setting the pumpkin directly on a flat surface. Too many experiences with rotting pumpkins. 

This time I washed my pumpkin in a diluted bleach and dish washing liquid solution, hopefully washing away all of those things that cause pumpkins to rot.

Roll of burlap for the runner, purchase at half price from Hobby Lobby.

Ends of runner are turned under and hand stitched. I do not prefer sewing burlap on my sewing machine. 

The blank wall in the background will be another creative endeavor that I hope to share soon. 

Blessings,

Jackie

31 Days of Being Creative

I am a little late joining the 31 Days Series, but really wanted to join in. 

Not too long ago our family experienced some difficult times, and I realized that I have ignored and set aside the enjoyment I get from being creative

Fall is my favorite time of the year, and this month I want to work on not only enjoying all that God has given me, enjoying this season, but also cultivating the talents that He has given me as well. 

Here are a few things that inspire me.

Love this old bathtub filled with plants and junk.

This beautiful pecan orchard was the setting for my son's recent wedding. 

Nature definitely inspires me. 

Last but not least beautiful flowers!

In the days ahead I will be posting ways and steps that I am taking cultivate creativity. 

All links will be on this page. 

I hope you will join me and share all that inspires you. 

Have a lovely evening. 

Jackie

Day 2: Easy Fall Table Centerpiece

Day 3: Chandelier Project

Day 4: Captain America

Day 5: Creative Catastrophe!

Day 6: Frame Idea

Day 7: Fair Day

Day 8: Sunday Scripture

Day 9: Hindrances to Creativity

Day 10: Chandelier is Up!

31 Days: Epic Fail!

Also known as:
What was I thinking when I jumped in and thought I could  post for 31 days?

The process as a whole has not been a failure, as a matter of fact I am still right smack dab in the middle of Taming Too Much!

Last Saturday was our Barn Sale. Let me just say it was amazing! We had 250 people standing in line when we opened at 10 AM! We were blown away by the response. That is the tiredest I have been in quite some time, but were certainly blessed.  We probably had around 400-450 people come through and shop. We had very few items left, and this week have sold most of the items that remained. I took a few things to refill my booth. Other items will be put in the yard sale this weekend.

Yes, you heard me right. This weekend my sister and I are having a yard sale. I have been preparing for this since the beginning of October also. Nothing like asking for a little torture! No really this has been what I have needed to do for quite some time. I am sifting through all of those little things that have caused a lot of clutter, and out the door they are going. Tomorrow I will be headed to the attic to pull down lots of artificial Christmas stuff that needs to go.

The following week I will be working on some small projects for the Artisan Market that I plan to participate in with my friend Allison. Yes, what was I thinking?  and we may possibly have a grand baby in the middle of all of this!!

I will be posting some pictures soon, hopefully from the Barn Sale, Yard Sale and Artisan Market.
Didn't want to leave you wondering what happened. Have a blessed evening.

Day 13: I Know I am Behind!

Things are still progressing over here, but often times real life hops into your well made plans. I can make a list of everything I plan to do every moment of every day and I have learned to accept those interruptions.Many times I need to welcome them.

My parents are here visiting, and it is time to visit a bit. My friend has delivered a trailer for me to start loading for the barn sale. I will load a few things that are priced and move them out of the way. I have one piece of furniture that has a small bit to finish it up, and I will load it as well.

I will take a few pictures of the finished pieces before I load them so you will indeed see that I am still making progress. Yesterday I finished painting a small table, a mirror, and a small urn. I priced a box of fabric pieces that will be going to the barn sale as well. My mom brought a few pieces to put in my booth, and we priced them immediately and got them down to the booth today.

I pray that all is well with all of you. Have a wonderful weekend!

Day 12: What 31 Days Has Done For Me

Today I thought I would share what this 31 Days challenge has done for me so far. 

It has enabled me do some much needed organizing.

I am finding a place for everything.

Letting go of things feels good, less feels best!

My perspective is changing, I am feeling more focused. 

I am beginning to enjoy this season. 

Remember the cabinet that doesn't work well size wise? Well until I find something better, it is going to stay. 

Being the quirky person that I am, there is a correct way to fold your fabric that helps when organizing it. Here's a look at what I did for a little while yesterday. 

I have a bunch that I am cleaning out, bundling and headed to the barn sale. It will be great for someone who would like to use it for pillows, quilts, etc. 

I'd love to hear what all of you are working on. 

Day 11: Sunday

It has been a great Sunday! With all I need to get done around here, it is hard to keep myself from working. Instead, I rest and think on my list of To Do's for tomorrow.

 Tomorrow we are back to our regular scheduled programming. 

Praying you all have a blessed week!

Day 10: Kitchen Clean-Up

Here I am on day 10 for me. Most everyone else is on day 12, but this is the most I have posted in quite some time, and yesterday I simply forgot. The past couple of days have been mostly general cleaning. 

• The two bathrooms got scrubbed
• Changed sheets on the bed.
• Laundry
• Kitchen cleaned: counter tops cleared, swept and mopped 

Ah, clean counter tops are great!

Love my colorful coffee mugs. 

A clear view into the breakfast room. 

Definitely ready for a day of rest tomorrow.

Church

Lunch with a friend.

Enjoying the beautiful fall weather. 

Goodnight to all.

Day 9: Sewing Room After

Here's where I started and ended up the day I worked on my sewing room. I have an organized craft cabinet, and I actually know what's in there. 

As much as I like the way this cabinet turned out, it is going to have to go to the barn sale. It just doesn't fit the space. 

Off to tackle another area.  Have a blessed day!

Day 8: Checking In

No pictures today, my camera battery was dead, ended up meeting with my friend Allison about the Barn Sale, Bible Study tonight, and I am simply pooped!

I did get the pile in the sewing room in order. I have actually priced all of the yard sale items so far, and they are boxed neatly and out of the way in my son's room.

I will be volunteering tomorrow at our crisis pregnancy center until 2, but tomorrows focus will be cleaning out a few things in the kitchen, straightening in there as well, and pricing a few things for the Barn Sale. I will be sharing  a few pictures as well.

Have a good night.

Day 7: The Sewing/Craft Room

Here is my sewing/craft room, yet to be completed. This is what I will be concentrating on today. A lot of the items you see in the picture are yard sale items that need to be priced and stacked neatly until our Yard Sale in November. There will be plenty more to add to the pile before November gets here. 

I will try to do a little update at the end of the day to show you the progress that I have made and also help me to be accountable for getting it done.

I would love to hear if you have had a yard sale recently, and any tips you might have.

We are going to call this Yard Sale 

THE ALMOST ESTATE SALE. 

Do you think that will get everybody's attention?

Day 6 : Monday Progress

Sorry no pictures today, but here is what was done today.

• I took a box of items to my booth. 
• Our desk is actually cleaned out and organized. If I had to look for something I think I can actually find it. That task alone filled a brown paper bag full of trash, and out it went. 
• Priced 2 boxes of yard sale items. 

I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but It feels good getting things in order. One thing I realized today. I do not need to purchase any pens, pencils or highlighters. 

Tomorrow I will be concentrating on putting the sewing room in order. Several boxes of yard sale items need to be priced, and the cleaning out process will continue. Will try to post pictures for you tomorrow. 

Day 5: What to Expect

Yes, yes, yes, I missed a day! It is a little difficult being out of town, and seeing that I have not planned these posts far in advance, I was not able to post yesterday. Just thought I would give you an idea of what to expect from here on out. I've got a TO DO LIST ten miles long!!!!

Sunday is typically not a work day for me, and I try to set aside that day specifically for Church, rest, and spending time with my guy. Today however, was a work day at the market where I have my booth. Everyone was preparing for Christmas Open House which is this Thursday. Yes, you read right! Christmas Open House. It was hot today, and needless to say it is very hard for me to prepare for Christmas when we still have Thanksgiving on the way.

I went and did a little rearranging, and have been pricing some items tonight, to get in my booth tomorrow.

Just a little shot of my pricing station. 

From here on out I will be posting for the most part PROGRESS pictures, and possibly a list of what is going out the door. This will be my way of staying accountable. I am following along with some of the other 31 Dayers that are on a similar journey. It would be worth your time to check it out. 

Stay tuned for PROGRESS!