What would you do with this?

A few years back, Daniel's grandparents sold their home and moved into a retirement community.  In the midst of moving, they offered Daniel a pile to take if he wanted anything.  Daniel came home with this barrel.

He had planned to put in in the shed outside to store rakes, shovels, etc.  However, when I heard his plan, I protested, saying that I could do something clever with it indoors.  He and his parents still laugh that I wanted to keep it.

I'm still trying to decide what I want to do with it.  I've used it as a bedside table in our bedroom, but now that I found real bedside tables, I had to move it.  Currently, it is holding our brand new Waterford China that we don't have room to put anywhere else.  

Any suggestions?

 I do know I don't want to cover up the original Lenox label.

My Other Brother David

I have one brother David that I have known all my life.  My other brother, David, is actually my brother-in-law.... Daniel's brother.

This past weekend, we went to Knoxville to visit my husband's family.  Every couple months we visit, but this weekend was different.  It was one that we have prayed for and dreamed about for a long time.  It was the first weekend that David was out of prison.  It was the first time I had ever laid eyes on him outside of prison walls.  For the past 13 years, David has been serving time some bad choices that he made when he was just barely an adult.  For those of you who don't know the story, you can listen to it HERE (This is David Skidmore, youth minister at North Boulevard Church of Christ, speaking).

I have only been around the story for about 5 1/2 years, when Daniel and I met.  Since then, we have been having conversations imagining what it will be like when David gets out.  I don't think anything could have prepared us for this weekend.  We were so happy to have him with us.  We were able to go shopping, out to eat, and to church as a family.

I am so thankful to be a part of this family.  I've seen what it looks like to have a stronger faith in God when other's would lose faith.  I've seen forgiveness.  I've seen unconditional love.  I've seen acceptance.  I've seen hope.  I now know what it looks like to not give up on a child.

I'm just so glad that we can all be together!  Most of all I can't wait to see what God has in store for David!

We were even able to take some family pictures!

It's so weird to see him in regular clothes!

David on left.  Daniel on right.

David with Elizabeth

Mark and Betty with their two boys that they are so proud of!

Need a Quick & Inexpensive Baby Gift? {My Taggie Blanket Tutorial}

There are so many babies being born around me right now!  So exciting, but that means LOTS of gifts to give and that can get expensive.  

My solution? 

I love giving handmade gifts and one of my favorite gifts to give is Taggie Blankets.

These are so easy to make!

Items Needed:

Scissors

Ribbon

Fabric

Pins

Thread

Sewing Machine

Plastic Bag or other krinkly material

Step 1:  Cut two squares of fabric the same size.  I usually make mine about 8--10" square.  This will be the front and back of your blanket.  I like to use terry cloth or flannel because it is soft for babies.  In this tutorial, I am using terry cloth.

Step 2: Cut ribbon in lengths of about 2-3".  I use a variety of ribbon so it is interesting for baby to touch and see.  

Step 3:  Fold ribbon lengths in half and pin to one square of fabric with the loop end of the folded ribbon facing inward.  (Be sure to pin with ends of pins facing the outer part of the square so they can easily be removed.  In this picture, I accidently pinned a few facing inward.  It can still work, but it is more difficult to remove the pins.)

Step 4:  Place the other square of fabric on top of the pinned ribbons and pin down.

Step 5:  Sew around the square leaving a 2" hole for turning right side out.  If this hole interferes with one of your ribbons, just remove that ribbon and insert during step 8. Remove all pins.

Step 6:  Turn right side out.  

Step 7:  Cut plastic bags in squares the same size as you cut your fabric and insert the pieces into the square. 

Step 8:  Turn edges of hole towards the inside and sew closed.  (If you had to remove a ribbon for the hold in step 5, stick in in and sew it closed.

Step 6:  Press edges for a cleaner finish and top stitch about a 1/4" inside the square.  You're done!

Pair this with an appliqued onesie and 

you have a perfect gift made with love!

Linking to these parties:

Matilda Jane Knock-Off

How's this for a Matilda Jane knock-off?

photo by Lisa Slate Photography

Several months ago, a friend asked me to make an apron dress for her daughter.  I had been admiring these dresses as well, so I thought I would give it a try.  I love how old-fashioned it looks.  In the picture above, I have paired the apron dress with matching ruffle pants.

I'll be listing these in my Etsy shop soon.  

If you are interested in purchasing one, I'm selling them for $40 each.  

This one will fit a girl size 8-10, and is ready to find a home.  These are made so that it can be worn for more than one year, 

and definitely more than one season.  

Imagine putting a long-sleeve brown tee under this for fall!  So cute!  

No two of these will be identical!

Where will I be the next two days?

No crafting for me for the next two days!  Our consignment sale at my church is getting ready to start this week and I'm drowning in a sea of hangers, pins, clothing and tags.  My drop off time is tomorrow evening, so hopefully I'll be back after tomorrow!

If you are in the Nashville area and want to find some great deals, here is the flyer about the sale or click HERE for more information.

Congratulations to.......

Melissa T!!!!  Melissa is the winner of the Veggie Steamer Wreath.  Melissa, please contact me with your mailing address to tote_allyposh@yahoo.com.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

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Rosette Headband Tutorial

You can hardly go a store or online without seeing flower rosettes.  I'm loving them right now because they are so versatile.  Rosettes can be added to just about anything from home decor, to clothing, to accessories for a little pizazz.

There are so many ways to make rosettes.  Below, I will give you step-by-step instructions on how I made mine.

Here is what you'll need:

-scissors

-glue gun

-glue stick

-headband

-fabric

-heavier fabric for backing

Step 1:  Cut three strips of fabric for each rosette that you want to make..  Stitch the ends together and pin at the top to hold them together.  I'm doing one rosette, so I'm using three strips of fabric.  Find a way to hold the pin tight so you can begin braiding the strips.  I use my teeth.... shhh!   However, if you prefer, you can use a clipboard.  Once it is braided, stitch the end to prevent unraveling.

Step 2:  You will glue the rosette to the backing fabric. Begin wrapping the the braided piece into a spiral pattern, gluing as you go.

Step 3:  Trim the backing fabric so it is even with the edges of the spiral.  It will look like this.

Step 4:  Make a thin strip of glue on the back of the rosette and  press the headband into it.  You'll want to press the rosette into the headband for a minute or two to make sure it adheres correctly.

Step 5:  Cut a thin strip of backing and glue to the back of the rosette to cover the headband and trim the excess.

You're done!  Now, isn't that cute?

Linking to these fun parties: