My MIL gave the girls (my daughters) two antique prints (in their original frames) that she and her mother had bough at a local auction years and years ago.  I was going to paint the frames white, as although they are old, they probably don't have much value to speak of. Once I started to take them apart to clean, I just couldn't do it. I thought perhaps the prints were from an old calender or perhaps they were promotional images that were so often given with products at the turn of the century, but when I got them opened they had the original plate title and even written in pencil near the top it said 'Rustic Frame' in fancy script. They were intended to live in these frames. As they are. They aren't quite tramp art frames, but do have a similar feel.  I'm not crazy about the guilding around the edge of the wood, but that's what they came with.

I cleaned the glass, removed the years of dust and grime and due to some water spots and old tape stains on the frame paper, I cut two sheets of scrapbooking paper to mat them. (acid free) I just laid the scrapbooking paper over top, so I didn't disturb the hundred year old print. I think the next time I'm out, I'll look for some pink paper with white polka dots but for now these peices work fine. the nails that are used to hold in the thin piece of wood in the back are actually hand-hewn. Very neat! So for now, they hang above the rocking cradle that their grandfather made them.

If you would like to print your own, while I had them out of the glass, I (of course!) scanned them in for you! I also made copies of the back plates because those are fun too.. the only thing that bothers me a tiny bit is the sensual, somewhat suggestive positions the little girls are in, (almost as if they were 20 not 5) and that the artist called them 'Pets'.  Ahh.. well. A different generation. Isn't it awful that I scew them like that? Such a cynical world we live in now. But, really.. take a look. It is almost like they were made for C.S. Lewis. 

Oh well. Do with the images as you wish.

xoxo~

Abbie

Mary Page Jones, who lives in Vermont, had an idea and goal to create 200 rag dolls for children whose lives have been traumatized by war, natural disasters, and disease. Rag Dolls 2 Love has grown to an organization that has sent out over 30,000 dolls to countries around the world. If you can run a sewing machine and have some materials you can help too!

My mom had seen this site either on the news or in the paper and since she doesn't have internet access asked me to print out the pattern for her.  I think I have found yet another project. :) This one just seems so rewarding. You need to follow the pattern and directions as the dolls are universal. Meaning, they don't represent an ethnicity or religion. The dolls support and love children of any religion and origin. Absolutely brilliant and simple in its design, the doll instructions are easy to follow.

Please check out the site.. such a peaceful project and you know exactly where your hard work and time is going to end up. In the arms of a child who could really use a big hug and loving heart to care for them.

xoxo~

Abbie

I have sorting, cleaning, purging and letting go. But some things are harder to let go of than others and some treasures have to stay. But what to do with them? We had kept a cardboard box full of bits (shells, coral, etc..) that we found on the beach this summer during a family trip to York, Maine. It sat in a cupboard until yesterday.

I couldn't get rid of them.. they represented hours of searching, heavy wet pockets, and looks of glee when an extra special piece was found. So, I took a fish bowl (left over from a past pet) and tossed the goodies in.

 Sepia toned a photo of my three children, following the leader, through the tide pools and tucked it in behind.

The starfish was not from the mini vacation. It was a gift from my mother to my son and had also been tucked away for safe keeping. It fits perfectly. Although we didn't find it then, it was the ultimate goal of my son that vacation.. he wanted to find a starfish. Little did he know (or remember) that his treasure was safe at home waiting for him.  

Story Bowls are a fabulous way to display your treasures. Large enough to fit tickets, trinkets, photos and treasures (baby shoes, first spoons, etc..) and easy to display. And they aren't permanent.. meaning you can change out the contents easily and perhaps keep other stories in 'storage', sealed in plastic bins for a later time.  Waiting for their moment in the Story Bowl.

Enjoy!

xoxo~

Abbie

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I just love 'before and after' posts, don't you? A new project.. a vintage suitcase, I am re-furbishing for my daughter's doll clothes.  Honestly, when I started to hunt for one, I knew exactly what I wanted. An older, vintage suitcase, generous size yet small, in GOOD condition, a charming color, that need little to no work. Ha! lol! What was I thinking? No, really.. that's like asking for a man that cooks, cleans, brings home the bacon and rubs your feet! Well,needless to say, my searching left me empty handed. I did find this beast, in what appeared to be, rotten condition. After a very close inspection, the 'bones' of the piece were great! Solid wood, dovetail corners, hinges in working order and the lock, although without it's key, worked too..

The above shot shows me mid-stripping. I just peeled away all of the paper that was no longer fully attached. It took awhile but you need to get all the loose paper off, or the new layers of paper/fabric you put on will just bubble up.

I painted around all the hinges with red. A nice bright red to match my fabric choice. I probably should have primed it first, but hey, I like things done quickly. I did this so that I didn't have to get my fabric exactly to the edge of all the hinges and buckles. I like things quick, remember? It would not have been an easy task to do since the hardware doesn't remove and it has plenty of curves.

 After the paint had dried (well, ok, I didn't even wait for that) I started with the bottom. (Get the hardest sections over with first, as whenever I start a project I am methodical and precise for about half of it, then the last half of the job I just fudge it.)

I looked for Modge Podge but Walmart was all out so I bought Royal Coat Decoupage Finish and it worked perfect.  Slapped it on with a foam brush and laid the fabric on top. The corners were tricky. Can I tell you my secret? No, I did every corner completely different! It really is amazing that I get anything done... :P  As best as I could, I cut away excess fabric, tucked, glued, pressed and pulled and voila! Nearly perfect! (the glue in the below picture hadn't been whipped off yet but you can see the curvy hinges, the corner folds and the 'before' condition..)

Isn't it charming!? I just love the fabric.  I choose it for several reasons, (and yes, they are logical..) One, it had not been prewashed, so it was stiff and still had the sizing in it. Two, it was dark enough that the dark stripes on the case wouldn't show through and the grime from use wouldn't show either, and Three, well it's fabulous! It makes the piece feel very 'Cathe Kidston'don't ya think?  

 I haven't finished the inside yet. The top photo shows the inside partially covered with papers from the wonderful Melissa over at The Garden of Pink shadows.  If I finish it though, then it goes into the hands of my 2 yr old and my 4 yr old... aahhhh well... atleast I'll get to see it everyday. And putting away their doll clothes will be so much more fun! I see more of these in my future. It was so much fun to do. Hhhhmmm.. I wonder what else I can decoupage? The dogs perhaps? They would look fantastic in a floral! heheehee...

UPDATE:

All finished!

There really is nothing like breathing life into a forgotten piece.. it stays out of a landfill, I save money, and my girls get a pretty case that should now last them a lifetime.

xoxo~

Abbie

The girls love it! It works perfect for all the handmade clothes and knit accessories they got for Christmas.

Following the Thankful Project, I have some catching up to do.

Day 6:  I am thankful for my parents. As hard as my childhood/teen years were on me, I wouldn't be who I am today without every struggle and challenge.

Day 7: I am thankful for Taylor's absolute love of drawing. They are whimsical, simple and perfect. (she is 4)

Day 8: I am thankful for my right shoulder. It hurts almost everyday but it hangs in there and I still can use my right arm and hand. So, I am thankful for the pain. It means I have a right arm and that it works. (most of the time)

Day 9: I am thankful my daughters are sisters and have each other. Their relationship is so foreign and amazing to me. I could sit and watch them play, love, and fight for hours. Oh, wait, I do. :)

The images above 1.) Girl with Hood  2.) Mouse  3.) Butterfly and Tree. 

xoxo~

Abbie

Prompted by my dear friend, Amanda, I have decided to join her in The Thankful Project. She is right, so often the hectic, overwhelming tasks of the season blind us to the truly important moments and blessings that surround us everyday.        

Day 1 ~ I am thankful for my children. Without them forcing me to pause, I would miss so many thrilling things...   

Day 2 ~ Thankful for small, quiet moments when I can be alone with my needles, hooks and strings.

Who knew such simple things could create such loveliness... What are you Thankful for?

Don't tell me, tell yourself.. over and over.

xoxo~

Abbie

Sometimes you never know what is going to strike your fancy and what Bloglandia find is going to translate into a 'done' project'. Most of the absolutely delightful things I stumble upon are greeted with 'Oooo.. that's just wonderful! I can do that!'  and that is as far as gets. But these were a 'must try'.

Following the trail from the lovely Alicia Paulson, I found myself at Attic24 , trying out Lucy's idea for wrist warmers.  I crocheted these using the same basic idea as Lucy just reduced to a single crochet.  I was initially making them for myself, but they were a tad on the tight side. So, I passed them to my absolutely thrilled 4 year old and will make some for myself from a thinner yarn, all one color scheme. (these were a tad too chunky for me as is.)

But they were a simple and quick (only a few hours) project. Now I have to get back to work as I have two other children who now want a pair. Although my son would prefer black and yellow.

xoxo~

Abbie

Noooo... not I.  I would never think of bribing my children. Never even considered it. The thought hasn't crossed my mind...

Oh, alright. I bride them all the time. Whatever works. My two year old is almost completely potty trained and I owe it all to Jelly Belly. It amazes me what my two little girls will do for a jelly bean, or a vitamin. Yep, they'll clean up their toys, play nice together, and even, gulp, sit still for a vitamin.

The box above was an Easter gift. So, although I do bride them, it obviously hasn't gotten too out of hand.

Hope your weekend was delicious!

xoxo~

Abbie

It is the simplest of tasks that are bringing the most joy to me.

Planting, weeding, and dead heading the pea-tunias.. it is in these tasks that I am finding ha-pea-ness.

There are pea-ctures and stories to share, perhaps with the coming of summer I'll find some pea-ce and quiet to post here more often.

Right now, family is visiting from a far, the sun is shining, and I have to pick up my son from summer camp.