Vintage Book Keepsake Boxes

Had been giving some thought to what Harleigh can give her close group of girlfriends at school for graduation/goodbye gifts and really wanted to craft something. And it would have to be something that Harleigh feels good about giving. I remember Jenn getting some really cool books-turned-into-boxes off of Etsy for bridal party gifts, and I'm thinkin' "I could make those." Given that Harleigh goes to a Christian school, I searched out some Bible-focused books and plan on turning them into keepsake boxes. Harleigh was thrilled with the idea and thinks that her friends will be super appreciative of the thought and time that will go into making them. Here are some of the books in the image above.

i wanna be home . . .

. . . in my chair in the ken. He's so lucky.

More Spring!

The camellia is going crazy with blooms.
And my favorite tree, right outside our kitchen window, the Japanese Cherry.

Daffodils

Fresh from the garden. Spring has sprung.

Morning Messages

Every day this week I've gotten to work and found a voicemail on my office phone from Harleigh. A simple "hey, Mommy" with a few encouraging words, a nod to having a great day, "I miss you," and "I love you." I told her how much I appreciate this little gesture and how much they start me off on the right foot. I think I've been a better person throughout the day because of these morning messages. And every AM when I listen to the new one, I play back the ones from the previous days. It's gotten me to thinking about ways that we can connect meaningfully when she heads off to college.

Love that girl.

Idolizing

Slippers on, feet propped up on the coffee table, sleeping dog in my lap, TV on. It's Tuesday night and this is . . . American Idol.

Extractions, creations in 60 degree temps and a lazy Sunday ending with a hail storm

Harleigh had her two top wisdom teeth taken out on Thursday, and it didn't go nearly as smoothly as the extractions of the bottom two a year earlier. I worked from home on Thursday and Friday, both super busy days. And working from home ain't no easy feat. The distractions are less, but the inconvenience of not being there with easy access to people makes it a little more challenging. Needless to say, with as much as I got done, I'll be playing a bit of catch-up tomorrow. Here is a sweet floral arrangement and stuffed puppy that arrived on Saturday from Harleigh's girlfriend posse at school. I like the hanging jar.
Then on Saturday Ali and I had a great wedding craft day, which was made all that much more glorious with the warm sunny weather. We got so much done. This image is a sneak peek. Ooooo la la, the progress we made!
Then today, after church, it was home to work on more wedding stuff, watch TV, catch up on paperwork . . . nest. And as the sun set, a hail storm hit complete with thunder and lightening. But being in the safe confines of Chateau Gahan made it all OK.

A Birthday Thanks and Vintage Vera

Right before Gideon's head hit the armrest of the craft room chair (where he insists on sleeping despite the fact that the chair is better suited for a dog half his size) and he drifted off for his afternoon nap, he said, "Momma, make sure you thank all those nice blog ladies for my birthday wishes. Makes me feel special."
These napkins are not really my taste, but how could I resist 8 perfect vintage VERA cloth napkins. Happy napkins for sure.

Gideon Turns Three!

Happy Birthday, dear Giddy!

Sweet Painting

I love finding amateur paintings at my local thrift store. I imagine who painted it and why they chose to give it up. Did they think it not good enough? Was it setting around unfinished for too long, a project that would knowingly never be completed? Well, I love this little painting. Really love the flowers on it. The lavender wooden bucket doesn't go with my decor, but it's easily hidden by my McCoy vase.

A New Look for the Kitchen Window

Have been without curtains on the kitchen window (purposely), but when I found these at the thrift store, I decided to try a dressed window for a change. It's taking the cold grayness out of the view.

Candlestick Inspiration

One of the best mass purchases I ever made while thrifting has been old brass candlesticks. Super cheap. And I've gotten quite a bit of mileage out of them. Painted them white for Jenn and Jason's wedding:
Re-painted them black for our office Thanksgiving Feast:
Then last night while going through back issues of Town & Country magazines, I came across these cake stands made by Iacoli & McAllister (and selling for between $85 and $120!). I could so do these myself (theirs are repurposed brass candlesticks as are mine). Instead of Corian tops, perhaps vintage plates for my versions? Oh lordy, another craft project calling my name.[Photo courtesy of designboom]

Blankies Be Gone!

So ready for summer. Snuggling in the winter is good only when it's around the holidays.

Harleigh in Christ the King Cabaret

Our church did a Broadway cabaret this weekend. I'm so proud of Harleigh. She did a wonderful job and so enjoyed herself. Bravo, dear girl.

The Sunday Push

How come my weekend TO DO list winds up so unevenly distributed between Saturday and Sunday (especially when Saturday winds up being in the 60 degree range and sunny)??? Quite a busy day ahead of me today. Hunker down, Dawn E. Girl, and git 'er doooooooone!

(A random picture of my bathroom wall, complete with be-jeweled Walmart clock. Every bathroom needs one.)

File Folder Sewing Basket

Most of my file folders go into my metal file cabinet, but some I keep out in an active stack. In an effort to keep them handy, but not out in the open, I opted to take a vintage sewing/knitting caddy and use it to hold the files. Not only are they easy to get to, but if I need them all, I can take the basket wherever in the house I need to.

I'm debating whether to replace the sling, but I rather like the faux crewel fabric.

My Marmie Book

In the hopes that someday in the future I will be a grandmother (and called Marmie), I've begun writing down traditions and activities that I will want to enjoy with the grandkids. Rather than use a journal, I'm jotting notes in the margins of a vintage book (about a big, happy family, no less).

Chateau Gahan . . . dust bunnies and all