needing some R & R

I must apologize for not posting lately.  I have been fighting something nasty that has settled into my lungs and zapped my energy.  Things are looking up though and I feel stronger than I have for quite a few weeks.

I have a few special order projects on my plate that will be wrapping up soon and then it's on to 'the house'.  I recently bought an antique buffet at a local thrift store (stay tuned for photos and the official 'before' and 'after') for the dining room.  So, in typical "Michelle" fashion, this set off a chain of events.  Furniture will be moving, the entryway will be painted, etc. etc.  It's funny how a simple change in one's environment can shake up your creativity and open up possibilities.  I'm pretty excited about it.   

FRieNdS aRe THe SpRinKleS....

For many years I worked for Tender Heart Treasures, also known as THT Designs.  Working in Merchandise Design was a dream come true and one that I will always look back on with pride and gratitude.  I met the most creative people!  It is truly an amazing thing to have that much creative energy in one area and to be blessed to experience it.  I miss it deeply.

 

Last week I attended a surprise birthday party for an ex-THT'er and had a ball!  It was so heartwarming to see my friends and catch up.  Ladies, you are an inspiration! 

It's true what they say....friends can pick up right where they left off...no matter how much time has passed.

heartfelt and handmade

I don't normally paint on furniture pieces.  However, while out at a sale, I couldn't resist purchasing this piece after hearing it's story.  The woman selling the end table (complete with sliding drawer!) said that she and her husband drove around our Nebraska countryside asking farmers for their unused barn wood.  The woman's husband created this side table, along with another side table and corner cabinet (which were not at the sale unfortunately).  The wood has so much character and the craftsmanship is terrific.  Even the edges of the table top are trimmed for a nice edge.  The best 'find' was inside the drawer, where the craftsman wrote "LOVE DAD".  That just melts my heart.

On the table top surface I wanted to paint something that would look nice all year long, as well as if someone wanted to place a lamp, vase, etc. in the middle.  I hadn't painted on that type of surface in quite a while, so it was an exciting change of pace.  I sealed the top with a few coats of varnish to help protect the design.

This item will be going to Fremont's Prairie Hearth for their upcoming Christmas Open House.  I hope it finds a wonderful home.  It has such a lovely story to it. 

Elf

Well, I am a busy girl.  I am in the process of completing my line for The Hearthside Collection (check them out on-line) and also trying my best to create some pieces that are strictly winter/Christmas for Prairie Hearth's upcoming winter open house (visit the shop in Fremont, Nebraska).

All this winter/Christmas painting has really got me excited to put up the tree!  I just may do it.  I can 'hide' it in our living space in the basement in November and then move it upstairs in December.  Hmmmm.....I can just imagine it now....me, too lazy to disassemble anything, trying to carry a decorated tree up the stairs without scratching the walls...dropping ornaments left and right...calling out to the kids to get out of the way...and not trying to trip or fall.

I'm not gonna lie....I still might do it!

one of my new favorite things...

I could get lost for days....check it out!....

http://pinterest.com/

...and proud of it!

PaTcHwOrK sTaR...