Happy Birthday America!

I wanted to wish all my fellow Americans a Happy Independence Day!! Enjoy fun, food, fireworks, family, friends, fellowship, and faith, all under the banner of freedom!! And may God continue to bless America!!

Busy Hands

Hello July!!

And hello friends!! I just wanted to take a moment, as I generally do on the first of every month, to mark the turn of the calendar and share any news of note. There is still a lot of work going on on two different fronts in our household. 1) The studio finish-out is marching ahead at a steady pace...I'll be showing you a bit of the work sweet hubby has done to add windows in a second. And 2) My work to create my first digital scrapbooking kit is getting very close to completion and I HOPE to be able to launch it at Aimee Asher by Friday or Saturday. I'll just give you a hint for now - the kit is based in part on my July calendar design (above) - it has a County Fair theme and is going to be so colorful and fun!! I can't wait to premiere it here for you...please stay tuned!!

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Meanwhile, back at the studio, my husband has worked tirelessly to make this place as functional as possible. One of the things he noted right away was the lack of windows - we only had one window put in when we originally had the storage building built, not knowing then that it was going to eventually become my studio. So late last week, hubby started on the task of adding 4 more windows to the space for a total of 5! Here are a few photos of some of the process...

He had to first frame in the space of the new window...

...then he had to cut out the opening with a circular saw from the outside of the building...

...and that leaves the opening for the window...

...he then pre-drilled holes on the "fins" of the window in preparation for screwing it in place...

...then he set it in place and attached it with screws....

...pretty neat...
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Here is a shot of the original single window in the building....(this is on the opposite side of the building from the one in the previous photos)...

...and here is the next cutout he did...right beside the first to make a double window...

...I didn't get a photo of the new window set in place, but you get the gist. This is where my desk will sit...this is an Eastern view...I love it already!

This is gonna be great...thanks Baby for all your hard work...you da man!!!

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"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
Proverbs 21:5

A Good Work

My sweet Hubby is hard at work on finishing out the storeroom-turned-studio, but the 100+ degree heat is slowing the work down considerably. He can only work a few hours early in the morning and maybe one in the evening before dark....miserable, wretched heat. The things he is working on now when he can work are vital, but they are not very "exciting"...things like wiring junction boxes and re-decking the floor with more plywood....all necessary....but not nearly as fun as, say, decorating ! :o)

I tend to be a bit impatient with this phase of remodeling...the boring stuff. But of course, it's all necessary for the studio to be solid, lighted, cooled, and properly functioning.

I also tend to be a bit impatient (or a lot impatient) with the work the Lord is doing in my life. It's the boring foundational stuff like patience, faithfulness, and self-control that He refuses to rush through or skim over. He simply will not do shoddy work...He wants me to be a well-rounded, properly grounded, solid person. If it were left to me, I would probably focus on making me look good, but I would likely be utterly falling apart...knocked down by the slightest puff of wind or drop of rain. But He loves me too much to let that happen on His watch...

Today I just needed a reminder that God is not finished with me yet...and that the work He is doing in me is a GOOD, solid work. Though I may not be able to see any exciting, visible progress at this point, I can be confident by faith that He is hard at work in me....and He will not quit...

Why is He so diligent and thorough with us...?? Because He has good works pre-planned for us to do in Him...

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Speaking of diligence and hard work, please allow me just a bit of bragging on my little brother Dave - after working tirelessly for 5 years as the assistant track coach at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX , he was just today named the head track coach at Sam - I am so very proud of him!!

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Have a great weekend y'all - and be confident in the good work the Lord is completing in you! The payoff will be beyond our wildest dreams!!

Two Years Ago Today!

(click image to enlarge)

Yep...today is our 2nd Anniversary!! Hard to believe...it seems like yesterday... And Johnny and I have never been happier!!

I thought it would be fun to look back just a bit on that WONDERFUL day. This was an unapologetic country-style wedding. We wanted it to be casual and relaxed and a reflection of our values and sense of whimsy. We did absolutely everything ourselves on a shoestring budget.

This is the signpost that greeted our guests as they arrived. I painted it using boards from an old fence our neighbors were tearing down...It's pretty redneck I must admit...but it was all part of the fun!

I had a LOT of fun making all the floral arrangements - my bridal bouquet was my favorite...

These were all silk flowers, which just made sense for the casual style and our limited budget. This was the Maid of Honor's bouquet...

The wedding ceremony was in the same facility as the reception, so instead of having to set up and later remove rows of chairs, we just had our guests sit at the tables that were already set for the reception - it was comfortable and casual...just what we wanted. I love this candid photo of my parents holding hands as they watched the ceremony. You can see behind them one of the many quilts we used to cover the plain white walls...

We used hay bales to mark off the corners of the dance floor. They also held wash buckets that we used to ice down bottled water and sodas for our guests...

My Dad has a great collection of vintage license plates that we sprinkled throughout the decor...but it was this one that really summed it all up...we put this right at the front door...

Yes, He sure did...not just the wedding details, but He put US together and we will both be forever grateful!!
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"So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
Matthew 19:6

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Happy Anniversary Baby!! I LOVE you!!

Click here if you'd like to see all the wedding photos and my detailed description of the day...

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By the way, we had a BLAST at my 30th High School Reunion this past weekend...here we are just before leaving for the party...

I'll have a few more details on that as well as on our progress on the studio coming up very soon. And one more thing - we are planning a lingerie shower for my nephew's fiance' in July. We are doing a whimsical girly-girl pink and black Parisian "Ooh La La" theme - oh, this is going to be one cute shower!! I'll share more as the plans unfold. Meanwhile, here's a sneak peek at the invitations I created for the event...

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Have a great week y'all!! And Happy Belated Father's Day to all the great Dads out there...especially my sweet Daddy and my sweet Hubby!! Love you!!

Way Back When-sday: 1979 - My Senior Year

1979 - My Senior Year

Today is the perfect day to reminisce about 1979, my Senior year of High School, because this coming Saturday night we will be attending my 30 year High School Reunion!!

Wow, has it really been 30 years...?? I'm afraid so. I've had some mixed emotions about attending this reunion (mostly because I have not been connected with most of these folks since school), but now that it's almost here, I am very excited! Johnny and I will be attending with our dear friends Connie and Buddy - Connie was in my class and my best friend senior year (and now again since I moved back to Houston). Should be fun! I've been digging around in my hope chest and found lots of senior year memorabilia that I will be bringing along to share...issues of our school paper, my senior year scrapbook, prom photos, prom program, etc. I've scanned a number of these things to share with you guys as well - please indulge me as I look back for a bit - I imagine some of this will trigger memories for you as well...

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Connie and I really got to know one another well our senior year when we were both in H.E.C.E. (Home Economics Cooperative Education). This was a program/class that worked with local home economic-oriented businesses to employ students. While in H.E.C.E. my senior year I got out of school at noon to be able to work half a day. I worked at Cloth World and spent a fair amount of my time there as a special order clerk in the bridal department. (loved that job - but overall was never a big fan of working retail)


Here is a photo of our H.E.C.E. officers (I'm 5th from the left - Connie is 3rd from the left) - somehow or another I managed to get elected as president of the club...we had SO much fun that year!!


In this photo, Connie and Buddy were attending Buddy's senior prom - he went to our big rival High School in town.

I'm happy that we will be spending the weekend with this sweet, wonderful couple starting Friday afternoon. We will ride down with them to the reunion on Saturday evening, then spend one more night with them Saturday night and head back home Sunday. We always have a blast with these two - never a dull moment...

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The prom at our school was such fun for me. I had a boyfriend my senior year so I had a built in date and didn't have to go through the angst of hoping for an invitation...

Here I am, getting ready (my brother's girlfriend was playing makeup artist) - and, what a shock...I was on the phone...I lived on the phone back then. (I guess today I'd be texting in this photo :o)

For a long time I had been dreaming of wearing a peach prom dress (my favorite color at the time) and my date would wear a chocolate brown tux with a ruffled peach shirt. So that's exactly what we did... My mom made my dress out of peach "Quiana" (do you remember that fabric??). I had it picked out at Cloth World for months before the prom. She also sewed onto the empire waist a little peach millinery flower accent that I had found while working in the bridal department. I guess it would be a vintage piece now...

I was on the Program Committee for the prom and was able to do several of the illustrations inside. Here's the cover (I didn't draw that one)...


I did this little pen and ink illustration on the menu page. Goodness I wish I could draw that over now! :o)....

I had fun doing this illustration on the Entertainment page...

I showed a set of student's legs wearing their everyday school clothes, then the same kids dressed for prom... hey, I think some of these looks are back again :o)

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Class Motto:

Yesterday is already a dream
and tomorrow is only a vision.
But today, well lived,
makes every yesterday
a dream of happiness,
and every tomorrow
a vision of hope
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Class Song:

"Poems, Prayers, and Promises" by John Denver

I lobbied hard for having this song as our senior song - I nominated it and printed up the words to the song and passed them out all over school. I was a BIG John Denver fan and I thought the words (most of them) were great for this time in our lives. Here is a YouTube video of John Denver singing the song... (please ignore the little "Save the Tiger" blurb at the end)

Here are the words to the 2nd Chorus of the song...

I have to say it now - it's been a good life all in all,
it's really fine to have the chance to hang around,
and lie there by the fire and watch the evening tire,
while all my friends and my old lady
sit and watch the sun go down,
and talk of poems, prayers, and promises,
things that we believe in,
how sweet it is to love someone,
how right it is to care,
how long it's been since yesterday,
what about tomorrow,
and what about our dreams and all the memories we share...

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I also nominated and lobbied hard for the Class Colors - Pastel Rainbow, and the Class Flower too - Spring Bouquet...

And even way back then I was setting up and photographing still lifes...here is a vignette of my prom dress and associated memorabilia...

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My boyfriend went to a different high school in a close by town, so I was able to attend two senior proms that year. The dress I wore to his prom was a white gauzy tiered Gunnie Sax dress - remember those?? I loved anything Gunnie Sax! Here I am pinning on my date's boutonniere...

...and here we are in my front driveway in front of his beloved Camaro...
(recognize the "Tennille" haircut from the Captain and Tennille...?? :o)

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The year culminated in our graduation of course...it's mostly all a blur really because we had a class of 566, so it took forever. However, this day had extra significance for me because my Dad was in attendance - just two short weeks before graduation he had undergone 14 hours of brain surgery to remove a damaged section of his brain from the Cerebral Hemorrhage he had suffered several months prior. It was a real blessing for him to be there...for all of us!

Here I am getting my diploma...

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Now I really am looking forward to seeing folks again at the Reunion this weekend...I went to our 10th, but missed the 20th, but I know from looking at photos and reading bios on Classmates, Facebook, and our Reunion website that folks have certainly changed and matured a lot these past 30 years...I don't mean so much in looks, (although all of our looks certainly have changed)...but more the type of change that comes from a wide variety of life experiences that we have all had. It's that kind of change that I hope to explore as we spend time talking and getting reacquainted.

I'll have camera in hand, so I should have photos and stories to share for sure!! Please stay tuned!!

HUGS!!

No-Sew Front Door Window Cover

Well friends, the progress on Extreme Makeover - Mobile Home Edition continues. We have focused the last two or three weeks primarily on the two storage buildings - one of which will serve as my studio. I'm happy to report that the contents of the original storage building are now safely in their new climate-controlled, semi-organized storage building...that feat took us all of this past weekend. Next step - to completely climate control and paint the studio, then move back all the stuff that belongs in the studio...it'll definitely take another two or three weekends (or more) to get it all done. But it's gonna be SO worth it!!

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Meanwhile I did manage to finish the other no-sew project I mentioned a couple of weeks ago - this time I made a roll-up shade for the cottage window on my new front door.

I used the same king-sized quilt that I had used for the no-sew window coverings in the living room...

This is the old door to the mobile home - yikes!!

BEFORE:

...and here is the much-improved new white cottage door...

AFTER:

The only problem with this door was privacy at night - so I decided to use some of the leftover quilt to make a little roll-up shade for the door's window. I measured the window in the door and cut a piece with about an inch or two extra all around for the "seams". The scalloped edge of the quilt makes a great finish for the bottom of the shade...

All I used for the assembly was self adhesive Velcro, fusible hem tape, and 1/2 inch coordinating grosgrain ribbon...

I used the hem tape to "hem" the edges...

...then I stuck the loop side of the Velcro to the top of the shade and the hook side of the Velcro to the door, right above the window...

I folded 2 lengths of ribbon in half and fused together about an inch at the fold...

...then I fused each of them to the back top of the shade...these would act as the ties for the shade...

Here is the finished shade lowered...it's pretty plain but very functional...

...and here's how the shade looks rolled up and tied...

This project was a lot of fun - I still have a ton of quilt left, so who knows what else I may try to fashion from it...?

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I hope you will stop back by tomorrow for a new installment of Way Back When-sday - I'll be heading all the way back to 1979 - the year I graduated from High School! You see, I have a 30 Year Reunion coming up this weekend so I thought it would be a good time to get nostalgic about my dear old school days... Feel free to play along and post your own Way Back When-sday feature from YOUR High School days, then leave a comment here and I will point to your article! We'd love to walk down memory lane with you..!!

See you tomorrow!!

HUGS!!

The Heat is On!

Sweltering is putting it mildly folks. It is HOT here - it has been for a few days and will continue to be through the weekend. Mid - upper 90's with high humidity makes the heat index about 106 degrees! Ugh!!

And with a stroke of timing which is nothing less that abysmal, we are racing to move all this....

...into the newly completed, climate controlled store room here...

...before it all melts into an indiscernible puddle of goo...

...and meanwhile, we are trying to keep our brains from melting into an indiscernible puddle of goo. Our degree of success to date is questionable...

You know what...? I think we are gonna head to the icy cold movie theater during the high heat of the afternoon. Yeah. See "Star Trek" I think. Have popcorn and a Coke - you betcha'. Then come back to reality and finish the moving in the "cool" of the early evening. Yep...sounds like a plan...

Stay cool groovy kids - I'll check in a little later in the weekend to report on our progress...if I have any brain left...

HUGS!!

And the 31 Day Giveaway Goes to...

I used Tara Frey's neat little Random Number Generator (http://bellapink.typepad.com/bella_pink_postcards_from/tarafreycom-random-number-generator.html) to pick the winner of the 31 Day Giveaway, and I am thrilled to announce that....

***twinkle***

is the WINNER!!!

Congratulations twinkle!! (I just LOVE the name of her blog!) I hope you will click on her name above to visit her blog - it's awesome!! I'm sure she would be so pleased to have you over for a visit! Thank you twinkle for participating - I hope you will love all the goodies!

And a BIG "thank you" to ALL of you who participated by leaving comments and reading along - I am so appreciative that you were a part of this 31 Day Challenge - you all helped make it special for me!!

twinkle, I'll be needing your address - you can email it to me using the email in my sidebar.

SPECIAL NOTE: Nita From South Carolina, could you please email me your address as well? I have a little something for you too, my faithful friend!!

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I love all of you - thanks again! Although in the future I may not blog every single day like I did throughout the challenge, I will definitely be making every effort to blog much more often than I have in the past. This 31 days has established a good discipline for me, and I want to build on that! Thanks dear readers, and do please continue to stop by an visit - it always makes my day!!

HUGS!!

31 Days: Day 31 - Happy Birthday Just Bee 'n Me!

Hurray!! We made it!!

We met the Challenge! 31 Days of reading Proverbs and posting a favorite passage each and every day! It has been such a blessing for me to do this - thank you so much for coming along for the ride!! And now, it's all culminating in Just Bee 'n Me's 4th Birthday!!!

Wow! I can't believe it was 4 years ago already that I sat down at my computer back in Colorado and typed out a message to nobody announcing that I was venturing into this thing called a blog...little did I know that I was about to meet and be inspired by some of the most wonderful, talented, warm, authentic people from all over the world! It has been an amazing journey - and I hope it goes on for many more birthdays! Thank you to all of you who have ever come here - I am so privileged to have you be a part of this journey with me! And thank you to all of you who have shared your life with me from your little corner of Blogland - I am the richer for it!

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Before I get into Proverbs 31, I want to note something personal that is extraordinary - I am venturing today with my Mom to Beaumont, my home town, to start a Beth Moore study, Believing God, with most of the women in my extended family - 2 Aunts and their 3 daughters, my cousins... This is something the Lord gave me a vision for years ago when I began facilitating Beth Moore studies and now it is finally coming to pass!! I just have to give Him praise for orchestrating something so amazing and then letting me be a part of it on top of that!! I would appreciate your prayers for our journey, and for the study, and also for my Aunt who is battling brain cancer. She is doing very well, but is not out of the woods. We are gathering at her house for this study...God is SO Good!!! Thank you for your prayers....

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I can't think of a better way to end the 31 Day Challenge, that began on Mother's Day, than with the beautiful passage in Proverbs 31 that celebrates our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, wives, friends - Proverbs 31:10-31!
(BTW, you may also enjoy reading this passage in the Message Bible!)

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"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31:10-31

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Verse 25 of this passage has always been a favorite of mine - so much so that I have illustrated it at least three very different ways in the past:

"She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come."
Proverbs 31:25

This goes WAY back to my days of working at Christian Enterprises...I probably did this illustration in 1980..some 29 years ago! (and it shows :o)

I think I did this next one in 2006 or 2007 when Illustration Friday had the topic "Strength". It is based on a photo I took at an outdoor praise rally in Colorado in 2004...

And for something completely different again, this is the April illustration I did for my "Cup Runneth Over" calendar in 2008...

...knowing me, I'll probably illustrate it again at some point...

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Finally, I want to share a photo that was just taken a few days back on my Mom's birthday. I am usually behind the camera, but I realized that I have precious few current photos of me and Mom together. So Dad snapped this before we left for Mom's birthday dinner - I love how we were color-coordinated by accident...we do that all the time without ever planning it...

I want to dedicate this post to my sweet Mom...I love you!!

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Proverbs 31:28-29

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Thank you all SO MUCH for participating with me in this journey! There is still time to leave a comment and be entered into the drawing for the Giveaway (see yesterday's post for photos) - you have until Midnight US Central Time tonight...

I love y'all!! HUGS all around!

31 Days: Day 30 - Metamorphosis Monday & the Giveaway!!

Welcome Friends!

I'm so excited to be participating in duel gatherings today - I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for her 2nd Monday Giveaway Party today and I'm also presenting a CUTE no-sew makeover project for Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!!

There are only 2 days left for my 31 Day Challenge & Giveaway, so be sure and leave a comment on this or ANY/ALL of my 31 Day posts for a chance to win!! You can enter as often as you like until midnight US Central Time Tuesday 6/9/09 - that's when my 31 Days culminates into my 4 Year Blog Birthday!!

Here are a few photos of the giveaway goodies....and Met Monday fans, hang in there, the makeover photos are right after that!!

I'm giving away three of my vintage repurposed pieces (see closeups below) , a vintage mirrored dresser tray, vintage doily, two vintage embroidered linens, four vintage linen cut work napkins, a fancy soap that I crafted, a vintage friendship book, a set of 10 notecards from one of my original illustrations, and two of my original 2009 calendars (I know half the year is over, but there are still 6 more months of illustrations to enjoy :o)

Here is the handpainted pedestal basket I crafted from an old wire basket and a wooden candlestick...

I repurposed a vintage aqua plate and cream/gold teacup into this wall art with a creamy rose and gorgeous satin bow accented with a vintage earring....

I combined a small orphaned glass dish with a glass candleholder to create this pedestal soapdish (or it could be a sweet pedestal goody dish as well)...

I wish you all the best of luck with this and all the giveaways at Cindy's Giveaway Party!! Thanks Cindy for being such a gracious hostess!!

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And now for my Metamorphosis Monday project...

As some of you know, in February my husband and I downsized from a 1500 sq. ft. home to a paid-for 1000 sq. foot mobile home (I'm calling it our mobile country cottage now) after I was outsourced and left my corporate training job to pursue illustration full time. We did a ton of restoration and remodeling work to get the place in good enough condition to move in, but we have been continually upgrading and tweaking and decorating since moving in. This has provided LOTS of metamorphosis projects, and I am having fun sharing them week to week here!

This is another no-sew window valance project - this time for our kitchen window (you can see my other no-sew valance project for my living room here!) I have included step-by-step photos as well as the before and after.

This is the *lovely* circa 1982 window treatment as it looked in January when we started the remodel...

BEFORE

...and here is the completed cheery cherry no-sew valance! (keep scrolling down to see full the how-to photos)

AFTER

I started with a $1.50 thrifted red gingham valance that was unhemmed - perfect for what I wanted to do... I also picked up 2 yards of red pom-pom fringe, 2 packs of medium white rick rack, green fabric-covered floral wire, wide green polka dot ribbon, narrow green ribbon, and fusible hem tape...

I cut 21 pom-poms off the fringe to make 7 sets of cherries...

I cut three wire segments for each cherry set...

I found the metal ring at the center of the pom-pom...

...then pushed the wire segment into the center of the pom-pom ring, and pulled up the end of the wire to make a hook - I then crimped the wire hook closed - the end is then pretty much hidden in the pom-pom... (it's OK if the fabric that covers the wire pushes away from the end)...

I combined 3 cherries for a set...

...and used a segment of wire to tightly wrap the three cherry wire ends together and snipped off the excess...

To make a "leaf", I simply tied a segment of green ribbon over the end of the wire...

...then snipped the ends of the ribbon into points to look more like leafs...

Here is the bunch I made...I ended up making a 7th set to complete the project...

Then I started work on the valance itself. I used fusible hem tape (Heat 'n Bond or Stitch Witchery will work)...


Then I used the same fusible tape to adhere the wide green ribbon...

I then used Tacky glue to adhere the rickrack. (NOTE - if you want this to be washable, you will need to use a glue that can be washed like E-6000...according to it's packaging...or of course you can stitch it on...)

Finally I figured out the spacing that I wanted for each cherry set then glued them in place with Tacky glue. (once again, if you want this to be washable, you would probably want to attach these with tiny Velcro dots or snaps so they would be removable)

Then I put it on a regular curtain rod and *Voila!* An inexpensive, easy, no-sew one of a kind window covering!!

I love how it coordinated with my cherry plate...

I have lots of ideas for more uses for these little cherries in and around my kitchen...plus they would be fun to use in gift wrapping and any number of crafts... I had a BLAST making this project!! Thank you so much for following along with the steps!! I hope you'll give it a try - if you do, feel free to let me know if you have any questions...

And many thanks again to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch - be sure and head over there for MANY more makeover projects - and TONS of inspiration!!

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Last but certainly not least, this is my next-to-the-last posting of my 31 Day Challenge where I read a Chapter of Proverbs every day then share my favorite verse from that day's reading here on the blog. This is my favorite passage from Proverbs 30 - it makes a lot of sense to me, especially this day and age, and I echo the author and offer it to the Lord as a short prayer...
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"O God, I beg two favors from you before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may become content without God. And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name." Proverbs 30:7-9 (The Living Bible)

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Whew!! You made it all the way to the end of the post!!! And if you have been following along with me daily - wow - we've almost made it to the end!! I hope you will come back tomorrow...it's going to be a GREAT final post for my 4th Blog Birthday, featuring Proverbs 31 - one of my all time favorite chapters in the Bible!! Plus there will be lots of other fun stuff - you don't want to miss it!!! I will do the drawing for the giveaway on Wednesday morning and post the winner soon thereafter! Be sure to comment for your chance to win!!!

HUGS to all of you!! Thank you so much for coming by today!! See you tomorrow!!

31 Days: Day 29 - Happy Sunday!

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18

I especially love this verse in the Amplified version:

"Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]--blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he."
Proverbs 29:18

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It's hard to believe, but we are only 2 days away from the 31 day mark in my 31 Day Challenge!! I have SO enjoyed reading daily in Proverbs (one chapter a day for 31 days) and sharing some of my favorite verses here each day. Thank you for coming along side with me in the journey!

I hope you will come back for the last two days - I'm saving the best for last!! Tomorrow I will participate in Metamorphosis Monday again and I will reveal my latest no sew valance project (it turned out SO CUTE!!) - here's a little sneak peek...

I will also share photos of all the 31 Day Challenge & Giveaway goodies in one spot and will add the giveaway details to Mr. Linky over at My Romantic Home - it's Second Monday where Cindy hosts a Giveaway Party, so I hope you'll head over there tomorrow to see all the other great giveaways!!! Please make sure and leave a comment on this or any of the 31 Day posts to be entered in for this drawing - only 2 days left!!!! See you tomorrow for Proverbs 30!!

HUGS!!!

31 Days: Day 28 - My Prayer for You

Hello Friends!! That is indeed my prayer for all of you- "that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight."

I have precious little time tonight for this post so I am simply going to post a few verses from Proverbs 28 - I pray they will touch you...

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
Proverbs 28:13

"Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble."
Proverbs 28:14

"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty."
Proverbs 28:19

"He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe."
Proverbs 28:26

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Have a glorious Sunday!

31 Days: Day 27 - More Than You'll Ever Know

HUGS to all of you dear friends!! I have posted this image in the past, but thought it was appropriate to repost for Day 27 of my 31 Day Challenge - you'll soon see why. HUGS (Hearts United in Grace and Spirit) was an important part of the women's ministry that I co-founded in Colorado in 2003. Without going into the whole history of how it came about or what all it entailed, suffice to say that HUGS was an integral part of our mission to encourage unity and fellowship among the women we served. HUGS is one of those things that will always have deep personal meaning to me...so when I share HUGS with you, I am celebrating the joy of kindred spirits from all walks of life and from all over the globe united here in this crazy Land of Blog under a banner of God's grace! I have been so touched and moved by the sweet spirit we share here - you are all so very special to me, and I thank you from the depth of my soul for being here!

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I love this verse from the 27th Chapter of Proverbs, and it forms the foundation for this entire post today:

"The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume..."
Proverbs 27:9 (NLT)

(This verse is definitely one I want to illustrate someday!) I have had the privilege of having many incredibly wise, witty, wonderful friends who have shared so much with me in the way of wisdom and sweet encouragement. As a small Thank You to them and to all of you who stop by and share encouragement here, I'd love to share with you a favorite song of mine by Christy Nockels of Watermark - it's called "More Than You'll Ever Know". You can click the player below and scroll down to the lyrics to read along as you listen. I hope it will bless you!

More Than You'll Ever Know
Songwriters: Christy & Nathan Nockels

Something brought you to my mind today
I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh
And yet I feel like it's okay to cry with you
Something about just being with you
When I leave I feel like I've been near God
And that's the way it ought to be...

CHORUS: 'Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
'Cause you've spoken the Truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh, you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know, yeah, yeah, yeah
More than you'll ever know, yeah, yeah, yeah

You had faith, when I had none
You prayed God would bring me a brand new song
When I didn't think I could find the strength to sing
And all the while I'm hoping that I'll
Do the kind of praying for you that you've done for me
And that's the way it ought to be...

You have carried me
You have taken upon a burden that wasn't your own
And may the blessing return to you
A hundredfold, oh yeah...
A hundredfold, oh yeah...

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One last thing for today - here's a little bookmark for you, my friends...

Thank you once again for being there for me...

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I hope to see you tomorrow as we take one step closer to the culmination of the Challenge, the Giveaway, and the 4 year Blog Birthday - all next Tuesday, June 9th!! For tomorrow, I'll be sharing something good from Proverbs 28 - I'd love to see you here!!

31 Days: Day 26 - Mixed Bag

Hi friends! Well, just a few things to catch you up on before I share my 31 Day Challenge portion (which by the way has only 4 day remaining after today!!)

A LOT has been going on in our lives behind the blog that is vitally important for our continued progress on our huge mobile home makeover. Several days ago I shared with you a photo of my future Just Bee 'n Me Studio....

This is the original storage building that we had built on the property, and it currently hold all my studio stuff, like this...

Well, it also holds all the project pieces that we have been acquiring for 2 years like these...

On top of that it is FULL to the RAFTERS with the following:

Tools
Garage misc
2 bicycles
Drum kit
Cello
Bass Guitar
Electric Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Misc furniture that wouldn't fit in the mobile home, but that we want to keep
area rugs
BOXES & BOXES of Christmas decorations
Piles of wall art
More that I've already forgotten I'm sure

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Anyway, we realized early on that we would need an additional storage building to properly accommodate everything and give us actual working space as well, aka the studio, to make our creations. Therefore, we had an identical 12' x 24' building built on the property - yep, we have 2 now!!


What has been occupying so much of our time these last couple of weeks is all the prep work to electrify, cool, and properly insulate the buildings. Building #1 (the future studio) has held everything up to this point - but when we were moving in here, we did not have time to electrify, insulate and cool it - but it didn't really matter because it was winter time... But in Texas, you cannot store much in an uncooled, uninsulated environment for long in the Summer without it being ruined....

SO, we are currently finalizing the insulation, sheetrock, radiant barrier, electricity (thank goodness sweet hubby is an electrician), cooling, etc in building #2. Once completed (we hope by tomorrow), we will then move everything out of building #1 into building #2 so that we can insulate, cool, electrify, etc building #1 - you follow...?? :o) Once that is complete, then, finally, I will be able to set up shop in building #1!! This has been a ton of work and quite an undertaking, but so very worth the effort and expense!

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Meanwhile, I have finished this little project...

but I need a bit better light in order to take proper photos of the final project. I will post those just as soon as I can!

I am also in the middle of another no-sew valance project - this time for the kitchen window - and it is gonna be a real cutie!! Think cherries, gingham, and ric rac...!! Once again, I will share photos just as soon as I can...

SO, that about catches us up with the behind the blog scenes. And with the exception of the 2 bathrooms in the mobile home, we are about to be DONE with all the major work that we needed to do to to make this place livable and sustainable. I can't wait to be done, but we've learned so much in the process and have the satisfaction of having worked hard together to accomplish major milestones! I have and will continue to document the process and will share more photos very soon!

Now on to today's challenge...

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Day 26 of the 31 Day Challenge has been the hardest for me so far. I would categorize the verses that make up this chapter with 3 words: Fools, Sluggards, and Gossips. I am a happy, positive person and I like happy, positive stuff, so, to be honest, I was not greatly inspired by these verses at first. But, you know what, life is not always happy and positive, and a huge part of wisdom is knowing how to successfully navigate the path of life when it is anything but happy and positive. So here are a few verses that speak the truth that we sometimes need to hear:

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"Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are."
Proverbs 26:4

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"As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed."
Proverbs 26:14

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"Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.”
Proverbs 26:18-19

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"Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops."
Proverbs 26:20

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"Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot."
Proverbs 26:23

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...something to think about....

I am so grateful that you have come to visit - thank you! I'll see you again tomorrow for Day 27!! HUGS!!!

31 Days: Day 25 - Illustration Friday: Adapt

(please click image to enlarge)

"To find a career to which you are adapted by nature, and then to work hard at it, is about as near to a formula for success and happiness as the world provides. One of the fortunate aspects of this formula is that, granted the right career has been found, the hard work takes care of itself. Then hard work is not hard work at all.”
-Mark Sullivan

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The topic for Illustration Friday this week, "Adapt", was a challenge...but when I found the above quote by Mark Sullivan, it quickly came together for me... I had the most fun coming up with the characters, their names, and their business names. This one took a lot of time as illustrations with multiple characters typically do for me...but like the quote says, "the hard work is not hard work at all." I loved every minute of it!!

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I am in the home stretch of my 31 Day Challenge...Day 25!!! Less than a week to go! Today's chapter, Proverbs 25, is loaded with practical and challenging verses that provide a lot of good common sense...here are several that particularly caught my attention - these are all from "The Message" Bible translation...

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"Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence.It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted."
Proverbs 25:6-7

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"Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!"
Proverbs 25:13

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"Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces."
Proverbs 25:14

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"If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you."
Proverbs 25:21-22

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"Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse."
Proverbs 25:24 (...ouch! :o)

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Thanks once again for stopping by for a visit!! It means the world to me that you've taken time from your busy day to say hello!! Hang in with me for 6 more days...we're almost there!!

31 Days: Day 24 - Treasures

Howdy y'all! Welcome to Day 24 of my 31 Day Challenge - I've read a chapter of Proverbs each day and posted my favorite verse(s) from each chapter for 24 days straight so far... thank so much to those of you have stopped by during this journey!!

Proverbs 24 is a great chapter, and it has one of my all time favorite passages in it:

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

Proverbs 24:3-4

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I have illustrated that verse several times for several different projects - everything from gifts for my real estate clients (I was a Realtor for 3 years back in the day), to a painting for a church auction. I had a blast painting the auction painting, and although I have shared it on my blog before, it's been a while...plus, I've never shared the source photo I took to set up the still life...see below...

...and here (below) is the painting itself. I did this with watercolor and colored pencil. You can see that I took some artistic license and changed things up a bit, but it is fairly true to the photo....

Hopefully you can see the featured Scripture (Proverbs 24:3-4) written on the notebook image in the painting...

I have plans to illustrate this verse once again but in my current digital style - not cutesy though - more realistic - something that would look good framed in a cottage-style home. I'll definitely share it here whenever I get it done...

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I hope to have my Illustration Friday post done by tomorrow - the topic this week was "Adapt". It was a good challenge...I've had a LOT of fun drawing this one! See you guys tomorrow!! God Bless!

31 Days: Day 23 - June, Already?

(My June illustration from the "My Cup Runneth Over" calendar - I just love the look of vintage goodies piled up at a flea market or antique shop!)

Hi friends!! First of all, I can't believe it is already June...I know I say that every month, but wow, time is fleeting to say the least!

Secondly I can't believe that it was a year ago today that we opened our booth space in a local antique store! Alas, the shop closed in late September 2008 after sustaining damage from Hurricane Ike - but truth be told, we were ready to move on. Although our sales were pretty good, they were just not quite good enough to justify the effort and expense of keeping up a space. But boy-oh-boy, the 4 months we were there were so much fun!! Here's a snap of one side of our booth - funny, I've raided a LOT of those goodies to accessorize our new place...I love doing that!

Next is the June illustration from my latest 2009 Calendar - "Wisdom & Whimsy." I had fun doing this F (ully) R (ely) O (n) G (d) illustration, and it features one of my all time favorite Scriptures:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding"
Proverbs 3:5

So much has happened since our time at the shop and since I left my corporate job and we downsized our life...so much to stretch our faith and make us wonder and question and search...but it's the wisdom from the Word that has guided us and comforted us and helped us to navigate these uncertain times...and God has been SO FAITHFUL every step of the way. It's hard to trust sometimes...but He really knows what is best for us and will lead us in the right path if we will simply follow...

For the 31 Day Challenge - Day 23, I chose the following verses from Proverbs 23 - I think they are spot on for these times we are in:

"Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle."
Proverbs 23:4-5

Anyone with a 401K can testify to the truth of those Scriptures!! We just have to recognize that God is our source - our job or our bank account are not....

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Please remember to comment on this or any of the 31 Day posts for a shot at the giveaway...it's gonna be awesome!! Thanks for coming by for a visit - hope to see you again tomorrow!

31 Days: Day 22 - The Right Path

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

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This is a precious promise to pray over your children of any age - I want to encourage you to stand on this promise and believe it!

31 Days: Day 21 - Happy Birthday Rick!

If you haven't figured it out yet, May is birthday month in our family - both my brothers and my Mom! Two weeks ago we celebrated my younger brother's 40th birthday, five days ago it was my Mom's, 71st and today it's my older brother Rick's 50th birthday! In honor of Rick's big 5-0 milestone I wanted to do a little tribute to him too...

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Half a century ago.....

Cute, cute cowboy!

An all too familiar scene...Rick pestering me...but hey, what are big brothers for...?

Easter 1969

His senior year - 1977

Rick and his beloved wife of 29 years, Sharon...

He is a very devoted husband and father of two...

A very familiar scene - Rick at a BBQ grill - he is truly a fabulous chef. Although he is a chemist by trade, his true passion is cooking...whether it's for 600 people at his church or 6 people at his home, he always cooks with love, and you can taste it in every bite!

I love you Big Brother!! Happy, happy 50th Birthday!!!
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This is also the 21st day of my 31 Day Challenge - wow - only 10 days left! I can't believe I've posted for 21 days straight - I don't know how you guys that post every day, all the time, do it...?? But I have really had a lot of fun and I am enjoying the discipline of reading through all 31 chapters of Proverbs and

posting my favorite verse(s) each day.

So, for Proverbs 21, and in honor of my big brother, here is my Proverb of the day:

"He who pursues righteousness and love, finds life, prosperity, and honor."
Proverbs 21:21

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Thanks for sticking with me through this challenge! Please be sure and leave a comment on this or any of the "31 Days" posts to enter into the upcoming blog birthday giveaway (see just a few of the prizes in the sidebar)!! Y'all bless me so much!!

31 Days: Day 20 - Junkin' Proverb!

Yep folks - there's even a Proverb for Junkers!! :o)

(from Proverbs 20 - Day 20 of my 31 Day Challenge):
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"The shopper says, "That's junk—I'll take it off your hands," then goes off boasting of the bargain."

Proverbs 20:14

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...been there...done that!

Have a happy junkin' Saturday!!!