Sunday, March 31, 2013

Perforated paper

Hello and welcome to my ... redesigned blog!  I am very pleased with how it turned out and still have a little "tweaking"  to do so will be working on that the next few days.  I've wanted to make changes for quite a while now and  for the last 5-6 weeks have been surfing a lot of graphics websites.  So many beautiful designs!  When I came across this one from www.PlumroseLane.com , I just had to use it.  It had my name written all over it. Hope you enjoy it.

Getting re-acquainted with an old craft

While going through my box of floss (getting ready to begin Petitpoint),  I found something I haven't used in years.   Perforated paper.  As a kid, I used to make RL ornaments from a kit I had and they really turned out nice.




This first picture is from a swap from years ago.  The swapper also included a few blank pieces for me to try and chart my own design.  I used it instead for the peg board on the workbench in my lighthouse.

It 's bendable, easily shaped and has a certain sturdiness to it.  It is 14 ct and comes in a variety of colors
It can be used for picture frames, rugs, baskets, wall hangings and even a doggie bed.  Combine all that with a variety of stitches, and I imagine the list can go on and on.  This is what I'm making my "welcome" mat out of.  I have not been able to find it in any craft stores but it is available on Ebay.

If anyone has other suggestions on things to make, please leave a comment.

Since my last post, I have had to take a few days off from minis to attend to my RL spring house cleaning and some yard work  Not my favorite thing to do.  But the sun is out and it's getting warmer so I think I,m pretty well over the winter blahs.

Til Next time!
Diane

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Hello dear friends, fellow bloggers and...new followers!
It is so nice and encouraging to have new followers.  Welcome!

I wish I could say I got a lot accomplished since my last post, but not so.  I made 2 fishing poles, two sleeping bags and am working on a "welcome" mat now.  The only other thing I did was to dry-fit my dollhouse (not glued yet), just to see how it was looking.  You will notice I added another porch post.  I needed this because I will be adding a porch fence all the way around and wanted another support.  I'll be adding that after I add the door.  BTW, this last picture is of a lazy susan I borrowed from my pantry.  Makes working on my dollhouse soooo much easier.












Mini-blahs.  I've got 'em.
Very few people I know are immuned to the "winter blahs". Some call it "cabin fever", depression or winter "doldrums"  I think the medical term is SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder or something like that.  In my case, I get down in the dumps usually in February and March...waiting for spring.  I feel bored, restless and nothing much appeals to me.  To help myself through all this, I have decided to make some changes.  I don't know if this will help anyone else but this is what I am doing.

Changed my routine.   My old routine was get a cup of coffee, play a few games of "free cell", read my email and then my blogs.  Now I still have my morning coffee but then I hop in the shower, then read the paper or watch a few minutes of the Weather channel. After that, it is on to my emails, eat breakfast and then read my blogs.  You'll be surprised at how a few little changes can improve your outlook.

Pampering myself.  I've never had a pedicure...just wasn't in the budget. So I gave myself one.  A good soaking, a massage, trimming of the nails and even bright pink nail polish.  Feet really feel good.  Same with body lotion.  I used to put it on after my shower, once a day.  Now I also put it on in the evening.  The actual massaging helps with the circulation.

Expanding my mini-horizons.  I just joined a another Yahoo group, Petitpointers.  Although I have done this type of needlepoint before, it was a very long time ago.  I consider myself a newbie. 

The last thing I did was to go through my S.O.S. boxes (stash of stuff).  Here I found un-opened kits, half finished project and lot of stuff for future project.  Getting my enthusiasm back now!

Over the next few days, I will be change my blog to give it a new look.  Found a great website, but just have to work up the courage.

Till later!
Diane