First Christmas Project of the Season

The weekend before Thanksgiving was my annual boutique and it was awesome this year! Good Day Sacramento came early on Friday morning and did a couple segments with our group. It was fun to hear so many people say that they stopped by because they saw us on TV that morning. Especially when they came looking for something specific.
Even though I love “boutique week,” it’s always a relief when it’s done because I can start working on something for myself without being under a deadline.

Every year I say I’m going to make some Christmas stockings and I finally did it. I used bits and pieces of a couple different tutorials from Diary of a Quilter and Fabric Worm. They turned out better than I expected, although I still need to work on sewing while turning. I just can’t seem to keep it even.

I think the tree and the sequins stockings are my favorite.  I will definitely be making more before Christmas is here.

Linking To:
Reasons to Skip the Housework, Sugar Bee Crafts
Blackberry Vine, Coastal Charm

Ruffle Apron

I have never been much of a sewer, but after seeing Krista Maurer's Ruffle Apron Tutorial, I knew it wouldn't be long before I really got into it.  This apron was so easy to make and I love the way it turned out.  The ruffles really make it look like I know what I'm doing.

I ended up making two at the same time.  I wanted to give them away as Christmas gifts, but I think I'm going to end up keeping one for myself.

Linking to:

Beyond the Picket Fence, Somewhat Simple, Katie's Nesting Spot

Shabby Creek Cottage, Fireflies and Jellybeans

Buffet Redo

I found this buffet on Craigslist a few years ago for $40.  It came with a hutch so it was a pretty good deal.  When we moved into our current house, we used the bottom half to hold the TV until we could find something better.  We ended up really liking the set up, so we kept it.  The only problem was, the buffet hadn't been painted yet.

It sat in our family room like this for almost a year, through parties and holidays.  My mom was so embarrassed for me.  Every time someone came over, she would tell them that it would be painted soon and that's not the way it would stay.

Finally, before a big family party, I took it out to the garage and painted it.  The original plan was to paint the bottom and stain the top a dark brown, like our dining room table.  For some reason, the stain would not take, so I had to paint the whole thing.  I used a flat interior paint, distressed the edges and then used Minwax Finishing Paste to seal it.  I love the way it turned out.  I have a hard time with the gloss paint because it leaves too many brush strokes.  With the flat paint, I don't have any.  The paste gives it a smooth satiny finish. 

It's been painted since May and I don't have a single scratch or ding on it.  The finishing wax is so durable!  Even with both my girls opening and closing the doors constantly, it is still holding up. 

Linking to:
Making the World Cuter, The Girl Creative, Sumos Sweet Stuff
The DIY Showoff, Keeping it Simple, C.R.A.F.T.

Summer/Fall

It's been much too long since I've posted anything.  After awhile I kind of forgot I even had a blog.

We've been working on a bunch of things around the house, so I'll share those soon!  But here's a look at a few of the things we've done this year.

We spent a lot of time working on the yard.  We planted a lot of plants and put up a new back fence.  Still no grass, but we are making progress.  Very slow progress.

Spent a weekend in Lake Tahoe, stayed in a horrible motel, Sidney got really sick, ended up in the ER.  Luckily everything was fine.

Spent most weekends in the backyard playing in the sprinklers.

Went to a Giants baseball game.

Madison started her second season of soccer.  Did a lot of bribing to make a goal.

Made her first three goals in the same game!  She got a new barbie doll and a chocolate sundae from McDonalds.

 Started Kindergarten.

Spent time with cousins.

Picked out some pumpkins.

Went Trick-or-Treating.