Grandma's Flatware

I'm writing about my sister's project, flatware from our paternal grandmother. I just love what she did with them and wanted to share with you. What a great way to display these treasures!





I love the jewels she added. Simple. Perfect.

Thanks Susie for being a special guest! I loved this project!

I'm joining Cindy over at My Romantic Home for her Show and Tell Friday. Drop in for a visit, won't you?

Quick and Easy...

I found this abandoned clock at a community thrift store for $1.00. I don't need any more clocks but for $1.00, I couldn't refuse a little project. So here it is in its before state:

I wanted to change its face to one with roman numerals so I went to the Graphics Fairy for help. As expected, she had just what I was looking for...thanks Karen!

Quick, easy, and a new little clock for my kitchen!

I'm linking to Linda's Thrifty Tuesday over at Coastal Charm. Be sure to drop in for a visit!

Kiss the Cook!

My sister and I dropped by one of our favorite antique shops and found this recipe holder.



It's simple but oh~so~cute! I'm always on the lookout for silver/silver-plate utensils and this caught my eye.

At the next stop, I found this poor little tray.



The size was perfect...all it needed was a little love...a back...and well, glass. We found it in the most unbelievable place. I would have taken a picture but it was cold and raining. It was an old gas station that was converted into a junk antique shop. There were things outside, getting wet, in the bays, and inside where things could be kept dry. Not much rhyme or reason, just stuff. Across the street was another place, a little neater. The neater side belonged to a woman, the abandoned gas station belonged to a man, her husband. We were told to make of pile of what we wanted and make a bid...no offer would be refused. Well, howdy doody, we were on a hunt! My sister found a load, I came away with more flatware ~ go figure.



It's the pattern that gets me every time!

With the recipe holder as our inspiration, we thought of a great idea for an empty spot in my kitchen...use the little tray with my newly acquired flatware and make a sign. " Kiss the Cook" is always a winner. Hm...the wheels were turning!

Wanting a simple monochromatic look, I chose two brown papers to cover a sturdy piece of cardboard. This would serve as the "back", then glued down a bit of jute to separate the two pieces of scrapbook paper.



Deciding on a font, printing in brown ink, and adding newly cut glass, I was set.



Back to the inspiration piece, I replicated the placement of the flatware and attached them to the top of the try.



She was finished, happy, and displaying a great little message.



Cooking does have its perks!

I'm linking to Susan's Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch, Stephanie Lynn's Sunday Showcase party over at Under the Table and Dreaming, Carrie at Dittle Dattle for her Amaze Me Monday, and Krista's Ready for Romance over at While He was Napping. Drop by for a visit, won't you?

I saved three!

While traveling, my sister and I made a stop at a community thrift store. It was so neat and orderly that we just had to go in and take a look. They had a "library" section that even had a sofa to sit while enjoying a good read!

They had a wide variety of books and these were arranged by genre. I found three that were surely destined for the trash. The covers were torn and tattered, just the kind I was looking for! SOLD... they were now mine to save.



I revived them by letting the pages breathe a bit...taking off the hard covers gave them room to stretch.



Aren't the pages beautiful? If only they could tell us who has enjoyed reading them.



I bundled them together with a bit of jute and added a family photo. I think these girls would have liked to sit and read a while with me.



But for now, I'll keep them in a mini library, tucked away, safe and sound.

I'm linking with Tam over at The Gypsy's Corner for her Three or More Tuesday and Leigh over at Bloggeritaville for her Thrifty Thursdays. Be sure to drop by for a visit!.

Do you sew?

I sew a bit, good enough for what I need done but by no means would I classify myself as a "seamstress".  I do have my grandmother's Singer sewing machine. I love it, but don't use it. {Well, I use it for a table.} However, I do use sewing machine drawers! Not where you thought I was going was it?

While out antiquing, I found a vintage sewing machine drawer. It was the front that caught my attention. I loved the carving and the pull.



It is perfect sitting on my vintage cabinet while it holds a few treasures.

I think I'll keep it!

Where have you been all my life?

Oh my goodness! I received the BEST tool for hot gluing! My sister found it online and not only bought one for me, but also for herself! She hasn't used hers yet, but I sure have! And I. LOVE. IT! I think you will too! You can order your own set here.

I took a few pictures so you'll know you're on the right link...





It says, "No Burns", "Easy Clean Up", "Heat Resistant" and it's all true! The mat can be rolled up for easy storage and there are other tools as well! The best part? The glue doesn't stick to any of it! It can simply be wiped off! {I was currently using an old bread board ~ it was such a mess, so much so that I would be too embarrassed to post a picture of it!} This kit is a bright flamingo pink, pliable, and super easy to use.

Just wanted to share!

A Lighted Courthouse and a Bar

Did I get your attention?

Last week my family and I went for a little trip to Llano, Texas. It's located in the hill country and a fun place to visit. It's loaded with antique shops and the neatest architecture, it just has tons of charm.



This courthouse was in the center of town, don't you just love the clock tower?

And how about this?



This place just made me laugh! Have you ever answered the phone, "Joe's Bar and Grill?" I have... and... then to see it in real life just made me chuckle!

Sometimes it's the little things.