Friday, August 24, 2012

Fern, The Fern.

The newest addition to our family is Fern, the fern.  In an attempt to bring live plants back in the house, I purchased Fern today.  In the corner where Fern stands, I used to have a artificial ficus.  A couple of days ago I purchased a column (at Kit'N Caboodle) for a future live plant and put it in the corner and took the artificial tree to the lower level (its beginning to look like a forest down there). Today I went to Forevergreen  Nursery in Coralville and bought Fern.  They are having a sale so I got Fern, a new pot, and  they repotted her before I left!  And all for under $20!!!! Here's hoping I can keep her alive....not my strong suit. I was feeling kind of confident because the Christmas cactus (also known around here as Chris), has thrived on the back porch.  Hope Fern likes it there too.

Today was also the loss of one of our pine trees behind the condo.  Very sad.  One of the selling points for us when we bought the condo was the pines in the back.  Made us feel like we were living in a forest.  But, because of the drought and bores, the one directly off our upper patio was cut down today.  Just a big old empty spot there now. :(   'sniff'...

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Made Some Shams!

I made two euro shams for my guest bed.  I had made the quilt a few years back and so the fabric is long gone, for the most part. So I found some striped fabric at Common Threads Quilt Shoppe in North Liberty. I think it picks up the colors nicely.  I quilted the front  a little and added white piping.  I think they turned out kind of sweet!
I hung my Rose quilt above the bed with my new Hang It Dang It quilt hanger.  It is an adjustable rod that fits through the sleeve I made and then a plastic piece clamps on and you hang it with 1 nail!!! Waaay better than all the holes in the wall for a quilt hanger!

I took another Annie Sloan paint class this last weekend.  Learned all about crackle finishing, gilding, gold leaf, and a couple of other finishes.  Also was a great refresher course.  As always, it was a fun afternoon thanks to Janet at TLC Vintage Collection  in Des Moines.  I'm hoping to paint the dresser in the guest room soon.  Just not sure what color.

Spent the night with David and Marcia.  Had a nice visit!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Birthday Girl

Its my baby's birthday tomorrow!  19!!! When did this happen?!?  She has grown into such a wonderful young woman.  Bob and I are so darn proud of her!!!!!  Smart, funny and  beautiful...what a fabulous combination!

Lauren and I went to Oakbrook shopping (Chicago) and then to Ikea in Bolingbrook on Monday.  We spent some 'bonding' time and had a great day.

 She heads back to Beloit in a couple of weeks. She's ready  to get back to school. And that's a good thing!