Tuesday, January 6, 2009

~ Necessity is the Mother of Invention.... ~

Hello my sweet Friends! ....Well my crafting weekend turned into a bit of a longer process than I thought, but I was happy to finish some of them on Monday when the kids returned to School... yippee :)....The reason for my title of this post is pretty simple. Being a Designer, I have to shop for other people on a daily basis, so when it comes time to shop for myself, I'm just simply too impatient or tired. But the hardest part of shopping for me or a client is, finding the perfect piece .... just the right color, size, and fitting the style of the room.... Soooooo, lol, I have resorted many times to saying, "Hmmmm, maybe I can craft and create what I need all by myself.... This is something I did on a regular basis years and years ago. But I stopped doing it because I lost interest. I can only think about "creating" when I'm in the right frame of mind. Now with the kids so much older I've picked it up again. Mostly due to all the Inspiring women I've met in blog land! So a big Thank you goes out to you all ! I am rusty , so bare with me.

I needed a Tray, so as the saying goes....."Necessity is the Mother of all Inventions"..... :)

The greatness of a craft consists firstly in how it brings comradeship to man"...Antoine de Saint Exupery

I bought an unfinished and simple tray..... Then went to work: ....I painted it, antiqued it (using some amber color glaze available at any craft store ), added some scrapbook paper to the bottom with glue, and then decoupaged on the florals, added some 3 dimension decals ( available at craft stores also ), and pretty letter buttons........ Then the entire tray was shellacked....I put back on the glass that came with it when it was all dry......and it was done :).... I have to say though, if any of you have tips on getting bubbles out?!, I'd love for you to share, I had to leave on very heavy books overnight for a few that popped up :) The picture below shows some of them, then after a night with weight on it , they flattened out a bit....but there has to be an easier way!? :)

Going into Micheal's Craft store is so wonderful! I cannot believe the "advances" they have made on embellishments , I could stay there all day! Aren't the little letter buttons so sweet ?
Each little letter has a cottage/vintage pattern behind it, ohhhhh, so pretty up close..... My camera does not do them justice! The butterfly , strawberry and flower have little drops of glitter too! ....Remind me to take a photography class!, I would have loved to show you the details better! But you can click on any of my photos and see it "up close" if that helps!
Its hard to see this below, but I found corner stickers that I thought were so cute and added them too....

I found the perfect place for the tray too, I put up a few pictures at the end of this post. But the one below is just a picture of some of the papers and embellishments I used.
Now......lol..... onto a brand new obsession :).... yikes, I'm getting too many lately, it must be the weather :) But I wanted to share this site with you , its called Scrapblog. Have you heard of it? Maybe I'm the last to know, but I adore it, it really is fun! I was looking for a place to make a new header for my Blog and saw this idea on Glitter and Bliss's blog, she has no idea yet that she caused me quite a stir :) The best thing about it , is it's easy as pie!! I haven't decided for sure if this will be my new header, I was too busy playing for now, but I hope you enjoy!

I mentioned in my last post that I wanted to do a chalkboard on one of my doors, but I just couldn't bring myself to paint a cabinet in my kitchen, I didn't want to disrupt the "line", so I opted for one in a frame instead. Mind you , this was the easiest thing I ever made and it only cost me $5.00 for the paint. I took an old frame and took the art work out ( it wasn't my taste ) , took a $1.00 piece of black thick oak tag , painted it with chalkboard paint ( Home Depot ) and then just put it back in as the Art work :) Wait a day before writing on it! Then I added some gingham ribbon with a bow to hold the chalk :)
Now I have my kitchen chalkboard. :) I was going to do a pantry door with it also, but again, I decided against that because I want my pantry to be see-through , I've always wanted it to be a screen door! That will hopefully be finished by Spring :)
I haven't decided on the Vignette yet underneath...books? nothing? plate and jar? If you like one over the other , feel free to let me know! Only the KitchenAid has to stay! :)
True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.”Antoine de Saint Exupery

Well, I know what I'm doing this coming weekend......relaxing :) Read a few books, drive my daughter to the Mall, ( her favorite obsession of late ) catch up on some more blog reading , buy some Somerset magazines and watch movies!

I ended up finding the perfect spot for my Tray, all happy on my kitchen Island....


This angle below shows a little bit more of my Island, I posted about it a few months ago, but it also, was such an easy project ! It was my desk as a child, and all it needed to be an Island was a base of 2x4's , plywood , and some casters to make it movable and some paint ....and then I had the Island I was always looking for .....Ahhhhh, Necessity is for sure, the mother of my invention :)
Thank you so much for stopping by !! Take a piece of Apple Crumb Pie to go!! You have all been so sweet ! If I could , I'd mail you all a piece! I Hope you all have a wonderful week and many Blessings as always!
Hugs and appreciation, from me, to you!

Cynthia

84 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are so talented. Everything is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Girl, you have got to slow down, you are making me look lazy...LOL!! I love the tray and you're right, Michael's is awesome. I spent an hour in there one day just looking at all the scrapbook stuff. I love the collage you made for your banner, I say go for it. Love the chalkboard and I have always loved your island. Your kitchen and Kelly's are my favorite kitchens. You do a beautiful job.

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Nancy Rosalina said...

Love your sucessful weekend! The tray is adorable and i love chalk boards! Yours fits perfect in that spot...like it was made for it! Blessings, Nancy

Blondie's Journal said...

Two really great projects Cynthia, and I had to show my husband your island as we never would have come up with your idea (your desk) and I have wanted a small island for so long. The chalkboard is very cool. I have the same Kitchenaid mixer!! The red on the mixer, in the painting above your sink and in the gingham tie to your chalk makes me think something red might pop w/ the black of the chalkboard like a red planter w/ ivy?? I'm sure whatever you decide will look wonderful. Thanks for the ideas!
Jane

Peggy said...

Such a pretty tray...you did a great job. To get bubbles out before it is dry take a straight pin and poke tiny holes in the bubbles then roll flat...this pushes the air out from underneath the paper.
I also think your island from your old desk is so creative!!!
Peggy

Nicole ~ said...

Your tray & chalkboard are really cute. I also love your idea of making an island out of a desk, that was pretty clever. By the way, I have that same cake stand with the crystals hanging, I love it. Your home is just so cute!!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Hugs and appreciation back!
What a really cute tray you designed! I have one naked just waiting for such a treatment. Love how you made the island too...now that is very inventive!

Tea Time With Melody said...

OK, this was seriously one of your best posts. All the way to the end. Really. Loved it. Loved the chalk board idea, just might do that myself. I am afraid though at what the chalk gremlins would have up and waiting for me when I came home. lol

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Cynthia,
Well, great minds sure do think alike! I just recently created a tray....I will put it on my blog soon. And I have an old gold framed blackboard in my studio!

Your tray is adorable. It looks perfect on your island. I haven't been to Michaels in a while. I will have to go back there soon.

Hugs,
Penny

Madame Meg said...

Hi! New to your blog, but I adore your ideas!
I have been wanting to try something with chalkboard paint, and if it is as easy as you say it is, then maybe I'll do a message center inside a cupboard. I also saw online today that it comes in different colors- on the Domino website I think?
One tip with getting your bubbles out- poke the holes like Peggy said, and you can use a small paint brush to squash the air out without worrying about moving the whole piece.
Keep up the inspirational work!

DESIGN BY CATHLEEN said...

Your tray is so creative! I really love all the bits and pieces you've put together... :-)

xoxo,
Cathleeen

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Pretty as can be! What a sweet post Cynthia! LOVE the tray! It turned out wonderful and I love the piece of pir you are serving up! What a great idea for a chalk board! Oh, you just get my little head filled with fun thoughts!

Hugs,
Maryjane

tam said...

Hi Cynthia! I like the new header! Also thing I like the chaulk board with the cook books best. I love your decorating style! Hope you have a Happy Week! ~Smiles~Tam!

P. said...

I'm amazed !

alfazema

One Shabby Old House said...

It is always so much fun to see what you come up with next. Your tray is darling. I adore the blue.
I know I have asked before but if you would be so kind as to tell me again what is the color of your blue wall?
I would love your job. You are so talented and oh honey....spending other people's money buying pretty things....heaven!
Becky

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful Cindy!!! The tray is adorable; I have some of those embelishments and was going to use them for a sign! I too am collecting too much and must get going using them! I've had good luck with a glue called "Yes" glue in a chunky/ blue/wht lettering container.Liquid glues cause more ripples; I found in a scrapbook store but Michaels might have it. Also like, wallpaper if you prick with a needle sometime the air releases??If it is in the shellac bubbles I've heard BUT NEVER TRIED that a little rubbing alcohol takes bubble out??? BUT I think you may want to leave it alone now that it is all dry. Looks "vintage" and adorable! Love the chalk board especially the check ribbon for chalk. I need to pick up the newest Somersets too if I ever get outta the house! Another great post!!!! Have a great week - Sincerely, Jeannette

Anonymous said...

Me again! I forgot to say I think the new header will be gorgeous and thanks for the tip on website! I've also downloaded things from Scrapbook Flair! - Jeannette

Unknown said...

Oh Cynthia, that tray is beautiful!!!I absolutely love it!! I love the blue and the embellishments you used! I am so glad you showed those letters from Michael's because i need something like that for a project! Thank you so much!

I love your new header, it is perfect!

AND the chalkboard is wonderful! You are so creative! You always inspire me!

Hugs,
Amy

Cathy said...

Beautiful tray! I also love the header and your island.

Cathy

Anonymous said...

Fabulous post, Cynthia. I love the chalkboard and hope to make one for the condo during our little makeover project,here.

The tray is wonderful. I've pricked the bubble with a pin or made a tiny slit, then smoothed it out. It worked, most of the time. I haven't done a decoupage project in many a year. I should get busy and do one. Hope I remember how!

Stacey said...

The tray and the chalkboard are to die for. You are really inspiring me to do something besides clean. :)

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

What a beautiful job you did, I love the tray and the chalkboard!

Do you have any tips on making the chalk holder? My kids have been asking for a ribbon with chalk and eraser on it. I think I'm going to do the eraser with some batting covered in fabric but I didn't know what to do with the chalk. Right now we just have it tucked inside our spice cabinet and that just doesn't look as nice. ;)

Beautiful work you've done here!

Happy@Home said...

Hi Cynthia,

It looks like you have been very inventive over there in your cute & cozy cottage. The tray turned out adorable and the photo of where you ended up putting it is so pretty. I wanted to jump right into that room and drink my coffee. It looks so inviting.

I have seen so many bloggers do cute things with chalkboard paint. I love what you have done and I cast my vote for vignette #1. I think the cookbooks definitely need to be near the Kitchen Aid :-)

You deserve a relaxing weekend now. I was thrilled to see your new post this morning.

Hugs,
Kim

Becky Garrison said...

Love the tray, and I'll bet a bunch of those 3-D embellishments were Brenda Walton - I just love her things! Blessings, Becky G.

Blondie's Journal said...

Hi again :-) !! I was thinking about the bubbles in your cute tray and I'm wondering if you cut your paper slightly larger than the bottom of the tray, pressed it in and after the glue dried and you have pressed all the bubbles out, you might cut the extra edges of paper off with an exacto knife. I think the bubbles simply had "no place to go". Hope this helps for future projects!!
Jane

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I love your island! It has soo much charm! What a great idea to do w/ teh desk.

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

The tray is so very pretty, Cynthia!

Love your chalkboard, too...I just changed the saying on my chalkboard and decorated it with hearts for Valentine's day...stop over and see if you get a chance...I've also posted about some red items I found...I think I'm hooked on RED!

Thank you for sharing the link to scrapblog...I've been over there messing with a header when I should be ironing!

Have a wonderful day...I enjoy your blog so much!

Love, Kim

Michelle said...

Cynthia, your house is so adorable I just wannt come live there with you! Lol! Okay, I will opt for trying to achieve the same coziness at my place then. I may have to copy you though! Love your tray! Have a great day!

Just a little something from Judy said...

It is a cold, icy evening here in my part of the country. I sat down to the computer, with my hot cup of coffee, and visited your blog. Honestly, it is like opening up a favorite magazine and being thrilled because it had so many things that I love in it. You are amazingly gifted and I feel so very blessed to have an opportunity to visit your blog. Thank you so much!! Keep on posting and I will gratefully visit.

Anonymous said...

Your tray is beautiful! I adore your blog header too. I especially love your chalk board and the chalk tied with gingham is a splendid idea. What an awesome post from beginning to end; and yes, I'll have some pie, thank you! xoxo

Kass said...

So cute. So yummy. Love it all!

Glitter & Bliss said...

Hello you sweet thing!!! I love your header!!! I am thrilled that I introduced you to scrapblog. Yes, it is easy...and so addictive. It is wonderful. Thanks so much for your sweet comment/s. I also love your chalkboard and lovely tray. Many hugs to you....Leslie

Unknown said...

Hi Cynthia,
Here I am at your blog and love your home! Thanks for sharing the info on Scrapblog...your header is great can't wait to try it myself. Esther

Elyse said...

dearest cynthia,

many GASPs! where to begin? i love the header you have up today (especially the font!) and the one you are working on. i also didn't know about the scrapbooking blog but will go there right after this comment!

your tray looks very pretty. bubbles are a giant drag. i usually work with small pieces of paper and so i can rub the bubbles out with my fingers. there is a michaels less than 3 minutes from my house and it's just been re-done as a concept store for them. way cool! my happy place!

love the framed chalkboard with the gingham chalk holder. vignette idea: red and white (polka dot?) ceramic bowl? whatever you decide will be amazing!

look at you go!!!

xo

Elyse said...

ps

and GASP -- the kitchen island! awesome!!!

Chanda said...

I love your island, I actually made mine also from an old work station from my hair salon. I like the tray you made also. I just picked up a plain old tray at the thrift store this week. I can hardly pass one up because they are so fun to fix up.

Pink Slippers said...

I love looking at your home. You decorate so perfect. I would think it would be fun shopping for others but I'm sure it can be tiring.

Anonymous said...

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Thank you to everybody who blogs the "Let’s Eat Cake!" post foward!

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CherishedGiftFavors.com

A Southern Rose said...

Cynthia, I just love,love,love this post. I love the tray(so pretty)and the island! I have to make one of those one day! I still have my old desk and it has little bookshelves on one side. It would be perfect! I just don't have the space right now for an island. Even a small one. Your chalkboard is great too.
Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Oh and I can't wait to make a banner like you did! It is beautiful!

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Cynthia, wow! Your tray turned out so pretty. Love it! Michael's does have some of the best embellishments. Hope your having a great week! Kristen

Kathleen Grace said...

What fabulous projects! I love the chalkboard and the tray is beautiful! As for avoiding bubbles. I would try spay adhesive, since it gives an even coating I think it would eliminate bubbles, especially if you used a small squeegee to smooth the paper down. The trick is to gently smooth form the center toward the edges and use an exacto to trim any extra around the edge when you are done.

Cindy said...

What a beautiful and fun filled post. LOVE the banner. And chalkboard. I'm a huge chalkboard freak. And for your tray, when you apply your decopage on the tray and place your paper on, use a small brayer (roller) and roll over the area several times...this squeezes out the mod podge and helps prevent the bubbles. Some use a bone folder, and I've done that too, but you have to be careful of tearing. Once the bottom is dry then I do the top. And light even coats help as well. Many light coats are better than one heavy. Hope that helps. And yep, Michaels is dangerous for my pocket book. Great post. : D

c

cottage farm villa said...

Cynthia, everything looks so beautiful! .... Sweet tray! Adore the look of the island with the tray on it....and the apple pie! lol

Your new header is fabulous! I may have to ask you for some tips in the near future. Great job, girl!!!!!!

ps. having a little pink giveaway this week if you get a chance from your busy schedule to stop by :)

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cyn,
Great job as usuall!! I love the tray and I also love all the scrapbook stickers and such, I could buy one of everything when I see them (; Your header is so cute,the postcard is my fav part of the design, I'll have to go check it out, although I'm afraid to change anything on my blog for fear I will delete it again!
Hugs~Kelly

Laura Venosa Verbena said...

Oh so glad I found you .. Your desk island is one of the best ideas I have seen in a long time...Love you home... xooxxo Laura

Anonymous said...

Cynthia, this was so much fun to look at and read! Busy lady! I emailed you my "solution" for the bubbles...

Love the chalkboard AND the island too! Your house is so very welcoming.
An island is a dream of mine - but no room in my U-shaped kitchen for one. Yours is divine!

And Michael's....yes! Couldn't we do a lot of "damage" to a credit card in there with all of the goodies for crafting! Simply not enough hours in the day!

Hugs and have a WARM winter day in your adorable house.

Diane

Anonymous said...

Wow! Just found your blog. What absolutely beautiful pictures! All of my favorite things!

I find Modge Podge works best for projects like the tray, I apply a thin coat with a foam craft brush. The tray came out so pretty!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Cynthia --

Your home is wonderful! I love the blackboard in your kitchen. What a cute idea! I just stumbled across your blog. I love it!

Thanks for letting me stop by!

Jen

Anonymous said...

Love your chalk board idea, think I will try one for myself, and your island, well it is a beauty. Just the right place to put that beautiful new tray you created. I love it.
Stop by and say hello anytime.
Smiles,
Pat

MIMILEE said...

What a lovely blog, Cynthia! Very very nice! Love your ideas....and the music is so nice!

I will return!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Cynthia...I love your new tray! And your island is awesome! You are soooo creative...I would have never thought of using the desk but it's perfect! Thanks for sharing where you bought everything. I'd love to make a chalk board some time! Thanks so much for all the wonderful things you said in the comment you left...you totally made my day! I have the worst cold and have felt so bad allll day so I surely needed to hear those sweet words! Thanks again...you are a sweetheart, through and through!
Susan

The Muse said...

Greetings Cynthia...I certainly agree with Susan...your tray is lovely!
And I dare say that 99% of the items that are here in my Painted Nest are because I choose to make them...simply because I had a vision!! :)
Great job of pulling the tray together and into its surroundings!

Jenny said...

Cynthia, My Dear - you go beyond the definition of "inspirational." TRULY! Love the tray and all the lovelies that make it so "Cynthia"! And your Island - OMG!!! Breathtaking!! This was my first view of it and I am just green! :) Great idea with the homemade chalkboard ... which brings up a question, "Do you sleep?" Or are you like an elf that only needs 40 minutes a night?! (True statement from Buddy the Elf! - favorite Christmas movie!!) Well - you are just putting me to shame, but at the same time lighting a little fire under my rear to get moving - so THANKS!!

Oh, and the new banner? Love it! Although, I love what you have, too. See, you just can't go wrong! (smile)

Enjoy your weekend!!
Blessings,
Jenny

Mimi Sue said...

Love the colors on your beautiful tray. I've been wanting a chalkboard too. I'm thinking of painting it on the door to the garage from the kitchen. Maybe. Mimi

cherry said...

Go Cynthia, goooooo! Love a girl and her projects! The mod podge and the black board paint can be addicting..so be forewarned. I have used a wallpaper roller before to get the bubbles out and you can also make very small slits with a craft knife. Usually they flatten out on their own. LOVE your island and well...everything!

~CC Catherine said...

Hi Cynthia! My first time visiting your blog! I'm a Cottage Design fan and love your style! Joining you as a follower! I'm quickly becoming addicted, you are very talented! Looking foward to future visits! ~CC Catherine

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Hi Cynthia! Yes, I am so excited that we'll be snowed in this weekend. I'm going to make some good soups this weekend - can't wait! Love your new header and your tray came out great. When I decoupage, I use a brayer to smooth out the paper and that usually works pretty well with the thick papers. With thinner papers, I have actually crumbled up the paper before gluing, then the whole thing has a crinkled look that was done on purpose! And then if you put a glaze over the top it looks pretty cool. Have fun re-arranging!

Monica said...

Hi Cynthia!
Well, what to say?
1- the tray is beautiful, love that Spring look! I have some waiting to be painted- I changed the colours already, but want to 'paint' something on them- I'll keep you posted!
2- your header is FAB!! And a big THANK YOU for sharing Scrapblog!! How fun is that???!!!!??
3- your chalkboard and island are just divine!
4- apple pie?? Yum! Any left?????????;))))
5- Hugs and appreciation back to you, dear Cynthia!
Monica x.

Unknown said...

Your tray is soooo cute. I agree the embellishments are hard to pass up. Sometimes I think of projects just to use them. They are so pretty.

I am doing a chalk board for my laundry room. When I get it done I'll let you know... I still love that screen door idea for the pantry! Way precious. : )

~Liz

Liz Harrell said...

Gorgeous! I adore that little cupcake sign too!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love the pretty little dress in front of your tray! You did a beautiful job....as always! and the kitchen chalkboard? I think I will try one of those! We just had our kitchen painted RED...and I want something unique in my kitchen so I am trying to think of something a little different. I could start with a chalkboard!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

PS Aren't Kitchen Aids the BEST? I got one back in the 1960s and gave it to my son a few years ago and got a new one! Can't cook without one!

Rhondi said...

Hi Cynthia
The tray you made is just lovely and I adore all the little embellishments! It looks right at home on your kitchen island.
Hugs, Rhondi

Miss Janice said...

I think you did an awesome job on both projects. I love the detail with the red gingham holding the chalk:-) All of your pictures are just gorgeous--it's so nice visiting here. Please, if you have a moment, stop by my blog, I have a friend who needs all of our prayers.

jen said...

I just found your blog and I love your style. Your photos are so lovely!

Jen

Jeanne Oliver said...

First of all...love, love, love your colors, the chalkboard and your island!!! Regarding the bubbles in the paper..I use spray adhesive because Mod Podge was always bubbling...just for future projects.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I always enjoy popping in over at your place. Your tray turned out darling..as well as the chalkboard. I've had a screen door on our pantry for years and absolutley "love" it..It has the old fashioned bread sign running across the middle. Mr. P. thought I was abit out of my mind, but up it went.. I hope you get yours..hugs ~lynne~

Sandy said...

Love the tray! I recently discovered your blog and would love to add it to my blog roll. I am seeking permission to use a photo from your blog as part of a post introducing new links on my blog roll. Thank you for your consideration in the matter.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I would like to award you with the special "Proximidade" award. I hope you'll visit my post to accept the award! Your blog has inspired me in so many ways and I know everyone that come here feels like you deserve an award!

http://lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com/

Ece Aymer said...

Hi Cynthia,
It was a great pleasure for me to write some good words about you on my blog so you are welcome... You said that you were just going to ask me to show some pics of my works on your page as well and ask if it is ok for me . You are kidding!, I will die for it...Do whatever you want...
Have a nice, sunny, creative week. See you...

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Wishing you a WONDERFUL week Cynthia!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Wow! You really have been a busy bee! Love the tray and I love your kitchen island!! Can I have your white kitchen? Everything is so pretty and so classy.

The pie looks delicious!

xoxo
Becky

Jenny said...

Cynthia Dear - there is an award waiting for you! Stop by to receive it ... (*smile*)

Blessings Always,
Jenny

Dixie said...

love this pretty tray

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hey Cyn, where did ya go, I need your opinion on my tv cabinet,when you get a sec, please (;
Hugs~Kelly

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for helping me, your opinion means alot (; I do like the seating arrangement and it all lines up evenly which I like for now, who knows by tommarrow I might change it, LOL. The only other place that I could put the tv cab is on the opposite wall where the pink door/shelf thingy is. I do alternate it back and forth from wall to wall often. The main thing was whether I like the fireplace attached to the cabinet, ya know when you do something like this and at first you think oh I love it, and then a couple of months later you look back and say, what in the world was I thinking, LOL, well that is what I'm wondering about the cabinet??
Thanks again & Hugs~Kelly

a quiet life said...

my gosh everything you do is adorable! so where do you find a naked tray to start this whole fun thing? i love trays and would really like whipping up a few myself!

the chalkboard is adorable... i like the cookbooks, especially when cupcakes are on the menu~

and look at your apple pie... i just so admire your many talents...

psst, come on by, i got a little something for you~

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Oops I just saw your other comment you left me, I to am struggling with not being able to decorate my fireplace mantel. I am going to leave it this way for now> I don't know what I would do with the cable boxes and such if I put the tv over my mantel anyways, that wouldn't be a pretty sight (; Thanks again!! I wish you lived down the street and could just pop in for a visit!
Hugs~Kelly

Sandy said...

Cynthia,
My post is up with links to your lovely blog. Thank you for allowing me to feature it!

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

So springy and fresh! Love your blog.

Aunt Ruthie said...

Hey cutie-pie, is everything about you and your home way too adorable or what?!!!! My goodness I can't believe how similar our tastes are! Your house just feels like home to me! Love your tray, the chalkboard and the new banner too!
Lots of hugs!
Ruthann

Donna said...

Hi Cynthia,
I was just over at Jenny's and found you. The tray you made is wonderful! Love all the little embellishments. Cute black board too! What a lovely home you have.

Beautiful blog! I'll be back to visit again.

Hugs,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Your tray is just adorable! I love it as usual. Everything you make is so beautiful. I love your kitchen! It looks so cozy and inviting!!
Thank you for the crumb cake, it was delicious ;)

Have a wonderful day!
xo
~H

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