Thursday, May 24, 2018

Rustic Ladder Shelf Made from FREE Wood

When someone says they have some free wood they are getting rid of and ask if you want any, the answer is always (almost anyway) YES!

Rustic Ladder Shelf Made from FREE Wood

I am not sure what this wood was originally--1" x 4" s that I thought were maybe fence boards, but they are full of brad nails.
Rustic Ladder Shelf Made from FREE Wood

My first project with the boards was a rustic, ladder shelf.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Sunday Verses

what does it mean when my hopes and dreams do not come true
Happy Sunday! Last week in Yellowstone we were waiting for Old Faithful with some geyser "virgins", i.e. it was the first time they had seen Old Faithful. Old Faithful takes a bit to build up pressure and will spurt out small plumes of water and steam before reaching its full eruption height. A few watchers asked if that was it after seeing the preliminary shoots. When we are anticipating, hoping, and waiting for something and it doesn't happen when or as we expect, it can be disheartening. Our dreams and aspirations meet reality in ways that we don't always plan for and that can be discouraging, even crushing. But, the second part of this proverb intends to build hope in us and to remind us that wishes do come true and things do work out and bring us joy. If you are waiting for something, take comfort in knowing that God KNOWS what you long for and be joyful in the anticipation and hope of fulfilled dreams.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! With spring weather comes one of my most favorite activities--hiking. We love to explore new trails, but sometimes on unfamiliar hikes we are not sure of which way to go. We may have to hike for a bit on one trail before we realize it is not leading where we want to be and we turn around. And boy, isn't that an analogy for life? We all have choices to make and sometimes those take us down a path we aren't supposed to be on. Thankfully, we can ask God for help. With his grace, we can turn around and choose differently. Ask God, in the small decisions and the big ones, which way does HE want you to go and remember to be still and listen to and trust his guidance. 

Friday, May 11, 2018

Vintage Inspired Market Sign

When someone asks if you might want some FREE plywood scraps, you say, "Yes please!"

The pieces I was able to get are perfect for these fun, chippy, vintage inspired signs I have been making. 

Make a vintage inspired sign with this chippy paint technique

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Simple Side Table

I was puttering in the workshop the other day, waiting for paint to dry and unsure of what I wanted to build. I grabbed some pallet boards and made a simple rectangle (similar to this one). From there, I created a simple, rustic, side table.

Make a Simple Side Table from Reclaimed Wood

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Sunday Verses

God has a plan and a purpose for each of us
Happy Sunday! One of my favorite things about hiking this time of year is discovering the blooming wildflowers. The flowers remind me of ninth grade biology when we had to collect, press, label, and correctly identify what felt like thousands of wildflowers. At the time, the assignment seemed like a pointless and tedious task. But, now I realize it gave me an appreciation for all of the different varieties of wildflowers growing in Montana. God often works in our lives this same way. There are things that we have to go through that we don't understand, but the events shape us and help us to become who he wants us to be. God is working in everything we experience to accomplish his plans and purposes. Rest in knowing that he is ALWAYS working for good in our lives, and that he will not and does not "waste" anything we have to go through.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Primitive Cupboard

When a friend's grandfather passed away, he was left with a house and garage FULL of "treasures". I was thankful that he asked if I was interested in looking through any of it. This primitive cupboard was in the garage storing a multitude of fishing poles and gear.

primitive cupboard before
The family thought I was a little crazy for wanting it, but I definitely saw the potential.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Thrift Store Swivel Stool Makeover

A simple swivel stool from the thrift store (a Pottery Barn stool none the less), 

Thrift Store Swivel Stool Makeover Before picture
gets a chippy paint makeover.