2020 Tag

Well, well, well...

I had a lovely, relaxing Christmas break. So relaxing as a matter of fact that I never finished my 12 Days of Christmas. Guess what? I am going to finish them and get a jump start on next year! How nice will it be to open my Christmas boxes in 2020 and see some fresh decor items? Got a little more Christmas crafting in you?

Today's quick project would really be Day 12 and I would have shared it weeks ago if I was on top of things. But, we have established I was not this year, so here is my 8th project for my 12 Days of Christmas Projects.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Our Christmas dinner was a small crew this year, no need for extra leaves in the table because there were only four of us. But, I made sure to let my kids know that if they had any friends who needed somewhere to celebrate Christmas, they were welcome to join us. We did have friends join us for our family's various Christmas Eve traditions. I have always said I would rather include than exclude. Jesus was definitely an includer. He ate with tax collectors, he invited prostitutes in, he welcomed cheaters and robbers to the table. We don't need to go across the ocean or even down to the local homeless camp (although you certainly can) to find people who are in need of a meal and companionship. There are hurting, down, or alone folks in our lives that are looking to spend time with others. This new year let's let go of perfection and expectations and simply invite some people to the table and into our lives. Pick up a take-n-bake pizza or box of ten tacos (actually, better make it twenty) and share your space with someone who might need some fellowship.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! As I headed out Friday to hopefully finish up my Christmas shopping, I vowed to remain cheerful and to spread joy despite the crowds and lines and traffic. Before I even made it to town I was giving a driver a thumbs down (as opposed to other hand gestures) for forcing me to the shoulder to avoid a head on collision with her because she was passing when it was not clear. Jesus calls us to do EVERYTHING in love. That includes driving, interacting with others, responding to those who anger us and hurt us. I fail at this daily. I am short with people, judge others harshly at times, spew impatience and irritation. This verse is becoming my mantra--it is short and the perfect one to tuck inside your heart and mind, to speak over yourself and others. Reminding ourselves to act in love, to CHOOSE love first will make our homes and workplaces and communities a little bit better and more peaceful.

12 Days of Christmas Day 7 Cute Christmas Coasters

This giveaway is now over. Winners are: Sandy at Primitive Skate, Marie at Interior Frugalista, and Linda at Itsy Bitsy. You'll be contacted shortly to claim your wins!

Many thanks to everyone who entered and visited these wonderful projects!

Today's project is perfect for a last minute gift idea! These cute coasters take minutes to make and are perfect for your favorite holiday drinks.

12 Days of Christmas Day 6 Christmas Tree Art

If you have been following along with my 12 Days of Christmas, you know that I am sharing ideas made with two of Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils.

(affiliate link)

And when I chose the Christmas Bingo Stencil  (GET IT HERE)I promised to show you some fun ideas that aren't a countdown calendar at all. 

Here is one of those ideas that was born out of the need for something else on my Christmas gallery wall.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! If you are a parent you know the value in the stillness and quiet of an early morning. The wee morning hours have been utilized by mamas for centuries as a time to rest, be still, and renew. Even with only one birdie left in the nest (and who is soon to fly the coop), I enjoy morning peace and quiet, alone time at the beginning of the day. And oh, how God knows the value of rest. He sent Jesus to this world to bring us rest--rest from trying to earn his love and salvation, rest from jumping through the hoops, rest for the weary world. In this season that seems to be about anything but stillness and repose, take time to come to Jesus, to lay down your burdens, to pause, and rest in his peace. 

12 Days of Christmas Day 5 Shelf Decor

Christmas is 12 days away, and yep, I am only on day 5 here( day 4 was the stenciled tray I shared for our fun blog hop!). Oh well, so goes life. Thanks for your patience! Day five's project started at as ornaments, but...

I decided to use them for shelf sitters instead. 

Christmas Tray with a Thrift Store Find and Old Sign Stencils Plus a Giveaway

Cookies and cocoa and cocktails...oh my! That is a just a few things that will look great served up on this adorable Christmas tray.

I am joining up with FIVE other FABULOUS bloggers to bring you some quick and easy Christmas ideas using Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils. PLUS, we have a giveaway for YOU!

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Christmas lights are my very favorite Christmas decoration. Christmas lights on trees symbolize Jesus coming as the light of the world. Jesus is light, light for all. And because he gives us his life freely, we are able to and called to shine in other people's lives. This doesn't have to be hard or overwhelming. Don't try to be the biggest, brightest bulb around, think more of a simple strand of fairy lights. Uncomplicated gestures sometimes shine the brightest. Interact with those placed in your path, encourage people--cheer them on, build relationship, get your hands dirty working along side them, spread joy. This season when we see so many lovely lights, let them remind you of the Light of the World and the life he gives us so that we can shine love in other's lives.

12 Days of Christmas Day 3 Christmas Countdown Calendar

I love a good Christmas countdown calendar (because if you have kids, you know a countdown calendar so helps!), and this one is easy AND can be used year after year. 

(affiliate link)

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! We are at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend and frankly, many people are feeling let down, frustrated, and exhausted. We have spent time with family and friends and for many, with people who are hard to love (if you aren't sure who the challenging one is, it might be you 😉). People are messy. Like snowflakes, each person in our lives is unique and sometimes that makes loving them hard. We struggle to understand how each one of us is wired differently. The only perfect love is God and the rest of us have to strive to love and accept others for the individuals that they are. If you are feeling let down, that is okay. Breathe, rest, and soak in Jesus' unconditional love. Continue to work (and it is work) to see the best in others and to actively love and appreciate their distinctive qualities.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! One of my favorite things about where we live are the mountains that surround us. It is a rare day that I don't appreciate them and thank God for their beauty. But, those same amazing mountains become problems in inclement weather. They are often at best extremely dangerous to drive over, and at worst, impassable. Mountains are mentioned 500 times in the Bible, many times as barriers. God sees mountains as opportunities. He sees our stumbling blocks as chances to work in our lives, as events where his unfailing love removes obstacles and Jesus moves on our behalf. Whatever mountain you are facing-- broken relationships, poor health, debt, addiction, depression--give them to our loving Father and trust him to level them.

12 Days of Christmas Day 2 Custom Ribbon and a Wreath

Today's project is super simple and easy and quick--perfect, right? 

I wanted to create custom ribbon for Christmas projects.

(affiliate link)

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! We have had a lot of winter this fall and we only had a few days, as opposed to the typical two weeks, of brilliant colored cotoneaster leaves before they lost their foliage. The hedge suffered from the early, tough conditions, but the berries that are left on the bushes attract turkeys, chickadees, and other birds that enjoy feeding on them. As I watched turkeys enjoying the fruit, it reminded me that sometimes we go through hard things so that we can bear fruit for others. People are watching us, watching how we handle adversity and trials. And often, before we can even see the life things we are learning in the tough times, others are growing and taking hold of the "fruit" or lessons. God does not waste our pain and difficulties. When we love others, keep the faith and continue to trust God through the challenges, we will bear good fruit.

12 Days of Christmas Day 1 Christmas Card Box

Hello, and welcome to my annual 12 Days of Christmas ideas posts. I look forward to sharing with you 12 different, easy DIY ideas for the holidays. 

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! When was the last time you let something glorious startle you? We get so accustomed to our everyday lives, to the things we see and experience day in and day out that we often forget to notice and appreciate the beauty in the ordinary. I have learned that the one thing that can turn around a ho-hum day or my bad attitude is when I stop to enjoy and thank God for the routine things that I take for granted. Sunrises and sunsets, hugs and smiles, the sound of laughter, trees changing with the seasons, simple and kind gestures, a good meal--all small things that are extraordinary if we let them be. Let God's everyday wonders startle you and remember to thank him when they do.

Rustic Repurposed Christmas Tobacco Tin

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...really, it is around here. We have already had lots of snow and record breaking cold temperatures. And while I typically start my 12 Days of Christmas Ideas posts on November 1st, I am a tad late due to LIFE.

BUT, even though I am not starting my OFFICIAL 12 Days posts, I do have a quick and easy DIY Christmas project for you. 

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! We just celebrated senior night for volleyball for my daughter and this is one of my favorite photos from the night. Competitively, it was a tough season--we moved up a class, graduated seven seniors the previous year, and lost two outstanding senior players to knee injuries. Despite the setbacks, the season has been a positive one as the truly important lessons of playing a sport have been practiced. This team has inspired one another, they have lifted each other up, and spurred each other on to be better. They have cried together, laughed together, loved each other, and wrapped their arms tightly around their teammates. They have embodied what this verse is about and what unselfishly loving one another looks like. This week look for someone that you can encourage, that you can wrap your arms around and lift up.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! A few months my husband, daughter and I picked more than a gallon of huckleberries and froze them so that on cold mornings like today we can enjoy huckleberry pancakes. Huckleberry picking takes some patience. First, you have to know where to find the berries and that tends to be highly classified information in Montana. They grow close to the ground so you have to squat or stoop for long periods of time to pick huckleberries one at a time. Bears also enjoy huckleberries so you must remain vigilant with at-hand bear spray while gathering. But, oh, warm huckleberry pancakes on a snowy morning are a small slice of heaven and worth every bit of work and time. There is a saying that we don't eat the fruit the same day we plant the seed. Doing good, taking care of others, praying for something is often a delayed harvest. Like huckleberry picking, we need to be patient when doing good and trust that being kind and compassionate, selfless and altruistic will reap future fruit.

Colorful Rustic Coat Hook and Shelf

Coat hooks are ALWAYS a popular item in my booth. I decided to make a few of them today. The first one I will share started with a couple boards (28" long) that I spied in my scrap bin. 

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Fall is my favorite season, but this year it has been different than normal. We have had more winter, snow, single digit temperatures, with a seventy degree day thrown in here and there and I have not been happy about it. Where is the fall that I know and love? Life is ever-changing. It is hard to know what we can count on and find assurance in because the "rules" seem to shift and finding security and stability is challenging. But, this I know: God's Word does not change. I know I am loved unconditionally, always forgiven, Jesus is my strength and will never leave me. When life is uncertain when you feel like you are standing on shifting ground, trust these truths. Repeat them aloud to yourself if needed and rest in Him.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! I recently remembered or was reciting a poem I have known since childhood: "When life goes wrong as it sometimes will, and the road you are trudging seems all uphill..." If you don't know it, the poem goes on to basically say, stuff happens to all of us and when it does it's okay to rest, but never quit. I wasn't having a particularly bad day when I recalled this poem, but its message is good every day, for all of us. The Bible tells us the same thing. Jesus knows things are going to happen, we are going to have bad days, weeks, months. We experience real affliction and trouble--some it self-induced and some not. Sometimes we fall apart, physically and/or mentally. But, through it all, God renews us. His grace tells us to not give up, to never quit. Rest in him and his grace, but keep on keeping on, keep striving and fighting for better things, and never give up.

Easy Fall Signs on Old Records

Records? Remember these? Oh, how I loved my record albums. Some of my first albums  that I remember listening to were Mary Poppins and Pebbles and Bam-Bam's Good Ship Lollipop album. Later came The Partridge Family, Helen Reddy and Carly Simon.

While albums have made a resurgence, some old records are too far gone to be used for their original purpose.

When I recently "refound" some old albums in my junk stash, I knew they would be perfect simple signs.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Do you ever get a song stuck in your head? Typically, it will just be a line or two and it will repeat in my mind over and over and usually it is a song I don't even really like. Or, we put on repeat negative things that were said to us or about us, things that tell us we are not enough. God puts a song in each of our hearts--a song written specifically for each one of us. His song never shames, it doesn't put us down, it is light and full of love, a song of praise. Whatever negative thoughts you have running through your head, the chorus on repeat in your heart that weighs you down, give it to God. Tell him you are tired of singing that song that is not from him. Ask him to give you a new song, a song about his unconditional love for you, a song that reassures you that you are enough, a song that reminds you that are created in HIS image. Today, sing a new song.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! For the most part, we tend to be logical people. We like order and want there to be cause and effect in our lives, we like reason. We want to know why things happen the way they do and we spend inordinate amounts of time asking and trying to figure out why. And, that is okay. It is okay to ask and wonder why. The problem comes when we assume we know why, when we inaccurately blame a cause, when we presume something occurred because we did something wrong. Sometimes--a lot of the time, we are not going to know why bad things happen. When we realize that life is not always fair, that hard, horrible things happen to good people, and we trust that God knows why, we can start to heal. Jesus understands, he sees and knows all, he brings good from bad, and he holds us in our pain and in our questioning. Let go of the why and trust the One who knows.

Shelf Decor for Fall

Y'all, I have been MIA! I was told once to never apologize for infrequently blogging. After all, I realize you are not hanging on my every word or project, but I do hope to jump back on the blogging boat soon. 

Right now I only have time for quick projects and these cute shelf sitters fit the bill perfectly.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Life feels busy right now and routine and I find myself going through the motions, doing the things, ticking off the list without appreciating the small, every day things. But then, something as simple as a sunset, can stop me and remind me to pause and enjoy the simple, still moments. Jesus wants us to take delight in life. He wants us to live a full and abundant and good life. God does not want the drudgery and mundane to steal our happiness and contentment. Pause. Breathe. Seek Jesus. Appreciate and live life where you are, today.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! In the junking/antiquing business we often hear, "What is this worth?" We say it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. In other words, you may have an incredibly valuable antique, but if you are hoping to sell it to make money and don't have a buyer, it isn't worth anything. We may have all of the faith in the world, but if we are acting without love that faith is nothing. Faith is powerful, but only when we pair it with unconditional love. Acting, speaking, helping, trying to change circumstances must be done in love. We will only change the world by becoming love with open arms and open hearts, by getting in the trenches with each other, by leaving the judgement to God. When we love first, we will move mountains.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Labor Day, the unofficial end to summer. I find myself holding on to the warm days, being well aware that winter will be here sooner than I want. One of the gifts of getting older is knowing that seasons are a part of life. Easy seasons are appreciated and savored, tough seasons are endured as they strengthen faith. And, through it all, God remains. He is faithful and present. He is the God who sees, who knows what we are going through and if we let him, will use our seasons to teach us unconditional love. There is a reason for our seasons (yep, that rhymed) and whichever you are in, hold on, relax and rest in the truth that it has a purpose and that it will change.

How to Build a Rustic Shipping Crate

I love building crates--they are easy and so versatile and useful. Let me show you how to make a distressed, shipping crate.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! God wants relationship with you, period. Seems simple enough, and God intended it to be that way when he sent Jesus to earth. But, humans that we are, we complicate it. We tell ourselves lies as to why we don't have relationship with Jesus: we aren't good enough. we don't have it together, Jesus followers are weird and mean, I will be judged, it's just not for me, I don't need God, God doesn't care about me. While sadly there might be some partial truths in some of these thoughts, they are not God's truth. Jesus wants to tear down every lie that is keeping you from him. He wants you to know that he loves you and NOTHING will change that. He is pursuing you. That empty feeling, that place in you that you can't seem to fill with earthly things--Jesus wants to infuse it with his love, that is truth you can rely on.

Rustic Fall Sign

Fall is in the air...well, sort of. It is 90+ right now, but has been getting cooler at night. And for makers, fall creating is definitely here!  

(affiliate links)

Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils make fall crafting a cinch. I used three of the fall signs to make this adorable, rustic sign perfect for a porch or garden.

I love these free standing signs because they can go anywhere. I start with a board, 2" x 4", etc. to use as the post. I cute bottom braces 10" long (or longer if your post is heavier) and attach them to the main post in a + pattern. this is the bottom of the sign.

I stenciled the signs on three different boards, each one weathered an as is. NOTE--the stencil prices you see are in Canadian which translates to a lesser price in the U.S. (see stencils HERE). Make a sign for yourself and a few for gifts and you have more than made your investment back.

I cut the signs to look like arrows and attached the with screws to the main post. I used a clear coat over all of it to bring out the natural finish of the wood. 

This is a super easy project, especially using the high quality stencils. I can't wait to share more places I have used these fun, fall signs. 

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! No, don't worry, I am not starting Christmas posts and not ready for Christmas at all. But, as a kid I loved Christmas and couldn't wait for the decorations, the special foods, the songs, and the gifts. I thought it all happened magically and I had no idea how much work my mom did behind the scenes as I impatiently waited for my favorite holiday. As an adult I have a hard time waiting for different things- a difficult situation to change, a loved one to step into who God created them to be, an answer to a long-prayed prayer. God is in the waiting, always working even when we don't see it or realize it.  God is active in the waiting, never ceasing to work on our behalf. Whatever you are waiting for, have faith that God knows, he sees us and he never stops working for us.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! I am a shower crooner--honestly, the shower is the only space where this non-singer should be belting out tunes. I sing a variety of songs: Beyonce, Led Zeppelin, Jack Johnson, Bonnie Raitt, twangy country songs. One song I often find myself singing is from my childhood Sunday school days, "this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it". Abraham Lincoln is quoted with saying we are about as happy as we make our minds up to be. I agree that we can choose happiness, choose joy. We can focus on the positive, we can see the small, everyday things as blessings, we can choose to delight in the ordinary, practice gratitude, laugh at the little moments. Please note, I do know that depression is real and for some choosing joy is not as simple as making up our minds that we are going to be happy. If that is you, please seek help. Thankfully, for most of us, it is a choice and switching our mind set can completely change our attitudes and view on life. Today, rejoice and choose happiness.

Rustic Tin Paintings

Hubby was speaking my love language when he brought home a truckload of rusty, corrugated tin the other day (the next day he brought home a truckload of maple flooring scraps!). 

I used a couple of the small pieces this past weekend for a couple paintings. I love painting sunflowers so I painted some on the tin. After blobbing (a technical painting term) some aqua colored paint on the tin, I painted several flowers.

(I do not know what settings I had my camera on, but these are blurry, sorry!)

I framed the tin and used stain over all of it. It is simple and happy and sunny!

I also painted a star (not as easy as it seems with the curves of the tin). I painted yellow first, then red, a little green and finally aqua.

Again, I finished it with a frame and stain. 

They are not perfect, but perfectly rustic and happy.