Getting back into summer Shape

My favorite spot in the summer just happens to be in my own back yard. I spend a lot of time on our back deck. It gets alot of sun in the afternoon. I have been working on getting it back into summer shape. I have planted a few flowers and repainted some things that should not have been left outside all winter.

I need to recover the cushions on the swing and buy more plants, but it is definitely looking better. I bought this sun today and hung it outside. I have plans to put a small plant stand underneath it. First, I must repaint the stand. All in good time.

Junking is a girl's best friend

This weekend was spent shopping with my daughter Tarah and her friend Liz. We went shoe shopping first and then hit the local consignment stores. These two girls love junking. Who knew? My daughter fell in love with this bureau and mirror. The problem is she lives three hours away and already has a bureau. After much thought, on her part. I am going back to the store and see if it is still there. Her father thought it was nice until she asked him if he would drive it to her. It lost some of its luster then. Thank you, Tarah and Liz for a fun weekend.

Little patch of pansies

Just a small example of instant gratification. With a bit of warm weather over the past few days, I made my first flower purchase. My favorite flowers are geraniums, red in particular. But for now these purple pansies will have to do. They make such a difference already. I will add flowers as the season progresses, but for now I am grateful for my little patch of pansies.

Black and White Pictures

I have no idea what to call this project. I just like to decorate pictures. I have just recently started doing this craft. I have bought a few books on altering pictures, the ideas are endless. These examples are very simple, but it is a start. The young couple in the first picture happens to be my parents. They will be married 52 years in July. The boy on the swing is my older brother who turns 50 years old today. Happy birthday, Wayne.

The proof is in the ground

Many blogs out there are posting the signs of spring in their area. I was determined to find proof that spring was actually making an appearance in my neck of the woods. Well, Rhode Island has jumped on the spring is in the air band wagon. I am happy to say that I did locate a hint of a few perennials in the back yard. The front door of our house now has a lovely wreath on it. I now need to make a list of the annual flowers, potting soil and flower pots I will need. White paint is needed to refresh the front porch. The screen door could use a coat of paint too. It looks like crafting will take a back seat to outdoor work for a few days. At least until the rain comes this weekend.

Cigar Box

Making flowers, making flowers that is all I seem to do. The weather here in the northeast was beautiful yesterday I even had the doors open letting in some much needed fresh air. Hopefully, I will be able to buy some flowers for outside soon. Purple and yellow pansies would look great on my back deck. My daughter keeps this cigar box on a bureau in her room. It might be nice to make one for myself. I think it would make a nice pocketbook. Not to use everyday of course but just for fun.

Clothespin Greeting Cards

I added a few greetings to the clothespins. They would look cute clipped to a gift card or maybe on a gift bag. I want to make a few more. I thought they would look cute with butterflies or lady bugs.