Big Pine Cones

Yesterday I found a fun store called Gray is Grey.  Here’s his facebook link if you want to check out his store.  (Go here.)  I wish you could see his driftwood Christmas trees better in his photos.  They are so cool.

He had these beautiful pine cones all over the store.  I bought some for my Christmas Tea table I will be doing, but I knew I could use them at home too.  I found a neat wire basket to display them.  I also got one unique pinecone and placed it on a stand.  I don’t think I ever tire of pine cones.  They are one of my favorite pieces of nature. 

 

Here’s the detail of the unique pine cone.

Is anyone else kinda stuck between holidays?  I have already done my fall decorating and it feels kind of early to put out Christmas decor.  I don’t do Thanksgiving decor because it seems the same as fall. 

I have another project I need to start today that can be fall/winter.   My son and I visited the nearby school in the dark last night and trimmed dead pine tree branches for it.  I hope it works out after all that trouble.

 

Tracy

 

Linking to

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

Another Bottle Collection

My son and I had a great time visiting some little shops today.  I wanted some amber/brown bottles to go above an antique medicine cabinet that use to belong to my mom. 

I stopped at a cute shop on Route 66 named Whispering Pines.  I love her little shop and I visited with her today and really enjoyed meeting her.  She also has a blog.  Visit here if you want to see it. 

She happened to have a few of the bottles that I was looking for and I was glad to buy them from such a nice lady.  I can’t wait to go back next weekend for her Christmas Open House.

Here’s my bottles.

 

I also got supplies for a ton of things I have in mind to work on and found some huge pine cones at another fun shop I will share with you soon.

Tracy

 

Photo of an Old Wooden Barn

I have so many things I need to do and here I sit.  I have seemed to put all of my energy into my photo class this week.  I finally know how to move my camera out of the safe zone so I accomplished my first goal.  I keep wanting my photos to be fabulous.  Patience is not my thing.  I believe most photographers tweak their photos by editing.  Some software programs can cost you an arm and a leg.  Picasa is free and does help and another one I found that does a little more is Picnik.  It is free but with an upgrade of $24.95 a year, you get more functions.  I took a photo of an old barn on the edge of town and used the editing to bring out some colors in a rather monotone setting.  I always find myself thinking anything old and worn is beautiful.  The Trendy Treehouse has a new weekly feature where you get to show how you would edit a photo they provide.  I think it will be a great way to learn new things. 

Here’s my edited photo.

Do you edit your photos?   If so, what program do you use?

Tracy

To the Blogger Who Offered the Giveaway

I misplaced your email and the info for the giveaway.  It has been a crazy week and I deleted my emails without thinking.  Would you please contact me again? 

Thanks

Tracy

 

Sunset for Outdoor Wednesday

I missed a gorgeous sunset last night so I went to the park to try and get it tonight.  There were no clouds so it wasn’t as amazing, but all sunsets are beautiful with or without the clouds. 

 

Tracy

Ballard Bird Knock Off Attempt

The Ballard Catalog had some bird ornaments that caught my eye.

I thought I could easily make them myself. 
I made a bird but it wasn’t very easy and it didn’t turn out quite like I had in mind.  I do have to say it is cuter than the original 3 for $1 birds I found at Dollar Tree.

I had to pluck the feathers off to reveal a plastic bird form that looked more like a duck body.  I pulled out the bug eyes and attempted to cover the bird in burlap. 
I couldn’t get it to work.  So I went to plan B.  I covered the bird in paper sack colored tissue paper using Mod Podge and then made the tail and wings with wire and twine.

I will show you several more views of the before and after.
Before

After



Side by side.

I am undecided if I like this project or not.  What do you think?  Is it worth making more and burning my fingers on hot glue? 

Tracy

Linking to
Before and After @ Savvy Southern Style
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Halloween Night and the Winner of the Watch

The trick or treating seems to be coming to an end.  I had fun seeing all of the cute costumes.  I dressed my dog up.

She was not thrilled. 

I went down to the neighbors who had a spooky yard.

My son dressed up last minute as a silly burglar to join his friend the vampire.

My husband and I sat on the couch and watched football and waited for the doorbell to ring.

I am so excited to have a pony tail.  It has been a year since my  hair was long enough.

I have to show you a couple more photos before I announce the winner.  This is the son of a friend who came to trick or treat before it got dark.  He was dressed as a  pirate.

I could hardly get a pic.  He would not quit moving.  I forget how busy little ones are.  How do any of you get any projects done with little ones?  I am impressed. 

Ok finally the winner is…..

#27

Crystal Ann @ Livin the Dream

Congrats.  I didn’t see an email on your profile, but I will send you a comment on your blog.  Let me know your email and I will send your watch to you.

Thanks for entering and following.  I really do appreciate it.

Tracy