Snowy Day

A cold, dark snowy evening led to a beautiful snowy day!

The Snow Storm

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

  

Announced by all the trumpets of the sky,
Arrives the snow, and, driving o'er the fields,
Seems nowhere to alight: the whited air
Hides hills and woods, the river, and the heaven,
And veils the farmhouse at the garden's end.
The sled and traveler stopped, the courier's feet
Delayed, all friends shut out, the housemates sit
Around the radiant fireplace, enclosed
In a tumultuous privacy of storm.

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Quotation Spoons!

Thought I would share some new quotation spoons that I made this morning!  They're so much fun to make and the possibilities are endless!  I can put any quotation that you'd like!
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 I used Maurice Sendak and Dr. Seuss as my inspiration!  I can't wait to do more!

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Chalkboard Wall

Chalkboard seems to be all the rage right now, so I decided a few months ago to paint a small portion of our wall in the kitchen with chalkboard paint.  Our house isn't huge and I don't have a lot of extra wall space, so I squeezed it in where I could.  I really love it!  It just adds a touch of interest to an otherwise blank wall.  It was so easy to do too.  The hardest part was waiting three days for it cure...I'm not the most patient person.

The first thing I did was clean the wall really well with soap and water.  While that was completely drying I measured from the floor to the desired height of my chalkboard.  I drew three little dots...one on each corner and one in the center of the wall.  I then connected the dots with a very light pencil line....this was the top of the board.  I used painters tape and taped the perimeter of the board.  I didn't even prime the wall, I just started painting.  I used Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint.  It went on super easy...I was actually surprised.  I painted the first coat and once it dried completely continued with the second coat.  And that's it!  After it cures for a few days you're ready to draw.  A friend told me to prepare the board I should cover the entire surface with chalk.   After erasing it the board was ready to use.

I love this chalkboard!  For chalkboard ideas just go to Pinterest.  There are tons of photos to inspire your creative juices.

Don't forget to stop by Thirty Six Design!  thirtysixdesign.etsy.com

Valentine's Day

The Christmas rush is over and now it's time to look forward to Valentine's Day at Thirty Six Design!  During my down time a few days ago I made some new hand stamped spoons perfect for the holiday.  I think some new buntings are in order too.  Our daughter is visiting from Austin, maybe I can put her to work stamping, sewing and stenciling.  I could have used an employee a few weeks ago! Please visit my shop to see the complete collection.  thirtysixdesign.etsy.com

Last Minute Shopping and Visiting

I finally got out to do a little last minute Christmas shopping today.  Off to Littleton, NH I went...one of the nicest small towns in the US I'm sure!  Tucked in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire, Littleton has a wonderful small town feel with a very active Main street.  I found just what I was looking for.  I got some awesome handmade earrings, made by a local artist, for a friend.  You should check out Lochlin Smith at http://www.lochlinsmith.com/.  His jewelry is amazing.
 I got lunch to go at The French Sisters.  I just love the name.  It's a cute little cafe and bakery.  I had the Country Pork Spread Sandwich and for dessert a Jalapeno Chocolate Chip cookie.  Perfect for a cold winter day.

On my way home I popped in on a friend.  I wanted to see her amazing Christmas decorations.  She purchased two Christmas buntings from me and I wanted to see them in action.  She's got such a flare for decorating mantels and stairways....and working with greenery.  She really should start her own business!

Below are some pictures of Littleton and Karen's awesome decor. Don't forget to visit Thirty Six Design!  thirtysixdesign.etsy.com

Christmas at Home

This year I've been so busy that I haven't really had time to enjoy the holidays like I normally do!  Which really isn't like me at all!  In years past I've had Christmas music playing every day, decorating done by Thanksgiving eve and lots of cooking, baking and general merriment going on around the house.  I'm afraid I did pass on the "Christmas Gene" to our daughter, Chelsea.  She loves the Carpenters Christmas album almost as much as I do!  I did manage to get some decorating done though in between orders.  This year I decided to tone down...go for a minimal approach...and I really love it. Smaller tree and fewer decorations is actually quite calming to the senses.  Never thought I'd say that! Check out my buntings at Thirty Six Design!  thirtysixdesign.etsy.com