My Grama's Soul

I certainly don't do as much Christmas decorating as I used to when I was younger.  In fact, since my son passed Christmas is always a bittersweet time for our family.   But this year it has been easier to get in a festive mood, so we got out all the old Christmas things and tried to use them in new ways.  The above wreath is decorated with clear bulbs that my sweet grandson and I tie-dyed to be pink in color.  They turned out lovely and I was able to use them in this old wreath.  I have it mounted on an old bird stand and it is proudly displayed in our living room. Our tree is only about three and a half feet tall and it sits on a desk and the end of our main room in the house.  My sweet sister in law gave me a Christmas book a few years back with all kind of handmade papers and cards.  This year I took it apart and used it to decorate my little tree.   When you retire ...

O.K.....so you might ask.....what is bimbelling?  Came across this word somewhere in my reading.  It is akin to putzing or puttering around one's home or property.  I'm ALWAYS doing that. Thought I would share my  latest adventure into the bimbelling world...covered Brad's dad's old bench in an old scarf I have had for years.  While I was at it I decided to also cover an old cream lampshade with the same fabric.   We also hired a friend to help us hang this gigantic mirror that has been sitting on our floor for the last four years. Little projects being completed with little or no cost to us. Next on the list: This pillow remade with fabric from an old tote that was falling apart.    While I was at it, I used the pom poms on the tote to embellish a favorite jacket.. Also used a strip of the African print on the edge of the pillow above. Added part of an old scarf to a Euro Sham on our bed to fluff...

I'm always looking for ways to make something on a shoestring.  I think it is wise in today's world to shrink one's footprint as well as doing things as inexpensively as possible. To wit.....I am sharing a little stick light I made from a tree limb found in my yard..and a string of LED lights that plug in to the wall. Had the lights left over from some other project and the best part is I can easily unplug them in the evening when I go to bed. Simplicity and frugality.....the perfect combination. xoxo Jo

Goodness....I have not posted in over a month.  This one will have lots of pics so be prepared.  (O: I was not sure if I was ready to celebrate this year as Christmas day was the last day I saw my son alive....but I know Scott would want me to celebrate the day even though he is somewhere else....hopefully....having his own celebration!!! These old clear bulbs turned into the ones in the shots above.   Still loved the bulbs as they are plastic and unbreakable but wanted to make them a color so took paint and made that happen.   I have used the same decorations now for sometime....just remaking them into something new.   We did not put up a big tree this year as I was just not up to the task...but as you can see I spread little things here and there though the house. The leather photo album in this picture is over 100 years old.  It contains pictures of my aunt, my mom and my grandmother and grandfath...

I love feathers......there....I've said it!! My sweet husband thinks I was probably a feather dancer in France during the Belle Epoque.  (: In particular feather boas really get my blood going.....I have several at the house in different colors, and have managed to use them in various ways.  I thought this white one would gussy up my home made wreath. I was  looking for a few new ideas with my decorating this year....and decided that feathers were just the ticket. I simply pinned this boa around the outside of this wreath. I will be able to use the boa for something else next year. I also decided to use my Mardi Gras mask to adorn the top of our little tree.  I just stuck it in the top and will be able to remove it at the end of the holidays.  Oh....I know....some of you think this is pretty weird...but feathers are so very festive and so versatile.   Thats it from here today. Stay well and happy. Jo

You know what they say......"one man's trash is another man's treasure". Wanted to show you what could be done with an old farm implement gear from a tractor or combine...not sure... This particular piece is way to big and heavy for any jewelry making....so I thought it would make a wonderful candle holder.  No worries if the wax melts on it.....it will even become more "funky". Just me "out pickin'". xo Jo

Anyone who knows me....knows I'm certainly NOT a minimalist....with color or with my home.  I have been looking for a rug to incorporate into my living room...it seems like FOREVER.  Anyway....finally found one I adore!!! Ordered this Persian  on-line from One King's Lane....rugs can be tricky...and ordering them over the internet can really turn out to be a nightmare...but as I said....I could not be happier. Love the color, love the design and it is just enough color in the middle of my room. A large coffee table normally goes on top of it....but I wanted to show you the design of the rug clearly, so took these shots without the table in place. Oh and the best part is the rug was marked down half-price. Needed a pop of color on that traditional rug of ours and this one fits the bill. ~~~ BTW......here is a shot of my studio.....where I can be creative from time to time...when I'm not messing with dogs....teehee. You can see how that rug I ...