Welcome to my
Perfectly Imperfect Life..........

Monday, November 7, 2011

That Extra Hour.....

I had a good day yesterday, physically and emotionally...

I don't know if it was the extra hour from setting the clocks back,
or
because I had the best nights sleep in a long while
or
just the fact that I was surrounded by unconditional love....

(())
Cyndar curled around my feet and legs,
and
Katie under the covers snuggled against my tummy,
and 
Bailey nestled in my pillow behind my head.

Whatever the reason,
 I was thankful for being comforted by them.
Not that this was different from any other night,
but just because....

(())

I had the most productive day yesterday...
again, I don't know if it was that extra hour
but it seemed as I was whipping through projects 
and time was standing still.....

I liked this paradoxical universe.


Let me show you a bit of what I got accomplished ---- (Oh Joy another photo laden post)

Not sure if you remember,
 but I hit a great Garage Sale last month and found these babies.


I'm talking about the frames ;)

Since I am making most of my Holiday Gifts this year,
treasures like this make my heart sing...and my mind spin!

See the bright oval gold one in the center?
Well, to 'shiny brite' for me.

I had some gel stain which I tried first.

(Yes, that little pink glittery house, you see in the background,
will make it into my Etsy Shop soon!
 it even lights up)


ehhh, didn't care for it.
 I really wanted the ornate details to pop.
So I went to black paint.
I mixed some of the stain and paint together and slathered it on and in the crevices.
Left it on a few seconds and wiped off;
too light I redid it,
too dark, I used a damp rag to wipe more off.
I did this until I got the look I was going for. 

And no, you didn't see me sanding it...
as well as a lazy gardener, I'm a lazy crafter too.
Hey,
it all works out in the end.
My focus and energy is limited ya know!


Here you can see the comparison of the gel stain (top)
and the black paint mixture (right)


Since this is a Christmas gift, I have to be somewhat discrete about showing you...
someone maybe be peeking
.
But, I had to show you the background I decided to use for this project.
I love it!


Just another peek
I could have spent all day playing with Mom's buttons


Even with the usual interruptions I stayed the course!

Evidently Tilly's wings have grown back, unbeknownst to us.
(We keep them trimmed so she can't fly, to keep her safe..
Painless, just like trimming your nails..which we do for her too *wink*)
Cyndar happened to bark and surprised/scared her.
The next thing we knew she was up on our partial wall.
 

and, of course, too scared to get down.


Mom to the rescue with a (thankfully) long enough dowel to reach her.


Back on her cage with a little smooch



and scratch to calm her down. 


ahh, yeh, right there......


Next thing I see is Bailey eyeing the top of the wall..
I "persuaded" her that she couldn't make that leap in her old age!


Back to sneak peeks of the 2 finished Christmas gifts...


I am so pleased with the way they both turned out.
I hope the recipients feel the same way.


I still had some energy left so I did some "embossing" on velvet ribbon.
It gives it that extra pop in detail.


It's easy to do.
If you've never done it before I'll walk you through it.

Lay a thick towel on your table.
Choose your stamp.
Place stamp upside down on the towel.
Lay the velvet ribbon upside down on the stamp.
Place a damp cloth over velvet ribbon.
Have iron heated on steam.
Iron in place for 8 seconds, making sure not to wiggle the iron.



Remove the iron and turn the fabric over to reveal the pattern embossed into its surface.


I chose a French Script stamp for this gorgeous red velvet ribbon.
Which, by the way, will make it into my Etsy Shop soon.


Here we go again,
Tilly was in a mischievous mood and
had made her way over to T's totes,
 that are full of the vases that were used for the wedding that I still need to list!
Anyone out there need some really nice clear vases??!!. 
Tilly loves to chew up the totes!
I need to get these things listed fast or
there won't be anything left to carry them in
*yikes*


 Sending hugs to all.
Wishing everyone a great week.



12 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh that extra hour of sleep did wonders for you - you go girl - garage sales, projects, and animals. It made me tired all day today - they affect me the other way! lol
    sandie

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  2. Great projects you have started! Love that embossed velvet. Cheers to your productive day. Felt good I'm sure. Love all the pics of the critters too.

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  3. You sure have been busy. Isn't it amazing what an extra hour can do? You know I love the button projects and the frame looks much better toned down. Looks like a long jump for a kitty at any age.

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  4. Love the new blog look! I like the brown with the leaves. Cyndar is such a peanut! Sounds like my dane. Tilly is just gorgeous! What a pretty girl! Love the sneak peak at you presents. Can't wait to see them all done though. After Christmas? Puh leeze! I love the embossed velvet. I went a few years ago, got a bunch of stamps that I liked, velvet and a new iron and that is about as far as I got with that project! I might have to just dig it all up now after seeing yours. I may need a new stamp too. I like your script one. So many good ideas! My head is whirling!

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  5. There's no denying that having our furry four legged friends curled up with us helps us to sleep. And crafting is very good for the soul I think so it sounds like you are on the right track for sure!

    Take care Deb!

    xo Catherine

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  6. Love seeing your projects! Thanks so much for being a part of 2nd Time Around!

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  7. I love the sneek peek. How could you not love getting beautiful gifts like these. Nice work.

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  8. Fantastic gifts!! I love the use of the old frames, I am sure the recipients will love them!!! Have a great VTT!

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  9. I love the embossed velvet ribbon. Now my creative brain is on high and constant idle!! (That engine never turns off!)

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  10. Great post filled with many neat things. The time change does not set well with me.

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  11. Wow, you have been busy! Love all your projects. They are going to turn out great! Thank you for joining TTF and have a great day!

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  12. Hi there, thanks for sharing your projects with us and for the step-by-step instructions for embossing ribbon. Cute seeing all the pictures of your "friends". I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris

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I'd love for you to leave me a comment. Helps me to know I'm not totally crazy...like my family thinks I am!
*hugs*deb

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