Pt.4 Winter gifts 10 DIY's

Not your average box of cookies found here. They average from a few hours to a dedicated day of creating.  

Gift #1

 For the Outdoorsy recipient, Make them a Dog Back Pack! Dogs can carry up to 25% of their weight in a pack. Things like their ball/Frisbee. Water, treats and food as well as collapsible containers. Moose is big enough to even carry my water and mini first aid kit with his own supplies. Pricing all the pieces needed if buying all new as well as velcro instead of zippers, I came to a total of $15. If you happen to have a few like new hunting vests or can ask around for a few, this would make the project cost half as much as well as visual enhancing!

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=309913.0

Moose will be receiving one in neon orange being he's a large animal whose color easily makes him mistaken for a deer to a less responsible & eager Hunter.  Neon orange would also be great for those joggers and walkers. 

Gift #2 & 3

Do you knit?  I don't... sadly I just do not have the patience. But if you do, why not knit up a trendy Scull cap! I've shared with you *over Here* how to make one from a sweater and ball cap visor for us non knitters. This was in 2010 and it still looks great after multiple wash & dries! 

Over at Amanda Knits, she graciously shares her knitting pattern for this "code 88" scull cap! perfect for a wide variety of recipients and in one comment, it was said to take just 5 hours to knit. Perfect for that Ice Fisherman, Hunter, Teen and father! Heck, even the women of the house could enjoy one of these for a jaunt to the chicken house, a walk on the trails or for the lazy winter hair days doing outside chores..

http://amandaknits.com/download/code88hata.pdf

Gift #4

On the subject of outdoor wear, here's something for the younger Boys and girls! Another Upcycle sweater DIY gift:

Via Skip to my Lou

Gift #5

It's One for the birds! The more grown up version of the birdseed pine cone feeder. Detailed tutorial shared by Stephanie Lynn. Complete with inspiration for various shapes other then a "do nut" wreath. Time to eye those never used jello molds and decorative tins. Remember~ Package & presentation! That ribbon makes this go from ordinary "Oh thanks" to "This is so cute!".Homemade with pro results. Your local fabric stores should have some major sales going on right now so go browse for the perfect cloth to make your "ribbon hang ties". Nothing cutesy like child style graphics. Take inspiration from this cute flannel plaid print.

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/11/how-to-make-homemade-birdseed-wreath.html

Gift #6
This next one can be customized between adult or child use. Use multi fabrics or coordinate colors to their interests. Perfect for lounging outdoors under a tree reading or watching the kids play. Easy enough to throw in the trunk for use at a park, camping, out on the lake, sleep overs and so on down the list. Double use being perfect for indoor lounging. This is a bit more time dedication but makes a great way to use up the leftover fabric pile or those too small pairs of jeans you have yet to rid yourself of. Use your imagination for fabric upcycle! If giving to a child, this would be nice combined with a book either in a series they enjoy already or introduce them to a new one. 

The DIY Jelly Roll Floor pillow:

http://www.shelterness.com/amazing-diy-jelly-roll-floor-pillows/

If gifting a book{s}, why not wrap them up with a natural twist? Brown craft paper or brown bag for the wrapping. A sweet stamped gift tag with a sprig of cypress, pine or other winter greenery. The extra effort will not go unnoticed :

Gift #7
More simple sewing? Have problems cutting things straight? Then THIS may be a great way to give a sewn gift without doubt. Bandanna square blanket! There are so many colors and designs to use Go explore the accessory aisle for inspiration. Have a look online for even more styles. As created by Deco Allure, shared on her site complete with a mini how to:

Photo via Deco Allure

Gift #8
Have a garden lover? Maybe give a touch of Curb appeal to a smaller space outdoors? I've already began looking through my garage PVC pipe extras for one of these. Spray paint for the finish in a bright or mute color. This one below with complete tutorial, was made with Copper. If you can afford to splurge on copper for gift use, you are in for a major grateful recipient. Enlarge the pieces for a pathway walk through or make small for Rose bushes. Wonderful DIY and inspiration via Fine Gardening:

Gift #9

Another WOW factor DIY on a budget for something Extraordinary.. Make a bench from 2 dining chairs! Perfect for the porch to encourage no shoes or boots in the house. Put in a foyer, out by the garden, in the house or bedrooms. This one looks easy enough with a *tutorial by An Oregon Cottage*

This one with a back seems more to my taste & use. My favorite hence far, *MakandJill* but no tutorial.

http://www.makandjill.com/blog/2011/6/15/antibes-green-garden-bench.html

 I did find a slew of various DIY dining chair bench tutorials through *Scrap Hacker.* A trip to the second hand stores or other resourceful spots for a few old dining chairs will range as little as free up to $15 per chair. Personally, I would never go higher then that and even then it better be drool factor worthy used dining chairs.

Part 4 of this series will end with one of my top favorite DIY gifts. Small enough to tag along on your hikes and car rides. Creative & Pretty enough to indulge your admiration for old book covers. Start searching for those local used Book sales such as the ones held by your local library. This one is a must on my DIY list.
Gift #10

http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/2012/05/diy-activity-book-fabric-giveaway.html

I picture this one with many creative possibilities. Shown here as a sketch book kit, it  can easily be  transformed into a child's travel coloring kit. A "secret Journal" stash or car ride crossword puzzle purse.

This one one you DO judge a book by it's cover.

Sincere gratitude to *Cosmo Cricket for sharing the Tutorial.*:

 Now I'm off for a little R&R before I belly up the sewing table.
Keep watching for Part 5 of the Gift DIY series. A little bit of everything with plenty more kick.

Sweet Winter Dreams,

~Tammie

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Winter gift DIY on a budget series 1

You all know how I LOVE making Homemade gifts for the holidays. A few years back I began my

* Straight from the Farm winter holiday gift baskets *. Each year our family makes something different to go into these. The items are created throughout the year with our Loved Ones in mind. Being we do not exchange gifts amongst the adults, we do this as a family gift. Sharing with others what we grow & make for ourselves. A few additions thrown in but ALWAYS home & handmade.

 In this series, I will share & hopefully inspire your Hand & Home made Holiday gift baskets beyond the average perishable cookie & bit theme.

 

These DIY inspiration's are non edible. Versatile enough for everyone.

First up is Concrete candle holders. None of that dixie cup crudeness.

How about a cool dozen of these square low boys to line a deck side, a drive or walk path. Even the porch railing would benefit from their soft glow. Inside, a flight of stairs would be stunning.

 Collect small to medium waxed cardboard cartons {like whipping cream,milk, half & half, etc} to create the shape.Even jewelry gift box or other small containers can be utilized. Lay container on side, cut hole on top candle side, using your tea light metal base as the pattern. Seal all excess openings with wax paper/duct tape. Scoop cement mixture,{using Fine concrete & not rocky} into the hole you cut. An old funnel would work well too. Once filled 99%, insert tea light with metal base into hole. Let sit 2-4 days until dry before removing the waxed cardboard container.

Package them with tea lights or flameless flicker votive. Wrap in 3's with a wide ribbon or even rustic twine with a note card suggesting o their use & your wishes for a bright season.

This next one can be achieved by cutting luan wood or THICK cardboard for each side & secure with a wrapping of duct tape. Don't forget to close up the bottom with same. Use Hard as Nails glue to attach the top candle holder portion to the Pedestal.

 

While your at it, why not whip up a * concrete vase * {<~click for DIY} similar to this, with or without the succulant to make as a set:

Photo Via Home Beautiful
 

Candles more up your alley? Then take a moment to explore this Pinterest collection of Candle love:

http://pinterest.com/rustico3059/candles/

SO many inspiring snippets such as this personal Favorite {and soon to be in my home item}:

 or maybe a nice concrete bird bath bowl paired with the most useful creation I have

 ever seen with Acorns.

Floating Acorn Cap candles! It is become more rare to find candle making supplies in local stores so call around to craft & hobby stores before making the drive to assume it will be stocked. These are made from those Oak Tree fallings, just a dab of wax & the small thin NON Zinc core wick and smallest wick plate clamp. If you have access to Oaks, make it a family hunt to find those perfect caps. Don't forget a few nice quality snapshots to use as a tag for the gift. Showing you together. As a Family with the oak tree, leaves or handfuls of Acorns & grinning faces..

 

One last Candle cuteness. Burlap wrapped glass holders with a hand stamped message. I envision these with the Family Last name, and/or words such as Cherish, Dream, Strength, Hope, or other inspiring quality/encouragement you feel may be fitting.

 

No worries if none of the idea's appeal to you. I have a heck of a lot more for feasting your eyes and oiling those Creative gears. From kitchen to workshop. Share the TRUE meaning of the season and not the Market disease it has become.

Now off to refashion the baskets I found for all the great wonders of our Little Stone Cottage Holiday baskets.

 

Wishing you the Sweetest of dreams,

~Tammie

 

 

 

 

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Halloween haunting DIY 2

I ADORE candelabras. This next project is perfect for those who may prefer not to use real candles. instead, make your own using a hot glue gun, a big bag of glue sticks, PVC pipe couplings & Flame-less flickering tea votive. This tutorial on how to make a faux dripping candle appearance is in a coveted copy of the book "How to Haunt your house" by Shawn & Lynn Mitchell. They have 3 in the series of their Haunting books. They are available on their website :http://www.howtohauntyourhouse.com/

as well as a few online book store sources. This project is in their first book of the series. They kindly shared on the DIY network exactly how to reproduce the look, suiting it to what ever decor use you may have in mind. The tutorial is available here

:http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/halloween-decoration-how-to-make-a-faux-dripping-candelabra/index.html

So overjoyed with how easy it was as well as the outcome which produced many "you made that? no way! Teach me how.".

 

For the Halloween party, I creepified the candelabra by adding a black crow and spider webbing. The perfect centerpiece for the creepy foods table.

I could not get the thought out of my head on how to make realistic creepy night animal eyes which would appear as though they are watching you from a far. Finally the light bulb hit and this is what I whipped up. in daylight, they come out looking a bit like one eyed ninjas but set in pairs dispersed through the haunting woods trail... creep factor and distract from the next jolt of hauntingly fright moment. 

 At the Dollar tree {everything is $1 or below} I found a 12 pack of small pingpong ball style eyeballs. You could always make your own eyes using pingpong's but these were available & quick.

They also had 3 packs of the flamelss battery operated flickering tea candles. I bought over 10 packages of these to use for Halloween. From the carved pumpkins, candelabras and the eyeballs. Still far less in cost then already made projects.

 

 Using an exacto knife or drill, you make a hole in the underside. Depending where you plan to put your one eyed ninjas, determine where you want the hole which will be where you insert the plastic flame tip of the candle. You need to test the size of the hole simply by inserting the flame tip into the hole. Too small? I used a steak knife tip to scrape the hole, shaving small bits off to enlarge it until perfect.

 

On the tea light, you put hot glue circling the plastic flame tip. Not too much or it will ooze from the eyeball placement. Just a few spots close to plastic flame tip.

When you are putting the eyeball on, apply it in a small twist fashion as it comes in contact with the hot glue. This will spread the glue in a uniform way that will help prevent oozing as well.

 

 

 

 Cut rectangle shapes, using your dried eyeball candles as a source of amount, with 1 inch wider then the sides, using black tight knit fabric.Find placement of the eye pupil, mark with white chalk for accuracy. Cut an almond shape from this spot fitting to the proper size of your eye to show.

Using hot glue gun, wrap your eyeball light up, making sure the hole is in proper place. You MUST be sure to have every bit covered right down to the base so light does not shine from underneath. Ruining the illusion.

 

 The eye on the left needs more fabric on the base bottom. Off in the distance, in bushes, amongst the fallen leaves around 20 or more feet away from where people will be walking, place your eyeballs in pairs.

These worked out great for our trail haunting. I place them by tree stumps with leaves scattered around to add to the mirage. The kids LOVED it! These flickered to give the appearance of eyes twitching and blinking off in the distance. Making the kids do a double take, giving a distraction as they walked the trail before... BAM! scary guy moment. Screams and jumps. Thrills and laughter. It's all about messing with their perceptions. Distractions that are not "obvious" help knock their guard off. More or less. Mess with their heads. And they could not get enough. Going back on the trail a few more times.

 Now I'm off to see if I can get my hands on book 2 & 3 of " How to haunt your House " for more projects to work on over the next 360 days... I've got a Teen Halloween Haunting to plan in our own house next year. As well as the creep factor to play on with the woods and old graveyard next door.

Halloween. My favorite Holiday just got better.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

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Vintage Camper mid project looksy

 Been so busy with working at the Farm & playing with the old camper, I once again have neglected you.. Hopefully these progress shots make up for it a little...

I moved the camper from the sheltered backyard to the hill garage area- Now THAT was a 25 minute job with potential of a cartoon ending. But I got there. By myself... just not straight. Thankfully these small campers can be lifted in the front with some help & maneuvered  a bit.

This is the front side where I began using rubbing compound on the top before playing with the few coating of roofing elastomeric. If you remember from the first set of viewing, the oxidation was much harsher. That boat cleaner lightened it but did not get all the way through. Rubbing compound & a rotary buffer to the rescue! This is also the window I had to make my own glass holder framing. Hence that shiny aluminum trim on the big window.

 Remember the roof at last viewing? I FINALLY got to a point of sealing. That back rectangle vent? yeah. Thats gotta go. All this work to seal it up & I discover that vent with windy rain make for a very wet interior. Searching out a small bit of sheet metal before I finish up there.

 For removing the last bit of oxidation, I am using Rubbing compound with the buffer tool. Cuts through but it still takes some time & skill on a ladder...

 Ahh, the back side. I have yet to do much here. The trim is not even back on. I did put new rubber gasket on the small window and replace window screws, rain drips.

Lots of work still to be done before the chill of Fall takes over & my non insulated self takes refuge inside... with that electric fireplace that came with it of course!

Hopefully I get the sealing all done so I can get the wood walls up & have the top half of the skins polished for their waxing. The bottom half will be painted in the Spring.

Now I must bid you adieu being the Farm will not sleep in for lil ol' me. and of course I wish you...

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

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Duct Tape secured Rose colored glasses * Canned ham update

Sometimes the greatest adventure brings more then you anticipated. In this case, my canned ham has turned into a Can of worms...or in my case, Ants... But let's start from the beginning.

I traveled an hour to pick up my camper early. All by myself. How Independent of me, or so I intended.
That morning I grabbed some magnetic tail lights for it's towing as well as the hitch ball. You'd think I could just hitch what Panda has dubbed "The Baked Potato" to my truck & off we'd go. Nope. Let's just shorten this a bit to say the seller spent 5 HOURS trying to connect the wiring for the magnetic lights to The Captains truck being we discovered there was not a Plug set up for the job. 

{taken with a cell phone so it's great}

One thing lead to another and combined with being in 95 F degree sun on asphalt the entire time, I ended up calling The Captain to drive the hour out to follow me back home. Major NO NO but I could not leave the camper where it was due to being unsecured in a Reception Party hall parking lot.

 Instant flashes of drunk wedding reception guests getting the bright idea to 

1. Force their way inside to sleep off a night of celebration. {what a surprise that would have been for both parties if I came the next morn & just hooked her up & drove away... }

 2. decide how fun it would be to push her over the hill just off the parking lot& watch her crash

or 3. Hey look! Free camper! Help me hook it up to the car!

I was in tears when the Captain pulled in, apologizing in between deep breaths. Did I mention WE were to attend a wedding reception back home and were already 3 hours late? He was frustrated but ever so patient seeing how upset I was over the whole mess.I white knuckled the entire way home following close behind as he drove the truck towing the camper. Every tiny sway had visions of disaster popping in my head the entire hour. I did not feel relief until we were 15 minutes from home.

The next morning I inspected her more closely and found an invasion of ants. One thing led to another trying to find the nest for eradication & well.... she now looks like this after finding the rotten wood of their enjoyment:

We still have some pieces to remove as well as replace. I truly do not mind gutting her down to the floor and bones. It will ensure a much stronger restoration as well as giving the pleasure of rearranging for an ideal layout.

Oh my, what plans The Captain & I have been discussing! I even have Little brother Army involved {and his sweet offer of lending me his air gun nailer setup!}. So I have duct taped my rose colored glasses on should any doubts start creeping in as they had that first day. I can do this! WE can do this! With a little help from a connection of Panda's friends father whom is an electrician as well as The Captains friend who does Carpentry work,  It will be done right from the beginning. Plus, I'll learn some new skills along the way. What? Did you actually think I would just hire someone to do it and not be involved? I'll be there every step of the way. Even if it means just handing them wire cutters & connectors or lugging wood to the band saw.

A grand Adventure has begun.

 

Up next,  Garden update!

Rosy dreams,

~Tammie

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Tin Can Camper Hunting

Years ago, I came within hours of buying a Vintage Tin Can camper but those dreams were dashed. With things slowing down on the to do list around here, those dreams crept back in for the enjoyable remodeling project.

I think I found her! My Betty! A 1967 FAN Coach Camper that needs SOME work but not a huge overhaul. This dreamy Vintage camper was bought by the current owners as a restoration project a few years ago but their jobs kept them from going beyond the cleaning as well as the start of repairing the once leaked upon roof interior. I ventured out this weekend with Little man at my side, to look the 13 foot long camper over.

I fell.. HARD. I did not expect to have the first one I look at to have such an impact. She met every one of the bits on my checklist and I made my offer after discussing it with The Captain. I find out today if this will be my "Betty".

You can see where they began to remove the water damaged ceiling wood as you peer through the door.

 

 She even has a tiny Latrine! Not sure if that will be removed or remodeled until I get in there.

See the original stove in ugly brown? Rust Oleum has refinishing product for that.

Standing in the doorway, you see the back seating/ twin bed area as well as the Kitchen side. The seating has a wood pull out system which would fit a Twin size mattress perfectly. The electric fireplace is obviously not original but would be added in the remodel plans. Fall Camping would be much nicer with a heating unit.

The current owners have already sanded down all the wood {BONUS!} for stain & sealing. This dining area transforms into a Full size bed nook. That stick on squares of tile MUST go.

Get a look at that most likely never used oven!

I will be crushed if this one slips through my hands but in defense of the possibility, I was not prepared to buy this soon. I wanted to look over as many as possible to educate myself in differences, what to look for, etc. I got lucky with this couple. A project they meant to undertake no longer fit their schedule and they want it to go to someone who wants it for restoration remodel to USE. NOT resell for a profit being they were selling it so low in price. The wife has voiced it to her husband whom told me, his wife prefers I get it since all the other interested parties are looking for a resell venture.

Now if only that would play in my favor of our negotiations...

Hopefully, I share next the excitement of bringing "Betty" home but if not.... the hunt will continue.

As for the current undertakings,

Black Raspberries are being picked every morning, producing almost 3/4 a colander each time. PLENTY more on those canes but one of my larger spots has been invaded by black angry hornets. Grr.

Frog & I hit some trails around the lake for Blackberry reference and could not pass up some picking of the areas black raspberries. Upon which we found this nestled within the heart of a patch just 3 1/2 feet off the ground:

I have neglected you so this warmer season and will try to be more of a presence. Especially if I get my "Betty". yep. Vintage Camper remodel fun. Maybe I can get her ready for a trip to the Country Living Fair this September with Panda at my side. That place is surely to produce some Tin Can fancy decor.

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie

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Queen of the Pallets, strikes again!

This month in the land of The Unusual Farm Chick, we are playing Pallet Queen. Yes. I declare myself Queen of the Pallets. The Captain has brought many a truck load of so called "broken" pallets home from work to use as fuel for weekend Bonfires. I have been eyeing his piles for some time and finally have the opportunity to attack. I drug out every pallet piece, laying them out for size comparison as well as quality before the dew had even dried from the grass blades. The Captain came walking out to see where I had disappeared to. Most husbands would have the look of bewilderment to come upon such a scene. Not my husband. He gets that look of amusement throwing in a statement of "I wondered where you were so early this morning. What are you making now?". yep. My King has only amusement for my antics throughout the years.

"I'm building a couch. Here, hold this up for me", as I try to size up two pallets. Like a good King, he does what he asked and does it with a smile holding back his laughter.

I know what some of you are thinking. A couch? Really Farm Chick? Have you gone bonkers? Yes. Well no. I guess when people think couch, they think of the soft indoor seating pieces. This is an outdoor couch. One that will have cushions custom made from even more upcycled items. A couch my Captain can enjoy sitting back in as he sits by his most enjoyed Bonfires. So I guess you could call them Bonfire couches... complete with cup holders... Far more comfortable then a bench. It's all a part of the Bonfire area remodel. My gift to him for his summer enjoyment.

The first couch in RAW FORM:

 I'm not the first to build such things from pallets, nor am I the last. There are so many being wasted, thrown to the landfills because of a broken slat or company disregard. Some people have even made a business of remodeling these free to cheaper then a cup of coffee pallets, making furniture or other useful items. Albeit, the pricing is not even close to a budget minded individual. A simple engine search using the words " pallet furniture , Pallet chair , pallet couch , pallet projects , etc will produce MANY sources of inspiration & how to's. The hard part on working with pallets, besides being a pain in the Arse to dismantle the pieces, they come in many sizes and shapes. Rarely ever being exact in size to similar pieces. Creative Problem solving is very common when utilizing Pallets for recycling.

I have utilized a few various kinds of pallets. Most think of the typical square shape with slats. I have found a source for 3 tier shipping pallets at a local Garden nursery, which is the source for the framing of my Potter shed last Fall.

 Now I have 2 Fireside couches using pallet wood and a few additional pieces found in the scrap cart of Home Depot for 51 cents each. I still have some paint touch ups left before I do the cushions.

The almost finished Pallet couch ensemble:

Including the price of screws as well as the scrap lumber, I made these two pallet couch projects for under $12. The screws were $10 a box and I still have a small amount left to utilize in this next project.

A Fort Club house for the kids, in the woods!

Another shipping 3 tier pallet found at the Garden Nursery Free wood spot. Even has a poly roof piece:

You'll need to stay tuned for the this next project's finished look. Little Man & I are busting out the tools to take on this next pallet remodel as soon as he gets home from school. I have a most adventure inspiring style in mind and can not wait to get it out. I'm hoping to incorporate their Zipline into this but I'm getting ahead of myself. I need to clear more between the trees as well as rip away the poison oak I have found twining around a few trees. I'm the only one in the family who does not break out in ugly blisters when dealing with these things, so you know where I'll be in the morn. Playing in the woods!

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

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Fern imprint concrete tabletop

While waiting on the Medi script for Frog, being she had stepped on a nail and day 3 showed infection, I thumbed through a magazine titled Family Handyman. Oh Boy was I tempted to buy it! BUT- that $11 price tag had me decide otherwise. So, during our long wait I began writing down notes on the 2 projects I had become smitten for.

After a quick search on the Magazine web page, I found those exact 2 projects with step by step directions. I knew this amazingly simple yet hard looking table had to be shared with all you. 

Not that I have made it, yet. Plenty of others ahead in line here. With the knowledge & experience I do have in the workshop, I knew this may appear daunting as a finished piece but in reality this is something almost anyone can make. Not too mention bring some stars to your chart when asked by friends where you bought it.  "Oh, I made that. Isn't it just lovely?!". Great conversation starter!

Now of course you will want to go the link I share below for more details. In the mean time, Just to prove the easy making of this beauty, lets see a few of their "how to" included photo's.

You would need to purchase crack resistant cement. PLUS if you can score an old bookshelf with that cheap melamine coated particle board for your simple frame, your cost is greatly reduced.

Once the frame is built, You want to seal up those corners & cracks for smooth edges using caulk & tape:

 You then spray glue adhesive inside where you will place those dried off freshly harvest Ferns. Once the glue is dry, you will then pour in your cement.

Let it dry fully then you will remove the sides of your built frame. Flip the cement slab with the "bottom" {in this case white} board still attached. You will then gently pry the two apart:

Now you will want to get your base done while you allow this table top to "cure" more. Not too mention, personally, I would build the base AFTER the topper so you can be sure the two fit perfectly together. here is the base which shows what you need:

See? This is truly one of those simple projects that really wow with it's final presence. How wonderful of an addition this would be to your outdoor, or even indoor, seating area.

Now follow this link* 

{http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Outdoor-Projects/Patio/Patio-Furniture/build-your-own-concrete-table }

 for the complete how, what & where on making this expensive looking addition. Who knows. Maybe you will like the look so much, you decide to go with concrete counter tops and sinks!

The following are from Elements concrete {gotta give credit for their photos showing amazing use of concrete}

Yes darlin'. That truly is CONCRETE counter-tops! The corner embellishments are the most endearing touches.

And check out this jaw dropping CONCRETE vanity sink top!

I do believe should I ever have the opportunity of building a new cottage, I want Concrete sinks & counter tops. I wonder what the pricing difference is between counter top materials of wood, particle, granite, stones & Concrete... Oh the things my mind ponder...

The grow lights have been brought out and the flats are quickly filling up the dining room bay window view. I am whipping up a flat & light frame this weekend. I simply can not use another table as I had last year. The dining room was horridly crowded. 

Now I must be off. I have a HOT date.... with My Captain. He is taking me to see the movie WanderLust. Why do I have the feeling he may find it as a comedy but I may walk away even more wanting of an intentional community {aka "picking of your own neighbors"} on some 100 or so acres. Oh the things I ponder.... Oh! one more thing. be sure when you pic out your lettuce seed this year, to get single color packet varieties so as to make some Lettuce tub art like the ones mentioned years ago here. Red in one pack, green in another & so on. From spirals to Peace Symbols & hearts. Bring those unexpected smiles & adoration into the Spring garden!

Sweet Spring Dreams,

~Tammie

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