summer fun

We've spent so much time in the pool this summer! As our time at this house comes to an end we're just appreciating every hot sunny day that we can be out there.

thrifted treasures

Some crafting inspiration arrived in the mail yesterday!

I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since I found out Soule Mama was writing it! I've been devouring it every spare minute I can find! "Oh, you want to nurse? Okay, I'll read!"  There are so many ideas and projects that I can hardly wait to get started on. And it's made me even more excited about thrifting.

Thrifting is something relatively new to me. I didn't grow up thrifting or learning to repurpose old things. It's something I've really just discovered in the last 10 years or so, and even then it was mostly clothes. Searching the thrift store for vintage craft and sewing supplies is something I've just very recently discovered. I know...you may be thinking "What?! Where have you been?!?! You didn't know you could get ric rac and bias tape at the thrift store? Or zippers?" No, I really didn't! But let me tell you, I'm hooked!

A few years ago I started to "collect" (read hoard) fabric. Many of the new, amazing collections from the latest talented fabric designers are sitting on my shelves. I am LOVING working with them. They are so gorgeous, so inspiring. But as I read Amanda's book, I can't help wishing my shelves were full of vintage sheets and table cloths instead! So I've made a promise to myself. NO MORE NEW FABRIC! 

Here are some of my recent thrifted treasures:

Most of the turquoise dishes in this cupboard are thrifted! Is it quite obvious what my favorite color is?

Hope you are having a happy day!

-jacq

Before & After, and other things!

"Before"

I made these dolls for the kids birthdays. So Bella and Thor got theirs (the ones on the right) in April. Five months later they are looking a little worn! Or should I say loved! I guess I'll take that as a compliment. They LOVE their dollies.

"After!"

Here are a few recent photos of the kids:

Bella loves her new baby cousin, Aspen.

And Thor loves his Yummy Bear vitamins!

Playing on the floor.

Where have my babies gone? They are out of diapers (most of the time) and growing up so quickly!

We had Great-Grandma Nybo with us this past weekend. What a treat! She is indeed "great" - an absolute inspiration at the grand age of 91! I want to be like her when I grow up! We were all sad to see her go home.

-jacq

Puppy love

Thor loves his new puppy pin. I bought this at our local Farmer's Market from my friend Rio. She makes the coolest bags, wallets, earrings, pins, journals and other things all from thrifted and vintage finds. Thor has worn this every day since I bought it!

-jacq

Garden beautiful

We can hardly keep up with the amazing bounty our garden is producing this year!

Anyone have ideas for using cucumbers?! (Note to self: Do NOT plant 5 cucumber plants next year! 1 or 2 will do just fine!)





What a blessing to be able to walk outside and pick all these yummy veggies for dinner! It amazes me just how much can be grown in a relatively small space.

-jacq

It's about time!

Wow! I'm finally doing this! After years of thinking about starting my own blog, I'm actually making it happen! I'm excited about having a place to share my creations, ideas and the other things in my life that make me happy. In this first post, along with saying "hello", "welcome" and "thanks for stopping by!", I thought I'd share a few of the projects that I've completed lately. (clicking on the photos will make them larger)

These are pillows for my couch, and a skirt using Heather Bailey's Freshcut fabric.

A flannel quilt using Sandi Henderson's gorgeous fabrics.

A quilt for my newest nephew.

I had this one quilted and love the way it turned out. The circles go so well with the orange dots I used in the quilt and for the border.

Thanks again for stopping by! I'll be back soon!

-jacq