Monty Don!

We have been watching "Big Dreams, Small Spaces" on Netflix and have been inspired to redo our front yard. Last year we had some kid-made yarn teepees which I was happy with, but Ryan has decided that this is the year we need to invest in a long-term strategy. We would love it if the front yard was grass-free so no mowing would need to be done! Ryan broke up all the cracked concrete path and patio and we bought tons of tumbled pavers. We now have a patio all the way around to the grill area as well as two patios for art or whatever else we decide on. My job has been to plant and plant and plant little pieces of moss between the pavers so that it will grow in FAST and not be so muddy! Also, while Ryan was removing the old patio, I took the pieces and made the base for a mud head-- sort of like the one from Monty Don's show. It was a good use of concrete but we are a little worried that the Town will notice that it is partially on public property. Hmmm. Now come the flowers (mostly pink/peach) AND I will try to get moss to grow on an old antique sofa I've been saving for just this purpose! All we have to do is remember to water.

Mindless valentines

Kit got a concussion over the weekend so instead of doing something involved, we made heart soaps for the class party. So much flu going around anyway-so this will be great! Ryan thought grating soap might be more fun than taxes so he took a turn too. Harry mostly worked on the fortune tellers for the class game and was happy to give instruction. Look at that bossy face!

Happy solstice!

Always time for a little swap out

It still leaks but when Ryan gets home I’ll have him hold the screwdriver in the drain hole so we can really tighten the bottom washer. I’m so sad to see my wooden sink bowl go, but after 18 months of epoxy fixes, I give up! I don’t love this ikea sink though. Maybe someday I can try a custom concrete sinktop. I would prefer an antique marble one but this music cabinet is so tiny it’s been a real challenge to find something small enough—
even this sink looks a little ridiculous.

Cookie time!

I can do that!

Making animal butt magnets for the kids’ stockings. Very satisfying.

First wave of wrapping done!

If you are giving us a gift, please use coordinating paper!

Paper tree garland forest

Multiplication for the teachers, music for everyone else!
Ready for dispersal but looking lovely in the doorway for now.

For the sister

She asked Santa for doll bedding - today we made a dent in that project! Tomorrow we finish the comforter and do the puckering on the mattresses for the doll bunk beds. Papa Don made the doll bunkbed years ago for Auntie Kirsten and Auntie Lauren. The doll quilt used to be in Grandmo's family but its in such bad repair that I have been chopping it up and using it for projects. Kit already has doll sleeping bags made from the quilt, so this will be matchymatchy.

Paper Christmas decor

Sheet music stars and tree garland—
and more multiplication tree garland for teachers! 




Origami balls too!

24 books in 24 days!

This year instead of daily treats or daily good deeds, we are trying something new. I got a collection of library books on world religions, cultures, holidays and fables for us to read each night. I hope the kids enjoy this! Soon they will be too old to sit down and read together every night!

By my kids

Doily dream catchers

Star Wars Origami

Lamp for Uncle Charlie's Birthday

Yarn Teepee

Painted Pine Cone Wreath

Studio

Upbath

Houzz had an article about interesting upcycled vanities and I posted a photo of mine in the comments. I was contacted for a follow-up article and was included!  http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72544566?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u3836&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery1

All thanks to the awesome sink done by BRUCE!

BEFORE

Finally got the shelves done 6 months later.... What an upgrade to having everything sitting on the floor!

Sheet Music Wreath

Using my grandparents' old music, I made my kids' teachers some pretty wreaths for Christmas!

1-Cut full-length page in half

2-dip in water so paper won't fold

3-go back and forth making an accordion fan and bend in half around wire wreath frame (I cut mine into two wreaths with two rows each)

4-staple tiny fan in place around the wire - I used 4 pieces for the outside wire and 3 pieces for the inside wire 

5-Fold the inside row inwards so you cannot see the staples

6-let dry

7-Go through each fan and fluff out the folds by creasing backwards--This step is messy - don't worry too much. It helps if you paper is still a little damp so the pages don't rip

8-spray with starch

5-Fold inner fan edge inward so you can't see the staples

7-Fluff your fans

4-See staples to hold fans in place around wire

Et Voila!

Oh and the kids made trees!

Christmas