Swing-spiration!

(Source)

When I found the photograph above on pinterest.com, I knew I wanted to make Rebekah a similar one for her birthday. The kids had just been chatting about how the ol' tire swing broke, and they wanted to replace it with a swing because the tire was more difficult to control. I asked my dad to cut a couple of boards. One would be all "girlied-up" for Bekah's birthday, and the other could stay "old school" style for Hannah. I think Caleb wants another tire strung up for him :)

My dad did a great job cutting, drilling, and sanding it just right for a princess "bottom". Mike strung it all up with strong and attractived knotting. And I did the hard work of spray painting it pink and adding the ribbons. I know. I know. Don't feel too bad for me ;)

I think it came out pretty darn tootin' cute! (Yes, the grass has all died from the nine million kids who play in that area of the yard every day.) That'll be a project for another post ;)

What do ya' think?

She likes it!!!
It has a much longer swing distance than

the ones on the kids' swingset!

If you're interested... It's a piece of 9"x21"x1.5" board. Dad softened the corners, and sanded it well. Then he drilled 1/2" holes, one inch from the edge. Mike bought a 1/2" cotton/poly blend rope. We needed 40' for the branch we chose. (Important to choose a very strong branch, of course) We spray painted it with a satin finish, ballet slipper pink, indoor/outoor paint. We measured Rebekah's leg "reach" to decide the height from the ground. Then we strung it up with non slipping knots and adorned it with coordinating ribbons.

Flea Market Style!

 

Yay!

Thanks to hubby, I've got my new issue of

Flea Market Style Magazine

You know where I'll be

;)

 

Blog-spiration!

I was visiting the wonderful Miss Mustard Seeds blog last night, when I came across the comment of another blogger, regarding the use of vintage sheet music. She commented that she is going to try re-doing a ceiling using Miss Mustard Seeds technique.

(source)

It hit me...

My  quaint, turn of the century (last one... not this one... LOL) house has some wonderful features. The moment I walked through the kitchen door 9 years ago, the old pressed tin ceilings won me over. But, those ceilings are only in the kitchen and the dining room. I love the character and interest they provide. But... my dining room and "future" family room are open to each other, and the ceiling in the family room is... well... right now, it's just old peeling paint begging to be transformed.

Upon reading that bloggers comment... I knew that the sheet music technique would turn the adjoining ceiling into something special, which wouldn't compete with the tin ceiling of the neighboring dining room, but compliment it.

I've got a stash of antique music books in the basement. But I also have access to tons of old hymnals. I think that's the way I want to go. Music is such a big part of our family's life together. I think this is going to be great! Rather than going with the straight lines and "neatness" of Miss Mustard Seeds technique, I will go more the Mixed Media Art method of torn edges and overlapping with a rubbed antique finish, etc.  I think I'll forego any glitter this time... LOL. But I'm sure there will be some related artwork for the walls, and all glitter bets are off :-D

I've got some ideas swirling in my head, and can't wait to actually "get to it". I'd love to have that room finished before the holidays, so wish me luck!!!

I love that when I tell hubby I want to adhere music to the ceiling, he doesn't even bat an eye... LOL! 26 years sure has a way of easing a fellow into things ;)

Thank you Miss Mustard Seed, and the wonderful commentors who share their inspirations as well!!!