Through A New Lens

I finally purchased a new digital camera that I've been tinkering around with because, although my phone takes really nice digital pictures that I can edit decently, I have been saving up for something wonderful with which I can capture phenomenal moments in time. Not just for myself, but for others as well. I've always had a thing for taking pictures - and LOTS of them - I've just not always understood the science of it.

The last few days I've been taking random snapshots here and there, just to play around with some of the camera settings and get myself acclimated. This morning, even though it's beautiful outside, I have committed myself to studying this device and learning some proper technique. My goal is to capture some fantastic photos during our high school's homecoming festivities this week, including my daughter and her boyfriend embarking on their first homecoming dance together.

While I tuck away a few more dollars to perhaps put toward a digital photography class or two, I've decided to delve into whatever free online learning options are available to get totally familiar with my camera, as well as the fundamentals of digital photography...lighting for starters. I know so very little. But all of that is about to change. :)

"Let photography show you things in your everyday environment that you many never have known were there."

Greenville Creek
Greenville, Ohio
September 26, 2014

Reclaimed Pallet Stuffs

Here it is, the grand reveal. We've been working on this project as a family, which has been a blessing because it's the largest project I've taken on thus far. Aside from home maintenance projects, of course, but we're talking about fun crafting type projects here.

My husband has been collecting pallets for various projects I come up with and one day, bless his heart, he showed up after work with the frame of a shipping crate in the bed of the truck. Wow! I knew that would save us a huge amount of time in building our daughter's new custom tack box. She spent quite a bit of time designing her ideal tack box and, once we got going, we all realized the interior would really look nothing like her plans. And we're totally ok with that.

Here it is, with none of her tack in it yet. For the coronation ceremony, the first saddle to sit on the a saddle rack is my Grandma Cunningham's saddle, and the first saddle pad to go in is my Grandpa Cunningham's. (I love this picture, by the way!)

The goal of this project, besides building a much-needed new tack box, was to repurpose, recycle or reclaim as much as possible, either from things we collected or things we already had. Aside from the hardware and the plywood used to make the doors, we totally achieved our goal. 

Now, down to the nitty gritty. You know that the frame was a crate. We filled in all of the gaps with pallet wood, including the top and the floor. I made the brush shelf on the top left side all by myself and am so incredibly proud that it's level and functional because a woodworker I am not. That is the talent my husband has been gifted with and I am so thankful he is patient with me and our daughter when we do things like this together. The halter hangers are tuna cans and there are two on each side of the tack box. There are two additional hooks in the center of the brush shelf on the left for hanging girths and cinches. Also on the left side, I've installed two sets of eye hooks with bungee cords to hold saddle pads and whips.

On the right side, I installed that piece of draft horse pyrography I burned months ago and hadn't yet found a purpose for. Once I'd added a few knobs and some dowel rods that I found in the garage, it became quite functional for this project and saved us from needing to purchase additional hooks. There is a little, tiny corner shelf there, too, that is of scrap wood I found in my husband's tool bag.

As you can see, we off-set the saddle racks to make a small seat in the back corner. This provides her with a changing room, which is why there's also a mirror on the door directly in front of that space. We have a piece of scrap carpet that will be cut to fit here, too. In case you have difficulty envisioning this, allow me and the boys to demonstrate. :) There isn't always time to run to the restroom between show classes and some barn visitors aren't respectful of the need for privacy when exhibitors duck into stalls behind sheets or garment bags to try to change clothes. She thought, since the tack box is going to be the same size and hold the same amount of tack no matter what, she thought hey, why not?!

 And then the personal touches were added. Longears and music...

She's had these hooks for a few years, but wasn't using them. This is the perfect place for them right now.

Draft horse pyrography hooks to hang clothes, belts, bridles...you name it.

I really wanted to have actual horseshoes on the front but I could not get them mounted in a way I felt they would stay on through moving the tack box to and from the fairgrounds for the next 3 years. So I burned them onto the doors with her initials, as requested. Next up is a bit of shading, then the whole tack box will be sealed with a clear waterproofer and ready to go!

Oh, and because we made a space for her to change inside, we made sure to provide illumination so she can see what she's doing and look in the mirror to hopefully ward off any wardrobe malfunctions.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Flies, Fly Away (please?!?)

I don't know about any of you, but I am sick and tired of FLIES!!! They're bugging our poor donkeys and mules. Bugging them. Get it, get it?! So anyway, we've sprayed and poulticed and wrapped and let the critters roll to get the flies off 'em and then....

 

we put super schmexy socks on them. They were not exactly thrilled at first, then they figured out it sort of helped. The donkeys kept them on with no problem, but for some reason the mules couldn't keep more than two socks on for more than one night at a time. Me thinks they're a bit more rambunctious and frolicky outside than the donkeys!

While we kinda sorta got the legs taken care of, we're trying to keep fly masks on the lighter colored mule to keep those pesky buggers away from their eyes, too. Unfortunately they rub their faces, or in some cases help each other remove the fly masks, and tear off Velcro or rip apart seams. So I'm on mask repair duty to piece a few back together for the good of our longeared babies.

Today's poor, tattered soul was pretty rough around the edges. I cut off the long mesh around the one unbound ear hole and side first.

Then I reattached the Velcro straps so the mask would stay on securely again.

 

And finally, I bound up the jagged edges around the ear hole so the old boy who'll be sporting this fly mask can wear it in comfort once again.

That should just about do it for today. I've got some other horse garment repairs planned for tomorrow and hopefully a show vest in the works. We'll see how that plan pans out! 

40 and Faboooo

What a fantastic weekend! 4th of July morning, my dad and niece each set new personal records in Ansonia's 31st Annual Firecracker 5k while my cousin's daughter was crowned Ansonia's 2014 Miss Red, White & Blue just across the parking lot. Then I joined up with several friends from church to walk in the annual 4th of July parade and invite others to our upcoming Weird Animals VBS and outdoor movie events.

Then it was off to the Darke County Steam Threshers Annual Reunion at York Woods with my dear friend and her team of draft horses for three days of wheat threshing. This is the first year that she and I have spent so much time there together. These last few years one of us has been there when the other couldn't be, so this was an extra special year. We had a blast doing things we love to do and spending time with dear friends, but yesterday especially we met new folks and had new experiences.

Yesterday I also turned 40 years old. That's right...40!!! I love it. Everyone was encouraging me with "age is just a number" and "you're only as old as you feel" and "40 is the new 30" comments. I am 40. I feel 40. I embrace 40. I love it! I also love getting, "What?! You're 40??? No way!!!" I don't know how anyone couldn't see that age in me, especially when I'm having a horrid migraine day and I feel like every ounce of pain is wearing on every inch of my body, but I guess that's why it's called an invisible illness.

I loved all of the Facebook comments, private messages, texts, birthday cards, gifts, meals, cake, hugs, smiles and everything from everyone. The dinner at Texas Roadhouse with my husband, courtesy of my mom and dad... YUM! Then today I delved deep into the gift from my nephew.

First, I popped a few Quick Energy pills, then picked up the magnifying glass to read the "Over The Hill List Of Things To Do Today" whilst I cooled myself with my newly gifted hot flash fan and instantly set to task.

1. Twiddle my thumbs - DONE!
2. Find a friend older than I am - FAIL! The only ones around are the husband, fish and dogs, all younger.
3. Avoid stress. - DONE!
4. Teach my old dog a new trick. - I can't even teach my old dog an old trick. I told him to quit sniffing the young dog's backside and he did. Does that count?
5. Try to remember what I forgot to remember. - DONE! Wait. What was I doing?
6. Feed the pigeons. - If I feed them to the old dog, is that considered a new trick?
7. Rob a bank? - Oh, heavens no. I just checked my bank account instead.
8. Plan my plot. - I'll wait.

Then I learned the secret to looking younger....not being born so soon! Ohhhhhh, my sides split! But seriously, it's to get yourself one of those fine non-aging calendars with all the months and days, but no years. That nephew of mine cracks me up. I packed everything into the little Over The Hill satchel so I can carry it around with me for convenience. :)

As you can see, it was quite a wonderful birthday weekend. I admit that I missed celebrating a milestone birthday with my daughter, but she is currently in Nashville, TN attending the International Youth Conference (IYC) and I could not be more thrilled for her experience! I mean, we can eat cake together any time. Like for her 17th birthday in just 10 days!!!

Balancing Act

I've taken some time off to undergo a new medical treatment, then to let my body adjust to that treatment. The last two weeks have been sort of a whirlwind of emotions, from terror to alleviation to disappointment to contentment. And now, as we're wrapping up Migraine & Headache Awareness Month, I'm rapidly approaching my 40th birthday with a sense of relief that maybe, just maybe, my doctors are on the right path. There isn't a cure, but a long-term relief would be greatly welcomed by so many who live every day with chronic pain and the stigma attached to invisible illnesses.

Now that I'm beginning to get my balance back and find my groove yet again, I'm starting to ease back into my workout routine and hoping (if the weather holds out) to get a few mule and donkey rides in before the weekend. If not, I'll gladly accept any sort of peaceful time I can get with my long-eared loves!

I'm also trying to regain my work balance. Some of my freelance opportunities fell by the wayside a bit too long, so those doors have closed. That's often the nature of the freelance beast, so I'm not going to keep banging on those doors. Instead, I'm going to wait patiently for new doors to open up wide to new opportunities. In the meantime, I'll start tackling my to-do list.

• 3 horse blankets to mend
• 2 show vests to cut, sew and rhinestone
• 1 driving dress to alter
• 2 pyrography projects to complete
• 4 woodworking projects to start and finish
• 1 pallet saddle stand to complete
• 1 tack box to start and finish
• 3 paper projects to complete
• and of course, there is always jewelry to be made!

I'd say I have my work cut out for me, except some of those projects aren't even to the cutting stage! Looks like I need to get myself in gear and get to work. If I spent as much time doing it as I spent talking about it, I'd likely be able to get a lot more of it done, don't ya think?!

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Looks like it's time for me to start doing!!!

Happy Daddy Day

Why does it seem like Mother's Day gifts are so easy to come by, but Father's Day often leaves us wondering what to gift to those wonderful men in our lives? Be it a father, husband, brother, grandfather, uncle, family friend...whomever that very special man in your life is, how do you show appreciation on this special day?

There are many special earthly men in my life, but my dad, husband and brother take top billing. I really don't know what I'd do without any of them. Try as I may, I know that I never express how much they mean to me appropriately. I love them all, enjoy their company immensely, laugh when we spend time together and love that we all share a special bond. I count myself fortunate that they also enjoy their "boy time" without feeling awkward around each other.

This year has been quite a year of change for me and my husband and one of the new things that's been added to our time together is his crafting. Yep, I've found a craft that he enjoys quite a bit and actually had to purchase more supplies for him today. The knot master feels right at home making bracelets and keychains out of paracord and is currently watching video after video to learn new knots and embellishments. I love it!

Now the Father's Day gifts I worked on today needed Sharpie markers, a dab of paint and some burlap. Alright, there was more to them than that. I created my designs in Microsoft Publisher as I typically do, because I have wretched handwriting and don't think any freehanding I'd have done would look presentable. In fact, I ruined one canvas putting that theory to the test.

(Censored merely to protect the recipient before he is surprised with his gift on Father's Day)

I fell madly in love with these little two little 8"x6" burlap canvasses that I found at the local department store for under $5.00. They're the perfect size for this type of project, though bigger would work great for other ideas I'm kicking around now. I was really hoping I could transfer my words onto the burlap, but it didn't work with carbon paper or fabric tracing paper, so I measured letters and just went for it. I am very pleased with how both pieces turned out and am anxious to try more projects using burlap!

Happy (early) Father's Day to all and to all a good night!

We All Scream for NO BAKES!

All but one Sunday evening of each month, we meet with our small group for Bible study, fellowship and, of course, snacks. Last week my husband was in charge of snacks and he really knocked it out of the park with a chocolate silk pie and some ice cream bars. This afternoon, though, he is at work and I just sunk deep into my recliner after church wondering what I had the ingredients for already in my kitchen cabinets. It probably goes without saying that the less worked required to create something delicious, the better. This afternoon was really just feeling that way after a busy weekend and all. I kind of wanted to take time to reflect on some things, enjoy the quiet, empty house and just be.

Anyone who knows me really, really well knows that I've fallen in love with the new oatmeal I've been eating. That new-found love, however left me with a surplus of another brand of oatmeal. So, I had one ingredient...oatmeal. And I just bought a fresh 4 pound bag of sugar a few weeks ago, though I have no idea why because I rarely ever use it. This got the old motor cranking. I knew the hubby had at least a small stash of peanut butter, so I set to Google and voila!

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups sugar
1/4 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups rolled oats

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, mix sugar, margarine and milk. Bring to a full, rolling boil over medium heat.
2. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until peanut butter is melted; stir in oats.
4. Working quickly, drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper covered newspaper.

I taste-tested and added the recipe to my recipe box as a keeper. After taking some "me time" this afternoon, I'm also feeling a bit rejuvenated, which is good because I'm off to meet up with friends. Here's praying they're a big hit at our gathering tonight!

Knot Happenin'

All thumbs today, that's me! Here's the entire story. About a year and a half ago, my nephew became infatuated with paracord and was so proficient at making bracelets that I invited him to sell them at my booth during a local horse tack sale. He did quite well, even creating custom designs on the spot. Not bad for an elementary school entrepreneur.

A few months ago my teenage daughter asked if I'd purchase her a little paracord bracelet making kit so she could learn to make them as well. Of course, me being all about crafty things, I bought it for her and watched it collect dust for quite some time. Then one day she sat down, fumbled around with the included instructions until she became so frustrated that she tossed them aside and figured out how to maneuver the paracord on her own. She started making keychains like it had been her job for eons. The very first one she completed was given away as a gift and immediately put to use. Needless to say, I was quite impressed.

This morning I eyeballed her little paracord kit and figured, what the hey, I'll give it a shot. This is what I ended up with.

I kept trying and somehow kept getting worse, if that's even possible. Finally I gave up and threw the whole jumbled up mess at the hubby and said, "here, Master of the Knots", a self-proclaimed title he claimed long, long ago, "you do it!" This is what he managed to accomplish:

They both thought they were going to pep talk me into learning how to make these durable and highly functional little key keepers, until I reminded them that we've all been blessed with different skills for a reason. As long as I have the both of them, I really should encourage them to grow their natural talents, right? But of course! Hey, it kept them otherwise occupied for a little bit today while I focused my work elsewhere. :) Where I live, we call that T-E-A-M-W-O-R-K...or something.

Garage Clean Up

I don't know what garage clean up looks like at your house, but this is what it looks like where I live:

 

  

Poor Utah, the youngest of our two dogs, couldn't catch a break. Dear daughter was left unattended for about 15 minutes with him and I returned to a giggling teenager and a shame-faced puppy. Then she showed me the photographic evidence of what they'd been doing in my absence. My goshness. In Utah's defense, he really doesn't care. He'll take all the attention he can get, fully believing that he's just a ginormous 75-pound lap kitty, and he loves being with his little girl. But wow. 

As a family we managed to find the garage floor, discover numerous yard sale-able items, put out several bags for trash, locate a few long-lost treasures, organize tools and almost have the building ready to receive a long-awaited new garage door. I'd say this Saturday phase-1 project was a success. Of course, it's still a work in progress until the new door is on. But hey, we managed to stay focused on a single goal for one entire day. For this family, that is one major accomplishment!

Peddlin' the Wares

Closets are cleaned, clutter is boxed, rooms are lined with said boxes...that can only mean one thing. It's almost time to peddle our wares!

Our garage isn't exactly a prime location for a garage sale, being awkwardly situated in a narrow city alley such as it is, so we've been seeking an alternate spot to set up shop. No luck in this department, which has led dear daughter and I to instead put on our positive thinking caps and work with what we've got - our wee little yard! The biggest obstacle will be our chatty puppies, who desire nothing more than to verbally announce the presence of any living creature within a 10 foot vicinity - often even announcing their own people, much to their people's annoyance. We love them, we love them, we love them! But I digress...

Now that the house is mostly decluttered and cleaned and sorted and shredded, it's time to start working on the contents of the aforementioned pitiful garage. This has been a work in progress for about the past year. I'm guilty of not doing much with it because, hey, out of sight out of mind, right? Not anymore. I need to get that building whipped into shape so I can have a decent cold weather woodworking shop ready to go for this winter. In order to accomplish that, we simply must rip out the existing wooden swing-out doors and install a sturdy, modern overhead garage door. And that, my friends, will require emptying the garage of everything unnecessary, which includes more sellable items, a few craft projects in the making and some, um, junk.

The primary goal in all of this is to eliminate clutter in our entire home, including the yard and garage, to learn to let go of things in order to make room for people. I have too much stuff. I hold on to too much stuff, physical and emotional, and it's just time for me to let go. And this is one more step in my ongoing mission.

 

When we're finally ready for the big sale, I'll let you know so you can stop by and say 'hello'! :)

Cleaning Out My Closet

"Let It Go...Let It Go..." I have yet to see the movie "Frozen", and to be perfectly honest, I don't know that I'll ever see it. But I'll admit, that's quite a catchy tune. And it sort of became the underlying theme of our small group meeting last Sunday evening as we were talking about what led each of us to Jesus Christ. The fact that one of the gentlemen was singing it helped embed it deep into my brain so that it could come out rather unexpectedly yesterday. I sent a message to one of the ladies in my small group that said, "I'm cleaning out closets today and found myself singing 'Let It Go'!"

I have difficulty letting go of clothing...and papers...and books...and photographs...and anything else that may or may not have sentimental value. Yes, I have clutter and it frightens me that I may have hoarding tendencies. Yesterday morning I was laying in bed fending off the start of another migraine and I realized I had turned on the TV to an episode of 'Hoarders' that I actually had never seen before. I felt horrible for the people in this particular episode and decided, I need to do what I can to stop whatever tendencies I have from progressing. I did a bit of research on the subject as I waited for my meds to do their thing and discovered why people create clutter and how hoarders begin hoarding. It is fascinating and terrifying at the same time.

Once I felt my wooeyness had subsided enough to do something productive, I didn't hesitate to start cleaning out closets. This actually makes the fourth time I have done this since January 2013 and each time it gets a bit easier. A few months ago I actually invited my husband to help me and it was a great activity for us both. I didn't have as many clothes to remove from my closet because of a drastic size change this time, like I have the last 3 times, because I have maintained my weight loss and my size hasn't changed again (thank goodness, because that can add up quickly).

After I finished my closet, it was time to start on hubby's closet. Yes, our house was built in the 1880s and our master bedroom does indeed have two separate closets. My husband also has probably three times as many clothes as I do now. Wow. I don't think he realizes that, either. So I began sorting and singing "Let It Go...Let It Go!!!" As I was sifting through his piles and piles of shirts, I hit the motherload of firefighter t-shirts. He worked so hard to earn them. Some from the fire academy, others from the tech rescue team, more from the fire department. I can't believe this October will be 10 years since he's been on the department. That's when it struck me that, even though he no longer wears these shirts, they are an important part of his life and I need to do something special for him with them. Individual pillows? Nah. T-shirt quilt? Yes.

I mulled over the idea the rest of the afternoon, wrestling with how I'd bring it up to him. While we were eating dinner, I just sort of blurted it out. Much to my surprise, he loved the idea. So I've added another very special project to my long, long list of very special projects. I'm pretty sure this will be my favorite one.

A Novel Concept

I find myself taking more and more of these Facebook quizzes..."What Is Your Dream Job", "How Does Your Brain Work", "What Are You Meant To Do"... and I answer the questions as if there's some mystery that will be revealed at the end of it all.

"You are a writer."

"You are a creative thinker."

"You are meant to write."

DUH!

Then I saw this quote posted somewhere on Facebook (because I clearly spend too much time on Facebook) and it finally hit me...I need to stop saying it's what I do and actually do it! 

And I don't mean just doing it for other people, but to start doing it for a greater purpose.

I have three titles in my head, one book started, one with illustrations started and another with a book cover. Why am I not completing these? Fear. Andrea Phillips nailed it for me in her blog post "The Four Fears That Stop Writers From Writing":

1. Fear about (lack of) talent
2. Fear about feedback
3. Fear about publication
4. Fear about being judged

No more time for fear. I have decided to take one of these projects at a time and, no matter how long it takes me, I intend to complete them. 

2 Timothy 1-7 "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

I figure, if I can publish blog posts, write articles, tell tales about my critters and put my project successes and failures out there for all to see, why shouldn't I take the next, bigger step? Me thinks this is not how my story is going to end. 

Hang 'Em High

You know me...I'm all about giving old things new life. So when I came across a post in one my draft horse groups on Facebook the other day, I didn't hesitate to start digging through my heap of stuff. The original picture I saw is this one, which was a crosspost from Pinterest.

Aside from wanting a few more flowers to really fill mine out, I had everything I needed. Mine is hung with the halter upside down because this particular pot was a little too big to fit inside the nose band. 

I hung it in the corner of my little flower bed on the shepherd's hook my parents gave me for Mother's Day this year.  This is a great use for those stock plastic hanging baskets that never fail to have at least one arm of the hanger broken. Please tell me I'm not the only one that happens to?! I have a small collection of these pesky little baskets, but not many old halters anymore since I've become pretty proficient at repairing them.

Here you can see the little LED garden light, another Mother's Day gift, on its very own little shepherd's hook.

 

And that is what I managed to accomplish during a tiny break in this morning's rain. I think this wet weather has made the rest of the day prime for jewelry design...inside the house.

(Re)Claiming It!

It is likely not every mother's dream to have a truck full of wooden pallets delivered to her garage by her husband for Mother's Day. But for this crafty mama, it was a dream come true! I have a huge, long wish list of projects I want to make from reclaimed pallet wood that I wasn't sure where I'd start. Well, I've had two pallets sitting on the patio since last fall and haven't done anything with them yet, but I know I need way more than that for everything I have in mind.

Sunday night, hubby called before he left work to ask if dear daughter and I could meet him at the garage in fifteen minutes for a surprise. I, of course, initiated a quick game of 20 questions. "Is it big?" "Is it dead?" "Is it delicious?" "Is it alive?" He just laughed and finally answered, "It used to be" to being alive. I was hoping for a juicy steak. The truckload of pallets was so much better. And what put an even bigger smile on my face was seeing dear daughter immediately size up the huge wooden crate at the back of the truck and say, "This is going to be my tack box!" See, she had drawn up two different tack box designs on her laptop several months ago and, in this moment, she saw her vision starting to become a reality. Now she has a glimpse of what I experience when I see those special items that deserve new life and I couldn't be more thrilled.

The first project the hubby and I decided to tackle was a new saddle stand for Bettie Lou, my grandma Bettie's old saddle that decorates the corner of the craft room. It inspires me, as she was the craftiest woman I've ever known. I was so closely bonded with her and loved spending long hours in her ceramic shop when I was young, working under the professional cash register operator name that she and my Papaw Buck gave me, Miss Holly Cunningham. Oh my, did we all make some fun memories in that shop together. But I digress...

We still have some nail pulling and sanding to finish up before we assemble this very first one, but here's what we have so far. I couldn't wait to share this first project. The goal is to eventually create saddle stands entirely of reclaimed wood. But for this first one, I purchased a sheet of 1x12x6 pine for the ends. The finished stand should measure 36" high and 24" deep. These are the ends.

Hubby used his DeWalt reciprocating saw to cut the nails and deconstruct the first pallet. We estimate this first saddle stand, using the pine ends, will only require one pallet worth of reclaimed wood. Future stands made entirely of reclaimed pallet wood should require two pallets each.

I am contemplating whether or not I want to personalize this particular stand with a bit of pyrography. I think it would add a really nice extra element to the finished piece. I have some time to think about it. And if I don't decide until after it's finished, it's something I could definitely add later.

Can't wait to share it with you once it's finished!!!

Pie Day Friday

"Would you like to donate pies for this coming weekend? You can bring store-bought pies, that's ok." It's for a great cause, the 5K that our church is hosting, and I do love a good slice of pie from time to time. I offered to bring 2. My husband bumped it up to 3. Then 4. When he learned only 1 more was needed to meet the quota, he offered my services to bring 5. Why do I say my services? Because he'd be at work when those pies needed to be made. Yeah, I wasn't about to go for store-bought. I considered it, but I have the time and I enjoy being in the kitchen, aaaaaaaaand I actually found some yummy sounding no-bake pie recipes to try out.

I love to cook, but baking has never really been my forte. I remember that I baked a homemade apple pie once. I believe I may have been in high school. It wasn't bad - pretty dense if memory serves correctly - and I'm certain I did something wrong or else I would have continued baking. So I opted for recipes that didn't require baking just for my own peace of mind. Hubby and I went to to grocery yesterday and loaded up on all of the ingredients for Twix pie, chocolate chip cream cheese pie, (2) peanut butter pies and fluffy key lime pie. I announced rather proudly that, if everything turned out according to plan, it would cost less to make the pies than purchase store-bought pies. Hubby's immediate response was, "and if everything doesn't?"

"Ummmmmmm, well, Mr. Donnie Downer, we just won't be thinking that way because then that just means the store-bought pies I'd be taking would cost almost twice as much, so that's not going to happen." What was he thinking???

After dear daughter was safely delivered to school this morning, I got to baking. Technically not baking. Technically, I got to mixing together several different ingredients. From 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, I successfully made six pies instead of the five I set out to make. It turns out the Twix pie recipe I had is for a deep dish pie crust. I had regular crusts. Yes, I cheated and purchased pie crusts rather than attempting to bake them today. So it's a good thing I invested in a few extra. Anyway, I had twice as much Twix pie filling as one crust would hold and was able to make two pies from it. I know a few teenage girls who will be thrilled to learn of this tonight!

This is what I managed to accomplish in two hours this morning:

Twix Pie

Fluffy Key Lime Pie

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Pie

Peanut Butter Pies

I really hope they taste as delicious to whomever takes them home as the filling did to me when I taste-tested each one this morning! Now I'm off to see what else I can get into today. This sure could get interesting.

Lovin' Leather

I love the smell of leather. Some days, I admit, I satisfy my own guilty pleasure of sniffing new leather by browsing around at one of my favorite local shops, The Bootery. Two years ago, I surprised dear hubby with the Tandy Leather Deluxe Leathercraft Set because he'd expressed an interest in learning leatherwork and because I could take advantage of a great discount offer at the time. WIN-WIN!!!

But today I sort of got tired of looking at the box just sitting in the corner collecting dust. I decided to crack that baby open and pound out some designs myself! No reason this thing needed to waste away any longer.

Instructions! Oh, thank goodness for instructions! I started pulling out all the little pounding devices and felt a little lost. Some of them honestly looked the identical to me until I educated myself by reading the instructions

First things first, we trace our design onto the tracing paper. Easy enough. Then, we trace it onto the leather. Got it. It tears up the tracing paper pretty good - at least the way I did it managed to - so I probably should figure out if I need to secure my tracing paper for future projects.

 

Then we go in with the knife. It took me two passes to figure out the right way to hold this little contraption and get my cuts deep enough. So far, so good.

 More pounding. Lots of noise. Dogs barking like crazy, thinking someone's banging on the door. Me giggling at them, pounding more and more, giggling incessantly. It's like some mad scientist scene up in here!

But now...I'm lost...out of my comfort zone. Like so far out of it that I'm off the map. I don't feel like I got anything to look right. I even did it twice, pretty much destroying two leather discs, but that's what practice is for. The first time (above), I did not get that fern design even close, but the second time (below), I kind of impressed myself. 

After looking over my finished work a few hundred times in near total dissatisfaction, I realize I need to work on this. A lot. I really don't think I did the kind folks at Tandy Leather any justice with my work here. I'm so sorry, kind Tandy people. :( I'll work on my skills for next time, I promise. Practice, practice, practice.