Today I Paint...

I spoke with our carpenter yesterday and he told me that our cabinets are built and the doors have arrived! That means it's time for me to paint. He knew we'd be painting these cabinets, so he choose his wood accordingly (no oak or maple will be harmed in this process).

I've chosen "London" All-In-One Paint, which is a gray-green from Heirloom Traditions. This is the same color I chose for our cabinets in the main kitchen. This paint is awesome, and really stands up to daily use. If you're interested in checking out all their available colors and products, you can click on their company name above. (I'm not getting any compensation for mentioning or linking to them.)

Once these are installed, Handsome and I will decide whether or not I paint the lower cabinets all the way around the pantry. We'll see how the darker color affects the light and mood of the room first.

No time to waste today. I told him I'd be there by 10 am, and I have to take care of the barn girls and help with the doggers first. I promise I'll snap a few pictures while I'm working so I can give you a little peek at the cabinetry by Saturday. I'll see you tomorrow Friday!

OH, MY GOSH!!! I just realized that Tag didn't get his two-cents worth in this week. I'll make sure he gets to post tomorrow. Sorry, Tag. My bad. 

 

 

Book Tins...

 Not too long ago, I told you about my realization that I am a "Tin Collector".

With Easter coming early this year, I thought I'd share more of my treasures,

starting with "The Easter Surprise" Book tin! I love the bunny and decorated eggs.

These tins were all created by the Silver Crane Company in Essex, England,

and they usually came filled with biscuits or sweets. There are two sizes.

 Most of mine are the small books, measuring 5 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 1 1/2".

They're the perfect size for needlework supplies, flosses on bobbins or

a small, traveling handwork kit to take on short trips. It would also hold 

a deck of cards, or buttons, or pins, or seashells, or...well, you get the idea!

 "Eternal Love" is a larger tin. It's nearly twice the size of all my small ones.

This one has really cool detail on it. A pen and pocket watch are embossed

onto the lid and are really lovely. This one is my most recent addition.

 You can see more of the detail from this angle.

 "Teddy's Winter Tales" was my first acquisition. I've had most of

these for many years, without even realizing I was collecting them.

 Can you tell what's different about this tin from the first two?

(Hint: It's the same thing on the next tin, too.)

tick..............tock............tick...........tock

 This one is another favorite. "London Life" is another of my smaller-sized 

tins. The back cover says "A Comprehensive Guide to London's Exciting 

Life". Perhaps, one of these days I'll make that trip to find out for myself.

 The pencil is raised on the cover of this book.

So, did you figure out the difference between the first two tins

and the second two? Do you give up? I'll tell you, but not 'til

tomorrow. I'll give you a chance to figure it out yourself first.

You can leave your answer in the comments section.

We can see how many people get it right.

Why, Yes I Am...

 ...at least I am "Her Royal Highness" in our house!

I found a new seller on Etsy that I just love.

The name of the shop is madametreacle and Janie Jones is the shopkeeper.

She lives in London and I adore her twill tapes. I just had to order some of them!

Geraniums and bumblebees

 They come on beautiful cards in 1 meter increments.

My mind is a-buzz with ideas for these tapes.

Roses and more roses.

 "Roses are red, my love..." (Feel free to hum along with Bobby Vinton and me.)

Badgers and holly sprigs.

 Of course, this British/Wisconsin girl would have to have English twill tapes

featuring badgers! "If you wanna be a badger, then come along with me."

(I know. More music...University of WI fight song. I can't help myself!)

My entire order.

These are all the tapes I ordered from Janie. (I actually got two cards of

the badger tape. I especially liked that one!) I have no idea how I'll use

that design, but I know I'll come up with something fun! Any ideas to share?

Yesterday I received a gorgeous floral arrangement from my Aunty Margaret 

and Uncle Dick. We shared in a celebration yesterday and they sent these

flowers to thank me for my help. It was a wonderful surprise, with a beautiful

card that meant so much to me. You know how much I love to share joyful or

creative things with you, so I had to show you this happy and fragrant gift.

Thank you, Aunty Marg and Uncle Dick! I love the flowers!

 (I know my aunt reads my blog.)

I'm off to the quilt shop for morning coffee, but I'll be coming home to work

on play with another project. I managed to finish so many tasks and projects

last week that I can't wait to see what the coming week holds. 

I can't believe it's February already! Perhaps a Valentine project should be next?

Let The Games Begin...

AP Image

Like many people all around the world, Handsome and I spent the evening watching the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. I thought it was the most incredible ceremony I have ever witnessed for any Olympics.

I started weeping when the children's choir sang "Jerusalem" and pride in my British birthplace continued to swell with each passing moment. (I admit I didn't much care for the "kids-jumping-on-hospital-beds segment. I guess I didn't get it.)

I was entranced through the pastoral segments and sat open-mouthed trying to take in as much as I could through the "Industrial Revolution" section. I gasped out loud when the rings began moving into position and whooped when they formed the Olympic emblem.

BBC Image

Then, watching all of the different countries entering Olympic Stadium and seeing the pride on the faces of all of the athletes moved me as it does every four years. I thought it was neat that a young person walked with each delegation, carrying a copper bowl that was a gift to their country from the British people. Little did I know the stunning use to which each bowl would be employed.

AP Image

I love Queen Elizabeth II, but I found myself worrying about how exhausted she must be with all this celebrating...to say nothing of her jumping out of a helicopter to start the games! (I'm kidding. I know it wasn't really her!) Nevertheless, I did think she was a good sport with a wicked sense of humor to agree to such a stunt.

My only disappointment was that Sir Paul McCartney didn't stop his performance when he finished singing "And In The End...". My own humble opinion, but I thought singing "Hey, Jude" after all the colossal fireworks display was a let down. It was really my only complaint. (Sorry.)

At a time when politics and conflict are set aside, I found myself caught up in the excitement of the Games. And last night, I found myself more British than American. The Olympics are going to be fun to watch - and the British people are making for perfect hosts. Let the games begin!!

Just a quick reminder that Memory Lane Monday is coming in a couple of days! July 30th will be my next segment. Remember, that you're always welcome to join in the fun by posting your own favorite recollection on your blog and then linking back to mine. I'm working on my episode now, so I hope you'll come back to read all about it.

Have a great weekend!