I think it’s pretty safe to say that we all appreciate our fire fighters. They train and condition and prepare to put themselves in harm’s way when people need help. Well, here’s a great opportunity to say “thank you” in a small way. IKEA is partnering with The Family Handyman in sponsoring a contest for a $25,000 kitchen makeover for a deserving local fire department. You can nominate your local firehouse for a chance to win. The entry page can be found here: http://www.rescueremodel.com/. Please take a few minutes to nominate your local (or favorite) firehouse to give them the chance to win this awesome prize.
I’ve received a lot of requests to buy some of my ornaments online and I really wanted to make that happen. Here’s the deal… last year, I opened it up to custom orders, made everything myself, packed them up and shipped them out. It took a lot of time and I know I can’t do that this year. So, I’m offering specific ornaments up for sale and I’m doing it in a way that makes sense for my schedule. Look out for more details soon, but that’s the main thing I accomplished today. It involved lots of glue and glitter.
I also spent some time this evening rearranging accessories and I’m about to open a new box of goodies from B&H Photography. I have been wanting to solve some of my photography lighting issues for a while and a few e-mails with Darcy from My Three Boybarians finally convinced me of what I needed to invest in and I pulled the trigger. I’m about ready to go blind on some manuals, but hopefully it will pay off. I’ll definitely share what I learn.
I received a surprise gift earlier this week. I went to my car after music practice on Sunday to find a huge Target bag in the driver’s seat. I peeked in the bag and it was filled to the brim with gorgeous dried hydrangeas. No note. Just beautiful flowers. I’m pretty sure I know who they’re from, since I mentioned to her that I love hydrangeas and like to use them in my photo shoots AND she is an amazing gardner.
I was able to fill three large pitchers with them and you will see them often in photo shoots.
It’s been busy, but a little quiet around here the past couple of days. My apologies for STILL not posting tutorials on the sheet music wreath. The issue is that I have to sit down and take the time to make one as well as photograph the process. I just haven’t had the time to do that. If you need to know how to make one ASAP, you can check out this old tutorial I wrote. I make them almost exactly the same today, but I’ve just tweaked a few things. This post will get you going, though.
There are just never enough hours in the day…
32 Responses
So exciting! I can’t wait to hear what you come up with on the photography — I am still struggling with low light shots!! The hydrangeas are beautiful, as is everything! 🙂 So glad you’re here to pioneer all these things for the rest of us! 🙂
~Angela~
I agree!!! There never are enough hours in the day! Hydrangea’s are the best… so beautiful and full and that wreath is amazing! Not sure what to make this year for my door but this house is definitely music oriented so this could be it! 🙂
I love the flowers and what a kind gesture..Understandable that you are busy..I can see that from your posts..Don’t worry you will get it done and we will all be making one of them..Have a great week and weekend..
I love seeing your Christmas ornaments. I finally found glass bulbs to fill with music sheets. It’s an hour drive to the nearest craft store to buy the clear bulbs, but I scored a few at the thrift store. I so love these!
Love that wreath!! And those ornaments are TDF!!!!! Beautiful!
Hugs
SueAnn
I was just going to ask where you get those beautiful dried hydrangeas! Alas I will have to find a wonderful gardener in my area to befriend… 😉
Sarah
Here is a tip on getting a clear bulb much cheaper than at the store. If I remember correctly from a few years ago when I wanted to make my own ornaments and needed clear ones they were quite a bit more expensive, which made no sense because you think it would cost more for the companies to PUT color on them!! Anyway tightwad that I am, instead of paying $5.00 for 4 clear (at the time, they may be cheaper now) You can take any bulb you have and soak it in bleach. After soaking for a couple hours wipe out the paint on the inside with a q-tip. It does take some elbow grease, but it works. Also, for some reason the red ones are easier than any other colors. Hope this helps!
I hear you Marian. I think a better tutorial would be for you to share how you gain more hours in a day? That could make you rich beyond your wildest dreams.
You are doing awesome in all that you do get done every day.
As always – thanks for sharing it with all of us.
tammy
Question – do you ever shop at Chartreuse? I get their facebook updates with all the pictures and well just drool.
Ooh, lots of greatness going on!!!
🙂
shaunna
I LOVE hydrangeas!! What a wonderful surprise !
Your ornaments are BEAUTIFUL Marian!!
I have forged ahead and started making my own version of the music sheet wreath. I’m pleased with it so far, but it isn’t done yet. I found this quote yesterday and jotted it down. “I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.” John Burroughs I think we all relate! Love the hydrangeas — I think I’m jeaulous, they won’t grow here.
Boy, just to have a few more hours and energy to get everything done that needs to get done! Wouldn’t it be great? You seem to get quite a lot accomplished as it is! And this is the busy time of year!
Those hydrangeas are gorgeous!! I’ve never been successful at drying them – so I’m admiring the person who was able to do it so beautifully!
There really aren’t enough hours in the day……but I swear us women are made to be able to still conquer the day! Keep it up lady!
I’m totally on the edge of my seat to see what you’re going to use for lighting. It’s never easy!
Donna
Prayin’ for you girl! And I LOVE my firefighter hubby!!! 🙂
I love hydrangeas, too. Our neighbor shares her hydrangeas with me because my bush has not been happy in my garden. There were no blooms this year. Your ornaments look gorgeous. The music sheet wreath is on my must do list.
Ruth
The hydrangeas are so beautiful! We have many bushes in our front garden, some of which froze in the early snow storm this year. I hope they come back next year, they look dreadful right now.
You do seem to have been born with a ton of energy and I am sure I am not the only one envious of that energy! You use it so well. I must again comment on your new photo, I am sure your dentist is proud of that wonderful smile! You rock!
you are amazing with such talent…..love love love the bathroom redo….can’t wait to see what you do next..
It’s too beautiful! Merry Christmas avant l’heure!
Have a great evening!
Can totally relate! Love the wreaths and have had making some on my list for months now but NO time! Especially with a baby on the way and the holidays LITERALLY right on our heels…thanks for taking the time to keep us all posted! Have an awesome Friday!
Love the hydrangeas! And the blue coffee pot is amazing!
Don’t stop creating, we all love your work!
H.
Thank you for the link to your tutorial. I realized today that I already had everything I needed to make mine and just blogged about it. I love it!
What a nice surprise to find those beautiful dried flowers!
The hydrangeas are beautiful. When my Grandma Amelia’s house was sold, I picked the last few hydrangea blooms from her bush and dried them… it has been many years and they are papery thin and very fragile. I have them in a special spot (on top of my Grammy’s painted dresser). I will keep them until they completely fall apart! I also love, love the music wreath. I may have to add that to my list of “to dos.” Have a great weekend and I hope you are feeling completely well!
Blessings,
Melodye
Love hydrangeas! What a treat from a friend. Can’t wait to hear more about the paper wreaths. I tried making one, but it’s just a little blah…maybe i need to add more paper or add some glitter – that always makes things better! Thanks for the inspiration!
Love your blog, thanks for all the great ideas! I love the curtains hanging behind the hydrangeas,where did you find them? Thanks!
Gorgeous hydrangeas. If only my cat would leave them alone when I have them in the house. The colors on those are really great. Lucky girl!
Love your blog. I realize how hard you work. You inspire all of us. Thanks
i love this blog.. full inspiration