Brass Hinge

I love our step-up door to the attic-master bedroom. So many things in this old house are charming. The brass hinge that had been painted over is one. I posted earlier this year about cleaning this old hinge. You can read that post, here.

Here is what the hinge looked like when we bought the place. I didn’t even know it was something special until a friend pointed it out. And even then, didn’t discover it was brass until I started stripping the paint off.

And, in all its glory!

We installed the trim last weekend. I will be caulking and painted it over the next few days. So, this space isn’t quite done.

Entry Coat and Shoe Shelf

For the last 2 weeks, the entry floor has been a jumbled mess of boxes, coats, umbrellas, shoes and dirt. Here’s my fix.
Before, was this old oak bookshelf Stephen brought home from a job 6 years ago. I’ve always loved the ruffle detail at the top and the casters at the bottom.

I painted it the same color as the wall, because I love how it makes the tile pop.


I need to come up with something cool to put on the top shelf.

Basement Floor

The floor grinding did not kick up as much dust. And, since the machine was heavier and gravity was at work, it was an easier job. (Look mom, he’s wearing his mask! Goggles too!)

It still took him all day to grind the floor.

Cement sans paint:

Cleanup begins!

What do I do?

Stephen leaves the house at  7 am and goes to work until noonish. Then he goes to the house and works there for another 8-9 hours. What have I been doing? Projects, packing and childcare. We only have one car, so I’m stranded. We played lots of games until I packed them all.
And, I’ve had a few compassion visits from friends. I welcome all.

Coconut Cakelettes

Honestly, I can’t get enough of Sprinkle Bakes. I love making Heather’s beautiful treats. These were delicious!

Yarn Bombing in Occidental Park, Seattle

Yarn bombing is textile graffiti. Trees, buses, parking meters, signs or anything really is covered with wrapped yarn or sweater-ed. It was started in Canada by the self-described “knitting ninja” Joann Matvichuk. (Watch that video, she’s hilarious.) To get an idea of how big the movement has grown, browse through these photos from around the world!

Seattle’s Pioneer Square, specifically Occidental Park, has gotten a taste of yarn too! Suzanne Tidwell was hired by Seattle to install a yarn bomb as seen in the pictures below. And if you are in the area, her blog says she would love knitters to contribute! The installation comes down in September.

Salt Caramel Cupcakes

This is my new favorite past time: baking Sprinkle Bakes recipes. So fun!

These cupcakes are for Triple Salted Caramel Cupcakes.

What’s inside!

My piping skills are a little weak!

Finish the Course

I started a writing course (gulp) FIVE years ago. I’m determined to finish it by fall. So, my creative energies will be plugging away at words for a while. You may find me more often over here crafting words instead.

Calico Burleighware

When I was a little girl, a friend’s family used a collection of Calicoware and Ironstone for their dishes. I loved eating at their place because of those dishes! Since my everyday dishes are in terrible shape, I’ve decided to start my own eclectic collection. I researched the history of this design, and discovered it is still made in Burleigh, England. It comes in many patterns and colors and dishes. One day, I’ll have to order straight from England to fill out my table, but until then it is so fun to find a plate or cup in antique stores! I feel like I found buried treasure. I picked a 10″ plate up yesterday from the first shop I entered. I saw it as I entered the store. Unbelievable. I picked up a cherry plate a  a viney tree plate too.

Blue and White China

Blue Calico

Burleigh Pottery

Links to Lovelies

I went through and updated/edited my favorite blog links. I am an avid reader and these are my ABSOLUTE favorites!

• Bluebirdbaby
• Checkout Girl
• Design Mom
• Kitty Genius
• MADE
• oh fransson!
• Saltwater Kids
• Sew, Mama, Sew!
• The Hungry Mouse
• Under the Sycamore
• whatever