Pinterest Inspiration

Tobi at the The Pink Pixie Forest has encouraged us to write a post with what we've created as a result of a Pinterest inspiration...a "pin-spiration".  Pinterest offers a wealth of inspiration...and I really love looking around on there.  Well, here is a picture of the the pin I applied to one of my boards...

The link to it on my Pinterest board can be found HERE.  Then, the creation I made from it was this brooch made out of felt, embroidery thread and pretty rose beads.

 I just LOVE a round topped door...and climbing roses around it is the cherry on top.  This brooch was in my shop and has sold, but I have a white round-topped door with a pink flowered wreath on it in my shop (click HERE to see, if you'd like) and plans on making another "wooden" French door in the future...if only I had time!   

Strawberries and a Gold Picture Frame

Seems that since we got done with school we have been "running" nonstop!  Yesterday we went to some of the yard sales that were in town for this weekend's "city wide" yard sale event.  Do you remember when most yard sales were just on Saturdays?  Then there were those who started up on Fridays.  You really had to go to those on Friday, because by Saturday those good ones would be well picked over.  Now...Thursday is the day to go.  I honestly can't imagine having a yard sale for three whole days.  I couldn't believe how many there were yesterday.  Anyway...at the last yard sale we went to I was able to snag this gorgeous wood picture frame.  I love the gold on it, and the heart design around the edge is beautiful.  It is roughly 22" x 26".  It was only $1.  Hooray! 

Then...when it was the hottest time of the day it seemed...we went off to the strawberry farm to pick strawberries.  It sure was hot!  But with the help of the kids we did it in good time then came home for a big dish of yummy berries--our reward for all our hard work. 

I've made two batches of strawberry jam and a two-crust pie so far.  The pie turned out well.  Would you like the recipe?  Here it is:

 2-9" unbaked pie crusts

3/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 TBSP corn starch
4+ cups sliced fresh strawberries

Cook in 425 degree oven for about 35-40 minutes. 

New Hand-made Piano Bench

Thankfully my hubby grew up working with his contractor father and isn't afraid to work with his hands--in fact he enjoys it. We received a piano last fall so that our children could start piano lessons. No, they haven't given up the violin but are taking BOTH piano and violin (it's good form them...and I know someday they will be glad they did). Their violin lessons are more intense, and piano lessons are more relaxed...because, well, Grandma is teaching them (she is very talented, though doesn't play as much as she used to) and gives them a lesson every other week. It has been great fun for the kids as well as for Grandma. They have time one-on-one with her, and she has the great joy to teach her extensive knowledge to some eager grandkids. They have played for nursing home church services already and are dong well (they elderly folk there think they are just wonderful!). Anyway, we obtained this piano (with a promise never to sell it) only it came without a bench. Well, hubby built this one and did a fabulous job, I think. Perhaps someday I will make a little cushion for the very top, but I think it looks pretty just as it is.