…and the rest is history

I’ve spent too many of the years I’ve lived at my current address bemoaning the shortcomings of my home. It’s not perfect, that’s true.  T, though, has loved it since first sight–and in this case, he’s the smarter of the two of us.

Growing up in the suburbs, he knew that the placement of a lot and the surrounding vistas made a big difference, and me…farm girl that I am…just expect the view to be full of corn, hayfields and cows.

Just now, standing on our deck and watching a storm pass us by, I was struck with the beauty of the place. We can always improve the house, but it’s really hard to improve the view.  You’re right T.  See, I said it.

T has been three hours away with his parents since Wednesday, and when he came home this afternoon I was relieved that he got home safe and happy to finally get a big-person hug.  He’s tired, as one would be after spending that amount of time with elderly parents who argue about everything, including who should eat first. 

“You eat first.”

“No, you eat!”

“I’m not going to eat until you eat!”

“No, eat.  Don’t make me angry.”

And on and on.  Maybe they could try eating all at the same time.

Anyway, even though he’s tired, he played with J and after J went to bed, he helped me out by tilling the garden one last time.  I’m not much of a weeder, and I don’t leave enough room between my rows, ever, so it’s never an easy task.  T’s a Godsend, though, and didn’t even complain about it.

We haven’t had much out of the garden this year since everything is sooo late, but I’ve got my eye on those peas.  Every day I’ll take the thickest pod, crack it open and scoop out the insides.  The peas are never big enough, but soon.  I love the taste of those peas…they’re sweet and a little crunchy and just so fresh.  Mmm. And they’re pretty!

Today was mostly rainy and gloomy.  J and I spent the morning violating the cardinal rule of no TV for the under 2’s and spent the early afternoon running around my hot, humid classroom and having a meltdown of the I-need-a-nap variety during a yearbook meeting. Thank God there were just two very understanding staffers were there.

Then it was Walmart time–we were out of butt covers.  Of course, I also found a punch to round corners on some cards I’ve got some vague sketches for that I’m planning on putting up on Etsy some day.  Oh and some cheap frames to use the Podge on.  We’ll see.  Think I might use glitter?

After that, J discovered the wonder of rain on his face and gleefully shook his head back and forth as I pushed him and the cart into the parking lot, and I didn’t rush since he was having so much fun, even though I was getting way wet. 

And now, J’s in bed, and the clouds have parted…and this is the view outside my window.

I’m not much for glossy photo prints.  They seems a little, well, garish to my senses. So, I’ve been using matte label paper for the surprise hit in my shop–address labels.

The colors are nice, but they aren’t as saturated, meaning that although they look good on some designs, the colorful Halloween designs I’m working on just needed a little more umph in the saturation area.  After lots of toying with my printer, I broke down and bought yet another raft of label sheets–this time photo glossy labels.  

They were expensive, but worth it.  Wow, were the worth it. Details that were getting lost on the old matte sheets (like the shading on the pumpkin above) come out clearly on this new paper.  I’m in love again :)

New designs using the glossy paper will be added to my Etsy shop slowly…with tonight’s Christmas offering the first to appear.

Here are those really cute binder clips.  See, I told you they were cute–and easy, too!  

Supplies

• binder clips (you choose the size; these were 32 mm)
• cutesy scrapbook paper
• Mod Podge (furthermore know as the ‘Podge)
• small foam brushes
• paper cutter or scissors

1. Cut the paper to size so that it will wrap all around the clip. A papercutter works well, but if you don’t have one scissors or an exacto knife will work. 
2. Slap a coat of Mod Podge on the backside of the paper and on the outside of the binder clip.
3. Carefully line up the paper so it’s straight on the clip.
4. In an up and down motion, smooth the paper over the clip.
5. Let it dry for 15 minutes or so, then put a light coat of the ‘podge on the outside of the paper.
6. Sprinkle glitter on the wet ‘podge.
7. Let it dry overnight (or even less, if you’re impatient like me!)
8. Admire your work!