The Girl Has Taste
>Last week I took my three-and-a-half year old granddaughter to the thrift store to shop for a gift for her momma. Why the thrift store? Well, the thrift store and the dollar store are two of the smallest stores around which makes it much easier to keep track of a very active three year old. And out of the two choices the thrift store definitely has a wider variety of pretty junk. First we visited the toy aisle to get that distraction out of the way so we could better focus on our gift finding mission. Taking a child to the toy aisle of the thrift store can keep them entertained for quite a while. Three year olds don't seem to be bothered with the fact that most of the toys are broken or have dead or missing batteries. Once she had experienced broken toy overload we went on our journey to find the perfect gift. After searching high and low (me-high shelves, her-low) we were both ready to throw in the towel and resort to the traditional gift of a handmade card. It was then that she picked up this vintage darling off of the bottom shelf. 
I'm sure she didn't base her choice on the age of the item, it's color, or classic style. Her choice was likely based on how fun and easy it was the flip the lid up and down.
Nonetheless she made a great choice. All that was needed to make it a perfect gift was the addition of some fresh color coordinating tulips, a tag and bow. . . along with a wish for a Happy Mother's Day and a hug and kiss. 
Her momma was very happy. And I, her nonnie, was pretty proud of her great taste and superb thrifting skills!
It's Personal
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On this date last year, I posted my very first photo.
It was a picture of my suitcase stack.
Just over a year ago I found myself in an interesting place in my life. I'd had multiple opportunities to help people design their homes. I loved making their homes beautiful and personal. I loved being involved in the design process. I loved that people were looking to me for "expert" advice, and I really enjoyed the fact that I was being well paid for something that I loved. I felt a very strong desire to go back to school to get another degree. I had earned two degrees in education earlier in my life, but now, I really wanted a degree in interior design. I felt that I needed a design degree in order to validate myself. However, with our family and financial situation, the ability to go back to school was not a possibility. . . the sacrifice would have been too great. I was at that point where blocked creativity and total frustration collide.
I had talked for months about starting a blog. I thought that maybe I could showcase some of the work I had done in my clients homes, as well as my own home. My husband had even bought me a digital camera to show his support for my decision. I had spent hours and hours looking at, and being inspired by many designers blogs. I noticed that several mentioned that starting a blog was one of the best things they had done.
So, after months of talking, late one night my daughter helped me start my blog.I thought that if nothing else, blogging would help improve my computer skills. I hoped that blogging would give me that extra push to complete a few of the hundreds of home improvement and craft projects that I constantly have running through my head. Blogging could serve as my substitute for higher education until the time was right. Interestingly enough, I chose to tell very, very few people about my blog, only a couple of my closest friends. I needed my blog to be my very personal outlet; the place where I could create with words and pictures without the fear of being judged by people I knew. . .whether good or bad.
Today I celebrate one year of blogging.
This is a photo of my suitcase stack today.
This is a photo of my suitcase stack today.
There have been subtle changes in that stack, and in my life. What has happened over the past year? Well, I do have a few more computer skills, although not enough to mention on a job application. I have been able to complete several projects. However, the amount of to-do projects running through my head has actually increased. Still, to this day, very few of my neighbors and extended family know that I have a blog, only those who have happened upon it through other sources. There have been other changes though. Changes that I never would have expected when I began this journey a year ago. I never would have expected that ANYONE would have ever been interested in what I had to say or do. I never would have expected that people would take time from their busy lives to leave kind, uplifting, positive, and friendly notes to me---someone they have never met and yet have a connection with, and they do so without expecting anything in return. I never would have expected to wake up every morning wondering what I could say or do on my blog so that someone I have never met might be inspired to enjoy their home and their life just a little more. And now, after a year of blogging I understand what others meant when they said that blogging was one of the best things they had ever done.
Blogging truly has been a life changing experience for me. I have each and every person who has ever read or commented on my blog to thank for that.
I am deeply appreciative to YOU
for being an important part of my life.
for being an important part of my life.
THANK YOU
from the bottom of my heart!
from the bottom of my heart!
And, if you are wondering, I'll be throwing a party this Friday to celebrate this one year journey. I hope you'll be there. I'll even have a few prizes to give away.
Figures Punakawan
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Punakawan1. Punakawan is a unique type of character in Indonesian shadow theatre. They generally represent the commoners. The characters of Punakawan indicate various roles, such as the warrior advisors, the entertainers, social critics, and clowns, a further source of truth and wisdom. In Javanese wayang, the punakawan characters consist of Semar, Gareng, Bagong, and Petruk. In Balinese wayang in the other hand, the character consist of Malen and Merdah (the maids of Pandawa) and Delem and Sangut (the maids of Kurawa)
Semar2. Semar is the care-giver of Pandawa. His name is also Hyang Ismaya. Even though his appearance is so ugly, he has a supernatural ability that is greater than the gods'.
Gareng
3. Gareng is one of Semar's sons which means he is revered. Nalagareng cannot speak well; furthermore, whatever he says can be totally wrong. However, he is a very funny and hilarious man. He has been a king of Paranggumiwang and has a name Pandubergola. He was elected to be a king in the name of Dewi Sumbadra. He is so powerful and can only be defeated by Petruk.
Bagong4. Bagong means shadow of Semar. When Semar was sent to the earth, the gods stated that his shadow became his friend. Suddenly, his shadow was transformed to be Bagong. Bagong has unique personality: he is assertive and like to pretend to be stupid. He is also so funny.
Petruk5. Petruk is Semar's son with the sweet face and smile. He is a smart speaker and a funny man. He likes to ridicule atrocity with his comedy. Petruk has been a king at the state of Ngrancang Kencana and is named Helgeduelbek. In one story, he took the Kalimasada amulet. Nobody can defeat him except Gareng.
A Little Egg-stra
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A
LITTLE 
MORE 
EASTER 
DECOR
LITTLE 
MORE 
EASTER 
DECOR
Puppet Mask (Wayang Topeng)
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It's amazing cultural richness in of the archipelago. For example arts of puppet, for one region can be so diverse. In Java alone, puppet consists of shadow play, puppet suket, puppet people, puppet klithik, and there are also a called puppet mask.
Art puppet mask is no different of the performing arts puppet people. The difference only is, all players wear a mask. As for his story namely, Panji story, the Ramayana and Mahabharata story.
The story of Ramayana and Mahabharata story are originating from India. But more than a hundred years ago, when it started to go to Southeast Asia, until finally the land of Java, the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata have an adjustment to the culture of Indonesia, especially Java. Even in the latest developments, when Islam entered the land of Java, the art of puppet was adapted so that the Hindu epic that breathes into an epic that breathes Islam.
One example of the inclusion of Islamic teachings through the art of puppet on puppet story "The weapon powerful of the five knight Pandawa" called "Jamus Kalimasada", which is used in the spread of Islam. The puppeteer then said that what is meant Kalimasada is the sentence creed.
Type of puppet art on this one, thrives in the land of Java. Even initially played at the palatial palace of Surakarta and Yogyakarta. The players of the beginning are the servants of the palace. But in its development, the art of puppet mask out of the palace and played Javanese society.
Despite growing popularity of puppet masks faded, in some areas, this art still thrives, especially in East Java, more specifically in Malang and surrounding areas. Puppet mask played the night until dawn. Puppet mask often in performances by the people who are have of ceremony, such ceremonial marriage, circumcision, and others. As a spectacle, of course held in the open field on the stage, and freely enjoyed by society. Besides entertaining, also free.
But after the presence of television, folk art performances, including mask puppet began marginalized. Even to the present puppet mask art still survive, nothing more because of government assistance in this department of culture, tradition, or culture of the community activists who have a high concern on the sustainability of puppet art masks.
In the hands of government, the art of mask puppet are often packaged in a ceremonial stage in the activities of government, or in cultural missions abroad.
Bountiful Blooms
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An enormous bouquet
compliments of my own backyard.
Can you believe the size of this bush?
Am I the only one that has a burning desire to have
a snowball fight with springtime blooms?
compliments of my own backyard.
Can you believe the size of this bush?
Am I the only one that has a burning desire to havea snowball fight with springtime blooms?
Yet Another Paper Wreath Tutorial
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If you do a search for paper wreath tutorials you will likely find a bazillion. There are folded paper wreaths and rolled paper wreaths just to name a few. I'm sure there is already at least one crunched paper wreath tutorial, yet I will add another just in case you haven't had the time or inclination to search. Paper wreaths are so popular because they are relatively inexpensive. However they are time, paper, and hot glue stick consuming. Each of the wreaths I made as centerpieces for the wedding reception took about an hour.
I started by using a simple wreath from the dollar store. 
In order to camouflage the wreath, as well as make it easier for the crunched paper to stick,
I first covered it with strips of sheet music.
This was when I received 75% of my hot glue burns so be very careful with this step!
Next I cut pages from a music book into fourths.
My wreaths were covered completely on all sides so each took an entire music book that was about the thickness of a magazine.
Using one piece of quartered paper, I placed a dowel (a pencil would also work) into the center of the paper and then crunched the paper around the dowel.
Making sure to first flatten out the crunched end a bit for more surface area, I then applied hot glue.
Next I used the dowel to place the crunched paper onto the wreath.
I continued. . . and continued. . . and continued until the wreath was covered.
***I will now impart what little unique knowledge I gained from this procedure***
If the paper is thin it will adhere much faster than if it is thick and stiff. The stiffer the paper the longer the wait time for the glue to hold. And while you may think that the paper is stuck you will soon find out that the little stinkin' stiff paper will try to hightail it right off the wreath just as you are placing the next piece causing you to grab said piece and possibly cause additional finger burnage.
After the wreath was complete I lightly sprayed each with the desired color of spray paint. To give them more color and interest I added in pieces of crunched colored tissue paper.
To make them hang I hot glued on some evenly placed ribbons and glued the ribbons onto a large dowel that had been glued into a piece of 2x4. The dowel was topped with a finial painted to match the wreath and ribbons. I then adhered photos of the newlyweds onto the ribbon.
The centerpieces resembled little maypoles which was very appropriate since it was a May wedding.
Figures One Hundred Kurawa
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Karna
Sayudana
Dursasana
Cakil1. The One Hundred Kurawa are the children of Raden Datarasta with Dewi Gandari. The oldest one from them is Suyudana. He has a jealous personality. He is a powerful knight, as he was bathed in miraculous water when he was young. However, one part of his leg was covered by a banyan leaf, and that became his weakness.
Dursasana
Dursasana2. The second son of Dasarasta is Dursasana. This warrior was very spoiled by his parents and his older brother. He likes to act carelessly and does whatever he pleases. Nobody can prohibit him. His speech is loud and rude. He never sits still and is always worrying.
3. Among other Kurawa warriors there are Citraksa and Citraksi. Their utterances are stuttering, their acts are arrogant and they like to swear.
Materi ini diambil dan diolah dari Sunardi D.M. Kisah Keluarga Pendawa dan Kurawa, Jakarta: Harian Berita Yudha, 1974.
Materi ini diambil dan diolah dari Sunardi D.M. Kisah Keluarga Pendawa dan Kurawa, Jakarta: Harian Berita Yudha, 1974.
The Parwa Puppet (Wayang Parwa)
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Parwa Puppet is one of the most popular leather puppets in Bali. sourced from the Mahabharata epic story which is also known as Dasa Parwa Astha. Parwa Puppet staged at night, using kelir and lamp blencong, accompanied by Gamelan Gender Puppet. Parwa Puppet staged in conjunction with various types of religious ceremonies and even in the showing an entertainment that is secular. Puppet Parwa can also take the story of Bharata Yudha or other parts of the Mahabharata story. Therefore, the number of Parwa puppet is the most widely.
Among the stories which are commonly used in the puppet parwa show is the stories of Bharatayudha war, is a story about the death of Bhishma, Drona The death, death of Abhimanyu, death of Karna, and the death of death of Salya Jayadratha.
While The stories famous before Bharatayudha example Contests Goddess Amba, Pandavas Kauravas Aguru, Pandavas Kauravas Gambling, Contests Drupadi, Birth Gatotkaca, Aswameda Yadnya, Kishna Duta and Death of Supala.
Puppet Parwa usually backed by about 7 people consisting of 1 a puppeteer, 2 assistant puppeteer and 4 gender people (who play a pair and a pair pemade kantilan). duration is longer than the weak Puppet ie ranging from 3 to 4 hours.
In the development of puppets now have evolved from a tradition even shift into new creations.Puppet Nardayana or known as Wayang Cenk Blonk Belayu, is one of the innovative puppet performances of the most anticipated in the land of Bali over the last decade that adopting such a shift that. Some forms, such as bale Bali, trees, animals and even rocks did not escape the creations of the puppeteer. Similarly, the addition of puppet characters Cenk and Blonk introduce characters who often appear some time before the performance ended. Several stories have circulated that impressed even take the title at random or weird, like Diah Ratna Takeshi, Katundung Ngada, Suryawati Ilang, Sugar Cane or Lata Mahosadhi Sala.
Borobudur Temple
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The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). During the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.
Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians.
Silver De-Light
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I wanted a pretty chandelier to hang in the guest room. For months I searched the thrift stores, but there was nothing pretty (or with potential to be pretty) to be found. I had to resort to shopping for one at the blue big box home improvement store. I found a reasonably priced chandelier and loaded it my cart. Then I remembered that the other light fixtures in the room had silver finishes and this chandelier had a rubbed bronze finish. There was another, more ornate, chandelier with a silver finish, but it would cost an additional forty dollars! I stood staring up at the selection, pondering my choices. I actually liked the more simplified look of the bronze light better than the very embellished silver one.
What should I do?
Then it dawned on me.Hey! I'm that lady who has a blog
that posts about transformations using paint.
I can transform this chandelier!
I unpacked my new light fixture and pulled out my paint brush and silver Rub 'n Buff. I loaded the brush with a little silver and "pounced" it on top of the bronze finish. "Pouncing" allowed a little of the bronze to shine through, which gave it a look of aged silver.
I finished it off with pretty little textured bulbs.
With a little work I got the finish I wanted,
for a reasonable price and the best part is,
it's a one-of-a-kind!
I unpacked my new light fixture and pulled out my paint brush and silver Rub 'n Buff. I loaded the brush with a little silver and "pounced" it on top of the bronze finish. "Pouncing" allowed a little of the bronze to shine through, which gave it a look of aged silver. 
With a little work I got the finish I wanted,for a reasonable price and the best part is,
it's a one-of-a-kind!
A Woman's Prerogative
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Do you remember a while back, when I tried using
other paint colors besides satin black?
Do you remember this homeless tin shelf
that started out a deep red?
And then became a lovely tan?
Well, I changed my mind.
other paint colors besides satin black?
Do you remember this homeless tin shelf
that started out a deep red?
And then became a lovely tan?
Well, I changed my mind.It's a woman's prerogative isn't it?
I finally decided where I wanted the shelf,
so I had to do a second makeover.
This is what it looks like now.
I painted the fleur de lis details to show them off.
I finally decided where I wanted the shelf,
so I had to do a second makeover.
This is what it looks like now.
I painted the fleur de lis details to show them off.Now it looks right at home.
Hooray and Display
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I am so happy to announce the winners of
the Belvedere Designs giveaway!
The random generator selected:
the Belvedere Designs giveaway!
The random generator selected:
Desiree said...
Oh how I love monograms. PLEASE pick me.
November 2, 2009 3:55 PM
Gift Certificate winner:
Natalie said...
I would love to get the gift certificate! I do love the laundry room quote, but I don't have a real laundry room. Thanks for the chance to win!
November 3, 2009 10:36 AM
Laundry winner:
Andrea said...
I'm lovin' the Laundry sign!
November 3, 2009 7:59 AM
Jordan and Raelene, owners of Belvedere Designs, are some of the most generous people I've met. They've decided to add one more prize for their favorite saying.
Bonus $35 Gift Certificate winner:
Aubree @ The Weathered Cottage said...
wow! i would love to win a gift certificate. I love the saying, "The Laundry Room, Loads and Load of Fun" and also "Let him sleep for when he wakes he will move mountains"- Napoleon for my little boy's room!
November 2, 2009 11:55 AM
The winners can contact Belvedere Designs to claim their prizes.
I'm sure you know that I thrive on constantly changing things in my home. Because I'm afraid to commit to having anything stay on my walls, I came up with this idea for my monogram.
Months ago I showed you a huge frame that I found at the thrift store.I popped out the painting (storing it in the garage), painted the frame and propped it up against the wall.
I enjoyed that look for a few months and then leaned the frame above my sideboard. It eventually was actually hung on the wall.
When my monogram arrived I was so excited to find that it would fit perfectly inside the frame. And I was happy that I hadn't thrown away the original picture!I thought about spray painting the picture but then I remembered that I had a roll of wall paper that I picked up at the thrift store. This wall paper is fantastic! It looks like old tarnished, scratched metal.
I applied the wall paper directly to the painting. The burnishing tool that came with my design was handy for applying the wallpaper and the monogram.
When the paper was dry my hubby helped me line up the monogram.Belvedere Designs websight shows just how to apply their designs.
With a design this big it really helps to have another set of hands. Thanks hubby!
All that was left was to pop the newly covered picture back into frame, adhere it with a little hot glue, and hang it back on the wall. 
I love my new monogram!
I am incredibly impressed with Belvedere Designs products and their customer service! If you haven't already seen all that they have to offer, take some time to visit them now.
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