Getting Things Done

It's a lot of fun to go out and buy something brand spanking new but, somehow, the thrill and novelty soon wears away and it's just another possession.  But when you use your wits and abilities to make something out of otherwise useless materials, the pleasure and pride lasts a long time.  At least that  is the way it affects me---Dorothy Blake, Woman's Day Magazine, August 194-

new, thrifted, repurposed and family pieces at my desk...

The artwork I finally settled upon was a framed doily made by a great great aunt and an old plate I bought from eBay years upon years ago.

A labor of muscle rather than love,  and of pinching pennies,  but it came together...John has since trimmed the tree up a bit nicer which improved the looks of things considerably.  

I also spread mulch along the back porch flower bed, but I shall not be showing that off just yet.  The flowers are well spent out there, except the coleus and need to be replaced with fall plants.  I noted a very few chrysanthemums were out at Home Depot, but will keep my eyes out for a more prolific display before I purchase any.  I also want to plant the iris I took up from the Faith tree bed at the front end of that porch.  It will balance the iris at the back steps end. 

A re-do of something I was making do with ...I repainted the frames a more pleasing color and in the process I've determined that the red window frame is all right after all.  I've used most of the frames multiple times over the years.  One or two were purchased from yard sale or thrift store.

I was looking at this chair the other day and wondering how to go about recovering it.  Slipcovering came to mind...and then I was digging through the drawer with tablecloths in it and discovered this old one I'd bought at a thrift store some years ago.  It's a nice heavy cotton damask and perfect for my purpose of making a slipcover.  What you see here is just a pin and baste job.  To fit the curves of the back, which I do want to show off, I wanted to be sure I had the correct lines to follow.  The skirt will be short (it's only tucked up just now) and show off the curvy legs.  I'll have a bit of ticky work on the backside which will need either laces or button holes and buttons if it's to fit the curves properly and slide down over the back as it ought.  This is not a 'done' project, but even getting this far is something! 

I've also sorted out a big mess in the guest room, cleaned and organized the baking cupboard and freezers.  I plan to work this week in the pantry getting things better organized and making a list of things to stock up on.  I've noted I'm low on sugars and flour and green beans thus far.

I've also read several books over the past few weeks...I've enjoyed that part and while it might not really come under the heading of 'getting things done' it's a sort of accomplishment for me anymore to actually pick up and read a book through much less three!

I've done some deep cleaning, and all the usual household things and a bit of study as well.  I've spent August well I think and got plenty done with my spare time from the blog.