Sack of Potatoes

If my sweet mother or mother-in-law were alive today, I don’t know which one would ask me first.

“Jann, why on earth would you want to hang an old potato sack up to your window?”

Actually, the more I think about it; they both knew me so well I doubt that it would even surprise them.

Here’s how it all began:

I ordered this fabric to make curtains for my family room and kitchen.

See, here’s a closer look.

It’s a really cute stripe with all my colors:  red, green, and aqua.

And just look at all of these sweet birds.

Then one day while shopping with a few friends I spied these:

Well, really my friend Peggy saw them first and said, “Jann, you have got to see these curtains, you are going to love them!”

Needless to say, they now hang at my family room windows.  It was the smocking that made my heart skip a beat.

I bought a brown rod, painted it blue then sanded it to let the brown show through.

They are really long.  My hubby (who really didn’t want me to hang anything) because we have a gorgeous view.  asked if I was going to hem them.

“Heck no, I love how they drag on the floor”.

One of my blogging friends, who is an interior decorator says that burlap is over rated.  Guess what?  I totally agree with her.

Don’t know why I’m so ga-ga for it!

I think that it’s really trendy and will go out before too long.

But they actually cost less than my fabric did.  Oh, and don’t you worry, that fabric aint a goin to waste.  I’m still going to make a kitchen curtain using some of it.

Also, I think the stripe might work in my living room.  If not, I’ll save it for when my burlap is old and worn out just like an old sack of potatoes.

I read one ladies comment that said, “Burlap belongs in the barn”.  Hmm, maybe that’s why I love it so.  Always wished I had been raised on a farm.  Some of my older siblings were.  By the time I was born, being the youngest of eight, and my father passing away when I was only 9 months old.  The farming days were long gone.

So for now, I’m just gonna keep on a lovin my old sack of potatoes and pretend that I’m in a barnyard.

By the way, often I have cows in a field just west of my side yard.  I love watching them.  Closest thing to a farm I’ve ever had.

Love it or not, MOO-VE on over and let the burlap in.

I will be linking up with these sweet ladies:

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party Thursday

The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home

At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Birdie Bridal. . . Part Two

Yesterday I showed you the inside décor for my future DIL’s bridal shower.

Now for the outside, where the party took place.

Sam’s (Samantha) wedding colors are turquoise and brown.

We threw in a bit of pink for the shower.

I just received this vintage birdcage for my birthday from my dear friend, Joyce.

I almost fainted when I saw it.  Love, love, love it!

I wondered what to put in it for the party.  My sister, Julie suggested I put old dishes like our friend Dolly had done.

Great idea!  Throw in a bird, a bit of turquoise, and top it off with a rosette and ribbon. Voila!

Got this idea from a fellow blogger.

http://beachcomber26.blogspot.com/2011/07/ladder-love.html/

My girls tried putting more bottles on, but the steps are a bit tilted and they didn’t want to cooperate.

My 10 year old grand daughter, Jordyn took these next few pics.  Not too bad.

I made the bird nest favors.  They are fun and easy to make:

1.  Shred paper sacks and old sheet music in a shredder.

2.  Mix Elmer's glue with water to make a thin (not too runny) paste.

3.  Cover whatever size of bowl you want with Saran Wrap.

4.  Rest bowl upside down on something that will keep it steady.

5.  Apply papers covered with paste mixture.  I ended up just putting them in a large bowl and stirring.

6.  Let dry over night.  We added shredded party paper, a pinched doily, and a feather.

You know how those birds love to throw in just the craziest things.

Filled with Jordan Almonds, giant bubble gums, watermelon sours. mints, and a meringue cookie drop.

I have to give my sis, Julie a big thank you!  She came up to visit and ended up working her tail off.  She filled all of the nests for me.

We forgot to take pics of the food, but it was all oh so yummy!

This vintage basket worked great to hold napkins and silverware.  My daughter, Karrah made the cute cupcakes.

Opening gifts and hair tying ribbons.

Look what her mother gave her.  Her cousin said, “See, she really does love you”,  I’ll say!

I have a red one also and love it.  This one is even more heavy duty than mine.  Her mom said, “it’s like the one you wanted only on steroids.”

Every birdie say, ‘Bird Seed’

Two cute little party goers.

Did you notice, this little one is enjoying the newly painted Adirondack seating?

There’s even a special place for her Pretty Ponies

This post is turning out a bit lengthy.  I am going to blog about my gift in a separate post.

One last thing.

We didn’t play games, instead we had an activity.

Remember how I went to D.I. to buy glassware?

I pulled out the E 6000 and let the ladies go to town creating whatever they wanted to.

Sam got to pick one that she loved.  Then we put names in a bowl and drew out.

Sam’s mom, Annette and cousin, Erika.

Cousin Heather.

What a ‘tweet’ time we had.  I sure hope that every birdie felt welcomed.

Bye for now, and don’t forget to “Spread your Wings and Fly!”

p.s.   Just wanted to let you know about another give-away.

Be sure and go check it out. 

Birds Came Out to Party!

Saturday afternoon I threw a Bridal Shower for my soon to be DIL.

I have birds here and there throughout my home.

Last week I started pulling them out.

It all started with this:

The invitation.

Me and my birdbrain ideas.  This baby cost me $1.71 each to mail just because I stuck in that twig.

I wanted the entry to say, “Welcome to our Nest” (Click on picture to enlarge)

Family Room

Kitchen

My sweet friend, Peggy just gave me the bird topped tea pot and creamer for my birthday.  I love it!

Today I showed you the inside décor.  Tomorrow I will show you the outside and the Bridal Shower.

Here’s a peek at the nest banner I am working on to hang from my mantel.

Didn’t quite get it finished for the party.

A little hint:  My give away will be similar, but not the same.

I’ll keep you posted.  Gotta get er done!

Bye for now, and hope you enjoyed visiting my N.E.S.T.

I will be linking up with these ladies this week:

The House in the Roses for Show off your Cottage Monday

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphis Monday

Little Red House for Mosiac Monday

A Stroll thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday