Inspired by Summer

The glorious summer garden flowers actually inspired me to add to my ever increasing scrubbie selections on Etsy and when Etsy Bloggers asked us to share a summer craft, I chose these flower scrubbie sets.  They come as a set of six as shown in these photos, and also in sets of two.

For those of you who crochet, here's a quick how-to for the flower scrubbies:
Cut 8 yards of nylon netting into 3" strips.  You'll get quite a few out of 8 yard pieces in two colors.

With a J or K hook, Ch 3, join with slip stitch.
Row 1:  Work 6 sc in loop.
Row 2:  Work 2 sc in each sc.
Row 3:  Work 2 sc in each sc.  Join with sl st.
Row 4:  Ch 3, skip next sc, sc in next sc around.  Finish off.

For anyone who crochets, it's super simple!  With a little expert help it's even a great beginner project.  Enjoy!!

Summer Time in Bookworm Gardens

The Magic School Bus welcomes young and old alike to fabulous (and free) Bookworm Gardens located just a couple of miles from us near the University of Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  My dear neighbor and her darling daughter accompanied me on a sweet visit last week.  The school bus can be "driven" by the children.  They can also open and shut the doors, read a copy of the book inside and even look through a kaleidoscope at basket of flowers as the young man in the photo is doing.

Bookworm Gardens was conceived by a local landscape designer and master gardener and is constantly expanding due to a huge contingency of volunteers and community support.  More than 25 children's books are illustrated in individual garden settings and thanks to generous individuals, corporations and public service groups, more is being added.  Several stone pillars hold copies of laminated books that children can read or parents or volunteers can  read to them around the gardens.

They can read Is Your Mama a Llama? in both Spanish and English, and enjoy Jack and the Beanstalk near a metal and natural bean stalk in front of Hansel and Gretel's cottage.  The cottage also serves as a visitor's center.  My neighbor couldn't resist sitting in Papa Bear's chair. It was vacated by Papa Bear as he and Mama Bear try to coax Baby Bear out of a tree.

So many more books are illustrated that it will take several more visits to experience them all.  If you're ever in the area, don't miss Bookworm Gardens!

                                                                  Is Your Mama a Llama?

                                                             Jack and the Beanstalk

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Finally...a finished bathroom!

I wonder if we are the only people who ever planned a bathroom around a sink.  When our old, ugly bathroom (scroll down on this blog for the before pictures) needed remodeling, our dear neighbors gave us a gorgeous Kohler lav to use as a starting point.  It is a relatively new product designed by Kohler artists and we were thrilled to receive it.

You can see the completed lav set into a new vanity set.  Also there are photos of the bathtub and tile resoration, one of the taping job before the spraying and one of the completed work.  There are also two photos of the remodeling process, one of the vanity area, and one of the new floor being installed.  Other than dealing with an impatient husband during the three month process, the greatest challenge for me was photgraphing in such a small area.  I hope I've done it a little justice!

July Fourth Traditions

As another July fourth has flown past with its parades, picnics and fireworks, I'm amazed at how little our  personal traditions have changed.  In most ways, I take comfort in these celebrations.  It is with gratitude that I enjoy the company of family and dear friends on this joyous occasion.  But in another way, with each year's closing fireworks, I reflect on the true sacrifices made by so many others that allow me to have such lovely experiences in such a safe environment.  The flashes , bright lights and booming noises that fill the skies seem more and more like battlefields in my mind.  And though I continue to enjoy the day, there is also a sadness and longing for a world more at peace.  Although I will not see that in my lifetime, it is my sincere hope that those who follow will catch a glimpse of that world.

The Esty Bloggers team asked us to share an item in our shop that reflects Independence Day.  The best example I have is in my peacoxtoo shop...a flag afghan with a large yellow ribbon gracing the blue field instead of the stars.  It is in honor and  memory of those who serve and have served this most blessed nation.

Fiber Art

Fiber art has always seemed daunting to me, but in the skilled hands of Tammy, of http://www.tamdoll.etsy.com it come alive with color, texture and style.  She creates dolls, jewelry, bags, clothing, and much more from largely upcycled fiber materials and offers them in her Etsy shop.  She loves the challenge of unusual materials that most of us would not think of combining to form lovely, original design pieces such as these fiber heart charms in shades of pink, white and green.  They're 1 1/4" across and have a ring at the back so you can add them to a necklace or bracelet.  They would also be darling as a pin on a hat, coat or sweater.  Take a few moments to browse her shop;  you'll be glad you did!

Summertime...time for smoothies!

Although smoothies are great any time of year, they're a real hit at our house during the summer months, especially for breakfast.  So when the Etsy Bloggers asked for summer time recipes, it was a no-brainer!  This is a very flexible recipe, so the amounts are approximate.  You can add or subtract as you like.

2 cups of yogurt in the flavor of your choice.
1 sliced banana
1 1/2 cups of juice in the flavor of your choice.
1 cup frozen fruit

Blend well and enjoy!  This makes about a quart of mixture.  Actually, this morning I invited my aerobics class for a smoothie party.  We had three choices:  mango/peach,  strawberry/mixed berry, and vanilla/blueberry.  There were no complaints!!

The Great Bathroom Remodel...Part 1

For several years, now, we've needed a bathroom remodel and have finally almost finished the project.  Although we were supposed to be finished before Easter, the final date is finally June 16, so I'm glad I waited to blog about the project!  Here are some photos of the disaster we were experiencing before the work started.  The photos do not do the horrible state of affairs justice, so you'll just have to believe me that I was embarrassed to have guests in it!  At any rate, these were shot in April when we could still use it.  The true remodel story will start tomorrow!