My find of the Year!

I am so excited I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight - I am not kidding!!! I was in a shop today that is a crafter's consignment /antique booth shop. I saw this basket and of course had to look at the tag. I read the tag, rubbed my eyes, read the tag again and about screamed. I absolutely LOVE antique baskets, but can't afford many of them. I now have 4 wonderful antique baskets. The handle is very heavy and worn smooth from years of use, it feels wonderful in my hand. Are you ready for the price on this beauty?

$12.50! I just couldn't believe it. I have seen similar baskets for up to 20 times the amount I paid for it at antique shops and flea markets. My DH asked me when I was going to sell it to make that profit, I'm sure my look stopped him in his tracks. I don't think it's going to leave my sight for some time to come.

I was a little nervous that I'd have to fight off another shopper in my quest to own this basket. I kept glancing at it at the checkout table while I continued shopping. It was meant to be MINE. Thanks for letting me scream at all of you - I'm just so EXCITED!

Have a great weekend. ~Ann

Thanks Char

Thanks to Char

for the directions for this wonderful little counter top shelf. Very quickly this morning DH cut this out for me. After returning from our baseball games (imagine that a baseball game!) I painted it black, followed by 2 coats of raw sienna sanded it down and stained it with special walnut. It looks great on our kitchen counter.

I found the canisters at a garage sale for 25 cents each, painted the wood lids black, sanded them and stained them to prim them up. I still need to add antique prim labels. The canister on the left is filled with my homemade automatic dishwasher detergent, scroll down through the posts and you will find the recipe. I made the stump doll last fall and she coordinates well with the new display.



Melissa, I actually mentioned to DH as he was cutting this out that he should make 2 - do you want one?



Have a great week everyone. ~Ann

Tote Basket

Had to share one of my latest weavings. I carry a basket like this to work, as we are required to carry a basket. This one doesn't look old fashioned at all, but they give us basket weavers a break! This one was a special order with chocolate brown shaker tape handles and a fine brown print liner. I have another one to make up for another gal so I must get busy weaving that one too. I'll post this on my selling blog, if you are interested. Have a great weekend. ~Ann

Frugal Cleaning Recipes

No picture with this post, just a wonderful recipe. I hope you all try this recipe as it will save you a ton of money.

Up until about a month ago I was hooked on using the automatic dishwasher tablets. Then I began reading about going "green" with your household cleaners. Not only is this recipe easy on your wallet, it is easy on the environment. I've used it in our automatic dishwasher for over a month and LOVE it.

2 cups washing soda (made by Arm & Hammer, found in the laundry aisle)

1 cup Borax

1 cup baking soda

Mix all together and use just under 1 tablespoon per load of dishes. I put it in the receptacle that closes prior to starting the dishwasher.

In the effort to "go green" I found a canister/glass jar with lid at a garage sale for 25 cents. After I apply an "old" label to it I'll share a photo. ~Ann

Garage Sale Finds, A Redo and Some Hardware

Garage sale finds of the summer - or at least my favorite items so far this summer! I found the bowl for $2.00 - it has a small crack in the back, that's okay it mixes in better with all my other cracked items. The inkwell was 25 cents. This is a hand thrown piece that was signed by the potter.
I found this peg rack at a garage sale for 25 cents. I think it was meant to be used as a tool holder in the garage, but with a little paint it now looks just fine in our bedroom. I'm not 100% happy with the arrangement on it, but I'll tweak it when I have more time. It did have dried wood glue on the top - I pondered for a while on how to remove it and decided to take my embossing gun to heat it up and scrape it off - it worked wonderfully.

Remember my seasonal carpal tunnel disease? It's continued in full force. I had to share this photo with all of you. Our 11 year old all star team took 1st place in a 12 year old tournament last Friday night. The kids had 9 games in 7 days, whew! Our 11 year old DS is on this team, 1st row, 1st player on the left. This team is a sanctioned Little League team so we start playing towards that goal this coming weekend. DH is one of the coaches - middle in the back row. I love the picture, everyone is smiling - they were psyched to win a 12 year old tournament.

Add in the fact that our 8 year old had 2 games mixed in and you'll know where I've been spending my evenings.

Hope you all are having a great summer - we are enjoying a cooler summer that usual. ~Ann