happenstance home

I just might have a problem.

:)

I like things to look good to my eyes, and sometimes when you want pretty you just have to create it yourself.   My Whippet, Guinness, likes to be comfy so I wanted to add some extra cushion to her kennel.  I always find it surprising when you go into one of the pet supply stores how very unappealing their pet beds are.  Do people really want to put this stuff into their homes?  I think we can often just settle with what is there, and figure that is what it is supposed to look like.   For me, I just can't do it.   When you see the before of the bed hopefully you will really like the after.  Now I'm thinking - why not spray paint the kennel itself.  That black metal isn't very exciting either.    

I caved and bought an orthopedic type cushion for the bottom of the kennel.  Nothing pretty about it. 

It's dimensions:  35L 22 w 2.5 deep

Then went around my house to see what fabrics I could use to disguise it.

I used some feedsack material from a Decor Sales sale.  (See previous post)

I also used some floral material, and a velvety stripe that I bought on clearance years ago.

So, I made this up by the seat of my pants.  Here are my main measurements ...

I cut 2 main pieces out of the the feedsack fabric 37 by 26 1/2 inches.  I cut everything so it would be roomy, and even though I pre-washed the fabric I figure there may still be some shrinking in the future.

I cut my side pieces 4" deep.  I used feedsack on 3 sides, and the stripe on one.  I like to mix up colors when I wear clothes and accessories so why not on the bed too!

I cut pieces out of the floral fabric to make some flange welting - I cut those pieces 3" wide.

Last time Decor Steals had this feedsack fabric I was quick to make a purchase.  The fabric does not disappoint.  It's soft, but heavy.   I purchased A, C, and E.  Love A and C.  E is more of a burgundy stripe in real life, but I actually just finished making a dog bed cover using it - it looks really nice, and will be one of the next projects I will share here on the blog.  I will show you a sneak peek at the end of this post.



 Here are all of the colors.

Visit decorsteals.com to purchase.  It sells out fast!  $37.50 for 3 yards.

And here is the sneak peek at my project - 



 Happy Weekend!

It has been so difficult to get down here and write :)

Another Fourth of July - another S'mores  bar.  I wanted to switch up the look this year so yesterday morning this is what I came up with.  I will call it Vintage-Picnic.


I visited Jo-Ann's on Wednesday and found the stars - thought they would be really fun for a new look.


I quickly made a flower out of nut cups, cupcake lines, and paper doilies.  Then I just draped ribbon across the table front.  The Detroit ribbon in blue worked for me as far as the 4th goes. 


Hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth.

At the end of our night we make a bonfire - relax - and do midnight grilling.  I was on the back deck and spotted a fire.  We called 911.  My one friend was saying that it looked like it was a mile away. I thought it was from the neighborhood just next to ours, and headed out to the court with all of the teen boys quickly following.  Sadly we ended the evening helplessly watching someones home burn.  I get chills just thinking about it.  The family got out safe with their dog - there were 7 firetrucks - it took a half hour from our call for the first water droplet to finally hit the house.  So very sad - please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Joined the party at:
Jen Rizzo - Fabulously Creative Friday Linky Party
Shabby Art Boutique
My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures

Hello again!  It's been awhile.  I do have some new things to share soon so that is a good thing.  Right now I'm busy getting ready for our annual Fourth of July party, and came up with something new for dessert.

The fun fortune cookie!  My son Noah doesn't really like the cookie itself, but he enjoys seeing what words await him inside.  I think I may even find him snacking on this new version.


This cookie is my favorite as far as pretty goes.

Making the cookies is very simple.  I purchased a large box of fortune cookies from our local Asian market.



I gathered all of my colored sprinkles and sugars in Fourth of July colors.  From the cake supply store I purchased little blue and white sugar flowers.

Last year, when I had to start watching my salt intake, I had a worried moment while reading the labels on the taco seasoning packets at the grocery store.   I realized that I could never use the pre-made packages again.  So loaded with sodium.  That led me to an internet search where I found Rachel Ray's recipe for taco seasoning.  I made it minus the salt, and it is delicious!  I would never even think of going back to the store bought seasoning.   I like to make a double or triple batch so it is ready to use when I need it.  I just whipped up a double batch this morning because tonight is going to be taco night.  Taco night is great because the boys can make taco's, and I make taco salad using my power greens.

Teapot from Teavana.  I really want to spoil myself someday with this peach tea that they carry.  I tried it in the store - I found it delicious!

Noah had a baseball game on Mother's Day so I went to a little of that game.  It was freezing out - hail was falling.  I also caught up on my TV watching - Smash and Nashville.  I like days where I don't feel guilty at all for just hanging out.

In honor of this great Michigan weather - here is one of my new favorite songs.  It is by Matt Costa, and is called Gloomy.  It's catchy, and upbeat despite the title.  I LOVE it!  My sister gave me his CD titled Songs We Sing, and it has been playing in my car very much as of late.  It's one of those where I really like almost every song.  Somehow mine has Gloomy on it, but I can't find it online - Gloomy is last on mine.  Anyhow - I see he has a new CD - I will have to check that one out as well.