Easter Basket Book List!

Everyone has a bit of Spring Fever about now. With Easter just a week away, it is time to think about what to tuck into those Easter Baskets. Of course there will be candy and eggs!

Here is an idea!  How about some great books  How about some great Spring themed books?

Chalkboard Art Tips and Tricks

I did a lot of chalkboard writing " back in the day" before Smartboards replaced them.                                    I was pretty proud of my "teacher penmanship" skills!

It is humorous that chalkboards are " historical artifacts" in the classroom, and yet, those same chalkboards have become popular home decor accents!

I have a big chalkboard in the stairwell to the lower level




I recently found a cute little easel chalkboard at a consignment shop that fits perfectly on the kitchen counter.



I usually write something seasonal on the chalkboards.....but in all honesty...I have been feeling that my efforts would not get very good grades for creativity and penmanship!

 I decided it is time for me to spend some time perfecting....or at least improving.... my chalkboard art skills.
I guess that might be an irony goal for a retired teacher....but heck...I have nothing but time now!

Here is a round-up of all the great tips and techniques that are sure to turn my chalkboard art from novice to pro!

Friday Favorite-Burlap!

Burlap is more than just a "trendy" decor element here at Sweetwater!
So this Friday's Favorite is BURLAP!

First let's look check out some very fun ways to use burlap!
Clearly this potato sack dress is NOT on my list of sewing projects!

Simple St. Patrick's Day Art

I like to add a bit of seasonal decor to the Baker's Rack in the kitchen.

I gathered some GREEN!

A green depression glass measuring cup and lemon/orange squeezer...

A fun 1930's Rum Rill Pottery Candle holder....

A Fiestaware Pitcher...

A green placemat....

AND

The framed Shamrock leaning on the shelf that was super simple to make!

Goodwill Style!

A couple of months ago, I was happily shopping at Goodwill!

You are probably saying..."How is that news?"

Well...I ran into a friend who was doing a thrift store style consult with Lindsey who is

 the owner of Fashion Fix MN!

Lindsey does closet organization and Wardrobe Styling.

The most fascinating part of what she offers is..... thrift store styling!

I watched the consult for a little while and then asked if I could shadow her sometime and watch this interesting process.

I did just that this week.  I spent an interesting couple of hours with watching her "work her magic"!

Come along and see!

March Centerpieces!

 Did you ever get around to planting a pot or dish of wheat grass!

If you haven't done that yet, maybe this centerpiece idea will motivate you!

I was so glad that this big bowl of wheat grass was in full "bloom" a couple of weeks ago.

 

Sadly...the Sweetwater fiancé had a death in her family.... she wanted an interesting centerpiece to put on the table when the family gathered together.

This grass planting was a wonderful base for that centerpiece.