Power Tools AREN'T Just For Dads!

Before I talk about tools, let's take a moment to celebrate all the great father's out there! Since my own dad is no longer here, I will be celebrating my children's father, but remembering mine with great fondness.

My Dad and me a very long time ago!

Like Father, Like Son!

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes.  ~Gloria Naylor

A trip to New York....see the Twin Towers...!

 Now about those power tools.  Manicured nails or not, I have my own power tools and know how to use them!  Getting over the fear of using power tools has made such a difference with my projects.  If you don't have any-start asking for them for gifts-way cooler than some sweater that won't fit and that you could find cheaper at GoodWill!
Here is a list of tools that I use....and a slideshow of some of my favorite projects that I used them on.

A 10 Minute Project!

When I cleaned out the laundry room closet yesterday, I found this Christmas themed candle that I had never used. (I just hate the labels on jar candles)

Should I use the ribbon?

Sooo....what to do?
I decided to cover the ugly label with pretty scrapbook paper.  I think it turned out very well!
If I hadn't burned it one time I would put it in my gift closet.

Is it better plain?

Here is what I did:

1. Measure the size of the candle jar
2. Cut the paper to fit-since the paper is only 12" and the jar was bigger around, I found a coordinating paper and cut a piece to cover the gap
3. I used dry mount tissue to adhere the paper to the jar but rubber cement or Spray Mount would also work.
4. Use a bone folder to press the paper on firmly.
5. Add a bow and attach the back of the bow with a dab of glue.

More on Dry Mount Tissue:
I discovered this magical stuff when I used to mount posters for my classroom.  The advantage is that unlike using a spray-on type of adhesive is that you can take your time lining things up before making the actual bond. It's really strong (and VERY permanent) and creates a nice bond with no air bubbles and such. Then a couple of years ago, they were throwing huge rolls of the stuff away when cleaning out a school library that was closing......so I scored it all!!!!  The directions say that you need to heat it up to bond it, but I never do....I just use a bone folder and press really hard.  The best thing is that there are never any bubbles and no waiting for glue to dry.  If I ever run out of my "free" supply, I will certainly invest in more.

Rainy Day on Sweetwater!

When I got up this morning and it was raining, I realized my plans to get out in the garden will have to wait.
So what to do instead?
I cleaned the laundry room closet!  The impetus for this was the challenge of having a 6ft 2 husband with a penchant for putting everything I need on shelves way above my head.   I rearranged things so that my 5ft tall self can get them without a stepstool.....success!
Sounds boring, but it also had me putting some new projects on the list.

Ahhh! Summer!

This arrangement is one that brings back memories of the wedding bouquet from our daughters wedding!

Peonies are my absolute favorite flower!   When these flowers burst into bloom, it means that summer is really here.  Can you believe that at the Farmer's Market this weekend,  the blooms were selling for 15 dollars a bunch of 10! 

Now I feel really "rich" because I can bring in bunches of my own blooms from the garden.  If you don't have a peony bush or two (or in our case 17), I would certainly think about planting one.  If you don't have a garden, go visiting your friends who do.  Because the blooms are so short lived, people who have them are happy to share!                                                             

If you DO have peonies, they make impressive gifts!
In the last weeks I have used them  as end of the year gifts for co-workers and friends and as an anniversary gift for my daughter.
And of course, I get to put them all over my house!
Wonder how much money I saved not having to go buy something?
Now I know why I spend all that time weeding!

                                                                                                                                                                        The Peony Garden on Sweetwater Curve is a work in progress.