A Wee Garden........

Dearest Readers,

My Darling Girl wanted to take a few gifts to those who have been tremendous blessings to her in her college journey these last four years.  Of course, we try to give gifts made by hand when possible, and so we began searching for something unique, inexpensive and quick!  We came across a website called Wee Gardens....and we knew we had found our inspiration.

Off to the thrift store for cups, creamers or teapots!  We found 3 darling teacups and one creamer.  All we needed was some ground cover that was small in scale and a few miniatures to add some whimsy to our gardens. 

As my Darling Girl was feeling very poorly (she is better now), I told her that I would be happy to complete these charming gifts on my own.....

I bought 2 small pots of ground cover....one with little tiny flowers and one that resembled grass.  After removing the plant from its container, I cut each one into fourths with a knife.  I removed quite a bit of the soil and placed it in the cup, using the leftover soil to fill in the small gaps. 

Next, I quickly painted the unfinished little fences with acrylic paint.  Once dry, I propped each fence against the flowering ground cover. A small rake, glued to the fence, makes one think that a "wee gardener" has just stepped away for a moment! 

Each little garden cost about $5.00.  I think we could have made them for less but we didn't have enought time to really shop the thrift stores.....we paid about $3.00 per cup/creamer.  I know that I have seen cups, etc. for around 50 cents at other stores, but they are quite a distance from our house. 

This would be a wonderful project to make with your "littles".  It is delightfully easy and would make a splendid Mother's Day gift. 

Well, it is going to be a busy day here at Honey Hill Farm, so I best be going.  I have so enjoyed visiting with you, Dear Reader.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

A Room is Finished.....Finally

Dearest Readers,

Well, I have finally finished the middle bedroom.... Here is a photo of the room as it looked before:

As you can see, it is pretty plain with cream walls.  This was the final room that needed a Victorian update.  I chose to paint the walls two shades of turquoise with gold stenciling....

I separated the two colors with gold braid trim....this is a very economical way to add elegance to a room.  I didn't change anything else in the room, but it feels entirely different.  One almost feels as if they are stepping back in time.

It feels so cozy and warm in here now. 

Well, that is just a peek into our dear Honey Hill Farm! I enjoy the challege of decorating on a budget....gosh, anyone could just go and buy what they need, but that takes all of the fun out of it....smile!

Thank you for stopping by to say hello, I will try and post more often.

Yours truly,

Shan

A Daughter on the Mend.....

Dearest Readers,

Thank you for all of your kind words and prayers for my Darling Girl.  She is much improved and is on the road to recovery.  With Graduation only six days away, we are hopeful that she will feel well enough to attend and actually enjoy all the upcoming events that are scheduled.  I love her so, she is such a blessing!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

A Prayer Request.....

Dearest Readers,

Would you be so kind as to remember my Darling Daughter in your prayers?  She is still recovering from Chronic Mono, coupled with extreme Allergies (she has to get shots every week).  Now she has a viral infection and is very ill.  She is in the last week of College where she will earn her BSN in Pediatric Oncology.  It would be very sad if she were to be so sick that she could not finish.  Your prayers would be appreciated so very much.

I have been praying without ceasing and I know that she is in His hands. The true Physician.

Yours truly,

Shan

Pleasant Days........

Good Morning Dearest Readers,

What a lovely spring morning here at Honey Hill Farm!  I have quite a few chores that need attention, but I am sure I will have time to sit on our front porch and sip a lovely cup of tea. 

The upstairs bedroom is about three-quarters finished and I must say that I am pleased with the Victorian feel that seems to be evolving.  Instead of wood trim to separate the two colors on the wall I am using gold braided trim. Now, I wasn't sure that this was going to be just the look I was after, but I must say that it is just so easy and looks so delightful that I am sorry I haven't tried it before.  I will make sure and get a close-up of this treatment for you to see for yourself. 

I have been soaking my Morning Glories (after putting a tiny nick in each one) and they need to be planted today near the front fence and trellis.  I just love the look of an English Garden, all wild and covered with blossoming vines.  Isn't it funny, but I think it is harder to achieve the English Garden look than it is to have everything in nice neat rows?  I have had to move things from one bed to another and really stand back and look at my flower beds before I decide if they  look charming or just messy! 

Dearest and the Darling Boys are going to tidy up around the farm today.  Not too much work, but they seem to always find a need to start up the backhoe and dig up something.....oh, well, boys will be boys.  Our Darling Girl is helping with a Health Fair at the University.  It is such a blessing for many low-income folks to have a check-up at no cost. 

So all in all Dear Readers, a pleasant day to look forward to, filled with blessings and family time.  Nothing could be better.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

I just love to wear pins and what better way to store them than on this easy to make picture frame pin holder.  All you need to do is remove the glass, put some batting on the cardboard insert that comes with the frame and then cover that with fabric.  It is such an easy craft and it is a fun way to store your lovely pins! Useful and lovely!

A Sparkling Day.......

Dearest Readers,

What a lovely day this has turned out to be!  We started out with about 4 inches of snow and ice covered windshields.  Now, it is just sunshine and pretty green grass!

I have been hard at work painting the middle bedroom in true Victorian style.  I think the entire room will cost about $65.00 for paint, stencil paint and the trim.  I have already taken a "before" picture and I will certainly take an "after" photograph to share with you.  Doesn't it feel wonderful to work with the provision He gives us and make it something special? 

I had such a wonderful sense of peace and purpose this week as I looked around our home and farm and realized all of the ways that we as a family have recycled and reused things that many would toss into the rubbish bin as they raced out to buy something new.  I do not say this with any arrogance, rather, gratitude that I and Dearest were both raised to be good stewards of the bounty we are provided.  It is such an important lesson to pass on to our children, this sense of simplicity and satisfaction. 

Well, I must go and check to see if the paint is dry enough so that I can put on a second coat.  I actually like to paint....isn't that silly!  I can tell you that Dearest is happy about that, as he does NOT like to paint at all.  So he builds things and I paint them....we are a match made in heaven!

Yours very truly, if a little paint splattered,

Shan

This charming little cup is dated 1908 and belonged to Josephine.  I imagine she received this as a prize at a carnival or fair, as this is called "souvenir glass".  I love to put tea lights in it and watch it sparkle in the evening. 

Hello Again.......

Dearest  Readers,

I have missed chatting with you!  My much needed break has allowed me to regain the gentle flow of everyday living.  It is so important to allow ourselves the freedom to say "no thank you" when life becomes so crowded that we cannot take care of those we love best. 

So, now that my home is in order, the invitations sent, the soil tilled and most importantly my family is happy and well tended, I can reconnect with you my dear friends.

Last we met, I was providing glimpses into our dear Honey Hill Farm.  Here are two pictures of shelves that Dearest put up in our bedroom.  Note the "border" paper above the shelf....it was regular wallpaper that I cut in half to make it border paper.  I believe that I paid a whopping $1.25 for the roll from the clearance bin!  Next, there is stenciling to help enhance the Victorian feel that I adore. As you can see, I have quite a myriad of collectibles that have made themselves at home. 

The baby clothes were worn by the Darlings.  The cloak and shawl keep me warm in the cooler months while the purses add a little style to my outfits! 

I am so glad to be back in your company my dear, dear friends.  I will post regularly now and I look forward to you visiting me!

Yours most kindredly,

Shan

A Sweet Treat.....

Dearest Readers,

I will be receiving my Mother's Day present early this year.  It is this sweet dress from Victorian Trading Company....oh my!  With two Graduations and two weddings I will have plenty of delightful opportunities to wear this beautiful dress.  I thought I was going to have time to make something special to wear, but as things sometimes go, it was not to be.  How kind and thoughtful of Dearest and the Darlings!

I have been so remiss in my blogging these days, I do apologize.  We have been getting Honey Hill Farm ready for spring planting, not to mention the party in May.  As I strive to live a gentle life, I will be posting a little less frequently.  It is important to me to keep things in balance for myself and most importantly, for my family.  I so hope that you, dear reader, will understand.

Until next time,

Shan