May 31, 2011

Tuesday Tidbits 5/31/11

is ALMOST here!
Where did May go?
Why does time fly by so fast when you're an adult,
and so slow when you're a kid?


WEATHER
Wow, we've had another crazy time with the weather. Temps were down to 39F early last week. Yesterday, they were a stiffling 92F! Also, news reports of at least four, if not five tornadoes touched down in the city just 35 miles west of me last week. Luckily, only minor damage was done. Minor in comparison to what happened in Joplin, MO. My heart goes out to all those people. :(


SCHOOL
Another semester of school started this week. Last week, I got a head start on the assignments: 3 chapters of reading, a 300-word essay, and a quiz. How fun is that?!? Actually, it's not bad -- I'm really enjoying reading the textbook. It gives "real life" stories as examples which keeps it interesting. I have even more positive news... Since the online link to the class wasn't open yet, I couldn't figure out where the "web chapters" were so I emailed the instructor late one night. By the time I got up the next morning, I had two responses from him, including links to the web chapters! I'm thinking I'm going to enjoy this class even though it's a lot of work.


STITCHY STUFF
All last week, I worked on the snowman ornament for the exchange I'm involved in. I think it's really cute! I can't show pics of the ornie itself, but I will show the embellishments I used on it.


I found them when I was digging through my stash. Look how *tiny* they are! Aren't they cute? (For those outside the U.S., the coin is a dime which the smallest of our currency.)

After not working on her for almost a month, I was able to put in a few stitches on Blossom Splendor last night. Here's what she looks like now:

Other WIP photos can be seen HERE.


HOMESTEAD CHRONICLES
It's been a while, hasn't it? Lack of time has kept me from doing anything around the house. My "to-do" list gets longer and longer! Since I had an extended weekend due to the Memorial Day holiday, I decided I wanted to get a small project out of the way. I've been wanting to put shelves into a recessed area of the basement stairwell since almost the time I moved to The Homstead 3½ years ago. (Remember Moving Day?)

Unfortunately, I forgot to take the "before" photos like I normally do. The entire stairwell was re-painted before the "custom" shelving was built and installed. Before I painted, the walls were covered with what I'm guessing is a 1950's green and it was grungy from years decades of neglect. I acquired an "oops" gallon of lighter green paint with Kilz already mixed in. It sure brightened up the area!

(Photo clickable for larger image)

One of the previous owners "installed" a piece of brown paneling to cover a hole in the ceiling of the stairwell. As you can see, I painted it to blend in with the rest of the walls. Mucho better!

No job ever -- EVER -- goes as one plans. See what happens when you try to drill into plaster covered metal corner and then brick? Yeah, the fireplace is right behind *that* wall. :(


I repaired the mishap and the project continued. Had to re-think how to attach the shelving since drilling into brick isn't the easiest thing to do. Ended up using angle brackets, and attaching them to the back wall of the cubby area. Perfect!


I couldn't get a good photo due to the small space, but this gives you an idea of what I did. Each of the shelves has a front "lip" so that whatever is put on them can't be accidentally pushed forward (and down the stairs).

Taking into consideration the cubby area is not "square", and that I used "oops" paint and "scrap" budget lumber, I think they turned out awesome! And the space is used much more efficiently.

Until next time,

29 comments:

Sunshine said...

You Go Girl!!! Great idea on the shelving. Whatcha gonna put on them? BS is coming along nicely. It's so colorful. I know you enjoy stitching it.
BTW: Today is March 31st....LOL!!!!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like this semester is going to go much better. :) The stairwell project turned out great. I can't figure out how you're going to attach that dime to the ornament....LOL


Karin in CA

EvalinaMaria said...

Look at you, now you are a carpenter! I love your shelves and stitching looks awesome. And I'm happy that finally you've got instructor up to your standards. I know you will enjoy this course.

Emily in NC said...

Seems like there is crazy weather everywhere this year. Lucky you!! built in shelving, looking forward to what you put in it.

Katrien said...

Fantastic job on the homestead!
I'm glad you got a good intructor for the new semester.

htimcj said...

Great news with your instructor! I hope the class continues to go smoothly.
I love your shelves! What a great place for storage.
Heidi-ILCS

Kay said...

That is great about the class you are taking, it makes it easier to go through if you are enjoying what you are reading. Even better that you are a bit ahead of the game! The stitching as always is beautiful! I know what you mean about May going fast. Next week starts summer break here, so I am enjoying my peace and quiet now while it lasts.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful stuff Mari. Great job.

Tina

Mouse said...

Way to go :) well done on the shelves and the painting :) glad to see you managed some stitching and that you are enjoying your classes

Gabi said...

Wow, you did a fantastic job. The shelves look good and are oh so practical. Great job with the painting too.
Love your Blossom Splendor and looking forward to see your secret project.
Good luck with the new classes :)

Lynette said...

Sounds like a really good start to the new semester, Meari! Your Blossom Splendour looks just beautiful!
You did a great job with the shelves - I'm impressed!

Julie M said...

I had no idea the talent that was lurking behind that beautiful face! Great job on the shelves Meari!

I have some of those teeny tiny snowflake embellies in my stash. Never know when you might need one or two!

How'd ya come out with the grades for last quarter? I'm sure you aced the quarter but thought I would ask anyway. Good luck on this quarter!

crossstitchbibs said...

You are such a crafty and talented person!!!! I would never ever be able to do shelves like that!! I have a hard enough time painting and not wearing the paint!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hope this instructor is better than the last one and you enjoy this class. You are making a lot of progress on your Blossom Splendour. Good work on your shelves.

Marl

Berly said...

The shelves and stairwell look great! Good luck with your class, which one is it? Those snowflakes are so cute!

Anonymous said...

Great progress on all fronts Meari :) I have all but given up on commenting on blogs just the last few weeks, as I just can't get them accepted most of the time - and the ones that I do get comments through need to to go through the 'sign in' procedure about three times!! Hope that they sort out what's going wrong, as it seems to be affecting nearly everyone!

We had a holiday weekend here in the UK too :) And the sun shone :) The children have this week off school, and it's so much better when the sun is shining!

Love,
Viv in the UK xx

Vickie said...

Love the stitching! I can't believe how much home improvements you do!! I am impressed!!!

Lyn said...

The shelf project looks wonderful. I need to put some shelves in this house. I guess I could ask you for lessons!

The embellishments for your snowman are very small. They are probably tricky to work with.

Your WIP is looking great!

chrisstitches said...

Wonderful progress in school & stitching. I'm doing outside stuff now & shouldn't be on computer (haha)
Chris

MaryT said...

Can I borrow you Meari after you finish your home repairs? Could use your help here. LOL

Mary Louise in IN

Anonymous said...

Great job on the shelving unit!!!! What are going to use it for? Your WIP is looking great. Keep up the great stitching. Good luck with this coming semester. Sounds like you got a great start on it.

Betty in AZ

Nancy M said...

Crazy weather for sure. Had the furnace on Saturday and AC on Monday. Today I can finally open the windows with neither on! I've seen those snow buttons they are very cute. Nice colors in the Blossom piece. I want to see the shelves put to good use now!

Akila said...

Commenting for the last 2 posts - lovely lovely mailart. And to reach the recipient in one piece!! Congrats
Wow, great job at homestead. Lovely idea of using that small space.
Blossom splendor is definitely coming along beautifully :)

Carol said...

Just got back from vacation, Meari and I'm making my blog rounds to see what I've missed. You sure have been one busy girl: drilling, and stitching, and studying, and painting--whew! When do you sleep?

So glad your professor sounds like he'll make the class a good one. Is this your third to the last class--I can't remember? And your stitching looks great as does your stairwell and it's bookcase. Looks like lots of great storage there--nice work :)

Meari said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Meari your blog is always a pleasure to read - nice progress on your stitching and home renos as well. Sorry that you are now without paid work - I hope that something good will come along soon. I can't wait to see your snowman with the embelishments.

Tara

Donna said...

You have been busy! Glad the classes look like they will be better this year.

Shelley said...

This weather has been crazy all over The States. I hope the tornadoes stay away from your neck of the woods.

Sounds like you finally got matched up with an awesome class and instructor. Good luck with all the studying and what not.

I love reading your Homestead Chronicles. You are such a handy woman. Happy dance for you...the shelves look awesome!! (I hate wasted space)

glenda said...

Nice job on the shelves!