Any Day is a Paint Chip Day

By now you know how I love paint chips.....

and all the creative possibilities they inspire...

apparently Rene at Bargain Hoot likes them too.

Check out the possibilities~

Craft Time..

Time for a craft tutorial!  No need to despair, I am not even going to attempt such a thing, BUT, I do know a good one when I see one and no one does it better than the super fantastic

 Jenny Doh...

I never visit her blog without learning something.  What could be better than an easy quick craft

that can serve multiple purposes, and is so fun and stylish?

Of what do I speak?  you might ask.  This fabulous little

 macrame skinny hemp scarf/belt/necklace

Surely you remember the 70s and all that macrame...maybe not.

Jenny offers a tutorial WITH PICTURES as to exactly how this little ditty can be made just

in time for your Christmas gift giving...

Scoot right over for a lesson.  Thanks to Jenny

for such an easy-to-follow lesson....and a walk down memory lane......

Oh so Cute

Jessica of How About Orange

generously posted the cutest tutorial for making these excellent paper balls!

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

Christmas ornament....gift adornment.....home decor....Oh yeah, I gotta have some of these!



Pinned....

If you haven't discovered Pinterest you must give it a try.

It seem that everyday there is something new to see and try in the crafting world.

Pinterest is a catalog of sorts where you can "pin" things you like (like bookmark) and have a place to keep them rather like a big inspiration board.  It is addictive and one more place

on line to get lost in creativity and ideas.

I think things like this are half the reason I can't find just one thing to do...There

are so many....paper, fabric, yarn, paint, pencils, jewelry, books, thread, embroidery, beads,

cookies, cupcakes, it's all there for the taking.  I'm all over the place....I like it all.

I made a few of these for some little friends before school this year....I am so sorry i can't remember

where I got this idea, but I am posting the photo anyway....they were simple

and quick to make....

and Lori Marie posted a photo of these beauties which inspired to me try a

few....I've changed them up a bit to make fun neck cushions using some scraps I have

but they are turning out really fun....

And to top things off, Tif Fussell's new book Dottie Angel arrived in

the Farm and Fru Fru mailbox this week CHOCK FULL of granny chic projects just

waiting to be tried.  It's a must read.

So many projects.....so little time......



...More Paint Chips

Love paint chips....love them.....they just sit there in Lowes and

Home Depot in their colorful, orderly, coordinated goodness

just waiting to be snapped up for a fun project....FOR FREE.

And, the kind store associates are always happy for you

to take several if you ask.

How About Orange,

 one of the most clever blogs I regularly check

recently posted yet another way to enjoy paint chips.

Check it out...



Jessica Fletcher, Inspiration and Pods

My Sainted Mother is at it again....

You may recall some months ago, she campaigned against her yard squirrels.

Now, it is an unknown villain.

A few weeks back, Ma noticed that her newspaper was missing...several mornings.

Each time, she reported it and another paper was delivered right away, but after a few times,

the delivery lady mentioned that other neighbors had the same complaint.  The thefts seemed to follow a pattern that in true Murder She Wrote style, Ma, aka Jessica Fletcher quickly deduced to be a diabolical plan.  Apparently the thief, not wanting to call attention to himself, chose a different neighbor each day to "donate" a paper..

"Jessica" has decided it must be the man who walks his two dogs daily at 5:30 am....no real reason for this deduction, she just thinks it makes sense.

"So what's the plan?" I asked.

"I'm going to get up early before the paper comes and when I see

the thief, I will throw some pop-crackers at him."

"Pop-crackers?" 

"Let me get this straight...you plan to throw open the door when you see the man with the two dogs

walking down the street, at 5:30 am, and in your robe and satin head wrap, light 'pop-crackers' and

fling them out into the yard? ...at the unsuspecting man? ...who might be guilty of nothing more than walking his dogs?" 

Well" said she, "it might scare him off."

"ah, yeah, and you don't even need the pop crackers for that" I proposed.

I am not sure I think any sane person is going to get up each morning before light, walk around an unlit neighborhood under the guise of walking his dogs, and brazenly steal a paper all just to avoid purchasing one he could read online for nothing...

Jessica Fletcher however, disagrees...and she is fully loaded.
  Beware....just sayin'.

Amy Powers is at it again and her

Spring magazine is unbelievably beautiful.  It is chock full of the most enchanting

eye candy and ideas for such lovely crafts to make for Spring.  You cannot believe how many projects she is offering up.  I found at least 8 I want to try.  Click her name to be transported to Eye-Candyland

and order your copy today.  It's instant gratification because it's all on-line!

Speaking of Spring, this little number is on my wish list.  I have a birthday coming up shortly...Do you think the farmer might oblige me with one of these hanging pods?

Called a NestRest, it is a full size hanging nest... for

people.  Complete with pillows and cushions, it takes relaxation to a

whole new level in my mind.

Daniel Pouzet and Fred Frety of

Dedon are two of Paris' most intriguing design talents who came up with

this over sized bird's nest as a sanctuary for relaxation, conversation and

meditation.

Yes please.

Hope you have a great weekend....come back next Friday and I will share THE BEST bread recipe I have come across in a very long time...crusty, yummy and unbelievably simple...



She Blathers On.....

I am a Wal-Mart shopper.  I am not ashamed to admit that Wal-Mart has

afforded me many hours of shopping pleasure....and good prices.

Many were against Wally building his World in our town

and I was just stubborn enough to go the opposite way and say

"come on in the water's fine", and have been happily picking things up there

ever since.

But today I want to preach about a different kind of shopping.

I encourage you to spend some of your hard-earned Christmas dollars buying

hand made items.....preferably from those who make them.

Does your child, friend or family member really need another toy or doo-dad

made in China?  Probably not.   I know, I SHOP WALMART, WHO AM I TO PREACH?

But, more and more, I am trying to support local people who work with their hands, and that

means not only those who live close to me, but also those who live away from me

but make beautiful things by hand....everything from clothes to bowls, jewelry to pottery to toys.

Writers, Potters, Carvers, Sewers, Knitters, Crafters of all kinds, think about offering them your support.

Check out Etsy if you have not already and prepare to sit a few minutes, or hours or days

and see what people do.  Or go to a local craft sale or gallery and check out the local talent.

Or buy a book and learn a new craft yourself to share.  Maybe a piece of jewelry or stationary or pottery 

or a carved wood bowl.

But, don't be fooled.....I'll see you at Wal-Mart soon enough...I'll be the one wearing a

hand-knit scarf.

What to do with Toilet Paper Rolls....2

anastassia-elias apparently had a little time on her hands....

she got out her scissors and paper.....

...and toilet paper rolls....

amazing.

Art?

I love something clever.

This is clever.

This little wall art takes clever to a new level.

Design Sponge has a tutorial that will show you how to make one of these for yourself.....

from...............

toilet paper rolls....

Yes folks, toilet paper rolls.

In my continuing effort to bring you clever ideas made from

recycled items, I think I have hit pay dirt.....

Everyone has some, they are "free" and will otherwise be wasted.

Check the tutorial, then start saving these little gems, and

make yourself some wall art! 

TAKING A FEW DAYS OFF SO HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND

AND I'LL SEE YOU BACK SOON...

Monday Mention....Leaves

I love leaves.  I always have.  About this time every year, I begin

looking so forward to Fall.  I love everything about it...the cool crisp weather, the colors,

pumpkins and leaves.  Going Home To Roost is a fun blog

I love to check, and recently Bonnie posted a most creative post on making these using....
PAINT CHIPS! 

She also posted several other ideas for these colorful "freebies".

People are so clever....I must run now and make some....

Going Home to Roost is my Monday Mention this week...check it out!

Hot Weather Crafts....

July here at Farm and Fru Fru has been a busy month...

The Farmer has been super busy cutting corn a whole month early

because we have had such a little rain and such extremely HOT temps.  

How hot you ask?

We had the hottest June on record and July isn't looking much better...

several days over 100 and a "cold front" has recently meant below 95.

While the poor farmer has been sweating, I have been sticking

inside...working on a few ideas.

Here's a little apron I am trying out....the bottom is a terry-cloth towel

for hand-wiping (the practical) with the little flounce skirt (the fru fru part)

sewn on for fun....I think I will make up a few to sell.

My second little  project is inspired by Sophie Digard's creations.  I love her crochet scarves, necklaces etc.

I used wool felt and/or recycled felt to make my little posies and just crocheted the necklace part.

I may make a few of these to sell as well...

What do you think?  Yes?  No?  Improvements?
Have a "cool" weekend!

Summer Projects and Cows..........

(http://www.purlbee.com/)

Summer is not my favorite time of year...I am not a fan of heat or bugs.  That said, I do like Summer projects.  Purl Bee is a great place to find fun projects for anytime of year.  This little flower number is so cute I had to share it with you.  I love a gadget and this requires a little loom,  the Hana Ami Flower Loom also available at Purl. ....If you are looking for something cute to try, this might be for you....oh and Purl sells the yarn as well...if you have not visited their site, do so...you will love it!

ALSO.....

Just so you know, and I know you need this information....

TODAY IS COW APPRECIATION DAY...

Yes people, according to Chick Filet, today is a big day....

so big in fact.....

if you dress up like a cow, they will feed you for free....an entire meal from what I hear!

This information came to me from someone who should know, but

if, by chance, you try this, and they don't feed you for free...I cannot be

responsible for your bill....you're on your own.

As your Farm and Fru Fru Blogger, I feel a certain responsibility to keep you informed

of all things "Farmish", but...I am not stupid.....

Happy Weekend.

This Screams Summer....

Here is the cutest quick little summer project you can imagine...found at

Going Home to Roost

who found it at

Reading My Tea Leaves

(both are really cute blogs)

it is nothing but some pretty old bottles with sturdy necks tied with twine

and hung on little picture hooks, then filled with flowers or greenery.

Simple - Pretty - Perfect

Storage Problems...

The little cinder block shed up the country is almost ready for habitation and I have been thinking about storage....cheap storage...

really cheap storage....I started with 2 of these....

then I tore up a bunch of these......

till I had a big pile of colorful catalog snips all shapes and sizes and colors.

After I dipped all the pieces in mod podge, I stuck them helter skelter onto the cracker boxes and ended up with two cheap (free) storage boxes to hold all sorts of stuff in the little cinder block shed up the country.

I love them!

Have a happy weekend!

lavender

Is there anything that smells better than

lavender?

My lavender is just beginning to bloom.  I confess, I have not been too successful in growing it, but when it does flower, I love to pick some and put it around in the house for freshen things up a bit...

One thing though, it has to be REAL lavender.  Nothing smells worse than imitation lavender....as in air freshener...yuck.

If you don't have any lavender, let me suggest you go to Apifera Farm and order some....then make some nice little sachets by stuffing a teeny-tiny "pillow" with the buds and place them in your clothes, shoes, or anywhere else that needs......freshening....

The forlorn little stool

Once there was a little stool that lived under a table, behind a cupboard on the second floor of a very hot thrift store.  It was a forlorn little stool that longed to be adopted by someone who could see it's hidden beauty...it's very hidden beauty;  someone who would take it home and put it to good use. 

The forlorn little stool lived under the table, behind the cupboard on the second floor of the very hot thrift store until one Sunday, a rather ditsy woman, digging through junk on the second floor of the very hot thrift store spotted the little stool.

"Oh my"  said the ditzy woman out loud to no one in particular...

"You are just  what I have been searching and searching for little stool.  I shall take you home to live with me at farm and fru fru.   I have a lovely piece of light blue fabric I have been saving for a little stool like yourself, and I will use it to make you some brand new clothes.  Then you will be beautiful once more!"

So the rather ditzy woman paid the tiny amount for the forlorn little stool, placed it in the back of her little red truck and went home to farm and fru fru.  All the way home, the forlorn little stool thought about the beautiful light blue fabric and the new clothes and could hardly contain it's excitement! 

"I will be the most handsome stool you most ever saw in my new clothes made of beautiful light blue fabric," thought the little stool..."and I will never have to live under a table behind a cupboard on the second floor of a hot thrift store again!"

So the ditzy woman painted the little stool's legs a lovely shade of robin's egg  blue and prepared to make the new clothes.

But what do you think?  She did not have enough of the lovely fabric!

"What shall I do now forlorn little stool?  I do not have enough pretty fabric to make new clothes like I promised." 

The little stool contemplated this problem, and being an inventive little stool, and not one to let a little thing like not enough fabric prevent new clothes, said

"that's ok, I can wear patches!  That would please me greatly!"

And so the ditzy woman sewed together many tiny little patches of fabric until she had just the right amount to cover the forlorn little stool with a brand new suit of clothes.

"Oh my!" cried the little stool.  "I am no longer forlorn!  I am a beautiful little stool!"

"Indeed you are."  said the ditzy woman...

"And now I shall take you to the little cinder block shed in the country where you shall live happily every after."

And so she did.

THE END

Just Hanging....

You will remember my latest blog obsession....Dottie Angel.  She does the most fun projects...this is an example....crocheted hangers...great gift...for yourself or someone else.  You can get instruction here.

It makes a fun project to try and you can use recycled hangers if you like because they  are covered anyway!  Try some this weekend...and have a great one...

cluck cluck cluck

As is so often the case, I found this picture and don't remember where...it is just too fun not to show.

Is there anything you cannot do with chicken wire?  I love this.  It serves no real purpose, but I love it anyway.  I think I will make one.  Hope you had a nice holiday and thanked a service-person.

Pick Me Up

After all the mishaps of last weekend...dead doggie, fall from grace (down the steps), sore foot, back, etc...

I decided a pick-me-up was in order....and nothing says pick-me-up like a new pocketbook.

I have wanted a cross body bag for sometime now...

But what about the promise I made to myself regarding spending money?  What about my

efforts to buy handmade and/or local/secondhand?  My foot hurt and my resolve was fading...

so.....

I shopped my fabric stash and decided getting busy would be good for the mind and purse...

The birdie bag you see above is the result.  I am pleased...it's no Coach bag, but it

has lots of pockets, a super long strap and it didn't cost a dime.  I used old linen, curtain scraps, a dish towel and other misc. scraps...

Moral:  if you fall down the steps and hurt your foot, or lose your doggie, being busy is better than

spending a ton of money and moping...sometimes...

Flower Power

I'll have one of these Sophie Digard flower necklaces please....