i guess it's my mission...

after watching an episode of 'american pickers', i was reminded of what my husband keeps telling people.  he says we had to move from IN to CO because i had picked the area clean.  and as i look around at the mountain of 'junque' i still have to work my way through before my opening day of oct. 24...i think he's right.  darn him...he's always right!

and of course, i couldn't leave the IN amish heartland without bringing a load of hand loomed rag rugs.  so, one display almost done and a bazillion to go.  after trying to adjust the color on my photo, i think i just made it brighter...hope you're wearing sunglasses!

since i really hate to iron...

what to do with an old wire mesh ironing board?  well, tear it apart, of course, and turn it into a great jewelry display...or maybe attach shelves to it.  why does finding an unwanted, discarded, former utilitarian object start the wheels turning in my head?  sometimes the wheels get rather 'gummed' up...but a new found treasure always works like WD-40!  there's just nothing like seeing something through my 'junk eyes' and envisioning a whole new creation. 

thank you Lord for giving me a portion of your wonderful creative Spirit!

burlap or bust...

after scratching my head for several days wondering what we could do to finish the ceiling out 'on a dime' i ran across 2 bins of new burlap bags at a yard sale while we were in az and the light bulb went off in my head...perfect!  and, only $2 for all of them! 

so we transport them all to colorado and when the time came to start putting them up, i start unloading the bin and find about 6" of concrete instead of bags at the bottom.  no wonder that one was so heavy!  that required a little change of plans i.e. buying more bags but it all turned out just great.

after putting up almost 1200 sq. ft. of burlap bags, the big guy is happy to be putting up the last piece.  this is the one he was looking for!



the treasure hunts continue...

as i'm driving by my favorite thrift store, my mind is telling me "keep driving, you don't need anymore projects!"  but the 'j' chromosome says "turn in!"  (and the 'junk' chromosome always wins).  and wouldn't you know it, what do my eyes behold as i walk in the door but this great old trunk.  probably too expensive i'm telling myself.  but as i look at the price tag, it's a mere $3!  so then i'm thinking...no way the tray will still be inside for that price.  but woohoo...there it is!  it has the original embossed tin, leather handles and hardware.  not so original is the vinyl wallpaper that completely covers every inch of the trunk.

of course, i couldn't wait to start ripping it off.  as i started to peek under the wallpaper on the lid of the tray, i could see the original surface was still there.  so i carefully peeled away the vinyl top layer and got a warm wet cloth to lay over the paper backing that was still attached.  it loosened up to where i could easily lift it up.  and there underneath, i found a woman's name, date, town and state written. 

mary e nickerson  jan 1 1910  monett, mo

so now my inquiring mind wants to know more about mary.  i have a feeling it's going to be another late night on ancestry.com as i search for clues as to how this trunk ended up in victor co!