Easy Painted Cork Table Runner

I needed to freshen up a display at my old store. I was brainstorming at JoAnn Fabrics when I came across long pieces of thin cork in their loose scrap book paper aisle. I bought a few and brought them home to think about it more.
I looked around my shop table at all the loose gems and what nots. I needed an Americana theme and these glued add ons were just too fancy or kitschy. I needed straight forward color or art. I decided to paint. When scrambling for a brush I came upon my wallpaper roller. Lightbulb!!! This could give me a tye dye feel. Something unique! Something cool!
I took a paper plate and loaded the acrylic colors in the format I wanted on the cork. I gently rolled the brush up and down in the color format. Next I started from the end of the cork and started rolling out the paint. To make more color variations put primary colors next to each to blend a secondary color!
**I would recommend laying out a thicker piece of paper first and use the roller and colors for a test run.
I used this as a mat under a jewelry display. I added more touches with a gold roller ball pen. I wrote USA and similar words for the American theme.
I have also made mats with seasonal ribbon glued around the edges. They make nice runners for a coffee table or under a candle scape.

Twitter Tips For Newbies

I hope you find these basic tips helpful. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Twitter Tips For Newbies

If you don't RT people's products don't expect to be RTed.

The most successful Twitter Sellers engage their audience and are not on auto tweet.

Follow back and MUTE people who do not RT. Keeps your feed cleaned up. MUTING IS A POWERFUL TOOL. It keeps your feed focused on the content you want to see. The account WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED they have been muted.

Don't waste time following or tweeting people who are not your target audience unless their tweets hit 10,000+. Ex. If you don't ship to Australia then why are you seeking and following Australians??

Don't DM/direct message people for following you or send them spam. They followed you and know where to find you. A study showed people are annoyed by DMs and likely not to buy from you! I no longer check mine!

If you are in business then why are you using tweet validation? Do you want sales and followers or not? Don't hassle potential customers. It's just Twitter!

It's a gamble but, I do mute auto tweet companies like Round Team. Why? Because I was bombarded by Tweets not tweeted by a human decision. So I thought how many other tweeters actually mute this account and never see feed/products anyways? Twitter is an experience for me and also a tool to analyze trends. Auto tweets are the opposite of my mission.

Be careful creating list titles. When an account is added to your list they are notified. So if the title is, TWEETERS I Hate," expect backlash.

Be safe. Don't freely post personal information like where you live, where you are at minute by minute or personal photos etc. All these pieces can be put together by unscrupulous people.

Blocking an account should be used when a tweeter is harassing you or sending out offensive tweets. Sometimes muting or simply unfollowing is the best option. When you block someone they will find out if they try to RT you or look at your account. Twitter says they can still see your feed if they use a third party tool. Also don't forget they may have multiple Twitter accounts and may harass you from them due to blocking. 

More info: https://support.twitter.com/articles/117063  You can always report abusive users.

Don't Be Fooled by Collectible Reproduction Tricks

Antique reproductions or valuable china and glassware reproductions have been going on a long time. For instance there was a time when people wanted china that looked like pieces nobility used or royalty.
If you are serious about collecting a specific company or design then get to know their markings or signature design styles. Sometimes the tip off is simply the glaze color. I have my Grandparents Shawnee Corn King Teapot, sugar and salt pepper. I have seen several reproductions of this pattern. Personally the glaze is the first error. It is not the right color. It is usually way off or the green too bright. Sometimes you know it is wrong because your research tells you only certain colors or patterns were produced by a company. A company's makers mark along with other subtle details can be the key to the truth. Maybe they spelled the name wrong or maybe the mark is suppose to be raised. Perhaps the fake mark does not match the style.....Why do I say this? Sometimes fake imports would come over to the America and then marked with a fake or maybe stolen makers mark.
GLASS~ Another tip off could be mold marks. True antique glass was blown and will have a break off mark or the accurate term pontil mark. See this article showing awesome pictures. https://sha.org/bottle/mouthblowndating.htm
I do not live far from an area once teeming with great glass blowers and stained glass makers, Connellsville, PA. Obviously glass is still blown so you have to study. Glass molds with seams were used on a mass scale after 1915. When I refer to true antique I mean the accepted dating around 1850 and before as considered antique. This does not mean an item produced later is less valuable but, antique dealers may label it as collectible, vintage, folk art, old or historical importance to America or industry.
Another area of concern in recent years are wood wares. The term primitive has turned the antique market upside down. My first advice is if it looks really good then be very careful. I mentioned in a previous article about the romance with wooden tools and implements and referred to as folk art or primitives. These should be collectible due to their use and because handmade to meet the needs of the farm or home. If these pieces have been stripped, sanded and or stained then they hold no value to a true collector and disturb their age. The biggest problems are wood bowls, spatulas, bobbins, boxes, paper mache pumpkins, make do dolls and more being made by wholesale country decor companies. Some of these seasonal items set in an antique shop could fool many people. The materials being used and color should be a red flag. Ex. Was the type of wood widely used or available in the area?

You must do your homework when it comes to brands still in production. Usually the brand's markings indicate production time frames. Unfortunately, sometimes molds were sold and not destroyed by bankrupted companies and this is another issue with certain glass and ceramic makers. Make yourself aware to the company's known reproduction issues. Also be aware of general terms with high prices. People casually use the word milk glass, carnival glass, ruby red and more. Some of these general glasswares are still produced. In fact I recall when Martha Stewart's Kmart line had hobnail and milk glass pieces. You better know what you are paying for!

Research. Look for old markings books. Find old news articles as they are helpful too. When libraries have sales check for markings and collector books. Kovel's gives estimates based on recent auctions so they can be helpful too. Sometimes you can find collector clubs online. Good luck!

Purchasing Old Painted Wood and Metal, Lead in the Home

I was reading an article from a well intended amateur interior designer this morning on painted and chipped metal tiles. When I read paint, old and chipped...alarm bells went off. In 1978 lead based paint was banned. Up until then a home's paint likely had lead. In Pittsburgh there has been a lot of attention to this matter as most large apartment buildings were built in the 1950's. Local newspapers have written about sickened children from the lead.
Lead paint when not chipped should be left undisturbed. Seek professional help if there is deterioration. Like asbestos, lead gets in your home's air once disturbed. They call it lead dust. The EPA also cautions parents about hand rails and window sils due to children chewing on them.This is one of many issues. I have linked the information from the EPA. It goes over plumbing and more too. https://www.epa.gov/lead 

In summary, do not buy old chipped painted items. I know prim and shabby are in but, protect your health and buy a reproduction. Collectors think about your garage, game rooms etc filled with products. Are you endangering your health? In adults it has found to cause kidney problems, high blood pressure and who knows what else! My Grandfather smoked in his teens. He heavily worked with wood furniture, stains and antiques. He died partially from emphysema. it was a head scratcher at the time until we started thinking about possible exposures when stripping, cleaning and fixing antiques. 
I would also like to point out the serious issues with imported items over the last ten years. Lead in children's jewelry and more has made headlines. Think about where painted products are coming from and if you feel comfortable bringing these products in your air space and your children and grandchildren's air space. A home is closed up a lot. Your home is like walking into a snow globe. It could be snowing lead dust and you are trapped.

I Love My Dog

I love my dog,
I admire his look of serenity as he sits on the porch covered in snowflakes,
He gazes out to his white snowy yard and perfectly painted snowed apple tree and he smiles,
He has not a care, he is full of happiness,
When I look through the etched ice on the glass door, he looks to me in bliss,
He makes me take in his view, he knows I need a little wonderment,
So I look on with him and now I am smiling too,
I crack open the door and my sweet boy dutifully comes in without hesitation,
I towel him off and kiss his nose and look into those puppy eyes,
Love, love love.

Hearty Meals On A Budget

Successful chefs plan their weekly meals. They have to hit a budget and make the most profit out of their grocery list. I tell you this because making every dollar count requires planning and maybe a little food homework. You may need to hit the web and search for things like the longevity of a bag of spud free potatoes. Why? You will get to know how far this item will stretch if properly stored.
My Great Great Grandmother on my Mom's side had to use everything she had in the kitchen. Times were hard and as my Mom would tell me, "She could make something out of nothing and it was good."  So her skills were passed down to my Mom and then her children.
I never thought about cooking much until I was out on my own and realized most of my friend's really did not know cooking basics and were buying a lot of frozen food and boxed items. They never cooked with spices and herbs and bought vegetables in cans and bags. So let me help you out today!

Sometimes the best meat deals are found at a local butcher shop or a family grocery store that does their butchering at the store. Seek these out and compare. If you're on a budget but, want meat protein then you need to look for certain types of cuts at cheaper prices. Look at inexpensive steaks that say rib cuts. Some areas have different names. These are tender cuts with some fat but, can be less chewy than a sirloin steak. If you are a person who eats huge meals this cut may not satisfy you. The key to making cuts good is using a meat pounder. This breaks down the tissue. Some people marinate to also get the same results. I pound out thick chicken cuts too. A piece that looks full in the center and generous can sometimes be tough in the middle or dry by the time it is done. Pound it a little.
Buy meats in anticipation to use left overs for another meal. 
Outside of summer I rarely don't use left over baked chicken for chicken noodle soup. Take left over peas, carrots, celery and fresh spinach and add to the pot. Don't throw out left over vegetables! Another cheap left over trick for chicken or breakfast sausage is pizza! Take a jelly roll pan and line with tin foil. Roll out a $3 Pillsbury crust from a tube. Take pizza or leftover spaghetti sauce and get started! Taco seasoning mixed with the chicken is a hit along with pineapple toppings in my house. Chicken salad for lunch or work lunches is another option. Add celery and grapes to the mix. I can't eat iceberg lettuce but, I do buy baby spinach in the bag. I get a ton of salads out of this $3 bag and I add spinach, cheese and sometimes mushrooms to morning omelets. These toppings also mix with pizza. See the interchangeable recipes!
Spaghetti Sauce. There is just so many possibilities besides noodles. Extra chicken, makes chicken parmesan. Crush saltines or buy small can of panko and will have for a awhile. Pound chicken thin, lightly toss in egg wash and pat in crumbs.
Of course sauce and ground sirloin make a meat sauce. You will need to experiment with herbs to find your perfect mix. I use oregano, marjoram, basil, garlic, sugar to cut acid. Ground sirloin with chuck makes a good meat loaf. So if you buy extra meat you can freeze a meat loaf for another day. Meat loaf is extremely easy and makes good cold lunch sandwiches.
Another option for sauce is meatballs. You can make your own or buy a bulk bag. I can get a large bag at GFS for $10. I cook the meatballs in my stock pot. I drain most of the fat and add sauce. I make enough for about 8 sandwiches. Instead of my husband eating lousy lunch meat sandwiches he gets these once a month. Of course any sauce recipe goes great with a salad.
Salad. Iceberg and baby spinach go a long way. Eggs also go far. Get creative with salads. Left over cold peas are great in salad! Add hard boiled eggs, left over meat. Go Pittsburgh style and add fries on top! Of course add lettuce or spinach to sandwiches for extra nutrition. I love adding fresh spinach to soups towards the end.

I do a basic egg and pasta dinner. It is an old inexpensive recipe used in tough times. I use fettuccine noodles. First whip 2-3 eggs with salt, pepper, milk and I add finely chopped fresh garlic. Add grated parmesan or other cheese to mix. Cook your noodles. When you drain leave about 2 tablespoons of water in bowl. Don't put back on burner. Dump your mix on noodles and quickly toss. You don't want eggs to set. Add more salt or cheese to liking. Some people add bacon or chicken to noodles. Common to use bacon grease instead of water but, I prefer not to use extra fat.
Quiche is another easy often over looked dish. Maybe the name scares people! Quiche is basically eggs like a pie. Left over ham is yummy with onion, celery, salt and pepper and parsley. Just buy frozen pie shells and keep in freezer until needed. Quiche is awesome for breakfast or lunch and dinner. Serve with soup or sandwich at dinner for a more robust meal.
Also hard boiled eggs done on Sunday are a great way to get protein on the run in the mornings and better than potatoes chips for lunches.
Cheese. I try not to over indulge in this yummy fat. Sometimes the already shredded bag cheese is more expensive than just buying a block either at the coolers or at the deli. You can slice and grate your own. I find grating my own makes me use less.
Potatoes can be done in so many simple ways. Top chefs when asked what they want after working the line...Meat and boiled potatoes. My husband had no idea parsley potatoes existed. One of my favorites! Chunked boiled potatoes marinated in butter, parsley and salt. Of course you can fry small chunks in the morning too! ,
Mashed potatoes plus+pie crust, ground beef, vegetables=shepherds pie.
Vegetables. I have found going to a local vegetable market is the best way to save money. I can get several items for $20.00. If you have this option compare prices. I have a hard time with seeds. It does not deter me. I buy cucumbers and hull out the middle. When you slice it makes rings. Kids seem to think this is clever. I love fresh celery with a dash of salt. I actually love unadulterated vegetables. I grew up handed raw vegetables in the kitchen while someone was cooking. This was a good thing! My Mom takes a y peeler and takes off the stringy surface of the darker green celery. This is safer for kids and easier to chew. Add peanut butter to celery or apples. Great for lunch! Radishes are an old root vegetable with a little kick. I personally eat these when I have cravings. The crunch and kick seem to curb it. I think people get really caught up in having a huge dinner plate full of stuff. In the 1950's our salad plates were their dinner plates. It was also not uncommon to have a glass tray of vegetables on the table and a relish tray. I grew up with both and love!
Don't be afraid to buy a giant head of cauliflower or broccoli. Cut the stem, break off flowers and boil. So easy. Don't forget to buy onion to heighten dishes and great for cardiovascular health. Peruse the vegetables aisle and get creative!
Isn't this like a puzzle once you start brainstorming basic ingredients??? You can do a lot. Get yourself and family from eating out of boxes and bags. Seriously the research and articles about the sugar snuck into these shelved items is astounding. It is no wonder Americans crave sugar. Eat better and hit your budget with some creative planning. Good luck!

Lucky Ladybugs

As a child I was told ladybugs found meant your a lucky person. These type of little superstitions have stuck with me and frankly make life more whimsical and thoughtful.
Last week I came out the backdoor on an unseasonably warm day. We just came off a few pretty cold days. I spotted something buzzing to the left of my eye. I looked up to the left and there they were....ladybugs! Some people might immediately think they're an insect and be repulsed. Maybe kill them so they don't get into their house. Not me! I smiled at them. There were at least 30 red, magical bugs moving about and one flew on my hand. I was immediately taken back to childhood...I must count the spots to figure out the age. I talked to the little bug. I told her she is pretty and so sweet to have come to my home. I looked to the sky. I thought of my Great Grandparents and I say I am lucky. Things may not be as I hoped exactly but, I do have a lot to be thankful for.

Life can bring tragedy on our doorstep at anytime. It is part of a life's cycle. However savoring the littlest things can bring unexpected joy for a day or a moment and sometimes when you unexpectedly need it.

A Heated Mattress Pad, Best Purchase in Awhile

I worked in retail from the time I was sixteen. Needless to say almost 20 years of standing for eight plus hours has damaged my feet to my hips.
I like relief as much as possible without pills. I decided about 6 months ago to purchase a heated mattress pad. Sometimes my bones feel like the ache is deep. This pad has made sleeping more comfortable. I sleep longer without waking up. I also can keep the room cooler. I like a window cracked for fresh air. If specialty sized pads for campers were not so expensive I would add one to that bed too!
My calming ritual for bed time;
Rosemary and mint body lotion. Morning Mint by Archipelago is a favorite. Also Dionis', Verbana. If I am really aching I add a menthol muscle rub to my neck and a little under the nose and pull a hoodie over my head to lock in the heat. 
Turn on mattress pad. 
Turn on Pandora to soothing sleep music. Try Native American Flute. My dog makes his little snort of complete rest about five minutes in!
Sweet Dreams!

Witching You A Happy Halloween

Doodle dee, doodle dah!
The little witch is cooking tonight,
Oh, she stirs her bubbly brew,
And thinks about scaring you!
She can't wait for the crisp air and the rustle of the leaves,
And to fly out into the inky night!
Halloween is already dancing in her mind,
To be her ornary self one night is divine!
Creep, creep soon she comes,
If you hear her cackle it would be best to run!

Let Nature Be Your DIY Decor

I wanted something natural and whimsical for the entrance to my camper driveway. It just made sense to me because I am surrounded by trees and I love camping because of Mother Nature's gifts.
I have a heavy, Victorian green plant stand I purchased at a garage sale this year. This piece probably set on the porch of a grand home in the 1940's. It was practically being thrown away for $5.00. You can't buy this type of quality at an average store. Anyways I used it as my base to get started on my project.
I took a basket, scissors and went for a walk. The first thing I saw was deep red berries on thin woody branches. I clipped a handful in different lengths so I had dimension within my display. Next I grabbed an aged piece of bark with beautiful shades of brown. If you are not using water you may want to stick to hardier pieces. Twigs, pine and nuts are other useful pieces.
Now it was back to the camper to lay everything out on the table and add some new and upcycled craft pieces. I purchased small gourds from the local farmer and I had mesh ribbon and a felt witch hat from a previous craft.
📌When you are working a display envision a pyramid. The middle of your display should be the tallest and fan outwards. Think about a color and/or a theme when you are gathering for any project. It keeps you focused and creates a display with rhythm, depth and complementary colors. The web has so much information. Buy a color wheel at the craft store or find online. Color wheels are one of the first things you learn as an art student. The wheel shows you colors that work together. These are called complimentary colors. For instance burgundy's compliment would be dark green. It helps you create crafts pleasing to the eye. You will in fact notice the colors on the wheel make sense in nature when you really look around!

So I took my biggest piece which was the bark and placed it in the middle and worked around it and moved it as needed. I feathered in the mesh ribbon to add color and depth amongst the berries and gourds. I had to step back and keep reworking. I added the witch's hat to really get the theme across and the Happy Halloween flag. I was able to place mostly everything in the basket without glue. I did add hot glue here and there to stabilize. Notice my display is not tight and perfect. It does not look like a topiary. I was trying to make it a bit whimsy.

Easy Halloween DIY

Don't sweat it if you are not that "crafty." Corn stalks are easy, cheap and transitional Fall decor. Add to each side of the front door, lamp post, tree and more. Buy directly from a farm and get as low as $2 each.
You will need twine to attach to a fixture, tree etc. Twine is also handy for attaching decor pieces to the stalks. Attaching with twine will make an easy change out from Halloween theme to Thanksgiving.
I purchased pre-cut foam ghosts at the craft store. You can add gem eyes or just use a black permanent marker. Wrap twine around body or make a whole to thread twine and attach to stalk. Honestly I am not the best ribbon maker. I always buy double sided ribbon. This way when you make loops it is easy as the design does not flip.
Pipe cleaners are handy to tie off the center of bows. They are also great to crinkle and hot glue to back of ghosts or other shapes. It gives a spring effect and the other side easily attaches to the stalk.
Extras to think about: Thread lights thru stalk. Add glitter for effect on foam pieces. Add a witch hat, cat etc. Create a theme so your stalk makes sense. Also the pieces need to be light weight.
Transition: Since you attached with twine or pipe cleaners this is an easy change up! Take down and add a foam turkey or just a simple Thanksgiving or orange ribbon. I like to add Indian corn and ribbon after Halloween. However the squirrels like when I add it too!

London to Dover and My Deceased Grandfather

So, my "ghostly," encounters have been a hit on the blog so here is a short and sweet one.
My Mom's father died when I was around five. I vaguely remember him. I now feel I remember him more by pictures as time passes. He had black, thick hair and was tan. He was part Native American. My Mom did not know about her Native heritage until a couple years before his death. He just told her one day.
Anyways I took a trip to London. I was on a tour of the country side.  We were going to the White Cliffs of Dover and later a castle. My Grandfather fought in the war and lost his hearing during the Battle of the Bulge. I can proudly say he helped liberate the Jews and all else Hitler hated.

The bus we were on had really high seats. You could not see the people in front or back of you.
I am sitting in my seat with a smile because I am just so delighted to be in England. I'm on a dream trip. I am kind of in my own happy world when I hear, " young lady where are you from?" It is a deep voice that brings you to attention. I pop up and peer over my seat and I tell him I'm from Pittsburgh with a big smile. He smiles at me. I then retreat down into my seat like some wack a mole trying to hide. I say nothing else to him and yet again I uncharacteristically do not say anything else. Although for a very fleeting second I think the man looks familiar.

I was seriously chased back into the bus when we got off at the castle by a black swan. Swans and I have a long hateful relationship. This was a small bus tour. I never saw the man again after my wack a mole encounter.

So upon my return from Europe I received a box of family pictures to store. In the box were pictures of my Grandfather when he was young and vibrant. It also included his platoon at the front of the Arc De Triomphe. When I saw my young Grandfather I immediately realized the familiar face on the bus was him. I sat quietly for a moment staring at the pictures. I was a little shocked but, soon was washed over in happiness. I got to meet him as an adult.  It was quick and memorable. I walked in front of the Arc De Triomphe. I was where he walked. I went to the White Cliffs of Dover. A military stronghold. Perhaps he is always watching over me and just wanted to make sure I was safe in Europe.

A Ghost Comes To Visit

I have to share some odd situations I have been in because it just seems like people love to talk about strange happenings. I am not one of those people who dismiss a spirit is always gone instantly from earth so these interactions made me think and some gave comfort.

In the beginning of this blog I talk about my deceased Grandfather. We were very close and he was a positive light in my life. Prior to his death I would go to the hospital and sit with him and sometimes read the newspaper out loud. I was not with him when he died. I came home very somber from my Grandfather's home. I lived alone. I was thinking about him and very sad with a heavy heart. I walked down the hallway and dining room and into the kitchen. I left a newspaper on the counter for the next day. I turned the kitchen light on. On the floor was each section of the newspaper neatly opened up and lined up down my long kitchen floor. I smiled and cried at the same time. I am weeping now as I write this because he came to comfort me one last time. Coincidentally I already had a flight booked to Maine right after his funeral. I was looking out my plane window and we were in puffy clouds. I looked down and closed my eyes. It made me think of heaven. I said Pap let me know you are alright. I looked back out the window and high in the sky between those puffy clouds was a rainbow. When it is my time I hope to ride a rainbow to meet my Pap again.

I owned a formal girls shop in a very small town. I call these towns "one horse towns." It was on a corner by the one street light. I always had the window dressed to perfection with the wooden top mannequins in puffy dresses and a theme. Perhaps because the name was "American Lass," led to my next encounter. It was unusually busy for a Tuesday morning. I finished up with a customer and the door bell jingles again. I look up and I instantly think something is not adding up with the man standing in front of me. He is in full military uniform. He is in that old khaki green. This is not the uniform you see today. I say hello and ask how I may help him. He tells me his name which I instantly forget but, this is not uncommon for me. He asks where I am from and proceeds to tell me I should know his family as they are from the Hempfield High School area. I tell him I don't but, he clearly does not see I am much younger than him. He starts talking about this grocery store that has not been open since possibly 1980 called Gee Bee's as if it is still open. This is 2013. At that point I am honestly nervous because I am alone and wondering if this man just walked out of a mental institution. I just stand there doing the ok, nodding head thing. He finally says his car is broke down in the lot below and if I knew someone could help or could I give him money. There is no lot down the block. I told him sorry I could not help. When he goes to leave I now see his one pant leg cuffed. He lost a leg in the war. Unbelievably a person walks in after him whom I don't know so I can't say like hey did you see that man in the 1960's military uniform...Because when I looked it up I found it appeared to be an Army Officer uniform from the Vietnam War era. My landlord suffered injuries during the Vietnam War and had an office in my building. Out of respect I would not bring this to his attention but, maybe that is how this ghost ended up at my door too. You know I knew by the end it was not real but, what haunts me is it is out of my character not to help someone. I said I could not help but, I have a huge heart for Vietnam Vets because I feel many were not appreciated and were victimized again by poor physical and mental healthcare when they came home and still to this day.

I got a couple more but, you will have to wait!!