Dandelion Delight!

I am sooo excited about my latest screen door creation!  And for so many reasons!!!

Reason #1:

Once upon a time I wanted to try a different style of carving so I headed into the workshop and came out with a cute dandelion carving on barn board. When Hubby came home and saw my adorable carving he wrinkled his nose in doubt..."It'll never sell."  After nearly a year...I was starting to think he was right.  And you know, I was not happy about that!  Was I the only one who could see the beauty in a dandelion?  Just when I'd given up hope I got a message from Sherri asking about the carving.  Hubby is WRONG...all is right with the world!

Reason #2:

Not only did Sherri like the carving but she ordered a door to match! That was like an extra bonus "Ha~See I knew what I was doing" to the Hubby. With over 30 Facebook messages between Sherri and I about this and other projects we were finally able to agree about the design. I began carving and I have to say...I still love the dandelion design. It's so simple but it's such a strong reminder of summer!  I have to admit the project took me much longer than I could ever have imagined but that was because I had some medical drama thrown into my schedule.  Still, I felt awful that it was taking me so long to complete...Until...

Reason #3:

I was just about done with the dandelion door when I watched one of my favorite show's (and Facebook addictions) Junk Gypsies on HGTV.  In the episode that aired Sunday night (Office of Daydreams) they painted a Native American symbol on the screen in a screen door.  Suddenly, I knew why I hadn't finished the Dandelion door yet... So I played around with the concept and I was in LOVE!

Reason #4:

Sherri (the kindest and most patient person ever) had her doubts about painting the dandelion "fluff" onto the screen.  But once she saw the sample pictures... she threw caution to the wind and said, "Let's go for it!"  I love a girl with Spunk!

Reason #5:

I used a simple paint pen to add "fluff" to the screen.  It was simple to do and yet it added so much character and whimsy to the door.  If your going to have a dandelion door it should feel fresh and playful and I really think that I capture that spirit in this door!

There you have it...5 reasons why I found this Dandelion Door Delightful!





Rustic Wall Hangings

I'm sorry it's been a bit quiet on the blog...That just means it's been a bit loud in the workshop!  I've been working so hard on many different items including a custom dandelion door that I'm really in love with.  I'll be sad when it goes to it's real home.  More on that soon...but for now I thought I'd share with you some of my latest wall hangings!

I'll admit that I've been working on this mirror project for a very long time. Mirrors make me nervous but now that it's done...look for a lot more mirror projects soon!  This mirror features a Bear Cub learning to Climb the branch frame of the mirror.  Real Pine Cones adorn the corners for added rustic flair.

"Cub with a View"

This was my first shelf project!  I had sooo much fun on this whimsical bear.  I hope he finds a happy home (maybe in some child's bedroom)... "Saranac Shelf" has a rustic bark edge and a lot of rustic whimsy!

"Saranac Shelf"

The next photos are of two projects I made a while ago...featuring "Hootie" and "Grumpy".  I love working with cracked log slices.  It's so easy to imagine a critter living in that tree once.  I have heard that "Acorn" loves his new home!

"Hootie"

"Grumpy"

We donated these pieces to a benefit for a good friend who was injured by a falling tree.  Sometimes, it is easy to take for granted things like trees, wood, even paper...but these common items are brought to us by everyday people working in the woods, doing jobs that are often very dangerous.  So when we have a chance to support the people who bring all this to us...It makes us proud to be able to help.

"Saranac Shelf" ~ "Cub with a View"
"Hootie" ~ "Double Trouble"

Monday Music: Big Four Poster Bed

Music is the soundtrack of our memories...  This particular song always reminded me that it's not the cost of an item that makes it irreplaceable but the memories.

Brenda Lee's "Big Four Poster Bed"

It was just boards of rough cut pine
And a quilt of patch work cotton
A place to lay your body down was that big four poster bed

Daddy built it out of pine two days before the wedding
They say the neighbours cheered and hollered till his face got red
And Mama brought the feather pillows and some handmade bedding
And they spent their wedding night in that big four poster bed
That night they swore like that bed their love would last forever
And they'd ask no more of life than the simple things they had
So they planed there future as they laid close together
And later I was born there in that big four poster bed

It was just some boards of rough cut pine
And a quilt of patch work cotton
A place to lay your body down, a place to rest your head
A field of fluffy mountains for a little girl to hide in
Clouds and chasing rainbows was that big four poster bed

I remember as a child waking up on a winter morning
With Sound of laughing voices and the smell of baking bread
And running across that coal wood floor jumping there with them
And Lord, I felt so safe and warm in that big four poster bed

The day that Daddy died, he whispered something soft to mama
To this day she's never told a soul the words he said
She just smiled through her tears and held his hand and nodded
And my Daddy looked so much at rest in that big four poster bed

It was just some boards of rough cut pine
And a quilt of patchwork cotton
A place to lay your body down, a place to rest your head
A field of fluffy mountains for a little girl to hide in
Clouds and chasing rainbows was that big four poster bed

Now time has dried up all the tears here I stand a woman
Your arms reach out to touch my soul, your sweet words turn my head
Darling, won't you tell me first this will be forever
Before you lead me up the stairs to that big four poster bed
'Cause only love has ever touched, that big four poster bed

Yes, it was just some boards of rough cut pine
And a quilt of patchwork cotton
A place to lay your body down, a place to rest your head
A field of fluffy mountains for a little girl to hide in
Clouds and chasing rainbows was that big four poster bed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uinWY2G8hVo

I remember riding in the front seat next to my mother.  The sun dancing through the trees as we drove past.  Singing this song with her and being really truly happy. 

I hope that you have a Happy Monday!

Friday Fun: Facebook Fan of the Week

After a 3 way tie...I've chosen this week's Top Facebook Fan: Jerrold from North Dakota! 

Thank you for your kindness and participation this week!  Now, it's time to step away from the computer and head out for some Friday Fun!

This weekend in North Dakota the "Big Sing" has gathered choirs from three states to entertain together with over 250 voices joined in competition and collaboration.





The Big Sing



Also this weekend is "Too Flat...Too Furious!" UND's third annual collegiate race weekend, includes races open to non-collegiate riders! Come on out with your road bike and throw down against others in the area! Races are sanctioned by USA Cycling and require an annual or one-day license. Helmets are required at all time when you are on a bicycle at each race venue.  If you not ready to compete then come out and watch the UND Cycling Team compete against collegiate teams from as far away as Kansas! Three events over two days means you get ample opportunity to see everyone race, but don't miss the criterium, a high-speed race around Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks!



UND's Cycling Team hosts "Too Flat...Too Furious!"



Next weekend you can swap those Bicylces for Horses at the DSU Triple Crown Competition. This NIRA DSU Blue Hawk Rodeo Stampede will host over 275 Contestants from a 5 state region. Rodeos will be held on Friday with a slack @ 12:00 noon and a performance @ 6:00pm. On Saturday a 1:00pm performance will be held. Admission: Adults $8/Youth $3. Banquet & Dance will be held at the Ramada-Grand Dakota Lodge @ 6:30pm.  Location: DSU Outdoor Arena on State Avenue.  For more info: visitdickinson.com

Blue Hawk Rodeo Stampede!

Friday Fun: Facebook Challenge!

I love my Facebook Fans...but y'all are the quietest people!  You know that I'm really good at talking... but I'm also a really good listener!  Honest I am!  So in order to hear from you folks more I'm going to turn Friday Fun into a Facebook Challenge!  Here is the idea:  On Friday I will announce whoever responded to North Country Rustic posts with the most likes, comments, and shares as the Top Facebook Fan.  Then I will link to fun events for them to do in their state over the weekend.  If any of you actually attend one of the events suggested message me the photos (no more than 5 please) and I will post your "Friday Fun" with all the fans!

The First Top Facebook Fan is: Virginia from Georgia!

Thank you for being such an active Fan!  Virginia & my other Georgia Fans ~ The first two festivals are this weekend but the last festival is next weekend.  The Vidalia Onion Festival has been featured on The Food Network and recognized as one of the Five Don’t-Miss Festivals Across the U.S. by MSNBC.  This Friday...Have Fun!



Atlanta Dogwood Festival Atlanta, Georgia
April 20th to 22nd
Atlanta Dogwood Festival   



Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival Perry, GA,
April 21st and 22nd
Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival  

Vidalia Onion Festival Vidalia, Georgia
April 26th to 29th
Vidalia Onion Festival 

Thursday Hearts : Hour of Play

You can't turn on the news without hearing that we are all overweight, that Americans need more exercise.  I certainly can't argue the point.  Maybe I even contribute by sharing high calorie recipes but I can't help but think that this non-stop lectures aren't really helping us at all!

I remember that even when I was young I HATED EXERCISE!  Gym class was torture!  At the same time though, I was never inside, never sat still for long, and my bike was my best friend... But that wasn't exercising ~ it was fun!  Instead of planning for an hour of exercising wouldn't you rather spend an hour playing?  If you did it as a kid...you can do it now!  And chances are your kids will be right by your side having fun with you!  Wow, that beats the treadmill anyday.  And those lectures on every news program...shut them off and spend the rest of the time having fun!

Ride Free!

Fly High!

Take the Plunge!

D I Y Wednesday: Rustic Pencil Holder

 I enjoy making all sorts of rustic items and can't seem to ever throw away any scraps... you never know what you might be able to use that piece for.  This little piece seemed like a Rustic Pencil Holder! 

Choose Wisely!

 Step 1:  I'm using scrap Cedar but you can really use anything... even old Christmas tree trunks!  Choose a piece that isn't too big for where you want to display your pencils.  Cut the piece to the height you prefer.  I recommend 1 1/2 to 2 inches.  If your scrap wood still has it's bark you can choose to de-bark it at this time if you'd like.   

Step 2: Sand the exposed top and bottom until smooth.  Round over the edges to create a nice finished look.

Sand until Smooth!

Step 3:  Use a Straight Edge to create "Pizza" slices across the top of your piece.  Once your guide lines are drawn it will be easier to position the pencil holes later.

Tip: Use the widest end for the bottom...it adds stability!

Follow all Safety Rules when Drilling!

Step 4:  Use a drill bit slightly larger than the pencils or pens you plan on keeping in the holder.   Follow all Safety rules when drilling! 

Step 5:  After drilling the center hole continue drilling around the outer edge using your "Pizza Slices" as guides for hole placement.

Tip: Rustic is meant to be Imperfect!

Step 6:  Sand off your pencil marks or erase them...Whichever is easier for you!

Step 7:  Enjoy!