I was in a big hurry yesterday when I came home from work. It was one of those really stressful, but ultimately good, weeks. By the time I got home I was pretty tuckered and wore out. Dinner, a few hours with my horse... [contented sigh] and then...
I headed straight to the art nest and began gathering the stuff. I have to travel this week, and I still did not have my swap banner done. I have the nicest swap partner and I wanted to make something special for her..... and one for me, of course!
Honestly, I hadn't even started. Can you believe that? Shame on me.
I don't normally procrastinate, but there's no better motivator than "OMG, I have to get this done because I'm heading off to DC for the whole week!"
Yep, that'll get the muse going....no doubt.
So I cut banner flags, rounded the corners, and with the prettiest papers I could find, I glued and embellished to my heart's content.
Don't you just love the tiny flower frogs? A steal for $2.00 each at the local collectibles store, and they do a great job holding up things so I can take pictures. I found a larger one too - for a whole $3.00.
They helped hold open this banner flag so I could take a picture of the pretty stuff inside this one...
... and this one.
...oh this one is nice too. Old wallpaper, and that fringe again. I confess, I went back and got another yard a couple days ago. Anyway, before I knew it, it was bed time, and guess what? I actually got enough flags done for four garlands.
So this morning, when I got up, I punched holes in the tops of each flag and strung 8 flags onto each of four 10' lengths of this really nice cotton/muslin ribbon. Then I took pictures.
First in the art nest. Isn't the light nice in here? I just love that old crown molding with the doorknobs. Hubby hates it. Figures.
Then I went outside and hung the garlands on a section of the fence that is such a nice weathered gray. The metal piece on the fence is an old coal stove cover. My dearest Papa gave that to me. He loved junk too!
The garlands bounced and swayed happily in the breeze for a bit, and when I took them down, I felt a bit like a kid called indoors when I still wanted to play. You know, how your Mom would call and say "honey, its time to come in now!"
Oh, well. I gotta pack anyway...
Eileen
Your banner is so lovely. Right now I am hopping up to go glitter up some clothespins, just like yours!!! Your blog is so inspiring...thank you. What a treat.
Blessings,
Shawn
Posted by: Shawn Seay | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10:35 AM
that was supposed to read....HUGS to you
Posted by: Shawn Seay | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Oh how beautiful. I love the banner. But, right this minute, i am hopping up to go glue some glitter on clothespins....just like yours appear. I heart your blog!! I love visiting for inspiration;-) Huge to you, Shawn
Posted by: Shawn Seay | Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10:32 AM
What beautiful flowers! Don't ya' love spring! I just found your blog via The Feathered Nest and love it! I will add you to my favorites...Thank you SO much for sharing spring...Sharon
Posted by: Sharon A Kyser | Tuesday, April 07, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Oh my gosh, that is one of the prettiest banners I have ever seen! i would like to know how you made each and every flag. They look so complex...lots of transfers and other techniques (that I clearly do not know how to do!). I saw it on the Flickr site and had to come and see your blog.
Fondly,
Suz
Posted by: Suz | Monday, April 06, 2009 at 06:18 PM
This swap partner IS THRILLED! Oh my goodness, it's beautiful, I can't wait to put it up in my living room - I can't wait to see it up close! You really are inspiring! :D
Posted by: miesmama | Monday, April 06, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Beautiful garland! Love all of your embellishments and your wonderful photos! How lucky you are to have found those flower frogs for just $2--great patina. Have a great trip!
Jen (via Year of Color blog)
Posted by: Jen | Monday, April 06, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Love, love, love all your pasting, gluing, and papering...it turns out lovely! Such creativity inside that head of yours. I am amazed and I love seeing what you create! Just gorgeous.
Hope your trip is great.
Blessings,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | Monday, April 06, 2009 at 08:46 AM
what a beautiful blog!
Posted by: Flax and spindle | Sunday, April 05, 2009 at 05:14 PM
Beautiful and your swap partner is going to be THRILLED. Have a safe trip.
Posted by: Jeanne | Sunday, April 05, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Eileen - your banner is SOOOO beautiful.
I just love it. I´m sure your swap patner will love it - lucky her :D
Posted by: Tina | Sunday, April 05, 2009 at 11:57 AM
very pretty garlands...don't feel bad, I didn't start mine until thursday and just finished it today so mine will be a little late.... Your partner will love it!
karen...
recycledrita.blogspot.com
Posted by: karen | Saturday, April 04, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Eileen... these are lovely! I have a friend who makes cards and things that I love receiving; they're so speical! I'm sure your swap partner feels exactly the same.
Thanks for dropping by DesignTies and commenting on my natural stone post. That shower with the slate benches is so wonderful - I hope you can convince your hubby to use slate on your bench now that you have proof! :-) I'd love to use a stone like this for the same purpose, but our bathroom will be all white - so I'm thinking about using a quartz surface... or if I can find a remant, a carrera marble. Decadant!
All the best,
Victoria: EdinDesign Interiors @ DesignTies
Posted by: Victoria @ DesignTies | Saturday, April 04, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Each and every piece of your banner is beautiful!!
Thank you for the ever so sweet comments about my mom!
May you have a wonderful trip.
Hugs~T
Posted by: Tami | Saturday, April 04, 2009 at 08:11 PM