Arkansas Craftsmanship: From Toast to the Daily Mail

From Toast to the Daily Mail

A few years back, I purchased a sterling silver butter knife from an auction. Some may have thought I was slightly odd for purchasing a single knife. However, I had the perfect project in mind. Many years ago, I had read an article in a magazine about a man that created letter openers from orphan knives. I had always wanted to do the same. 

Knowing that I neither possessed the tools nor the skill to do so, I contacted a local craftsman:

 Luke Sorensen, owner of Expedition Armory.  He assured me that he would have no problem doing what I wanted. I have to say, he did not disappoint. I am very proud of my new letter opener. 

I have included before and after photos of the transformation. What an ingenious way to bring new life to a beautiful object that would otherwise be tossed into a drawer. 

If you want to see more of Luke Sorensen's masterful work, you can find it on his Facebook page, Expedition Armory. He creates custom knives and provides quality gunsmithing services.  

DIY: Repurposed Decor

Repurposed Decor

Today, I thought I would share a few photos of some decorative wall items

 made from repurposed materials. 

As a crafter, I seem to always have odd bits and bobs on hand. Which often leaves me with the dilemma of what to do with them all? I hate the idea of throwing away items that still have some life in them. Repurposing is a great way to make the useless into honest, useful items.

My favorite way to repurpose old doorknobs is to use them as wall hangers.  These wall hangers can be used to store jackets and hats, or to organize jewelry in the bedroom, or even aprons in the kitchen.

Old kitchen cabinet doors, a bit of wood trim, 

and some paint help to create these wall hangers. 

Hanging hardware was installed on the back side. 

I really love using old cabinet doors to create signs, too. Below is a laundry room decorative sign made from an old cabinet door, fabric, string, mini clothes pins, and ribbon.  I brushed the ribbon with Modge Podge to make them lie flat. Hanger hardware was installed on the back side. 

Market: The Joy of New to You

The Joy of New to You!

Going through my blog files, I found an old post I never published. Ironically, it was about going to an auction.  This was among the first few auctions I had attended. So, it's safe to say this is when I began my auction addiction. I remember being so thrilled with my bargains. 

My catch that day wasn't much, but I was excited about every piece!

The chair and entry table immediately went into my dining room. If you look hard enough, you will see that the chair was given the approval of our cat!

Framed copies of Blue Boy and Pinkie were right at home in the dining room, too.

Arkansas: The Old Mill

The Old Mill

The family and I recently visited the Old Mill in North Little Rock. I have no idea why we have never been before now! I had always heard it was a beautiful place, but beautiful just doesn't do it justice. It is absolutely breathtaking. Every corner is a photo opportunity: little wonder why it is a favorite location for photographers. While we were there, we saw several brides having a photo shoot. 

Just as soon as you enter the gates, you are greeted with a picturesque scene.

 

Though the Old Mill looks as if it is centuries old, it was actually build in 1933. The building, along with its many bridges, features, and seating,  is made from concrete: a technique called faux bois. It is truly a unique place.

The Old Mill also has many beautiful water features.

You will find many unique bridges around the area.

What a spectacular bridge!

This small footbridge is one of my favorites. I love how it appears to have grown naturally.

In addition to the larger bridges,
there are also a few smaller ones.
 Every corner you turn reveals new surprises!

Every nook and cranny is bursting with greenery.

Added for your pleasure, faux bois mushrooms are scattered throughout the area.

Market: Welcome to the Flea

Welcome to the Flea!

This year I have begun a market stall at a local monthly flea market. I am still learning and improving, but I must admit- I am having lots of fun! I know I am real junker at heart, and I have at last found my tribe. From scouring auctions, estate sales, yard sales, and the side of the road

 (Yes! I brake for discarded pieces) to cleaning, repairing, refinishing: I enjoy every part. 

Here are a few photos of my booth. I plan to make improvements every month, so hopefully, it will improve over time. 

We made the hanging rack on the bottom left with a leftover drawer front and old cabinet knobs.

It's still a long way from what I want it to be, but it's getting there!

Fall Wreath I made using pieces of an old lace curtain, ribbon, and fall artificial flowers.

I love this wardrobe! It was in a terrible state when we purchased it. After removing all of the damaged veneer, we gave it a coat of sage green chalk paint. Fortunately, we were able to save the veneer on the door.

I hope you have enjoyed your sneak peek! I will try my best to give you an update on how my booth is progressing, at least once a month! 

Life: The Times Are A-Changing

        Well, it has been a very long time since my last post. Even longer since I have been truly active on Blogger. Once again, I have determined to return to regular postings. Since it has been such a long time, I have decided to that my first post should be an update. Everybody loves an update!

         As I previously was a homeschooling mother, I shall start with my girls. My eldest is currently working on a bachelor's degree in history, and works at a community venue at a local community college. My youngest is finishing up her associate's degree and plans to transfer to another institution in the spring to complete her bachelor's degree in biotechnology. My husband is finally nearing completion of his bachelor's degree in EMS, still works full time as a paramedic, and serves as an EMS preceptor for a local EMS program. As for myself, I am now working at a local community college within the advising center. My weekends and free time and still filled with shopping at flea markets and auctions, as I am still a true junker at heart. I have a booth at a local monthly flea market. When everyone within my family has free time, at the same time (a true rare event), we try to spend it together.
         I am grateful for the time we spend together. Out of everything in my life, the good and the bad, I never regret the moments I have spent with my family. The time passed by so quickly. I know I was warned, as all young mothers are, but the flying pace has taken me by surprise. I have often been reminded of something my grandmother would say, "The days are long, but the years go by quickly". If I had a chance to give my younger self any additional advice, it would be: Spend even more time than you think necessary with your family. It may feel as if it is too much, but in the end, it will never be enough.
           When I look at my girls, or rather my young ladies, I am immensely proud. Despite our own shortcomings, my husband and I have raised two beautiful, well adjusted, kind, and passionate young ladies. With their futures laid out before them, I have begun to contemplate my own new beginning. That's one of the reasons why I decided to rejoin the working ranks after having spent so much time at home. I do miss the large amounts of free time I once enjoyed. Yet, the opportunity to develop more skills and meet new people is exciting. I also look forward to watching my part time business grow. My booth is, The Oak Creek Studio. I hope to be sharing more with you all very soon!

Home: Dining Room Makeover

Dining Room Makeover: Part 1

During the holidays, my family and I began to work on redoing our dining room.  The existing layout prevented the area from living up to its full potential. With its previously boarded over window (a throwback from when the home's laundry room was a small back porch), disused second door leading into the laundry, and shallow built in, the room felt smaller than it actually was. 

As I have always dreamt of having a paneled dining room, that was our inspiration. Our first step was to add a framing for the panels.  This was a bit labor intensive as our walls are comprised of concrete. However, as usual, my hubby came to the rescue. It only took a couple of weekends for him to sort it out for us. Yay!

Here is the love of my life working his magic!

That old window is finally gone.

A sneak peek of the finished look!

It took a bit of elbow grease to get these panels stained. Whew!

We left room for the depth of the new built in.

It's going to have loads of storage!

Phase One is complete! 

Which was fortunate because we had to prepare for the holidays.