Gehring Road

etsy finds :: the beginnings of a collection

 Bottle Opener Collection as seen in Country Living Magazine May 2012 Issue

Oh friends, I'm on vacation... though it doesn't exactly feel like vacation it is here none-the-less. I still have class and appointments and the dog to look after (Rob is off to Denver for work tomorrow) and grand plans for sewing (pajamaed sewing which I know is the best kind of sewing), but vacation it is. I love vacation, though we don't have plans to do anything out of the ordinary, that is just the vacation that I seem to need right now. Restful, rejuvinating vacation. And look at me blogging... I love vacation.

I spent some time today outside with the dog enjoying the glorious weather that wants to visit us this week (thank goodness) reading my issue of Country Living. This little indulgent reading in the sun time happened just before Kylie melted down when a dog had the temerity to walk down her street and just seconds before she ripped her too sharp claws into my side and stomach (we won't dwell on that) and just a few minutes before Rob seeing my slashed side said, "Oh my god, that looks awful"... Just before that I happened upon the Hanson's most beautiful bottle opener collection. I love it. Such a sweet and beautiful collection and their bravery in hanging things on the walls in their home is admirable (we've yet to hang anything since Rob painted... a while ago). So I prowled Etsy while contemplating if my encounter with Slash left me needing Neosporin or not and found some beauties... love these bottle openers!

Vintage Mermaid Bottle Opener from My 3 Chicks Etsy Shop

Brass Horse Bottle Opener by Lock the Gate Etsy Shop

Vintage Hand Brass Bottle Opener from Lisbon Story Etsy Shop

Owl Bottle Opener from Portugese Vintage Etsy Shop

Vintage Turn of the Century Cast Iron Nude Lady Bottle Opener from Broadway Treasure Hunt Etsy Shop

HMS Victory Anchor Bottle Opener from Portugese Vintage Etsy Shop 

Rare Antique Scissors Bottle Opener and Nutcracker from Yesterday's Silhouette Etsy Shop 

Vintage Bottle Opener Scotsman Irish Bottle Opener from STL Vintage Etsy Shop 

Vintage Cast Iron Cowboy Bottle Opener from Sweetrefrain Vintage Etsy Shop 

Vintage Owl on Brass Bottle Opener from Portugese Vintage Etsy Shop 

 

How lovely would those look on a wall in a kitchen or dining room. I'm thinking of surrounding some with a frame in our entryway. I also love this one seen at Pottery Barn. I think she might be the first in our little collection. All of this vintage shopping and prowling has me thinking of Brimfield. This year, I'm buying that shoe trolley! I know, I've been saying it year after year... this year as a little present for the massive amounts of work I've been doing and will be doing in June... it has to happen. I wonder what little bottle openers can be found in some of the cast iron tents. We shall see. Happy weekend to you!  

 

circus-y and some current loves

Windham's Shelburne Circus Fabrics found here

A month is too long, isn't it? But it has been a month (almost) away from this space as my life resembles that three ring circus pictured above more often than not. Minus the elephants, thankfully. Anyway, Happy April, happy equinox, happy Spring if it's found you! We've had it around these parts since February. We're allowed to gloat about that, remember the deck last February? Ha! That was something. Really all I'm thinking of right now is completing this work in front of me and getting back to a more centered and creative way of life. I'm in the homestretch with one class and have just signed myself up for a few summer classes. We'll celebrate August 4th! Until then, I thank those of you who have emailed and commented asking how things are going. They're and we're well... but I miss sewing and having free time to do so desperately. My picture a day pledge for this year just really isn't going to happen, and realistically, I'm fine with that... next year. I am on Twitter and Pinterest (they're perfect quick pop-ins for me when I have a few minutes before classes or at the end of the day). I'm still getting used to Twitter, and sometimes feel a little fish-out-of-water with it and the conversations that happen so if you are on, I'd love to know. Pinterest continues to inspire me. Here are some recent finds!

(image credits from 1. Colorful Wall Design Sponge 2. Gingham Love Atlantic Pacific 3.Keyhole Dress Old Navy 4. Those green chairs La Maison D'Anna G 5. Chicoppee by Denyse Schmidt Sew Mama Sew 6. Benchwright Buffet Pottery Barn 7. Raskog Trolley Ikea 8. Shelburne Circus Fabric 2Girls Fabrics 9. Sticker Shock Enducing Coach Felicia Leather Slim Duffle Purse Page)

something(s) new

No other sewing this weekend, just some planning... I've been looking for projects that are quick and fun, ones that I can walk away from and work on at (a sometimes maddeningly!) slow pace. The current schedule is dictating how much time is spent in the loft sewing, so projects have to be quick yet fun. My drawstring bag was the first of those quick little projects, and just the thing to remind me that balancing time means also budgeting time to do what I love. So far, so good. Right now, I'm starting some "granny square" blocks. I'm loving Jolene's (Blue Elephant Stitches) blog and work right now and just couldn't resist starting something new. Just the cutting of one block for now, to be joined by others... in time. My inspiration for these "granny squares" was found here, an absolutely beautiful crocheted granny square blanket by Wood and Wool Stool. It was something I pinned a while ago, and think it is just the perfect inspiration for these blocks I'm making. I'm using Kona Ash for the background and played around tonight with the idea of adding another ring of color, making the block a bit bigger. I really love the pace of this kind of creating, a good thing indeed.

Another really lovely thing arrived this weekend, my "bright and cheery" tin scored on Etsy. Love.

I'm having fun filling this sweet little addition to the loft with ribbons and buttons. Wishing you a lovely start to your week, hopefully it is filled with a little bright and cheery and much inspiration!

making new

lovlies from Anthropologie and Pottery Barn

Thanks for baring with me as I spent some time getting my school-legs (which means falling asleep at 7:30 pm, loads of grading and trying to spend any spare moment with those I love)... I feel oddly settled and really good at the start of this year actually, in a much better place than I've been in years passed when it came to the loss of my beloved summer free time. My planned grad class was cancelled due to lack of enrollment and I have a bit more time to finish some credit courses started in the summer. That combined with the lack of basic necessities like toilet flushing thanks to Irene sort of put things in perspective. The leaves here are beginning to peek out at us, and things are as they should be. We'll pick up our mums and pumpkins for the walkway next week and dust off the halloween decorations as well. Rob has been hard at work on the basement, which looks amazing. He's creating a workspace for himself (hello new kitchen cabinets!) and weatherizing the walls and floor. I'm amazed at how that space has come together... almost there.

Speaking of spaces, we're in the midst of a little living-room identity crises around here... that should really read I am and am taking Rob right along with me. Our couch finally arrived and I love it... but our eccelectic came-from-two-former-homes furniture and style is grating on me. If I could just go crazy (which I might), I'd pick up some of those outrageously expensive and kind of insane lovelies above. Curtains, I know I can make... in time so I won't be buying those yellow or orange ones from Anthropologie. But we need a TV stand solution... and quick. Ours is sitting on my old coffee table and it isn't great. Think table same size as TV... yeah, not good. We're contemplating the use of a hutch from the basement or a table given to us by my Aunt but both need a lot of work and paint remover and sanding and priming and furniture love. With my 8 pm (ha!) bedtime, that doesn't seem feasible but we'll see. In the meantime, a girl can window shop excessively, right? I hope this weekend finds you peeking at things that make you happy and spending much time with those you love. 

quilt obsession

I've had my copy of Material Obsession 2 for a long, long time now and placed a number of their gorgeous quilts on my long, long term crafty list of things to do (some of the designs beg for hand piecing and quilting which I would love to brave... um... someday... just not this day you see). That was until I caught of glimpse of the Erica's Honesty quilt from pictures of the Alewives booth at the Maine Quilt Show this past weekend (see Brooke's amazing haul and inspirational photos here). As one of the last quilts in the book, I guess I just missed it. It is simply amazing. Now, I'm quilt obsessed. 

So here's my thinking... I know, realistically, that these entirely unrealistic, unproductive and beautiful summer days are drawing to a close for this English teacher. It's August and in a mere few weeks it will be books and grading and this semester - grad classes complete with a bit of a commute. I'm ok with that... for now. So how to fit this lovely quilt into all that? My goal is one block a month... more next summer when I have this beautiful time to myself and my sewing all over again. So, we'll see how it goes. I know there will be months that fly by, life and work will become beautifully hectic and harried as they tend to do, but I think this little lovely project will be a reminder of these beautifully free days and the ones on the horizon. I think I'm more than ok with that.  Happy Monday! 

loving...

Right now...

* I am loving these hydrangeas (from right outside our door!), happily out of the sun and thriving on the dining room table.

* I find myself  missing Mad Men! What is a summer without Don, Peggy and Joan... looking forward to March!

* I'm inspired by his work... especially this one (how I love her!), and this one. 

* I am just about to finish this quilt top... finally... hmmm, maybe it needs a few more rows...

* I just can't wait to get my hands on some of this, and maybe a little of this and all of this... eek. 

* I'm off to make more pesto... I know, I know, but the smell of basil at the market on Sunday called me.

* I'm finding this site so lovely and fun, yet so dangerous for time and wallet... 

Happy Tuesday! 

pin and tell

I love these summer weekends... there is nothing fleeting or expectant in anything and I'm simply in love with them. Fabric arrived for my quilt, yet I'm still playing around on the floor finishing up that lovely quilt that promises to bring some of my most loved fabrics down into our living area. Heaven. I can't wait to snuggle up with that one and this one. Here are some other things I'm loving lately... (all on Pinterest)

... I've been looking for a sweet little clock for the loft and this one caught my eye, a knitted cuckoo-clock found here... beautiful...

... Brimfield is happening, and we took a jaunt up to visit the shoe trolleys... a year later and I still didn't buy one... but love the one above... maybe in September (sound familiar?) 

... how sweet (and affordable, yes!) are these scissors... I might pick up a pair...

... I love this color, that trim, those flowers... just the whole thing really... found here...

... these shoes, much like my current schedule are relaxed and perfect for padding around the loft in, a bonus... they just went on sale...they also come in white, if you're brave...

... and here is me being brave and recognizing the existence of autumn... I love that Jack Skellington pumpkin and I think he's going to make an appearance on Gehring Road come October... Happy, happy weekend to you and yours, back tomorrow! 

i love this monday... pin and tell

Swedish Artist Fredrik Akum originally seen here

I've been pinning lately... a lot. Inspiration is everywhere and as we plan a new kitchen (open shelving and farmhouse sink are in the plans as well as... drum roll... a dishwasher!) ready to paint the outside of the house and possibly even head north for a little vacation, the inspiration I have been finding everywhere has been so wonderful and heartening. My last five pins include some art (see above), some color, some adventure and some really amazing chocolateness (my spell check hates that word, I am undeterred, how does it not exist?)... 

Cravens Garden Tablecloth from BHLDN I have a soft spot for all things table linen and yellow, and really all things yellow and table linen-y...

Painterly flower arrangement from Once Wed... I love those rannoculoui (is that the plural?)

Salted Carmel and Chocolate Cake... I know, I know... heaven. I'm thinking I need to whip this up as a treat for my favorite baker... or maybe because I'd like it to be edible, with my favorite baker... Recipe here...

Anyone else love Downton Abbey? I envision many hours spent sewing this summer with this series playing to keep me company. How sweet is this artwork seen here? 

Hmm... maybe this is more heaven than the chocolate cake... This is Sun Island in the Maldives and I would like to be there right now... and tomorrow instead of work, tell no one.  Image found here...

So, those are my picks this week... and a bonus pick at that, had to include those little slices of heaven. This week has to be exceptionally productive and so far, so good.  Ten research papers graded today alone... I feel a bit of relief at that as I'm quite protective of my at home time... where I'm taking some fabric in, planning some quilts and so excited about tackling parts of my list in a few short (but filled!) days. Wishing you a wonderful start to this week and all that you have planned for the moment. 

i need new plates

Plate Wall seen at MmmCrafts Blog

Oh my, I'm loving, loving, loving a plate wall, especially for our dining room, especially arched around the light on the buffet table. Now I need some plates.  Here are some I have my eye on...

Plates from Anthropologie, Target, Pier1 and West Elm

I love these plates, the idea of a little eclectic mix of vintage and new plates on the wall and the best part about these displays is that they are easily changed.  Though the holes in the wall... urgh... Anyway, want some more plate walls? There are some amazing ones here, here, and here... love that idea of testing the design first, I might not have thought of that... ahem. 

We're enjoying the sun for the first time in over a week around here.  It's been coming out for an hour or so at a time, only to destabilize the atmosphere and create thunderstorms and more clouds, but we'll take what we can get.  May has been rainy... but perfect for idea (and plate!) shopping. Small victories. Right now I'm loving a lemon scented candle, some down time after a busy day, and ideas for this fabric purchased as a be-lated birthday present for myself... (I'm 32 as of Wednesday!). I hope this weekend finds you joyful, creative, productive (if that makes you joyful) and spending time doing exactly what you most love to do.  Happy weekending to you and yours! 

i love mondays... show and pin

I am really, really searching deep to find something to love about this Monday... the start of a new series here on the blog is making it semi-paletable. The sheer act of turning my neck to grab something in the back seat of the car yesterday has aggravated my already aggravated neck and a heating pad (bag of corn kernels) is really the only thing my neck finds paletable.  That and pain-in-the-neck jokes. So I bring you a new little series whilst sitting far too long with this steamy and oh so wonderful bag of corn draped on my aching neck... Pinterest.  Have you been? If you'd like an invite, please let me know (email!)... I would love nothing more than to interest you in the hours and hours of time wasting and day-dreaming that Pinterest is. Actually, it is a source of inspiration and fascination and I love it. So here on Mondays... my last five pins...

... this heavenly house number seen here and from Tillie Mint pinned to my board "nest." 

... also pinned to "nest" I'm in love with this kitchen... the hardware, simplicity, legs and oh that sink... found here...

...this baby slipper pattern from Ithinksew is only $4 and now lives on my "small." board, with the baby boom we're having at work, I think I need to give it a go...

...and this little slice of heaven has been posted to my "eat." board, I've pinned three kabobs in the last few days (these were first) hmm, what's up with my kabob fascination? ... anyway, you can find the cupcakes here...

... and finally, this tutorial for painted jars... love... and now pinned to my "try." board...

My "try." board is my favorite, the ideas, tutorials and creativity that are shared on the site is really remarkable, I'm so inspired and humbled by the wonderful ideas posted by some super talented individuals. I love that I can hoard them in one spot and see what I'd like to conquer next... when not dealing with a pain in the neck that is... Happy Monday!