Christmas at Our Log Home!

I love to decorate, especially at Christmas! Each time that we have moved, it has been to a bigger home, so of course we needed more decorations. I was ready for the challenge! Many decorations are handmade, some are heirlooms, and all are special! Enjoy the self-guided tour of our Log Home in the Big Woods - all "Decked Out" for Christmas!

DIY Stable for Willow Tree Nativity Figures

Do you have a Nativity set? If so, how do you display it? I have three sets, and I love them all. Two sets have stables, and one did not. Check out the DIY of the wooden stable my husband built to display my Willow Tree figurines. He built it from scrap wood, so the cost was $0.00! Directions and photos are included in this post.

Deer Antler Clock DIY

 

If you know an avid deer hunter (or are married to one), you know they have quite a collection of deer antlers. Some may be displayed on a wall, but what do they do with the rest? Here's how my husband and I created a unique wall clock from some of his antler "stash". Time to go hunting for that big rack and make a Deer Antler Clock of your own!

Sea Shell Boxes DIY

 

Do you have a sea shell collection? If so, what do you do with all those sea shells? Grandsons Lucas and Landon made a special craft on a recent beach trip, and here's the DIY for our projects. This craft is grandkid tested and approved!

Upcycle: 2 to 1 Shower Curtain DIY

Do you have stained fabric shower curtains? Don't throw them out! Upcycle 2 into 1 unique shower curtain! DIY with photos is included in this post.

Rustic Wood & Iron Wall Rack DIY

This Wood and Iron Wall Rack is a great way to add Farmhouse Rustic to your home! It's fun, easy, and very low cost. Best of all, it looks great and provides hanging space in any room of your home, from bathroom to entry way. Follow my DIY with photos to make your own!

Tears and Repairs - Darn It!

"Oh, no! I tore my sheet!" I hurried to grandson Alex's room to find him upset over his torn Mario sheet. Can it be repaired? It's Mamaw to the Rescue! "Darn It!"

Comfy-Fit Mask Ear Extender DIY

Since wearing masks is a reality these days while dealing with COVID-19, let's make the masks comfortable! I've done my share of handmade masks in different sizes for family and friends, and everyone loved choosing their fabrics. What was troublesome for a couple was the way the masks pulled on their ears. I came up with a way to remedy that, so check out my ear-extender DIY. Cost = $0.00! Also included are tips for a mask strap or lanyard.

"Revive" Those Pillows!

Have your pillows gone flat? New pillows can be expensive. Instead, give the old ones new life! Follow these directions and photos to make them (almost) new again! This is "Sew-easy"!

Anniversary SURPRISE!!

Anniversaries are special, no matter how they are celebrated. Enjoy the pictures and memories of a surprise anniversary party for parents Joshua and Natalie planned by 2 of my grandsons - Lucas (who was 6) and Landon (who was 3). 

Red Trucks- Keep on Truckin'!

Do you have a fascination for Red Trucks? I certainly do! My interest in Red Trucks (or any trucks) began many years ago, before the current Red Truck obsession! Check out my Red Truck Collection, and enjoy my memories!

Vintage Bathroom Accessories DIY

This Vintage Bathroom Accessories Set is a very quick and easy project that goes great in a rustic bathroom for that "Farmhouse" look. DIY includes directions for a toothbrush holder and soap dispenser.

It's My Birthday!

 

Do you remember the song, "It's My Birthday, and I'll Cry If I Want To"? There's no tears on my birthday! It's always a great day to celebrate! Enjoy my special thoughts and memories!

Cover for Seat Cushion DIY

Cushion covers do not last forever, so what do you do when they are no longer useful? Buying a new cover for this Roho cushion was going to be very expensive, but instead I sewed a cover from a piece of fabric in my "stash"! It was "Sew-easy"! Check out my DIY and photos of 2 cushion cover variations.

Wooden Crate Shelves DIY

Do you like the rustic, farmhouse look? I live in a log home, and I like my decor to look rustic. That's why wooden crates really appeal to me. Check out this easy DIY for my Wooden Crate Shelves! Directions for 4 shelves are included in this post.

DIY "No-Sew" Shirt Pillow

Do you like to decorate with pillows? Here's an easy, low-cost way to make pillow covers from shirts that you can change with the seasons! DIY and photos are included in this post, and No-Sewing is involved! They go great with the "Farmhouse" look!

My Vintage "Rake Rack" DIY

What is a "Rake Rack"? Check out the details and DIY of my vintage garden-rake-turned-rack! Photos and instructions are included.

Lined Wood Crates - DIY

Wood crates  -  sturdy, decorative, and functional storage for that farmhouse look that is so popular today! Adding a basket liner takes crates to the "next level"! Even Legos will not slip through the cracks. Detailed directions and photos help make this project "Sew-Easy"!

DIY "No-Sew" Curtain

Have you ever said, "I don't sew! I can't make anything!" If so, this Blog Post is for you! Included are step-by-step directions and photos to create a curtain without a stitch! It's so easy!

Our "Big Woods" Tree House DIY

"When are you going to build the Tree House?" was the question the grandkids repeatedly asked Papaw. Now, it's done! Check out how this novice carpenter did it!

Upcycle: Capris to Cargo Shorts!

There's a "goldmine" in that donate pile! Baggy Capris can easily be fashioned into Cargo Shorts using my "Sew Easy" directions and photos!

Oh No! I TORE MY SHIRT!!!

Among the 4 word sentences that parents (or grandparents) hate to hear is, "I tore my shirt!"  So what do you do? Throw it out? Use it for a rag? Not this Mamaw! I fix it! Here's my DIY with Easy-sew directions and photos.

Take a Walk!

What is your favorite form of exercise? One of my favorites is walking. Whether it's walking along the seashore or in the woods, I love to walk! Enjoy the memories and photos.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Candy/Topping

Remember No-Bake Cookies? That recipe was a favorite of mine until the dreaded day when I had to give up chocolate. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Candy/Topping is my delicious adaptation of that chocolate dessert. It can be eaten as candy, or it is a special treat when poured over vanilla ice cream. Super easy and yummy delicious!

"Dual-Theme" Mario/Pokemon Birthday Party

With 2 siblings born about 2 weeks apart, it made sense to have one party, until the year that they wanted different themes! That's how the "Dual-Theme Party" came about! Read how we did it!

DIY "Dual-Theme" Birthday Pinata

Here's the dilemma: 2 siblings born about 2 weeks apart, so it makes sense to have their birthday parties together, right? That worked until the year they couldn't decide on a theme. Is it possible to have a dual-theme party? Yes, it is! Here's how to make a "Dual-Theme" Mario and Pokemon Pinata from cereal boxes for the party!

Estimation Jar

Estimation is a necessary life skill that can help us function successfully in today's world. The Estimation Jar can assist all ages in developing this skill in a fun-filled way, whether at school, homeschool, or just as a home activity. This activity is Justice Family tested  - and approved!

The "Drive-by" Birthday Party

A "Drive-by" Birthday Party? What is that? That's what I asked my son Jacob when I first heard about granddaughter Abby's forthcoming party. With COVID-19 and Social Distancing going on, a traditional birthday party was simply out of the question. Read how Abby's Daddy and Mommy turned what could have been a very disappointing event into the "best birthday ever"!

First Planting Day!

It was finally planting day at my new home in the northeast "Big Woods"! Moving 1,200 miles from my South Louisiana home of 17 years was tough in many ways, one of which was leaving my flowers. That incident gave, "You can't take it with you!" a whole new meaning! Check out the photos of my first "Planting Day" after the big move!

Recipes for Leftover Taco Meat

Do you love to make tacos at home? What do you do with that leftover taco meat? Here are some of my family's favorites with links to some of my recipes!

Karen's Cabbage Roll Casserole

Do you like Cabbage Rolls? It's a favorite in our family. Here's an easier version with less prep time and less mess. This recipe was adapted from my sister Karen's delicious recipe.

The Molly Moocher Hunt!

Whether you call them Molly Moochers or Morels, hunting for these mushrooms is lots of fun! We recently took a break from Home School to go on a "Field Trip" in the woods with 3 of our grandkids, and it was a great day. Enjoy our adventure and photos!

Fabric Face Mask DIY

Are you looking for an easy-to-sew Fabric Face Mask? Try this DIY with step-by-step directions and photos. Post also includes tips for mailing. Stay safe and healthy!

Washing Machine - Repair or Buy?

When a major appliance breaks down or is not functioning properly, do you repair the appliance or buy a replacement? We faced this tough decision recently when the door on our front loader washing machine was broken. Here's our story...

Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C. - My Story

Have you seen the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.? After years of having this on my unwritten "Bucket List", I finally experienced this great event! Enjoy reading about my experiences and also my photos, along with a little history! 

Native American Shirt with T-Shirt Fringe

Making costumes can be fun! This Native American shirt that I made for my grandson Alex from an adult t-shirt was “sew-easy”!

DIY: My "Torn Fabric" Rag Wreath

My "Torn Fabric" Rag Wreath is so much fun to make! It's an easy craft that you can "lay down" and "pick up" again without reading a pattern! My wreath is made mainly of lightweight denim and chambray, but any lightweight woven fabrics will do. Happy Crafting!

DIY Corkscrew or "Korker" Basketball Bow

When granddaughters Aleyna and Abby needed special bows to wear with their t-shirts on TOT Days and to special activities, Mamaw made it happen! Use my easy-to-follow directions and photos to create a special corkscrew or "korker" bow for your rising "Sports Star"! Directions are given for a 2-layer and 3-layer bow.

Jeans to Cuffed Shorts: "Sew-Easy"!

It's often difficult to find that perfect pair of shorts, or maybe you find some that are just too expensive. Here's how to easily turn a pair of clearance rack jeans into very stylish cuffed shorts! It's quick and "sew-easy"!

DIY - Vintage Ladder to Quilt Rack

Are you a quilt lover? If so, what is your favorite way to display your special quilts? Here's my DIY for how my husband and I created a Quilt Rack from a vintage ladder. Photos and easy-to-follow directions are included. 

Mission: Repair the Shield!!

Crisis: Both Captain America Shields are broken! This is a job for..."Super Mamaw!" Can I rise to the challenge and save the day? Stay tuned and read on...

Creamy Potato Vegetable Soup

Creamy Potato Vegetable Soup - the ultimate comfort food! My low-sodium version combines creamy richness with a variety of nutritious vegetables that will leave you begging for more! Weight Watchers WW points: 1 cup = about 2 points.

Memory Pillow from a Shirt

Losing a friend or loved one is tough in so many ways. This Memory Pillow from a shirt can hopefully help you deal with those tough days when you just need to hug and think of a special memory. Directions for the "sew-easy" Memory Pillow are included along with a pattern, directions, and tips for the pillow form and t-shirt insert.