Spring Decorating - Egg Carton Wreath

Hello, Dear Friends, I hope that you are weathering 

the storms of life and finding a tiny bit of sunshine 

during these perilous times that we all face. 

Sheltering in place has its challenges, but also 

encourages self-expression through art, crafts, cooking 

and gardening.

We all learned how to entertain ourselves 

as small children when we were told to 

'turn the television off and find something 

constructive to do'! 

xoxo 

I took this advice and turned some cardboard egg cartons

into a sweet spring wreath!

I found the directions in this 2015 edition of 

GreenCraft magazine. They call it a 'fall wreath', 

but I think it is just as pretty in springtime.

I'll let my photos be the guide
if you would like to create one of your own.

xoxo

2 or 3 paper egg cartons.

A small, very sharp and sturdy pair of scissors works best. 

A dinner and salad plate were used as templates. 

Painted brown - edges, too.

Children's craft paints. 

A hot glue gun put it all together.
A paper clip glued to the back makes a handy hanger.  

The wreath matches my flea-market painting x.

Willow catkins in 'big blue'.

My kitchen cart is now devoted to
'dinnerware' for the grandchildren.

I had matching bins for the bottom shelf, too,
 but all of the bright plastic
dishes and utensils started mysteriously disappearing........

Someone looks very guilty.....

He likes to bury things.....

I added a bit of spring to my painted cupboard
in the hallway past the kitchen.

I can't get a full shot of the cupboard in the narrow hallway,
but it has two cabinet doors below, with shelves for my cookbooks.

I have a small collection of clear, pressed and etched glass
on the shelves.

Sweet serving pieces to use now and again
for a special occasion.

Like the last cupcake that I want to save for myself.
xx
No man dares lift the lid of a tiny dome holding just one cupcake.
xoxo

I have just enough mismatched etched glasses
 for every adult in my family to raise a toast.
I collected them one or two at a time.

I saw this idea in a Pottery Barn catalog
and I thought it looked so pretty.

The pressed glass compote and egg dish were wedding gifts
for my Mother and Father
the year Queen Elizabeth was crowned.

They were married 58 years.

This cupboard has a twin and both belonged to my parents.

I will be using them together when my library room is finished,
but I will paint them French gray.

The salt and pepper shakers were also part of my parent's
wedding set.

It always amazes me what survives a lifetime.

The sweet, sentimental things that someone once loved
so dearly that they carefully packed them for every move.

A tiny piece of their heart.
Their hopes and dreams passed on
to anyone who believes in love.

I have turn of the century vintage photos
of my little town on the opposite wall.

People and moments captured in time.
There's even a couple of dogs.
xx

It reminds me of how brave and hard-working
our ancestor's were and how important
it is to honor their hard work, sacrifice and values.

I need to re-stock the jelly-beans the next
time we venture out for groceries.
We only go out every 2-3 weeks now.
I hope there are a few bags left.

I made these when my children were young.

My orchid has re-bloomed.
It was a sweet gift for Mother's Day last year.

I've never had one re-bloom, so I am thrilled!

My daughter handed these out as party favors
for my twin grandsons' 2nd birthday
a few weeks back.

xx

It seems so long ago....
It was the last time we were together as a family.

We are having a virtual Easter this year.

Life has changed so quickly and may never be the same
for so many, as we all try to stay one step ahead.

In the meantime, we just try to remember what is truly precious

and never again take these things for granted.

Pansies..... 

The ones we love.....

The first dandelions....

Budding trees under clear blue skies....

Singing birds.....

Daffodils. 

Wishing you an Easter full of faith, hope and
maybe a little bit of chocolate, too.
xx

Stay safe, dear ones.

xoxo