Now we've done it!

Howdy!!  Wow, it's been quite some time since I was on here.  I can't believe time is just flying by.  Well let's see, what have I been up too with being MIA for these past months?  Working fulltime, watching my youngest grandson 4 days a week and now, got myself involved with my daughter of doing some fun stuff that we didn't think would be such a hit but boy, were we wrong!!  We now have a Facebook page where we are selling our fun items.  If you have a FB page, feel free to hop on over and check it out and "Like" our page, you'll enjoy it I promise.  It is located: 

 

 https://www.facebook.com/thebentbarn

Where did all this stem from?  Well I had found this cute little chair that I bought from GW and wanted to do a Time Out saying on it for when Carson is a little older.  Once I posted it, it went viral!  I had no idea but it sold immediately and now more people want them.  The problem is I don't have any of that style now, but we have found a few other fun pieces so getting those custom ones done.  I have to admit, it did turn out so cute!!  What do you think?

We are working on holiday items now so I'll post some fun things we're doing when we get further along.  I can't believe it is getting so close :)

 

Here are a few of our other fun things we have up for sale :)  Hope you enjoy them!!  Grab some coffee as there are quite a few lol.

Well that's it for tonight, time for me to get some sleep as it is going to be a busy weekend, tons to be doing :)  Have a great night and happy crafting!!

 

xoxo ~ Laura

Welcome........

Howdy!!  I've been very busy with work, watching my youngest grandson 4 days a week and working on things around the house.  Today is a time for me to step back, look at what is going on around me and to thank the good Lord for all the blessings in my life.  You ever have a time that an event happens and it literally slaps you in the face and you ask why???  Well that happened to me today and it made me really think how precious life is and how blessed I am to have such wonderful people in my life.  Never waste time to do what you want to do in life.  I know we've all heard it before but we get so busy at times, we forget so it is a good reminder.

 

One of my newest crafts that I worked on is this cute "Welcome" sign.  I made it for my daughter and son-in-law as they love these types of things.  I think it turned out cute and it is now hanging outside their front door.

Here is a shot of my sweet little grandson, sporting one of the onsies I made for his "month" birthday's for his first year.  He's gotten so big, so fast but is such a sweet blessing.  Happy go lucky. I can't believe it's been 5 months already since we were blessed to have him come into our lives.

 

We've been very busy working in the yard also, and getting the flower beds all cleaned up and re-barked.  Is that a word??  lol  They look so nice now but there was a void in one of the beds in the back of the house, which our neighbor's stare at on a daily basis as it faces their front part of the house, so I decided to do something colorful, cute and quirky, all in one.  What do you think?  My first attempt, not bad :)

 

Well there is more, but that will have to wait until another day to show you that.  Back to pondering things and stopping to smell the roses a little on this beautiful sunshiny day here in the PNW.

Take care and happy crafting!

xo ~ Laura

 

Let's try this again!!

Well howdy there!  Sorry I've been missing in action, a lot has been going on since my last post, from last year.  Geesh....where is the time going!!  I had tried quite a few times to get on Blogger but it wouldn't allow me too giving me the error with cookies....but guess I finally won that battle :)

 

So,what have I been up to since I last posted?  Well we have welcomed our 6th grandbaby on December 14th which was a wonderful Christmas present to all of us.

 

Carissa had to be induced a few weeks early as her blood pressure was high but all turned out great and Carson Roe was born at a whopping 7 lbs. 10 oz. and 19 1/2" long, healthy and happy.  We couldn't be happier.  She was able to take 12 weeks off for maternity leave but had to go back the first of March which was very hard, but it is only part-time so that is good for her.  It's so hard for first time Mommies to be away from their little ones.  I do have the privilege of watching him as I have the flexibility of working from home, so Monday - Thursday I get this precious little guy.  His other Grandma watches him on Friday's. 

 

Life gets so darn busy at times, I need to at times remind myself to slow down and take care of myself also.  I haven't been able to take as much time with my crafting as I've been busy as stated above, also our oldest two granddaughter's were having issues so we had them staying with us a few weeks, birthday's of our 3 kids were happening and well, yes just life in general.

 

I have done a little crocheting for Carson.  His parents love to fish so of course Nana had to make a special hat for him ;)  Isn't that just the most contagious smile!!  lol

 

Have done a few smaller items.  I made each of the two older granddaughters these for Christmas.  I thought I had taken a picture of the other one (done is black and whites) but can't find it but gives you the idea anyway.  They loved it them and have their "girly" stuff in it as they put it lol.  It is so nice to have grandbabies who love things that are made from the heart :)

 

Just one of the chalkboard frames.

 

Well that's about it for tonight....need to get dinner warmed up for the hubby.  He gets home later which means that he usually gets it re-warmed unfortunately but we're just happy we both have jobs so it's OK.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful evening and I'll be back on with new things as I'm having that yearning for my crafting again!!

 

xoxo ~ Laura

 

 

 

Tis the season

Howdy!!  Yes, I am still around and I have been busy, and trust me, that is an under statement!!  I have so much going on right now and I've been trying to prioritize things and unfortunately, my blog has been put on the back burner this past month with everything going on.

 

I started a new job a few weeks ago and have had a few obstacles getting everything set up but as of today, that is all behind me and it is full steam ahead :)  The perfect thing about this job is that I am able to work from home and only have to go into the office for half a day a week.  Not bad huh.  I feel very blessed as this job found me, I didn't find it.  It allows me to work fulltime and still be close to my youngest who is due to have our 6th grandbaby within the next few weeks. 

 

Speaking of which, here is our little updated picture of her and baby Carson.  She is at 34 weeks right now.  Excuse her bathroom shot but she was at work and wanted me to see.

She sent me this picture as she said she is really feeling pressure right now and I know you can't tell, but she definitely dropped a lot over night.  They have her on a close watch as she's had a few minor complications and goes on a weekly basis to her appointments, including now being put on the monitor to make sure he's tolerating everything OK.  So can you say we are walking on pins and needles??   Is that enough stress??  Nope, we are moving the kids partially this weekend and next weekend into a new house that will accomodate their growing family.  Don't worry, she's been put on strict orders from me she can point and direct people but that's it lol.  She so badly wants to nest so hopefully we can help get the nursery together for her :)

 

I've been getting custom orders on top of everything else so have been completing them and getting them into the mail.  I can tell people are starting to get ready for the holiday's lol.

Here is my latest order.

With all that being said, I need your advice on something.  When you love what you do crafting, and you get custom orders, how do you determine how to price things?  Any feedback is welcomed my dear friends :)

Here is something I am working on for little ole me....stay tuned for this one :)

Well think that is enough for the night and I need to go settle down now :)  Have a wonderful evening and happy crafting!!

xo ~ Laura

Feel like my head is spinning....

Ever feel like time is on fast forward and you can't keep up with things?  Well that is exactly how I am feeling right now.  Life never slows down and I just keep hitting things head on lol.  I've been off work for 3 months now and enjoying every minute.  It has given me a little time to regroup and decompress work wise which was well needed I must say.  So what has me going all over the place?

 

Hmm lets see, where to begin.  Yes I am still around, just have been busy.

 

My DIL had to have surgery so had to help out with 2 of the grandbabies getting them to school and back and things handled around the house for her.  My youngest daughter has had a few mild complications with the pregnancy so have been with her having more test ran, on top of trying to get them handled to move in the next few weeks.  Good news is all the other test have come back normal so we are thanking the good Lord for that but her bloodpressure is still higher than they want so we're seeing what is going on with that and the next step.  In the meantime I am interviewing for a new job position so see, lots going on and I need a vacation lol. 

So what makes me slow down and relax????

Getting to see this precious gift...this is a picture of Carson Roe.  He is 28 weeks here and we can't wait to meet this little one.

 

I've been very busy getting crafts done for his nursery so that also helps me to relax.  Here are a few things I've already finished.  Carson will not have a typical nursery.  Both his parents love the outdoors, as I'm sure if you've been following me know from my past posts, so they want to have his nursery with the outdoors theme.  Problem is you can't find things very easily so yes, guess who gets to make them....yes Nana lol.

 

Here is one of his little wall hangings.

 

 

I made him this baby powder scent candle.

 

I actually made this shelf and am very proud of myself for it :)

 

 

Well I can't show you everything right now can I so you'll have to stay tuned to see more lol.  I think it is time to just settle down for the night, clear out my brain and try to relax and get ready for my interview tomorrow.  Pretty peaceful about it as I feel I'm going in and being myself and whatever happens, happens. 

 

Have a great night and happy crafting!!

 

xo ~ Laura

 

Happy Anniversary........

Howdy!!  I think sometimes being off work I am actually more busy than when I'm working lol.  It is probably because my plans can change in a heart beat to accomodate everyone elses since I am flexible lol.

I've been working on projects and my hubby surprised me for our 13th wedding anniversary.  Well it isn't until Sunday so I got it a few days early but that's OK with me :)  Look at what I got!!!  So so excited!!!!

 

I've been working on the spare bedroom still within the beach theme and here is one of the things I've done with the blue starfish.  Loving the mixture of the colors :)

 

I found this over at East Coast Creative Blog and love some of the ideas she's done with pallets.  Think I may have to try a few of these :)

Well that is it for me tonight, need to settle down and relax or I'll be up thinking crafting all night lol.  Have a wonderful weekend!!

 

Happy crafting!!

Laura

Let the fun begin

Howdy!!  Since we have found out what the next grandbaby will be, I can now start to make his baby blanket.  I've made all of my grandkids a crocheted blanket, along with all our nieces which has been fun.

Here was Carissa at 20 weeks and we had just found out the day before that we have a little boy coming into the family and we are all very excited.

Here is a great shot of Carson.  He is perfect in every way and they said he is a healthy little guy so my birthday wish was fulfilled.  Yes, we found out on my actual birthday and that is the best present I've ever had.

This is the hat that I've finished.  The color is showing brighter in the picture and the specs are actually more subtle but it is so soft and will be perfect for him as he is due in December.

So other than working on his blanket now also, I am finishing up my redo's of our bathrooms.  I'm thinking that I need to paint the walls in the main bath as it is pretty darn bright with the yellow that is in there so we'll have to see but I'll give you a little sneak peek on the color that I'm loving........ stay tuned lol.

Have a wonderful day and happy crafting!!

xo ~ Laura

Adoreable diaper cakes

Howdy!!  I hope that all of you are having a wonderful start to your 3 day weekend.  We are just staying home this weekend and taking it easy.  It will give me a little time to hopefully get some outside painting done on the decks lol.  We'll see how the weather cooperates.

I've been just cruising around doing all kinds of different projects and enjoying myself.  Here are two diaper projects I made that will be centerpieces for Carissa's babyshower next month.  I've never done these kinds but think they turned out adoreable!!  The theme is "outdoor" so think these fit quiet nicely.  What do you think?

 

I have all kinds of hidden treasures throughout these pieces so she's going to have to go through the wheels and everything to find them.  This is his first bear that is included on this 4x4 :)

 

His little back supporter??  Yes a bottle brush lol.  What you can't see is what he's sitting on and that is a nipple holder for the dishwasher.  See I told you I had lots of treasures hahaha.

 

This is the motorcycle and check out the wheels, they have spokes made of yarn!!  Too cute huh :)

 

The side shot of the 4x4.  Yes even the wheel hubs are stuffed with fun stuff.  These are actually little socks that are around extra diapers.

Well I hope you've enjoyed the little diaper centerpieces and stay tuned for more fun projects :)  Have a great weekend!

 

xo ~ Laura

Outdoors

Good evening :)  I've been working on a few projects that is for my new grandson's nursery.  His Mom sent me a few ideas so I figured out what, when and how and off I went.

 

Both of Carson's parents love the outdoors and anything to do with it so he will have no choice but to adjust and learn to love it also lol.  They are so cute as they sat down, went through things and decided what they wanted the nursery to look like, what colors and the theme they wanted to do.  Brandon also makes customized fishing rods and Carson will have one waiting for him when he's born with his name on it and everything.  So cute :)

 

So are you curious as to what I've been doing for it?  Think wood lol.  Carissa had been surfing for ideas about wall hangings and she sent me this saying.  I got out one of my boards I had, my wood burning pen, my vinyl and cartridge and this is what I came up with.  It is all done except I have to put the hanger on the back.  Cute huh :)

 

When they found out that Carson was going to be a boy back on the 8th, she had seen a frame with this on it so I thought why not incorporate the vinyl and wood into a little frame that holds his ultrasound picture.  Love how they both turned out actually :)

 

Carissa is having her babyshower the end of September.....can you guess what the theme is for it???  lol.  I'll give you a hint.......stay tuned for some fun things from that project.

 

 

Well I'm back to more projects.  Hope you're having a wonderful week!  Happy crafting :)

 

xo - Laura

 

My first ever

Well howdy!!  No I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I have just been busy working on lots of projects around the house.  Things that have been put off for months, if not even years lol.

I started off last week by pressure washing the entire house, 3 decks and the driveway.  It was crazy and took me a few days but it looks so nice and besides, what else do you do in 90+ degree weather right?  Yes call me crazy.

Since I've been laid off work for the past 2 months, and enjoying it I might add lol, I've also got a lot organized.  My hubby had this little computer desk for one of his play computers (he works at Microsoft and is always writing scripts) but it was getting too dusty as the cat box is in the same room, or should I say it was.  He moved it into one of the other rooms and he gave me the cart so I can move it where I want when I'm crafting.  I thought that was a great idea too so off to the store I went to get more storage.  You can never have enough containers right?  Out came the label maker :)

This was one of my little projects.  I had a wood shelf and wanted to give it more of the "beach washed" look and I love how it turned out :)

 

I have also been creating lots of frames as I am in the process of trying to get some masters and inventory built up so I can open an Etsy store.  This one I made for a friend of mine who just had a precious little girl.  She loved it :)

 

There is so much more but I will save that for another posts and then you'll just have to stop back to see what I'm up too lol.

 

Hope you're having a wonderful week so far and remember ~ happy crafting!!

 

xo ~ Laura

Mini Girls Get-A-Way

Howdy!  I hope that all of you are having a fabulous weekend so far.  I've been taking it easy today as I've been doing heavy duty cleaning in our master bathroom and redoing some things.  Kind of tired lol.

Last weekend I was able to get away to the beach with a girlfriend of mine last weekend and we had a wonderful time.  I wish I had a home there so I could just enjoy it day to day.  We were fortunate to use a friends home and it was cute as all get out.

Everything was so comfy and relaxing you just wanted to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

I fell in love with the kitchen and loved the countertops.  This is one of my "to do's" is to get granite one of these days lol.

A few from the kitchen into the livingroom, which also had a big deck where we sat and had our girlie drinks and enjoyed every sip :)

Woke up early and sat and had my coffee before my girlfriend woke up.  So peaceful....the only way to start your day :)  Very special for me also it would have been Dad's 85th birthday so what a great way to celebrate for him.

This is a shot a few minutes from the house at the jetty.  It was gorgeous down there that day and even got into the 80's which is unusual for our beaches here in Washington.

We couldn't believe how many deer we saw down there and they are definitely not afraid of human's that's for sure.  This Momma had both of her babies right there and they still were tiny and had their spots.

Well think that is enough for now as I don't want to bore you with too many pictures as we took tons!!  It is so nice even to just get away for a few days and think we all should do it more often.  I was amazed on how I still feel so relaxed and peaceful.  This trip started me on a re-do for both of my bathrooms.  I've got a new color I'm loving so stay tuned lol.

Have a great rest of the weekend!! 

xo ~ Laura