Wednesday, August 31, 2016

A Family Tree with Nuts!

Don't forget your stairs!
Why have a beautiful flat wall that is crying for attention be unadorned and boring?   
I decided I wanted a Family Tree painted on my stairs.   Not just a small tree, but the whole staircase! 
My friend and artist Krista Beyeler is always willing to get involved in my crazy schemes and she has talent to draw and paint that I only wish I had!    
At first I picked out brown paints to draw a tree, but Krista encouraged me to buy a teal paint.  I am so glad I did!   
I told Krista a wanted a big base or trunk for the tree to put photos of our present family.  The tree should then curve up the staircase and branch out for pictures of ancestors.  I told Krista a Weeping Willow tree would be ironic and perfect. 
Krista drew the tree with a pencil on the wall freehand.    Wow!!! 
We then painted in the lines. 
I added the photos in order of the youngest grandchildren being at the bottom then swooping up to me, my siblings, my parents, grandparents, and so forth. 
I used different sizes of photos and frames and painted the frames different colors. 
Most of the frames I picked up at a thrift shop on the day of their half price sale.  The older frames at thrift shops or garage sales are better than the plastic frames at the $ Store.  They are easier to paint and are different dimensions.   
It is now always a piece of conversation when someone visits and I am proud to show off My Family.
I enjoy it everyday. 



Grandchildren saved my life


My Secret Playroom

When remodeling your house, don't forget the children.  If you don't have children at home you might have a basket or tub of toys for visiting friends and their children.  It is always so much easier to visit when little kids have something to play with.

In most of my homes I have made a "Kid's Room" or even just a closet.  
This walk-in closet was decorated for kids and is full of toys for them.
Self adhesive stickers can be put on the walls and are easy to remove.   I put stickers of cars and trucks on one side and stickers of flowers and princess items on the other.   In this room I put plenty of light and safety measures.  Cover all outlets and be careful with wires.
I installed a old wall phone for the children to "make calls".  (Some of those conversations are pretty interesting!)     I also used a old small tv with a VCR for all those old VHS tapes..  Even my 3 yr. old grandson can put in his VHS tapes by himself.
The wire baskets are easy to install and can hold balls, and dress up clothes.
Baskets can hold Legos and small toys.
One word about toys, please clean and wipe them off often.   I use Clorox wipes before visiting children are coming and when I buy toys for the room at garage sales.
Shelves were put in for the VHS tapes and books.  
Several bean bags and small stools were added for comfort.
My husband installed a switch so when the children open the playroom door the light comes on automatically.
The kids even enjoy decorating their own room for the holidays.  We put in a small Christmas tree and let them decorate it how they like.
Outside the room are the two favorite items for the kids.    A doorbell and a mailbox.
I found the mailbox at a thrift store and spray painted it black.   Kids love to get mail and I often put letters or cards in the mailbox.    Don't forget to add stickers on those notes!
The doorbell is often heard in my house and MUST be used by any visiting adult.  

Hang It All!

Simple ideas of hanging items and How Nana Does It!

Cut a piece or block of wood or buy a pre-cut piece of wood.
I painted mine white.
I attached 2 old door knobs I got at the Restore, selling building materials for Habitat for Humanity.

This hanger I put in my master bath for my husband and I to hang our bathrobes.
No more searching for my robe!   I know right where it is!

What's Your Address?

Hate trying to find a house and you can't see the house address number?
Here is How Nana Does It!

I found some end of the season outdoor pillows on sale.   I also looked at thrift shops, garage sales, etc. but I wanted 4 that matched.   You can always get 4 pillows and sew covers for them but the pillows I found were cheap!

Visit the local hardware store and purchase 4 numbers for your address.  Most of these numbers are self adhesive but if they are not you can apply hot glue.  
Buy reflective numbers you can see at night.

Apply to the front of the pillows and have fun displaying them in your front yard.  
Put the pillows on a a old rocker.  Buy or make a bench .  There are lots of ways to display them!
Here are mine:



The Promise House

We always name our houses.  We've lived in the Blue House, the Willow House, the Glad House, and now we will own the Promise House.
We chose this name for several scriptures with a promise  including this one:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 
Philippians 4:19
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 
Proverbs 24:3-4 
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. By knowledge the rooms are filled with all the precious and pleasant riches.   
I will be showing before and after pictures like I have done on other houses.  Please feel free to give me some good ideas!