A couple of new designs coming out in the next week.  First of all my last edition to my "Happy" series that I have been doing...not to say that I won't have another in the future if I hear another good happy quote ;).

Here is "I Think I'll Just Be Happy Today".  Isn't it funny that we don't often remind ourselves that we have a choice to be Happy each day.  I know, I forget too!

And the next is a design which was originally published in Primitive Punch and Needlework Magazine about a year and half ago.  I believe the issue is no longer printed.  I have had several requests to publish it so here it is.............

Enjoying the nice windy days...not too hot yet.  My little dog Coco and I have really enjoyed our evening walks.  My roses have already started to bloom.  Our bottle brush tree already has a million blooms.  It looks like it rained red petals.  

Hoping where ever you are...it is warm and almost Spring!

Good Sunday Everyone!
I'm always looking for ways to display my designs.  Don't get me wrong, I like framed pieces, and all kinds of smalls but sometimes I want something that can be displayed or useful.  I have always been a candle nut.  I have many candles! I like these primitive style taper candles and wanted to add a few to my ever growing candle collection but couldn't figure out what to do with them.  Although I like the primitive style decorating that has been around for a few years now and is very popular, my house is not decorated in that style.  So...I started looking around at Hobby Lobby ( I can spend a couple of hours in there just looking at every item, something I never had time to do when I was working full time) and wandered over to the unpainted wooden box isle... And there I spied it...a perfect container for my grubby candles.  A simple wooden box with a simple closure on the front, just the perfect width for taper candles.  Next to the paint isle.... another one of my other favorite things...and I found a perfect primitive red milk paint by Plaid.  I'm not advertising for them but for the price, this paint is great.  I've used a much more expensive brand and I think this one is just as good. I chose New England Red but they have several colors that I really liked... thinking....other projects!  I did follow all the directions ( I don't always do that...I get too excited when starting a project) and went through the proper steps. First I lightly sanded my box or should I say my husband lightly sanded my box! Then I applied a coat, let it dry, applied a second coat, let it dry and the next day I rubbed it well with the oil rub they suggest.  You don't have to do that but I wanted the darker color and it also seals it.

Here's my candle box!

The milk paint naturally made the worn -looking areas, which I like, you could probably give it third coat for a more solid paint job.

This is what it looks like inside.

I'm working on a design for the top of the box (that's it inside the box) and plan to line the bottom with some color coordinated wool to keep my candles protected and maybe something for the inside of the lid.  I will post again with a picture of my completed project.  This was a fun project and I already have my eye on a smaller box that would be great for a small design.

Have a great day!

Gayle