Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Bringing A Little Springtime Inside


I have been using our rainy days 
as days to work inside.


Time to take the fireplace
out of Winter and into Spring:)


My plan started out with the planter box.
I saw one down town, but the price was
too spendy for this budget minded girl. 


So I rummaged through Steve's 
scrap wood and built my own.
Price: FREE  
A little bit of dry brushing with white paint
and some stenciling and it was completed.


The rabbit has been out in the garden
carrot patch since last year.
I pulled him up from the ground
and gave him a good bath,
before giving him a new home on the mantel:)


Well, there you have it . . .



Ready for Spring!


I hope that you are all having a lovely day
and that you'll take a minute to say, 
"Hi"
I love reading comments.

Keep Smiling!

Your blogging sister,
Connie :)



66 comments:

  1. It looks lovely Connie - great DIY skills to keep within your budget! The rabbit looks like he is supposed to be there - and not out in the garden!

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    1. Hi Raewyn, I just can't dish out money for anything that I think I could make, especially if I have the stuff laying around to make it :) That rabbit looked cute poking his head out of the carrot patch last summer, too, LOL

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  2. Hi Connie. Your spring decorating is just wonderful. I love that you built just what you needed out of what you found at home. And that is ONE BIG BUNNY. I like him !
    It's a beautiful day here today, but I'm feeling a bit sluggish. Better days are coming.

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    1. Hi Dolly, I do hope that your sluggishness it just due to the weather and that you are not coming down with something. Here's to a better day tomorrow . . . thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I just love visiting with my blogging sisters :)

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  3. It looks very fresh and Springlike. I do like the rabbit!

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    1. Thank you, I found that rabbit in a thrift store last year :)

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  4. Your mantel looks fantastic. Of course you made your own planter box because you are just crafty like that.

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    1. I don't mind spending money for things that I can't do myself . . . but if I can do it and save money all the better :)

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  5. I love the white on white with the gate and all the layers of the fireplace setting. The rains have moved in here too.

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    1. That garden gate was a gift from my neighbor. She called me over the fence one day and said come look at this and see if you want it. I was blessed by her once again . . . I tell you she is the sweetest and one of those rare people that you can open your heart to . . . God blessed us with wonderful christian neighbors . . . I wish everyone was as fortunate as we are.

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  6. Hi Connie....thanks for stopping by blog...I was pleasantly surprised to see you. Love your fireplace mantel and the planter...you sure are a handy person. Mr. Rabbit sure looks good up there. I change up my dinning room table with seasonal decorations....right now St. Pat's and a green table cloth. I need something new for spring...maybe I should check out Hobby Lobby for some new stuff. Oh and with my 40% off coupon!

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    1. Having a 40% coupon sounds like the perfect incentive to go shopping :) Have fun!

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  7. Good for you for raiding the hubby's wood pile. Turned out very cute. And i love the rabbit. He's happy to be inside for awhile.

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    1. I never thought of that . . . I guess I rescued him from the rain :)

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  8. I like your planter box and it looks so right on the mantel. The fact that you made it makes it even nicer.

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  9. I love your mantle, Connie. You did a nice job whipping that up using leftover wood!!!! The whole mantle looks bright and fresh and ready for Spring. xo Diana

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    1. Hi Diana, and thank you. I've been watching for you to post again, please do when you hear anything about how Jill's surgery went. She is in my prayers.

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  10. I love the lightened and fresh look of your spring mantel, Connie! You are amazing, building your own toolbox.

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    1. I don't think the word "amazing" fits me as well as "cheap", LOL.

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  11. We all think you are amazing! And I love that big bunny! Hope the sun shines today my friend. Hugs, Diane

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    1. Hi Diane, well the sun is hiding behind the clouds, but that's perfectly okay, it made we want to hang out in the barn and sew. I have a quilt that I started months ago that I want to get finished before all of my time is spent in the garden. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting, it is always a pleasure having you visit :)

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  12. So cute! And frugal! What I really love is your old gate for a fire screen! Awesome! What a great idea! I used to have one but it got 'lost' in the move along with a bunch of stuff! If I ever see another one that is exactly what I will use it for! Your ideas are amazing! Have a great week and stay dry! LOL!

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    1. You are so sweet, but actually I got that idea from a cover of Country Sample magazine, a couple of years ago. The gate was a gift from my neighbor, she had it leaning against a tree in her garden, and asked me if I would like it :) I rarely ever turn down old garden junk . . . there is always a creative way to put it to use. Wouldn't that gate make a charming headboard for a twin bed?

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  13. Your mantel is delightful, Connie. Definitely says "spring". I like the way you find something you like at a retail store and then go home and make it yourself. Your DIY skills are pretty amazing. Enjoy your pretty spring things. xo

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    1. Thanks you Nancy, it is always a joy to see that you have left a comment . . . you build my confidence, there has been times in my life where I've let my lack of confidence defeated me, not a good thing.

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  14. Such a pretty way to decorate your fireplace. I would never have thought of that sweet garden gate.
    BLessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Thank you . . . it does bring the outside in, doesn't it :)

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  15. That really is a pretty spring look, and I am in love with your bunny. He is so big and real looking. I need a bunny just like him! :) Connie, thank you for the sweet comment you left on my blog. I have an old wooden tool box we found at the dump. Bet I could paint it and turn it into something. If only I had a little of your talent.

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    1. Old tool boxes make pretty planters, have fun with it:) I found that rabbit at Goodwill a couple of years ago. He spend all of last year (including winter) sitting in the carrot patch.

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  16. Spring has come to your home. You're amazing to build what you want and the bunny has a realistic look. Fun!

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    1. Isn't he the prettiest rabbit . . . he was a Goodwill find :)

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  17. Happy Spring Connie. I love all of your Spring touches. I'm behind and am working in the garden and pray I get back to the inside of my house in a few months.

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    1. I know how that goes . . . once the gardening season kicks into gear, the home projects go on hold. There are only so many hours in a day and we need to make hay while the sun shines, so they say :)

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  18. Oh your bunny looks just adorable up there on the mantle!! Wow you did a terrific job with the planter box, and the price is perfect ;) The stenciling is perfect on it! Lovely way to bring spring inside!

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    1. I did a different stencil on the other side, so that I could turn it in the summer and it will say Farm Fresh on the other side. Soon there won't be as much time for inside decorating, because I plan on spending most of my time in the garden :)

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  19. Oh...I love this look! The neutral colors are so pretty and calming. That bunny is the cutest and your bo turned out great! Free and personalized to suit you...:) Wishing you could send some rain our way...it is ridiculously dry here now. We need some rain desperately. I always worry about wild fires. We had a scare several years ago and I have never forgotten it. ANywho, have a lovely rest of the week.

    Hugs and Blessings, Vicky

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    1. We have had more rain this spring than normal and more snow this winter, too. Our average in 6 inches a year and I would not be surprised to hear that we are already there. If I could I would be happy to share. You have some huge pine trees in Florida and I would imagine when they burn it is terrifying. I remember gathering these very long pine needles as a child and giving them to ladies that would sit together weaving baskets. Does anyone still do that?

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    2. I am surrounded by woods on all sides so the threat of a fire is so scary. I have seen pine needle baskets before but don't personally know anyone who makes them. My husband's grandma use to make things from palmetto leaves. We have something she made us before we married that we hang on our front door every Christmas. It is a special piece. Have a great Friday and weekend Connie!

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  20. Hi Connie! Rain, rain, go away! Come again another day! That is how I am feeling. At least you made great use of your time even being creative as you create your spring look! Hope the sun is shining there now for you. Nancy

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    1. Yesterday it rained just about all day, but today the sun is out. I have built a couple more garden boxes. One last fall and one this spring, so I'm busying myself getting them filled with top soil and manure. It's still way too soon to start planting outside, but a great time to start preparing the soil and starting seed. Have you gotten your boxes ready and your lettuce planted?

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    2. Connie, We are working on dirt in our boxes and pots too and trying to figure out how we want to do the courtyard. So hard not having room to plant everything I would like to so have to make choices. Two things against me is that I have lots of shade and Coco who eats everything she can reach! I do have just a tiny bit of lettuce and kale up in the covered raised bed. Disappointed in the covering as it is not really a cold frame and doesn't do a lot of good because the bottom is not tight. But chalk it up to live and learn. Enjoy your sunshine. It did finally come out here today so took Coco for a walk to enjoy it. Chilly though but good for us!!!! Nancy

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  21. So lovely to meet you Connie, your blog is wonderful to look through, so inspiring xx

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    1. Hello Cheryl and Welcome! I love meeting new blogging sisters and sharing ideas. Thank you for following my blog, I truly appreciate the moral support and encouragement :) Blogging sisters are the best!

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  22. Sooooo cute!! I have told you before I'm not very crafty but maybe I could manage to make a little planter box like that. Perhaps next year. We are still in California. Having a wonderful time but thoughts turning towards home. Isn't it wonderful to not only live in a place with four seasons, but to be able to decorate for all the holidays and seasons inside too. It keeps life and home interesting and fun.

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    1. I have always enjoyed having four season, but this year our winter was a bit much, LOL. It does make spring more welcoming than ever :)

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  23. I just love your house. I can imagine us sitting in front of that fire with tea and cake and having a good old chin wag. Have a great weekend xxx

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    1. Hi Fran, that paints a lovely picture . . . it would be sweet :)

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  24. Connie, your springtime mantle is beautiful!
    xo
    Lynn

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  25. Love your place but esp the fireplace "gate"! Great job.

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    1. Thanks you and also thanks for stopping by to visit :) Have a wonderful weekend.

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  26. Connie, you are such a handy dandy little gal! Of course you came home and built your own. :) Your mantle is perfect for spring and I love the garden gate by your fireplace. I have a wooden one on top of the cabinet in our entry for spring. Great minds think alike. LOL!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Yes they do! Thanks for stopping by Jann, it is always a pleasure :)

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  27. Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm a new follower of yours and will be looking around for hours:) To think I had a gate like that at one time, I'm going to be on the lookout for one!

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    1. Hello Julie and welcome :) I am so sorry to hear that you don't have your gate any longer . . . keep your eyes out and I'm sure another one will come along. Thank you so much for following my blog, I am overjoyed to have you as my newest blogging sister.

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  28. Oh your spring mantel looks great.
    Green is such a lovely fresh colour.

    Happy April Wishes

    All the best Jan

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  29. Hi Connie, I wanted to stop by to tell you how much I appreciate your prayers for my surgery last Monday. Diana posted a prayer request on her blog and I am full of gratitude! I am slowly recovering but wanted you to know how very much I appreciate you thinking of me. :-) Love your blog and this mantle decoration is just lovely! I am looking forward to following your blog and getting to know you better! Have a wonderful week!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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    1. Welcome Jill, this is a very pleasant surprise . . . I am over joyed that your surgery went well and that you are now on the mending side of it. The Lord is Good . . . isn't it wonderful that the creator of the universal loves us :) Thank you for visiting and thank you for following my blog . . . I am looking forward to a sweet blogging friendship. God Bless.

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  30. Oh thank you so much, Connie, for the wonderfully encouraging comment you left for me! It helps to hear that others have successfully gone through this surgery. The early morning trips are what burdens me the most.
    I haven't had a chance to look through your blog posts yet (we're getting baby chickens again today) but I'm looking forward to seeing your creative work. And I'm glad to welcome you as a new follower! Now I can follow your blog and have a new friend!

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    1. Baby chicks, that sounds like fun . . . maybe when you have a big farm like you do, it sounds more like work to you, LOL Here's wishing you a lovely day and thanks for the visit :)

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  31. Hello. I saw that you came across my blog and followed and I am happy to do the same for your blog. I love your wooden planter box that you created yourself. Job well done. You gave the fireplace hearth a perfect Spring Time look. Love the bunny from your garden too. Happy Spring wishes are being sent your way.

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    1. Thanks so much for following me back, I love meeting new blogging sisters and sharing ideas :)

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  32. Hi Teri, I am so excited to be your new blogging sister and having you as mine . . . Your blog is very special and I love it :)

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  33. Hi Connie! You are so crafty, my dear friend. I love your springtime inside. The rabbit is adorable and I must say, she cleaned up rather nicely. I have the beginnings of blooms in my yard. The iris, vinca, cherry tree and other blooms are starting to open up.

    Hugs,
    Kay

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