Seperating Family and Professional Blogs

I am going to separate my family and professional blogs. I will still post a link to my projects on my family blog to link to my other blog so you can still see everything I'm up to but, those that just want to see my work can go to that blog and not have to sift through my kids posts too. It will also be easier for me to show people while keeping my family protected. My family and friends will be able to see both blogs. My new blog is..... www.cassandradesign.blogspot.com I just posted my Gift Wrap Center on my Design blog...Go check it out!! It's finally finished !!

Abigail's "Night at the Movies" Dance Recital

The end of the year dance recital was on Wednesday. Abigail was Snow White and did the number "Whistle while you work," a Medley with all the princesses and then the finale. It was so much fun and Abbie did such a good job remembering all the steps for her dance. It was so cute to see their dance number and I was so proud of her for being brave and going on stage even though it was SO big. The performance was at Weber State Browning Center. It is HUGE but, I was glad that I was able to be a class MOM and spend the day with her and the class helping them get on stage at the right time. The only part I didn't like is that we had to take our class on stage for their bow at the end and then file them into the hall to find their parents. I am definetely not one who likes to be on stage. I'll leave that to Abbie. The performance was great and only one little girl fell asleep in her chair right before the finale. They were so tired and the finale was around 9 p.m. (late for little girls that had already done dress rehearsal earlier that day, picture, and then had to walk up and down to the balcony where we sat during the performance). So, if Abbie looks a little tired....it was a little past bedtime. Great job Abbie, we are so proud of you and showing us your dance moves!!

We gave Abbie a Sucker Bouquet after the recital. She was really excited to get them. This is her first big recital and she was really excited that grandma and grandpa tenney and aunt maren could come to see her recital. Grandma Millett called her on the phone to wish her good luck before the recital. Thanks Mom, I know she appreciated it and was excited that she got a phone call from you to wish her good luck.

I took the pictures on the grass after dress rehearsal but before we headed over to the Recital. She showed me how the photographer made her stand..holding her dress and pointing her toe. SO CUTE!! Great Job Abigail......We are so proud of you!! I hope you always want to show us your "Dance Moves!" We love you!!

Kaden is now Three!!

I can't believe it...Kaden is now three years old. His birthday was on Sunday so we had a father's day dinner and a Birthday party. So, it was fun to have family come and participate for both with us. Thanks to everyone who helped out by bringing side dishes, it helped out with so many people. We loved having everyone there.

Anytime Kaden see's a bright yellow car he yells "Bumblebee Mom.....it's bumblebee!!" So, I decided we would have a cake with this theme. I think it's great because my brother played with these when I was growing up and now...my own kids are playing with the same toys!! On saturday....we went to 7-11 and got bumblebee slurpee's because the movie is coming out this week, I think. He was also really excited because we went to get the mail and there was a birthday package from Grandma and Grandpa Millett! He carried it all the way back to the house and then kept reminding me all day that he had a birthday package for "Tommorrow is MY Birthday!"

We had a yummy birthday and father's day dinner. Thanks for everyone again for helping out! Then we opened presents and had cake and icecream. Kaden got a scooter and a bike. The pictures of Kaden riding his bike and scooter was taken on monday when he finally took the bike and scooter outside. Sunday night he was allowed to ride both to his bedroom to go to bed. It was so cute...he parked them right by his bed and then the next morning, he was the first one up and got on his bike and rode into my room to tell me he was awake. Then he got off his bike...ran back into his room and came and parked his scooter in my bedroom too before climbing into my bed to give me a hug. I just love that little boy and he makes me smile all the time. I wish I had pictures but, I must have had my camera on the wrong setting because they were really blurry. So, the only pictures on the bike and scooter are the next day when he took them outside to live. (that was the rule...he could ride them in the house but once they were taken outside...that's where they live permanently) Kaden you are such a joy to your father and I and we love you so much. We love how you are shy until you decide that you can do it and then off you go...you can do anything if you put your mind to it. You have such a loving personality and we are so grateful that you are part of our family. You keep us on our toes and always keep us laughing at your funny antics. We love you so much! Happy Birthday...still can't believe that you are already three years old!! I am sure time will continue to fly!

Americana Bench

This Americana bench turned out so cute. I did a red bench then couldn't decide what kind of pillow. I decided to do it Americana. The pillow is a quilt top I made for the front with a light brown denim for the back, cording and ties. The pillow is tea stained to give it an antiqued/aged look. It was really fun to try this antiquing for the first time. My friend that made the heritage doll for Abbie taught me how to antique fabric. I am so glad she gave me her hints and tricks because I probably would have done it wrong. I am so glad that I have friends that are willing to help me out and I want to be the same. The color of the bench is called colonial red and that is where the Americana theme came from. This bench is the same size as the green and black/white bench. So, the price is the same as those, $189. So, let me know if you want this one and I won't put it on KSL.com . This is the last of the benches that I have built. I do have the supplies to make one more bench but, it is a big one and will be very custom. I have an antique door to be the seat of this next one. I have some really grand ideas for it but, after doing so many...I am not quite ready to start that one. Maybe next week. This sunday will be Kaden's birthday along with father's day so, I will probably take a break for a day or two and then start next week.

You have to look close but, there is a subtle flag pattern in the patch work. Look for the stars in the corner and the rest is stripes. I meant for it to be more obvious but, it's probably because I threw in that stars and strips together material in the mix that it's not obvious right away. Oh well, I like how it turned out.

I took this picture in my living room by my Americana ladder...I thought it looked cute in there. Americana theme is so much fun in the summer time.

More Benches

This bench is longer and a little different from the black and white bench. This bench has the softest black back pillow. It's ties on the side are the soft microsuede. The metal plaque on the back says "Family."This bench is approximately four feet long, three feet tall and 21 inches wide. So, it is more of a "family" size bench. LOL Sorry, couldn't resist the little funny since that is what the plaque say! I really like this bench and it will be hard for me to sell.

This is the metal plaque.

The black fabric is super soft and has a pattern in the fabric. It is a swirly leafy print. (Kinda hard to describe, but really pretty)I couldn't get a good picture of the pillow fabric, so I guess you'll have to come see it in person. If you'll notice, Kaden kept wanting to be in the picture. He said he was playing hide and seek for the picture. So, see if you can find him. LOL

This bench is much larger than the other regular size benches and therefore was more expensive to build. So, I am going to sell this bench for $275. This one is a child's girl bench. It is made out of a crib side and a child's bed. The seat is upholstered in a super soft chenile polka dot fabric. The pillow is a super cute light pink plaid and the reverse side is the same fabric as the seat. You have the option of either side. The ties on the side make bows and matches the seat material that is super soft chenile.

These are the pictures of the details. The flowers at the top of the bench and the bow ties on the side out of the soft chenile fabric.

The pink bench is approximately 2.5 feet wide, 18 inches deep and 3 feet tall. I am selling this small child's bench for $85. It's not that much small than the regular size benches but, much shorter and is meant for a child so, the price reflects that.

ON KSL

I just posted my benches on KSL. So, it's exciting and scary all at the same time. I don't know what I'm scared about probably just selling something that I put so much time and effort into. I hope people really like them. So, I guess if you're interested you better go on ksl.com to buy one. I am excited to see how they do. I have had a lot of interest from family and friends so, we'll see!!

Just Sore

I don't have any pictures because I am not finished with the next three benches. I just got them built friday and Saturday. Reed was working so I got out the power tools and went to work. It was so much fun. But, I think Reed was a little sad that I didn't need his help. I wish he would have been home because I am SUPER sore today. It's a good thing sunday is usually a day of rest because I have some really sore arm muscles. It's like I was drilling in screws and counter sinking everything. LOL Oh well, I will post pictures when I get them painted....if this RAIN ever stops. It's kinda hard to paint when it's raining. Anyway, thought I would let you know I haven't dropped off the face of the earth...just busy building. I really have enjoyed watching each one take it's own identity. I built a little girl's bench out of part of a crib, a small bench like the other two I just posted about and then one large bench that is almost five feet long. I love it!! I can't decide what color to paint the long one. I am either going to go white and antique it or black with fun pillows. I already got to paint the small one red in the one break we got in the rain yesterday and the little pink child's bench needs the seat upholstered before I can assemble it completely. Well, I hope you are all having a NOT sore muscle day and maybe next time I'll wait till Reed can help me.....well,.....maybe. P.S. Thank you all for your calls and comments on the benches. It was nice to get feedback.

For Sale

It's official. I am finally going to start selling some of my projects. Reed and I made two benches and are going to sell them.

The first one is a custom made crackled green and white bench. It is repurposed out of antique head boards. The pillows were sewn to match the bench. The pillow edge has microfiber cording. The pillows have green, blue, brown and white colors in them in a contemporary floral design. The bench seat is made out of thick 2 inch boards. They are made to hold a lot of weight. Nothing worse than sitting on something and you feel like it's going to break. It's sturdy!The paint is white crackled with green and then antiqued to create a unique patina.

The black bench is repurposed from a vintage headboard. The seat is custom built with two inch thick boards. The black and white damask pillow was custom made to fit the bench and the ties are made from a microsuede black fabric. It makes a great back rest. The bench can fit two people, so it's kinda a little loveseat. The black is very pretty and the armrests are a thick two inches.

The benches were really fun to make and they turned out great. We wanted to let all our family and friends know first that we are going to do some building and recreating. If there is a custom project you would like to have done for yourself or your kids let us know, it is a lot cheaper to have something recreated instead of buying new. Plus, it is custom done and you won't see it anywhere else. It will be painted to your specifics and you won't find another one like it. It will definetely be one-of-a-kind. We are starting with these recreated benches and they sell from (high priced boutiques) $800 for large benches down to $200 for smaller ones. We are going to start selling our benches at $189 because if we don't have to put them in a boutique or consignment store then it will be cheaper for you. So, if you would like to buy one of these benches, leave a us a comment. If you want one but, a different color or look, let me know. I have two more ready to be made. So, all of you that love my black bench downstairs...I found similar wood to make another large black bench. So, if you are interested...let us know (you can leave a comment on the blog or you can call us if you know the number) I love recreating and building furniture, so this might be a fun way to be able to do it and not have a house with too much furniture. So, if you want to buy one of these two benches. Call or leave a comment.

Joy in the Simple Things

I know this is a simple thing but, sometimes the simplest things bring us joy. I had three red pots that I had planted grass in last year. I wanted to plant something a little more useful this year. I decided it would be fun to have some herbs in my kitchen window. So, when we were at the nursery getting garden plants, I bought three herb plants. One oregano, bay leaves, and parsley. They are finally big enough to use. I used a little sprig of parsley to garnish homemade chicken fetuccini alfredo. I know it's only garnish but, I was so happy that I grew my own herbs. I am definetely not a herbologist (is that a word?) and I can't see myself growing a whole herb garden. But, this is kinda fun having a few herbs to use in a few simple recipes. Just thought I would share a simple thing that had brought me a smile!

Summer Chair

I have been wanting to do an aqua chair for a while now. I love the happy color of it. I found the cutest material to make the throw pillow out of. Its aqua with little cherries on it. SO CUTE!! It looks better in person than this picture shows. I did the cording around the edge in a red grosgrain. It really makes the red pop from the other fabric. It's a really comfortable chair and I love how it turned out!

This picture isn't very clear. I must have the wrong setting on my camera turned on. It didn't look like this on the little screen on my camera but, you can't tell much from a tiny screen. Oh well, you can tell the chair is aqua and that the throw pillow matches. It's quite a fun little chair. This is the chair before I did anything to it. It was in need of a cleaning and also to be sanded, painted, sealed and of course a pillow made to match.

New Kitchen Chair

Before, it was a muddy brown color with a gray/brown seat. So, I changed it to match my existing kitchen chairs.

I am going to start posting my projects as I finish them. I have now finished my dining room chair that almost matches identically to my existing table. My current table has four chairs and with three kids...we needed five chairs. So, I have been on the lookout for a chair to match my others. It's really similar and I found a little scrap of material to upholster the seat to match. Unfortunately, I only had a ten inch wide peice so, I did have to match up the stripes and make a seam. It looks pretty good. I knew I wouldn't be able to find that material again, it was seasonal so, I am making due with what I have. I don't think it looks too bad. You can't see the seam if you are just glancing at it but, you can if you look up close. Oh well, glad I could match it.