One Last Post This Year

I know I'm pushing it close. It's almost 11pm here in CST, but I wanted to update everyone on the last of my finishes for the year.  First up, another baby blanket.  I love this color! We don't have anyone expecting right now, but there's always someone around the corner and now I won't have to scramble.

Next, I am able to cross this nursery rhyme quilt off my 2012 list! Isn't it cute? It's 37" x 46". This one also will be waiting in the closet for a new owner.

Finally, there's this cute little wall hanging I made the hubs for Christmas.  He used to live in the Florida keys and is a HUGE Parrothead (fan of Jimmy Buffett) so I thought this would be a nice trip down memory lane for him.  He was very surprised and pleased.  We try to do at least one handcrafted gift to each other each year.  I had wanted to do more, but ran out of time. 

So, that's it for this year.  I'm pleased with my quiltiness this year.  I've pushed myself and tried some new things.  I made the biggest quilt thus far. I have done some blanket-stitch applique. I've gained some confidence in my quilting ability and feel good about my progress.  Tomorrow, I'll talk about my expectations for 2013.  In the meantime, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

A Non-quilted Project - The Milk Box

When we bought this house, the previous owners had left an old milk box in the "garage."  Dr J really wanted to put it on the porch, but I wouldn't let him do that unless it was sealed against the elements so it would be preserved.  We went to one of the local craft stores (who happened to be having a sale on the supplies we needed) and bought some sealing paint, stencils, stencil paint and a brush.

Last weekend was Dr J's Fall Break, so we were doing quite a few outside projects.  I laid some newspaper down and put the box on top.

Then I did several coats of the white spray paint.  I basically just kept coating it until there was no more paint left.

Then I stenciled "Milk" on the front and top of the box (sorry - no pictures of that process because I forgot.)  Then I sprayed the lettering with the same sealant I used on the sign for the front door (seen on the door in the final picture).  This is the end result.

It's cute, but I'm not completely satisfied.  It's a little plain and the "L" looks like a "2" to me.  If I had free-hand painting ability it would be no big deal, but I don't.  So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do to remedy this.

Obviously, we don't have milk delivered anymore, but packages will fit nicely in there.  It looks just right under the mailbox!

A close-up of the sign (sealed and hung), for inquiring minds.