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The Nest Eclectic

Monday, January 31, 2011

Hunting Trip

Yes, you heard it right. I went on a hunting trip to western Kansas with my hubby, Davey Crockett, my daughter and her husband last weekend. There will be no pictures of me from this event because I was bundled up with so many layers to keep out the early morning 20 degree temperature that I looked like the Stay puff marshmallow woman. Men are funny creatures to relish getting up before dawn, driving to a field and waiting in sub-degree temperatures to greet the sunrise so they can march into said field and stir up the birds. I really did enjoy the whole experience except for the cold. I really, really hate to be cold.

The entire trip was worth it to see the look on all the other hunters faces when we went to breakfast at the country cafe. My husband said they were all thinking, why the heck would you bring your wives hunting, we go for alone time. I said I thought they were thinking, what lucky guys to have their wives come along to enjoy a day of nature together.
Davey Crockett is a serious hunter. He is my King of the Wild Frontier. He has enjoyed hunting since he was a kid. I sometimes go turkey hunting with him but it had been many a moon since I had gone for quail and pheasant.



The skies were overcast but you could see for miles and miles.



I love being in the middle of nowhere, it is so peaceful and beautiful.


Our dog Scout is an old girl now but she ran like the wind sniffing out the birds. Davey Crockett loves his Soutie girl, she has been a great dog. Our daughter and son in law's dog, Mac, is still a pup and is just starting his hunting career. Rusty, their lab was just glad to be along for the ride enjoying the great outdoors.
It was a great weekend.
Joyfully,
Jodie

Friday, January 28, 2011

Recycled wool collar covers


I have been working with felted wool for a few months now and I thought I would show off some of my creations. I like to put a bandana on our dog, Scout, for different holidays but I always thought there could be something cuter than a bandana.  One day I was playing around with ideas and came up with these. They slip over the collar and are made totally from recycled sweaters.



 I made some for a sale I was participating in and they were a hit. Now there are more stylish dogs running around with my creations around their necks. Yeah! Every dog needs a little bling right? I made some more  and put a couple on etsy to see how it goes. If you would like to take a look you can visit my store The Nest Eclectic.  I do have more in different sizes and colors if you are interested you can send me a message.
                                                                                     



                                                                 Thanks for visiting,
                                                                                   Jodie
And thank you Jane for hosting Marketplace Monday!                               


Friday, January 21, 2011

Roadside Rescue

My friend Karen and I walk almost every week day morning. We usually go about 3 miles sometimes more if we are feeling chatty. It is so much more fun to walk with a friend. One day we were out and about when we happened upon a pile of things someone had set out for the trash. I spotted this antique table and thought Hmmmm, that would be cute in my laundry room. We continued on with our walk, hopped in the car when we got back and drove to where we saw the table. When we got there a guy was checking out the pile, I thought for sure he had nabbed the little table but no it was still there. He even offered to help load it in my car!


              The top was in pretty rough condition so I did a combination of stripping and sanding
You can see how the stripper makes the finish bubble up on the leg below. Stripper is nasty stuff and I try to avoid using it but sometimes it is necessary to get the finish I want.
After a little work she was ready for paint. And now the finished product , ta da! I think I may do a little more sanding though. It always amazes me the things people throw away.
This little table was actually the inspiration for an entire laundry room makeover, but that is a story for another day.
Joyfully,
Jodie
Today I am joining in on Show and Tell Friday at Cindy's My Romantic Home http://myromantichome.blogspot.com/   Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday  http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/  

Monday, January 17, 2011

Thrifting Treasures

For those who don't know me, I love Estate sales, garage sales and thrifting. I like the thrill of not knowing what you are going to find, kind of like Forrest Gump and the box of chocolates, except with thrifting it's calorie free. I've been wanting to start a collection of silver napkin rings for awhile and this was my lucky day.
 I went to an estate sale in Gardener, a little town near where I live and it just happened to be the last day when everything was marked half price.
 I got all these little beauties for only $5.50! The napkin rings are so pretty, one has embossed flowers and the other a monogram. I also scored the cute sugarbowl and the glass piece that will look great with a candle inside.
My collection has begun!
                                                               
Joyfully,
                     Jodie