Just fixed my missing dashboard photo problem

Test Post - Yeah!!! It worked.  For anyone else having trouble with their photo showing up on bloggers dashboard.  The answer for me was going to the settings, then feed and changing back to full feed.  Hope this helps anyone else out there.

New / Old Christmas Items In My Etsy Shop

I've added some new/old items to my etsy shop.  With Christmas on the way, I thought it was just the right time to add this needle work kits.  I hope you'll stop by and take a look.

Hurry and Enter Fun da-middles Cupcake Kit Giveaway

The cute Betty Crocker Fun da-middles cupcake kit giveaway is coming to a close. It ends tomorrow and the entries are still low.  Just look at all the fun things you get.  Just click here or the button below to enter.

I'm linking up with the giveaway parties below.  You'll want to check them out too for the latest giveaways in blogland. 

Remember to count your blessing ya'll....Tracy :)

How I attached My Trim

Thanks to all the readers who left me such kind comments about my first upholstery project.  I had a few of you ask about the trim.  And it meant a lot to know that your were really interested.

I was a little concerned about making the trim myself but it was so much easier than I thought.  I assumed that I would have to cut the fabric on the bias or diagonal (which I dreaded trying to get straight).  But when saying something to the two employees in the fabric department at Joann's they said it wasn't necessary.  In fact they said they never do that.  


Actually, I made it a little difficult on myself.  I was concerned I didn't buy quite enough fabric, I purchase only an extra 1/2 yd to do the trim with.  So with that in mind I cute 1 in. strips with was kind of difficult to work with, 1 1/2" would have been perfect.  I stitched all the strips together end to end.  I put zipper foot on my machine and and just laid the cording on top and folded the strip of fabric in half.


Once it was all stitched up I just turned the chair cushions up side down and stapled the trim to the underneath.  The back of the chair was a little different, it was made with a curved heavy cardboard and stapling just didn't work.  That's when my trusty glue gun came in handy.  I used the ribbon tip (any tip would do) and just glued it around the back wrong side of the back before tacking it onto the chair.  It worked perfect!


Hope that helps.  And if your worried about attempting your first upholstery project - Don't.  It really is simple when you do something as simple as dining room chairs.  If you want to make a big impact or change, I say go for it, because it really gives everything a fresh new look.  Then come back here and tell me all about it.

Have fun crafting.........Tracy :)

DIY Lined Canvas Bins or Boxes

I'd like to show you one of the projects I've been working on.

This is a lined canvas bin or as I call it a boxet, when I can't think of canvas bin.  You know as in basket but made out of a box.    See the ugly anatomy of a boxet. Who would know, if I didn't show you?

 I have had this project saved in my favorites forever and I even printed the tutorial to make. When I first saw the ones Amy from Positively Splendid  made earlier this year I knew I had the perfect place for them and it actually looked do-able.  Amy came up with these for the Upcycling challenge at So You Think Your Crafty.  Way to go Amy. 

 These are great for hiding things in the prettiest way.  And have you seen the price of those lined wicker baskets or even the canvas ones?  Woh......

These cost me a total of, just guessing  $15.00 for 4 large bins.

• Boxes = free
• Canvas Painters Cloth - I used about half of a $20.00 package = $10.00
• Striped cloth - a re-purposed shower curtain from the Humane Society thrift store = $3.00 - I actually already had this just sitting around waiting for a project.
• 1 spool of satin ribbon = $2.00

  All you need is:

• a box (Amy used diaper boxes because those are super sturdy).  Since most of my friends and neighbors are past those years I just got 4 alike boxes from the grocery store.
• Heavy Fabric Canvas, i.e.  our trusty painters canvas drop cloth.
• Fabric to make your bin liners.
• And the usual list of basic supplies like spray adhesive, craft glue etc.  

I'm not going to go into the details of the tutorial since Amy did a wonderful job on that already.  Just click here to go see hers for yourself.


See how much they hold.  This are the really big puzzle boxes.  Now everything is nice and orderly.  Except for the fact that the built in media cabinet/foyer wall hasn't been completed on this side and is the ban of my existence, but more on that another time.

This is a great storage solution if you have kids or grand kids around.  It's a convenient way to separate their play things and have easy clean up and a tidy room.

 A good tip is to always check the thrift stores for table clothes, curtains and shower curtains.  These large pieces of fabric are usually wider that bolt fabric and much cheaper.  Great for up-cycling into a new project.  This was perfect for the new casual/cottage beach decor I was going for, which I like to call Southern Low country design.

I'm not quite finished.  I still want to get some sand dollars and attach to the front with twine but I'm as pleased as punch with them.

Here's where I'm linky up my boxes.  Stop in an look at all the other inspiring creations.

If you make some I'd love to see how they turn out and feature them here so please come back and let me know. 

Have a super day and watch for those blessings coming your way.

Hugs...Tracy :) 

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Betty Crocker Cupcake Kit giveaway here.  It ends this Friday 9/23.

I'm Hip Enough To Groove with Mat Kearney

Do you remember me posting about Mat Kearney's newest album "Young Love"  and his new tour?  Well not only did I get the chance to review the CD, I also got to go see ole' Mat live!  And Jacksonville was the kick off of his new tour so you know it was an awesome time.





I remember listening to the hippest music when I was younger and thinking I'll always know what's hot.  Well it doesn't quite work that way.  I grew older and I don't spend hours listening to the radio while getting dressed to go clubbing with girl friends anymore, e.i. I'm not as hip as I used to be.  So when I was first offered the chance to review Matt's new album, my honest reply was "Matt who?".


I was really glad I said yes, because Mat's music is just like something I would buy.  And once I heard his big hit "Hey Moma" I realized I had heard it before.  Mat's a different breed of animal, he's a successful Christian crossover artist with a hip-hop, New Orleans vibe.  Like I said, just my taste.  Mat's doesn't scream out a Christian message but subtly puts it in his lyrics.  With an up beat and an a nod toward faith, his lyrical songs will become stuck in your head on repeat.  He has a deep soulful sound yet always makes you feel a little like your on vacation with his upbeat no problem way.


During the concert Mat had conversations with the audience and livened up the crowd quickly.  This was a small venue for them to play and he really made it feel personal.  Walking out into the crowd he was all over the floor greeting the fans while singing.  As he headed our way I threw my hand up in a high five way when his eye caught mine.  You can imagine my shock when he high five'd me back and threw his arm around me while singing.  Wow, wasn't I feelin' special.  That's when I looked at Neil and said "Do you suppose that was his nod of thanks to the old people coming out?".   You know the concert was great if we stood on our feet instead of taking seats for the almost 3 hour long concert!  It was awesome.


I have to send a big shout out to the Murry Hill theater where the concert was held.  It's one of the country's longest running concert venues for Christian music giving people an alternative place to go.  The manager even came out before Mat went on stage to give his personal testimony and invite anyone to talk to him after the concert.  


Thanks to Mat and the Murry Hill theater for a really fun night out!  And thanks to the One2One Network for providing me the opportunity to not only review the CD but to see Mat live in concert.


Disclosure:  Tickets were provided by One2One Network to facilitate my review.  I have provided my completely honest opinions.

I'm having an Esty sell and There's More To Come

I've just added some items to my etsy shop "Cotton Pickin Cute".  I plan on adding more.  I have tons of stuff to get rid of and there's no better time than now.  I've lowed the prices to move these items.  I'm ready to clean out the closets ya'll.  Just click on any photo to be taken to that page.  I hope you'll stop by and take a peek and pass the word along for me.

I'm also linking my shop and my giveaways over at Home Maker On A Dime's linky. Stop by to see the other blogers that are sharing their items and giveaways.  Just click the button and head on over.











Have a blessed day ya'll....Tracy :)