so easy lelly could do it

yesterday, i was feeling a bit under the weather (and no, it didn't have anything to do with Tropical Storm Cristobal...) however, i did take advantage of the rainy afternoon to get matty's help with some projects that have been lingering about in my head.

the first was hanging a project that i started about five months ago. that's right, it's been lying around *almost* done since february. so long ago, that i can't seem to find the "before" photos that i just know i snapped. alas.

this was originally one of matty's *ground score* items. (if you don't know our lingo, a *ground score* is any object we find put out to the curb by some family that doesn't love it anymore.) this curio sort of cabinet needed a little touch-up paint, and then it was ready to pretty up.

if you look closely, you will see several gifts i have received from blogging friends, including patsy's famous *message in a bottle.*

not the greatest picture, i know, but i'm just thrilled to have it on my wall (and no longer on the floor in a prime toe-stubbing location!) matty's response when he first saw it was that it looked "good mail-y..." apparently, he has taken notice of the ribbon and labels and general cuteness that has entered this house over the past few years!

the next project was... Ta Da!... using another of our fabulous old windows. and this time, the inspiration came from patsy!! i followed her inspiration (and link) to Joys of Home (a new site for me, and i think i might be in trouble, now! TONS of fun tutorials and perfect inspiration for all of our *ground scores.*!!)

the flag is a little crooked, i know, but i love it's crooked charm!

what makes this project extra special for me is that the old flag i used has actually been sitting in our garage for a quite a while. it is sun-faded and had started to fray around the edges. i have been meaning to take it to the "flag retirement ceremony" during the past two 4th of July festivals, but for whatever reasons, it was still hanging around the garage. this old flag had since been replaced with a nylon, more weather resistant version. and now, we have a great family memory in a piece of artwork that is large enough to hang over our sofa.

i remembered to jot these words down on the back side. i know you can't see it when it's hanging on the wall, but it might be my favorite part of this project!