a trio of roses 26

Hi! I hope all is well with you! I'm still here, living the dream and enjoying life :) Although I had a project to share, it's been over a month since I took the time to craft for various reasons. I sort of lost my crafty mojo along the way. Not sure if it's related to the 6 years non stop of blogging, dt responsibilities or a combination of various things. I may have one more Prima project to share then my term will be complete. I've stepped down from the other dt's that I was on, just lost the interest to craft. I've been quite busy taking care of my family, myself and completing domestic projects around the home. I've always been involved in fitness since childhood and that has carried over into my lifestyle. Being a woman nearing 50, maintaining my girly shape has become even more challenging but I'm always up for the challenge :) I spend many hours a week exercising either indoors or outdoors. It's a lot of hard work and dedication but is so rewarding. Here I am at the gym :)

My sweet husband built and surprised me with this rose garden for Mother's Day! 

Another HUGE project that both Scott and I tackled was replacing our outdoor couch cushion coverings. I received a quote for $1,200.00 to replace the cushions which I thought was quite outrageous since I have the ability and skills to sew! I cost us $250. to do it ourselves! Scott cut ALL the fabric and I did all the sewing :) Here's the before picture:

and here's the after:

Here's my little helper Gretchen putting the cushions through quality control :)

Scott made a custom cabinet to store my paper organizer in. Here's a few pics along the way. Once he built it, he base painted it brown so when it was distressed, the dark brown surface would peek through:

I painted it using Martha Stewart chalk paint:

We both worked on sanding it to distress it, Scott applied the antiquing glaze then I applied the polyurethane:

and here it is in my craft room :)

Feeling refreshed after a month's break from creating, I pulled out my paints and palette last night and followed along with Gary Jenkins Old Fashioned Roses video tutorial. This is a 12" x 12" gessoed board: 

I need to get the hang of a paintbrush in my hand again. Just like anything, practice, practice, practice...

I'm linking this to Paint Party Friday:

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Be Sweet ;)