Nina's Playhouse

I made a playhouse for all of our grandchildren - in the closet under our stairs. Evie, our 3 year old granddaughter, was enthralled Christmas day when she went on a hunt for our play kitchen and found it behind a door that she had never noticed before. If you come over when Evie is here prepare to be invited to "her house" and remember to duck your head. I've spent more time in this closet in the last week than I did in the 7 years that we have lived here.

You'll probably have to "go to sleep" at her house. Turning the lamp and overhead light on and off is her favorite activity.

Of course it is decorated for Christmas and we're making plans for other holidays.

Evie said, "Nina, Thank you for my very own house!"

Anabelle, 15 months old, loves it, too!

They are looking forward to sharing it with future cousins.

That's not a hint.

Aprons Strings

Our daughter-in-law, Molly, is enjoying a new job as a barista at a coffee shop and bakery, Five Loaves, in Montana. She's been wearing and sharing a couple of adorable aprons from one of her favorite shops, Anthropologie. I've decided to add to her collection. I hope she wants an apron wardrobe because I have a lot of ideas and materials for creating more.
This Christmas one is made from a vintage tablecloth that I found just last Saturday at a garage sale for $1. I added details with bits from my collection of vintage fabrics, buttons and trims. The only new part is the ribbon tie. Kitschy or campy?

The only thing I did to this ready-made apron was to make the neck strap adjustable with the addition of buttons. Megan did the applique and monogram. It's so cute and preppy! She made one just like it for me, too. Thanx, Meg!