oilcloth lined baskets

OK, I am so ever loving tired today. I was up really late getting the pantry loot out of my kitchen. I didn't want to wake up to it today so I did it all last night. Bad idea, now I am worthless. Better to have messy kitchen then have a mom that is a mess!

Check out the linings I made for my fabulous alley find. I found two of these great baskets in my alley before a neighborhood clean up day. I couldn't let the beauties go the way of the landfill.

So last night I lined them with some great oilcloth, check out the OILCLOTH ADDICT for the details.


How good looking is this? I love my weathered wire baskets even more. Here are two great uses for my super fun baskets. You could stuff it with laundry detergents, this is so easily cleaned you won't have to worry about spills.


Or, You could do what I am doing and fill it up with Party supplies. I now have all my paper products in one place. Now I can just pull the box down and get the party started. Don't forget to replace your stash after the party so you will be set for your next shindig!

Today I need to make a ton of oilcloth trays in my new color scheme. I will be making them for my kitchen linens. That tutorial made the Craft Magazines blog! What an honor, thank you Craftzine.com peeps!

Pantry time!

Grab an apron girls it is time to tackle the pantry, finally. My apron of choice is a Modern June dinner apron, with it's three big pockets I can sort the small stuff. I have a pocket for trash, a pocket for kid junk and another for who knows what. This way I can stuff the bits away with out leaving my cleaning area. For me apron pockets are essential.

With that apron on, it was is time to finally get to it. I cleared out the pantry, placing all the like items together. Next I vacuumed every bit of the small room, and scrubbed every bit of it. Then I lined the shelves! I had to line these bad boys, they are old and battered. I did a quickie paint job when we moved in nearly 11 years ago. That paint job is done! They look so great, what a fresh start. I wish I had the time to paint the trim while it was bare. Oh well, next time. Hell, what is another 11 years?

So check out my other blog, Oilcloth Addict to check out the tutorial on how I lined the pantry shelves. Wha-cha think? I am loving it!

happy spring!

happy spring!, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Mom's say to eat your peas, I say grow them too!

New Spring Tablecloths!

Look at the new pretty tablecloths I have in store for you!

Just in time for spring, Modern June now offers designer oilcloth tablecloths. Anna Marie Horner's latest fabric line, Good Folks, has just come out in two great new oilcloths. This oilcloth is different from Mexican oilcloth, as it is smoother, wider and more supple.

Fortune Sun Tablecloths

Small Gathering in Citrus

Save the Date!

my sweet hubby

my sweet hubby, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Earlier, I came home after a long day of Richmond Craft Mafia Biz to a house full of sweet smells. Cupcakes! After dinner (cooked by him) as I was cuddled up in my favorite chair reading a lovely book, and I was presented with this sweet from my sweet! I am a lucky lady!

tableware dreaming

This weekend is insanely busy, but after two weeks of being sick and sequestered I am not complaining. I have lots of great oilcloth tablecloths to make, a book review to write for Sew Mama Sew, an open house and Spring Bada Bing jury duty tomorrow. While it feels great to be up and at it again, you could say I a bit concerned with my resent withdrawal from caffeine! What was I thinking? Can I really do this with out Diet Dr. Pepper?

But as I wind down from a good days work, I found a link to this article in my inbox. Thanks hubby, you knew I would appreciate it, even if it took me 8 days to get around to reading it. This story about pottery icon, Eva Zeisel is a feel good read. What a life story!

I have coveted this gorgeous tableware since Crate and Barrel started selling it a few years back, now I need it even more. You know I never did get china, this would be perfect china for me. Fourteen years ago, when we were about to get married, I was wise enough to know that no matter what China Pattern I picked I would hate it by the time I was grown up enough to use it. I don't even have a clue to what I was even considering. Seems like it had some grey in it.

A middle aged girl can dream, right? Well tonight, I will dream of lovely tablescapes with the best tableware ever created!


Till then I will continue badger my mother to allow me to have hers before she dies. I know that ain't happening, I know that for a fact. ; ) That's ok, I am happy to wait and wait and wait! Heck, I can wait a good 30- 40 years!

winter and spring collide

Can you see the ice on the tree? Silly Virginia weather!

Sicko!

Do you know what I am sick of? I am sick of being sick! It has been two weeks of sickness in this house, we have been taking turns. I know this is normal for most, but homeschooling families are pretty lucky in this department.

I have an ear infection, have you had one as an adult? They suck! Wow, every new mommy should be punished with one so she knows exactly how lousy her child feels all winter long. This really has me down. First I was mean as a snake for days, then wham on the couch near tears with pain. I thought I felt better today, I actually showered so that is a BIG improvement, but now my teeth and jaw hurt and the pressure in my ear is building.

During Maddies 18 months she had about a dozen of these bad boys. Her ears were a funny shape, I was so happy when she grew out of it. She would get cranky to the point of me thinking I should sell her (just kidding CPS) then I would take her in to the ped. and sure enough she would have a double ear infection. This was such a pattern that, now when my kids are really really cranky I say "you BETTER be sick".

Well this week they wanted to sell me! Aren't I pathetic? Save the pity for the family cuz they have to deal with me!

Needless to say I am not working on the pantry makeover this week. Soon, I promise soon! Have a great weekend peeps!

etsy luv for the pantry

There are a lot of great Vinyl Signs for the Pantry! This one if from Sticky Graffiti

Today I am checking out what Etsy has for the Pantry!
I clicked over to the vintage side of Etsy and found a ton of good stuff.

Vintage bread box from heaven!


I really want this great tin! LOVE it!


Sweet vintage contact paper! I'll be lining the shelves with
oilcloth but this is so fun I could not resist sharing.

Little Dutch Girl Canister, how totally sweet.


This canister set in Faux Bois is killer!


Check out the graphics on this set! My mom had something like this!
Mom can you find them? I know you still have them somewhere.


Honestly it doesn't get better than these retro canisters in my favorite color!
OK, I just splurged and bought them!!! Yay!!
thank you Egg Crate Vintage, I have always wanted a set of these.

********************
I could do this for hours and hours. But I won't, gotta go teach the kiddo's!

Have a great day everyone.
********************

Let the Pantry Madness begin!

Shame be mine...


Even though I had a really wonderful day I am a big cranky butt tonight. I am really tired but wide awake. I am ready for a big project but not willing to get started yet. I know the what the project is, my pantry from hell. What a complete mess. Junk, tea towels, aprons galore, household cleaners and a bunch of Costco bulk shopping is just thrown in. It's a "Quick shut that door before something falls out!" kind of pantry.

I have a ton of great DYI projects for this pantry so stick around this week while I get that pantry in order. I will be blogging about it daily and linking to my OILCLOTH ADDICT blog where you will be able to check out tutorials for each project.

For now, while I am impatiently waiting for bedtime, I am cruising the internet for inspiration. Below there is a link list for my favorite kitchens, pantries and products!

Apartment Therapy's The Kitchn:
Orange Kitchen
Great vintage stove and cool tile counter!
Best kind of Kitchen sink ever made!!!
My dream house and a cool Kalamako oven!

Country Living slide show.
I love the chalk paint on the door, now I like that a lot.

Better Homes and Garden:
message board?
Check lists for stocking the pantry!

Really?
ubber organized!
how to video
not a cardboard box to be seen
A 1945 pantry
Dreamy picture
book on the subject

Wish I had...
blue bins
soda can rack
crusher!

Stuff I need to find:
Lazy Susan
Wire Baskets
lots of oilcloth
a bit of chalk cloth
lots of jars

Just a few of the totally ridiculous items currentlyin this pantry:
Fish Food, we have no fish!
Turkey roasting bags, 8 years old?
Wax for canning, why?
Easter Grass, from last year!
Halloween chocolate kit.
Christmas Gingerbread House kit.
Rock tumbler that doesn't work!
Science project from 3 years ago.
5 lunch boxes, we homeschool!
A tin full of VERY out dates herbal remedies.
Empty tin cans, WTH?
Empty sea monkey house, oh yeah, my favorite!

Just listed

Just listed, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

I just listed 6 really cute aprons check them out!

life, work and the pursuit of happiness

You may have noticed that my blog has been a lot less Modern June stuff, and a lot more family/life stuff--that is because a tide has turned. In January, while still suffering from Holiday Burn Out, I had the best January a small biz could hope for. That should be good right? I found I had burn out on top of my burn out. Double burn out is not good for the creative soul or for the family.

January was supposed to be about the kids, and getting school back on track. That didn't happen, thanks to the custom tablecloth-palooza. In February, I fought to lessen my load but I unexpectedly lost a great stitcher and assistant to her own creative work, CPSIA happened (depressing), and the orders kept pouring in. Instead of taking better care of the kids, I was working my tush off. The stress of working, teaching, and all the other jobs a wife and mother has was killing me.

What about all the great ideas that I really want to see produced? The new lines just weren't happening. Something had to give. I took down all the tablecloth listings and found relief. (back up now) Two weeks of wrapping things up in the studio was great.

Even greater was the reconnection with my family. Wow, the pay off was immediate, school was great, chores were done with almost no compliant, and loads of fun was had. Since I am not in the studio every night, Don and I are actually eating dinner together and we have started having date nights again.

So what next? Honestly, I am so confused, I'm totally wishy-washy on that subject. I have told friends and family that the business is a hobby again and not on the fast track to becoming something bigger. But, on the other hand, I can't keep my brain from dreaming and wanting to create great new stuff. Silly me feels unloved when my inbox is not full of emails and orders, but I feel very thankful that I don't have to work until midnight every night to get product out. I am very torn. Why isn't it enough to be a wife and mother?

I have a show coming up very soon, what on earth will I have to sell? If I do have something to sell will I have taken care of my kids, hubby and home? This is what it is all about isn't it? Questions, guilt and the endless search for balance. For now I have no answers, lot's of guilt and a quest for balance!!!

xoxox, Kelly

Soapmaking 101

Wow, this looks like a great class guys, check it out:

Primitive Earth Soap Co. will be offering Soapmaking 101 Workshops in Richmond and Charlottesville this spring. In this class, students will learn to make all-natural olive oil soaps at home. This is not a demonstration-only class -- everyone will make their OWN batch of soap to take home with the essential oil fragrance of your choice. $85 covers all materials.

For a limited time, use the coupon code CLASS09 for 10% off workshops and soaps! (Add the coupon code at checkout)
Register online today at http://primitivesoaps.com

Classes are limited to 10 people.

lunch and a movie

We have been taking turns being sick. Its Aidan's turn now. To comfort him we are having lunch and a movie today. The movie is Kiki's Delivery Service, and it makes me so endlessly happy. It was the movie that Maddie and I watched everyday after Aidan was born. Those endless days of recovery, nursing, and laying low. I have this great memory of the three of us cuddled up on the couch watching it over and over again. So, here we are again, Aidan in his jammies, Maddie doting on him, and me watching us make great memories!

comfort food

Yesterday was a wonderful winter wonderland. After a long day playing in the snow, some comfort food was in order. For dinner we made blackened chicken breasts, saffron rice with diced red peppers, french cut green beans and I picked up some gumbo at the Gumbo Truck. Yes, you heard me right I said gumbo truck, Jazzbo's Rollin' Gumbo! We took a long walk and ended up at the truck (and the wine store) for some good eats and good wine. Did I mention that I love my neighborhood?

Cooking tip I just learned: When mixing up spices for your meal, make up a second batch, label it, and have it ready for the next meal! I've only been cooking for 25 years, you think I would have learned this one by now.

I love me some Etsy, The LUX Bath!

I am loved and it feels great! Check out the great review I received from Lovely Yellow Ribbons. I have to say "back at you ladies," you all rock! Lovely Yellow Ribbons mission statement is as follows:

We at Lovely Yellow Ribbons' Glam Gals, desire to inspire all military wives to live, laugh, and love your way through this crazy military life. We will vow to do so with class, sass, and panache

Thanks for taking such great care of your honorable families. Don't forget to take care of yourselves too!

I love me some Etsy too, for some sassy bath products check out this great stuff:

Feeling Smitten's Cupcake Bombs

Every year I buy birthday shoes, this year I got a pair of strappy red wedges.
I need these next two products in preparation for pretty spring feet!

Pretty in Green has some fun foot scrub that I can't wait to try.

This Real Lava Rock Pumice Stone from Krave Nature looks awesome!


Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles! I love my bubbles. Shop Red Leaf's bubble bath dough looks great! check out all the scents, I will have to try the Plumeria Flower first.

I think I will need to make this a regular blog feature!!! ; )

snow buddies

our snowman!!!, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Meet Snow Dude! We had a blast playing in Richmond's biggest snow in years!
It's sad to say this is the first snow man our kids have ever made.

Marvin, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Meet Marvin, can you tell a dog owner lives here? And what a fun dog it is, the kids
had so much fun hangin' out with him in snow today.

worker snow gal, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

The owners of this house are renovating a 100 year old home, thus the tub in the front yard and the pink hammer in "Erin's" hand! We love seeing the old house come back to life again.

You know I love the apron!!! A housewife snow lady would be awesome!

Pumpkin Bread

pumpkin bread, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

This bread is so good and sweet one might want to call it pumpkin cake! I've been making this for 10 years now--the recipe makes a lot of bread and is perfect for pot luck dinners. This go round I made a big batch of mini-muffins and a loaf.

1 15 oz can of pumpkin
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup of oil
2 1/2 of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of raisins or dates, optional

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, brown sugar, and oil: mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, spice and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until they dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in dry fruit.
3. Pour half the batter into each pan. Place the loaves in the oven and bake until a cake tester inserted in the center come out clean, about 1 hour.
4. Remove the loaves from the oven and immediately turn them out onto a wire rack. Allow to cool before slicing.

When we made this all the time, I used to cut the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, 50/50. It was hearty and still a special treat!

Stand back girls, he's all mine!

For two days I have been sick, sick, sick. But still, I am a lucky girl--look what my man brought to my sick bed. The latest Vogue, Diet Dr. Pepper and my Pretty in Pink DVD. He's the best. If you have to feel this lousy, you might as well have some good stuff to comfort you, right?

Why do I love Thursday the best?

Cuz I can watch this...

and this on-line!

So, every Thursday when the school day is done, you can find me stashed away in
my studio watching these on the computer. Getting "Lost" in "Life"!

What's for dinner?

I am such a bad housewife, I never know what is for dinner. But in an attempt for change that the kids and I made up a general weekly menu. Sunday is Pasta, Monday is my choice of Meat and Potatoes (MeTato Night) and Wednesday is sandwich and smoothy night. We all like this one for various reasons, it is no surprise that I like it cuz is a no-fuss meal.

Tonight I was in the mood for soup to go along with my sandwich so I found this Asian Chicken Soup recipe, it was easy and it was soooo yummy! I actually had all the ingredients, that never happens. There might be hope for me yet!!!

and the winner is...

The award for Best Dress goes to Marisa Tomei. As I was curled up in my warm bed cutting out owl pieces and parts, my jaw dropped when I saw this dress. WOW! Imagine how many hours the stitchers needed for this dress.

Grey days

early spring, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

I am so tired of the grey days of Virginia winter. Last night I dreamt of trimming wisteria and raking leaves. I need to get dirty, don't I? I do see there is hope, that spring will come--this is what I found on my early morning walk today. It ain't much, but I'll take it!

Willow

It has really been cold the last few day. When it's this cold we tend to do school upstairs on my bed, or in the kids rooms. Yesterday we were going to play a round or two of "Up Words" for spelling time. That never happened! Silly cat, "I'm trying to teach here!!"

Know the feeling?

Some days you just want to shout "Get off my back"! ; )

first sewing lesson

The kids had their first sewing lesson today. We have been working on a Unit Study for Leonardo da Vinci, honestly they have not been feeling it until we came across his journal drawing of a parachute. The book we are reading explained someone recently followed his instructions and made a da Vinci parachute themselves, and they found that the 400 year old idea was sound, and worked wonderfully.

Well, that got us to wanting to get innovative. The kids drew their versions of his parachute, made a pattern, grabbed some linen from the studio and got cutting. I've been avoiding teaching them how to sew but today it just flowed, they were naturals.


Aidan is now a pro at pinning. I heard him repeating "in, tilt and through" about 50 million times.


Maddie is an iron goddess! I can get used to that kind of child labor!!!

Sneak Peak!

Here we go. I have FINALLY started working on one of the new lines. This is the first mock-up (not the real fabric) of my new apron, I've wanted to have a sexier apron, and here it is. The new line will not only feature this new halter top style apron but will also feature tablecloths made from outdoor quality cotton. What about the oilcloth Modern June is known for? No worries we'll mix that right into this new Paris Flea Market Collection.

I'll need a sassy French ladies name for this apron, any ideas?

Missin' my blog!

Hi all. I've been gone awhile now. Last week was a downer. I was funky and really had nothing worth blogging about. By Friday I had a shift, some energy and some will power to turn off the TV and get to it. We have a saying here in our house, "it's February"--it's like our get out of jail free card for the winter blues. We know we get mopey this time of year (every year) and that's okay! We watch out that we don't get too mopey though.

What turned me around? My kids. We have really connected again. We have also been very social this winter, that has been a big help. Since I have limited my Modern June wares to 4 basic products, I have had a lot more time for them. We've been getting along a lot better, and school is not too much of a daily fight.

They don't know it, but I'm working on my list... remember my To Do in January list I made back in November? Well I'm getting it done and boy aren't we having fun!

LIFE LIST

1. Work on the 1,000 piece puzzle again. We started it yesterday, but I opted for 750 pieces.
2. Hang out with my kids A LOT MORE (this=sewing less) Doing it!!! LOVIN' IT!
3. Fnd 30 minutes to cover up my gray hair. Hasn't happened yet, but I did get a cute haircut yesterday! Brandon, at the Great Clips at Virginia Center Commons is a real hairdresser, he actually razor cut my bob! I am loving him! This super cute well done razor cut $12.00 freaking dollars. I got lucky!
4. Take yoga classes or do Yoga DVD (and not just once) I did yoga for 5 days straight in early January, does that count?
5. Take kids to pool on Thursday afternoons. Gotta start this right away!
6. Start dating again... my husband of course... silly people! : ) Oh yeah, gotta do this right away too!
7. Start doing family game night again, BOARD GAMES ONLY! Not yet
8. Start taking bubble baths again! I spent 5 hours re-caulking and scrubbing the tub yesterday so I could get this one underway!
9. Have more on my life list than my work list... i.e. get a life : ) I am getting one!

Applications for Spring Bada-Bing!

Hey all you crafty people, the RCM is now taking applications for our 4th Annual Spring Bada-Bing show! This is one of those good ones (and big), so apply today!