Let's give em something to blog about!

It has been awhile since Lucy and I have checked in, but there is a lot to report on the homefront. Lucy is having her first DS! He will be joining our family in October and everyone is excited for his arrival. In other news, Lucy and her husband moved close to me and we have been busy moving them in and working on their cozy little home. What better time than now to hone our blogging skills and get some ideas out on the interwebs.

Now that things are lining up, expect to see the sharing of more Appalachia wisdom, ideas, crafts, money saving techniques and discussion about living a self sustaining lifestyle. Every day things happen that make me consider the "what ifs" in our uncertain society. I feel it is important to learn how to take care of yourself and try to pass this along to future generations.

I recently made a batch of lye soap. I followed the technique found on Becky's Homestead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlUM_-7Nr_Y

It turned out well and I recommend it.

I have also been gathering pallets for various reasons. I have made a few benches and tables (pics to come) and this gift for a young lady who had a baby she named Oliver. This is my first attempt at a craft of this sort, so bear with me. Yes I know my letters got a little crooked!  I used two pieces of pallet wood. I painted it white and sanded, grey and sanded then dry brushed that teal color on. Here is what I learned on doing the letters. I printed the word Oliver (in mirror image) on a LASERJET printer. Yes, it needs to be laserjet. Luckily we have one at work, but the printer at our local library is also laserjet and they charge .10 a print. Cut out the text as close as you can to remove excess paper. Paint your board and paper lightly with Mod Podge. (I got this from amazon) Wait for it to dry at least 24 hours then gently use warm water and your fingertips (slowly and gently) to "wipe off" any paper, leaving the words. If you by chance rub a little too hard, fill in with a marker. I am always about the most inexpensive way to do things and this did the trick and looks pretty good. I added hooks from the hardware store and sawtooth hangers to the back. Viola! A unique gift.