Mike, you have been busy. Isn't strange how things work out. All summer I saw beautiful plants in bloom. Now that it is cooler, my brugmansia decide they want to bloom. The good news is I went down this weekend, and their are 2 brugmansia that are blooming that I have never seen before. One is a georgia peach, and the other is a double white, that I got from a cutting last fall from Mike. I am so excited, I now have two doubles that like it at the coast. Barbra,

Good morning! So fun to share my projects here, you gals all make me feel so good. Let me answer a couple of questions. These blocks are just various lengths cut from an old 2x4 board. The 2x4's work well because they stand easily and you can do a different design on the back--so two sets from one like these are. You could use any size wood really. 4x4 blocks can be decorated on all sides and flipped. (Nice with photos on each side.) You can also just decorate a length of wood instead of blocks. I use DH's "chop saw" so it is fast and easy to cut them. Then I take the electric sander to them because they are usually pretty rough. A quick coat of acrylic paint and let it dry. Then just cut pieces of scrapbook paper and Mod Podge it to the face of the block. Let me just add that I "could" just decorate them by painting--but using the papers is fun, easy, and faster. I've been cutting letters with my Cricut--but you can buy sheets of letters in all sizes and colors, stencil letters on, etc. Some of the things I added were dimensional "stickers" that I bought for the summer theme. A whole sheet of them on sale at Michael's for $1.49. I also use small silk flowers or layered ones cut from cardstock, ribbons or strips of contrasting paper, leaves cut out of cardstock, buttons, rick rack, etc. That's the fun part and a great way to use up scraps of things since it only takes small pieces. The Mod Podge is great, goes on cloudy but dries clear and fast! Later I will try cutting some vinyl letters, but it is more pricey, so doing the paper letters is good while I'm learning. You can also use thin boards for signs to hang on the wall, and I've seen some "stacked" blocks and boards that are so cute too. Lots of this stuff being created on some of the blogs I've found on the Cricut message boards. And Grandma Bonnie on the Crafts forum here on GW does the vinyl designs for walls and even cars! Once I invest in some vinyl, I'll be able to adhere words and designs to plates, jars, the refrigerator, etc. Really any flat clean surface! (The vinyl can be damp wiped and easily removed--the Mod Podged paper would be difficult to remove.) It does take "time", mostly because I try this and then try that before I decide what to glue where! But it is one of the easiest crafts I've done and just so many possibilities! I've seen some words or names on the glass in a frame and would like to try that too. I've been collecting and saving ideas for things to make, Karen has sent me some good links to blogs and things that she has run across during her nighttime "surfing". (thanks Karen, love it!) OA, the painted sign can certainly be painted on both sides. I often do that if I plan to use it where only one side can be seen. Doesn't work so well if you plan to display it on an easel on the table for instance, so keep that in mind. Hope I've explained things well--if not, just ask--or email me if you'd like. I get so much inspiration and encouragement from all of you, would love to give some of that back as well. Luvs

Yep, time to toss them. I was talking to my mom on the phone last night, she wanted to know the same thing. She had forgot about them stashed way in the back of the fridge. My brother and I both told her to toss them. NancyLouise

I must confess - I work a lot on stained glass and mosaics and do very little else except my job. I'm at a cool stage of my life where the only children I have left at home are teenagers so they're pretty self sufficient. I've cooked and cleaned for a bajillion kids over the years (formerly foster parents) so DH understands that I'm just burnt out on cooking now so I don't anymore. We either eat out, pop something in the microwave, or have fend for yourself nights where everyone fixes what they want to eat. I also hired :::gasp::: a housekeeper :::gasp::: to come once a week who does all of the laundry and housekeeping type stuff. We're not typically what you'd think of as "housekeeper" type people - just regular folks muddling along, but she came with the house sort of :-) We moved in a year ago and she cleans for several of the neighbors. DH met her, liked her, hired her, and we all lurvvvvvvves her now :-) I drive a seven year old car so I can afford her and she's worth every stinking penny :-) All this to say that because of the above, I come home and play with glass just about every day - except when I'm playing with my granddaughters who come to visit every month for a few days. I'm one lucky lady who thinks her hubby of 21+ years is sexy as can be, my kids are wonderful, my job is fun and pays decently for a non-profit, and am having more fun than should be allowed with my new hobby. Middle age rockkkks!