The Pool

I love freebies.

This summer, we have been plagued by heat.

Long, sweaty stretches of heat. Miserable heat.

Usually, the grands and I break out the little plastic wading pool. The three of us barely fit anymore, which is just as well. Since it bit the dust. We had one good use early on, then crack. A goner.

Enter said friend from the post yesterday about getting a free book. While on a rubber stamping trip to her home, she remembered that she had a pool.

An inflatable, bigger, deeper, plastic pool. For free.

Granted there were no guarantees on seaworthiness. But it was worth a try.

After picking off snails and earwigs (it was in storage, after all, in a damp climate), I popped it in the trunk. Upon arriving home, we spread it out to dry and wait for the grands to appear.

Oh, joy! A POOL.

Totally excited, they didn't care if we needed to add dish soap to help scrub the bottom while playing. Actually, I almost lost the whole bottle of concentrated Dawn when the younger decided to help speed things along.

The pool, large enough for even Papa to join us, works perfectly! Well, the sprayer umbrella thing is broken, but since sister is afraid of it, no biggy.

Summer, I can actually bear your heat.

I can even do some gardening. As long as I am in my Nana swimsuit and can take cool-off breaks, it's all good.

Thanks, friend.

Picture Blocks - A Gift for Dad (or Anyone Else)

Check out this easy and super adorable picture block craft. It is so cute I am making one for my son (his first father's day) and my son-in-law. My kindergartners made them, with a little help, to give to their fathers at our Donuts with Dad. But they could easily be made for any occasion.

1. Cut 4x4 posts into 4-5 inch length pieces. Use sandpaper and smooth the edges. Kinders loved this step.

2. Make chalk paint by adding Plaster of Paris to your favorite paint. I used to worry about following a recipe, but now I just add until it has the consistency I want. Stir until smooth.

3. Paint wood block and let dry. I like to use 2 coats of paint. It is fun to use sandpaper along the edges to rough up and age the painted wood block.

4. Use four pictures for the sides. Trim to fit. Make sure there is at least 1/4 inch of space around all sides of the photos. Paint each side of block with Modge Podge or any decoupage glue. Stick on photo and cover with another layer of decoupage glue. Let dry. Add another coat if needed.

5. Use the same decoupage glue method to add a bottom label (with a personal message) and a top label. I like using pieces of scrapping paper. Cover all edges with decoupage glue. Dry. I put pieces on wax paper or up on pieces of straws for best drying. Don't stick wet blocks down on anything.

6. Give as a gift!

Chalk Paint Blackboard

Chalk paint. Not to be confused with chalk painting. Or chalkboard.

I was very confused with the specific terms as I started researching this on my encyclopedia of choice - Pinterest.

I was even more confused by the total number of different recipes, explanations, and guides. But after much consideration, I finally gave up and did my own thing with a few basic ingredients. Just in time for a sisterly birthday present.

Materials:
paint in my (or your) color of choice (Valspar Secluded Garden)
plaster of paris
water
furniture wax (Minwax works great, and it's the ONLY one Lowe's had)
blackboard paint
old frame (check yard sales or Goodwill)
thin wood cut to fit inside frame

Tools:
paint brushes
clean jar and lid
measuring cup (or plastic container)
sandpaper
rags for dusting and waxing

First, remove all the old stuff from the frame - staples, backing, picture, glass, hooks. Then gently sand to remove the slick finish.

Mix paint. I mixed in a jar so I could close it and use it later. I also used a little snack plastic tub for my measuring of ingredients.

3 parts paint
1 part plaster of paris
a few T. of water

Mix together. Add water until you get the consistency you want.

Paint the frame. I painted 2 coats on the front and back, drying between coats. At the same time, I also added 3 coats of blackboard paint to the wood for the chalkboard.

Lightly sand the edges. Wipe off the dust. Apply a thin coat of wax to the frame. Let sit for suggested time (on wax container) and then polish off. It will look awesome!

Prepare the chalkboard by covering with chalk and then erasing the chalk.

Put the chalkboard into the frame and connect. Add a hanger to the back.

Voila! A great gift.