This fun event is hosted weekly by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.
Please stop by Susan’s beautiful and informative blog to enjoy her post, as well as, see all the Met Monday participants.
But before I begin….I wanted to give you a quick update on Mr. Grits.
Mr Grits is still in Chapel Hill, and should remain there through at least Tuesday or Wednesday, at the soonest. We have been told it could be as late as Friday before he is released. Last I reported, they had discovered three lung clots, and they have since found another very large one in his leg. His oxygen level is still registering very low, and the doctors have said he only has about 1/3 lung capacity.
I spent the weekend at home with the baby – catching up on chores and rest. I am back up at Chapel Hill tonight with the baby in a motel room. (He is currently jumping his little heart out on the bed while I blog. Jump away, baby! 😀 ) The kids fly in from Jamaica tonight, and I am expecting them here at the motel anytime. I promise to update you again, as soon as I know anything new.
But I just wanted to say how thankful and touched I am by your continued prayers and thoughts. My heart is lifted by this outpouring of support and love.
In Between my chores…
(cause life can’t be all about chores can it?)
I pulled out my Spring/Easter boxes and started adding a few touches here and there to help lighten the modd of the home.
For this week’s Met Monday post – I want to share my
“Before and After” Topiary project, and a half-finished mantle project. 🙂
I made these two topiary forms several years ago after pricing expensive replicas at The Bombay Company, and they have been hauled across country several times.
I made them using small tomato cages turned upside down, wrapped with grapevine and ivy.
They are fun to decorate for the seasons. They are also the perfect height for my mantle.
I started out by adding a cute, bunny topper.
Isn’t he the sweetest, fuzziest, cutest little thing?
Right now, Michael’s has all their Spring floral stems half-price. I purchased four stems of pink cherry blossoms for $1.49 ea. These were cut into smaller lengths and randomly added to the topiary in a loose fashion.
Next, I added a pink, beaded berry garland.
Every Easter outfit needs a little “sparkle.”
I loosely wrapped three styles of french wired ribbon in various widths.
… then added a matching bow tucked just under the fuzzy bunny.
Here is the finished topiary…..
(it looks much pinker here than it is in real life)
… and here it is sitting up on the mantle.
I removed the red, floral plates and floral arrangements in the center of the mantle – and added three whimsical Easter plates.
Here you see them in front of my Belgian tapestry – but I will be replacing this with a white-washed mirror.
Here you see them in front of my Belgian tapestry – but I will be replacing this with a white-washed mirror.
I found these plates at Marshal’s…aren’t they darling?
“Chicks are Peeping…”
“Bunnies are Hopping…”
“Flowers are Blooming…”
Here is the partly completed mantle.
I guess I should call this post “Before” and “Almost After.”
I still need to complete the other topiary, and add the mirror and some candles.
I added various silk stems such as hydrangea, gerbera daisies and more pink cherry blossoms.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Met Monday post. I will be adding more Spring touches to my home over the next few weeks.
(I know, I am waaay behind!)
I am also very excited to announce my New Etsy Shop opening soon. I have decided to start getting rid of some of my vintage pieces which I purchased primarily in Europe, as well as, some handmade items I am happy to have the opportunity to share. Look for more info soon. I can’t wait to share it with you.
Don’t forget to hop on over to Susan’s blog to see all the other Met Monday participants. It’s always a fun time!
May Your Week Feel Fresh as a Spring Daisy…Barb
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Thanks for the update for Mr. Grits…still keeping him in my prayers…and you, too! Love your topiaries…you were soooo smart to make your own! Love the update for spring…they look great up on your mantel with the precious plates! Susan
View CommentEnglish Cottage in Georgia says
Goodness, Mr Grits is still in my prayers and you also. I wish I could bring you a glass of one of your favorite drinks to unwind. So glad your kids will be coming in. Prayers, prayers, prayers!
View Commentmarty39 says
Barb, I am still praying for both you and Bill and I do hope that the clots dissolve soon. I’m sorry you both have had such a hard time with this. It will be nice to have the kids back and they can help take some of the pressure off of you. Your topiaries are just gorgeous. I am always amazed at how easy you make it look. You really do have a wonderful knack with accessorizing. Prayers and thoughts will continue. God Bless, Hugs, Marty
View CommentRaggedy Girl says
Barb:
Your mantle looks so nice. I love the topiary. You made them look so special while using ordinary things.
I am praying for you and Mr. Grits.
Roberta Anne
View CommentOur really empty nest says
Barb, Even though it is hard it sounds like being in the hospital is exactly the right place for Mr Grits to be, where they can keep him and his blood clots monitored. I hope you dont mind my naming my adorable rooster after him, it just seemed to fit! Sue
View CommentDiane @ Four Paws and Co says
Barb,
Your hubby is in my thoughts and prayers. I bet the kids are anxious to get there to see him & baby. ♥
Love the topiaries! I may try that one. It’s an awesome idea! Your mantle is so pretty now, it’s going to be amazing when your finished with it! ♥
View CommentDiane
mbkatc230 says
Barb you know that we are all praying for Bill and your whole family. Don’t you just wish you could jump on the bed with baby Cole? I love what you’ve done with the mantle, and the white mirror sounds perfect. You have an amazing way with accessorizing. Congrats on the Etsy store, can’t wait to see what goodies you’ll have. Hugs, Kathy
View CommentAnonymous says
You are simply amazing. The topiary is beautiful and the plates are adorable. You and Bill remain in my thoughts and prayers. I can just picture Cole jumping on the bed right now. What a cutie he is. God Bless, Jeanette
View CommentSusan @ A Southern Daydreamer says
wonderful touches of spring! your family is still in my prayers!
Susan
View Commentsantamaker says
Hi Barb, I’ve got you and Mr.G in my prayers. Even though this is a rough patch, just got to give you “props” for staying so positive and using your crafting abilities with these pretty topiaries, I know that for me, it’s wonderful therapy and a great stress buster and of course your little guy on the bed has to be a boost!
View CommentMelissa Miller says
~Beautiful topiaries Barb!
The mantel looks adorable with the plates.
I’m surprised we haven’t run into each other at Marshalls since we both shop there so often.
Continued prayers are coming your way.
~Take Care, ~Melissa
View CommentDeb says
Everything is quite lovely! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Deb
View Commentxinex says
Beautiful topiaries and cute plates. Thanks for the update on Mr. Grits, Barb. I will keep praying for him…Christine
View CommentMaryrose says
Your topiaries are lovely and my prayers go out to you and Mr. Grits. Hope all is well.
View CommentMaryrose
susan says
Your home will be just the breath of spring Mr. Grits needs when he comes home from the hospital. I Will add your family to my prayer list. Take care of yourself!
View CommentNancy W says
Keeping Mr. Grits in our prayers! Love what you did with the topiary for spring time! Hugs from Conroe TX!
View CommentDomestic Designer says
Everything looks great! I will certainly continue to remember your family in my prayers.
View CommentHappy To Be says
Thank you Barb for keeping us updated on your Hubby..May God put his arms around him and Embrace him girl…Now I love what you did here you are just to cleaver Barb..love it all…hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
View CommentMargaret says
Barb,
Thanks for the update! Your and your dear husband are in my prayers!!!
View CommentGlenda/MidSouth says
Your topiaries are very pretty. Will continue to keep Mr. Grits and you in my prayers.
View CommentGlenda
Linda says
Barb, I am so thankful you have your little grandchild providing some good distraction now. Things can get awfully heavy, can’t they. Praying for you and Mr. Grits. By the way, you are one creative gal – lovely topiaries. Thanks for the step by step presentation…maybe I can do that. Linda
View Comment"Just Me - NC Beth" says
Praying that all will be well with Mr. Grits!! I’m sure it’s not easy to try and be there with him and also have a grandchild to care for. But God will give strength!
Blessings!
~Beth
View CommentChandy says
Barb, just lovely! Great job! Very impressive! I love cute plates, too! You have a nice collection…
Happy Monday!
We’ll be praying for Mr. Grits…
View CommentA Hint of Home says
Just said a pray for Mr. Grits. I hope he improves every day.
View CommentLove all your spring decor.
Cass says
Your fresh spring topiary is lovely — you are so creative!
But more importantly — you are one very strong lady, and I admire your courage with all that is going on in your life now.
You have my prayers, for you and your Mr. Grits, and your whole family.
Any pictures of the baby bouncing?
All best wishes, Cass
View Commentlaurie @ bargain hunting says
Barb, my computer at home is down, so I’m late getting here. I am still praying for you and your family. How clever of you to turn those topiaries into spring decor. Your mantle looks so pretty. Take care of yourself. laurie
View CommentCathy says
Barb,
View CommentI only recently met you, but wish you and your family the best. Thank you sharing this cute bunny topiary idea!..Cathy
"Blossom" says
Your topiaries are nicer than the one you have to purchase. What a wonderful idea and the way you decorated them.
View CommentHelen says
Your transformation is magical .. sending energy and strength your way today!
View CommentTracie says
love what you did with those!! therapeutic too, i’m sure. so good for you! will continue to pray for your family.. sounds like a bit of reinforcement has arrived. 🙂
take care & God bless,
View CommentTracie
GardenDesigner says
Hello!
View CommentI was so surprised when I clicked on your blog!
You are the first one I have spied with the same artwork! hee hee…
Love the topiaries!
I will visit again soon!
Vanessa
Bo says
I’m keeping you and Mr. Grits in my prayers also…it must be so difficult to maintain a home away from home, keep a baby happy & anxiously await reports about your dear husband…you are a strong southern lady! Blessings, 😉 Bo
View Commentsalmagundi says
A touch of Spring will be good to go home to. Hope that time is sooner rather than later. I’m still praying. Take care of yourself. Sally
View CommentKathysue says
Hi Barb, Thankyou so much for letting us know how Mr Grits is doing.Please give him my well wishes. and You my dear,how do you do it all. Blogging redoing taking care of Cole, work and all the great cooking you do. You are a marvel,take care of yourself,I am sending you a great big cyber hug,Kathysue
View Commentcarolinajewel says
Barb, I love your topiaries! They are beautiful for any season and I love the jumping bunnies. Thanks for the update and you are still in my prayers! Hugs, Jewel
View CommentKathy's Red Door Welcome says
I’ll be keeping Mr. Grits in my prayers. I love your topiaries and especially love the Easter plates you found a Marshall’s.
View CommentLori says
This is my first time to visit. I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Grits. You and your family will be in my thoughts. I live in NC as well. Glad to meet someone from around here.
I love your topiaries and your mantel! I wish I could make bows, but it looks very hard. I guess I could google this on how to make bows, but I’m to lazy and would probably mess it up.
Take care!
View CommentMary Ellen (megardengal) says
Hi Barb just came back from being gone from computer for 10 days to see how Mr. Grits is doing. We will certainly keep him lifted to the Father in our prayers. (and You too!)
Your topiary trees turned out fabulous!! I don’t have an Easter decoration 1 out yet- we leave again in 5 days for another week so they may possibly just stay inside their boxes till next year-
blessings
View Commentmary
Linda says
Keeping you and Mr. Grits in prayers!! God Bless
Amazing , your new old topiary, so pretty. I need to get to Pier 1 sometime!
View CommentLinda Q
prof en retraite says
Hi Barb…Love your topiary and the mantel makeover! Thanks for the update on Mr. Grits. You know you and your family are still in our prayers!…hugs…Debbie
View Comment