Vintage Case Round Robin

The last thing I needed was another project but, I COULDN’T SAY NO!  When I was out in California in January, all the girls were at dinner in Pasadena after being at the Bead Show & Joy threw out the idea of a vintage train case/suitcase round robin.  I knew we’d just signed on the new house but, thought SURE why not!   It sounded like so much fun!  What was I thinking?  I didn’t need anything else on my plate but,  I found a little time to work on my case before boxing it up & sending it to Gig Harbor, Washington!  These cases will be well traveled when it’s all over!   I really thought the OLD American Airline tag on the handle was cool.  This is back when travel was glamorous!!!! Do you love the crocodile embossing on the case?  I DO!

Sorry for the shadows but, it’s so hard to find good light…
I found the case last year at The Urban Barn when Sandy & I were shopping on one of my MANY trips out to California.  I LOVED IT & knew I wanted to do something with it.  Joy’s idea was to do a bit to the outside & as it went to each of the girls they would add something to the outside & then put 4-5 treasures inside!  I LOVE the color of the inside of this case.  It was in such good shape.  Ms Cindy stuffed the goodies she had collected for me in a couple of the pockets.  A beautiful tea died sleeve (with pearls, lace & beautiful buttons) & other goodies all packaged up so pretty.

The trim on the outside is chocolate brown & a soft blue (with crystal like beads hanging from it).

And the image that I used was a Blog Banner my friend Tiffany Marshall designed for me a few years back.  I’ve always loved it (& I think I need to use it again soon so, MAYBE when I get back from Round Top I’ll change the current Princess Elizabeth on here now for this one).  Love the sweet little vintage coin purse with the white hankie peeking out. It has a long way to go (literally) & I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it returns.  
Back to keeping reign on all the contractors at the house. 
IT’S LIKE HERDING CATS!
Hug!  Charlene

Quick Catch Up

So many of you tell me all the time…. “Charlene I envy you all the travel & places you go”.  And I do travel & go a lot but, lately… the photo above shows my life.  My traveling has been between my houses.

Seven long days & three wonderful painters we hired are done with the painting!

The SCREAMING RED room has been tamed (see the little peek of what was left of the red).  The GREEN rooms toned down too.  I went with a nice neutral color to just let things be calm & then I’ll decide how & what each room will be.

The window above is in my Master Bedroom closet.  See the huge gap on the left side?  That’s as far as it shuts.   All the dirt, moisture, mess from outside just BLOWS right in.  Needless to say I’m not putting my clothes in that closet.  Have you ever priced windows?  SIT DOWN WHEN YOU GET THE BID!!! I about passed out.  But, we’ve ordered some.  More than I wanted to pay for I can tell you but, it will be wonderful when it’s done.
So far completed:
Dead trees & bushes pulled out.
Weeds treated (oh we had some beauties… healthiest dandelions I’ve ever seen).
Entire house painted inside (every wall, closet, piece of trim, wall paper gone…).
New doorbell & smoke detectors (yellowed plastic is not my favorite).
Water Softener installed (to save our new things as we have well water & need I say more?)
Windows ordered (well the broken ones anyway & there are still plenty with broken seals but, that will have to wait).
French Double Doors ordered & a new back door too.
New jetted tub ordered & due here on 4/9
New refrigerator….  
Packing, Packing & some more Packing!  WHERE DID ALL THAT “STUFF” COME FROM?
See why I haven’t been around?   But, while I wait for the next step (yes, that’s the bathroom remodel) I am thrilled that my gal pals from California are coming out to go to Round Top with me.

These sweet girls (PLUS MS SANDY) are heading out here for some Texas fun.  We’re hoping Ms Cindy gets well & will be with us.  The shingles have knocked her for a loop.  So stay tuned for more tales……..  ROUND TOP here we come!  And I’m leaving Hubby (& his horrible sinus infection… geeeeez I pray I don’t get sick from all his hacking) here to wrangle the contractors.
HUGS!   Charlene