Design by Nine

When I moved to the Sacramento Valley from the Sierra mountains, I had too much stuff, too little house and a yard with what was once flowers. I didn't know how to deal with a yard. I knew how to deal with pine needles. I didn't even own a lawn mower.
To the rescue, my energetic neighbor-lady. She didn't loan me her lawn mower... She mowed my lawn for me. And in return I reupholstered her dining room chairs. When I was pruning("hacking off") my rose bushes, she took the pruners away from me and fixed the roses and they lived,( as a matter of fact they bloomed like crazy that spring). And I made a cornice to go over her vertical blinds that matched her dining room chairs.
We had a pretty good exchange going. I couldn't get a weed to grow and she didn't even own a needle or thread. So we traded favors with each other, and it worked out really well for the both of us.

When she told me I had more talent than "Martha" and she wished she could do crafty things, I told her she could... she said no, I said yes, she said no, I said yes, then I took (drug) her to Michaels craft store. Heeheehee I won that one, and she made me house plant starters so I could learn how to care for growing things.
It was the start of a great friendship. We have laughed our way through more projects than I could list. What a Grand time we had! Here are a few pictures of just a few.


Mellies Quilts

Pocket Pillows

Oil Painting



Making soap

The plants in my kitchen window.

Oh, how I wish I would of taken pictures of all of my plants and all the landscaping she helped me to do. She even taught me how to keep my pool clean and chemically balanced! We did so many projects, including stained glass, which she is a whiz at. I have to admit that I am still Leary of an art form that requires butterfly bandages as a basic supply. lol Every holiday a new set of projects,decorations, gifts and goodies.
I had indoor jungle sized plants and she bought glitter and paper by poundage. We hit all the fabric sales as well as plant sales. We cut up scrap clothing by the hefty bagsfull and she made a quilt. My climbing rose was taller than my roof!

When I first met her I never dreamed we'd be such a fabulous team. She all outdoorsy and me such a indoor girl. All because she came over and offered to mow my lawn. I sure do miss the days when we lived close enough to "play" together. Whenever you are ready Mellie me girl, the craft room is waiting.

So, if you know someone who could benefit from a skill you have, volunteer to help them out. Or even better teach them what you know. You never know it could turn out to be the start of a beautiful friendship.


Share the craftiness!