Mockingbird Hill Cottage

You never know what might happen when I clean out a closet. I have this closet in the guest bedroom/office/music studio. By the way, we only have 2 closets upstairs and a very small one downstairs. My husband and I share the one in our bedroom and it is not a big walk-in closet. Oh no. We cram our clothes in there, which allows me to have the other closet for fabric, yarn, craft supplies, office supplies, etc. When we first moved here, I installed shelves and that makes a huge difference. I was ruthless the other day and filled up a big contractor’s bag with stuff. I still have to go through my yarn and donate the yarn I know I won’t use. While I was tossing things, I found a bulletin board. It got me thinking.

I have a memo board, the kind with ribbons on the diagonal. While pretty, it isn’t entirely practical as I have to shove everything under the ribbons. It limits what I can do. So, why not have one board for some things and the bulletin board for others? I pulled out my trusty aqua paint – the same can I used on the mantel shelf in my studio and on the chalkboard.

I painted this much the day before yesterday. Fast forward to this morning, oh, about 5 AM. I woke up early and couldn’t get back to sleep, so I got up, finished The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (really liked it) and got out my paints. Of course, I was in my flannel pajamas, which seems to be the norm for my creative spurts. Just like with the chalkboard, I added the antiquing glaze to ‘age’ the bright aqua paint. Then I painted these:

I bought these from Rita when I was in California – at the Barn Sale. These also were aged. Looks like an frowning face, doesn’t it? I was unsure what to do with the cork when I remembered all the sheet music I have. I pulled out an exercise book that I know I will never use – that would mean I would have to practice. Ah…no.

With the help of Mod Podge and the adrenaline from strong early morning coffee, I came up with the above arrangement. I used an almost-dry brush and aged the sheet music a bit.

Then I attached my little garland and roses.

And, here is my pretty bulletin board:

Almost too pretty…I don’t want to clutter it up. Oh well, I’m sure that feeling will pass. I have to seal it somehow – any suggestions from all you crafters? Some sort of clear acrylic sealer? Any advice would be most welcome.

Thank you for your lovely comments about sweet Nella. I will pass them on to my parents. We will always miss her. I’ve already seen photos of Lydia and Luke and they are so adorable. Hopefully, I will be able to share them with you soon.