Closeup of pillow with three plaid eggs in tufts of grass

Weekender Newsletter W/ Shopping With Friends

Text logo reading "South House Weekender" on a soft, watercolor-style blue background. "South House" is in uppercase serif font; "Weekender" is in a larger, cursive script.

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It Has Been SOOO Long!

Have you been wondering?

Yes, I’m still here. I’ve just been quite sick (a pulmonary condition).

(Redesigning and implementing this new version of South House Designs, must have been more taxing than I thought.) Please let me know your thoughts and if you stumble on anything that doesn’t seem to be working correctly.

Laying low makes me crazy. Recuperating is not my thing, (but necessary)!!!
I’m not very patient! Thank goodness The Hubs is!!!

I am back in action — slow motion but action all the same — and I’ll take it.

I’ve had lots of time dreaming and planning and can’t wait to dive into all kinds of creative projects.

Let’s Get Our Spring On!

Finished plaid Egg Pillow on linen parsons chair with a drum case side table and large basket of green foilage

How to Paint Gingham Eggs

Are you swept up in the resurgence of gingham?
But what to do when you can’t find the color you want. DIY it, of course!

I’ve got the step-by-step low down on how to paint a gingham check (or larger scale buffalo plaid) as eggs.

But you can use this same technique for just about anything.

Gingham Egg How To

Shamrock Meringues

So much easier than they look!

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Just three ingredients, plus an optional extract and food coloring.

Plus they’re: Fat-free, Dairy-free, Soy-Free, Gluten-free

six large shamrock cookies are on a serving plate on a granite counter

closeup of a basketball cupcake on a pedestal with and cookies in the background

Are You Gearing Up for March Madness?

How about these game ready cupcakes, topped with meringue basketball, or serve the meringue cookies solo.

Same recipe as the shamrocks, just tinted and piped differently.

The basketball net cupcake holders are free printables in the resource library for followers.

march madness Treats

Five women's headshots with their signatures under the title: Shopping With Friends -- so much better than alone

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Spring is my favorite time to take up a new craft. The days are growing longer, but it’s not quite nice enough to spend all our days outdoors. If you’re like me, who better to learn from than the makers of Etsy

For Needle Felting
(one of my favorite relaxing crafts)

I think this Spring felting scene is so, so special. Beyond the joy of making this, I can picture it topping a stack of books on a table, mounted on heavy torn paper in a frame, add a breath of spring to open shelves, and more!

And who can resist this little black sheep?

It’s another delightful creation of needle felting.

A rectangular felted soap bar decorated with a needle-felted spring landscape, featuring a blossoming tree with yellow and white flowers, green grass, and delicate floral details. Pale flowers are blurred in the background.
A pair of hands gently cradles a small, curly-haired, gray felt sheep with stitched features and a soft, woolly texture.

Five embroidery hoops with delicate floral designs stitched on sheer fabric are arranged on a grey surface. Nearby are a pair of scissors, two yellow billy balls, and some dried berries.
A framed display features embroidered butterflies arranged neatly with name labels, mimicking a butterfly collection. The text "Butterfly Collection by EIGHT O'CLOCK STUDYHALL" appears at the top of the image.

Embroidery

Whether your first project or your re-entry into the amazing world of embroidery, the options are inspiring!

I loved the fresh, modern take of these spring blooms in hoops. They are so light and airy with the see-thru backgrounds.

These beginner hoops have captured my heart.

The creator behind this Butterfly Collection classifies it as a beginner project. I would call it more intermediate, or a great option if you’re up for stretching a bit..

I am absolutely smitten about the 3D wings, the specimen labels and even the frame itself (which, yes, is included in the kit). Every detail is thought through!!!

Visible Mending and Pretty Repairs

Have you noticed this growing trend, (it’s all over IG and Pinterest)?

Here’s a wonderful kit to explore, experiment and learn.

PS: Mending and repairs are optional. You may decide to just add a row of blooms to a ball hat, jacket cuffs or the hem of your jeans.

A patchwork textile art piece featuring hand-stitched lavender, daisies, and leaves in purple, yellow, and green fabrics, with lace and embroidered details on a white textured background.

A cardboard box labeled “Mr. Sogs Creatures Platypus Sewing Kit” features a photo of a stuffed platypus. Text notes the kit includes safety eyes, thread, needle, pre-cut fabric, stuffing, and instructions.

Hand Sewing

For simple hand sewing, Mr. Sogs fun creatures (22 to choose from) are delightful!

These are all great projects to do with a bit older kiddo. Even if it’s just helping to add the stuffing, the memories are meaningful and the joy of creating is priceless.

Punch Needle Embroidery

This takes me back to my college days when one of my roommates taught me all about punch needle embroidery.

It is so satisfying and relaxing, and these coasters are perfect for the warm weather days ahead.



Circular coasters with colorful embroidered floral designs are arranged in rows beneath green leafy branches and flowers. Balls of pink and white yarn are in the upper right corner.

Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us

Cindy – Reinvented Delaware

If you watch me over on YouTube, then you know I am working on updating and refreshing every room in my home. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Reinvented Delaware, so you don’t miss any of the room makeovers! No demolition needed for these easy updates! Here are a few rugs I’m considering for some of the rooms.

  • This soft ivory background rug would go with an room in my home. The green design is a perfect way to add a touch of color. This gorgeous ivory and green rug might be in one of my spare bedrooms.
  • The soft colors of both of these rugs will be perfect in any of the spare rooms. There is enough variety of colors so that future refreshes will be a breeze! The central diamond design on this rug makes a statement, don’t you think? And I love the all-over design and soft colors in this rug which brings a sense of calm to any space.
  • Do you love blue and white rugs? This blue and white rug is gorgeous and the price is amazing! If you sign up for Overstock’s email, you can get an additonal 15% off of anything!
  • Last but not least is the dining room rug. I want a rug that incorporates both blue and green in the color scheme. My living room is predominetly blue and the kitchen will have more green added in the coming months. So the dining room is the go between needing both greens and blues. This diamond print blue and green rug is gorgeous. It’s available at Overstock so you can get a hefty discount like I mentioned earlier. I also love the all-over design of this beautiful blue and green rug. It’s a bit more budget friendly.

Lora – Lora Bloomquist

  • A woven scalloped tray is fun to bring out as Spring decor. Perfect as a base for a centerpiece or to serve snacks or drinks. It also adds great texture when stood in the back of a vignette! HERE are some great inexpensive options.
  • I got THIS book for Christmas and have loved reading through and enjoying all the gorgeous kitchens. If you love the look of European unfitted kitchens, this book may give you some ideas to update yours with an old world look.
  • Are you planning out your Easter table setting yet? I am craving gingham and ruffles this year…and plenty of cute little gold bunnies. Check HERE for inspiration and order what you need now.
  • Topiaries seem to be having a moment, which goes along with all things nostalgic cottage; I couldn’t be happier about it. Years ago I picked up a bunch of mini topiaries from Pier 1. They can be hard to find, but HERE are some, and HERE. They are great to pop into any vignette for a Springtime touch.
  • Floral and patterned jeans have made a comeback; they’re so fun! I picked up a red/cream pair, HERE. They also come in a fun veggie pattern. Also thinking I need a green floral pair, too:) Great to pair with a simple T and a fun jean jacket like THIS (which I always get compliments on).
  • Other people put their battery powered candles away after Christmas. But I love THESE mini faceted candles all year long. I pop them in every cabinet and shelving display, because it brings everything to life at night. I just bought another box, to make sure I have enough to spread all over the house;)

Lynn – Living Large in a Small House

Spring Bedroom Refresh

I have always used white linens for our bedroom, and I recently decided to add a bit of color. Our walls are painted blue, so it made sense to add blue to the bed. I love the way our room has come together.

It’s simple, but it feels cozy while fresh and ready for spring. 🌷

Anna – Sky Lark House

Truthfully, we still have 2 feet of snow on the ground. Grass is nowhere in to be seen. Nonetheless, I have given myself permission to embrace all things spring. Here are some of my favorite online finds for this month.

  • This rattan bar cart is adorable and a fantastic price. It can used outside or indoors for entertaining.
  • With Easter just around the corner, these oval shaped bunny plates from Walmart caught my eye. These are perfect for entertaining or great for an Easter breakfast.
  • One of our dogs needs a new bed. However, I don’t really like the colors and patterns of typical dog beds. I was smitten when I stumbled upon these beds by Mark and Graham. They have the cutest colors and patterns!
  • Last Easter, we gave my Mom this cute little concrete bunny planter. She still loves it. It’s perfect for growing herbs.

Gosh, it feels good to be back! Looking forward to cheering on spring together.

round image of Diane smiling next to a Signature that reads: With Joy, Diane

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2 Comments

  1. So glad to hear you are feeling better and back doing the things you love. Your new version of South House Design is fantastic and filled with so many delightful things! Great job. Looking forward to all to come.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Vickie. I truly appreciate your encouragement!

      Reply