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DIY Picnic Blanket & Goodbye (for now)
July 18th, 2011Hi friends! I am so, so sorry for not blogging in so long. Some of you know that I recently had surgery for a severely herniated disk and I was feeling great for a few weeks. I was beginning to feel like my old self when I started suffering from similar pains again, only on the opposite side this time.
I’ve thought long and hard about this decision but I’m afraid I will be officially taking some extended time off from Twig & Thistle to rest and (hopefully) heal. I feel like I’m breaking up with a best friend or the sweetest boyfriend ever and I can tell you this hasn’t been an easy process for me. You all have been so supportive and generous with your comments and kind emails and I will miss all of you dearly. I’m not sure how long I”ll be taking or what exactly the future holds but I hope to run in to all of you again soon!
Before I say my final goodbye, I have one last DIY project that I had to share. (I managed to fit this one in when I was feeling tip-top) I’ve been drooling over this painted zig-zag rug by The House of Smiths and wanted my own little bit of chevron style so I thought I’d make a picnic blanket!
This project took me about 4 hours total but overall it was pretty easy. I bought a fabric drop cloth from Home Depot for $6.98, which is perfect for a picnic blanket since it’s backed with plastic. And since I was covering a larger surface area, I didn’t have enough vinyl to spare so I created a chevron template out of foam core to trace the pattern onto the tarp.
Once my pattern was drawn, I used painters tape to seal off the paintable areas – this part definitely took the longest. Once it was all taped up I got to painting with a roller which went relativly quick and dried overnight. I love how it turned out and I have so many more picnic blanket ideas now. I think they’d make fun gifts or a great way to decorate for an outdoor summer party.
Lot’s of love to you all and thank you again for visiting! Sincerely yours, Kathleen xoxox
July 18th, 2011 at 5:08 am
Kathleen, we will miss you, your gorgeous photos, and your ever-inspiring projects. Sending you a big hug and hopes that you feel better real soon!
I also adore this project. Makes me want to spread out on that picnic blanket right now! XOXO
July 18th, 2011 at 5:23 am
Oh girl, I feel for you! I too am just recovering from back surgery (for a herniated disc as well!) and it can be so frusterating and difficult at times. I wish you well and hope you are feeling well in no time!
July 18th, 2011 at 5:49 am
Here’s to a speedy recovery! Take care and I will say prayers for you for healing.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:04 am
Best wishes for a full recovery. Love the chevron pattern. I blogged about chevrons a few weeks ago. Love it.
XXOO
July 18th, 2011 at 6:12 am
Well, I will miss your posts, but you must take the time to take care of yourself! Get well soon!
July 18th, 2011 at 6:25 am
I’m so sad. I don’t even know you, but you’re my first blog check every day. I hope you start feeling better sooner rather than later.
July 18th, 2011 at 6:37 am
Take care of yourself! You will be SOOOO missed. We’ll be here when you are ready to get back at it!! xoxo
July 18th, 2011 at 7:12 am
Don’t worry yourself too much about us – the internet is full of inspiration to keep us busy until you are ready to return! Even though we will miss you and your clean, simple, beautiful sense of style, it’s good to know that you’re recovering in a relaxing, comfortable environment. Without all the stress of blogging!
July 18th, 2011 at 7:36 am
You will be missed but your health is a priority! Hope you get back to tip-top soon!
July 18th, 2011 at 8:06 am
I do hope you heal quickly! You will be missed in the blogosphere! Take care and get well
July 18th, 2011 at 8:29 am
My husband and I have been scheming plans to make a similar picnic blanket. I love the drop cloth idea. That is genius!
July 18th, 2011 at 8:50 am
Thanks for the one last (for now!) DIY Project. We’ll miss you! Get well soon!
July 18th, 2011 at 9:40 am
Best wishes for your speedy recovery! Twig & Thistle has been part of my morning routine for so long, I just want you to know that your posts inspire me and what you do is so fantastic!
Take care!
All your devoted readers will be looking forward to when you can return
July 18th, 2011 at 9:47 am
Hope you feel better soon!!!! Hope you know how much you will be missed!
July 18th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Wishing you well. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us.
July 18th, 2011 at 9:55 am
So sad to see you go from cyberspace. I hope you heal and would love to catch up soon! I’ll miss your brilliant ideas!
July 18th, 2011 at 10:27 am
I come to your blog regularly for inspiration, motivation and to just escape to a place where everything is beautiful. I’ll miss it so much. Good luck to you and I hope to see you updating again in the near future! xoxo
July 18th, 2011 at 10:38 am
A quick note from one who has had a huge herniated disk for 7-plus years – and is pain and restriction free. Read a book that may change your life: “Healing Back Pain” by Dr. John E. Sarno. (Then read others by him for more info). You may recognize yourself in one of his case histories. Email me for more info if you desire. Also, consider the power of Hypnotherapy and Guided Imagery…best of luck to you.
July 18th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Good luck! It’s been a pleasure reading your blog but as someone who also has herniated discs, I completely understand your decision (and frustration). Good luck and I hope that healing begins soon!
July 18th, 2011 at 10:58 am
You will be sorely missed! Of course, we all know how hard it is to come to a decision like that, and totally support what you choose to do. You need to do what you need to do for yourself, and what’s best for you, Kathleen! I’ll be praying for your full health to come back to you asap, and all my best wishes always!
July 18th, 2011 at 11:00 am
You’ll be missed, but I hope the break will give you some time to rest and heal! Much love. xoxo
July 18th, 2011 at 11:06 am
Kathleen, I’ll really miss T & T and your incredible eye for design. Feel better! A few years back I took a one year break from everything (work, facebook, media, etc) due to a health crisis. I have to tell you, after the break I came back better than ever – you will too! Can’t wait to see what you do once you’re on the mend. Take care, and hope to meet one of these days, Anne
July 18th, 2011 at 11:52 am
Feel better Kathleen! Looking forward to when Twig & Thistle is up and running again
July 18th, 2011 at 11:59 am
You will be missed, Kathleen, and I can imagine how tough this decision must have been for you, but getting healthy is the most important thing. Take care of yourself, and hope you’re feeling back in tip top shape soon.
July 18th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Sending healing angels your way for a smooth recovery! We will be waiting for your return!!
July 18th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
All the best for a full recovery!
July 18th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Oh Kathleen, I’m so sorry your health needs your attention … I wish you love and light and speedy strength. You will be missed here, but I’ll keep following, so that one day, when you come back, I’ll know
xx
July 18th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
oh my! I will miss your amazing projects and inspiration, but the most important thing is your health!! My best wishes to you for a speedy recovery! We’ll all be anxiously awaiting your return.
July 18th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
get better soon, speedy recovery and we are all waiting for you to come back to blogging big hugs
July 18th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
So bummed to hear this news! I hope you heal—quickly at that! Your inspiration will be greatly missed in the blogosphere—hopefully, only temporarily.
July 18th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Oh no, I’m so incredibly sorry to hear this!! However, I’m so proud of you for listening to your body and doing what’s most important for your health! Don’t worry, we, your readers & friends will always be here! Sending much love your way! xo
July 18th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Wishing you the speediest of recoveries. My mom had to make a similar decision recently and transitioning from a full-time desk job to consulting so she could focus on her health has been the best thing for her. So good luck! And thanks for sharing one last beautiful project!
July 18th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
I only just discovered your little gem of a blog, but I will surely miss it! All the best for a speedy recovery! Take care
July 18th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
We will miss you! Hope you get better soon!
July 18th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
I wish you a very speedy recovery, and hope you’re blogging again real soon. I’ll miss your posts.
July 18th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Wishing for you a full recovery, quickly! All the best!
July 18th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Awww, I hope you feel better soon, and I hope you take all the time you need to heal. Your blog is one of my favorites, so rest rest rest but hurry back! ;o)
July 18th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your back problems & hope you recover fully. Your blog has been such a source of joy, breaking up my many tedious hours of studying. Thanks for so many wonderful project ideas, you have incredible style!
July 18th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I absolutely love your blog. I really hope you feel better soon. Until then, I’m going to miss your posts. You have such lovely pictures and insights. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
July 18th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Ohh Kathleen, you will be so missed! I hope you feel better and make your way back to the blog world in due time. You are so talented and your blog is a daily visit for me and I will really and truly miss reading and seeing everything that you share. One’s health is so important so put all your energy into getting better and come back soon. All the best to you and thanks for sharing so many wonderful things with us all.
Claire @ Gibson King
July 18th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Oh I will miss your blog! I completely understand though and hope you feel back to normal soon! – Lindy
July 18th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Your health is the most important thing in the world. Take some time to rest and heal and everyone will be waiting for you when you’re ready to return. Plus you have some of the most amazing archives on the net, there are so many projects for us to try in the meantime. Thanks for your wonderful blog and looking forward to you returning in tip-top shape! x
July 18th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Kathleen! I am glad to hear you’re okay and recovering from surgery. I hope you have a very well rested break – I was actually just thinking today about how burnt out I am with blogging and thought about taking a break. Not as long as yours, but I sort of need something. Anyway, I hope you’ll be back one of these days. You are an amazing blogger. Keep in touch friend!
July 19th, 2011 at 7:53 am
Heal well and return to us when you are ready. A break doesn’t have to mean the end. We’ll be here when you’r feeling healthy, again.
July 19th, 2011 at 7:56 am
a beautiful DIY! and best wishes on a quick recovery! your blog will be missed!!
July 19th, 2011 at 8:13 am
I love this project! Best wishes for speedy recovery. I’ll miss you, but will definitely hang around to keep an eye out for your return. Rest well. Thanks for the beautiful blog!
July 19th, 2011 at 8:30 am
I’m sad to see you go! Hope you are able to recover and heal!
July 19th, 2011 at 11:49 am
We will certainly miss the beauty and inspiration that you contribute to the blog world every day! Congrats, though, on the decision you have made — health and happiness should always be a priority.
Take care, and know that we’re all sending you good thoughts for speedy, easy, and complete recovery.
July 19th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
I’m so sorry you’re still not feeling quite like yourself, Kathleen. I’ll be praying you find the rest + relief your body needs. Get well soon! xo.
July 19th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
I will miss your blog! Best wishes for a quick recovery.
July 19th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
rest up & feel better – we will miss you & hope for a speedy recovery & return!!!
p.s. LOVE that blanket – may you enjoy many relaxing picnics on it!
July 19th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
We will miss you and your constant creative inspiration. Sending hugs for a full recovery. Hope to see you back here soon.
xxoo
carolyn
July 20th, 2011 at 5:35 am
I simply LOVE your blog!!
Sorry to hear about your health. Take all the time you need to heal properly and to get strong and we’ll be here ready and waiting when you feel able to return.
July 20th, 2011 at 9:01 am
Love this project and will miss your lovely posts! I’m wishing you a speedy recovery (and keeping you in my reader). xxoo
July 20th, 2011 at 10:12 am
Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery. Thank you for all of your spectacular posts and your willingness to share your ideas. Thanks again and best wishes.
July 20th, 2011 at 10:59 am
we will miss you and your wonderful projects and posts. hope you have a speedy and easy recovery. xoxo
July 20th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I am so sorry you are still suffering, but good for you to take time for you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Your blog is so beautiful, so I know you will be back someday!
July 20th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Hey Kathleen! I am so sorry to hear this. Please let me know if you need anything at all!
July 20th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Don’t say this is your final good-bye. Get well and everyone will be ready and waiting I’m sure once you are 100%!
July 21st, 2011 at 1:14 am
Sorry to hear about your health. I hope you get well soon. I’ve been addicted to your blog for quite some time now. Please do come back whenever you’re ready. I’ll be waiting. (^__^)
July 21st, 2011 at 7:20 am
we will miss you!
July 21st, 2011 at 8:08 am
You have been my FAVORITE DIY source for years now and while I am so sad to see you take a break, it is important and necessary. Feel better and come back soon! big hugs.
July 21st, 2011 at 10:27 am
I saw your blanket on Pinterest and made one myself. I wrote about it on my blog
July 21st, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Hi Kathleen! So sorry to hear about your surgeries! I wish you a healthy and speedy recovery.
Sending my best wishes and prayers your way.
xo
July 21st, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Have loved following your blogging for some time now – I will miss your writing. Blessings – I will pray for a quick recovery for you.
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:04 am
Hope you heal fast and feel better soon, this picnic project is so great! Thanks for all the comments you have made on my blog, I appreciate it. Take care!
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:26 pm
i love this idea! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
What type of paint did you use and how much did you need? My detail craving mind is in overload.
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Kathleen, so sorry to hear you’ve been unwell. I hope you recover quickly and wish you all the best for your future. I’ve really enjoyed your projects and articles.
Best wishes,
Madame Bonbon
July 23rd, 2011 at 4:24 pm
I wish I didn’t know how awful disk problems are, but taking a break from the computer really could help you heal faster than just about anything. You’ll be missed, but better to have you in tiptop shape. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
July 23rd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
I just recently found you, and I am enjoying your site so much I had to say hello & thank you. I hope you recover and want to come back again.
Thank you for all these goodies on here!!
July 24th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Oh, you will be missed in the blogosphere….hope your time off helps you to focus on your health, and that you have a speedy recovery!
July 25th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
your quick recovery is what we all want…so, yes, take your time. we’ll be here for you when you’re ready to come back (no pun intended!).
July 26th, 2011 at 8:26 am
Wishing you a speedy recovery! We’ll miss you!
July 26th, 2011 at 8:55 am
Sending well wishes your way! Thank you so much for yet another great idea – you will be missed.
July 26th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
So sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Take your time and heal and be well. You and your creative crisp ideas will be missed. God Bless and take good care!
July 26th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
I hope you are feeling better soon.
July 27th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Oh K! I’ll be sending you nothing but good vibes your way. Here’s to a fast and healthy recovery. Keep in touch! xoxo
July 29th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Thank you for your wonderful blog posts! Get well!
July 31st, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Rest easy and get well soon!
August 1st, 2011 at 9:12 pm
so sorry to hear that kathleen! hope you feel better soon. we’ll miss you in the blogosphere for sure.
August 4th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Aww, I hope you feel better and heal up fine! Love the chevron picnic blanket idea by the way =)
August 5th, 2011 at 7:53 am
I just discovered your blog, but I’m just as sad to see you go. My mom had a herniated disk 16 years ago after she fell off a ladder onto concrete. Two back surgeries later and she’s nearly back to her old form. She still does back stretches and found that acupuncture (surprisingly) helped the pain.
I know from watching her how painful a herniated disk can be, so I wish you good luck and good health in your recovery.
See you when you get back
August 8th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
A swift and full recovery to you . . . you will be missed.
August 9th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Oh no Kathleen! I just read this now and am sending you all sorts of good thoughts for quick healing and happy trails…wherever the road may lead you. You’ll be miss so much. xo Ez
August 11th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
oh no!!! Please get well soon and I’m so sorry to hear about your back! Take EXTRA good care of yourself and we’ll miss you terribly! Hope to see you back!
August 16th, 2011 at 5:39 am
Nice photos
Makes me want to spread out an that picnic blanket right now. Thank you so much for great idea – you will be missed. Sending well wishes your way!
August 18th, 2011 at 4:13 am
First, I love that picnic blanket idea and might have to try it out! i used to be craftier when i was younger and have really enjoyed your posts. (Now, I craft through baking…)
Best wishes to healing from your injury/ies and I do so hope to see you here again!
August 21st, 2011 at 2:47 am
Oh please feel better soon.
Must try it out. Such a cute idea.
August 22nd, 2011 at 9:23 pm
I would have never thought to paint a painting tarp, but what a perfect picnic blanket!! I have only just discovered your site, but I am wishing you full and speedy recovery. -Steph
September 1st, 2011 at 8:32 am
love everything you do!
September 5th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
This is such a great idea! I love the color you used, too. Thanks for sharing!
By the way, I just booked a wedding for 2012 and I’d love your input on which lens{es} I should consider purchasing!
http://lovelylittlenest.blogspot.com/2011/09/lens-help.html
Thanks!
Natalie
September 5th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
get well soon.!!! be back fast.
September 6th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
get will soon!
We will miss you~
September 13th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Kathleen, so sad to hear about your injuries. I hope you are on the mend and wish you a speedy return to us!
xoxo
September 17th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Hope you are doing better…- best wishes and lots of positive energy from Germany!
Chris
October 24th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
What kind of paint did you use?
May 27th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
sorry you are experiencing new physical challenges. I selfishly hope you will retain your email contact list and be back to say hello again soon. Prayers from so many of us !!!