Meet Dixie the Rocking Horse

Introducing DIXIE, the sweetest little rocking horse we've ever met!  She's just had a makeover, and she's raring to go meet her new best friend!

When we first saw this poor little gem, she had been put on the shelf in critical condition.  She was cracked, dirty, sad and blue.  She called from her stall, and we heard her cry!

Since our newest Grandson will be arriving soon, we just knew Dixie would love to become his best friend!  So we took her home, gave her a bath with Dixie Belle Paint's White Lightening cleaner, and sanded out some rough spots.  Her body was dry and cracked, so we filled in the holes with Dixie Belle's Mud in white.  It took lots more sanding, a bit of glue, and a fresh coat of paint in Drop Cloth to see her sweet spirit begin to emerge.  We darkened her mane and her rails with Manatee Gray then drew in some details with Caviar (both by Dixie Belle - of course)!

She was looking so sweet and innocent, and feeling excited.  She whispered that she'd always wanted to be a Paint Horse....so we happily complied!  A blend of 5 or 6 forgotten colors gave us the perfect Paint Pony shade, and Dixie was off to the races!  She couldn't be happier, and neither could we!  She will meet her little sidekick sometime in May.  No doubt we will share that news with you all then!

So, if you'd like to make your own painted dreams come true, just ask us about Dixie Bell Paint!  We would love to help you enjoy the rewards of restoration.

It's been ages, my friends!  Life got in the way, but we are ready to return!  Watch this space for news, ideas and projects, and all things creative from Texas Eagle Gallery!

Here are a few photos of our latest projects, available for purchase at Jefferson Antique  Mall in Jefferson, Texas!

Possibilities!

I'm married to a true visionary!  This can be such a blessing....and can also drive me to madness!  I've never met anyone who can walk through Home Depot and find an alternate use for every single product on the shelves.  When asked if we need help, I usually just grin and say "no thanks" because explaining is way too complicated for my simple mind.

We've used plumbing fixtures for furniture, galvanized gutter for crown molding, cattle tanks for bathtubs, and on and on.  I plan to share more about the projects soon.  Today I'm remembering my introduction to "creative thinking" and recycling.....not to mention a life of crime!

Many, many years ago my dear hubby came home from work with a sparkle in his eye and a plan in his mind.  He'd seen a railroad cart in a trash dumpster and had to have it.  I was told to dress in black, put my hair inside a dark ball cap and join him for a ride.  We drove in the darkness to an industrial area, parked in a nearly empty lot and snuck inside an open fence.  He stealthily climbed into a huge dumpster and handed down a large dirty cart.  It was heavy and I was frightened, but exhilerated at the same time.  We quickly packed the treasure into the truck and headed home.   I didn't sleep much that night, partly from fear, and partly from the noise in his workshop.  By morning, he'd dismantled the cart into neat piles.  I was told this would soon be my new coffee table.  Hmmmmm.....not so sure about that one, pardner!

Within a few days the weathered wood had been sanded and stained.  The metal parts had been cleaned, primed and painted.  I wasn't so sure of the bright green and red, but like always, I trusted his artistic eye and keen sense of style.  This was the result:

This beauty now graces my living room and is such an amazing source of pride and memories.  It was our first "project" together, and set the tone for our future artistic adventures.  We've since built a new home and are still in the process of putting that personal touch into the final finishes.  I still value dear hubby's vision and eye for seeing the possibilities!

A Real Good Lookin' Stetson!

Today I'm featuring another of our Texas Zibbeteers:
                                Vintage Books

Richard has some unique and collectible items, including this vintage Stetson which appears to be in tip-top shape for a hat of it's age.  He's got lots of history on this hat too.  This shop is quite new, and is certainly an indication of the wonderful variety of goods you can find at Zibbet.  Please take a look around, and be sure to search using "zbtx" to find items from our Texas Team.  You'll be glad you did!