Sunday, November 8, 2009

Carpenter Pencil Discovery




I highlighted part of the bottom center photo with color (click to enlarge) because it held some of our essentials:

  • metal strapping (which we later discarded)
  • new sharp tin snips for metal strapping and tin roof to come
  • drills and assorted bits
  • LOTS of sheet rock screws....
  • and, among other things, my favorite new discovery: a carpenter's pencil that has refillable, ever sharp lead! Striker is the brand I'm showing above, but Lowe's carry Swanson brand, which works on the same principle. The pencils run $2.50 - $3.00, including a supply of lead refills.Try one and tell me if you like it as much as I do.


    I bought a barn star to help me focus on the end product. This star from Pottery Barn is pricey @ 199.00, but you can find them a lot of places. I bought mine (a barn star with barb wire around it, also known as a Western Barn Star), at Hobby Lobby for $11.00 on a 50% sale. Yay! Anyone else have or like barn stars?

    14 comments:

    1. MadeliefNovember 8, 2009 at 5:26 AM

      Hi Janean,

      I don't think we have those kind of pencils over here in Holland. It sounds very handy! I like your barn star! I have my eye on a beautiful barn star made of paper. It was a bit expensive, so I left it in the store. The thing is...it just won't leave my mind! Quess I will just have to fetch it! Have a wonderful sunday!

      Lieve groet, Madelief

      ReplyDelete
    2. Karen November 8, 2009 at 5:58 AM

      I'm glad you didn't pay $199.99. I often wonder who spends that much on something readily available in so many other places. But only $11! What a bargain.

      Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. It's always fun when you discover a new blog.

      ReplyDelete
    3. AndreaNovember 8, 2009 at 6:55 AM

      Beautiful. I don't have one, but I love it.
      andrea

      ReplyDelete
    4. DarleneNovember 8, 2009 at 7:32 AM

      I can't believe people even pay that price for a barn star. Yours was a much better price!!!! I have three of them (that were a great price too) hanging above my breakfast bar.

      ReplyDelete
    5. Jess @ Frugal with a FlourishNovember 8, 2009 at 8:29 AM

      I love Hobby Lobby! That was a great deal!

      Thanks for stopping by my site the other day! I hope to see you around!

      ReplyDelete
    6. Susan McShannon-MonteithNovember 8, 2009 at 11:08 AM

      A perfect purchase at a reasonable price... just think of the money you saved to spend on something else too.
      Susan

      ReplyDelete
    7. Simple HomeNovember 8, 2009 at 12:20 PM

      I wish we had a Hobby Lobby around here, I see such great finds from there out in blogland.
      Blessings,
      Marcia

      ReplyDelete
    8. Farmgirl CynNovember 8, 2009 at 12:25 PM

      Can you believe folks actually shop at places like Pottery Barn? YIKES!
      The carpenters pencil of old is just an annoyance! Having to take a knife to sharpen it???

      ReplyDelete
    9. Moore MinutesNovember 8, 2009 at 1:16 PM

      I don't have any of the starts but I've seen them and just love how well they accent different places in people's home sweet homes! I can't believe the price difference between PB and other spots! Wow.

      ReplyDelete
    10. LuizaNovember 8, 2009 at 2:01 PM

      Hi, Janean!
      Thank´s for leaving a comment, when you came to visit me!
      One thing, that really makes me happy , is to inspire my visitors.I hope you found something that made you happy =).

      You made me happy by , by leaving a lovely comment.

      The star is amazing. Your blog is beautiful, with wonderful photos.

      Have a nice sunday!
      Luiza

      ReplyDelete
    11. Aprons Gone WildNovember 8, 2009 at 3:28 PM

      Hello Janean,
      Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog.
      We have a barn star that my hubby made for me about 15 years ago...long before they became so popular. It's 3 layered and painted in three different old colonial colors. It is weather beaten and chipped now, but of course, that makes me love it even more. I really enjoy seeing all the different varieties that are available now. Yours sounds delightful!
      It sounds like we have a lot in common. I think I am going to enjoy your blog.
      Take care,
      Joanne

      ReplyDelete
    12. T. Powell ColtrinNovember 8, 2009 at 4:53 PM

      Whew, I held my breath at the mention of $199. I have a patriotic metal star, does that count?

      ReplyDelete
    13. Draffin BearsNovember 8, 2009 at 6:17 PM

      Hi Janean,

      How wonderful that you have bought the Star for your barn.
      We do not have Hobby Lobby here, wished we did.


      Happy week
      Hugs
      Carolyn

      ReplyDelete
    14. AnonymousNovember 8, 2009 at 9:55 PM

      Hi -- I've yet to have a barn star--yet to have even a barn -- lol. We have the store Hobby Lobby near by. Well it's more in the way of 40 miles from where I live. But I've seen star there -- and love them. I have a guestion, what does it mean in having a big star on ones building -- is there a meaning and I've spaced it.. Kristeeen kandgough@gmail.com

      ReplyDelete

    I am so excited you are leaving a sweet comment! Thank you. ~Janean~