tapestries of nature

Altered Textiles

2012-02-03T13:37:00.000-06:00

Come on to my house.......

2012-01-26T21:39:00.000-06:00

As promised to so many of you local followers and customers, fellow dealers and friends, you are invited to the open house of The Soulful Sparrow House. Sunday, Jan 29, from 2-6p.m. is the date and time. Mary and I will be there to welcome you with a smile and a few refreshments, soooo, e-mail me if you need the address and directions. Hope to see there.

An over due post

2012-01-22T17:56:00.000-06:00

These are some photos of my lovely young friend, Abby, who volunteered to model some of the hats that I designed using pieces of cut up sweaters leftover from other projects.

The scarf that she is wearing here is fashioned from a tee shirt. Ditto the head band she is sporting in the next few pics down. If time allows, I will post these on my etsy site as they are for sale.

Soon I will post more shots of my new old house.

Grrrrrrrrr

2012-01-19T00:17:00.000-06:00

I recently got a new apple and have figured out how to upload my downloads, but not any of my photos. (help Mark) I wanted to post something else, but i was not getting any cooperation. Fortunately, Mary P. had sent me some pics of my new old house today, so at least I can post something!

Above is a pic of a dresser in the master B.D. (cool wall, no?) Below is a favorite shot of the kitchen.

2011-12-27T09:02:00.000-06:00

I'm a little late with this due to circumstances beyond my control, so from my house to yours, best wishes for the coming New Year.

I'M STILL HERE.........

2011-12-20T10:19:00.000-06:00

............Frantic like the rest of you, trying to get everything finished up for our holidays. Poor hubby is in the hospital recovering from major surgery with pneumonia as a complication. After more than a week, it looks like he is finally on the mend, it will just be slow going for him for awhile.

While running out of money for little luxuries for my new, old house, i decided to use what was on hand for the mudroom window. Sometimes it;s true that the best things in life are free! I love my "twig curtain". The beautiful fern was a freebie from my friend Janice 2 years ago. It was on her patio for the summer and come fall it was either me or the trash. To show it's appreciation for the rescue, it just keeps on growin'

The simple twig wreath is from a roadside harvest of larch branches from some very ancient, humongous trees. All that cost me was a few scratches and a stubbed toe! HA!

I'm signing off now as I must get back to work!

2011-12-09T21:20:00.000-06:00

Last week-end was the last Kane flea market until March. In a way I feel sad about that because many of my fellow vendors and customers have become very dear to me and I will miss the fun and camaraderie of our week-ends together. Through the years, something has happened that I did not expect to happen! I feel deep affection for many of these people and look forward to being around them. In a way we compete when we are vendors who sell next to each other or are in the same building and at times we might even step on each others toes, But it's not in a mean way and not intentional. For the most part we respect and look out for each other. I love that this has evolved in this way, so to this I have to say....."I love you guys and in your individual ways, you have contributed much to my life's experience. Thank you!"

I'M TRYING SO NOW...............

2011-12-08T19:38:00.000-06:00

.........................All of you good people who have been complaining about how little I have posted on my blog the past few years, can now do their part and leave some feedback! OK ???????????? KNOW WHAT I MEAN, HMM????????????? HUMOR ME TILL I GET BACK IN THE GROOVE, YA KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????

BTW, I have tried to leave comments on blogs, but blogger completely ignores me! GRRRRR! I feel like I'm being phased out.

BATH SHELF #2

2011-12-06T05:55:00.000-06:00

This is shelf #2 in what I like to call my British "loo". The ancient brackets holding up the drawer front shelf were found on top of a over flowing dumpster in the town of Burfurd in the Cotswold's of England. A 300 year old cottage was being gutted and the contents thrown away! I would have loved to see what was inside the dumpster, but told myself to just be content with these priceless treasures.

SEEN AT KANE FLEA MARKET

2011-12-05T07:57:00.000-06:00

British bath # 1

2011-11-28T19:00:00.000-06:00

My new old house is starting to shape up. Shown is one of the shelves over the tub. I love the way the bathroom has turned out. Perhaps it was a good thing that this room had to be gutted as I was able to start with a clean canvas and create a very British loo!

Cedar & 2nd is holiday ready

2011-11-18T20:46:00.000-06:00

Add caption

Photos by Mary Pierce

ON THE CHEAP

2011-11-06T07:58:00.000-06:00

From this.....................

To this. Simple and cheap way to improve ugly counter tops.

NOW THE FUN BEGINS

2011-10-25T07:38:00.000-05:00

Mary and I have just started placing furniture and fine tuning the look that we choose for this house. There are so many fun and unusual touches that we have come up with. These pictures are mearly the tip of the iceberg. We have many weeks of "fluffing " to do. We hope to have our open house the beginning of Dec. Stay tuned! Photos: Mary Pierce

2011-10-24T20:18:00.001-05:00

2011-10-24T20:08:00.000-05:00

HELP

2011-07-26T21:35:00.000-05:00

CAN ANYONE OUT THERE IN BLOG LAND TELL ME WHY I CAN NO LONGER VIEW WHO MY FOLLOWERS ARE? THAT SECTION HAS BEEN BLANK FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND I DO NOT KNOW WHY OR HOW TO FIX IT. ANY SUGGESTIONS WILL BE APPRECIATED.

Progress

2011-07-25T08:06:00.000-05:00

Janice K. and Mark surprised me on Sat. morning to lend a helping hand. Janice lined the drawers and cupboards that Mary had cleaned the day before. Mark finished removing old wall paper in master bedroom. Don't I have the best friends in the world?

2011-07-25T07:58:00.000-05:00

Sorry bloggers, I have not figured out this new blogger format, so everything is going to be back words for this post. This was supposed to be the last picture to show what was underneath several layers of old wallpaper in the master bedroom. IS THIS COOL OR WHAT?!!!! This was what is left of a 1920s coat of paint over the plaster wall. Love it!

In some areas, the first layer of wallpaper wanted to stay put, so I will let it stay where it wants to be. After some fine tuning and a little sanding, I will put a clear coat of sealer on the walls and will enjoy this unique look.

This little hole is what started the whole thing. I saw a little glimpse of blue and just had to see what it was. And a few minutes later.................

The next photo is of Mary P. peeling layers of paint off a plaster wall in the kitchen. We are also thinking about making that be an accent wall.

I will be taking many more pictures in the coming days. There is a lot going on.

2011-07-25T07:17:00.000-05:00

Mark K. working on master bedroon wall

THIS IS MINE, ALL MINE!

2011-07-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

Last April, Mary and I went house hunting, more out of curiosity than anything else. The houses we requested to see were all vacant and repossed. All needed lots of TLC, and some lots more than others! This particular house seemed to smile at me when I entered the door. When I looked beyond the grime and the areas of neglect, what I saw was a home, a cheery home with a great layout and good bones. I kind of get this feeling when I visit animal shelters. The animals, through no fault of their own looking unkempt and desperate, but displaying good bones and lots of potential for those ready for commitment, loads of elbow grease, and of course love. Lots of love!

I tried real hard to put this feeling aside, but after a few days of talking to myself and saying "DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!", I called the realtor with an offer that was really ridiculous, thinking that after being rejected, I could just put this little temptation aside and carry on! I'm sure by now you can guess what happened. The next day I received a call that said "congratulations! You are the winner! Despite the fact that the process moved at a snails pace, I am glad that this old house is now mine. Cause I have plans! And those plans include others! (more on that later)

Through all of this, my friends have cheered me on and encouraged me to be patient. And Mary has already rolled up her sleeves in a huge way and delved right in! Man can that girl get things done! Despite being in a house that has been closed up for 6 months, 100 degree heat and no air, she is a marvel.

So through this whole process, I will be showing before, during, and after pics. I am so fortunate to have the best of help and the greatest talent in the design and idea business that one girl could have. And surprising things have already happened, so stay tuned.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" you asked......

2011-05-24T20:15:00.020-05:00

It's more about what I've been doing............. Mary and I celebrated our first year anniversary of forming a business partnership at the shop located at Cedar & 2ND Ave in St. Charles, Il. We had a sale going all day long and served refreshments. Mary was the chef, cooking sish-ka-bobs on a tiny little grill. (Look at that smile! I think she enjoyed herself!) This was Mary's invite to one and all! An effective promise of good things inside.

And on the inside.........A new jewelry idea! Tiny buttons representing a bouquet in a "vase" thimble. The miniature mannequin was found in Kentucky.

Leather chokers with vintage and orphaned jewelry adornments.

Another leather coin purse necklace. ( I cannot keep these in stock!) This one has a cowboy theme.

Madelaine the mannequin, covered in coffee dyed fabric pins. (Thanks, Mindy Sue!)

An old, rusty, flue damper with an old clock face. Battery operated and keeps excellent time!

French garden tote.

Altered hankie drawers.

Embellished old books.

Screen printed old suitcase.

Embellished baskets. Check out the old, rusty rake head fitted with a vintage floor lamp handle! (see also vertical yardstick blinds)

Ripped muslin and lace hanging lamp. (I have plans for this but it MUST be a big secret for now!)

If ya can't beat em, let them be crooked!

A face lift for an old bar stool. A good place to park your bum!

Our ever changing chalkboard wall behind our check out counter.

Mary's popular message bottles and hand lettered lamp shade.

I really would LOVE to hand deliver this valise!

LINE EM UP

2011-05-01T02:42:00.007-05:00

Those are the words that are heard on Saturday mornings when vendors line up to be part of the monthly Kane Co. flea market in St. Charles, Il. One sees all manner of vehicles lined up and ready to go! This vendor, however, caused quite a stir yesterday, when he arrived. He knew exactly how he wanted his booth to look and what it would take to achieve that effect. Not being able to make two trips with his wares, he, quite literally, went over the top! This is Mark, an upcoming and amazing designer who is also a friend. Sadly, I was not able to see the finished result as I had to set up my own space. However, I am sure that he will be posting his own photos on his blog, Room 363.blogspot.com.

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS!!!!!!! He confessed that when he ran out of rope, he "borrowed" some gros grain ribbon to tie up this package! It was hilarious! One can only speculate as to the reaction of other drivers who were on the road at that time of the morning! ( Kind of reminds me of "Sanford & Son", only these wares were better.)

And this is Denise's idea of 'line em up" at the end of a hard day of selling at Kane! A group of us sometimes get together and have dinner on that Sat. evening. We "de-stress" and enjoy the lively banter that takes place. (We missed you Mindy!) AND YES, THESE REALLY WERE ALL DENISE'S!

THE POSH PICKERS

2011-04-18T20:32:00.013-05:00

That's what we decided to call ourselves on this trip cause we were pickin' for the posh stuff. Well, if you happen to agree with chippy, rusty, metal and posh junk, then you know where we're at! This is me, Wed. A. M., all packed and ready to roll in these comfy shoes.Our very first stop. Isn't Janice a doll!

Now that's concentration!

Crossing into Kentucky. The whole trip, I rode shotgun and did what I was told!

Yea-Haaa!

Beautiful! Notice how much greener it is than in Il.

This is three days worth of snuffling out antique shops! While fun, It' very time consuming. Also, most of the shops we found had wares from 30 years ago, but we did manage to buy most of the wire, metal and white stuff that they had to offer.

On Sunday, we set up to sell at the first antique show in Burlington, Kentucky. Thankfully the sun was out and the day was pleasant, but windy. Janice and I were pretty possessive about the treasures we worked so hard to find, hence we were stubborn about our prices. We really didn't want to sell much here, instead we wanted to save most of it for our people in Il. We took turns shopping and JUST managed to squeeze more into her van! More great stuff for home!

Home, Sunday evening!

In another post, there will be pictures and tales of our favorite town in Indiana and the sweet dealers we met there.

P.S. Mindy, we were like Thelma and Louise! We tore up the miles, screeched into every mall we saw, intimidated every and all, (especially Janice) power shopped, (especially Janice, she was always waiting for me), and we did all this with no weapons! HA!

Rosemary, we looked and looked for that french carved cupboard you wanted. We would have taken a picture of it for you, but we didn't see even one! So sorry!

P.S.S. There were some really hilarious moments on this trip! You would really have had to be there to appreciate the levity. So if you 're interested in hearing the stories, just mention the words "fire station"and "flying money" the next time you see us!

GRRRRRRRRRRRR

2011-04-13T05:57:00.002-05:00

Greys Lake was wonderful, great time with friends and the weather was warm and sunny. The GRRRRRR! part is because this was the only photo I was able to download. I really think I'm going to have to break down and get a new computer! My good pal, Janice K. and I are leaving this morning for a road trip. We're headed for Kentucky, and for the next five days we will go where ever our little hearts desire! YEH-HAH! We're leaving town with an empty van and hopefully coming home with a full one! We might also stop and shop, perhaps even sell, at the Burlington,Kentucky antique and flea, the first one of the season, on Sunday. So, will see ya'll later, and hopefully by than, I can download more pictures. Now I just have to hope that Janice K. behaves!

GRAYS LAKE

2011-04-08T20:31:00.004-05:00

Now that my computer is up and running again, I'm back in the blogging world. I'm going to be sharing a space at Grays lake Flea Market this week-end with two great buddies of mine, Janice K. and Paper Pattie. I've been making some bird cages lately out of wire, orphan parts from lamps and such, and old silver plate or baking pans for the base. They created a lot of interest at Kane Flea Market so I made more. So we hope you stop by and say "HI". And if my computer continues to behave, I will be back soon.

BUG STUFF

2011-03-27T21:08:00.012-05:00

I've been carrying these pictures around in my camera for a week or so and this is the first opportunity I've had to post them. As you will see, my photography skills have still not improved, but what the hay! Right now it's not my priority! This is a butt's eye view of my first bumble bee. ( the front view will appear in the next couple of frames because i messed up on the sequence) It kinda looks like he's loosing his underpants! LOL! This is the chalk wall behind the purchase counter at the shop.

Meet Mr. Fly. he is not showing his butt!

Front view of the bumble bee.

I love this clock! I made it out of an old, rusty, wagon(?) wheel and shabby clock face. It works!

Embellished book covers.

A white spider resting under some alluring mushrooms.Next week-end is Kane Flea Market and I can't wait to show you what I've been working on for it. So till next time, blogger buddies, stay safe and keep well.

SPRING CLEANING

2011-03-16T06:25:00.007-05:00

Just a quick post before I delete most of the pictures from my camera. The storage is full and I need to "clean house" before I can take any more pictures. Spring cleaning has arrived, starting with my camera! (BTW, THE ROBINS HAVE RETURNED! A SURE SIGN OF SPRING, AT LAST!) This dress form was a commissioned piece. I took it to Kane for the customer but it turned out that it had to be picked up at the Greyslake Show. Not a problem as I acquired two more commissions which I need to start working on. The body of the form was a wicker bust which I covered with paper mache and embellished with white burlap. The "skirt" is an old,tall tomato cage.

Sold lots of fabric mushrooms.

Skirted stool sold.

This is a primitive wood box to which I added lengths of wire to make a fun place to store books. Note the box was a favorite place for my fabric spiders!

If you squint really hard, you can see the last two of the paper feathers that were recently featured on a blog tutorial. Sorry all, I really need to work on the quality of my photos. I promise to do that soon. (See Janice! I hear ya!)

AND ALONG CAME A SPIDER......

2011-02-28T11:13:00.007-06:00

Well, several spiders actually! They are great lamp shade and bulletin board buddies. Hand stitched from old wools ,linens, and Victorian beads in some cases. Their legs are made out of old millinery wire, which are wrapped in silk threads. I saw some spiders on the web somewhere, that were very much like these, so I am not taking credit for this particular design. They are my take on my memories of what I saw.

Stay tuned as I can't wait to post about the insects that I am presently working on!

MUSHROOMS OR TOAD STOOLS?

2011-02-24T20:36:00.008-06:00

I really don't know the answer to that. I don't think it matters. Since I've started making the birds, my mind has been filled with thoughts of woods and forests and the flora and fauna that thrive there. Who knows where this run will take me. I'm just going to go with it!

A BRITISH ROBIN

2011-02-22T18:47:00.006-06:00

During one of my holidays in England, I remember asking the owner of the cottage that I was renting, what that sweet little bird with the red breast was. Her reply was that it was a robin. I sort of questioned her on her answer because it sure didn't look like any robin that I was familiar with! Turns out is was a robin common to the British Isles. Much smaller than our American Robins, kind of the size of our sparrows, but a trifle plumper. Since I have been on this bird sculpture kick, I decided to make one

This is my version, made with vintage wool, linen, and bark cloth. I'm not trying to be perfect with my sculptures, but rather a primitive, unstructured look. I love "painting" with bits of fabric and thread to add a ragged sort of detail that becomes humorous.

AND THE FLOCK GROWS.........

2011-02-16T08:38:00.009-06:00

........To include some sparrows. I'm really lovin' these projects! It can take a whole day (which I rarely have) to make just one bird as everything is done by hand. But I'm having a great time.

I FEEL OWLY.......

2011-02-11T08:49:00.007-06:00

I'm a sucker when it comes to how-to and craft books. I have hundreds, most of which will not fit in this lawyers case. Right now my very favorite is.......This one!!!!!!! It's full of patterns and helpful techniques on fabric bird sculptures. I will now have something worthy to make with my stash of vintage wools and ticking's.

These three owls are my first attempts. While very time consuming, the projects are also fun. It's very satisfying to see their personalities emerge. These guys still need some fine tuning, but very good practice for me none the less.

OOPS, REDUNDANT!

Just a reminder! If you print out this page and take it to the Antiques & Collectibles Market at Grayslake this Feb. 12 & 13, you and everyone in you party will receive 1/2 off of the entry fee, courtesy of Zurko Promotion! What a deal! Don't miss out on this great market! You can't afford not to attend!

THE BLIZZARD OF 2011

2011-02-03T08:35:00.006-06:00

This drift, at the front of my house, is shoulder high!

Front of house window. I think most of the snow on our block ended up in our yard.

Side of house!

The walls of the patio are almost waist high. Enough said!

INDUSTRIAL COMES TO THE SHOP

2011-02-02T20:22:00.008-06:00

BEFORE I TALK ABOUT THE SHOP, I WANT TO REMIND EVERY ONE WHO READS THIS POST THAT IF THEY PRINT IT OUT AND BRING IT TO THE ST. CHARLES, IL. DUPAGE EXPO ANTIQUE SHOW, ACROSS FROM THE PHEASANT RUN RESORT, THEY WILL GET 1/2 OFF THE PRICE OF ADMISSION FOR EVERYONE IN THEIR PARTY. THANKS TO ZURKO PROMOTIONS, WHO ARE WILLING TO DO THIS FOR THEIR PATRONS. THE SHOW STARTS A 11.00 AM ON SAT. FEB. 5th AND LASTS THROUGH FEB. 6th. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! BE SURE AND STOP BY AND SAY "HI" TO JUDY, JANICE AND PAPER PATTY!.............Recently, Mary found some really cool industrial stuff from a factory in Elgin that was going to be demolished. Check out the neat truck (dollie?), industrial stools and other finds. Since we pride ourselves on the one of a kind and eclectic, we put together a large display right in the middle of the front room. It is awesome!We put a huge metal shipping trunk to good use. Check out Mary's chalk board globe. What a great way to leave messages!

Last fall, when I was a vendor at the Junk Bonanza in Minn. The promoter, Ki, passed out these really neat canvas bags. I loved the graphics on the bag and decided to give it more prominence. It made a perfect cushion for this footstool.

JUNK IN A JAR

2011-01-22T21:33:00.007-06:00

I recently acquired a box of rusty tools, drill bits, springs, bolts, nails, chain and stuff I cannot identify. What can i say? I love stuff like this! It usually sits in the box for years, even though I sort through it once in a while while looking for a certain part for a current project. I also have a lot of jars that are missing their lids. Longing for the scent of spring, (ie: damp earth, moss, and greenery) I made up a few nature jars. If I were a wee, tiny, forest critter, I could picture myself happily living in one of these jars.This one has drill bits, a long spring that I shaped into an arch, rusty chain, moss, plants, and a cement pair of white snuggle bunnies.

This is an old, glass, peanut butter jar. It contains moss, plants, contorted hazelnut branches, square nails and a cement nest w/eggs. I will probably be taking these to the next Dupage Expo show, in St. Charles Il. to be held on Feb. 5th & 6th.

BY THE WAY!!!! IF YOU PRINT OFF THIS PAGE AND TAKE IT TO THIS SHOW, IT WILL EARN YOU 1/2 OFF THE ENTRY FEE FOR YOURSELF AND EVERYONE IN YOUR PARTY. IT IS TAPESTRIES OF NATURE'S AND ZURKO PROMOTIONS WAY OF SAYING "HAPPY NEW YEAR AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT".

FRIENDS & STUFF

2011-01-04T08:57:00.011-06:00

New Years day found a lot of my dealer/friends and myself starting out doing an antique show at the Dupage Expo Center of Pheasant Run. Diane, Janice, and Paper Patty are all talented designers and display artists. Neighbor Jo Marie with her handmade vintage lace wreath and other vintage goodies.

One of my nature jars w/cast iron lamp stand top.

Some cement toadstools that I had cast in soil and moss.

STUFF....

...AND MORE STUFF!

Diane's lovely display.

And some of Diane's Butterfly apothecary jars and terrariums.

One of Janice's beautiful displays........

.....and Paper Pattie's wonderful vintage prints and special valentine hearts. There was definitely a nature theme going on with us!

THE SHOP AT CEDAR AND SECOND

2010-12-28T07:45:00.011-06:00

The shop has been decked out for the holidays since the first week in November. Mary and I will be working on putting Christmas items away and concentrating on Valentines day and then looking forward to our spring displays. When you're in retail, you have to be weeks ahead of the next holiday or event. It's a lot of work to change one's shop around, but it is also nice to create a whole new atmosphere. This antique rocking horse of Mary's generated a lot of interest. It's very unusual and probably one of a kind. Nature always plays a major role in the shop as does re purposed handmades.

I will be bringing a few of these sweater wreaths to the Dupage Expo show in St. Charles, Il. Jan 1 & 2. I've held a few aside just for this show as they have been selling as soon as I put them out. Ever year I do some wreaths in white tones using strips of cloth, lace, old wool blankets, and pieces of felted sweaters. This year, fabric and wool flowers were fun for me to do and a terrific way to use up those smaller bits of sweater wool. Every month, when I do a show, I bring things that I have made that have not been shown before. It keeps things interesting! However, this will be the third show that will have these wreaths.

Mary painted this wonderful chalk board/coat rack out of a foot board and door knobs. Love, love, love it!

HAPPINESS IS....

2010-12-27T12:15:00.004-06:00

...spending time with my two darling grandaughters, Alice, shown here sporting shades and a very chocloate smile which will be more evident in the next picture.

and baby Abigale, who is now 6 months old. I snapped these pictures yesterday evening as they were getting ready to return home after several fun and noisy hours spent at Nana"s house!

I'M ALWAYS CUTTIN UP...

2010-12-16T17:07:00.003-06:00

...on old sweaters! After the scarves, pillows, hand warmers and/or hats are created from felted sweaters, there are still lots of bits left of some really fine knit fabric. The base of this wreath is straw, which makes it really easy to pin the flowers into if you don't want to use glue.

I'VE BEEN HAVING FUN.........

2010-12-15T19:55:00.007-06:00

........Making things for my shop. I love how these garlands turned out! At a thrift store I found a huge box of manilla folders. After cutting them down to size, i was able to run them through my printer, printing on both sides, and cut out my figures. The great thing about manilla file folders is that they seem to be a tad stronger than card stock and already have a cream color. So far I have only designed an angel and a dove, but have other designs in mind.

Also, adorning plain, down pillows with crochet and fabric flowers and leaves. I love how childlike and naive they look. They seem to be appealing to ladies of all ages.

JUNK BONANZA: PART 2

2010-09-24T18:45:00.008-05:00

THIS VENDOR WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES! THEY HAD A LOT OF INDUSTRIAL JUNK THAT THEY MADE INTO HIGH ART. THEIR DISPLAY WAS OUTSTANDING! THEY PUT UP THE "BONES" OF THEIR CANOPY, BUT DRAPED NETTING AND SHEETS OF TIN FOR THEIR CEILING, NOT TOTALLY COVERED, BUT ENOUGH TO PRODUCE THE "FEEL" THAT THEY WANTED. NOT ONLY WERE THEY TALENTED, THEY WERE A VERY SWEET COUPLE.

THESE MOUNTED GEARS AND WHEELS FLEW OUT THE DOOR FOR THEM.

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WONDERFUL HANGING LAMP.

A CLEVER USE OF SPINDLES. ANOTHER GREAT LAMP. I STILL HAVE A LOT MORE PHOTOS OF THE SHOW, BUT SINCE I'M DOING ELKHORN, WISC. THIS WEEK END, I PROBABLY WON'T POST TILL MONDAY. HAVE A GREAT WEEK END!

I JUST GOT BACK FROM "THE" PLACE TO BE

2010-09-23T20:11:00.011-05:00

THE JUNK BONANZA, SEPT. 16-18, IN SHAKOPEE, MN. HAD THE MOST TALENTED VENDORS, UNDER ONE ROOF, (well, three roofs really) AS I HAVE EVER SEEN! 120 OF THEM TO BE EXACT, AND MY BUD JANICE K. AND MYSELF WERE PART OF THAT FIGURE! WOW! WE WERE SIMPLY BLOWN AWAY, AWESTRUCK AND SPEECHLESS! (well, almost) A SIMPLY SUPER FANTABULOUS SHOW! OVER TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE SHOPPED THEIR LITTLE HEARTS AWAY AND I AM SO HAPPY THAT I WAS THERE! JANICE AND I LEFT ON TUESDAY, @6.00 am TO MAKE THE 7 HR. TRIP, WITH TIME FOR SHOPPING STOPS ALONG THE WAY, OF COURSE. I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT THERE WAS NO PUSHING AND SHOVING WHILE SHOPPING THIS TIME. WE AGREED THAT WE WERE TO BE ON OUR BEST BEHAVIOR! ON WEDNESDAY, SET UP DAY, WE ARRIVED EARLY, RARING TO GO. DESPITE THE FACT THAT I RAN INTO A METAL ROAD BARRIER WHEN WE ARRIVED ON THE GROUNDS, THINGS WENT FAIRLY SMOOTHLY. AFTER MUCH LAUGHTER AND TEASING FROM JANICE, WE DECIDED THAT IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT MY AIRBAG HAD NOT INFLATED , NO REAL DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE, AND NO ELSE HAD WITNESSED THE INCIDENT. WHEN WE CHECKED IN, HOWEVER, I KNOCKED SOME ONE'S COFFEE CUP OVER AND RUINED A BRAND NEW , CLEAN TABLE COVER. LET ME TELL YOU THAT THE STAFF WAS NOT PLEASED BUT VERY GRACIOUS ABOUT THE INCIDENT. AS I SCURRIED AWAY, I BELIEVE JANICE MUMBLED SOMETHING ABOUT ME NOT GETTING OUT VERY MUCH! THE REST OF THE DAY WAS SPENT SETTING UP OUR TINY 10X12 SPACE AND WAS UNEVENTFUL............................................................BTW, many of you might remember a past blog, labeled "road kill", when i showed what i had found on the side of the road, but hadn't decided what to do with it. Well, at the last minute i made an owl earring holder out of it and it was one of the first things that sold to dealer in Florida.

WE TOOK MANY PHOTOS OF OUR BOOTH, BUT MOST OF THEM CAME OUT TO DARK AS "SOMEONE" HAD NOT HAD THE FLASH ON! I POSTED A FEW OF THEM, AND WILL ADD MORE OF THE WHOLE SHOW IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO.

AREN'T JANICE'S SILK QUILT PUMPKINS ADORABLE!

MORE FEED DOG TALES (no pun intended)

2010-07-28T09:38:00.003-05:00

I still have not had my sewing machine's feed dog repaired! I simply can't be without it right now! So, how did you sew these pillows together, one might ask? Well, since I am now in charge of which way the needle goes, how fast and how many stitches per inch, it can still be done. It's not as easy, but still possible. I am truly having fun with these and will have more to show at a later date. For now, I am pulling things together for the Kane Co. Flea this week end and am also trying to create things for the Junk Bonanza Show in Sept. This summer is not only flying by, it has also been super busy!

A LITTLE GARDEN GRUNGE

2010-07-22T10:32:00.009-05:00

IN MY SHOP, THERE IS A SIDE PORCH THAT IS GLASSED IN AND THE PERFECT PLACE TO HAVE A GARDEN ROOM. IT'S FULL OF "GARDEN GRUNGE" AND I LOVE IT! IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE FOR ALL OF THE JUNK THAT MARY AND I FIND AND RE PURPOSE. IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY AT THIS PICTURE, YOU WILL SEE LOTS OF YARDSTICKS HANGING VERTICALLY. (not a good pic. i'll have to take a better one.) I HAD LOADS OF OLD YARDSTICKS THAT I WON AT AN AUCTION, SO THEY BECAME OUR "VERTICAL BLINDS" AND THERE WAS ENOUGH TO HANG FROM FOUR OF THE LARGER WINDOWS THAT OVER LOOK A" kind of" GARDEN.AN OLD GRUNGY WINDOW SCREEN FOUND AT AN ABANDONED HOUSE.

AN OLD FUNNEL IS NOW A HANGING LAMPSHADE. ( I HAVE LOTS MORE THAT I AM MAKING FOR THE JUNK BONANZA IN SEPT.)

A BIRD HOUSE MADE FROM AN OLD WOODEN BOX WITH A HINGED LID. PERFECT WHEN THE HOUSES NEED TO BE CLEANED IN THE FALL.

A RESALE FIND! REPAINTED AND A FABRIC AND LACE COLLAGE DONE FOR THE SEATS. ( don't fall in love with these, they sold yesterday!)

WE STORE OUR OLD LAMPSHADES ATOP ONE OF DISPLAY SHELFS. WE OFTEN HAVE TO TELL CUSTOMERS THAT THEY ARE NOT FOR SALE YET!

ALLIE AND ABBY

2010-07-07T07:50:00.007-05:00

HERE'S THE NEW LOVE IN MY LIFE, BABY ABBY. WHAT CAN I SAY EXCEPT THAT SHE HAS STOLE MY HEART JUST LIKE HER BIG SISTER ALICE HAS.

BIG SISTER ALICE WAITING TO HOLD HER BABY SISTER, ABBY.

BABY SISTER ABBY ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE!

IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF THE FEED-DOG

2010-07-01T06:51:00.005-05:00

As if life isn't hectic enough, (daughter had her second baby, Abby, the day after I returned from England, (jet lagged Nana gleefully spent 2 days with active 2 year old.) but more on that later.) I'm getting ready to do the Kane flea market this week-end and needed my sewing machine. Just for straight stitching, nothing fancy, and my feed-dog decides to break! Well, not wanting to be totally defeated and wanting to try free motion stitching anyway, I grabbed some linen napkins from my stash and thought, why not! Here's the result. four linen birdie napkins. I like them and they are fun to do. So, until I get my machine into the repair shop, free-motion stitching it will be!

I TRIED........

2010-06-30T07:00:00.004-05:00

I'M BACK FROM MY HOLIDAY IN ENGLAND AND FOUND LOTS OF GREAT STUFF. BUT...........NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I MEASURED THESE SHABBY LOVELIES, I COULD NOT GET THEM TO FIT INTO MY SUIT CASES. I HAD TO PASS THEM UP. THERE WERE FOUR OF THEM! NOW, HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU FIND A SET OF FOUR? SHUCKS! OH WELL! GEE WHIZ...................I'M STILL DEALING WITH JET LAG, SO SUFFICE IT TO SAY THAT IT WAS ANOTHER GREAT TRIP AND WILL POST MORE ON THAT SOON.

I'VE BEEN SO BAD....

2010-05-30T13:25:00.003-05:00

..........ABOUT BLOGGING! IT HAS JUST BEEN CRAZY BUSY! BETWEEN ALL THE SHOWS AND MAKING THINGS, AND KEEPING THE SHOP FULL, AND.....LIFE! WELL, ALL I CAN SAY IS SORRY. AND NOW, IN JUST 29 MINUTES, I LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT TO BOARD A BIG AIRPLANE THAT IS GOING TO TAKE ME ACROSS THE POND TO HOLIDAY IN ENGLAND FOR THREE WEEKS.IF IT WEREN'T FOR THIS GAL, MARY, I WOULD NOT HAVE MADE IT. SHE IS GREAT, AND WE HAVE VERY SIMILAR TASTES. BTW, THIS IS OUR NEW SHOP SIGN. I BOUGHT AN OLD HEADBOARD AND MARY TRANSFORMED IT INTO THIS WONDERFUL SIGN. SHE WILL ALSO KEEP THINGS RUNNING SMOOTHLY WHILE I'M GONE. THANKS, MARY.

SINCE I HAVE NOT BEEN BLOGGING LATELY, AND WILL PROBABLY NOT BE ABLE TO FOR ANOTHER THREE WEEKS, I DECIDED TO CONTINUE THE GIVE-AWAY UNTIL I GET BACK. SO, ALL YOU LOVELY BLOGGERS, I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO CATCHING UP WITH ALL OF YOU SOON. TOOTLES!

AND NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN.........

2010-05-07T20:51:00.002-05:00

THESE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS POST! THESE ARE SOME TEENY, DARLING LITTLE QUAIL EGGS THAT WERE GIFTED TO ME BY CHRIS. SHE KNOWS HOW MUCH I LOVE NESTS AND BIRDS AND WAS GENEROUS ENOUGH TO SHARE THESE WITH ME! THANK YOU, CHRIS. I LOVE THESE ADORABLE LITTLE THINGS.

KANE FLEA MARKET...ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW!!!!!!!!

2010-05-07T19:41:00.009-05:00

LAST WEEK-END WAS KANE AND IT WAS SUPER FANTABULOUS!!!!! It just keeps on getting better and better! All of my dealer friends were there and some dealers that I've know for a long time but had lost touch with. One of those dealers that was new to Kane this month was JO MARIE. SHE HAD GREAT STUFF AND WAS BLOWN AWAY BY HER SALES. JOE USED TO SELL OUT OF AN OLD BARN AND A LOT OF HER CUSTOMERS FOUND HER AGAIN AT KANE AND WERE OVER JOYED AND SHOWED IT! My sales were like wise amazing and I also get to visit with customers, some new and some that I've known for a long time, and let me tell you, they are all dear people!.....................I bought this great old tin picnic basket from DIANE P. She said when she bought it she thought of me. it is the greatest piece and, for now a keeper! Someone, years ago, embellished this beauty with crochet thin rope. THANK YOU, DIANE.

Shown here is a beautiful bevy of tiny bottles that once contained essential oils. Mostly rose and florals, and they still retain the most wonderful, faint fragrance that makes you feel happy! These were from my friend, JANICE K. She also was delighted with the response that she received at Kane. Way to go, JANICE, you sweet girl! These will probably be made into necklaces somewhere down the road.

And last, but not least, is this wonderful vintage lace that was gifted to me by the sweet Lynn B. Since she makes such fantastic pillows and adornments, her gift was so generous, because she uses lace like this in her designs! You have to see her talent @ www.teacupstitches.blogspot.com. Thank you Lynn! It was so nice to visit with you

A GIVE-AWAY AND A BIG THANK YOU

2010-05-01T20:01:00.005-05:00

First of all, I want to thank all of you sweeties out there that helped me to figure out how to delete comments. The trash can was right there, waiting to be used! how easy is that?! So, thank you for being so kind with your advice.....Then i want to give away this wonderful book by Sandra Evertson. With paper flowers being so popular right now, I thought someone might be interested in learning how to make some of the amazing paper flowers in this book. There are 125 pages full of patterns and instructions. All you have to do is leave comments! the drawing is right after Mothers Day. As usual, for every comment, there is a tag made out with your name on it. And for you sweet gals that pointed out to me how to delete comments, you already have 3 slips with your name on it!AREN'T THESE AMAZING!

THEY'RE PAPER FOR GOODNESS SAKES!

KANE CO. FLEA MARKET WAS BUSY AND BUSTLING TODAY! I'M BRINGING A FEW MORE THINGS FOR TOMORROW AND THEN I WILL START WORKING ON ANOTHER GARDEN SHOW THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN OAKBROOK, IL. ON MAY 22nd. (DETAILS IN ANOTHER UPCOMING POST.) ALSO, IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, I JUST HAVE TO SHOW YOU WHAT I BOUGHT FROM 2 OF MY DEALER FRIENDS AND SOMETHING THAT WAS GIFTED TO ME BY A VERY SWEET AND TALENTED LADY! SO, STAYED TUNED AND GET THOSE COMMENTS ROLLIN' IN!

H.E.L.P.

2010-04-29T19:49:00.002-05:00

I AM GOING TO DO A REGULAR POST TOMORROW, WITH A GIVE AWAY, BUT FOR NOW I NEED HELP! ONCE IN A WHILE I GET THESE FUNKY COMMENTS ON A POST THAT ARE ALL JUST BOXES AND SOME OTHER STUPID SYMBOLS. I REALLY DON'T GET IT! IT'S SUCH A SMARMY THING TO DO!

MY PROBLEM IS ...HOW DOES ONE DELETE JUST ONE COMMENT, OR BETTER YET, BLOCK THESE IDIOTS FROM EVER READING ANOTHER POST! I KNOW HOW TO DO A LOT OF THINGS, BUT EASILY CRUISING AROUND THE INTERNET IS NOT ONE OF THEM! IF ANY OF YOU ALL HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

MANY, MANY THANKS.

I SAID I WOULD SO............

2010-04-23T06:34:00.007-05:00

I've uploaded a few photos of my set-up at the Ice House Mall in Barrington, IL, that runs thru Sunday. I wouldn't say there were record crowds on Thursday, but it was steady all day. For me, cloches, plants, silver plate and my nature pillow covers seemed to be popular. With misc. this and that of course. So......... if anyone lives close by, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the offerings at the Ice House. Also, there are many upscale retail shops there that have great merchandise. Gotta run now....be back in a few!

This is a last minute little thing. I wanted to make a nest wind chime, and I couldn't find my rusty old keys, so I used some rusty old belt buckles instead. Surprisingly, the sound they make is really pleasant!

BACK BY POPULAR REQUEST......

2010-04-21T07:31:00.009-05:00

........JUST KIDDING! (though I have had some e-mails from blog friends who wondered if I was o.k.) Anyway, I wasn't going to post these pictures because they were taken quickly and did not turn out to well, but then it occurred to me that my blog friends are used to my lack of camera skills! These are some accordion folders that I altered with music sheet covers and screen printing. If I do say so myself, I liked how they turned out. If you look real close on the right side of this picture, you can see the side of the folder. So, because the folder expands, one can stuff it with lots and lots of notes and ideas that will rarely get looked at, but at least you will know where they are if you can remember where you stored the folder!

This is the top of an old cake pan cover that I screen printed and added chalk board paint to.

Yesterday I set up for the garden show at the Ice House Mall in Barrington, IL. Tonite is the premier opening that will benefit Hospice, and then the show will continue thru Sunday. if I remember to take my camera, I will shoot some photos cause I think the set up is interesting.....So, dear friends, i will see you in a few days.

HARD AT WORK

2010-04-12T16:08:00.008-05:00

Sorry I've been away so long. I have two garden and antique shows and one flea market to get ready for. They are all going to happen in the next five weeks, so I have been hard at work preparing, altering, creating, cleaning, buying and packing. Oh, and pricing! ( The thing I hate to do...it takes so long!) Not to mention the attention that the shop needs, and this week I will only have one day off as partner, Mary is going out of town. BOO~HOO!~~~~~~~~~~~But then, after all of this hard work, I get to have a holiday! And guess where? England of course! (Ya'll knew the answer to that one!)...BTW, IF YOU WANT TO SEE SOME GORGEOUS SITES OF THE AREA THAT I AM GOING TO IN ENGLAND, JUST GO TO WWW.VIRTUAL-SHROPSHIRE.UK.CO. Or google Shropshire, U.K.~~~~~~~~~So, the following pics are just some of the things I've been working on. I love the fabric flowers on stems! They never need water!

JUST MESSING AROUND

2010-04-02T15:18:00.007-05:00

I just love silk screening! I love the texture that is created when the paints are forced through the screen! i also love it that one can create original designs. I'm sure in time I will tire of this new toy, but for now I love messing around with it.........I found this wonderful, really shabby, window over the week-end. I really liked that it had old white paint on the window panes and when I looked at it I knew instantly what I wanted to do with it. The fern and Queen Ann's lace stencils were made from some prints that Dawn, from the Feathered Nest blog site shared with us. They were exactly what I was looking for! Thank you, Dawn! The birds and nest were already in my file of SS. stencils.....I'M GETTING READY FOR A GARDEN & ANTIQUES SHOW AT THE ICE HOUSE IN BARRINGTON, IL. IT BEGINS APRIL 22 ~25, WITH A " PREVIEW NITE " ON APRIL 21. THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS NITE'S EVENT WILL BENEFIT HOSPICE. ...I will be sharing a large greenhouse room with friends and fellow dealers, Janice Kempf and Diane Passi. They are very upscale dealers, so we should have some wonderful, wonderful antique and garden curiosities for customers! If anyone needs more info, please e-mail me.

Here are a few more pillow designs. In the future, (slap my forehead), I will be making just the pillow covers, per standard sizes, to pare down the shipping charges!

WHITE WEDNESDAY

2010-03-24T08:44:00.006-05:00

Do you ever get sidetracked? Happens to me all the time! Every day, several times a day! Just can't help it! I started cleaning out a basket that holds a lot of my yarns and fibers, when I ran across an unfinished project. (A frequent occurrence in my house!) The hubs said "what the heck is that"? (another frequent occurrence in my house!) What it was, was the start of a hat that was crochet out of long strips of fabric. Not wanting to throw it away, I thought it might make a good cover for a houseplant. So I took some twine and stitched folds, willy nilly, on the sides to make it tighter, felted some wool pieces into it and added two sweet heart shaped drawer pulls to make it look more pot like. Now I have a perfect cover for the ugly plastic pot that was disgracing this innocent African violet..........And a big thank you to Kathleen at Faded Charm for hosting WW.

AND THIS IS WHAT ELSE I GOT........

2010-03-22T07:48:00.008-05:00

.......from a very sweet dealer friend who decided she had to part with these treasures. I just love old textiles and I can't stop looking at them! This plaster cake topper is very old and beautiful. You would have to see this large awesome rick-rack in person to. It makes you gasp!

Some of this has never been used and most of it is from France.

There is 10 yards of unused Irish linen in this pic!

About a dozen boxes of emb. thread that had never been opened. Am I a lucky girl, or what!!!! Thank you, sweet friend!

WHO SAID DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND?

2010-03-16T19:49:00.014-05:00

While taking care of some errands today, I noticed a sign that said " Mall Antiques". As I drove by I remember thinking to myself that "there was probably just a bunch of junk in there"! SAY WHAT! I love junk! I quickly did a u-turn. Once inside, my heart started beating faster because I don't think I had been in the presence of so much junk under one roof in a long, long time! Wow! What a fun half hour that turned out to be! There was a lot more so I will have to go back in a few days.

JUST LOOK AT THESE CLOCHES! They are old and heavy. I BOUGHT ALL THAT WAS THERE!

THIS OLD METAL EGG CARRIER HELD 8 DOZEN EGGS ,BACK IN THE DAY, IN THESE UNIQUE, LITTLE PAPER ROLLS THAT ARE HELD TOGETHER WITH OLD WIRE. LOVE IT!

AND HOW ABOUT THIS HAND MADE METAL CARRIER!

AND THE WINNER IS......

2010-03-15T09:49:00.003-05:00

.............BUT WAIT A MINUTE, I HAVE SOME EXPLAINING TO DO FIRST! I KNOW THAT I PROMISED TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER YESTERDAY, BUT MY COMPUTER WAS VERY NAUGHTY! IT STUBBORNLY WOULD NOT MOVE AND DECIDED TO FREEZE UP! I TURNED IT OFF SEVERAL TIMES AND IT WOULD TEASE ME A LITTLE AND THEN FREEZE UP AGAIN. SO I GAVE UP! I JUST KNEW THAT ALL YOU LOVELY BLOGGERS OUT THERE WOULD UNDERSTAND!.....ALSO, THE PHOTOS OF THE WINNINGS ARE NOT TO GOOD AS I WAS AFRAID TO TAKE INDIVIDUAL SHOTS IN CASE MY BEAST DECIDED TO FREEZE UP AGAIN! (so far, so good) I KNOW, I KNOW, ENOUGH ALREADY!..............................................THE WINNER IS.........ZUZU @ WWW.A-COTTAGE-IN-THE-WOODS.BLOGSPOT.COM. .........ZUZU, PLEASE E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR ADDRESS. So, it's a little wool cottage pillow, a cottage pin cushion, one of my lace scarves, an embellished bottle,a little votive with a paper flower, an Easter box with a little chick that I made out of old cotton batting, a cashmere heart pillow to display your favorite photos, an old quilt heart key chain, a pair of earrings and bracelet that i made, a paper flower necklace, a crochet flower pin and two botanical gift tags. Oh, and all of this goes in a large canvas tote which i forgot to photo!

POST 150!!!

2010-03-12T19:59:00.007-06:00

O.K. DEAR BLOGGERS! THIS IS POST 150! SO, AS PROMISED, I WILL DRAW A NAME OUT OF MY BASKET ON SUNDAY AND ANNOUNCE THE WINNER AND SHOW WHAT THEY HAVE WON!.......In the meantime, the following pics are an example of the lace scarves that were very popular at Kane flea market last week end. I had to restock my booth with them on Sunday and I think I only took one back to the shop! I have been busy making more all week, some for the shop, but these are going in my Etsy Shop tomorrow morning! ( When I'm not so tired.) So you still have tonite and tomorrow to get your names in the basket one more time!

WHERE, OH WHERE, HAVE THE YEARS GONE?

2010-03-10T19:48:00.007-06:00

The other day, I was talking to my BFF, Mary L. and we were reminiscing about our friendship and how we started out in the "business"! Mary and I put on our very first Tapestries of Nature shows back in 1988! Mary was a dried floral designer, as was I, and since my Husband had just built me my very own little cottage to do my design work in, we decided to invite everyone we knew to our first annual show. Right from the get go it was very successful! (Of course that was back in the day!) So, twice a year, spring and late fall, we had a show. It wasn't long before we out grew my little cottage and we found a old village hall that was kind enough to let us rent the hall twice a year. Despite the traffic jams we caused in this little village, often times having to call for a traffic cop to help with the directing of traffic and fixing parking jams, we were allowed to use the hall for about 12 more years! One of the things that Mary and I had in common was that we bought very few flowers. Instead we spent all year gathering weeds from the wild and growing our own flowers to dry. Nature, branches, twigs, nests, wild weavings and woodland gatherings were the major components in our work We often went gathering together and our customers would marvel at how alike our design work was. The great thing about our little business was that, while we often made similar things, we were totally comfortable with each other and never felt threatened! in fact, we loved each other's work, and rejoiced when any of it sold! We fed off of each other's designs! So the name that we chose, Tapestries of Nature, was right on! We either made things from nature, or had a nature theme to our things. And while a lot has happened to both of us in the ensuing years, we still find joy in each others work! We both have always made things and will continue until we are not able. I feel truly blessed to have such a friend! The next three pics are an example of some of our work from all those years ago.

I have showed this pillow before, notice the bird theme,that I made when I was in England last JUNE! Through the years, I have tried many forms of crafts and have all of the equipment needed to prove it! LOL! A couple of years ago, I read an article about a home business that employed older forms of printing methods to make beautiful and original stationary. It piqued my interest, especially the look of the screen printing! For the last several years, I had searched in vain for classes that taught screen printing. All of the classes in my area offered everything but! After much searching, I decided to invest in my own equipment and I am really loving being able to design my own images, many of which compliment my business name.

These are pillows that I have made using screen print, with the addition of old lace, which is something that I usually add to my pillows.

I really like my birdcage design. It was so exciting to make and because of the fancy bird cage, I decided to let this pillow be a little simpler, for now anyway!

Well that's my little trip down memory lane for now. And I think this is post 149!!!! So after my next post, it will be give away time!

MORE PILLOWS AND SPRING STUFF

2010-03-03T09:24:00.011-06:00

I'm still having fun playing with some more silk screen stencils that I made. These will go to Kane and the shop and I'm working on more for my Etsy Shop.

I decided to experiment with wet felting and lace for pillows. Not only are they sweet but they are very strong!

CLOSE UP!

Oh, and i made more felted nests (as long as I had the wool out). This time with felted blue eggs and attached to some branches!

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT INFLUENCED ME TO MAKE THESE EGGS? IF YOU GUESS CORRECTLY, AND LET ME KNOW, YOU WILL GET YOUR NAME IN THE BASKET 2 MORE TIMES!

PILLOW TALK

2010-02-26T10:27:00.008-06:00

I have very few pillows left in my shop and so have been making a few while also playing with my newly made screen print stencils. I'm really into the nature theme these days. I guess I always have been but I seem more driven to have birds, nests and insects in my projects right now! Is it because it seems like winter is never going to end? Maybe! Also have to get some pillows ready for Kane next week. I'm really looking forward to that because it is such a fun show with very nice dealers and great stuff! And of course, appreciative customers!

Some silk screen samples on raw silk. The nest is a new one!

I MUST HAVE SPRING FEVER

2010-02-22T13:14:00.011-06:00

All I want to make these days is spring, nature, and birdie things! Last week I learned how to make my own screen print stencils. I think it is a printing method that is going to be making a come back, along with block printing. I only managed to design two, a bird on a leafy branch and a chubby, little bumble bee. Oh, I forgot about the moth. I made these spring, nature banners out of the sample pieces that I printed, along with some rubber stamps of leaves and hand printing. ( In England, they are called buntings). They look rather raw and raggedy, but that's what I like. I'm going to be making more in different color themes, hopefully with more bird designs and nests. Some of them will make their way to the Kane Co. Flea Market in 2 weeks. This is my 146th post! after 4 more posts, I will do the drawing! So get as many comments in as you can so that your chances of winning will be greater! And remember, if you tell others about this give-away on your blog, you will earn 5 more chances to win! And to all of you who have been commenting and telling others, THANK YOU! I have been meeting a lot of new bloggers and they are all great! One of the flags has a tatted butterfly on it.

This will end up being a pillow. Believe me, I held my breath when I added these to the pillow top! One mistake and it's ruined! Pheww!

ONE RAINY SUMMER DAY............

2010-02-20T08:23:00.010-06:00

...........while on holiday in England, I decided to snuggle up in my cottage with tea, the tellie, and a fun project. It just seemed a perfect day to not shop or sight see. The previous day I had purchased a kit that had all the components that I needed for a felted wrap, so I decided to play with it. I also decided it was a good time to experiment with some lace bits that I had. As it turned out, I had enough materials to make the wrap and a scarf. (I don't know what just happened with the font change, nor do I know how to fix it!) Sorry. Any way these are the results. The scarf has a long length of wispy lace as the base and I think it turned out pretty good.

This is the wrap which has a hand dyed silk scarf base with bits and lengths of lace embedded in the hand dyed wool. Some time this week-end I will put these in my etsy shop.

SNEAK PREVIEW

2010-02-18T08:18:00.005-06:00

I was delighted to receive this comp issue in the mail the other day! While excitingly flipping through the pages to find my submission, I stopped again and again, intrigued by the wonderful projects that the talented Senior Managing Editor, Amanda Crabtree, had chosen for this issue! Since I couldn't get my scanner to work today, I had to take pictures of the pages for this post. I know it's not the best way, but was the only option that I had. Sorry! This March/April issue should on the news stands soon, and I'm positive you will enjoy it's delightful projects!

BIRDS MAKE THE NESTS THE BEST!

2010-02-13T12:34:00.009-06:00

I can't seem to put away my bag of white wool and boxes of vintage lace! For some reason I'm having a great time playing with all the possibilities. I'm still sorting through the larger lengths and pieces to make wraps and scarves, but in running across all the little bits, I decided they need to be appreciated too. In a previous post, I blogged about a fantastic nest that was made mostly out of fur and hair of the animals of my friend's farmette. So I thought I would take a page out of the birdie's book, and make nests with what was available! There is no contest, of course, the birds win hands down! My nests would never survive a rain storm or high winds, or be able to raise a family, but I think they're kinda cute for home decor. I think I will make more of these and take them to the Kane County Flea Market in 2 weeks. I certainly have enough lace to do so!

WHITE WEDNESDAY COUTURE

2010-02-10T10:07:00.011-06:00

Recently, I have been looking at the boxes and boxes of old lace and lace pieces that I have and have been wanting to put them to use. Elevate their status from stained, torn and forgotten, to the beauty and elegance that they once enjoyed in our ancestor's house holds. Their beauty came from the hands of hard working women who enjoyed needle work as a way to soften the edges of home and person. Wet felting allowed me to use pieces of netting and old curtains and scarves as a foundation, to which I embedded these bits and pieces of lace and tatting. It is really hard work to get the wool to felt, (I didn't know I had so many muscles in the back of my arms!) but I am happy with the results of these scarves/shawls. I feel that I have achieved my goal and it was certainly worth the effort.

I SAW RED!!!!!

2010-02-09T10:25:00.010-06:00

While surfing new and fav blogs this morning, I noticed a lot of red. Perhaps as a nod to valentines day! I have a few red treasures that I really like, but never have on display. That's too bad cause they need to be enjoyed. In view of this I thought I would contribute to all the red that I saw this morning! These little red shoes will probably go to my little Alice, but..........This wonderful, old velvet frame that I picked up in England will be in my Etsy Shop, and....

So will this fabulous, vintage, French doll lamp. She has some issues, as she is tattered and torn, but I loved her any way! In fact, I think the only thing I would change on her is to have her rewired. She would give off a sultry, romantic glow with a low watt bulb, while displaying her shabby stuff!

COMENT GIVE-AWAY UPDATE

2010-02-07T06:47:00.002-06:00

I think it's time to show some of the items that will be chosen to be in the tote full of goodies that I am giving away on my 150th post. One of these chokers will be in the bag! There will be at least $ 150.00 worth of goodies, probably more! So keep those comments coming!

WHITE WEDNESDAY

2010-02-03T08:36:00.007-06:00

I've been working on these chokers lately. These are made out of strong varieties of paper which were either punched or hand cut. The are fastened to assorted silk or vintage ribbons and have had charms or beads added to them. With Valentines Day quickly approaching, they make nice gifts. One of the chokers has three paper flowers affixed to a sweet vintage piece of lace. Since I'm going to have a booth at the Pheasant Run Antique show, I thought these would make a nice addition.

I HAD GUESTS THIS WEEKEND.....

2010-02-01T11:34:00.008-06:00

My oldest daughter Tammy and little Alice spent the week end at my house. My second daughter Robin was there also but would not be photoed. When Alice arrived, she was sporting some hand made couture. The head band by NaNa Judy and a scarf by Auntie Jill. She's such a little fashion plate and loves to look pretty!

AND SHE SHOWED ME HER "BEAR" BUTT!

Two of my little angels......fast asleep!

WHITE WEDNESDAY IS FOR THE BIRDS

2010-01-27T08:46:00.011-06:00

This is a white felted scarf that I made using white wool roving and long lengths of different vintage laces. Recently, my BFF Mary L. gave me a birds nest that had blown out of a tree at her farmette. Mary has 2 very furry dogs, Hanna &Gracie, Missy the horse, Chico the mule, and several cats. As one can imagine, springtime at Marry's produces a lot of hair when her animals shed their winter coats. This event happens around the same time as the birds in her area are looking for materials to build their nests! This is a very special nest for me because it includes hair and fur from most of her animals! This is one bird that so gets it! It so reminded me of the scarf that I felted with what was available, pretty and useful.

SHOP TALK

2010-01-25T15:20:00.007-06:00

I KNOW THAT I DON'T TALK ABOUT MY SHOP VERY OFTEN, BUT SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPENED AT THE SHOP RECENTLY, AND I THINK IT NEEDS MENTIONING. A FEW MONTH'S AGO I MET MARY THROUGH ANOTHER SHOP OWNER/FRIEND OF MINE, DENISE. DENISE ARRANGED FOR MARY TO DO SOME FURNITURE PAINTING IN MY SHOP STUDIO, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MINDING MY SHOP SO THAT I COULD HAVE SOME DAYS OFF. LITTLE DID I KNOW WHAT GREAT THINGS WERE TO COME OF THIS ARRANGEMENT! MARY NOT ONLY MINDED THE STORE, BUT STARTED PRESENTING IDEAS TO ME THAT WOULD MAKE THE SHOP MORE EFFICIENT. SHE STARTED ORGANIZING MY STUDIO, WHICH ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME KNOWS THAT THAT WAS NO SMALL FEAT! ETC., ETC., ETC...... TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, MARY ASKED IF SHE COULD BECOME MY PARTNER! SO FAR IT'S BEEN A GOOD DECISION FOR BOTH OF US. LAST WEEK-END, MARY AND HER VERY SWEET HUSBAND, TOTALLY REARRANGED THE MAIN ROOM AND I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT IT'S AWESOME! MARY HAD EVERYTHING PRE-DONE ON A FLOOR PLAN, (SAY WHAT!) HAD ALL HER DUCKS IN A ROW, AND SHE TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING WENT LIKE CLOCKWORK! (NOTICE THAT I WAS NOT AROUND THAT DAY?) ANY WAY, I'VE INCLUDED JUST A FEW PICS OF THE SHOP. THERE IS MORE THAT WE WANT TO DO, AND AS SOON AS MARY HAS THE TIME , SHE WILL. (lol) IN ADDITION, MARY HAS STARTED A WEBSITE ABOUT HER PART AT THE SHOP @ WWW.lamaisonmarche.net. CHECK IT OUT SOME TIME......................NOW REMEMBER, MY COMMENT GIVEAWAY WILL LAST FOR A COUPLE MORE WEEKS, SO PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT FOR ME WHEN YOU VISIT AS I HAVE A VERY BIG BASKET AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT FULL OF NAMES! (I MIGHT EVEN CHOOSE MORE THAN ONE NAME FOR A SECOND PLACE GIFT!)

COMMENT CHALLENGE GIVE AWAY

2010-01-21T21:53:00.005-06:00

THIS IS MY 135th POST. I WOULD LIKE TO SEND A TOTE OF AN ASSORTMENT OF HANDMADES TO ONE OF YOU WONDERFUL READERS WHEN I REACH MY 150th POST! SO MY CHALLENGE TO ALL OF YOU WHO READ MY BLOG IS THIS;..... EVERY TIME YOU READ MY POST, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT. EVEN IF IT IS JUST ONE WORD, LET ME KNOW THAT YOU WERE THERE AND I WILL PUT YOUR NAME IN A BASKET. THE MORE OFTEN YOU LEAVE A COMMENT, THE MORE TIMES YOUR NAME WILL BE IN THE BASKET AND YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING, OF COURSE, ARE GREATER. AND IF YOU LET YOUR READERS KNOW ABOUT THIS CHALLENGE, IT WILL EARN YOU 5 ADDITIONAL ENTRIES IN THE BASKET!

NOW I'M PLANNING ON HAVING A BIG BASKET, SO IT WILL HOLD A LOT OF ENTRIES. ....

THE TOTE THAT I SEND WILL BE HAND EMBELLISHED AND STUFFED FULL OF GREAT GOODIES THAT I HAVE MADE OR COLLECTED. ( at least, a bakers dozen!) YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED, I PROMISE! IF THE WINNER IS A BLOGGER, I WILL TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR BLOG TO SEE WHAT THEIR INTERESTS ARE, AND CHOOSE ITEMS THAT I THINK THAT THEY WOULD ENJOY! IF THE WINNER DOES NOT HAVE THEIR OWN BLOG, THE CONTENTS OF THE TOTE WILL BE MY CHOICE. THIS CHALLENGE IS NOT LIMITED TO THE U.S., SO ANY ONE CAN ENTER!

I REALIZE THAT THIS CHALLENGE WILL TAKE A LITTLE WHILE, BUT I PROMISE TO POST AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK, PERHAPS MORE. IT SHOULD BE FUN FOR ALL OF US, SO PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE FUN!

VINTAGE SNAKESKIN PURSE NECKLACES

2010-01-19T18:52:00.006-06:00

A FEW MONTHS AGO, I POSTED A PICTURE OF A PROJECT THAT WAS FUN AND DIFFERENT. IT WAS MY FIRST VINTAGE, COIN PURSE NECKLACE, WHICH SHORTLY THEREAFTER WAS OWNED BY SANDY, OF RHUBARB REIGN. THESE LITTLE PURSES ARE NOT EASY TO FIND. WITH THE HELP OF SANDY, I MANAGED TO FIND A FEW MORE, AND FINISHED EMBELLISHING THEM TODAY. THESE TWO ARE MADE OF SNAKE SKIN AND HAVE A 24" CHAIN ADDED. SANDY WEARS HERS OFTEN AND CONFIDED IN ME THAT SHE HAS TUCKED A SPECIAL FORTUNE INTO HERS. GREAT IDEA! I HAVE LISTED THESE IN MY NEW ETSY STORE. SO, THIS IS IT UNTIL I CAN FIND MORE OF THESE LITTLE VINTAGE TREASURES.

I'M GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!!

2010-01-13T06:15:00.006-06:00

STAMPINGTON @ COMPANY PUBLICATIONS CONTACTED ME LAST WEEK TO LET ME KNOW THAT THEY HAD CHOSEN ONE OF MY PROJECTS TO PUBLISH IN THEIR "BELLE ARMOIRE, ART TO WEAR" MAGAZINE! I FEEL SO HONORED! AND EXCITED OF COURSE! THE PROJECT IS TO BE IN THE MARCH 2010 ISSUE,SO I DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO PROVIDE THEM WITH AN 800 WORD TEXT, BUT I DID IT! NOW I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT! IN VIEW OF THAT, I HAD BETTER GET TO WORK ON SOMETHING THAT I HAVE PUT OFF FOR A LONG TIME, AND THAT IS TO UPDATE MY ETSY SITE SO THAT I CAN POST SOME OF THE ITEMS THAT I HAVE FOR SALE. THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE A SAMPLING OF SOME OF THE ITEMS THAT WILL BE IN THE PROJECT.

JANUARY JOYS

2010-01-11T10:24:00.006-06:00

IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TO MAKE ME HAPPY! JUNK, FRIENDS, AND KINDNESS, NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER, WILL PUT A SMILE IN MY FACE. A BIRD OUTSIDE AT THE WINTER FEEDER, THE LARGE HORNED OWL THAT SITS ON HIS FAVORITE BRANCH WHILE HE SURVEYS HIS TERRAIN AND MY BUMP-OUT WINDOW IN MY BEDROOM THAT IS A PERFECT PLACE TO DISPLAY MY NEST COLLECTION AND FLOWERING PLANTS. IT IS ESPECIALLY COZY IN THE WINTER, WHEN , JUST ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLASS, IT IS WINTRY AND COLD. THESE ARE SOME OF MY JANUARY JOYS. WHAT'S YOURS?

PARIS, ANYONE?

2010-01-10T09:50:00.002-06:00

ANITA, FROM THE IOWA JUNK GYPSIES, IS ARRANGING A WEEK LONG TRIP TO PARIS, AND INVITES THOSE THAT ARE ABLE, TO JOIN HER. ANITA STUDIED IN PARIS AND IS FLUENT IN THE LANGUAGE, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, KNOWS WHERE TO SHOP! SHE WILL BE THE GUIDE AND HAS A WONDERFUL, WELL ROUNDED ITINERARY PLANNED. TO READ MORE INFO, CLICK ON HER SITE, TO THE LEFT OF THIS BLOG, UNDER THE HEADING, "BLOGS THAT INSPIRE" IOWA JUNK GYPSIES. OR E-MAIL HER AT AEHMSEN@MSM.COM. EXPERIENCE "APRIL IN PARIS"!

MERRY CHRISTMAS..............

2009-12-22T18:28:00.000-06:00

...........FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS!

THE ULTIMATE TREE ORNAMENT

2009-12-15T10:42:00.006-06:00

I COULD MAKE, CREATE AND CRAFT TILL THE COWS COME HOME AND I WOULD NEVER EVEN COME CLOSE TO THE TALENTS OF GOD'S CREATURES! I NEVER TIRE OF WAKING EACH MORNING AND SEEING THESE TWO WONDERFUL ORIOLE"S NESTS HANGING FROM THE FICUS TREE NEAR MY BED. ABOUT 15 YEARS AGO, MY STEP-DAD RESCUED ONE FROM A FELLED TREE THAT WAS DESTINED FOR FIREWOOD. ANOTHER WAS FOUND IN THE WINTER ABOUT 5 YEARS LATER, AFTER AN ICE STORM HAS CAUSED MANY BRANCHES TO BREAK AND FALL. SO THESE WERE RESCUED NESTS AND WERE NOT ROBBED FROM THE TREES. I WAS JUST FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PRESERVE THESE BEAUTIES THAT WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN DESTROYED.

ANOTHER USE FOR PARCHMENT

2009-12-12T08:10:00.000-06:00

I HAD FUN MAKING THESE CONES OUT OF OLD PARCHMENT PAPER AND TINY SCRAPS OF OLD JOURNAL PAGES AND SHEET MUSIC. (DID I MENTION THAT I THROW VERY LITTLE AWAY?) I HAVE STACKS OF DIE CUTS THAT I BOUGHT IN GERMANY SEVERAL YEARS AGO THAT I USED AS A FOCAL. THEY LOOK GREAT ON TREES WHEN THE LIGHTS SHINE THRU THE SEMI-TRANSPARENT PAPER.

A GOOD SAVE

2009-12-10T17:31:00.000-06:00

THAT'S WHAT FRIEND AND FELLOW ANTIQUES DEALER ANITA, (IOWA JUNK GYPSIES) SAID ABOUT THIS CLOCHE. I DIDN'T TAKE ANY BEFORE PICS, BUT THIS GLASS BELL FELL OVER WHILE I WAS SETTING UP MY FLEA MARKET BOOTH AND CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS NOT HAPPY. YET I COULD NOT BRING MYSELF TO THROW IT AWAY, SOOOOOOOO,............. I TOOK IT HOME AND GLUED HAND MADE PAPER TO THE BACK OF THE BELL AND TO THE INSIDE WHERE IT WAS CRACKED. I REASONED THAT IF THAT DIDN'T STABILIZE IT , I WOULD THEN THROW IT AWAY. THE NEXT MORNING FOUND IT STABLE AND SAFE TO USE, SO I THEN GLUED AN ANCIENT JOURNAL PAGE OVER THE INSIDE REPAIR, PLACED SOME MOSS, CONES AND A LITTLE TREE INSIDE. I LIKE THE WAY IT TURNED OUT. IT'S
INTERESTING.

A NEW ORNIE USING A FLATTENED TART TIN AND A PHOTO COPY OF A WATCH FACE.

SOLD OUT!

WINTER BOTTLES FOR WHITE WEDNESDAY

2009-12-02T08:22:00.000-06:00

I HAVE HAD A BOX OF VINTAGE, PAPER FLOWER PETALS THAT WERE NEVER FINISHED. I LOVE THE AGED, TISSUE LIKE LOOK OF THE OLD FLOWER PAPERS, BUT NEVER REALLY USED ANY OF THEM. WHEN I DECIDED TO MAKE SOME WINTRY TYPE BOTTLES, I THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS I WOULD TRY PUTTING SOME OF THE FLOWERS TOGETHER AND USE THEM TO TOP OFF THE GLITTERY BOTTLES. I LIKE THE WAY THEY TURNED OUT, AND THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE PUT AWAY WITH THE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS.

BACK TO WORK DAY!

2009-11-27T07:46:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday! I suppose today, the day after Thanksgiving, officially kicks off the Christmas season. Yesterday was spent with my precious family, but it's back to work for me as there are numerous events coming up soon that I will need have enough merchandise for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-25T19:00:00.000-06:00

TO ALL A BLESSED THANKSGIVING.

2009-11-22T09:16:00.000-06:00

THESE LITTLE STOCKING SACHETS ARE SO FUN FOR ME TO MAKE. THESE ARE MADE FROM SOME VERY OLD FRENCH TICKING AND I REALLY LOVE HOW THEY TURNED OUT. I ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE THEM BECAUSE BLUE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A VERY POPULAR COLOR IN THIS AREA OF THE COUNTRY, BUT I'M GLAD I DID, BECAUSE I LOVE HOW THEY LOOK. AND...................................

JUST WHEN YOU MIGHT HAVE HOPED THAT YOU HAD SEEN THE LAST OF THINGYS MADE OUT OF BITS OF OLD WOOL..........TA-DA.......A GARLAND! FA...LA...LA!!!

LITTLE STOCKINGS

2009-11-21T07:56:00.000-06:00

THESE LITTLE STOCKINGS ARE SCENTED SACHETS THAT CAN BE USED AS AN ORNIE, A TIE ON OR JUST TO PILE IN A BASKET. THEY ARE MADE OF RAW SILK , ARE SLIGHTLY STUFFED AND HAVE SOME SCENTED WAX SHAVINGS ADDED FOR A YUMMY PINE SCENT. I HAVE ALSO MADE THEM OUT OF BURLAP, LINSEY-WOOLSEY, OLD FRENCH TICKING, AND LINEN. THEY WERE A SELL OUT AT A RECENT HOLIDAY SHOW BEFORE I GOT A CHANCE TO TAKE SOME PICTURES OF THEM, SO I AM WORKING ON MORE NOW AND WILL TAKE PHOTOS OF THEM BEFORE I TAKE THEM TO MY SHOP. THEY ARE 6" TALL AND SELL FOR 10.00.

WHITE WEDNESDAY ON A THURSDAY........

2009-11-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

JUST SOME MORE THINGS I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON FOR THE HOLIDAYS. ( THE GREY,COLD AND DAMP WEATHER WE HAVE BEEN HAVING LATELY INSPIRES ME. I DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT VIEWING THE BONES OF NATURE MAKES ME FEEL LIKE MAKING THINGS THAT CAN COZY UP THE INSIDE OF THE HOUSE. I LOVE TO TRAMP THROUGH THE WOODS ON GREY, CLOUDY DAYS AND COLLECT THE REMNANTS OF THE SEASON PAST TO ADORN MY HOUSE. WHILE I LOVE THE GREENNESS OF SPRING AND SUMMER, LATE AUTUMN AND EARLY WINTER ALLOW ONE TO SEE ALL THE TEXTURES, LINES AND SUBTLE COLORS OF NATURE. EVEN THE GREY SKY ENHANCES THESE FEATURES THAT THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE SUN MIGHT HIDE. NATURE AND VINTAGE THINGS JUST SEEM TO COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER.) THE GLASS ORNIES SEEM TO BE THE PERFECT WAY TO ENJOY ALL THOSE TEENY, TINY WHITE BUTTONS AND LOOSE PEARLS THAT ARE TREASURED BY MANY OF US. I FOUND A FEW GLASS HEARTS TO ADORN IN ADDITION TO THE GLASS BALLS.

AND JUST IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ENOUGH OF THE WOOL WREATHS, I MADE MORE AND ADDED BUTTON INSTEAD OF VINTAGE ORNAMENT.

MORE WOOL WREATHS

2009-11-16T10:31:00.000-06:00

AS PROMISED, HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF WREATHS USING GREEN WOOLS FROM OLD BLANKETS. THOUGH THEY ARE VERY SIMPLE, THEY ARE VERY WARM AND CHARMING, THEIR COLORS ACHIEVED BY THE PASSAGE OF TIME. I'VE ALSO INCLUDED A PIC OF ONE OF THE WHEAT COLORED TREES, NOW ADORNED WITH JUST A FEW VINTAGE GLASS BALLS.

2009-11-13T08:34:00.000-06:00

I'VE BEEN HAVING SO MUCH FUN THIS PAST WEEK CUTTING UP FELTED SWEATERS AND OLD WOOL BLANKETS TO MAKE CHRISTMAS THINGYS. I MADE MANY SMALL WREATHS, AND SOME LARGE ONES FOR A HOLIDAY SHOW I WAS IN. THEY WERE A BIG HIT AND I WAS SOON ALMOST CLEANED OUT. I COULDN'T WAIT TO MAKE MORE! THEN I MADE SOME TREES AND I LOVE THEM! THE PICS DON'T DO THEM JUSTICE AS THEY ARE CHARMING IN REAL LIFE. CAN'T WAIT TO DISPLAY THEM IN THE SHOP. SOME I WILL PUT A FEW VINTAGE BALL ORNIES ON AND SOME I WILL LEAVE PLAIN. I AM ALSO CUTTING UP AN OLD WOOL GREEN BLANKET THAT IS A LOVELY PALE SHADE AND I WILL POST THOSE PICS SOON.

TRUELY A SCRAPPY CUFF

2009-10-30T11:38:00.000-05:00

DURING THE CLASS THAT I MENTIONED IN MY LAST POST, REBBECCA SHOWED THE CLASS HOW TO USE EVEN THE SMALLEST OF BITS OF FABRIC, STRING AND THREAD TO EMBELLISH FABRIC COLLAGES. (RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!) THIS IS MY VERSION TO MAKE THOSE SCRAPS USEFUL. i TOOK LENGHTS OF VELVET RIBBON, IN THIS CASE TO FIT THE WRIST, HAD A SMALL PILE OF SCRAPS ON THE TABLE TO THE LEFT OF MY SEWING MACHINE, AND SET IT FOR A DECORATIVE STITCH PATTERN. PLACING THE RIBBON UNDER THE STITCH FOOT, I SIMPLY FED DIFFERENT PIECES OF SCRAP, (CAREFULLY) UNDER THE PRESSURE FOOT WHILE THE MACHINE WAS SLOWLY RUNNING. I SEWED UP ONE SIDE AND DOWN THE OTHER SO THAT THE SCRAP PIECES WERE SECURE. I THEN TRIMMED THE SIDES A LITTLE, ATTACHED RIBBON END CAPS, A SMALL BIT OF CHAIN AND AND A CLASP. ON A SEPARATE PIECE OF COFFEE DYED MUSLIN, I WROTE A SIMPLE WORD AND GLUED IT IN THE CENTER WITH A FEW BUTTONS. I THINK THIS METHOD WOULD ALSO MAKE SMASHING CHOKERS AND BELTS. EVEN FABRICS OF A SENTIMENTAL MEANING WOULD BE A USEFUL AND FUN WAY TO PRESERVE MEMORIES.

FABRIC COLLAGE

2009-10-29T11:54:00.000-05:00

LAST THURSDAY I TOOK A CLASS FROM REBBECCA FOR VINTAGE LIVING. IT WAS ON FABRIC COLLAGE AND AS SHE HAD JUST RETURNED FROM AN ADVENTURE IN COLORADO WITH K.C. WILLIS, THERE WAS MAGIC IN THE AIR. REBBECCA HAS A WONDERFUL EYE AND IS VERY GENEROUS WITH HER COACHING AND SUPPLIES. IT WAS A GREAT CLASS AND I USED AN OLD PHOTO OF MY MOM WHEN SHE WAS FOUR, WITH HER MOM, HER GRANDMOTHER, AND HER GREAT GRANDMOTHER. ALSO, I USED A RECENT PHOTO OF MY GRAND DARLING, ALICE. I LOVE THE COLORS AND THE OVER ALL FEEL OF THIS WALL HANGING. I WILL BE ADDING PICTURES OF MY FOUR CHILDREN IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND PROBABLY ONE OF MYSELF AS A CHILD TO BRIDGE THE GAP. THAT WILL ENCOMPASS SEVEN GENERATIONS OF PICTURES THAT I AM BLESSED TO HAVE.

WHITE WEDNESDAY (SORT OF)

2009-10-27T20:40:00.000-05:00

EVEN THOUGH I TOOK THESE PHOTOS IN JUNE, I WANTED TO SAVE THEM FOR THE HALLOWEEN SEASON. THE CEMETERIES IN ENGLAND ARE FILLED WITH SOME VERY ANCIENT AND BEAUTIFUL HEAD STONES. IT WAS VERY PEACEFUL PLACE TO VISIT IN THE LIGHT OF DAY,BUT I WOULDN'T WANT TO BE ANY WHERE NEAR THEM AFTER THE SUN WENT DOWN AND THE NITE TIME FELL WITH IT'S TOTAL DARKNESS. EEUUU! JUST TO THINK OF IT MAKES THE HAIR ON THE BACK OF MY NECK STAND UP! SPOOKY!

WHITE WEDNESDAY

2009-10-21T07:51:00.000-05:00

THESE CHOICES FOR WHITE WEDNESDAY ARE SOME OF THE NEW ITEMS IN MY SHOP THAT I HAVE MADE. THE OLD CABINET DOOR BECAME A HANDY NOTE HOLDER, (SORRY, SOLD) AND THE CANVAS TOTE BAGS ARE EMBELLISHED WITH SOME OLD BLACK AND WHITE ENGLISH PRINTS WHICH I HAVE TRANSFERRED ONTO THE CANVAS. I AM ALSO WORKING ON SOME SMALLER TOTES WITH CHRISTMAS SCENES THAT WOULD MAKE WONDERFUL GIFT BAGS. THE CHAIR IS ONE OF A PAIR THAT I PURCHASED AT A RESALE SHOP AND COVERED WITH LINEN AND A TRANSFERRED CLOCK FACE. THANKS FOR VISITING AND I HOPE ALL OF YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY.

I WON THESE.......

2009-10-04T05:15:00.000-05:00

WONDERFUL ITEMS FROM RITA @ MAMMABELLARTE.BLOGSPOT .COM. THE PACKAGE CAME IN THE POST YESTERDAY AND I WAS SO EXCITED! RITA MAKES CUSTOM SIGNS AND BOY DO I EVER NEED TO SEE THE SIGN SHE MADE FOR ME, EVERYDAY! SO... THIS IS GOING IN MY HOME STUDIO. AND...........AS A BONUS, SHE SO GENEROUSLY ADDED THIS WONDERFUL, SOLDERED CHARM NECKLACE OF A LITTLE METAL DOVE. I JUST LOVE IT! RITA, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

AND THE AWARDS GO TO.....

2009-09-26T07:52:00.000-05:00

1. LAUGHING WITH ANGELS...

2.IOWA JUNK GYPSIES...

3.RHUBARB REIGN...

4. ANYTHING GOES HERE...

5.SEPIA DREAMS....

6. COLLECTED TREASURES...

7. 52 FLEA...

I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE 10 THINGS ABOUT YOURSELVES THAT I'M SURE YOU ARE JUST DYING TO DIVULGE, AND THE 7 PEOPLE YOU PASS THIS ON TO! JUST GRAB THE HONEST SCRAP AWARD AND GO..........

HONEST SCRAP AWARD

2009-09-25T20:34:00.000-05:00

REBECCA FROM VINTAGE LIVING SENT ME AN HONEST SCRAP AWARD.

IT SEEMS THAT I NOW HAVE TO DIVULGE TEN THINGS ABOUT MYSELF THAT IS NOT COMMON KNOWLEDGE. HERE GOES..........

1. THE ONLY REASON THAT MY BED GETS MADE EVERY DAY IS THAT MY HUSBAND AND I DO IT TOGETHER.

2.I LOVE TO EAT POPCORN IN BED WHEN I READ.

3.LENGTHY TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS IRRITATE ME.

4.IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE HUBS, I WOULD BE THE STAR OF THE NEW REALITY SHOW, "HOARDERS"!

5. I DON'T LIKE TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO WHILE I'M DRIVING.

6. MARCHING BANDS AND PARADES MAKE ME CRY.

7.BASICALLY, I'M A LONER, THEREFORE......

8. I DO NOT LIKE TO SHOP WITH OTHER PEOPLE.

9. I AM NOT COMPETITIVE NOR DO I STRIVE TO BE #1.

10. I DO NOT HAVE TO BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME. (#9 AND #10 TAKE TOO MUCH NEGATIVE ENERGY.)

NOW I HAVE TO PASS THIS AWARD ON TO 7 OTHER PEOPLE WHICH I WILL DO TOMORROW.