Grace Notes

CCC #6

2010-07-24T14:38:00.002-04:00

I'm back! And I LOVED this challenge. When I first started altering things I bought lots of items on eBay ~ which was great, but really do you want to continually use the same pieces over and over? This was a fun and simple way to change up things that I really do love. Both the heart and the bar at the top of the piece above are metal made to look new and fresh. To find out how I put this together check out page 66 of "A Compendium of Curiosities" by T!m Holtz. To see more about the challenges, check out Studio L3!
I enjoyed putting this piece together. I've had these photos for more than a year, and found them to be perfect to use with this challenge.
I'm hoping to fill my 7 Gypsies receipt holder with all kinds of fun pieces.

Small Confession: I did try to complete the last two challenges, however, (big sigh) I don't know how to emboss!! I'm so ashamed! No worries, my buddy Studio Rose to the rescue, she's coming up next week and has promised to teach me!

Journaling with Teresa McFayden

2010-07-06T18:02:00.006-04:00

I've long wanted to find a form of art journaling that I could do on a regular basis. I think maybe I've found it! I totally lost myself putting together these pages together.

I spent a few hours today prepping and painting pages that I can journal and doodle on while I have my morning coffee. I have to say the prep work was much fun! I finished several sets in no time.

Here's a closer look at the left page - yes, I put the holes on the wrong side, but I'll work that out with some ribbon or something once I do a title page. I used two white pens, one a uni-ball signo and the other an Inkssentials. Both worked well.

A closer look at my second page. Such fun!!

I have a question for you - I journal first thing in the morning about the previous day, because obviously, not much has happened that early! Do I date it the day it happened, the previous day, or do I date it the day that I journal it, the day after it happens?

I can't wait to see what Teresa has in store for us tomorrow.

More Tim Holtz in CCC #3

2010-07-04T08:24:00.012-04:00

I had so much fun with this challenge! It was messy, inky with oh so cool results! You can find the details in Tim's book, "A Compendium of Curiosities" on page 51. To join in on the challenges's click on the link and visit Linda's blog.

I'm not sure if you can tell from this picture, but I used Tim's Texture Hammer on the corner brads. I've wanted one of those hammer's since I first saw them in his book and yesterday Michael's had them on clearance for $6.99! What a deal!

I was able to incorporate this weeks challenge into the book I am making by using it on the cover of a little Field Journal I stitched into the back of the file folder. (See last post for the cover.)

The pages are actually kraft wrapping paper that I found at Michael's. It's not as heavy as a roll of kraft shipping paper, a perfect weight for journaling or even adding photos or other embellishments. (I have the pages clipped together as they still want to roll up!)

Just so you can see the spine of the original folder where I stitched in the little journal. Now, to work on Claudine's class at BPS and hopefully be all set for tomorrow's challenge!

Thank you, Linda, for hosting, I'm having such fun!

Happy 4th of July!

Everybody Loves Tim Holtz!

2010-06-25T15:43:00.003-04:00

It's been so long since I've posted to, or even visited, my own blog I had to log onto blogger to remember how to get here! Shame on me. Anyway, my BFF, StudioRose, talked me into joining the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge hosted by Linda, on her blog, Studio L3.

Getting off to a good start, I'm jumping right in with Challenge #2! (Okay, I admit I tried the first challenge, I was awful! I'm going to give it another go, so watch for that!) Challenge #2 was Fragment Basics, following is my attempt.

This is the first fragment I made using Paper doll pARTs stamp set, Basic Grey paper and Distress Inks from Tim Holtz. The fragment is attached with a Tim jump ring and then tied on with the same thread (colored with distress ink) that I used in the stitches across the bottom and at the corners of the pocket.

While I was waiting for this to dry I noticed a small round fragment that looked to be the same size as the smallest stamp in the set and made this next.

I attached this tiny little fragment using a Tim jump ring and a mini clip that I slid into a pocket.

I gave a lot of thought on how to use the finished challenges, some are making tag books, and I really liked that idea (StudioRose!). In the end I thought I'd use mine in the projects I was working on. That way I thought I'd not only learn the technique but how to incorporate it into my own work. We'll see how it goes! This is the front cover of a folder/book I'm working on.

The next challenge will be announced on Monday! Check out Linda's blog!

Here comes the sun. . .

2010-01-27T12:35:00.003-05:00

We've been busy around here since thawing out. Maybe not Jake so much, unless you count chasing patches of sunlight to stretch out in.

I met with my landscape designer yesterday to go over her plan for my front side yard. It's beautiful! I cannot wait to see it finished. We'll probably start the end of February or the beginning of March. Everything she's chosen is native to our area, will do well in the Florida sunshine and droughts. Just about all the plants have something special about them, in that they attract birds, bees, and/or butterflies, some have berries, most flower - I think it's perfect! The flowers are all white - Oakleaf Hydrangea, Walter's Viburmum, Bridal Wreath with a little pink - Pink Perfection Camelia and Twist & Shout Hydrangea. There will also be blueberries and a thornless blackberry. Under our Cypress tree she's planning to put Variegated Algerian Ivy, which I love! Very excited!

I've also been fine tuning my studio - reorganizing, purging things I know I'll never use, finding better ways to store what I will use and most of all, trying to get rid of ugly clutter! I can't create in all that clutter! I've been in the room for 2 years now, and have a pretty good idea of what works for me and what doesn't. A redesign was in order. I ended up with a new desk and a new shelf which are now in place. I'm thinking I'll use my old desk - actually half a table - as a sewing table. I'm getting close to finishing up, as soon as I do, I'll post pictures.

My neighbor invited me to her knitting group last Tuesday - Loved That! Very nice group of ladies, very warm and welcoming. I've been knitting ever since and have even pulled out a couple knitting books to plan my next project - using my stash, of course!

Hoping you are enjoying your day!

The weather outside was frightful . . .

2010-01-18T11:28:00.003-05:00

. . . but the fire was so delightful!

We have had historically cold temperatures here in Florida - hard freezes lasting several hours for more than a week. Granted other places have had much worse weather and snow to go along with it, but this is Florida! We aren't prepared! We don't own warm clothes! And boots? Forget about it! Okay, cute boots maybe, but nothing to keep your feet warm! Some homes don't even have central heat! No, I'm not kidding!

So what does one do? I for one, did as little as possible! I aimed my space heater at the comfy couch, curled up in a quilt with Gracie and Jake and started reading Stephen King's, "Under the Dome". When that got too scary I started watching "Sex and the City" on DVD - I made it through all 6 seasons AND the movie!

We've thawed out now, so to speak and I'm off the couch, but there's laundry and shopping to be done. I'll be back later this week, I just wanted to check in and thank all of you who have left comments - I love it when you do that!

Stay warm!!

This little chair.

2010-01-06T07:31:00.002-05:00

This little chair has sat in the corner of my living room for years! We bought it at an antique shop because we liked the leather seat and back and it's really comfy. I moved it into the dining room when we put up the Christmas tree and I've sat in it more in the past month than the last 2 years combined. It's the perfect place to curl up and read.
It's right by the fireplace, so it's warm and cozy.
(Yes, our stockings are STILL hung by the chimney with care!)
And even though I put a little bed next to the chair for Jake, the second I get up, he makes himself right at home!

My Writing Table

2010-01-04T07:57:00.004-05:00

Murph and I bought this little writing table, probably 10 years ago at a little antique shop in our neighborhood that is no longer open. We both love how it fills this little spot in our living room. When we started redecorating the room, we thought we might replace it as it's got a few bumps and bruises. We've been looking since June and haven't found anything we like nearly as much as this. Then we found a simple little chair!
As soon as we saw these little black chairs (yes, there are two of them) we knew we were painting the table black - the next day we were at Home Depot and within a few hours it was finished!
I love the little details on this writing table!
These little chairs are so sweet! The cane is in great shape on both of them and they are nice and sturdy.
Look at the little flower! My new favorite find!
This is the second chair, which is now resting in my dining room. Not sure it will stay there once the Christmas decorations are down, but for now I like it.

One Little Word

2010-01-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

"B" is also for BETTER.

My one little word for 2010. I chose it to remind myself to try and be better, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend. I also want to try and do better, better at blogging, better at completing projects - just better all around!

Previous Years Words:
2007 Grace
2008 Accomplish
2009 Peace

Christmas in January?

2010-01-02T08:11:00.003-05:00

If I remember correctly, it was January of 2009 when I posted our 2008 Christmas tree pictures. At least I'm consistent! This year we had a late Christmas as Bryn's leave was over New Year's. As long as he was able to come home, we were happy.

I used the ornaments I bought last year, just added a few more in the same colors and some garland. I found the nutcrackers at TJ Maxx.
Love the clip on birds, too!
Love the early morning sunlight shining in.
Our Christmas was lovely, I hope yours was, too!

Welcome 2010

2010-01-01T20:36:00.003-05:00

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Choosing Paint - Not for Sissy's!

2009-10-26T09:13:00.004-04:00

My family and friends can tell you how I agonize over paint choices, it can literally take me a year to decide on a color. I know it's said that paint is cheap, but really, it's not! Okay, relatively speaking, paint is an inexpensive way to improve the look of your home. However, when the paint for one room of my home costs more than $100, I can't say that it's cheap. Not to mention the time it takes to actually paint the room! We've painted 3 rooms of our home since June of this year and I've gained some confidence in choosing paint, still it isn't a job for sissy's!

Last week we had our 'roofing system replaced'. We thought we were having our house re-roofed, but it turned out to be more of a renovation. Our roof is new from the rafters up - oh wait! Some of the rafters are even new! The fascia boards are new and some of the siding was replaced as well. This means we need to paint!

Here's a "Before" shot of our roof -

I know, it's not the greatest picture, but I didn't think to take an actual "Before" of my ugly old roof!

Here's an "After" -
We had thought once the roof was finished, we'd have a landscaper come in and help us with the front yard. We'll still do that, but after we paint. Which brings us back to choosing paint. We live in an historic district, and while they don't have strict guidelines, or any at all really, most of the homes are painted colors that blend into nature. I've been walking the neighborhood, looking at houses and the colors they are painted. I noticed there are A LOT of soft yellows and creams, and decided I wanted something different. I've never been a fan of green, but I found a house with a paint scheme that I really like and headed to Home Depot for samples and paint related reading material.
Much of yesterday was spent with the ott light on the table as we looked at different colors together, trying to narrow down the choices so we could buy samples to try on the house. These are the first two selections we'll try.
Kind of a greenish blue with an antique white trim and red doors. I really like red doors. I am also influenced by paint color names - the darker greenish blue is called 'dragonfly' and I like that!

The white across the top is for the fascia and soffits, which we are going to do in vinyl. (Note: Until last week, I didn't even know what fascia and soffits were! Now I know what they are and that it's a good idea to do them in vinyl.)

If these turn out to be the paint colors we use on the house, I'll have made a HUGE break through! Stay tuned. . . .

I'm a Winner!

2009-10-24T10:42:00.002-04:00

I have been enjoying Bookreporter.com's newsletter since they were a part of the AOL community. Every Saturday morning I sit down at my computer with a cup of coffee and spend an hour or two with their weekly newsletter. I started out making my reading wish list in a small notepad I could carry with me when I went to the bookstore. After a year or so, I graduated to a PDA. Today, I head to Amazon and send a sample to my Kindle. How times have changed!

No matter how I make my list, Bookreporter has pointed me in the direction of many wonderful authors I may never have found on my own, Lisa Tucker being one of them. Imagine my surprise to learn that I had won a copy of her latest in their monthly drawing! Also included in my package were:

have a little faith, by Mitch Albom

The Last Song, by Nicholas Sparks

Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger

The Promised World, by Lisa Tucker

An Echo in the Bone, by Diana Gabaldon

I'm looking forward to reading all of these, but especially Her Fearful Symmetry, as I loved her first novel, The Time Traveler's Wife. I've only read the first two of Diana Gabaldon's series, but now that I have the latest one in hand, I think it's probably time to catch up!

I hope you all have a great weekend - if you need me, you'll find me curled up on the couch with Jake and Gracie reading!

Is anyone still here?

2009-09-22T13:45:00.004-04:00

It's been forever since I've posted, I know. I wasn't sure I would come back to blogging - the longer I was away from it, the harder it seemed to get back into it. I didn't intend to take such a long break, or any break at all really. Things just seemed to get busier than I'd expected. Murph went back to work and Bryn came home from Afghanistan (safe and sound). Then we decided to do a little remodeling/redecorating, that turned into a lot of remodeling/redecorating - it just got away from me!

Things are rather back to normal again, at least for a while! Brutus has moved to NC with Bryn.

Murph drove a U-Haul up with all his furniture, the pool table, things for his kitchen we'd found him, his surf board - all his goodies, a week or so earlier. Once he was settled he came back for Brutus and his bike.He looks pretty happy in the passenger seat next to his buddy, doesn't he? Bryn said he was good for the entire trip - about 7 hours. He's settling in nicely.
This little guy was dropped off in our front yard at the end of June. He had a note on his collar, "I am a good boy. I need a home and love." I wonder how long they watched my house before they realized what a sucker for dogs I am! LOL! We've named him Jake and after a few rough patches he's fitting in nicely and getting along with the girls.
This is the only piece of artwork I've managed since April! I can't believe it myself. I collaged two chipboard pages from a chipboard book by Maya Road. It's the first time I've tried some of the layering techniques here. Since I made it in early September, I went with kind of a school theme.

Yeah, the theme becomes more apparent on the insides!
And the back - I love that little girl with the HUGE bow in her hair!

Thanks for checking back - I'm sure I can do better at posting on a more regular basis!

Of Birds and Books

2009-04-17T13:37:00.005-04:00

I've been working on this for a while now, and while it wasn't hard, I kept getting distracted by one thing or another. It's a short children's story about sparrows - in a bird shaped book.
From the side. (The little bird cage is a candle holder I found at Michael's.)
Close up - don't you love vintage millinery flowers? And tulle - I'm a big fan of tulle!
Flower frogs are pretty cool, too. (Did I not give this guy an eye? Oh my!)
Vintage rhinestone buttons.
And a photo of Bryn when he was a little guy.
Little birdies on a wire.
Love that pink button. (That's Murph in his high school football days!) ETA: See the small silver frame on the left, sort of behind the cage - that's Murph!
Gotta have a little bling.
All babies fly the nest sooner or later!

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T00:07:00.000-04:00

Thinking of you today and wishing you a wonderful Easter.

A Spring Garland

2009-04-11T09:19:00.003-04:00

I really haven't spent much time in my studio since Murph's surgeries. When he went back to work this month - after 4 months of being home - I had a lot of catching up to do! I decided to start easy, with this eclectic garland. The mantle is a piece Murph and I found at one of the antique shops we frequent. We looked at it for weeks before we finally brought it home. This vintage looking garland is a nice touch.
That's an old photo of Bryn, he's maybe 9 or 10 there. We went to Disney World and had our pictures taken in old time western wear. Yes, I still need to decide what to write on the scalloped tag - any ideas?
The M is for our last name, Murphy. You know I had to have a bird, right?
Love the old key!
You can click on the photos if you want a better look. It felt good to be back in my studio, working on something. I've got another project on my desk now!

Bunnies for Kathy

2009-04-10T08:29:00.002-04:00

I thought I'd post a couple of pictures of the bunnies and goodies I sent to Kathy. Instead of a basket, I found an Easter box for her, lined it with a couple vintage napkins and filled it with candy, including chocolate covered marshmallow bunnies.
And of course the Easter box had a bunny on the top! This is also a better picture of the journal I made for Kathy and the bunny pitcher I gave you a sneak peek of earlier.

Happy Easter!

Look!! I have an Easter basket!!

2009-04-09T15:33:00.003-04:00

This is the first Easter basket I've had in so many years, I can't remember and I'm so excited! This basket and all the goodies were sent to me by Kathy of Kat Collects, my partner in Heidi's Very Vintage Easter Basket Swap. Such a lovely package with so many of my favorite things! Click on the picture so you can see what's in the pretty blue basket.
One of my favorite things in the basket are these chocolate flowers and candy tulips. I think they may be too pretty eat! I love how they look in my little silver vase. Also included is the pretty yellow candle pictured here, as well as a light blue one. So pretty!
Another of my favorite things is this beautiful vintage Easter card set between glass framed with silver. Kathy also sent the hand made doily it sits on.

Kathy, thank you so much for such a lovely package, I smile whenever I see it! Mostly though, I thank you for your friendship, I've truly enjoyed getting to know you.

Another Sneak Peek!

2009-03-31T06:00:00.002-04:00

This time I'm sharing a peek of the "Very Vintage Easter Basket" package that I put together for Kat of Kat Collects. All of my recent swaps have been such fun to put together, but I especially enjoyed this one. Maybe it's Kat's bunnies or maybe it's that Kat and I have really gotten to know each other. Either way, I'm happy to count Kat among my friends.

Remember I said that I'd bought another Gerbera Daisy at the Farmer's Market this Saturday? I have a couple of these copper planters I thought looked nice on the front porch, but one plant just looked lost in it. Someone with a green thumb could help it grow into the pot and would enjoy it for months or maybe even years to come. I'll be happy if it looks lovely for a month - anything longer than that is certainly a bonus!

I'm really going to try again this year to help my plants live a long and healthy life!
If you clicked on the photos in my previous front porch post you probably noticed the hydrangea in this pail wasn't doing too well. I replaced it Saturday with fresh plants, all of them on sale for .99 cents! I'm going to repot the hydrangea and see if I can find a spot where it will be happy.

Kat, your swap goodies are on the way!

Birds of a Feather

2009-03-30T10:12:00.005-04:00

Thursday afternoon the mailman brought me a package from Kim, my "For the Love of Birds" swap partner. Everything was wrapped in such pretty paper! I thought I'd show you how I displayed my new goodies in my house this time.
I recently went through all the books on this bookcase and took huge bags to the used bookstore, so I had plenty of room for all the pretty things Kim sent my way. I just love the nest above, I've not seen one like it before and am so pleased with it!
Now, not only did I see this little bitty nest, which is metal and holds a candle, I actually had it in my hand at Michael's and carried it around for a while before deciding I probably didn't need it. So thank you, Kim for knowing how much I loved that little nest! The sweet little bird next to it was also part of my package.
You can click on this picture to get a better look at the little bird in the frame - it's perfect right there, don't you think? Don't miss the blue beaded bracelet with the tiny silver bird charm - it's so lovely! I wore it this weekend.
This is an old ironing board Bryn and I bought years ago - I think he was in 3rd grade, maybe 4th, either way as he'll be 22 in May, we've had it a long time! The old birdhouse has sat there for a while now with no bird! This little one Kim sent is perfect. Click on the picture to get a better look!

Kim, thank you so much for a wonderful swap! Each piece goes so well tucked here and there around my house!

And yes we did go to the Farmer's Market Saturday! I don't know why I haven't taken pictures of the actual market. I'm going to try and remember to do that next Saturday. I bought another Daisy, too. I'll show you that tomorrow.
Remember that sneak peek I posted of Kim's swap? This is the photo I cropped to share with you. (Gracie sent Emma a little something.)
And inside the front cover. The book is an old ledger I bought in a lot of old ledgers on eBay. I don't know why (other than I'm an accountant maybe) but I like using ledger paper! I hope Kim will, too.And here's the rest of the package I sent to Kim.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

A Sping Sweetness Package

2009-03-26T18:18:00.004-04:00

Have you ever been in a swap where the package you receive is so perfectly put together, and so well suited to you that you wish you'd done a better job with what you sent? It's pretty rare that I feel that way, as I do try to send a package my partner will enjoy. The package I received from Susie today is so perfectly sweet, well here, let me share some pictures with you.
Everything about this package is sweet, from the handmade notebook, the delicate cup and saucer, the beautifully detailed silver spoon - a sugar spoon maybe - and a vintage cookbook!
The detail on the cup and saucer shows up a little better here. I've always loved pink glass, but it's not so easy to find here.
Another one of the spoon - the lace bow is just too cute!
To go along with my lovely cup, saucer and spoon is a package of Chai Tea Mix - one of my favorites. For Easter, Susi made me Easter Eggs with vintage chenille - so cute!

Susie, I can't think you enough for this wonder packaged.

For the Love of Birds

2009-03-25T08:35:00.004-04:00

I do love all things birds! When I saw the announcement for "The Love of Birds Swap", I signed right up! My partner is Kim and I've truly enjoyed getting to know her and her sweet puppy Emma. The only thing I love more than birds is a puppy! Kim's package goes out this morning, I've scheduled a pickup with my mailman. The photo above is just a little sneak peek of what's inside.
Yesterday Bryn had some time off, we chatted via AIM for a few hours. I sat on my front porch with my laptop, enjoying the weather and my new bench. We had planned on painting it black, but when I really looked I thought a rustic brown would better match the metal that's already there.
My bougainvillea survived the winter - over 19 freezes here in Florida and I can't remember how many hard freezes - lots of them! I kept it covered with an old quilt. It's blooming like crazy right now. The gargoyles are my husbands, he loves them and has a couple more here and there.
This is Bailey, who is very hard to photograph, because he doesn't hold still! He's rubbing up against you, wanting attention. Isn't he pretty!

This is his brother, Ezra. He couldn't care less if you pet him or not, it's more about if he thinks you are worthy to pet him!

Bryn and I were talking about when these guys were kittens. We got them from the shelter and brought them home the weekend of Hurricane Floyd! Not the best time to bring home new kitties, especially when you have two dogs. The spent a lot of time in my bathroom that weekend! Hurricane Floyd came through in September of 1999, which means these guys are almost 10 years old.

Vintage Spring Sweetness

2009-03-24T12:32:00.002-04:00

Just a little sneak peek for you, Susie! Vintage trims are something Susie and I have in common. These are from my own collection. Hidden behind them (and underneath!) is the rest of the goodies I gathered for this swap.

I have two other swaps that will be going out this week. I've been a busy bee getting them together and will post sneak peeks as I take photos and get them ready for the post office.

Saturday Morning

2009-03-21T13:06:00.005-04:00

Means a trip to the Farmer's Market!
It looks like we'll be having stuffed peppers soon! I've already sliced one of the limes to add to my diet coke - yummy!
Isn't this Gerbera Daisy pretty? One of the booths had dozens of them in every color imaginable! I had such a hard time picking just one. Murph, always the enabler, encouraged me to get a few, but I'm afraid I'll kill them - I don't have the greenest of thumbs. This bright pink looks so cheerful and springy - I hope it lives.
I have wanted a good study Bible for a while now. I have a small zippered white one I was given when I was baptised and a NIV daily devotional Bible, as well as my grandmother's Bible. Gram's Bible is so old, I don't use it for everyday, I just treasure it. Justin has the Nelson King James and I really like it, but it's not cheap.

I've been going through all my books this week. Murph took several large bags to the Bookmine, the local used bookstore for me. We went there yesterday to look for cookbooks by Alton Brown of Good Eats. While we were there I decided to see what they had in the way of study Bibles as they carry new books as well as old ones. Being so close to Easter, I thought they might have what I was looking for. The didn't have the exact one, but they did have The Life Application Study Bible, NIV. Since I was able to get it with my book credit, I did.

Later Murph and I decided to go to Books-A-Million to look at the cookbooks, since they didn't have them at the used bookstore. We walked in the front door and what was the first thing we saw? A display of Bibles on sale, including the Nelson King James Study Bible! It was less than half price, so I bought it! I'm so happy to have it.

(We still haven't bought the cookbooks!)
Gracie is feeling much better, though not quite her usual self. This is what she does when she sees anyone coming towards her! I scratched her belly - carefully, of course - and let her give me kisses and gave her a couple, too. And pretty soon she let me take this -

That's her serious look - with her ears pulled back! (Hey Lisa, do you recognize that collar? It's the one we bought for Stella! Hard to believe she was ever so small.)

I've been working on some upcoming swaps, which is always fun! I'll share those things with you later next week.

Enjoy your weekend!

Catching up

2009-03-17T12:36:00.003-04:00

We went to the Farmer's Market this weekend and while it's still a little early, we managed to find a few goodies. Honestly, even if we hadn't bought anything we had a great time just wandering around. They had everything from fruits, vegetables, and plants to boiled peanuts and live chickens. (I'm not sure if the chickens were for laying or frying, but I'm going to go with eggs!)
This is one of the things we bought at the antique/junque shops on Friday. I've wanted a small bench for a while now to put on my small front porch, for sitting, yes, but also for setting packages while I unlock the front door. On the way home we stopped and bought a can of black spray paint as I'm not real fond of the green!

We also bought two chairs for the back deck. I don't have pictures of them as Murph took them straight to the garage and has already started working on them.
Kathy of Kat Collects is my partner in the Vintage Easter Basket swap. I've been spending a lot of time on her blog and have fallen in love with all of her bunnies. Not surprising that I had to have a few of my own!
I LOVE this little egg! It's so very sweet!
These little bunnies are salt and pepper shakers and just too cute!

I bought a couple of other things for swap packages and Easter baskets that I'll share later. I'll share the other chairs, too, as soon as they are finished.

Gracie is at the vet today, being spayed and microchipped. We took her bright and early this morning. She was not nervous at all, as a matter of fact she was so happy to see the other dogs and ready to play! The house is so quiet without her, I'll be glad when she is home. Brutus must agree with me as he's looked high and low for his buddy all day. Stella is just enjoying the quiet!

ETA: Gracie is home now - she was happy to see us, but happier to see the front door! She slept all the way home. I carried her in and put her in her kennel where she's been sleeping for the last hour and a half. Other than sleepy, she's fine. Brutus is happy to have her home, he can finally relax!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

Winter Basics and Baubles

2009-03-14T08:16:00.003-04:00

Yesterday the mailman brought my Winter Basics and Baubles swap from Peggy of Pegs Life In The Button Jar. She had it wrapped so nicely! I don't always think to wrap my swaps, but it's so nice to receive a wrapped package.
Here's what was inside: Two red dish towels, which I appreciate as they are so hard to find. A vintage crocheted doily, so pretty with it's red and pink trim. A handmade St. Patrick's Day tag - you know we love all things Irish! A set of red and white measuring cups - those always come in handy. Look at the vintage butterfly pin - you should see it sparkle - just lovely! Can't wait to wear it to church tomorrow. Two pretty candles and two red jar openers! Thank you for such a thoughtful package, Pegg!

Thanks also to Heidi for hosting another wonderfully fun swap!

Speaking of swaps - yesterday Murph and I went to my favorite antique/junque shop. I haven't taken any pictures yet, but wait until I show you what we found!

Strawberry Bread

2009-03-13T08:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I finally got around to making strawberry bread - even if you don't like strawberries, doesn't it look yummy?
It's an easy recipe to make with basic ingredients. The only thing I added was a simple glaze.
(This picture is really so you can see my bunny!)

Strawberries and Cream Bread
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar (use if you want sweeter bread)
2 eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups strawberries, fresh and coarsley chopped (do NOT use frozen) or fresh blueberries
3/4 cup walnuts (optional)

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside.
In another bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beat 1 minute or until light and airy. Add brown sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in sour cream and vanilla.
Add dry ingredients, stirring only until they are moistened.
Fold in strawberries and nuts.
Pour int a greased 8x4 loaf pan. (You can make muffins, too. Just adjust your baking time.)
Bake at 350 for 60 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let stand 20 minutes in pan, then turn out on wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your weekend!

Spring China

2009-03-11T13:17:00.002-04:00

I don't know much about this China pattern other than I love how delicate it is. Look at the shape of the sugar bowl and cream pitcher - aren't they lovely?
There is a service for four (luncheon plate, dessert plate, bread plate, salad bowl, berry bowl, cup and saucer) with two platters (on the left) and two serving bowls. You can click on the pictures to get a closer look. My china cabinet is filled to the brim already, so I've no idea where to keep this pretty set of dishes, but I'll figure something out!

I'll leave you with a Gracie fix! She cannot understand why she's in her bed and not my lap - check out those eyes!

Strawberry Jam

2009-03-10T16:18:00.002-04:00

Today I made strawberry jam! It's been a few years since I'd done this and I forgot how much sugar a batch of jam takes. Since I had so many strawberries I made a double batch - 10 cups of crushed strawberries and 14, yes 14, cups of sugar! And the stirring! Oh, the stirring! But it smells so good you don't really mind.
My favorite part of making jam is hearing the jars ping when they seal!
Not to mention how pretty all those jars of jam look lined up on the counter. For me making strawberry jam is a true labor of love, because I don't like strawberries! (Hard to believe there is someone who doesn't like strawberries, I know, but it's true. I try one every year just to make sure - so far I still don't like them. Maybe next year.)

I have some strawberries left over and a recipe for Strawberries & Cream Bread - I think I'll make it tomorrow morning - stop by for a slice!

St. Augustine

2009-03-09T08:43:00.004-04:00

Yesterday after church, Justin, my oldest son and Ashleigh, his fiancée (or is it fiancé) invited us to visit St. Augustine with them. It was a perfect day for walking around the old town and we had a wonderful time taking tourist-type pictures!

We went to a lovely restaurant for lunch - the food was very good - just small portions, at least for Murph and Justin!

My neighbor brought over a huge flat of strawberries this weekend, so I'm making strawberry jam today! Murph is golfing for the first time since his knee surgery, he's been looking forward to this since before his surgeries!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Dusting the cobwebs from my blog

2009-03-06T08:21:00.003-05:00

How did it get to be March so quickly? And how is that I haven't blogged in more than 2 weeks? I'll tell you - my husband is still home after his knee replacements and I can't seem to find a routine where I get everything done!

He's doing fine, actually he's MUCH better than before he had the surgery. He is cleared to go back to work on April 1st. (If that turns out to be some kind of April Fools joke, I won't think it's funny!) In the meantime I have company all day long!
I recently joined a "Kitchen Basics & Baubles" swap - it's on the sidebar. This made me really look at kitchen towels and I didn't find a lot that I really liked. That is until I found these over at Sew, Mama, Sew.
Here's one hanging on the kitchen island. Towel ring courtesy of Lisa.
I found these wonderful waffle weave towels at Marshall's - a package of 10 for $7.00, I added a border of red and white fabrics - really easy. Once I got the hang of it, I could finish a towel in about 20 minutes.
I don't know why I buy more yarn! It seems I cannot help myself. I'm still working on the green shawl I started more than a year ago! (It's twice that length now, but not finished.) Anyway, I've always wanted to knit a Clapotis. (I'd also like to learn how to pronounce it.) I think the Clapotis, knit in a light silky yarn would be perfect in the summer months to take with you to all those places that are over air conditioned. I saw this yarn, a Malabrigo in Raspberry, 51% silk and 49% Merino and knew it was what I wanted. When I'll actually get it made up is another story ~ but just having it and knowing it's waiting makes me happy.
I'll leave you with a puppy picture! I love the look on Brutus's face! Can that Gracie stretch out or what!

Thanks for checking back!

Tulips

2009-02-15T11:10:00.003-05:00

Tulips are one of my very favorite flowers! In any color - but we all know of my fondness for red. Murph surprised me with these yesterday - Valentine's Day. I say surprised because he thinks of Valentine's Day as a Hallmark holiday and usually doesn't recognize it. I love these though! If any of you know how I might be able to preserve the bulbs and force them to bloom next spring, please let me know.

A few of my favorite things. . . . .

2009-02-12T13:35:00.004-05:00

I took this photo for Contest #1 over at the Knitters' Coffee Swap. (There is a link on the right if you'd like to look at the other photos.) Today was the last day to post - maybe yesterday was - so I was rushing around gathering items to get the picture taken and uploaded to their blog. As I was putting things away, I realized I'd grabbed my favorite blue pottery mug, the blue vintage bowl I received for Christmas, and 4 skeins of blue yarn from my stash!

Those yarns are so soft! I wish you could feel them! The coffee's pretty good, too. Come by for a cup and I'll show you my yarn. . . .

Did you think I was LOST?

2009-02-10T08:45:00.002-05:00

Well, I have been - this kind of lost! My dear friend Lisa brought the first 3 seasons for us to watch. We held out for almost a week, knowing as soon as we put the first disc in, we'd be hooked! And we are! With Murph still home on disability leave after his surgeries, it's the perfect time for a marathon! Fortunately he has physical therapy 3 times a week, so I can tidy up the house and get a few things done or I'm not sure we'd ever move from in front of the television! It's really good! We're about half-way through Season 2, so if you don't hear from me again until after the weekend, don't worry!
I had meant to share my February calendar pages with you on the first of each month, but I got so excited about my studio that I totally forgot! Better late than never?
I did finish this sweet little apron before the 'Lost Marathon'. The fabric was the deal of the day from Fabric.com sometime in January. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it! I have another almost finished - I got my copy of (apron-ology) from Somerset and decided to mix it up just a little bit.
This is the reverse side of the apron. I love this little pattern. The ties are long enough to wrap around and tie in the front.

The birds on the branch was something I found on eBay, months ago. It was pepto pink! I painted it a soft green and highlighted it with some walnut ink and some turquoise ink, and while I like it, I think I'll be changing the color. It's the perfect place to hang my aprons.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!

Studio Pictures - and Cupcakes!

2009-02-01T17:17:00.005-05:00

I've had these two shelves for the longest time! I bought the red one months ago and I think I may have posted it on my blog when I got it. The white shelf with the birds I only got a few weeks ago, so not so long really. Murph finally hung them for me yesterday.
They tie in nicely with what is already there, I think. It looked so empty before. Do you remember before?
Here's before. (I share my studio with Brutus - that's his kennel you see on the right. He likes to hang out in there with me when I'm working.)
Here's that same view - sorta - today. Yes, the laptop shrunk! LOL! That's our mini, I have the bigger one in the living room right now.

Now about those cupcakes-
No, I didn't buy a bike! It was Murph's birthday last week, so I took him to the cupcake shop to pick out his birthday treats. The two in the front with the sprinkles are 'birthday cake' and he got those free because we bought a half dozen! These are truly the yummiest cupcakes I've ever had!

Hope you all had a great weekend! (Any Super Bowl watchers?)

Knitters' Coffee Swap Four

2009-01-29T17:35:00.004-05:00

One of the requirements for the Knitters' Coffee Swap is to answer the following list of 14 questions - Kind of fun, actually!

1. Whole bean or ground?
Ground, please
2. Fully-loaded or decaf?
Fully-loaded, of course
3. Regular or flavored?
You know, I like both
4. How do you drink your coffee?
Black
5. Favorite coffee ever?
Boca Java's Hightide Hazelnut
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do?
I'm a little fussy
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee?
I like cookies! In the morning I usually have an English muffin with jelly.
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences?
I like a mild blend, no French Vanilla or overly sweet flavors
9. Yarn/fiber you love?
Natural fibers
10. Yarn/fiber you hate?
I don't like acrylic yarns
11. What's on your needles?
Well, it's confession time! I have a scarf on one set of needles, a shawl on another set, and another shawl or wrap on yet another set of needles!
12. Favorite colors?
I love red and shades of blue
13. Allergies?
I don't think so
14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest?
I really really don't like when it gets below 35 degrees in Florida!

The scarf pattern above is from Purl Soho. The yarn is Malabrigo from Yarnzilla, one of my favorite yarns - it has the nicest hand.

Looking forward to this swap!

Vintage Valentine Swap

2009-01-28T12:42:00.004-05:00

Today the mailman brought me the most wonderful box of goodies from Denise, my swap partner in Heidi's Vintage Valentine Swap. It couldn't be more perfect and I couldn't be more pleased!

Denise is a master of presentation and packaging! She had everything arranged just as you see it in the picture above and still managed to package it so not only was nothing broken, nothing was out of place! I knew I loved it before I even took it out of the box.
A closer look - those are bath truffles inside that adorable little bowl. The silver heart is heavy - just right to use for a small paperweight - and so lovely! There's a tin of pink hot chocolate in the center - I love that! And a jar of specialty shop pomegranate jelly, which I will admit to tasting right away - Yummy! I'll add it to my list of favorite jellies. (Seriously Denise, how did you know I was a big fan of jelly?) Don't forget to check out the beautiful ceramic dish that's holding all these wonderful goodies! What's that on the other side you ask? Let me show you!
It's heart shaped, softly scented rose soap tucked inside one of the prettiest little boxes I've ever seen! I'm sure I'll find a use for the box.

And last, but certainly not least, look at this beautiful mug! I told my husband, who doesn't drink coffee, tea or hot chocolate, that I wanted a new mug. He totally didn't understand as I have several mugs and can only use one at a time after all. A new mug is like getting your haircut. A pretty new mug, like the one above, is like like getting the perfect haircut! You just can't help but smile!

Thank you Denise, for such an awesome gift! I'll swap with you anytime! A big thank you to Heidi for hosting amazing swaps and introducing me to such lovely people.

Ready for Spring

2009-01-27T08:44:00.004-05:00

It has been very cold here. We had 3 or 4 nights with temperatures in the 20's for long periods of time. That may be normal for many places, but I live in Florida! And in an old drafty house! I'm so glad it's warmer now, so ready for Spring, so much so I bought these pretty hydrangeas to put on my front porch. (They are in an old enamel bucket I bought at my favorite antique/junque store, so if it freezes again, I can easily move them inside.)
When Bryn was in high school and driving himself to school, I used to make him muffins on cold winter mornings, put them in a lunch bag and hand them to him on his way out the door with a travel mug of hot chocolate. Bryn's long out of high school and far from home, but still, when I make muffins, I think of him.

These are from a recipe that StudioRose shared with me for pumpkin bread. It makes two loaves, but I learned you can also make a loaf and a dozen muffins just as easily. They are pumpkin muffins loaded with raisins and nuts - YUMMY!!
When it's cold outside, my cat, Ezra or Ez-Man, spends a lot more time inside. He still likes to keep an eye on what's going on outside - you know, a stray cat might try to come in our yard and Ezra will have none of that!

Earlier in the day there was sun streaming in the windows, so Brutus moved his bed right in the middle of it! He bunched it up and settled in. He's either too lazy to move it back or he's waiting for the sun to come back. Or maybe he knows I'll move it back eventually and save him the trouble.

I'm sure you can't tell from this photo, but Stella is wagging her tail to beat the band! I really don't let the dogs up on the furniture, but sometimes they just can't help themselves! It also doesn't help that I take a picture of them (because come on, aren't they cute?) and THEN make them get down! Oh well.

Cupcakes and Valentines

2009-01-21T07:48:00.003-05:00

They opened a cupcake shop very close to my house, so close I could ride my bike there and back - if I had a bike that is! We stopped in over the weekend and since I couldn't make up my mind we got 2 Red Velvet, 2 Coconut, 2 Mounds Bar and 2 Peanut Butter Cup! Oh my gosh they are so good!

While I was there a little girl got a frosting shot! Can you imagine?

I joined a couple Valentine Swap's and have been busy putting them together - if I'm your partner in a Valentine Swap - Fair Warning! Stop reading now if you want to be surprised!
I actually made this composition book for a swap. The binding cover is vintage wallpaper trim. The tag on the cover came from One Bright Spot, an etsy shop. I guess you've probably noticed I'm really into using a little bling on everything I put together these days. I can't seem to help myself. I bought a good sized lot of vintage rhinestone buttons a while ago and am having such fun with them. After I had the composition book covered, I thumbed through the pages to make sure I hadn't glued any of them together and discovered I had journaled in this book! Breaks my heart to think I have to keep this pretty journal!
I think this one is every bit as nice, and hopefully my swap partner will like it as much. I had a roll of netting (is that what that's called?) on my table and thought it made a pretty closure. It can easily be snipped off if it isn't to her liking. (I checked for previous journaling BEFORE I covered this one - always a good plan!)
I enjoy putting together swap packages, you have to love the shopping! I always pick up a couple of things for myself and find a thing or two for my girlfriends, too, and to tuck in boxes for Bryn. Keeps me from waiting until the last minute, too.
After stitching together the mittens for the calendar pages I decided to try my hand at some other things, including these hearts. I've tucked a bit of Lavender in each one, just a little, as it can be overwhelming. I've also ordered an embroidery book so perhaps I can learn another stitch!

About those cupcakes - if I bought a bicycle, rode to the shop, had a cupcake and a cup of coffee, then had Murph come pick me up in the truck (who am I kidding, I can't ride a bike that far!) - would I use enough calories to make up for the cupcake?

January 2010 Calendar Pages

2009-01-18T18:38:00.003-05:00

Last year my goal was to create next years calendar pages in the month they were to represent. I managed to do half of the year, which was better than doing all of them at once. I think the pages I was able to do ahead of time came out better as I had more time and didn't feel any pressure to finish them. Today I finished January 2010 - my goal this year is to better than last year!
I've had this vintage postcard for a long time, but it wasn't my turn to do January until now. I love the soft pinks mixed with the deeper rose. The background paper is actually a fabric, the patterned paper is old Anna Griffin I had in my stash.

I can't remember every using a patterned paper for the calendar grid before. If we haven't then I think it's high time we did!

And now for a Brutus fix ~
It's been quite cold here, especially for Florida. Brutus is not fond of chilly weather. As a puppy he would lay by the vent and make 'Brutus Noises' until it came on. He still does that today, without the noises, just with a pleading look! This is his other trick - if you can't find him just look on the bed!
I had already turned the bed down, but hadn't gone to bed. I guess he decided to make himself at home! Look how he's burrowed under the covers! He also looks somewhat annoyed that I'm disturbing him.

Once he realizes I'm taking pictures and not making him get down he snuggles right back to how I found him. Silly dog!

August 2009 Calendar Pages

2009-01-16T07:45:00.000-05:00

The last pages for 2009! It feels good to have them finished - such an accomplishment. And I still have time to put together pages for January before Lisa and I get together, which gets me off to a good start for 2010.
A close up of the top of the calendar. The patterned papers are Jenni Bowlin. I use a lot of her products, they lend themselves to my vintage style very nicely. (Did you know she has a class at Big Picture Scrapbooking later this year? I'm looking forward to that!)

I aged alphabet image with a combination of inks and walnut ink crystals, spritzed with water.
The calendar is printed on coffee stained paper - I used a vanilla flavored instant coffee so it smells yummy, too!

Can't wait to start January! I've got an idea in mind.

December 2009 Calendar Pages

2009-01-14T20:13:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had an image in your mind of what you want to create and then somewhere during the process of creation, the project totally changes? That's what happened with the December pages. I had a couple of vintage images I've been looking forward to using on these pages, I even printed them. But the thought of mittens came to me while I was looking through papers and the next thing I knew I was looking for my felt, embroidery floss and tiny buttons!

While I had hoped to finish the pages yesterday, all I managed to finish were the mittens! If your hands were tiny enough, you could actually wear these!
The trim is vintage seam binding that I hand stitched into a ruffle pattern, it looks a lot harder than it is. I really enjoy hand stitching.

I didn't have two of of either the blue foil rectangles or the white lace rectangles, so these two pages are a little different. I think that's fine. I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite.

The center of the blue pieces by the calendar are little rhinestones to 'match' the button holding the mittens in place on the top page.

What do you think the white lace . . . . .
Or the blue metallic?

Tomorrow maybe I can finish August or at least get a good start on it!

October 2009 Calendar Page

2009-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

I finished October's pages today, "A Night at the Opera", inspired by the sheet music and the photo of the man holding the violets. I actually chose the photo first as I really liked the violets, so different. Tomorrow I think I'll try and finish December. I have a few ideas and I'm still in a bit of a Christmas mood.

Lisa, I think I might even try and do January 2010 before I pass my pages along to you. How different would it be to have January in advance? Don't hold me to it though, you know how plans change!

Last Tuesday afternoon as I was bringing in the groceries and taking some boxes out to the garage, Gracie escaped! She's never tried to get out before, but she saw our cat, Bailey on the front porch and decided to go play with her. She's so small and so quick, I lost sight of her in no time. I searched for her until 8:30 -9:00 that night, until it got too dark to see anything at all. I drove around for a while stopping and asking everyone I saw, posting and handing out flier's I'd quickly printed. Then I went back home and got Brutus and he searched with me. I honestly believe he was looking for Gracie as he usually walks right along at a fast clip, with his head up, and his tail wagging. That night he kept his nose to the ground sniffing and looking from left to right, walking slowly and making 'Brutus sounds', if you've met Brutus, you know what I'm talking about.

Wednesday morning I was back out early, replacing signs I'd posted with new ones I had printed with pictures on them. I handed out smaller flier's to the morning walkers. While I was still out looking, my cell phone rang - the neighborhood dog walker, Janice, had Gracie! I'll admit to making a fool of myself by sobbing - no not polite tears of joy, but total mascara running, snotty sobbing!

A big thank you to Janice and to all of my neighbors who were so concerned and so helpful. So many of you have come by the house to see if Gracie made it home. Even more have come up to me while I was walking Gracie, just so happy to see that she was found. I have great neighbors!

And yes, we've all spoiled Grace like crazy since she's been home! Stella and Brutus sniffed her all over, Brutus cleaned her ears, then they both sniffed her some more! She was dirty, hungry, dirty and tired, but happy to be home! (Did I mention that she was dirty?)

2009 Calendar Pages - Also Late, as Usual

2009-01-12T08:18:00.003-05:00

For several years now, Studiorose and I have created calendars together. We each take six months and make two pages for each. Of course we know ahead of time which months we have, we actually have an entire year to put the pages together. Somehow we always run late and this year is no exception! To be honest, I'm still not finished! Since Studiorose posted her pages, I thought I would at least share what I have finished.
In January of 2008 I vowed that I would finish my pages in the month of 2008 they would represent in 2009. In February, inspired by Valentine's Day I put together my February 2009 pages. It was wonderful to have all the time in the world to spend working on them, getting them just the way I wanted. (As opposed to panic stricken that Lisa would be here in a few days and I still had pages to finish!)

In April I was inspired to work with beeswax and had so much fun playing around with different mediums - there is fabric, ribbon, netting, a transparancy, and a tape measure on these pages, mostly held together with beeswax. Lots of fun.
I don't always take a picture of my work in progress, but since I did with this one, I thought I'd share it with you here. You can see the difference beeswax makes.
In June I came across this vintage postcard and since I love working with 'bathing beauties' I decided to play around with it and came up with these pages. The netting behind the calendar and the postcard is glittery, but doesn't show up very well in the photo.

In August, I reverted back to my old habits and am now in catch up mode! I hate it when I do that! My goal now is to have these finished by the end of the month when Lisa and I get together. I'll post my pages as I get them done.

Puppy Love

2009-01-06T08:04:00.003-05:00

I decided to share some photos of our dogs this morning. I have some recent ones that I really like, but while I was looking for them I came across this one. It is so typically Brutus that I had to share. That is his bed and he was quite happy on it all by himself before Gracie joined him. The expression on his face lets you know he's not too happy to be sharing, but he's gonna be a good guy and let her stay.

This is Stella's big ol' head resting on the arm of my chair, with me in the chair. I think she wants some attention! (Either that or her tennis ball is under something and she needs my help.)
Stella and Gracie soaking up the sun!
There wasn't enough sun for Brutus, so he found his own little patch - right in the middle of my bed! Notice how he arranged the pillow for his maximum comfort! (And tossed my bear!)

Note: He's NOT allowed on the bed and yes, he knows it, but like all kids, he likes to push the envelope!

What Happened to December??

2009-01-05T10:35:00.008-05:00

My husband had joint replacement surgery on both knees December 8th and 10th. Since then I've been his "beck and call girl", wait maybe I should say I've been at his beck and call! He's truly on the mend now - I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I've got time to post to my blog.

So, is it too late to post pictures of our Christmas tree? It turned out so pretty, you have to see it!Here's a close up of underneath the tree which was inspired by my my Vintage Christmas Swap with Heidi. She sent me the church, which I adore, the glittered snowflakes, as well as many of the glittered decorations on my tree.
All things considered we had a lovely Christmas! With that beautiful tree, how could we not?

Moving right along -
I was able to finish this 6x6 bracket calendar from Jenni Bowlin before the new year. On many of the months I used journaling blocks and will go back and record the highlights of the month or maybe add a favorite quote - something that was meaningful to me that month. I think Miss Daisy wears it well, don't you?

January is based on my Winter Journal. The paper is a different pattern, but the same colors. The felt flowers are the same, as are the rhinestones. I liked the look so much I wanted to use it again. The remaining months all use Jenni Bowlin papers and have a rhinestone or two on them.

My husband did his Christmas shopping on Etsy.com on the day before his first surgery. This is a big deal as he is not computer savvy! He actually thought he'd be able to do his shopping after his surgery and before Christmas - Christmas 2008! When I told him I didn't think so, he was shocked! He did so well, I think he should always shop Etsy! I'm hard pressed to chose a favorite, but I do love this vintage jewelry box and had a wonderful time filling it with inspirational goodies for an upcoming Vintage Valentine Swap.
I think it looks great on the sideboard in my studio! There's room for more goodies in that jewelry box. (This was inspired by an issue of Somerset Life.)
And one more thing!
When I logged on to create this post this morning I noticed that I had a follower! How cool is that! I'm so pleased someone is reading my blog that I added the follower gadget!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and am wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Thanks for reading!

Winter Journals

2008-12-03T08:59:00.005-05:00

I joined a Winter Journal swap quite a while ago and to be honest in the midst of all the apron and Christmas Swaps I also joined (what was I thinking!) I'd all but forgotten about it. Monday evening, after I'd gotten all the boxes packed and ready to be picked up, I sat down and started thinking about what I'd like to make for my partner. Thinking leads to going through my papers and my embellishments where I found the FAITH card. It spoke to me as there is so much going on in my life right now that there is little I can do about, except to have faith. I decided to put together a journal for myself and finished it in under an hour. Red, black and white have always been my colors. That still left me without a journal for my swap partner.

Back to my papers and embellishments I went! I pulled several sheets of silvery blues and pearly whites - all colors that reminded me of my Christmas tree. While I was looking for embellishments I remembered some vintage glittered words Murph and I uncovered in an antique/junque store last fall and wondered if I could remember where I had tucked them for safe keeping.
I found them in my sideboard, carefully wrapped in tissue and tied with a string. While I was at the sideboard, I noticed the little bowl of vintage rhinestone buttons (see the first picture) and thought why not!
I put this together, thinking it would be perfect to use this year to "Journal Our Christmas". The ribbon is some that I received from my partner in the Aqua & Red swap. While this is all very nice, it still left me with nothing for my swap partner. So, back to the papers I went.
Finally I came up with this. A very simple Winter Journal with some pearl and sequined flowers along the edge.
I like the idea of a clip on the top to hold a favorite photo, quote, or whatever inspires you to journal.

I have to admit, it felt good to be working with paper, glue, and goodies again! It's so much quicker for me to put together a paper piece than a sewn piece. That almost instant gratification is nice sometimes.

I've Been Busy. . . .

2008-12-01T19:08:00.005-05:00

. . . helping Santa get ready for Christmas! My last Christmas swap is ready for the postman to pick up tomorrow. I have two boxes of Christmas cookies and Christmas goodies to send to Bryn in Afghanistan and one box of the same to go to my adopted soldier all ready to go, too.

My sweet little daughter-in-law, Amanda, came over yesterday and we spent the entire day baking cookies! Oh my gosh, dozens and dozens of cookies! Some were frosted, some were rolled in powdered sugar, one batch was bars and one had white chocolate and red cherries. They were lovely and I should have gotten a picture, but I was so busy trying to get everything ready to go, by the time I thought of it, it was too late! I sent some home with Amanda and saved a few for Murph and I, so maybe I'll think to get a picture later.

Our little tree is up, I put it up Saturday and had enough ornaments left over to decorate another little tree! Who knew you didn't need many ornaments to fully load a small tree! Certainly not me!

I hung our stockings this afternoon and have the Nativity ready to put up, just as soon as I decide where I want it.

I've finally decided on how I'm going to "Journal My Christmas" this year! With it just being Murph and I, and with Murph being in the hospital from the 8th - 15th, I'm not going to have as much time or probably as much to write or as many pictures to take, but I still want to document it. Today I put together a nice little composition book that I can put in my purse and carry with me so I can keep my journaling current. Later, after Murph is home and things quiet down, I can go into my studio and put together an album - or not - whichever works best this year!

Maybe some pictures tomorrow!

Very Vintage Christmas Swap

2008-11-25T09:39:00.004-05:00

My partner for 'Very Vintage Christmas' was the hostess, Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly. When I received her profile I knew it was a good match, we had similar tastes in many ways. When her package to me arrived, there was little doubt it was indeed, a good match. So many pretty glittery things for my tree and to decorate with, all in shades of turquoise, silver and pearl. They are packaged so pretty, I love the clear little bags, so much so that I still haven't opened them! For now, I'm enjoying them just as they are, the perfect gift!

We decided to buy a smaller tree this year as it's just Murph and I. Since we had a new tree, we decided to go ahead and buy new ornaments as well. A fresh start for Christmas!
See how well the things Heidi picked out for me fit into the things I'd already found? I think it's a perfect blend. Thank you so much Heidi.

Yesterday I had some hand stitching to do on a project I'm making for Christmas. Not long after I'd settled into my chair this is what I found on either side of me!
Brutus all curled up on the dog bed on the left side of my chair and on the right. . . .
Ezra, my fat cat, decided to curl up in Gracie's bed. Gracie didn't mind, she just curled up behind him. I guess Grace doesn't know dogs aren't supposed to like cats. (And yes, Ezra is bigger than Grace!)

Christmas in the Kitchen

2008-11-24T11:45:00.003-05:00

I hosted my very first swap on Swap-Bot recently, 'Christmas in the Kitchen'. The requirements were to make a handmade apron for your partner and to send it along to her with two of your favorite Christmas cookie recipes and a small holiday themed gift. My Christmas in the Kitchen package arrived Friday.
I was so excited with my apron I tried it on right away and even though no one was home, decided I need to get pictures right then! I love this fabric and look at those pockets! Too cute! (Okay, I will admit to wearing it around the house the rest of the afternoon.)
The ties are long enough to wrap around and be tied in the front, which is my favorite! I have such a time tying things behind me.
Can you see the little wreath appliqué she sewed on the the edge of the pocket? Love that little touch. It says Ho Ho Ho on the other pocket.
For my holiday gift, Pat made me two pot holders that match my apron - I'm gonna look so cute this year when I do my holiday baking! She also sent me the bird in the corner. Click on the picture to get a better look, it's very cool. I need to find a special place for it.

Pat thank you for reading my profile so well and sending me such a great Christmas in the Kitchen package.

And now for a dog photo. . .
The minute I am out of bed in the morning, Brutus jumps in and makes himself comfortable! He asking if I could please light a small fire to take the chill off or at least cover him up with the quilt! I know that's what he's saying!

Training

2008-11-21T12:41:00.005-05:00

Bryn's laptop crashed a week before he was to deploy - yes the laptop we bought him last Christmas so he'd have a reliable one to take with him when he deployed! It worked out fine, he got a new one, he shipped the old one home and I dealt with Dell in getting it repaired. The only thing Bryn was concerned about were these photos of his team in training before they left. I can see why.
Do you even recognize that as Bryn? It's a very different look for him. I don't think he's wearing his flip-flops.
Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen him wear this many clothes all at one time before! And he looks so serious! (What happened to his hair?)
This one I recognized as Bryn right away! I think he likes that gun! Wait, maybe I should call it a weapon?

Aqua and Red Swap is Here!

2008-11-19T08:59:00.007-05:00

This is without a doubt, the very best swap package I've ever received. My partner was Michele at Country Vintage. It's wrapped so pretty, not only is there aqua and red tissue papers and ribbons, but if you look closely there is even a vintage aqua rhinestone button. I so love vintage rhinestone buttons!

Look at all these wonderful goodies!! I LOVE the milk glass bowl filled with vintage red and aqua ornaments, so much so that I changed my dining room linens and well, I'm getting ahead of myself, you'll see that later! There's a box of clean smelling aqua and cream potpourri in the back, some beautiful aqua and red vintage trims, a box of tea - with a charming picture on the box, a mug filled with peppermint kisses, perfect for my tea. There's even a book to peruse while I enjoy a cuppa! See the bottle on the right? Here's a close up for you, cause you're going to want to get close, I promise you.
Look at this loveliness. Michele made this - just for me! Don't you just love it! And look at the bottom, can you see the red and aqua buttons and beads inside? It is so pretty and looks so nice in my studio!
I was so inspired by my wonderful aqua and red goodies, that I had to change linens in my dining room and all the little things I keep there.
I even found a different scrapbook page to display! While it's not aqua and red, I think the black and red works just fine! I think that chair needs a pillow, I'll work on that this weekend.
I moved my lace and button tree from my studio - I never thought of that before. Bryn bought me those three angels for Christmas a few years ago, they are a favorite.

Such an inspirational box! I so appreciate it and you for putting it together for me. Thank you, Michele.

BMT Graduation - The Album

2008-11-07T09:01:00.006-05:00

BMT is Basic Military Training. It was just a little over a year ago that Bryn graduated from BMT. We came home from Texas on 10-30-07. I had taken hundreds of photos (no, I'm not exaggerating) but just wasn't sure how I wanted to present them, what I wanted to use with them. As soon as I saw this kit from Carol Wingert, I knew it was going to be perfect. And it is! I've been adding little touches to this almost daily, I know I'm still not finished, but who knows if I ever will be! So I decided to share this with you today in it's present but evolving state.

The left page is a pocket page. Tucked inside are the photos of the very first time we'd seen Bryn since September 11th! We were all so proud of him - you just can't imagine! We were also thrilled he was the Guidon for his team as it made him so very easy to find.

The page on the right, page 3, is also a pocket page. We went to a San Antonio Spurs game and I've tucked programs and things from that into the page. There are also three photos, I've shown you one below.
These are the photos as they are inside the pocket of page 2 - sorry for the flash. This is the Airmans Run. On the back of each photo (There are 3 in total.) I've journaled. There is a lot of journaling in this book and there's plenty of room for it, too.

This is a close up of one of the photos on the right side page, or page 3.

Page 4 is of the Coin Ceremony. Again, ever so glad Bryn was the Guidon, not only was he easy to find but doesn't he look AwESoME!! The Photo flips up to show another photo on the back with some more journaling.
I actually bought these postcards thinking I would mail them to friends at home, but I didn't have stamps and never found a place to buy them! Sorry Lisa and Lisa! It worked out great because look how nice they look in my book! (I promise I think of you both whenever I see them!) I made a pocket with one and added photos and journaling to the other two and tucked them inside. When you lift this page, this is what's underneath.

There are also photos on the other side of the page on top of this one, but I couldn't hold the camera, the page and keep the dogs at bay! These photos were all taken inside Bryn's barracks.

This is 'page 5', a velcro envelope page where I tucked all the information the Air Force sent us, the brochures and schedules. I am so glad to have a place to keep all these things we collected along the way!
These are pages 6 & 7 and are photos of Bryn's actual graduation from Basic Military Training. I have the journaling written and will tuck it into the two little bags on the right side. Once I'm sure I haven't forgotten anything, that is!
This is page 8, a postcard of The Alamo made into a pocket with the brochure and some photos tucked inside.

The right side is the beginning of a tag/flag book! All kinds of room for more photo's. Here's another look at it opened up:
There are a total of 9 tags, which gave me room for 18 more photos and a little bit of journaling!

And finally we come to the last page, the inside cover. (Again, sorry for the flash!) This is probably one of my most favorite photos of Bryn that weekend! I still need to journal this, but I'm taking my time!

Thank you Carol, for such a wonderful kit! I totally love how this turned out and I had a blast putting it together. I love that I still have room to add things as I find them or think of them, and you know I will!

Also, can you see how this inspired me for the cook's journal I posted earlier? Yes, I put this together first and have been tweeking it ever since!

Progress

2008-11-06T12:38:00.003-05:00

I need to have a clean studio before I can start new projects, so yesterday I cleaned and organized. It's so easy to let things pile up on the chest or in the magazine rack - anyplace actually. I'm too distracted when it's a mess to get anything done.

You can see Brutus's kennel tucked under the window. I think he likes it when I work in the studio, he always asks to go in his kennel then. Stella will lay on the dog bed outside the door and Grace has a little bed under my desk. I have plenty of company while I work.

I did forget to update the chalkboard! I just noticed it still says October! I'll take care of that today. Murph is going to put up a hook behind the door so I'll have a place to hang my cutting mat before it's ruined.

I may actually have time to sew this afternoon!

A Quote

2008-11-04T08:25:00.004-05:00

This morning as I was writing a new found quote into my quote journal I came across this:

"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside you body."
~Elizabeth Stone

I couldn't have put it better myself.

Thinking about Christmas

2008-11-04T06:40:00.003-05:00

It seems early to think about Christmas, but honestly, that's what I've been doing these last few days. Christmas gifts and Christmas swaps, some of which I'll be sewing and others I'll be cutting and gluing. It's really a good time to start planning. I have Christmas aprons and Christmas pillowcases to sew, a kennel bed for Gracie, a soft fleece blanket to make and a couple other surprises up my sewing sleeve.

Friday and Saturday my friend Lisa helped me plan my sewing projects. I pulled out all of my Christmas fabrics and we matched prints and styles, then cyber shopped for what I needed. I should have packages arriving all week. Today I'm going to put my studio in order. It's always nice to have a clean, organized place to work.

Besides sewing I always make mini-books for my family. Bryn gets one with pictures of Brutus I've taken since last Christmas. Murph's is different every year.

I also make a Christmas album each year. I've been planning that, too. The papers are ready and the album is selected. I just need to sit down and put it together.

I'll spend a peaceful November in my studio, sewing and creating - much like Santa in his workshop! (Wonder where I can get one of those Elves!)

My Florida Guy

2008-10-29T10:36:00.004-04:00

Yesterday Bryn called to tell me it was SNOWING in Ft. Dix! While that may not seem like such a big deal to a lot of folks, it was Bryn's first snow! He's lived in Florida all his life. The picture above (Far left, standing.) is a good representation of how Bryn lived his life - in shorts, T-Shirt and sandles - playing soccer, winning tournaments! Throw in a little surfing and beach time and you have what makes Bryn, Bryn! Snow's a big deal! I have to say, he wasn't all that thrilled with it!

(The picture above was taken in 2005, the fall I think. They had just won the 3v3 Regionals. It was a 3 day tournament - they drove back home and went right to another soccer field to play for their 'other' team!)
I decided to share this one too, just because I like it! It's at the same tournament, the captains of each team meeting with the official before the start of the game. It's the only time he wore real shoes!

A Cook's Journal

2008-10-23T18:29:00.007-04:00

I love to bake, to cook and try new recipes. I have dozens of cookbooks, subscribe to a number of cooking magazines and participate in recipe exchanges. I have also found several online sources for new recipes. Finding a way to store and organize my recipe collection is an ongoing project. When I saw a swap for a Baking/Cooking Journal, I couldn't sign up fast enough!

My swap partner is a professional chef and she's been very helpful. She's answered all my questions and given me her perspective on the perfect Cook's Journal. I've incorporated her thoughts and needs with my own and have come up with this.
It's a classification folder, with a separator and a wallet! Office supplies are so much fun! I'm planning on putting my initials in the upper right corner, thought I'm not sure what my swap partner would like on hers. I've also used a length of twill tape to hold the folder closed, just in case! Plus I like the way it looks.
On the inside cover I've created a pocket page, a place to hold the recipes you tear out of magazines. I thought of this pocket as a staging area - a place to keep new things you want to try. Once you've tried them, if you decide you want to keep them, you can incorporate them into the journal.

On the second page I've created a recipe sheet - click on the picture for a better look. These sheets can be taken off and slid into a page protector to keep the recipe clean while you cook.
Behind the sheet is a page you can use however you like - maybe a list of substitutions? A family favorite in your grandmother's handwriting? There's also a tab that can be labeled on the side, to tell you what kind of recipes are on this page.
Page three is very similar to page two, there's a tab along the side to label the type of recipes and a sheet of scalloped black paper that can be decorated however you like. The recipe on this page was given to me by my dear friend Lisa D. It's a yummy cookie recipe and also shows how easily you can keep track of recipes printed from your computer.

Page four is actually a Velcro pocket, it's quite roomy. I decided to use ledger paper, that way if you wanted to keep an index of what's in the pocket you could. If not, you can personalize it however you like.
Page 5, the back of the built in pocket, is another pocket. I put paper clips along the edge and clipped a recipe card to the outside, just to show versatility.

Page 6 is the beginning of an accordion style structure. I've folded the first page of the structure back to make another pocket. A 3.5x5 recipe card is tucked inside.
On the back of the pocket, page 7, I clipped some note paper, maybe for a grocery list or a menu. Inside the structure are 3 envelopes, 6x9, for storing more recipes, either folded printouts, recipe cards or recipes torn from magazines. Each envelope is tabbed for labeling the type of recipe it holds.
I left the back of the envelope plain, I'm sure I'll think of something I forgot to add in this journal, this leaves me room to add whatever it might be. On the front of each envelope I've left room for contents or notes.
The last of the three envelopes opens at the top instead of the side.
I started to decorate the back of the last envelope with scraps of leftover paper, though I'm not sure what else I'll add. And the last page of the journal is another page with prongs.

I'm excited to start using this, labeling and categorizing my recipes. I hope my swap partner likes hers! (Did I mention I made 2? Once to send and one to keep? I knew if I didn't I'd have a hard time parting with it!)

Inspired by Ali Edwards

2008-10-21T07:36:00.002-04:00

I am often inspired by Ali Edwards. Last Friday was no exception. The minute I saw her small gratitude journal, I knew I had to make my own version. Being grateful is often lost in the wishing for things we don't have or in mourning things lost. For so many reasons I often forget to count my blessings on a regular basis. What a simple way to be reminded of the many things I have to be grateful for.

The inside pages (you can click on the photos to enlarge them) were designed by Ali, and you can find them here. I had never visited Designer Digitals before, but I plan to spend some time there soon. It was so easy, just click, save and print!
I added little pockets on the front and back inside covers, and a little paper clip to mark your place. I also left a few blank pages in the book for extra journaling or to add a few photos of things I'm especially grateful for. What's a book without pictures, right?

While Ali used a premade 7 Gypsies naked journal, my book is a simple handmade journal, and is about the same size. I wanted to make this now, no time to wait for shipping! Sometimes you need to strike while the iron is hot! I also started my book with November, and went through 2009. I am so ready for November!

Cookies

2008-10-20T06:50:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning, while Murph was golfing, I decided to make cookies to send to Bryn. His favorite are Peanut Butter Cookies!

We had our first taste of cooler weather - it was 56 degress! (That's cool for Florida!) It was nice having the oven on.

You get a few cookies when you double the recipe! That's okay, this way he has enough to share.

Hope you had a nice weekend!

I didn't realize it had been so long since I'd posted!

2008-10-16T09:11:00.003-04:00

I live right by this bridge. It's a beautiful old draw bridge and I'm often caught while it's up, waiting for a boat to pass through. I don't usually mind as the view is so pretty! This is where the Ortega River meets the St. Johns River and one of my favorite views of the Jacksonville skyline.

A view from the other side of the bridge - the Ortega River, the side that I live on.
This is my visor. . .

. . . and this is how warm it was! Really not too bad, especially as there was a nice breeze and very little humidity. A nice day to sit on the bridge and watch the boats go by!

Where was I headed you ask? To the used bookstore, of course! I've been reading a lot lately, both audio and print books on my Kindle. I rent most of my audio books from the used bookstore. I just finished reading "The Other Queen", by Philippa Gregory. While it wasn't a bad book, it wasn't a great book either. I enjoyed her other books much more, specifically, "The Other Boleyn Girl", "The Virgin's Lover", and "The Constant Princess". I really do like historical fiction!

I also listened to "Case Histories", which was not historical fiction, but quite good.

I'm between swaps right now and have been working on the photos from Bryn's graduation from basic training - yep, that was a year ago! I don't think you should rush these things! I bought a kit from Carol Wingert that I thought would be nice for a more informal book. It's working out perfectly. I hope to be finished this weekend and will share some photos of my version with you then.

I promise not to be so long between posts!!

Look what I got!

2008-10-05T14:26:00.010-04:00

My package arrived from Tulsi, my partner in My Favorite Things Swap. Such a nice surprise! I haven't read a Mary Higgins Clark novel in years, that should be a treat! Check out the pretty card she made me, too.

My BFF brought me some goodies, too! Pink Goodies! I love pink. Look at that sweet little bag on the left, I don't know how or for what, but I'm going to find a way to use it. And pink hot chocolate, too! Do I have a pink teacup?

I also got this cute little handmade pincushion in a swap along with the box of pins. I love how it pretty it looks in my little wooden bowl.

I thought I'd leave you with my current favorite photo. Yes, Bryn really was home for a few days! This is a new picture. That boy loves his dog!

Aqua and Red Fall Swap

2008-09-29T08:17:00.006-04:00

I love aqua and red! My studio is painted a shade of aqua/turquoise and I have used red accents throughout. It's my favorite place to hang out. My BFF, Studio Rose, also known as the Swap Minion, found this swap for me to join. It's hosted by Apron Thrift Girl, you can find the details here.

Over the weekend I went to my favorite vintage shops and found some of the things above. Some of the things I pulled from my studio. I found the little wooden bowls, the white one you see is aqua on the outside. They are just too cute! I also bought the little leather journal, the aqua cloth and the red tin votive holder. The large box in the back is more green than aqua, but it's so nice, I couldn't resist.

The picture frame sits on my work table and is my favorite photo of Stella, my American Bulldog.
She has such a big smile! That's because she was running and playing and is all dirty! She loves getting dirty! She does not however, love a bath! She refuses to move. She walks in the shower stall, sits down and that's it! She's very sweet about it and will lick my hand or nuzzle my neck, she doesn't try to escape or shake water all over, but she's not going to budge! At 80 lbs. of solid muscle, if she doesn't want to move, I'm not making her! I have to be creative and sweet talk her and we get the job done.

I gave all three of the inside dogs baths yesterday. Brutus was a sweetheart. He's just happy someone is paying attention to him! He's not fond of water, really. When he goes out back with me and I start to water the plants, he runs up and waits by the door - heaven forbid I should get him wet! But he handles a bath with no trouble.

This is the one that causes the most trouble! Yep, the tiny little Boston Terrier! Seriously, not the Pit Bull or the American Bulldog - no, it's Gracie! She gets her bath in the bathtub - a large very old claw foot tub. At first she thinks it's all fun and games! She's having a drink and giving me kisses, rolling over so I can rub her belly. Then all of a sudden it's not so much fun and she tries to escape! But wait, there's soap all over her, so she shakes, then tries to escape again! She is a mess! I am triumphant, I've dealt with tougher customers than this!

All three puppies clean, their beds washed, fresh bedding in the kennels - it's not a job for the faint of heart, I tell you!

Oh yeah, back to the aqua & red swap - I have until November 12th to mail my package. I'm sure I'll find lots more goodies by then. The question is, will I be able to part with any of them? LOL! You can sign up for this fun swap until October 8th - go ahead! You know you want to!

Just a couple of things

2008-09-28T07:26:00.003-04:00

I joined a handmade pincushion swap. Having one pincushion is just not enough. I think I need at least three: one by the sewing machine, one on the ironing board and another on the cutting table (the island in my kitchen). Oh wait! Make that four, I like to have one in my hand sewing basket. Making my own pincushion isn't something I would have tried had I not joined a swap and been 'forced' to make the time to put these together. As a first effort, I think they turned out nicely. I have mailed the two I needed for my swap and will give Studio Rose hers the next time I see her. My own, I've been using and I like it! It sits flat, holds still when I'm trying to push pins into quickly and it's cute - what more could I want from a pincushion?

One more apron, the last of my apron swaps for a while. This one is for a one-on-one trade with Karen who loves green and wanted as little white as possible. I think this will work!

It's cooling off here in Florida, relatively speaking. It's still in the 80's during the day, but the humidity is low and there is a breeze, it's actually nice to be outside. Brutus and I went for a long walk Friday. Brutus was so happy he pranced and smiled all the way! Have you ever seen a prancing, smiling pit bull? It's quite a sight!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

My Favorite Things Swap

2008-09-23T07:56:00.009-04:00

I recently participated in "My Favorite Things Swap", hosted by Wendi of Because Wendi Said So !!! The idea was to share at least three of your favorite things with your swap partner.

I gave this swap a lot of thought as I wanted it to reflect a little of who I am. At the same time I hoped to make it something my partner would like to receive. I also wanted to keep the cost down, which made it even more of a challenge!

So, what did I send?

a book by a favorite author, 'The Hundred Secret Senses', by Amy Tan
a handmade bookmark
a couple of my favorite magazines
I love making lists, and I love altered art, so I altered a small book for making lists
one of my favorite pens
my favorite hand cream
my favorite tea
my favorite room spray
a copy of my favorite playlist from my iPod

A closer look at the altered book of lists.

Tulsi, I hope you enjoy these things - maybe even find a new favorite in it.

Wendi, thank you for hosting this, I'd love to do it again sometime.

Don't Be Alarmed. . .

2008-09-22T08:44:00.005-04:00

But I've been knitting! I know it's a shock as it's been almost a year since I've truly sat down and spent any time knitting. It all started with a really good audio book, one that I just couldn't stop listening to, more about that later.

The yarn in this project is malabrigo, kettle dyed pure merino wool, in apple green. It's a worsted weight and a dream to work with. The pattern is one I found online, it's actually a poncho pattern, you knit two pieces and then attach them to make the poncho. I loved the pattern, but knew I'd never wear a poncho, especially in Florida so I decided to knit just one section and use it as a shawl. That I'll use. It's a fun project to knit, not very hard but enough of a pattern to keep me awake.

When I picked it up again to work on Friday night, I realized that my stitch counter was missing. (That darn Brutus! He NEVER chews on anything except my stitch counters, for some reason he really likes them. Go Figure! On top of that, the post-it note I was using to mark my place on the pattern was no where to be found either! Really, what do I expect after leaving it so long? It took me a while to find my place and start knitting again. A trip to Michael's was in order to make sure it didn't happen again. I bought a magnetic board made for counted Cross stitching. It came with a magnetic rule, 3 magnetic strips and holds my place in the pattern perfectly. Another bonus was the hole in the board - I attached my stitch marker so it's safe from Brutus!

The audio book that brought on this burst of knitting? "A Rose for the Crown", by Anne Easter Smith, unabridged (a little over 24 hours long, but oh, so good!). It's historical fiction, one of my favorite genres, and tells the story of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III, through the eyes of the mother of his 3 illegitimate children, the mistress he grew up with, was deeply in love with but could not marry because of her peasant roots. It sounds like a love story and it is, but it's so much more! It tells of war, personal tragedy, political intrigue and how life was lived in those days. It was so good! I need to check to see if she's written any others.

I'm also reading Philippa Gregory's new book, "The Other Queen", on my Kindle. Reading two historical fiction's isn't easy! I had to put this aside until I finished "A Rose for the Crown". I read it last night before I went to bed, it's pretty good so far!

I chatted with Bryn yesterday, he's in Spokane, WA where he said it was windy with a light rain! He starts his training today and is looking forward to it. Since he wasn't where he could watch TV, I updated him on the Ryder Cup and a few football games. The things we do for our kids, I tell you!

(I know- another old picture, but I like it!)

A few more aprons

2008-09-19T09:57:00.013-04:00

I think this is one of my favorite apron patterns. It's a simple style made special by the fabrics chosen. I used the same pattern for my pie apron, which is one of my favorites. It's easy to sew and easy to wear.

I made a few little changes with this version. Since I have a hard time tying aprons in the back, I prefer to wrap the ties around my waist and tie them in the front, so the ties are long enough to do that. I also made the pocket more square and a little smaller. The one on my pie apron is so deep, things get lost in it!

This apron is for a swap, so I don't get to keep it!

Murph and I found this apron last weekend at the same shop we bought the drapery panel I mentioned in my last post.

The bib easily folds down to make this a half apron.

This lovely vintage apron was gifted to me by a very generous swap-bot angel. It's so dainty and pretty.

(Just a note: The little black lab hanging on the door handle was given to us by our neighbor. She said it reminded her of our black lab Sally, who crossed over in April of last year. We miss her dearly.)

No, Bryn isn't home again - Darn It! I've talked to him most every day - sometimes more than once. You know I look forward to that. He's doing well, getting ready to go to WA for FEAR training - not sure what that stands for, but it's Survival Training. I think he's looking forward to it. He leaves tomorrow and will be back at his base the 26th.

Enjoy your weekend!

A Little Sewing

2008-09-18T09:03:00.009-04:00

I love these fabrics! I bought them in blue and made myself the cutest little craft apron! I knew Studio Rose would have to have one of her own (or she'd 'borrow' mine), so I ordered these, and made this!

But wait, it's reversible!

How about a Frenchy Bag?

This is the larger size of this Amy Butler pattern. I love all the pockets on the inside.

One more thing to share. This past weekend Murph and I were shopping in our favorite antique/junque shop where I found this!

Don't you just love the colors! It's a drapery panel, but all one piece of fabric, about 46" wide and more than two yards in length. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I know I'll think of something. Any ideas?

Here's a close-up for you. I've looked it over, there are no stains. It's really in excellent condition. And all for $6.00! What a deal!

My Kindle

2008-09-14T10:45:00.004-04:00

I've had my Kindle for less than a week, but already she and I are good friends. She's lightweight, easy to hold, easy to read, she holds lost of my books and she's an electronic gadget! I love electronic gadgets almost as much as I love to read.

The first book I read on my Kindle was "The Sugar Queen", by Sarah Addison Allen. I chose this book as I recently read "Garden Spells" by the same author. "Garden Spells" was a fun read with lots of quirky characters, once I started it I didn't want to put it down.

"The Sugar Queen" was just as good and the perfect way to break in my new Kindle. I was instantly involved in the story and forgot my method of reading - which is just what you want. There was no back lighting to bother my eyes, the pages were easy to turn - it was all about the story!

This isn't to say I've ignored the gadget part of my Kindle. I've used it to go online and check out my blog, get a phone number from yellow pages dot com and of course to shop the Kindle store at Amazon. Speaking of this, did you know you could send a sample of a book you are interested in right to your Kindle - free of charge! And it's there in less than a minute! How cool is that! Then after you've read the sample, if you want to read the rest of the book, you can use your Kindle to buy it - easy peasy!

Check out the cool "screen saver image" you get in sleep mode! There are a bunch of them that change when you put your Kindle down for a rest. You can also add your own images and I'll try that soon, right now I'm enjoying theirs. I'm still learning about all the features but so far I love it!

Another very important element to reading - a good dog by your side! This morning it was Brutus, who I'm sure is wondering if I really needed to wake him up to take yet another picture of him! Yes Brutus, I did!

For those of you dealing with the effects of Ike, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I Promised You a Better Picture!

2008-09-12T10:43:00.004-04:00

It's been busy around here since I last posted! Here's the picture I promised you of Bryn's bike and just for fun, here's another! Okay, maybe 2! (For the record, they do wear helmets, just not in the front yard for photo ops!)

You knew Murph was going to jump right on there right?

And you knew he wouldn't be happy staying in the front yard, but he said he'd just go around the circle park at the end of our road - the OTHER end of our road! He's such a bad example! (More Fay debris there on the right!)

We drove Bryn back to NC Sunday, not a bad trip, though it was hard to leave him there. In fact the trip was so not bad that when I realized I hadn't given Bryn the 6 pk of YooHoo! still left Murph said we should take it up to him one weekend!

Speaking of Fay. . . .

2008-08-30T09:12:00.004-04:00

What does one do during a 3 day tropical storm complete with power outages? One must prepare! First you make sure your PalmOne and your iPod are fully charged and fully loaded. The Palm with eBooks and the iPod with audio books. It's important to be very careful with your selection of books. You don't want to be sitting in the dark with the wind howling outside, driving rain at the windows and bumps on the roof reading a thriller or something by Stephen King - at least I don't! I have a hard enough time reading those in broad daylight on a sunny day! I look for something that will hold my attention enough to distract me from the storm, but not something that takes too much brain power!

Here's what I listened to and read during the storm:
Heaven, Texas
It Had to Be You
Lady Be Good
This Heart of Mine
Dream a Little Dream
Kiss an Angel
all by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
I know! Those are all romances! Those of you who know me know that I am not a fan of the romance novel - but I have to admit they are good during a storm!

I also listened to and read:
Sweet Love, by Sarah Strohmeyer
In My Dreams, by Sarah Addison Allen
Girls in Trucks, by Katie Crouch

I have to say I really enjoyed everything I read and listened to except Girls in Trucks, that chick was getting on my last nerve with her foolishness!

What does one do when listening to a book during a storm when the lights are out?

I sat by the window and embellished bookmarks! I only had to take the stitching out of one and redo it! I guess I didn't have as much light as I thought I had. I actually made a dozen bookmarks, two of each of the above. I need 4 for a swap, I could use a new one and I'm sure I've got some friends who'd like one or two.

Other than that I ate chocolate cupcakes - comfort food, you understand. (I made those as soon as I heard the storm was on the way!)

Bryn's Home!

2008-08-29T07:47:00.005-04:00

Bryn is home on leave before he deploys. He brought his bike home and his Jimmy was packed tight with other things he's leaving here while he's gone. After their golf game on Sunday Marshall helped him get the bike out of the trailer. (Hard to believe Bryn once had as much hair as Marshall!)
He'll be here through the 7th of September, so I'll have time to get a better picture before he leaves. (Can you see the debris from Fay behind him? That was all from the driveway!)

This picture was taken in March of 2006. From left to right: Marshall, Megan, Amanda and Bryn. Marshall looks the same, but what a change in Bryn! (This is not the best picture, I was using a camera that decided to die right there at the wedding reception!)

A Magic Wand to Make Your Wishes Come True

2008-08-28T16:09:00.006-04:00

My BFF, StudioRose (aka Minion of the Dark Side) recently hosted a Magic Wand Swap on Swap-Bot. My wand is going to a girl who likes vintage lace and things with an earthy feel. Thanks to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Fay, I had a pretty large selection of branches in my yard to choose from for the base of the wand.

She also liked unique old buttons, and I was able to add one here.

I tried to use her favorite colors, too. I hope she likes it as much as I do!

An Altered Journal

2008-08-24T15:07:00.002-04:00

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, so I thought I would share this pretty journal I made for an altered journal swap. I was fortunate to have a swap partner who likes a lot of the same things that I do, including copper and vintage things. That made making this journal so much more fun for me!

Because of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Fay, I'm waiting until the last minute to get it in the mail. Nicki, if you're peeking, I hope you like it!

A New Family Tradition?

2008-08-06T08:15:00.002-04:00

My husband retired from the US Navy - that's him in the middle, manning the big gun back in 1985 or 86! Okay, I've been told it's called a weapon and I think it's a 50 caliber, but don't quote me on that.

You could ask our son who is serving in the US Air Force, he could tell you! He's training on this same weapon this week - his Dad's favorite.

Wonder if he could send me a picture? Wouldn't that be cool?

A Quick Note

2008-07-30T13:01:00.002-04:00

I finished this skirt this morning, it uses the same pattern as the green skirt I posted earlier. It's so easy to make and comfortable to wear, I don't think this will be the last one you see. The fabric is an Amy Butler I bought on eBay. I'm not sure I like the T-shirt with it, but it was the only thing I could find that even halfway matched. Ms. Daisy insisted on a top and who could blame her!

I think I'm posting this just under the wire - our daily afternoon thunderstorms are about to begin! Hope your day is drier than mine!

Introducing Miss Daisy. . .

2008-07-28T07:42:00.003-04:00

Please meet Miss Daisy, the newest member of my family! Isn't she lovely? She arrived last Thursday in a most undignified way, in a trash bag with her removable parts tucked inside her and then stuck in a pool box! She did have a safe trip from Washington and really, that's all that mattered. My husband named her before she even arrived, Miss Daisy, as in Pinning Miss Daisy!

Miss Daisy is showing off the apron I finished yesterday. It's a McCall's pattern, 2947, that I bought probably more than a year ago when StudioRose and I were thinking about sewing. It's really easy to put together. I found the pie print at Fabric.com and knew I had to have it. The red print (click on the photo to enlarge - it's a red with a small black floral design) came from Joann's. Buying fabric online is lots of fun and there is a much larger selection, but you can't always tell what will work with it, at least I can't - not yet.

I had hoped to finish this last week to share with you, along with another sewing project, but we had thunderstorms most every day. In our neighborhood, we usually lose power during thunderstorms. Last week was no exception. Slows down the sewing!

Enjoy your Monday!

EDITED TO ADD: Miss Daisy did help me with the apron, she wore it while I made sure the pocket was centered evenly. Pretty cool!

More Notes on Pies

2008-07-27T15:11:00.005-04:00

What do all these ingredients make? Excluding the bowl of plums and nectarines?

How about an Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue pie. I've never made meringue before, so I think this turned out pretty good. We haven't tried it yet, but I admit I did lick the spatula after I put the chocolate filling in the pie! Oh, it was good! I'm sure the pie will be wonderful.

When I finished the Chocolate Meringue, it was almost time for Murph to come home from golfing so I decided to try another skillet pie and made this one. It's eggs, milk, onion and cheese, but doesn't it look impressive? Check out what it looked like before I baked it.

You separate the eggs, mix the yolks, milk, cheese and onion. The whites are whipped up nice and fluffy, then folded into the egg yolk mix. It cooks on top of the stove for a few minutes, then in the oven for 8 minutes.

For much of nothing, it's pretty filling and really good. I like these skillet pies.

Hope you're having a nice weekend!

Notes On New Things

2008-07-23T09:15:00.004-04:00

Somerset Life is hands down my most favorite magazine. I count down the days to each new issue release and then haunt the bookstores. The first thing that caught my eye in the newest issue, Summer 2008, was a simple, lovely book on page 46. There really aren't any instructions, so I was on my own! The first book I tried was a journal I bought on sale at Books A Million. It had a printed cover and took many coats of gesso to cover it. It looked nothing like the journal in Somerset. I painted a shipping tag with gesso and it was perfect! I was on to something.

Next I dug out a Rusty Pickle chipboard book. I was on the right track, but you could see the brush strokes in the gesso and it wasn't a warm color, it was stark gesso white. I sanded the brush strokes away, learning as I went that a circular motion gave a nicer feel.

It still wasn't right though, it was too white, it didn't have the warm glow or the lovely soft look of the one in the photo. I thought about this for a while and decided to try a paint wash. I mixed a soft yellow and a soft pink acrylic paint, watered it down and brushed it on. Through trial and error, I learned to let it almost dry and then go over it softly with a paper towel to pick up extra paint and smooth away the brush strokes. If you take up too much paint, you can just paint it again, that's not a problem. I even sprayed it with water once and took up all the paint as it was too dark.

Here's a close up for you. I think it has a nice warm glow now, it reminds me of pie crust actually! As you can see it's "The Pie Book", a place to keep all my pie recipes, pictures of pies I've baked, pie stories - all things pie! The words on the book are gesso'd over and hard to read, but it's the pie song from the movie "Michael" with John Travolta (my all time favorite actor, btw). Here are the words:

Pie, Pie, Me oh My
Nothing tastes better, wet salty and dry
Apple and pumpkin and mince and black bottom
I'll come to your place every day if you've got 'em
Pie, me oh My
I love Piiiiiieeeeee

Silly, but cute. Have you seen the movie? You should! It's very good.

Also in the very first picture is a vintage pie bird that I found. If I'm going to bake pies, I'll need a pie bird, don't you think?

It's all resting on a yard of vintage fabric I bought along with the pie bird.

Stay tuned - I have a fun apron in the works!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Note to Self: Bake More Pies!

2008-07-20T12:33:00.002-04:00

This is a skillet pie, something I just recently discovered. This particular skillet pie is "Delores's Apple Puff Pancake Pie". How could it not be good - it's a pancake, it's a pie and it has apples, cinnamon and sugar! It was not only good, it was delicious! And really easy to make, too. Just in case you'd like to try it, here's the recipe.

Delores's Apple Puff Pancake Pie
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
3 Lrg Eggs
1/2 Cup Milk
1 tsp Grated Lemon Zest
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, Divided
2 Tart Apples, I used Granny Smith, peeled, quartered and sliced 1/4" thick
Sifted Confectioner's Sugar

1. Preheat oven to 450, set out a 10" cast iron skillet

2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, set aside

3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and lemon zest. Blend in the flour until just mixed - the batter will be slightly lumpy

4. In the skillet, melt 1/4 cup of the butter over medium heat. Add the apples and saute for 5 minutes or until tender. Pour the egg batter over the apples and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pie puffs up high.

5. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Remove the skillet from the oven, drizzle the puff pie with the butter, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar. Return the pie to the oven for 5 minutes or until the sugar mix is bubbly. Sprinkle with a little confectioner's sugar and serve immediately, right from the skillet. Yummy!!

(My husband thought it would be good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! We didn't have any vanilla, maybe next time.)

The Skirt Note

2008-07-19T11:08:00.005-04:00

I promised to post a picture of the skirt I finished earlier this week for you today. Lisa has already reminded me. I thought I would wait for my husband to take the picture, but he has a busy morning and I know Lisa can't wait that long, so here is a self-portrait!

The skirt is Amy Butler's Barcelona pattern. It's lined and has a hidden zipper, the pattern is very true to size - I made no adjustments, not even to the length. I have to admit the hidden zipper was interesting, not sure I liked that, but I'll try it one more time before I make up my mind. Other than that the skirt was easy to put together. The fabric is also Amy Butler, I can't remember the name of it, but I bought it at www.fabric.com, where I also got the pattern.

It's been a while since I've worn a skirt, but this one is really comfortable.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

A No Posting Note

2008-07-18T11:05:00.003-04:00

I know it's been a while since I last posted and I apologize for that. It's not that I haven't been doing anything, it's just that I don't have anything finished to share with you. There is plenty in the works! Last week with Bryn home, I didn't get any studio time, which was fine - I'd much rather visit with him and Amanda! They are so much fun and I really missed them. (Yes, the photo is a little blurry, but they were laughing and I love it so - it's so typical of them!)

It's always hard for me to get back into the swing of things after Bryn goes back to his base, and this time was no exception. Luckily for me, I had an inspiring Wednesday shopping with Lisa. That's always lots of fun and I have new ideas for new projects. (And lots of sugar-free syrup in Vanilla, French Vanilla and Black Cherry to add to my diet coke, iced tea, club soda - you get the idea!)

Speaking of Lisa, she's got me swapping on www.swap-bot.com! She started a Magic Wand Swap - did you see the new issue of Somerset Studio? Then she sent me a link to a vintage apron swap, which the hostess was kind enough to let me join, even though I am a newbie to the site. (Thank you Amanda! A different Amanda than Bryn's Amanda. You know, I don't think I've ever met an Amanda that I didn't like.) Then Ms. Lisa told me about a handmade apron swap, but that one was not for newbies - so I joined a Recipe Postcard swap! I guess I was just in a joining mood and I love new recipe's, so why not?

I did finish the skirt I was working on and I hope to have a picture to share with you tomorrow. So until tomorrow. . .

Two Notes In One Day!

2008-07-13T17:55:00.005-04:00

I joined a quilties swap with Lisa (that is her creation in the center - I don't think she'll mind me sharing it here) hosted by Lenna Andrews at www.creativeswaps.blogspot.com. The theme of the quilties was 'Shades of Spring' to be done in robin's egg blue and brown. (The other side of mine is brown.) I had never made a quiltie before, I didn't even know there was such a thing! Once I got started it was really fun, oddly enough I enjoyed the hand stitching the most. Here's a closeup so you can see it better.

They are packaged up and will be winging their way to Lenna in tomorrow's post. (Except the one I kept, and the one I made for Lisa.)

A Background Note

2008-07-13T10:10:00.012-04:00

As Lisa mentioned on her blog, www.studiorose.wordpress.com, she and I took Teresa McFayden's "Write Place Write Time" summer journal e-zine. When the month was over, we both wanted to keep working in our summer journals. We decided we would take turns coming up with a technique and a topic to keep us motivated. Following is my first contribution.

You will need Vaseline, two colors of acrylic paint, a paint brush, Q-tips, paper towels, a glue stick and some collage bits.

I glued the pieces around the edges, being careful to make sure the edges were down well. I also used some waxed paper between the pages of my journal as this can get messy. Once the images were glued in place, I added some blue paint, not carefully, I just slapped some on.

When the paint and glue were dry, I added Vaseline to the parts I wanted to show through. I used my finger in the larger areas (the girls face) and Q-tips for smaller areas.

I did some samples to show how much gives you what effect.

With this sample I used my finger to apply the Vaseline.

With this sample, I used a Q-tip. You can play around with that to find what you like best, actually a combination of the two is nice.

After I had the Vaseline where I wanted it, I painted the entire thing with white paint, covering everything! Again, not carefully, just getting it on the page. Gesso also works well. It's very important to let the paint dry completely before going on to the next step.

Once the paint is dry, take a paper towel and rub the entire piece. The white paint will lift from the resist areas - where you applied the Vaseline. I used a second paper towel to get as much of the Vaseline up as I could, once the paint was removed.

One thing about this technique, the Vaseline leaves enough of a residue so that writing on the paper isn't easy. I journaled on some old calendar pages, then edged them with the same blue paint to blend them into the background.

There it is! Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!

Some Notes From Yesterday

2008-07-12T07:39:00.007-04:00

I mentioned that my son was home on leave for three days, since yesterday was his last day with us for a while, I spent the day with him. I did manage to sneak into Southern Crossings for a quick minute to check on some silver vases I'd seen tucked away on shelf in May. They were still there and had been marked down! On the way to the register, I found this lovely little plate holder. Not bad for under 10 minutes!

Wonder what I'm going to do with the plate holder? Not hold plates! I use them to hold journals and other artwork. I've found 3 others, but they are larger - like this!

With starting to sew again, I checked eBay for vintage fabrics. They have a lot! If you are patient enough to wade through them all, you can find some nice deals. I've purchased two pieces, both shown above on the ladder. The blue floral has the nicest hand. I'm thinking I may use it to make a skirt. I recently bought the pattern and Amy Butler fabric below:

I'll make up this first and see how it goes. Here's a better picture of the blue floral, too.

I think that would make up into the prettiest skirt! Of course, my husband thought it was a tablecloth - a very nice tablecloth, but still!

Enjoy your Saturday and thanks for checking in! I'm going to get better at this, I promise.

A Note About Napkins

2008-07-10T07:48:00.003-04:00

Several years ago my son and stepdaughter went on a recycling crusade. To encourage them we made many of the changes they suggested. One that has lasted through the years is that we don't use paper napkins. In their place we've used everything from colorful cottons bought at Pier 1 to bulk washcloths from Sam's Club! Recently it was once again time to replenish the napkin supply. Since I have been working my way back to sewing on a more regular basis (read more than a couple times a year) I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to sew something easy, but useful.

The next time I was in Joann's I bought fat quarters in blue prints, but only five, because that's all they had that I loved. They went together so nicely - I wanted to make more! Back to Joann's where I found nine more that I loved.

I've now retired all the previous napkins to the rag bin and put these lovely new ones in to place. We used them for the first time last night at dinner. I actually believe my guys (Bryn is home for 3 days on leave.) tried to be neater. Seriously. I know it's hard to believe, but they ate more carefully, sat up straight and used all their manners, even the ones they normally save for special! It was a proud moment for me.

My First Note. . .

2008-07-09T11:03:00.001-04:00

I've always kept a journal, a hand written journal. I use an engagement calendar, one with photos of Italy or the photography of Ansel Adams, this year I have the Greek Isles. While I love this hand written journal and will continue to keep it, it's begun to feel not quite enough. My two best friends, both named Lisa, both with blogs, both enjoy them very much. I enjoy them both very much. So much so that I thought it was time to start my own and here I am.

I have so many ideas floating around in my head, so many projects I want to do and so many I've done that I want to share with you here on my own little blog. I hope you will share your ideas and stories with me, too. Be sure and check back!