Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Sneak Some Stitching!


A little free time crept into my schedule last night so I did a little stitching.  Some of my favorite artists did some stitchery on their blogs, here and here and they inspired me to get in the groove.  Plus, I have been absorbing all information regarding differnt embroidery stitches.  The internet has a wealth of tutorials that are quite easy to understand.  Just google "how to embroider" and let the stitching begin.
I know we are all busy...but, sneak a little stitching in....


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Sterling Silver Salt-N-Pepper Garnish!



I've never had a lot of sterling silver....it spells high maintenance.....expensive.......not dishwasher safe....and there doesn't seem to be a lot of family heirlooms to pass down.  But, I've always loved the look of it.  So, with moments of creative, hopeful spirit, I began my hunt for old sterling silver.  It had the typical criteria....old... inexpensive...dented...oddly pretty in a beat up sort of way.  Needless to say, my purchases have been minimal.  Sterling silver is not that easy to find.

Although, last summer my daughter and I went to the fabulous Nashville, TN flea market. We came home with "quantity" being our theme of purchase. Lots and lots of little stuff. One of the favorite bargains of the day, was a tiny sterling silver individual salt and pepper set.

In my moment of purchase I neglected to do some general "once over" checking of this tiny pair.  The main problem being, the tops would not come off, without bending....denting....or damaging the silver.  So, I now own an adorable sterling silver salt and pepper set that cannot hold salt or pepper without loading it one granule at a time....NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. 

Thus, Plan B:  I ran a jump ring through the holes in the top...added a sad little pearl with its pearl worn off, added the lovely nickel ball chain....and table top garnish for my neck.  I just love it!  It jingles a bit and creates lots of conversation at check out counters. 

Never underestimate the power of a good condiment server!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Earring Tree!



Found this odd spiral earring tree not too long ago at a local antique mall.  It's rusty and chippy...but, really a great way to organize/display your earrings.  The price tag described it as a retail display....hmmmm, don't know about that...but, I LOVE it!

"Only collect stuff you LOVE!"
-Lett

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Turning Her Face To The Sun!

"Turn your face to the sun
and the shadows fall behind you."
-Maori Proverb



This is my oldest daughter....and she can somehow always find a little pocket of sun.  This morning I couldn't find my little darling, and went on the hunt like a psychopathic mother, only to find her nestled quite comfortably in my closet peaking into my bathroom.  Turning her face to the sun!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Beadazzled Pashmina!

Just finished this fun pashmina!  I've had this a couple of years...have worn it oodles of times...but, today my mood lead me to beadazzle!




"Life is a train of moods like a string of beads;
and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses,
which paint the world their own hue,
and each shows us only what lies in its own focus."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson


Obviously, the lense was tired of just "black"!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Three Words To Live By!

Three words to live by.......



"We can't all be stars....but, we can twinkle."
-unknown


"Blessed are the happiness makers.  Blessed are they
who know how to shine on one's gloom with their cheer."
-Henry Ward Beecher

"People are like stained glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun
is out, but when the darkness sets in,
 their true beauty is revealed
only if there is a light from within."
-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Create! The Handmade Oath!

"True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done,
the zest of creating things new."
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery


I'm heavy into creation mode!  This is my year to give everyone something handmade.  I'm going to respect my "handmade" oath with full steam ahead.  Not much time until the the holidays...think about your time....your supplies....your needs....and the best part....the fun of creating!