Happy Valentine's Day!

Thrifting....

Inside your head a little voice tells you, "go to America's Thrift Store, I know you are going to find some cool stuff.  Always listen to your inner voice, it can often be keenly in turn with the universe of good junk.  

This particular day was no exception.  

1.  Awesome, weirdo, shiny, pink, Asian tablecloth with cheesy fringe.

(it reminds me of the silky souvenir pillow covers of the 50's that represented divisions of the military...or states...or resort cities....kind of cheap looking, but oddly collectible now)

This tablecloth was a vibrant yellow paisley with hand sewn trim.  So fresh and fun!

This was my favorite doo-dad!  The 4-H plaque was a trip down memory lane for me.  I too, was a member of the 4-H club.  I participated in many crafts, demonstrations and my primo favorite part of 4-H....was CAMP!  I loved the arts-n-crafts shed where I learned to make wood signs, hammer and stain leather....and make oodles of embroidery floss bracelets.  Awe....memories.

Upon seeing the plaque I knew it was mine.  Upon flipping it over I read, "Alline Seagle camp of 1937".  I just envisioned myself sitting on a bench in 100 degree heat, wearing my favorite Hang 10 red shorts with my new "I'm A 4-H Camper" t-shirt and carving this same type of wood plaque.  Alline and I could have been kindred spirits. 

Memories!

The Food Warmer!

OK, do you know what the above is?

A food warmer.

This little handy dandy kitchen gadget is fantastic. I never can find one in a kitchen store, but for some unknown reason, they are in abundance at thrift stores.  This is the fourth one I have ever purchased....never paid over $2.  It seems our difficult economic climate has even hit the second-hand, unused, food warmer retail market, for they have grotesquely skyrocketed to $3.  Whew!  

What is even more humorous...I don't own one.  As a Mom of an athlete, you are always making...bringing large quantities of food for team consumption.  Generally a kitchen is not available for cooking...so...the infamous food warmer.  I continually donate them to the team in which my little friend is participating.

Recently, I mentioned my great find to a friend and she informed me these warmers are considered hazardous.....OH MY!  Thus the reason for their abundance in thrift stores maybe?  Not sure, for are are incredibly useful if creating a meal in the hall way of a school or gym. What a shame.

Any who...I will continue to enjoy the pleasures of a food warmer all for $3.

Proud Moment...Again

Motherhood brings moments that make you proud....trust me, there have been many...but when my little friend shows her creative side....I GLOW!  

For once...the night before last, my friend finished her homework early (a rarity, might I add).  I popped in to check on her and found her cutting...sewing...and creating.   I absolutely love to see her rip into a pile of fabric....use the other side of the brain that does not involve structure.  I encourage a "free spirit" when killing some creative free time.  

This is how it started....she had a bracelet like below.  Really cute little elastic bracelet made of multi-colored felt circles and wooden beads.  Unfortunately, the elastic broke....but, fortunately....the elastic broke!  

The little pile of felt circles were erratically sewn on to a small pouch made out of a linen napkin.   No pattern...no guideline...no rules....just cut and sew as it feels, and looks good.

The color palette was fantastic!  It brought back very found memories of one of my first Mother's Day presents made by my little friend while in kindergarten.  A simple rock with her favorite colors erratically painted to create the most incredible paper weight.

This pouch has purpose! 

She made a camera pouch!  Isn't it adorable?

Proud moment.

Vista Print....I Must Share!

Time to share a wonderful resource for excellent paper goods!

When offering art...or any type of goods to the public, I think it is vital to have unique...interesting...and artistic paper goods.  I started ordering business cards from Vista Print a couple of years ago and they this company has now become my "go to" source for business cards, post cards, envelopes, magnets, and any other type of representative paper products I might need. 

I love handmade business cards, but find them massively time consuming.  Occasionally, this is great, but to hang a handmade tag on 75 pieces of art at a retail show, is another day of work.  Whew!

So, one day while surfing around on their site, I realized they had the ability to upload photos to any of their printed materials.  I created some cards with a photo of my art and absolutely LOVED the quality!  The picture was pristine....and the price was fantastic!

Once the process was mastered by myself, I started uploading photos on everything.  I now have a collection of business cards, all with a different piece of art.  I erratically hang these cards on everything. It's now my business card, hang tag, price tag and product representative...all printed up in one.  

Along my path to creativity, many people have shared some great resources.  

"Friends find comfort in what they share

and delight in how they differ."

Share.

My Sweet Boston Terrier!

Is this little face precious?

My sweet flower being a little coy...

I absolutely LOVE this sweet blossom!

She makes my day.

There's The People!

Obviously I have been reflecting back to my childhood...hmmmm, wonder what that means?  Any-who...remember folding your hands together and making the church and people?  This action is very vivid in my mind.  

I remember sitting in Sunday School and repeating after the teacher "...open the door and see all the people". Ahhhh.....fond memories!

Of course, with any piece of art, your own twinge of sarcasm must surface...for whatever reason.  Mine came in the church being made out of a "lotto" box.  I'm not sure what this means, but I feel certain some higher scholar whose studied "why people do what they do" would consider a small thesis regarding this artistic effort.  Hmmm...

2011 is starting out with a bang!