Indulge Your Shelf

I'm in the middle of a time where the creative life has taken a necessary back seat to more immediate needs...like working a full time job.  I have to be very intentional to make time for art. This is not always easy but it sure does make me appreciate the projects I make time for, more than ever before. Here's one that I've been daydreaming about doing for, literally, months: a curtain topper made from vintage handkerchiefs.  And I finally finished it on Sunday! The first thing I had to do was clear off my sewing machine table so I could use it.  Then, I found some fabric I love in my stash, and cut out and sewed a ~50" scrunchy curtain rod cover from it. If you ever do this -- give yourself about 3x as much time as you think you need.   You wouldn't believe how long it takes to turn the cover right side out once it's sewn!  My recommendation: don't use shiny, slippery fabric like I did!  Next, I got out my two huge piles of vintage hankie...

Last year you may remember that I created a small journal that included a page I'd collaged, with a big birthday cake (bottom right corner below) Last week I got the journal out, scanned a copy of it, gathered some supplies and changed it into a Happy 50th Birthday card for my oldest friend, Margaret. I decided not to include the page on the left, She May Have Seen Better Days , just in case she was sensitive about turning the big 5-0. Rose is her middle name, so I tore a margin in the collage and placed it over scrapbook paper covered with pink roses.  I added more paper, a number "50", butterflies... and some birthday candles and other doodles. Here's how it looked when I mailed it off to Margaret. I talked to her for a little while tonight, and she told me she'd really loved the card. I never had a sister, and she was an only child, so we have always thought of each other something like sisters.  I was her Matron of Honor when she m...

I'm such a big fan of Etsy, and all the great things you can find on that site, and the community of artists that come together to sell their beautiful creations.  Today I want to tell you about the latest shop opened by dear friends and artists Bonnie and Angela. Millefori Art Glass Bangle Bracelet in Saffron Yellow Millefori Art Glass Their shop is called BonnieAngela  and it's full of artisan jewelry designed and hand made by the two of them.   Their art tells a story. Because You're Somebody's Somebody Special ... White Glass Pearls and Oval Hoop Earrings Bonnie and Angela have been living the life of gypsy artists, traveling all over America with their wares and leaving their hearts open to inspiration wherever they go.   Their resulting beautiful creations are sold in galleries and shops all over the country -- and now on Etsy .  Each piece is made by their hands from high quality metals, stones, beads and jewels. Summer Sunlight ... H...

I live near Colorado Springs, and there is a part of town filled with old Victorians that they call The Old North End. As the name implies, it used to be the northernmost part of town (but not anymore.)  The streets have old growth trees and it's close to "downtown", which gives it a very antique "vibe". Each year they have a community sale, and for the first time last month, I was in town for it and able to go!  Above, Kathy's booth set up on her front lawn. So many fabulous goodies!  I love Kathy's displays -- she is a talented merchandiser with her things. I had to take a few photos of this amazing Mason's costume she had for sale; it's covered up because it was sprinkling that day. Here's the hat that goes with it -- including a wig!  And some close-ups of the sleeve with metal gimp, lace, and wonderful buttons! Kathy always finds the best stuff, and sells some of it on Etsy !

The last time I saw Ben was over a week ago, in the bright morning light as he met up with his crew to go on a 10 day trek in New Mexico.  I haven't heard a word from him since he left and I'm ready for him to be home now. I'm sure he's having a great trip. Many have asked if his was the camp in CO that had to be evacuated last week, and it wasn't; he's at a different High Adventure Camp. To take my mind off of that, I'll show you some treasures from treasured friends.  Above, Linda made one of these sweet hanging birds for each of us at Birdsong!   I promise this will be my last post about Birdsong -- a month past now although it hardly seems possible! How much fun is that? The bottom card is by the talented Hope Wallace . The card on top was hand made by Karla's brother, "Guncle" Randy... who joins us for Birdsong and whom we have all come to know and love! Did I show you this coffee filter flower kit that was in our...