Indulge Your Shelf

This project  began last year, when I had an urge to create something for winter in whites and non-traditional Christmas colors.  I was inspired by the cool tones of blue and pink, plus some wonderful textile pieces I'd received from friends.  I chose some printed muslin scenes of old fashioned winter moments and laid them out this white barkcloth decorated with roses that I've been hoarding for years now. Last year I created the four "squares", sewed them to the fabric and began to embellish it.  But at some point I became tired of it, and then put it away.  It looked like this at that point: So, the other day I was restless after work and I pulled it out and got re-inspired.  I went through my newly organized embellishments -- fabric, lace, millinery flowers, trims and buttons -- and made a pile.  It was so much fun!   And, can I gush again about how much easier it is to be creative when your things are all in their proper place?   F...

Mysterious and spooky?  Not so much at my house.  I didn't used to decorate much for Halloween, but over the last few years I have collected some fun stuff.  I think you've seen it all before, but I did try to mix it up a bit this year. For example, I hung the Autumn banner over a coffee filter flower wreath, on a picket fence. The tags I made, and some that I got in a swap a few years ago, are resting in this pottery holder with three owls. My Puss in Boots black cat stands among some wire-y, texture-ful items like owls and pumpkins. Including these teeny tiny wire brush trees dyed in Halloween colors! Halloween in low color. I also got out the Halloween card "album" I made last year and I love it just as well as I did when I first made it! It's full of Halloween family memories from over the years; you can read about it and see more  here . This one always makes me giggle: Lady Wanted. What we want around here, now, is a job fo...

I am so happy with my newly organized crafting space.  A few nights ago I did some late-night art therapy.  Two hours went by in a flash, and this is what I ended up with: The moon is from some Graphics 45 paper. I think this one is my favorite: A trio of tags... I just used what I had on hand, and was completely satisfied to create these little collages! I played with the combination of stripes and dots on this one; I used a piece of Halloween clip art and some vintage ribbon.  The strip of numbers came from a slide storage box -- they were intended to label the slides.  You can't see it in the photo, but I edged the witch's hat and fabulous cape with silver sparkle. Are you ready for Fall and the spooky holiday?

I had a chance to return to the Horseshoe Market in Denver yesterday, for the first time in a few years!  It is an Indie Craft vintage market that takes place near a park in North Denver.  In the years since I was last there, it has it grown -- so happy to see that!   Dennis came with me because we were off to see Ben afterwards. Fall has arrived here, so it was a cloudy day but the sun did peek out from time to time as we walked around and visited the booths. Besides booths, there were some mobile shops and food trucks, too. Lots of jewelry, art, textiles, and antiques.  There were lots of city people with their dogs and baby carriages in this young and hip neighborhood.  I came home with some craft supplies and greeting cards. This is my friend Amy's booth, full of vintage Halloween fun! (That's her, above, laughing with a customer!) At lunchtime, we decided to try some of the food truck fare...above, The Elvis: a grilled peanut butter, nut...