Elizabeth Holcombe's Studio

I was lucky enough to win a copy of Cloth Paper Scissors Studio from Beth at Words and Whimsies (elizabethholcombe.typepad.com) It's one of my very favorite blogs, and I've ordered a few things from her etsy shop and always been very happy with my purchases. I really enjoyed seeing the photos of her studio and can't wait to try a few of her suggestions for storage. The article about collecting and displaying vintage Christmas decorations was especially cool. Beth has always been so generous in sharing her crafting magic. The Christmas corsages featured in my header were made from her instructions and examples. I make a few every year to give my friends. I'm so grateful I won her latest giveaway - Thanks Beth!

Little Snowman

I haven't crafted anything yet. But I did have a little luck thrifting on Saturday. I got my first spun cotton head figure! He's pretty beat up but he has a sweet face. I'm not really sure it's a snowman, but that's what I'm calling it. I'd like to make some ornaments similar to the ones Laurie at Magpie Ethel made using the tin molds. I think the little santa will fit perfect, as might the little skates. Underneath everything is my favorite find, a linen towel. Something to add a little holiday cheer to my kitchen that's also useful. I really love old, soft linen to dry dishes with and this one's perfect. Pretty day, good thrifting, spending less than $2 = happiness!

I Better Start Crafting Holiday Stuff!

I'm starting to feel like getting all the decorations ready and deciding where the tree will go. Last year I just didn't feel the spirit and did very little. Even though none of the remodeling I expected to be finished has even been started, I'm just going to pretend this home looks better.

Crafting is being planned, projects picked out. I'm going to try some new things and post pictures just to make myself accountable. I'm going to post once a week, even if I just have to show what I picked up while thrifting. I work better under pressure. It's on!

Penguin Books Mystery Mail

I recently received some mystery mail. It was a package from Penguin Books with a great selection of titles. One is a favorite crafting book, Sock and Glove, by Miyako Kanamori. I've checked it out of the library about eight times and love using my orphan socks for creating cute animals. You'll never throw away another single sock or glove. Easy projects with lots of character and charm.

The other favorite of the bunch is The Artist in the Office, by Summer Pierre. It really helped me get inspired and off my duff to get busy creating again. It's all about priorities and small steps in the right direction. My job isn't always uplifting and I need to express myself in an uplifting way. My daughter liked the suggestion to "find someone at work (she'll use school), preferably someone just as bored as you. Every time you see each other, start to dance." I can't wait to see that happen in one of the hallways. We both liked "Be a Secret Messenger for Good." I'm going to implement that one at school soon.

There were a few more books and as soon as I've finished reading, I'll post about them.

I wish I knew why I was the lucky recipient of this lovely gift. Maybe I won a giveaway while I was on vacation, maybe somebody just likes me. Either way, Thank you!

Awww, Nice Doggie.

I don't have a great history with pit bulls. One tried to kill my chihuahua, Pete, a few years ago on Mother's Day. What a gift THAT day was! A Sunday visit to the nearest emergency vet (40 miles away) and $1,500+ later, Pete lives! I still can't believe my husband went for the surgery vs. putting him down.

This latest pit (my son rescues them from the pound - he's not allowed to go back anymore) is smaller than the others, and I must say, ridiculously sweet. He got this one as a puppy and has raised it as a family dog. I know, I know, BELIEVE ME, I know. The one that tried to eat Pete was a nice dog and until the moment she snapped, a friend of Pete. Keila was able to have a couple of good years beyond the time she was rescued from being scheduled to be put down at the pound, but in the end, she just wasn't a dog that could be trusted around anyone, human or canine.

But here is Venus. I tried not to like her. Maybe she was just tasting me a little before she ripped my throat out. She kept bringing me her toys to throw and sat on my feet to be petted wherever I sat down. I like dogs, whatever the kind. I just don't want to bring this one to MY house even if she's sweet. I might taste like chihuahua.

Cali College Visit

During our visit last week to California, we checked out the college Chloe would most like to attend. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a familiar place since my sister is a graduate, as well as my best friends Janice and Casey. I wish I had gone there! The weather was perfect and our tour guide was adorable. She sold Chloe completely on the central coast college experience. Now Chloe just has to get the grades! It's not an easy program to get into and she better get busy.

I've got more pictures to come. Lots of family and friend time, including some sad time as I helped my parents prepare for a move. After 48 years in the same house, it's time for an unexpected change.

A Good Day for Vintage

I lucked into some sweet finds at the local thrift store. Cute hats, including a white beaver-fur one with a beautiful rhinestone embellishment, a little silver brocade one with little grey velvet bows and rhinestones on the netting and an adorable little girl's blue flowered one. The train case is just what I want to use in a project like one I saw on Jane's Apron. I love her blog! The quilted satin covered box is perfect for sorting and storing little things on my work table. I like to collect ivory vases, usually in a matte finish, but this small one was so sweet, I couldn't pass it by. Also the little vintage auto vase was too cute to leave behind. Everything in the picture totaled less than $6.00. Score!