Year of the Snow Man

Sometimes things just happen out of nowhere.

I usually have a plan or theme for holiday shows. But, something happened year.

One afternoon I began making snowmen for no apparent reason and

couldn't quit! I was having too darn much fun to stop.

So, it seems that there will be a snowman invasion at the

Christmas Show Event at

Monticello Antique Marketplace this year.

Lots of micaflake EVERYWHERE!
There is even a little snow lady inside one of

the old clock cases I pictured a few posts ago.

A glass display case has been transformed into a

snowy, winter wonderland with, yes, another snowman!

There have been lots of snow flurries in my workroom this week
and much more for you to see beginning next Friday at the

Monticello Antique Marketplace in Portland. See details on the left.

I will post more pictures soon! Set-up day is tomorrow! M.

Being Thankful

I so enjoy a day set aside to reflect on all the things that I have to be grateful for.

Here are just a few ...

I have the best family. We have out ins and outs, ups and downs, good times and bad, but when push comes to shove, we are always there for each other. I am very lucky (and I know some people wouldn't agree) to have my immediate family just a few miles away.

I am lucky that our son likes to come home and hang out with us on holidays. I am also very lucky to have such a wonderful husband. No picture, but if I did, it would be of him making yummy scrambled eggs and ham for breakfast this morning. We do a well- choreographed dance in our small kitchen every Thanksgiving morning. I'm making pies while he makes breakfast. We somehow managed not to run into each other too many times.

Just had to throw in a picture of my cranapple pie. It's just out of the oven and making the house smell fabulous! Can't wait for dessert later today.

So, from me to you, Happy Thanksgiving and don't forget to count your blessings!

Celebration Cake Tutorial

Mary Green has offered to provide my Celebration Cake tutorial for a while longer. So, if you missed her Artist Class and would like to learn how to make my "cake", you can purchase that single tutorial for just $15.00 beginning tomorrow morning (11/23)! The banner above will provide the link.

Below are some examples of other items that you can create using the basic "cake" method.

This is one that was published in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Somerset Studio. You can find it on page 105 of the Expressions feature. It provides brief instructions to make the angel! Sorry the quality of the picture is so poor. This was taken in June and I haven't received the original piece back from the magazine yet to get a better shot.

These little "cakes" can be made using the basic instructions provided in the Artist Class tutorial.

I hope these images provide some inspiration and you will give the tutorial a try! Check out the tutorials that will also be available! M.

Projects, Purchases & my Pooch

Last Sunday, Elf Patty and I cleaned my workroom. Gotta love Elf Patty. Don't know what I would do without her. She keeps me going when I'm dead-dog tired (sorry Zoe, nothing implied). Anyway, we put away, dumped, cleaned-up, organized and even vacuumed. My poor workroom floor ... what can I say ... it's a work room floor. My vacuum has an idiot light that tells you when the floor is clean (green) and dirty (red). Let's just say the red light never goes off in my workroom. Way too much glitter and paper bits imbedded into it. Some day it will go, but not anytime soon. It works for now. After getting things in order, I couldn't resist decorating a little for Christmas. A tree here and there, a few shiny ornaments and I added a little holiday touch to my mannequin, "Sister". She is now officially dressed for the Holidays!

I began working on projects to sell at Monticello next month. I love sweet little teddy bears.

My sweet friend, Betty (Sammy Girl) found these wonderful clock cases and I was lucky enough to purchase a few from her! What a wonderful find and you know - they will become homes for little assemblages. Stayed tuned!

There will be a new purpose for these sweet mugs, creamers and sugar bowls.

Visited one of my favorite flea markets last Sunday and found this doll head. Don't know why, but I had to have her. I "dolled her up" a bit and will enjoy her for a few weeks before she finds a new home. I may make some fluttery, feather wings for her.

So, while all of this is going on, guess what "you- know- who" is doing ... napping. Something I won't be doing until about December 26th when I join my hubby and son on a plane bound for

Kansas City!

More on that later! M.

Deepwood Estate Holiday Gift Sale

Historic Deepwood Estate will be hosting their annual

Holiday Gift Sale

on November 13 and 14, 10 am to 3 pm.

The event is held on the main floor of this beautiful 1894 home/event venue that is located

on the corner of 12th and Mission Streets in Salem, Oregon.

Free parking is located at 12th and Lee Streets near the greenhouse.

The sale is a fund-raiser for Deepwood and includes many local vendors that

offer a variety of unique holiday gift. Many of the items are priced $20.00 and under.

You will find fresh wreaths, jewelry, handbags and accessories,

arsty journals, totes and necklaces,

the cutest tulle tutus and headbands for little ones,

lavender bags to soothe your eyes,

holiday decor, ornaments and unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to adorn your home

or to give as a gift. Many are gift-tagged, ready to give!

Oh, don't forget the yummy baked goods and candies!!

Small loaves of fruit breads, cookies, truffles, chocolate dipped apricots,

almond, peanut, & cashew brittles and hot cinnamon candy!

You can start your holiday shopping and get some great treats

to freeze for the holidays -- if they last that long. It never hurts to

have yummy treats for your Thanksgiving celebrations, too!

So, don't wait, because these items fly out the door! Enjoy a treat and cider while

you shop in the ambiance of a beautiful Victorian home!

Don't forget ... the early bird gets the great gifts! M.

A Flurry of Fun at Molly Mo's !

What a perfect weekend! We hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did. The only thing I can say is ... I think we are going to need more treats and wine next year !!!!

Thanks a bunch ! M. PS: See you soon at Monticello!

Molly Mo's is Dressed for the Holidays!

Molly Mo's barn is definitely dressed for the holidays and full of treasures!

There is an assortment of gifts ...

shiney holiday touches ...

sparkly fun stuff ...

an angel or two ...

frost and glitter ...

lots and lots of frost and glitter ...

sweet babies ...

and a few surprises!

Come to Molly Mo's in Sublimity this Friday evening 5-8 pm or

Saturday 8 am - 4 pm. Enjoy a glass of wine, a steaming cup of coffee, a savory nibble,

or a sweet treat. You will be instantly transported to the North Pole!

No sleigh necessary. Just come and catch the holiday spirit! M.

Coming Soon: Holiday Treasures !

Bring on the sparkle, listen to the jingle and enjoy the glitz!

That is what you will find at the Holiday Treasures show that Diane and I are hosting this Friday evening and Saturday. Show information is listed on the left.

I am just really getting all my projects underway. Nothing like last minute! But I assure you, you won't be disappointed. Lots of frosty trees and sparkly reindeer. AND, if that isn't enough --Friday evening we will be offering wonderful nibbles and drinks to tempt you even more!

Elf Patty has been busy baking up a storm, so expect to most scrumptious, delectable treats for you to take home. I'm not kidding. I can hardly wait!

I even incorporated my Celebration Cakes into a holiday theme!

If you enroll in the Artist Class (see box above) you can receive step by step instructions on how to make this little cutie. Not only that, you will receive instructions on how to create many other wonderful projects by wonderful nationwide artists. Click on the box and learn more. If you type in my code "vintagetrifles" you will receive $10.00 off. What a deal !


However, if you want this little cutie, you will have to venture out to Molly Mo's this weekend. His will be in good company with a couple of Santa's elves. More peeks tomorrow! M.