A Favorite of Mine

One of the visitors at my recent sale suggested that I submit my calendar project to Somerset Life. Since it is difficult to mail, I asked my son (photographer extraordinaire) what the best way/settings, etc. were to submit photographs of it instead of mailing the real thing. We found all the submission requirements in an old issue and then he went to work using my little camera.

I hadn't begun taking apart my little "shop" in the front room, so he designed a vignette using the calendar as part of a writing desk.

The result was so wonderful and sweet. So "me" that I didn't want to dismantle it. It made me want to sit and tend to all the crummy tasks that I avoid at my real desk in my workroom! Why not keep it and enjoy it you ask?!? It just doesn't really work for me in everyday life. I would have to purchase a laptop, sacrifice a variety of the props that I use for shows, find a better place for my file cabinets that currently are the base for my real desk.

But, for a couple of hours, I really enjoyed what I might use in the future. The pictures turned out well. I need to send them to him to edit before I submit them with my calendar story.

I know that this isn't an event of significant importance, but I wanted to share this special little vignette with you. I just shows what you can do with what you have tucked away in other rooms or your storage. If you use things that you like, it will all come together in a comfortable, pleasing way! So look around your house, garage, even the patio and create a new spot just for you! M.

I'm Gonna Do It !

After much hemming and hawing, pondering, procrastinating, and a little being scared-to-pieces to commit, I am going to be a vendor at the Funky Junk Sister's Vintage Flea Market in May!

All of this dragging of feet and contemplation has nothing to do with the event itself. It's just that I've never done a show that far from home and my hubby cannot not attend. He will be in the middle of a district tennis tournament. So I was hesitant to do the show by myself.

After the 4 Friends Sale, I had a family discussion with my husband and son. Should I try to do the show or shouldn't I?!? Diane and her husband Matt said they would help me, but that didn't seem fair - especially to Matt who would have to lift and carry everything. So my son said - "Do it." He offered to take a vacation day and come along to provide the muscle!!! WOO HOO!!! So we are set to go! I am so excited!

Now, I'm busy making new stuff and can't wait! I'll keep you updated with new pictures to lure you to Puyallup mid-May. Hope to see you there! M.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Whether your roots are from Ireland, or you're just "Irish" for the day, have fun and enjoy!

Don't forget to wear a little green, or you might get pinched! M.

Once again -- Thank You!

A big, big "thank you" to everyone who came to our 4 Friends Sale on Saturday!

Once again, you made it a wonderful day. I was, once again, amazed at the number of people who stopped by my little "shop". Many new faces as well as many familiar ones. Elf Patty's delicious shamrock sugar cookies were a hit and I shared my recipe for the coconut nests more than once during the day. My lovely niece Ashlie was a huge help tending the cashier's stand and wrapping up every one's purchases. I didn't realize that I missed getting a picture of her until today. Maybe again next year, Ashlie?!? If it wasn't for Elf Patty and Ashlie, I would have never been able to pull this off. It's such a godsend to have your very own elf and I am thankful for my Elf Patty!

And, miraculously, Miss Zoe decided to be the welcoming committee. This is a dog who usually scares the wits out of everyone with her big bark. She has intimidated many a UPS driver to just giving a soft knock on the door, leaving the package and running for their truck. Not Saturday, she quietly greeted everyone and waited to get a pat on the head. One happy dog. When she wasn't meeting and greeting, she was asleep right in the middle of it all. And that is one big heap of dog in the middle of things. No one seemed to mind and she reveled in the attention. Go figure. Today, she was back to her cranky, normal self. Gotta love her.

Anyway, after a lazy morning, I started turning my little shop ...

back into our dining room!

Six hours later, everything is back in place and my garage/warehouse is reorganized. Now I just have to make some sense of my workroom. IT IS A MESS ! So, tomorrow I will tackle it. If you don't have anything better to do, drop by. I'll put you to work mucking it out. You see, I have to have a clean slate before I can begin making things for my next event. That leads to another thing to ponder ... what will be my next event? I'll keep you posted. M.

Come Visit - It's Not Raining!!!

The sky is clearing, the clouds are moving on and the sun is peaking over the rooftops!

Auntie Joy, Molly Mo's, Sammy Girl and Vintage Trifles are all gussied-up

and ready to share all their treasures with you.

The four of us toured each others "shops" last night and they are fabulous!

So grab all your friends and make a day of it. I promise you won't be disappointed!

For more photos, visit Friday's post! Hope to see you, M.

Don't let the rain stop you ...

from coming to our 4 Friends Sale tomorrow!

Hey, we live in the Pacific Northwest. What's a little liquid sunshine? All sales are in where it is warm and dry - and - who knows? Maybe we will get the real sunshine to make it a perfect shopping day?!? It can happen!


Once again, my dining room has been transformed into "The Shop". I haven't displaced my husband and Miss Zoe too much. Mark is still trying to find his writing desk-- but, Zoe seems to like it. She is having a big snooze out there right now!

I have lots of little "trifles" for you ...

a few original pieces hot out of the workroom ...

oh my gosh ... lots of eggs - lots and lots of eggs - all kinds. Real, blown quail and araucana, porcelain, wood, paper mache. Did I mention that there are eggs? Lots and lots of eggs - what was I thinkin'?!?

A sweet little hutch with lots of ironstone ...

PINS !!! Just a little something to perk up your lapel and the perfect little gift for someone!

Of course, I can't have a sale without inviting the "babies"!

Hope you can make it. There will be sweet treats, fresh coffee & lots of fun. We will have directions for you at each location to help you find your way and some ideas of great places to stop for a little lunch. We know that all this shopping will make you hungry and we don't want you to become famished and weak! You must keep your strength.

So there you have it. The fun begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m.

Plenty of time to visit all four of us.

SEE YOU TOMORROW !

More Sneek Peeks!

Just a few more days until the 4 Friends Sale!

I still have a few more projects to make -- there is always just onnne more!

Hope you can make it and bring your friends. Make a day of it!
Come for treats and coffee, then venture on to Sammy Girl located in the Carriage House at Historic Deepwood Estate. Then stop for some lunch and head east to Molly Mo's and Aunties!
I can't think of a better way to spend a March Saturday!

Check back for more tomorrow! I'll be transforming the dining room! M.

A Glimpse to Entice You

Here are a few little peaks at what I have been making

for our 4 Friends Sale this Saturday!

Keep checking back through the week for more!

I definitely have a nest/egg/bird/Spring theme going on.

If you need a little push to get perked up

for Spring ... this is the place to be!

Lots more coming to tempt you. Check back! M.

Check Out this New Blog

A few years ago I met Mary of the Farmhand Feed & Home Company in Cottage Grove. She has become one of my regular customers and shares my love of whimsical Halloween.

Mary just emailed to say that she has created a blog and these are just a few pictures of her shop. It looks amazing !!! I plan to take a field trip and visit her one day very soon! In the meantime, I will have to admire everything via "blogland"! I hope you will take a minute and visit her at the link above! M.

I Won a Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, I wanted to check in with my friend Coleen of Coleen's Reflections

to let her know I have been keeping her in my thoughts.

Quite accidently, I entered her "Love is..." Giveaway! I realized as I was leaving

a comment that it was her giveaway post, so I ended my comment with, "Love is Comforting".

Lo and behold, Coleen drew my name and I became the lucky

recipient of this sweet little creation! I have a Coleen original!

Elf Patty has Coleen's outstanding handmade fairies,

my sister has Coleen's fairies - and

now - I have something made lovingly by Coleen!

This soft, velvet heart brings the message of "Cherish Your Family". Then, when you lift up the

little fairy, it says "Forever". I didn't notice until this morning that the back of the fairy says "Heart Hugs" . Little surprises everywhere! I love it!

Thank you Coleen. I will treasure it and your friendship. M.