A Special Day with Sally Jean!

I have always been enamored with the exquisite pieces created by Sally Jean Alexander. I have always wanted to take a class from her, but know that I don't need to add something else to my plate. I have enough trouble keeping focused and don't need something new and shiney to distract me! Well, Elf Patty has been wanting try her creative hand at making some charms. On a whim, she sat down and signed up for Sally Jean's necklace class!!! We were both so excited and I was so tickled that Elf Patty was going to fulfill a dream!

Almost as good as getting to go myself.

Patty had a fabulous day and created the beauty below. Her necklace features her mom at various ages. What a sweet tribute!


This image/charm below is my favorite.

So, Elf Patty, you did good and we all will expect more wonderful treasures in the future!

Woo Hooooo!!!!!

Proud Mama

Without much fanfare, my son and his oldest, bestest friend recently launched a photography business - J Nichols Photography. These two have been buds since first grade - through thick and thin. I can't imagine them not being successful once they put their minds to something. One is a little more "business minded" (a good thing) but both are extremely talented and creative.
I wanted to show my support by posting about their new venture and hope that some of you out there will check out the link to their Facebook site on my sidebar. They offer a wide variety of portraits, wedding and event photography and artsy stuff.

I am proud to feature them and their work. Congratulations guys! Love - Mom.

New Babies !

The babies are back ...

... and this time on wooden spools with a touch of sweet, old lace.

They captured my heart - maybe they will capture yours too!?

I've taken a little time away from the workroom and now I'm ready to make a fresh start.

Been making new items for Funky Junk Sisters Vintage Flea Market next month.
Also found a few unusual treasures to repurpose. I'll keep you posted

on the progress. You never know where it will go until you

just know it's there. And - getting there is part of the fun and challenge!

Have a restful weekend. M.

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.