Junquey Gal

Bu-bye 2011, Helloooo 2012!

2012-01-23T17:18:00.004-05:00

{ Laptop Bag}

Where, oh where did 2011 go? Wow. That just flew by me. This middle age thing makes everything speed up except my metabolism. I like to dive into a New Year with some insight into what the HELL what wrong in the previous one. Those who know me best know there is usually lots of stuff to ponder:

2011 will go down as my strangest year in a long time. I lost two very good friends, the kind you talk to often, always, daily. Not lost as in passed away, thank goodness, but lost as in things changed, sides were taken, boundaries drawn, stuff said… Over a man (not mine surprisingly) and over a job. With one I saw it coming a mile away and spent at least a year trying to stay the course; the other was a surprise ending.

In some ways it was very freeing. It quieted me. I no longer had the laundry list in my head of “wait ‘til I tell…” It saddened me. It made me question decisions I’d made 30 years ago and wonder if the preteen me had been more astute than the 20 something, 30 something and middle age me. I have cried more over the demise of two friendships than I have over the ruins of lost loves. But, it strengthened me. It made me a better person. Without my gossip girls to help me calculate the hurt and pain, trivial things stay trivial.

I have a new phrase and philosophy, “Let done be done.” I found that in a management guide and it is something I am trying to take seriously. I am trying to move past being a score-keeper. Where has that got me in life?

And two curious things happened this year. First, in a moment of utter despair over the loss of my former bff and the fun we’d had making the stuff and gathering stuff, I packed all the crafting stuff I’d been making for years and took it to the grungy local flea market to rid my soul of these material connections. I sold everything pretty fast and furious – cheap works. And got the attention of a local shop owner who happened to be there looking for eclectic finds for her fabulous fabric shop. A shop I would never, ever have solicited with samples of my work. And now I have a part-time gig doing what I want – sewing and crafting without having to stand in the pouring rain, sweltering heat or risk being blown off by the friends who decided they were superior. In the ashes of one partnership, another grew.

And the second thing, I was finally noticed for the really good work that I do and smart woman that I am and was offered a job beyond my dreams, and frankly one I would not have considered possible without a degree. Another trip to France (so much better in March than November – still trying for April in Paris though…). It has been a rocky road, once again. A friendship died in the turmoil of my success; sides were drawn and it became mean girls for the middle-aged. Every bad cliché about friendship has been realized this year.

So 2012 finds me still living in my little condo. I am still the mom I was before. I am still married, but not the least bit married. I still drive my crappy car. I will still buy fabric and buttons with my last dollar. I have less friends, appreciate those I still have more than ever, and I am more protective and less judgmental of my family.

And I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store… hoping that it finds us all in good health, that is the greatest wealth and gift afterall.
Take care!

Rule Breaker!

2011-10-11T20:43:00.009-04:00

If you know me you know that I am all about following the rules. So, I went from sooo pleased that Donna from FJI posted a comment, to not too happy to realize that I have been breaking the rules at SNS - I wasn't supposed to be posting stuff I sell unless I add a tutorial to show how to make my stuff... so without further ado... How to make a JunqueyGal tote - Lesson I - think like a JunqueyGal!:

First, hoard all fabric scraps you can find. Same goes for ribbon, pretty trims, grosgrain ribbon on gift bags. No scrap is too small. Think like your Grandma who lived through the Great Depression in her sister’s hand-me-downs. Cut the pockets off of your kiddos’ stained and worn pants – repurpose later on a new tote, scrapbook page. My person motto - never let a button go to Goodwill when you can stick it in a mason jar for 20 years!
I start with a pretty scrap of fabric or theme. Insects anyone? Paris anyone? Birds anyone? All are super popular right now! I then look through my suitcases and gray totes of fabric – seriously, my bed is on risers and my storage unit maxed out because of my love of fabric. I always go with a mix of similar tones and I like the fabrics to be of the same weight or texture for the most part. I don’t like to swap out needles (frugal!) and adjust the tension (lazy!), but it seems to work for me. I always think about the rule of 3rds. And try to give the eye somewhere to rest – poor little Plain Jane scraps are my friend! They make your busy prints pop. Same with graphic stripes and patterns – I like to really mix it up – but I have to watch scale – too many small prints look busy – too much big stuff gives you a crazy look.

When asked how I do it I like to say that I sew myself into a corner. Interestingly enough, I sew in the corner of my living room. So/sew literal and figurative – wow. That’s as deep as I can go with that…

What I mean is that I don’t plan. I don’t sketch. I never, ever measure. I usually start by cutting a large, odd chunk of fabric and then sewing another odd shaped piece onto it. No logic. Always using the selvage and rough edges – a rough loopy selvage is like free designer trim! Instead of sewing the old way (right side to right and pressing seams open) just fold over a raw edge and top stitch it to another piece of fabric. I love the pop of contrasting top stitch – I’m not a perfectionist so I go for the really wide zigzag which can camouflage errors. I just randomly sew fabrics and start thinking about a front and back. When I get a piece all sewed together and measuring at least 24 inches (guess-timate!) and 14 inches wide, I fold it in half sandwich style – right sides together. I peek inside and see if there are any glaring issues – like the same pattern being sewed together in different directions. I may add to it, or I may only use a part of this. I may hate it and toss it aside for future use. If it’s good to go I sew up the sides – viola! A purse is born. Any excess I put aside and often incorporate in other totes or future projects (key chain anyone?).

I make a lining in the same way - usually one big scrap of fabric though – fold sandwich style. It should be about an inch larger on both sides and a few inches taller. I sew the sides, drop the lining inside the exterior, fold down excesses and pin together. Topstitch it all together. For the handle, I get out a tray and once again, think about my color palette – then raid my buttons and baubles for any that add interest. I usually pull twice the fabric and gems that I need. I like a big variety. I generally start with about 2 pieces of thin ribbon. The 2/$1.00 craft stuffy is perfect for this – it is strong, thin and cheap! Then I start stringing a button or two, knotting the ribbons together, weaving the ribbon through. No two are ever the same – it just comes to together naturally. While I watch TV with the kids. When I get a nice long strand I sew the ribbon ends to the ends of the purse. I hand sew a big old button with a ribbon closure and call it done!

Happy sewing! Use your imagination and don't go for perfection - there is a time and place for a perfectly crafted handbag - this isn't it. This is quirky, original, crafty...just like you! (Lessons with more details along the go will be added)

How Stella got her GROOVE back...

2011-10-08T22:00:00.012-04:00

Poor Stella. She's been banished to my room - stuck in a corner. She loved to go to antique shows and craft shows and model my jewelry, purses, and aprons. But, I'm pretty over that (for now!) I don't have time on the weekends due to my gals hectice schedules and I don't miss the stress of packing all my stuff up and hoping for good weather, good sales... I decided to dress her up with the goodies I took to Loom today... Here's a religious icon inspired purse, I wasn't sure which way to go, but I think Mary looks lovely... the beads were inspired by some wooden rosary beads I have...

I hand sewed about 60 small mother 'o pearl buttons for a unique handle of this purse...Stella is getting back in action by modeling my Loom stuff, here's a wristlet...

and last but not least... a little Halloween fabric, I had some left over from a little pre-school outfit I'd made for Olivia a few years ago... Boo!

Thanks for stopping by! Get crafting and sewing!

Fabric Fashion Cuffs & Fun Sewing Fabric!

2011-10-02T10:04:00.007-04:00

What better sewing tote than one covered in this witty comic-strip fabric - 50s style but oh so current for me! I would rather sew than just about anything. Right now I'm loving the new season of Project Runway aren't you?

what I love about this fun cuffs = instant gratification. they are a quick fix. My little daily dose of creativity. I seriously spend so much time with the suits at work - in meetings, talking strategy, forecasts -It is nice to have this at my finger tips at night. Fabrics and cuffs available at LOOM!

Happy sewing!

so busy, not sew busy

2011-09-04T22:08:00.006-04:00

I am busy. We all are. So busy that I haven't been sewing much or creating much. It makes me sad when I visit all of your pretty blogs and don't have much to offer here in return. It's a good thing though. I got a promotion in real life that I didn't expect and I'm not anticipating much down time in the next few months... school started last week for my gals (anyone who was here way back when this whole blog started - my girls are in 3rd and 5th grades - can you imagine!) and this all means homework (!), dance classes for 2, fall softball x 2, a vacation next month that we've been dreaming of for years... and I may need to tuck a trip to Fance in here somewhere... so, since I can't show you much in creative sew projects - here are some pictures from my last trip... starting at the end - at least something to make your stop here worthwhile!

CDG departing Charles de Gaulle Airport is so much better than arriving. it should be the opposite. I always arrive with a sense of letdown - it is not welcoming and pretty blah after the 9 hour flight, smelly if I must tell and it is a marathon of suitcases and ramps, doors which seem to go to nowhere, the automated voice announcing I can hear for days later. But for the departure it all gloriousness - shops, spacious, airy, the perfect setting for a modern day romance... I think that's why it is so much better when you're leaving - so you want to return!

Shops with pastries and really expensive stuff, of course! This architecture is the store front of a bridal boutique I window shopped, after dinner one evening. Many in the quaint village are caged up at night and you can't spy a glimpse.

Not faux paint treatments.

Love the scroll work.

My co-workers are always amazed at my attention to the littlest details and interest in these things! A cafe for an evening meal, I think we were finished by 11pm on a work night - yawn!

Everything is slightly different and unique - even the attention to the cutlery.

And shopping for accessories is a huge hobby of mine! The Parisian women have such a flair - one scarf or brooch, effortless, not gawdy or overdone - just right. This is a little boutique that had a great variety. Scarves and pretties.And fabric covered bead necklaces - remind me of the ones from the 80s but with the fabrics make them so current. Lots of silk flower pins, raw edges

And the rest of the pic are from an eclectic boutique. I showed some of their very modern stuff on a post a few months ago - here are a few more random.

Not the linen, lavender I was expecting - much more modern! I do love these fabrics...

Odd, odd, odd pairings and displays...

The end. (For now - more when time permits - hopefully before 2012!)

Tiffany & the Tower

2011-08-15T20:50:00.009-04:00

Don't ya love these colors?! I know brown and aqua is practically a neutral these days... so this seemed a bit more bright and cheerful - crisp black and white cottons and shiny black buttons and aqua baubles. Pretty and one of the last summer bag flings...a nice roomy tote.

The accents are done in fabulous Tiffany's blue. I have a BOX from Tiffany's, alas not from some awesome present, it was some award my company received and I swear it was heading for the trash. So I rescued it. Almost dumpster diving in corporate life. I, of course, have it filled with buttons. and last but not least... a pretty apron. The tote, apron & fabrics are available at LOOM and check it - some of my aprons are featured there too... Love it! Btw, I'm linking over at

and entering for a chance to win at :http://gypsyfleamarket.blogspot.com/2011/08/mid-summer-bag-giveaway.html

And since I'm just chatty and may not find another chance to post until September...

IMHO this may be the very best fabric ever, ever - I made a tote that's there. But my pictures turned out pretty crappy so you'll just need to use your imagination...and make what ever your heart desires...

you can purchase it at LOOM where they have with free continental US shipping http://www.loomshowroom.com/shop/NEW-Fabrics-Just-In-/p/Aviary-Vintage-Illustration-Wing-Study-Birds-and-Butterflies-Bird-Birdcage-Key-Egg-collage-Cotton-Quilt-Fabric-LM12-sku-LM12.htm soooo much fabric, so little time. Gotta run! Happy crafting!

Fun! Fun! Fun!

2011-07-24T16:31:00.006-04:00

Life is good. I don't remember the last time I was having so much fun. Seriously... I love that I have a few good friends, and even one that I can occasionally get down on the ground and play good old fashioned jacks - really two middle-aged women taking a sewing break and reliving jacks competition of our youth... my friend beat me with finesse! Game on girlfriend!I am impressed that she still has hers - mine are long gone. I tried to buy my kids some and they were so cheaply made. On a crafty note... check out these amazing fabrics. O M Gosh I may need to do a couple pillows of the birds... some are aqua... This is a pocket of a tote I made... and in a bit of whimsy I sewed baubles as eggs in her nest...Speaking of fun... here are some ultra-fun aprons that I made for my friends at LOOM I used some pink glittery fabric, jumbo one rick-rack - the best hostess gift don'cha think?Forgive the bad pictures - I took these in my car on my way to deliver them...ack! these aprons are so much better than my pictures.

And my creative pals - trust me - there is fun to be found all over LOOM The store is packed but not cluttered, it is all careful displays and hidden gems. Here's a coooool display. Don't you just want to hang out here?

And here's a furry display with a great fashion sense... lemony silk shantung and tulle - so so so dreamy together. Honestly, I may get married again (!) just to see my girlfriends in lemon silk shantung bridesmaids gown... now that would be FUN!

Moulin Rouge Tote and Chairs

2011-07-17T18:00:00.006-04:00

Hello! What a whirl... I've been really busy with my day job and sewing lately. I love it... especially making totes from fun and funky fabrics. I made this pretty tote for Loom with my signature button-weave handles. My love of buttons has finally been appreciated, by those other than myself! I feel rather vindicated and proud of my stash these days. My years of thrifting, antiquing and crafting = a good thing!

I would never have stumbled across this Moulin Rouge Masquerade Lady fabric otherwise... I would have blended into a bunch of quilters fabric and not have caught my attention. But... I love it... And frankly, I have been rather caught up in the whole French = feedsack, beige, burlap phase. refreshing to see these vibrant COLORS. Reminiscent of the 1940s - barkcloth with the wide plumes... nice! I can't remember who makes it...

Bright fun, vibrant fabrics... playful candy-colored buttons - so summery and cool. Same fabric on these chairs, paired with fuscia pom-pom trim - oh la la! I didn't do these chairs but they are perched mighty prettily at Loom !

Medieval Warrior, Woman & Roses Tattoo Fabric

2011-07-03T23:46:00.009-04:00

I made this tote out of a really cool cotton quilters fabric that features tattoo stylistic images. Love the script and the tone-on-tone subdued quality. Nothing that I would have stumbled across and been immediately been drawn to. That's what is so unique for me right now - I stop by a unique fabric store nearby and get a stack of exquisite fabrics and free reign to, as Tim Gunn would say, "make it work". Of course, I'm not doing runway designs - I'm doing little aprons and totes. Creating fun and funky stuff with fabrics that require me to stretch my own vision. The feather trim wouldn't have been my first choice either - I paired the graphic print with scraps of classic ivory silk shantung - it all worked together Btw, I missed the season premiere of Project Runway on Thursday night because it was playoff time for my daughter, Cathrynn's 10 & under softball team (they won!). I usually bring a tin of buttons or beads to the games, but these were nail-biters and I didn't get much done this week.

I enjoying being I'm back in the driver's seat. Cruising along, sewing machine pedal to the floor, sewing machine humming along. I hadn't sewed in several months - I'd been beading instead. Or maybe cleaning, baking and cooking. One of the things that I was doing then that I may be neglecting now ;) But, I feel invigorated and excited.

(If you're interested, these unique fabrics are available at LOOM)

~Pretty and Scary~

2011-07-01T09:20:00.006-04:00

If you're a Junquey Gal like me you live on the edge. You get excited at musty, dusty boxes at flea markets that are fresh from attics and basements. No one has polished and primped the loot and jacked up the price. Sometimes you find bugs - slimey silver-fish freak me out... mostly you find junk not my adored JUNQUE. But you go for it. I can't resist opening every potential button tin and suitcase that I find. The hope of a vintage fabric or button goldmine outweighs the potential for grossness and danger. The worst EVER was a small train case - with a few teeth and a hair brush chock full of DNA tucked into one of the charming side pockets. That was years ago and I'm still repulsed. But I trudge on, 'cause I'm like that. When I buy button tins, I have a method of dealing with all the ick and danger lurking below. I take a big colander and line it with an old terry-cloth towel. Dump the entire tin into the colander, run hot water and squirt some laundry detergent over the whole pile. Occasionally an old button will gel-up and not be able to be saved, and the fabric ones may be at risk. But seriously - old cloth buttons stink if not washed. I then take the whole thing and dump on my patio table. I run a large magnet over the pile to grab all the rusty old pins and needles. And weather permitting, let them dry in the hot sun. Then my little Junquey Gals, Cathrynn and Olivia sort them by color and favorites and oohh and ahhh over the special ones and claim a few keepers. This was the not so pretty left-overs after last weekend's haul:

Tetanus shot anyone?

Douce à Paris!

2011-06-25T16:51:00.006-04:00

Sweet Paris Apron! I adore this sweet, vintage-y, lady-like Michael Miller fabric. The colors are bright and happy, fun with not a hint of childishness, features gloved ladies with their 50s hats. This petite apron has a pocket with French advertising script featuring delish Parisian pralines I embellished with my favorite City Paris labels and buttons - fuscia & rhinestone studded gems.

Perhaps too pretty to wear whilst slaving in the kitchen, put this pretty one after the mess! If you're a local follower, the fabrics are available at Loom Exquisite Textiles in the Strip. I get lost in their embellishments and fabrics... you will too.I'm linking over at the French Cupboard - stop by and see more French inspirations!

Fabric Wristlet Cuffs and a BIG update!

2011-06-19T09:39:00.006-04:00

Vintage barkcloth, clothing labels, buttons, baubles and beads... an alternative to a bracelet, plays nicely with jeans and t-shirt, or a romantic blouse for work, bohemian, gypsy chic style, romantic prairie style...

This leaf trim is very delicate - from a vintage necklace, handstitched onto the barkcloth, trims, bead, elastic closure with a great old button. I also handstitched some faux mercury glass beads to give it a bit of sparkle.

Brown denim and lace, a vintage label, a millinery flower from an old hat and a vintage upholstery button. Ties closed around the button - and strands of ribbon hang from your wrist and add movement...

So my BIG UPDATE is two-fold... first you may have noticed, I just announced that I was too busy with the softball schedule and apologized for neglecting my blog again. And I was really unsure about why I should keep making more stuff than I could ever use when I really didn't have a good solution to sell my stuff. And bottom line - I am not a salesperson. I love to make stuff. I find it painful to sell stuff. I feel like I'm apologizing the whole time. And, I'm not doing shows with a group which means full vendor costs and WORSE - no one to man (WOman!) the booth for bathroom/shopping breaks. So, in a moment of clarity last weekend I packed up my station wagon with as much inventory that I could squeeze in and headed for the local flea market...Not, THE major flea market which is only on FRIDAYS and an insult to us M-F creative souls who are stuck in offices. But, this is the one I go to for vintage earrings and baubles without an inflated price. My stuff was greated enthusiastically especially with the rock bottom give-away prices.And then I complimented a customer on her cool Madonna/religious icon (not pop star!) belt buckle and she approached me with selling at her store in one of the busiest retail blocks in the city of Pittsburgh. One week later, I visited her shop which is one of the most fabulous stores I've seen between here and France - not your big name retailer fabrics - hand-picked with a discerning eye for her trendy location and clientele, decadant trims and tassels, kitsch and, let me tell you, it is worth the trip just to see the unique touches. Yesterday she purchased more of my stuff and I'll be using her fabrics in my new projects - how cool is that!! So, I get to do what I love - make stuff! And not worry about the selling aspect - wahooo! Next week I'll bring my camera - her website is under construction and doesn't show some details I know you'all will enjoy! If you're a local follower, her shop is in heart of the Strip district at Loom! Can't wait to share more! Off to Father's Day lunch at Ditkas for my Dad...

I know, I know...

2011-06-06T20:30:00.003-04:00

I always start back to this blog with a vengance, and then life sneaks up on me. I guess working f/t and having both girls on different softball teams is a good enough reason. The last month or so has been a flurry of kiddo activities. And the community pool opened last week. Nothing conducive to crafting. Lately I've been more concerned with locating batting helmets, dinners at the concession stand.

So, I will be back when the dust on the field settles... 'til then, happy crafting and creating, enjoy the little stuff in life... and take care! Kelley

Easter Decor & Food ~ 2011

2011-04-24T20:09:00.007-04:00

In this corner, tucked in a patch of thick (real!) grass is one of my favorites - a ~chocolate~ vintage bunny! Olivia planted a 99 cent thrift store shallow ceramic dish with a TON of dollar store grass seed... and about 2-3 weeks later - voila! The rest of this vignette is perched on a pale blue tweed suitcase... a recent antique store find - charming tin eggs in a hand beaded bowl, more warm hues: a ceramic egg in earthy shades, a fabric ribbon completes this tiny display... And then we are back to ALL pale, ALL pastel, lovely Spring hues ~ that I usually identify with Easter decor. I hand embellished these styro eggs a few years ago with vintage millinery effects and sequin, beads... Another recent Spring find - a pretty aqua candle holder... And a wreath I started a few years - from simple egg wooden shapes from the kiddo craft aisle, I added the ~prettiest~ vintage polka dot aqua gift wrap paper, which I added glass glitter to the dots for accents and then I cut out charming Bunny Family graphics. Gee - those were def. done in my SAHM days were I could sit in the craftroom and craft for hours with the girls!!

The shapes had been lost in the chaos of abandoned craft stuff forever...but this year I decided to add crocheted lace to a styro wreath, a kids ribbon scarf, and a pretty ribbon bow with pink button... and I love it!

My pal... Mrs. Bunny Bunny...

I got it just in time for Easter ;) Maybe next year it will see more display time!

I was lucky enough to spend the day with my parents and children - the six of us had a delish dinner that I embarrassed to say that I made not a morsel of! Dad made the perfect paska (Easter Bread)... how's that for perfection! An egg hunt in the front yard... good company - and Olivia's 8th Birthday! And what a trifecta - Her bday, Easter and she lost a tooth = the tooth fairy all in one day! And, this evening, Cathrynn lost a tooth too! The Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy... what a memorable day... hope yours was as well!I'm adding a link to Donna's weekly share-fest... pop in and see the pretties or share your own!

Biggest Losers - Motivation - Nanette Leopore Fall 2011

2011-04-20T12:18:00.004-04:00

I am in LOOOOOVEEEEEE with the Nanette Lepore Fall 2011 line. What better motiviation than these long lines, romantic but oh so sophisticated and elegant without being the least bit sweet.

After years stuck in my self-imposed exile in the land of Plus Sizes, I want to know what the knock-offs in my price range will have available this Fall when I hit my goal. Oh yeah!

Keep going fellow Biggest Losers - as my boss has kindly advised, it is a marathon not a sprint! Takes time to loss it and keep it off. I spent my lunch munching on tuna and low fat crackers and looking at fashion sites and avoiding the work function - pot-luck lunch full of bad choices.

Cupcakes & Sunkist Orange (Crates/Shelves!)

2011-04-16T19:25:00.008-04:00

Two serious topics this Saturday evening... the first: CUPCAKES made by my little Cupcakes, Cathrynn & Olivia, with generous assistance from Pappy (aka the Baker) and Grammy (aka the one who finds the creative kid crafts and buys all the supplies). The top picture is supposed to look like lattice pie crust on a cherry pie! From jelly beans and icing.! And can you see the chocolate jelly bean bunny on Liv's cupcake...Next Sunday (EASTER!) is Olivia's birthday so we're going to make these for her friend party. I can't tell you how much I wanted to eat one. But nope, nada, no way, especially when Mom mentioned a piece of cake with icing is 14 points. I am not doing WW exactly, just my version from years of doing it before. Sent these pretties off to the STBX. :)

And, tonight's next topic - STORAGE in a tiny cottage condo. In about 1 square foot of space I have about half of my crafty tins of treasures, some supplies, tools...for jewelry making. I love old tins with hinged lids. And I love these Sunkist Orange wooden boxes that were haphazardly painted a good green. I stacked them strategically, slightly pulling the bottom one out so so the weight is distributed so that they aren't top heavy and wobbly. I'm sharing my unique shelving over at Donna's...

My Grandparents' Mason Jars

2011-04-09T10:10:00.009-04:00

Mason Jars = My grandparents. And their basement and their gas stove down there at full blaze as they canned. Boiled jars. Canned. Boiled more jars. And canned more. Tomatoes, of course. Hot, spiced pickled mix of cauliflower... that I never acquired a taste for. They had a HUGE garden - so it was months of work down there. Fresh peaches and pears. Fresh peach and ,strawberry jelly. OMG I would kill for a big spoon on fresh bread right now. Of course, Gramma sealed with jelly with wax, and it was scary stuff to see her scoop off some mold, when not sealed right and enjoy the rest.

They had a cool, dark fruit cellar under the stairs, complete with a damp fabric curtain and dim light - it was a scary journey being asked to grab a jar of tomatoes or sauce. And even scarier when they passed away and the deepest contents were deemed more likely science experiments.

Unable to part with the jars and the memories, my cousins and I took them all. One of my cousins makes homemade salsa - I imagine he uses his the most. I've heard another cousin's hubby moan at the thought of moving her jars! I mean we aren't taking about one or two found at a flea market- I have at least 2-3 full totes of regular size, and probably 30-40 of the big ones boxed up. Sadly, most are in storage as this condo cottage doesn't allow space for them. It is ironic that they were packed up and sent to storage by my STBX (soon to be ex!) :) He had to move them again, lol!

I love to use them for storing buttons, beads, baubles. Kitchen staples... And this winter, we planted little bits of spring in them. The wire top ones with the glass lids are my personal favorites - and offer the perfect visual for the bulbs and their delicate roots entwined in the layers of gravel and soil. My grandparents also had a nursery and green houses. They would love that I've discovered a green thumb even in my little yardless home.

I'm sharing this post over at Donna's... much more inspiration over there... join the fun and link with the others...

Profiteroles & Vanilla Crème Chantilly

2011-04-03T14:25:00.006-04:00

Confession... Here's a dessert I *successfully* tackled last fall in France. It was glorious - with the popular foil sparkler accessory, pale green wafer leaves, it was an American size portion. On closer look you will notice that Yes, they are creme puffs, which I used to make all the time for entertaining friends. Filled with ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce and whipped creme.

But let me tell you, when my native French co-worker pronounced it, well... it sounded magical and so were the fillings, and the whipped creme. And the texture was just different, just like we can make croissants in the states, until you have one in France you won't believe the difference - especially in the crisp exterior... same here.

On my last trip I had the same thing at another restaurant. The offering was smaller and daintier and topped with O M G... Vanilla Crème Chantilly. (no picture as that same Frenchman may not have been able to handle the embarrassement of my camera again!)

I am a tea drinker in the states, but LOVE their tiny little after dinner coffee - so different - strong but not bitter. And who doesn't love the wrapped sugar cubes - wish that would catch on here!

Yummmmeeee. More French inspiration... I'm linking to The French Cupboard... check it out!

And here's my reality check, I start The Biggest Loser contest work with my department in work. Last year they decided not to let this middle-aged, dessert loving gal in on the competition due to known lack of willpower. I am determined to do it for health and personal reasons, and occassionally have a dessert like this on special occasion. So I will ALWAYS have one when I'm in France! Maybe I'll share next time...

French Modern Decor - ohhhhh noooooo!

2011-03-28T19:25:00.003-04:00

I don't have the names of the boutiques that had these displays - I forgot to take pix of the signs and tried to snap these on the sly as not to mortify my fellow travelers! A colleague that has been on assignment in France has commented that IKEA modern decor is the norm in the homes that she has been to visit.

NOTICE the hot pink dresser tucked into the corner? The only nod that I've seen towards what I expect of French decor were a few painted pieces of reproduction antiques painted in these hues. And the arrangements were all very, very far from what I want in my home. Statement pieces and clean lines... I'll keep searching for the France we love, maybe next time I'll find the right town with the right stores!

French Meringues! Yummmmeeeeee!

2011-03-26T20:59:00.005-04:00

Obviously Bigger is Better - Especially in Meringues! Perched casually atop the pastry case in a tiny little town in Northern France last week. . .

I found these huge meringues - they are about 3 inches tall and 9 or so inches long - all lucious. They were displayed casually in a boulangerie. My co-worker and I had a bit of time to shop before our rail to Paris and luckily, it was before the shops closed at 7pm. We waited patiently with a line of locals picking up their evening bread. They make it fresh for this after evening crowd. Every thing is very civilized and rather slow by our standards. And I will still eat the tiny store version of meringues that I buy at Target...but really... how will they ever compare?

Boulangerie = a bakery shop that specializes in in breads & rolls. Can you imagine how good the pastry was? No picture to share - I gobbled it as I strolled through just like the locals.

Except, let's face it - this middle aged American looks like anything but a local in France! Au revoir!

I'm linking to White Wednesday... check out the cool spring inspiration over there...

Lécher les Vitrines!

2011-03-20T16:59:00.005-04:00

translation = licking the windows, or as we like to say WINDOW SHOPPING! Arrived in France on Sunday - sadly the quaint shops are closed... pretty window displays to tease me (no burlap in sight ;) )

so clean and neat and inspiring...

and then we stumbled upon ONE OPEN SHOP. The owner was having work done at her shop and allowed us the chance to come on in! Purses, shoes, boots, killer accessories, a tiny spa... the downstairs is the shoe and boot room - how about the WALLS and decor in dressing rooms!
Everything was so carefully planned and displayed...
the ceiling!
and a pretty pair of fuscia and black suede pumps with killer French heels for ME! Wahoooooooo... because I totally misjudged the spring attire here in northern France...
everyone is still in black and boots. Tomorrow - Thursday is all work, work, work... glad I got this little bit of fun!

Play "Pay it Forward 2011"

2011-03-15T20:31:00.004-04:00

Hi there my fellow junque-y friends,

I know you're out there and like me,

rarely have time to comment on each blog that visit,

but this may bring a few of you out...

I'm joining Jeanne from junxtaposition
For a round of

Pay it Forward

(Be sure and check out her site - she does really

cool typewriter stuff, and her tags w/ vintage images

and cute sayings make great gift tags for your gal friends...!)

And I would love to offer a handmade present to the first five people who comment

and agree to play Pay it Forward as described below.

Sooooo...The first five people who comment on this blog post
will receive a handmade gift from me.

(after I return from France on March 25th!)

In return, you must write a blog post explaining
Pay It Forward 2011. Then.... send out a handmade gift
to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment on your post.

Take your time...you don't need to send them all today
or tomorrow. Any time in the next few months.
No pressure.

This is to be a joyful experience.

I had a lot of fun with little blog parties and swaps

when I first started blogging a few years ago and

am happy to participate in another event!

"It's not the size of the gift that matters,
but the spirit of paying it forward."

Not sure who to give credit to for the cool graphic... thanks though!

My Passport(s)

2011-03-14T20:46:00.005-04:00

Yep. A week after ransacking my house. Tearing everything apart. And last night I went to put away the sewing machine that's been sitting on the dining room table cause I'm trying to make the house presentable while I'm away. And on the floor in the linen closet where I THOUGHT my passport was hidden on the top shelf - tada... my passport.

It was under the sewing machine vinyl cover.

Did I really not look there?

I went through about

20 tins of beads,

4 suitcases of vintage papers,

supplies,

6 totes of fabric

every pocket on every piece of clothing that I own.

In and on every dish in my kitchen.

and in all my Christmas decoration totes!

And I told my boss that I'd lost it.

Who is a rock I tell ya - he's the last person who would ever lose something valuable.

IN HIS OWN HOUSE

And today my new one came.

What a life.

Drama.

Self supplied.

Always.

Saturday - middle seat, 9 hour flight + Sunday - exploring caves in France = Xanax

Another chapter in my book I suppose...

(WOW - check out this link about caves - hopefully my love of history will outweigh my claustrophobia!!)

I like to sew buttons and beads on stuff

2011-03-11T18:27:00.007-05:00

But not if it is necessary for a purpose. You with me? My dad still asks about the pair of jeans that only needed a button sewn on. It seems he gave them to me about 4 years ago in my sewing crazy days. Oops!

I love to take scraps of fabrics and notions and make 'em into something pretty. I'm not an abstract artist - I like my little creations to look like stuff when I'm done. How's that for deep?!

Any how... I am in love with vintage labels and O M G this City Paris new old stock unused labels. Well - as part of a challenge at Karla's I broke in to my besties! The fabric was from an upholsterer that went out of business and I've been treasuring it for 3 years! (that drama can be read about here.)

I have 2 rolls of the vintage City Paris labels... and I still fretted about using this much! My friend, (only follow this link if you like a good laugh and aren't too uptight!) Libby and I are having so much fun and making some pretty pretty stuff at our craft-o-dramas that we're kicking around getting a gig going for other locals and locos ;) . I thought this would be a great class to offer... But who knows? We may just end up drinking margaritas, laughing and treasure hunting.

Speaking of drinking - when I'm in France next weekend I was invited to go wine tasting in a cavern. Doesn't that sound like a CAVE? Sounds divine. I'm really claustrophobic. Really. Like I'm packing Xanax because I have the middle seat on a packed 9 hour flight. Really. I can't make this stuff up. Mind over matter old gal, you can do this... !

where in the *&#@ is

2011-03-06T12:05:00.002-05:00

my passport?

I think I HID IT SO IT WOULDN'T GET STOLEN by the nice man who fixed my water heater. Cause I'm sure he was the type to steal a middle-aged woman's passport with my horrid picture. I wish I could add the little thingy for :rolleyes: here!

And I am not just saying that - it was the worst picture I've EVER taken... I'm pale, so pale I look like an Albino, and the employee couldn't get any darker and wasn't sure if it was legal. We joked at work that I'm too white to leave the US! And stern, so stern -I'm used to telling people they can't smile on pictures for Visa applications... I took that to heart. I look like a cross between a nun and a prison guard. And, the well-defined the double chin didn't even alarm me so much cause there are somethings you expect after you've been seeing them a few years.

And I don't want to tell you this, but I may need to go through all my Christmas stuff, cause I pulled it all out right after I returned from France in November. And maybe it got lost in that shuffle. Or the daily shuffle that is ME. Since November just about everything I own has been shifted, swapped, moved around in my creative chaos.

If I don't have it by tomorrow I'm going to have to tell my boss that I'm a flake that I hid my and I can't find it now. Will he authorize me to get a speedy replacement that the company will have to pay for? Safety deposit box anyone? Nah.

And, then I'm not sure maybe this is a BIG SIGN. A red flag. No passport = no travel. What if this is my OMEN? My big red flag?

Help.

If I can find my camera I'll show you my ransacked mess. I thought I may have put in with craft supplies, cause that sounds like something I would do. Cause that's where my diamond engagement ring is - swear to God - it's in a tin of buttons. And it's still there. THAT I know.

Help.

My Dad lit a candle at Mass this morning. And my Mom is praying to a saint. She can't remember which one handles lost stuff/causes... Cause the apple doesn't fall from the tree. Can't remember where the tree is...

Before & After

2011-03-04T19:41:00.011-05:00

Before = basic, dated, functional and solid, grungy from my years of kiddo abuse I was inspired by recent all the fearless bloggers - especially MMS - my mouse is broke so I can't figure out how to copy the link to her site, but hopefully the picture below will take you there. The fabric reminded me off a nice soft linen with a burlap weave.
This is now my desk chair. My style is pretty Paris Apt. (did I admit that I'm going back to France this month? Never say never! But that's another post!)
I painted a hodge-podge of layers of paint from different home projects and wall, dry brushed with a drab antique gold metallic. And I added three rows of vintage labels for some whimsy. And I am in LOVE love LOVE with fabric labels. It's my new obsession. Wait 'til you see what I've been up to... but that too is another post, so stop back if you want to see.
After = TaDa I will be the first to admit that this is all hot glue and I have the burned fingers to prove it. I totally winged. I isn't reupholstered, just recovered. The fabric and foam/padding were still so solid... once I get tired of this I'll hopefully be ready to use my big girl staple gun. And I have two French Provincial chairs that I'm working on - rescued from the curb by my STBX. Gotta love that. I told him I'd give him my two wing chairs if he'd go get and let me rip 'em apart in his garage. Now he has the stink bugs. I swear. I'm not admitting nothin! Go check out the fun over at:

Beware the Ides of March!

2011-03-03T18:21:00.004-05:00

Just sayin'

I listed this in my etsy shop if you're interested. My keyboard mishap helped me create a few things - go figure! More to come...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69290120/beware-the-ides-of-march-necklace

What Happens When Sweet Tea Meets Your Laptop

2011-03-01T16:47:00.003-05:00

You can't blog! You can't comment on blogs without making really strange comments. Who knew CVBNM and the space bar are so vital to communication????

Gave me time to work on a few items... this pretty little rusty concoction is listed on etsy. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69116411/rust-not-my-pretty-necklace

Many more to add later. And I'm getting ready to use my good stuff. Watch out!

Inspiration Boards

2011-02-20T18:58:00.011-05:00

I like to have little bits of stuff I love around to inspire me. I sell my necklaces in similar style - draped on old frames. I love to see them dangling and fire-polished beads catching the candlelight. I have a weakness for pretty little baubles, vintage clothing labels...fabric swatches... $2 cork bulletin board from our local Red White & Blue thrift store, scrap burlap, a few handfuls of buttons that came from my overflowing stash of white buttons, a faux zipper ;) just b/c I liked the texture, a vintage ruler which is glued on CROOKED, yes, it is driving me nuts, and a mess of hot glue. Some of my favorite little junquey stuff! I'm sharing this post on... you should see the eye candy and inspiration over there. And if you like your junque on the rusty side, this is the place for you...Enjoy!

bloom where you're planted

2011-02-16T19:05:00.003-05:00

I am living up to Mary Englebreit's sage advice. I'm blooming for the first time in a long time. I have always, always, always wanted to grow stuff. My grandparents had a nursery and greenhouse - where did I go wrong?!! I used to have plants but my then kitten (now 16!) would go wild swinging from the vines, digging, ripping the poor plants to shreds. I wasn't even sure what needed done but I brought a few pages of inspiration from magazines of forced bulbs. My friend, Libby (follow link at your own risk ;) ) dug into her barren fridge and produced bulbs, and provided a special ed class on drainage, and voilaaaaaa! A month later I have the HEAVENLY scent of paper whites when I open my front door.

I always thought forcing bulbs meant cramming tightly into a container. If you notice in that poor quality cell-phone picture above, there is one glorious blossoming bulb but if you look closer you will see the others are making their way as well. Growing at their own pace. And they make me insanely happy. I feel like I have accomplished something rather marvelous... something new, something little, something insignificant, but something I've always wanted to do.

Onward I go!

Dream Men for Us

2011-02-12T09:33:00.004-05:00

Just sayin'... what could be better than a pair of junque pickers?

Mike just warned Frank not to fart when they were in the crawl space under the opera floor.

And I can watch whenever I want for free On Demand - wahoo!

It's always date night!

http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers

If you were me...

2011-02-11T21:05:00.003-05:00

If you were me, tonight you'd be in that TGIF slump and sitting around feeling that the end of week messies have won. So you ignore the messy house and instead park yourself in the middle of it all and read blogs.

And that would get you so inspired that you put the final tocuhes on your reclaimed desk chair that has been sitting in the dining room with the trim ripped off and a base coat of paint. And that turns out so well that you go to take a picture on your own blog. But the camera battery is almost dead and you can't upload anything. So you read some blogs. And ignore all the paint and fabric mess in the middle of the floor.

Then you are inspired by some blogs again and you decide that the slip-covered arm chairs - that you really don't have room for and would get rid of if you could haul out yourself in the middle of winter - should have big monograms on them. So you pull out the fabric paints and go to town. And decide they need a new spot in the tiny dining room. So you move all the furniture around. And realize and remember that the house is really messy. So you vacuum, but only the areas relevant to the new furniture flow.

And then, you decide that the furniture looks crappy in the new layout. But you're too tired to move it somewhere else. So you leave it all out. Cause the house is a mess anyways.

Then you flop down on the sofa and curl up with the laptop and read blogs, browse etsy and eBay.

Thank goodness you aren't me cause you'd wake up tomorrow to a messy house, dirty dishes in the sink, stuff everywhere and no clean clothes.

Have a nice weekend!!

The Doors

2011-02-05T07:59:00.005-05:00

I'm going to tweak these a bit and have them printed to do a little gallery. They were little moments of inspiration in the dark November gloom. (update March 18... wahoooo... the weather for my trip to France this weekend is high 50s and low 60s, and SUNNY... it was so gray in November that it will be like a whole new experience!) In contrast to the sharpness of France that caught me off guard (that I've mentioned quite a bit here ;) ) there was the discovery of these doors that are so common and stunning.

Don't you wish Lowes or Home Depot stocked these stunners! Such craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Nothing mass produced.
Unique.

And the hardware... oh my.

The custom shades of blue... no paint chips produced these.

I wouldn't hang a wreath either!

The molding...and carvings.

UPDATED March 18, 2011 because I'm linking to The French Cupboard

********************************************************************

Okay, back to reality... laundry, shopping, a half dozen projects that need attention.

And my dear daughter's 10th birthday.

Double digits, oh dear.

Where did the time go?

I can accept that my son is 24 easier!

My girls, my babies though...

the time is rushing by me.

not at a mall near you...

2011-01-26T18:56:00.010-05:00

I love to rubber stamp on textiles - especially bumpy old barkcloth and other imperfect weaves. "vintage" and "stuff" are always popular labels, forget those high priced designers :)

And I love to sew scraps off old fabrics together to create one-of-a-kind pillows, swing purses and roomy flea market totes. Adding some buttons and making flowers out of twill tape or vintage trim.

My girls have each claimed a little swing purse from my recent stash for carrying their DSiXL, trinkets & wallets around. They are perfect for flinging over their shoulders and the good old fabrics are forgiving of daily wear and tear.

Unique!

I love to read.

2011-01-20T13:29:00.001-05:00

What would we do with out all the eye candy and inspiration out in blogland? I've had this link http://livingwithlindsay.com/2009/11/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes.html saved forever and decided it was the perfect project for our first ever Craft-O-Drama. It required one dollar, which I was happy to find at the bottom of my purse. Are we all noticing the after effective of the holidays? That's okay, I love the upcycling... an old Robinson Caruso novel that I'd rescued fom the semi-annual library sale had the perfectly aged ivory pages that my living room needed. I'm embarrassed to say that I've left this spot bare for the 8 months I've lived here b/c I couldn't lift the huge mirror that I intended for the spot. The new year = new solutions, so I came up with this, I do hope to hang that mirror one day and put the wreath in front of it. I was doubtful at the beginning it looked pretty bad at first, but it took bloom after a few hours. WISH I had watched the tutorial that was offered on this link, b/c after about 20 minutes into it I realized I was rolling paper the wrong way. Not to worry - your fearless crafter improvised and came up with a pretty dang nice final project. I used some beige trim tape that I had leftover from a tote and came up with my own spin for the middle. I have a french version of Charlotte's Web and some vintage sheet music & magazines (okay an entire suitcase!) so I think I will be making many more of these. I'll just have to save them for indoor shows...

I do wish I didn't have white walls, and would love love love to have the 4 different shades of aqua I used on my last house... perhaps I'll venture there this year if the landlord allows - yep, I'm a lowly renter in my 40s. That's okay. I accept it and will not wallow in it any longer. Sooooo, if you stop by my little cottage you'll notice that I choose the paper color with more attention than I did the text. Perhaps it was the perfectly chilled margarita that caused me to confuse the Swiss Family Robinson with Robinson Caruso. I haven't read either since childhood and about 1/2 way through this project I realized I'd hot glued pages titled "cannibals". Oh the irony, huh? Still a tale of redemption, solitude, over coming obstacles, taking the wrong path and ending up screwed... topics I have mastered solidly. So I accept it was the spirit that I embracing this new year - it's good. I'm good. And I hope you, my reader are well.

Some things I’ve learned in 2010:

2011-01-17T11:57:00.004-05:00

This post is inspired by my friend Darla's 2010 Life Lessons: http://libbybuttons.blogspot.com/

So here goes - things I've learned in 2010:

That I could get an all expense paid trip to France and not have to have sex with anyone to get there.

That I could be happier in a 2 bedroom condo than I was in a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage house.

That there is worse weather for an outdoor craft show than torrential rain.

That ordering the same lunch as the 20something guys in the department would cause me to pack on a few more pounds and they would not.

That I’m so stubborn that I will turn down a $250 company bonus rather than exercise or track my eating habits for 6 months.

That I could get recruited for a position at my current employer, told they were going to make a big old offer b/c I'm so awesome and then never hear about it again. AWKWARD.

That you can think you know someone really well and still only know what they want you to know.

That the roses in France are stunning.

That people really like my jewelry and will harass me in to selling it to them.

That you should only travel with people that you can say “shut-the-&%#-up” and know that it will not jeopardize your career.

That my parents can still guilt-trip me on occasion.

That French wine is really good.

That I still don’t want to have a FB account because I still don’t want to be in touch with all those people I’ve known and didn’t keep in touch with.

That the truth isn’t always what people want to hear.

That my dad won’t let me and the kids ride on bald tires even if the soon-to-be-ex will.

That free chairs are only valuable if they are not breeding stink bugs in the upholstery.

That my mom always knows when I may need $.

That I can be successful, even without a college degree.

That I need more friends.

That I could go to Paris and be disappointed.

Okay, I'd go back for

2011-01-14T23:09:00.005-05:00

Pastries. I would go back and only eat these tiny little precious pastries, figs, fresh pears, croissants, wine and coffee. Notice that I drank tea my first days - why? I was intimidated by the tiny little cups and thoughts of ultra-strong espresso - but it wasn't I actually miss it.

And, contrary to what I've said to everyone who would listen, Yep, I would do the plane trip with the rough landing, the lack of everything we hold near and dear and expect as US citizens for the pastries.

Here's a little glimpse why... the following are from this charming pastry shop in Arras where I stayed for work. Such little works of art!

We brought these to a co-worker/expat living in France. Yum. AND we had 5 cheese pizza and cheese and crackers. I like pizza and I like cheese on pizza but I am not a cheese person. Let's just say I hope to never smell these again:

Way too strong for me! Pretty though...

Belated Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T18:52:00.006-05:00

Is there anything better than the clean sweep of January? Days so cold that you are forced to stay in and sweep away the last of the holidays. Yesterday, I did venture out to Joanns for fabric. Btw, have you noticed that beige is the new white in cottage-y decor? Of course you do, cause you're a blogger - you know, you see it all over the place. We're just following the path that those more creative souls set us on a few years ago. With no real purpose in mind I managed to buy a few yards each of unbleached muslin, burlap, duck, silk shantung ($1 a yard b/c it was in pieces - wahoo!), and a little splurge of some organic cotton. All in the soothing hues of tan, beige, pale caramel, taupe, café au lait... As my friend at the cutting counter said, "Aren't you in a beige mood today!"

January = soothing.

No more pressure to find the right presents AND the money to pay for the perfect gifts. The holidays are such a three ring circus - trying to juggle expectations, change, life lessons. And all wrapped up in pretty paper and served with delish cookies. And if the old adage that the new year will be spent as I did on New Year's Eve - then I am going to spend a year laughing my ass off with my family and sharing a hotel room with my parents. (It was a Residence king suite w/ a sofa sleeper, but still).

I just can't get over that it is 2011. As much as I am ready for the winter-white sale month of renewal, I need to burn the past (I'm watching Brothers & Sisters and Holly is having a bon fire with boxes of memorabilia) so that isn't entirely original. But it is new to me. I have lived my adult life clinging stubbornly to the person I made myself. If 2010 taught me anything it is that I could use a little self examination.

I will admit that I failed miserably with my 2010 tangible resolutions - to lose weight and keep my teeth... instead I start 2011 with all my previous poundage and a few extra chins. A couple teeth weren't technically lost but all that grinding is going to require dental work.

Soooooo, I will now give myself credit for what I did accomplish: left the unhappy marriage (yeah me!), got an affordable condo that I've made into a cozy little cottage, treated myself to a bedroom makeover, sold a lot of my jewelry - almost against my will, survived a trip to France that tested my faith and confidence, stopped watching soap operas (well, I guess I shall the day time soaps after the admission above!).

So, we'll see what 2011 holds. I dunno. I never do obviously...

rambling thoughts

2010-12-28T23:11:00.005-05:00

I'm writing this to remind myself why I enjoyed blogging in the first place. I'm terrible at keeping a journal, but I love to write. To record silly details. To bitch and whine. To hear myself talk. I wish I had every little journal that I ever started, way back to the one with the tiny little lock. I know I've never kept one going for more than a few weeks. Last night I sat here with the girls and we read some of the moments that I captured in my little blogdom. They loved it. The stories of their antics and silly little quotes and adventures. It makes me sad that I didn't keep it going... but let's not go on the I-had-to-go-to-work-fulltime-sob-story. I can start again here and now. Which reminds me that I haven't put my thoughts down about my time in France. And being such a big event in my life - I think I should. So, here's what I've come up with - after 5 weeks of giving this not much thought... I think I didn't love Paris because I wasn't with someone that I love. Don't get me wrong - my co-worker is nice enough. If not a bit bossy ;) well, she used to be my boss. And I think she's her husband's boss. And I kept having a little dialogue in my head as we stumbled around Gard Nor train station that perhaps I was playing part the part of her hubby on this little trip. So, yes. I wasn't with someone that I loved. And I think first and foremost, you should experience Paris with someone you love enough to tell them to shut up and quit being such a know-it-all if need be. But also, with someone with whom you can lean into and navigate cobblestone and the harsh November wind. And be silent with. And marvel with. That said, I haven't met a person who would be that partner in Paris. Probably just a shadowy character that I created after too much poorly written romantic fiction. So there... first off, I was experiencing the City of Light, of awe, of romance, totally alone in my little life. You have to be totally and utterly single to have the understanding of which I speak. You have to have the fleeting thoughts that there is no one that you can wish were standing at your side... 'cept a few friends and that is just awkward because they do have a person who they would more prefer to share a significant event. So, perhaps the loneliness that I keep at bay by the busy-ness of my daily life was my travel companion on this journey. I was not alone, almost not at all... And I didn't feel any of this at the time. I just felt like I was missing something. And that perhaps is the letdown - I was in PARIS. ME. Little old me. And it is grand. But it was as thought I had obtained something unobtainable. And I think the thought of Paris was better than Paris. I think I've bought into the American dream of Paris. And the love of all things French. Don't get me wrong, I am amazed by their pastries. Their figs. Their wine. Their exquisite doors. But I'd brought this idea along of France that is an American version. Our modeling of French decor and lifestyle is perhaps an Americanization of the beauty of France, the history, the architecture, the lavendar, the exquisite elegance... The France I found was formal and stiff and the beauty was brittle and sharp. Not worn linen and watercolor sketches. Maybe I was in there the wrong days of my life. I simply could not appreciate Paris for what it was because I could not get past what it wasn't. Like someone you meet online in a one dimensional portrayal but in real life you realize that they are also smelly and old and rather unpleasant and dirty. Maybe next time, if I shall go again, I will enjoy it more as my expectations are not so high... we'll see.

finally

2010-12-28T11:07:00.004-05:00

my girls have been playing dolls for 2 days straight. no tv. no DS. no DSiXL. no friends calling on the cell. just their imaginations like the good old days. I'd have killed for this set-up. the American Girl doll stuff is sooo nice. noticed my gals both have bedhead but the dolls are all looking snazzy!

enjoying this quiet vacation week. hope you and yours are doing the same.

the part of the Grinch will be played by yours truly

2010-12-04T19:49:00.007-05:00

so, this is the year that I decided do the deed - after 12 years I admitted defeat and decided that an unhappy marriage wasn't getting any better with someone else's decision not to seek employment after 2, yes, T-W-O long years of odd jobs (you may have noticed that my blog shriveled up and died aboout that time...

so we're being adults for the sake of the kids. and really I don't think I have as much drama left for him. KWIM?

But, we survived the 1st major holiday - luckily I had jetlag and slept through most of it. In that marriage was the continual fight over the volume of my STUFF, KWIM? I know you do. Especially when Christmas means a ladder, 17 totes and an entire week of mayhem. When we met, he had 1, yes O-N-E, ornament - a goof ball delivery guy one. I have every single Christmas ornament that I've ever glanced at, plus all my grandparent's stuff, and just about every stranger's grandparent's stuff that was donated at my local thift store. I have a weakness. (many but this is the one we'll ponder now).

Imagine my surprise that he'd kept some of the holiday stuff. Yep, he'd hauled totes off to my storage unit b/c he was sick and tired of it and he enjoyed me paying to store my stuff. Vindictive type. So, on a recent stop over to do my laundry and let his dog out (told you we are mature), I notice that he has made a nice attempt at holiday decorating thanks to years of being subject to whilst I junqued up the place. But, he has kept some of MY stuff. Yep, and now I am the Grinch who must insist that the houses that Vince and my dad painted are mine. And the entire tote of the glass glitter ornaments - my most recent! - are mine. There really was enough to have shared. He crossed the line - back away from the glittered ornaments buddy!

decorating attention deficit disorder

2010-11-28T08:43:00.007-05:00

Here I am. Having thoughts of the delicious and debilitating task of Christmas decorating. Took the pluge and gathered all the fall stuff and dumped it unceremoniously into a tote. Thought about depositing the pumpkins in the dumpster. Thought about the waste and the three flights of steps - granted I'd be going down the stairs but still. Let's ponder why it is so much easier to drag thrifty finds UP three flights than to take trash down. I swear. I could stare at a bag of trash for days. I can decorate around a bulging black trash bag, ya know? Heck, on my last trip to the kitchen I admired how neatly I'd tied the red handles. Almost festive.

So, I'm ignoring deadlines and chores and instead distracting myself by freshening up my bedroom. Yep. Nothing on my December to-do list will be completed by this pursuit. But, I saw this fabric and what to do? It matched my China Glaze - Jitterbug silver metallic nail polish perfectly. (ignore pudgey middle aged fingers...) I have been inspired by the October 2010 Country Living spead on EuroTrash style guru -Lizzy's to-die-for home. She blew the covers off of charcoal! And my bff Dana has been channeling silver in a big way and has been splashing the silver on gorgeous little pieces like this little bedside table... she is the mix master - not too charcoal or metallic.

I must hit the thrift circuit and find some equally yummy pieces for this treatment! And search for more vintage ornaments...

~ Happy Thanksgiving ~

2010-11-24T11:41:00.000-05:00

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

reality

2010-11-20T17:41:00.003-05:00

Have you ever met someone IRL that you've spoke to on the phone or emailed and they were nothing like you expected? Double the letdown if it was a blind date or someone you met online and instantly bonded with, right?

How about the feeling when you meet someone really beautiful but they are simply not nice?

Perhaps those are the emotions I'm processing about Paris. I can't imagine that I would visit Paris but that I would admire her less because of it.

I'm one of those who are enthralled with the French style, their lifestyles... the elegance. And I do still love the beauty of Paris. But the beauty is brittle and sharp. I came home with a stronger love of all that I have here in the US. I still love my Paris Apartment style, and I can't explain the awe of seeing Paris' attractions, but I miss the the Paris I thought I knew.

Paris Baby!

2010-11-14T05:35:00.004-05:00

Doesn't this look like a vintage postcard? Now I can't imagine Paris anything but gray!

Doesn't this remind you of the last scene in the Age of Innocence?

too much to say and process - for now just a few pictures

living the dream

2010-11-09T17:40:00.001-05:00

Back in 2008 I had a little "April in Paris" fun with some blog friends. But never in my wildest imagination did I think I'd be holding airline tickets to Paris in my hot little hands today. Much to do. Too nervous, excited, stressed out... and oh yeah - I am going to nothern France for 4 days of actual work too - which adds a whole new element to my stress. I have directions to one of the world famous Paris Flea Markets and hope to have my friend agree. Can't wait to share the pictures. O M G

xoxox, Kelley

button up

2010-11-07T18:24:00.016-05:00

Probably the best thing I've learned from my pals Stacey & Clinton is that clothes can and should be tailored/altered/updated. But surely I am the only one who is packing for Paris and sewing buttons on stuff! I have the best trench coat with the worst buttons - big but cheap clear acrylic. I have another trench with great lines and buttons but it's uncomfy, and I don't think I can layer enough under it for my plane trip this week. So, I took matters in my own hands. I raided my stash of mother-a-pearl (that's what my kids call 'em!) and indulged in some of the biggest, best etched ones. I almost hate to use them, kwim? But I reminded myself that I can put the old ones back on when the time comes to donate it. Wow that sounds a bit unkind. I tell you, have a real problem with this button addiction! It used to chenille, then china with roses, at least buttons are easier to squirrel away! I hofpe to find some cool buttons at the puces de vanves (flea!) I will also be on look-out for any fabric (feedsack!) with french script. I swear I will leave my clothes in France and return with a suitcase full baubles...In 4 days I'll be on my way. O M G... so little time, so little space in my suitcase. I'm going with co-workers who refuse to check luggage and forbid me to as well. I am going to spend the next days rolling my clothes into tiny jellyrolls and making tough love decisions. I've already broke the news to my black leather that she won't be joining the trip. It's not her fault, she's just too plump, but she's been so many places with me and she deserves a little international trip, she has a nice button, btw. Just saying. I hope she doesn't notice the new (slim) little leather fashionista that is in the tentative pile. My meanness knows no boundaries...

time to pack it up

2010-11-02T20:02:00.004-04:00

One of my display cases for antique shows and craft shows is an old heavy cardboard briefcase that I rescued about 10 years ago. In a decoupage phase I copied a zillion old postcards and stuck them on everything that wasn't moving. When I was packing up the house last May, the briefcase started to give up under the weight of a ton of Victoria mags and it was this close to the trash when I was inspired to give it another life. Hot glue, twill tape and mini clothes pins and there she was - all fixed up pretty again. And now, after countless trips in my trunk it is time to come in for a bit... I may list some of my jewlery on etsy soon or I'll end up adopting half these earrings for my personal use before spring! My favorite are these religious medallions...

the tiny foyer in my tiny cottage

2010-10-31T21:55:00.000-04:00

This really cool hall seat was crafted from an old door by my good friends at Doe Hill. It has a big seat that is perfect for stashing our shoes. I've made use of every inch of this ~~condo~~ cottage... this area by the front door could have been wasted space, but I've managed to make a tiny work shop and lots of storage for my tins of buttons and baubles. And trims. And even a little desk for my sewing machine. I love how the mirror bounces the light and opens up that space as well.

escape

2010-10-31T16:38:00.002-04:00

the view from Doe Hill

I spent less than 24 hours away from home, but I feel both relaxed and invigorated. I dropped the girls at their friend's house, packed a warm crumb cake and raced off to Dana's house. We had a delish evening of girl talk, cake drizzled with warm caramel sauce and Hagan's Homemade Vanilla ice cream, baked ziti, homemade black berry pie. Yummmmeee. As always I slept like a baby in the quiet of their 40 acres. I woke up at 9 am with the chill of Autumn air on my nose and a cozy quilt tucked under my chin(s!). I almost ruined the fun by racing home. Instead we went boot shopping. If you ever need encouragement or the dish on the latest styles... Dana's your guide. I went with the promise of inexpensive riding boots and came home with really cool buckled boots, a platinum/silver hands-free purse with a zillion secure pockets for navigating CDG without having my purse stolen (she bought the same!), black pants, leggings, hat, leather jacket and sweater. It were like old times, except she wasn't trying to zip my into a pair of size 3 jeans... she instead had to help remove a really slim boot from my not at all slim calf. A good time was had by all!

Soon we'll start the T or T outfits and head for the old hood and the promise of candy!!

who knew?

2010-10-30T10:11:00.000-04:00

Rocket would be my constant companion. I've struggled the last 6 months w/ this joint parenting with the girls. Sometimes it is just too quiet here. Except for the little kitten I bought as a pet for Vince - 16 years ago. Rather ironic that I am back in an apartment setting where she's the only allowed pet. That's why V got her for his 8th bday. And, here we are. V has been gone for years now. The girls aren't always here. But, my morning wake-up is always Rocket. And her firm insistence that she is starving. If I stagger in the direction opposite the kitchen she glares in disbelief. Trips my steps as she circles my ankles in mock affection. She would just as soon nip my toes and force me to open her cans of smelly feasts. If I glance in her direction while she's sun bathing in front of the sliding door, she raises her head and gives me a "Meow?" Which may or may not be WTF?

how ironic

2010-10-29T21:58:00.000-04:00

When I stopped blogging 2 years ago, I really thought I was giving up on my dreams and all my creative ventures. I went from four solid years of being a SAHM and living my dream. I spent my life devoted to my girls and posting pictures of our moments. I painted everything I could get my hands on, sewed lace on handmade doll clothes, I cooked every meal and loved most of the life that I detailed here. I also lost a bit of myself. Lost the respect of others (right or wrong doesn't matter anymore). I have no regrets... I know that I gave my very best. And it didn't kill me to go back to work full time. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have time to analyze and mourn that girl. What I did was work my butt off. Be treated like a dumbass. take every opportunity and sieze it like a gem. I still can't believe that I found a job I love just a mile from my home. That I was able to get a nice promotion. And respect of my peers. I love being able to show my girls how strong I am and they are. How the last 2 years have brought change and we've more than survived. The irony is I thought I was giving up who I was b/c of that change, but instead I've been able to return to who I really am. I am smart, strong, I get the job done, I speak the truth. I am middle aged. Finally I've been able to accept that! I am happier in my 2 bedroom condo with peace and security than I ever was in my 4 bedroom home with the strings attached, sullen silences, constant controlling. I am free. I can spend my money on beads and pay my bills. I don't have to ask permission to have my OWN money. I don't have to ask permission to do anything as a matter of fact. I am that person that I keep trying to be but keep giving up to make room for mr. wrong. I've spent my life being a strong woman who had to make concessions. No more. I gave up my life and I gained my life back. I lost time with my kids but what we've all gained is a greater appreciation for what we have.

I just lookws around any only see that what I adore. I have edited down, but certainly not pared down. And the irony that keeps me amused. I'm living a lifelong dream - in 2 weeks I will be in Paris. For a long weekend and then business. I am living the life I wanted. I lost the life I wanted. I have time to enjoy life. I am happy. Isn't that ironic?

I'm back...

2010-06-14T19:28:00.003-04:00

Rings from baubles & buttons...

I never really left I guess. I 've been crafting, and junque-ing but just not posting. The 8-5 gig has really been a drain on my creative side - but things on the home front have allowed for improved crafting :)

Need to find my cameras... for now a few cell pictures are about all I can add. I've been doing craft shows with some friends. It works for me 'cept for that heat and humidity - yikes - Saturday was a scorcher - but I thank of you who found your way to our tent and circled back a few times to buy more as the day flew by! You may have met my new gal pal - Stella - she was quite popular - I lost track of how many of you wanted to take her home. :) TTFN!

life outside blogs

2009-09-19T09:12:00.003-04:00

Yep, there is life beyond carefully and artistically gorgeous blogs. In my 10 months of employment, I've met many very nice people who I can guarantee have never published witty stories about and pictures of their dogs, dishes, grandmother's china... they all think Facebook and social networking are IT. Blah. If I wanted people to contact me IRL, I wouldn't have an unlisted phone number.

When I quit blogging, I went cold turkey and deleted my blog favorites, and even blocked my own from view. No tempting fate and the desire to make, create, or do something that didn't involve the ability to organize office supplies, edit verbose reports, and schedule flights to exotic places that I thankfully never want to go to. Instead, my spirit was lifted every day when I would take off my heels, support garment, and check out the snarkiness of the following sites and quit biting my tongue from the absolute politically correct and bizarrely quit of my current workplace. Seriously, sterile and serene. No, tight and controlled in a very passive way. But, not a bad place in any work environment way. Just not my home full of good kitsch, and all my carefully chosen stuff...

Any how, you've probably BTDT, but in case you haven't...

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com/

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

Liv just interrupted this for me to help her make a warning sign for her bedroom:

Don't NOT exturb me!

hellooooooo

2009-09-17T18:04:00.002-04:00

Pssssttt.

It's just me. Coming back to write about silly little things again. I just perused my old pix and stuff and I love all the memories of my kiddos that I was able to capture. I miss it as much as I miss the amount of time I'm able to spend with them these days. But, I'm over dwelling on it. I'm ready to continue our silly little stories if only for me to read. No more challenges and all that stuff. Blogging can be so cut-throat. Everyone always seemed to be one upping each other. At least in my mind. :) And this is my mind, so I will carry on! (Tim Gunn - I love ya man! we have a hot date tonight)

Back to reality...where your heroine left off - bitter and angry over my diminished capacity of stay at home to office gal. The shoes are my favorite part. And I think what happens when stuck in an office for so long is that you don't realize you're stuck there after a while. :( makes me sad but I think I'm there. Of course, now that the girls are back in school I'm not missing them so much. They're off doing there thing and so am I. Like keeps moving like this. Like sand slipping through my fingers. Which reminds me. I'll be on the beach in 2 weeks. Heaven help me. Sitting on my ass all day hasn't helped the 50 lbs melt from my body. My typing skills are amazing these days. That's me trying to look for the positive. yeah that's me. wink wink.

Why did I return here after deleting all my favorite blog

no pretty pix

2008-12-14T08:00:00.003-05:00

My house is so sad. My kids are too young to know how little decorating was done this season. But the 15 totes of Christmas decorations that are not coming down from the attic know.

I usually decorate every inch of my house. Take down all my other decorations and replace with the holiday ones. I must admit defeat. The entry to the attic at this house is impossible. The only one who can navigate it is Vince, and since he's graduating from college next week :D he's been a bit too busy to ask! So busy that the poor kid turned 22 on Pearl Harbor day and we still haven't been able to get together and so much as blow out a candle.

In early November, my husband's employer gave 60 days notice that they were closing down their US operations. And 9,200 people were losing their jobs. Merry Christmas. Forget about the 18 years of service by DH. It's over. I'm not bitter. We saw it coming since spring and planned somethings accordingly - we didn't replace the mini-van after my accident, I started working on weekends to transition the family to me not being there for their every whim 24/7! So, until January I will be working a 45 week desk job with some really intimidating factors - such as if you are of Chinese descent, working in the US on a VISA, and a Canadian national, what do you need to travel to China for work? A trip to the consulate in DC? A bunch of forms that must be perfect??? Yep. AND I can't stick my part-time weekend coworkers and give notice going into the holiday madness. So, I'm working 7 days a week until January. God help me.

And I'm more that a bit afraid. DH is anxious to start collecting his unemployment checks and have some time off. And I have never, ever been married to someone who was unemployed even for a minute so, WTH?

I blew the cobwebs off of my resume and cranked out a cover letter using the remaining creative skills. And got hired within one week, at a company one mile from my home. :D I'm obviously more than just a glue stick wielding, dog walking, kid chauffeuring, volunteering type a gal.

So, I'll be trapped in my new office trying not to read pretty blogs. And feeling sad that my kids will be reduced to the ubiquitous studio print on my desk. And my Christmas decorations will be banished for another year.

If I can pull it all together, I may be able to get the girls pix this morning in their holiday jammies. Stay tuned...

My name is Kelley and I approved this message:

2008-11-04T16:56:00.002-05:00

The girls assured me that voting at school was more fun than accompanying me to cast my official ballot. The weather here was gorgeous, the lines - rather long - about 10-15 minutes, the parking insane, the sense of community - rather cool. It seemed everyone knew someone else and there was a lot of waving and hellos. But anti-climactic to the elementary school kids. Even with classmates in the same lines. Hopefully, we'll have a clear winner by tomorrow that will make it a bit more real to them.

I'm proud to say that my dear son was able to vote in his first Presidential election today. He was a month shy of being 18 at the last election. Kudos for the newest generation of Americans proudly voicing their convictions and casting their ballots.

You'll notice that I've stayed away from politics. I never started this blog b/c I missed my opportunity to go the political science route. I'm not that worried about convincing the rest of you all that I know more than you do, or that my right is the only way to go. I've always been politically motivated. I've volunteered for two local candidates. Stuffed envelopes. Wrote letters commending those who upheld their campaign promises. Traveled to DC on a bus to protest a President. Voted for him at a later date. My voting record is as checkered as my past.

My parents are likely canceling out each others votes today. That's okay. They raised us to be thankful for the mere privilege of voting. They're both manning the polls today. Hopefully, nothing too exciting happens there that will land them in the national spotlight. Good grief - my Dad would/could be the next Joe the Plumber or worse...

If you haven't already - VOTE!

the pumpkins never stood a chance

2008-10-31T16:46:00.003-04:00

This crew looks like trouble. Stay tuned for the finished products...

when life gives you reality

2008-10-30T18:57:00.003-04:00

add rick-rack and ice cream.

Seriously. Liv's kindy class teachers decided that they should dress up as an "occupation". She shed tears and sobbed, "I don't wanta be a worker gal" .

Believe me kiddo, I hear ya.

Then, she bought into the propaganda the teachers were handing out. Suddenly, my little butterfly fairy planned to morph into her only other dream job, an ice cream girl. Forget that the rest of the school will be wearing Hannah Montana & Sharpei wigs, she'll be a sweet little ice cream girl.

From the first trip to Brewsters, she'd been a fan and wanted to be gainfully employed there. I decided it was an occasion for the great big jumbo rick rack :D And that makes me happy.
Or as happy as a middle age, over weight, pmsing woman can be at the moment.

and by the way. Could you tell people to back up, they're crowding me in line. And to keep their politics to themselves unless asked by me. Why have an automated prescription refill line if more often than not it doesn't process the renewal and makes me announce "ZOLOFT" over the drive through speaker. And people must stop parking so close to my car, and obviously stalking me so that they can leave at the exact same moment and make it uncomfortable. Everyone else needs to use their turn signals. And that one special person, stop eating all the caramel apple dip and leaving a smidgen in the bottom and dashing my dreams of chocolate peanut butter swirl with a caramel cap.

You all know who you are...

It's been a while, huh?

2008-10-27T09:19:00.003-04:00

So long that I almost said "why bother" posting this. Then I remembered how nice it is just to post my pix for friends and family here instead of emailing, printing...

So, here ya go. The girls were invited to a church Trick or Treat party over the weekend. I thought I had until Friday to start/finish C's poodle skirt - instead I whipped that baby up in a morning. I work so much better while under a deadline. Felt is sooooo easy to work with, no wonder every novice is using it to craft their Halloween fantasy.

It has been an interesting few weekends at my national craft and fabric store - I've helped plan several SpongeBobs and Disney characters, M&Ms, a poker chip, a life size chocolate chip cookie (college gal going as "tough cookie"), a 6'4" football player in 10 yards of pink tulle for his tutu, Elvis robes, Tarzan & Jane, and yesterday's oddest costume - a life size sex toy. Not much else could raise my eyebrows after that.Here's my semi homemade TOT costumes, modeled by C and O. I cheated a bit and used a leaotard and black velvet shirt from their closets, and the wings were purchased, although I had good intentions of making them! It helped with the time crunch.

If I don't talk to you in another 6 weeks - take care!

Sugar and Spice and Pig Tails

2008-09-15T16:37:00.007-04:00

I love kindergarten! Not just the 2.5 hours of time to myself (that I often squander reading blogs!!), but the grade that I can dress Olivia any darn way I want and she complies, without peer pressure... Cathrynn has always been a tough sell. Comfort only for her first years, and then jeans and tshirts.

Anyways - I hope she doesn't hate me one day for her homemade outlandish outfits that I adore!! I'll just tell her they're all the rage and often purchased by mom-bloggers who also frequent Etsy!

of course

2008-09-12T00:16:00.004-04:00

it's school pictures this week.

I've heard through the grapevine, from a pretty reliable 12 year old that I have the rep of being that "up-their-butt" parent. In the 'hood we have kids from 5-12 years old and I can't tell you how many near catastrophes I've singlehandedly prevented. One 12 year old is known for teaching little ones to play hide&seek in cars in 90 degree weather - even my littlest one knows to always check with me first!

I came home from work on Sunday and DH claimed they'd only been at the neighbor's house for a few minutes. Hmmm, it's free childcare for him, you calculate how long they'd been there. The mom doesn't hover like I do and it seems one of my kids always comes home with a story that raises my eyebrows or blood pressure! I knew from the moment I saw Cathrynn that something was up. She tried to blow it off. And then fessed up - they'd been down in the basement playing on the treadmill and the neighbor girl cranked up the speed and C got swept off. The mom didn't even know they were on it or that anyone got hurt. I'm just glad it wasn't worse.

On a cute note, DH told Cathrynn that they'd touch up the photo at the school. She explained to me that it would probably be the art teacher since she has the paints, lol!

September 11

2008-09-11T14:11:00.003-04:00

Where were you?

I woke up with my baby daughter and staggered downstairs and was watching the TV for a few moments in disbelief. I called my mom at work. I woke up DH who just happened to be off that week. Vince was at school, a mile away.

I sat glued to the TV. I cleaned my baseboards. I could not stop cleaning.

The sky was insanely blue and beautiful. Has it ever been that way since? It doesn't seem like it. It lost it's bright blue just as much as we lost our innocence.

The days following were surreal. I live by a major airport and the skies were blank. It was eerie. When the planes started flying again, I started panicking every time I saw one. I'm still leery of them. Just today, the skies are full of military planes that seem closer and louder than normal.

But normal ended for me that day. Just as I always knew it could and would.

perhaps

2008-09-09T08:58:00.007-04:00

you're driving down the road, the same road you drive 10 times daily. You are driving to the elementary school, like you do twice a day, faithfully. But, you aren't listening to Hannah Montana on Radio Disney.

For some reason you are listening to Steve Perry and Journey, Faithfully. Important to note that it's Steve Perry. And not the impersonator/impostor who replaced him the late 90s. And you want to know why more people aren't outraged over this wanna-be Steve P. Don't they watch VH1, Behind the Music?

And then you can not imagine that 25 years have passed since high school. And you can't understand how time flies and stands still at the same time. And you realize perhaps you aren't crying over this band break-up and the reinvention. Perhaps you're crying over the fact that you are 43 years old and still struggling. With kids, spouse, finances... And it doesn't seem possible to have covered 25 years, and you wonder if you've gone anywhere.

Or perhaps, you're crying because your capris are too tight and you used to be really vain. And that these extra carbs are the baggage you'll carry through middle age. And perhaps you're crying because too much eye make-up at 43 looks silly, where as too much eye make-up used to be pretty sexy. And that you can change your hair color and style but the afternoon sun is unforgiving. Roots are roots and wrinkles are wrinkles. And perhaps, what you see in the rear view mirror is just that.

But perhaps you have a friend that you can call and not be able explain why you're crying. And they'll understand 100% and your tears will turn to laughter. And you'll think that perhaps PMS is better than menopause.

my funky & fun brown eyed girl wears retro daisies

2008-09-03T13:39:00.004-04:00

Liv models an outfit that I forgot I made her. I found it buried in my WIPs - also known as work-in-progress, or in my own case - stuff I start but rarely ever finish! The brown floral is some fun old stock I came across on a thrifting venture a while back, a few crisp yards of uncut polished cotton. The middle stripe is from a 1940s house dress. I loved putting them together :D
She's still having issues. She wants her Mommy. Yesterday was a better day as she only cried "two times". She isn't one of the ones that needs dragged from the car by brute strength. She waits until the weight of the 2.5 hours she's been away from me starts to mount. Can you imagine if she were in full day kindy??? Yikes...

we've been lounging around...

2008-08-30T08:46:00.003-04:00

Yeah, right! We just finished the first week of school. My baby went off to kindy!! This picture courtesy of my DS, Vince - as part of a photo shoot he did for an ad for his portfolio. It was a kid's clothing ad and I was happy to supply the clothing as well, lol!

I'm leading Cathrynn's Brownie troop this year. Yikes, the first meeting of leaders was a bit over the top and pretty darn loud, there are some people that are very passionate over the GSA. Now, I have to put my creativity to work and entertain and plan activities for 11 seven year olds. Hints, suggestions and virtual smacks in the head are welcome!

Off to cut fabric at Joanns... ttyl!

~less asylum and more oasis~

2008-08-20T14:04:00.009-04:00

Note to self: Please vacuum before taking pix. If you enlarge this photo you'll get a view of the debris on my floor and my messy painting on the the baseboard . And of course, the fabric banner I made would've been a bit more lovely had I pressed it first... I'm all about finishing, not about details if you haven't noticed!

PS, be sure and read Darly's comment for the official history of the junque featured here!!

Here's a sneak. I still have much more to do. Make a really long dust ruffle. I bought those cheapo white plastic risers from Walmart - and tadaaaa... I can hide 8 totes of fabric under this mile high bed! And I need a new quilt from my mom's stash. My bedroom at our last house was periwinkle, but that's my kitchen now, so I needed something different but love how soothing blue is in the bedroom. Heather, if you're reading, I know it must look like I'm a Pretty Petals wannabe - I'm hoping you don't think I copied too much but was just in love with your style! I generally go for more golden tones in my home, but decided after 10 years of debating that I'd give the cool white on white of shabby chic a try. If it feels too sterile and cold in the winter, I'll figure it out then. For now, at the end of summer - I'm loving it! I hope to get more pictures later. Off to the pool for now though...

By the way, the bed came from Dana's mom's basement. And had been dark brown. 4 cans of Rustoleum later and one week later and it is still pretty stinky, but quite pretty so I'm enduring it!
And the old record cabinet next to the bed was at Darly's the last I remember, and I'm pretty sure Dana's before that. I switched out that red toile fabric that was meticulously stapled and trimmed and glued a pretty floral bouquet heavy cotton and had the girls trim it out with mother-of-pearl buttons from my stash. Here are the girls and Skippy. He was purchased by the hubby from a puppy mill guy and has serious issues, but a good personality. Unfortunately, he must be tethered or crated or he'll destroy every thing in his path. We're trying to see how he does and briefly exposing him back to several areas of the house. Minutes after this, he messed on the kitchen floor. Skippy, why oh why???

I'm so excited!

2008-08-16T19:49:00.004-04:00

Edited this morning to add: Sheesh, it looks like a sterile hospital ward in the local prison! I swear I'll have it all junqued-up as soon as I complete my 8 hour shift at Joanns. Cutting fabric for other people for minimum wage, surely there is something ironic about this.

My bedroom redo is starting to really take shape!!! The wall color is Sea Glass. The pix makes it look a bit too gray...and dreary!

Back to school clothes

2008-08-15T08:11:00.005-04:00

Life was so much easier with Vince. (well, at least for buying clothes, lol!) I'd buy him some khakis, jeans and t-shirts for back to school. Most of the stuff offered at the stores was stuff he wouldn't be caught dead in. And the final touch was the black backpack.Now, I'm faced with two little girls going to school. Yikes! They want everything they see. So much Hannah Montana stuff. Too much! They have some t-shirts but are drooling over the HM apparel at Walmart when I grocery shop.

A trip to another Walmart w/ a fabric department (I swear my DH had something to do with ours closing after I'd skimmed off the food budget for thread, patterns...) presented us with HM fabric for $5/yard. Okay, I'll do it. I'll embellish and alter as much as I can. Add a $3.50 white tshirt to the capri set and less than $10 trendy outfit. Well, at least for a kindergarten student! I think Cathrynn will just want some jeans bedazzled and I may alter a few plain tshirts for her with the fabric as well.
Home improvement projects are wrapping up for the summer. I hope to have some final results to show you soon before I resume my career as my kiddos' chauffeur.

Have a great weekend!

sand & shells

2008-08-05T15:00:00.003-04:00

This may be as close to the beach as I get this summer... I've moved on to my next painting project. I decided the paint upstairs needed to be a bit more sand than the taupe in the downstairs.

I somehow didn't notice the color I ended up with is Buttered Up. You can imagine that I freaked when it went on really yellow. But alas, it's nice and exactly what I wanted. Yeah!

And this spot in the upstairs hallway has been troublesome. It always ended up a stopping spot for the laundry baskets, toys... Then, this dresser was on the way to the curb, but DH wasn't in the mood to carry it with me and suggested it looked great there. I coat of white paint did the trick and the hideous 90s bi-fold door has been replaced with an extra panel of toile drapery, leftover from the family room. I love the end result. Just need a mirror or painting for over it...

Summer 2008 - Paint.

And, my mom mentioned that she used to spend every August at the sewing machine whipping out clothes for us girls. And here I am, doing the same... here's a little top I'm working on. The capris will be trimmed with ruffles of course. I love kindergarten... hope Liv doesn't freak and actually goes. Yikes...

Queen Anne's Lace

2008-07-31T17:57:00.004-04:00

I've noticed that I can't take a camera on our walks anymore. A wild puggle keeps both my hands busy. So these pictures are my girls last summer at Dana's house picking Queen Anne's lace. We'd better get our butts up there or the birds will have finished off the blackberries!

Here's a batch we picked on today's walk, and watched three tiny does munching their dinner. We were in awe and Skippy never noticed them as they were about 30 feet away so he didn't scare them off. At home, we conducted an experiment. I've never dyed flowers in the days of Wilton gel dyes, but the water turned gorgeous hues - they're hoping the flowers will be just as bright. I like mine au natural in a messy bunch.
Did you read about Karla's husband bringing her a bouquet of it into a restaurant for her... now that's a scene from a romantic movie, dont'cha think???

Project Runway

2008-07-31T11:43:00.009-04:00

To a middle aged wannabe seamstress - there's nothing more exciting that whipping up a little twirly skirt and watching Project Runway. Can you imagine that Jerell whipped up this beauty? I think it didn't make the top cut b/c it's more red carpet or night at the opera than the New York night life vibe they were after.

Btw, no one stands out for me so far as exceptional - I may venture and post my favorite 3 and see how they do, starting next week when I've had time to properly analyze the contestants, lol! A few are just so strange, talk about wannabes of season's past!
Here's what I was inspired to do... straight forward madras meets an urban floral. You can't really see but the middle tier fabric has a slight greyish grunge to it, distressed like a great piece of scrapbook paper. I believe it's by Tracy Porter and I bought the lone yard on the clearance bolt at Joanns. Speaking of my gal pal Joann, drum roll please... I am officially employed as a part timer at Joanns. Weekends and minimum wage, with additional discount. The DH thinks it'll be nice for us both. I'm thinking how cool it will be to mentally shop while I'm getting paid and he's "watching" our kids. By the time I'm done my girls will have every item they own embellished. Here's a pair a Cathrynn's capris that she tore the knees. I cut them off and made her some fancy shorts. To quote my friend Mel, "holy rick-rack!"

Serendipity!

2008-07-28T12:43:00.004-04:00

I went with friends recently to an antique mall, certain that the petite French Provincial desk that had been painted glossy white with hot pink trim would be there waiting for me. It was unique (to say the least!) and a bargain for Olivia's tiny room and her youthful color scheme - we're doing butterflies, stripes, lavender, yellow and pink... it would be perfect!Nope - it was gone! But, the decorating fairies were with us. Cathrynn's room redo has stripes of chocolate, light aqua and pale pink. Pale polka dot sheets and stenciled brown daisies.

This kidney shaped desk/vanity is perfect for Cathrynn's room! And it's painted just a shade brighter than the wall color. At another booth, we spotted the chair, which has a brown checked fabric! And it was painted the same yummy color.
IMO, it's trendy but not over the top like her request for neon animal print and faux fur with pleather trim. I'm not kidding - no more accompanying me to Joann's - she was all over the dance apparel fabrics!!! YIKES! Who's kid is this?? On a solo trip I found this great silk shantung with embroidered roses in brown and pink... yum! She loved it once I got it all put together...

Desk = $19.95
Chair = $12.00
Not having to paint 'em = Priceless!

a little laughter to share...

2008-07-20T23:39:00.002-04:00

"I'm grow'd up.
Wanta know how I know?
'Cause I don't watch Mr. Roberts and the Muffins anymore."

Olivia, age 5

Have you ever noticed

2008-07-20T18:12:00.003-04:00

that painting is never ending? I feel like I'm doing the Golden Gate bridge here. I started in the family room. And then realized that the hallway nearby really needed painted. And all the walls in the dining room needed refreshed. And then, I finally finished the wall in the living room. Started over a year ago and I ran out of paint and momentum.
And I started up the the stairs. And realized that the H (nope, no DH, he's just the H these days) has misplaced my extension pole to paint the ceiling there. The man has everything he's ever touched, but can't locate something that's 4 feet long. Whatever.
So, I moved upstairs. After doing a switch-a-roo of all the bedrooms a couple months ago, I decided to tackle Cathrynn's room. She wants to have play dates over and frankly, the room was more shabby than chic. Or as we like to call it, Shabby Shit. Inspired by a picture someone posted on a message board I frequent, I decided to paint stripes. Because I'm an idiot. And hate measuring. She's young enough not to have noticed (yet!)and there's some sway to those lines and a lot of touch ups to do.For now, it's like a yummy bowl of Neopolitan ice cream, with a cool stripe of pale aqua & brown daisy ribbon. I still have to paint the centers of the daisies a bright pink. And the dresser and desk while probably go the obvious antique white. Of course, all the crap from her room is piled high in the closet and hallway, but this is the closest to clean it'll be - so I went for the photo opp. And the drapes - gorgeous pink and brown roses embroidered on silk shantung for $3.00 from Joanns! I love the red tag 50% sale!! Still no comforter or quilt, but I'm, on the hunt. This brown/pink/aqua thing is still happening if you believe what Target's selling. So, I may be slacking in Blog land, but I'm quite busy at home, regardless as to what you've heard otherwise...

Your paint splattered friend,
Kelley

my girls of summer

2008-07-09T20:34:00.003-04:00

Yeah, it's really blurry.
(it's my cell phone video feature after all!)
But you get it.
My girls are swinging, soaring, flying...
It seems just yesterday I was being begged
to push them higher and higher.
Now we're off to play UNO on the patio,
watching the fireflies and avoiding those mosquitoes.
These are the golden days of summer, huh?
Hoping yours is just as golden...

family room re-do!

2008-07-02T12:42:00.004-04:00

What a huge difference paint can make. When we moved in 1 1/2 years ago, the entire house was flat white paint. Blah. Well, except for the bathrooms which were neon shades of high gloss. That's another post. I tackled the worst offenders and some how thought I could live with the family room as is. It was always depressing. Two different floral sofas ended up at the curb. They were well loved and used, but just made the room look even worse. The room's long and narrow. And directly beside the living room. Weird layout and placement.

I was almost ready to call in a professional for a consultant when I got inspired by the new (to me!) elegant sofa. Not what I was looking for but the price was right. I love the color. And then one day a living room throw pillow ended up there and viola! I decided to do in rich creamy, elegant champagne shades of taupe and beige with a really awesome light aqua. A brain storming session with Dana - small bits of chocolate brown accents! Wahooooo! I'm on my way!

This $2.00 thrift store oil painting has been a huge part of the room. Of course I love it as is - no frame. It's so calm and peaceful. I think it'll go right over the computer desk so when I'm stressing here - I get an instant vacation.

I went a few steps outside of my comfort zone and made a bunch of throw pillow. Mainly for the girls to lounge on in their corner (as they're doing at this very moment). I want you to know how hard it was not to use a floral. To use geometric patterns, oh my. But I'm loving the pops of texture and pattern. The best part - all this fabric is from the upholstery books I rescued from a a store going out of business! Up-cycled into new throw pillows. Love it. Can't wait to find the perfect coffee table to anchor it all together. And for the chair Dana's going to do for me.

Now we're in here - and it's a soothing, calm experience. Well, except at the moment as the DDs are beating the crap out of each other...gotta run.

shades of blue

2008-06-26T11:56:00.003-04:00

Excuse my poor quality photos... as I invite you into my kitchen and share my favorite blues, as inspired by Sadie Olive...I love these cool summer shades of blue!

feathering their nest

2008-06-24T14:12:00.004-04:00

The girls have made a certain corner of our family room their club house. The corner nearest to me while I'm on the computer. Right up my behind if you will.
It seems that every stuffed animal, blanket & pillow are required to properly cozy it up. Imagine my surprise when they also carried a small cabinet down stairs (in the 10 minutes I was cleaning the bathroom, I swear!) . Last night they had a sleep over plopped amongst their cuddlies. I slept on the sofa since I'm up 2-3x times with a certain puppy anyways.

And even though they slept soundly, the law of sleepovers prevailed and they both woke up grumpy. No SB on TV this morning. Yeah for me. They're making up for that nonsense by being super cute in summer sleuth mode - complete with hats, magnifying glasses and notebooks to record details.

Off to pool with a pile of old Country Living & Country Home. Have you noticed how timeless the summer issues are? Somethings are just classic - blue & white linens, lemonade in vintage glasses, rumpled slipcovers. I've begun to lighten up the house. If I could, I'd make some slipcovers for my tapestry sofa & chair set...

TTYL!

The Capris from Hell

2008-06-23T16:46:00.003-04:00

I was just chuckling at Alicia at Posie gets Cozy. And a bad dress she made. Ahhh the delusions of crafting our own garments.

It's the pattern covers - they never, evah, put a picture of the actual plus size person wearing the big ole garment. And really, making our own clothes - like everything we buy in a store is going to fit perfectly. Anything that requires computing your waistline into YARDAGE is a very, very bad idea.

Last week, I made a charming pair of capris for myself. Or so I thought. I'd never ventured into the world of wearing my own projects, I like to make sweet little girl dresses. I was starting to sweat at the AMOUNT of vintage fabric required to make a pair of capris look like I was wearing a sofa slipcover. A rather tight, ill fitting slipcover.

I can make tiny little capris without blinking, or glancing at the instructions. But, I tell you, I got confused. There was so much fabric. Sooooo confused that I sewed the wrong parts together. And had a really bow legged pair of capris. I still tried them on thinking it was just looking a bit homemade, less factory perfect. Honestly, I made them sideways AND upside down. Go ahead laugh. If I weren't so vain (and chubby), I'd have taken a pix of me. I am obviously a solid square. I'd mistakenly thought I was a pear all these years, but I am a short as I am wide. And I've got the pants to prove it.
Here's what the fabric looked like on a girl's size 6 sun dress. Try not imagine about 2-3 yards of the same fabric around my bottom. Btw, it only takes about about 5 yards of fabric to cover an arm chair. You do the math. I'm almost as big as the chair I'm sitting on.

That's it! Store bought clothes for me...

what's red and white and...

2008-06-23T12:46:00.009-04:00

blue, and toile, and chenille, and vintage, and retro? Yep, my Americana inspired dresses.

Offered on Etsy. Many more are ready for purchase, I just have to sit down at this pc and do that dreaded part of the job.Who knew that you could lose your whole description if you google something while doing it? Yep, I do now!

If you're looking for a certain color scheme or style, I do custom jobs as well, email me.

Thanks for stopping by, must be Monday as I have a trip to Walmart & the pool planned!

my family room

2008-06-20T22:49:00.003-04:00

I've lived with white walls in here for over a year. After the initial painting frenzy when we moved in, I had paint-overload and just could not paint again. I've regained my mental strength and I'm ready to tackle the these now dingy white walls.

Most of the room is a hodge podge of toys, tv, wii, pc, scanner, dog crate...And I'm hoping a simple coat of paint will transform this space into a bit of French Country. Yeah, optimistic, I know!!

These fabrics are for my bff, Dana - she selected the navy & floral fabrics for a chair she's going to upholster for me. I'm less inclined for a floral, and more for a nice damask - if not for the kids and pets - I'd go a champagne or dusty gold for the chair with some pops of color in throw pillows. An entire chair in navy floral, not feeling it.

What'd ya think?

A Tale of Two Friends at a Craft Show

2008-06-15T11:49:00.003-04:00

"It was the worst of times, it was the even worst of times..."

Despite warnings of approaching thunderstorms and the promise of rain, our heroines, Lucy & Ethel, (aka Dana & Kelley) arrived promptly at 6am with vehicles loaded with lovingly hand crafted & upholstered treasures. Mine - carefully pressed to perfection and labeled. Our biggest fear - that we didn't have enough stuff. How naive. Sunscreen was applied as proof of further optimism. The tent was the only stable thing there, thanks entirely to Mr. Doe Hill's expertise the evening before. We braved the first rain drops under the shelter of a huge old tree. And carefully redid our displays. It was cozy. Then it would clear up and we'd bring the stuff closer to the sidewalk. We were like dogs chasing our tails.

I would love to tell you that we sold it all and are sun burned. The truth is - we sold very little and got soaked. And muddy. And our stuff got wet and dirty. And then Lucy heard thunder and insisted Ethel abandon the inventory and dash for the safety of our cars. And then it poured. Other vendors stuck it out with a ton of tarps. We went in search of a tarp, but decided to get our stuff and leave before more damage was done. Refreshed by chocolate from RiteAid and after a near violent encounter with a sweet, but slow cashier, we bagged it, Literally. (btw Lucy was right - they didn't sell tarps. But Ethel was stubborn and didn't want to drive across the river to buy a tarp.)

I resorted to tossing my dresses in garbage bags and racing to the car. We raced upholstered chairs to her tailgate, through ankle deep water. And in defeat, accepted a low ball offer on a chair. Funny how easy it is to lower your prices when you're drenched, and hungry. Which brings another issue. Where the hell were the funnel cakes??? Lucy started the day with a bowl of cold cabbage & noodles, sans salt. Ethel went straight for the pizza that was just so-so. Even Lucy's ice cream wasn't anything to go back for. Truly, I may quit sewing and open a gyro stand as their line was the longest at all 300 booths!!

Other high/lowlights of our day - my children screaming from the front door at 5am - "don't leave us, please don't go to work!" . The smug look from DH and his inquiry as to when we'd "knock off this shabby chic stuff. It never sells!" The historic cannon salutes that almost gave these 2 middle aged women heart attacks. The call from a certain party at 11am saying she'd slept in, thus the lack of photo evidence of accompany this narrative. Lucy and Ethel pinky swore in the pouring rain to never, ever do this again. And Ethel said a certain F word at least 500 times. On the ride home, Ethel decided to never sew again. Until approaching the Salvation Army and the promise of vintage fabric. Where she was mistaken for a homeless woman, with her now dry, but filthy feet, dirty pants, the cute craft apron/purse mangled around her waist that had morphed into a rag sling, and once the soaking baseball cap came off - disheveled & dirty hair. Knowing looks were exchanged as she got into her car - filled with black trash bags, wooden crates and vintage luggage.

And from the picturesque gazebo, the band played on...

PS - Lucy already called and we've started our plans for next year. The only thing that'll stop is the weather, certainly not common sense!

sew busy!!

2008-06-10T12:18:00.009-04:00

The gang at Doe Hill Antiques & Decor is doing a craft show this Saturday, June 14th - Garrison Days in Beaver, PA - booth 24 on Market Street. Think good thoughts for us as the weather is mentioning 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms!! If you're in the area - please do stop by and say hello!

Dana is upholstering her heart out - and has some fabulous pieces, including a goose neck rocker in shabby chic floral with a creamy coat of paint. And Darlie will be bringing her camera to capture the event, perhaps we could get her to print and sell some of her stunning photographs next time (hint hint) and will be finessing the booth with her decorating skills.
I've been concentrating on 2T-3T, as I have a bunch of size 4-7 already made. These little capri sets are my new favorite thing - especially out of old sheets & pillowcases - wish I could wear one! And I used my quite rusty executive secretary & scrapbook skills to crank out some tags.
Don't you love this purple chair - a thrift store find!
I ran out of bias tape and elastic, but this baby is almost done. I Love it!!!

Day 2 - summer vacation

2008-06-06T13:05:00.001-04:00

Buying water shoes on our way to the pool and I decided to multi-task and grocery shop for snacks and such. And my little 5 year old would have none of that. Then I passed on the salt-free chips that Cathrynn had had at a play date, b/c I'm the meanest mom in the world. Seriously, why buy chips without salt?

Give me strength. We were those people. I was tight lipped with my head hung in shame. At one point, a grandmother said sweetly to Liv, "Ahhhhh honey. What's wrong?" Liv hid her face and gave one of her throaty growls. I swear.

Other kids looked at her in disbelief and righteous innocence. Their mothers tried to give me BTDT glances but we all knew it. I had the worst behaved kid at Walmart.

Margaritas, anyone?

Halter & Capri Set

2008-06-02T12:25:00.011-04:00

My girls call have always called capri pants
"capr-easies".
Liv is modeling a pair that are just that, breezy capr-easies... I feel in love with this retro fruit fabric from Joann's and knew I had this checked sheet from a recent thrifting.

I tried a new style of halter top and used vintage bias tape as the ties, not sure if I love it or not yet. There's a nice big ruffle of eyelet that doesn't really show that adds a big pouf to the top. Only little gals can get away with so much fabric and ruffles!! The pattern is for a size 5 and Liv is a size 6-6x & it fits perfectly, and I've been informed that it's a keeper. I did all French seams which usually takes it down a size so this pattern must run really big. I still need to sew a few buttons to finish it off. And may take the girls for a photo op at a local gazebo for some better quality pictures. I need to get serious about selling my stuff and my cell phone camera just doesn't cut it!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-06-01T19:53:00.005-04:00

Yummmy!!

If you noticed that I've been MIA, it's been because the sewing machine has been humming with some special orders and making some inventory for an upcoming craft/antique show. And, I got a bit weirded out by the fact that I've been doing this blog for a year and was questioning WHY? Do you ever have moments like that? It started as nice way keep track of my kids' daily lives. And then I got sucked in, kwim? But lately, life's been the end of school year/dance recital madness...

Gotta run...puppy, kids, phone, life...

objects appear larger...

2008-05-12T16:09:00.007-04:00

My lucky find - a vintage apron pattern in the size 14/16. I make so many cute little dresses and bags that I was taken aback at the amount of fabric needed for this - ouch. And that my idea of what I'd look like in this isn't quite what I thought. No fault to the pattern or the fabrics. It seems that vertical strips can only slim so far, lol! I added a sheer blue valance ruffle for the bottom hem.
This rose bouquet fabric is a current Joann fabric - I love the pale green wood grain and the ribbon tie. The ticking strip at the waistband was a sweet gift from dear friend, Dana. And the pale aqua cotton - a king size pillow case. Yeah - I need the whole width of it. The shame... The roses are real - from the girls for Mother's Day.
The back/sides of the apron:
And this dress is a special order for one the dance moms who loves chenille. It's one of my absolute favorite chenille cutters - the chenille is on an elegant satiny stitched background. Retrieved about 10 years ago from a pile of dirty moving blankets at an antique show. Vintage oil painting for Mother's Day from my dear son, Vince. He has great taste in art, wink wink.

an almost happy ending

2008-05-10T15:07:00.002-04:00

This post is a repeat from 7/14/07. I'm contemplating my first Mother's Day without my Grandma. She died last summer at 93. And had quite the life. I am so fortunate to have had a Grandmother for 42 years. So many of my dear friends have struggled with the loss their moms and grandmothers, and other dear women in their lives - I am thinking of you all this weekend.

I bought this kitschy barkcloth for my tearoom. It was a tablecloth that I hung on the wall in my office. When the tearoom closed and I was faced with a ton of excess stuff, I tried to sell it on ebay (thus the scan of the fabric) but finally parted with it in May (2007), donating a ton of stuff to the Vets.

So, I'm cataloging Gramma's pix last night(and by that I mean dumping them on my bed and grabbing the oldest, best-est ones, and dumping the rest in a pretty, vintage suitcase). And I come across this pix of her. And in the background hanging on her kitchen door? MY same KITSCHY barkcloth. Gram never travelled up the steep stairs, so she never mentioned it. And even if she saw, would she have remembered it?

I will never, ever part with anything, ever again. I just realized it would have been smashing on the wall in the craft room. Off to drown my sorrows in some ice-cream. Neopolitan in her honor.

Better than birthday cake?

2008-05-05T18:02:00.007-04:00

Caramel Rum Rose Cakes - available on Etsy

One of my friends has a birthday coming up. And I know she happens to love these babies.
Hmmmm. Warm, caramel rum cakes, perhaps? I'll make extras 'cause they're known to disappear with a puddle of vanilla ice cream.

This post makes me realize that I get tunnel vision when I'm in a creative mode. Lately, it's been sewing, in case you haven't noticed (lol!) But I grew up in my parent's bakery. It's in my blood, kwim? I love to bake. Loved the kitchen of my own tearoom more than any where else. Happiness is two KitchenAid mixers humming and white chocolate chip/apricot scones . Tiny little teacakes. Itty bitty desserts & pastries. I had a customer track me down to make my Raspberry Almond Tart. She'd purchased one back in 2005 and still remembered it as being outstanding.

Wish I could offer you each a little morsel for stopping by today. And the Blackberry Sage tea is brewing.

Tea & Tiding, Kelley

Strawberry Fields & Lemon Chiffon

2008-04-30T07:25:00.005-04:00

As fresh as a picnic in the park! It's a sweet halter style again. I love the red & yellow combo.
I loved the tiniest bit of yellow on this faded aqua tablecloth. A ruffle of pale lemon yellow dotted swiss hem & shoulder ties add a flirty & an unexpected twist. I may add a few buttons this morning while watching Liv at dance.
And I've decided that a digital camera should be part of my contribution to the economic stimulus, dont'cha think!! The hubby will be forced to look at my blurry, grainy photos until he agrees, lol!

Capri & Halter Sets

2008-04-28T19:56:00.009-04:00

There are talks of a few of us doing an outdoor craft festival in June. And Dana is hoping to be opening the doors to Doe Hill Decor in the next few weeks. So, I'm a busy making my sewing machine hum and making the rounds in search of vintage fabrics, pins & buttons. It was time to branch out from the size 6-6x that I'd perfected since my girls are those sizes & I can make them try. I was eyeing up a toddler at the store today trying to see if this number was about her size. It started as a 3T but I do all French seams for comfort and it's looking more 2T. This Ralph Lauren fabric is every fabulous color - pale aqua, rich & dusty roses... I paired it with lots of eyelet and trim from an old house dress. And this is my take on the pillowcase fashion statement. Fabulous five inch eyelet trimmed a pillowcase. And now in fun on these capris - size 5T this time. Not red, not red-orange. Just my cell phone camera screwing up the color. This is really a vibrant orange and yellow number. Someone tell me I'll stop regretting that $25 piece of fabric at the antique show yesterday. Waaaaaaaa. I want it.

Happy Birthday to my baby!

2008-04-24T12:43:00.005-04:00

Liv is officially five. If you believe the hype her parents are feeding her - she's on the fast track to improved behavior and no more tantrums. She is allowed to sit on the table, but just for this photo!
It does seem a tad redundant to the DH that we're giving gift bags to kids who are also getting a new Build-a-Bear or Doll. I went with a summer theme and no little junky stuff. Notice that I differentiated between junky and junque, lol! Target has these adorable little clay pots & tins with seed kits. Add bubbles, gum, an ice cream bowl & spoon, seed packets and I think it'll all look charming on the table.

She invited a few neighbor kiddos. The family party with Vincey, Caitlin & grandparents will be on Saturday.

Happy Birthday my baby girl!

More of the same...

2008-04-23T15:04:00.004-04:00

Nice sturdy old basket needs a fresh coat of paint,
this ribbon is the perfect green, vintage ivory crepe paper,
the green boot will be playful holding some tools in the craft room, the rose dish - well, I have a bunch that are similar -
this one will be full of baubles or clutter in no time, pillow cases to make dresses and a tiny bit of an unusual old barkcloth with purple roses. The old relative cards were a steal for $1 each - the girls have the most amazing eyes and hair, and the two rather sturdy & stern ladies - I see a funny girlfriend card happening there!

Nothing I really had to have, but I bought it all none the less, lol!
The pickings were slim & Liv had to go. But I had my fix!

Sewing for my Sanity

2008-04-22T16:45:00.011-04:00

Do you have an escape? At the moment, mine is sewing.
No pressure, no co-workers, no-deadlines. Wish I could say no whining, fighting, sick kiddos,
but that's what I do have, in stereo, l-o-u-d and clear.

And of course, no paycheck either! The bright blue floral is going to be for sale, either at a craft show that Dana & I are considering, or at her new store, or if I can get better pix, maybe ebay or etsy. I just can't seem to find my niche to sell my stuff, kwim? Edited to add: When I'm sitting watching the girls at dance for a few hours a week, I know the moms are all over my stuff. Perhaps a trunk sale is my venue - literally - I can see me decorating the back of my husband's tank of a conversion van. I'll replace the sensible blinds with floral swags - there's plenty of room for a little ladies fitting room in there. Oh my goodness, he'd kill me, lol!

Thrifting Impossible

2008-04-20T11:41:00.007-04:00

My mission: $50 in my pocket. A large outdoor flea market with my bff, Dana. Mission: Cover as much ground as I could before the DH and DDs arrived. Luckily we moved quickly as Cathrynn arrived with a nasty headache and fever from a booster shot the night before, and Frank with his usual attitude about me & money ("what you spent $50 in 4 hours???") #$@* MEN! but he still managed to snatch the ugliest dog in 2 states for a mere $100. A dog that can bark for 8 hours straight. Anyways, it was dollar days for me! I love to see vendors with boxes of all junque piled high and signs that advertise only $1. My favorite scores: the powder blue tole painted music box and powder puff (I have my Gram's and thrilled to find another!). A hunter green canvas purse with an ice-cube style Lucite clasp. A tin of sewing notions with rhinestone buttons buried in the bottom. A book of Etiquette (a hoot for me and Dana as I once had a date correct me for pronouncing it "etaquit"). And 10 vintage dresses for $1 each!
I'm not a doll collector but she was $1 and still in her box. It was all mangled and her dress and lace are all gray. A bath is pending. These pins weren't exactly a bargain at 4 for $15, but I loved the size and colors...

Junque in my Trunk Swap Loot!

2008-04-20T09:06:00.007-04:00

What a delight to open a beautiful box and find all these pretties!!!!!

Little bits of bliss! My partner, Heidi, was so thoughtful at putting together my package - even including all the makings of a vintage tote in shades of navy & white. I was thrilled at all the sewing notions. If I'd have had time I'd have already put this great ribbon trim on a dress for my girls! The pictures above are hers, that I lifted from Flickr to show the precious little details. My pictures are below and the lighting was awful and they just don't do justice to so many dainty details! I love vintage papers and was delighted to get my hands on a new stash - including some of the prettiest vintage wallpaper! I may be scanning that to use in many, many projects. The 1st Communion picture and exquisite frames - if I'd have had time I'd have made a card for my niece's 1st Communion yesterday! Two vintage post cards show the incredible architecture of the Monastery of Guadalupe - I see these framed in my bedroom very soon. And the tiny silver box will be at home on my dresser...

This swap has been such a delight! Thanks Heidi!!!

Vintage Style Halter Dresses

2008-04-17T10:16:00.005-04:00

I may never make another tote. I love these. Using the vintage fabrics and making the dresses a bit retro with the halter back... very garden party. So happy my girls are still young enough to wear stuff like this without resisting.This didn't photograph as well as I'd have liked... but for an updated/retro feel and to give this baby some serious flouncing/twirling power - I used vintage hem tape on the outside of the bottom hem.
Now, off to clean and do laundry - the weather promises to be beautiful tomorrow and I plan to go to a big outdoor flea market tomorrow and would like to go guilt free!

The Junque in my Trunk Swap

2008-04-15T19:53:00.004-04:00

The contents that went to my partner, Heidi (the first two pictures she took) . She loves crusty architectural pieces and I noticed that birds & button cards feature prominently in her art - so I was pleased to add to her stash! The handmade sachets were from old pillowcase edges and filled with lavender.

halter dresses

2008-04-14T10:19:00.006-04:00

My model wouldn't stand still...so excuse the blurry pictures and all that... I made this halter dress by altering a shirt pattern and adding the bottom tier. Not bad for a first attempt. I need to redo the neckline for the puckers. And use a MUCH smaller needle, I'm so used to working with upholstery fabrics that I'm clueless when it comes to this pretty old cotton... Based on the pattern, it was probably intended for tablecloths, don't ya think? And I lined it with an old pillowcase for cool, cotton comfort. I may whip up a batch to keep and sell. I have a bunch of old sheets and pillowcases that would be charming. Stay tuned.This baby is made from one of most favorite tablecloths of all time, that I once used as a paint drop cloth. Which begs the question WTH was I thinking?? Of course, I only got paint on the reverse, like that would okay. It's a lovely shade of warm taupe from Ralph Lauren that I painted my dining room in my last house. Btw, do I own an iron? Yeah, so why can't I just give a quick press to my final project so they look less like rumpled old fabrics?? And you may notice that I squared the neckline in this version. That's how I deal with pucker. Avoid those pesky cruves. Seamstress, not a chance. Crafter, yeah. I'm all about getting to the finished project and less about the details. Another character flaw revealed.