aqua, pink, black & white

  

 Last summer we redid a few rooms here in my cozy condo cottage.  I loved what the girls decided on... they share a room here so I wanted them to have unique but coordinating linens and accessories.  I'll share the rest of the details another day... but you can see where the color scheme for this carpet-bag/purse came from!  

this purse has lots and lots of hand beading in many types of beads and baubles.    

On scuptured pink velvet with light aqua silk shantung that is torn for added texture...  and with my favorite vine stitch!

like I did for the huge C for Cathrynn... can't wait to share the finished project soon! 

torn & tattered

 that's how I feel these days.  My creative process is quite simple - I do pull out WAY too much stuff in complimentary shades and textures and make something pretty that I like.  And then, I move on to another color scheme.  It would, of course, make sense to make a bunch of things with all the stuff I have strewn about, but that just isn't me...! So, last week, when I was at the sewing machine with a "what to do?" look, my darling Cathrynn mentioned how much she loved a technique that I did on a purse I'd made for Loom a few months back (blue peacock and abstract pic).  What I loved about that was the texture that was created when I hand tore the nice weight fabric.  So, I got busy.  And then, at the very end found the perfect piece of eye-candy - this vintage brooch.  I L.O.V.E. the whole thing - the simplicity of it, how it is simple but dressy, romantic but not fussy.  Available now on etsy if you are interested.  thanks for the visit!

I have been gifted!

I was told to prepare for a package of healthy food (I was thinking kale, flaxseed...) to help with healthy eating.  Had I known this was waiting in my mailbox instead, I would have skipped waddled  down there and hugged stalked the mail woman.

My dear friend, Darlie, Libby...(or whatever alias she is going by these days) knew I have been having a lot of family issues lately, and really - I am feeling that middle-age thing - questioning my own life decisions and having both parents AND kids need me.

  And she sent this FAB-U-LOUS gift box full of niceties just for me

And, this B-eautiful barkcloth,

that you will surely be seeing more of soon.

  

What is incredible is that my friend (let's call her Superwoman!) took the time out of her life to think of me.  I am humbled and thankful for her.  Darlie is a nurse.  I am amazed that anyone does the jobs that nurses do, with the hours they work, and the limited days off, and let's face it - I doubt many of us would do a nurses job for ANY amount of money.   

And what is also so incredible is that Darlie is taking care of her sister, whom I shall refer to as Grace Kelly - because, truly Kelly is that beautiful inside and out, in her fight for her life.  I wish I could give Darlie a shout out her in the blog world because she usually had a blog (or 2!) going with funny snippets from her life in the gorgeous periwinkle (I swear!) cottage, whimsical artwork, stunning garden, animal rescues...but I know she stops by here on occasion, so...thanks Darlie   

'Tis a winter weekend at home...

and I am reveling in Downton Abbey .  I have to say that I am in awe and can't believe that I never watched this series.  I generally sew and watch TV.  And barely glance at the TV.  But, I can't do both. I am glued. Mesmerized.  And talking to my cat in a faux English accent...

What says January Weekend more than...

sorting out all the baubles, buttons & stuff that I squirreled away last season? 

And drinking wine while I do so, of course!  I was walking past the beverage wine aisle and couldn't resist picking up a bottle of the Middle Sister.

All flea market & antique show season I end up tossing extra stuff in an old picnic basket (which no longer closes!) with the knowledge that I will have some winter weekends when I'm fretting about my dwindling inventory (I do worry, it is a sickness I swear!). 

Here's to money-free shopping my own stash & cheap wine!  Enjoy your week and thanks for stopping by.   Happy crafting!

Lake County Mountain Bartletts

I love this crate. It has the BEST script.  And is perfect for keeping a stash of fabric handy in my tiny cottage condo, sewing area.  It has kept books in my bedroom, and mittens & gloves by my door...  

Feedsack tote is waiting for March and the first antique show of the year.  Come on SPRING! 

The totes are made with vintage textiles and fabric scraps.  Lots of mother of pearl buttons and baubles... all strung together in a really unique way. You can find similar ones in my Etsy shop or email for special requests.   

I'm linking to SNS at Donna's - join the fun!

Shades of Beige & Black Vintage Fashion Label Purse

Dear Blogger & Friends,

I have been MIA for almost 6 months.  I have been a bad blogger.  I have abandoned you all.  Please forgive me and stop by on occasion. 

My girls are 9 and 11 and are a lot of work - like Cathrynn promising that I'd make 5 flapper dresses for a dance-a-thon at school.  I did!  I feel like homework is a huge burden for ME.  Haha!  And dance, band and softball.  And school activities.  And their social lives!   

Not much new with me - I have been very creative, selling many of my pretties at LOOM! .  And painting and redecorating my house.  It was time.  My real-work took me to San Francisco this year which was an event!  The food and entertainment was fabulous and I shared my trip with awesome co-workers. 

I will be listing some special items on Etsy for the next couple weeks because they are handmade and that's what I love about the holidays - so I am sharing my love and creativity with you all.  This purse was just listed.

And I have been on a healthy mission.  Mainly for self-preservation and less about vanity.  I swear. I know several young (30-40!) year old women who are battling cancer.  I don't know why they are in their battles.  I would like to hide under my covers and not think about it.  But, instead I am trying to reevaluate and examine my choices and be a better role model for my daughters.  Eating healthier is easier that I thought, excercising...is just like I remember.   

So if I don't stop by again for another 6 months, I will leave you with my thought for the holiday season... HEALTH IS OUR GREATEST WEALTH! 

May you and yours enjoy the gift of good health this season!

Best regards, Kelley