I Forgot the Best Part

I have been working on Valentine ornaments and have just uploaded the image at right - my latest and greatest.  The best part is the tiny scrap quote in the upper left corner, which I am sure you can't see.  I happened upon a tiny little leather bound book of quotes last year when I was helping to sort through my grandparents belongings with my siblings. It was published by Hallmark, not sure when, but it's old and vintage and good.  I think I remember a little squabble with my sister over ownership.  When I told her it was from Hallmark, she didn't want it any more - ha, my strategy worked.  It is a treasure. She is a bit of a literary snob (love ya).

Here is the quote.

Fear less, hope more;

eat less, chew more;

whine less, breathe more;

talk less, say more;

hate less, love more;

and all good things are yours.

Swedish Proverb

Oh those swedes! Who knew that chewing more could be such a blessing.

Oh Blogger, Where Art Thou

Feeling very uninspired, just trying to make it through January in MN...and then, my muse duo returned from their month long vacation to Arizona and the Turks and Caicos Islands - all tan and full of adventurous stories including dancing all night with bronze gods.  

I went straight to work. I live in a house where the toilet seat is always up - a husband and two teenage sons.  They just don't get the crafting thing.  So, I am constantly running across the street to visit with my adopted mother and daughter to show them my latest creations.  They are so supportive. It's a girl thing.

Recent conversations include a tile mosaic mirror frame, leather tooling, exotic plant species, ceramics and welding.  Kudos to Karla who looks like a rock star with her french manicure and a power drill!

Ribbon Run

In early January, I went on a pilgrimage with my sister Kris (fondly referred to as "deter") to Northfield, Mn to check out a store she had heard about called Digs.  Our plan was to make the hour drive early on Saturday morning, spend some time poking around and then enjoy a leisurely lunch. This store was soooo amazing - a retail space dedicated solely to ribbon and fabric. If you are a trimmings fanatic you will easily fall into a trance. We spent a half hour just looking at the first display. Definitely worth the trip. Needless to say, after two and a half hours of "hey, look at this" and "must have it" we only had time for a chili cheese dog and a root beer.

Christmas Deliveries

Christmas packages got some added ho, ho, ho with these santas.  I went into production mode and made about 50 of these guys.  Their bodies are made from red chennile stems and the beards and hats were trimmed with tea-stained curls (too much work).  I found quite a few of these on the floor after the presents were opened - what's that about?!

This year (like it or not) all the lovelies in my life got glitter goods christmas ornaments - surprise!  I delivered them to their mailboxes in gingham bags embellished with a little added shiny and bright.  I found the bags at the dollar store.  I also found some great vintagy-looking tissue paper with a poinsettia design and scalloped edges, but my son used the last of it to wrap the dogs present - oh well, the spotted princess reigns supreme!  If you must gather, check out your local dollar store - always great finds, always great bargains. Has anyone figured out yet that "gather" is code for "shopping".