Monday, May 31, 2010

May In The Mountains



We opened the house at the lake in the Adirondacks this weekend.



A neighbor's tiny yellow cottage had just enough room for a few more occupants...



The mama robin was busy all weekend trying to keep up with her hungry babies...



The blue and violet lupines were blooming...





The ferns were growing up amidst the twig chairs...



...and our lake welcomed us back for yet another summer season...



How lucky are we?

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend too.
:)

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Happy Memorial Day Weekend



Hope that you are having a good weekend with family and friends...



Remembering those who lost their lives for their country...



...spending a little time at yard sales and the flea market...



... a little time outdoors in the garden...



...some time just relaxing ...



...and, of course... eating good summer foods!

:)

Friday, May 28, 2010

Red Ripe Cherries



Memorial Day weekend is here!
The beginning of summer...
Red, ripe, juicy cherries are at the market!





Thanks for all the suggestions for my altered change purse necklace!
It turned out that a little weight in the bottom allows the purse to stay upright...
so I'm back on track as long as I can live with the clasp not closing.







It's time to open the camp at the lake!



What are you doing this weekend?

I hope it is fun and involves family and friends!
:)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

I Can Make That!



Rummaging through my stuff the other day...



I came across a few of the old change purses I collect...
It made me start to think about going to Silver Bella in November and how I read somewhere that this is the place to wear all your fun, funky and fabulous jewelry...
...a place to share your favorite pieces or even your own creations with those that will appreciate them best...kindred spirits!



...and then I thought...I know I have seen these little leather purses altered and made into necklaces. (If only the chain on this one was a bit longer)

Why can't I do that?
(Even though I failed the jump ring portion of my bracelet making class at Tinsel Trading)

Never the less....
I tried.



First...(this sounds like I'm doing an actual tutorial...hehehe)
....First, I attached a jump ring through the little hole that was already on each side of the metal rim of the change purse....
...Hmmm....the change purse won't snap closed now. Oh well, I'll just have something fun sticking out of the top...not to worry!

...Next, I attached the chain to the jump ring on each side.
(Terri would be proud of me!)



Ta da!
She's looking good!
I'm a jewelry artist....yes, THAT'S what I must be!

I can attach an old key...
...perhaps a significant number or some other doo dad...
This is going to be good!

I asked Mildred Grace to kindly model my new creation to better envision the final product.



It won't stay upright!
Darn that little change purse...she keeps flipping upside down!

...and we already know that the clasp won't close...
so everything inside will...
fall.

As Mr. Flea likes to remind me...
Gravity!

Feeling a tad discouraged.
Think I will browse Etsy to see if someone else has a similar altered necklace for sale.

A crafter, artist wannabe.
That's me.

:)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Hankerchief Of A Clean Cut Man



My 88 year old mother in law brought over some handkerchiefs with pretty crocheted edges...





...and included were a few with lovely tatted edging...





I love old hankies...
I have quite a few that belonged to my Nana and my great aunts...

...but I have never seen anything like this one...



Yes, it is a hankie that was typed on...
...and not by just anybody!









Apparently Hazel and Eleanor were Mr. Flea's great aunts...the sisters of his grandfather...
...and the two other girls were their cousins...

Al...to whom the hankie is addressed, ended up married to Nellie....

I don't really quite understand the humor, but the girls were all teenagers when they created this missive and the year was 1902.

Was this proper ladylike behavior?

Perhaps the handkerchief was never dispatched to the handsome Al...
...Big berry man?
He bathes every 3rd week and is a clean cut man?

That part we will never know!

But I do think the first paragraph is worth repeating:

Don't be afraid of anything

Through life just freely roam

The wirld belongs to all of us

So make yourself at home

As it was in 1902....so it is now in 2010.

Good night! :)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Arte Pura Italian Linen



A few weeks ago, Trish from Trouvais pointed me in the direction of a fabulous giveaway at Beadboard UpCountry, the website and blog of Maryanne Flaherty.



Maryanne was giving away a beautiful Italian linen pillow from Arte Pura....
...it is called the Federa Arricci Con Stampa.



I am sure you can imagine my delight when I found out that I was the lucky winner!



This gorgeous, luxurious pillow made of the softest Italian linen arrived today...



Just look at the luscious script and the fabulous deep 6 inch border ...



Scrumptious details...



Sophisticated and elegant...



Thank you so much Maryanne!
I am so grateful for this very generous gift and know that it will be the crown jewel when combined with my antique linens..



These are some photographs of other items from the Arte Pura line...
...Maryanne carries this line in her Euro country boutique in Brenham, Texas.







...and now, about that number 52 copper printer's stamp...

Of course, you are right...

...it is a 25...not a 52.




...even if you turn it upside down...

... it's a 52 with attitude!

silly me!
:)