A Circle of Buttons

Sabino Canyon Tucson Arizona

2012-02-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Spent the week with my sister, Paula and husband Gerry. We went to the "Gem Show" one day . The best was hiking the Sabino Canyon. It is 8 miles into the canyon. Lots of very awesome plants, trees, critters etc. I am so happy when I am hiking! Wish I could go everyday. Thanks Paula and Gerry for a great time.

I think I heard a rattlesnake under this rock.....jk!

Jeff and I taking a break.

Who wants to fish?

Jeff.....keep up!

Crochet, Tea Towels and Cabbage...What?

2012-01-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

I finally decided that the rug I have been crocheting is big enough. It was getting too heavy to keep on my lap to stitch. So here it is...

My friend, Jim, made me this adorable boot bench. I loved the way he added the chicken wire.

My new favorite recipe is fried cabbage. I found the recipe on my new addiction....PINTEREST!! I really like this web site.

I have been learning new crochet stitches and have been making squares with leftover yarn. This multi colored one is the "star stitch."

So far I have made 8 linen tea towels. Cutting the linen and adding stitches with my new sewing machine.

I"m flying this week to Arizona. This will be my reading material for the flight. Have a great week everyone.

Cleaning or Crafts????

2012-01-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

While cleaning up the storage room yesterday I found a Rubbermaid tub full of reed. I use to take basket weaving lessons years ago and forgot about all this left over reed. No I didn't even think about finishing the storage room clean-up.

I sorted through the reed, cut and soaked it for a few minutes and tried to remember how to start a basket.

Most of what I learned came back quickly.

Finished up after working three hours on the basket. Did I eat lunch??

Filled it with old linens, yarn and needles.

I am also working on my crocheted rug. Today I will finish cleaning the storage room.......maybe.

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T13:05:00.001-08:00

I got a new sewing machine and I have been loving it. So fancy compared to my old one.

I have been busy making a bed runner for our king size bed. Hopefully I will get it finished this week. Then...on to the next project.

Enjoying my new issue of Somerset Life. I just can"t seem to resist them.

Antique shopping found some old jars with thread and a big spool of twine. Endless possibilities!!

Started working on a couple crocheted rugs. I found some patterns on "Pinterest"...boy is that addictive.

A christmas present

More Christmas stuff

2011-12-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

Finally done decorating. I received some Christmas decorations as gifts this year. This church was a gift as well as the cloche.

I love the lights at night. The star at the top of the tree was made, in Sunday school, by my son when he was 5 years old. He just turned 37.

I have also been working on homemade napkins. I have been making my own bias tape for the trim. But that has been put on the back burner so I can get the Christmas gifts wrapped. Have a great rest of the week.

Decorating!!

2011-12-01T07:08:00.000-08:00

I am loving the mercury glass stuff. Found this tree at a cool place in Oswego.

I have three trees up, I wish I had three more.

Decorated the mantel with new stuff this year.

Found green burlap and made a new wreath.

Mercury glass ornament. Have a great week-end.

Wreaths

2011-11-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

This is the last of the color in our yard. Fall went by to quickly ....again.

This wreath is just wrapped burlap with a coat of Mod Podge and then some glitter.

This wreath is strips of linen and muslin that is tied on a wire base.

Last night I started another tree out of a folded book.

A book Christmas Tree

2011-10-31T06:01:00.000-07:00

I have a few old books from the flea market and decided to do something with them.

I just started cutting and folding pages and shaped a Christmas tree. I then hot glued some embellishments on the branches and

Ta da....

Have a great week everybody.

Making Fall Crafts

2011-10-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine had a birthday and I made her homemade granola and a dress form gift tag. Burlap is the big thing right now so I used it on both projects.

Plus I made a few burlap decorative pillows.

And who doesn't need a burlap table runner?

How about a burlap pumpkin or a burlap wreath?

Jeff and I had new counters, sink and faucet put in last week. It feels good to have it done and I love the way it looks. Today the kids are coming over for jambalaya. I will be using the recipe from the New Orleans School of Cooking where I took a class a couple weeks ago. Have a good week everyone.

New Orleans

2011-10-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I spent several days in New Orleans. We flew down with a couple friends. One of those friends is from New Orleans. This was Jeff and my first time there. This was the lobby of the Hilton where we stayed.

A speedy and friendly staff. This is Lecesa, she was hysterical.

The view from our room on the 19th floor. We rode the outside glass elevator up.

Rob, Richard, Jeff, and Ann's daughter, Amanda.

Dinner with friends and then a walk down Bourbon Street.

Teri, Jeff, me and Rob.

Ann, me and Teri out on a beautiful restaurant patio.

My first "beignet" at the cafe Du Monde.

Pralines!!

Sightseeing and walking through a "French Market' All that wonderful stuff and Jeff buys a banana....I love that guy!

Ann's brother's restaurant. She has a wonderful family and the food was delicious.

Ann, me and Teri

Amazing talent on the corners of the French Quarter. We also saw a bridal party stop and dance in the street.

Jeff and I in a beautiful courtyard of a hotel.

Fun Halloween decorations on balconies.

We stepped into a few Hotel lobbies to see the decor.

Unfortunately the cemetery closed at noon. We were so hoping to walk through all those rows.

Me "dying" to get in there!

Trolley ride to the "Garden District"

Lots of beautiful homes.

Lots of jazz music too. Well and of course a drop of dark beer.

Teri and I ran into a good thing when we stopped by the New Orleans School of cooking. They had a cooking class the next day so we signed up.

Pat, our teacher, was so interesting. She not only was a great cook but gave us some history and geography to go along with it all.

We had "gumbo" and "jambalaya. Plus coconut/pineapple bread pudding and pralines. All slim healthy food for sure!

Guess what was right across the street from the Hilton? Right....Harrah's and I even won a little money to buy.........

We had a really good time and now back home doing laundry and vacuuming up dog hair. It was so nice to get away. Thanks Ann, Richard, Teri and Rob. Jeff and I had fun.

Lake Geneva

2011-08-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

We spent a perfect summer day in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Beautiful boats and lots of sand.

Great shopping in downtown.

I am blessed to have such great friends.

A great day to be on the lake. The homes there are amazing.

Jeff and I enjoying our day. Thanks Chuck and Bebe, it was wonderful.

New Baby

2011-08-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

The big news first. Our 7th grandchild, Sophia Renee was born on July 27th. She weighed 7lbs 11 oz and she is beautiful. There is nothing in the world like a new baby.

Found a stack of burlap and I still have an abundance of beads so I made these little vases.

Still on my cross stitch kick. I have made several pin cushions. In between burlap, beads, and stitching I have been decorating recipe cards. Hope everyone has a great week.

Where did July Go??

2011-07-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Finished most of my hand towels at the beginning of the month. Was totally under the weather for three weeks in July. But my week-end was better so I stitched this pin cushion and started a table runner.

This was an easy to do project while watching TV.

I will add the back and then start quilting this table runner. I have a stack of burlap waiting for me in the craft room next.

Where did June go??

2011-06-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

I bought this white frame at an antique shop and still haven't decided what to do with it. I do have a few ideas though.

Found a perfect size vintage lace tablecloth for the dining room.

I have looked at samples of new counter tops for our kitchen for way over a month and still haven't made a decision. Never had trouble making decisions before now. The problem is that there are too many choices.

Yes I bought another cloche at the French Market.

Jack doesn't seem to have any trouble with frames or counter tops. However, I will be needing a new couch soon! What can I say, they really are family members.

Mall of America

2011-06-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I , our son and his family, drove last week-end to the Twin Cities to visit the "Mall of America". Now I live at the "Poor Farm". They had a big Nordstrom's there and I did some damage.

Inside the middle of the mall is an amusement park with big big rides.

There I am,on the top with my legs swinging in the air.....just kidding. No way in --- would I go on this ride.

But I did go on the roller coaster twice with my granddaughter. I went to the chiropractor twice this week. I feel a little better. He said about a dozen more visits before I can clean or do laundry. Tee Hee

We also went to the Twins/Ranger game. My grandson had his picture taken with Josh Hamilton. He was thrilled.

I asked my husband if he wanted to meet "Dora and Sponge Bob" or stay with the stroller? His answer was all over his face. Have a great week everybody.

Whats Happening

2011-06-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Finally did the spring cleaning in the dining room and living room. Washed all the windows and bought new sheers.

Lots of rain lately (like the last three months) and flowers blooming in the yard.

My friend, Kathy, made me this awesome bracelet for my birthday. She also made this adorable tag. You can visit her at www.aspectacularmess.Plus she sells her stuff on etsy.

2011-06-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the Kane County Flea Market. It's the first Saturday and Sunday of every month. It was a very warm walk around the booths on Saturday. But it's better than rain. I found a home made Nantucket basket. I made one of these several years ago. The reed is so small and it kills your finger tips to fit them all tight. So buying one was much easier. Also found this white with blue trim pitcher.

I"m still in my cross stitch faze. I am loving it! I've done several towels and a runner plus a pillow sham.

My daughter gave me this vintage vase for my birthday on Sunday. I turned 60.......yikes! That was a very fast 60 years. I received so many nice gifts from my family and friends. The tea cup and tea from Teavana is awesome. I have made several cups today.

My friend knows I love birds. Isn't this the sweetest pair?? I also received gift cards,a rose plant, clothes, a Vera Bradley purse and wallet, a bird bath, clear glass mugs, sandals, and a Life Application Bible. It was all wonderful, I am truly blessed. Thank you everybody.

2011-05-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I went to the Arboretum of South Barrington on Sunday morning. It was their first Antique/French Market for this year. It was a beautiful day for it. Jeff bought me this vintage plant stand for the front porch.

Also bought an old bed pot. It is just like the one my Grandma Henriksen use to have an her house. And also an vintage plant thingamajig Can't think what these are called....help anyone?

One booth had these homemade candle jars.

Also found two Cicero Illinois Credit Union books. We had a great time shopping, eating. Even had time to go into one of my favorite stores, LL Bean. It was a great day here. Have a good week.

2011-05-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Finally finished folding my old book. I will be using it as a photo holder.

Spent some time decorating index cards. Just added a touch of paper, fabric, or lace. What will I do with them? I haven't a clue.

I'm still in my stitching mood. I have been trying to wrap my floss around french thread cards. They are very cool. Finished my mat and put it on the counter in the kitchen with an old dish. If somebody spills on it.............

Went to dinner with friends last week. Afterwards we went back to their house for a glass of wine. Jim took me to his work room and I found these amazing bird houses that he is making out of old barn siding. So he sold me one for my cabinet. Anybody interested in buying one ,just let me know. Have a great week.

Gifts, Flea Market, Folded Photo Book

2011-05-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

On Saturday my daughter, Christine, came over with this beautiful planted jade in a pot with great colors. Then she gave me this awesome green tote bag that I took to the Kane County Flea market. Two perfect gifts. Thank you Christine. You can read about Christine at her blog. Her blog is http://copperpotblog.blogspot.com/

This was the one and only purchase at the flea market. I love it for yarn, cross stitch supplies, etc.

Speaking of cross stitch, still working on the same piece. However I do like to stitch.

Saw alot of old books that are folded into photo holders at the flea market, so I started my own. I'll get back with the finished product later.

Last but not least....yum!

Cross Stitching and Painting Branches

2011-04-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

I got out my stash of floss and aida cloth and

started a little something for the new grand baby coming this summer. They have told us its a girl. We are all

very excited.

I had forgotten how much I love to cross stitch. I use to do pieces continuously in the early 80's. I even belonged to a group that got together to visit and stitch.

When I was at the flea market this month there were quite a few booths that had painted sticks and branches for sale. I loved the idea and headed over to buy some for myself. But Jeff's left eye brow and upper lip curled up when he saw me looking at them. He informed me that he could take me down a dirt road and I could find my own to paint. So that's what I did. Hand painted them with white semi gloss( that's all I had in the cupboard) and hot glued birds to the branches with a couple nests.

Found this pillow to place in front of my tree.

Dying wool and visiting the Flea Market

2011-04-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

I had another felting class and learned how to make birds,eggs and nest. I only had to go and get one bandage this time. Last time, two bandages, I'm getting better.

So I have been dying wool and anything else I can find. Like Jeff's socks! I bought Cushman's dye and it's awesome. However you do need gloves when you use it. Maybe that would have been good to know before I started.

This past week-end was the Kane County Flea market. Turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. Jeff and I walked for hours and found blue eggs, a clouche and birds.

Also found a needlepoint pillow with purple violets. Jack was sound asleep when we got home with our "finds".

Found a recipe for banana-nut bread and made some on Sunday. It was so good...it's gone. Spent some time this morning dying burlap. I am hoping beyond hope that bleach will take the yellow out of the stain on my counter. However the burlap sure looks good.

Felting, Decoupage and a trip to Florida

2011-03-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

Took another felting class and made a brooch. Next month she will show us how to make a bird and a nest. I am looking forward to that class.

Found a very old book and cut up the pages, used some ink and decoupage glue and put them on a canvas frame. Then added a few clip art birds that I had laying around waiting to be used for something. Added a piece of hand dyed ribbon.

Fun fun fun walking the beach in Florida last week. The weather was awesome and picked up two full bags of shells. My husband enjoyed relaxing by the pool. I on the other hand was "in" the pool. There will be "no" picture of that, thank goodness. My grandson loved his feet in the sand. Of course it wouldn't be a vacation without great dining at new places.

2011-02-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Lucky me flew out of Chicago to Tucson just one day before the 20+ inches of snow fell. Tucson was cooler than normal but it sure was better than Illinois. I made several trips to the "gem show" Oh my, it was a bit overwhelming but I did manage to buy a few beads. There were so many at times I didn't know which way to go.

My husband Jeff bought me a couple rings and this bracelet. I could have picked out a hundred more rings.

Did some crocheting on the flight out to Tucson. I am making a baby blanket for the new grand baby coming this summer. Got the crocheting out on the flight home but after one glass of wine the pattern was not matching anymore. So I put it away and had another glass. Gee that flight home was a lot faster than going out!
Last night I started a new scarf with some awesome yarn I found in Tucson. I am making up my own pattern so I'll lay off the wine until it's done. Well maybe that's a stretch!!! Have a great week.

Playing Games and Crafting

2011-01-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

Has it been a long winter or what! I usually like this time of year but it not my favorite anymore. Sweating and mosquitoes don't really sound fun either. Anyway I have been making Valentine tags and crocheting jewelry.

I have been spending a lot of time playing games with the kids and grand kids. I love both of these games.

Through a friend were I work, I bought these awesome doilies and tablecloth.

And of course last, but not least, another knitted scarf. I am on my way to Tucson next week to the "gem show." I bet more jewelry making is in my future.

2011-01-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

They say "variety" is the spice of life. I had enough variety this past week. I started out trying to crochet with wire. My mom taught me to crochet when I was around 7 or 8. So I thought it would be easy. It was "trickier" than I thought. However I did finish two braclets. Orders anyone?? Just kidding.

I dropped that crochet hook and decided to get out the wax paper. I folder and then did some sewing. Used some old fabric, adding a couple embellishments. No I am not opening an "etsy" shop!!

Valentine "clip art" was brought out next. I arranged it in a nice pile, took a picture and then........

Went to the kitchen to try and finish my "red scarf"......I think there is something seriously wrong with me. Hey I think I still have some "play dough".

2010-12-30T06:21:00.000-08:00

My "nest" came in the mail from my blogging friend, Vicki. She has an awesome blog called 2bagsfull.blogspot.com/. She makes these awesome nest out of all her fabulous yarn. I am sorry to say my camera doesn't take great pictures. Anyway thank you Vicki....I love it. Come visit and see it in my foyer.

I took these pictures of my dining room when the sun hits it at 4:00. I just love the way it looks. Happy New Year everyone.

Almost Christmas!!

2010-12-22T06:10:00.000-08:00

I know it is an "old craft" but this is my first Christmas tree made from a paper back book. It was quite time consuming but fun. Just fold and glitter.

Yes I had time to knit a couple more scarves.

These are a few gifts from my friend, Kathy. How cool is glitter in a salt and pepper shaker.

And these beautiful birds in a white wooden memory box.

The reason for the season. I was reminded of it once again this morning when I read a great story from Kathy over at http://www.aspectacularmes.blogspot.com/ It is worth reading. Merry Christmas everyone.

2010-12-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

Started decorating right after Thanksgiving. I love to put the trees up. I especially like my two white trees. One is in the foyer and one in the family room.

Jack and Osker love to pose when the camera is out.

My son, Jason, made this paper star when he was five years old. He brought it home from Sunday school. I use it every year. Jason will be 36 on Sunday so this star is an antique!

I baked some biscotti last week-end.

Ok I thought I would needle felt a family....however they don't even resemble each other so I am calling them the "neighborhood women". And as you can see they all are over weight with really fat arms! Guess I need a little more practice.

The living room tree.

Needle Felting, Driftwood, and Jewelry

2010-11-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

Last night I took a class to learn needle felting. I made this angel

and bought enough wool and fiber to make two Christmas trees. The class was fun except for the band aids that had to be passed out.....those needles are sharper than sharp!

Last week-end my husband and I were in Ohio and he found all this driftwood for me on the beach in Vermilion, Ohio. Does anybody have a good idea what can do with these??

I am still busy making more jewelry. I have an order for three necklaces.

Making Jewelry

2010-11-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

Tucson has some awesome bead shops. I went a little crazy with my sister Paula. We thought we were millionaires the way we bought stuff. So with the small amount of free time I've had this week.....I have been stringing beads!

Tucson...Part Two

2010-11-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

My adventurous brother-in-law, Gerry, drove around a " No Trespass" sign to look for wild horses. We were lucky to find them so close to the road.

We had a wonderful dinner at "Wisdom's" and this photo was on the bathroom wall. I kept drinking water all night!

Fun in Tucson......Part One

2010-11-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

Spent last week in Tucson with my sister, Paula, and

her husband, Gerry. Jeff and I had a great time visiting them at their new home. Every morning they walked three miles with their dog. We even had time for a craft. It was quite "cool" . You save egg shells and paint them with any kind of craft paint. After they are dry, smash them and use Mod Podge to adhere them to gourds, glass or whatever you like. Then give it another good coat of Mod Podge. Wow, who would have thought about saving egg shells. I will be back with part two of the trip.

Hymn Wreath

2010-10-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

I love church hymns! So for a long time I would bring the church bulletin home if we sang one of my favorites. Over the years I have collected quite a few of them. So I decided to make a wreath. I started by rolling them in cone shapes, heated up the glue gun, and added some lace, buttons etc. I love it!

2010-10-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

We had the most beautiful weather this week-end here in Illinois. Spent Saturday with two friends. Went to a barn sale.

We found awesome stuff. I love the cloths pins and this candle. Found some hand-dyed ribbon.

My dogs were loving being outside. We took them on a run and they got tired.

Still working on some craft stuff. I love burlap!

And working on a scarf for a friend.

Old Jewelry

2010-10-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

A lady at my work had a estate sale last week. I asked her if she had any old jewelry and this is what she found. I love it all! Half way through taking pictures, Osker (my dog) thought it was a photo shoot for him. I let him think just that too!!!

This week's ornament project

2010-09-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

These are some of the tag ornaments I have been working on last week, and this week. Hopefully I will
sell them all at the craft fair in November.

Craft scissors and a back yard full of..........

2010-09-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

I was off to the "back yard" with my handy dandy craft scissors. I started snipping anything that looked remotely interesting.

Then I found my "stash" of glitter....and my glue!!

Now what do I use them for.....I have an idea!!

Scarves and Fabric Birds

2010-09-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

After my cleaning frenzy and rearranging a couple rooms, I am back to crocheting and some knitting. I was asked to have a craft table at a church event in November so I am getting a jump on a few things.

Found some awesome yarn at my yarn shop in St.Charles.
Actually this photo doesn't really show the beautiful colors of this yarn.

Added a crocheted brooch and a vintage button to this scarf.

I cut out birds and then added some fabric by sewing around the edges. Then I added a crocheted nest.

These birds make cute tree ornaments. Hope everyone has a great week.

2010-09-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

While most of you are doing "amazing" crafts, I"m cleaning. It's in my blood to clean and organize, I love it! So on Saturday that's what I did with my craft room

Went through all my buttons and put them in big jars.

Organized my linens and washed all my quilts.

I love this wall hanger. My brother, Gerald, made this for me. I like to hang my ribbons on it and my "bell pull."

TA DA!!!! Hope it stays this way for a little while.

Wall Decor

2010-09-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

I bought a roll of burlap a few weeks ago and finally decided to make something. I started sewing, crocheting birds and then used my glue gun to attach them to the burlap.

I used chipboard birds and covered them with fabric and stitched around the edges. Then I crocheted the bird nests and added beads.

Then my friend, Jeannine, asked if I could donate a homemade item for a fundraiser so I made one for her. Added only two birds and then a fall leaf.

Tall Ships in Chicago

2010-08-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

The "Tall Ships" were in Chicago at Navy Pier. So Jeff and I boarded the train at 8:25 a.m. and then walked to Navy Pier. It is quite a hike. However many things to see along the way. And lots of people to watch all the way up Michigan Avenue. I knew Jeff wanted to ride the Ferris wheel so I thought it would be fine. However my sweet husband was kind enough to snap "all" the pictures for my blog. That was because I was hyperventilating with my eyes closed shut....I did take a peek here and there.You could really see the line of "ships" from the top. After Navy Pier we walked to the "Water Tower Mall" just to cool off from the 92 temperature. Had a great lunch and dinner. We even had time to shop at "Posh" on State Street. It is an amazing store.There are so many places to choose. Rode the train back in the late afternoon with are throbbing legs. Guess we are getting old! Have a great week.

I cleaned, I cooked, I quilted....

2010-08-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

I finished cleaning the whole downstairs and even washed all the curtains.

The weather has been much nicerwith lots less humidity.

I made fish with mango/mandarin salad.

I also made our favorite bean salad.

Everything tasted good. I do think I should have an "A" for color presentation.

I am still working on the quilt.

I think I am too high strung to quilt.

I want it all done now! Maybe I will put it away and start something new.

I am very good at starting new projects and not finishing them.

Can we blame this on menopause? Ok lets!!

New Scissors and Material

2010-08-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

If you ask Jack and Osker (my golden retrievers that are brothers) they would tell you that it's way too hot and humid to be outside today. So I decided to stay in and clean. Well that just didn't happen. Last week my co-worker, Liz, brought in a beautiful quilt she had finished for a fundraiser. Well I am not a quilter by any means.But it did remind me of how much I love to buy fabric and cut it. The sewing part is not quite as fun. So I went out and bought some fabric and have been cutting this afternoon. I have no idea where any of this will lead. It surely won't be anything I would donate to a fundraiser. And for those of you who really know me.....I"ll have it all put away shortly and have my beads out stringing a necklace. Have a great week.

Wednesday's This and That

2010-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

It is raining here today, in fact a downpour! We don't need anymore rain. So I decided to snap some photos of this and that around the house. I have this old poem book from when I was very little. I taped that edge when I was not too crafty. Found a pair of these lamps at a garage sale. I passed them by because I thought the tag read $50.00 each....but to my surprise it was $5.00 each. What a bargain. This angel card was found under a box of old christmas ornaments I bought for my friend, Kathy. Bless her she let me keep it. The wooden rose wreath was a birthday gift from my sweet friend, Lauri. I love the way they shaved the wood to make flowers. Ok, so now I'm off to finish my crocheting projects. The rain has let up maybe I walked the dogs first. Have a good day.

Visiting St. Louis

2010-08-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

My husband,Jeff and I headed out on Friday morning to see the "Cardinals" play in their home stadium in St. Louis. My son-in-law, Tony, loves the Cardinals. So him and our daughter, Christine, and our 6 month old grandson, Luke, went to cheer on the team. We crossed the Illinois river on the way so I snapped a couple shots of the bridge. It is bigger than it looks. The Cardinals stadium is beautiful. The cardinals won both games!! Did some shopping over the week-end and had some good food. On the way there and back I worked on some new crochet stitches. Have a good week everyone.

Table Runner and Scarf

2010-07-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

I made my daughter-in-law, Lori, a table runner for her birthday. Found scraps of blue fabric and added some doodads.I also added one of my mother's doilies. She liked it. She loves antiques and vintage also. Happy Birthday Lori. Also finished a scarf for a friend. I know, I know, it's really hard to hand someone a scarf when the temp is 90 and the humidity is 100%. What can I say, I'm in a crocheting mood.

2010-07-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

The humidity is low today so it's a perfect time to clean a little and rearrange some stuff. The white milkglass is a gift from my son and daughter-in-law. The cats are glass that has been decoupaged with material. My mom gave them to me years ago.The mantel was cleaned and redone a couple weeks ago. I am always changing things around. It's my nature to rearrange something. My friend, Bebe, gave me the white floral lights for my birthday. I have them in the dining room and they look awesome at night too. The wire rack was found at the Kane County Flea Market and I clipped some old postcards to it. Who knows what I'll clip to it next week.

Crocheting

2010-07-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is the second week that I have been in one of my crocheting "moods". Sorted through all my hooks and started making rows of several different stitches. I ended up with a pillow cover and then went on to make a scarf for my daughter, Christine. I think it's time to get more supplies at that amazing yarn shop in Geneva.

2010-07-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Angela over at http://www.pagesbythesea.blogspot.com/ who emailed me that I was the winner of her blog giveaway.

My amazing package arrived today and I was anxious to open everything up and start crafting. So many things to choose from I don't know where to start. Thank you Angela for your generous package.

Day Trip to Chicago

2010-07-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Spent an amazing day in Chicago on Saturday. My husband, Jeff, and I took the Metra train in the morning (we are 50 miles west of Chicago) into the city. Walked and walked the whole town. Had a great lunch at Mike Ditkas and found a cool shop called "Posh" I bought an adorable fabric towel holder with four vintage towels inside. Plus I had to buy some ribbon. The tall silver building is Trump Tower.And the one photo is of my sweet husband carrying my bag of goodies. Jeff and I also walked through the Water Tower mall. I am right on the escalator photo, trying to wave at Jeff. We also took a little time to watch the filming of Transformers that was happening on Michigan Avenue. Lots of people in the city but always fun to walk and watch them all.

Priorities

2010-07-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!!! Like most folks I got up this morning and ironed my vintage hankies. Sure glad I got that out of the way. Next I practiced a few crochet stitches, then went on to water some plants.On the way to get more water I spotted the very cool burlap I found at the store last night along with some silk bamboo. What will I do with them you ask.......??? They just look awesome sitting on the table. It was about that time that I remembered I have two golden retrievers that need to be walked. Those dogs are so patient with me. So I am off for a walk, have a great day. Let's not forget to iron our hankies today!!!

2010-07-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's Monday again, it comes around so fast. Found some very nice vintage lace at a garage sale over the week-end. Saturday was spent at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with my very best friend, Bebe, and her husband Chuck. The guys went golfing and Bebe and I hit all the shops downtown. We had a great lunch at a new place called "Simple" I had to buy this basket for my yarn. Then Bebe bought me this awesome bracelet that was handmade by a local artist. Great weather and lots of laughs. On Sunday I had a picnic here and my sister, Judy, found this pair of birds for me at a antique shop in her town. Love the color of them. Have a great week everyone.

Goodies from "Our Back Porch"

2010-07-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

I was the "lucky" winner of a giveaway over at http://www.ourbackporch.blogspot.com/ .Becky sent me a wonderful journal and a beautifully decorated box with more goodies inside. I loved everything and if you get a chance take a peek at her amazing blog. Thanks Becky. I will be making something good with all the stuff you sent to me.

Garage Sale

2010-07-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Kathy came over on Friday and we played around with making homemade beads.
We wrapped organza and thread around a metal knitting needle and melted them together with my heat gun.
Not our most favorite project to date.....so we left and went to a garage sale and we both found some good stuff.
I bought all of these dishes. I love that tea cup.
Today my husband, Jeff, and I are heading to the Kane County flea market.

Have a wonderful holiday week-end.

Yarn and Needles

2010-07-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Found this very cool yarn this week at Wool & Company. It is a great shop in Geneva, Illinois. Unfortunately couldn't find anything in the sale bin. Oh well...
Most of these knitting needles are my Mother's. She taught me how to knit and crochet at a very young age.

Hat Pins

2010-06-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

I collected a few hat pins and found a couple hat pin holders at the flea market. The rhinestone one was given to me by my very best friend, Bebe. Also added some old buttons to the base of one of the holders. And I'm still in my embroidery "mood" this week.

2010-06-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Today I got the chance to meet Tammy fromhttp://www.t'sdailytreasures.blogspot.com/ . She is back in the states from Kuwait for a visit this summer. She is here with her two boys. We met in Geneva, Illinois and had some lunch and then headed straight to the yarn shop. We had a great visit and her boys (Yusef and Zack)were real sports about the two of us talking "blogland talk." It was so nice meeting her in person.
Thank you Tammy for the great visit.

My camera is back!!

2010-06-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ben returned home from camping with my camera. He had it loaded with 843 photos from his trip to Oregon. So today I started taking a few pictures. This is a bell pull that I bought at a flea market. A lady from Wisconsin makes them from her collection of buttons etc. They are amazing, all hand sewn. Also took a picture of some of my old linens. Most are from my mother. One of the things she gave me was this linen/embroidered teaspoon case. Also one of her tea towels. I love to collect these. I will post more tomorrow.

Working on Towels

2010-06-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Spent some time lately working on some homemade towels. I have been doing some embroidery on old linens and sewing them on fabric.

2010-06-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Sorting through buttons today from a jar I got for my birthday from my brother. There were some really cool ones. I always put the special ones in a different jar and then try to convince myself to use them.

Where I Create

2010-06-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is my craft room where I love to spend my time. I love knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery,scrapbook, clip art, paper crafting, beading, decoupage and mosaics. I love to cut, glue, paste, and paint . I collect ribbons ,lace, trims,old linens and dollies, buttons, beads, fabric, knitting needles and crochet hooks. I also love old sheet music, vintage clip art, and birds or anything with a bird on it. I love flea markets and garage sales. Mostly I love to learn any kind of new craft! Thank you to Karen at My Desert Cottage for hosting a great party!! Sorry I couldn't add more photos. Being the good mom ,I gave my camera to my son who is camping in Portland, Oregon.

Birds

2010-06-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

My dad carved me this bird many years ago. I have several birds he made and will show more of them later.

These little guys called out to me when I was wandering through a shop in Sisters, Oregon.

A bird poster I found at a shop in St. Charles which is just up the road from me.

Vacation Finds

2010-06-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

This a an adorable dish my sister, Paula, found for me. I'm always on the look for stuff with a bird. Anyway she ended up buying me this for my birthday, thank you Paula. Then I found I picture frame to add to my bird stuff collection. And this little bird was calling my name when I walked in that store. More birds to come.........

Counting

2010-06-14T05:45:00.001-07:00

Today I learned how to count.....yesterday I couldn't. I was told to tell you 7 things about myself and I rambled on until it was 10 things.....I said I liked to talk. Hope everyone has a good week!!!

An Award

2010-06-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

I got an award this evening!!! Debbie over at http://www.mosaicmagpie.blogspot.com/ sent me an award and I was told to tell you seven things about myself. So here they are
1) I have a lovely family of 13 wonderful people...I am blessed!
2) I have two golden retrievers, Jack and Osker, they will be three this month.
3) I love to learn new crafts.
4) I love to listen to music
5) I love to read.
6) As crazy as it is.......I love to clean.
7) I love to dance.
8) I love flea markets and garage sales.
9) I love fabric, buttons, ribbon, linens, clip art, rubber stamps, paper, plants, birds, knitting needles, crochet hooks, paper dolls, throw rugs, candles and last but not least....cosmetics!
10) I like to talk and meet new people.
Thanks for the award Debbie!!
Check out my profile for the blogs that I follow.

2010-06-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

My friend, Kathy, came over with a cool idea to make flowers. We bought organza and cut circles out of the fabric,then burnt the edges with a voodoo (haha) candle. Finally stitched the circles together thru the center of the layers. Viola!!!

Portland, Oregon

2010-06-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello. I am back from a wonderful vacation in Oregon. Flew into Portland and drove down to Bend. I went with my husband, Jeff, and my five brothers and sisters to surpise my oldest sister for her birthday. She lives in a beautiful log home. We spent one day hiking up to Tumalo Falls. I am standing next to the ranger. He gave us a lot of useful information. I could take a hike like that every day.

Embroidery Stuff

2010-06-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

So I got my thread and hoop out and started transferring some patterns on vintage linen. I will then sew them on towels for hopefully a vintage look. I had forgotten how much I like to stitch. I am off for a vacation this week and I plan on doing a craft on the plane. Maybe I could stitch something or better yet decoupage the seat in front of me!! That should occupy my mind and time since I don't like to fly. If any of you are ever on a plane and see a woman tied to her seat with white knuckles and blowing in a brown paper bag....that would be me. Talk with you next week.

Paper crafts...not this one ever again!

2010-05-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Ok this was one of those craft projects I should have never started! But I am patting my back because I was determined to finish it and I did. It is for sale today for $10,865.38....this is the price that I would be pleased to get..... Haha. And not a dime less!!!First of all my big mistake was cutting the templates out of grungeboard. You were supposed to use old cards. Why I thought this meant grungeboard is beyond me.With all the work to get holes in the side I would have had better luck with drywall. Yes I had to use an icepick. Anyway here it is...............enjoy!!! Please do not phone for orders!

Lilacs and Baptisia

2010-05-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

Love all the things blooming in the yard. I have been drying lilacs these past couple weeks. Maybe I will make some sachets. They smell so good.

More Paper Flowers

2010-05-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

I am not an expert on making these put I sure had fun. I used double-sided scrapbook paper and then I used some colored chalk for the edges. Of course a good coat of Mod Podge to finish them. Now the 64,000 question...what will I do with them.??

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Mine was great. A brunch with wonderful food, homemade cards, plants,birds, and a basket full of some of my favorites. Yes one my children was brave enough to give me nail polish with beer. So I though I should really polish first and then relax with the beer. But on second thought if I drink the beer first just think of the things I might me able to "create" with that polish......the possibilities are endless!!

Flea Market Finds..

2010-05-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

This past week-end was the Kane County Flea Market. What a place to browse for hours on end. I thought my legs were going to fall off. I found this black wired frame.....who knows what I will do with it. Maybe get some clips and hang up some photos. Also two more birds. It is always a fun time.

Bird Sets

2010-05-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

I found this little set of birds at an antique shop here in my town. I love birds....

Hartland Collection

2010-04-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning my husband,Jeff, and I went to the Doll and Toy Show at the Kane County Fair Grounds to look for Hartland horses and figures. Jeff already has a wonderful collection. He added one more from the show on Sunday. I found some lace and a couple vintage trims.

Paper Flowers

2010-04-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

A big thank-you to my good friend,Kathy, over at www.aspectacularmess.blogspot.com/ for coming over an showing me how to make these flowers. She even brought me the old patterns and wire. Thanks!!!!

Birds on Sticks

2010-04-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

Spent the last couple days making little birds on sticks.I used pieces of fabric instead of paper and added a few embellishments. I found the idea on Joli Paquet blog..what a cute idea!

Stitched Cards

2010-04-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Turned on the sewing machine and stitched some cards last night. I have lots of pieces of leftover material to use up somehow.

2010-04-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

With all the rain last night it was a good time to make some tags.

2010-03-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Finished my bird banner and put it up in the downstairs bathroom. It's right next to my little bird dish holding soap eggs.

Show and Tell Monday

2010-03-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

I stitched this heart years and years ago when I first started collecting buttons.

Bought this bird a long time ago at a small shop in Wisconsin.

One of my all time favorite prints. I love birds!

An antique milk glass vase....a gift from my son and daughter-in-law.

Cleaning and "Show and Tell" Monday

2010-03-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

These are hand carved birds my Dad made for me.

All of my houseplants are enjoying that bright sun that comes in the dining room window.My collection of blue plates.More stuff from the dining room hutch.

Spring= Birdnests!!!!!

2010-03-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Can you really have too many birdnests???

2010-03-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

This is an old bottle my daughter-in-law, Lori, found at the local antique shop for me.
She is a sweetheart! Can't wait to decorate it when I can find some free time.

Stuff

2010-03-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ribbons, a bell pull, stuff hearts and my baptism gown hanging on a door knob rack. A tiny decorative jar of buttons.

Craft Room

2010-03-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

Today is going to be a good day to clean the craft room and get some scrapbooking stuff out. I am making scrapbooks for all of my six grandchildren.

EmmaClaire( my new dressform)

2010-03-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

This is "EmmaClaire" my wire dress form I found. My granddaughters came up with two different names that I put together. Right now she is holding an old lace sweater, ribbons, and brooches I have made in the last several weeks. She is standing in the corner of my craft room. I think I will try and find a vintage dress for her this spring.

2010-02-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday night was fun fun fun at Rebecca's. We learned how to use the solder gun and decorate bottles. Friends Kathy and Ensie were at the class also. Rebecca is so talented and generous with all of her goodies. Thanks!!

2010-02-14T06:30:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Kathy, from aspectacularmess.blogspot.com/ made me this adorable clip art for my birthday last year. The girl is acually me from when I was five years old. She is very creative and I know we will both love the class at rebeccaforvintageliving.blogspot.com/ this week. We will be decorating old bottles.

Flea Market Finds..

2010-02-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Vintage lace for my fabric collages and two keys for embellishments. Also found a bag of old white buttons. I added them to this jar I bought.

Saturday's Flea Market

2010-02-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon was spent at the DuPage Expo Center Flea Market. I found two lovely cloches to add to my collection.

Valentine Bags

2010-01-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

These are going to look good with bars of chocolate hanging out of them!!

This one is a little blurry but I love the red fabric.

Started stitching some Valentine bags over the week-end. Each bag is a combination of paper and fabric.

2010-01-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

Took these old Valentines and added glitter and hot glued them on a piece of dark red velvet ribbon.

Valentines

2010-01-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

2010-01-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

Spent some time working on a Valentine banner this evening. I was out today and found some cool Valentines at an antique store in Creston,Illinois.

2010-01-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

This is the finished fabric collage that I gave to my mother-in-law,Barb, for Christmas. The photo is my husbands Grandmother, Mildred. She was a lovely lady!!

2010-01-07T06:11:00.000-08:00

Embroidered dish towels that were a birthday gift...

2010-01-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Vintage

napkins that were in the cabinet...what could I make with these??

2010-01-07T05:57:00.000-08:00

Washed and ironed some linen from my old white cabinet. I like to iron this kind of stuff...somebody else can come over and do my husbands shirts!!