Conversations from My House

Decluttering. and Art Journals.

2012-01-26T12:02:00.000-05:00

Decluttering

Another week, another decluttering list.

This week I worked in one of our upstairs bedrooms where we "store" stuff. Sort of an "attic" in waiting.
I managed to get rid of a bedspread with two shams, a set of sheets, two lamps, a computer monitor a CPU for the computer and a box of computer "junk.: So that means 7 items added to the list. It doesn't sound like much after last week but it was a LOT of volume! The computer stuff is going to be recycled. The rest is going to the Salvation Army. I am beginning to feel better and better about all this.

Up to last week my total was up to 48 items and I am adding 7 things this week. So I am now at 55. Which leaves 311 remaining. I feel good about the fact that 55 items are gone for this month. I hope I can do as well in February.

ART SWAPS

As you know, if you follow my blog, I participate in a lot of swaps. The current one is from the Blog called Speckled Eggs. In the past we have done swaps using large match boxes filled with things for a specific theme. This is a bit different this time as we are making journals for our swap partners. They are supposed to be vintage in Style and use the "composition books" as a base. I have started mine and moving along.

The covers are done with some great upholstery fabric.

This inside cover is some handmade paper.

And this is some scrapbook paper.

Be sure to click on each picture to see them larger and more detail.

Now I have to work on the embellishments for the front covers. And some prompts and such for the inside I have been playing with a few ideas but haven't decided anything for sure. I hope to work on it this weekend. I will show more as I move along.

Tea Cup Tuesday, Fourth Tuesday in January

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome again to my Offering on Tea Cup Tuesday.

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

It is a good thing there are 5 Tuesdays this month because even though I have a lot of Tea Books to show you this week I still have MORE!!!

Be sure to click on each picture to see it larger for more detail.

These first two books are small in size and the kind you would find in a tea shop or gift shop.
The Little Tea Book is in blue and white print. It is loaded with history and some recipes.
The English Book of Teas has a lot of tea dessert recipes AND is beautifully illustrated.

This next batch includes two pamphlets and a folder. The first one... Invitation to Tea is from 1963. There is a letter inside from Saga Food Services in California. They must have made tea. The book contains recipes and inside the back cover is a chart listing tea supplies you would need for an event of 50 people!!!!

The next booklet was put out by Lipton Tea Company in 1991.It calls itself a guide from Lipton to the Pleasures of Tea. No recipes but ideas on types of tea.

The third item in this picture is a little folder called Herb Tea It includes instruction on how to grow, harvest and blend herbs for tea plus a bag of herb tea to try. Haven't done it and probably won't. I want to keep it all intact.

The next two are very nice books. The first one was produced by the Republic of Tea, It talks about all the types of fine tea and herbs. I received it as a gift one year from my son along with some packages of tea from The Republic of Tea. It was sold by a friend who had a lovely gift shop.

The second book here was co-written by a friend of mine, Barbara Kincaid along with a friend of hers.
Barbara used to do vintage fashion shows in California and held Victorian Teas.

I saved one of my favorite tea books until the last one today.
This book, by Maryjo Koch is beautifully illustrated including some very whimsical tea pots down by her, I assume. Lot of history. She talks about the various kinds of teapots, illustrates them and talks about their different qualities. This little book is just filled with all the information you would need. It does not include a lot of recipes like other books do but if you were limiting your self to just a few books, this would be one I highly recommend. In the back of the book she has pages for you to add your favorite recipes for each season, your favorite places for tea.

That is it for this week. Be sure to visit all the other tea time Tuesday blogs today and come back again next week when I may finish off the listings of all the tea books I own. (Or not!)

Another week of decluttering......

2012-01-19T10:56:00.000-05:00

I am entering my third week of my decluttering campaign. I have heard it said that if you do something for at least three weeks it will become a habit.

Here is my newest report....
I got rid of 7 t-shirts that no longer fit. They were from Nascar Races and Blue grass festivals so I hope someone will like them. They went to the Salvation Army. I also got rid of a Yankee candle that is almost new... but I never liked the smell. And I sent off three figurines that are just collecting dust in this house.
That is 11 individual items. Besides the 10 dolls I put on e-bay in last weeks list I also include some Avon Miniature Doll House furniture that really doesn't go in the doll houses I have now. So I can count them as 2 cause they were two room settings.

And in the throw away line I filled two of the Tall Kitchen Bags with junk from my studio clean out. I will just count them as two even though there were a lot of things in each bag. I am already starting on another bag!

So my total for this week is:
7-t shirts
1 yankee candle
3 figurines
2 doll house rooms of furniture
and 2 tall kitchen bags of junk from my craft room

So I am counting a total of 15 items.

and up to date.. 33 from the past and 15 more means I am up to 48. Not too bad considering the month is only a little over half over. So with 366 items promised and 48 gone I am now at just 318 to go.

Working on more goodies next week, I am half way through filling another of those tall trash bags and am making a pile of craft supplies to donate to a local children's museum.

How are you doing in your decluttering?

Tea Cup Tuesday, Third Tuesday in January

2012-01-16T19:22:00.001-05:00

Welcome again to my Offering on Tea Cup Tuesday.

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

For the past couple of weeks I have been showing you some of my collection of tea books. I suddenly realized I had better do more than just 2 a week or I will still be doing it until next January.

So this week I have 6 books to show you. These are rather small ones that I have picked up here and there, often at little gift shops.

This first group of three are a bit different. The first one (on the left) is actually a book of postcards. Each postcard features a lovely tea service and on the back there is the recipe of the item pictured on the front. The second one (in the middle) is called Tea Temptations. It has loads of recipes easy teas, tea drinks and punches, even tea icecream. According to the price tag of the back I bought it at Gloria Jean's Coffee Bean which I think is a little shop in malls. The third book on the right doesn't have any recipes however I had to add it to my collection. It is the illustrated song.... I'M A LITTLE TEA CUP." Cute for a young child but oh so wonderful for a grown up who remembers singing that song as a child. On the back of the book there are directions for how to do the movements when you sing the song! and the best part is that it is the shape of a teapot!!!!

If you click on these pictures I think you can see them better

The next group features a book (on the right) shows examples of many different kinds of teas and tisanes (herb teas), The one in the middle is a mini gourmet cookbook (or so it says) called Afternoon Tea. And the third one, on the left is a little booklet also called Afternoon Tea which features several recipes just right for afternoon tea.

I am not sure that these are still available but be sure to check at any teashop you may visit, gift shops often carry them and even a coffee shop like I mentioned in the first section. I noticed they are all older, copyrights back to the '80s so if you want one you may have to do a bit of a search.

The one thing I have discovered is that you really only need a couple if you are planning a tea party. BUT if you are like me and "NEED" all the books you can find... go for it!

Decluttering.

2012-01-12T11:43:00.000-05:00

Decluttering is constantly in my thoughts these days. This week I went through my fabric and made up a box to donate to a local church group that sews for their missions. Then, since I am starting to clean out my studio to find space for my sewing machine I found lots of other things. Also, as I clean each room I try to find something to go.

So here is my list: this week!
1. a panini maker, I gave it away.
2-4 The box of fabric which I will count as 3 although there were probably 50 pieces of fabric of various sizes. This is the box. I probably should have spread them out but the lady who was taking them was coming by so this is the pic I took quickly.

5. a favorite little watering can that had been repaired one too many times. (Trash)
6. A printer I no longer use... passing it on, on free cycle I think
7- 16 dolls I am posting on Ebay. The first group are Hawaiian Souvenir Dolls.

And this group are little dolls dressed in Polish Regional Costumes.

17. A spice holder that I bought to use for beads and obviously never will. (off to Salvation Army)
18. A plastic paper holder for a desk. I don't have room for it so it is taking up space. (Off to Salvation Army)

So that is 18 this week.... Added to the 15 last week brings the total so far to 33.

Lets see now..... 366 minus 33 equals 333 to go. AND it is only Jan. 12! Sure hope I can keep it up. I imagine it will slow down as time goes as but if the habit is made then it should be possible.

See you with another list next Thursday! I will be adding to it today as I organize another room.

Machine Embroidery will not get the best of me.,

2012-01-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

My saga of trying to learn Machine Embroidery is moving along VERY SLOWLY. The problem I seem to be having is with the tension and everything I have read indicates that is a very common problem. I have been trying different things and so far it is getting a little better. By that I mean I have actually completed two designs, simple ones, that look good. But there are the problem ones too.
This first picture shows part of a butterfly design and a heart design that was WRONG.... You can see the white thread. That was the bottom thread showing, not the right one. After some adjustments I was able to do the heart properly.... a red color..... You can click on it to see better detail.

The second picture shows the Butterfly coming out properly. I have a long road but with persistance I hope it will get better.

At the moment I have the machine on my dining room table but with all the work I have been doing up in my studio I now have room to put it up where it belongs. So that is my project today. And by tomorrow I should be ready to try again......................

Tea Cup Tuesday, second tuesday in January

2012-01-10T07:46:00.001-05:00

Tea Cup Tuesday for the second Tuesday in 2012!

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I promised last Tea Cup Tuesday I will continue talking about some of the tea books I own.

Here is a beautiful book called Tea Time At the Inn, a Country Inn Cookbook by Gail Greco. I have found several, now favorite recipes, in this book. Such as Fruit Jewels and Carrot Walnut cake on page 40. And there is a recipe for Whoopie Pie on p. 150. Pennsylvania and Maine both claim to be the birthplace of the Whoopie pie. But, which ever, it is an interesting treat. I have lived in both places and had them in each place. I haven't figured out which is really better.

And the second book I am talking about about is called Taking Tea by Andrea Israel. Called the Essential Guide to Brewing Serving and Entertaining with Teas from Around the World.'

Once again it is loaded with recipes, also beautiful pictures and a lot of history. And plenty of themed tea parties. The recipe for Lemon Curd Bars on p.66 is yummy. I have also made them using Orange Curd.

It is available on Amazon but they didn't have a picture of the cover so I scanned it.

Here is the link for Amazon..................

I hope you enjoy hearing about these books. I will be sure to have more next Tuesday. And check my blog out on Thursday to see how I am doing on my major decluttering project!

Machine Embroidery so far doesn't like me too much

2012-01-06T09:53:00.000-05:00

I have begun the (apparently for me) long slow road to using the Machine Embroidery part of my sewing machine. I have done a monogram or sorts and it did fine. But then I tried a couple of "pictures" and discovered something is wrong somewhere. The bottom threads are showing up on top. NOT GOOD. I have spent a LOT of time on the phone with the sewing machine folks, a LOT of time on line looking for help. The biggest issue is that the brand I have is not sold anywhere near me. The closest place is about 90 minutes away. But never fear.... I am persistant and I SHALL prevail!!!
Here is a picture of the letter I did.........

I am not showing the picture of the "bad" turnout on another attempt. I am hopeful, before the day is out that I will have success there too. Learning and maybe even master Machine Embroidery is my goal for January. . My shop will be open today but between customers I will be working on this.

I hope to have more to report tomorrow. I ordered a few things from the sewing machine company which should help me. I will continue on.............

In other news, I haven't shown pics of the cats lately. So here is an update of sorts. The picture here shows where they sometimes spend a lot of their day, on top of my couch where I have a couple of quilts. That is probably an added attraction. That is Bentley on the left, Tuffy in the middle and Spooky on the right.

Tough life our cats have............................... Click on the picture to see it bigger.


OCCUPY LIVING ROOM COUCH!!!!

Title idea "stolen" from Cartoon in Paper Today (MUTTS) 1/6/12

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here is a picture of the cat that lives outside and is wild no doubt but he loves the food we provide.... every day.... So we continue. He is a beautiful cat we think. Too bad he won't get close. We call him Red.

Every morning when I open the shade on the back door he is there waiting for breakfast!

We say "he" but we haven't been close enough to check it out!

Starting the new year right.

2012-01-05T11:32:00.001-05:00

GOODBYE STUFF:

I have been inspired by a friend on another blog, GARDEN OF DAISIES, to join in a chance to simplify my life a tiny bit by getting rid of at least one item a day. According to her idea the item can be given away to a friend, sold, donated, or thrown away if it isn't any good to anyone.

Anyone want to join me and the other folks doing this? Just say so in my comments. Would love to have you join in.

I don't plan to just throw too much stuff away. My goal is recycling in some way or another!

Below is the first pile of stuff to take to the Salation Army.... 2 purses, two stuffed toys, two dolls in boxes, 1 clock, 3 baseball caps. SO with those 10 items I am good through next Tuesday.
And I will be leaving shortly to get rid of that first box.
.

And here is a pile of 5 books to take out to my shop. If they don't sell after a few months they too will go to SA.

To tell you the truth I have already started another pile for SA and one for Ebay. I will talk about those next week.

I did get ride of a LOT of clothes that no longer fit me since in the past year I have lost so much weight (on purpose). I just took a bag of freshly cleaned winter clothes that were still very good but TOO BIG to the Salvation Army. (but that was LAST YEAR, last week....) It felt so good. Yes, I have gotten replacements but only about half as many,.

I am lucky in a sense because I own an antique shop and some things that need to leave my house can go directly into the shop. But they must be suitable for an antique shop!

Also I have joined a paper back book swap on line and have gotten rid of a lot of books I have already read. Of course I get new ones to replace them but at the moment I have mailed off 18 more than I have requested. That must mean something. (LOL)
I have been cleaning up my studio lately too and have been getting brutal about throwing away stuff that serves no purpose what so ever. Haven't and probably wont report that here. That is just just an extra thing.
But I am looking for places to donate extra craft supplies and fabric. I will report more on that later too.

So here goes

15 of 366 Only 345 go.
Check in again next Thursday!!

Tea Cup Tuesday, Books about Tea

2012-01-02T21:31:00.000-05:00

Tea Cup Tuesday for the first Tuesday in 2012!

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I promised last Tea Cup Tuesday I will be talking about some of the tea books I own.

The first one here is called Garden of Tea. It is Illustrated and written by Nancy Shumaker Pallau.
My favorite part of the book is the illustrations. I tried to find mention of the book on line and the only place I found it was at the Alibris Book Sellers.
The description of the book is:

"Many plants have long been brewed into teas to soothe common ailments, and yet some are so familiar that we may take for granted their simple beauty. In this small gift book, Nancy Shumaker Pallen pays tribute to twelve such favorites, lovingly illustrated through her watercolor botanicals. A delightful rhyme describes the beneficial properties of each plant."

The second book is Alexandra Stoddard's Tea Celebrations

This book is really part of a series by Alexandra Stoddard. The sub title is The Way To Serenity.

Here is the Book Description from Amazon.com

Publication Date: October 1995

An Invitation To A World Of Beauty, Grace, And Tranquility
Whether it is a formal Japanese tea ceremony, an English high tea, or simply a pot of tea and some cookies shared with friends, the act of drinking tea has long been a way for people to achieve a feeling of serenity. Now bestselling author Alexandra Stoddard explores the many ways in which a cup of tea can lift our spirits, soothe our souls and deepen our friendships.

I will have more tea books next week. I have ALOT

Check on my blog in a couple of days and see how I am doing with my attempts to learn and do machine embroidery. So far it is slow going. But I am getting a lot of help from folks on line so it should get better.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to you all.

2012 is just around the corner

2011-12-29T10:05:00.000-05:00

I still remember, vividly, midnight Dec. 31, 1999. We went to our local FIRST NIGHT event and saw several groups entertaining including a Blue Grass group. I have forgotten their name but who could have predicted that would begin our journey in Blue Grass music on such a scale including attending several festivals a year.

On that night back in 1999 the predictions of the world ending the next day, computers failing etc. etc. etc. were in all the papers, online, and in conversations. Well here we are.nearly 12 years later and those things didn't happen but the world has changed ALOT. I won't list here, you already know.

I love the beginning of a new year because it is like you have a blank journal in front of you and you can fill it anyway you choose.

There will be NO Diet promises since I have been steadily losing weight for the past year and a half..(slowly but surely wins that race!) I think I finally figured that out. Turns out for me it was quite simple... just eat less and as the sizes of the clothes get smaller the motivation increases!

I have made my usual "want to accomplish list" and it is lengthy. Some sewing, learning to machine embroider, making a couple of mini dolll houses, making a quilt, doing several craft projects, and joining with a couple of journaling groups to work on that skill.

I regularly read the blog Sew Mama Sew which includes inspiration, good links and lots of ideas.
So.....................
I am getting back to my sewing machine. And I will finally be learning to use the Machine Embroidery part of my year old Brother SE400 sewing machine. I have invested in a lot of thread and various backing material (Stabilizers) so I can do a proper job. I joined a machine embroidery site where I can get lots of help on their forums AND download any number of patterns. (to see click here) Designs by Sick! Yes that really is the name.

I have lots of plans so hope I can stick to it.

My Brother SE-400 Machine for Sewing and Embroidery

Machine Embroidery Thread, Bobbin Thread and three kinds of Stabilizer.

In other sewing I really want to make a blue and yellow quilt for our bedroom. It will be made using the
Here is a picture of the STACK of fat quarters and other fabric I hope to use for this quilt.

The pattern I have tentatively chosen is this one

It is from the Patchwork Place book called More Fat Quarters by M'Liss Rae Hawley

I have not given up on doll house making either. I have three little kits waiting. And my paper arts will continue as I work with a couple of journaling groups I have discovered.

I HOPE and PLAN to report here on the progress of these plans. Wish we luck or the determination to do these things.

I have found in the past if I tell someone I am going to do something it is more likely to get done.

So Check back and see how I am doing.

Check back on New Years Day for another graphic of a Vintage New Years Postcard from my collection.

Tea Cup Tuesday, final one for 2011

2011-12-26T17:40:00.001-05:00

Another Tea Cup Tuesday has arrived.

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

This week and for the next few weeks I will be doing something a bit different on Tea Cup Tuesday. I will be showing and talking about some of the books about Tea, Tea Partys, and recipes for them.

I like books a LOT and have always collected books about my hobbies. So it was natural to look for books about Tea. I have pretty much lost count of all the books I own on the subject. But after I finish up in the next few weeks we will all have a better idea of just how many I do own.

This first one is called The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea (the art and pleasures of taking tea, by Helen Simpson. The books opens with a chapter of taking tea at the Ritz Hotel in London.
There are lots of yummy sounding recipes for Scones, Eclairs, Tarts and all the other things that make up a great Tea Party. The book also tells about many of the different themes and talks about the history of the afternoon tea. It is worth it to get the book for all the history as well as the recipes you will gather.

I don't really know how many books on this subject I own but after the next few weeks of reporting this we will all have a better idea of just how many books I do have on this subject.

Next week I will talk about a book I recently found from 1981,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my readers

2011-12-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.

Here is the Christmas Postcard I promised for today.

I could not read the post mark on this card but it was mailed to someone in Rohrsburg, PA and the postage was only 1 cent. So it was a long time ago.

I will have another card for you on New Years Day.

Happy Day Before Christmas

2011-12-24T07:00:00.003-05:00

Here is a little card for you for the day before Christmas.

I couldn't read the date completely on the postmark but it was 1900 or early in that decade. It was mailed with a 1 cent stamp from Philadelphia to Pottstown, PA.

(

( click on the picture to make it bigger. )

And come back on Christmas Day for another one.

The Tuesday before Christmas

2011-12-19T18:47:00.000-05:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

Twas the Tuesday before Christmas and all through the land,
Tea Cup Tuesday fans are visiting blog sites and seeing what they have on hand.
That is the end of my poetry abilities... just couldn't resist.

I found one more teacup that needs to be shown in December.

I think this teacup is lovely! The design is understated which adds a lot I think.

It is called Winter and is made by Dutchess Bone China Company. The pretty Christmas rose, holly and berries and pine cones and tassels tell the story.

Next week I will have to find something completely different to show but hope you are enjoying this one.
.

Tea Cup Tuesday. Second Tuesday in December

2011-12-12T19:37:00.001-05:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

The weekend of Thanksgiving we were in Syracuse, NY and on that Sunday we managed to get to the Regional Market flea market. Probably our last flea market of the year. I found a few teacups but nothing too exciting to buy.
The only tea cups that were even worth photographing were these which were new and not nearly as nice as the ones I like to collect. I don't know but think they were probably made in China. The cost was certainly right. $6.00 a set. They were pretty to look at though.

A few weeks ago we managed to get to our favorite flea market, Leesport, where I bought two cup and saucer sets. The one I showed last week was one of those. And here is the second. It is definitely Christmas with pretty holly and berries. I am pretty sure it was made in Japan and it is porcelain, not bone china, but for the price I paid, it was well worth it.

I didn't take a picture of the bottom of the cup or saucer because they said nothing. Probably there was a sticker that said Made in Japan at one time.

I have one more seasonal cup I will share next week. Be sure to check here.

Some Christmas Graphics from Two Ten Studios

2011-12-12T08:13:00.000-05:00

To all my blog readers who need graphics for Christmas, here is a great place to get them.
Lisa Vollrath, at Ten Two Studios, offers this great gift for the holidays. I have bought a lot of
graphics from her site and really appreciate these. The quality is excellent.

Check here for the Countdown. http://countdown.tentwostudios.com
While there check out her site for other things.

I get her monthly ezine called "The Monthly Muse" which is always filled with great ideas for projects.

Hope you will check her out.

Tea Cup Tuesday, First Tuesday in December.

2011-12-05T21:19:00.000-05:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

I have missed two weeks of Tea Cup Tuesday, mostly because I was working on and somewhat overwhelmed by making new awnings for my antique shop. Sewing canvas on my home sewing machine was hard. Not the most fun thing I have ever done. But they are done now. So back to normal things.

We made our final trip to Leesport Flea market a couple of weeks ago and I found a couple of nice tea cups. Got them both because they were had red flowers and seemed Christmas like.

When I looked closer I discovered that one wasn't Christmas, it was actually for August Birthdays and featured red poppies. Since my birthday is in August I figured I "needed" it.

This is the August Teacup that is from the House Of Global Tea. I tried to locate information on line about this company but didn't. It is bone china and supposedly was made in England. While it is very pretty it is obviously not the same quality of Royal Albert. Royal Albert did make an August Tea Cup which I have. I will show it another time. Meanwhile enjoy looking at this one.

This was inside the rim of the cup.

TeaCupTuesday, Third Tuesday in November

2011-11-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

This week I am showing a beautiful (I think) tea cup and saucer by Royal Albert. The name of this pattern is

Angela. I don't know why but I really love it. Probably the colors as much as anything. It is one of the four cup and saucer sets I bought for myself when we visited New Brunswick in August. This is the final cup I have to show you in that grouping. But never fear. I have lots more to share.

I tried to find out a bit more about this set but so far nothing. There are several for sale on line if you want one of your own. I am happy I found this one for myself

Hope you like it!!!.

Tea Cup Tuesday 2nd Tuesday in November

2011-11-07T19:15:00.000-05:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

In our state this is election day. I personally will be glad when it over and we don't have to listen to all the name calling. Election spots seem to be less and less civilized as time goes on.

Enough of the editorial. Last Wednesday we went to Leesport again and I found a few tea things. I found this pretty little made in Japan tea cup and saucer featuring Ladies and Gents. Not my favorite style of tea cup but it has pretty colors.

And while we are looking at Made in Japan items here is a set of what is called Geisha Ware. I have sold them in the past in my antique shop though they seem to be losing favor these days. I found this link that tells about Geisha Ware porcelain . Click here to learn more.

Another tea set from Japan is this cute child size Violet tea set. Probably not that old, but sweet none the less.

And finally here is the one item that I purchased to sell in my shop.

It is a cute stacked teapot, sugar and creamer.

Trying to learn more about it I found that it was called hand painted redware. Though it isn't red it apparently was made that way and then painted black. There were a number of items done like that. Others that I have seen are sets of black cats. But however it is made it is a cute little set. It is for sale in my shop. If you are interested let me know. I can sell it for $20 which includes postage. Email me at beth@lavenderandoldlace.com

See you next week. I have already planned what I will be showing. It is Royal Albert.

Tea Cup Tuesday For First Day of November

2011-10-31T20:36:00.000-04:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

or http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

ALSO: Rose Chintz Cottage

Last week I told you about a flea market I visited and I showed produce. Normally when I attend a flea market one of the first things I look for is tea cups and tea things. WELLLLLLLL the picture below is one of just two teapots I found and NOOOOO teacups at all. Good thing I have been having better luck in other venues lately.

A pretty little tea cup with violets. No I didn't buy it though perhaps tempted. In the picture below you will see it on the table with some other tea party things, loved the plates but they were a bit pricey for me.

The second teapot I found I did buy. It is a Japanese, very fall like with all the leaves. I just had to have it and the price was right. It will serve me well in the fall months. It is copper lustre with raised edges of the leaves. Here are a few pictures of the teapot. Hope you like it. I personally love it.

Next I will be showing you another teacup I bought on my trip to Canada this summer. This one is ROYAL ALBERT, my favorite maker. This one is also the pattern one of my husbands cousins had. We loved when she used it when we visited her. I will think of her when I use this teacup.

This pattern is called Old English Rose and the pattern has been out

of production for quite a few years.

More recently Royal Albert made and sold a similar patter ... Old Country Roses. It is the pattern I have as a full set. I got it when Royal Albert was still listed as the manufacturer. The newer ones say Royal Daulton. Not as good in my mind. I much prefer Royal Albert.

See you next week.

And so it snows.........

2011-10-29T14:46:00.000-04:00

This is way too early for it to snow where I live. But we are really getting it right now. The heavy wet kind that is loading down the trees.

Here are a some pictures.

TOOOOO SOOOOOON !!!!!!!!!!!

Fall is my favorite time of year.

2011-10-27T15:50:00.000-04:00

Fall Graphics

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I enjoy the cooler days, and certainly the colors of fall. The hot and very wet summer was getting LONG and it is time to cool off. The rain can slow down anytime too!! After all the flooding in our area I feel like we have had enough for a while.

Yesterday my husband and I went to our favorite farmers and flea market, in Leesport, PA. I took loads of pictures as usual but today I want to just share pictures of all the produce and flowers and decor I saw there.... helping to get into the full spirit of the season.

Besides being my favorite time of year, it is my favorite time at the farmers market. All the produce, flowers and decorations just inspire me.

Local farmers bring an abundance of produce at this time of year. And while I not that fond of the turnips shown above, most everything else really gets me salivating. I can't buy enough and I can't wait to get home and start cooking.

One farmer has an interesting way of spelling garlic, don't know if it a Pennsylvania version or he was just being funny.

Pumpkins of course were everywhere, some to cook, some to decorate with, what ever your desire. They had them in different colors, sizes and decorated or not. Add to them the squash and gourds and you have wonderful display.

Can't wait to go back again. If the weather behaves we may be there next week.

Tea Cup Tuesday Again

2011-10-24T17:00:00.002-04:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

And I am now participating in another Tuesday Tea blog hop. Here is the link to the main page. From there you can visit other participants.
http://tea-diary.blogspot.com/

This week I have another tea cup that I bought while traveling.

This one is Centenial Rose by my favorite tea cup maker, Royal Albert.
It is definitely of the season in color. And you can never go wrong with a rose!

I am not going to put this one in my shop to sell. I am keeping it!

And here is a bit of season decor from my kitchen.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-10-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

Back in August when we were traveling through New England and New Brunswick I wrote about some of the flea markets I found. While at the one in Sussex, New Brunswick I found quite a good group of Tea Cups and saucer sets. I bought 4 for myself and for the next four weeks I will be showing them.

This week I will be showing you this VERY SCOTTISH one. I don't find this style very often so had to get it!

This is a Queen Anne bone china set featuring a Scottish bagpiper, Scottish castle and the quintessential Scottish symbol, the Thistle.

Hope you enjoyed seeing this set.

Gothic Arches

2011-10-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

Wow, I am here for the third day this week. Usually I am lucky to do 1 a week.

As you all have probably figured out I enjoy making art things. Have loved it since I was a kid and I keep finding new ways to express myself. I think making collages is my favorite form.

Some months ago I discovered the relatively new art form, making Gothic arch collages. I like the fact that it is a limited space to work in and the shape of the arch sometimes determines what you can do.

I belong to another art group on line called Roses on my Table. Actually, it is a group of art groups.....
I am a member of a couple of them. Each does different types of art and some have swaps as well.

The one I am enjoying right now is the one where everyone makes Gothic Arch collage examples. There is no swapping involved but we post pictures of our monthly work.

The most recent one I did was with the theme of Orange and Black. I used a graphic I got from The Graphics Fairy Blog. Here is a picture of it.

In August the theme was "Animals" Since we live in a houseful of cats that was an obvious choice for me. Here is the one I made. Some of the arches the group does are really elaborate. I seem to tend to simplistic but seems to be my preference

And here are two that I completed earlier in the year for a swap. I don't remember the theme but I like these. I have an excess of scrapbooking papers and that is generally what I use for the backgrounds.

If you click on them you can see them better. I hope you have enjoyed seeing this new kind of art. If you want to see more just google gothic arch and art and you should get a LOT of variety.

And check back with me on Tuesday when once again I show off some of the teacups I have recently added to my collection.

Speckled Egg Group Match Box Swap

2011-10-13T18:26:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite activities is to participate in a group swap of art work. This is the third time I have been
involved in a swap sponsored by the Speckled Egg Blog. This time it was called Curiosities Inspiration Box Swap!

We were in groups of three and the idea was to create a Curiosities Inspiration Box using a paper match box. We used the larger size. Here is a picture of the type I used. You can click on to see it bigger and a better perspective.

Although it looks small, it is amazing how much stuff you can include in the box. And of course you get the fun of decorating it too.
Below I will show you the two boxes I received and then finally I will show what I sent.

This first box is from Leanne S. It is loaded with goodies for me to use in some of my altered projects.

Above is the box, just opened a bit and next one you see all the goodies that were included.

And this next one is from Teresa S,

And finally, here is the box that I sent off. Actually I made two so each person received one.

As you can see each of us interpreted the swap theme differently. That is why it is so much fun to participate.

Come by tomorrow and you will see my Gothic Arch attempts.

Off to the races at Dover.

2011-10-11T21:23:00.000-04:00

Sorry, I have been away for a while. We did some traveling and then my neck decided to go into spasms for a few days. After a lot of rest and some muscle relaxers that is now behind me.

We were able to attend one more Nascar Race this year, our fourth! Unfortunately it was very cold but at least the rain held off this time. And while we had some free time one morning we went to FLEA MARKET!!! Yes, we found one. It was in Dover Delaware. What fun we had.

I didn't buy any tea cups this time but managed to take a couple of pictures of some of the things I saw. I will probably include them in my next Tea Cup Tuesday blog next week. I should also have taken pictures of the great produce we found but alas I didn't. We are still enjoying the fresh sweet potatoes and the Butternut Squash.

The really best thing we did while at the races was visit the Camping World store in the fan fest area and we bought a generator.so now we don't have to worry if a campground doesn't have electricity as many don't. I will be able to use my computer more AND it should be a help making sure our sump pump keeps running if we run out of electricity during a HEAVY rain fall!

I wanted to show a couple of pictures of the event and our campsite.

Here is our camper, ready to use!

When we attended the Dover Raceway Fan Fest we got to see many interesting things but this was our favorite! If you look closely that is a biker "showing off."

And this is another picture of a different bike rider.

This is a view of some of the racetrack from where we sat. The cars are getting ready to race! If you click on the picture you can see the cars better.

Be sure to check back on Thursday as I will have pictures of a swap in which I participated. And on Friday I will have some pictures of some gothic arches I created for another group I belong to on line.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-09-12T20:26:00.000-04:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

Before I get into my tea cup Tuesday entry I want to mention what has been going on in my area the past few days. We have just had Historic Highs Flooding in my town and many other towns along the Susquehanna River and its Tributaries here in Pennsylvania. It also affected a LOT of towns in Southern New York as well. After all the problems from Irene the Red Cross and National Guard didn't need anything else to do but they are here in full force.

I wanted to say that my house is high and relatively dry. The cellar took on water when the sump pump stopped working for a couple of hours. There was a LOT of rain coming down here. My husband and I have spent the last few days drying out everything we could save. There is still a pile out front waiting for taking to a dumpster. We are also extremely lucky because we have a well for our water. The town water has been off since last Thursday I think. And will be for another day or two.

All that being said, here is a link you should be able to take to see pictures of the flooding in my immediate area... Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. It is from the local newspaper, Press Enterprise. This area often gets floods but this is the highest the waters have even gotten. Not a pretty picture.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.275638549115927.75837.122253831121067&type=1

But now back to the real purpose of this blog entry.

I collect a lot of tea cups but you really need to have sugar and creamer sets to have a real tea party. Here are a couple of sets I saw at the flea market in New Brunswick.

This first one is a dainty looking set which you could use anytime, or save for St. Patrick's Day.

It reminds me of the Beleek china which also has the tiny clovers but this is a bit more sturdy than that one.

And another one features yellow roses, I have had the cup and saucers that go with it. But couldn't find any today to add to this.

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of the sugar and creamer sets. Next week I will get back to cups and saucers. I have a number of them I bought to add to my collection. Can't wait to share them.

It's Tea cup Tuesday again!

2011-09-06T07:55:00.000-04:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

I took off a couple of weeks from Tea Cup Tuesday but should be back for the next several weeks as I have lots to show from my travels to Maine and New Brunswick.

Today I am showing a couple of Christmas Items. The first is a cup and saucer. I have never owned any tea cups for just the holidays but this would be a good one. For some reason I completely forgot to see what kind they were. And I saw them up in New Brunswick so won't be going back any time soon. LOL

And If you are going to have a holiday tea you will need sugar and creamer and so I found this set. I think they are lovely. I am not sure the maker on these either but they are nice

If anyone know the maker of either of these I would love it if you would add the info in a comment.

And the flea markets go on.

2011-09-02T12:10:00.000-04:00

I said I would talk about another flea market we attended on our recent trip. This one was in Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada. We have been attending it almost since the beginning... a LOT of years ago. It is held once a year and we do plan our August trip around it I will admit. My husband loves it. I like it.

This year we didn't find much to buy at all but it was fun seeing things and meeting up with some of the dealers we have met over the years.

I will just show a few pictures I took while there.

Also I should mention that for the next few Tea Cup Tuesdays I will be showing tea cup pictures

I took at the market and a few of the tea cups I bought.... only FOUR, yes that is right,

only 4 but they are very special ones.

The Canadians like their tea and love bone china so there is always a LOT on display. If I bought every one I saw that I liked I would not have been able to get through customs.... LOL

But meanwhile here are a few of the pictures I took.

I liked this sign someone made for their booth:

I visited one booth that really impressed me. Instead of just throwing their items on the ground or on a table they made a serious effort to make the items look even better by their displays.

Here are some of the groupings they made.

And, this next picture is a chair I bought from the same people. It is now sitting in my bow window

with some other primitive items.

I found the following pictures from other dealers. They are pictures of colonial ladies dressed in ribbon finery. This was a hobby of ladies a number of years ago. I was pleased to see two different examples.

This was a youth bed I saw that I liked. It starts as a crib and later you remove the sides. This was from the early 1900s but the idea is still used today.

And I will leave you with this one final picture.
Something I don't fully understand is why the Maritime Canadians like and eat dried seaweed. They call it dulce and it is available in a lot of places including this market.

And on that note I will leave you until next time. Probably I will have something on Tea Cup Tuesday. I am already planning that blog entry now.

Another day another Flea Market.

2011-08-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

While we were in Maine we also visited two flea markets we know about and enjoy in Searsport. Below are pictures from both. the first flea market has a name I am sure but don't know what it is. We always called it the middle flea market because there was one on either side a bit farther up or down the road.

One of the little building featured books, lots and lots of books. So I spent time in there.

I like to find interesting bottle so these caught my eye. However I am more in need of a couple of blue bottles for my bottle tree so didn't buy any of these. I have to keep looking.

In several places in Maine I have seen these glass garden ornaments. They are probably easy to make if you have lots of old glass you don't use and some glue. I have no idea what kind you should use. Click on the picture to see it better.

And someday I am going to buy one of these old tractor seats to put in my garden. I remember one of my grandfathers had one in the back yard of his house in Virginia. I don't know why I didn't get this one. I didn't even ask the price. Probably won't be there when I go back again.

The second flea market is called the Hobby Horse. It is also the one we call the "first one" cause it is the first one we come to.

We like to see the more typical Maine things like the buoys and such above and the Moose Antlers

Since I collect and make doll houses this one caught my eye.

And I love to look through old boxes of junk like the two below. One has great keys and bits of metal.

And the next one is filled with knobs. You just never know what you will find at these flea markets.

If you are wondering about what happened to the third market in Searsport, unfortunately it closed a few years ago. We still think of it though and wish it was still there.

In the next few days I hope to have another market to show you. Stay tuned.

2011-08-17T16:25:00.000-04:00

While we were recently in Maine we went to a huge antique barn we used to frequent when we lived up there. Located just outside Ellsworth Maine on Route 1, it is called the Chicken Barn because it was once a huge Chicken Barn. We did buy a few little things but mostly we just looked. Here are a few of the things we saw. Since I sell linens in my shop I am always interested in seeing what others have to sell and how much they are asking.

Dish Towels and or Hand Towels

Hankies and more hankies.

Pillowcases

I also saw a few other things of interest to me..................

A cute child's rocker and a watering can.

A nice old dress.

And since this is Maine, some nice outdoor stuff.

I hoped you enjoyed your quick trip through the Chicken Barn.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-08-15T17:33:00.000-04:00

Time for Tea Cup Tuesday............

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

Today I went to a huge antique barn. I will show pics of it later but in honor of Tea cup Tuesday here are three pictures of all the many teacups available. I DID NOT buy any if you can believe it. Just too many to choose from I suppose. But it was surely fun to see them! Click on the pictures and you can probably see them better!

Do you suppose you could find one you needed to buy? Hope you enjoy!

The Car Show

2011-08-12T21:25:00.000-04:00

Once a year there is a really big car show down at the fair grounds. It is the Annual Rod & Custom Cruise-In. It is supposed to be the premier car show in Pennsylvania. I don't know about that but we always try to attend and see what is there. It is so much fun to see all the cars from our youth. Ones that our friends had in high school especially. But it is nice to see what folks like to restore.
Here are just a few of the cars we saw this evening. The best of all though was that we recognized EVERY song they played over the loud speakers. Just a little step back in time. FUN.

Here are just a few of the cars we saw this evening.

And finally here is the 1959 Caddy one of our friends owns. It certainly is a BIG BOAT.

My travel journal

2011-08-11T14:29:00.000-04:00

Before I get on with telling you about the new journal I wanted to share this picture of a ground hog (or sometimes called a woodchuck) that visited our yard the other day and was caught eating an apple that had probably fallen from the apple tree. I did show this on my facebook page but if you aren't on that you still get to see it. He is much cuter than he deserves to be!

I finished a second journal using the techniques I learned in Mary Ann Moss's Full Tilt Boogie journal class.
Here it is!!

And here are a few signatures I put in the book. I am using mostly scrapbooking paper cause I have way too much, some journal pages from this original journal and a few water color pages. Nothing real wild as it isn't really my style.

The 1/2 pages will get things added to them as well. I like having different size pages. It makes it more fun when looking through the book. Since it is a travel journal I will be adding pictures AND brochures and the like that I pick up on the way. And commentary of course. This book will be started soon as I have collected up pictures and such from past journeys and they will go in first.

Although doing these journaling classes with Mary Ann Moss (Full Tilt Boogie and Remains of the Day). I have really gotten into book making but believe it or not I actually took a bookmaking class a number of years ago. It was more traditional. Only did one small book but I learned the techniques.
Here are some pictures of it. Although it has been 15 plus years since I made it I have just left it on the shelf to "admire" but now I realize I had best start using it.

The technique used was adding signatures and sewing them together. Then we used heavier paper for the cover and the tabs. These aren't the best pics but I hope you get the idea.

Not as "exciting" as the full tilt boogie style. So that is why I prefer the FTB style and will probably continue to do it

Now, what kind of journal shall I do next.

My morning visitors

2011-08-09T07:06:00.000-04:00

It is always fun to look out in the back yard, first thing in the morning, and see all my visitors up in the backyard. This momma deer and her 4 little babies have come by to visit quite often, probably cause of the 4 apple trees.

(no apple pie this year I fear)

I tried to take a couple of videos this morning. They aren't the best but they show all the dear little deers.

They come by pretty much every day. We do have to bring in the bird feeders at night or they would empty them too. It is hard to believe the town is just 1 mile down the road. And there are houses all around us. It feels like we are out in the country when we see them although we aren't.

If you are hunting for my Tea Cup Tuesday entry. Sorry but didn't get around to it this week.

2011-08-02T02:16:00.000-04:00

Another Tuesday, another Tea Cup.

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

I managed to get to my favorite flea market again last week. I had missed a few weeks because of either bad weather, not being home or the extreme heat we have been having. This week the weather was perfect. Temps in the upper 70s, and clear sky. Perfect.

While at the flea market I was looking for tea cups everywhere but didn't find many except the one I am showing you today. My favorite flowers will always be pansies but another one I love is violets. This tea cup and saucer by Royal Albert is an especially pretty one I think.

Hope you like it.............

Royal Albert does it again. They really know how to make beautiful bone china tea cups and saucers.

Messy but fun

2011-07-29T08:34:00.001-04:00

Today I finally did a crafting thing I had been meaning to try. It involves National Geographic magazines, Citra Solv cleaner and a LOT of news papers.

Citra Solv is available on the web (Amazon) and at many art supply places. Also at Jerry's Artarama, if you are lucky enough to have one near by. And at places like Health Food Stores. It is non toxic but have to say you will probably want to do this outside if you can or in a really well ventilated room. The odor can be a bit overwhelming. The nice thing is, if you decide you don't want to use this to make paper, you follow the directions on the bottle and it makes a great cleaning item. Just add to a spray bottle with water and all the messes come up easily. Who would have thought.

Since artists have discovered the product the Citra Solve web site has featured a lot of information on the "art" side of the product as well as it's original use.

There are a number of places on the web where you can find directions and see videos about making the Citra Solv papers and I will list them at the end. I had been trying to find Citra Solv locally and finally located it at a nearby Health Food Store. I had bought a few older (1990s) National Geographics at the flea market this past Wednesday. And I had plenty of old newspapers............. SO... here goes...........

I won't show how it's done since there are many places to learn how on line... see my list below....
But.... here are some of the pages I did. I think they will be wonderful background pages for a journal. One guy said he used them for a cover for a book, to wrap little packages and to make pictures. I think anywhere you can use interesting paper you can use them.

I have learned in doing this to be patient. Some of the best pages were ones that I let sit for awhile..
You cover the pages with the citra solve, close the magazine, maybe squash down a bit on the magazine and then let sit, at least 20 minutes. Careful pull the pages apart. If you don't like what you see add a bit more CS and wait again.

But don't forget it you really don't like the results, toss them so they don't bother you.............

The following three pictures are pages I created using this method. If you like to make a mess while you do a project this one is for you. You can click on a picture to see it larger. This is just the beginning for me. I want to try other techniques on the pages.

CitraSolv Links:
1. A Tutorial:   http://mermaidtango.blogspot.com/2010/01/tuesday-techniquen-with-guest-artist.html
2. Citra Solve Website    http://www.citrasolv.com/newcitraartist/index.html
3. Stampington and Company       http://www.stampington.com/creative_impulse/2010/november/19/potw.html?gclid=CJmF_57ApqoCFcaC5QodkmDpmA

If you google for Citra Solv art sites you will find a LOT more. Also go to YOUTUBE and check on citrasolv, there are a LOT more.

This is such an amazing process it is no wonder folks are doing it and writing about it.

I seem to be a little late getting on to the bandwagon but better now than never.................

If it's Wednesday we must be at the Leesport Flea and Farm Market!!

2011-07-28T14:35:00.000-04:00

If it's Wednesday we must be at the Leesport Flea and Farm Market!!

Yesterday we headed down to our favorite flea and farm market. The weather promised to be beautiful and it was. The temps were in the high 70s, low 80s and the sky was clear. We didn't have as much luck with things to buy for our antique shop but found some personal things and a lot of veggies and there was definitely a lot to see.

We got there so early many vendors were just setting up but it didn't stop me finding things to photograph.

One of my missions on this day was to find some blue bottles for my new bottle tree that I have at home in my garden. No luck on the blue bottles however I certainly saw lots of blue glass like this grouping.

I collect dolls so always notice them when I see them though don't usually buy them this small ...........

If I had been looking for jewelry I could have had lots to choose from.

I liked these watering cans but the guy wanted more for them than I was willing to pay.

My favorite part of the market at this time of the year is the fresh produce. We managed to spend a lot of our time and money in this section. Here are some of the things we had to pick from.....................

I love it when we can have fresh veggies every night!

We probably won't be able to go to this market for another few weeks and we will miss it. But are thankful there is a small farmers market near by. Not as much choice but some good stuff still.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-07-25T19:12:00.000-04:00

Another Tuesday, another Tea Cup.

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

This week I am showing you the third teacup and saucer set I purchased at the flea market a few weeks ago.

It was manufactured by Taylor and Kent, manufacturers of porcelains at the Florence Works, Longton. England from c1867 (to 1990's?) I couldn't find much else out about them.

Although it is a different flower from the pansies shown last week, it has a similar style of decorating.

Hope you like it.

During the Heat wave things are still happening

2011-07-24T12:51:00.000-04:00

We have had a really slow moving week with all this heat that has hit but things are still going on, My doll house club was having a big display of many of our projects during Danville, PA's Iron Heritage Festival. I helped out a bit on three different days. I will do a post about that tomorrow.

But first............. yesterday, while my shop was open I noticed a lot of bird activity around the front door of the shop. Apparently there was a bird nest up on the side of the shop where I have a huge wreath with the name of my shop. We hadn't been open in almost two weeks due to travel so didn't see the activity. Well yesterday must have been the day the parents kicked out the little birds. I was standing at the open front door when suddenly a tiny bird flew into me..... and then landed on the ground. He hopped around and I quickly closed the door. He flew up to land on the ledge of the front door's window panes. Here are a couple of pictures of the bird looking through the door window.

A bit later my husband came out and saw what was happening. I went out side and suddenly the bird landed on my shoulder so my husband picked him off carefully. There next two pics are of him holding the bird. After this he set the bird up on the awning next to the wreath and parents much have come along and encouraged the little guy to get going again.

Nature up close and personal!

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-07-18T18:47:00.000-04:00

It is time for Tea Cup Tuesday again. They seem to come faster and faster!

After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at

http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

This week I have another tea cup and saucer set that I bought from the flea market a couple of weeks ago. This set is from Salisbury Crown China. I am not showing the mark on the bottom of the plate because I couldn't get a good picture of it.

I don't know a whole lot about this china company either. But after a bit of on line research I learned this much about the company:

Salisbury Crown China was a firm based in Longton, Staffordshire founded in 1927 and

taken over by Thomas Poole of Longton in 1961.

The design is lovely Pansies!. Pansies are one of my favorite flowers so am always drawn to them.
It appears to be partially hand painted over perhaps a transfer pattern. I am not expert enough to know for sure.

I hope you like this weeks choice.

The Hardware Store is my new craft shop

2011-07-13T08:12:00.001-04:00

We live in a vast wasteland when it comes to shopping.... no craft shops, no Kohl's or Target. no book stores. You would think we live way out in the country. Not so. Just no decent stores...... Wal-mart pretty much is it.
We usually have to shop for things when we travel, or I go on line.

But we have SEVERAL hardware stores AND Lowes and Home Depot. So.......... I am learning to shop in those places for some of my crafting supplies. I guess the powers that be think we need those stores since we have so many. But we aren't intellectual enough to need a bookstore...or creative enough to need craft stores, we are after all only a small college town........ hmmmmm!!!!!!!

Yesterday, thanks to an "enabler" on my Full Tilt Boogie group I headed off to Lowe's to buy some interesting tape that I will be using in the art journals I am making by the Full Tilt Boogie method and the Remains of the Day method. The tape, called EASY JOINT TAPE looks like the ribbon called "sequin waste". It is made up of a LOT of holes. It is self adhesive which is good....... And not to be wasteful, the backing will also be used for something as well. I can picture painting it and pasting it down. Or using it as a stencil.

My husband said he tried to use the stuff a number of years ago for its real purpose when he was putting up new drywall in our home in Maine. He said it didn't work for that at all... LOL..... but it will work for what I am planning! Too bad he didn't save it. That was only about 20 years ago......

I won't be around here for a few days but I hope to have something to show, eventually, concerning the way I use it.

I also bought some twine while at Lowe's to use to crochet a European style string shopping bag.
Here is a pic of one I found on line so you will know what I mean.

Here are the directions I found on line: Directions For String Bag. I got them from a blog called
Crochet: the Extraordinary Realm. So if you decide you need to make one, here are some directions AND you know you can find the twine at Lowe's or Wal-Mart for that matter. Also the pattern called for Ace Brand Parcel Post Twice that you could get at an Ace Hardware Store.

I got a comment from someone about this post concerning shopping in local hardware stores and how much better they are. Well my husband and I do shop at the locals as much as possible but sometimes they don't have what you need........... or they cost way too much. My husband went to the local hardware store and they had a 1/2 pint of lacquer for 9.98. He bought a full pint for 12.00 at Home Depot. Now I am all for supporting local stores and do a lot however reality says that sometimes you just can't.

I generally shop the local one first but if they don't have what I want or I know it is WAY too much off the others I go. Enough said!

Oh yes, before I forget...... click on this graphic for a great giveaway.

So, that is it today. Got to get on with my day!!!!

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-07-11T19:47:00.000-04:00

Another Tea Cup Tuesday has arrived.
After you visit my site be sure to visit the others at
http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
or
http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com

When I was visiting the flea market recently I saw a lot of cups and saucers and bought three. I will be showing one set this week and save the other two for the next two weeks.
The tea cup and saucer I am sharing with you today is a sweet hand painted set by Colclough.
I didn't know much about the Colclough China company so I looked it up. Here is the website telling about it's history.
http://www.focusoncolclough.co.uk/colclough_history.htm

Hope you like the set I have chosen for today.

A yummy dinner and my Full Tilt Boogie Journal

2011-07-10T19:08:00.000-04:00

I did finally put my first Full Tilt Boogie journal today but before I show that I will show a quick picture of our dinner last night.

We lived in Puerto Rico for three years and learned to like several of the more typical fare. One thing we learned to enjoy was Plantain... a type of banana unlike the ones we are used to here in the US. There are recipes for using it when it is not yet ripe... and when it is VERY ripe. That is our favorite. You wait until it is nearly black.... then slice like french fries and deep fry it. Very sweet. So we had that for dinner last night along with deep fried Tilapia and a pepper, onion and kidney bean melange.... Puerto Rican's eat a LOT of beans!

Here is the picture of the dinner.

But now on to the Full Tilt Boogie Journal I am making. I started working on it a few weeks ago and remarked on it here............ Click here to read that blog entry if you want.

So by working a bit yesterday and today, in between customers in my antique shop, I managed to put the book together and am pleased. I would not win any awards for the stitching but it fine... I will get better. After gluing and such today I will be letting it sit and dry well before I go ahead and work on it. It may not be for another week but now that the book is finished it will call out to me I am sure!!!

A couple of weeks ago I went through my digital photos and arranged to have print copies made at out local CVS drugstore. I will use some of those pics in the journal. I will include pictures of the garden in winter and summer and the birds and animals that visit as well as some pictures of our cats. It will just fill up as I feel inspired.

The book I ended up using was not one I showed in the first blog entry. This was an old business journal I found at a local flea market for $1.00. I added a piece of scrapbook paper to the cover, to cover up some messiness.

So here are the pictures.

The next three pictures show some of the pages. Some are full pages, some are just strips to which I will attach pictures. Others are blank for journaling. Or what ever. I used mostly scrapbooking paper, some journal pages and some blank water color paper.

And after I was almost finished I found these nifty buttons in a vintage button box from my shop. The little flowers in the middle are mother of pearl. I really liked them and think they are perfect for my book.

Here is to Mary Ann Moss for another great and inspiring class!

Tea Cup Tuesday Again

2011-07-04T21:22:00.001-04:00

Here I am again on Tea Cup Tuesday. Be sure to visit the other sites after you visit me.

(Just click here... to go to the site that has the list of those participating.)

This week I am showing a little teacup I found at the flea market. I didn't buy it but did take a picture of it to show this week. I thought it was pretty. I learned after checking it out on line that this is one of 6 motifs in the Woodland Series. Each had a different bird on them. Wish I had known when I saw it, I probably would have bought it and looked for the others.
This one is the Baltimore Oriole. Other ones include Blue Jay, Goldfinch, Hummingbird, Red Wing, and Robin. Click here to see all of the teacups in the series.

If you click on the pictures you can see a larger size. Hope you enjoy my entry today.

A revisit to the flea market

2011-07-03T08:22:00.000-04:00

While at the flea market this past week I also took a lot of pictures of the tea items that were available. I admit I bought a cup and saucer or two or three........... But mostly I just took pictures to show the variety of things available. If you want to buy teacups to start a collection or to add to a collection a flea market may be just the place.

The dark roses on the above set at lovely.

I think this little sugar and creamer set is Royal Albert because of the shape and style but I admit I forgot to check. I have a couple of sets with different patterns that are the same style.

This tea pot and sugar and creamer is by Sadler which makes my favorite kind of tea pots.

Nice to have the matching sugar and creamer as well.

This tea set has the moss rose pattern. Again didn't get the maker name.

And here is one more grouping of cups and saucers that were available. I love the variety of patterns and cup styles. You can click on any of the pictures to see a bigger picture.

Be sure to check back here on Tuesday for my Tea Cup Tuesday entry and the links to check out other ones.

All the stuff you may or may not "need"

2011-07-01T07:00:00.048-04:00

We went to our favorite flea market a couple of days ago. We bought a few things for the antique shop, had some good food to eat and bought a lot of produce. I took quite a few pictures to share with you all. These aren't things we bought, just stuff that I thought was interesting for one reason or another. I also saw a lot of tea things. I will do a blog just about them tomorrow.
Here are the pictures I have chosen to show you this week.
This first picture shows a table that was overflowing with clocks. I have a feeling the guy was a clock repair
guy since there were not only clocks but repair items as well.

I needed a few geraniums for a new flower cart I bought at the market.

I found this group for sale and ended up buying one of each type.

There are always a LOT of tables of jewelry available. This is one such table, Kind of messy looking.

You would need to really look hard to find any treasures. There are two views of it.

At this table they took a bit more care and made a nice display for the upcoming 4th of July holiday.

Keys were for sale everywhere. They must be highly collectible right now. And pricey.

They were selling for $1.00 and $2.00 a piece. Wow.

Here is a pretty lamp from the Depression Era.

Here is a souvenir from Florida I imagine. Lots of shells. And the ubiquitous flamingo.

And some tins.

This is only a small look at what was there. You never know from week to week what you will find.

weekly flea market report

2011-06-30T15:39:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we went to our favorite flea market, in Leesport, PA.It is a bit of a drive but oh so worth it!. You can buy old stuff, new stuff, food, plants and pretty much anything you need. Tomorrow I plan to show some pictures of what I saw there. But for the moment I will do something a bit different.

At this particular flea market there is a wonderful store set up, selling many great decorative accessories. I love to stop in to see what great things they are showing. Today was a particularly good enjoyable visit for me. Stuff I love. The name of the shop is Cocalico Creek. They have a website if you want to see more, or even buy from them. Just click on their name.
When I walked up to the shop I was greeted by this beautiful wreath and a couple of floral arrangements. As I went inside I found several more displays featuring floral arrangements and in country settings. You can take a tour now and if you love what you see check out their website. If you click on each picture you can see them bigger.

I think the thing I like best about the little shop here at the flea market is that it is loaded with inspiration!!!!
Can't wait to go back again. Hope you enjoyed the visit.

Making PaperTape

2011-06-23T14:32:00.002-04:00

A few days ago I mentioned a tutorial I had found on line telling about making paper tape. In order to do it myself I had to order some adhesive paper which finally arrived.

Today I set about to try it out. The nice thing is I will be able to make it up any time I like. I can also use fabrics and ribbons to do the same. It is especially nice now that I am working on various art type journals.

This is the scrapbook paper I used for my first attempt. I chose it cause it had stripes and there for would be easy to cut and use.

And here is one of the sheets of paper I will use for the journal with the tape joining two different papers. The tape is pink.

By the way the blue flowered fabric is my ironing board cover, not a part of the project. (LOL)

Paper I used was a little stiff so it didn't wrap well around a spool like I would have like. But it sure works well on the paper which of course is its actual purpose.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-06-21T06:30:00.001-04:00

Here I am again on Tea Cup Tuesday. Be sure to visit the other sites after you visit me.
(Just click here... to go to the site that has the list of those participating.)

Here are pictures of the two tea cups and saucers I bought at the flea market this weekend. They are decorated wth violets which are my favorite flower. When I was in my college they were my sorority's flower so have double reason to love them.

My sorority was founded in Maine and I lived there for many years. Violets grow wild there in spring time. Happily, when I moved to Pennsylvania I found more. My back yard is filled with them in the spring time.

Here are the two sets I bought. The first one has no name on the bottom so probably was made in Japan, maybe in the 40s or 50s, and it is just missing the sticker. It is a dainty size with a nice edge.

The second one was made in Japan for sure as you can see from the label on the bottom. It is such an unusual shape and almost demi-tasse size and of course covered with sprays of violets. Just had to buy it.

Now I normally just buy bone china cups and saucers but for some reason I was really drawn to these two.
I will have them on display just as soon as I decide where to put them.

So what do you think of the teacups and saucers I chose this week.

What I found when cleaning up my studio

2011-06-20T11:06:00.001-04:00

You never know what you will come across when you work on cleaning up an art space! I was pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of home made papers and projects I had made a number of years ago. When we lived in Maine one of interests was making homemade papers. I was quite gung-ho for awhile and even got involved in a few swaps. But as with a number of my interests once I have learned to do it, I am off on something else.
Amongst the homemade papers i found these few little projects I had made using paper and some pressed items from my gardens. I think I will probably use them in my new FTB garden journal. They should add an interesting contrast to the other papers I will be using.

If you click on the picture it will get larger and you can see some of the details better. There are dried daisies, pansies and something else I don't remember. And a lot of the paper was made using inclusions of dried herbs from my garden.

An aside to this story:

One day a friend of mine and I decided to make some paper using cat tails and didn't realize we shouldn't "cook" the stalks in the house. (Cooking is how you can make them "mushy" enought to press into paper. My dear, normally patient, husband was not at all pleased! The smell was awful. Since I didn't have a good place to cook outside I sort of changed my way of making paper and didn't do so much anymore. Here is a picture of a bit of cat tail paper that I still have left.
It isn't very pretty is it. I suppose it would look interesting as a layer of a project. I may end of using it in the journal and tell this story again.

Another Day, Another Flea Market

2011-06-19T15:28:00.001-04:00

We went to a local flea market today and found quite a bit to buy for the antique shop. I saw some teacups and took a couple of pictures. After looking closer I ended up buying two. You will have to check back on Tuesday when I show which ones I bought on my Tea Cup Tuesday blog.

I found some "crafting stuff" too. A pile of pearl like beads for the snowmen, some porcelain knobs for heads of the dress forms and this wonderful book to use to make a journal.The cover is from a book about taxes or such in Pennsylvania, from 1904. BUT.... the inside of the book it self was a mess. The covers and inside lining pages are wonderful. The inside pages of the book goes into my pile of papers for possible use later. Here is a picture. Isn't it beautiful. Or rather it will be.

Yesterday I worked on my FTB journal, the one I showed a day or two ago. I plan to make 5 signatures for the journal and I have 3 1/2 done. Here is a picture of the first signatures, probably a bit confusing to those not taking the class. It is hard to show the "insides of the signatures by doing other than just spreading them out. You will notice that the papers should go nicely with my idea of using the journal as a record of my backyard garden and flowers from elsewhere.

I will be interested in hearing your comments.

Sneak peeks at some of my crafting.

2011-06-18T12:58:00.000-04:00

My antique shop has been open since Wed. this week after two weeks of being closed due to travel. Thankfully my customers are used to my quirky ways and came back. Have had a good three days and two more to go this week if weather holds out.

Because of this I haven't spent as much time on my projects as I wanted but have managed to sneak in a few things.
Here is a picture of some bottles filled with pearl like beads. Now what will they be.... I will be able to show you in a few days.

The Full Tilt Boogie workshop has started. I have been watching the videos, several times over and getting ready to start. For the first project I won't be using the albums I had found earlier. I needed to find a different book to use for this one. Here is a picture of the one I have chosen. It is a very old journal. The book itself is pretty messy looking at first glance though perfect for what I will be doing. I was very surprised to open it and see that NONE of the pages had been used. I will use those pages for something else I imagine.

And today I will stuff all the little dress forms for that project. I have made the bodies and collected up things to use for the heads. Is that secretive enough? I hope to have some actual finished projects in the next week of so. I find if I do a little bit at a time I eventually get stuff done. It is when I spend too much time I get impatient and don't get anything done.

So hope you enjoy the little sneak peaks.

New classes, new ideas, busy busy busy!

2011-06-14T13:01:00.001-04:00

We went to Pocono Raceway which is fairly near our house, this past weekend. We saw the Sprint Cup Race. Had a good time and met some nice people. My favorite racer... Carl Edwards, didn't win.... oh well, he is still in first place It was a very patriotic weekend at the races. Out in the fan zone they had displays from various military groups like the Marines, Army guard and such. At the beginning of the race there was a lot of patriotic pomp and circumstance including a beautiful rendition of God Bless America. Here is a picture of all the soldiers getting ready to do the opening ceremony.

Since I was away all weekend I didn't do a Tea Cup Tuesday entry. You all can still check out the pages of the folks who did entries. (Just click here... to go to the site that has the list of those participating.)

I been busy this week collecting up things for a few on line classes I signed up for. One is Full Tilt Boogie. which I mentioned a few days ago. Click on the title to go to the site for info.
Another is to make the most adorable Dress Forms.... Go to this blog entry to learn about them. They are so cute. I have already started working on them.

Today I went to home in our area to pick up some little porcelain knobs to use on those forms. I put a request in on Free-Cycle to see if anyone had any and sure enough I got a good response. The fun part about going to the house was that I got to drive through one of the great covered bridges in our area. And I enjoyed seeing all the kayakers out on the water, going under the bridge. What fun.

This morning I spent some time running through favorite blogs that I have listed on my Google Reader. While there I came up with the most wonderful tutorial on how to make paper tape using all sorts of paper. I have some paper tape I have bought for other projects and it is ok but not really the designs I love. This tutorial shows how to make my own with designs I really want. You may want to check it out if you have an interest. Click here to go to Cathie Holden's blog to check it out!!!!
I have ordered the adhesive sheets I need and will collect up everything else in the meantime.

Tomorrow I open my shop again for the remainder of the week. I plan to work on some of these projects while I am out there between customers. Lots to do!!!!!

Oh yeah, right now I had better go do some housework.................................

Tea Cup Tuesday Again

2011-06-07T07:00:00.005-04:00

Here I am again on Tea Cup Tuesday. Be sure to visit the other sites after you visit me.
(Just click here... to go to the site that has the list of those participating.)

And I would love your comments as well.

This week I made a quick trip around my own antique shop and found some pictures of tea cups
to show you. Hope you enjoy them.

This is a child's tea set, possibly from the 40s or 50s. You can also buy a full adult size set of dishes with the golden wheat pattern. Homer Laughlin was one of the companies that made that set. This child's set was made in Japan. Wouldn't it be fun to have both sets.

This is a bone china set, made by Queen Anne.

Pretty blue pansy like flowers

Another bone china set. This one is called Winter and is made by Dutchess.

And finally here is a cute set to use as you serve tea. On the bottom it says Holland.

Hope you enjoyed this quick look at items in my shop.

BlueGrass in the Endless Mountains of PA

2011-06-06T10:30:00.002-04:00

If you follow my blog or know me personally you know my husband and I both enjoy attending BlueGrass Festivals. This is something we discovered later in life and I guess we are making up for lost time, attending as many festivals as we can.

This past weekend we went to the NEPA Bluegrass Festival. It is held in Tunkhannock, PA which is in NE Pennsylvania, hence the title I imagine. Tunkhannock is located in an area called the Endless Mountains. It is beautiful country and makes for a great place for a festival.

Lazy Brook Park is the venue for the event. Although I couldn't find much info on the web, I have been told that the area was formerly a small subdivision or neighborhood that was flooded a few times. It was finally decided to remove all the houses and turn it into a city recreation area. The streets are still there, some of the planting from the former houses as well. It is nestled right on the river so that enhances the place. I don't know if it has flooded recently but if it did it wouldn't take long to get it back to the beauty it is.

It is situated on Tunkhannock Creek which feeds into the Susquehanna River. The creek seems a "small" name for the size. But it is lovely.

Here is our camper set up in a shady grove.

And here is a picture of the stage people setting up for the concerts to come.

We were pleased to be able to see one of our favorite blue grass groups, Aspen Run, perform. We have followed them for a number of years and actually were at their first festival appearance several years ago. They just get better and better.

Another group that played at the event was

Larry Gillis & His Hard Driving Bluegrass Band

They were quite a few more groups performing but I was generally too busy listening to take pictures. I will "try" to do better at our next festival.

A Visit to a Group Antique Shop

2011-06-02T20:58:00.000-04:00

Today while we were in Tunkhannock a quaint little town in the northern tier of Pennsylvania, we stopped in at a group antique shop we had just learned about. It is called the Bridge Street Market Place. The building was huge and set up beautifully. Several areas were done up as rooms, displaying the items they had for sale. I went around taking pictures of some of the things I enjoyed most. I didn't buy much but had a great time.

Upon entering the store this great little white dinette set caught my eye. Wouldn't be great in a small kitchen?

Nearby I found this amazing mirrored room divider. Too bad it wasn't for sale because it was stunning.

Turquoise and coral compliment each other so well, don't they?

I was quite taken with this bedroom . Everything goes so well together and makes the room quite inviting. All the old, mismatched furniture painted white makes it such a cheerful space.

And here is a scene that would look great on a porch. The chairs, shabby chic for sure, were just begging to have someone sit in them for some relaxation.

The lady who owns the shop has a great eye for what goes well together and makes the room settings so inspiring. I started taking pictures to remind myself and then realized I should share them on this blog.
Hope you enjoyed them. Would love to see your comments.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-05-31T07:00:00.022-04:00

Here I am again on Tea Cup Tuesday. Be sure to visit the other sites after you visit me.
(Just click here... to go to the site that has the list of those participating.)

And I would love your comments as well.

We took another visit to one of our local flea markets on Sunday. I found a lot of teacups available although I didn't find any to buy. Here are pictures of some of them.

This pretty blue one looked like a Shelley and I got quite excited when I saw it. However it wasn't.

It was a name I had never heard of before so I didn't buy it.

This brown and white one was quite old but it had a good bit of roughage. I might have bought it if it had been in better shape.

Here is a group of Japanese (I think) demi-tasse.

They didn't have any name on the bottom but they were nice.\

This is a group of several types. There is bone china and several of the copper luster style.

And finally here is a collection already started.

I love to look at all the tea cups. I have so many now though that I probably won't buy many more.

BUT!!! never say never.

Comeback next week. I will have some things to show that are presently in my antique shop.

I feel like we are living in a RAIN FOREST

2011-05-27T13:40:00.001-04:00

Having lived in Puerto Rico for three years, not too far away from the El Yunque Rainforest, I am having deja vu type feelings as I look in our yard. Because of all the rain we have had our yard is so lush and green. I think our flowers are the happiest they have ever been. And my poor husband is nearly worn out from mowing. Well maybe not.

Here are some of the pictures I took yesterday. If you click on each picture it will get bigger and you can probably see it better.

The chives in my herb garden are going crazy. I should cut some!

I love the colors in this big basket.

This picture shows the boy planter I got a couple of years ago. AND a "stump" planter that has hens and chicks in it. I got this last summer from a lady over in Reedsville, PA at a flea market. I didn't have to do anything special to have them winter over. Just left them in the stump and placed it in a corner of the house, outside. It was a bit protected but don't know that it even mattered. They have come back with a vengence.

Here is the girl planter that I bought at the same time as the boy planter.

Here is a single Purple Iris competing for sun and space with a large group of tiger lilies.

They will be ready to bloom after the Iris has done its thing.

I tucked a small six pack of these little pansies, or maybe Johnny Jumpups in a planter and tucked it into a garden that is filled with black eyed susans. They will bloom in the fall. I hope the pansies will keep on doing their thing.

More Purple Iris. These are in another garden.

and here are some Yellow Iris. I didn't get a good picture cause they are in a shady area in the garden. They don't seem to mind the shade though. There are more pretty areas. I will save them for another day.

Full Tilt Boogie

2011-05-23T09:25:00.002-04:00

If you have been following my blog for awhile you know that I seem to jump from one interest to another. I also like to take on line art classes. A while back I took a class from Mary Ann Moss called Remains of the Day and have done two different journals using her methods. Here are the links to the pages I did about this class:
http://agardenersart.blogspot.com/2009/12/altered-art-and-christmas.html
http://agardenersart.blogspot.com/2009/12/continuing-with-remains-of-day-project.html
http://agardenersart.blogspot.com/2009/12/we-are-going-to-have-white-christmas.html

She is now preparing a new class called Full Tilt Boogie. Click on that title to go to her blog to learn about it. She hasn't gotten around to doing the full description or the price yet but I will be there when it begins in June.

I have picked up a couple of antique picture albums on Etsy and have already a collection of cabinet cards from the era. A while back I did some altered work on some.... Click here to see the pictures of them.

Here are pictures of the two photo albums I bought. I imagine they won't look like this eventually.

And here is a picture of a couple of pages in the above book. they aren't in great shape but after I learn Mary Ann's techniques they should be great.

This class won't be started until some time in June, so won't have any more reports until it does but thought some of you might like to check it out.

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-05-11T06:47:00.001-04:00

Tea Cup Tuesday
Click here for other Tea Cup Tuesday blogs.

I haven't been here in awhile which is obvious. Just too much going on in my life I guess. I seem to take pictures with the plan to do a blog entry but then get sidetracked.

This past weekend while we were in upstate New York for Mother's Day we attended the CNY Regional Market on Sunday morning. A must place for us to visit when ever we are in the area.

I did a blog entry yesterday about it. While taking pictures I found several that would be good for a blog entry on Tea Cup Tuesday so here they are. I have no names of companies that made them but I thought I would show them anyway.

This tea set shows tea cups and saucers and such that are silver luster. Very elegant. They would need to be cleaned up a bit but would make a great looking table setting.

This is a sweet little teapot. A cup for one or two.

This cup and saucer do not match but do look pretty together.

And this pink pretty demitasse was nice!

Here are the other things you would need for a tea party.

Included are a couple of copper luster pieces from Czechoslovakia.

I didn't buy any of these but did enjoy seeing them. Hope you do too.

A sunday morning at the flea market.

2011-05-10T11:50:00.001-04:00

Central New York Regional Market

Mother's Day weekend is now over but we had a lovely time. I got to spend a lot of time with my daughter which is GOOD, Don't get to see her nearly enough. Enjoyed seeing my grandson who must have grown another foot!!! And other family members as well.

After a full day of yard saling and regular shopping on Saturday, Sunday morning meant we would go to the Central New York Regional Market, one of our absolute favorites! Click here to learn a bit more about it.

We like to get there by 8am to get the best buys. The first stop is always the "junk dealers" who bring in boxes and boxes of stuff, usually gotten at auction or out of a house. You never know what you will find but generally, with patience, it can be very rewarding. You must look through every box or you might miss something wonderful.

Not very pretty to look at but oh the stuff we found.

After leaving that area we head to the regular vendors who have lots of variety of items. I only took a few pictures but I must say there isn't much that you need that can't be found here.

Here are some of the variety of things we saw. Not that we bought much of this.

The first picture is purses.

Old Toys and more Old Toys

And how about a brass bed?

Lots of flowers!

And veggies and food........................

My favorite part of the day was getting to meet a great vendor named Sandy. I imagine she was pleased I came by since I bought several items from her. Things I just HAD TO HAVE.

The chairs will hold little potted plants up in my kitchen window, the herb embroidered picture will hang on the kitchen wall and the metal lady is going to be a part of a collage I am planning.

And so another fun day at a flea market came to an end. The weather was excellent.

The only problem with the day was that the donut guy wasn't there!

Check out my blog tomorrow for "Tea Cup Tuesday" where I will show off a few more things

I saw at the flea market. market.

Birds in the Backyard

2011-05-05T20:54:00.000-04:00

Birds in the Backyard

My husband spends a lot of time (and money) feeding the birds in the backyard.

It pays off with interesting sightings.

Here is a Robin sitting patiently on her nest. While she was away we "peaked" in and saw three eggs.

This is a pair of rose breasted grosbeaks. They are such a pretty bird and they do seem

to like the choice of food that has been provided

And finally a large group of gold finches at their feeding station. There is always a crowd on this feeder.

Daisy, Daisy

2011-03-08T08:58:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was able to pick up the quilt project I had inadvertently left at the quilt shop. Here it is. This square is not quite done. the daisy needs a center circle. Then I need to make three more which I plan to start today. I will show my progress here in the next couple of days. I have gotten all the parts cut out and the petals stitched. So it shouldn't take quite as long as the first one.

If you click on the picture you can see a larger view and you will be able to see the machine applique. I am still learning on this new machine but it turned out pretty well. The best thing about this technique is now smooth the petals are. I am very pleased so far.

As to our snow, it is melting away thanks to the sun. There is only a little over an inch out there now., except where the snow was shoveled up. It is due tp rain again this week.... maybe this time?????

Snow again..... enough already

2011-03-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

We have had bare ground for a week at least. Then we got two days of heavy rain. However, overnight the temps dropped and this is what we woke up to today. I won't be going out to the quilt shop for awhile, or maybe not at all if they don't open because of the storm. They follow school closings.

At least the birds are finding food in our yard. Here are Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal at the feeder. You have to look closely on the left side of feeder to see the female but she is there. Naturally Mr. Cardinal is right up front!

Tune in Tuesday to see the results of my quilting class.

2011-03-06T09:22:00.001-05:00

I took the class and it was so much fun. I was planning to show you how far along I had gotten. UNFORTUNATELY my finished work is still at the shop. The shop lady had taken the piece to match up the fabric I would use for the trim and then forgot to put the square in my bag. I didn't notice and by the time I got home it was too late to go back. But Monday morning I will be there to pick it up, I hope. Unless we end up going away somewhere that I not expecting at the moment.

Anyway, I had such fun in the class and did pretty much finish up one of the squares. Three more to go but they won't take as long as the first.
The secret in this class was learning to use QuiltSmart.   It is a product I didn't know about. In this particular project there are a lot of curved lines in the petals and this makes it so simple to applique.
Click here to see the kit for the project I am doing is this one...... Black Eyed Susan.......    Mine won't look quite like this because I am using very different colors.   But so far it is beautiful. Can't wait to show you.
I was hoping to work on another square between customers in my shop today. However I need to make the other squares the same way as the first one, meaning the various fabrics must be in the same location on each square and I don't remember how I did it. OH WELL.... I will just have to work on it later in the week once I get it back.
NEXT TIME I will pay attention..............   LOL

    I also got a lot more practice on my new machine, doing machine applique which I had never really done before. So between learning a new quilting method and getting more proficient on my machine I feel the day was very much worthwhile.

We are presently having a LOT of rain. It has been raining pretty steadily since last night and is supposed to continue on into tonight. But it shouldn't stop me from opening my shop. Or entertaining friends for dinner tonight. But some folks in our area may suffer from flash flooding. We live up on a hill so shouldn't have any problems. And IT ISN"T SNOW!!!!!!

Off to a quilting class

2011-03-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

This morning I will be going to my local quilt shop to take a class. The picture below shows the pattern and the selected fabric. This is a new technique using a special kind of interfacing. That is all I know at the moment. I will be making a wall hanging. Tomorrow I will show you the results. Or at least how far I have gotten.

Books, Books and more Books

2011-03-02T11:13:00.001-05:00

If you know me very well you know I love books. I love to read. I also like books about things I am interested in. At the moment I seem to be adding books about quilting and paper arts. And always new cookbooks.

I obtain books everywhere. I get them from Library, borrowing or buying from their book sales. I get them from yard sales, flea markets, regular bookstores, places on line. AND I trade or accept gifts of books.

In our house in Maine every time we re-did a room we made sure to add bookshelves. In this house we haven't so many places to put bookshelves. HOWEVER that hasn't stopped me. In one of our walk in closets we added thin shelves and that is where I store a lot of books. In the remodeled kitchen we made sure there was a good sized bookcase.

These are all cookbooks!

And when all else fails I find places to get rid of them. I take a lot every summer to a local flea market where I trade them for credit to buy more books. Also I put books out in my antique shop and fortunately some of my customers find they need to buy them!

So now I have discovered Paper Back Swap on line. You list the books you are willing to trade, people ask for them. You send them and you get credits to get some for yourself. It isn't the cheapest thing because you have to pay for the postage to send the books. But the ones you get back are sent free AND media mail isn't too expensive.

So I have listed quite a few books and am having success, people want my books. And I have already ordered and received some in return. It is fun actually and except for having to go to the post office to mail them, not so bad.

Speaking of Post Offices, our little local post office just closed. I loved going there. It was just up the road, no parking problems and easy in and out. Now I have to go down town, worry about a place to park, which I have to pay for, and then wait in line inside. I am presently not a happy camper about that.

But back to the mailing, here is today's load of outgoing books. They provide you with the pdf to print out with address etc. You just wrap and mail.

Almost all of our snow is gone except a couple of places in deep shade. So I went out to check out the daffodils. There are three clumps of them in one of our beds that are doing nicely. Looking forward to seeing their cheery yellow faces. Here is one closeup.

While I was out looking at my gardens to see if anything else was happening I found some Sedum just starting.

And when I checked on my azalea bushes I found a few blossoms. They have quite a ways to go but these are all hopeful signs of spring.

Hope to have more spring like pictures soon.

Catching up

2011-02-24T09:07:00.001-05:00

How is it that we have such great intentions when starting a blog. But then life keeps getting in the way. Have been fairly busy this week but not much exciting.

We did start of the week on Sunday by attending the annual Daytona Watching Party at out neighbors. We figure we have been going for 11 years now.

We always take a cake to contribute, though this year we also took some of my yummy onion clusters.
My husbands favorite driver is Kyle Busch (probably my least favorite one) so when he ordered the cake this year he had them feature Kyle's M and Ms car.

The race was pretty boring actually until the last couple of minutes when very young Trevor Bayne won. He is just turned 20! The good news was that my favorite driver, Carl Edwards, came in second!

We got another blast of winter Sunday night. About 6 inches this time. The scenes outside were pretty but it was sort of sad since we had finally gotten to bare ground.

So now we just sit and wait for Spring, or our trip to the Nascar Race in Bristol, TN. depending on which comes first. Hope we don't have to dig the camper out of the snow so we can get it ready. We have had to do that in the past unfortunately. But it is so worth it to us.

Spring may be Springing?????

2011-02-13T17:25:00.001-05:00

We still have a LOT of snow on the ground but it seems like it may doin some melting this week. My husband was looking around the property today and took these two pictures. They make it seem like Spring may be on its way. If you at the pointed end of the arrow you can see the little daffodils popping up. Notice where the snow is melting away.

And below is a close up. I think there is now hope for spring. The temps are supposed to be getting better this coming week so I am hopeful we will see more little hints of spring.

But doesn't that look great.

Yellow

2011-02-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

Today I am posting some ATCs that I just completed and mailed off. The theme was Yellow. I decided, since I seem to be doing a lot of wishing for Spring lately, that I would add to that thought. Yellow is the color of Spring.....

Here are my ATCs for this swap. I sent off two of them and kept one for myself as I usually do. The next color we must do is Orange. Have to start collecting up little bits and bobs for that one.

We have lots of visits from the little gold finches in our garden and I can always tell when Spring is approaching because their feathers begin to turn yellow. Unfortunately no such turning yet. We have a finch feeder right outside the window where I sit to do a lot of my work.

Yesterday was a fun day. We went up to Wilkes Barre, our nearest big city for SHOPPING. I was happy to be able to get to Barnes and Nobel and to JoAnn fabrics. Found all of the items on my "need" list at JoAnn's. I didn't even go to Michaels cause I had found everything at JoAnns.

Now I have no excuses to not finish a couple of planned projects.

Where or where does the time go.

2011-02-08T15:04:00.002-05:00

Does that seem like a theme. I get going good on blogging and then I get sidetracked. Actually that is true about many things in my life. I am easily side tracked.

For those who were following my quilt making adventure...... I took the quilt top to my local quilt shop and my friend Rita is going to machine quilt it for me in the next couple of weeks (I hope.) While there I signed up to take a quilting class to make a pretty wall hanging. That will be early in March so don't hold your breath for any pictures just yet.

I spent some time "reorganizing" up in my studio. Didn't get a while lot done but did throw out a big trash bag of junk. Even for a saver like me this was junk and needed to be gone. While doing that
I did find a box full of stuff to "share" in a sense..... I am now in a swap with my friends at Belle Papier (a yahoo group of paper artists.) and another swap with friends from a group called Remains of the Day. It is a yahoo group formed by the leader of a Class in journal making. We make journals out of "junk" mail, stray papers and what ever comes along. So I filled 6 gallon size baggies full for the Belle Papier Swap and 10 quart size baggies for the ROD swap. Of course it feels good to send them off but the other side is that I will be getting that many in return. At least it will be different stuff.
Here is a picture I took of the baggies going to the Belle Papier swap. You can't see much but you will get the ideas. I forgot to take a picture of the ones for the ROD swap.

Here are a couple of links back to when I first joined the Remains of the Day Group. I didn't blog much after the first bit of work. But you will get the idea of the cover anyway. Maybe someday I will do a blog just on it. Again, just don't hold your breath.
http://agardenersart.blogspot.com/2009/12/altered-art-and-christmas.html
http://agardenersart.blogspot.com/2009/12/continuing-with-remains-of-day-project.html
In another area of my life, I have been doing a lot of sending and receiving of postcards from the Post Crossing swap group. And some from SwapBot as well. I have been getting cards from all over the world: China, Belarus, Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, Sweden and Australia among the many. It is fun to find the cards in the mail every couple of days.
When I was taking an on-line class for decorative box making which I talked about in an earlier blog I made a box to hold the post cards. Here is the box. It is covered with hand made paper and the graphics include logos from the two groups. Maybe not so easy to see. There is also a picture of a few of the cards I have received

And that is a bit of why I keep getting side tracked, going from one hobby to the next.

So I have been missing..............

2011-01-22T17:02:00.001-05:00

I had every intention of posting here a number of days ago but obviously good intentions aren't always carried through.

I did finish the quilt, at least the piecing part. I am going to have someone else do machine quilting. I just don't have the space or ability really. Here is a quick picture I took. It looks like of messy, can't spread it out anywhere so you will have to wait until I get it machine quilted to see the final project I suppose.
It does seem a bit of a jumble but I supposed that it part of it. Anyway, I love all the colors as they remind me of my teenage years.

Since I have finished the quilt top, I have put the sewing machine away (I donated the old one to the Salvation Army) Now I am spending time working on various art type products.

I belong to a group called ATC-Art Dolls where we create and swap paper dolls. All are "artsy" none are tradtional. Sometimes they are done full size, other times they must be the size of Artist Trading Cards which at always to be 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches. The dolls can be bigger but must fold up to fit the size and to be able to be put into a holder.
Here are two I just finished and mailed off today. The theme was clocks and clock parts. As I said, not traditional. I used graphics, not actual clock or watch parts but I suppose I could have if I had the parts and they were small enough. The arms and legs are "clock hands" and are attached by tiny little brads so they can move. The head is as well.

I made a clockman and a clockwoman.

They are different but I think they are fun.

Snow and quilt squares

2011-01-12T16:18:00.001-05:00

No cat pictures today. Instead you get to see some of the snow we were blessed with over night.

The building in this picture is the back part of my antique shop and next to it, my husbands workshop.

It was the first real snow of the season. About 6 or 7 inches I think. The roads are clear now and I actually went to the grocery store a bit ago. No problems walking or driving.

Last night I finished the sewing of 28 of the squares for the quilt. Still have to sew 7 more I think. Each square is a different combination of the fabrics. It has been interesting trying to make it that way but so far so good. So this is a picture of the 28 squares.

I hope to start the final ones this evening and maybe finish them off tomorrow. I have some other projects I need to start so really want the quilt top done by the weekend. As to quilting it, well we shall see. Being a bit lazy I will probably send it out to be machine quilted. In the good old days I would have set up the quilt frame in the living room and quilted it by hand. But probably not now.

My quilt fabric is being guarded when I am not around.

2011-01-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

I am still working on the quilt. But my cat Spooky isn't too sure she likes me doing it. Or maybe she is just protecting the fabric.

It really is coming together but there doesn't seem to be much to show yet. I am hopeful I will have all the squares done by the weekend. Then I will take a picture before I put them together. There are 35 squares. Probably the best thing is I am getting more and more familiar with the new sewing machine. I am feeling quite comfortable with straight sewing. My next project will have to be something with a little bit of decorative stitching perhaps.

I worked on my quilt, sort of.

2011-01-09T07:00:00.014-05:00

q While my cats were napping yesterday I was working on my new quilt project.

I spent a couple of hours on it yesterday afternoon. The first thing I had to do was a LOT of cutting with my rotary cutter and mat. Then I did the next step which was to start sewing some parts together and cutting them again. Sort of like a puzzle. I had to go very slowly and measure a lot. But have to admit it is fun and I sure am enjoying doing the stitching on my new machine. The first picture here shows the pile of some of the parts I cut and the second shows some sort of put together. Lots more to do.

During the day it snowed off and on, but since I didn't have to go anywhere it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. Oh yeah, my antique shop was open but not so busy because of the weather, so I wasn't interrupted too much.

I hope to have more to show you tomorrow. Maybe some things actually beginning to look like a quilt top.

The First Project

2011-01-08T07:00:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I started collecting up the fabric I will be using for the first project on my sewing machine. I am going to make a lap quilt using fabric with '50s colors, you know .... pink, turquoise, coral etc. I found a lot of these at Wal-Mart, believe it or not, awhile ago.To get the rest I needed I went toJoAnn Fabrics.

I found the pattern for a quilt using "fat quarters" and that is what I will do. In case you don't know a "fat quarter" if a quarter yard of fabric cut a bit differently. To make it more useful they take a 1/2 yard cut and cut it in half. Therefore a quarter yard. That means you can use it more easily in quilting and other crafting projects.

There are 12 different fat quarters. Today I hope to start cutting them into the required sizes to make the quilt. Yesterday I ironed them to make cutting easier and more accurate. I will show a few of the cuts as I make them so you will understand what I am doing. So tune in tomorrow.

I won over the machine

2011-01-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

I am happy to report that I found out how and successfully learned how to thread my new sewing machine thanks to the man at the sewing machine where I bought it, all the way down in Alabama. He was patient with me and it worked.

Then later I was having trouble getting the reverse to work. Nothing in the manual gave me any idea how to trouble shoot this. So..... this time I called the Brother Sewing Machine company help line. The lady there explained there was a switch on the back I should check. It was in the proper place but I decided to turn it off and on and suddenly it decided to work.

So if you decide to buy a Brother Sewing Machine you can be sure you will get help, easily, when you need it.

In the next couple of days I want to start on some sewing projects. Yesterday I did some practice stitching. There are a LOT of great stitches included in the machine so here is a picture of my samples. Not too fancy, just wanted to make sure they all worked.

I am much happier this morning than I was yesterday morning, I still have to learn to use the embroidery part of the machine but that is for a later day.

Out with the old, in with the new... SEWING MACHINE that is.

2011-01-04T11:33:00.001-05:00

I gave myself a big Christmas gift this year. Something I have wanted for ages..... a new sewing machine and also one that embroiders. Too bad I didn't have it when my kids were little. My daughter could have had all those "cute" little outfits. But in those days an embroidery machine cost thousands....

After spending a LOT of time researching on the internet I determined that I "NEEDED" to get a Brother SE400 sewing machine. It is an electronic sewing machine and it does nice embroidery. Every comment I read from users said good things, ease of use, fun to use etc.

WELL...... I have been sewing on one type of sewing machine or another for OVER 60 years and never had such trouble.... I can't figure out how to thread the stupid thing!!! I am sure I will figure it out eventually.... Since I didn't buy it locally there isn't really anyone I can ask without driving a couple of hours...... They do sell them at my local wal-mart but heaven forbid they would know how to use them. So for the next little while I will be practicing threading. I have to tell you that my old machine loaded bobbins easier too. Don't know why this is so complicated since the result is the same. I am thinking of keeping my old machine just to load bobbins.... well probably not..... But it is an idea....

Here is the picture of the old machine... a kenmore. The reason it is going is because it no longer will reverse and the stitches are extremely uneven on the straight stitch. I just stopped sewing mostly cause of the problems.

Doesn't it look lonely sitting on the shelf. I will be giving it away after I make sure the new one works correctly.
The new machine is a Brother SE400.
If you click on that link you can learn all you ever need to know about the machine, except how to thread it.
I shall quit now and go back to the problem at hand. I hope tomorrow I can report some success here.

This week "Artful Thursday" falls on a Friday

2010-12-10T10:21:00.001-05:00

In the past I have made some blog entries under the heading of Artful Thursday. This week I am a day late.

For some reason I have gotten totally away from crafting and blogging and all those things. Some of it has to do with the fact that my antique shop is pretty busy these days. And we spent a few days at our daughters house for Thanksgiving. But more than that I have just sunk into a rut where I can't seem to convince myself to get back to it.

However I signed up recently for a year long series of work shops on the site ROSES ON MY TABLE.

It is the same site where I was doing a workshop on decorating bottles. This time I am doing a "treasure box."
Now I didn't completely follow her design. I sort of designed it as I went along but I followed her techniques. And then made it my own. The box is really a simple one which I am now using to hold some vintage photos I "altered" awhile back.

After taking pictures of the box I see a few things I must touch up and I have to clean the brass closure. Also I don't think the pictures really do it justice.

Here are a couple of pictures of the box closed and one open.

If you want to see close ups of the altered photos Click Here. This link will take you to the blog entry where I show the photos I altered..

Off to Philadelphia Miniaturia I GO (6 Word Saturday)

2010-11-06T05:30:00.001-04:00

Off to Philadelphia Miniaturia I GO

I am up very early this morning, getting ready to go to the biggest Miniature Show I have ever attended. I can hardly wait.

I know I will be tempted to spend a lot of money but am hopeful I will mostly bring home inspiration and enthusiasm to get back to some of the projects I have already started!

I will have pictures and stories to tell when I get back. Please check here Monday for all the details.