Collections

I'm sure I'm not the only one to whom it seems there is always an event in the way of moving to the next big task.  Since Memorial Day I have said AFTER the rain stops and the 4th has come and gone I will reorganize the studio, garage and attic. 

(The no more excuses time has arrived!  Or has it? )

It's getting to the stash(es) of collections and materials piled up or tucked away for future art & craft that has become overwhelming.  I actually want and need to have the work space de-cluttered so I can move more freely as I get the dog beds made.  I do think less searching for the elements will help me, a lot!

I am distracted by the heat so I am working in the hot studio rather than purging the blistering attic.

So, as I take a break I visited Mamie Jane's blogspot and thought I would show one of my collections.  It happened during a bit of a re-do in thinking in how to use vertical air space; here is a stack of vintage tablecloths and a jar of creamers looking pretty on the kitchen display shelves.

Satisfied with myself having pulled things together and happy to repurpose the big glass cylinder previously for large flowers arrangements:

Creamers: they will be enjoyed on a vertical view!

The studio and garage and attic can wait for a cool down and I still made progress, right?

A real sparkler of a 4th

Our tradition of celebrating the 4th of July is both exhausting and exhilarating.  The dishes are finally clean and the yard once again bottle-cap and debris free.  

Without 'Picnic Style' we would be hungry!  Our being able to host these backyard parties depends on the older generation bringing the side dishes as the 21+ fill up the iced kiddy pool & coolers with beer!  

Even The Little Guy celebrates! He loves the flannel fabric on this Patriotic Pup Bed

 The tradition continues and the yard is in full bloom!  Of course, when we forget about all of the work and do it again next year the only suggestion to guests is likely to be the usual:

• Wander over to say 'hey' with a drink in your hand
• Wanna stay awhile? Bring a dish to share
• Want protein? The grill will be lit (and tended) throw it on, sit down and be served by the talents of the man of the yard! 

As hostess I wander and wander and enjoy all the conversation and activity. 

Every year on the days following as I load and reload my dishwasher I make a mental note: 

'At the end of the evening ask guests to take their side dishes with them, so, I don't have to remember who brought each container to return!'  Okay that's not the full truth...so I don't have to clean them!  

Maybe next year I'll say if you leave your Crate & Barrel casserole THANK YOU, I Love IT!

Maybe next year!

Pampered or Spoiled?

So excited I am now collaborating with a fantastic shop keeper who is carrying these little pads for you pet-pal!  

 

 Pillows are reversible (black/white flips over to hot pink bubbles with a coordinating plaid box; trimmed in lace and fringe.)

AVAILABLE: Pink Four-Poster with Bow
 Interior is 21" x 12" so the perfect fit for your 'toy' breed (Pug, Toy Poodle, Jack Russel, etc) and
has the CUTEST hardware and comes with a companion pillow stuffed in feather down just for you!

We would LOVE to ship one to you!

We offer custom orders or, select a finished product and we'll decoratively paint it with your pets' name and a word or two that best describes your relationship: pampered, spoiled, buddy, purrfect, etc)

Hand crafted in the old school way each is individually made and takes about 6 days of thoughtful design & labor PER finished product.  We can ship available items with-in 2 business days.  

For Custom orders allow 4-6 weeks to your door! INQUIRE regarding 'time til ship' on custom pieces; please reserve yours!

 

AVAILABLE: The Little Guy!

this will fit your small buddy: Chihuahua, cat, mini Pinscher, etc

Has a nice vintage yellow and black.with a custom backboard full of critters to keep your little guy company!  Stenciled with 'Perky' on one side and 'Perch' on the other.  (I will add a picture later, just noticed I did not get a photo of it and it's at the shop!)

So, the question is what's the difference between Pampered and Spoiled?  Your comments welcome!
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Thinking "I can do this!"?  Here's what you'll need:

• about 20-40 hours of hands on production time with 4-6 days for curing time, etc
• an eye for product design and time to search for
• the ability to re-finish wood
• sand
• stain
• paint
• finish

• accurate measurement & creation of headboard
• secure installation of posts and feet 
• Sewing Knowledge and Experience
• tufted mattresses
• pillows

• know-how for applying decorative Hardware and Paint

If you checked 'got it all' on the above list, the skill & confidence is there:

Here is the list of electric tools I use:

• table saw
• jig saw
• sander
• reversible drill
• scroll saw
• Sewing Machine (I use a Bernina)

Curly Willow Heart

A project for my booth at the Farmers Market which is opening up the first weekend of May, just in time for a fine Mothers Day!

Nature provided lovely curly willow!  These have been coaxed into a heart shape that measures about 24".

Embellished with about 1/3 - 1/2 yard of pretty cotton fabric strips hand torn and wired for a vintage look they become a pretty floral that waits to brighten moms day. 

Each has been embellished with something fun and while it takes strong hands to wire and some time to create, I simply know when each one is done when I smile at it!

Each fabric flower is wired so can be swapped out depending on the season or message.  The yellow one is HAPPY with a little daisy touch; the Country Blue has a pink strippy rose flower.  Both have hanging wire for easy installation.

Home of the Brave Courtyard: Welcome Home Soldier!

In a previous post I mentioned I was not sure how I would use the Home of the Brave sign.  Thought I would show you...

I put together a very large 'woods inspired' wreath (hubby calls it 'the weed') with moss, pussy willows, bark, branches and lovely natural natives of our area.  Attached the flags and sign and waited for 'leave' when our soldier drove 1400 miles in 20 hours to get here!  He noticed and smiled, shaking his head, "You put that out there for me didn't you mom?"...I know he loves these touches!

Home of the Brave

This is the lid to a 12" x 7" Vintage wine box.   It's been in use in the garage for decades and eventually, due to the humid climate, it no longer slides onto the box itself.

'Sonoma Valley Wines from Sebastiani Vineyards' on the original top and painted and stenciled 'Home of the Brave' by me on the reverse.  'Home of the Brave' because in this case it is true!

Not sure how I will hang it; I like that it's two sided, but hanging it will hide the wine-side.

I'll clarify:  the box is vintage; the wine loooooooooong gone!

Is it finished?

Hmmm, since the white on this painting photographs blue-ish I am wondering if I am just not finished.  There is no blue in this room! I was going for a lattice-like affect.  Did I capture that?  Hmmmm?