Upcoming Projects

Well, I had a lovely birthday. And my dear friend Gary sent me a bunch of vintage cards and photographs. As well as a collage box that he and his wife made. I love it! Now, I just need to get busy with my own collages. I need to work on my gifts for my TeaSwap buddy and send out my last Secret Pal 10 package. I just signed up for the new Sweet Goodness swap. We have to come up with six things for a Red and Orange Summer bucket swap. One has to be crafty and one has to be thrifty. This could be a challenge!

I am also going to work on a special thank-you gift for my mom since she threw me a lovely birthday party. But I'm keeping that under wraps for now!

Swap Info About Me

I thought I'd post some information about myself for swaps! It is always helpful to know a lot about the people you are swapping with. Helps spark creative ideas.

Favorite Colors: I love bright, bold colors.

Interests: I am an avid reader and I work in a library. I collect first edition/rare books and I especially love old children's books. I  love vintage Vera (Neumann/ladybug) and Marimekko scarves, clothing and linens. Anything with bright happy prints! If I had the figure and the budget, I would dress like this all the time. I also watch a LOT of movies. My home is filled with bright colors and my home is evolving into a country farmhouse look.  Love things with black cats on them! (or black and white cats) I also love aprons!!! I'm starting to collect them. I also like images of 1950's housewives and classic pin-up girls.  I get a lot of my inspiration from COUNTRY LIVING magazine. I have a young son who is the light of my life and I love making things for him.

Book interests: I read mostly modern literary fiction but I also enjoy the occasional mystery or non-fiction book.

Crafting interests: Lately, I have enjoyed sewing and working with paper crafts. I enjoy doing collages and painting a variety of wooden objects and also knitting on occasion.

ParTea Time Swap

I am so excited! I just received my swap partner for Risa's ParTea Time Swap. I have been partnered with Miss Dolly from From My Cherry Heart. This is going to be so fun!!!

Sweet Goodness Swap

I am so excited for the next Sweet Goodness Swap! I have already signed up for the ParTea Swap with the ParTea Planner which begins on the 19th. The Sweet Goodness Swaps are crafty and thrifty and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Find details here:

Sweet Goodness Swaps

(I borrowed the image above from Thrifty Goodness. You can find the link in my sidebar)

Finished Fiesta Ribbon Topiary

LBC Birthday Giveaway

I am hosting a birthday giveaway at my personal blog.

Join in the fun here.

Yarn Harlot and Other News

I finished the ribbon topiary last night while watching "America's Next Top Model." (Hooray, Jaslene!!!) I'll post a picture soon.

It is just about time to get back to my knitting projects. I plan on doing a pair of baby booties and a bunny as a gift for a pregnant friend. I have to confess something, though. I have been knitting lace-edged washcloths for several months and they only involved the knit stitch and some yarn-overs. I worry that I have forgotten how to purl. Seriously. I hope it will come back to me.

The Yarn Harlot is coming to town next month for a book signing and I ran to the bookstore and got my reserved seating ticket. I'm excited!!!

I am adding "Not Martha" to my list of inspirational blogs. Purl reminded me of it and I have found some good project ideas there. Check it out!

Ribbon Topiary

It isn't finished yet but this is the ribbon topiary that I am making for a centerpiece for my birthday party. I collect Mexican folk art and I love bright colors so my party is a "Fiesta" theme. I plan on filling the base with coffee beans.

Crafter Birthday Wish List

So, my birthday is May 25 and several people have been asking me what I would like. I feel so lucky that I already have just about everything my little heart desires. But I think I would like things that would help me to create stuff for other people. Here is my wish list:

1. vintage wallpaper rolls/pages
2. old black/white family photos that people don't want (especially close-ups)
3. vintage buttons
4. ribbon
5. gift certificates to Michael's
6. pre-1975 children's books with good drawings/pictures
7. vintage greeting cards (pre-1970)
8. Starbucks gift card (to fuel my art)

Creative Outlets

I created this blog to post my creative endeavors. Check back here to see some of my projects and ideas.

In the meantime, check out all of the creative people selling their wares on Etsy. (Ellen needs to open up a shop there!!!!)