Just Tickety-Boo

love match

2012-02-14T06:36:00.001-05:00

Well happy Valentine's Day everyone - I managed to get another entry done for Tag Tuesday to celebrate the day. Found this couple in a travel brochure (thinking late 1950s) for New Brunswick Canada of all places. I just thought they were so incredibly funny (her clutching his arm, him clutching his ahems, LOL).

Read more on how I made it over at Tag Tuesday. Enjoy!

Back To The Start

2012-02-12T21:41:00.000-05:00

A wonderful commercial for an important cause. Just saw it while watching the Grammys...If your a Coldplay or Willie Nelson fan you will love it....

Custom Snapshots

2012-02-11T17:34:00.000-05:00

My weekend did not exactly go as planned - I was going to go home to Canada for a visit but the weather turned very nasty here Friday afternoon so I stayed put (and COLD - it was 5 F this morning which Miss Gwendoline was very unhappy about). So I had a little extra time for putz-in. Seems I can fit in at least one ATC on the weekends.

I was flipping through some old Life magazines for another project when I found this great ad for the Polaroid Land Camera (1959). He just has such a goofy look on his face. And I'm pretty sure, when you look real close, the pipe has been drawn in LOL. The background is from an ad for curtains (very retro) and the text is from an old film processing envelope. Enjoy! Jewels

Heartlines

2012-02-07T06:30:00.002-05:00

I Love, Love, Love (did I mention LOVE) Florence + the Machine. Her latest album has had heavy rotation on my car CD player (Ceremonials). I've been listening to the lyrics and several songs have me thinking about different artsy things....

One of my favorite songs on this album is Heartlines. This week's Tag Tuesday theme is Hearts - a match!

Mosey on over to the Tag Tuesday site to see mine, and other, tags - I've already learned a tonne of new techniques from the many participants... Enjoy. Jewels

Posh Penelope

2012-02-04T14:21:00.001-05:00

I've been ditzin today trying to get my February Mail Art done (theme is any Beatles song) and had to take a break - my muse is either comatose or, at best, not up to it... So I stopped and, looking at my mess of paper, saw these separate items. An ad from an old Woman's Own magazine for a lovely spring dress pattern, a thank you card, and a vintage needle pack. I had been inspired by Bertie (she has some wonderful ATCs) who had done a sewing theme card recently....

Anyway, feel like it kick started my muse putting this together. Enjoy. Jewels

Zippty Do Dah

2012-01-31T14:16:00.004-05:00

Wahoo - finally got my Christmas present - a new Toshiba laptop. I am slowly loading stuff and getting it to where it needs to be but having fun.

And this is my first post using it! It is so fast (and SWEET). P.S. I should add a big hug and kiss for my hubby who did the research and kept watch for when the new addition to our collection of hardware was available - thank you sweetheart :)

How to Read a Blueprint

2012-01-28T14:02:00.001-05:00

Back in July 2010 (I checked) I started my first Vintage Gluebook following instructions from Mary Green...wow I have come along way since then. I realized I had not done any pages in quite some time and suddenly got the urge.

The main reason was the lady (think I'll call her Gilda - don't ask me why) has these cool white gloves which would have been chopped off if I had used her for an ATC (what a shame that would have been , LOL). I had her with the house graphics on my craft table for quite some time and then I managed to thrift some lovely, lovely gift wrap which I used in the background.
This is the first spread in a new book so now I'm committed (I think :>). Enjoy. Jewels

Monthly ATC Invite - January Garden Calendar

2012-01-26T18:27:00.001-05:00

Penny over at the Linen Shelf started a monthly ATC invite (I'm not using the word "challenge" as that implies struggle - considering how I often "struggle" with these kinds of things I think "invite" is more friendly :>). So anyway she invited whomever wanted to join in creating an ATC once a month. We post on our own site and leave a comment on hers.

It took me awhile to decide what I was going to do (see, I struggled, grrrr). One day I was thumbing through a 1938 edition of The Practical Encyclopedia of Gardening and, voila, a whole section dedicated to the Garden Calendar - with a graphic for each month (wahoo, though have not decided if I will use each one). Inspiration comes when you least expect it.
Anyway, January was perfect - for those of us in colder climes that like to garden this is the time of year we might start "planning". I had an old seed catalog that I used as well as an advert from Better Home and Gardens... Enjoy! Jewels

I Wonder...

2012-01-25T20:53:00.001-05:00

... whats she really thinking? :)

ATC background is from a 1940's Home Edition (DIY) of Popular Mechanic. The happy couple are from a 1946 Better Home and Gardens issue and vintage wrapping paper (you can't get enough) finishes it off. Enjoy! Jewels

Tag Tuesday - Vintage

2012-01-24T17:11:00.003-05:00

I did not participate in last week's Tag Tuesday - White. Partly because I was having a hard time getting inspired and partly because I just ran out of time.

This week was much easier - especially since I had this great Cabinet Card which was just the right size (3 1/2 x 5 1/4) and certainly fit the theme.

Hunted around for old embellishments - and did lot of gluing. So here Bessie - that was the name on the back. Enjoy. Jewels

January Mail Art

2012-01-22T16:53:00.001-05:00

My lovely Mail Art arrived from Leslie and Beth....we all managed to do some thing different for our theme Transportation (mine was cars - see my last post) - its always a great surprise to see what they come up with!

Beth's arrived first with a Train theme - see her blog on how she made them. Really different and fun. I like how creative Beth is with different ephemera...

Leslie used a Bicycle for her post card (hmm, anything to do with her hubby's business?) I love the old fashion image and her artwork.

Thanks Ladies! Our February theme is a Beatles song - pick which ever one you like for your mail art ...OMG there are SO many choices! Leslie has challenged us to try and use at least 3 different techniques - preferably something you have never done before...Should be fun. Enjoy. Jewels

Life is a Highway

2012-01-18T06:44:00.000-05:00

First Mail Art of 2012 with my pals Leslie and Beth - wahoo! Our theme this month is Transportation...

I have a stack of old Life magazines that all contain cool graphics of cars. That was my inspiration for my postcards. This was will be going cross country to Leslie. I found an old map that actually shows Tracy, CA (her hometown). The flower stamp was part of a set that came with a book I thrifted awhile back. My only regret is the stamping. When I Mod Podged the top it blurred the ink - but I think its still okay.

Same thing for Beth, though she is just a few hours up the road from Maple Hill. Still, I've never been to Kingsley, MI...maybe this summer I will pay her a visit (LOL). Enjoy (and mind what your doing if you are out and about in the snow)...

Rose

2012-01-15T13:10:00.001-05:00

It's Sunday afternoon when we pause before another hectic week...A big pot of veggie chili is on the stove bringing wonderful smells around the house. Hubby is happily watching soccer on TV and I'm getting ready to do some work work (as we call it - yeah, unfortunate but true)...

I went for a walk yesterday in a park near Maple Hill and took in the fresh snow. Lots of little ones sledding on the hill they have there and cross country skiers were everywhere. Lots of lovely scenery to take in.

I also had a chance to finally finish a piece I started before Christmas. Following my one New Year resolution, I wanted to try combining paper and fabric in a small quilt. It started with this lovely picture - I don't know who she is but I was happy to have got her photo in a lot from Beth.

I had these pages from an old dictionary that I knew I wanted to use some how. I Mod Podged it to give it some "weight" as I knew I was going to be sewing through it.

I also seem to be the owner of a lot of old lace and crochet ( a friend recently sent me a whole box she had been collecting for me from Garage Sales - a big surprise for me when they showed up!)

and embellishments (these were a thrift) - so wanted to use up some of my supplies.

So here is the finished piece - some sewing and lots of gluing. Dimensions are 9 x 12...

A close up of some of the detail...

...and the reason why I call this piece Rose (I think she looks like a Rose don't you?).

Anywho it may not be Somerset worthy but I got to experiment which was what I really wanted to do. Enjoy. Jewels

A Happy Note

2012-01-12T21:50:00.000-05:00

Every now and then in the middle of other artsy things I get side tracked to do a quick ATC...
This weeks Tag Tuesday (see last post) reminded me I had some left over embrodiery transfer prints on paper from experimenting earlier this summer. I had also just thrifted a pile of old Life magazines and had been removing images I thought would be cool to use...the end result of combining those two things was this quick card...

I love all the pink - a cheerful image for this time of year. The floral graphics are the transfers - she actually comes from an ad to win a sweepstake (grand prize was a new refrigerator - heh it was 1958). If you magnify you can see her sparkly diamond earrings and slightly maniac look in her eyes (LOL). The text is from an old greeting card. Enjoy! Jewels

Tag Tuesday - Snow Sports

2012-01-10T06:25:00.000-05:00

This is my entry for this weeks Tag - you can read all about my technique here...

More then anything else I just wanted to try something different. The background was EASY PEASY to do. I found the instructions on Michael's website - amazing what you can learn on the Internet :)...Enjoy, Jewels.

Hats Off Part 2

2012-01-07T12:20:00.000-05:00

WHEW! I actually wrote this Post Dec 20th in anticipation it would get recieved shortly. Well Christmas interfered with the Postal Service to the UK but late this week I found out it had arrived safe and sound... So here is my original post...

YEAH - my Mail Art made it to Fiddlesnips Jo (whew, not sure how it would make out amongst all that Christmas mail)... You may recall the theme was Hats...I had so much fun with this!

For the postcard, I started with this advertisement I found - you know me, love the retro look.

And just went from there. I wanted to give that "big city" feel to it so found this downtown picture to include in the postcard.

There is also a job ad for Salesman. I liked the compass on the map (going places, get it?). Added paint and ink to distress things a bit. Pretty happy with how it turned out.

And found this wonderful image from the book First Steps in Reading English - cool eh! It went on the back.

I also had lots of fun with the envelope. I found some old advertisements on the web that were just right. The front lady matched the old wrapping paper I used for the background. Unfortunately a good chunk got covered by all the stamps the Postie Lady insisted I needed (oh well).

The other side was fun too. My biggest challenge was finding a matching background paper. Just nothing in my stash seemed to be right so I resorted to one of my favorite techniques - copying fabric on to card stock. I liked how this all matched up.

So that is my last artsie thing for 2011. I have something else in the works but alas it will probably need to wait till the new year. Enjoy. Jewels.

Only New Year's Resolution

2012-01-03T05:11:00.000-05:00

Yep, unlike previous years I have made only one for 2012...(though I still should eat better, exercise more, do good works etc etc...). That is to do more artsy stuff - and try more new things! So I've got myself signed up for regular challenges and I still have my Mail Art with my peeps Leslie and Beth. I am off to the races!

First up is Tag Tuesday sponsored by Carolyn. Today is the first one and the theme is SNOW. I used this image of my Mum from 1957 when she and my Dad immigrated to Canada from the UK. Not sure if she was really prepared for the weather but there was plenty of the white stuff. I just think this is a lovely picture of her looking bundled up with her scarf and boots - and purse. If you go to the Tag Tuesday blog you can see more details on how I made my tag, as well as see entries from other folks who are participating. Enjoy. Jewels

January MG Challenge

2012-01-02T20:48:00.000-05:00

My first completed challenge for 2012! Mary Green provides us with some wonderful images every month to test our creativity.

I call this ATC Contemplation. The young lady, advertisement and flowers are from Mary - the background is an overlay of a napkin I had that the colours matched over old written text. I've done this technique before so I'm thinking next month I will have to mix things up a bit...part of my resolution to myself this year to try new things ;).

There is still time to join if you are interested. Enjoy. Jewels

Happy New Year....

2011-12-31T13:27:00.001-05:00

To my blogging friends (old and new) all the best for 2012!

Tag Tuesday

2011-12-29T12:36:00.000-05:00

Fiddlesnips Jo told me about a new challenge going on sponsored by Carolyn called Tag Tuesday. Check it out!

Looking to be back State side on Friday. Today is my parents 55th Wedding Anniversary (which means I am at least you know what this year LOL). Spending time with them both to celebrate.... Cheers Jewels

See ya later

2011-12-22T12:25:00.000-05:00

Well tomorrow morning bright and early I am off to Canada for a week. This will be a different Christmas as I plan to stay with my family the whole time rather than make our annual "after Christmas" run to the cottage. But that's okay - family is a priority at the moment.

Hubby and I wish you all the best. I'll be doing my own 2011 Reflections shortly. HOWEVER, if everything goes as planned I hope to come home to a computer next week. So you may not hear from me while I'm figuring it out LOL. Stay safe and happy holidays. Jewels

Curtain Call

2011-12-18T12:50:00.000-05:00

I don't consider myself a great sewer - maybe a good one. I clearly recall my sewing classes in Home Economics were not that successful at the time (on the other hand, my family suffered many a weekend morning eating "cinnamon toast" that I had learned to make). My Mum sewed - I remember the doll clothes she made (wish I still had) and curtains for our Volkswagon van amongst other things. As I got older (high school) I made a gazillion (or it seemed at the time) felt mice for the Church Fair - another year Turtles (I think that might have been for Girl Guide camp). I made a few clothes for high school and university so I knew how to at least read a pattern and make sense of it. My quilting renaissance was the late 1990's till I recently got hooked on fabric art and collaging...

Bottom line - I can at least sew a straight line (if no wine has been involved before or during) which brings me to this weekend's project. My kitchen window overlooking our woodlot usually has a valance of flowers which really do not fit the Season.

I wanted to make something that could stay up until March without too much guilt (you know, like the folks who leave Christmas lights up AND on).

I thought this material fit the bill (and cheap from JoAnnes).

The right shade of red and white - though hard to tell on this dull day. As you can see we had snow over night...

The picture above my window is by Claudette Castonguay from Quebec City (but of course, how Canadian eh).

It is a combination of painting (background) and paper piecing (the three people) ... the snow flakes are painted on to the glass. Hubby and I went to Quebec City in February one year - LOTS of snow and cold - this picture reminds me how colourful and unique it was...just love it every year when I pull it out for the holidays. Enjoy. Jewels

Hats Off Part 1

2011-12-15T18:24:00.002-05:00

So when Fiddlesnips Jo says "want to do a swap, just you an me" HO! I am right there...(those of you who know Jo please don't be jealous - have you seen the number of swaps she does? I'm sure your paths will cross some day)....

My mail art showed up Wednesday...amongst all the Christmas cards so hubby did not even blink as he was sorting the envelopes. I really expected some kind of comment about odd Christmas greetings from English relatives and that strategically placed green leaf but I think he has gotten used to some of the bizzare things that have showed up this year in the post box (LOL).

The theme we agreed to was "Hats" - I never get more specific than one general idea so totally open to interpretation. I love Jo's card - my Mum was a knitter when we were young so I got my share of handmade items. It was the first thing I thought of...thanks Jo! Yours is in the post and I am keeping my fingers (toes and eyes) crossed it makes it over the big pond in good shape...but I won't post any spoilers until you get it. Cheers. Jewels

And the Winner Is...

2011-12-12T11:54:00.000-05:00

While mightly intrigued by not one but TWO bribes, Miss Gwendoline decided to do the right thing and do a blind pull of a name for the ATC give away...

And the winner is (drum roll please)...Leslie S, one of my Mail Art buddies! Leslie I think I know your adress by now *LOL* so will get the Ski Bunnies into the Post shortly. Thanks everyone for leaving comments, they are ALWAYS appreciated. Jewels

December Collage

2011-12-06T19:01:00.000-05:00

There's still time (but not much) to enter Mary's monthly collage challenge. This month she provide a sweet lady, a map of Europe and a calling card....

And here is my entry. I actually flipped the image of the woman, changed her from b&w to sepia and chalked colour in to give her some pop. The whole piece is the size of a postcard. I cut up the calling card to use the flowers. The background is scrapbook paper I stamped and "aged". Anyway, run on over to Mary's site to see more entries including my pal Beth - it always amazes me what different folks do!

Winter Give Away

2011-12-04T18:24:00.000-05:00

OMG - arty friends there is hope! While working on this ATC hubbie, who was walking by, actually came and asked "What'cha workin on?" followed by "Something Christmasy". I just about fainted. I explained that I was celebrating >18,000 hits on my blog (which we agreed I probably accounted for half that number LOL).

Anywho, made my day. I found this image in a travel book which just felt right for the time of year. I think it was actually taken at Lake Tahoe. Love the girls "nordic" sweaters. Can just see the two of them going for hot chocolate (maybe spiked with a little brandy) at the Ski Lodge afterwards. It's "holiday" neutral so you can display till all the snow melts if you like! If your interested just leave a comment on this post (be sure I can get to your email address) and I'll let Miss Gwendoline randomly pull a name next weekend. Enjoy. Jewels

On Display

2011-12-03T09:32:00.001-05:00

I have literally binders of Artist Trading Cards...I started creating them back in 2006 (has it been that long!).

At first most of my ATCs were made using fabric and I had the very fortunate opportunity to swap with three other ladies in my Guild for a few years. This has always been one of my favorites which I show off on a little stand.

When I "discovered" working with vintage images I started making more ATCs with paper ephemera. "Busy Bea" was done for one of Mary Green's classes. I liked how she turned out and framed her.

Recently I've been getting into retro and many of my current ATCs are from the 40's/50's. I wanted to be able to see them so I could stay "inspired". Kimberly over at ArtJoyStuff had posted this great stand filled with some of her ATCs. She got her's at Michaels but I ended up tracking one done through Amazon. You can always hint to loved ones about an addition to your Christmas gift list (LOL)....

These are going to my new office at work to remind me at the end of the day I WILL get creative time back home. How do you display your ATCs - would love to know.... By the way - I am closing in on 18,000 blog hits (really!) so I think I will just have to do an ATC giveaway to celebrate - stay tuned....Enjoy, Jewels

First Snow

2011-11-30T13:02:00.000-05:00

Well it finally happened...

...after an unusually warm weekend Maple Hill got its first snow...Miss Gwendoline was definetly not sure about going outside!

2 hour delay for school openings this morning - which meant hubby had a little extra time to get to work

and lovely photo opportunities around the wood lot

I love watching the birds against the white - this morning everyone showed up for a good feed (mourning doves, chickadees, woodpeckers, nut hatch and squirrels....)

Despite the amount of snow covering up their source

The day is sunny so all that snow is going to melt away

Which will make my snowmen look sorry...

They were enjoying the view!

Enjoy, Jewels

Gluebook and Travels

2011-11-22T20:07:00.000-05:00

You may recall not too long ago I started Mary's Christmas Gluebook class (which by the way you can still sign up for). Being the over achiever I am I decided to make a Vintage and a Retro version. Well I've managed to get the pages done for the first, though I still need to "bind". Let me know what you think - I tried to use as much "original" material as I could (primarily my stash of old Christmas postcards)...

This is the Back and Front cover...

Pages 2 and 3 - I have the original photo of the lovely lady on the right - this is a scan I made of her.

My centerfold - pages 4 and 5. The Christmas definitions came from an old Universal Encyclopedia.

I like how pages 6 and 7 turned out - splitting the graphic and framing each piece seemed to work really well! All in all I am pretty happy how it turned out (despite all the glue on fingers, in my hair and on my countertop...)

Hubby and I are off to Canada for American Thanksgiving (yep, we celebrate both) so I'll be offline a little bit. Not many more artsy things planned for the rest of the year - but plenty of ideas (and things I do need to get done) starting in January! Safe travels to those of you on the road this holiday. Cheers, Jewels

All I want for Christmas....

2011-11-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

...is a new frackin computer!!!! When hubby noted ours was 7 (yes SEVEN) years old it explained a lot - and the versions of different software are about the same (argh). Just think Lenna, I could be following you on your super duper version of your blog :)...

It's slowly been having a melt down the last few weeks so we've started looking - any suggestions? I need to replace soon before it goes kaput. The "all in one" are intriging but not mature enough for me to trust them. I could get a laptop but I would still need a decent keyboard and monitor for the artsy stuff...

So would love to hear what you like/dislike about your current technology - let me know. Thanks! Jewels

Turkey Wrap

2011-11-11T21:31:00.002-05:00

November's Mail Art theme is "Turkey Wrap" - the only rule is to have turkey (dead, alive or cooked) in your art. What a hoot. I really enjoyed this one. My Peeps have received mine so I know I can share with you.

I knew pretty quickly what I wanted to do. If your a certain age you remember TV dinners fondly (kinda). I was lucky to find some great ads on the Internet. These are the two I used.

And here is the finished product - like Leslie says, it just feel so Leave it to Beaver. Can't you just hear the one boy saying in a sing song voice "allllll yearrrr longgggg" (snort). And seriously, the other one wants to watch the news! I just laughed when I read this (you should be able to double click and see a larger picture)

I used this graphic on the back. Don't think the sentiment would be considered politically correct these days...Enjoy! Jewels

Painful as it may be...

2011-11-07T21:01:00.000-05:00

...I hate back spasms, I really do. Unfortunately I inherited my Dad's bad back and every now and then it just decides to "go" - some times I can explain it, some times I can't. Needless to say, when it goes it goes and there is not much I can do about it but continually stretch the muscle and work it out. It does make it difficult to go to work as a. I have to literally stand most of the time and b. I would get funny looks regularly hitting the floor either in pain or in an effort to stretch.

Today was one of those days - I did manage to get work done standing at the kitchen counter and regularly taking breaks. The worst thing I think you can do is go to bed (just makes it worse for me). When I finally did finish for the day I decided to take my mind off of things by working on Mary Green's newest class - Christmas Gluebooks. She provides the instructions and graphics but I decided to use as much original material as I could. This first book "cover" includes old sheet music, a vintage stamp and a graphic from an old card - the green background (I confess) is scrapbook paper.

I also have a pile of more retro Christmas cards - 50's and 60's - that I wanted to use. Totally different colour palette to work with. I used the sheet music Mary provided which has a real pink tinge to it. The background paper is old gift wrap. The card has "sparkles" on it (I think most of my old cards do!). Anyway will be interesting to see how different the two books turn out! Enjoy - and you can sign up for Mary's class if your interested....Jewels (p.s. I'm thinking I'll have recovered by tomorrow...fingers crossed)

Going Gothic

2011-11-01T19:58:00.000-04:00

Well Halloween has passed us by once again. Living out in the country we don't actually get little visitors at our door (which saves me buying candy every year - what a meanie)...I do like to have pumpkins but the last couple of years our friendly woodland critters have been dining on them! But we are on to Christmas decorations now...(say what! when did that happen...)

Keeping with October, this (past) month's mail art theme was Going Gothic. First up, Beth's lovely rendition of Mona Lisa as a goth girl. How funny - on the back of the postcard she talks about her "research" into goth. Love the make up and the Gargoyle (which apparently Mona hates).

Next up is Leslie's hilarious "gloomy obituaries". Apparently it took her awhile to come up with something for our theme, but then it just all came together. Personally I think she had the most fun writing the obit...another great postcard to add to my Mail Art collection!

Thanks ladies - unfortunately I forgot to get pics of my contribution before I got in the post so hoping one of you will share mine! November's theme is Turkey Wrap (need to incorporate the big bird, dead, alive or cooked - LOL). Enjoy, Jewels.

Poetry Gift Books

2011-10-28T17:42:00.001-04:00

I think thrifting a vintage poetry gift book is pretty cool.

But seven at about 50 cents a pop is just brilliant! The American Association of University Women (AAUW) have a book sale twice a year in our local mall to raise funds for scholarships.

I try to go early and look at their "collectibles" table on the off chance I will find a reasonably cheap find that I have no problems "recycling". Also in the hope I beat the book sellers who show up and literally swipe loads of books off into cardboard boxes (hardly seems fair to us casual buyers)...

These gifts books were published by Cupples and Leon, The Holiday Publishing Company, and De Wolfe and Fiske.

They all date around the early 1900s - since 4 of them were in a Ziplock bag (yep) together I am assuming they were all donated at the same time from the same source.

The graphics are just lovely - with lots of "patina".

Some have inscriptions like: Miss Mackie, Best wishes from E.A. Williams, 1905.

Now the struggle is scan and keep or scan and "use". Some of the covers really are sweet and I can incorporate so much into different projects.

Absolutely love this one...

But like I've said before - they won't get seen if they sit in the bottom of a box somewhere - so unless you see one that I can sell and make a killing, they await my art table! Enjoy, Jewels.

On the Road Again

2011-10-24T20:32:00.000-04:00

I was thinking of my very few attempts to ride a motorcycle (always as a passenger) when I made this ATC. The couple are from a Harley-Davidson ad in the May 1951 issue of Popular Mechanics (which I nabbed at the Recycling Center ages ago - love those freebies). It was just never something I got into, but I must say you have to envy this couple - they really look like they are enjoying themselves. His hat kinda reminds me of Marlon Brando in The Wild One...but that's about it - Marlon also had the super cool leather jacket, not flannel shirt.

Background is an old postcard of the Sandia Crest in New Mexico. A scrap from a road map and the perfect wording from another set of "retro" postcards. Wonder how she manages to stay so "glam" (and without a helmet) LOL. Enjoy. Jewels

For the Birds...

2011-10-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we had a relatively warm (60's) day and sunshine - a good day to get out and do the last of the gardening for the year. I still have one flowering bush that, despite the colder temperatures, are keeping Maple Hill bees busy - I decided not to cut it back so they can get their last "food" for the season...

Its also time to bring out the bird feeders - which I know attract all kinds of other wildlife to our house (deer, squirels (black and brown), chipmunks - okay the chippies live here year round despite my best efforts...). But there is something about seeing woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals and hearing the chikadees that just make my day - so I think it is a good trade off.

Speaking of birds...hubby and I went and saw a really nice movie last night - The Big Year - I did not know what to expect as the three leads - Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson - are known for there over the top comedy. But in this movie they did a wonderful job of playing three very different individuals that are avid bird watchers trying to win an annual "birding" competition. No slapstick, crude language or obligatory sex scenes (which I have nothing against, but its nice to see a movie without all those elements). I highly recommend it - especially if you love birds... Enjoy Jewels

Dancing with the Stars

2011-10-14T22:21:00.000-04:00

I don't actually follow Dancing with the Stars but the gal I've been seeing for Physical Therapy sure does and I get an update every week on the results. She seems a little perturbed I don't recognize most of the names of the supposed "stars" - not that I actually do want to know who these people are...But at a minimum I thought I should brush up on my knowledge of dance steps when I thrifted "Walk Your Way to Better Dancing" written in 1952. Who knew! And here I thought you actually had to dance your way to better dancing (sigh). That aside, I've been intrigued by the pictures and the instructions for preparation to walk your way to dancing.

Like this one on Body Control. According to the text I may have slovenly habits as a result of my desk job - oh dear. Do you think the cigarette in her hand is actually helping her posture? Seems to be at a different angle where she is "correct" don't you think. Still, I don't plan to take up smoking any time soon... ;>

There are chapters on the Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango, Conga and (my favorite) the Lindy Hop which inspired this ATC. Ah for the days when a Man was a Man and a Girl was a Girl (seriously if I was her I'd kick him in the shins) ... Enjoy, Jewels

Quilt Repair

2011-10-12T19:46:00.001-04:00

There is something about the feel, the colours, the patina of old quilts...every time I pick one up I think "what's your story".

So I was quite happy when my sister in law asked if I could do some damage control on a lovely summer quilt she had bought for my niece (don't be fooled, while it was all hand quilted those are NOT individual blocks - instead two large pieces of fabric sewn together). The binding definetly was in bad shape and needed some tender loving care...

After consulting with my Guild peeps, we all came the conclusion it had to go...surgery was required as there was no way to fix it...Fortunately cutting it off did not really impact much on the overall size...

Though it did allow me to see some very old batting that had lumped up so much in some spots it had to be removed...The challenge then was to pick a matching fabric that did not distract from the original material...I tried a white muslin but it was just too white...

And then, without thinking about it too much, I found the perfect match in JoAnnes....

Kate (my sister in law) and Sydney (my niece) were quite happy with the end result. It has returned to its rightful place on Syd's cottage bed (it is, after all, a summer quilt)...enjoy, Jewels

You say it's your birthday....

2011-10-07T12:35:00.000-04:00

I'm usually pretty quiet about my birthday - I never sign up when they pass the list around at work asking "which month is your birthday". I really don't need the reminder. I do try to take the day off if I can just to relax a little and have a personal celebration. But it just so happens my birthday is on the same weekend as my wedding anniversary AND Canadian Thanksgiving! So lots to celebrate.

The reason why I mention it this year is because I think I got a lovely early birthday present...my postcards from Lenna's Swap arrived just before the "big" day!

And they are all just great. This one is from my pal Beth who happens to live in the same state (Michigan) though she is a bit of a hike from our lovely Maple Hill...She is one of my Mail Art Peeps so I am already very familiar with her work. She does such a lovely job layering her collages - read all about how she made her postcards here.

Next one up is from Donnalee - a wonderful FLORIDA card - just lovely both front and back! I have always liked those vintage postcards letting everyone know where you've been on vacation. Well done!

Last, but not least, I am very smitten by my card from Jo (believe you me I was jonesing with Lenna to get one of these). Jo and I have had the pleasure of getting to know each other over the past year and often recieve each others art. I really like Jo's techniques (I am always learning something new) and this postcard was no exception. Read all about it on her blog.

Thanks everyone for contributing to a really great B-Day (and no I am not telling you how old I am LOL). Hubby, Miss Gwendoline, the Tank and I are going away for the weekend to enjoy the fall colours - I'll tell you all about it next week. Cheers, Jewels

Billions and billions...

2011-09-28T19:29:00.000-04:00

Well maybe not that many - but I sure do like a good score on buttons - remember this post!

Almost 2 years later I asked the same question in the same thrift shop "Got any buttons?" and I got the same response "Let me check the basement"...a few minutes later a shoe box, tin and paper bag appeared.

I have to say the tin was pretty cool - real Canadiana - so it has "landed" (LOL) in the cottage.

There were definetly some gems amongst the "billions and billions" but the REAL score was in the shoebox...which was completely full of button cards like these - complete and in lovely shape.

After some browsing on the Web and button guides I have, I think the Western Germany glass buttons are worth more then what I paid for the whole lot! So I'm feeling pretty chuffed (though I know Hubby still won't get it). All I can say is, one of these days I'll be on Antiques Roadshow and prove him wrong :> ... Jewels.

September Mail Art

2011-09-25T16:22:00.001-04:00

Well September Mail Art has come and gone. As Leslie noted, it just gets better and better every month!

This month's theme was Poetry in Motion - pick a favorite poem and design your Mail Art around it. Beth made a lovely postacard with a wonderful oriental theme using a favorite haiku. The colours are delicious don't you think - and the vintage stamps are a nice touch. You can read how she made it on her blog.

Leslie went with The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. Hers is also a postcard made with a collage of vintage papers. Quote "The image is "The Forest at Pontaubert" by Georges Seurat, torn in half to represent the choice of one or the other." Clever girl.

Then there was mine - which I made a couple of false starts on until I settled on my design. My poem is Hope by Emily Dickinson. Of course you have to use birds to go along with it! This is the front of my envelope.

Now I have been using this poem as a little mantra for a very long time - so you would think I would know the words by heart. I stamped the first 2 lines on the back of my envelope (the graphics are old wrapping paper)...

But as you can see by the little ATC I made to go inside, I have this thing about wings and feathers! LOL Oh well, I don't think anyone minds at all! Mistakes keep us humble, right? Next month - Going Gothic....Enjoy, Jewels

I Love Retro - ATCs

2011-09-23T19:58:00.002-04:00

I was born in the 1950's (oops the cat is out the bag now). Which may explain why I love 50's (and 40's and 30's) ephemera...just something so cool about it.

So not surprising that I love to find old magazines and books from that time and use them in my artistic endeavours...this one has a little mantra I really WOULD like to stick to (wouldn't we all). The symmetry of the arm movements is way cool.

I had thrifted some old Bridge score sheets a while back - she just seemed to fit. Originally she was part of an advertisement for windows which explains her "looking out".

Somehow I think he might be Bridge Lady's Husband - don't you? What a handsome couple they would make - him working in downtown Manhattan and she, well, playing bridge all the time...LOL.

Finally - this gal just has that look (do you ever pay attention to the faces on those old patterns?). The trim is from the spine of a book cover and old wall paper in the background.

Anyway, I do love retro - don't you? Enjoy, Jewels

Altered Book - Finally!

2011-09-18T17:59:00.002-04:00

I had joined the "4 Artists 4 Ways" class earlier this year and was really impressed by Lenna's lessons on making an Altered Book. Unfortunately, I had a couple of false starts and did not come back to it until my vacation.

The book is "prepped" - kinda (pages are 5 1/2 x 7 1/2). I need to treat some of the pages using the different techniques Lenna taught...

If your interested, the "back drop" is a Challenge Quilt I made back in 2006 for our Guild - I called it McDonald Gothic (with apologies to the artist) :).

I did decide on a theme for my book. I realized I had a boat load of old dictionaries that I want to use up. I love some of the old words (and definitions) that we don't use often. So I've been browsing and found some "cool" words" and pictures to match.

This is my first page - the graphic came from am 1893 issue of The Century Magazine (I thrifted a bound copy of a year's worth of issues awhile back) which I used chalk to colour in (tip from Mary Green). She really does not have all those wavy lines in her face but that is how she came out on my scanner - I did not have much luck taking a picture of her either (any suggestions). Used that napkin technique in the background (I have a packet I have to use up, LOL) I've used before and stamping. The frame graphic came from a class I took with Beth/Karla before Christmas called a Romantic White Christmas. I already have 3 more pages lined up (in my head) so hopefully I can start filling in all those blanks.

I am waiting till last to do the cover as I have so many different things I would like to try - hopefully it will "speak to me" (ha, ha) at the end... Enjoy, Jewels.

September Memories 2

2011-09-17T16:00:00.002-04:00

Last of my vacation pics that I will post - I know you all have better things to do then listen to me go on (and on and on) about how wonderful it was....but I need to look at these just to remind me I really was there just 2 weeks ago! We are a 15 min drive from the northern tip...

The week I was on my own I took the time to visit one of the many local Lighthouses - this one is at Big Tub Harbour and is looking pretty worse for wear. It was built in the late 1800's. One year we actually stayed at the Lighthouse Keepers house around the corner (in the days before we had a permanent place on the Bruce).

While there one of the many tourist boat rides went by - these folks are off to cruise around the islands

Looking out and...

behind...

Just up the road from us is access to the National Park - it is not a beach that gets visited much as it is too rocky to swim at - but it gives you an idea of the terrain on the Lake Huron side of the Penninsula

More visitors - at one point the chipmunk was chasing this young rabbit around my sceptic bed - not happy to share any food source. I also saw a grey heron and loons from my deck and we often heard coyotes at night (we never let Miss Gwendoline off her lead in fear she would become someone's lunch, LOL)

A creative way to use an old boat - the previous owners who lived there full time kept it full of flowers

One last look at the village harbour before I left - will look totally different when we go back in November!
Enjoy, Jewels

Experimenting

2011-09-15T22:22:00.003-04:00

While on vacation (and thrifting) I came across a couple of packets of embrodiery transfers...

except these were absolutely stuffed with more then the original patterns!

There were all sorts of colour transfers...

which got me thinking (hmmmm) - could I "iron on" to paper instead of fabric?

Well you don't know until you try - and since I spent literally pennies on them I had nothing to loose... So here are the results - pretty cool, eh? There is a trick to it - the iron cannot be too hot, and you literally have to start peeling it off while the transfer is still warm (definetly a two handed technique)

But I love the results...which I then tried aging with an old "stain" (heh, you use whatever you can find in the cottage Mud Room (lots of cans of ancient paints that are highly suspect) - I really was roughing it, LOL)

My first try and I used it as the background for this ATC. I also used an old typed letter and a school photo...neat.

This ATC is a favorite now - the old magazine advertisement colours just go so well with the transfer in the background don't you think? Amazing what you can find, and what you can do - these were old transfers but they still worked and (I hope) got put to good use! Some of the larger pieces that I transfered can be used for postcards, book pages, mail art - lots to experiment with. I even tried transfering directly on to a page from an old book! Enjoy, Jewels

September Memories 1

2011-09-14T21:21:00.001-04:00

I can't believe I've only been home a few short days - fortunately I have many happy memories of a wonderful break - I'll let some of my pics say it all...

Morning

and Late Afternoon

Water everywhere

Visitors (dining on expensive crackers)

And locals with a sense of humor

Sigh...

Vacation Week 2!

2011-09-05T10:55:00.000-04:00

Sorry - no pics to post but have a tonne on my camera. Weather was wonderful first week here at the cottage and spent lots of lovely down time. Hubby left today so now I have a week to myself with Miss Gwendonline (who seems to be getting the most sleep then all of us). Planning to work on some "artsy" things including this months Mail Art project with Beth and Leslie. Looking forward to catching up with you all soon....Jewels

Time To....

2011-08-26T19:08:00.000-04:00

...Sleep
...Eat
...Sleep
...Take long Walks
...Enjoy time with Hubby
...Sleep
...Buzz around the Countryside
...Did I mention SLEEP
...Recharge the old batteries...

See you all in 2 weeks - I'll drop by my favorite blogs - but until then I'm off for a good ole snooze at the cottage. Cheers. Jewels

A Summer's Day...

2011-08-20T11:35:00.000-04:00

...is a Summer Camp Song! That is the theme I have chosen for Lenna's latest swap. We make three postcards that will actually get mailed to the lucky recipient (hopefully in one piece!) and get three in return. Growing up I was a Girl Guide and spent many happy days camping - singing was an integral part, whether around a campfire late at night or hiking on a trail during the day. We all had our favorites and that's what I tapped into for my postcards.

Canoe Song - My paddle's keen and bright...this is a round and has a wonderful chorus of "Dip, dip and swing". Starting with cardstock, I used stamping for the background and an old postcard image. I did some "aging" overall and added an old postage stamp. This one has a kind of "outdoor" feel to it don't you think?

Auntie Monica - I have an Auntie, an Auntie Monica and when she goes shopping they all say Ohh la la. This song has lots of action in replicating feathers, hats, skirts etc swinging as Auntie goes out on the town. I love this image from old sheet music. The background is scrapbook paper painted, stamped and inked. All the letters came from an old Needlework magazine. The strip of advert's were sitting in one of my scrap boxes and look just right.

Down by the Bay - Down by the bay, where the watermelons grow, back to my home, I dare not go, for if I do my mother would say - always followed by a funny rhyme. I remember thinking singing "Have you ever seen a turtle in a Playtex girdle" was rather risque (LOL) at the time. Things sure were different back then. I wanted this postcard to be as fun as the song so lots of bright colours. Text came from different magazines. AND that is original art work - yep I painted those melons!

If you are interested go and see what others have been submitting to Lenna. The deadline is not until mid September so it will be awhile before I get my postcards - meanwhile, these originals are winding their way down to Florida where Lenna lives. Enjoy, Jewels

Yipee-kai-yay

2011-08-16T18:14:00.000-04:00

My second Cowgirl Mail Art arrived from Leslie...

Another winner! Leslie said a lot of her images came from a book she bought at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas (who knew!). Arn't they great. She created a wonderful collage postcard - thanks L!

On to next month's theme - Poetry in Motion (okay, for those of you wondering, it's part of the lyrics from the "She Blinded Me With Science" song - now I'm dating myself)...out in the garden today this fella reminded me of our theme...

I have been really lucky this year with my Butterfly Bush - it has to be over 6 feet tall now.

And it has been attracting bees, hummingbird moths, and lovely, lovely butterflies....sigh, hopefully we can have a little longer summer so I can enjoy them all. Cheers, Jewels

Cowgirl Boots and Miss G

2011-08-13T18:36:00.001-04:00

This month's Mail Art (Cowgirls) arrived from Beth...

She went digital this time and her envelope is awesome - both the front

And the back - way cool. AND she included some neat ephemera for me to use - thanks B!
Meanwhile, a little report on Miss Gwendoline - who had to have surgery this week to check out the back of one of her legs (plus she was overdue for dental cleaning). The good news is the Vet did not need to do a biopsy (yeah). Its just a really large fatty deposit..

The bad news is Miss G has stitches on her butt that she is not allowed to "lick" (but of course immediately started to when she got home). One recommendation was to put some "pants" on her. Now really, last time I checked neither Hubby or I are her size (what is it triple 0?) so I improvised much to her disgust (we won't get into details on what I used but needless to say they will be out in the trash once this over, LOL). We ended up having to rent a special collar (but not the cone, thank goodness) which seems to be helping. I expect she will be just fine - and her breath is now minty fresh as well... Cheers, Jewels

Creative Swaps

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

One of my gal pals is Lenna - whose creativity AND generosity never ceases to amaze me. She has introduced me to so many new things and has been a wonderful mentor even during moments of artistic crisis (who can forget Dang, Fudge and Recovery - an inside joke dealing with the gluing of altered book pages).

I had never done swaps before outside of a close group of friends here in town until Lenna got me fired up and going. So far there have been Vintage Note Cards...

And Little Books...

We've also done a personal swap using the same image...

And of course Mail Art! The latest swap I have joined is Post Cards - another first for me (though you can read about my trial run in my last post). And of course in her most magnanimous way she is doing a Give Away for her Creative Swap blog - I'm torn as the more I tell folks the worse my chances are for winning (boo hoo). Anyway, pop on over and see all the creative work that folks submit for swaps. You may just want to join up! Cheers, Jewels

Giddy Up!

2011-08-07T16:12:00.001-04:00

Well for once I was first out the gate with monthly Mail Art. Our theme for August is Cowgirls (or Cowboy Girls depending how you Google).

I loved the image of this young lady (Leslie thinks she is getting ready to beat the tar out of someone, LOL) and the Dale Evans quote. I used scrapbooking paper, star punch, and lots of inking for the different effects.

On the back I scanned an old postcard I had - liked the font. Had a lot of fun at the post office - a friendly postie was very impressed - and very helpful. Next month is Poetry in Motion (can you guess what song that comes from?) - there are so many poems I can think of but pretty sure I've settled on the one I will use. Enjoy. Jewels

I Love Butterflies

2011-08-01T22:19:00.002-04:00

Mary's Monthly Collage Challenge is on for August!

This months 3 images include the young lady, the red label and a page of french text - you need to use all three in whatever you create. This came together quickly for me as a sweet ATC. I used some of the french text for the background behind the top of a napkin that has nice butterfly graphics. Join the challenge - you have until August 8th! Enjoy, Jewels

Would You Like that Gift Wrapped?

2011-07-31T14:41:00.000-04:00

We all have it - in boxes, bags, in the basement or the storage closet. Gads of wrapping paper - and I'm not just talking Christmas...

We have some we bought for a special occassion (wedding, christening, graduation) that we did not use up.

We have the garish (ugh)

And the kind that truly dates itself

Themes (please don't tell Miss Gwendoline we have this in the house) that may appeal to some

Though why would you want mushroom wrapping paper?

Some times if you are really, really lucky you find the sweet stuff ( I find mine thrifting and through my favorite Etsy shops)...

Old, but with a wonderful patina

The kind I like to use for collages - here I used a favorite on Mail Art

Or for wrapping small gifts for friends...
If your looking for something different for your art work, go check out the wrap you (or even better, an older relative) have tucked away. You just never know what you might find! Jewels

And the Winner is...

2011-07-31T13:59:00.000-04:00

Rebecca who stopped by for my Give Away - she Home Schools and is going to try this technique with her two daughters ( I did warn her about the high messiness factor, LOL). Miss Gwendoline gave her nod of approval. Cheers. Jewels

New Technique and Give Away...

2011-07-23T21:53:00.001-04:00

On my last book purchase from Amazon I picked up some new ones on collage techniques.

I immediately fell in love with Jane Davies (author of Collage Journeys) latest book, Adventures in Mixed Media - lots of great ideas including how to make Fabric Paper.

Which I am sure is not "new" for many of you but it sure was for me - and such a simple thing to make.

Start with fabric (including one for your foundation), paper, tissue paper and a solution of water/white glue (2:1 ratio) and just start layering. It is a messy process (kinda reminds me of all those paper mache projects when I was young) and you do have to wait overnight for your end product to dry...

...but fun results - and this was my first try!

I made a big square so I could try different techniques on top - stamping, painting, aging...Davies gives more ideas in her book.

After a lot of experimenting I managed to create a gluebook spread (well I figure it is still involves cutting, gluing and paper so counts).

I also created some ATCs (thanks Lenna for the tip for my photo)...

...including one I would like to give away! Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw the lucky winner next weekend - be sure I can get to your email address...as for fabric paper - I think the possibilities are endless! Enjoy, Jewels (p.s. feel free to give me a shout if you want more details on how to make...)

You Bug Me Part 2

2011-07-21T20:48:00.000-04:00

Here is what I received in return for my Mail Art that I talked about in my last post...You Bug Me Mail Art.

First to arrive was this lovely envelope from Beth. She just had an exhibit up where she lives near Traverse City. What a great combination of drawing, stamping and transfers.

When it arrived I was wondering about the length - until I saw the lovely vintage embroidery floss she included. She had found it thrifting and decided to send some out to all of us. Very thoughtful of her...

Next in the mail was Leslie's piece. I really love how she incorporated the theme into the address...

And this beautiful "bug" on the back. She included some pieces of ephemera (can never get enough new stuff) for me to include in my collaging...

Finally from Creative Lenna who decided she wanted to join in the fun this month (where does this girl find time to do all the things she does!).

I particularly loved her stamps - too cool. She also included some paper pieces for me to use.
I snapped these in my garden - thanks so much my friends! I don't think I will get bored with Mail Art any time soon....Jewels

You Bug Me Part 1

2011-07-19T20:21:00.001-04:00

For July the Mail Art Gang had the theme "You Bug Me" (also known as Bug Love). Here is what I did (now recieved by everyone participating).

We had to "draw" something - that was the challenge so I had to "draw" (no pun intended) on my inner child.

I did make a sketch first as I did not have a clue what I was doing.

I ended up doing the back first - I had originally thought I might put the address in the hat but I kinda liked the whole picture without any text. All I used was water colour pencils on water colour paper.

The front design reflects all the decorative painting I took in the 1990's - I still have all the brushes and acrylic paints from that "stage" of my artsy career. To protect my work, I sprayed with two coats of Krylon Matte Finish.

I also wanted to include something buggy for my friends and made a mini quilt for each. How fitting I could take a pic with my Bee Balm in the garden (which had a lovely Bumble Bee hoovering, but not willing to stay long enough for a personal shoot).

The base for the mini quilts was an old piece of upholstery. I layered with vintage lace and ribbon and an image I printed on to fabric. Added an old button for a finishing touch and voila.

I packaged in some old gift wrap I thrifted (another post I think) and added a little "bee" card. My next post will be on all the lovely Mail Art I recieved in return. Enjoy! Jewels

That Felt Good

2011-07-16T22:20:00.000-04:00

I feel a little (well actually alot ) MIA these days. Work is all consuming leaving little time for artsy things. It is also hard to get enthusiastic about blogging when one sits in front of a computer all day - sometimes I just need to get away from the dang thing...

That said I had an urge earlier today to cut and glue the good old fashioned way. Hard to believe it is a year ago I signed up for Mary's class and got introduced to gluebooks. I decided to start a new one - though I did hem and hah over a Moleskine or a different size...but this fella pretty much determined it was going to be the traditional route...

For this book I am going to try to stick with graphics and photos of children. I am also going to try hard to only use the REAL thing - no downloading and printing stuff. Everything from my stash (which is a good size now) which may force some thinking out of the box on my part. For this spread I used paper from an old atlas, dictionaries and two childrens book I thrifted. It did feel good just to be focused on this and "play". Enjoy. Jewels

Big Weekend!

2011-06-30T14:13:00.000-04:00

Yep, this is it - the big weekend for summer. The one we've all been waiting for. The one I love to celebrate...

Canada Day of course - July 1st! There will be barbecues and fireworks and parades and (of course) lots of Canadian Beer. And Will and Kate are coming to Ottawa, our nation's capital, to help celebrate - what fun. Sadly, hubby and I are not making it to our homeland for the first time in many years - so we have to celebrate from afar.. and go to barbecues, fireworks and parades for July 4th instead (LOL). Whatever you plan to do, have a great (and safe) weekend...Cheers, Jewels.

Truly A Nice Week

2011-06-25T18:10:00.000-04:00

...not a horrible week, not a stupendous week, just a really nice week with lots of little things to celebrate...

Like a great find at the Recycling Center - I've gotten to know the woman who manages it and she will some times tuck things away for me...

Like lovely old British magazines (here in Midland MI?) from the 1940's and 50's

Wonderful graphics for me to use...

And wonderful fashion spreads

There are lots more but I think I will save them for my "art" (LOL). The ink comes off pretty easy - this is pretty old paper - not sure what to do to stabilize so looking for suggestions...

There was also an old Road Atlas - every page is a great shade of blue - good background papers...and at the Recycling Center - all they want is a small donation which I gladly give!

Kimberly's ATC showed up that I swapped for - the theme was Seaside Sweeties - she also made matching tags...

After a lot of rain (really, a lot) this week my garden is not looking too bad

The lilies are in bloom

And my front door chair is looking nice

Plus I have some new garden art - thrifted...

And new...

Today hubby and I did our first summer Saturday at the Farmers Market and then brunch at Cafe Zinc (pricey but worth it). We then headed over to Bay City to buy me a new pair of walking shoes - apparently I have to quit running (dang) as the knees can't handle it - so no more marathons (sniff, though I said I would never do it again anyways). Arn't these a lovely green. By the way, apparently there really is no difference between Running Shoes and Walking Shoes (unless the manufacturer does something specific) so I may sneak a little jog in here and there...

Finally, Miss Gwendoline - she is SO funny. Can you guess what she is fixated on (for over half an hour) in our back room? Nope, does not start with S. Nope does not start with B. Yes it starts with C (one of our resident chippy chipmunks). AND it had the nerve to stare right back at her - too funny. Enjoy Jewels

Cigarette Cards

2011-06-23T20:13:00.001-04:00

Earlier I shared the ATCs that I made as part of the Royalty Mail Art exchange with Leslie and Beth.

The “kingly” images were one of those happy coincidences. My husband just so happens to have a book of Cigarette Cards from the 1930’s that his dad had collected. They cover a range of topics…

Kings and Queens of England

Sports

Transportation

Radio Celebrities

And Movie Stars

My favorite are the wildflowers…which I also hope to copy and use in the near future (I would never use the originals – they will stay in this rather tattered journal).

There are dozens of them. Funny how we do everything now to discourage smoking through packaging. The new rules just adopted in the States will help with that (we've been doing it in Canada for quite some time). I did a quick check on the Internet – yes Cigarette Cards are a collector item though ours are not in pristine condition…

Not that it matters – they will stay with us for now (I certainly would not be able to retire by selling them, LOL). Enjoy. Jewels

No Time

2011-06-18T00:37:00.001-04:00

I really have NO time for putzin...none at all!

It's the weekend after all - so housework to do (argh) - this fella kinda reminds me of Don Draper - can you believe the next season for Mad Men is not until 2012 because of contract negotiations (that's two arghs)!!!

Groceries and other errands to run (argh) - I took a lovely hand made card I purchased from Barb last weekend (is that okay? Lenna would call it collaborative art :) I just want to give credit) and reinvented as an ATC - any ideas what the numbers I added are?

A trip to the vet for annual check up and shots (one argh from me, several from Miss Gwendoline) - this "Seaside Sweetie" is for a swap with Kimberly ...

...oh what the heck (everything, but the Vet, can wait)...Enjoy my latest ATCs. I am up way past my bedtime...Jewels

Last of the Royalty

2011-06-13T20:16:00.001-04:00

Leslie's mail art arrived over the weekend.

She has a wonderful picture of her Mum on the front. Her background is handpainted and stamped.

The back has a "flower" she created (arrived all in one piece!) as well as ribbon. She used some interesting techniques with tissue paper to that don't show up as well. It celebrates Queen Elizabeth 1st.

She also included a little ATC - thanks Leslie. It was a fun swap! Enjoy, Jewels

Royalty

2011-06-09T20:38:00.002-04:00

Just completed my latest Mail Art exchange with my Peeps in California (Leslie) and Michigan (Beth). They both received my interpretation of our theme for the month “Royalty”. I had already received Beth’s and I know Leslies’ is on its way. I was actually impressed how quickly and what good condition mine arrived given my Post Office (PO – which Beth says means Pissed Off too, LOL) challenges.
Jo gave me great directions for gel medium transfer which I used here. I had a postcard of Queen Victoria that I photocopied and then “transferred” on to wall paper. Here are Jo’s instructions which I followed and they worked (patience, it seems, has a lot to do with it – hard for someone like me who wants instant gratification!).
Using your inkjet printer, print off an image on regular paper (flip it if it has words or numbers to ensure they will end up the right way round). I actually colour photocopied my picture, though I could have scanned it first if I wanted to. Cut out the image as desired. Use Mod Podge gel medium, but you can use Golden too, cover the FRONT of the image evenly with the gel medium, not too thinly or thickly, for that matter. Place it face down on your page/artwork and brayer it to ensure total adhesion (I personally took a few seconds to really stick it down). Allow it to dry properly – Jo suggests overnight and I agree. I tried to hurry the process but got a much better transfer by just leaving it be. Then carefully dampen the paper and rub off the backing (I lightly blotted with a damp paper towel). Keep rubbing until you get the effect you desire. Different results are achieved depending on the surface the transfer is on – mine happens to be on wallpaper!Yes those are individual 1 inch squares I cut out using my little square “punch” machine (what was I thinking) – I got the idea from Ella Jane who used this technique on a journal cover that I really liked. Papers are from scrapbooking, old catalogs, books, stuff I printed out (We Are Not Amused)…
The back image is from a wall paper I found online and just loved – those Guards look like they are “dancing”. And we get a lot of mail from Britain delivered to Maple Hill so I have lots of the Royal Airmail stickers…Eveything was Mod Podged down to ensure it remained “stuck”!
I had a lot of fun with my little “gift” I included – a Royalty ATC (I’ll post more about those later)…
…and a fun idea from Kimberly on how to “wrap” – each ATC was put in a pocket with a letter to my friends. I really enjoyed this (though it took me a while to get going). Our next theme for July is “You Bug Me” and it has to be primarily hand drawn – should be interesting! No Picassos from me, that’s for sure! Enjoy. Jewels

It Just Keeps Coming!

2011-06-05T09:24:00.001-04:00

More cool things keep arriving at Maple Hill - I feel very fortunate...
Not to long ago Beth's "Royalty" Mail Art arrived - that's our theme for June (I just sent mine out but can't post pics till Leslie and Beth get theirs...)
She did a play on words (clever girl) - get it - Royal Tea!

The back is as nice as the front...

And she included a lovely little book as well with "tea quotes" in pockets.
It now sits with my tea cups in my Kitchen...
Another Beth I know sent me some vintage labels! I was bemoaning the fact I missed out on some she had for sale on Etsy - and guess what.
She just sent some on over - how nice was that! Notice the stamp (my Peeps are starting to know me so well, LOL)...By the way - Beth has art published TWICE this summer - both in Sew Somerset and Art Quilting Studio...

So Thanks to the Beths times two! You both made my day....Jewels

I Love Surprises..

2011-06-03T17:28:00.000-04:00

...don't you. The nice ones of course. This past day I was lucky enough to recieve not one, but TWO, lovely surprises...
When I came home from work yesterday there was a package in the mail FILLED with vintage Valentine Cards.
They came from a member of our Guild who sadly lost her husband recently. She left Midland to be closer to her family.
The enclosed note said - I ran across these while packing and thought of you and your love for old things. These are probably 60 years old. I feel very lucky Caroline thought to send them to me - they will be well taken care of...
The other surprise is one I recieve once a year about this time - Roses from Hubby! He is a member of Kiwanis and this is the local chapters annual fundraiser. Thank you sweetie - they always put a smile on my face. And what a great way to start the weekend! Enjoy. Jewels

Weekend Pics

2011-06-02T20:25:00.000-04:00

We spent this past weekend in Canada at our favorite place. The weather was just wild going from high 30's F to over 90 F on the day we drove back (all in the space of 4 days!). Unfortunately the black flies (common this time of year) were out in full force which curtailed some of our walks around the harbour.

But I did manage to get out on one of the cooler and windy days (which helped).
Our area is known for wild orchids and flowers - the Trillium (did you know) is the official provincial flower of Ontario. There were plenty around. Unfortunately it has been a very cool and wet Spring so many of the other orchids I typically see were not out yet.

There were lots of lacey spider webs covered in morning dew...
Nature's own art!
A nice shot of the old Ice House on the neighbours property.

Did manage to pull some fresh asparagus from my very over grown garden.

On the way back we stopped for an outdoor lunch at a lake side park - don't know if you can tell how hazy it is over the water.
Miss Gwendoline, of course, couldn't care less - she was much more interested in left overs (LOL - you are so predictable my girl). Enjoy. Jewels

Garden and Another First!

2011-05-24T19:08:00.000-04:00

Well I know many of you will say "what's the fuss, we've been at it for ages" but this past weekend was the really first decent one to get into my garden. My mother always says "Don't plant before Victoria Day" and this year was no exception!
Lots to do including inventory of last year's pots, purchasing of annuals, general clean up.
I seem to be invaded by Violets suddenly. Last year I planted one (ONE) pack and it has spread like wildfire - not that I mind - they are so pretty and will last.. Will probably live to regret it.
Otherwise, nothing is really in bloom so no more pics - except for my latest "garden art" - hubby and I picked this up last year on our jaunt up north to Frankfort, MI...Reminds me of all our Monarchs at the cottage!
As for my first (I've had so many in the past year) - a mail exchange of ATCs. Isn't this lovely from Kim who does a weekly Tuesday swap! I also appreciate very much the packaging - I think it really shows how much people care when they take the time to "pretty things up" before they pop in the mail. Kim's them was Lavender and Lace - and when I opened her envelope there was a wonderful fragrance from the lavender seeds she included.

And this is what I sent in exchange from my own collection (actually this one is mine - I had extras I made last year). Think I will do this again! Enjoy, Jewels

Little Book Delivery

2011-05-18T17:11:00.007-04:00

Wahoo! My Little Books for Lenna's swap arrived safe and sound (separation anxiety is, well, a pain!).

I wanted to box it up nice for Lenna as I know she loves getting Mail Art - and I had some fun with the book theme!
I also made Lenna a little hostess gift with one of my favorite quotes from Louisa May Alcott (sounds like something Aunt March would say?). Yep thats good ole Dewey Decimal in the background (what else would you expect from a librarian LOL). Can't wait till everyone sends theirs in so Lenna can start sending them back out! Cheers, Jewels

I've got MAIL!

2011-05-16T21:38:00.001-04:00

Recently Leslie asked if anyone would be interested in starting a Mail Art Exchange with her. Because I have absolutely nothing else to do (yeah, sure), I immediately signed up.

I agree with Leslie, it so much nicer to recieve "fun" things in the mail. I've been very envious of the great stuff Jo and Lenna receive...For our first exchange we did a little "getting to know you" and provided information on our home towns. This was Leslie's lovely mail from California - the lamb did arrive "decapitated" but fortunately I was able to recover the poor head stuck to another piece of mail - immediate surgery was required! The back is cool too - I get a little glimpse of her studio, and the artist herself. Leslie added a few items

for my ephemera collection.

Beth also decided to join us - turns out she is just up the proverbial road from me in the wonderful state of Michigan. I love how she spelt out my address with letters - and I think those little Scotty Dogs are just grand (I'm a sucker for Scotty Dogs - but don't tell Miss Gwendoline). Beth was also kind enough to tuck a few things into her envelope.

Mary, who happens to live in the same town as Beth, participated too. She bravely stuck fake snow amongst other things on to her envelope! And it all arrived just fine. Note the little fabric square - turns out we are both quilters. Sounds like she is a cat lover to (x 4!)

I did a little twist on mine as I was heading to my second home in Canada - so my mail was international.

What can I say, I'm very proud of my retirement home "to be"!
Funny but it turns out Beth and Leslie (who grew up in Ypsilanti) both are familiar with Ontario - it really is a small world!
We are off to a good start. Our first official theme is Royalty as a tribute to Kate and Will (just seemed right LOL). Of course its a theme that could take you in a gazillion directions so everyone has been having fun coming up with their designs. Enjoy! Jewels (p.s. if this post seems a little out of whack - IT IS - I am really fighting Blogger these days - the new way to load photos is just not working for me - any and all advise welcome!)

Little Book Swap

2011-05-08T16:49:00.005-04:00

Creative Lenna started a Little Book Swap a few weeks back. I've never made books like this before so I thought I would give it a go - and have learned a lot along the way...

My first book came together quite by accident. I had thrifted some old stationary just when the swap started and thought it would be ideal as a book cover. I did trim it down a bit to be a truly small book.

I used a technique I learned from Lenna using napkins to decorate the inside cover of the card.

My last post I shared the 4 ATCs I made to put inside - didn't they turn out well!

The facing pages are old sheet music and stamped with gold ink. Actually I used a lot of ink on this book!

The front cover with the message to "enter". The back cover includes a vintage stamp - hard to tell from the photos but there is just a trace of red throughout the book so this actually matches everything well. Anywho for my first book I was pretty happy. (Finished size 3 1/2 x 5 1/2)

Now my second book is entirely different. I used a one page technique (specific folding and cutting creates a four page book - very cool) which through trial and error finally got everything to line up properly. I have this old Danish gardening book that I thought I would use, just to be different. Use the Google Translator to find out what the title is.

This shot shows the back cover - the little graphic is from a Danish gardening association.

I think the inside pages kind of give away the type of gardening the book was all about. The text pages are originals that I treated with gesso and paints - you can't tell from the photos but it adds some subtle colour. Just hope the person who gets this likes it! (Finished size 2 3/4 x 4 1/4)

I'm debating a third book but the clock is ticking and I really need to get these in the post before Lenna's June deadline. It has been a lot of fun trying something different!

Mind what your doing! ♥ Jewels

Wow - A Week...

2011-05-07T09:47:00.000-04:00

...has gone by already since we came back from Vacation. We had a splendid time despite rather wet weather (Miss Gwendoline agrees). Ate, drank, watched (as best we could on our poor old TV) the wedding - and slept an awful lot.

When we arrived we found our newly installed woodstove which we had not seen yet -isn't it lovely! And such a difference.

Plenty of animals arounds - herons, geese, a crazy woodpecker who thought our steel roof was a good way to get our attention (the rat a tat tat was something else) and Jack Rabbits EVERYWHERE - including this fellow dining on our sceptic bed. There was some snow still at the start but the rain and temperatures finally took care of it all.

Our little harbour was actually pretty low when we first arrived, but all the rain seemed to bring the levels back up looking at the before/after pics.
Got the canoe out of our living room (LOL) - you can see it out on the deck.

The village was pretty quiet but the locals were obviously starting to get ready for the season - a lot of cleaning up going on.
The Pub that burned down last Fall is slowly being built up again which everyone was very happy about - they hope to open again mid Summer.

And I got some art projects in - Mail Art to folks I am exchanging with... more on that later

Progress (?) I hope on my Little Book Swap - these ATCs are going into one of them...

And some other ATCs "just because"...

We took The Tank and she did really well but needed a good "bath" when we got back. I'm hoping to catch up this weekend and get life back to normal - though I am seeing ALOT of yard work that needs to get done (sigh, it never ends!). Heard my new favorite phrase on BBC1 the other day - to all my friends "Mind what your doing". Cheers, Jewels...

What To Take, What To Take

2011-04-21T18:58:00.000-04:00

Hubby and I are once again heading over the border to our favorite place - our Cottage!

But going there is always a challenge when it comes to something for me to do - especially since it looks like we may have a lot of rain while we are there...and I am not very good a sitting around doing "nothing" - my brain just won't shut off.

Do I bring new gluebooks to get started? And supplies for Mail Art (oops, I just spilled the beans with folks I am exchanging with).

How about that old quilt I rescued and am taking apart?

There is always the "little book swap" I am working on...

Crafty books are always a good thing.
A little quilt that I am "reworking" the embrodiery on..

Oh what the heck, I'll pack as much as hubby will allow (LOL). We are taking The Tank and putting her through her paces so should be fun. Hope you all have a wonderful week while I am away in Canada. I'll be checking in from the Village Lilbrary when I can. Cheers, Jewels

Mine

2011-04-19T18:38:00.000-04:00

Mine

Mine

Mine
Including Baby Poop interior
Did you know there was such a thing as "car warming" presents? I didn't but I got a lovely one from hubby the same day!
Did I mention...
Mine - lovingly known as "the Tank". Watch out all you Michigan drivers.... Jewels

Lousy Weather BUT...

2011-04-17T20:30:00.018-04:00

...very pretty Quilt Show. All of my Guild friends could not believe the SNOW we were getting earlier Sunday.

But the good news is it did not seem to deter the crowds (thank you) that came out to our show over the weekend.

Our best turn out ever - just keeps growing and growing every year.

I'm rubbish at these kinds of photos with my little camera - but hope you can get the gist of some of the lovely works on display.

Our Challenge Quilt theme was "Wish You Were Here" - members had to pick a country and create a 22 x 24 "travel poster". We all agree we have a very talented bunch - and folks were literally coming from all over the state to our little show.

Heh those look familiar!This will have been our 8th show and I think we are getting a reputation - we certainly seem to have many repeat visitors.

So congratulations everyone - and see you next year! Jewels

Canadian Content AND...

2011-04-10T11:59:00.000-04:00

Hubby and I got a good dose of Canadian Content this weekend.

Starting with Stuart Mclean and the Vinyl Cafe at the Temple Theatre in Saginaw Friday night. I describe Mclean as the Canadian version of Garrison Keillor (but funnier - my opinion). All his stories are about Dave, his wife Morley and their two children. It was really a great night with friends - who received the lovely baby quilt described in my last post.
Then Saturday night - off to one of the local highschools to see the Banff Mountain Film Festival. We have gone three times now as it has become a local annual event. If you ever want to see EXTREME adventure sports you need to go. They take winning entries from the film festival around the world on tour. Some of the clips are just crazy wild (what some people are willing to do!) - everything from caving (not for me - too claustraphobic), wildwater kayaking, cycling, mountain climbing "free style" (you have to see it to believe it) and extreme skiing. Everyone in the audience is just glued to the screen and there are a lot of audible ooh aahs and gasps...I highly recommend it.

So what is the "AND" in my title? Drum roll please...Well, in a few days time I will be the proud owner of...

... a brand new car! Yipee! For anyone who knows my current rust bucket you know this is LONG overdue. Hubby took me test driving and I quickly settled on the Honda Pilot. The joke was, I decided on the car in a matter of a few minutes - but took forever on the colour combination (a woman thing apparently). Carol you will get to drive in style to Guild Meetings now (LOL)... All round a great weekend! Jewels

A Casual Quilter

2011-04-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

I have lists…It’s a curse really – but I come by it honestly. My Dad is big on lists too.
I have grocery lists, home to do lists, works lists (multiple there) and, of course, “art/craft” lists like this..(it's pretty sad when you have multiple copies of the SAME list - yikes!)

Now art should be spur of the moment, correct? I have my list but often I go off on little unplanned projects (which is okay by me). Not too long ago I was big on quilting. You can see some of my work in previous posts. Lately though I find I have moved on to other things. I don't do the big quilts like I used to. The good news, a lot of my quilting skills still apply. Which brings me to my current quilting project (which IS on the list) – a gift for friends who recently had a second darling daughter. I’ve made a lot of baby quilts over the years so you would think I would have it down pat… Even though I know all the steps I can still get caught out making mistakes. Like fussy cutting (dang you Owls, it took me a while to get you in the right direction and I STILL managed to mess up). I always figure its not being entered into a competition and the kid is probably going to “do” something on it anyway (that’s reality) ... so it does not have to be absolutely perfect. Still it’s cute – but I don’t know when the next one will get done (they are on my list, yes Sis including one for you). I guess I better get to them soon and not be so "casual" (LOL)…Jewels

For People With Too Much Time!

2011-04-04T19:58:00.010-04:00

Okay, I'm all for royal weddings. Unavoidable considering my British background and being born in part of the Commonwealth. The other day I found an old scrapbook I had made (I actually started collaging long ago!) with pictures from Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne and Princess Di weddings. I remember getting up at ungodly hours to watch the second two on telly (heh, I'm not THAT old). Of course these kinds of events generate all kinds of knic knacs - dishes, dish towels, ash trays, key chains, scarves...you name it...

But this must be a first - I saw it in our local Barnes and Noble over the weekend and laughed out loud - even brought hubby over to see it.

My gosh, what will they think of next -

Though I have to say the little Corgi is kinda cute (are they invited, LOL).

And the Archbishop even has his beard!

Shake your head and enjoy (if you have nothing to do, you can always order from Amazon). Jewels.

Just Loverly...

2011-04-03T13:40:00.012-04:00

Remember the little expedition hubby and I did earlier this year to buy book shelves? Well, they’ve arrived!!! Aren’t they beautiful, sublime…

Magnificent (who needs a Kindle anyways - this kind of storage is much more elegant!) Perfect, perfectly HUGE

Dare I say – virginal (i.e. yet to be touched by a book spine, tee hee) Even Miss Gwendoline approves… (I think she's laughing at her crazy Mum)

Sorry, only a Librarian could get so overwhelmed by new bookshelves (sniff) ♥♥♥♥….Jewels

Update: Well I should have provided details. Custom made from Oak by a local Amish carpenter. Hardware is mission "style". Center piece is 72" W x 36" H. Inside each cupboard is shelving. Each bookshelf is 36" W x 72" H. Very reasonably priced (less then $1, 745 US)...

When I Think Back On...

2011-03-28T19:51:00.005-04:00

While hubby and I were away at Christmas we heard about the demise of Kodachrome after being available to serious photographers for 75 years...the news stories seemed to all be accompanied by Paul Simon's lyrics (which still ring through my head). There is much to be said about the impact of digital photography, which was one contributor to Kodachrome film no longer being available. My only hope is that we don't lose our ability to see our past - that is the one thing I love about old photos that you can hold and wonder about the people and images from long ago.I knew I wanted to commemorate Kodachrome's passing when I found a very colourful Kodak ad in a 1952 issue of Time. This little ATC includes part of an old film development envelope - see all the choices! Kinda sad isn't it? Jewels When I think back On all the crap I learned in high school It's a wonder I can think at all And though my lack of education Hasn't hurt me none I can read the writing on the wall Kodachrome You give us those nice bright colors You give us the greens of summers Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, oh yeah! I got a Nikon camera I love to take a photograph So Mama, don't take my Kodachrome away

Oh the Possibilities!

2011-03-25T20:21:00.018-04:00

My thrifting has been very sporadic lately – in fact I’ve curtailed it quite a bit (very easy to become overwhelmed and I NEVER want to be on one of those Hoarder reality shows – too scary! I can just hear my niece and nephews talking about their crazy old auntie buried in junk).
Besides, I have a pretty good stash I need to work with.
Even if it is a little disorganized.
These days when I “create” I try very had not to go out and pick up something “new” (except for required base supplies).
Instead, I dig and usually can find that “just right” piece (but not because I have a great memory for where things are – I really do need to go digging).
So when I DO find something that really speaks to me (hubby does not buy that rationale) and that price is right (Free is best) I feel obligated to rescue it.
This quilt top is a good example. A woman had brought it in to a local thrift store and said it was made by her mother – but none of the grandchildren wanted it (can you imagine).
Unfortunately, by the smell (soapy) and condition it is obvious someone “washed” it (ARGHHHH) – which has caused the rather thin muslin that makes up the sashing to fall apart.
And the stars are very wrinkled up in the back - some careful "blocking" is required to regain their intended shape.
But everything is hand sewn. And since I knew I would not be able to “recover” the destroyed parts I have been carefully removing the LeMoyne Star blocks.
They are so sweet! I think the material is probably 30’s 40’s (what do you think). I’ll have to take to our next Guild meeting for some expert opinions.
And oh the possibilities! There are over 50 blocks around 5 ½ inches square.
A couple are stained but I am not willing to “wash” again.
I think they could be used for all sorts of things – in a collage, a fabric “page” in an altered book, a small quilt wall hanging …
What do you think – any and all ideas welcome! I'm just happy I was in the right place at the right time to save these little gems....Enjoy Jewels.

There Once....

2011-03-24T11:29:00.015-04:00

...were two ladies who lived on opposite sides of the country. They did not know each other but by chance their paths crossed because of a common interest. Through blogs, emails, sharing of photos etc they grew to know more about each other (for example, both have linkage back to CANADA (and you KNOW how I feel about that LOL)).
One day they decided to try something - just for the two of them. No pressure, no deadlines - simply create and share. So they settled on a funny print (I still don't know how she actually gets sewing done) and agreed that would be their starting point.

The first package "received" included a lovely wrapped gift that reflected the bird theme AND a gorgeous tag (ooooh - this will hang with the rest of my tags in my "studio")...

Inside was a very cute pillow made with vintage items and different techniques for colouring the fabric.
The image was there (I love the sewing around it), as well as others fitting the theme...
It now has a place of honour along with other lovely vintage things...(and yes Sis that pillow top used may look familiar to you..)
The second package received (and you need to go and see more here) contained a mini quilt with the same image.
(I used a combination of contemporary and “vintage” items. The base material was in my stash. The “lacy” top is (I think) from curtains – I thrifted it a while back. I also thrifted the crocheted trim and the dresser top that was cut to go behind the picture. I love old sewing measuring tapes. Old shirt buttons and vintage beads were a nice add. The flower is from an old hat and I just happened to come across the little bird pin in a local consignment store – he feels just right. I found the quote ages ago by chance on the Internet and I often use it in sewing collages…)

Now over time these ladies have become "virtual" friends. They share snippets of their lives, things they are doing, advise (I think I recieve more then I give), encouragement...For all that is happening in the world, I am thankful for the friendships I have made simply by participating in blogland! Thank You Lenna, this was so much fun - look forward to many more "exchanges" in the future my friend!. Jewels

(p.s. A little peek at my next post)...

Enough Already!

2011-03-23T10:32:00.009-04:00

This is the SECOND time this year that on a Wednesday Maple Hill and surrounding area have been shut down.

My picnic table is my measuring stick - can you believe it! Yesterday everything was melted and Miss Gwendoline was having a hard time with the last little snow bank for doing her business (seems wet grass does not cut it these days, little fuss pot). This is what we woke up to this morning - and it is supposed to last all day so expect a couple more inches before we are through...South of here it is worse - they have sleet and rain - which is much more dangerous for travelling. My company sent a corporate wide message that all non essential employees stay home (there's that description again - geesh) so I am, but still meeting "virtually" with folks (a colleague told me it was 82 F where he was at - rub it in why don't you!). Hubby was supposed to travel to Lansing but did not happen - he did venture into his place of work though (nuts I say). Please, please, PLEASE Spring come! :<>

All good things...

2011-03-19T14:41:00.007-04:00

How does one officially “end” a glue book - actually any thing you have created? Seems like there should be some sort of ceremony, don’t you think? A tip of the gluestick, an internal "hurrah", a trip to Michaels (LOL)...
And is this a time of celebration, reminiscing as you flip through (a yes I remember gluing too soon on that page, thinking those three pieces don’t collage well together, wondering what others would suggest, or what the HECK was I thinking…), a sense of closure? Or is it one of “lets get started again, but this time…”. If you have more then one glue book going (which I do, though the other is close to being filled as well) maybe this is not as significant an event for you?
What about the “record” of your work. As a quilter I've always been told to label my piece to let others know who created it and when. Are glue books similar? They really are more personal and may not be as appreciated (or even seen) by others – for many of us they are simply an exercise of the right brain cells (or is it left, I always get the two mixed up).
Anywho all you glue bookers, what do you think? I’m curious to know….Cheers, Jewels

Wild Thang

2011-03-15T18:07:00.003-04:00

Rare Recent Sighting: Zebra Schnauzers now roaming in deepest darkest Michigan. Safe to approach if accompanied with obligatory biscuit in hand. LOL….

First Time Evers

2011-03-14T12:43:00.007-04:00

I was having a kinda crappy day when....

...the mail came! First Time Ever Art Mail - Lenna thank you so much! Now that I see it up close and personal I KNOW I can do that...
Remember my Tales from a wanabe swapper? Well this is what I received in return for my three cards (First Time Ever Mail Swap). Starting with a lovely young man from Laura...

A delish fabric art card from Frieda..

AND (ta da) one of the cards from one of my blogging peeps Jo (hurrah).

Thank you ladies for participating in the swap so I could be one of the lucky recipients of your "vintage art". I love all three of them! Don't think I'll be mailing them to anyone soon - I have all kinds of ideas how I want to display them! And thank you Lenna for inviting me to join your swap (watch her very cool video to see all the cards) - it was a lot of fun and I really learned a lot. Can't wait for the next one...Jewels

March is GREEN

2011-03-09T20:10:00.008-05:00

Three different crafty things turned out to be GREEN in celebration of March. While we still have snow here on the ground at Maple Hill, the promise of March 21st (and clocks going forward this weekend, ugh) put me in a "springy" mood.

My first green splurge happens to be my March Tag for exchange with Carol (you can see hers at her blog). I've had this image for awhile and knew I wanted to use it for this month.
I tried something different with the old ribbon - a very patient process in front of a hot iron!
My other green happens to be a new gluebook spread. This was an ad for a 1952 Studebaker. And South Bend was the home base for the manufacturer - I'd love a car that shade of green.
And here is another recent spread with green - it is one of my current favorites. Enjoy! Jewels

A Lovely Time !

2011-03-07T19:45:00.015-05:00

It started with a sweet card and a CD by the coffee pot Friday morning before we left …

While we made our way south (so northern Michigan was quickly eliminated) I thought perhaps a weekend in Ann Arbor?
But nope, we went “international” after all and ended up at the Benmiller Inn in southern Ontario – about 4 hours from home. Good thing hubby had the passports in his coat pocket (sneaky fellow).
The main building at Benmiller is a converted wool mill over 100 years old. When we checked in I was informed I had a massage appointment for 9am the next morning (another surprise!). It was wonderful.
Back in the 1980s Benmiller was one of THE places to go for a weekend away (especially the Toronto crowd). However times change - Hubby did not know it had just come out of receivership. You certainly could tell it had suffered from neglect – but hopefully the new owners will provide some TLC to bring it back.
It does have some neat architectural features – this motif is every where – the original iron work came from a widow’s walk on a house in London, Ontario.
The weather was not the best – we did not see the sun until Sunday morning (when I took all these pictures) which really did not matter since I was having such a lovely break with hubby. Our building was right by the river that had powered the mill in the old days - the water rose substantially overnight because of all the rain. We were not in any danger of flooding but it was pretty incredible to see it rushing by.
We spent a wet but fun Saturday in Stratford, Ontario – known for its wonderful theater (and also as the hometown of Justin Bieber for those who care about that sort of thing LOL). While it was off season for seeing plays, there are lots of shops to go into and poke around – at our own pace.
This was THE find of the weekend – a solar powered Queen E (her hand waves) – how hysterical (yes – of all the things we could have brought back). We ate (too) well but did a lot of walking also (which helped to balance things out I like to think).
As for Miss Gwendoline – well her babysitter posted how much she LOVED her on Facebook – and offered to trade Gwen for one of her bigger dogs. Apparently she was a little angel all weekend (hmmmm) – we even had a phone pic sent to us of her and babysitter cuddling on the coach. So she had a great weekend to!
I had a marvelous time and was spoilt rotten. What a great guy – I’m willing to rent him out as a consultant to other hubbies (for a small fee of course). He sure made my weekend. LU sweetheart! Jewels ♥♥♥

(p.s. I never did get in the pool LOL)

Any Guesses?

2011-02-28T12:41:00.012-05:00

A few weeks back hubby announced we were "leaving town" and to book off vacation for March 4th (this Friday). No hints on destination - just pack your bags. I did try some subtle digging ("Do you think they will have the same amount of snow as we have here?") but to no avail...

He did provide me a list of things to bring (how sweet of him) but still no clues.

Egads, whats that! The two most dreaded words in the English language (as far as I am concerned) - bathing suit! Don't call it swimwear 'cause that don't fool me none...My only suit is at the cottage so I was forced to buy another. And there is no way I could lose the winter weight in time to fit nicely in a bikini (LOL). Fortunately bathing suits are more cottage cheese friendly these days - you know what I mean - cover that stuff hanging off your butt (Hubby said I did not have any - funny guy - he obviously has not looked close enough lately, or wants something). This is not the one I purchased - mine is more "sporty". And thank goodness for online shopping - I only ventured into one store and quickly gave up (ugh, hate those 3 way mirrors). I can gag looking in the mirror in the privacy of my own home - good thing my first choice turned out to be just fine...
So any guesses? We leave Friday AM and come back some time Sunday and NO mention was made about passports (hmmmmm). We have a wonderful young lady to babysit Miss Gwendonline - this will be a first for us as well. I'll bring back pics. Looking forward to hearing what you think....Cheers, Jewels

Nightstand Report

2011-02-23T17:10:00.006-05:00

Goodness, my last report was last October! Truly I have been reading since then. While I am enjoying my Kindle (working through Follett's Pillars of the Earth at the moment), I still need to hold the real thing in my hand from time to time...especially when I need to see pictures!

I've decided Anne Shirley is one of our great philosophers (LOL). After all it was she who said (quite dramatically I might add) "My life is a perfect graveyard of buried hopes. That's a sentence I read in a book once, and I say it over to comfort myself whenever I'm disappointed in anything." How perfectly delicious. Now you would think being born in Canada this would be one of my earlier reads. I actually came to Montgomery's works a little later. The Bronte sisters were more my cup of tea - I still remember the first time I read Jane Eyre. I was pretty sick at home for awhile and the librarian from the Public Library Portable that visited our school regularly, sent it home for me to read. Funny remembering that Portable that would get pulled up outside our school - that's probably where I got my ambition to be a librarian. What a cool job to go around town and check out books to little children! Though in the dead of winter I'm sure the librarian didn't think so...

Anyway, I just finished reading Anne of Green Gables again (I always cry about Matthew) and found this quote that I've now posted on my blog. Anne was all about kindred spirits - and I truly believe that I have met many since I started my blog and made so many virtual friends.

Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It' splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.

Wouldn't you agree? Of course Anne gets 5 out of 5 lampshades. Cheers Jewels

Catch Up

2011-02-19T18:01:00.008-05:00

Just putzin on a late Saturday afternoon. I've had so much fun learning new things this past year. A while back Carol and I used to exchange fabric ATCs with a couple of other gals. We are trying something different this year with fabric Vintage Tags.
However, I'm still doing ATCs but now with paper. This latest one has vintage wallpaper for the background and a nice definition of the word True. Of course I had to add just a tiny touch of bling (could not help myself). I did something similar for one of Mary's classes.
These were posted on Flickr but I don't think everyone goes there - if you want to see more of my gluebooks just click on the Flickr tool in my sidebar - even I'm impressed how much I have squeezed in..
Hubby and I went to try a new restaurant tonight - The Creek Grill - for my local pals it was so so (as hubby put it, nothing special). However, we don't have a lot of choices here so want to try new things when they come ... Due for the return of snow tomorrow (yech) after a couple of days of Spring like weather (it IS only February still here in lovely mid Michigan). I am starting a new online class tomorrow (yeah) called 4 Artists, 4 Ways. I'm excited about that because these Artists (including my peep Lenna) are teaching altered book techniques - can't wait! Later. Jewels

Survivor Redemption Island

2011-02-17T12:11:00.003-05:00

For all you diehard Survivor fans (you know who you are) - is it just me or was that not the FUNNIEST tribal council you ever saw! Hubby who was on the phone said he could hear me hootin in the next room. I'm hoping this bodes well for Survivor 22 (can you believe there has been that many). The last one frankly bored me with no real drama.

My favorite line - Boston Rob (in his lovely accent) " Man it feels so good to play with you amateurs you give away so much" as he voted out Francesca...LOL

Paper or...

2011-02-08T20:30:00.006-05:00

...Fabric? You be the judge.

Remember my entry for the Vintage Card Swap that Lenna is hosting which uses a picture from my friend Carol? All done in paper except lace and button. Go check out the other submissions - they are awesome...

Well I had to make Carol some thing to thank her.

So I "re created" in fabric. The only "paper" are the photo mounts. Personally I can go either way! I love how each turned out...Enjoy, Jewels.