house at frog hollow............

Let Your Heart SOAR!

2012-02-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

I may have failed miserably at my 30 day challenge of things I love, but I DID finally complete this collage! And...I must say I LOVE it! My life has been quite stressful this past month, so this was my escape. I got lost in a sea of *delightfulness* and tuned out all that "other" ugly stuff. You should have seen the mess I made! In my world, one cannot be creative without making a huge mess. It also forced me to organize my studio, which is spread out between my office and guest bedroom. I dug through plastic storage containers and boxes and the stuff I found that I forgot I had make me scream with joy! BEAUTIFUL fabrics and books and patterns to inspire and cure whatever might ail you! Now, if I can just calm myself from the circuit overload I'm feeling and move on to the next project, I'll have it made!

The idea for this collage came from my previous post about the layered heart. It just reminded me of a kite and I envisioned a smaller version being flown by a paper doll! This paper doll is an original, not a copy, from the 50's or 60's I'm guessing. She even has an old piece of cellophane tape around her wrist, which looks like an ace bandage! I pretty much covered it up with her kite string, though.

Isn't she the sweetest thing?

She's flying her *heart* kite and letting it *soar*

The sun is vintage flocked wallpaper and half a doily I spray painted.

I found these letters in my stash and wired them together with rusty wire.

There are so many fun elements to this; paper, fabric, ribbon, lace and all sorts of little doodads!

I had so much fun with these little houses. Just snipped paper in various sizes. The windows are plaid ribbon!

Even added a little *doodle* here and there!

Oh, that tiny ric rac!

The finished project!

I hope you let your heart SOAR!

Red Velvet + Cream Cheese = One Happy Camper!

2012-02-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

Just let me start off by saying you may want to double this recipe and use a bigger pan. An 8" square of this delectable confection is NOT enough. If I'm going to put myself into a sugar coma, I'm going all the way, so next time it will be a 9" x 13" pan!

I found this recipe for *Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies* on Pinterest. It was pinned from The White Library. If you're not *pinning*, you're missing out. It's a fun way to save things you love and find GREAT ideas, recipes, you name it and you can find it on Pinterest! Here's a fair warning, though, it can be highly addictive!

It's a super easy recipe. I didn't have dark *baking* chocolate, so used Hershey's Special Dark candy bars. The recipe didn't specify baking chocolate, so it was just an assumption I made. Anyway, they came out delicious! Mine didn't look quite as dense as the those in the recipe. Mine were really kind of light and fluffy! REALLY good!

I also didn't have an 8" square *metal* pain, so used a round metal cake pan. Not sure that *metal* is crucial or not. So, without further ado, here is recipe...remember, BIG pan! :)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
2-oz dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp red food coloring
2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
8-oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 8 inch metal baking pan. Put a long piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan, letting the parchment extend up two sides of the pan and overhang slightly on both ends. (This will make it easy to remove the bars from the pan after they have baked.) Butter the parchment.
In a small, heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir until combined and very smooth. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and red food coloring. Add chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Add flour and salt and stir until just combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain.
Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
To prepare cheesecake mixture, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Distribute the cheesecake mixture in 8 dollops over batter in the pan. Swirl in with a knife or spatula.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until brownies and cheesecake are set. A knife inserted into the cheesecake mixture should come out clean and the edges will be lightly browned.
Let cool completely in pan on a cooling rack before lifting out the parchment paper to remove the brownies.

Layers of the Heart

2012-02-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

Just want to wish all you love bugs a Happy Valentine's Day! I will be attempting red velvet brownies here in awhile. I was supposed to make them yesterday for hubby to take to work today, but my yesterday was not a good day. I was in my office until 7pm, so nothing creative got done. I hate when that happens!

This morning I did finish my layered paper heart. For some reason it reminds me of a kite. I would like to fly a heart shaped kite. Hmmmm....I'm having a light bulb moment!

The tissue ruffle is made from an old pattern!

Love the touch of *BLING*

Layers of Paper Embellished with Various Ribbons and a Dash of German Glass Glitter!

Anyhoo...enjoy your day with your loved ones. Eat a cookie or some chocolate and do whatever brings a smile to your face! I'm thinking those red velvet brownies are gonna do it for ME! *Twinkle*Twinkle

30 Day Challenge of Things I Love...Day 5

2012-02-12T00:10:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite new picture frame. I found it at the Feathered Nest Market, which is just down the street from me. I was at Country Temptations the other day and found the exact same frame on sale...50% off!

I love unique finds and this was perfect for this photo of me and Kira at her wedding. The perfect rustic touch for an outdoor mountain wedding!

One of the BEST Days of My Life!

The Photo is Actually Screwed Into The Frame.

The cool thing is the frame can be turned sideways, as well. Just unscrew the wing nut and slide it up and flip the frame around. The stand is wrought iron. Very well made!

30 Day Challenge of Things I love...Day 4

2012-02-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I blew it. I missed a couple of days, but life happens. Hubby got sick and I ended up taking him to the walk in clinic on Saturday. Sunday and Monday, I wasn't feeling well and Tuesday was month end for work and frankly...a day from hell! Waaa, Waaa, Waaa! Ok, moving on now...

DREAMY!

SWEET CHIPPINESS!

Is that even a word?!

LOVE those knobs!!!

I went nuts when I found this gem of a chest! It was at one of my favorite antique/junk joints. The chippy paint pulled at my heartstrings and I just had to have it. There's blue paint showing through and some pale yellow and gold. The knobs are porcelain. The drawers are lined with felt and the top drawer has compartments. It's filled with my jewelry and some other tidbits, like extra buttons from tops I've purchased, stuff like that. It was nicely organized at one point, but now I just sort of throw it all in there. Did I really just say that out loud??? Ooops!

30 Day Challenge of Things I Love...Day 3

2012-01-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

These two little kittens warm my heart every time I look at them. This is a paint-by-number that my step-daughter, Tori, painted when she was 8 years old. It was a gift for Grandma, my mother-in-law. I loved to paint- by- number when I was a little kid. I mean...who didn't, right? I think I even bought one a few years ago just for the heck of it, but never opened it. Something about a throw back to the good ol' days when life seemed easy and carefree. Oh, how I'd love to sit on an old linoleum floor and play jacks with a golf ball and hope the ball doesn't hit that wonky spot in the floor that makes the funky sound that sends the ball into a tailspin! *Sigh*

OK, back to the future, Nan! When my mother-in-law passed in 1995, all the special treasures I had made her were given back to me, including this gem so I could return it to Tori. I asked Tori if I could please keep it and because she LOVES me SO much, she obliged. I'm in awe of the amazing job she did with her blending of paints at such a young age. The colors are beautiful! I'm such a lucky duck!

30 Day Challenge of Things I LOVE...Day 2

2012-01-27T11:58:00.000-08:00

My dad never talked about the war. He was in the Army and delivered mail to the soldiers in the trenches. He didn't actually do battle, himself, but the consensus is he saw some pretty horrific stuff. Before shipping out, he had been the Postmaster in Thatcher, AZ.

While convalescencing in a hospital in Okinawa, Japan, he made this aluminum tray. I believe it was an acid etching procedure, which I know nothing about except toxic chemicals are used. Seems weird to be doing something like that while staying in the hospital, but what do I know? Anyway, I have ALWAYS loved this tray. It was on display in our house while I was growing up. My mom knew how much I loved it, so after my dad died, she told me it was mine.

I have a love of old aluminum pieces now and am always on the lookout for interesting patterns and shapes. We had those aluminum tumblers with the little "sweaters" that slipped over them to keep your hands from freezing when you drank out of them. I wonder what ever happened to those? I see them pop up every once in awhile in antique shops I frequent. Not sure they're a good idea to drink out of, though. Seems like I remember reading about a link between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. YIKES!

I just love this tray. It makes me smile. I like to touch the coolness of it and imagine my dad's fingers working this design, however he did it. I hope it brought him solace and peace. Thanks, dad....

30 Day Challenge of Things I LOVE...Day 1

2012-01-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

It's been many months since I've written a blog and I've debated as to whether I ever wanted to write another one or not. It seems so time consuming, and I just can't ever seem to get myself to do it. When I first started, It thought it would be a creative outlet, but there are SO many amazingly talented bloggers out there, I just felt like a guppy in a sea of dolphins. So, I'm challenging myself to write every day for 30 days, about something I love. Something I own or have created that I love. I can do this, right? It doesn't have to be anything GRAND. I just have to let it flow and not over think it. I AM my own worst enemy! Ok, here I go...

DAY 1....MY DAUGHTER'S WEDDING DRESS

I created and made this beauty this past summer for her September wedding. She had a vision and couldn't find anything she liked anywhere. One day, she said, "mom...you can make my dress!" Without a 2nd thought, I replied, "sure I can!" WHAT??? Did I REALLY just say that?

She lives in Utah and I live in Oklahoma, so this was going to be a challenge. She came to town in April, for her brother's wedding, (yeah, both my kids married within 6 months of each other) and the hunt was on for the perfect fabric and lace. She thought she wanted an English lace until we found....drum roll, please.....FRENCH lace! Straight from Paris! We almost passed out! If you've ever handled French lace, really held it and touched it, you'll NEVER go back to domestic lace again! The difference is night and day! We found it at shop here in OKC that specializes in wedding fabrics and lace. We bought all that she had left of this beauty and decided on silk chiffon for the fabric. DREAMY!

I started on the dress in May and actually sent the bodice to Kira, in UT, for a fitting. She had it pinned and shipped it back. The lace panel, front and back, had to be sewn on by hand. I had my husband hang a quilt on a wall in our bedroom and I pinned the dress up on it and hand sewed it from there. It was INSANE! I had a bum shoulder at the time (needed surgery, but that had to wait until after the wedding), but kept my eye on the prize and worked through the pain. I pretty much had the dress done when I left for UT in late July. We wanted to have that "WOW" moment when she tried it on...

"WOW" wasn't exactly what we got. It was more like slumped shoulders and tears. Something just wasn't right. It needed something more. After I calmed the bride out of her anxiety attack, we put our thinking caps back on and decided the skirt needed to be raised and it needed a big ruffly flounce on the bottom. Luckily, we found this tiny little shop in SLC that carried the silk chiffon in the right shade of ivory (close enough) and we bought YARDS of it. I sewed and hand gathered and pinned and it wasn't enough. We went back, time and time again, and Teresa, the wonderful, helpful, delightful shop owner, was thrilled every time we walked in because that stuff ain't cheap! I swear I gathered miles and miles of that silk chiffon. I was staying in a bedroom in the basement and layed it out on my bed. I had to keep it away from the groom, after all. Not only was there a 10" flounce on the dress, but there was a 5" flounce on the lining! Was I insane or WHAT???

Hand gathered INSANITY!

We finally had our "WOW" moment with GOOD tears this time and I had to BEG Kira to take the dress off. She was so in love with it and I was so in love with her for being so in love with it. It was so good to have it done with 2 weeks to spare!

This was her actual wedding day. What a GORGEOUS bride!

She couldn't figure out her something "blue", so I stitched their initials and wedding date under the lining of the dress. That was fun!

This is by far my greatest creative accomplishment and I doubt I'll ever out do it. It was an out of body experience of sorts. I look at it and I know I created it. I cut and stitched and sewed for HOURS, DAYS, MONTHS, and yet, it seems surreal. She was a beautiful bride and I miss that dress. It became a part of me, like a spare appendage and I really want it back, but she's not giving it up. I'll just have to go visit it. Sit and sip tea and have a chat with it. Feel that French lace and silk chiffon. Smile and sigh at my greatest creative accomplishment...EVER!

And...they will live happily ever after....Kira and McKay Montague!

Ooo...Ooooo...Witchy Woman...

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

I was recently in Salt Lake City for my daughter's wedding. I actually spent 2 months in preparation for it. I also made her dress, but that will be another post. There's a wonderful place called "Gardner's Village" and it was decked out for Halloween. The theme was witches...witches EVERYWHERE. I should back up and tell you that it's a little village of shops and there's a restaurant and a bakery, fudge shop, kiddie book store and spa and the shops are each unique in their own way. You can find clothes, home decor, quilts, jewelry, costumes and Halloween goodies coming out the....well, you get my drift. They have a night when everyone, store personnel AND patrons dress up as witches and they say it's INSANE! Packed with witches! I swear next year I'm flying back there just for that. They have hay rides, bobbing for apples, etc. So, without further ado....meet the witches!

I think she had a little trouble with her landing gear.

Kira, my daughter, with a trio. They rotated in a circle.

Such manly hands!

Such a pretty setting. I'm not sure this one can be trusted.

Uh OH...she's gonna blow the joint up!

Hoola Hoopin' Wild One!

She's calling for help with that painful wart on her knee.

Could that REALLY be her child?

This was inside of my favorite shops. Not a very good photo.

Just strolling through the grounds.

This needs no explanation! :)

My bff, Margo, a former "Hooters" gal.

This was on top of the most awesome quilt shop. Not a typical fabric shop, but beds covered in them and furniture. HUGE shop. This village used to be some kind of mill, so some of the bigger shops actually have parts of the mill in them. I wish I had taken pictures, but I was so overwhelmed and in awe.

These two actually moved. The one in the front "flew" back and forth on a wire and the one behind her moved her arms up and down directing her where to go.

This was my favorite. Her legs pedaled and the bike went back and forth on the wire.

Ok...so this was another favorite. She had no shame. When ya gotta poo, ya gotta poo!

Fun hats hanging on the porch of one of the shops.

The faucet's green water actually moved and "steam" came up from the caldron.

This restaurant has won awards and I had the best hot open faced turkey sandwich. Just got old home cooking.

Fun decor on a porch.

The shop inside Archibalds. It was huge. Upstairs and downstairs. This building was actually part of the mill. Very cool inside.

Antiques mixed with the new.

I would love to have this in my yard. The flowers were beautiful all over SLC.

This shop had clothes. I bought several scarves there.

*sigh*

There goes mom and dad's insurance premiums!

Outside my favorite quilt shop. The porch was full of Halloween quilts and decor.

A babbling brook.

LOve!

Nothin' like a dog and a brew.

Thanks for stoppin' in. I'll see y'all for Witches Night Out!

Stress, Drama, and FUN!

2011-05-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

The 3 components of any family gathering...stress, drama, and fun. At least that seems to be the case in our family when we all come together. It's not a bad thing. We may butt heads, complain and cry, but it never lasts long and our love for each other always prevails. Not to mention the laughs. Gut wrenching laughs. Pee your pants laughs. All this brings me to my son's wedding weekend...

Scooter and his fiance, Tracie

April 9th was the blessed day. Family started rolling in the Tuesday before and all were here by Thursday. We had a house full, the youngest being one 2 yr old charming grandson (she smirks)! Let's just say he's not skipping his terrible twos. Love him to pieces...every ounce! We have two other older grandsons, who are equally lovable.

Rooster, our smart and funny redhead

Blake, our adorable little monster :)

My husband, who happened to be our son's best man, decided to have a bachelor party at our house on Thursday night. The plan was to bbq, play croquet, and then poker. The girls now had to decide what we were going to do. We tossed around dinner, the movies, hanging out at Aunt J's and locking ourselves in my bedroom. I had spent the day with Kira, my daughter who is getting married in September. We looked at wedding dresses and couldn't find one that screamed her name. She found one from a NY designer, which was ridiculously expensive, so we decided I would do my best to replicate it. Yes, that's right. I AM making her wedding dress! We found a shop that carried exquisite bridal fabrics and lace. There will be more on that later, but I will say this...French lace is IT! The comparison between domestic lace and French lace is as different as night and day. Ok, so I went off track a little...by the time we got home, we were pooped and just wanted to chill.

So, the guys showed up and all of us girls locked ourselves in my bedroom. We crowded on the bed and in chairs, had the tv on and pigged out on our stash of goodies: cookies, chocolate, chips, and drinks. We laughed and laughed and had a great time. The guys were doing their thing on the back patio, which included smoking nasty cigars..cough, cough. Then the wild poker game began. The house was filled with loud raucus...the sound of cards shuffling, chips sliding across the table, drinks being poured, kids running through the house and one HUGE MESS! I absolutely LOVED it!!!

The groom with that "nasty" thing in his mouth

Scooter and his cousin, Jeff

Crazy uncle "Mac"

Hubby, the mastermind

Now we moved forward to Friday and the wedding rehearsal that afternoon. That was a quick run through at the chapel and then it was off for a dinner at a local mexican food joint with the wedding party and grandparents.

I think there were 25 of us

After we were stuffed to the gills, we continued the party at my sister-in-laws. All of the family,that was not included in the rehearsal dinner, was there for a bbq and celebration of her grandson's 2nd birthday. There was food, drinks, cake, bocce ball and 8 little rug rats running all over the place. I love these family gatherings.

Piper focused on the necklace Tracie gave her for being in the wedding. It had a SS charm with their initials engraved and their birthstone. It came in a cute silver jewelry box. The girls were in awe and beaming with the biggest smiles.

Scooter and his "soon to be bride" sister, Kira. My sweet kids!

Kira with her new "sister" Tracie

Tori, my step-daughter...always smiling!

Emma, another sweet flower girl

Gamp doing his famous Donald Duck impersonation. The kids LOVE it!

Harper, the youngest one there and little sister to the triplets. She stole my heart!

The 3 flower girls. Kennedy and Piper, in the pink are part of a set of triplets and Noah, in the green shirt, is their brother. Ben is the birthday boy and his sister is Emma. Proud jammy (grandma) stand in the back.

The wedding day has now arrived. These photos are taken from cell phones and personal cameras. I'm still sorting through 700+ professional photos trying to decide which ones I want to order. Needless to say, it's OVERWHELMING!

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nix with proud parents!

Jer and I with Scooter and Tracie

She was a stunning bride!

Our immediate family: Scooter's 3 sisters, Adri, Tori, and Kira

Jer and I

Who is this goofy guy with Kira and I?

Me fixing Kennedy's bow in the bride's room

Fixing Piper's hair before she got dressed.

~~~~~~SIGH~~~~~~until next time!

Red Velvet

2011-02-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

I've never been a big fan of Valentine's Day. I think it goes back to high school when, if I had a boyfriend, I got dumped right before the big day. Now that I think about it, it wasn't just V-Day, but every other holiday along the way! I always thought it was pretty crappy for a guy to do that and quickly realized it was because he was a cheap ***! I envied the girls who had flowers delivered to them at school or walked around with heart shaped chocolate boxes.

As I got older, it didn't get much better, at least not for sweetheart day. Even married. I recall a particular Feb. 14th that fell on the same Sunday as the Daytona 500. Uh...let's just not go THERE! As time marched on, V-day just kind of faded into the background. Oh, well, there's been roses here and there or a box of chocolate or dinner out, but not a big to do.

I've always wanted to make a Red Velvet Cake from scratch. Only because I've heard there's some magic involved and I'm all for a challenge! I searched until I found this old Southern recipe and didn't think there was anything too spectacular about it.

I gathered the ingredients and set forth on this journey of sugar, eggs, cocoa, and RED food coloring. WOW! That's a LOT of red! Didn't I hear once that red dye #40 wasn't good for you? Not like this cake is anyway!

This needs NO explanation!

BEST vanilla I've ever used!

Eggs and Sugar

Very dangerous lab procedure

Looks like an art project!

Perfect out of the oven.

Let the fun begin!

Some sugar crystals and sprinkles for a dash of excitement

The whole kit and caboodle!

The roses were from my sweetheart!

Here's the recipe for one VERY delicious cake!

2 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cocoa
1 1/2 c granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c canola oil
1 tsp vinegar
1 (1 oz bottle of red food coloring)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup buttermilk (room temp)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9 inch) round cake pans.

Sift flour, baking soda, cocoa together. Beat sugar and eggs together in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, mix together oil, vinegar, food coloring, and vanilla. Watch that red, as it will stain clothes and fingers! Add to the bowl of eggs and sugar and beat until combined.

Add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet mixture by alternating the buttermilk and dry ingredients. Always start with the flour and ending with the flour. Pour batter into pans. Tap them on the table to level out and release air bubbles. Bake for 25 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Watch it closely. Mine were finished at about 18-20 minutes. You don't want to over bake or you'll have a dry cake. Let layers cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then remove from pans. Cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2 sticks margarine at room temp
16 oz cream cheese at room temp
2 box confectioner's sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla

Cream together the margarine and cream cheese. Add sugar and beat until mixed, but not so much that the frosting becomes loose. Add vanilla. You can also add toasted pecans or walnuts. Spread between layers and on sides.

Now, here's the deal. I screwed this up big time! The recipe listed above is doubled. I usually do this because I'd rather have too much than not enough. Well, I did great with the cream cheese and margarine, but when I got to the sugar, I only added 1 box. I also didn't pay attention to over mixing the frosting, as mine was a little "loose." I don't know why, but that term just doesn't sound right to me. Brings about another....uh, never mind.

So, I have this very creamy frosting and I'm trying to figure out why the consistency isn't thicker...DUH! BUT, it tastes FABULOUS! I expected it to be very sweet, but it wasn't at all. You could really taste the cream cheese. I started frosting the cake and it wasn't too challenging, just different. It set up nicely in the fridge. I have to say it's the BEST cream cheese frosting I've ever tasted! I will continue to leave out the 2nd box of sugar. Also, I did have some left over. My son thought it would be good to dunk oreos in!

I'm suddenly craving a slice of cake. Hmmm...I wonder if there's any left?

Sneak Peak

2011-02-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

Three little girls just might like this....

The time is quickly approaching for a mother to get her crafting studio back! Ooops...did I REALLY just say that? I'm just kidding...sort of ! I've loved having him home these past few months, but he's moving back out in a couple of weeks.

April 9th is just 2 months away when Scooter, my hero, will begin his life journey with his beautiful bride. I'm not sure the magnitude of it has hit me, yet. I'm keeping busy with making flower girl baskets, head pieces, and decorations for the ceremony and reception. That being said, I thought I'd just share a sneak peak of what I'm doing...

Now...what could this possibly be?

These were once white...love Glimmer Mist!

Gotta have white birds in a wedding...right?

Last, but not least...glitter! Thank you, Martha, for the finest out there!

So, there you have it! You'll just have to check back later when I get it all done. Wish me luck!

Lack of Pretense

2010-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

We were invited over to Tracie’s grandparent’s house. The Nickel’s…Ted and Frantella. Sweet people married for 65 years. Small house filled with 25 people. All blood relatives except for Jer and I and Aaron’s mom and dad. Aaron is married to Crystal, Tracie’s sister. I can’ t imagine cooking for that many people, but the preparation started days before. Family members all brought a dish and I brought brownies…candy cane peppermint brownies. To die for, I might add.
We were graciously introduced to family we had yet to meet. Kendall and Jennifer, from Dallas, and their son and his wife. Kendall is TJ’s brother. We were introduced to some cousins scattered throughout the room and Grandma made sure she welcomed us with open arms. We sat and visited while we waited for the dinner bell to ring. Grandma, Franchetta, wanted to say a prayer…a blessing. She wrote it down, so she wouldn’t forget any of it. She blessed us all for coming and asked for a blessing on Jennifer, as she had lost her beloved mother this year, whom they all loved. She mentioned the newest member of the family, Sydney, born to Crystal and Aaron. She shared “Mike” and Tracie’s upcoming wedding next year and Gerald and Susans. She then blessed the food.
She rushed us into the kitchen to form a cafeteria line , which started at the desserts first. Just a tease to show us what was to come. The spread was laid out in aluminum pans, except for the chicken dumpling, a family tradition, which was in a big stock pot. Chinet, plates and bowls and plastic cups filled with ice were lined up and ready. After we filled our plates and poured our drink, champagne included, we decided to go out to the garage where a very long table was set up, enough to sit 20. There was also a table in the house to seat 6 and then couches, chairs and the floor. We had been told to sit wherever we wanted to. Paper napkins and plastic utensils were placed at each chair. Dinner rolls , along with a tub of margarine, were placed at each end of the table. We sat and enjoyed our meal while laughing and visiting with our new family members. After our plates were empty, we went back for dessert. Pies of every flavor; pumpkin, apple, cherry, coconut cream, an apple strudel (another family tradition) and of course my brownies. We stuffed ourselves until we couldn’t breathe.
We then gathered into the living room where gifts were presented to grandma and grandpa. It was so sweet to watch them open them. I was reminded of a child getting their first glimpse of packages under the tree Christmas morning. Pure delight with each opened package. When they were done, Grandpa got up and gathered two gift sacks and gave one to me and one to Aaron’s parents. I was surprised, to say the least. It was a box of chocolates. The sweetest chocolates I would ever put into my mouth. Then grandpa gave out personalized cards , to each family member. When the last one was delivered, the sound of paper tearing was heard all about the room. Each card contained a monetary gift. Each person yelled out a heartfelt thank you to grandma and grandpa.
It was now time for Dirty Santa. I’d never played Dirty Santa with that many people, so I knew it was going to be fun. And it was. It took awhile for the “pirating” to start, but when it did, it was good. I stole itune gift cards from Aaron and Jer stole a small shop vac from Savanna, a cousin of Tracies.
We stayed and visited for quite some time after that and then people started to shuffle out. We hugged and said our goodbyes. Grandma and Grandpa both told me how honored THEY were to have us join them on this day. They truly Love Scooter and I truly LOVE them!
The thing I will take home from this day is this…the lack of pretense and airs. That house was filled with pure love. The purest form like when a baby enters its parents arms for the first time. It didn’t matter what form of china we ate of f of or the rusty old folding chairs we sat on. What matter were the people. The love AND respect shown by each and every person in that house. I was so overwhelming touched by all of that. It’s so easy to get hung up on the petty things. The fine china, the crystal minus the water spots, the ironed table cloth, your finest clothes. We had what matters most. Love and appreciation for one another. That’s what I felt. Every grandchild in that tiny little house had great respect for not only their grandparents ,but for their cousins, aunts , uncles and siblings.
It was a Christmas I’ll never forget. If it hadn’t been for them including us, we would have been home alone, which we were ok with, but this was so much better. I am thrilled that Scooter is marrying into such a lovely family with strong values and traditions. I am honored to be welcomed into the family, too.
Another thing learned. There’s a lot of wisdom that comes with 65 years of marriage, like using disposable dishes when feeding 25 people!

It's the little things...

2010-12-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Christmas. I love everything about it. I love to decorate the tree, the house, the yard and packages. I love to give rather than receive. This year, however, I was in a funk. A funk for various reasons. Finances, family illnesses and accidents, and an upcoming wedding in April. I didn't care to do any of the aforementioned. We had decided not to exchange gifts, so therefore why put all the energy into decorating? How stupid is that?

I really was ok with it. With skipping the whole thing. And then the UPS man showed up with a 21 pound package. It was from my daughter and suppose to be my paycheck, as I work for her. The USPS had returned it to her saying our street address did not exist. I guess we had entered the witness protection program and the gov't had forgotten to notify us.

Anyhoo, I knew immediately it contained gifts, even though we PROMISED no gift exchanges. The family was saving their money for the wedding, since they all live out of town. The heaviest part of the package came from a gigantic box of Milk Bone dog biscuits for our 3 basset hounds. Kira and her fiance had 2 labs and they are their babies, so gifts arrived for our dogs, as well. She says the other gifts and stockings are silly stuff. Whatever the reason, it just put me back in the mood and the nasty Grinch disappeared. Out came the tree and up went the decorations...well, some of them.

Paperdoll made by my friend the super talented Jackie Peters!

Doesn't she make the perfect Angel?

A beaded ornament

(this pic does not do it justice)

Vintage Glass

Glass bird...I have several of these..LOVE!

This I made from an Altoid Mint Tin

Another Jackie Peters Idea

I love you, Jackie!

Handmade from a friend

A $2 Santa I picked up from an Antique Store...

Isn't he sweet?

I just noticed the string from his tag is still tied around his waste...Geez!

One of my fav's made by my friend, Holly Abston.

It's a vintage reindeer in the center...Awe!

It slapped me in the face that Christmas is not about money and whether or not you can exchange gifts. It's about love and gratefulness. It's about giving of yourself. A time to reflect on all that is special in your life. So, now I sit in front of the tree with my eggnog and admire all the pretty ornaments I've collected over the years. Some vintage, some handmade, all glittery and bright. It makes me smile and happy and appreciate all the little important things in my life. A hug from my husband, a phone call from my kids, a lick in the face from my dogs, a yackity yack yack cat in my face, a kind word from a friend and much, much more.

I'm glad I took the time to throw the tree up and decorate my hutch. Oh...one more thing regarding that hutch. I bought that hutch at a neighbor's garage sale,for $20, about 4 years ago. This was back in AZ and it sat in my garage for a year and then followed us here to OK, when we moved. It had belonged to my neighbor's grandmother and it was a dirty white and falling apart. I saw hope in it. I saw a vision. Last year, I decided to finally tackle it. I cleaned all the dirt off and then painted it all white. Really did not like the way it looked, so I picked out this yummy shade of blue (the exact name has escaped me...now, there's a surprise!)and painted over the white. Then I sanded. Some of it with a small hand sander and some of it with my bare hands...true grit! After that, I hand rubbed a stain over it to get that antique/vintage look. I replace all the hardware and Jer, my husband fixed the falling apart shelf inside. It is by far my favorite piece of furniture!

Each Christmas has it's own special memories, including this one, that the Grinch almost stole. I'm glad I "snapped out of it" and allowed my true feelings and passion for the season emerge. On that note, I think it's time to grab the nog (as in egg and not hubby) and snuggle up on my wicker settee and get lost in the lovliness of my little tree and hutch. Blessings to all of you who take the time to visit this tiny part of my world.

I just love the sweetness from these little snow babies!

Happy Holidays!

Sweetness in a Jar

2010-12-22T00:33:00.000-08:00

I've never tried baking in canning jars until now. Let me just say...FUN!!!

This is a recipe I found online @ http://ourbestbites.com/ and it should have been baked in 4oz, wide mouth, half pint jars, for ease of eating, but I figured anyone would be willing to "dig" for this sweet treat!

Ok...let's get started, shall we?

Basic Ingredients

Mixing Cocoa and Flour

Melted Butter and Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Added to Flour/Cocoa and Mixed

Poured into 8oz Half Pint Jars

Into the Oven They Go

Meanwhile...Pepperment Ganache

To DIE For!!

A Layer of Ganache After the Brownie Cupcake has Baked and Cooled

Frosted with THE BEST Whipped Cream Frosting I Have Ever Made!

Not Too Sweet, as Not to Take Away from the Ganache and Brownie

Now, I did not have the proper piping tip, so it's not as pretty as it could have been, but...who REALLY cares, right?

Ok...so the pic isn't great, but I could hardly contain myself waiting to inhale that bite...

Oh, YEAH!

Labeled and Lidded

for

My Sweet Little Friend, Anya (6yrs old)

Some Velvet Torn Strips, Ribbon, Tinsel, Bells, Sprigs of Greenery and Berries

And

Ready for Gift Giving!

Try it. You'll LOVE it!

Merry Christmas!

Tea Cup and Little Britches

2010-12-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is always a very special holiday in our family. It's rare that our immediate family is all together, but my husband's sister's family always come to OKC to gather for the occassion. So, we spend our Thanksgiving with them. We all pitch in and fix our specialties and have this huge delicious feast.

Jo, my sister-in-law, rents 2 small horses, Teacup and Little Britches to visit for an hour so her grandkids can enjoy a ride in the pasture.

Tea Cup

Little Britches

This year was so much fun. She has 7 grandkids under the age of 4! A set of triplets, age 3 and another grand daughter, who is 3. These four enjoyed the ponies the most.

Noah...he took that hat off, waved it up in the air and yelled, "Yee Haw!"

Piper

Kennedy

Emma

Benjamin, Emma's younger brother, decided his truck needed to ride with him. He wasn't so sure of the ponies, but give him another year or two and he'll be raising his hat, too!

Miss Harper Jane all snuggled up from the cold. She's the baby sister of the triplets, Noah, Piper, and Kennedy

Last, but not least, baby Will...he's thinking, "I can't wait to get my hands on those ponies!"

Here's some more pics of the fun they had. As you can see, I can't get enough of these adorable kids!

Look at that smile!

Walking the dog? Err, Pony!

A boy of many hats.

These girls know how to dress!

Wonder who's gonna win this one!

Cousins

How cute is this?

Saying goodbye to the ponies.

Notice anything missing? Let me say it was very cold and shoes should be a necessity.

We'll see ya next time!

One Little...Two Little...Three Little....

2010-12-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

On April 9, 2011, my son will marry the girl of his dreams. When did he grow up? It seems only yesterday he was this adorable little blonde boy lining his matchbox cars up on the floor ready to race...gentlemen...start your engines!

Now, as he and Tracie embark on this new adventure, wedding plans begin to unfold. A decision was made to have Scooter's cousin's little girls as the flower girls. They were all here for Thanksgiving, so we took them shopping to choose their dresses. Talk about FUN! Let me introduce you to our little angels...

Miss Piper

Miss Kennedy

                                                                       Miss Emma

Piper and Kennedy are sister's and part of a set of triplets. Emma is their cousin. All are 3yrs old.
                                                             They LIKED the flip flops!

Hair ornaments and bling

Now for the dresses....strike a pose...VOGUE!

Check back in April to see the outcome of this shopping adventure. Aren't they just the cutest things? Something tells me their daddies are going to have their hands full as they grow up!

I Spy.....

2010-11-27T14:47:00.000-08:00

This is MY fl0ral Album. My pers0nal pr0ject fr0m a 0nline w0rksh0p by the 0ne and 0nly KC Willis. This is my 2nd pr0ject fr0m her w0rksh0ps. My challenge with this pr0ject was t0 use 0NLY “stuff” I had 0n hand, since I have s0000 much JUNK! G00D junk, 0f c0urse. This is s0mewhat 0f an adult versi0n 0f “I Spy!” It t00k me f0rever, with stuff scatter EVERYWHERE, t0 c0mplete this. I have t0 admit…I’m addicted! I c0uld just make pages and pages and pages, but I still have 2 m0re pr0jects t0 tackle.
The c0ver, 0f this adventure, has a sterling and fresh water pearl bracelet that I abs0ultely L0VE, but it br0ke. Why didn’t I just take it t0 a jeweler and get it fixed? Well, it’s strung and I figured they’d have t0 take it all apart and kn0wing me, I’d just never get it d0ne. Yes…I pr0crastinate when it c0mes t0 fixing br0ken jewelry…we just w0n’t g0 there. S0, I added it t0 the c0ver al0ng with all the 0ther g00dies. The “M” is actually a m0n0gram fr0m a linen napkin. The napkin under the d0ily it’s 0n is 0ne 0f th0se m0n0gramed napkins. I screwed it up. I sewed it 0n backwards! I panicked until I f0und I had an0ther 0ne. I just cut that “M” 0ff, glued it 0n the d0ily and napkin and I was g00d t0 g0! The rest is just vari0us trims and lace. The 0ld pink c0vered butt0n is the cl0sure f0r it. Again, s0me chenille trim that just wraps ar0und the butt0n.

As y0u 0pen the b00k, y0u’ll see I wanted t0 tie the 0pp0sing pages t0gether. The next tw0 are all ab0ut birds. The needle p0int birds I f0und in a bag fr0m a thrift st0re. Wh0 c0uld disp0se 0f s0mething s0 beautiful that they had put s0 much time in? I sh0uldn’t be asking, because it’s my gain! I had t0 use it…frame it with seam ribb0n. Added vintage wall paper, c0rregated cardb0ard, a small d0min0, etc. The 0pp0site page has an 0ld lace dresser scarf, fl0cked paper, trims and butt0ns and a stamped nest. That didn’t stamp well, s0 I had t0 draw 0ver it with a sharpie and put my 0wn twist 0n it.

Ahhhh…the “w0man wh0 f0ll0ws the cr0wd…..” A qu0te by Einstein. She wears a single fl0wer in her hair…a page taken fr0m an 0ld b00k. Again fl0cked paper, vintage fl0cked wallpaper, vintage millinery, cr0cheted lace, and trims. There’s a tag taken fr0m a bl0use I b0ught. I’ve been saving tags kn0wing that they will scream at me 0ne day t0 be used in s0me pr0ject. I made the fl0wer fr0m a strip 0f linen, an elastic hair band, and butt0n 0ff 0f a shirt. Last, but n0t least, I HAD t0 frame her face!

“Fl0wers are l0ve’s truest language”…0ld chenille, millinery fl0wer and cr0ceted trim. The p0stcard ph0t0 was transferred 0nt0 fabric and I wr0te the q0ute by hand. I sewed it t0 fabric, then paper, then chenille. It’s all ab0ut the layers. Just rand0m stitches. I didn’t want anything t0 be perfect, as I am far fr0m THAT! The 0ther page is a keepsake page with a p0cket f0r cards, letters…whatever. I have a card fr0m a fl0ral delivery f0r M0ther’s Day fr0m my daughter. Name 0f the fl0rest…”Fl0ral and Hardy”…L0VE IT!!!

An0ther fun qu0te ab0ut 0riginality. N0thing is 0riginal. We steel fr0m 0thers f0r inspirati0n. Very interesting th0ught and I just really liked it. I hand wr0te it and stitched it 0n a piece 0f beautiful M0da fabric I had in my “stash.” The 0pp0site page c0uld be 0ne 0f my favs. That pe0ny is a paper napkin. It is sewn 0n a thick piece 0f lint fr0m my dryer! S0me0ne f0rg0t t0 clean the vent and this is what I pulled 0ut! I th0ught, “C00L! I can use this!”

Next page…She has a secret and she’s N0T TELLING!!! I l0ve t0 swing and she just has that l00k 0f pure bliss 0n her face. She is stitched 0n a 0ld “Can0n” kitchen t0wel fr0m the 50’s. There’s an earring, magnet, br0ken piece 0f necklace, even a c0ffee stained used dryer sheet! D00dads! L0ts 0f d00dads! The writing 0pp0site is ab0ut 0ur j0urney as a human being and d0ing things 0ut 0f 0rder…ME…MY LIFE!!!

The last pages have the c0l0rs that s00the my s0ul! The shades 0f the 0cean. M0re crazy stuff! A piece 0f an egg cart0n, stick pins, a playing card, b00kmark, crepe paper, 0ld hankie…even a little “Thank y0u!” n0te pad, just in case any0ne w0uld like t0 leave a n0te after l00king at this album.

“There are n0 days in life s0 mem0rable as th0se which vibrated t0 s0me str0ke 0f the imaginati0n ~~~~~ RWE

I h0pe this inspired Y0U t0 see “stuff” in a different light and use what y0u have. It’s a great way t0 “spark” y0ur imaginati0n! Thanks f0r dr0pping in……

A Sweet Surprise

2010-11-07T00:43:00.000-07:00

My soon to be daughter-in-law, Tracie, surprised me tonight with a blueberry pie she made...just for me!!! I was taking a nap, due to a bad headache and my son came in and woke me up for this. She is the sweetest girl and I am so excited to have her as a daughter and the fact she can bake like this makes her even sweeter!

Look at those blueberries...and that crust was so flakey. I'm all about a good crust. I hope this inspires you to bake a pie or find someone sweet to do it for you!

Bon Appetit!

Children are the hands....

2010-10-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered the wonderful artwork of K.c. Willis. The moment I saw it, I fell in love. I then discovered she offered online classes and I was over joyed with delight!!! More than that...I've come to know her a bit, via the wonderful world of cyber space and she's giving and fun and has this wonderful way of looking at objects that most of us would just toss away. Well...not me! I have more junk, but now I'm seeing it's not exactly the "junk" I wish I had...rats!

As you've probably guessed, I signed up for her collage workshop, along with another class. The workshop was a pre-requisite to the other class. I can see why. There's a lot of information and instruction regarding technique and such. I had to watch it a few times to absorb it all.

My goal with this project was to only use what I have. No more buying! Use up what I have. I thought, "oh this will be easy"...not when you want MORE! lol! I stuck to my guns and this is how it came out....VIOLA! I must admit, I'm very happy with it. I'm sure I had moments where I spent too much time "analyzing" instead of just "doing."

I hope you enjoy the layers of love I put into this collage. You should see the MESS I turned my dining room into, not to mention my office/studio. I can barely walk in there. I'm thankful I have a husband who doesn't mind the mess, because he loves to see me creating again. It's been a long time.

Thank you, K.c. for sharing your gift of collage with me and the rest of the world. You are truly an inspiration!

Along My Way...

2010-10-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

I have 3 basset hounds who are out of control. Well, maybe not out of control, but they allow my husband and I to share the house with them. Most people would call us crazy, including me! I've been trying to walk them every day, but it's impossible to walk all three at the same time. They all take off in different directions and I end up in a tangled mess. Therefore, I walk one at a time around our lake. Yesterday, when it was Trixie's turn, I decided to take the camera. The first thing we came along was this beautiful flag blowing in the breeze. Anytime I come across a flag like this I get all choked up inside. It reminds me how lucky I am to be an American.

This is my Trixie Doodle Bug...one happy pup!

Next, were the geese. Ah, the geese! My husband thinks he was a goose in a prior life, so I have come to love them, but I don't talk to them like they're my babies the way he does. I love the beauty of their feathers and the graceful way they float across the water. It makes me smile when I hear their squawks as the fly over our house throughout the day. Once in awhile, we'll even find them in the driveway or just walking down our street. Talk about a crazy sight!

Goose Crossing

I'm sure these sunflowers got my allergies acting up, but they sure are pretty.

The leaves are dropping, but not exactly pretty ones. There's a part I walk that has gorgeous leaves and I need to go walk there and see what it looks like now. May be a little early.

What's to come...

Here's a colorful tree. Being a fairly new resident of the state of OK, I have no idea what kind of tree this is. Didn't have these back in AZ, at least not that I know of. Not much of a tree connoisseur, not around here, anyway.

However...this is my favorite tree around the lake...

So there you have my walk yesterday. It was a glorious day, about 78 degrees with a nice breeze. Turbo, Trixie and Petunia came home and crashed after their journey in the sun. I hope you all find the time to go out and enjoy nature at it's finest!

Shades of Fall

2010-10-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year. When summer fades and you feel that little bit of crispness in the late afternoon. The sun sits lower. The squirrels are in full force running on roofs and telephone lines dropping acorns along the way. My dogs love to scout for them and eat them.

Today I started looking around me and seeing all the different shade that "fall" into the catagory of Autumn. I have red hair and have seen it metamorphous into different shades over the years. Some prettier than others. That orange shade at 13 was NOT good! I have a huge pyracantha bush in my front yard and decided to cut a couple of branches and put them in this cool old bottle I have. Pyracantha have some very large sharp thorns, so one must be careful. I am NOT one of those! I always seem to think I'm exempt from pain. lol

This is a quilted throw I have on the back of a vintage wicker chaise.

A pumpkin I made from muslin, stuffed, painted, stained, distressed, etc.

Indian Corn...

Need I say more?

Halloween tights and shoes..

Last, but not, least...gourmet apple caramel muffins!

What shades of Fall are you enjoying?

A Perfect Day

2010-09-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

Last summer, before I got sick, I paid for 2 online classes in mixed media. I started one and never even got to the other. Since then, the website has shut down and has opened up into something new. Those 2 classes lost forever. This is what I started in the first class and have NO idea what I was supposed to do with the rest of it! lol It's been sitting in a closet just waiting for me to attack it.

I pulled out some tricks of the trade and just started putting things together. I have so much junk! My goal is to use up what I have. No more buying unless it's a supply I need like glue, ink, etc. I have a huge jar of gesso, so I'm happy about that!

I just started playing and laying things out on the canvas. I found the tree image on the Internet and the other images came out of an old book, as did the print the birds are made out of. I used a really cool technique of putting clear packing tape over the printed page. Then you run water over it and rub the paper off and the print stays on. I then took my bird template and cut them out. I really like the effect it gives to the piece.

I used pieces from an old sheet music. The #5 is stamped from an old printer's block I have. The "stick" with the jewels, which are old earrings, is an old "cake tester" that my bff sent along with all the lace, from my previous post. The piece at the top is also from that collection. The costume pearls are an old necklace. I used a charcoal pencil and distressed ink to highlight and give depth here and there. The last thing I did was paint some melted beeswax all over it.

I hope you enjoy my "A Perfect Day to Fly"...as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Lace...lace...and more lace!

2010-09-19T02:21:00.000-07:00

It's 4am and I SHOULD be sleeping, BUT, I'd much rather read through endless blogs and search for creative ideas and on and on and on....

My wonderful bff, Janet, who lives in Southern California, is the Queen of estate sale and garage sale finds. (Love you, girl) I happen to be the lucky recipient of such finds..well, some of them, anyway. Last week, I get this box from her stuffed with lace...lots of lace. All kinds of lace! Some pieces look like they've been cut off of a garment. Maybe the hem of a dress or a collar. I'm a lover of many things and lace is at the top of the list. I will let the photos speak for themself.

Isn't this old paper spool of lace to die for? I wonder what my first project will be with this lace. Hmmmm...any ideas?

Stitched With Love...

2010-09-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Back in 1990, I stitched this intricate cross stitch (of which I need glasses to read now) for my now deceased mother-in-law. I wanted to do something for her with all the grandkids names and birthdays on it. I was fairly certain at the time there would be no more, so I was safe to proceed.

This is done on aida cloth and I don't remember the count, but it's the tiniest before you reach linen. I would love to do something on linen, but I know I'd go blind and no pair of readers could help out of that mess. It's a creamy background with beautiful shades of pink, green, blue, lavender, and yellow. The 10 grandkids are in chronological...youngest to oldest from left to right. I guess you can tell that by the dates, but not sure they show up in the pics. I signed it down in the corner...how the heck did I manage that?

I love the wooden frame, but back then I wasn't as creative as I am now. I have evolved, as some may of us have. It's a natural progression. I took the finished piece and just stretch it over a piece of matboard and some stuffing. Glued it on and then glued it to the mat opening. The problem was it didn't quite fit, but I knew mom would love it unconditionally. And she did.

In 1995, she passed away from lung cancer and so the stitchery was given back to me. I greatly appreciated it since I had put so much love and time into it. Somehow it got lost in a box somewhere with other treasures(I know...hard to believe)and I just came upon it a few weeks ago. It warmed my heart to see it, but that gap around the the mat and the stitchery made me NUTS! I couldn't believe I could do that being the perfectionist I am...or thought I was. So, I dug through my big glass candy jar of ribbon and found this luscious pale green ribbon with just the right curl to it. Out came the got glue gun and "viola" problem fixed. I must say, I am very happy with the results.

My only decision is where shall I display it now?

Sugar Coma

2010-08-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

My son's birthday fell on Friday the 13th...his lucky day or so he says. I wanted to bake him a special cake and was looking through my box of old recipes and found one from mom called, "The Perfect Chocolate Cake." Well, "perfect" caught my attention. I perused the recipe and made sure I had all the ingredients it called for, and let's not forget the cute apron. A baker MUST have a cute apron when making a cake of this magnitude. I proceeded to start this cake on the afternoon of the 13th. We were taking Scooter and his girlfriend, Tracie, out to dinner that evening, so I needed to get it done. Oh, did I mention I was also working through all this? It has been slow, so I thought, good, I won't be bothered much...WRONG...sooooooooo wrong! I was slammed (thank you #13)...I should have known.

Now, when I cook or bake, I do my best to kind of clean up as I go along..really, I do. Not this day. I was on a deadline, had faxes coming in, paperwork to deal with and this huge cake to figure out. Needless to say, powdered sugar was flying all over the kitchen! I had to boil the chocolate mixture and wait for it to cool. Whip the frosting over a bowl of ice (huh?) and bake 3 pans at one time. That made me so nervous.

The cakes had cooled, the frosting done, and the whipped cream filling waiting to be layered between the cakes. The cakes came out the pans just fine and the filling was layered and the cakes didn't slide off(I was holding my breath). The cake was a little lopsided, but not much. I made the mistake of leaving the frosting in the pan sitting in the bowl of ice, so it was not so easy to spread. I let it sit a bit and just whipped it up some more. I did some swirly moves with my knife and also took the back of a spoon to create some peaks. I didn't have anything to garnish it with, so it would have to do. It was 4:45 and I had to hop in the shower and get ready for the kids to arrive and take them out to dinner. It all got done in the nick of time.

After dinner, we came home and cut into that monster and that first bite was so goooood! Very moist, the filling delightful, and the frosting perfect. The chocolate was just right. Not too rich. Add a little vanilla ice cream and let the sugar coma begin!

BTW...that's the birthday boy, Scooter, with his lovely fiance, Tracie!

A Few of My Favorite Finds

2010-08-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in so long, I may have forgotten how. So...I'll just jump right in. I thought I would share a few of my favorite things found while antiquing, junking, flea marketing, etc. I love to go in with a clear open mind and see what pops out at me. The best things are those that scream at me...very loud! I MUST listen or I'll go home, come back, it'll be gone and I'll have to cry myself all the way home!

This is a vintage french bread box I found at a monthly flea market here in OKC. I was just meandering around and found an interesting booth and saw this awesome pale yellow metal box shoved under a table. I pulled it out and opened it and the vendor told me what it was and I told her it was going home with me! She was thrilled. She couldn't believe she still had it. I was just happy it had been "lost" under that table. Of course, I didn't use it for bread (the french must have smaller loaves), but used it in my bathroom on the counter for awhile. I put all my make up in it and other facial creams and goop. I really liked it there, until I found something else to replace that space.

It is with deep sorrow. hehehe, that this lovely box will be moving on to a new home. I can't say too much, but the new recipient loves it as much as I do and she doesn't know she'll be getting it as a birthday gift. So shhhhhh...

My next find is this gorgeous old jewelry box with the coolest chippy paint job. There's blue on white and gold on blue and the drawers have white porcelain knobs...eeek! I found this treasure at my fav hang out...The Rink. It's an old ice rink turned antique mall. They used to have the old zambonie in there, but had to get rid of it for the needed space. Very cool place. I grabbed this baby and when I got to the counter, everyone was fighting over it and couldn't believe they hadn't seen it. I was lucky to get out of there with all four limbs! BTW...this took the place of the french bread box on the bathroom counter. It's large and heavy, but so nice to have a place for some of my jewelry, instead of having it hanging all over the place or forgetting where I put it.

Can you say, "heavy?" That's this frame, but oh so chic, don't you think? I got all giggly when I found it, again at the Rink! I had no idea what I'd put in it when I got it home, but who cared, right? I will admit it sat around for awhile just looking amazing and then I put my daughter's college grad pic in it. It was a close up of part of her face. I just didn't like the way it looked, even though I kept it there for awhile. It was also a black and white print and just didn't do it for me.

One of the things I love finding is old paintings done on flat canvas with the artist signature on the back. Makes me think it was done in an art class for some reason. I also love paint by number paintings and watercolors and....I guess I just love paintings! The painting inside this frame is one of those precious finds. It's on a flat canvas and is signed by the artist on the bottom and back. It's not actually inserted in the frame, as it is larger. I just leaned it up behind the frame and thought, WOW, that looks good!!! I just love the colors in the painting...the pale yellows and blue/greens. The great thing is I can easily move it somewhere else if I want and use the frame for something else, as well.

So, there it is...a few of my favorite things! What are your favorite things? Are they new? Old? Borrowed? Blue? And...in case your wondering about the roses at the top? Those are 50, yes fifty of the best roses, sent to me on my 50th birthday from my daughter and her boyfriend!!! The vase was so heavy when they were delivered, I thought I would drop them before I got them to the table.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in while due to working like a mad woman for my daughter and then a flair up with my trigeminal neuralgia. I much prefer the working like a mad woman any day!
I decided to make this an easy blog about all the beautiful flowers in my life right now...not a lot, but flowers always make me so happy, whether from a florist or in my garden.
My lovely daughter, Adrienne, sent me this gorgeous arrangement of roses and white lillies for Mother's Day. They came on a day that I was in severe pain in bed. Truly turned a very dark day into a ray of sunshine. The roses are the most gorgeous shade of coral and as they open, you can see all the different shades...sigh! Did I mention the delicious scent? OMG! And add the lillies to that, ooo, la, laaaaa!!

The peony was transplanted from my deceased mother-in-laws garden a few years back. She had so many that I wish I had dug up more. The house is now sold and don't think the new owners would appreciate me showing up with shovel in hand. The first year, no blooms. Last year, only one. This year 2 blooms. I just about did a back flip!

The Allium bulbs I planted last year and I LOVE these and shortly after blooming the wind came along, so they didn't last as long as I had hoped, but I still have a few that haven't bloomed.

I threw a bunch of seeds out in one of my gardens last year just to see what would happen. The yellow flowers are from that. Darn if I can remember what they are. I have daisies, tall flox, and cosmos about to bloom, too. Something exciting about seeing a flower bloom from seed, if you have the patience.

These are the tall flox, in 4 shades of pink...sigh.

I have to show you my pyracantha bush all full of tiny white flowers. So pretty in the Spring and then the red berries in the fall. Just watch out for those nasty thorns.

The wind has blown them into Mr. Toad's space and he doesn't look too happy about it. I have cleaned this out numerous times, so the birds can drink to their content.

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.I would be remiss if I didn't show the Cherry's on the tree out back and their beautiful blush. Last year the birds ate them all in about a day. The year before, we had a bounty

Oh, and last, but not least...My adorable husband just came home with this bunch of delightful flowers for me...awwwwwwwwww...he is so sweet! He also brought me a hanging flower pot for the patio. I love you, hon!<

I wish all you moms the most Wonderful of Mother's Days! Make the day you're own, because you deserve it!!!

Baby Mementos From My Past

2010-03-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

It seems that everywhere I go, I see pregnant women. I have 3 friends and one niece, all of which are having boys. Two are due very soon and 2 during the summer. How nice to know what you're having, so you can plan your nursury, colors, etc. But,there is that element of surprise missing like when I was pregnant and my mother and hers and on and on. That leads me to this post...or sort of.

One of my most cherished items in the whole world is my baby quilt. The reason being...my mother pieced it and my grandmother, her mother, quilted it. It's priceless to me to have something in which both their talented hands played a part. My grandmother was a beautiful quilter and my mother a beautiful seamstress. How lucky am I to have been blessed with that talent in my life?

So, here it is. Full of farm animals, all painstakingly done by my mom. Look at all the detailed hand embroidery. My favorite is the little lamb with her ruffled lace skirt. The pig is cute, too. The little farmer boy and girl and that turquoise polka dot with the rick rack trim..Ahh! I have this hanging in my studio/office along with my daughter's ballet toe shoes she wore when she was 13. She is now 27. You can still see the wool stuffing down in the toes, not that it helped the pain any.

The baby doll is an old Madame Alexander from the 60's. She's in excellent condition, but she's not the one I had as a child. I have yet to find her, but I love this one, still. She is wearing a baby dress I found in an antique shop. That embroidery took my breath away! Her bonnet looks like someone made it out of a hankie...cute! The dress laying on the quilt is an old baby dress that I wore. The fabric has little tiny pink rosebuds. The sweater set was hand crocheted by my grandmother, as was the blue hat. I'm sure it was a matching set, but I have know idea what happened to it..

The old shoes hanging with the vintage tag(see above photo) are something I picked up in an antique store and tied onto a pale yellow bucket that I filled with baby goodies and gave as a shower gift to the most delightful Holly, a sweet friend, who is on bedrest due to a baby that's about to pop at any minute.

There you have it. Babies in Spring. What could be better?

Paper Apron

2010-03-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure what this was going to be when I first started this project. I had a paper apron in mind, but I don't sketch anything out. I just fly by the seat of my pants! I started with the purple floral paper that's in the middle and added the side panels in green and purple. I had some brown craft sheets that I ruffled and attached with hot glue. The pinkish flowers are cupcake liners...now here's the funny part...I bought a jug of diet cran-grape juice and it tastes like...NOT GOOD! I didn't want to waste it, so I dunked the white cup liners in it just to see what would happen...VIOLA...a pretty pink shade! I scrunched them up in a square of tulle and attached along the ruffle.

I didn't like the plain purple and green paper, so I stamped used white tissue paper with CATHERINE MOORE paperdoll art stamp, an apron and patisserie stamp. I used distressed ink from TIM HOLTZ and just stamped it randomly. I added lace trim here and there. The pocket is a post card from CAVALINNI which I adhered with eyelets and glue. The spoon and key hanging from the pocket are also from TIM HOLTZ.

I have it tied around a rattan plant stand in my dining room. I think it adds a festive touch. Hope you like it!

Orange Buttermilk Pancakes

2010-02-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

Let me just start off by saying this delectable morning delight came about as an accident. One morning while preparing pancakes on the griddle, I accidently poured orange juice all over the griddle. Much to my dismay...the rest is history. They have become my family's favorite morning request. Kira's boyfriend, who doesn't even like pancakes, ate about a dozen of these one morning. I even like to eat them cold as a dessert snack!

I have been asked for the recipe so much, I decided to just plop it on here for all to enjoy. It was adapted from a Southern Living recipe. I have experimented and changed it up over the years. Without further ado....

ORANGE BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

2c flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
2 tbs sugar
2 lg eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups buttermilk
1/4c vegetable oil
fresh orange zest

Combine the first 5 ingredients, stirring well. Combine the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and zest in a separate bowl. I use whatever type of organges I have on hand. Today, it was Clementine Cuties. They gave the pancakes a stronger orange flavor and it was REALLY good! If you don't have oranges, you can always add about 1/2 cup orange juice. I usually zest one orange (2 clementines) and then sqeeze some of the juice into the batter. Add this liquid to the flour mixture and stir just until all ingredients are moistened. I pour about 1/4 cup onto a hot griddle and I like to grease it with REAL butter. You can use a spray or oil, whichever you prefer. This makes about a dozen average size pancakes. I've been known to quadruple this for a family gathering.

ENJOY!!!

Muted Paper Wreath

2010-02-19T01:37:00.001-08:00

While most of you are tucked nicely away in your down filled beds, I'm determined to finish this project I started a few days ago. Why in the middle of the night? Why not? If you can't sleep, then you may as well create! Just remember that when I start to not make sense...I can hear the snickers now!

I think we all pretty much know the paper liner technique by now...coffee filters, cupcake liners, candy cups, whatever size you prefer. So much can be done with these besides brewing a fresh cup of java or encasing that delectable chocolate morsal...I digress. Soooo, I chose the candy cups for this project and soaked or dipped them in brewed hot tea. Some stayed in the pot longer than others, so it gave me various shades of yum! I learned quickly that if the paper dried, it was harder to work with and glue to my form, which just happened to be pipe cleaners (not too sure I liked that...kind of flimsy to work with). They do dry quickly, so better to work with them still damp. If they dried out too much, back in the pot they went.

I just pinched and glued...pinched and glued...and pinched and glued. I also dipped the two little doves before glueing them on. Oh...I used hot glue for this project. I tied seam binding around the top for the hanger and also tied it in a couple of bows, along with some tulle for the top. I added some old millinery flowers here and there and...viola!!

The doves needed just a bit of something, so I took my Zig glue pen and just brushed it along the wings and sprinkle some Sugar Coating glitter on it and just love the way that turned out. It was one of those "awwww" moments! I hung the wreath on the frame of the bed in our guest room and just had the lamp on. Another "awww" moment when I saw how muted it came out in the pics, at least for me. It could be because it was 3am and my Lortab was kicking in...LOL!

My son is engaged and I was thinking how pretty something like this would be in a wedding...hmmmm. I have another idea for some cupcake liners...something different to use as a dye. If it works, I'll be sure to share it with you. If not...then never mind!

Nighty Night...

Tic Douloureux

2010-02-16T00:23:00.000-08:00

Tic Douloureux...such a pretty name for such a nasty condition. It rolls off the tongue nice and sweet, but watch out because it will turn around and stab you with a hot searing knife that will bring you to your knees. I know because I have Trigeminal Neuralgia or Tic Douloureux.

TN effects the right side of my face only. I think the symptoms started about 7 months ago, but I was being treated for sinus infections and given anti-biotics, steroid packs over and over again. I have had a history of sinusitis, so who's to say these treatments weren't helpful. My primary dr. had even mentioned this crazy facial nerve that she thought could be causing some of the problem. As the pain became worse and more persisitant, she sent me to an ear, nose, throat specialist AFTER having a CT scan on both my sinuses AND my brain. He ruled out anything terrible and dismissed me with a suggestion I see an allergist. Of course, you can't just get in to see these docs within a few days. It takes weeks. So, during these weeks, more pain...debilitating pain. Back to my doc I go. She finally decides it's this tic douloureux and I should see a neurologist. While waiting for that appt., she puts me on an anti-seizure med, Tegretol, which is the most common drug of choice. The pharmacy gives it to me in a nasty tasting chewable...ugh! It will enter my system faster and in 100mg tabs, easy to adjust the dosage. I see that I am rattling on here, so maybe I should just cut to the chase...

...This says it all...

Let's just say I've been to hell and back, at least in my mind. I have a high pain tolerance and have had to endure some nasty ankle surgeries that ended up in a fused ankle, which I thought was the worst pain of my life. I'd take it any day over this. This pain is relentless. The trigeminal nerve is the 5th cranial nerve and it branches out in 3 directions, from the ear area, up to your eye area, you cheek area and finally you jaw area. My pain is a burning, stabbing pain. The pain can be triggered by the simplest of things...brushing your teeth, chewing, putting on make up, touching your face, a breeze on your face, talking, smiling, you name it! It's completely insane if you ask me.

This is an illustration of the MVD surgical procedure (skull cracking!)

I have now seen the neurologist, whom I really like. He spent a lot of time with me and explained all of my options. Medication is the best way to go, as the surgical procedures are very invasive and carry risks that I really don't want to take. As for now, I have my good days and my bad. When it's bad, it's bad. I've had my pitty parties, my nights of tears, sleepless nights too numerous to count. But, all in all, I do not have any brain tumors, I do not have cancer, I do not have MS, I do not have Parkinson's, to name just a few. I do have a neurological condition that I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. Big Whoop! We all have our cross to bare.

I am learning as I go. I am not a good patient. I tend to curl up into my own space and want to be left alone. I am a much better care giver than receiver. My husband deserves a medal for dealing with me. I have learned that laughter IS the BEST medicine for me. It may hurt my face like hell to laugh, but it's so worth it. There are friends who do this on a daily basis and I hope they know who they are and how grateful I am for it. Love you guys!

This has taken me away from my job on various occassions, but I am blessed to have such an understanding and caring boss lady...my daughter, Kira. Although, she does have the best neurosurgeon lined up to crack my skull open at any given moment! lol I have missed the time with my girls doing what I love to do the most...creating with my hands. But, I know, I will have many many more opportunities with them...you know who your are and I adore and love each and every one of you...what would we do without Paper Crown?

So, when I disappear for awhile or you don't see me on fb or don't show up for class, it's because the beast has reared it's ugly head. I am sharpening my sword and ready to fight back. I have always considered myself a compassionate gal, but now I really "feel" for people who suffer from pain on a daily basis. My heart goes out to them.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you. Thank you for your support and love and well wishes. It means more than you know. I don't want to be pittied in any way. I just want to bring awareness to something I had never heard of before and yet it is more common than we know.

Oh, one more thing...it's 3:30am, not so uncommon anymore for me. The medication causes some confusion, fuzziness, loss of concentration, etc. I'm not taking the time to spell check or re-read...it's the rough draft your getting! It's who I am, afterall! lol

Collective Hearts

2010-02-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Three days til Valentine's Day. Never really been a fan of the actual day in the past. Not crazy about the Kay's Jeweler's heart necklances or the insanity at the card counter in Target. I think it goes back to the day, many moons ago, when it fell on the same Sunday as the Daytona 500. My husband could not be torn away from that race, so I took our kids and went to a movie...huffin and puffin the whole way!

Well...guess what? It's that year all over again! lol I've grown up a lot since then and I'm over it. Now, I just enjoy the beauty of the celebration. Miss the days of sharing valentine's with kids at school and those nasty tasting candy hearts hoping I'd get the "love" heart from the cute boy who sat two rows over. It seems those days are gone forever, unfortunately, but I have found a new sense of creativity and so I share my Collective Hearts with you.

I actually made this a few years ago. This year I've had some health issues, so was not up to par. As I look at this collage, I chuckle at how far I've come since then in my crafting/artistic approach. The new techniques I've learned. But, it's always fun to look back, so we can appreciate the creative path we're on.

I made this collage from wool felt. It is all hand stitched. You really can't read the words, "Be Mine", very well. I was going to go back and do something to make it stand out, but just never did. I added bits of old hankies, lace pieces, and doilies. I love the french knots I did in the center of the flowers. There are silk ribbon flowers and even a cheesy looking fake cameo that I picked up somewhere that I could not resist! The buttons are from my grandmother's old button jar that my sister got, but she shared some with me. It's just filled with little doo dads I've picked up and pinned on. If you look closely, you'll see hearts scattered to and fro and within the hankies and lace. I left enough space so that I can add more along the way.

However you choose to spend your Valentine's Day, I hope you enjoy every minute of it. I will be hearing the roar of the engines in the background while I get lost in something I love to do...maybe eating brownies!

Frog Hollow Collage

2010-01-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

WOW...It's been 7 months since I've written a post for this blog! So long that I had to go back and refresh myself with how to do it! Good grief, Charlie Brown!!! Anyway, I think I have it figured out now, soooooooooooo...

I owe this first new post to my sweet friend, Vickie, who made me the nicest, most thoughtful creation for my birthday last June...my very own collage of my blog! Check it out! I instantly fell in love with the 50's paperdoll, as I love ALL things paperdoll, especially the 50's and 60's! She incorporated all my special doo-dads off my blog...my family, my creations, etc. She put so much love into this and it now hangs in my studio. I promised her I would blog about this waaaay back when, but Vickie...better late than never! Love you so much for this!!!

This was an award I got for one lovely blog...*sigh*!

"Spec"tacular Collage

2009-06-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last week was my son-in-law, Chris', birthday. He's my favorite son-in-law...well, he's my ONLY son-in-law! Still, a GREAT guy! He and my step-daughter, Tori, live in Branson, MO and work for a Pearl Vision store. The owners are WONDERFUL people and have quickly become family to all of us, along with the employees. Tori works on the doc side of the store and Chris is on the "fun" "lets shop for some really cool frames" side!

While shopping at my fav antique store, awhile back, I came across this old booklet put out by Bausch & Lamb. I had this idea to take a page out of it and make a collage for Chris for his b-day. My hubbie in formed me, in no uncertain terms, that I was NOT to take that booklet apart because it was way too neat! So, we decided on the pic we wanted to use and he was kind enough to take it to Kinkos and enlarge it. He was in the copier business for 20+ years, so he knows more about them than any Kinko's employee, so I knew he'd come back with an awesome copy.

In the meantime, I was on a hunt for vintage eyeglass photos and also have a stash of vintage LIFE and LOOK magazines. I found a few there and some on the internet. I also had that great old eyeglass case, from the Texas doc, and a few pair of old batter eyeglasses.

I just started slapping it all together and covered it all, or most of it, in melted beeswax. I wish I would have checked my photos before I shipped it, because not all of them came out. I really need a new camera...some day!

Chris received his collage yesterday and he and Tori both loved it and that's all that matters. I think that baby looks like maybe Marlon Brando as a baby! He's got those eyes!

Apron fit for a QUEEN!

2009-06-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

I found this GORGEOUS sheer fabric in the home dec section of a local shop and bought 5 yards of it not having any idea what I was going to do with it. A friend made a comment about what a pretty apron it would make. That started the wheels turning.

I wanted it to be frilly and girlie, so I added one ruffle, then a layer of lace from my stash, then another layer of some crinkly silk type fabric I found at another store. I found a bag of AMAZING vintage rhinestone buttons at my favorite antique store and added those to the bottom. Ooh...la...la!!!

I had all this fabric that I tried to make a draped effect with and had enough to twist and turn into what I call a "rosette" in the center on top of the ruffles. There's a bit of seam binding around the rosette...the leaves...and then a bow at the waistline. The ties are really long, so they can wrap around the back and come back to the front and tie in a loopy drapey bow. I feel like royalty when I put this apron on!

A Lovely Surprise!

2009-05-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

Michelle, at Shabby Creations, surprised me with this award this morning...how sweet is that? She is AMAZING, so if you're in the market for a designer blog, Michelle is your "go to" gal! Thank you soooooo much, Michelle...you made my day!

Now, I get to share the "love" and pass this award onto some of my favorite blogsites. Drum roll please................

Ann Marie @ Na-Da Farm Life

Niki @ Nostalgia at the Stone House

Jenn @ Sweet Eye Candy Creations

Leanne @ Artwork by Leanne

RULES FOR THIS AWARD 1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who's given it to you, along with the link to his or her blog. 2. Pass the award to several other blogs you enjoy. Contact those bloggers to let them know they've been chosen for this award. Have fun and enjoy your award! I really hope you choose to play and keep it going. But if you don't, that's okay too. Just enjoy your award in any way you wish and know that I think you have a very lovely blog.

50's Paperdoll Collage

2009-05-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

I bought these cute vintage paperdolls awhile back and wanted to do some sort of a collage. I started with a blank 8 x 10 canvas and dove in...head first!

The canvas is covered with vintage wallpaper. The cute little pups peeping through the window came from a vintage get well card. The couch is from an anthropologie catalogue and the other pups from another greeting card. Embellish, embellish, EMBELLISH!!! The little crown on the peeping pup says, "be bold." How appropriate for a peeping pup! There are swavorski cystals on Jackie's cute little dress.

To finish it up, I painted melted beeswax over most of it. Everytime I look at it, it makes me smile. Hope you enjoy it, too!

Wooden Crate Makeover

2009-05-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have a wooden crate on an end table in my living room that holds a lamp because the lamp wasn't tall enough to do any good with the size of my couch and loveseat. It's one of those crates you buy at Michaels to store stuff. I got tired of looking at it's ugliness and decided to do something about it.

I really didn't have a plan, so started by painting it with white gesso. I then wondered, "why did I do that?" I, then, proceeded to cover it in scraps of pretty papers with medium gel. Wasn't THRILLED with the outcome, so found a package of pretty napkins I picked up on a clearance at Hobby Lobby. I separated the layers and started tearing them up and applying them with water thinned Hodge Podge.

I'm liking this, but felt it needed something more. I hot glued scrap lace I had and velvet ribbon to the top and hung three german glass glittered numbers I'd picked up for a steal at a favorite boutique. The numbers have no meaning whatsoever. I just happened to grab 'em! I love them because they're starting to tarnish and look really cool! I attached some little forget-me-nots and seam tape to the top of the numbers. Ok, NOW, I'm HAPPY with it!

To finish up, I added some of my favorite things....my favorite rose photo taken by my lovely step-daughter, Adri...the photo of Kira and Denise, 2 of my fav girls...a
Wedgewood candy dish, a gift from my sister-law when she lived in England...and a cute little spray of millinery flowers picked up at my favorite antique mall.

The lamp is sooooooooo old! I bought it about 28 years ago from a potter. I loved it so much, I commissioned her to make me a matching one. I have always loved pottery and still do. I'm just waiting for that special lamp to jump out and scream at me, so I can retire these to my 21 year old son, who thinks they're so cool!

Tutu Apron

2009-05-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is my "up-cycled" tutu apron! I guess it's not really a tutu by tutu standards, but that's what it feel like when you put it on.
It started with a trip to the thrift store, a frequent occurence for me. I came upon this darling little girl's giraffe print skirt. I think it's a giraffe print...it's brown and I believe leopards are black. Anyhoo....I bought the little skirt and took it apart when I got home. It had a blue velvet ribbon around the waist, which I used in another project....my latest crown!

I had the ruffle in my stash and the pink polished cotton. I knew I wanted a dash of hot pink, so I went with it. I just happened to have a spool of dark fuschia velvet ribbon. It was long enough to wrap around the back and come back to the front to tie. I tried it on and just wanted to dance around the room...and I DID!

My Daughter Spoils Me........

2009-05-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

My mother passed away in 1999 and my mother-in-law in 1995, so Mother's Day hasn't quite been the same since then. I'd much rather give than receive and I watch people scurry through the stores in search of that perfect Mother's Day gift and I just toodle on my way with no one to buy for.

My kids usually call me and send me mushy cards and usually buy me something special. Today, Jer and I came home from Walmart and I noticed a box on the front step. It was from 1-800 Flowers.com. How exciting...I'd never received anything from them before. I opened it and it was a pink calla lilly plant from my step-daughter, Adrienne. Very healthy and fresh plant. I immediately called in and thanked her and planted my treasure out in the backyard.

I continued on with my day, working in my craft room trying to get it organized. It's been very warm and muggy today, so I caved and turned on the a/c. My hubbie came in and sat down and I happened to mention I was hot. He told me I needed to cool off by going to the front door. I looked at him like he was crazy...what? So, I headed for the front door just as the doorbell rang. I opened the door and here stood this man holding the most magnificant floral arrangement I'd ever seen! I squeeled with delight and almost kissed the man! I couldn't imagine who had sent this. Sorry, dear, but I just didn't think my hubbie could come up with something so gorgeous (he's a simple minded man). The card attached was from...get this..."Floral and Hardy"...how cool is that name? I read the card and it was from my sweet daughter, Kira. I was so surprised because she had told me she was sending me jewelry for Mother's Day. Did I mention how wonderful this beauty smells? OMG! I'm in heaven!!!!!!!!

\
So, I call Kira and she was so happy that I was so happy. She told me she called this florist (she lives in Utah), after investigating florist online, and told them she wanted something very elegant with pink and white and a hydrangea. She said to her, "my mom's a classy broad, so it's got to be GORGEOUS!" She's such a hoot!

I just had to share my joy. I wish I could preserve this beauty forever. I hope all you moms out there have a glorious Mother's Day. I know I will. I feel like a queen and just may put my crown on and dance around the room!

Collaborative Art Swap

2009-05-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

I joined a swap group and have had so much fun. One of the swaps was a collaborative art journal swap. I had to do 2 pages for 2 partners and the theme was black and white. Here's what I came up with...

This is all 4 pages

this went to one partner...hope and dream

this went to my 2nd partner

I'm happy to report that both of my recipients were happy with their pages. I have not yet received mine, but look forward to it as well as the next leg of this fun journey.

It's another rainy day here in OKC. Sure is green and pretty out there. I set out 2000 ladybugs in the garden Saturday night and they are lovin' this rain!

New Look

2009-05-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

I am so THRILLED to have this new look...THANK YOU, MICHELLE! I can just smell the roses, can't you? I guess I'd better upload some pictures now, so I can show you what I've been up to....stay tuned!

New Blog Design

2009-04-28T14:53:00.001-07:00

I know this looks like a bit of a mess at the moment, so bear with me. I'm in the process of getting a whole new look, thanks to Michelle at Shabby Creations. She is custom designing my new blog. It should be up and lookin' purty real soon!

Special Wedding Gift

2009-04-24T17:12:00.001-07:00

I have a very special niece getting married next month. I won't be able to attend the wedding, but wanted to do something special for the bride and groom. I bought this mat for a frame and decided to try my hand at "doodling." I think I stayed up until about 1am, which isn't unusal for me, as I wanted to finish it. I'm happy with the way it turned out, being it my first attempt at doodling. I think she'll like it and I KNOW she'll appreciate the work that went into it.

Now, I've got the "doodle" itch and want to do more. I must stay focused and finish some of the "other" unfinished projects first. We'll see how that goes....wink, wink!

My First Peony

2009-04-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

First let me say...I'm suffering what I believe to be a sinus infection and have one of those headaches that feels like it's squeezing the life out of your brain, so I hope this post sounds better than I feel....

My wonderful mother-in-law, Sybil, passed away from lung cancer in 1995. The same year my son was diagnosed with leukemia. He was 7 years old and she passed 6 weeks after his initial week in the hospital. My father-in-law, her husband, passed this last October at the age of 94. Before we moved him out of their home, at the age of 93, I dug up mom's prized peonies and transplanted them into my garden. Now, I'm transplanted here from AZ, where I lived my entire life until 2 years ago and we did not grow peonies back there, so I knew nothing about what I was doing. Imagine my surprise when I noticed I had a bud on one of the plants last week! I'm sure the neighbors heard me "screech" with delight! Then, we had a hard freeze predicted, so I carefully covered my plants and prayed they would be alright.

They were and here's the proof in the pictures....now, if I could only smell the sweetness of that bloom! Darn sinuses, anyway! Of course, the pics don't do it justice, but I'm so happy and wish that bloom could last forever. As I know, nothing does. I feel mom and dad are smiling down on me and there will be many more blooms where that one came from. Oh, in case your wondering...my son won his battle and is now 21 and moving into his first apartment at the end of the week!

Another apron

2009-04-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

I am having too much fun with these aprons. I don't use a pattern, so I'm designing it as I go along. I start with a fat 1/4 and build it from there. I've had this GORGEOUS old Madeira hankie with an "R" monogram done in shadow embroidery. The pics don't do it justice. Once again, the fabric is from the Moda line, "Aviary" and is sooooooo "deeeeeeeLISH!" I adore the soft shades of lime and pink and the delicate florals. I just get all giggly goo!!!

I've been visiting the quilt shop about every other day and I completely lose my mind as soon as I step inside. I forget why I'm there and it's so hard for me to make a decision...I want it all!

Shabby Chic Inspiration

2009-04-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

I found this YUMMY piece of vintage lace and wondered what I was going to do with it. I also had this GLORIOUS Moda fabric and then it hit me...ya know...one of those "AhA!" moments! An apron! I got out my rotary cutter and mat and ruler and went at it. No pattern here, just basic instinct, so to speak. It's the kind of apron you just want to dance around in. I think it would look cute with a pair of crop leggings for summer, don't you? Any hostess would be the envy of her guest while wearing this. Anyhoo, I have it listed at my new Lollishop...A Wink and A Smile! I already have an idea for the next one. I've just been a bit under the weather with a head cold/sinus infection. This is just what I need to bounce back...creativity! I hope it inspires all of you to find your creative niche and have fun with it!

Awesome Easter Basket!

2009-04-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

As I was out de-weeding my flower beds yesterday, I got a wonderful surprise...Bobbie showed up with this giant Easter basket of goodies for me. It was my "prize" for winning the "Easter Bonnet Parade" contest with my Easter Crown. Bobbie is the sweetest gal you'll ever meet and oh so talented! My basket even had a trophy in it! My very own trophy! And a PRETTY trophy at that! A big bottlebrush tree and tiny eggs to decorate it with were included along with pastel tinsel, a gorgeous glass garland, a cute little bunny that walks when you wind it up, and wonderful ruffled crepe paper from "Birds of a Feather." Wonderful eye candy and I just got all googly over it........thank you so much, Bobbie! OH, I forgot to mention the giant easter egg Bobbie created! Pictures don't do it justice! It's backed with vintage wallpaper to boot!

Yes, I put my crown on, grabbed my trophy and danced around the room...in case you were wondering!

Lace and Quilts

2009-04-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

I still have to pinch myself when I look at this AMAZING underskirt I found at the flea market this weekend. I look at it and dream I'm in another era and skinny in this slip with the lace peaking out from the bottom of my skirt. That was probably a no-no to have your slip show, but imagine picking up your skirt to climb some steps and having that beautiful lace show......ooooooolaaaaaaaala!

I was having a hard time figuring out how to display it and tried several approaches before I decided on this. I gathered these lovely vintage velvety pansies around the waist and tacked up lace to one side and hung it on the wall next to my mother-in-laws old buffet.

I'm attempting to finish up some "unfinished" projects, like this quilt I pieced last year. I pieced it from a jelly roll of strips by Moda. I LOVE Moda fabric! I'm machine quilting it, which is a first for me. I've always been a stickler for hand quilting, but since I have a quilt stashed away somewhere that I handquilted and never finished..........well, you get the drift, eh? This is a lap size and the machine quilting isn't as easy as it sounds, but it's working for me, since I'm keeping it or giving it to a family member. I love the colors of this one. Since I have a bad neck...too many whiplash injuries over the years....I can only do so much at a time, darn it!

The apron is something I whipped up the other day from various old linens. I used 2 old embroidered pillow cases, a dresser scarf and a napkin from April Cornell...another one of my favs. I just kind of threw it together. The next one I'll do a little differently. This one I used part of the pillow case as the backing and it's just not quite wide enough, so next time I'll go wider. Still cute, though, don't ya think? Great way to use up those wonderful linens that are less than perfect.

That's all I got for now. I'm dealing with a nagging headache I've had for 24 hours now. It's a beautiful day out and I've been de-weeding my flower beds. What a chore that is! I hope y'all are enjoying your day and the blessings it brings...Happy Spring!

Blustery Day

2009-04-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a gorgeous, warm, sunny day and today is ugly, cold and windy. After we got home from the flea market yesterday, I worked in my flower beds for awhile. I had planted some seeds indoors in those little peat boxes. I don't why I even bother because they never turn out like the pictures. So, I just jammed 'em in the bed and watered them. I had sprinkled seeds a couple of weeks ago and they are starting to sprout their tiny little heads. Weather around here is so crazy, though, you never know what to wear on a daily basis.

I moved on to another flower bed that I've been turning over and digging all sorts of junk out of. I came upon an old knotted root from one of many trees. It looked easy enough to remove...not so much! I get so focused on what I'm doing that I ignore that inner voice screaming, "STOP STOP...before you hurt yourself!" Too late! My back was GONE! Hey...but, I got that nasty stump out! Does that count for something?

So, today I'm laying low and not liking it much. There are just too many things I want to do, but instead have "Cheaper By The Dozen" on the tube as I listen to the wind howl outside.

Fun at the Flea Market

2009-04-04T21:38:00.001-07:00

While hubbie and son were taking in the car show at the fair grounds today, I was inside playing at the flea market. I think we were there for a couple of hours. I could have done much more damage, but I refrained. I did pass up a Madame Alexander Pussycat doll very much like the one I had as a young girl. It was in pristine condition and the cryer box still worked. I may kick myself latter for passing it up, but I got the awesome underskirt you'll see below.

The is a bonnet I picked up for $5! The millinery is GORGEOUS on this hat. I may remove it at some point and re-purpose it in something else, but for now I love it on display.

There are no words to describe this luscious millinery! It had been removed from a hat. There are 6 flowers and 8 leaves.

This is antique lace and the piece on top is actually a cuff with the teeny tiny snaps still in place. The faux pearls just add to the charm along with the millinery leaves in that yummy ocean blue!

Picked up these vintage hankies for a buck a piece, as I LOVE old hankies!

How about this old gallon jar filled to the brim with buttons!

This is the lining of the underskirt. Love the details.

This lace just takes my breath away!

There is entredeux here and at the elastic waistband

Oooolaalaa! I almost flipped when I found this antique underskirt. Another woman was eyeing it and I was chanting under my breath..."just walk away...." As soon as she did, I snagged it!

Today's finds.......ooh...lala

2009-04-03T21:43:00.001-07:00

Today was "thrifting" Friday and this is what I found.......The "Stork" game for baby showers which is darling beyond words! I can't find a date on it, but it was manufactured by The Special Game Company of Little Rock, AK. It's similar to bingo. Just too cute to pass up! How about my new Easter bonnet? I just about flipped when I saw those beautiful millinery roses with velvet petals...had to have it!

I found those neat old print blocks...dirt cheap. Just thought they were cool and could be used in some sort of collage piece. The roll of wallpaper is waverly with little lavender rose buds. It was still unopened in it's package, so it's a full double roll. Last, but not least, is this AMAZING home dec fabric with yummy blues and greens. There's about 4 yards. I'm seeing some new pillows for the couch maybe.

Tomorrow is the flea market....YIPPEE!

Pretty Pedestals

2009-04-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

OMG! The infamous Holly has done it again.........how I love that girl! She was kind enough to share a tutorial on how to make these pedestals, so I whipped a couple of last night and this morning. I am thrilled with the way they came out. There are so many ways to display them. I was so excited when I finished them and my mind was going crazy with ideas...I hopped in the shower and was washing my hair thinking, "hmm....this shampoo sure smells good!" That's when I realized I was washing my hair with body wash! Good grief, Charlie Brown!

Little Wooden Spring Bags

2009-03-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished more of these little wooden Spring bags. My daughter got me started on them when she called a few weeks back and wanted me to come up with something she could fill with goodies and give to her fav clients. She's in medical device sales and took them to doc's offices. After I shipped her's off, I wanted to make some to list in my Etsy shop, so here's the sneak preview! Hope you like!

This old cabinet door came out of the house my hubbie lived in when he was a small boy. It's in Ryle, OK and falling down. His father and grandfather built the cabinets. My hubbie and son risked life and limb going into this house a few years back to retrieve this piece of history for me. I just love the chippy paint, rusty hinges, and glass knob!

I WON!

2009-03-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm walkin' on sunshine, yeah, yeah....and don't it feel good! I just found out I won the Easter Bonnet Parade contest with my beautiful Easter crown! All the entries were beautiful and unique and I didn't think I stood a chance....oh, yee of little faith!

I learned the technique from Holly of Holly Doodle designs who taught the class at the Paper Crown, which is one darling DARLING store! Holly's talent is nothing short of astounding and she is sooooooooooo much fun!

Well, it's time to climb down off my cloud and get to work. I just may have to wear my crown all day! It is for sale in my etsy store...houseatfroghollow. Not sure I can part with it now!

Colors of Spring

2009-03-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

I finally got to sew today...Yeah! The triangles were a bit of a challenge until I got the hang of it. Then I could have pieced those puppies all day long! The ol' rotator cuff injury didn't much like it, but I persevered. This line of fabric is from Moda and it's a "cake layer" I purchased from a quilt store in Branson, MO. Since then, I've purchased 2 more on ebay, which was about 1/2 the cost.

The tulips are from my garden. I cut them before the freezing snow we had on Saturday. I hope that was the last of the cold. C'mon Spring!

I should be sleeping

2009-03-29T00:24:00.001-07:00

Holy Cow! It's 2:30 am and I'm wide awake! I discovered swapbot and have been having too much fun checking out all the swaps out there. Most of them aren't "newbie" friendly, but I found some good ones anyway. I gotta start somewhere.

Time to read a little and unwind from all my "swap" excitement. So much time is wasted on sleep!

Another Frustrating Day

2009-03-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

I get up in the morning and have great plans for great accomplishments. I started cutting out pieces for a new quilt the other night and discovered that I had screwed up the triangles...long story. While visiting my newest grandson in Branson last week, I found an AMAZING quilt store that had an AMAZING selection of "Cake Layers" from Moda. I bought a couple along with a pattern book and started the grueling process of cutting the other night. Too many distractions, I guess, so I messed up a little. Thankfully I have extra "layers" to cut from, so no big deal.

My goal today was to finish cutting all the pieces and start sewing. Triangles can be tricky, so I wanted to try a block and make sure I got it right. I also have a baby quilt I want to make AND a strip quilt to finish AND a painting to continute and.........on and on! I was stopped in my tracks by a migraine...UGH! Had to take my Imitrex and go to bed for a couple of hours. I always feel like a stroke victim, or what I assume to be a stroke, so don't trust myself to anything too difficult and triangles certainly fit that bill for me.

So, I've piddled around on the computer and read some, ate some ice cream, took a hot bath, and basically watched the day fly by. There's always tomorrow, right?

Maybe hubbie and I will find a movie on demand to watch. Our netflix has been sitting her for weeks. Guess we need to send them back, so we can get something new. They seemed to have got lost in the craziness of life............I know one thing for sure. I'm tired of listening to basketball!

Figuring it all out

2009-03-27T20:40:00.001-07:00

Wow! Technology can be so overwhelming at times. Just when you get one thing figured out, something new comes along. I've been away from this for several months and when I came back, I just didn't like the way my page looked. So, I went on a search for backgrounds and look what I found? Awesome, eh? I like it. So for now, I've accomplished something. May have to call it day and figure some more out tomorrow.

A New Adventure

2008-10-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

This bloggin is new to me, but I'm all about a new adventure. Jer, my hubbie, Scooter, my son, and I moved to OK a little over a year ago. We came from beautiful Flagstaff, AZ in the tall pines at 7000ft! Jer has family here, including his 94 year old father, who we put in an assist living home a few months ago. Anyway, the move was exciting to me in the beginning. I was ready for a change or so I thought.

Things didn't progress as we had hoped when we first got here. Jer took a job with Metlife and the start date was delayed a few months. We lived in a small guest house on his sister's property and ended up staying there for 9 months. I thought I was going to lose my mind at times, but we finally got our own place.

Lately, I've been feeling a bit homesick. All of my family is in AZ and my daughter, Kira, is in Salt Lake City, UT. I miss her so much! It feels like I've moved to the other side of the planet! I did get to spend 3 weeks with her in April. Unfortunately, my husband's brother-in-law suddenly passed away and we all met in CO for his service. It was a sad reason to gather our family, but we sure enjoyed seeing everyone.

I have been a crafter most of my life. My grandmother was a quilter and my mother a seamstress. Guess you could say it's in my blood! I have 5 siblings, all of which are talented in their own right. I've always loved making dolls, quilts, and have dabbled in tole painting. Recently, I discovered altered art and LOVE it! I took 2 classes at a local paper artistry store and I just can't get enough. I've never been able to draw, so look forward to taking a class on the Altered Diva website. I'm expanding my horizon!

I guess I'd better expand my horizon into the kitchen and round up some grub. It's a chilly 54 degrees out and Jer is freezing and wanting to get the fireplace going. I'm quite comfortable thanks to my "mentalpause!"