Cats and Chaos!

Well, as those of you that have pets KNOW, your day can be filled with laughter, tears, messes to clean, and "I should have knowns!" (As in the recent BRIE caper with Kodi, but we'll let that pass.)

This morning, minding MY own business, the dogs created a ruckus that wasn't their usual wrestling sounds as I was perusing the computer. I got up to investigate and once AGAIN Tuxie had "brought me a present."

I walked down the hall to my bedroom to witness two large dogs going crazy, and said cat, trying to perform extreme acrobatics and jumps to reach a bird that was alternating between my 8ft tall bed posts, the curtain rods and light fixture!

Tuxie, my small, but alas, very mighty Huntress

Well, okay, we have a LIVE one! Only problem IS,  I have to get IT out of here with not one, but THREE animals "helping." I threw open my bedroom drapes and windows and ,,,,,,,Thank you! The bird "saw fit" to depart!  Tuxie looked a bit dismayed though.......the dogs thought it was GREAT fun and then settled down for a morning nap! (Ahhh, the dreams!!!!)

Then, after a busy day of Yard work,,,,and oh yeah I bought the G-Darn NEW lawnmower and nearly cried when I couldn't start it MYSELF! I WILL though,,,,,dang it! I SO do not need anyone to DO it for me. But, I digress.......I took a break and logged on and was reading the dear Debra's Post at Common Ground about HER Cats antics,,,,,and was replying when "Suspect #2" decided to once again,,,,,as she routinely does, plant herself between the Keyboard and my Old Monitor.......This is her regular "perch" if I'm online! One musn't forget there is a CAT in their presence while typing! Ackkk!

Holly, taking position as I'm commenting to Debra.........

And, in closing, Kodi, my big Golden Love and Tuxie, the aforementiond huntress just had a conference in the mudroom-apparently Kodi is asking for more "Aviary Entertainment" in the near future...they're negotiating!

It may be MY ZOO,,,,,but I just Live here!

Hugs to all, the furry, the feathered AND the friends!

(Fly little birdies, Fly!)

Shell

What's Black and White and Pink all Over?

What's Black and White and Pink all Over?

JANA'S  Birthday Party Today!

Our theme for the Guest Of Honor was

"Coco Chanel"

Everyone wore their best pearls, Black and White and Pink!

The always Chic Sandi, and Amy in the background (Jana's Baby sister) straightening things a bit!

Gifts Galore! Where's the Birthday Girl???

Here She is! Oooh La La!

How cute is she in her ruffles and pearls?

And look at the lovely lunch that Clarice provided for us all! Fantastic fruit salad (yumm, this was better than it looked even!) Tossed Greens and Chicken Salad Pita's! I'm tellin' ya!

Okay,,,,,,,Bring on the Gifts!

Kay decorated her package with the cutest black rose she MADE....and pearls to boot!

(As the Celebration progressed, Jana is wearing MORE and MORE flowers! I wish I would have taken a pic at the end of our gathering,,,,She was TRULY adorned in them!!)

But look what was inside this beautiful package!!!!

This book from Kay is Gorgeous! Great images!

Gorgeous planter full of Blooms from Luanne! We're going to turn Jana into a gardener yet!

(God Bless Dean for watering the plants.)

Luanne gave her a cute little wire garden bench too, but my camera had other plans, apparently.

Sandi gave Jana this darling bag embellished with,,,,of COURSE-Pearls! If you look through the mesh bag carefully, you can see the gorgeous fabric flower Sandi made, complete with a Lilly of the Valley Pin-Jana's Fav flowers.

I know what your saying,,who needs MEN when you have friends/coworkers that know what you like!

Case in Point,,,,,,look what  ELSE was IN that darling bag!

Gourmet Chocolates from a new Chocolatier in Leavenworth!

I don't see any sharing going on here!

And, I'm telling you, I think there is something in the water, because EVERYONE at Joyworks has been  getting crafty! Kay, making her darling flowers, Jill, making her fun pillows and now these BAGS (She'll have some at the show THIS Saturday for sale!) Luanne making darling garden things....You'd best come on Saturday to see what's up!

I made Jana this little "Chanel" purse.....okay, I bought it at BIG LOTS  but, embellished it with  a little black tulle, ribbons and a Brass Button.

I filled it with some little goodies and  also gave her one of my new wreaths.

Fun, fun gift from Penny too,,,,,,a darling display box full of crystals, embellishments, and goodies!

And,,,,,,,the cutest G-Darn tin of flowers and other goodies from our dear Rita, who wasn't able to make it today! And,,,,,I am SO buying a really good camera one of these days! Right after I buy a new lawn mower...Dang, the mundane and necessary AGAIN takes priority!

So the Finale?

Dessert from our Fabulous Jill!

Raspberry Cheesecake mini-cakes!

Happy Birthday Jana Girl! Hope you enjoyed your Soiree!

(Coco had nothing on you! You are amazing!)

Hugs,

Shell

Do you Ever??? And some Funky paper and ribbon Wreaths

Tracy Porter often leads off her posts with the question, "Do you Ever?" And then trips down the light fantastic,her darling boys never have skinned knees or runny noses. She'd say something like,"Do you pick wildflowers after completing a new garden shed? Do you gut and re-do your bathroom in one day,,,,,,,,Do you work in your studio designing a Spring line and then prepare a formal dinner for 8?" Yeah right!  Oh I have not doubt she can! But alas, I am NOT superwoman!

But my "Do you ever" question is a bit more ADD. Do YOU ever think, "oh I'll just leave the disaster in my craftroom/studio and move into the livingroom/kitchen/ bedroom with a tray of a FEW things" and the next thing you know there is craft CR**,,,,,,errr.. I mean stuff in almost EVERY room of your house? Well, that's been me, the last two days. The coffee table, the dining table, the  breakfast nook, the dresser in the guest room.....

If you may recall, this "crafting" mayhem is relatively new for me. I  mean a year ago, I was making ONE wedding cake topper....Well and then the MADNESS set in!  And, well back then, when I first started, I had a 4,000 square foot building....FREE,,,,until it was leased out,,,and then moved the madness back, here/ home!

Craft Shows, Wedding Shows, Custom orders, Gifts, Giveaways! (Hey you two, I told you I have till the 15th to ship! Not that either of you has said a word! Hugs! )

So, do YOU ever? Come on! Come clean! I know I'm not the only one! I read the "Where Women Create" Books and Quarterly, I KNOW what I'm supposed to do,,,,,,,But I'm sure I'm not the only one!

Whatever! Anyway, here's a couple of things I completed today. I started making a crown and then *poof!* Apparently, I was supposed to make some funky paper wreaths! At least that is what the crafting Muses whispered in my ear!

Neutral Toned wreath

Coffee Filters (unbleached, tulle, and hand stamped ribbons-I used to buy the stamped ribbon from "Five Dollar French Market" but their Etsy site is empty,,,sold out so I made some of my own.

Larger wreath with Pink/Black/Creme and neutral. These "puppies" tend to lead to glue gun burns! But fun to make, nonetheless!

Close up of wreath above.

Aqua/Brown and Neutrals

I may still add some shells to this one. The colors and textures were really fun to work with!

I'll have a couple of these for sale at the Snohomish Antique and Art Faire THIS Saturday! See Sidebar for details of Events!

Mini Hats

Of course I make a lot of full sized Birthday hats and Crowns, but these little "guys" are SO fun to put on a statuary, angels/bunnies, ducks, doll heads,,,,,You name it! Sometimes I think I like the little ones better than the full sizes models..........

"Shell's Little Sweatshop part Deux" is in full swing. Honestly, I cleaned up most of my cr**,,,,err supplies today and am headed back down to the studio tomorrow!

Hugs,

Shell

(Tune in tomorrow to see the fun pics of Jana's Birthday Celebration at Joyworks!)

Really Crummy Picture, but Still! And Mom's Day Wishes......

I live less than a mile from Snohomish Airport-the largest privately owned airport in Washington State. And, I've gotta tell you,,,,,these "babies?" Were a site for sore eyes early Saturday morning!

Why? Look at that Sky! It's BLUE! Accccck! They were up above my house (during coffee sipping once again on my back porch) and the SKY was CLEAR!

What a gorgeous day in Snohomish! Clarice, Jana and I were hoppin' in Joyworks-lot of shoppers buying our "Joyworks" cuteness in clothes, home decor,cards, jewelry,,,you name it! Buzzin like Bees, it was SO busy, but everyone was happy! Who wouldn't be in the cutest shop in town on a SUNNY day!

Today was Jana's Birthday! Happy Birthday my dear! We'll be having a celebration for her birthday at Joyworks, that you MUST check out here on Wednesday,,,,,,,,Do we do Parties, or do WE DO PARTIES???? Theme is a secret, shhhhhhhhhhh! But check back to see how we celebrate our dear Jana's birthday!!! Too fun!

Deb  phoned me on her way home from Sand Point.......sounds like today was a big success and I sold some "Bling!" What a great day for a show! Check out Deb's blog_ http://gardenpartydecor.blogspot.com/

And, I hope the "other Deb" had a great turnout at her  Retreat Event up on Camano! http://retreatdesign.blogspot.com/

Hopefully, more pics or links for this weekends events soon! Hey, I was working!

Again, happy Mother's Day tomorrow to all! I miss my mom so, and just wish I could still pick up the phone,,,or go see her! Thanks for all the other "Moms", Aunts, Sisters in my life....and that's including those of you that are NOT blood relations,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Enjoy tomorrow, and know that you are loved!

Hugs and love you to pieces~!

Shell

Sand Point Show tomorrow,,,,,,Check it out!

Deb's getting all set up for the show at Sand Point (Seattle) tomorrow! Her 4x4 was all loaded down with "Gardeny" Cuteness when I saw here earlier today and that was for her SECOND trip to her booth~! Ackk!

She's taking some of my "Bling" to sell in her booth as well. So, IF YOU are LOCAL,, head on down to the west side of Lake Washington and take a gander!


I hit the "wall" creatively and physically about 3:00pm today. Everything priced and listed, a couple of fixtures for Deb to use if she wants. Shew!!!

I finished about 6 more headbands this morning for her to take to the show. My "hunting" yesterday resulted in some decent bases to work with.

This one in Ivory and Chocolate

I tried to snag my neighbor, a former "Miss Washington" as a model today, but her darling daughter Bella (3),had a bad cold and was a bit crabby. (She never is, so I knew she wasn't feeling well) So anyway, Tuula, my newest mannequin head filled in.....She works CHEAP and I told her if the headband sales went well we might spring for a wig, or at least some "body" paint for her~!

"Not Too Blue"

I'm hoping these headbands can be worn in a multitude of ways,,,and not taken "too" seriously. This would work with a prom dress OR with a Jean jacket and a skirt! A bit old, a bit new,,,,,a touch of blue!

"Just Peachy"

Vintage flowers, leaves, tulle and pearls.....

Ivory inspiration

Close up

Okay, so this last one MAY be a little dressier,,,,but if you've "got it, flaunt it!" These will be a "steal" at the craft shows, but I'm going to produce some for a "wedding" friend that said will retail  in her shop for DOUBLE! I will take custom orders on these, just let me know what colors you'd like!

These were too fun to make! I kept apologizing to the "heads" when my glue gun got a bit out of line. "Ewww, Sorry, sorry! "

I sent a couple of boxes of headbands, party hats, paper flowers, victorian cones. hand stamped and crimped ribbons and crowns with Deb. I've done other shows with her, hope tomorrow goes well!

Have a great weekend and a Happy Mother's Day to all!

And "Happy Sunshine" for those in the PNW,,,,,Lord knows, we need it after all the nasty weather!

Hugs,

Shell

Ackkkkk! You need to see and treasure this! Mari from Faded Elegance identified this gorgeous bird!

Thanks Mari! You are awesome! I tried SO hard to find this wonderful bird......Spectacular! And you, my dear, were "Spot ON!"

Indeed, this lovely pair were Western Tanagers, per YOUR insight! Thank you!  Thank you SO much, because they were spectacular, and I felt SO frustrated not to be able to take pics and share,,,,,,,And I just felt SUCH joy for the day and life to just SEE them! They were a sight to behold and cherish!

This is a PERFECT image of what I witnessed this morning over coffee,,,,,,,,All I can say is,

Thank you Lord. for creating such a beautiful creature that I could witness. And Thank YOU so much Mari for giving me the info to find an image of this beautiful creature!

Shell

Birds and Headband Hunts!

I woke up at some ungodly hour this morning,,,,pre 5:00  AM with my mind swimming and thoughts of projects TO DO and decided to just "go with it." Fed the felines and hounds while navigating the kitchen sink and coffee pot. When they were satiated, I sat on the back porch drinking my "drug of choice." The birds were greeting the day in a chorus of songs, but I heard a "new" song in my huge old lilac bush.

 I looked up and saw the most magnificent birds I've ever seen outside of a cage or some warm, tropical region. There were a pair of birds I've never seen in this area. And, trust me, I've seen alot! We get the rare large white owl sightings, some gorgeous hummingbirds, the noisy but stunning blue jays,,majestic Bald Eagles, hawks and I've even had a Falcon in my sideyard scoping out the birds/nests in my nearby Pyramadalis hedge, BUT these two were spectacular! Red/orange heads that melted into bright yellow with bits of white and black in their masks. And my G-Darn Camera was dead! Oh sure! The "posed" repeatedly, like stars and starletts on the red carpet awaiting their due....and ALL I could do was admire!

So, I just sat there and watched them in all there glory-wondering how they truly COULD survive in this lush, but yet all GREEN environment! I mean, that Red/Orange and bright yellow stuck out like a sore thumb! I just sipped my coffee and watched and truly said "thank you" to these gorgeous creatures, for making my morning! The were AWEsome!

I looked online to try and find their likeness,,,and somewhere in this cluttered old house I have a book on Birds of North America,,,,I'm on a quest to find out who or what they were!

My MAIN "Quest" today sent me in search of more satin headbands to embellish. I did several last week and have been searching for more that were relatively inexpensive. I shopped/hunted/searched for most of the day! Ackk! Found some that will work today, and, in some other colors which will be fun to work with -browns/greens/red and creme.,,,still waiting to hit the "Mother Lode!" I contacted one supplier and they are back ordered till the end of June, not much help if you have shows in the next couple of WEEKS! Any suggestions on suppliers, comment or email, thanks!

I seem to have a "thing" about headwear as of late. Lots of hats/mini crowns and headbands! And, few odds and ends to finish up for Deb's (GardenParty)  booth at Sand Point on Saturday!

Soooooooo.   Back to "Shell's Little Sweat Shop." That would be moi, I figure I make less per hour than a lot of laborers in 3rd world countries,,,and I'm SURE I'm not alone! But I love it!

Happy Crafting/hunting and "bird watching!"

Hugs and love,

Shell