"Put a Fork in Me-I'm Done!" (Last of the Valentine's and on to Spring!)

From the looks of the National weather maps on the new this morning,,,,,it looks like MOST of us are having some GREAT weather! Well, at least great weather in terms of it being February! And today, in the Seattle area, was no exception!

I had a GREAT walk with my friend Kelly and our Fur-babies just before sitting down to post! It was still just a BIT light out and we were gifted with fantastic scattered Pink and Gold clouds to the West.

Today, I finished the last of my Valentine "stuff" for this year. It truly is a holiday that I love,,,The pinks, the romance, the bits of lace, flowers ..........

(Vintage Sheet Music and Crepe paper)

This one, Machine sewn ,,,with hand made paper flowers (more sheet music and unbleached coffee filters.) Layers of "creamy goodness."

Tomorrow though? I'm starting "SPRING!" Flowers/Birds, Butterflies and heading towards  (ackk!) thoughts of Easter.......

But NOT starting "Spring" until we have a Birthday Gathering for my Boss Clarice tomorrow! I'll "fire up" my camera tonight and take a few photos of our festivities!

Have a GREAT weekend, whatever you do!

Hugs, Love and a Bus on the Cheek that I HOPE is filled with Promise!

Shell

(And again, I am sending out Prayers for SO many friends and families right now, near and far dealing with illnesses,,,,,,, primarily Cancers. Although my little 92yo Helen is dealing with loss of sight and the frustration of MORE dependence.)

Steven Tyler's Got "Nothing on Me!" New Hair "Bling,,,,,aka, Shell the Guinea Pig!

Have you ever tried to take a picture of your hair, yourself? Yes/NO? Well, it's not easy! But I had to show you my "Latest",,,,,,,,"Hair Bling" from my stylist, Erica at Tom Walker's- Red Strand Salon.

More hair stuff,,,,,,,,aka Bling!

If you've followed my blog for a while, you know I got "Pinked" about a year ago. I have strands of Hot pink running through my hair,,,,,,,,and then,,,,,,,What the HECK,,,,,,,,I got some "hair tinsel" in pink too!

And then,?,,,,,,,,,Not to be TOO predictable,,,,,,,I had lime green feather extensions added...........Why not?

Several months ago, I ran into an "Octo" friend of mine,,,,,,The liberal, social, and funny Joanne,,,,in her early 80's and she circled my body slowly, all the while looking at my hair and said,,,,,"What is THAT?"

Moi- "Pink Streaks."

And "What is THAT?"

Moi-"Pink Hair Tinsel."

"And THAT?"

Moi- "My Green Feathers."

She earnestly looked me in the eyes and said, "Honey, you've got to keep MOVING when you're in the Salon, or they're just going to keep adding MORE stuff!."

We laughed  together, and I took it under advisement, but knowing Joanne, she was more amazed than judgemental..........

So Today? I got "Newly Pinked." Newly Tinseled, and had my feathers put back in,,,,,,,,But Wait!

"I got "Blinged" too!  Well, a gal with a blog aptly named "Bungalow Bling" doesn't have to think for TOO long when her stylists suggests she tries something NEW!.........So Erica flat ironed a row of rhinestones into my hair as well,,,,,,,,,,,,,Lovin' it, but I'm an "experiment." A First for the Salon.  We'll see how long it lasts........No Charge, mind you,,,,,,,,,Shell, the Guinea Pig!

And,,,,,,,,My haircut was "FREE" today, from referral clients.

"Love your hair, Who does it?

Special Prayers and Love going out today to, Jodene,,,,,,whom along with her awesome husband Tom (Tom Walker's) started the Salon. Jodene is dealing with Lymphoma, to put it mildly. They are LONG established members of my little town,,,,,,and as close to family as you can get,,,,,without acutally being family.

Love them ALL,,,,,,,my heart, prayers and Smiles go out to all of their family/friends/clients!

And,,,,,,Even though I know she'll never read this,,,,I'm sending this message right now...."Okay Jodene,,my language may shock you and others......"Kick Some Cancer's Ass! Right now!" and,,,,,,,,on the other hand,,,,,God Bless! And I'm praying and thinking about your situation!

Life is Short,,,,,,,,,,Seize the Pink

Or the Bling

(Or just hold those you love a bit closer!

My love and Prayers to you all.)

Hugs, Love and a "Blinged out" Bus on the Cheek!

Shell

Sometimes, it's good to be Last,,,,,,A Winner and a Busy Day!

Congrats to Cari Bruno of "Lucky Girl Gifts" Blog fame! http://luckygirlgifts.blogspot.com/ Cari's name/comment was picked using the Random Number Generator! She was the last one to comment regarding my giveaway-so last isn't always a bad thing!

And, Cari winning? Is rather Ironic, given me being published and talking about when I first got started. Cari was pretty much "there" from the beginning. I bought some things from her Etsy site,,,,,and got to know her.
She's a young mom, has a busy life, but is Uber talented,,,,,,,,so check out her blog/Etsy site! You'll love it/her!

And, I'm sure you've heard this before when entering  other Giveaways, but truly? If I COULD I'd give everybody something! Thanks for Entering, I guess the odds are just THAT much more in your favor for the Next time!

So,,,,,Today? I worked on a couple of things, some larger wreaths and a few Pins......

"Hints of Spring" Wreath

Honestly? I LOVE this wreath,,,,,,,,,,if I do say so myself. My favorite colors,,,,,,,,Neutrals, touches of Spring green, and apricot. And I've been "playing" around with this "heavy duty" crepe paper I bought at Maxine's Floral in Seattle  http://www.maxinesfloral.com/

Maxine has this A-Mazing Crepe paper that I've never seen before,,,,,,,,it's Truly heavy Duty! She's got TONS of colors, and I'm kicking myself now, that I only bought TWO! I made a FEW Huge flowers with it,,,,,,,and some leaves and simply loved it's texture, strength and possibilities! So this morning?, I made some smaller flowers and added to the wreath shown above...........but here is a closeup image............

I had some "berry bobs" of sorts, for lack of a better term,,,,,which I used for centers, and then I made several of these "lily-type" flowers for the wreath. I just kind of cut/glued and curled....this was an experimental project, that went "right!"  (Trust me, this is NOT always the case! ask me about the "Bunny from HELL" sometime -or other trials that ended badly,,,,,if you'd like! (Sometimes? You try stuff and it just Doesn't work!)

Well, and this wreath, almost "bit the dust," because well, if you follow my FB comments,  or not,,,,,,my son had an car accident yesterday,,,,,,(Ice on his college campus at (WWU) hit a light pole/my/our car totalled)  and we were on the phone today, talking insurance, soreness (he's OKAY!) etc,,,,,and when I walked back in the livingroom-my Studio in the basement has just been TOO cold to work in right now....... and found my Lab, Shadow, had not only upended said wreath, but had chewed on/ate part of the wreath! (Apparently German Cotton Spun Mushrooms are a Dog's delicacy!) So, if you refer BACK to my first pic, you'll notice, on the left, side, Large mushroom is replace by two smaller ones,,,,,,,and a decent "re-glue" job,,,,,,if I DO say so myself!

I worked on a couple of other wreaths that need to be "tweaked," but then switched to some jewelry/Pins because I am never one to do one thing TOO long......(You know about the ADD, already, right?)

So here's a few new pins I worked on today...........The Color rendition is a BIT off, as I waited till right before posting (dark) to photograph,,,,,,,but you get the idea.....

Vintage Millenery, Tulle, Ribbons, pearls and old lace......

I even had fun incorporating some feathers into a couple of the pieces that I worked on! I love trying/testing new things. Gettting more texture, more "Surprise!"

I hope you ALL have a Great Weekend! As for the "Norm," I'll be working at Joyworks this weekend!

I drove by on Thursday and noticed TONS of packing boxes outside our store. I can't wait to SEE what's new!

Hugs love and "at last" a BUS on the Cheek!

(Partially in remembrence to one of my all time FAV's, Etta James)

Shell

Fun, Easy Valentine's Quick, "How To"

Sometime around 4:00am, I started thinking about making these Valentines out of doilies,,,,,isn't it weird when you get ideas in the middle of the night out of,,,nowhere? Anyway, will having my morning coffee, several hours later, mind you,,,,,,,this is what I'd thought of....

Doillies, ribbon, and a few shells or Buttons.....

These "Open" at the top between the ribbons, so you can put a piece of Candy or a little somethin' inside.....

Just glue(gun) two doillies together leaving the area I marked Open
(I did one side, then the other, so I could line the doillies up evenly.)
Then add your trims......
I used narrow seem binding on these.

I stamped my top one with some script before gluing together,,,,but you could leave plain, add a sticker, etc.

The doillies I used are smaller ones, about 4" but you could use the larger ones too.

I might try tea staining some of these before assembling.

If you make some, send me a link or photo, I'd love to see your versions!

(It's a "Helen Day" for me, we haven't been out since the Snowstorm,,,,,,92yo bones and Snow do NOT mix! So,,,,,Groceries, Pharm, Bank and a lunch somewhere!)

Have a great day!

Hugs, Love and a "hearty" Bus on the Cheek!

Shell

A "Simple" Blog Giveaway? Not so much!

It appears, that SHEW- once again,  (Thank you Blogger) I Am able to get/read Post Comments ! At least today. And, I've got to say, the comments I've gotten as of late, for my Giveaway, that ends on the  27th of January, have been incredible.

I'm not talking about the volume, or the "Prize." I'm talking about the Comments I've gotten about "Wishes." For, you see, my Initial Giveaway featured "A Fairy Godmother" and what you would wish for? Wow. Wow.

(Vintage wallpaper and millenery heart)

And Girlfriend? We are NOT talking about wishes for wealth, trips, "Prince Charming" or for that matter, anything self-serving. Anyone that left af Comment about their "Wishes"-did so for something VERY serious, or for someone else! You can go back and read some of the comments if you'd like,,,but when I hear things like, "wishes for friends and spouses with Cancer" or other life threatening situations? It kind of stops me in my tracks! When I hear comments from Blog friends that either THEY or their friends are going through the "Big Stuff" it totally puts things in perspective
for me.

(vintage wallpaper heart)

If you've known me for a while, you KNOW, I've been through a LOT of "Big Stuff" myself. Perhaps that is why my creations are either whimsical, or romantic.  I trust I'm not alone in this. Artists that create Whimsey, humor, romance or nostalgic themed items fill a "little corner of their life" in the process-and Wish/Hope to "lure" you in to those creations and memories. It's not a tactical ploy,,,,,,truly, we just want YOU to love/remember/embrace too! 

\

Yadda, yadda Vintage "Stuff and embellished key.........

If you "throw Aunt Edna's" quilt over your bed,,,,,,,,it's probably not just for warmth. If you've kept "Grandpa Ed's Cardigan" it's probably because you remember him telling you stories or providing  family history and antics while wearing it.

I Cannot take away your pains. I wish I COULD. Truly. What I HOPE to be is a friend,,,,,near OR far, that can hold you, make you laugh, make you forget --at least for a FEW minutes. Encourage you,,,,,,,,or just plain "Give you a HUG," physically OR "virtually."

It seems right now that SO many are going through SO much! My heart, prayers, thoughts go out to ALL of you!

Hugs, Love and a beloved "Bus" on the Cheek!

My Heart/"Hearts" go out to all of you!

Shell

Too Funny~ "Barbie's 50th!"

My Sister in law Mary sent me this image and I could not NOT foward it to my blog friends!

Too funny! I LOVE the fact that "Barbie" is in worse shape than I am! Maybe I can re-connect with "My Ken" before she does! And, from the looks of it,,,,,,,"the B**ch does NOT have everything!

3 days left to enter my Giveaway,,,,,,,,,post wherever, at this point! LOL I'll sort it out by Friday!

(I still am having comment issues,,,,,I can get them once I log on to my site,,,,,,,but I can't "Link" to posts or respond as normal........) I'd really like to email SOME of you that left earlier comments, SO, if you read this, please either Email me, OR, leave an email in the body of your comment...so I can respond!

Hugs love and hope you get a BIT of a laugh or smile from this post!

Shell

Penny's Heart, Friends and you can still scroll down to enter my Giveaway!

I was looking forward to today SO much! It was my first "Non Snow/Non Work Day!" (Well, if you create things for a living, or at least PART of your living, you kind of laugh when people say, "Are you Off today, or working?" ) I don't take many "days off "anymore,,,,I AM either working on stuff for Shows/Customers/Stores OR I'm working at Joyworks!All of which I LOVE, but in general keeps me hoppin'! So, Shell, are you "Working today?"

Today I'd say NO. Nadda. Zip. I had "this" a couple of weeks ago and it went away,,,,didn't get sick. But today, once again I woke up with an ear ache, a swollen gland that hurt and a headache when I tried to look up. Weird. Sinus? Allergies? Or fighting a bug,,,,,dunno. But I laid low today, read a bit,,,,,okay, quite a LOT and waited to feel better,,,,Chicken Soup? Check! Fluids? Check? And rest. Well, I hope I've knocked it out of the proverbial Ball Park once again, as I've known several friends and co-workers that didn't!  Anywhoo,,,,The Snow is gone and I managed to deliver a Basket and a little "somethin' somethin' to my dear friend and Co-Worker Penny's porch today!

I'd been working on some Valentine projects and had a bunch of Materials sitting around,,,,,,,and thought I'd make her something with a neutral themed "something."  I found this handmade paper I had,,, Some ribbons and vintage lace,,,,,,and well, I figured any "Francophile" would appreciate a "Frozen Charlotte" in the mix,,,,and this is what I came up with. (Penny Girl, You'll have to tell "Mr. Bill" That the broken arms/legs are part of the charm,,,,,,otherwise he'll think I gave you something BROKEN!)

One of the BEST things I love about my life right now, is that I have friends of ALL ages. Of course I have my Joyworks co-worker's and consider them all friends,,,,,,,some older and some younger than me. I feel blessed that my "Penny Girl" is one of those friends and co-workers that has entered my life. She and her "Hubbs" Bill,  have  helped me with Shows and Events, and I hope I was a good friend, back when Bill was having health issues. I love and care for them both more than I can say. Their friendships mean the world to me!


And as I type this? I'm waiting for a knock on the door from one of my newer and younger friends, Kelly. She moved in -two doors down from me recently. We walk dogs together.  A Golden  retreiver(My Kodi) my Black lab, Shadow and her "Jessi Girl",,,an aged and OH so SWEET Chocolate Lab!,,,,,,,,But more than that, we talk about work, life, decorating, dogs and "stuff." She's in her late 20's,,,,,somewhere in age between my two boys, and now? I can't imagine my life without her! Truly.

Now, I've got to sign out and call my dear little Friend Helen (92) who has been somewhat "snowbound" and set a time tomorrow, to get HER out and about once again! (She fell during the snow/ice even after I told her NOT to go out and "clean up" after her Pom....Mikey. ) She's okay, but sore,,,,,whaddya gonna do?

Blessing to friends, near and far! We can ALL learn a thing or two from our younger OR older Friends!

Hugs, Love and a "Friendly" Bus!

Shell

If you haven't yet left me a msg or comment on my giveaway, scroll down, or if you're having problems, you can email me and I will still enter you! Ends JAN 27th!