What a GREAT day! Hairclips, Pins and Headbands......

Wow! Do you Ever have one of those days where you just feel truly inspired? One of those days where you start early in the morning and just work on creative projects for hours and Hours? Do you ever have "one of those days" where you Destroy your studio workspace, livingroom and or kitchen- tables, floors and just "Go with it", No Matter?

I finished a LOT of other projects Yesterday too...Some pillows, some Christmas stuff,,,,some hairclips ......
As you can see, I was kind of "all OVER the board" -Baby clips, and "Big Girl" hairclips here! I had fun using a bunch of different materials and colors old and new.....I'll work on a few more tonight!

I also made some Pins,,,,which could be worn or, if  used in decor........again, too much fun to make, especially incorporating some vintage millenery.......

Some of the Pins........using vintage millenery, tulle, a few rhinestones here and there . . .

I made some headbands again, but everytime I've tried to load that image, my puter freezes up! Weird! I think this little old Gal is about ready to expire! No, not ME, silly friends, the Computer!

Today was a fantastic day at Joyworks! We were really busy~! I think the weather really brought people out and to our nearby pumpkin patches (we have many with all the "horns and whistles" just minutes away).

Jana and I compared notes on next weekends "Ruffles and Rust" Event,,,,,,Ackk, it's sneaking up! I need more days or more energy,,,but "It is what it is."

Well,,,,,,,gonna go visit a few blogs IF this old lady lets me! I've "frozen up" more times in the last couple of days,,,it is SO frustrating!

 Let's hope I sell a bunch at the show, I need a new puter, a camera,,,Okay and "I need a Pony,,, a Rainbow, some Unicorns and Fairy Princesses", while were at it! ( A line from some movie,,not sure which.)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Hugs, Love and a "Bus,"
Shell

Happy "Cake Day" to Moi!

Today is my "Happy Cake Day" as my blogfriend Lulu is known to say! In fact, she started my morning off with a dear phone call!

My youngest, Andrew, brought me a bouquet of gorgeous autumn colors!

Gorgeous Mums and both Peruvian and Day lillies!

My Oldest, Sean, and I had breakfast at Snohomish Bakery and we were "treated!" Too sweet! (I update their "faux" wedding cake in the front window periodically-freshens things up for them and I get a bit of PR)

I spent most of the day crafting and sewing for the show while Sean was out in the garage STILL sanding furniture for "Ruffles and Rust" which is just a week away now! Ackkkk!

Rita and I at Joyworks, have shared our Birthday Celebrations in the last 5 years or so. We're exactly a week apart! (My whole week makes me SO much wiser and as you can imagine as she continually lets me KNOW,,,So much Older!

So,,,I'm thinking they'll be another "Cake Day" ahead!

I went downtown this afternoon and picked up a dozen MINI cupcakes.....

I was parked by my dear friend Annie's shop, so I went in and let her choose a "sweet." Just as I was leaving, my friend and Event Sponsor, Timi of "Ruffles and Rust" came in and I shared a bit of my "Cake Day" joy with her as well!

I was GOING to stop in Joyworks and share with my coworkers,,,,,,but the shop looked SWAMPED! There was NO parking anywhere! Sorry Girls! I'll treat another day! After all,,,,,I think "Cake Day" is good for several weeks!

Hope you all had a good day too!

Hugs, Love and a "Bus!"

Shell

10/10/10! A Perfect Day for a Wedding!

Apparently records were broken yesterday for the number of Weddings that took place to mark this special date 10-10-10! Erik & Jessica's WAS a perfect 10! The otherwise dismal weekend gave way to sunshine shortly before the Ceremony, but as we Western Washingtonians KNOW in October-well, pretty much Anytime in the Seattle area, you have it Indoors!

They were married in the beautifully restored Old Opera House in Marysville. What a FUN old building!

The Photos I took "Up Front" where the Ceremony was actually held left a lot to be desired, because guess WHO forgot her glasses and couldn't read the G-Darn settings on the camera........

Well, you guys KNOW by now I am NO phtographer anyway..LOL but you'll get the gist at any rate.

Jessica and her Dad

My Son Andrew Best Man and the Maid of Honor



The "New Mr. & Mrs."

After a lovely Dinner,,,,,,time for Cake~

The "Holman FOUR"

Erik, "my Andrew" the "Fourth Holman, Kyle, (Ellen) Brett

When Andrew was growing up, if he wasn't home, he could usually be found at the Holmans. When I wanted to talk to him, or find him, I'd call their house and say, "Is Andy Holman there?"

Hence, the 4th Holman Boy.

Kyle & Ellen are engaged and will be married in December! Two weddings in Two months! Wowza!

Moi and Best Friend Laura, who officiated at the Wedding.......

Howard and Theresa, Grooms Mom and Dad,,,aka Andrew's "Other Parents."

Grandma Celia (rt) She is a HOOT!

Kelli, my dear friend and Mom Theresa

Andrew and Moi

And Finally, the Dancing....Kelly and Hubby Mike catchin' a Disco Beat~

(Mike told me Kelly hit him with the frying pan for not doing the dishes, hence the bandage!)
Oh, and Happy Birthday to Kell- Bell Today! She's exactly 4 days older than I am~~~

Very fun wedding! I only teared up 6 or so times! Here's to hoping that they live happily ever after!!Congrats!

Hugs, Love and a Bus!
Shell

Shell's Little Sittin' Porch,,,,,,An Autumnal View

Debra at Common Ground truly inspired me to get my backside motivated and fix up my little sitting porch for the Fall,,,,and then evenutally in a couple of weeks here for Halloween..........Here's the Autumnal Part.......Autumnal.......I learned that $3 word for "Martha" several years back.......it sounds so decadent...not "Fall" but Autumnal.........you can use it too, honest, I won't even charge you!

Here's the gist of it. Too funny if you look VERY carefully in the window that's open on the left side,,,,you'll see a pair of glowing orbs! No, no pre-Halloween apparitions, it my Black Lab, Shadow, who always want's to know what's going on!

I know these Sunflowers won't last, but they were fun to tuck in for the photos! There in a vase now. I found some fun apple baskets junking this summer. Great to throw some potted flowers in!

My little wire Bistro table,,,,gourds,mini pumpkins and some  handmade sweater and fabric pumpkins from Joyworks friends for my birthday last year.....

(Closer up)

I used some of my Vintage ceramic Cherubs as risers, if you will .........of which I have a Ton!

Here's the Vintage Birdcage that I found at a yard sale this summer for $3. I perched  a crow on top and added some of  the Hops from my yard this year......

All the pumkins, greenery, gourds and leaves are from Snohomish.....The only thing I added to these pics that wasn't grown locally, or from my own yard was the wheat I added to a couple images.......How Fun is that? To get it ALL from locals???

Final pic: A couple of Vintage Chapel adjustable metal Planters I found this Summer. Too fun, but alas, they are going to a new home after Ruffles and Rust ,where I will only use them as props,,,

Sidebar: (Here,,,LOL, I'm supposed to tell One  dear friend  that Another and  dear AND mutual  friend said,

"She doesn't even DO flowers, I do!" I'll give you a hint,,their names both start with Deb....

But, if they pop up at Sand Point,,the friends OR the planters,,,I'm staying out of it! HA~ Love you Both!)

~~~~~~~~~~

I'm linking this post to "another" Deb.......that would be  the delightful, insightful and creative  Debra at Common Ground for her

Vintage Inspiration Friday Fall Event........

http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Click on over to see the other Fall vignettes!

Have a Great Friday!

Love, hugs and a "Bus" on the Cheek!

Shell

"Get "Errr Done!" Okay,,,,,,I did! Shew! And Thoughts on the Groom

So, if you read Yesterday's post, you know I had like, 24 hours to get a Wedding cake topper done for my "Other" son. No, not Sean or Andrew, the two that I gave birth to and as you well know, was quite painful!  But, the "third" son? Was totally painless, and has provided me with joy, comfort, solace and laughter since the day he came into my life!  I "adopted" him about 14 years ago.....(When Andrew brought him home after school one day). . .  And he's all grown up  now AND getting Married this weekend! 

Here's the Cake Topper I made in a "Flash"  and Then if you wanna listen, I'll tell you the

REST of the Story!

"Jessica & Erik" 10-10-10

This, I started at about 9:15a.m. this morning, after letting myself into Joyworks  long before anyone else was there,,,,,and foraging through our boxes ........I have NEVER done a custom order this fast! I usually look at it, "tweak it," play with it for a couple of days, if not longer!

This was the first Square Cake Topper I've ever done, and after getting the measurements from the baker for the actual Cake,,,,,,,,It was definetly a Challenge to create from scratch and put it all together! I used a little  Vintage couple I picked up at a recent Estate Sale. Although, I repainted them....Erik is a blonde and Jessica's hair is nearly black! And the flowers were pink.........so..

Erik and Jessica are pretty laid back and casual......and since they've been dating since they were vitually KIDS,,,,,this little duo seemed to suit them....nothing too serious or formal! I'll find out in a couple of hours if this was what they had in mind! Hope it's Okay! I really DID do a lot of praying before I started, because well, I wanted it to be from the heart,,,,,and yet be something THEY would both approve of/like!

I'm going to get all  "sappy" and sentimental for a minute (or two) here. I simply HAVE to tell you how Amazing this "3rd" son of mine", IS!  When Andy joined the Marines, who flew down to San Diego for his graduation and joined me?  Erik!

When Andrew left for his first tour of Iraq,,,,,who came and visited me  regularly and let me cry, listened and gave me a hug when I  really needed one? Erik!  Who went with me to the Airport when we picked him up after that first tour? Erik, and his Mom, Theresa.  And the NEXT tour of Iraq,,,,,,And when he came home, at last, safe and sound. Yep. That would be Erik!

This Sunday, when Andrew stands next to him as  his Best Man, I hope my Son realizes what a  remarkable friend he has. And I, for one, will always remember his love and dedication to MY family, my son, and to me. What a gift!

Jessica and Erik have been together for several years now. They moved to Arizona and attended college for several years. They've been back here in Washington State for quite some time. I don't know her, like I do "my Erik." But I figure she must be one heck of a gal, if they've remained together all this time. And I DO know, that she makes him happy!

My Best Friend Laura is an ordained Minister and until recently, owned a Historical wedding Chapel here in Snohomish. And, as a matter of  fact, she was also the first to employ both Andrew and Erik at said Chapel. She's meeting with the intended Bride and Groom tonight to go over the last of their ceremony......then they'll stop over and pick up their Cake topper.......Well, I could fill a whole Blog "page" or two with praise for Laura as well, but this post is about "our boys" --yep my son and Erik are "hers" too!
It's going to be a GREAT weddding!!!

Can you say "Blubberfest?" Yeah, well, well deserved! I'm TRULY blessed to have had this young man as my "other" son. He's the BEST! Pics from the wedding to follow on Sunday!

Enjoy the rest of your week! Ackkk, I'd best get busy and organized!! "Get Errrrrrrr Done!"

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

"Ghoul of his Dreams!" And Another Wedding Cake Topper Tomorrow??????

I felt like a Mad Scientist, taking the wire cutters to a Vintage Bride & Groom and cutting their heads off and replacing with skulls! But it was kind of fun to see how it would all come together..........

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

I got a few other things made for the show and  son Sean is working on  sanding down and stripping the furniture for me for the show when not doing homework,,,,,,But it's Sneaking up now! Ack! 

Lately, it seems like I go into "panic" mode on Mondays. Working weekends at Joyworks and handing out flyers and talking about the upcoming show makes me anxious,,,,,so Monday's? My ADD or whatever,,,kicks into HIGH Gear! "I've gotta,,,,,and I need to.....and I really should"........yadda, yadda.

Yeah, well, I got about 1/4 done of what I would have LIKED to today! Hope YOUR Monday was a good one!

Okay, so. My Youngest Best Friend is getting Married THIS Saturday. The Groom, my "Third Son," if you will ,asked me some time ago to make a wedding Cake Topper for them. Well, Ahem......I kept asking questions about WHAT they wanted and got no response..........UNTIL Tonight! Again, wedding is on Saturday! Ackk, So Guess what Shell will be doing tomorrow???

I've had painted Paper Mache' Rounds for quite some time.....ready to embellish and make special for the Bride and Groom........Only, tonight? I find out the wedding cake ISN'T Round,,,,,,,it is Square! Okay,,,,,,,I'm going to pray about it, ask the "creative fairies" for their assistance,,,,,,and well, given that the Bride to be is part Native American, I might even do a dance! Anything and Everything that will  allow me to get it done Tomorrow! And make it special and appropriate! Wish me Luck!

Hugs, Love and a "Bus,"

Shell

Perfect Day for the Pumpkin Patch!

I don't know who or what inspired me more, Debra at Common Ground or another treasured and glorious Day in the Pacific Northwest,,,,,,but I DID head to the pumpkin patch! Honestly? I haven't been there for Pumpkins in YEARS.....although it's only a couple of miles away........

We are truly Blessed here in Snohomish to STILL have many workin family owned farms,,,,,,,,Craven's is one of them! And a place I took the kids often when they were little........

The glorious SUN brought with it some haze, normally you can see the Cascade Mountains in the foreground........but picturesque, nonetheless..........and the air smelled heavenly!!

They have all sorts of fun vignettes and cutouts at Cravens,,,,,but I particularly loved this old Truck!

They had this fun "Harry Potter" in the Petting Zoo Area,,,,,,,,,,I had to go in and check out the Barn Friends!

 Out of ALL the pumpkins in the field,,,,,this little cutie just seem to call out to me! Don't get me wrong,,,,I went home with a pullcart full of other pumpkins and gourds that were in the bins and a HUGE Wagon Full of "Mega" pumpkins,,,,,,,but I just loved this sweet little thing!

I worked a bit on my sitting porch today,,,,for Debras event NEXT week,,,,,,,,I'll share those pics after I tweak it a bit more,,,,,,,,,,

These last two days have been a salve, if you will for my psyche,,,and I'm sure not just for ME, but for many of us living in the Pacific Northwest. The end of Summer and the beginnings of Fall, are usually our most gorgeous days of the year here! Crisp, clear mornings full of sights of our wonderful mountain ranges,,,,,,,to the WEST and to the East.....because you see, we are blessed to be surrounded by beauty. But, this hasn't been a typical fall here.  Well, doesn't seem that way for many of others, living in other areas either. I hope everyone has a few bright and crisp, rain/flood/storm free days in the near future, to help them get through the long winter months ahead!  

Due to the weather, I hit a Couple of Garage sales first thing this morning,,,,,,and ran into my dear friend Deb of "Garden Party." We've been trying to "catch up" forever, but we've both been hopping! I "scored" a free chair and Deb got a great chippy old white chair where we met up. The "catch up minutes," were priceless!

I'm thinkin' the weather will bring a LOT of tourists into Joyworks this weekend! We should be hopping! If you live close by,make sure and stop in! I noticed a LOT of packing/shipping boxes in our window well the last two days! New Goodies! Stop on by!

Whatever you do,,,,,,,I hope you enjoy your weekend~!

Hugs, Love and a bus on the Cheek!
Shell