Fun Day in Skagit With Fellow Blogger Debi from Ormolulu!

TOO Fun! Had a "Girl Day" with fellow blogger and new friend Debi, from Ormolulu! http://ormolulu.blogspot.com/

We "Met in the Middle," this first time, so to speak.....she came "down from Bellingham and I came "up" from Snohomish and we met at Skagit Valley Gardens for Lunch and well,,,,DUH! Some Shopping!

Here's Debi outside the Nursery by this funky vignette, complete with an old truck and plow! (If I would have tried to climb up in there,,,I'm sure the picture would have been entirely different!)

Lunch was GREAT! I would highly recommend it!  It was a bit "toasty" in the nursery, but I figure I'd sweat off a few calories in the process! Yeah, right!

Debi does shows all over the PNW,,(Pacific Northwest),,,,including Farm Chicks, 2nd's Saturdays at Sand Point (in Seattle), Portland Expo and the likes. She also has an ongoing space at Pacific Galleries in Seattle. (Yummy!) That's how we decided we'd first connected,,,,,,(after my visit there and she'd read my post and commented that she had a booth!)

Another fun old Truck, this one, INSIDE the nursery!

After a late running lunch, getting to know each other a bit better, we headed to La Conner for a SHORT visit! I went with her to Egg and Dart,,,,,where I found some awesome Vintage Ribbon! We went to a great lighting Store too, where Debi introduced me to a dear friend of hers,,,,Ugh, the cards are in my car,,,,and I'll post about the shop tomorrow or Friday, along with my "fun finds of the day!"

Then we Boot Scooted over to Mt Vernon for a FEW quick stops! Ack......One hour, so we hit two shops......Red Door and Dilly Dally!  So much shopping, and so many laughs (not to mention insight from Debi on our Upcoming show!) Too soon,,the shops were closing and it was TIME for us to both head home!

I had a SUPER time! Hope Debi did too! I see a visit or TWO in the near future,,,,with more laughs, sharing and exploring!! And,,,,we're BOTH getting ready for Timis extravaganza in OCTOBER! Ackkkk!


Oh,and PLEASE PLEASE note,,,,,,,I have had  some trouble lately POSTING images/jpegs and the likes. I feel bad, because there are Giveaways, Events/acknowledments that my software didn't recognize--- (Such as trying to upload my friend Lynn  Stevens, of Kuma, Idaho's recognition in TWO recent Somerset(s), Timi's Poster for OUR event, etc.) I Think I have figured out SOME of the problem (I changed some passwords recently but not ALL) So, hopefully, I'll be able to update some things soon that I attempted to, but my computer/blogland wouldn't LET me! Gotta love technology! Yeah Right!

'Puter problems aside,,,,,,,I had a GREAT time today! Debi was lots of fun and I'm SO glad I got to meet her face to face! And,,,,she is ONE smart lady! How FUN to get to know a talented blogger friend! I HIGHLY recommend it!

Hugs and love and Computer be,,,,,ummmm Darned!
(Thanks Debi, for a FUN Day! How come I spent ALL the money? LOL)
Shell

My Blogger Friend Joann and Crafter Extrodinaire!

You need to meet this woman and enter her AWESOME giveaway!!

Okay,,,I kind of came across Joann and her blog somewhere.....LOL. I'm frankly not sure WHEN or HOW. But, she primarily "Does" a lot of  media paper and mixed media crafting, like I like to do....And well, one thing lead to another and somehow I found out that she KNEW and SOLD Stuff to Jana and Clarice for the shop I work in, Joyworks.

Jana and Clarice met Joann, LONG before I "met" her in "Blogland."  Joann was selling her crafts and wares at the BIG "Atlanta Gift Show." She has sold her wonderful  hand crafted items all over the US,,,,,,,,to various shops and venues..........But, Her blogsite is still, pretty new, undiscovered and, pretty small,,,,,but "Ladies and Gentleman,,,,she is BIG "Potatoes!"  Ahh,,,I guess I need to say for you YOUNGER bloggers.....she has done well, has been successful in her crafting,,,,in spite of being unacknowledged by Bloggers and Blog followers) So,,,,,what are you waiting for? GO......Check OUT her fantastic Crafting blog! Follow!

She's the BEST- in SO many ways!! Let her know what YOU think, by commenting on her giveaway, which ENDS Wednesday the 4th of August!  and YOU might just be lucky enough to win one of her unique, handmade, embellished and wonderful crafts!

Her talents, sense of humor and fortitude! Couldn't meet or get to know a better blogger or crafter,,,,,in MY mind!

http://joannsholidayfrivolities.blogspot.com/


Hugs and love to you ALL,,,,,,,,And special HUGS to Joann!
Shell

Friday's FANTASTIC Finds! SCORE!

Okay,,,well, if you read yesterday's post, you KNOW the first part of my week didn't go so well! But, I had a GREAT time shopping the Estate and Garage sales today! Are you ready? The VERY first sale I hit?

 I found something I'd been look for, for a LONG time!!! Score BABY!!!

Ugh,,,,horrid Photo! LOL

Let's just say, she was less than $100 Bucks,,,,and leave it at that! I think I was SO excited when I got "her" home and went to take pics, that I didn't hold very steady! This was my "Big Find" of the day, but ......

Picture Frames

The Big Rectangle was FREE, and the small wooden Oval was $3 Bucks!

Of COURSE, you have to buy a sled in July!

I LOVE, LOVE LOVE, old sleds and ice skates! This one is really small, which I've never come across  before!  How cute would this be on a dining room table as the base for a fun vignette?

And,,,,,,a steal!

Some fun Vintage Tins and a box FULL of Vintage greeting cards and tags......

I especially loved the Box that the cards came in!

I love EVERYTHING about this old tapestry! 24x24 appx....You'll be nauseous if you know how much I paid for it! Gorgeous!

25 Cents

Fun, old packs of needles...from Sears (well duh!) the Oil and heating company (because nothing says "Oil and Heating like a freebee pack of needles, I'm tellin' ya! and the fun "Stich and Sew Gals!" I'll be someone bought these at the Dime Store! Wow,,,,,I don't even know what possessed me to think of that,,,,,do YOU remember DIME Stores???

I stopped by the local Lutheran Church who was having a sale to help someone with medical bills,,,,,Found 4 mini books of Classical Sheet Music,,,,,,,and funky old adjustable piano/organ top music stand,,,,,,,,,and some finials. Just plain embarrassed for what I paid,,,,,,so I left a bit Extra!

Just plain weird/uniqe Flower Frog

Okay,,,,,I paid $4 Bucks for this baby. But have you EVER seen a flower frog like THIS ONE? I'm thinkin' it's from the 60's because the galvinized green aluminum reminds me of the old glasses we used to drink out of from that Era..........I really love flower frogs,,,,,,but I usually gravitate towards the glass ones, or the metal variety! If you've got any insight on this one, I'd LOVE to hear!

Fun day! Andrew went with me to pick up the Dress form in his 4x4 and we stopped for an Ice Cream Cone (my FIRST of the Summer) on the way home.

Could prove to be a BUSY weekend at Joyworks, as it's supposed to cool down! Have a great weekend, and I'd love to see what goodies YOU found!

Hugs and Love,

Shell

Internet NIGHTMARE!!! Duh! Your Photos for my event! Flowers for you ALL!

So,,,Ahem, I don't know if any of you have even noticed-unless you commented on the "Photo Aspect of my Giveaway and got NO reply! (Well DUH!!!)


Okay, DEEP breath and regrouping! This has been a LONG  couple of days,,,,,with computer probs....So, take a moment, with me, to stop and enjoy, smell (sorry) envision the flowers I got at the Snohomish Farmer's Market  this afternoon! Gorgeous! 10 Bucks! And I bought a TON of produce,,,,,to Ease my mind after several DAYS of frustration!

,,,,,I haven't posted in DAYS! And commenting to Fellow Bloggers? NOPE! I had an INTERNET connection NIGHTMARE~~~ Ackk!

Okay,,,so you Too my be familiar with this! I have had a "Bundle." Internet, Phone (landline) and TV. Set up payments to be automatically withdrawn. Easy Peasy? You would THINK! Right?

Then, unbeknownst to moi, the company that HAD my account  with (Verizon) wasn't doing the WHOLE "package thingy" anymore,,,,,and sold out to a company called "Frontier." They sent me notices,,,,,,And I'm thinkin' "Who is this Frontier"?

Okay, so I am one of THOSE people! I have NO credit cards,,,,,,my Bills have come directly out of my account,,,,,,,and they're pretty basic. Utilities and insurance. My house (thank God and my Mother,is  paid off), and so I don't get many bills. I didn't get a "heads up" from my prior "Bundle" that I caught.

 So,,,,,,,, yes, PHONE line (land line) changed, TV changed,,,,and then, MAJOR problems with my Internet connection........It has gone on for DAYS! Mega phone calls on my part,,,,and, when I became too  frustrated, my Son's......, on hold for HOURS, truly,, promised call backs,  (Yeah right!) "Check your modem' (yep) check your computer (yep) ........okay, SERIOUSLY? My phone Dies! (Yep,Lulu and Maggie BOTH know THAT scenario! ) MY Final Call-- #5,,,and this gal named "Ivory" FINALLY got me  up and running again TONIGHT. . . After hours and HOURS  and DAYS of frustration on the phone and my computer!!!

So , Okay, Yeah? Post an event and have Questions from participants and THEN shut down!  NICE! (NOT!)


Sorry you guys!

Okay,,,,,so NOW, here's the deal,
Post your "Hoarding" and "Crafts gone Bad"-or unfinished projects in a photo/photos on YOUR Blog on August 13th~ and link it to my button or event on THAT day! Does that make better sense?  That gives you plenty of time for MORE photos and points!

Right now, I'm feeling SO UNcomputer savvy and frustrated! Ackkk! I got the bouquet,,,,and TONS of fresh produce at the Snohomish Farmer's Market tonight! Peaches, cherries,raspberries and MORE! It was a great distraction~ given my level of frustration! (Pre-re Connection!)

Going "junkin'/Garage sale hunting tomorrow! Lord,,,,I hope the END of the week is better than these last couple of frustrating Days!

Sorry about any confusions on my Event/Giveaway! I'll be contacting you ALL personally very soon!

Hugs and love,,,,,,and I hope NONE of you have similar problems with your servers!
Truly, lovin' my Blogger friends and feeling frustrated that I couldn't even LOG on, let alone respond!
Am I addicted, or what? LOL

Shell

Are you READY for a TRULY different Blogging event and Giveaways? Get out your sense of humor and, let's be totally HONEST here!

Okay,, so,here's the deal! Friends,,it's time to "come CLEAN"! We've all seen beautiful Crafts, finds, Studios, Blogs,the likes. They are GREAT, inspiring, and basically WHY we look at blogs! But,,,,,,I wanted to create a FUN and funny take on things which includes a couple of giveaways!! IF you have the perfect home/studio and everything you create turns out PERFECT,,,,SKIP this event! But, like most creative people, if you live in a bit of chaos or have periodically create something that, well, turned out a MESS, stay tuned!

Still here? Admit one of the following:

You've got PILES of certain things, that you Hide or squirrel away and YOU-as of date, haven't  candidly shared this obsession! Hidden behind a curtain, door,, closet,  certainly safely hidden from your blogging camera's judgemental EYE and perhaps, even  from friends and family that  KNOW you well,,,but don't openly know about your ,,,,,ahem, "Stash." Or "Stashes!"]

Okay,,,truth be told I have tons of cabinets and closets in this old house that God Forbid, anyone could SEE! I think my biggest hoarding problem would be RIBBON! I love it! Cannot have enough of it! I have yards and yards,,,,okay, maybe MILES and MILES would be more appropro! So yep,,,I "Hoard" some things,,,, in a kinder and gentler word that would be a "Collector." But Who is kidding Who, here?


Or maybe THAT is NOT you! You have everything organized, mapped out, perfectly stored. KUDOS! I may require your services, and after reading YOUR response, we may have a love/hate relationship!

But, if not the hoarding issue,,,I'm thinkin' you've got a craft project or two,,,,oh, yeah! That went awry. Maybe you haven't actually TOSSED it,,,,but think you should! A day of creativity that went amiss and you are not proud of the outcome,,let alone begin to  photograph, or SHARE it! 

Here's a sample of MY handy work! And this is only ONE example! An Easter Rabbit I worked on with Paper clay and wire. Then I covered it in Mica BEFORE I painted it's face on! "Bunnie from Hell!" LOL! Well, hopefully, we live AND learn while creating our mistakes!

Okay,,,,this is a "Come Clean" and "Share" event! And it's meant to be Fun AND Funny! No, I'm not sending the crafting or hoarding police to your home or studio!

 You have until Friday the 13th, of August, to post on THIS comment, about your experience (s) Hoarding, And, you can post images ON August 13th on YOUR blog,,,,just link to my sight and let me know that you posted  images/stories of your WORST crafting outcome!

You get ONE point for each entry:
One for commenting
One for posting  about the Event
One more for following (please post EACH entry seperately)
One more for showing ONE picture (Hoarding issue) ON YOUR blog, August the 13th
One more for showing a "Craft Project Gone Bad" On YOUR blog, August the 13th
And,,,,,,if you post all FIVE, you get ONE EXTRA, just for "coming clean!"

For a grand total of Six points!

I'll award TWO prizes. One,,,,a $30 for a Michaels Craft Gift Card and One for Home Depot, also for $30.This will be a RANDOM drawing, so you actually have a chance to win BOTH!

Primarily, this event is supposed to be funny AND supportive! We've all stashed certain things away,,,,and Lord knows, we've all sat down to create something special and well,,,,,,as "special" as we wanted it to be, it turned out to be a  piece of doggie do-do!

 So, come clean. Who has 53 Cool Whip Containers Stashed away? Who made THAT Christmas ornament that they wouldn't even give their Aunt Helen? I KNOW your out there,,,,,shoot, I am too! So let's share some laughs and there will be OH so lovely "parting gifts!"
You've got some time, so I hope everyone has FUN with this! That was my intent!

Hugs and Love,
Shell

The Garage Sale Goddesses were Generous Today!

Ugh,,,I was going to head out to the Garden Tour Preview tonight, but apparently my "roadie" lunch didn't "sit well"....suffice it to say the only pots I'll be looking at is the one in my bathroom! ..... Oops, Sorry! TMI
Hopefully, Jana will go and take some fun pics!

At any rate, this morning, I headed out to the the land of Junk, treasures, keepsakes and finds to elbow in amongst fellow bargain hunters,hoarders and pickers. ( I refuse to elaborate on WHICH of those groups I fall into!)
 I hit a few sales,  blocks from home, here in the Historic District and found a fun Curio Cabinet for $5-this one is going to get a coat of Country White Paint!

Curio Cab,,$5 and very sturdy!

Then, I'd read in the paper there was an "Assistant's League" (of Everett), Estate sale.....and I've been to a few of their others and found some fun items,,,so I headed across our Valley of farmland  and up the Hill towards the BIG Cities!....

Where,,,,,,first thing you know, I run into my friend Annie (this is her neck of the woods) and she had in her hot little hands a doll hat, that she thought I may like! (Great minds think alike!)

(Currently sitting on one of the Doll heads I scored LAST week!)

So, this Estate Sale? The woman was a doll MAKER......not a collector, but a gal who took arms, legs, heads, eyes, hairs and created torso's and sewed gorgeous clothes.......Did I have my camera? OF COURSE NOT! She was a true artisan. And, IF you live locally and collect dolls,have a daughter, grandaughter, etc.....I'd seriously check it out Sat/Sun. These dolls were being given away,,,,considering the time and labour that went into them! Cases in point..........

Look at this gorgeous Dress,,,,all HAND MADE! $6. I had to have it, just because I know it was made with great joy and love....wowza! If you sew, and I do, you cannot help but appreciate this workmanship!

(Annie found the darling shoes and decided they were more "me" than her! Thanks Annie!)

Close up

I also bought a couple of slips in cotton muslin that she also handcrafted....50 Cents and $1

There was a whole TABLE full of Fabrics......I settled on two. Some yummy chocolate heavy duty Taffeta and a lace remnant of Grey, Black and metallic......I think these would both make great Fabric Roses!

Fabrics

Then,,,,,,okay Then? I found a "Grab Bag" full of Flowers, leaves and pearl trims

2 Bucks! Yep, 2 Bucks!

Oops, sorry, photo not so hot! Bag full of Pink and Creme mini roses, 2 Bucks,

Cigar box 25 Cents!

And there were ziploc bags FULL of COTTON Lace trims and I also found a 10yd Spool of Lace Trim

Great for pillows, the cotton laces will get Tea Stained!

And last find at the Estate Sale?.......

A Craft Kit, complete with Embossed Cardstock Victorian Ladies and Gents......and all the directions and unused clothing/crafting patterns........$1 Buck!

Oh Shoot, and I forgot to get the "Chippy/peely rusty" wrought Iron white flower baskets out of my car!

$10 bucks for 4 WITH cocoa liners AND to Wall bracket Baskets .......

I would have liked to have known this woman. She was UBER talented, obviously enjoyed what she did. Often, when I buy a piece from a sale or an antique store, I wish I knew the story of the people that owned these items. And, in THIS case, created them! I guess, in this case, I'll just sent a smile and a wave to the Heavens and thank her for sharing her gift!

Okay,,,,so, I was ALMOST headed towards the Barn......no, I don't have a Barn,,,it's an OLD metaphor,,,,,aka heading home. But I stopped at one last sale of the day,,,,,,in a cul de sac of new homes.......Well, you never know do you? This is what I found......

"Sawyer's Junior Card Holders" Whatta?

The box was closed but the packaging was interesting. There's about 40 of these "Junior Card Holders" neatly lined up inside of the box, between layers of paper. I've used one on the left to show you how the "Junior Card Holder" works! ........(Card from Izabella inserted)  And, I scattered some in front of the box for you to see.......But how clever! You could use them to hold your "Junior Cards",LOL,,,,,or small photos.  They are small,,,but sturdy! (Nickel)  I'm thinkin' YOU want some "Junior Card Holders Too!"  $1 Buck for the box........as noted, the manufacturer, "Sawyers" ALSO makes "Sawyer's Satisfactory Card Holders for Larger Cards!"

 No Way!~

Maybe I'll find THEM during NEXT Friday's Hunt!I have got to Google this one,,,,,,just goes to show you, you never know WHAT you are going to find!!!

Did You find any fun stuff????

Hugs and Love,

Shell

Ack.............85 in Joyworks tomorrow? Lord have Mercy, and I'm sure there is Christmas to be priced! Nothing says Summer like 80+ and Glitter in Joyworks!

"Cobwebs of my Mind" Fun Hat finds!

You have to be a certain age to Ahem,,,,remember the song reference to the "Cobwebs of my Mind." So excuse the reference and if you KNOW the song ....for heaven's sakes let me know, it's driving me BATTY! Cobwebs,,,,Spiders, Bats,,,,,,no, it is NOT yet THAT time of year, but I'm thinking about it, and what all I'm going to craft/sell at the October Event! But dangit,,,,what SONG WAS THAT??? Ackkk!

Okay, so at any rate, I headed out to Cobweb Antiques today......Now if you were a local, and have visited Loretta's "Shop/Barn/Sideyard--you'd CERTAINLY have a comment in regards to my venture! But even if you ARE  relatively local, you may never have had the experience! Cobweb Antiques is located just outside of the city/town of Monroe....10 miles or so from me.

I don't go there often....because it is overwhelming! To say that it's PACKED to the rafters with Antiques and collectibles is truly, TRULY andunderstatement. (You may gain some understanding based on the fact that when I DO go, I "stash" my purse behind the counter and walk SIDEWAYS down what COULD be considered aisles.  Yep! There is STUFF everywhere! Loretta sells items IN her shop and barn, but also in local Antique stores, Shows, the likes. There ARE some great finds,,,,,,but she doesn't give "it" away and you are better off having an agenda, a certain type of "thing" that you are looking for.

That said, I didn't TRULY have an agenda, and I perused the "cubbies," stacks, and THEN,,,,,,I found some hats. Okay Hats and boxes of hats. Hats and Bins of Hats. Hat Boxes full of hats.......Do you get the picture??? Well, I pushed back my sleeves, purse safely ensconsed behind the counter and started to dig/open/ peruse...........and TADA! Score!

As previously stated, Loretta doesn't give anything away, but she DOES deal,,,,,,and I managed to get these 3 for the price she was asking for the one!

Tons of Vintage flowers,,,,,to craft with!  I KNOW, sometimes it is hard to take these babies apart,,,,but I only "pluck" when it seems a worthy result!

Look at the fun Blue one! This was a child's hat,,,,,and I'm not sure yet whether I'm going to leave it in one piece and modify it for a lampshade,,,,,,or use it for cake topper(s)/headbands! Tons of yummy goodness!

Cremey Velvet Roses and Light Mocha Velvet flowers and leaves! Yummy!

If you look closely at the bottom, this hat originally had some red netting....Red, with the brown and creme? Well, it must have been quite the ensemble that inspired THIS hat!

And for Dessert? Look at THIS Sweetie! She's got more lucious pink flowers, Ivory buds and fun whisper pink netting! Mano, Mano,,,,,,I'm truly going to have to think twice,,,,well, maybe THREE times before I pull anything off of this! It'll have to REALLY be a special cake topper or headband! This hat is SO well made, inside and outside!

Loretta gave me 3 hats for the price of ONE,,,,so, I'm feelin' Lucky! Great "Digging" through the "Cobwebs" today!

 Oh, and, One final comment.......There is a GREAT article in the latest Somerset "Paper and Mixed Media" by Quinn Mc Donald on "Creative Insecurity."  Getting STUCK, scared, anxious, etc. which I think as Artisan's and Crafter's we ALL do from time to time! Check out her thoughts and insights!

"We all stumble and fall on our creative journey. The important part of falling is not how hard or how long we fall, but how willing we are to get UP again."

This is one I'm going to put on my Studio Wall,,,,,,,right next to the paints and glue gun!

I'm going to Garage sale a bit tomorrow and then head to the Preview for the Garden Tour tomorrow night,,,,,,,have a great weekend all!!!

Hugs and Love,

Shell