Things you may not know...

You may not know that-

• On Labor Day, I broke my little toe by dropping a door on it.
• Shoes are my favorite accessory.  Even though I could only try one shoe on my good, left foot, I brought home a pair of amazing Guess HIGH heels and a pair of gold, rhinestone BCBG shoes TODAY!
• I am stressed out 90% of my life and to prove it this week, I am displaying an ugly fever blister.
• My ship sets sail soon for a destination of blue waters and white buildings. Can you guess where I am going?.
• I seriously HATE homework.  Remember, I am a retired teacher.
• And, I LOVE a good sale!
• My favorite time of the day is the 10 minutes I steal for myself after the kids get on the bus.  I am in a funk on days when I don't get that 10 minutes.
• I love to make things but especially on rainy days.
• You will find me reading celebrity gossip magazines.  I don't know why but I do enjoy them.
• My mom still has those lamps in her living room from the picture above...oh, and the end tables too, but they have moved into the bedroom with my dad.

That last one had me laughing....

I think I am pretty mixed up and normal all rolled into one!

Have a great night and make sure to take 10 minutes for yourself tomorrow. 

 It makes all the difference in the world!

PS

Here is a picture of the BCBG Goddess shoes! 

Such a happy thought!

Cheap-y Halloween Potion

I think Halloween decor is simply Spooktacular.

This little project came about after wandering through the aisles at Michael's. 
As I turned my cart down the dried flower aisle, 
these adorable and inexpensive jars
popped right into my cart!

(Shh, this is what you need to tell my husband)

My shopping rule #131- If I don't have a use for it, I don't need it.

Quickly an idea came to me. (WHEW) 

 I would make potion jars full of candy.

Wouldn't they be cute place card holders for a dinner party
or fabulous treats for those special trick or treaters?

For directions and supplies click HERE!

A Taste of Paris

This is Kumiko. 
Isn't she beautiful? 

I met her in New York.  I was at a dinner party with my husband.  I didn't know anyone there.  She was so warm and welcoming.  After talking, we found out that we have a love for cooking and crafting in common.  I had such a lovely evening because of her.

(I just had to point out the necklace in the photo that I am wearing, it is from a thrift store $2--it made me giggle when I saw this photo)

Well, Kumiko and her husband went to Paris.

Sigh! I have always dreamed of visiting Paris. 

My sweet, new friend, Kumiko brought me a treat from here:

Check out their website HERE!

Yummy!

These beautiful containers hold tea. 

Every morning, I start the day with a large green tea!

I can't wait to try these.  One is called Marie Antoinette!

The tea came with an elegant box full of cookies!

Kumiko spoiled me with pastry from Paris.

I will get to see Kumiko in a few months and I just can't wait. 

No, I am not heading to New York but some place a little closer.

wink wink

Thrift Store Frames

It is funny how inexpensive frames came showcase handmade art.
Take these frames from my local thrift store.
I know they are on the junk-y side,
but with my favorite K and Company paper pad and a few embellishments
they can turn into this!

I know it was a mirror and still is a mirror once you remove the paper. 
Simply place the pattern paper on top of the mirror base.
For complete supplies and directions click HERE!

This rectangular frame now holds a precious memory.
It is me and my mom and my dad heading to a wedding.
My mom made our match-y dresses in what is known as Martha colors: 
olive green and aqua blue.
I treasure this photo. 
It makes you realize that in the age of digital
 it is important to print your photos for your children. 

For directions and supplies click HERE!

Aren't they cute?
All mine...

Hanging the frame in a different direction then the way it was intend to hang-
makes the ideas endless!

Directions and Supplies are HERE!

This is my Grandma and her friend when she was in college to become a teacher.
The photo corners make the square frame appear to have a different shaped mat.

Directions and Supplies are HERE!

Simple and whimsical....adding buttons to the dress up a plain frame.

Directions and Supplies are HERE!

Have a great weekend!

Curious Time-

I was singing the blues-

(my Dad was very ill and my dear husband was in China)

I needed a break from my sad thoughts- so the kids and I headed to

Debbie Dusenberry's inspirational world!

 It was just what the doctor ordered-

A magical, Halloween Masquerade and Art Show

(click the link and see more photos of her amazing store)

As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted by one of my favorite artist

Lesa Dailey

She has made many wonderful things for my home. 

Meet my new favorite  Halloween piece-

a hand-made Halloween doll

Lesa has made every piece of this doll. 
I love all the details:  the tiny shoes, the black bird, the "H" on the collar

Sigh!  So much amazing talent!!

If you are interested in Lesa's work, you can contact her here:

lesajanelle@hotmail

Okay, back to Curious Sofa!

Can you believe I got to the store with my cell phone and no other camera?

What was I thinking-

Sorry for the poor quality of photos...

As you entered the store, the chandeliers were draped and wrapped in gauze. 
The black candles were such a nice touch and contrast.
Deb's blog said she was inspired by Amadeus when she created her Halloween Masquerade.

My mouth dropped when I step into the door.....

For those of you who know me well-
I am terrified of doll parts.
Look how Debbie put these on black dole rods and arranged them into a cement pot.
Clever and frightening!

This last photo is a picture of Debbie Dusenberry (the owner of Curious Sofa) and me at Mary Englebreit's event. 

We are holding our creations that we made in class with Wendy Addison.

I was star-struck to meet Debbie.

She is a home-town talent!

 Visit her website. 

 She has just opened an online store!

Hugs-

Favorite Project-Olivia Rose

I covered a Paper Mache bodice that I found at Michael's with old dressmaking patterns.
I placed the dress form on a black candle holder that I found at Hobby Lobby.
All the papers and embellishments are Olivia Rose by Brenda Walton.

This was one of my favorite creations-
Perfect for my studio!

Hugs-