Little Pink Houses

An Old Place To Shop

2012-02-13T15:54:00.000-08:00

New is good, but old can be better. And if you're looking for a new place to do a little shopping for cool old stuff, then you know you're in the right place when you stop your car here:

and enter inside to find this guy (owner, Cisco Diaz) amongst his old, wonderfully rusty and sometimes sparkly treasures at Restore And Rework at 2572 San Carlos Drive, Castro Valley during his (once monthly) February opening.

Here's the 10 cent tour:

There's lots to see, so don't waste any time. there's also a cute little shop next door called "Ruffles & Rust Vintage". You can sign up for his newsletter/email reminder HERE.

Cherry On Top Trophy

2012-01-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

How do you show appreciation to a pal who has done something out of the goodness of her heart so unselfishly for you? Something which warmed the cockles of your heart so much that you thought they deserved some kind of sweet award?

How about a fork full of juicy color?

Supplies:
wood blocks in various sizes
a fork
Whisker Graphics Divine Twine (I used Lemon, Cotton Candy, Orange, Green Apple, Plum & Cherry)
Whisker Graphics Sweet Sticky (I used the Dark Pink Scrolly Square)
Faux Cherry

Decide on how to stack your painted blocks. Hammer a slot in your top block using a regular screwdriver the width of your fork end. (No, dear, I don't know HOW the handle of the screwdriver got a crack in it!!!) Paint blocks and glue together. Spray paint fork silver if desired.

Print your sentiment on the Sweet Sticky using template that comes with these darling labels, and press onto your painted block.

Dip your Divine Twine into fabric stiffener, remove excess and wrap around the fork. When dry, glue cherry to the fork tines and slip fork into the slot you created and glue.

YUM!

Check out more projects at the Whisker Graphics Blog!

Barn Sale Saturday

2012-01-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, there aren't many open areas left in the area where I live, hence there are not many barns, hence not many barn sales. But the farthest reaches in Clayton, CA was my destination this sunny, warm morning:

And here's the inside:

And here's what I ended up with:

Four beauties! What can be saved will be saved, and what can't will be turned into something else!

Workbench Wednesday ~ You Gotta Have Heart

2012-01-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

Although the January sale at Room With A Past is over (sorry if you missed it!) I'd like to share a creation I put in my spot for my Valentine's theme (the next opening will be Feb 16 - 19th--after Valentine's Day!)

I made this wire form about a year ago, and it was hanging around out in my garden. I stuffed it with tulle, added a tulle skirt, and a pair of wings and presto change-o, she's ready to be the belle of the Valentine Ball!

What have YOU been working on? Please share with a comment!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Mess O' Projects

2012-01-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek at what's on my workbench at this very minute--a mess. I'm in the process of getting stuff started (on top of stuff that's half finished)!

What's on your list of projects? Please share with a comment!

Gallery Concord Opening

2012-01-07T17:48:00.000-08:00

What light from yonder window (in the fabulous Masonic Hall, built in 1927!) breaks?

Let's take a peek. It looks like it might be something fun, interesting and different!

Of course it is--it's Gallery Concord, in Concord, CA. They are currently hosting their "Winter Spectrum" series starting out with "Serenity", which includes mostly watercolors, (with a few other mediums thrown in to keep it interesting!) done by mostly local artists.

The opening night/artist reception was last night, January 6th. There was a great turn out, and we all enjoyed noshing on homemade tidbits & wine as we moved among the paintings, quilted fiber arts, 3-D sculpture, and print cards as the Dana Street Jazz Trio played on...

All these sculptures were made by my pal, artist Susan Shore of Point Richmond, CA.

I, a self-proclaimed lover all all things junky, find her pieces highly intriguing because of the found objects she incorporates within them. But this one is my favorite:

The show continues through March 25th. Admission is free but donations won't be turned down!

Post Christmas Sparkle To Start The New Year

2012-01-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

Have you met the wonderfully talented Kerstie Pederson? If not, pop on over! If you have, then seeing something as cute as this posted on her blog will not be a surprise to you:

(look--it's PINK!)

But what will surprise you is that she had a giveaway and guess who won?!?!? ME! Look what was hand-delivered just the other day:

A sparkly white church all aglow, with some little deer, trees and extra vintage flowers to have in the Spring! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Merry LITTLE Christmas

2011-12-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

It takes a village.

I love to set up my winter village. It takes up some prime real estate in the living room of my tiny little pink house for a few weeks and then it's gone, so I really enjoy it every day! The Barclay lead figures are constantly being re-arranged.

Let's see what's going on today, shall we?

Looks like the twins are bundled up and getting a ride through the snow drifts that have been building up over by the church.

On the frozen pond in the town square, I see the youth are practicing their moves. Looks like the perfect weather for a sleigh ride through the town for the young-at-heart, too.

That dapper young lad in blue is trying hard to impress his lass who watches from the sidelines!

Oh look! Someone built a snowman!

And there's the matching set to the twins we spied earlier, also heading into the town square via sled.

Let's see what's happening on the hill.

Great day for a ski run, but watch that drop, would ya?

A private rink is a favorite special place that warms the heart of these two love-birds as they skate circles around a decorated tree.

And overseeing it all are the birds in the branches who serenade us with a cheerful "Merry Christmas"!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Hand Made and Delivered

2011-12-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Alexandria, LA.
I needed to go. It's not just the Sportsman's Paradise, it's MY paradise. It's gorgeous, the people are like no other and it is home to my oldest sister.

It was her birthday, too! So I was able to see her open her gift--my first attempt at a shadow box soldered pendant:

I love you, Mo!

What have YOU been working on? Please share with a comment!

You Must GO!

2011-11-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Here's your official invite:

Take it and GO, GO, GO

Open the door on a magical place

created by the fabulously talented and imaginative Wendy Addison

at her Theater Of Dreams!

The magic continues Sunday, Nov. 27, Friday Dec. 2, Saturday, Nov. 3, Friday Dec. 9 and Saturday Nov. 10th.

GO!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Snow Day

2011-11-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

Let's start our Wednesday with a walk, shall we? The sun hasn't shown up yet, but let's not let that stop us. Let's head out to see some fall color.

Down to the BART trail. This section is my favorite when it comes to watching the colors change.

Look overhead--there's my pigeons making their morning flight!

Hold on to your hair--here comes the train!

OK, back to the house

for some hot chocolate, and some soldering!

What have YOU been working on (besides cooking up a storm for tomorrow's feast?!?!). Please share with a comment!

Early Morning In Benicia

2011-11-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Benicia, CA where the streets are lined with trees and quaint buildings (many from over 100 years ago!).

Where they don't tear down those old buildings, they convert them into stores, & businesses,
or move them into a dry dock until they can be placed or even recycled!

Welcome to a town where there are plenty of beautiful views in every direction.

This paradise is on "the other side of the bridge", so some folks in my area think it's too far of a drive to make, but (shhhhhh, don't tell) it's only 15 minutes from my front door. I worked in this town for seven years, and always enjoyed seeing the sun on the water in the early light as I made my way over the bridge.

At the end of First Street, the birds gather expectantly near the pier every morning and wait...

for a black van that pulls up at about 8:00 AM, driven by the Bird Lady Of Benicia.

She parks in the spot the birds loyally reserve for her, gets out and tosses food for 2 groups of birds.

Group One is pigeons (I love them), red-wing black birds (I love them too!) and ducks. She gives them rice from a big bag,

while Group Two is the gulls, who get a different grain, about 15 feet away from Group One.

She feeds them separately because the gulls would peck and trample Group One, she says. Not nice, but she loves them just the same.

Wings beat and flutter inches from my shoulders. They are so busy feasting during their daily ritual, they don't notice my feet next to theirs.

I love pigeons. They are misunderstood flying jewels. They are gorgeous, gentle birds. When I see the sun hitting the underside of their wings in a flock of them flying over-head, I can feel them soaring.

I love the blackbirds for their sleek & shiny black feathers and the cranky, chirping song patterns they utter. It's one of my favorite sounds on earth.

With the bridge toll of $5.00, it's worth the price of admission to occasionally head over the bridge for the show. The Bird Lady's got a really good gig if you ask me!

Workbench Wednesday

2011-11-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

I started an online class through the BraveGirls last week. Working on collages!

What have YOU been up to?? Please share with a comment!

Workbench Wednesday ~ I'm Pithed

2011-11-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

I continue to have an addiction for these little inchie charms; they are so fun to make!
These are my "Pithy Ladies"--vintage images with (what I think are) humorous phrases on the other side.

If you want to see just exactly what they say, you'll have to come into the shop November 17 - 20th!

What are YOU working on ??? Please share with a comment!

Whoo Loves Halloween?

2011-10-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

I've really been getting into soldering what I call "inchie" charms (microscope slide cut in thirds). My number one place to go for graphics has always been "The Graphics Fairy"--Karen posts a new copy-right free graphic from her private collection & gathered resources almost every day! So when I saw this darling owl I knew it was my next charm!

There's lots more to see at BRAG MONDAY--thanks Karen!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Charming?

2011-10-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at what I've been working on--soldered Halloween charms!

What's on your workbench? Please share with a comment!

Placerville Paradise Found

2011-10-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Follow this road

and keep looking through the trees

until you see this house.

But before you knock on the door

make sure you see these gentle, winged beauties

who will take your soul aloft

as they flutter around you.

The porch welcomes you, but please note;

this chair is already taken,

and it looks like more guests are on their way.

There's always a friendly face to greet you

and more watch from the windows for your anticipated arrival.

Inside there is always lots of good food

and places to put your feet up

or sit and have a fancy dinner,

or festive meal,

or walk the land in silence

with truly welcoming family.

Winner!

2011-10-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, I want to thank everyone, near and far, who reads my blog! I have made quite a few new friends and lots of creative ideas & feed-back through it.

And now our winner is:

Congratulations to Kerstie!!!

Workbench Wednesday

2011-10-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Have you entered my 200th Post Giveaway? You have until midnight tonight (well actually until 6 AM tomorrow morning because I am not getting up at midnight, no matter how much I love my readers!) to leave a comment HERE to enter.

Here's a peek at what I've been doing. I made a mini crown for a pal's birthday:

And got my space at the shop all set. I have a few little things yet to add though. There's always a commotion all over the store right up until we put on our smiles and open the door.

Hope you have a chance to come by tomorrow night and see all us ROOMIES dressed to the teeth in our had created witch hats! It's sure to be a scream!

My 200th Post Give Away

2011-10-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's a plethora of pleasures, a gathering of garnishes, and a stash of supplies! I've gathered a little bit of this and that from the deep (and somewhat unorganized) shelves of my craft room to offer up to you, my dear readers, in celebration of my 200th post. Get ready for some Autumn crafting with the fall color theme.

Rolls of old sheet music, feathers from my turkey (doesn't everyone have a turkey?), embroidery floss, orange and black Divine Twine, vintage game score sheets,

some glittery branches, mini doilies, mini bags, mini notebook, faded tickets

three sheets of Victorian floral gift wrap, gold Dresden medallions,

beaded trim, aluminum coated silver ribbon,

old mother-of-pearl buttons, some sheer mini flowers and..........
whatever else may fall off the shelves between now and Wednesday, October 19th can be YOURS!

Just leave a comment on this post (or the previous post) to enter to win! Please make sure your contact info is linked to your comment, or in your comment!

What's The Buzz? It's My 200th Post Give-Away!

2011-10-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

There is no Workbench Wednesday today. I'm too busy working on the books from the last sale at Paris Flea Market, and getting ready for the upcoming sale at Room With A Past.

But for my show and tell, instead I have something I spied while I was gazing out the back window this morning. I could see my ever-green morning glories shaking from 15 feet away.

A closer gaze revealed this fat little guy!

What kind of bee is this?? It's like a flying cockroach (but much prettier!) and loud!

There were several of them, small and large.

By the way this is my 200th post. Yes, I've been blogging forever it seems and this is only my 200th post. Well, I've always been a little slow on the uptake, a late bloomer, a day late and a dollar short. And even after all that, you still read my blog. So, in appreciation I think you deserve a little something. I don't know what it'll be-yet. But if you're interested, please leave a comment on this post (make sure it links to your contact info, or include it in your comment) before Wednesday, October 19th and I'll see what I can rustle up.

Apple Crisp Day

2011-10-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Every morning I go out in the backyard, sit on the porch swing while I wake up and then pick up all of these little beauties that have fallen to the ground.

I had more than enough, so today is THE day. The day I make apple crisp from my grandma Helen's recipe. It's such an easy recipe, even I can make it and it turns out delicious every time, no matter what I do.

It's starting to drizzle outside as the smell of apples and cinnamon float through the house.

Can you smell it from there? Miss you, Grandma.

Workbench Wednesday ~ Bones Under Glass

2011-10-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at what I finally finished today. I must have been in a time warp--it seemed to take me the better part of the day, but every moment was enjoyed.

Two beady eyes are watching you

while one boney hand is offering you a gift.

Lots of silver, orange and black are all

encased under glass and put up on a black pedestal.

What are YOU working on?? Please share!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Skeletons and Ghosts

2011-09-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

I recently made a wonderful discovery-- you can keep your craft room cleaner if you use the dining room table instead!

So here's a peek at what's been piled on top of/taking up space on my dining room table:

Got these windows on the side of the road for free, BUT as I have mentioned before, the word FREE is synonymous with NEEDS SOME WORK. These were peeling paint (and not in a pretty way), so the frames needed to be sanded down. When I wasn't happy with the finish, I added some FIX IT ALL to the paint and slopped it on. Turned out great--old and a little uneven looking. The I painted the glass with chalkboard paint, and viola, zee trick, she is done. They both sold during the last sale at Room With A Past!

Here's the next project--skeletons under glass. I was out walking this morning and gathered the sticks (I got a few strange looks on the trail, but I like to keep 'em thinkin'...!) which I then painted black. There's a few ways I am thinking of going with this. It's still in the idea stage but my hands must wait until I finish inputting the invoices from the sale. We were really busy since we had our Fall parking lot sale, so it might be quite a wait!

What are you working on this week? Please share by leaving a comment!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Hint Of Halloween

2011-09-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

It's time to start in on the things that are (a little) spooky. Things that you might catch from the corner of your eye, and then come into view. Something embellished with unwanted pests.

And if you live to tell about it, you can write (it on) a (chalkboard) book!

What does this Wednesday find YOU working on??? Something sweet or spooky? Please comment and share!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Field Trip

2011-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Let's get outta the craft room. Let's go somewhere different, somewhere not too far away, somewhere funky!

Let's go to Port Costa! Quaint and gritty,

home to Wendy Addison's Theater Of Dreams (which is closed...

but let's press our noses to the glass, at least!)

Then we'll head over to the shoreline.

Watch your steps going over the train tracks!

Low tide is a great time to look for some sea glass!

And bring it home for a project.

What are you working on? Please comment and SHARE!!!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Two To Share

2011-08-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

ONE: A crown for a man

When you turn 90, you should get something special, don't you agree?

My Dad is a huge pain in the patooty to buy gifts for. Not that he wants for much; some hankies or flannel pajamas are all he asks for.

I mean, he's 90--he already has everything! So hmmmm, what could I give him that he didn't already have?

So I made him a crown!
Happy Birthday Dad!

TWO: Soldered charms

This is the surface of my dining room table and is a great example of what you might end up with if you don't know what you're doing. Like looking down the business end of a soldering iron and not paying attention to what's underneath your (hot) work station.

After learning how to solder from Julee Herrmann, I tried my hand at soldered charms, and they turned out pretty good.

The metal buckle wouldn't accept the solder--bummer.

I made one that has a map of the street where I grew up! More charms in the works...stay tuned!

What are you working on? Please share! I hop you take time to create every day (or at least every week!)!

A King Among Men

2011-08-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to the smartest, most patient and honest man I know (sorry ladies, he's taken!). I love you Dad!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Let It Fly

2011-08-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

I made these grungy pendants about two years ago.

The butterflies are paper copies that I reduced to 1" and hand colored, then poured a clear suspension solution to seal them in the tiny metal buckle.

Then I drilled holes in the corners to attach them to a chain.

Now that I know how to solder, I need to find out if the metal buckles will accept soldering and make some new ones with a high quality resin, this time!

What are you working on? Please share with a comment!

Workbench Wednesday ~ What The World Needs Now

2011-08-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

(Update: It SOLD!)

The theme at the shop this month is end-of-summer travels, suitcases, maps, globes & destinations. I was destined to find a huge vintage world atlas that had some beautiful end papers.

These endpapers were already art, I just added them to a canvas, and made the four letters of the word we all LOVE to hear from the index of worldly places in the back of the atlas. Then I washed the canvas with paint and added some green and gray highlights.

Here's the rest of what I've been working on; it's my spot at Room With A Past! I'm already for this week's opening.

There are still some cool, summery colors, but the darker tones are stepping quietly in, revealing that fall is just around the corner

What have you been working on? Please share!

Putting A Furry Face To It

2011-08-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of my beloved pesky cats--Rusty. See that little face? It greats me every morning. See those little ears? He hates to have them touched. See how he appreciates a sunny day? He goes all out. See that front right leg? He doesn't have it anymore.

A few days ago it was amputated because it contained a growth discovered to be spindle cell sarcoma (AKA: a spreading, deadly cancer.) "Oh my God!" you might be saying as read this. And I know it's perfectly normal for people to utter the words "I'm so sorry..." but so far there's no need to be sorry. He's doing really well.

In a few weeks, I plan on blogging about his progress. For those of you facing making the decision to remove your cat's leg in order to save his life, I hope it will be an personal look at what you can expect, and I hope it will be of help. For those of you that might find it disturbing, there's a button at the top of this page that says "Next Blog >>" -- you are welcome to push it!

Why did I elect for a Feline Limb Amputation? He has done so much for me and my family in the last 16 years that I would do anything in return for him. I believe that people with scars are infinitely more interesting than those without, and I'm sure I'll find it true, as well, of this beloved pesky feline.

(Note: Comment function has been disabled for this post)

Workbench Wednesday ~ Black & White & Read All Over

2011-08-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong to love a paint? To love it's coverage, it's applicability, it's finish and the very molecules that make up it's color? If loving you is wrong I don't want to be right......

Ralph Lauren ebony paint; I can always count on you to transform the ugly

to beautiful (or at least livable).

And to the warmest white I have ever loved; you--Behr Ultra Paint & Primer In One--had me at the words "Cottage White". My stained oak bead board is no more.

New flooring, baseboards and sink tops still to come!

Here's what I've got on my workbench today: paper beads. I was searching online for something else when this idea popped into my head:

What are you working on? Please leave a comment and share it!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Before and Done For Now

2011-08-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick round-up of what I've been working on lately.

Did you know there is a direct correlation between how much you paid for something and how much time/material expense you'll have to put into it? I can vouch. This here's a keeper, but man, it's gonna need some work. (That's stripes of hot glue you see on the first layer of fabric--discovered after ripping off the top layer of forest green floral fabric). These (there are two) were donated to the cause for sanity (mine) by Kacie B. which I appreciate SO much! When I used to work at a feline clinic, friends would drop off kittens. Now they drop off furniture!

Another pair of DARLING children's chairs from the 1960's. Got them for a song as they really need some sprucing up.

It's "TRAVEL" month at the shop this month, so off to Paris went this vintage train case. Not sure if it's finished. What else could I add to it?

And just for something fun, I tried making these paper feathers (shown back and front below). There's a cute 'tute at Todolwen - Old To New. I want to alter them some how or add text--still thinking on these.

What's on your craft table today? Leave a comment and let me know!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Crowned Again

2011-07-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've made any crowns. I really enjoy making them, but wait for inspiration to strike before doing so. I wonder what would happen if I just held the wire in my hands? Would the ideas start to flow? Have to give it a try.

The Deep PINK Sea chicken wire crown was inspired by the July opening at the shop last weekend. Which led me to the fish supply store to look at seaweeds for fishtanks. There in the hard to open rigid plastic package was PINK seaweed. No brainer--bought it, and gave it a coat of glitter at home.

Gotta have a shell, pearls and some sandpaper,

along with some fluff and something that looks like a pink sea serpent undulating out of the sea.

SOLD!

What's on your craft table? Please share with a comment!

Workbench Wednesday (on Thursday!)

2011-07-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

I've been busy or maybe I've been lazy--I'm not telling. Either way, I wanted to get these pictures up pronto before I take this latest completed project of three into the shop for the start of the July opening tonight!

I've never really been "into" fairies. But I do love miniatures, old photos, photo-shopping and dioramas. So I added some glittered butterfly wings to this unknown relative (cousin Lynn--can you help me out here???), put her into a pre-plastic planted jar and before I knew it--Bob's your uncle (or maybe more like Grandma's your fairy!).

(You can click on each photo to view it larger)

I have heard that you're not supposed to keep a fairy in a jar for very long, but um, her petite little feet are really glued down in there. But there is a little bit of glitter and a few pearls keep her company and the tulle on top ensures airflow. Tell her your deepest secrects and set her free. Or keep her around--she's a pretty good listener!

Ahoy Matey!

2011-07-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

July at Room With A Past means everything is in ship-shape for our beach-y theme! Surrounded by soft blues, sea green and frothy white you can almost feel the cool water swirling around your ankles. But beware the pirate and his booty, still salty & wet from the murky depths as you step in the front door!

I had a boatload of fun staging the front display this month. It's my favorite thing to do!

Here's what I've got set up in my own spot this month:

Life's a beach--hope you come stick your toes in our sand! July 21 - 24th.

Workbench Wednesday ~ Birds and Butterflies

2011-07-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here's something I'm getting started on:

Reading this:

Making this:

Priming this:

And here's something I just finished:

This was a custom order for some friend's wedding anniversary. They call their house "The Nest"! Shhhhhhh, it contains a secret! Can you see the two hidden initials of the happy couple?

What's on your workbench/dining-craft table/sewing surface today? Please comment/blog/share it!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Sea Glass & Finds

2011-06-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

It's been almost too hot to think in the Little Pink House, but sometimes the very act of creating can help take your mind off those kinds of things you can't control!

What's on your workbench/dining-craft table/sewing surface today? Please comment/blog/share it!

I came across a great vintage finds last weekend. They'll most likely be in my spot at Room With A Past. The sale starts tomorrow! Don't miss the PARKING LOT SALE on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 & 26th.

Workbench Wednesday ~ Blues

2011-06-08T23:31:00.000-07:00

What's on your workbench/dining-craft table/sewing surface today? Please comment/blog/share it!

Getting ready for summer means pulling out the blues and greens for both small

and big projects!

Hope you're getting a leg up on your summer plans! Please share!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Silly Goose

2011-06-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

What's on your workbench/dining-craft table/sewing surface today? Please comment/blog/share it!

I had this goose out in my garden for years. Recently she was treated to a make-over. I didn't question the need inside of me to paint her blue, make her a crown and set her adrift on her pond cloud.

Work in progress; stay tuned!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Bits & Pieces

2011-05-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

What's on your workbench/dining-craft table/sewing surface today? Please comment/blog/share it!

Not much creativity going on in the Little Pink House this week--the sale at Room With A Past ended Sunday and now laid out before me is the task of compiling the spreadsheet! Taunting me on my craft table are some lovely supplies.

I peek in on them daily as I pass my craft room on the way to my computer and say "Hello!". Some of these goodies came from Tangerine in Dublin (if you haven't gone you must not have heard of them!) and some of them are from new vendors at Room With A Past.

Soon my pretties, soon!

Holes In My Heart

2011-05-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Behind the Little Pink House flows a creek. From early spring to summer it's banks are tangled with weeds. Perfect for Stella Bella and Rusty Bucket to explore and hunt mice, but not so accessible for me when they get tall and dry; I have to just peek over the fence.

The city comes by every year and whacks down the weeds for fire control. After they rake it up and pack it in, I love to head back there with my furry entourage and take a look around. The dog went off sniffing and the cats walked circles around my legs as I walked around looking at the earth, newly bald beneath our feet.

There is a lot of wildlife back here all year round. If you sit quietly long enough (a glass of wine would be nice here) after the buzz of the weed-whackers has ceased they'll all put on a show. Lots of song birds, ducks, egrets, opossum, a muskrat and one blind raccoon who's been known to roam the neighborhood during daylight may show up. Wait until dark and you may hear the bats and owls.

I came upon two large, round divots that had been dug into the ground and I had to smile at the memory behind them. The holes get more and more shallow as the years go by. No one would even know what they were if they weren't looking for them like I do.

A long time ago in what seems like another lifetime now, my young son had a friend come over to play.

They got busy outside and left me some time to get a few things done in the house. I was at the computer when my son dragged our two shovels out of the garage, and through the house. "Where are you going with those?", I asked. "We're gonna dig some holes in the dirt." He excitedly told me as he headed through the back gate into the creek area.

Upon checking up on them about 20 minutes later I found they had each dug a hole about 18" deep into the flat part of the creek bed and were starting on the next one! I imagined some poor unsuspecting person walking along the creek bank in the spring to come, and twisting an ankle as they fell into the holes, now over-grown with the thick, tall green weeds.

I told them they had to stop, visibly squashing the enthusiasm on their sweaty little faces.

As instructed, they filled them back in the best they could, but I am grateful for those two little divots that spark a memory this time each year, when the earth is newly bald beneath my feet.

Workbench Wednesday

2011-05-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

What's on my craft room table today? It's a birthday crown for someone special! Just a peek for you today and then I must get back to work before my glue gun overheats!!

(P.S. Happy Birthday Marlene!)

What are you working on? Please share!

(Post updated 5/24/2011)

Workbench Wednesday ~ Custom Orders

2011-05-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

What's on my craft room table today? A few customer orders! I feel very lucky to have had quite a few requests during the last opening at Room With A Past. Here's two of them:

These miniature (3 1/2 ") chicken wire crowns are for dolls made by one of our regular customers. I started making these crowns last Christmas by request from my pal Mandi and as you can see from the post below, have found different and fun things to do with them!

Almost done with this custom-colored banner requested by a mom of of high school senior for a graduation party.

What's on your workbench? Any quilters out there excited about a project you're working on? Please share!

Queen For A Day

2011-05-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

When's the last time you were "Queen For A Day"? Hopefully it was today!
Happy Mother's Day!

Workbench Wednesday ~ Got Hope!

2011-05-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

What's on my craft room table today? Ideas in every stage of the project. Some will be finished at some point, others, sadly, well it's all part of the process!

First of all, my craft room desk is clean! Please look no further than the inside of the photos. You must avert your eyes from looking at the pile of projects in the center of the room, lest you think I'm some kind of hoarder.

I went to an estate sale last week. Cute little house, uncomfortably jam packed with vintage stuff stacked/piled/hung all over. BUT my purchases were limited in knowing that I'd have to pick up and carry everything I wanted to buy through the crowd of other shoppers and up to the front where items would be priced and paid for. Almost everything had the name "Maureen Mildred" scrawled on it, who I imagined to be the owner of the house, and a woman after my own heart with her love of vintage. I made it out with a few things plus these small items:

Lots of beaded necklaces in luscious shades! An old rhinestone clip, two cameo front compacts and one round brass compact.

When I opened one of the compacts when I got home and had some elbow room, this is what I discovered: (!)

Maureen musta been kind of sweet on him, huh?

What are you working on? Please share!

This Old House

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

There's a house in my neighborhood that's been empty for years. It's funny how I can't say I even noticed it until it was empty. I drive by it almost everyday and wonder about who lived in it and it's fate. Until last week.

I made it my destination on my morning walk. With camera in hand, I walked around the block and took pictures from the outside of the cyclone fencing from every side.

I came to the front and spotted a parting in the fence, and as I stuck in my camera to get a few shots without any obstructions, a man working on a car at the auto mart next door piped up to let me know he was tired of chasing the homeless out of it. Aware of my grungy sweatpants and tee shirt, I quickly told him I was just trying to get some good pictures of this old house for my blog and asked him if he knew anything about it. Lucky me--he was the owner! He gave me a short history lesson which, combined with what I had already learned from researching the house, gleaned me these facts:

The house was built in 1870 on a stone foundation and occupied by Mr.Goodale who was an early Concord merchant.

Then Dr. and Mrs. George McKenzie made this their home sometime after his arrival in Concord in 1891. For many years Dr. McKenzie (and Dr. Francis Neff, Concord’s only other doctor), were the only doctors serving Concord and the surrounding area.

Mrs. McKenzie used to raise the flag at the house to signal to Dr. McKenzie (at work at the hospital about 400 yards away) that his lunch was ready.

There was a bicycle-powered windmill on the property that generated the electricity for his x-ray machine.

Mrs. and Dr. McKenzie both died in the house.

Then it was occupied by the Collins family, about whom little is known.

I asked would he minded if I went inside the fence and took some more pictures? He didn't so I did.

You must have really been something in your day, house.

I'm so sorry you've been neglected.

I'm so sad that the beauty you still have goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

I'm sorry your foundation is turning to rubble and your wood is decomposing into the earth.

I took some cuttings of the roses in the front and then squeezed back out through the fence posts.

I wish you could be saved, rehabilitated, resurrected, revived. But even though the owner wasn't at liberty to say what the future holds for you, he couldn't look me in the eye when he said the land had been sold to a developer in Washington.

You are the jewel in the crown of a city which loses a small amount of it's glint each time an old house is torn down.

Workbench Wednesday

2011-04-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a (very little) sneak peek what's on my craft room table today. I have an idea for these images. Can you tell what they are?

What's on your workbench? Please share!

Workbench Wednesday ~ COMPLETED

2011-04-20T15:14:00.001-07:00

Here's a roundup of what I've been working on and completed! These all sold in my spot at Room With A Past this last week.

Remember those dresses you saw here two weeks ago? They were photocopies of real doll dresses! I choose 6 of them to copy, cut out and string on Divine Twine (Hi Whitney!) with tiny clothespins to form a banner.

These two 16 x 20 canvases were covered with old book pages (you can still read them if you click on the photos!), and then I painted a bird silhouette on them.

They still needed a little something more, so I made paper flowers with mother-of-pearl button centers.

And this last one had nothing to do with me other than I'm the one who stuck it on a lamp and took the picture at the shop. My friend Jean came across a load 'o girdles, and couldn't resist stretching (It must be like a size 0! Why would a person that small even need a girdle??) one over a newly found shade to come up with a winning combo of fun and flirty!

What have you been working on? Please share!

Workbench Wednesday

2011-04-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a roundup of what's on my craft room table today. Ideas in every stage of the project. Some will be finished at some point, others, sadly, well it's all part of the process!

This is my completed soldering project from the workbench at Hip Chick Designs! Owner Carrie Clayden hosted the class taught by the ever camera-ready Julee Herrmann last Saturday! Soldering is something I have wanted to learn for YEARS and now I know how!

What are YOU working on? Please share!

Were You Born In A Barn?

2011-04-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

You might wish you were if it was THIS barn in the outskirts of Manteca, CA!

This is Sue's Country Barn where the formidable Sue, herself, (she's hard to photograph as she moves at the speed of light) puts on several shows a year. The current sale is going on NOW through April 17th, and I highly recommend you point your boots in her direction and get scootin'!

Hey, there's Sue!

There are display after wonderful display to examine and find something you didn't know you couldn't live without!

This red metal rack was SOLD, darn it, and waiting to go home.

Even the storeroom was pretty!

I ended up with some pretty French linens and some unique buttons. There are 4000 square feet to explore, but make sure you leave time to make a 20 minute drive to nearby Escalon to visit The Green Pea:

It's run by owner Sandi Vander Dussen.

There are lots of bed springs to covet if you're a bed spring junky like me!

After all that shopping, your stomach and your feet will be happy to know there's a great little sandwich shop, Leonardo's, right across the street. Have a delicious lunch and you'll be on the road back home in no time!

Sue's Country Barn
E. Hwy 120
Mateca, CA 95336
(209) 607-6013

The Green Pea
1802 Main Street
Escalon, CA 95320
(209) 838-1913

Workbench Wednesday + My Sister's Flowers

2011-04-05T10:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a pictorial roundup of what's on my craft room table today. Ideas in every stage of the project. Some will be finished at some point, others, sadly, well it's all part of the process! Wanna see the fruits of my sister Joan's back-breaking, knee-bending, blister-handed labors? The final count is: 20 hyacinths 50 crocus 420 Ranuculis 830 daffs. What are the fruits of your labors? Please share!

Workbench Wednesday

2011-03-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a pictorial roundup of what's on my craft room table today. Ideas in every stage of the project. Some will be finished at some point, others, sadly, well it's all part of the process!

What are you working on? Please share!

My Room With A Past

2011-03-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

This is my happy place. It's full of dreams and life and echoes of the people, both my fellow dreamers and customers, who have passed through it. When I first started as a consignor here (it will be 7 years next month!), I sometimes would just sit in one spot and look around, soaking in all that happiness.

This month it's also full of things that make my heart soar--birds and old linens (and birds on old linens!) and lots of things I made!

Linens, quilts and chenille bedspreads I found last November are now seeing the light of day and hung on a ladder for display. (There are even more in that 2 door cabinet!)

These are cuff bracelets fashioned from old doilies a friend gave me. I made roses out of torn fabric strips, leaves out of wool, and wove seam binding through them.

Nests under glass, just time for Spring. The dome and pedestals were thrift store finds, glued together. The nests were gleaned from flower arraignments discovered at an estate sale!

Lampshades are covered with more doilies (from that same pal!) and fabric roses.

A beautiful page from a children's story book becomes instant art when antiqued onto a canvas.

An old window I painted in reverse with birds and "Home Sweet Home" becomes art for your nest! Below, bird-topped wands flowing with pastel ribbons from the previously mentioned flower arraignments are not just for the kiddies!

Paper banners shouting "SPRING" are strung on Divine Twine and finished off with a sheet music bird, ribbon and flowers at both ends, and strung from branches decorated with crepe paper flowers.

Single sheet music birds have glittered edges and a tag labeled "To/From" for easy Easter gift giving.

I'm not sure I can part with the huge white suitcase with the purple lining! It's marked "Not for sale--yet!".

Miniature baskets lined with sheet music strips and adorned with Easter lilies are ready to accept some sweet treats and be hidden in the tall grass.

Hope you can make it in and get happy here too! The sale starts tomorrow, Thursday March 17th, from 6 - 9 PM.

Between The Twines

2011-02-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

Between my job at Room With A Past, Paris Flea Market and Whisker Graphics Divine Twine I've had little time to be crafting in my lovely craft room, but when inspiration calls, I answer!

First things first: in order to get things rolling smoothly along, I designed and built this rack to store my spools of Divine Twine, out of scrap wood and dowels positioned at a 45 degree angle. There are 15 dowels, which leaves room for more colors than the current 12 I already have in my collection. I hung it right above my desk so my baker's twine is always at the ready!

Then I got started in on some paper doily/twine banners. I made them for Christmas,

birthdays and

Valentine's day.

I also designed and made some cupcakes out of the baker's twine.

(Photo from Whisker Graphics)

And made the cupcake stand from dollar store finds.

Then I went in a totally different direction with my "Divine" inspiration and made some beads with it. I'm telling you, if you've got this twine, some white glue and (here's the hardest part...) the patience to wait for it to dry before moving on to the next step, there's all kinds of things you can make!

But creativity does not thrive on twine alone. I needed a quick valentine for a Valentine Tea with friends and here's what I crafted in my bathrobe:

with my own hands!

How To Start The New Year

2011-01-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
Here's a guaranteed way to start your new year off right.
1. Find someone and fall in love

2. Get married on New Year's day (New York blizzard optional)

That's just what these two people did 64 years ago and it seems to have worked for them.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

It's A Dream, It's Magic

2010-12-04T18:02:00.000-08:00

Beyond a threshold of scattered telltale glitter is a magical place,

where creations are dreamed up and breathed into being.

It's waiting there for you--something that will own your heart,

only after soothing your mind and dazzling your eyes.

It's dressed up in the holidays' most enchanting finery

and plainly sitting on a shelf

for you and your friends to discover

at the Christmas Open House in Wendy Addison's Theatre Of Dreams.

Bring it all home on your last chance: December 10th & 11th from 10:00 - 5:00

#11 Canyon Lake Drive

Port Costa, CA (510) 787-2164

Think Small

2010-11-22T20:42:00.001-08:00

Talk about a Merry Little Christmas! I'm a big believer in small thinking. Take care of the small stuff and the big stuff will take care of itself. It's all in the details. Oh, and often it's much cheaper since less materials are used!!!

I had big fun making these miniature candy canes and popcorn garland from Divine Twine in Cherry and Lemon, and decorating a 4 inch vintage bottlebrush tree.

(Photo from whiskergraphics.com)

It was super simple. I love working with this twine--it's unlocked a new area of my brain full of ideas! You can go HERE to see the instructions for making these tiny non-caloric treats.

Tweet Little Yarn Bomb

2010-11-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

(Photo from Divine Twine)

Have you heard of Yarnbombing, Knit Graffiti, and Guerrilla Knitting? Yarnbombing is a collective response to the urban and mass-produced. From light poles to buildings and everything in between, nothing is safe from being wrapped with yarn, string and twine!

I work for a very creative woman at Room With A Past and recently added a second creative woman as a client in my Personal Assistant venture when I started working for my friend, Whitney Beard, who has developed a business out of her desire for brightly colored, 100% cotton baker's twine. Now that I'm working at Divine Twine HQ, I've got my hands on her product and I couldn't wait to get my fingers into it too!

I'll leave the Yarnbombers to do what they do best while I, as the saying goes "not try to change the whole world, just my little piece of it". Here's just one of the ideas that popped into my head on how to craft with Divine Twine:

I wrapped a twig found on one of my daily walks with the new Brown Sugar twine, used the Green Apple for the leaves & stems and made roses from the Cotton Candy. It's all wrapped and glued on with plain old white glue, which the twine quickly soaks up, making the twine a breeze to work with!

The leaves are cardboard with a thin wire glued in the center, to hold a shapely bend. I lightly "serrated" the edges of the leaf before wrapping to give the twine a little guidance on where to go.

The roses just sort of appeared on their own as I wrapped the twine around a wire!

The little curly vines were made by wrapping the Divine Twine around a wood dowel, rubbed with wax paper for easy removal, spraying it with a stiffener (I had my Bedhead hairspray handy, so I used that!) and waiting, waiting, waiting ever so patiently to let it dry before I could pull it off and play with the "SPROING"!

I think I need to make a nest to put it in the crook of the twig for the birdie! She's got the newest addition of color to the Divine Twine family in her beak~PLUM!

Brown paper packages tied up with string, these (and more to come) are a few of my favorite things!

Too Early For Spring Thoughts?

2010-11-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

More photos from the "Car Cam"! I hit a sale a few weeks ago being held by a woman with HUGE vintage love and SMALL house ownership. Lucky me!

I got quilts/chenille spreads in different sizes, embroidered shams, pillows, and other goodies. Some will be kept, others will be going into Room With A Past. My only question is....

Is it too early to sell these spring colors?!??! What do you think?

Have A Shabby Shriek Halloween!

2010-10-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Welcome to my fashion show. Every October at Room With A Past the "Roomies", of which I am one, get our hands busy making a decorated witch hat to wear to the Thursday evening opening. It's the latest fashion statement for those who like to stand apart in a crowd, snag low hanging chandeliers, and scare small children.

And now without further ado, I'd like to present to you this year's hat:

It stands 14 inches tall, and is comprised mainly of (non-flammable) black sateen polyester. The cone is stuffed with tissue paper to retain it's fashionably rigid shape.

Here we see a skeleton crew of pink tutu'd, pom-pom bandeau topped skinny minis and their black arachnids pets. Such little angels aren't they...?

They sweetly hold a banner while hovering over a lovely garden of pink cabbage roses and fresh, spring daisies, which are bordered by a few vintage floral hankies affixed to the wide, black hat brim.

Please notice how their pearly popping eyeballs perfectly accentuate the sparkly pink glitter in their tibia bone-length garments. Thank you ladies...

The tippy top is embellished with a single pink, black widow-infested daisy, atop a frothy pink tule boutonnière medallion.

And now turning your attention to the back of the hat, you can see how the entire base is wrapped and anchored with more sparkly, tule confection and the trademark pink with black polka dot ribbon gathered up in a bow.

This concludes this year's showing. Please remember to pick up your free anti-venom kits on the way out the door, and we hope you've enjoyed the show!

Haul-A-Lujah!

2010-09-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

I feel so lucky to have found two great estate sales last weekend that were virtually deserted so I had lots of time to nose around through all of the vintage finds! At the first one I found this great sewing basket with a few odds n ends inside,

a peach taffeta prom dress, some old kids records, kids school science book, a game, a cake decorator,

a doll's closet with two sliding doors and a drawer below, an old photo album with mat inserts, a hat box (from Capwell's!) with two vintage hats sill in their tissue packages, a blue tutu for my pal Carrie at Hip Chick,

an old toy cash register, a huge aluminum lazy susan with handles and a few bits of ephemera.

My second lucky stop was at a house that was built in 1816, and was the "country" home for the Weaver family from San Francisco. They were in real estate, as were the Bundy family who had a small house on the same property. I wish I had taken a picture of "the big house". It was a modest, two story house with fish scaled siding and was painted purple. Lots of arched windows with thick, white moulding surrounding them. My kind of house! There I picked up a huge vintage abacus, glass cake stands, a red & white quilt, some Victorian silver pieces (a bird-topped sugar bowl with 12 spoons, a bride "basket" and a huge silver handled tray), and a huge ceramic pitcher with roses on it. I didn't have room to store it all at home, so the second haul went straight into the shop, hence no photos of these lovelies! Guess you'll just have to come see them October 21 - 24th!

XOX 4 U

2010-09-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

Been busy painting, hauling, arraigning and working the sale at Paris Flea Market, and getting ready for the sale at Room With A Past, so there's just enough time to blow you a kiss...

Talk soon!

Silhouette Painting 1.0

2010-08-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

My Saturday started here in the quaint little town of Benicia, CA. as the owner of Hip Chick, Carrie and I met and started setting up for students who were on their way.

You can always expect an inviting welcome when Frances is stationed at the door!

When everyone had arrived and settled in, we got right down to work picking a customized pattern and learning the reverse painting techniques.

As we painted, the art become visible. Carrie C. chose a pattern with a tutu (no surprise there!) but didn't realize how her art was imitating a (still) life in the corner!

Taking a break to let the paint dry between coats gave us time to explore Hip Chick and shop a little, eat our snack of the day, and

form exciting epiphanies for other applications which the silhouette painting could be used!

Everyone went home with a finished project, a how-to/resource sheet, contact info for my favorite shop, Room With A Past, and lots of inspiration for the next silhouette painting they'll be making at home!

I had so much fun showing them all the tips and techniques. They all got so "in to it", that they were coming up with lots of ideas of their own which they couldn't wait to try out! It was like a party with friends in my own living room! Thanks so much for coming!

The graduates included:

Carrie and her shoes (clothes and shoes were on her brain as she is expanding a small closet in her new home!)

Rebekah, the bird lover, Jes the Raven fan, Carrie C. the tutu addict, and Joni, another bird fan!

Stay tuned for RSP 2.0!

It's The Little Things

2010-08-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

I do love a sweet silhouette! Here's a vignette in my hallway of a few small ones I've collected:

I love this one best. It was done with ink (not by me!). Click on the picture to enlarge it.

I can't wait to teach how to make reverse silhouette paintings on glass tomorrow at Hip Chick Designs! I'll let you know how it goes!

Reverse Your Thinking And Learn Something!

2010-08-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

How would you like to make your home a little sweeter and end your summer feeling like you learned something creative? Then you'll definitely want to sign up for a class I'm SO excited to be teaching on Reverse Silhouette Painting on Saturday, August 28th from 10AM - noon at the fun & funky location of Hip Chick Designs, in the beautiful little bay side town of Benicia, CA!

HIP CHICK DESIGNS--Owned by Carrie Clayden

In this two hour class you will learn hands-on skills and tips that will inspire you to paint your own future one-of-a-kind works of art & signs, from elegant to whimsical on framed glass, old windows and mirrors.

Reverse painting is an a very versatile, easy (really!) and forgiving art, with possibilities limited only by your imagination.

You'll complete a framed 5" x 7" project in the studio, then partake in shopping for unique treasures at Hip Chick Designs . Make a day of it by heading to nearby First Street in downtown Benicia for more shopping in lots of quaint little stores and a bite to eat in one of the many cafes and restaurants!

All supplies, and a resource sheet are included in the $25.oo fee. For more information and to sign up (by Wednesday, August 25th) contact me at mackely@astound.net.

Summer In The City

2010-07-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

I like to decorate this sideboard in my house with a seasonal theme, and since I won't be hitting a beach anytime soon, I thought I'd make my own.

Here's where I'd like to be sitting (if I was 4 inches tall) and digging my toes into the warm sand.

I can hear the water lapping the shore and washing up lots of shells...

and I can see others enjoying it too!

There's my mom frolicking in the sand and my grandmother relaxing in her beach chair, too.

Oh hi, Uncle Jim and Aunt Jessie! Looks like Uncle Hank is fooling around there, too. There's my father's old boat near the marina.

When it gets late in the day, I'll have a little fire, (I LOVE these battery-operated tealights!) then pack it up,

and still have a little sand between my toes to remember it all by!

I'm Crowning. Stop Stairing!

2010-07-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

I made a couple of chicken wire crowns for our "Beachy Sea" theme at the shop for last month's sale. I took so long making them (I had fun in my craft room!) that I hastily took one photo of each before I flew out the door, and am sorry to say they don't show them off as well as I'd like.

(You can click to enlarge photos)

(Summer Day Crown)

They both had layers of green/blue and filmy white tulle woven through the wire, but you can't see that very well here, can you?!?!?

(Gift From The Sea Crown)

I used sandpaper as a base for the medallions on each! Had to get some sand in there somewhere!!! Some dry twigs sprayed red look like corral (I hope).

And here's who bought one of them! Hey she looks familiar!

The other crown was bought by my boss, Susan! Thank you ladies! There's nothing like a good friend who buys your creations to make you feel like you really made something nice!

And stepping in another direction, here's what I did at work today. We are getting ready for the grand opening of Paris Flea Market in Livermore by fluffing this and sprucing that. Here's a little peek:

These are the steps that lead up to the Paris Cafe and Chic (Vintage Clothes) Boutique. We've been hauling stuff up and down them

for the last three months and they deserved a little treat(ment), so today I gave them a mini face lift with some green and mustard paint!

Aaaahhh, refreshing! Hope you can make it on August 5, 6, 7 & 8th to see everything we've done!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

2010-07-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Tying It All Together

2010-06-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Father's Day (or any reason to celebrate) in my family is all about us getting together.

To marvel at how old the "kids" are getting (while at the same time, us adults never seem to!).

And when you've got a family like mine, it's about remembering how we grew up, the silly things our parents said, and talking about plans for the future.

And when you've got a father who is a rock-hound, it's about making a cake that fits his personality.

And making a gift that does too!

I made these bookmarks from an old necktie that belonged to my grandfather (that's him in the photo on the left).

Happy Fathers Day, Dad!

Life Is A Patio Of Chairies

2010-06-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

No, I don't have a problem, I just like chairs.

The Little Pink House is overrun with them this month. I don't have a workshop or a nice big garage in which to work on my projects, so everything gets painted on the (covered) patio. Luckily the MOTLPH (Man Of The (Little Pink) House), rarely minds that he comes home to find things stacked on said patio (or even in the house if it's not paint-permitting outside).

In other news...

What's better than having a pink bike permanently parked in your front yard?

Answer: fresh pink daisies planted in the basket!

Bargains Sought and Found

2010-05-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

I found this framed print at an estate sale recently. It was the last one behind a ton of other framed stuff, and I fell in love at first site. It's by the artist E. Kruger (of which I can find very little information!), and is the second one I've acquired. After paying my $5.00 for it, I took it home, painted the frame white and hung it over the bed!

I've had this buffet for years. Bought it for myself for Mother's Day (true furniture junkie!) from a neighbor who had it just sitting in his carport. My recent find was the shelf/mirror with posts that now sits on top of it. Bought it 2 weeks ago at a garage sale from a man who was selling mostly tools. He priced it at ten dollars, I talked him down to $7.00!!

Love, love, love a beautiful bargain!

Bottled Up

2010-05-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

I spotted this unassuming box at an estate sale recently. Loved the colors, love fruitcake too, so I picked it up.

I could tell there was something in it, so I opened it up and gasped.

Hand tatted lace! It's so beautiful. My grandma used to spend hours tatting. Then I noticed some of it was unfinished. Still attached to long lengths of the thread it was made from. It made me sad. On top of that, all of this beauty was tucked away in a box. Even sadder still.

That's better... I hope the patient artist who made the lace would have been happy.
(P.S. I gasped once more when I asked the price of the box: $2.00!)

Do The Polka

2010-04-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

With the opening of Paris Flea Market looming off in the not-so-distant future of two weeks time, we are dancing around each other trying to get things painted, primped, and making sure all of our polkas are dotted! I just finished this long cashier's station on wheels, but it still needs a new (& even longer) top and a logo adhered to the front. The table next to it needs more black paint, and there are lots more projects lined up down the hall and around the corner! Have you signed up to get the monthly announcements yet?

High School Bites

2010-04-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Mt Diablo High School, in Concord, CA bites. And is it tasty?! This school has a culinary ROP program that not only benefits its students, but also the community, by serving delicious lunches!
I have driven past this sign for Serendipity Restaurant & Bakery on the school's campus (directly across form the Concord John Muir Hospital) many times on my way downtown, but today my friend Vicki and I stopped. They are open for lunch from 11:30-1:00 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, and offer special parties on Friday by arrangement.

The simple dining room has a seating capacity of 125. The tables are set with cloth tablecloths, napkins and festive decor which indicates the menu theme at the time. They change it up about every 4 months. It was a tropical island retreat when we there last Thursday.
Erika was our attentive waitress, answering our first-timer questions and sweetly checking on us, she easily became part of our dining experience versus detracting from it. Our lunch was delicious and was devoured before photos could be taken, but we were knocked back into consciousness when Erika wheeled the dessert cart to our table and we found ourselves faced with a mind-boggling decision of which treat to end our meal.

We both chose the lemon crème brûlée (paired with a macadamia-nut cookie), which was the best I've ever had. There was no sharing going on here--we each got our own!
We were checked out by Letty (left) and Jennifer (class of 1998) who let us know that next month the menu changes to Mexican food, which was a great way to guarantee that we'd be back!

Serendipity Restaurant
2611 East Street
Concord, CA
925.798.0882

Dismal Clouds Doth Part, Part II

2010-04-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

I couldn't let another day go by without sharing another gift I was lucky to receive last week from yet another talented friend, Carmen!

Isn't it pretty? Just something she "whipped together."

You know, just because she had some extra fabric left over from after she made an apron earlier that day. Are you kidding me? Do you know how long it would take for me to make this?!?!?!? It would take two hours of pinning and then I'd have to take a break to cry for another hour out of frustration, and then, well, I'd put it in the back of a dark closet and try to forget it ever happened.

And the cherry on top:

It's the Somerset Life issue I had just been drooling over earlier in the week at her house, plus a bookmark she also made!!!

Thanks Carmen. You brightened my day!

Port Costa Town-Wide Yard Sale

2010-04-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Town wide? Well, it only takes about 10 minutes to walk the entire span of the town, from stem to stern and another ten from port to starboard. That is, unless you are stopping to take photos of the the many reasons it is a town near and dear to my heart--the beauty:

The beast:

The buildings:

(oldest house in Port Costa)

The things that made it unique:

The family:

We were walking/running all over town to get from one sale to another. The oddest thing I saw for sale? A metal casket (it was rusty inside). The most wonderful thing I saw? An old yellow velvet, upholstered chair (bought it!). Want to see it? If I can bare to part with it, it will be HERE next month!

Either which way, it was a great day for a walk, right Dad?

Let's Monkey Around...

2010-04-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Look what came in the mail yesterday from my talented jewel of a friend, Lisa. Good timing, too. I've had a week of big frustrations and small disappointments!

And look at what she made! Love the wrapped beads, colors and the delicate tulle?

(Inscription: To you, Jan Happiness and Affection)

I love it! Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated! Thanks Lisa!

The Northern Queens Road Trip

2010-04-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

This unassuming little building in sleepy Nevada City, was the designation for the fulfillment of dreams. My friends Rosann and Sherrie invited me and Ruby to go to this little place of heaven on earth.

I can't even post all the fabulous pictures I took of all the wondrously beautiful things that Tina Basich carries in her shop, My Favorite Things, and how she decorates the entirety of it with afore mentioned things, because, my bloggy friend, you would faint dead away where you sit.

Think I'm kidding?!?!?!

You are feeling a little dizzy, aren't you? Ok, since I've got you hooked, just a few more photos:

Getting woozy yet?

After a shopping frenzy, we head out to the "Glitter Girl Studio" in back. It is aptly named as you simply cannot step in and then quickly step out without getting some glitter on yourself.

Luckily, we planned it so we had the entire day to stay and play!

For a mere FIVE DOLLARS and the cost of the supplies you use, you can spend the hours from sun-up to sun-down in the studio!

So we did. We brought lunch with us because we knew we would not want to leave. Seriously. Can't. Even. Stop. To. Pee.

Tina popped in on us every once in a while to see if we needed anything and to generously dispense lots of creative advice!

At the end of the day, we all had a finished project to take home, a post featured on Tina's Blog,

and a group photo of us with Tina (center)

(This is actually the next day when we went back for more shopping!)

to remind us of a fantastic creative time!

P.S. We adopted the name "Northern Queens" after we stayed HERE in a private chalet!

It's A Dream Job, But Someone's Got To Do It

2010-04-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

How often does your boss ask you to do something you've never done before and your heart skips a beat? It goes double-time on the half beat not out of fear, but of excitement? It happens to me quite a lot!

"Hey Jan, could you paint a giant checkerboard on this floor, please?"

"Hey Jan, could you paint this rusty old, beat-up bike pink and then add a few polka-dots, please?"

And how often are you happy and surprised at how your efforts unfold before your eyes into something you're proud of? I'm very lucky that way. In fact I liked how the bike turned out so much, I made one for myself!

Before:

(Schwinn "Debbie")

And after:

Guess you could say it's "re-tired"?

Craft Room Project ~ Throw The Ball

2010-03-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

What does waking up to this face inspire?

(Sweetie)

Or this wiggling little body with a Mickey Mouse shaped doggie hair pattern?

(Sissy)

They inspired me to paint a "Thank You" gift for my sister Madonna and her Apeman for hosting our stay with them last month:

Throw The @#$%^ Ball!

Now go outside and play!

Windows Are The Eyes To The Soul

2010-03-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

When I was little I loved to walk at night and look in the windows of the houses as I passed by. (Technically, it's not peeping if you're 20 feet away and you keep moving!) The sun was just setting and the lights inside were just turning on with a warm glow. I still like to do that just to see the way the occupants have decorated inside, and to imagine what view of life they see from the inside! Is that why I love old windows? Can you imagine what views these old windows might have seen?

This long old window was a gift from the creek behind my house--it washed ashore during one of last winters downpours! I don't see it as trash, I see it as so many possibilities!

They help make a house a home. And with all the memories they harbor, they don't deserve to be tossed away! I hand paint the silhouette in reverse, and back it with specialty paper or fabric, sometimes.

I paint custom designs in them, too. This was a custom window for my friend, Janelle, done in her bedroom colors:

Here's one I made for last month's sale at the shop:

Do you have an idea for a "new view" you'd like to see on your wall? Maybe you'll be hanging one in your house like this one that BekahJan bought a few months ago, to add personality (and a change of scenery!) to her new home.

Picture Album ~ New Orleans

2010-03-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

So off we headed to New Orleans for the last leg of our trip. We were lucky in that my brother-in-law, Albert and sister Donna, decided to go with us! We were unlucky in that my sister injured her foot at the last minute and couldn't go. She tried to hide the tears at first. Then we both let it all out as we said good-bye.

We were soon on the road with Albert driving. We were so thankful for that. Not only did we not have to rent a car, but he knew all the highways that would get us there. We passed lots of tiny little towns and one had a Piggly Wiggly!

Four hours later we made it into New Orleans. It was the day after the big Mardi Gras festivities there, so there were beads in the gutters. We drove through the city to our hotel, taking in the sights (and smells!).

After checking in, we walked the streets and acted like tourists; poking our heads into the stores, looking for souvenirs,

(yes, they're real!)

listening to the music,

gawking at the residences and the ironwork,

Marveling the architecture,

and photographing Little Pink Houses!

Here's the church through the street.

And in all it's glory...

Hey look guys, it's the world famous Cafe Du Monde!!! (Huh)?

Albert's daddy used to work here!

Typical tourists!

And this is were my vacation ended, really. We all went back to the hotel to rest before dinner, and I felt sick (I think those beignets were just too rich for me!), so ended up going to bed. Rick and Albert headed out and had a great dinner. The next morning, we slipped a "thank you" note under Albert's door, and flew out at 6 AM, and back to our own bed in the Little Pink House.

Picture Album ~ Found In The Fields

2010-03-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

It's nice and warm inside, but after you've had your morning coffee outside on the front porch, thrown the ball about a hundred times for the dogs and taken a shower, it's time to take a little walk around outside the house to see what you can see.

Last time I was here I walked through these fields

in between the dirt rows of newly churned cornstalks and found lots of treasure. Broken china, a porcelain door knob, a few buttons and a bullet from the Civil War! So in some big 'ol foul weather boots I again headed to the muddy red-earth field.

And here's what I found this time!

(You can click on the pictures to make them larger)

the inside plate of a watch, a keyhole, milk glass bits, pressed glass bits,

the feet of a figurine, glass knob, broken glass and china bits, a porcelain wheel,

dolly arms and legs, glass marble, more china,

lots of blue china, glass, stone and metal buttons, glass and stone marbles,

stoneware bits, some interesting rocks for my gemologist father, and a cracked bottle of Dr. Tichenor's Antiseptic. I spent about two hours finding stuff, and ended up keeping only about half of what I found (you have to pay for your luggage by weight now!). I also found clay beads, tennis ball-sized gourds, and lots of horse and cow teeth!

While I was out in the field, I was telling it that I wanted it to give up another bullet to me. Something told me to "stay right here". When I stopped where I was, I looked down all around my feet and there on top of a furrow was a bullet! I gave that one to my brother-in-law, thinking that if the earth had been so generous to me with the excitement of finding my second bullet, that the least I could do was leave it behind in the area to which it belonged.

It is such a thrill for me to find and hold in my hand the pieces of plates that people of the past used, toys that children played with, buttons that kept shirts closed, and bullets that were shot, all from over 100 years ago, in this generous field!

Next Post: New Orleans Bound!

Picture Album - Shopping Trip 2/16/2010

2010-02-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

The first time I went to central Louisiana about 15 years ago, I thought I had landed in heaven. Through the window in the tiny little prop plane, it looked like I was about to touch down in a lush, green, tree-filled National Forest. It was, however July, and when I stepped out of the puddle jumper into the humid air, I thought maybe it was more like HELL. My sister set me straight when she laid down the law; "You can say "It's so HOT" three times; after that you get sent home!" But in the spring, it's delightful.

This is the (huge) home across the Bayou Robert from my sister's house. It was moved there from another town.

This is the highway that you travel on and see more beautiful houses like this:
(You can click on the images to make them larger)

Hard Times at the Inglewood Plantation just down the road. Other nearby Plantations include The Kent House, Loyd Hall, Tyrone Plantation, and Rosalie Plantation.

This is the Benett House that was also moved here (from nearby Bunkie. I photo-shopped this house and used it on my banner above!)

Another view of it.

This is Matt's Cabin; a 1900's sharecropper's cabin (located on the Inglewood Plantation land) that has a fully equipped kitchen and a cozy fireplace. There are two guest rooms with private baths. It used to be available to rent but I think some lucky soul is living in it right now. I want to retire here or perhaps here:

The Schoolhouse is situated beneath sprawling live oak trees, this pre-Civil War schoolhouse can accommodate up to four guests and features a spacious living room with a fireplace, kitchenette, and a full private bath.

Whoa, stop the car! Let's start our shopping trip right here in the beautiful neighborhood of the "Garden District" because this one's for sale!!!! $329,500! Even has an elevator!

More gems in the Garden District await...

around every corner...

but it's stuff we can buy that will fit in a suitcase that I'm in pursuit of, so let's go antiquing!!! Off to Glenmora, south of Alexandria, to a few places we've never checked out before and our first stop is the Glenmora Flea Market in the 1200 block of 7th Ave.

Here's my niece Becky, and my sister Madonna looking for treasure inside:

Great bedroom set:

Isn't this bed wonderful? It'll fit in my suitcase. Just have to find a bigger suitcase is all!

And can you see the price of it?!?!?!? Next time I am renting a shipping container before I go! Killed me to leave it behind!

On to Miss Ann Flea Market down the road in the 1100 block.

The friendly Miss Ann greets us near her Valentine's Day display, front and center as you enter.

Hi Miss Ann!

This was a huge building with lots to offer, all displayed so nicely.

Love this hutch!

I bought the pink vintage millinery flower on this shelf:

Loved this yellow table from the 1950's. When's the last time you saw a complete set like it here in northern California? In the 1950's maybe?!?!?

Growing hungry, we three gals head back north to Alexandria and stop in at Chili's for lunch. Then head up to the town of Ball for more shopping.

All I can say about this shop is not good...

and my mother taught me that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all (insert crickets chirping here).

But if it'll save you all some hard earned money you might have paid for a trip just to come here, then I guess it's really valuable for you to know that this place can best be descibed like this: a bunch of blind folks went to a really good flea market, somehow managed to buy a bunch of great stuff, which they must have kept for themselves, and threw everything else into their booths here. My sister twisted her foot at some point along the line, and had to wait in the car. If there's a good time to twist a foot it was here.

At the end of the day I was happy with what I ended up with:

an embroidered dresser scarf, pink flower, milk glass hand and a chandelier crystal I needed for an upcoming project.

As the sun sets on another day, we put up our feet in front of HGTV and a fire (thanks, Albert!)

Next Post: Found In The Fields

Picture Album - Mardi Gras Parade 2/14/10

2010-02-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

As we slept in a little room, in a little comfy bed piled high with floral sheets and quilts, we were unaware that these little faces were just outside our door,

Sweetie

Sissy

and patiently waiting for us to get up so they could give us a good lickin'! After that was over, my sister and I would head out into the cold sunny morning with a mug of coffee and sit on the porch for a bit. I wish all my mornings began this way.

My sister had the wreath on her front door decorated for Mardi Gras, just like the airport there

had the tree decked out in the purple (representing JUSTICE), green (FAITH), and gold (POWER) when we had arrived the day before.

The guys headed to the parade route to stake out our position, and Donna and I joined them with lots of other folks from Albert's family to watch all the floats and marching bands as they passed by.

Albert was kind enough to show us how to get the GOOD beads. "Woo woo welches!"

He neglected to tell us you also have to keep your head up and watch what's being thrown or you'll get beaned on the head. It happens to the best of us, huh Donna?

But when it was all over, we made out pretty good. Half of our take was given to the kids with us.

(See that long string of BIG beads? Poor sister got hit in the head with them!)

Not this kid.

Not this kid either.

Gotta love these kids though!

Next Post: SHOPPING!

Picture Album ~ Louisiana Arrival

2010-02-25T17:19:00.000-08:00

My husband and I recently made a trip to central Louisiana to visit with family and see Mardis Gras. However, this first picture is what I though I'd be looking at for the rest of eternity:

"On Time" uh, no, it wasn't. Ever. In fact our hour layover at the Houston airport turned into a THREE DAY LAYOVER, all the while this board kept telling us it was "On Time". Understandably it was delayed, because of the horrible weather but certainly not happily. Finally after the second night of being put up in a hotel, we were able to get a flight into the heart of central Louisiana, and into the arms of my sister, Donna!

This is what we were welcomed with when we arrived at her house; a pig roasting (by chef Albert, my brother-in-law) for a hungry gathering of 50 people! Someone always hosts the roast the day before the parade, and they took to the task this year.

After dinner we were entertained by our own version of the Soggy Bottom Boys, who got us all into the spirit for Mardi Gras!

The next day, this is what we woke up to:

This is the Bayou Robert which is in their backyard!

Next post: The Alexandria Mardi Gras Parade

Craft Room Project ~ A Little Strung Out

2010-02-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

I can hardly stand how cute hot pad dresses are all by themselves.

These were all in perfect condition when I found them at an estate sale, and I couldn't see selling them at the shop to be used to hold hot, bubbling over pots and pans.

These frocks needed to be admired in their current cute state, so I framed them, and hung them from kitchen twine (mine is MS, but you can buy all kinds of it at Whisker Graphics thanks to my clever pal Whitney!)

They can still be removed and (heaven forbid) used, but WHY?

(It helps if you're like me and don't like to cook anyway!)

They'll be for sale at Room With A Past during the February 18th - 21st opening!

Craft Room Project ~ One Heart Two Ways

2010-01-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

I came across these flocked hearts last year, and put them to use this week. A zinc key hangs from an asymmetrical neck chain with long bugle beads, and finished with ribbon and an "S" hook closure.

Glass beads once strung on a vintage chandelier along with the flocked heart, hang from vintage rose lace on this one. Seam binding connects to an eyebar closure.

They are both for sale at the shop this weekend!

On The Fence? Get Dressed!

2010-01-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Have you been "on the fence" about doing a project? I hope my recently Craft Room post and projects have inspired you to create something, anything. I know it's hard to get those fingers working (much less the brain) in this weather. (But when you think about it--what else can you do in this weather?) Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get down to the business of keeping yourself happy by getting back into your crafting supplies and making something!

Here's something I just finished:

Inspired by the art of Leigh Pennebaker, I made it out of some wire fencing I got at Room With A Past. It almost came into shape by itself! I was amazed to watch my hands put it all together. It reminds me of my wedding dress! It stands about 4 feet tall. I think it would be great in a garden, or as a display for items that could be clipped on it with clothespins, etc.

It's for sale in my spot at the shop this month. By the way, we have tons of Valentine stuff at this month's opening, which starts TONIGHT! But we won't be open again until after Feb. 14th, so get off the fence, and get it now!!!

Craft Room Project ~ Blue Collage

2010-01-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

My craft room has been serving me well. So nice to have everything at an arm's reach. Here's something that I started in October, was shelved over the holidays, and then finally finished!

Told you about my thoughtful friends here. I wanted to thank them in an equally thoughtful manner.

My friend Mandi at Mementos printed this photo of my friend's mother on fabric for me. I love the way the sheet music show through it. Because its printed on fabric, you can do all kinds of things with it. I was tempted to do every creative application I could think of, but I restrained myself and opted to just paint the dress blue.

The ruffles are reminiscent of a party dress, and I've heard this gal loved a party. She loved roses, too, so I made sure I used this strip of lace roses. The lace corner and blue hanky was among many of the beautiful things they gave me.

One for each of them. You can read more about it here on Over Good Ground.