Putting A Furry Face To It

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.

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Workbench Wednesday ~ Black & White & Read All Over

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

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

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!)

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!

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

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!