every little thing

Summer Fever

(Don't you love this old book about the States?  I adore that Virginia is represented with not only a giant pig in an overcoat, but also a huge baked ham, and an enormous peanut.)

I'm still here, folks!  Many apologies for the blog absence.  I'd feel bad about it, except it seems like everyone is playing a little hookie lately.  Honestly, things have been pretty tame around here and there isn't much to report.  Mike and I had our 7th anniversary last Sunday (yay!) and even though we don't usually make a big to-do over it, we always have a good time.   Memorial Day at the beach was a total blast, and this week has been pretty mellow till the Maxwell caught some kinda bug yesterday.  It's fever city for him, poor little dude.

Why do they always get sick on a Friday?!  He was so very upset to be missing the Pirate festival we had planned to hit up this afternoon.  Hey, me too for that matter.  A sickly, slug-child means that I have the whole day at my disposal to clean and do chores.  (See why I am blogging now?  Anything to avoid responsibility!)   I am excited about tonight though, I was invited to tag along to a Sex and the City movie party.  I'm probably the last person on Mars to get into the show, but I caught up on season 6 last night while packing Emporium orders, and now I'm pretty jazzed to see the movie! 

And speaking of the old Emporium, I was quite surprised by the rush of orders that came in this week!  Since I don't' have tracking info in the Etsy site, I have no idea where all the customers came from, but I'm sure it had a little to do with all of the sweet bloggers who have been mentioning me lately.  Thank you so much, everyone!  The power of the Internet is an amazing thing!  Oh, and you have to check out Danielle's blog (if you haven't already) and look at the amazing terrariums she had at her son's B-Day party!!!  What a fabulous use for the fawn and gnome miniatures, I can't believe I never thought of it before!  She was very kind to mention my shop as her miniature source, but her whole blog is a wealth of information, ideas, and inspiration and she is very generous and thorough with her links.

I guess I'll leave you all now with a few thrifty highlights from earlier in the week:

Good, vintage fabric is getting harder and harder to dig up these days.  These were some of the best (non-polyester) finds I have scored in a while.

I've been doing a little late-night garment sewing/practicing lately, and I thought these vintage patterns looked fun and simple.  Most of them are pre-cut, and it's always nice to skip a step  I did try the Wendy top one more time, with equally disappointing results.  I just think the sizing is not right for my body type, and it's not worth a third try to get it tweaked right.  But as a side note, I had my sister (a petite size 2)  try on the first top I made in a size 12, and it still pulled majorly tight across her chest.  So, what's that all about? 

Another illustration from the United States Book I thrifted.  How adorable is this?!?  If I can bear to cut it up, I'm thinking of decoupaging the pics onto a little train case in the spirit of Jane's Apron and Pixigenne.  Wouldn't that be fabulous?  I was thinking that Max could put books and toys in it, and we could keep it in the car for road trips.  You know, in case gas prices ever go down enough to actually make a road trip affordable.  Sheesh.

Buon giorno!

Welcome to Max's Italian Ice Shop!   The Owner looks a little sad, perhaps becuase it is still Winter and there are not many customers? 

I would say that Max made this all himself, but the dormer might tip you off that Dad helped just a little.  However, it was Max's decision to paint the red, green and white stripes on the roof, AND to add the cardboard garden....you know I loved that!  After Mike fashioned the mail slot in the front door, I drew on a few cardboard scraps to make him some "letters.'  Max looked at ithem skeptically, and said, "OK, but where is my movie-mail?  The one with the red envelope?" 

Oh, the times, they are a changing.      

Makin' Hay (while the sun shines)

 

Back in January, during a little warm spell, I got Mike to install a retractable clothesline in our backyard.  We hadn't had one for a while since the make-shift one I had tied between two trees (over 3 years ago) had finally slackened to the point of uselessness.  Then we cut one of the trees down, and that was the end of that.  I love drying laundry outside, and I was so happy to have a proper line, one that could easily be hidden away when I didn't need it.

And then...

Not a week later, our dryer started to make a little squeaking sound.  Nothing a few good kicks wouldn't fix though, right?  Nope, the squeaking got louder, more shrill and then a clanging-knocking noise added to it.  Finally, the heating element stopped working too, and we pronounced the machine dead.  But don't cry, it was old and had a good run.  I also couldn't help thinking that it died on purpose.  Staring at me through the laundry room window, hanging clothes on the line, smiling in the sun.  "I'll show you.  You wanna dry your laundry outside?  You go right ahead." 

And I did.  And it was fine...at first.  Then, it got cold.  And humid.  And rainy.  And the laundry mountain grew, threatening to erupt.   And one day, I had a manic realization, "HOW AM I GOING TO FELT SWEATERS WITHOUT A DRYER??!"  Almost hyperventilated over that one.  But, it's been several weeks now, and we are still sans dryer.  I'm really trying to make it work, for several reasons: #1.) No one in our family has the type of job that requires clean, presentable work clothes.  So, there is never any "...hurry up and dry my work shirt." scenarios to deal with.  #2.)  I am eco-challenged in many ways, and it's hard for me to make small daily changes without being sort of forced into them.  I would never NOT use the dryer most of the time if it's just sitting there, in fine working order.  I'm too lazy.  But, if it's simply not an option,  I can easily live without it.  Plus, I'm more frugal now with the washing because I'm not lugging those clothes outside in 40 degree weather unless they are good and dirty.  I'm also getting rid of more old clothing that we don't really need, mainly so I I'll have less to wash.  Oh, and at some point I also ran out of laundry detergent and began making my own.  Just Liquid soap and some baking soda.  Seems to work just fine.  I still plan to use bleach now and then, just to make sure certain things are throughly sparkling and clean (ahem, Mike's socks.)  The last, sort of strange, reason, #3.)  If I can get used to living without a dryer, that will free up a large space in the laundry room, and I can put the refrigerator there!!  This is sort of a bid deal for me because, as I may have mentioned, my kitchen is practically microscopic.  It's a teeny, old galley style kitchen and the fridge sticks out of the end by the door, and it just eats up the whole room.  I hate to complain about our lovely house that I'm ever so grateful for, but......it's just a wimpy kitchen, what can I say? 

So that's my game plan.  Ditch the dryer, use my Mom's machine to get my sweater felting fixes in, and enjoy a (slightly) bigger cooking space.  I'll be sure to let you all know how it works out because, frankly, I am envisioning any number of mishaps that could arise from all of this!

I am a tad worried about the hot, windless,  humid-as-all-get-out Virginia summer that's headed this way.  What if the clothes just hand there for days and never dry, or possibly get even wetter?  You have no idea how humid it gets here.  Really.

Ohhhhh, boy.

My Favorite

Move coffee table.  Make large palette on floor.  Choose a movie (or two.)

Prepare egg noodles + butter  + Parmesan (serve in Hotwheels bowl, if possible.)

Finish with chamomile tea-for-two. 

Sick days are my new favorite. 

Highlights

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! I want to thank you all so much for the sweet anniversary wishes, and the tumble-down-the-stairs thoughts, AND the cleaning enthusiasm, and just in general for all the lovely comments lately. It makes my day, and I'm slowly getting back to everyone. I took a long computer-break last week and, not that I get millions of emails or anything, but they are piling up a bit. So if you haven't heard from me....I'm workin' on it!

I have some new family members to introduce to you now.....

This little sweet-thing is from the oh-so-talented Missy.  She was swap partner in Claire's  Softie Swap.  Isn't it the most perfect little bun ever?  And he likes to stay up all night listening to the oldie's station, so he fits right in with us!  What a fun swap, oh my goodness....I just loved my package so much!  Thanks Missy!!!!!  You're work is simply amazing! 

And now, please say hello to Sydney.....

We are pretty sure that she is a "she", but this is one fuzzy kitty, and it's really hard to tell!  It's funny how the world works sometimes.  I mentioned several times, out of the blue, on Sunday that I just really wanted to get a kitten.  When we got home, my dear friend brought this little gray cutie to the door.  She was a stray and they were trying to find a home for her.  This little gal was just at the right place at the right time, because Mike scooped her up and there really wasn't much discussion about it.  I went out to buy the kitty chow.  Max cuddled with her on the sofa.  She's our little Sydney now.   And what a sweet heart, too.  She's so calm and cute, no scratching, even let me give her a bath without a fuss.  Loves the little collar I gave her, uses her box no problem.  Tolerates Max dragging her from one room to the next.   We are so happy!!!

I did manage to squeeze in a bit of sewing on Saturday.  I've been trying to weed through my god-awful wardrobe, and I found a dress and skirt to embellish.  I should have taken "before" shots, but they were both very plain, so I added some appliques from vintage fabric and a bit of trim.

I'm happy with how they turned out, and I love that I can enjoy wearing some of my favorite vintage fabrics in a form other than a bag or tote.

The yard sales last Saturday were a little lack-luster, but I did find some fun things for the Emporium, and some retro curtains that I planned to use for fabric, but they ended up in my bedroom (of all places.)

Our bedroom is actually Max's old nursery  that I painted a soft blue.  I haven't gotten around to repainting it yet, and these curtains are a very boisterous yellow and orange.  It makes for a very *cheerful* bedroom, that's for sure, but I do love me some complimentary colors....so I  guess they will stay for now.  Good for summertime, I suppose.

Oh, and this is my new favorite thrift find/toy EVER!!!

The seal a meal!  I had no idea how great these sucker were!  They seal ANYTHING, and it's really going to change the way I package things for my shops!  Observe:

The little owl trivet is completely sealed in plastic to lock in that fresh, vintage flavor!  How cool is that?  And the seal-o-meal was only $2.99 at the thrift store.  It seals poly bags, cello bags, garbage bags....everything.  I'm totally addicted to it!!!!

(told you I was easily amused.....)

There ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe...

Just a little peek at the overall chaos at the old homestead...

About 65 random half-started projects.  And, some serious fooling around with the rivet gun....trying to get some idea  to work that probably never will.  Oh, and a Super Big Gulp.....which has replaced coffee for reasons I can't explain. 

My metal dress form, who is looking very pirate-like theses days.  After a photo shoot, dress half off, wool coat, two brooches....poor thing.  Oh, and please note the general hurdy-gurdy state of the rest of the studio.  Seriously.   Could I be any less organized?  This is shameful.  Please don't judge me. 

And here is Max this morning...  It's 10:30 am.  and he's sleeping in our bed.  He said he had a tummy ache and didn't want to go to preschool today.  I think he may have just wanted to sleep in, and I'm cool with that.  Does that make me a lazy mom?  (um...yeah.)  Oh well.

It looks like this weekend will be devoted to some serious re-organizing, scheduling, grocery shopping and planning.  I need to overhaul everything; work ("real" and of the crafty nature), home, bills, laundry...the whole kit and caboodle.  (Will I actually do all of this?  Uh, probably not. )  In an effort to redeem myself, I will now post some pretty, less chaotic pictures of things that make me happy:

Clockwise from the top left:  1. My African Violet is blooming to beat the band!  I have killed, and then resurrected this plant on and off over the last year...but it looks like it has forgiven me and is gracing me with the loveliest purple flowers!   2. This gorgeous vintage tablecloth I thrifted had a huge rip in the middle.  No way to fix it.  Time to make something beautiful out of it!  For some reason, I'm thinking wrist cuffs.  I've never made or worn one before, but I think they are quite snazzy, and I'd like to make my own sort of shabby-chic version of them.  3. & 4. Little silk rosebud brooches went on the shop yesterday.  These are custom made, and so far, come in red yellow or white.  They're tiny and I'm really quite fond of them.  I got the idea from an old book on how to decorate sachets, but they made them from variegated ribbon (which I had trouble finding.)  So I used strips of leftover dupioni silk.  I want to make some little calico ones too. 

So, that's all the news for today.  I'm making minuscule progress with the Mardi Gras scarves I spoke of a while back.  I washed and ironed the fabric, drew up the basic design...and that's about it.  But I really want to finish some because I think they'll be pretty.  Maybe. 

And NO NEWS on the miniatures.  I'm starting to lose my patience with these people.  It's like they just don't want my money. 

Here's to a productive weekend everyone!

Y'all stay warm out there!  It's freezing here and, well, I know most of you  have it much worse than we do.   I keep seeing scary things on the news...be safe, everyone! 

Studio Remix

I hate to make excuses, BUT I have been a bit to busy to blog.  I'm really burning the midnight oil in preparation for the craft shows, but I will soon have time to photograph and write about all of  the cute stuff  I (with help) have made.  My mom came over yesterday and unexpectedly helped with some hand embroidery details on Christmas stockings.  She was such a huge help, and her work was much cuter than mine...no fair!  Seriously, I love my mom, she's too cool.  Plus, I get lots of expert advice from her previous crafting days, though I think I may be luring her back into it...he he he.

So, I'm back to work again, but I will leave you with a smattering of photos.  Mostly of the new new studio.  My hubby and I split the space down the middle; crafty, pink, cuteness on one side....hip-hop style, tons of records and DJ equipment on the other.  Very funny, really.  Last night we were both working on stuff quietly together when he said, "This is the best thing we've ever done."  I didn't know what exactly he was referring to (we just went to Subway, but the subs weren't THAT good...)  Then he explained: sharing a space, creating together.  And, yeah, it is the best.

The cards at the top of the bulletin board are from my first trade (!) with a great gal, Annette.  She commented on my snowy sock bunnies, and I traded one for some of her lovely handmade cards.  It was just too fun, and I love everything she sent me!  This crafty -blogging - flickr community is just so overwhelming.  I'm loving every minute of it. 

Little Lucy, 283

The apple butter photo shoot last week led to me taking about 45 pictures of various things about the house.  I came to realize that our home photographs very well, (much better than I do, that's for sure.)  It's amazing how some decent light, a tripod and a touch of Adobe photo shop can change things.  Don't get me wrong, our house is fabulous in person too.  It's just that in the pictures, it's darn near perfect.

You can't see the mountain of hot-wheels track in the den, the chipped molding and dodgy painting, the sink full of dishes, the dust bunnies.....

I'm not ashamed of the normal-mess of every day life, I just don't think I need to document it.  I know it's there, it will ALWAYS be there.  And isn't that why we take pictures in the first place?  To remember the special things?  The humble beauty of our home is real, and dreamy too. 

These pictures are how I will see our home forever in my mind. A little hazy and rose-colored, rich and inviting......cozy.  It's finally cozy.  It took a long time to get there, you know.  Homes evolve quietly , I think, like teenagers.  Gawky and awkward at first, but they eventually find their niche.  They get that perfect haircut, the braces are taken off, a new blouse and TA DA!  All grown up.

I've lately been finicky about displaying family photos around the house.  I just want to keep them all private and hoard them away like a squirrel,  "These are my nuts and I don't want you gawking at them!"  This is ridiculous of course, because it is very rare that someone other than family even come inside our house, let alone searches the walls for pictures to stare at.  But, I have been displaying small pics on the little photo holder.

My mom in front of a silver Christmas tree in a red dress.  She told me something I never knew about her, and I think she's onto something, there are good eggs....and then there are great eggs, and if you can get some of both, then you're doing alright.  I so love the little shot of my brother, my dad and I (and Max, actually, though he was the size of a grape at the time.)  One look and so many memories.  What are you up to now little brother?  You look so young here, so different.  I miss you.

Remember, the back door is always open.... (not really, we keep it locked, but if you knock really hard we might come down and open it....or it could just fall in , the house is really old.)

Ain't no mountain high enough

I love that you take pictures while I'm driving.

I love that you love toys.

I love this little person we made (couldn't have done it without you.)

I even love your shiny shoes, just don't tell anybody.   

XOXO,

Bel