Saturday, May 31, 2008

This is more difficult than I thought.



No wonder my blog is not updated more often, I'm inept at the mechanics and getting things in order and then finding and posting things like the other two drafts I started earlier. And for some reason, some of my pictures got turned sideways...

Now quickly, while things are cooperating: I live out of cigar boxes, they're little, light, portable and stackable. One word of caution if you're over 40, make labels on the outside otherwise you open every one looking for your butterfly stamps. They are perfect for stamping supplies. I love the variety in size and the label designs are a treat. The two boxes covered in 60's flocked Contact paper are from my mother's crafting days.

Studio Storage Show and Tell Sunday








Welcome to my multi-tasking "Studio" which is also our guesthouse. I love organizing...it's like playing school...it;s the keeping things tidy that is my downfall.



One of my major storage headaches was what to do with the thousands of of images, words, letters, pictures, stamps and assorted scraps I want to save for future collage work. I use several mini-scrapbook albums. they are stored in an old picnic basket. I have one for "Nature", one for "Women", one for "Words to Live By"...etc.



The tabs mark the sections...some have lots of pages..."Flowers" takes a big section...then there's "Landscapes" or "Trees" or "Seashells". I like these little books because everything is pretty visible and portable, and storable.



I also have a collection of vintage metal picnic baskets that are stacked and labeled with tags to keep me from opening each one when I'm looking for something. They are worth however much or little I paid for each.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Swap pages ready to mail!


a bird sings 1
Originally uploaded by lbjonriver
I've just finished Beth and Karla's bird and Bonnet Swap. Four pages front and back...I used wax for the first time and loved the feel and look...Thanks to Victoria (swap partner in A rtsy Mama's Vintage Party Swap...) she used wax on a cigar box project and it inspired me to give it a try...


Limping Deer and the Twins

Limping Deer and the Twins
They are still spotted at this time.

Show and Tell Sunday June 15

Flea Market Finds...sounds like my whole house and yard...

Milk Glass Collection

Milk Glass Collection
Who knew that a 25 cent flea market find would unleash such a collecting frenzy? I never pay more than a dollar unless it's a really nice piece. They are great grouped with a single daisy in each.

These used to be inexpensive florist vases in the 50's and 60's. Everyone's Grandmother had bunches.

Mexicana Dishes

Mexicana Dishes
My sister found these for me at Bussy's Flea Market in San Antonio, Texas. I had seen pictures in her Fiesta reference book. Mexicana was also made by Homer Laughlin in the 30's. I had been looking for several years without ever finding even a single piece when she found the set...with a promise to hold it for us, she came running to find me and I bought the entire set...60+ pieces for $50.

Mexicana

Mexicana
I've added to the set over the years, but the price and experience will never match that first amazing find.

Vintage Kitchen Hutch

Vintage Kitchen Hutch
When my hubby found this hutch it was Pepto pink and I was not 100% sure about it. But with a new red back and fresh white paint and refurbished hardware, it became one of my favorite pieces.

Nancy made me save the vine

Nancy made me save the vine
The vine and flowers painted on the inside were in such bad shape that I was ready to remove it all. Nancy -My Crafty Little Page convinced me to keep it and after some touch-up work, I'm glad I listened to her. My husband restores vintage Cushman motorscooters and he tries to make everything "mint" condition again. The Shabby Chic movement came along just in time to keep me from making some terrible mistakes.