Strict Orders

I took my mother to the airport last night.

Her two weeks, 3 days visit sped by too quickly.

She left me with strict orders

that I sell the stuff I have and not acquire anything "new".

Or if I get new clutter, to list it immediately for sale or

DO something with it (!)

and not let it stand around in boxes and bags forgotten.

She totally supports my etsy-ing.

heehee

I am really going to try to abide by her wishes.

Tell your friends that I'm destashing!

I'll be listing handwritten pages from natural science assignments,

postage stamps, quilt pieces and sewing trims, buckles, and unique buttons.

The list goes on.

If you are looking for something in particular,

let me know.

I may be able to fill your special request!

Marlynn, I haven't forgotten your request for old sheet music. :)

Getting Organized in the New Year

My mother-in-law has become a very creative gift giver. This year for Christmas she gave me a set of flat file drawers and my incredible husband assembled them the same day (Christmas!) so I could use them immediately to start storing my "junk". The drawers are modern MDF, but fit in seamlessly with my vintage and antique pieces. The drawers sit on my cedar butcher counter and my bank of library card catalog drawers fit amazingly in a small space under the table. Looks like a single piece of furniture.

My mother is visiting for the holidays and is giving me a much needed fresh perspective on my clutter. Her war cry is, "throw it out!" A lot is going out, but I am also rediscovering things to sell in my etsy shop. Stay tuned.

What I Created Over Christmas

My "thing" this year has been to create pincushions out of frivolous planters.

The ugly poodle planter above became a pincushion for my mother-in-law Christmas Eve

(a very last minute gift!)

and my mother (currently visiting with me from New Jersey)

liked the results so much that she asked if I could make a pincushion for her too.

So we had some mother/ daughter crafting time until almost 1am Christmas morning,

transforming this vintage/ antique hair keeper (the lid was cracked so I tossed it)

into a boudoir-worthy pincushion.

My mother loves it!

Merry Christmas, Mom!

Now we are eyeing small teapots, teacups without saucers, widowed sugar bowls

and silly planters as candidates for pincushions.

We are on a mission to equip all of our friends with upcycled pin keepers!

The first one I ever made is for sale in my etsy.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Jesus, Immanuel, God with us!

And I WISH you a Merry Christmas!

"WISH" banner by Linda Richter. I keep it up all year 'round and never get tired of looking at it. It's been hanging under my faux mantle in my studio for 2 years now and still twinkles.

The handmade mitt stays up all year 'round too. It was a flea market find last year. Too precious to put away.

Have a beautiful day!

Day 24 Matchbox Advent Calendar

The people walking in the darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of the shadow of death

a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2

Artwork by Sally Duncan

Let's get this party started!

Tomorrow is Christmas Day!

Day 23 Matchbox Advent Calendar

And the angel said unto her,

"Fear not, Mary for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb

and bring forth a son,

and shall call His name JESUS.

Luke 1:30-31

Artwork by Ashlyn McCoy

Day 22 Matchbox Advent Calendar

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;

then we shall see face to face.

1Corinthians 13:12a

Artwork by Katie Hogue

The only thing poorly reflected in the piece of mirror tile in this box is my camera's lens.

By the way,

Katie also did the box for day 12.