This blog is no longer being updated.

Goodbye for now!

"Here Comes Santa Claus"

Halloween came and went so fast that I didn't even post pictures of my orange and black decor. You will see a picture of the festive goodies being wheeled away for storage. I found a vintage shoe rack which is excellent for maneuvering the goods...it reminds me of the new merchandise cart at TJ Maxx which I always raid!

My Christmas decor seems a bit pale compared to all the orange color which adorned our home for two holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving. This year, I decided to display some of my collections. The ironstone pitchers typically take up residence in our master bathroom. They are great for storing shampoo, wash cloths, soaps and anything spa-like.

Most of the Santa collection is handmade. The one hanging on the wall is from TJ Maxx, but the other ones were gifts or purchases from incredible artists. The Santa painting holding the Christmas packages was painted on a slate tile by my art teacher, Ann. She is my mentor and inspiration for all my creations. Speaking of my creations, I made the snowman sporting a JFG glass jar attire. My hope is to fill the jar with something white and yummy, so it gives the illusion of a snow body.

We are so thankful for all the blessings this year. We wish you and your family a very wonderful holiday season!

P.S. Thank you for all your support for our diabetic cat, Roscoe. He is doing great and has adjusted to his daily insulin routine and special diet.

~Lovin' Yellowware - aka " Martha" Bowls~

When I started my collection of yellowware bowls, molds, plates, etc., I just started learning how to rug hook. I thought a primitive hooked rug displaying a nesting set of yellowware bowls would be fun to create. Yes, it was fun, but it took many, many hours to finish. Going forward, I decided smaller rug projects were more satisfying since they only took a few months not an entire year.

Collecting art is also one of my passions. Kim Skeen painted the crow dough bowl and her mom, Janet McCarter, painted the spooky-eyed owl. The coverlet fabric covered stars are from Home Goods. I might try to cover some of my metal stars with old quilts or vintage french linen.

My very favorite find is the vintage metal heart with bells. I stubbled across a picture of these bells on Flickr and saved the image to my computer. After a year or so, I found the bells at a local thrift shop for $12!

Three Angels & A Poem

Touched by An Angel by Maya Angelou
We, unaccustomed to courage

exiles from delight

live coiled in shells of loneliness

until love leaves its high holy temple

and comes into our sight

to liberate us into life.

Love arrives

and in its train come ecstasies

old memories of pleasure

ancient histories of pain.

Yet if we are bold,

love strikes away the chains of fear

from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity

In the flush of love's light

we dare be brave

And suddenly we see

that love costs all we are

and will ever be.

Yet it is only love

which sets us free.

Yellow - First Sign of Spring and My Favorite Color!

We had the most beautiful yellow daffodils this year. They seemed to be everywhere I looked...our yard - neighbor's yard; along the country road - along the interstate; in the fields - in the woods. The ones I picked from our yard only stayed pretty in my pewter vase about 7 - 10 days. I actually lost count of the days, but it felt like a week. Tomorrow I plan to pick some more. I can only imagine they will be gone soon since my tulips are starting to take their place.

Valentine Swap ~ Primitive Doll Candy Container

The Valentine Day Swap has come to an end and the primitive doll candy container I made is on its way to my Valentine, Sharyn at sharynsowellartblog.blogspot.com. As usual, Lil had to check it out and make an appearance in the picture. I am sure Sharyn is not ready to share her candy!

The hooked penny heart and decorated box is for my dearest friend, Kelly.

"A friend is one who knows who you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow." William Shakespeare

~Happy Valentine's Day~