Trying something new

I've decieded to try a little something new with blogging. I've moved this blog to here.

Come on over and check it out!

Thrifting Thursday: Vintage loom

I'm finally admitting it aloud... I love thrifting! I'm really lucky, because that's the only type of "shopping" that my husband enjoys. He enjoys more of the "bargain" aspect (with a successful eBay business) and I enjoy more of the "recycling/crafting" aspect. I use it as a way to keep those creative thought process juices flowing on a regular basis (cool metal thingy...what could this become?)

During "yard sale" season, our Saturday mornings consist of getting up early (between 7 and 8 am), grabbing breakfast, the paper or the laptop and mapping out our thrifting route for the day. We hit the yard sales in our larger neighborhood either on foot, by bike or in the car. Usually, we end up with the car to go back and pick-up buys from earlier in the day, then hit 1 or 2 salvage or second hand stores along with other errands for the day. The routine of it is nice, we meet lots of interesting people, I get to practice my bartering skills, and we end of with cool stuff!

I really doing well to curb my craft supplies addiction (see previous posts for explanations). At least I know my "eye" is still sharp though...this weeks find - a 1930's vintage Weave It double loom set with instructions!

I spotted this little gem last weekend, randomly thrown on a table with lots of non-related stuff at a front yard sale. Handheld looms like these were essential for textile making through the early 1900's. Now, any serious textile artist or needlecraft enthusiast has at least one...and not just for the nostalgia. These looms are practical for small or quick projects, they travel well and are space friendly for those of us who are forced to or trying to live on smaller environmental footprints.

And while I'd love to keep it and maybe whip out a quick little set of kitchen items...I'm being good and passing it along to the crafting world...okay, my husband snatched it up from me and has it on eBay. He claims its his way of helping my addiction. :)

Blueberry Blitz 2006 has begun!

Last year, my friends John and Megan and I began our annual blueberry pickin' excursion at a local blueberry farm. We went last Saturday. We went insanely early (I was up at 7:30 am on a Saturday!) to try to beat the heat, but I swear it was already hitting 90 degrees by 9:30 am.

Anyway, I picked a ton (well, about 4 lbs.) in preparation for my week long baking frenzy to try all the wonderful blueberry recipes I've collected over the years. These suckers are nice and huge!

First up, a standard for me - Blueberry Brunch Cake. This is one of my favorite recipes from Cooking Light Magazine...it's cake and it's good for you!

Here's the whole cake:


Here's the presentation with sour cream, yogurt, vanilla sauce (okay, this was my second piece hence the "dirty" plate for all you presentation junkies out there):


Tomorrow, tropical heaven - Coconut Macadamia Blueberry Muffins!

An embarrassment of riches...

I have a Japanese co-worker who has only been in America since September. Needless to say, she is still learning all things 'America'. She left in June for a month long trip back to Japan. She was nice enough to bring back a few wonderful things. And not only trinkets, but things the recipients actually would want and could use.

I received this wonderful little package...

and it was lovely fabric!

mmm...what to do with it...

You don't have to scrapbook

Up next in the clear-out sale...greeting card/scrapbook embellishments.



Beyond Postmarks, Making Memories, Jolee's...it's all there. Lots of baby themed items and general inspirational items. If you are interested, please contact me and I'll let you know what's available.

Boy...have I binged

Now, I must purge. I've finally decided to sell off my "future project" craft supplies. These are all the things that I've seen the fabulous finish product in my mind, rushed out to buy/find/acquire the pieces parts, and that have sat in my crafting stash for too long. Plus, I'm just ready for a change in my life, so stuff must go.

First up...all of my diaper cake making supplies. Here's a quick peak:



If you have ever wanted to make a cool baby shower gift or are just in the market for baby items at a steal, check out my Etsy.com listing. Also included but not listed are cardboard cake rounds (for the "cakes" to sit on) and clear cellophane with white polka-dots for wrapping the finished items.

Stay tuned for more on this purging process.

Fabric junkies/craft newbies...this is pay dirt!

In every other aspect of my life, I'm a firm believer in purging. If I don't use it or wear it in a year (sometimes closer to 6 months) it's outta here. Passed on to someone who will utilize whatever it is. This has been my mantra except for my crafting. I literally have some fabric that is going on 13 years old. It's all in wonderful condition and I still see in my mind the lovely finished project I purchased the fabric for. Well, the time has come to let them go. If I haven't made that project yet, I have now realized that it very well may not happen. So, I am selling just about my entire fabric stash so these wonderful fabrics can have a life...not just sitting in bins in my studio.

Fabric Sale

Please check back often. This is just a mere fraction of what I plan on putting up on the site for sale. I am very willing to barter on the price if you are interested in multiple pieces. The prices listed do not include shipping. Shipping will be calculated based on what you purchase and where it's going. Please pass this info along to all the fabric junkies you know!