Lisa's Little House

I am giving a Free Ornament Demo at Town Hall Antique Mall Saturday!

2011-11-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, November 19, I will be at Town Hall Antique Mall at Bothell's Country Village from

1-2 p.m. demonstrating how to make these darling Ribbon Wrapped Wire Ornaments. I will be using lovely Midori ribbon in silk, velvet and double-faced satin...Yummy!

These ornaments are simple to make and customize anyway you like.

I have even made initals for gift toppers!

I hope to see you soon!

Home Sweet Home, The Sequel

2011-10-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday was another beautiful day at Pine Creek Nursery in Monroe teaching my Rustic Birdhouse Workshop. The class was full; the attendees were fun and the folks at Pine Creek are a delight to work with! We are cooking up some fun workshop ideas for the spring, so be sure to get on their email list!

These two were amazing. He had his own Milwaukee drill set and she was fearless!

Some quickly snapped shots of some darling Chickadee Birdhouses!

Beautiful glass flower pieces attached to this 'sunshiny' home.

You can check out Pine Creek Nursery's booth this weekend at the Ruffles and Rust Vintage Market to Inspire in Monroe. The show is bigger and better than ever this year. Henry and I will be there shopping!

Birthday Bling!

2011-10-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

I love making gifts for my Burger Buddies!

We celebrated Colleen's birthday at the Ranch Drive-in this week. Colleen wears a lot of beautiful pins and loves sparkle so I created a Fork Pin for her fashioned in my Fork Pendant Necklace style with turned up tines for hanging charms. And I included a charm I made from an old Prince Matchabelli perfume bottle. It still had some perfume in it so when I added some silver German glass glitter it coated the inside...Love it! Then I soldered the top and added a jump ring. Good to go!

Judy's birthday was a few month back and I made her one of my Fork Pendant Necklaces. This time I created a flower from a collection of metal flowers from Wendy Baker and a Miriam Haskell leaf I purchased from The Curious Nest in Seattle. I attached it to the top of the Pendant and was happy with the mixture of metals.

I also gifted her a selection of some of my favorite fibers that I rolled onto wooden spools. The 3-tone rick rack is the bomb!

Happy Birthday, my dear friends!

Our Lady of Lunch

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of Lunch

I love lunch!

Ophelia, Henry and I recently had lunch together from Here and There Grill...you know how much I love Julie's food. We walked the short block over to Bountiful Home in Edmonds to enjoy our meal in Todd's garden nursery. Of course, he was 'The Host with the Most' and created a delightful lunch spot for us under the apple arbor. Young Henry was quite smitten with Todd (who isn't?!) that day. We are sure Henry remembers how much fun he had the last time he hung out with Todd and committed a party foul by pee-ing on him! Good times!

It was a gorgeous day. I spent some time snapping photos of the garden. Fall inspiration and beauty!

There goes the neighborhood!

2011-10-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

Crazy times at Lisa's Little House! But it is all good...

New water main installed. Check!
Mom here. Check!
Cruise taken and enjoyed immensely. Check!

But the craziest news of all...Henry and his parents are going to be moving into the house NEXT DOOR to me at the end of the month! I know! Can you believe it? Pinch me!

We have the best neighbors. We hang out, barbeque, share special holiday traditions like our annual Progressive Dinner. So it is bittersweet that Greg, Courtney, Katelynne and Taylor are moving. They found a larger home for their family and were looking for renters for their old house. They offered it to Henry and his parents first, bless their hearts. And it worked out for everyone...especially Auntie!

We are beside ourselves. How often in this day and age can family live so close together? Henry will grow up surrounded by family and friends 24/7. And since I am going to be his primary care-giver while his parents work, my commute will be a dream.

God is good!

'Charmed' to be back!

2011-08-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

I hadn't planned on a one-month blogging hiatus. Life just happened. Thank you to those who have visited faithfully waiting for me to get my sh*t together this summer! So how about we kick it off with some charms from a Charm Swap I participated in this past weekend?

I have a ton of old keys...but some aren't too sexy, so I decided to cut off the part that goes into the lock and then they started looking more interesting.

I added a dangle I made from an old turquoise-y shell necklace I had, a mother of pearl button and a bead along with a 'fancy' rhinestone button. Love them!

I added a key-shaped tag and I was good to go.

Here are the charms I received in return! Stunning!

And a few folks put together charm kits or provided interesting objects for displaying charms as jewelry.

Thank you, Swappers!

Home Sweet Home

2011-07-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Don't we just love that saying? And 11 birds will have a new Home Sweet Home thanks to my awesome class attendees at the Rustic Birdhouse Workshop Saturday at Pine Creek Nursery.

Cans (later used as roofs) with birdhouse potential just waiting inside.

Antonya brought these awesome bottlecaps to share!

Bits and bobs of ephemera for decorating.

They came armed with cordless drills, hammers and their creative caps on.

I will let the photos tell the story!

Adding personal touches.

I would totally move in here if I was a bird!

A garden oasis on a birdhouse.

The chimney with 'smoke' is darling!

Carol said "I'm not crafty" Ha! She can't say that anymore.

Patty said "I wasn't sure I could do this, but I love it!" She even used a jig-saw for the first time!

And then we had goodies!

Pine Creek Nursery knows how to throw a workshop!

A big thank you to everyone and my trusty assistant, Doug!

My next workshop at Pine Creek will be the Silverware Suet Feeder I created for Birds & Blooms Magazine.

Celebrate...

2011-07-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Oriental poppies from my mom's garden.

...each milestone, each achievement, each day!

Today I am celebrating a few things.

It is my one year blog anniversary. I opened up the doors to my Little House a year ago and it has been delightful sharing, visiting and getting to know all of you. Thank you for your kindess and support.

I had big plans to celebrate my blog-iversary but unexpected things happen to people everyday and that leads me to the next thing I am celebrating today...my husband, Doug!

Saturday I brought him home from the hospital after he was diagnosed with several pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs). Thankfully it was caught early and the clots ended up in the lungs and not in his heart or brain. I can't even begin to process or comprehend the situation much beyond that.

So today I celebrate: new friends and adventures, old loves and my beautiful everyday life!

For the Birds...

2011-07-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

The birds in my garden are my 'flying flowers'! I love their colors, songs and funny antics. The cats and I could watch them all day! My garden has been a Certified Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary for years (I am close to saying 'decades' now...just a few more years!) A big part of my habitat success is birdhouses. I have several styles for several types of birds and every year they are occupied with our feathered friends.

On July 16, I am teaching a Rustic Birdhouse Workshop at Pine Creek Nursery in Monroe. It is the first of three workshops we have teamed up to present to you. Click on the Workshop tab at the top of this page to get the details. Come and enjoy the beautiful nursery, pound a few nails and create a darling birdhouse custom-made by you for our Chickadee friends. Next spring you may be blessed with some of your own 'flying flowers'!

Catching up!

2011-06-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am so behind on my blog posts! Yikes!
I wanted to share my Birthday Burger Day treasures from my burger buddies.

First, Colleen and Judy decorated this darling, chippy, rusty wire chicken for me with a paper crown, butterfly garland (to hide the gift) and a butterfly pennant flag. I thought the 'packaging' was the gift...but no, there was more!

This beautiful butterfly cuff bracelet and some vintage metal buttons that belonged to Judy's mom. Divine!

Beth gave me this beautifully wrapped box with gourmet sea salts and a lovely, vintage floral pin from Tinsel Trading Company.

Birthdays rock!

A beautiful slice of life...

2011-06-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Pino Pie Day was spectacular! The donkeys looked beautiful; the gardens looked beautiful and the pies were beautiful (and tasty!).

Any place with a sign like this, is HEAVEN to me!

Getting our photo taken with our hosts. I am laughing, not frightened!

The donkeys had their party shoes on!

The gang!

Donated aprons for sale benefitting Lavender Dreams Farm Donkey Rescue.

Drought tolerant gardens are a bee's delight.

Big Tony and Itty Bitty Etta...my how she has grown!

Pretty Lucia

Add caption

It was a pretty fine day.

Goat Hauler

2011-06-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

My new handle from Katherine of Apifera. I love it! and will wear it proudly!

A couple of days before Doug and I left for Oregon to attend Pie Day, Katherine jokingly said "Bring Lightning with you" and I replied "Really? I will if you want me too". Saint Doug said OK and that was that. So I guess when you have hauled 3 goats you are upgraded to Goat Hauler!

Honey Boy just chillin' in the back of our car waiting for us to get the show on the road.

Honey Boy Edwards (formerly Lightning) was a delightful travel companion. Ellen of New Moon Goat Sanctuary helped tarp the back of the car and tether him in. He had to travel sans crate because he is a very large French Alpine pack goat and was too big to fit in one. But he was as good as gold.

Katherine and Honey Boy meet.

Granny and Wilbur...look at those smiles!

So we dropped Honey Boy off on Friday and got to say hello to our old friends, Granny and Wilbur. They were looking great and loving life at Apifera. (read their story here and here) All the goats follow Katherine around like puppy dogs. They love her!

More later on Pie Day! It was delightful.....

Pino's Pie Day!

2011-06-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Remember the trek to Oregon with my 2 favorite goats...and my sister?

Well, this Sunday, Katherine & Martyn Dunn of Apifera are assisting Pino the Donkey in feeding pie to all the land. And Doug and I are heading down to grab us a slice...of pie, donkey hugs, fresh air, lavendar, goat kisses, aprons, farm life.

Father's Day at Hilderbrand Pond is a tradition. So we are combining the two this year. Got our house/kitten sitter lined up and off to Oregon we will go.

If you are in the Yamhill neighborhood, pop by! Directions and invite are here.

No longer a Space Case!?

2011-06-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well...my Space in a Case is now a Booth on the Loose at Town Hall Antiques in Bothell's Country Village!

A before shot...just for fun!

After 2 1/2 days of hard work, several helpers (thanks Mom, Caroline and Kate!) and some fun items from my buddies, Judy and Colleen, my new booth is open for business! It was great to graduate to a larger area...goodness knows, I got junk!

Momma and 2 little babies!

Pop in, feed the ducks, browse to your heart's content and most of all enjoy the sun this weekend!

Remembering

2011-05-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Remembering and honoring our loved ones who are gone today.

Hello Henry!

2011-05-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Henry is in the house! He was born on Saturday, May 21 and we have been so busy snuggling him and just looking at his darling face that I haven't had time to blog about it.

What a blessing he is to our family!

Gotta go...my turn to hold him...if Grandma will give him up! ;)

Guess who came to breakfast?

2011-05-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

I was working on the computer and glanced out the sliding glass door and to my surprise and excitement, this is who I saw wandering through the garden. Can you believe it; a ring-necked pheasant?

He hung out in our "Sunset Garden", drinking from the bathtub pond and plucking seeds from the gravel patio for a least 15 minutes. I was so happy to get him on video! After he was done hanging out, he disappeared under our humongous quince. Maybe he will make it his new home? If not, I was honored that he chose to stop here as he was passing through.

I must say, it was a pinnacle in my Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary career. I have been a registered Sanctuary since 1993 and have loved watching the wildlife through the seasons. From baby possums, to fledgling wrens; from an adolescent Peregrine falcon to downy woodpeckers. All in my urban backyard in the middle of one of the largest cities in the county. Magical!

The Merry Month of May

2011-05-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Callie nursing her babies. She was a good mom. The 2 orange tabbies went together to a good home!

May is my most favorite month. First, it is my birthday month and I do celebrate all month long! Then there is May Day. And my mother-in-law, Eleeta, is a May baby, too (she just celebrated her 96th birthday last week!). And I have oodles of friends with May birthdays. And soon Henry will be joining the May birthday club (we hope!). And a bonus is 4 of our 5 cats were born today, 4 years ago, and I got to watch their births. Here are a few of my favorite videos of the kittens when they were little.

John, Bunny, Spicy and Delilah playing in a cat tree.

John loves his sisters!

Waiting for Henry

2011-05-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Henry's ultrasound from last November.

Ophelia's due date was Friday. A large handful of us thought (hoped!) he would be early, but he is pretty darn happy where he is at, safe in his momma's belly! Who can blame him?

Mom has been here for a week to help us get ready, pass the time and be on deck to help her baby have this baby.

So while we are 'Waiting for Henry' we have been organizing, eating, gardening and visiting. Nothing sexy or fancy...just hanging out, squee-ing over cute baby clothes, telling stories and speculating on what Henry's personality will be. So far we think he is a cute little stinker with a mind of his own.

Come on, Henry!

Fluffed!

2011-05-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

I popped into Country Village's Town Hall Antiques Wednesday and fluffed up my Space in a Case, filled in a few gaps and added some Vase Necklaces I made from silver-plated knife handles. A great gift idea for your Mom or you, because all you Mom's out there deserve it!

May Day Charm Swap was Fabulous!

2011-05-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

Our charming assortment!

What a great group of charm makers, I must say! For some of these gals, it was there first swap ever...but they produced charms like professionals and the presentations were divine. Plus, Caroline made 2 charms for everyone!

I wrapped up the charms, along with some thank you goodies from me, in little packages and mailed them off. Then the emails and FaceBook postings began. Jenifer said, "The charms are all gorgeous. I like Ophelia's nest & presentation and your flower is amazing and Madonna! I'm glad she joined in, Julia's tiny spool. Hell, I love them all! The extras are so cool, can't wait to find uses for all that stuff."

Jenifer's charm

Ophelia's charm "A Nest for Henry"

Bernadette's charm

My charm; vintage French metal flower with faux pearl

Thank you, Thank you to everyone who particpated! I love them all! And watch for news of a fall charm swap...let's do this again and there is still room for more swappers!

Happy May Day!

2011-05-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

We love May Day around here. I always send my Mom a basket...it surprises her every time!

I made these bouquets out of old metal juice cans and an assortment of flowers and greenery from my garden. Then gave them to four of my girly-friends I met for breakfast.

Happy May Day to you!

Anniversary Week Recap

2011-04-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

We declare Anniversary Week a huge success!

Monday we headed to Ballard to Mike's Chili Parlor. We kept hearing about this place on food shows and were intrigued. The original Mike had passed his meat-only chili recipe down through 4 generations. It was fabulous! I had it over spaghetti noodles with beans, cheese and onions. Doug had his over a burger patty. We loved it so much we went back on Saturday for more! Next on our Monday itinerary was to explore Magnolia. The day was gorgeous! We stopped at Bill the Butcher for an organic grass-fed mock tenderloin to have for dinner. We have been waiting and waiting for Bill's shop to open in Edmonds...maybe this summer???

Tuesday we had lunch at the Edmonds Community College Culinary Arts Cafe. We love going there. A gourmet meal for cheap. Brioche rolls, soup or salad, entree...all for around 7 bucks. I had the Chicken Cordon Bleu and Doug had the Rib-eye. Yum. Then we were off for a pedicure together at Amai Day Spa in Country Village. We capped off the day with appetizers and drinks at Emory's on Silver Lake. They rebuilt after a devasting fire and the place looks fabulous...and the food is stellar!

Wednesday it was off to the Maltby Cafe for breakfast. I used to go a lot back in the day but Doug had never been. The cinnamon rolls are still huge and food is still delicious.

Thursday we stayed home and rested...our bellies and our bodies! Yes, you can have too much of a good thing!

Friday was our 'fanciest' day...Lunchbox Laboratory. Oh my! Fabulous food, fun vibe and great service. We really loved this place. My burger 'Homage to Dick's Deluxe' was a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. Doug had the Dork (!), a blend of pork and duck, that he thought was delish.

Just one of the many lunchboxes on display. The 'threat' did not phase our appetite!

So now, just writing about this, I am full again. Full tummy and full heart. We had a wonderful week to celebrate our last 25 years together!

got bunnies?

2011-04-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! Just wanted to share a collection of mine....Cottontailers. Those little ceramic bunnies with a hole in the backend for dispensing cotton balls.

I purchased my first one at a garage sale over 10 years ago. Since then I have been picking them up at thrift stores and garage sales and have been receiving them as gifts. I am at 56 right now and am always looking for more! Why? Because they make me smile. I have them grouped on a specially made shelf in my laundry area...reserved for Cottontailers!

Have a great day...and enjoy what makes you smile!

25 Loooonnnngggg Years!

2011-04-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

Who are those young kids?

That is how long Doug and I have been married. Happy Anniversary to us today! This week is all about food and fun! Doug took the week off and we are eating at all of those places we have always wanted to try. Local, sustainable, organic, funky and famous. I will be posting about our gastronomic adventures later this week but for now...off to get a pedicure together!

Love you, honey!

Rack and Roll

2011-04-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday I picked up these babies!

The storage capacity!

The wheels!

The color!

I called my Dad; asked him if he wanted to go for a road trip; picked him up from the Anderson Island ferry; and we headed to Aberdeen. And yes, it was the rainiest, soggiest, coldest day of the week! But Lisa of Seaworthy Home and her husband Steve helped us load them into the truck, lickity split. On our way out of town we checked out the Grand Heron. Beautiful store, but we were so distracted by hunger, cold and feeling like drowned rats that we couldn't give it the attention it deserved. But pop in if you are in Aberdeen!

All in all, it was a terrific road trip. I don't spend near enough time with my Dad, so it was a real treat to have him all to myself for a day...and he bought me lunch!

Can't wait to put these racks to work!

New Beginnings

2011-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I spent Monday setting up my new little space at Town Hall Antique Mall at Country Village in Bothell.

It was good medicine. Creating, arranging, visiting.

Sam only had a 6' x 4' case available...but I was ready to take the plunge.

Plus, I welcomed the challenge of working in a small space...it is after all for Lisa's Little House!

Ta Da!

And I made a sale while I was setting up. A fine start to a new adventure.

I am really excited about this new chapter.

And I have been so welcomed by the folks there already; like I am one of the family.

And that means the world to me.

A year ago today...

2011-04-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

...my step-dad of nearly 40 years passed away. I can't believe it. Some days it feels like yesterday.

Rod fell head over heels in love with my mom and wasn't a bit daunted by the fact that she had two little kids, 7 and 5 years old. He was still head over heels in love with her on the day he died. He told her so that day, like he did everyday. Important lesson here. Tell people you love them; every chance you get.

We tell stories; we always have as a family. We reminisce...a lot. We have so many stories to tell Henry, the first grandchild, when he gets here in May. He will never meet his grandpa, but he will know him. He will know what a practical joker he was, how much he loved books and learning and how much his family meant to him.

Mom is doing good. She recently drove herself to Salem, Oregon for a visit with my in-laws. A very big and brave step for her. Ophelia is getting ready for her first wedding anniversary and Henry's birth. I have been working on this junking business of mine and reconnecting to my home and garden.

We are adjusting to our new 'normal'. But still missing him so.

But I hope that Rod would be proud of 'his girls'...

Fat Book Swap

2011-04-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

My page front and back

I really love swaps! For me, it is a super good excuse to create AND I have a deadline. Without a deadline, I would be lost! But that is another story for another day.
Last Saturday our monthly Artist Trading Card (ATC) group met at the Urban Scrapbooker in Edmonds and traded ATC's and then 9 of us stayed and swapped our Fat Book pages. After the pages are collected we bind them up however we like and enjoy!
In the past we have done a Halloween Fat Book and a Winter Fat Book. Of course, I loved the House theme! I used metal tape measure for my roof and red twig dogwood from my garden for my tree. I had picked up some mini-picket fence at St. Vinnie's on my last visit to Mom's so I wrapped some green wired stuff around the pickets and added some pink wired stuff for blooms. The back is an aeronatical map of the Puget Sound region, just because this is my home!

Lisa R & Caroline C side 1

Caroline C & Lisa R side 2

Cheryl H & Joanne C side 1

Cheryl H & Joanne C side 2

Linda B & Jane K side 1

Linda B & Jane K side 2

Nan did a pop-up page

The pages are best with lots of 3-dimensional detail. That makes them nice and Fat! And even though everyone's style is so different, as a book it all works due to the common thread of the theme. Now I need to work on my cover and get these babies bound up.
I love the pages I received in return; a little slice of Home from my swapping buddies.

The Curious Nest

2011-04-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

It started with this darling necklace. Andrea Savar, proprietress of The Curious Nest in Seattle, posted this limited edition necklace as a fundraiser for Japan on her blog. Loved the cherry blossom bling and the worthy cause...so Friday, Ophelia and I took a drive to her shop. Oh my goodness. I have always loved Andrea and her vintage French pretties and she has outdone herself with this cozy 'nest' of a shop. It is filled with vintage French goodness along with Andrea's own jewerly line, Debbie Savar's (her mom) original paintings and various other local artist's work. It is a happy place with something for everyone.

One of Debbie's paintings...the detail and colors are beautiful.

Beads, baubles, boxes! Paper, pillows, paintings!

Andrea also carries The Salvage Studio book...so I autographed all she had...fun! And then I saw goodies by Laurie Cinotto of LaLaLaurie and Hazel's Vintage Pretties sachets from Katie Galbraith. It was like attending a party and some unexpected friends showed up.

"Urban Nests" for Urban Birds
Colorful nests filled with found objects.

Metal Star

And I loved these colorful creations from Kim Groff-Harrington.

Some vintage jewelry pieces from Miriam Haskell and some glass goodies.

And of course I had to pick up some treasures. Some will be used for my May Day Charm. I haven't decided what yet!

Beautiful birdcages filled to the brim!

It is hard to take a photo of a window display...but look at all the goodness inside!

Thank you Andrea, for your warm greeting, your beautiful Cherry Blossom Necklace fundraiser and creating a cozy 'nest' for us to visit!

Flowers for you...a tutorial!

2011-03-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

I made these darling Button Flower Bouquets for my fellow Dream Girl attendees...and wanted to share them with you, too!

Supplies you will need:

Buttons!

Wire (22 or 24 gauge)

(or whatever you have that can bend easy)

Skewer or small dowel

Scissors

Wire cutters

Floral tape

Ribbon

Wrap wire around skewer and then clip to desired length for stamens...about 1 inch.

Cut piece of wire for stem about 6-8 inches long. Bend in half and insert into buttons starting with button you want on top. Before you cinch down and twist add curved stamen wire. Twist tight.

Gather your button flowers and wrap with floral tape. Trim bottom wires flush.

Wrap with ribbon starting at the top of the stem leaving a tail. Wrap to the bottom and come back up and tie the ribbon to the top tail. Trim ribbon.

Now you have a beautiful Button Flower Bouquet to give as a gift, pin on your lapel or tuck in a special place to bring a smile to your face every time you see it!

May Day Charm Swap On-line...care to join me?

2011-03-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

After reading Rochelle's comment ("LOVE THIS IDEA!! Too bad nothing like that near me....boo hoo!") on my most recent Charm Swap experience, I decided to host one on-line! Sound fun? I know!

Announcing a May Day Charm Swap!

Create 12 charms to swap.

No larger than 1-1/2 inches
Not too heavy
Waterproof
Can be metal, wood, fabric, glass, you name it.
A May Day theme is encouraged but optional for your charm...because everything goes with flowers!

Mail to me so I receive by April 22. Please include $2 for shipping and handling.

I will divy them up and get back to you by May Day (May 1) along with some of my personal treasures as a thank you for participating!

To keep my sanity intact (whatever!) I am going to limit this first swap to 12 'charming' people. Leave me a comment and your contact information on this post if you are interested and I will get back to you with all the details.

It doesn't matter if you are new to charm making or a seasoned professional, just give it a try! And don't stress...it is supposed to be fun. Fun to make and super-fun to receive!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Charming Friends!

2011-03-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

I participate in a delightful charm swap two times a year. I missed attending the spring swap in person this year but Caroline proxied for me and so I wouldn't miss any charm goodness!

I created charms from vintage bingo balls. I made a jig to hold the balls so I could drill through them with my drill press. Gotta save those fingers! Then I patinaed some copper wire with a small blow torch and wired up the charms. Vintage sequins, a few beads and some homemade pounded wire eye pins completed the bauble.

And good presentation is part of the 'charm' so they were displayed on an old copper floral arrangement dish. A flower frog held my charm description.

Here are the treasures I received in return:

I am a lucky girl! Thanks for all the beautiful charms!

Dream Girls Bracelet

2011-03-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Got my Dream Girls bracelet done! Love Love Love!

Doug and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in April so "Silver" Love seemed more than appropriate!

Plus, a few extra charms for necklace components.

Thanks Kelli for the butterfly charm!

And, here are a few links to other Dream Girls posts with tons of fabulous photos! Nothing like having professional photographers attend. They captured the weekend's magic beautifully! Thank you!

The Fancy Farmgirl - Tiffany, our hostess with the mostest
Terri Brush Designs - Soldering Queen
Mimi Charmante
Jeanne Oliver
Maison Douce
Plus, watch my Blog Buddies sidebar for any new posts that might come up!

What a magical weekend...thank you one and all!

Dreamy!

2011-03-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

Dream Girls weekend...

was as lovely as it sounds. I was fortunate enough to attend last year and couldn't wait for this year's event! Tiffany and Company rented an elegant barn (I know!) for DG2. It was decorated with chandeliers, twinkly lights, tissue paper flowers and Tiffany's personal (and impressive!) collection of vintage prom dresses. Cupcakes, glitter and laughter filled that barn all weekend. The talented Terri Brush and her delightful friends helped us create one-of-a-kind Soldered Bird Cages on Saturday and then Friendship Bracelets on Sunday.

Day One!

Our kit came in this bag along with a few goodies on top!

Joy of Auntie Joy made the party favors for us. Love them...Love her! I was seated with her and my other new BFF's!

And, I won a door prize!!!

Terri made a remembrance, thank you necklace for each of us.

And Ta Da...my finished project...

My bird cage...a little askew...just like I like it!

Here are a few photos of some of the pretties from Day One.

Mary aka overachiever! Loved her take on everything.

Natalie's darling birdy

Kelli's creation

Rochelle's beautiful Red!

I am still working on my Friendship Bracelet and will post photos and Day Two highlights when I finish (hopefully Tuesday!). And as I see more blogs posting about the weekend I will let you know. The caliber of photographers there was amazing and I know they captured the essence of it all.

Another awesome weekend with truly inspiring women...it really doesn't get much better than that. Thanks to Tiffany, Terri and everyone who WORKED SO HARD to make it so special for us.

Catching up!

2011-02-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

February has been busy and I have some blog catch-up to do.

First off, the Goat Delivery/Portland Wrap-up: After Granny and Wilbur were safely delivered to Apifera, Ophelia and I spent 2 nights with Cousin Chris and family and spent a few days driving around Portland thrift shopping. We {heart} Goodwill! We also went to Monticello Antique Mall and loved all the eye candy there. Top of the line junk and stuff!

Lots of biker dudes and tatooed people in here.
We were welcomed warmly when we asked where the closest Goodwill was!

I screeched to a halt when we saw this place.

Memorial shrine for those that passed recently.

Voodoo Donuts INVENTED maple bars with bacon and lots of other crazy combos.

We went for the french crullers...melt in your mouth, light and fluffy, eggy goodness; the best we have ever had. We decided to not go for the coffin full of donuts. Silly us!

Yep, we tried the photo booth. Ophelia kept sinking lower and lower in every photo!

Loved the oversized cardboard hearts.

We hit as many Goodwills as we could on the way home, including Battle Ground because I also wanted to pop into Uncovered Ruby. Lisa comments frequently on this blog and I wanted to meet her in person. Alas, she wasn't there but I left a note and picked up a few treasures.

Mt. St. Helens...gorgeous day for a drive!

Burgerville and Goodwill in Centralia is always a winning combination and was our last official stop before home.

************************

Second catch-up, Burger Day and Valentines with the gang...I made ribbon wrapped Valentine hearts and picked up some Frost doughnuts for the girls. (there was a fair amount of burgers and donuts in my February adventures!)

************************

And last but not least, I finally took a workshop from Lisa JonesMoore! She is a spectacular local collage artist and Salvage Studio friend. Beeswax Valentines seemed like the perfect Valentine treat for myself and I was right. My buddy Caroline and I took the class together and loved working with beeswax. It was warm and soft and smelled so good!

So, I think we are caught up...and the rest of Febuary is looking pretty quiet...so I will enjoy the dusting of snow, the bulbs popping up in spite of it and working on making this Little House ready for spring!

It was a grand affair!

2011-02-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

Wow!

The Ruffles & Rust Spring Vintage Market was spectacular on so many levels:

Vendors - top notch

Booths - inspiring

Come Junk With Us crew - dreamy

Attendees - worth every bit of hard work

I love this show as a vendor, shopper and fellow junker. So much heart and soul goes into this event.

Here are a few shots of my booth that could not have happened without the hard work and support of my husband Doug and sister Ophelia along with my good buddies Caroline and Cindy! And I was touched by my friends that attended and shopped until they dropped! My booth was nearly empty by the end of Saturday...I am truly blessed beyond words.

Love garden-y yellow-y stuff!

Silver-plated knife handles hold vintage millinery flowers as a wearable vase.

Sterling salt and pepper shakers made into necklace pendants. Vintage 1940s faux pearls!

These lovelies were my treat to myself from Auntie Joy. I loved my jour'ney!

Ruffles and Rust or Bust!

2011-02-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

my booth...garden inspired...of course!

Where the heck have I been lately? Just getting ready for one of the most awesome shows in all the land! Head to the Ruffles and Rust Spring Vintage Market this weekend to soak in and take home some of the loveliest treasures...from rusty farm implements to fine vintage fabrics and everything inbetween. 85 premier vendors have been working their fingers to the bone and combing the land to provide a beautiful selection of wares for you!

Be sure to print out a coupon for $3 off Saturday!

See you soon!

"Where in the Sam Hill is Yamhill?" or "I would go anywhere with a goat!"

2011-02-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

This weekend was my awesome Goat Adventure. Ophelia and I picked up Wilbur and Granny at New Moon Goat Sanctuary on Sunday morning and headed south to Yamhill, Oregon.

We arrived at Apifera Farm at dusk and were greeted by braying donkeys, a herd of sheep and a 'ram'bunctious goat named Frankie. We said hello to Katherine and Martyn and got our charges unloaded and introduced to their new digs. Granny made herself right at home; Wilbur was a bit shy but made the rounds and was happy to have a 'welcome-to-your-new-home' cookie, or two. Katherine's pockets are filled with cookies at all times...part of the Apifera Farm magic, I suspect.

We got the grand farm tour and were pleased to meet the gentle Guinnias; the donkeys, Pino, Paco and Lucia; the big goats, Stella and Iris; and we waved at the sheep and the chickens. We watched the bats come out at dusk from the barn (our family LOVES bats) and hoped for an owl sighting.

Then we went into the warm and cosy farmhouse to get our pie and meet the indoor menagarie. I snuggle-bunnied Itty Bitty Etta too much, I presume, because the only photos I could get were blurry from her smoothing her ruffled fur! So I opted for a little video of her doing just that!

The One-eyed Pug kept close watch over his Etta but was very willing to be petted and ooh-ed and ahh-ed over. Big Tony 'allowed' us to give him a pet...we realize we can be a lot to take in all at once. Huck was exhuberent with his hello, to say the least. And Muddy was a fine host, as well.

Katherine sent us away with bundles and bundles of their beautiful lavender, some of her joyful postcards and the 'pie'...homemade apple with donkey cut-outs on top...Sweet!

My lavender in my sunshiny window!

I wish we would have gotten there sooner. I wish we could have stayed longer. I wish we didn't have to say good-bye to our wonderful goat travel companions. It was kinda lonely on the way home...Ha!

Shy, but oh so handsome, Wilbur.

Sweet Granny with her semi-toothless grin.
This old girl had a 3-pack a day Baaaaahh that cracked us up!
But a delightful traveler.

We have to say our Goat Adventure was a huge success all the way around. Thanks to Ellen and Katherine for all the beautiful work you do for these creatures.

I highly recommend you visit Katherine's blog for so many beautiful photos, stories and opportunities to help these wonderful animals of Apifera!

Ready, Set, Goat!?

2011-01-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

Yep, I said Goat!

Today, my sister and I are off on an inter-state adventure with Granny and Wilber.

Let me start at the beginning. I don't remember who 'friended' who first on FaceBook, but Katherine Dunn of Apifera Farm had me at "Where art and animals collide", and then it just got better from there. She rescued Itty Bitty Etta, a rain-soaked itty bitty kitten around Halloween. And she has a one-eyed pug; and makes puppets; and raises weed-loving donkeys; and lives on a lavender farm; and makes pie....sigh....

A couple of weeks ago she announced on FaceBook that she is adopting some rescue goats from New Moon Farm Goat Rescue & Sanctuary in Arlington, Washington and wouldn't it be nice if someone will volunteer to get them to her in Yamhill, Oregon. So I did. I volunteered and have been looking forward to this road trip like I can't even explain. I am thinking there is some good medicine for the soul there...

So, Ophelia and I are bringing the goats to Apifera and like I said, are making an adventure of it. Once the goats are safely delivered, a pie is in our hands and Itty Bitty Etta is snuggle-bunnied, we are going to Portland to stay with our cousin and family. We will take in the sights, do a little shopping, eat some good food and laugh and giggle like the super, silly sisters we are.

I will post photos of our Goat Adventure and let you know how it went when we get back!

A Tutorial and Christentine Greetings

2011-01-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

Back on December 20, 1990 when we bought our Little House, we didn't have a Christmas tree. It just wasn't going to happen that year. So when I came home from work on January 25, 1991, Doug had purchased a living evergreen tree and had decorated it with Valentines and proclaimed it Christentine! So tomorrow is the 20 year anniversary of the first Christentine. We celebrate it every year with a 'Happy Christentine!' and some kind of blended decor. It works for me...no rush to get the holiday tree down and I love red! Our newly redone bathroom is the perfect Valentine-y space with its red ceiling and black and white accents so the tinsel tree that was in there was the logical choice.

Pink dove from Ormolulu,
Red Feather Butterfly from Bountiful Home
and
Valentine Fat Book from a Red Lead Swap.

For the December 2nd Saturdayz Urban Market I had made some Ribbon Wrapped Wire Stocking ornaments and then for gift pizzazz I made some Initial ornaments. So here is a quick tutorial for Ribbon Wrapped Wire Hearts.

You will need:

18-gauge wire
Pliers (round nose, smooth nose, or needle nose)
Wire cutters
Ribbon (I used Midori silk, double-faced satin and velvet)
Ruler
Scissors
Bling

Cut wire to about 14" long. Use round nose pliers to make loop and then bend wire by hand into your shape.

Attach end of wire around inside of first loop and crimp closed with pliers.

Cut 1 to 1 1/2 feet of ribbon to wrap around wire (depends on how large you make your heart).
Tie around wire at top of heart. Leave a little tail at the top.

Wrap, overlapping slightly each time around.

When you reach the end, tie off at the top to the existing tail of your starter knot.
Trim ends as you like.

A group of hearts....
You can add bling to your loop or bend up with pliers for hanging.
Here I added a chandelier crystal to the pink heart.
But it could be beads, charms, another heart.

Happy Christentine!

Ah...Spring

2011-01-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

It is just around the corner...

I strategically placed a Witchhazel (Hammemalis mollis) across from my kitchen window so I could see it during these grey days of winter. This weekend it popped during the warmer temperatures here in the Pacific Northwest. It is a beautiful winter flowering tree/large shrub with these funny, crepe papery, stringy, sweet smelling flowers. I LOVE it!

I combined it with a yellow-twig dogwood. I think witchhazel smells like Trix cereal!

Now is the time to buy one in the nursery. You can pick your color (yellow, red, orangy) and make sure it is fragrant! And the Washington Park Arboretum has beautiful specimens in the Witt Winter Garden. I highly recommend it as a field trip!

Mark your calendars!

2011-01-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

It is time for the Ruffles and Rust Spring Event. And I am so pleased to be a vendor again...

And visit Come Junk With Us to get the details for Friday night's Hat Spectactular!

Here is a coupon for $3 off of Saturday's entry...courtesy of moi...would love to see you!

{feel free to print out as many of these babies as you like to give to friends!}

Brave Girl!

2011-01-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

I am so giddy!

Awhile ago, I signed up for the Brave Girls Club online workshop 'Soul Restoration'. I feel more relaxed, grounded, restored and plain darn happy just saying it (or writing it!) out loud. This blends perfectly with and supports my earlier declaration of Back to Basics: Tending My Soul and Surroundings!

I have been gathering art supplies from their suggested list (OMG! do I have a lot of stuff to draw from...I am just sayin') and making a cozy space in the back bedroom to make some art-mess-goodness. And I have been watching the awesome videos they have been sending out...paving the way for what is to come.

My life has been filled with amazing people coming into my life at exactly the right time, exactly when I needed them. This next chapter of my life is gonna be a good one! Thanks for joining me....

Back to Basics

2011-01-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

This week between Christmas and New Year's is always a reflective time. After the parties, presents and festivities of the preceding 6 weeks are over, I am always ready for the peace and quiet. This past year has left a lot to reflect on.

After a long, fun run of Salvage Studio retail goodness and book writing over the past several years, I was looking forward to slowing down a bit. 2010 was slated to be a year to renew my soul and spirit; work in the garden and 'just be' in my nest.

But, as we all know, sometimes the Universe has other plans for us.

In the early spring, we decided to officially retire the Salvage Studio and I started Lisa's Little House.

And in April, Rod, my step-dad of nearly 40 years died unexpectedly a week after retiring, shaking our family to the core.

My beautiful, baby sister got married 3 weeks later.

And I spent most of the summer traveling back and forth to eastern Washington, helping my mom with long-overdue projects at her house.

In the fall, I prepared for my first solo show. A huge success, but stressful nonetheless. And then I did it again in December.

During this roller coaster ride of a year, I learned how strong and determined I could be. And I learned what my family is made of. My Mom and sister are amazing women and the men in our lives are amazing, too. My friends have been angels on earth; listening, loving and ready to help with a meal or a perfectly timed hug. Gifts to offset the grief and I am so grateful. My family is too...

And I realized that my original goal for 2010 was true and valid and worth another shot.

So....it is time to get back to the basics...

2011 is slated to be a year to renew my soul and spirit; work in the garden and 'just be' in my nest. Amen!

A Charming Noel

2010-12-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Today is our annual holiday charm swap...just a small group of great friends sharing a potluck lunch, laughs and charms...Heaven!

I created these charms from some pieces of metal probably from the front of a file cabinet. The bits of red paint were already on the metal. Bonus! I Mod Podged Midori paper on the back and printed out the NOEL on sticky-back clear paper (I use it in landscape design to label drafted plans on vellum) that I also Mod Podged over to protect the writing. Then I attached some bits of bling and a charm is born.

My fruit salad is made; hostess gift is wrapped; my charms are ready; now off to my charming day!

PS...I will post photos this afternoon/evening of the charms I received in return!

Holiday Goodness!

2010-12-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

December Burger Day with the girls is always terrific....Burgers AND holiday gift exchange! This year I did my shopping at 2nd Saturdayz and I found the exactly right gifts. The Tree (for Beth) was from Lori of Cinnabarblue, the Mannequin (for Colleen) was made by Linda of Luluz and the Wreath (for Judy) was assembled by Deb of Garden Party.

Here is a close-up of the pretty wreath details.

Bunny always loves to help and is looking good in the Midori silk ribbon box.

I made some initial ornaments from wire and Midori silk ribbon as nametags. And I will post a super-simple tutorial on these next week!

Wrapped the gifts up in creamy dreamy pieces of silk sari, added some ribbon and the ornaments and the gifts were good to go. Fabric is a great wrap: recyclable again as wrap or can later be used in crafts and is very good for odd shaped items. And who doesn't need a piece of silk sari?

Happy girls with full tummys and full hearts!

Colleen, Beth, Me, Judy

2nd Saturdayz was #1

2010-12-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Loved being a vendor at last weekend's 2nd Saturdayz Holiday Show!

The lovely organizers, Linda and Deb, made us feel so special...even shared a beautiful and delicious dinner by candlelight with us...Ham and scalloped potatos from Geff and treats from some of the rest of the vendors. And the table was decked out, of course.

A few shots of my booth.

And some of my tiny treasures.

I made the necklace from a drilled out serving spoon and attached the porcelain rose and added green rayon ribbon to suggest the stem.

The stockings were made from wire and then wrapped with silk Midori ribbon.

My friend Sara makes the best handmade soap...

This display by Dawn of Great Findz was breathtaking. She is so very talented.

Mom and Ophelia helped me set-up on Friday...Love them! And Doug was on duty for tear-down...Love him!

And a big thank you to all my friends that came by to say hello! Hope you had as much fun as I did!

Happy Holidays!

Hooray for Craft Days!

2010-12-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was going to be an 'outdoor' project day, but Mom and I just didn't want to be out in the rainy rain. So we gathered up the shrunken, felted wool and a couple of cats and crafted all afternoon.

Spicy watching the thread go in and out...hard to resist.

Bunny just chillin'...

Mom has been working on these pretty 3-dimensional Christmas trees.

She hopes to have enough for a little forest on her coffee table this holiday.

I worked on pillows for the upcoming 2nd Saturdayz sale. I have always loved this wool blanket with its creamy dreamy background and soft rose flowers and holly leaves.

Now it has become some comfy cozy pillows.

Hooray for indoor craft days!

Dressing vs Stuffing

2010-11-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

What do you call it? There are lots of websites that discuss this, for instance, Serious Eats. Entertaining to say the least.

Our family calls it dressing. Mom's Sausage Dressing to be exact. Ambrosia. I have made the dressing for my family for the last several years without Mom to taste it. She will be here for Thanksgiving this year (yay!) but I am still going to make the dressing. Why? Because I can finally have her fine-tune my attempt. I want to KNOW how to make this dish.

The basics are easy peasy with a simple ratio of 1:1:1:1

Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage
large chopped onion
chopped celery bunch, including top
loaf of cheap bread, cubed
Cook sausage, add onion and celery, season with sage (lots!) and pepper and cook till done. Add to bread cubes in big bowl. Mix. Add chicken broth until all is moistened and combined really well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bake in oven at 350 for 45 minutes or surround turkey with dressing and bake. We then love to crisp it up in a pan, folding the crispy bits into the dressing over and over. And we add turkey juice and chunks of turkey or the giblets (not the liver!) to the crispy dressing. And the next day...forget about it!...even better. That is why I make a triple batch!

Enjoy your family this week...and your food!

Drumroll please...

2010-11-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone for entering my Domino Clock giveaway! I put the names in a bucket and Mom pulled out the winner. It was very exciting!

The winner is Susan Gillmor! Congratulations.

And because we couldn't stop ourselves, we drew another name for another Domino Clock...Jeannie, come on down!

So, if you both could email me your contact information I will get your Domino Clocks in the mail.

Thank you to everyone who entered.

Colleen's Cupie

2010-11-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite birthday traditions is Burger Day with Colleen, Judy and Beth. We gather at the Ranch Drive-In in Bothell; grab a Ranch burger; and ooh and aah over giftwrapping and gifts. It is so delightful to give to (and received from) these fabulous women. They 'get' the good stuff and the glittery stuff and the French stuff and the repurposed stuff and the rusty stuff.

Birthday Girl, Colleen with gifts to unwrap.
Wrap is as important as the gift with these girls!

This fall it took us months to finally celebrate Colleen's September birthday. Colds, surgeries, vacations all coincided (or collided!) to keep us apart. But yesterday we made it happen. It wasn't burgers, but pizza delivery to Colleen's because we just couldn't wait any longer! She called me bright and early Wednesday morning and said "Pizza at my house and bring my birthday present!" Yes, ma'am!

I had picked up a slightly imperfect Cupie doll awhile back and altered her ala Colleen. She turned out so ding dang cute (as Colleen likes to say!) From her tulle-covered jello-mold tuffet to her typewriter key crown this gal just exudes cuteness. And so does Colleen!

Thanks for your help, Delilah!

I had put together a little Halloween favor for everyone. Vintage crepe paper rolls complete with stickers that I had found in a Frederick & Nelson box at the Everett Goodwill Outlet. Score!

easy peasy wrapping and instant festivity

And then, Beth had treasures for us from France...oooh la la. I received a Lady of Lourdes picture in my home's warm colors, a fabulous champagne glass, gorgeous knife and a mystery wood item that is so sculptural. If anyone knows what it might be, please let me know.

I am blessed with great friends who love what I love, love to laugh

and it really can't get much better than that!

A 'Timely' Giveaway

2010-11-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

The reason for this giveaway is two-fold.

The first reason is that I am so happy to have 'gained an hour' this weekend...Yeah, I know, it is all in my head...but that is where I spend most of my time anyway so that reason works for me.

The second is I am so grateful to all of you for your support of me and Lisa's Little House.

So, one of my homemade Domino Clocks seems appropriate. The photo was taken by Kate Baldwin and is from our book, The Salvage Studio, Sustainable Home Comforts to Organize, Entertain and Inspire. It is one of the 35 projects listed in the book. Your clock will vary slightly. I have two to choose from and I haven't decided yet!

And if you don't win, and don't have our book (!?), you can click here to see me on YouTube showing you how to make one. TaDa!

Oh yeah, here is how to enter the giveaway...

Leave me a comment on this post with a link to a mention of this giveaway on your blog. Easy peasy!
Bonus points if you are on FaceBook and 'like' my FaceBook page.
You have until Midnight PST on Sunday, November 14 to comment. I will be announcing the winner on Monday, November 15, probably after I have my coffee!

But seriously, thank you for all your kind words and support! I really appreciate you.

A Farm Chicks Christmas

2010-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Serena of the Farm Chicks is hosting a booksigning at Chaps in Spokane AND a virtual online booksigning this Friday...I ordered my book to be signed by Serena and friends...have you?
Order The Farm Chicks Christmas book from her website here by 1pm on Friday and you too can be part of the celebration! And there is also a giveaway going on to boot...so be sure you check the posts for details.

Mom is here!

2010-11-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Vintage stitchery on our mantle...a picture (with words) is worth at least 1000 words!

Mom is here for the month of November...we are so excited!

Doug flew over there last week and helped Mom winterize the house. And then they drove over together.

Hopefully we can convince her to stay into December.

Keep your fingers crossed!

We are having a baby!

2010-10-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

Well, don't get too excited...it is the "royal" we...but exciting nontheless! My sister, Ophelia and her husband, Micah are expecting their first baby! We are all aflutter here. I FINALLY got the A-OK to tell the world.

Ophelia is through her first trimester, so felt comfortable with announcing it. It has been so hard to keep my mouth shut...and as some of you know (who 'knew') that wasn't easy. I was even telling strangers at the grocery store! That seemed alright...because 'they' wouldn't tell anyone we knew, right? And if you didn't know, don't feel bad...I must have been having one of my 'good' days.

Well, this is Mom's first grandchild so it is really big for our family. And since I was twelve years old when O was born she is kinda like my quasi-kid. No spoiling for this baby, huh?

I got out my scrapbooks the other day, looking at some early days photos...

Ophelia barely walking, waving to us 'big kids' playing outside 1976

O hanging with me at my first apartment. She loved coming over to spend the night! 1983

Ophelia and Micah on their wedding day, May 1, 2010

I got to hear the baby's heartbeat at the midwife appointment last Tuesday. Still takes my breath away!

Baby is due mid-May...we can hardly wait!

Ruffles and Rust and Resting

2010-10-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ophelia and I on Blogger's Ball night...Thanks, Phil for making my lovely sash!

What a weekend!

Set-up went as smooth as silk...mostly.

Kay Mitchell of The Weathered Rose passing out delicious New York Cupcakes.

The Blogger's Ball was a glorious event filled with prom dresses, sparkly jewelry and laughter.

Julie Sotomura of Photomura in her blog finery. Love the sash made of photo slides!

Julie helping Cindy Pestka of Artgirl-Island don her sash.

Sale day on Saturday was non-stop shoppers, wide-eyed with wonder

for all that we had created to make this a special occasion to remember.

And tear-down took place at lightning speed...trying to avoid the rain

that had thoughtfully been absent for most of the weekend.

A big thank you to Timi and her Posse, my family and friends,

the other talented vendors and the supportive shoppers who made us all feel so special.

And now we get to rest...until the next fun shindig!

Cheers!

A Family Affair

2010-10-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

We all have family...some is by blood, some by marriage, some by some other bond...some other connection.

My sister, Ophelia and my husband, Doug were my lifeline, support, minions and sanity before, during and after the great weekend adventure of Ruffles and Rust! I truly could not have done it without their love and support. Plus we had a ton of fun!

My junking family is my other bond and connection. They 'get' me. The love of the hunt; the creativity; the chippy; the treasures; the history of the junk. Like me, they see the potential; the beauty underneath. They don't judge...they support; smile; admire; accept.

I am a lucky girl!

My booth...warm and cozy!

So if you came to Ruffles and Rust, you know what I am talking about. It was a creative masterpiece. A great big room filled with hundreds (thousands!) of people with one goal in mind...to celebrate our collective creative process.

Necklaces I created from spoons and porcelain flowers.

There is still so much to process from the whole extravaganza. So watch for another post about this most marvelous weekend!

Hillbillies

2010-10-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

The truck is loaded and ready for set-up day for Ruffles and Rust. Whew...

I feel like we should have Granny sitting on top in a rocker!

Here we go......

See you soon!

Of course I wood!

2010-10-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

No, it isn't a typo or a grammar snafu. I really like things made of wood. One of the happiest days of my life is when my friend Susan and I discovered I had hardwood floors under my ugly carpet!

I have been so busy assembling, creating, repurposing items for the Ruffles and Rust event (in less than a week! Yikes!) and my favorite things are made of wood; simple boxes, table tops, benches. Maybe it is because I love nature and trees; maybe it's the many grain patterns and colors of wood; maybe it is the warmth and strength it symbolizes.

And plain wood is transformed when waxed. Here is the difference between two wooden boxes. The top one is waxed with the Beeswax Wood Polish I made from Amber Dusick's recipe. It brings out the natural warm color of the wood. Yummy!

Hope to see you at the Show. Don't forget you can print out a $3 off coupon for Saturday's admission from my blog sidebar. Come visit me at Lisa's Little House!

What is your favorite 4-letter word?

2010-10-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Mine is FREE!

What did you think I was asking...really people, this is a family show!

My buddy, Cindy Pestka is teaching a free workshop on

La Dia de los Muertos

this weekend at the Kirkland Library.

Cindy is a hoot-and-a-half and an excellent instructor.

You can get all the details on signing up on her blog, Artgirl Island.

A boy and his new tricycle

2010-10-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

My man is notorious for bike accidents. Three big ones in the past five years. First time he busted his arm; second time his wrist; this last one he was lucky but still two months later the swelling hasn't gone down in his knee! So we (I) decided training wheels were in order. He has dreamed of owning a TerraTrike for a long time. And he has been eating so healthy and has lost nearly 30 pounds this past year, so frankly, he deserves this reward.

Friday he worked from home so he could be here when his new toy arrived. This trucked pulled up (how big is this bike anyway?)

and Doug was grinning from ear-to-ear as he ran to help unload his new mode of transportation.

Of course all this activity got the neighbors involved (we have the best neighbors EVER!)

and the unboxing ensued.

Then the playing in the box ensued.

We took turns taking it for a spin. What a fun ride!

So Doug has already logged onto Should I Bike to see if the weather is suitable for his debut ride to work tomorrow. Hooray for sun! And wish him luck!

A pumpkin pick-me-up

2010-10-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

This was one of my selections. I love the twisty stem.

Wednesday was one of those days.

We all have them and they defy reason.

A good thing would happen and then a yucky thing would happen.

I am pretty good at shaking that stuff off but enough was enough.

So I went out to the Farm and picked out my pumpkins!

Nothing like the sun, fresh air and pumpkins to cheer a girl up!

Take that, bad day!

I have a ton of things to do today and as my reward this afternoon,

I am going to style my Fall Vignette at the front entry.

So it is a pumpkin pick-me-up two-fer.

Yesterday AND today!

Mums the word!

2010-10-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Tables of chysanthemums

I went plant shopping for my buddy Cindy Pestka's garden project at my favorite wholesale nursery, Vibrant Plants, out in Woodinville last week. I am a sucker for the plants...I can't lie.

One for Cindy...two for me...one for Cindy...two for me.

Acres of plants in a pretty tapestry just begging to go home with me.

And I really had no business buying any plants. None. I told you...I am a sucker.

A couple of my selections...echinacea (in 2 colors) and gaura.

But, now I am really excited to rework a few beds this fall and these will find a happy home in the upper picket fence garden. It is visible from the front picture windows, so will be admired by us and the passers-by.

Yeah, that's it...that is why I did it. It will be our little secret...

Hot Ticket!

2010-09-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on attending the Ruffles & Rust Event...

and I am telling you that you mustn't, mustn't miss it...

you can use the coupon below for $3 bucks off admission on Saturday, October 23.

We love us a coupon!

Weeds and Wildlife

2010-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love books that stay with me for years. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson is one of those. Written in 1962, one year before I was born, she foretold/forewarned us about the deadly price toxic agricultural practices would have on our health, our children and our planet. We all know that sad story has come true but I am hopeful that a change is coming.

one of my buddies enjoying goldenrod in my garden

I grew up appreciating 'weeds' as wildflowers and realizing their benefit to insects. Especially the insects who pollinate our food.
In Silent Spring, I remember Rachel talking about bees and how in the fall, they depend on goldenrod to stock up on fuel for the winter. So I grow goldenrod. The wild kind. Along with some other 'weeds'. And I don't chop everything down. I leave seed-heads. And brush and leaf piles. I leave some of those, too. It keeps me hopeful.

Opa!

2010-09-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

It is safe to say we are some of the biggest fans of the annual

St. Demetrious Greek Festival.

Why, you ask?

Because it was our first date 25 years ago!

That was the day Doug asked the imfamous question: "How old are you, anyway?"

He was 30 and I was 22 and he hadn't even bothered to wonder how old I was...

he knew I was younger...but not sure how much younger.

It still cracks us up! But we always are cracking each other up...that is one of our super special secrets for staying happily married for almost 25 years.

And what makes our friends roll their eyes at us.

Oh, well.

So on Sunday we once again ate some of our favorite foods and listened to some of our favorite music.

And I am STILL 8 years younger!

Opa!

Bounty for the birds

2010-09-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

I recently did a project for Birds & Blooms Magazine.

The Silverware Suet Feeder is in their October issue and you can click on the link to see how it is made. It is pretty strange AND pretty cool to see my name as the by-line. I picked up my extra issues at Barnes and Noble, if you are interested in having your own copy. And if you are a bird lover like me, you can subscribe online. Enjoy!

A Dreamy Day

2010-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday started out just like any other day around here. I had an appointment at 11am and then was just going to drive out to Woodinville to pick up our weekly vegetable share at The Root Connection.

But after my appointment I decided to meander down into Edmonds to check out a food truck I have been hearing about -- here and there: an anywhere grill. Oh my goodness! The menu changes weekly and is posted online along with where the truck will be and for how long. Julie is a mighty fine cook, to say the least!

Hydrangeas at Todd's

The food truck was only a block from Bountiful Home in Edmonds, so I wandered over to Todd's to 'borrow' his garden to eat my lunch in. I used a potting bench for my table and a rolling thing-a-ma-jig for a seat...he was a terrific host and I felt like a queen. Joan of The Weed Lady fame was there too...it is always a treat to see her.

She had brought in some teeny tiny rose hip sprays for Todd. He gathered up a small bouquet for me to take home...a treasured momento of this beautiful fall day.

My rosehips in my bathroom--a reminder of my dreamy day!

Then off to Woodinville. As I was picking my weekly floral bouquet at the farm...Dahlias this time...I wanted to soak up the last of the summer sun. I am really self-conscious of my chubby arms and keep them covered up. But I decided it was my party today and I hadn't invited anyone who would judge me! So off with the linen jacket and on with the glorious sunshine.

People, I can't tell you how much the magic, unexpected events of today meant to me. Walking in the sun; filling my tummy with delicious food; surrounding myself with friends in a garden; simple, thoughtful gestures; my own confident defiance.

It was dreamy!

Autumn!

2010-09-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Happy first day of Fall everyone...it is truly my favorite season.

Soups, Sweaters, Snuggly blankets!

Cool, Crisp, Color changes!

Foliage, Fireplaces, Foggy mornings!

I will stop now...but you get my drift.

Enjoy!

Eco-friendly meets Eco-friendly

2010-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love thrifting, reusing and re-purposing...I believe it is the 'original' green. My family and I have been doing it for as long as I can remember. It is why I was able to quit my corporate life 16 years ago to stay home and work on creating our nest in our Little House...indoors and out.

This week is about preparing items for my Lisa's Little House booth at the Ruffles and Rust Event, being held October 22 & 23 at the Monroe Fairgrounds.

As you know, blogging around we pick up hot tips and find inspiration. In the past, I have used Johnson's Paste Wax to create a beautiful, satiny finish on furniture. No more! Thanks to Amber Dusick and her eco-friendly wooden children's toys, I have learned how to make Beeswax Wood Polish. No more ucky petroleum products (not to mention the smell!) and having to wear gloves to apply the wax. Can you see/feel my deep sigh of relief?

I am so pleased that the furniture I am preparing for the Event will be even better for you to have in your home, safer for me to prepare and best of all...better for the earth.

It's a theme

2010-09-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Autumn crocus with a houseguest

I am thinking it is all about the garden this week. Does your life run in themes sometimes? Mine must. Interesting. I will think on that some more.

I took some of these photos at my Mom's over the seasons. She has instilled a love of nature and an awareness of the little things that are magical in our lives. Stopping to admire a spider's web; watching a bird make a nest; foraging for wild berries; the subtle color changes within a flower; planting spring bulbs in the fall and enjoying the surprise of them poking out of the ground in the spring.

Snowdrops...in the snow!

Arum Lily...tried and true family favorite

I love the little things!

Zinnias

2010-09-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

I try to always have a bouquet of fresh flowers in the bathroom...it makes me happy. Zinnias have got to be the perfect summer-to-fall transition flower. They have the sherbet colors of summer and the warmness of autumn all rolled into one beautiful, long-lasting bloom.

My garden is...

2010-09-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

...my church. I don't mean to be blasphemous or mean to get preachy...I really don't. I am not a religious person but I consider myself a very spiritual person. I connect to something bigger and better than myself when I am out in the garden.

I haven't been spending a lot of time in the garden this year...and I have felt it. My garden has felt it to. But like a best friend/Great Spirit/church family, it hasn't given up on me. It has been there waiting; creating blessings for me; preparing to nourish me; surrounding me in beauty.

And I am grateful.

Lisa's Little House-guests

2010-09-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Sigrid and Bunny and Pipecleaner

Our dear friend, Nancy, house/cat sat for us while we were at Mom's. Two of her granddaughters, Sigrid and Louisa, spent a few nights with her at Lisa's Little House. We don't have kids visit much, so the cats were a litte leary, but Bunny tried to be a good hostess because there were pipecleaners in the equation (she LOVES pipecleaners). And now she loves little girls!

Louisa pointing at bottle stoppers in silver-plated vases.

The girls were fascinated by this place. They had lots of questions for Nancy. Some she could answer and some she couldn't, so we will have a future Q&A visit with the girls so they can get all their questions addressed. I can't wait!

Nancy took some shots of a few of the girl's favorite items. Louisa directed most of the shots, as you will see. Sigrid was the kitty entertainer. And don't worry, I didn't include all 55 photos! Just some of my favorites.

Louisa spotted a price sticker on this color bingo card. From then on the girls wanted to know if all the things they liked in the house were for sale. Love that! Let's make a deal...

"This is candy, you know"

They thought the wooden blocks with the names of past and present kitties was a 'nice' idea.

Blue kitty statue hangs out by the fireplace.

Flower frogs

Every little girl loves bling! Big girls, too.

Crazy tree in my entry that I still need to finish painting. Soon Louisa will be able to reach the tallest leaves.

More treasures under glass

What I love is seeing my Little House through someone else's eyes. And nothing like starting the young'uns out right...Living and Loving Junk!

Retreat

2010-09-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of these two talented folks, Bob and Deb Kennedy. Their Petite Retreat Autumn Vintage Market is Saturday, September 18 and will be spectacular! Deb is even teaching a workshop that day on her Sweet Sweater Pumpkins.

Here are some of her Sweet Sweater Pumpkins I purchased from her last year, adorning my fall mantle.

I believe our local, small businesses make the world go round. Now is the time to support them!

Feast

2010-09-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

Doug and I have been visiting Mom in Dayton, Washington all week. Besides all the delicious food she fixes for us (every family member has their favorite requests!) we have enjoyed a few restaurants in town. For a town with a population of 2500-ish, the fare is world-class.

Patit Creek Restaurant is a family favorite. Not only is the food delicious (5-star) and fresh, fresh, fresh; the garden is a feast for the eyes. Each season is stunning...and they grow a banana tree (heavy on the winter mulch) which is unheard of during Eastern Washington winters.

front of the restaurant

planter with papyrus

amaranth in the front garden

yummy clematis...quite a beauty

Then we ate for the first time at Manila Bay Cafe...oh my! Beautiful decor...my favorite colors; deep reds, yellows and blues.

sunflowers in an assortment of glass containers

daily specials

And the food was dreamy.

our lumpia appetizer was delicious

kalua pig...so succulent and love the banana leaf steamer pouch

and my side salad looked like a flower arrangement...but tasted better!

And the local beer was tasty, too!

We love our time in Dayton...slower pace, time with Mom, beautiful scenery....A Feast for the Soul.

Simply Charming

2010-08-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Charm Swap day! Take a look at my new treasures...and how beautifully they are presented.

This twice-annual event is one of my all time favorite days. Thanks to all my swap buddies for your little gems and your continued friendship!

A dream come true...

2010-08-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs is The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee. Oodles of kitten cuteness on a daily basis. I happened along her blog a couple years ago from Linda Morrison's blog, Luluz. They had me at 'Itty".

'Professional Crafter' Laurie Cinotto is a kitten foster mom for The Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County and I really admire her work with animals along with her darling paper flower work.

(book coming soon!)

Well, our paths have crossed in the junking and blogging world and today

I had the honor of joining her, Linda and all the cats for lunch. And what to you take a

'Professional Crafter' and kitties for a hostess gift?

Hostess gifts for kitties and Laurie

The kitties received a vintage, pink floral container of organic wheat grass (a huge hit!) and I made little bouquet of button flowers for Laurie.

Charlene Butterbean (IBKC grand-dame) greeted me at the door; made sure I was

worthy to meet the kitties; received her well-deserved gift and accoulades and retired to her upstairs suite for the rest of the visit. I was in kitten heaven watching

the Fabulous Furman Five play, eat, sleep and run around.

Truly entertaining.

Oliver, Curtis, Teddy, Edith and Roland Furman

My attempt at kitten photography was dismal at best.

Please check out Laurie's blog for truly beautiful kitten photos.

Teddy and Edith

Oliver attacking my necklace!

I don't know how Laurie does it, but my fuzzy attempts at photos are

kinda appropriate considering how fuzzy these babies are!

Spending the day with these two very talented and delightful women along with

some bonafide Itty Bitty Kitties was truly a dream come true.

Thank you!

Basil: My favorite summer herb

2010-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Basil.
So delicious added at the last minute to sauteed zucchini or sprinkled over a quick salad of tomatoes, mozzarella and olive oil. I put my freshly cut basil in a glass of water on my kitchen window sill and change the water out every few days. If it roots, I count my lucky stars because that means it will last a really long time. I just harvest the lower leaves for my dish d'jour.
Nothing says summer like basil...grab a bouquet for your window sill today.

Cuckoo

2010-08-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

My friend, Cindy Pestka, recently participated in 30 Paintings in 30 Days at Avanti Art and Design in Greenwood. It was a great show and the art was spectacular. I purchased this little gem. I love her.

I picked her up on Saturday on my way to West Seattle to visit Cindy...and so the fun begins...

My description of the day's events would be nothing compared to Cindy's...please visit her blog, Artgirl Island for the hilarious and TRUE and ACCURATE recount of some of our adventures on Saturday.

It was Cuckoo!

Abundance

2010-08-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Great word. I love it. I try to live it.

A subtle change. A great phrase. That would be my husband's doing.

Great guy. I love him. I try to live with him!

Lazy Days of Summer? --- I don't think so!

2010-08-19T00:43:00.000-07:00

Two of my pals, Caroline and Joanne, both work at schools, so they have the summers 'off'. Well, they were bound and determined to cram a lot of fun into this summer break and we planned a day together as a last hurrah before back to school. Tuesday, we started the day at Joanne's so I could meet her 4 lovely black and white cats.

Those boys were stunners but kinda shy.

And I also got to peek into her 2...yes 2! craft rooms. Christmas is a very prevalent theme and was a delight to behold.

Then we hit the road to have lunch at Five, a delicious bistro in Edmonds, located in the old Salvage Studio space on Edmonds Way. We all dream about their Caesar Salad and want to make this our official hang out! You can see more photos of the lovely decor in this previous SS post.

Here we are after lunch...full and happy.

Our delightful server Naomi and her partner in crime, Bridget.

Since we had some time to spare before our last stop of the day we dropped into the Everett Goodwill Outlet. Joanne 'won' since she only spent $6, but I was very happy to make it out of there for under $20. I found some excellent treasures to repurpose into even better treasures for the upcoming Ruffles and Rust show.

The final destination was Black Door Studio in Everett. Julia Jacques is an artist who opened this studio and has created a wonderful community of artists.

Jill, looking Pretty in Pink

She was hosting a fundraiser for her friend Jill of "Team Kindred Spirits" who is walking in the Susan G. Komen 3-day Event! We were happy to make a donation and make a few crafts and eat a few cookies!

Very fun day and absolutely nothing lazy about it.

Whirlwind Weekend

2010-08-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

My sweetie, Doug

We had a delightful weekend in Edmonds and beyond! First up was Junk-o-Rama at Bountiful Home.

I was so happy to meet Sandra and Todd of Pink Marmalade. I loved their stuff. The signs are fresh and nostalgic!

Joan, the famed Weed Lady!

Then we had lunch at the Taste of Edmonds. Loved the duck sliders from Epulo! Plus, my brother-in-law works there part-time. Gotta support the family!

And we decided to cool off with the car air conditioning and head to Bothell for the grand opening of The Weathered Rose in Country Village. Darling shop that also sells New York Cupcakes.

Hope you had a terrific weekend, too!

It's an Edmonds kind of weekend!

2010-08-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday in Edmonds will be Fun Fun Fun!

Junk-o-Rama and Taste of Edmonds...junk and food!

What's cookin', good lookin'?

2010-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love a plan.
Not that I won't drop everything and go meet a friend for lunch if they call me. I am not that crazy about a plan. But I love knowing what is for dinner each evening. It takes away some of my daily stress, last minute running around and saves us money. So I make a weekly dinner menu. It is like my diamond in the rough and isn't set in stone...but it is a good guide.
The basics are easy to fill in. We have Meatless Mondays, Fish on Friday and Sunday Dinner. We try to have a Supper Salad one night and a homemade soup for our standing Wednesday night dinner with our buddy, Bruce. I usually try to make extra food a couple of evenings so we can have a Leftover Night. And then a night that I fill in with something I have been craving lately, like Italian food or something like that.
I have simple little chalkboard on my fridge and I just write down the general idea/theme. Easy peasy.
It really helps me narrow down our choices because we love food around here and fortunately, I love to cook.