kimmykats

Angel Wings

2012-02-01T19:00:00.002-06:00

Saturday morning the Mr and I were sitting in our recliners reflecting on how long we have had the "crud" as our Dr puts it. Outside the sky was blue and sun was shinning ....the Mr looked at me and said you want to blow this joint and take a drive??? I immediately jumped up and said if you feel good enough to drive I can ride!! I gathered my beading supplies and as the Mr drove I beaded bullets..... Off to Galesburg IL to Semenary St we went. We took the less traveled route and enjoyed our trip over the Mississippi....unbelievably flowing with no ice.....watched the eagles soar and crossed the flat fields of Illinios. We had come through Galesburg at night on the way home from Buffalo and had a wonderful meal at a Pub so were eager to walk the restored downtown streets and visit the shops. We had done our homework and had a list of antique shops to hunt down. We happened across an interesting storefront and I deterred from our planned route and popped in. OH MY...what a treasure I found at Stray Cat Art. They have filled the store with handmade items by local artists. From the pots made from old freon canisters to the little dog driving the old electrolux they had me entranced. I wish they had more on their sight but please go visit and see some of their unique art. I fell in love with the freon tanks and decided I needed to get one for my almost Mom....FOR Mother's day .......she had it by Monday night.....I am worse than a kid. One of the vendors had taken an old tire and made into a large flower petal bird feeder......oh I wanted one of these too! Beautiful jewelry, woven goods......this store will be on my list of I need to stop again!

Mom Connie already has a Valentine arrangement in this on her table

As we were late getting on our expedition we needed to keep moving ...... The Antique Mall was 3 floors of wonderful items....we found an old chip rack to be used for our earrings and I fell in love with some rhinestone pieces. Next antique store had silverware for us. Our last stop Hawthorne Antique Mall the owner was so full of knowledge about the history of her store....during the war it was part of the Mayo Clinic that our wounded veterans were sent to. We happily spent the remaining shopping time listening to her stories. I came away with some beautiful buttons and a big sigh of what a wonderful day.... I know I am getting better.............

ahhh.....choo

2012-01-25T22:56:00.000-06:00

I have all these lovely treasures sitting around.........I have been too busy with my sidekick box of Kleenex.......round 3 of drugs. My Dr says it's time for me to be well......I have been battling this stuff since Thanksgiving.......I have lots to do darn it!! My husband won't even kiss me anymore,....so for now I will gaze at my bowl of beauties and think of all the lovely jewelry I can make.....someday....

Help!!

2012-01-18T07:41:00.001-06:00

I don't know about all of you but, I can't get to my comments!! I have tried to look through blogger help and didn't see anything.....now if only I could see your comments on what is up!!! If you have any hints please email me at kimmerben@yahoo.com I would love to hear from you!!!!

Leftovers

2012-01-14T21:46:00.000-06:00

The Mr and I do a pretty good job of using up our silverware.......except for the knives......we have piles and more piles.....we even offer to leave them behind when we buy the silverware sets......

Thanks to a horrible bout of the flu I had lots of couch time and pinterest. I love the Internet and the wealth of ideas it can spark! I found knife bells and got to thinking about my thimbles ding....ding....ding...it's time to start chopping off those knives!

I had the Mr cut them off in various lengths and then I went to work......

Oh, those piles of knives.......they will be getting smaller! We are off to Peeps......they tell me my table is in need of some new lovelies.....such wonderful customers we have in Mt Pleasant.
We are planning on a junking day for the long weekend......oh what might I find!!

Buffalo.......Snow????

2012-01-08T10:27:00.001-06:00

vicitorian sparkle from the early days of wealth and glory

We have no snow here in Iowa and believe it or not the ever talked about Buffalo NY is bone dry too!

Last year when we planned our Christmas trip my sister was living the life in Florida.......alot can happen in a year..... she now is residing in Buffalo NY. Instead of sand and surf, the Gulf of Mexico I enjoyed Buffalo Wings, Niagara Falls and the Trans Siberian Orchestra. We found a charming house by the lake shore to stay in. Decorator sister needed to spruce it up for the holiday.....

duck tape is man's best friend.

A 5.00 tree and the last and only tree stand (pulled from the going to the trash shelf) in the store = priceless entertainment. Who knew that you can't buy a tree stand on December 23 and the duck tape to hold it togehter cost more than the stand? We had a wonderful time and the transplants enjoyed getting out of their temporary digs of an Extended Stay room. Do you know how many decorations can fit in a hotel room?? My sister loves to decorate for Christmas.....not even a motel room could stop that this year......

The Mr and I headed home with the anticipation of junking/antiquing along our back road route. Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana didn't let us down....we had a truckload to empty by the time we arrived home and the awe and wonder of the history of the days of building this country.

The joy of driving is visiting the historic cities we pass through......do you ever visit these towns and wonder of the thoughts of those early pioneers? The grandeur of days gone by now so many times lost to changing times and hard economics?

Our greeters along the way in the Allegheny Mts. The snow we are so used to finally caught up to us.

a picture perfect postcard of rural America

Our recent angel was with us these days in our thoughts and hearts.....she landed the transplants in a perfect house just when they had given up. She landed our hotel room right next to 50,000 sq ft antique mall filled with the most beautiful history of our country and right down the street........4000 sq foot of beads at the Potomac Bead Company.....heaven on earth.

We crossed the Mississippi River at midnight to fireworks ushering in the New Year....

We have many bridges to cross in life.....joys and sorrows along the way.....love is there to guide us....thank you to my husband for being my companion along the way.

Time to get back to business here at Kimmykats.......I have all these new treasures to play with!!

Ornament Blog Hop

2011-12-17T07:39:00.000-06:00

I had the wonderful chance to participate in an ornament swap created by Sally Russick. Not only was I so fortunate to be able to participate Sally was my partner!! I have been on a peyote stitch marathon so of course I had to create something with the flying missiles! I went to a wonderful beader Therese for help. She found me the spinning bead pattern. I had fun making the spinning beads but wanted something a little larger(now I have those beads to find a project for). I kept at it and finally found The Crimson Moon on Etsy. Liz does an excellent job of keeping you on track to make these a fun project. Back to Etsy for some snowflake shopping at BohemianFindings. I found all kinds of fun Christmas charms.......if only there were more hours in a day I would have a tree full! I guess I have all winter to do more for next year.....

sally's ornament

I was having so much fun I made her another one!!

Sally made me the most beautiful ornament full of so many special little touches.

It's just perfect! Thank you so much Ms. Sally I will cherish it forever!

I can't wait to see what everyone has been creating!!

Take a little time and do some blog hopping...there are so many talented folks

Erin Prais-Hintz and Alice Peterson

Sally Russick and Kim Hora

Susan Kennedy and Kathleen Lange Klik

Patty Gasparino and Cindy Wimmer

Hope Smitherman and Melissa Meman

Jennifer L. Justman and Sandi Volpe

Jenny Davies-Reazor and Christine Altimiller

Rebecca Anderson and Jen Velasquez

Jeanette Blix Ryan and Tamara Soper

Holly Westfall and Mallory Hoffman

Play'n With Bullets

2011-12-04T21:29:00.001-06:00

I played with etching the bullets today..........

I can see I will be doing more of this!!

A few of the fun(and quick) projects I took to the last show....

how fun a double picture holder made from a trowel

My little corner at the show.....

Hope your Holiday shopping is going well!!! Peeps has been amazing for me......

I thought it would slow down after my last show but........Lori called........they need jewelry......

Thanks so much to our new customers at Peeps!!

Cellar Creations

2011-11-25T05:55:00.000-06:00

Time for our last big show. I have been just a little busy ....my once sort of clean table is of course a disaster area....(oreo keeps here space nicely maintained)

washer and dragonfly necklace's

38 special bullets

silverware slide

beaded skeleton keys (did I once say beading wasn't for me?)

I found the inspiration for these in the Bead Trends Magazine----love the online subscription

thimble necklace

you have leftover turkey? I have leftover silverware pieces!

lock plate necklace

old cement formers turned into picture holders

There is lots more! I still have a few hours better go get busy!
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and you are out shopping away!

Bead Table Oreo

2011-11-16T22:32:00.002-06:00

I know it's a little late for bead table Wednesday.........this picture sort of sums up what's happening on my table. I have to make sure to leave a space for my helper or she paces over the table and into everything...(orange paws last night). My other helpers are in their spots on the floor...Bob thought if he crawled behind my back I would vacate the chair......wrong! He had to settle for his plastic shoe box bed.....Oh I love my helpers..Bud is sitting on my right arm as I type and Bob is settled in on my left side....Foo girl is down the couch.....Nosey is off to bed with the Mr---sounds like a good place to be. One last big show and life will be ....a little slower??????

Shoots and Junk.....

2011-11-06T15:09:00.000-06:00

Bob and I took a little time again today to take a walk around---we finally had rain this week and the leaves floating in the bird bath caught my eye...(the walk seems to have tired him out he is stretched out beside me now typical Bob position all 4 legs in the air.....)

As always there are wonderful shots at Lori's take a little trip over to view them.

On Friday the Mr and me took an afternoon to head over to the Mississippi River and do a little junking.....we found some great junk

Meet our new table for the loft room we have been redoing....the table will fit great between ~~our~~ the cats new Lazy-Boys. They took an old furnace grate and put it on an old magazine rack....a little cleaning and a quick spray of krylon and we are ready to go.

I needed a stand for our earring display at Premier Peeps. We were lucky to find this at the Junk Asylum the store is always full of fun reasonable priced treasures.

I have been busy making bullet earrings to match the necklaces.

We found a neat typewriter

I fell in love with the trike......a great jewelry display piece......the price was right! It will fit right in with all the tire displays we are using.

We had a great visit with Deb at Colorworks in LeClaire and then headed off to our favorite boat for dinner and a little wagering......I walked out a winner! A fun day for us now back to the grind.....it's field time for him so long hours ahead and I have a lot of jewelry to create!

Premier Peeps

2011-11-01T20:28:00.002-05:00

kimmykats table

Premier Peeps opened their door for business today. A store for woman, created by woman--with a couple of roosters thrown in.......... Handmade items by Iowan's. The store is located in a beautiful old building on the square in Mt Pleasant, IA

my version of the clay heart technique taught at the Vintaj worksop

Zatnu bags

There are one of a kind items throughout the store.....

hand knitted items and quilts

beautiful aprons by Melanie----vintage to new they are amazing!

upstairs the old dressing rooms have been turned into individual booths

tutu's for the little princess

Jennifer's photography studio is also located upstairs

specializing in family shoots

Congrats to Lori and Jennifer

I wish you many happy sales!!

Busy Bees

2011-10-23T21:49:00.000-05:00

Time is flying by here in our house......we are busy bees working to get our stock replenished and ready for the next show. It is a good thing to have to work so hard but, I am feeling the pressure of getting it all done. We have also been asked to join a new store in Mt Pleasant called Premier Peeps.....I am very honored that they loved my take on recycled jewelry. They are working hard to get the store in shape to open this Thursday. We did take some time last weekend to do some junking and we found quite a few treasures for displays and a wonderful old table for our store display. We picked up our new Lazy Boy chairs.....so far the cats are the ones lazing in them not us!!! Imagine that!!!!

The other morning I happened to glance out the window during my coffee break and noticed the sun shinning through the fall leaves....so I grabbed the camera and Bob and I headed out in the chilly morning to snap a few quick pictures...

My hydrangea surprised me with one late bloom.....

Hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall .....

I have been creating some new treasures.....I just need to take the time to stop and shoot!

Big Sigh

2011-10-09T21:47:00.000-05:00

A big sigh of gladness could be heard when we turned in the drive tonight. The Keosauqua Fall Scenic Drive has come and passed. When you are putting in all the hours to get ready for a show you hit the point when you ask yourself why do I put myself through this. Answer .......the many many wonderful customers you meet. Some you will meet briefly and others will be a smiling face returning year to year. The customers that are picking out special gifts for loved ones or having a "me" day. The little girls touching and gazing at all the pretties....Grandmother's treating them to their wishes....Customers are what make you eager to see what they will think of your work. This year with my move to jewelry designing taking a bigger part in our booth and letting go of the painting I was more than nervous to see what they would think. So thank you to my customers for letting me know over and over that they loved my spin on designing with found objects, my version of the washer necklace, my new skill of working with the flying missiles. The weather was beautiful, the trees so lovely in their fall colors......it is all in my mind-----the customers started coming before we were actually set up and just kept us too busy for me to snap my pictures. The venue had new management so they moved us from our usual spot......many of you came looking for us so a special thanks for hunting us down. We met new friends and had many of our local friends stop by ---it means so much to see those friendly faces. So I am a tired gal tonight with a big smile on my face.....tomorrow is the start of another count down to the next show...........

38 Special

2011-10-07T05:47:00.000-05:00

Well show time is here ready or not. We are looking forward to a beautiful weekend next to the river. Beautiful sunny skies forecasted .....what a fun time ahead.

We came across a bucket full of hinges on one of our jaunts so this is my version of a hinge picture holder.

My fingers have been flying as well as those little missiles..........here they are my "38 specials".......

Then I got out the silk sari ribbon .....

Hope you all head out to one of the many festivals this weekend!

Those little flying missiles are at it again

2011-09-25T17:20:00.002-05:00

I did it!! I went and got me more of those little flying missiles.....

watermelon mix

I added a typewriter key to this one.....

autumn mix with turquoise bead dangles

Next on the project list was using up leftover spoon parts.......

ok back to the work room.......Keosauqua show comimng up October 8-9

Bead Soup.......Beware Flying Objects

2011-09-16T23:08:00.000-05:00

There are not enough words of thanks to Lori for the labor of love she has undertaken.....we can only try to praise her for giving us this great experience.......

First kudos to all of you artist'sthat deal with these tiny pieces of glass on a daily basis! Lori paired me with Jen VanBenschoten a very accomplished beadier. It's a good thing Jennifer sent me lots of beads because I have lots ofpieces that I played with and now my beading tray really is bead soup.

Morethan once my husband had a good laugh at me .....Oreo traipsing across myworkspace beads trailing her footsteps, dropped strings and beads rollingeverywhere, beads popping off needles and flying through the air.....need I goon? I tried to learn all the names, types, sizes and to say the least I amconfused! I spent many hours looking through magazines and online web sites.

The peyote stitch caught my attention right away. I think down the road I will probably be adding some bling to some old skeleton keys----you notice I started out with a quick one!

The simple beads as they arecalled were right up my alley---just a few stitches and voila!! they are done---I can see myself making these beads again. How simple is this earring....string on the bead, a bead cap, the simple bead, another bead cap and make a loop....my kind of fun!

I decided I needed to learn to follow a pattern

Foo Foo Earrings (as I call them)

I am not sure I will wear these----thought they would make beautiful Christmas ornaments

..............................................The Big Reveal......................................................

The Soup

While I can say beading is not my forte I have had fun and can laugh at my ineptness!

In the end I chose a simple design......it had to be me.....

I hope your month isn't too busy............. youhave a lot of soup to try out!

Rather than list this enormous hop of 362 participants here pleasevisit bead soup for the complete list.

Beautiful sunny shows.......means lots of shoppers!

2011-09-12T22:14:00.001-05:00

We have been blessed with beautiful weather for our outdoor shows this summer. We have had the best customers. When you are in this business sometimes you are tired and discouraged and wonder if it's worth it. Then you meet those special customers and they lift your spirits and you remember what its all about.

A special thanks to the staff at the Britt Hobo Fest. They came in mass to help get us packed and on our way home. My last memory of my mom was her telling us to have a good time on our new adventure to the National Hobo Convention.

a couple of the new ornament designs......I love the kitty of course

Oh how I loved these geese at the Hobo show.......they actually follow commandsThey walked the whole parade route too! We were so busy getting set up this Saturday morning ....when the parade came by I walked over to see what everyone was laughing about and there were the geese. Next in line was a sign for the car show on Sunday the 14th......I returned to our booth and thanked my husband for remembering it was my birthday!!!! I had forgotten my own birthday-----once you are over 50 the mind goes!!!

Washington Chamber of Commerce show last weekend ......what a beautiful day and the shoppers were there right up to closing. Wonderful show!! Being close to home I got to see family and friends I hadn't seen in awhile.

Our new sign for the booth.......The screen we found at Old Crow Antiques west of Des Moines---a good excuse to visit more of the Iowa occasional show days......it makes the best display for the fork tine earrings.

This board came from Simply Iowa's Memorial Day sale---was supposed to be for sale but I decided our booth needed a sign!

One of the clay heart necklace with sari beads......I forgot to get better pictures before they were gone...

Spoon rings seem to never go out of style.....and the stories we hear about them.....someone had quite the elaborate silverware chest......makes a very nice display

We found this old car mirror at the What Cheer show....Dad did his magic and it tilts and folds flat for storage......he got a big old hug from me when he brought it back!

I am taking a little time off ....Bead Soup needs to be finished this week........I need to play Avon lady to finish up Mom's customers. Next stop Keosauqua ........we already have had emails from loyal customers coming to see us! Hope you are all enjoying the Fall Harvest Moon!

Tranquil Leaves

2011-09-06T18:13:00.000-05:00

I treated myself to some beautiful focals from Sharleen Newland I have only had time to play with one of them.....

I do have bead soup to finish and of course more painting for the show this weekend.....

Oh I love the colors of these.........I have been told I can't keep it all.....

How many different necklaces could I wear a day?????

Soup for my soul

2011-08-27T11:16:00.004-05:00

My beads have arrived from my partner Jennifer. She sent me lots of seed beads to play with.

Jennifer is an editor at Beading Daily so I have big shoes to fill to present something to her.

A mix of greys with a hint of lavender....sweet soothing lavender

Normality will arrive once again on Monday morning. We are taking the weekend to finish up details....casserole dishes to return, thank yous to be sent. Roses have been hung to dry for remembrance. My house and garage have become a greenhouse....some will hopefully travel south with my sister when she returns this fall. Until then may the good Lord give me a greener thumb so I can keep them alive...... To be surrounded by the gifts of love given in Mom's memory is like being wrapped in her arms. Yes, I think bead soup will be good for my hurting soul.

Mom

2011-08-19T08:24:00.005-05:00

Mom you live in our hearts forever. This week has shown us how many lives you have touched. We have had you all these years now you are with Bryan once again.

We know you are still here watching over us.
I Love you Mom.

As we are going through cards today this lovely verse said so much to me

Through you cannot always see
the bird singing,
if you listen with your heart,
you can always hear his song.
Though the ones we love
may leave life as we know it,
in our memory
the love we knew
will always carry on

It's Sunday again--- Junking and Crafting

2011-08-07T10:42:00.009-05:00

Ok our resident spider outside my front door cooperated this morning and was facing me....Hmmm don't you think she is an alien in disquise????

We visited the What Cheer Flea Market on Friday and came home with some great bargins. The best part of the day was finally getting to meet Kim and her husband....their booth was filled with wonderful projects, amazing furniture and fun "kin folk"--we were too busy talking and I didn't get any pictures! It is a small world though...my husband knew Kim's BIL--they work for the same company just different locations! We made a couple of trips to the car so I guess you can say we found a few bargins!

A 3.00 sales rack that is just perfect for the washer's

Best bargin--20 cabinet boards---so very hard to come by.

Some of the items I have been working on for our show this week...........Thanks to great artists for designing beautiful patterns....

Yippee the weather has cooled down and we have windows open. Bud is a happy camper---he loves sleeping in the window---our beautiful guard cat!

I was too busy to take my usual close up pictures of the world this morning so you all go take a peek at Lori's!

Yard Critters I Love Macro

2011-07-31T20:15:00.005-05:00

I went on a hunt for my favorite garden bug.....the amazing praying mantis. I know they are here somewhere they are still hiding so instead I took a look at all the spider webs glistening in the morning sun and dew...

The Katydids always leave their shell on our one tree.......Fall is coming they are singing loud all the time now.

We were late getting in the sunflower seed feeder last nite....guess this little one was a happy camper about that!

Lori has lots of the world up close---go take a peek!

Bob

2011-07-24T11:40:00.009-05:00

Storms here early this morning knocking out power for 6 hours....we all took naps...
after the spectacular light and boom show.......close call on a couple of them sent me running away from the window. When the light and sound happen at the same time you know it's time to duck or hide under the table as the furry kids did.

Bob has been watching Oreo..........

I did go for a ride again today and want you to meet the new girl in the neighborhood...welcome little Pippa

This week I have been busy using up "parts".....I have more cut off silverware than I can ever hope to use..........but I am trying!!!! Fork tine earrings ready for our show.

Take a look at the word up close over at Lori's....you never know what you have been missing.

It's a "Hot " I love macro Sunday

2011-07-17T10:09:00.009-05:00

Who knew corn was just as pretty as good to eat!!!

I had quite the tour around the yards today. We are under heat warnings so I took off on the 4 wheeler to check out the neighborhood. I visited the folks garden, across the road to visit the new puppy, to the barn to chase the peacocks, and finally down to the pond to visit the frogs....they have populated quite nicely this year and were jumping diving and hopping all over...they will be the only cool ones around here today....

Hope you all keep jumping and cool.......

There are some other "hot" pics at Lori's so go take a look

Relocation Project

2011-07-13T22:41:00.006-05:00

We have had an interesting week of relocation here. One too many of our little friends have been visiting and destroying. One brave little soul even mastered the pet door and learned where the sunflower seed was kept in the garage. That was the first little one that took a drive at 11 PM Monday night to a new neighborhood. Tuesday night we took our little drive at 12 AM. Wednesday morning's catch was black with a long white stripe......that's a really stinky story........

We hadn't seen Momma and the 2 babies since last week...when I went to check on the noises coming from the porch tonight I was greeted with one baby on the rail and the other one swinging in the planter eating away on sunflower seeds....momma was hanging out on the steps.....watching me in the door. I think she had knocked down the hummer feeder and was sipping away until she heard me.....

There will be no relocation tonight.....the "have a heart" is a little smelly to be around......we haven't decided how to catch momma and the babies because we don't want to separate them....... On another note we have 2 baby opossums up the hill in Dad's shop......wonder how soon they will be visiting?
Oh............. the huge raccoon that was sitting next to Bob (the cat) watching us load up his buddy.....we are gonna need a bigger "have a heart". Bob please get some new playmates.......

Somebody is in Trouble at our house

2011-07-09T18:18:00.023-05:00

This is what you find in the cupboard..............

When one of these furry children....

Bring a playmate home and don't tell you...

It appears Mrs. Mouse was getting ready to stay awhile

I hadn't gotten around to getting out the picnic stuff until today. When I picked up the bowls I couldn't figure out what this ball of threads was until I remembered....... the fur's were hanging around the closet last fall so we knew something was up.......it ended with the Mr and Me.....running around the house followed by the Fur's in hot pursuit of the Mrs. as she escaped out of the closet.
(The pet food is stored in this closet so she had it made) She thankfully exited out the open front door and has taken up residence somewhere out there......

The Globe Thistle is not quite open yet........

We have a nice crop of bugs in the flower beds so I decided to feature them today too!

I found these pic's from last summer....I loved this little guy....he was so posing for me!!

Watch out to my resident Praying Mantis.....I am on the hunt for a good photo op!!!

It's already "I heart macro" time so go take a look at the world up close!

I Heart Macro.........Circles

2011-07-03T07:28:00.011-05:00

This week has gone by so quickly.....I had planned a post about last weeks junking travels but, came down with a nasty infection so I saw the back of my eyelids more than anything. Time is flying and soon it will be show time so this weekend I have spent working on washers...the colors are so amazing I really can't capture all the beauty. Thank you to my little hummer that sat and waited for me to vacate the porch so he could eat.....man you make a lot of noise!!(make sure to click on the pictures so you can view them better)

With the gloss finish it is very hard to capture the beautiful colors.

Oreo did come by to help(butted her face right into the lens as I was getting ready to snap)...she spent so much time entertaining our guests that she neglected her outside duties.....I have barely seen her since they left......

A few of the finished necklaces....

Browns and turquoise....a favorite of mine lately

Braided silk sari and hand dyed ribbon

Silk sari and wooden accents

Ceramic beads...wonderful earth and sky tones

My helpers and I did take our Sunday morning walk. They climbed trees and chased bugs while I snapped a few of my favorite flowers.................

Have you ever noticed the one spot of color on a Queen Annes Lace....they all have a red center!!

There are some wonderful pictures this weekend so go on over to Lori's and enjoy them!

Pesky Bugs Macro Sunday

2011-06-26T08:58:00.009-05:00

It has been a busy couple of weeks here with family visiting. I haven't spent much time in the garden so this morning I started out to see what is happening out here...my ornamental lilies are just starting to bloom so the flowerbeds will be at their peak the next couple of weeks. We also have a bumper crop of mosquito's so as much as I love taking pictures of the lilies....I was being eaten alive! Think it is a good day to play with the jewelry! (make sure to click on the pics so you can see the details)

Now go see what all these happy shooter's have captured!!

I Love Macro.....Tractors and Posy's

2011-06-17T22:09:00.015-05:00

It's macro time again.....

My tribute to Tractorcade....we started out wet.....

I revisited my lily bud from last week

The Margarete daisy's are starting to bloom

Now hop on over and look at all the wonderful shots at....

Rollin Across Iowa

2011-06-15T21:33:00.014-05:00

It is the 2nd week of June so that means its time for the tractors to roll across Iowa. This year 550 tractors landed in Knoxville IA for the 12th annual WMT Radio Tractorcade. Knoxville is home of the sprint car races...they are used to fast moving vehicles..... we roll in at 10-20 mph.

Mom wasn't able to ride this year so a family friend kept Dad company.

She will get her own tractor someday.....got her eye on a Super "C" Farmall

It is always fun to meet one of the other groups along the way.... We have 7 groups that leave about 45 minutes apart....group 1 @ 10 mph through group 7@20 mph

My favorite tractor driver...Jack and his grandsons...the first year grandpa held on as his grandson took his morning nap......now they are taller than gramps....Tractorcade wouldn't be complete without these old farmers

All decked out tractor....

Lined up ready to roll on Monday morning

I let the Mr. take over the driving duties this year giving up my drive for being a rider and snapping pictures....

Another one down, the tractors are back on the farms....rain, hail, and winds may have delayed us....just time for more stories to be told....thanks to all the WMT staff for a wonderful trip....we will see you all in January for the route announcement for ride 13.....putt.....putt.....putt

I Heart Macro........... Buds and Kitties

2011-06-11T21:21:00.008-05:00

Lilly bud......the first part of July my flowerbeds come alive with all the lilies

We have a new roof....so this lovely dumpster is in our drive.....have anything you want to throw away? There's room!

Oreo was helping me on my walk tonight and posed so pretty....

We did our Sunday walk early this week.
It is that time of year when all the tractor
enthusiasts pack up the rain gear, wash and wax the ride and head for Tractorcade 2011. Knoxville IA will be the home of over 500 tractors for the next 4 days....look out slow moving vehicles ahead!!!

Now hop on over and look at all the wonderful shots at....

Peeps and Pretties

2011-06-07T21:56:00.011-05:00

My little friends on the porch....I took this looking through the dirty window and screen....so I took the screen off to get better pictures.....the clean window scares them ... I am having trouble sneaking up on them so no new pictures minus the screen. Can't win...Mr Cardinal is really a spook...I even get close and off he goes....

Playing around with new designs for the washers

I had some ribbon I have been wanting to play with

Memory wire bracelet with the new little farfelle beads...

My Greek leather arrived so now these are for real....mixed jasper stones...

Hope you are staying cool....upper 90's here

I Heart Macro...rain delay

2011-06-05T10:21:00.010-05:00

Early storms kept me inside for a bit this morning

It is always fun to browse the flower beds.....

snapping pictures (with a little weed pulling too)

always love the daisy's

the blanket flowers have beautiful stamens ...

just doing it's part to help pollinate.....while I was trying to capture this bugger the hummingbird buzzed me....I didn't want to move so didn't get to see it....

I palyed with this one a bit today.....

Zinnia's one of my all time favorite flower...

sometimes we see the big picture and forget to appreciate the small beauties....guess that's why the bugs do it for us! have a great day

Take a break....be inspired by all these lovely works.....

Wrapped Cuff Bracelets

2011-06-02T19:57:00.007-05:00

I have been learning how to make the wrapped cuff bracelets that have been popping up everywhere. My faithful helper knew I needed a prop for the photo shoot so came running out to help me(she had been fast asleep on the couch) she is a quick little bugger!

3 separate or they can be worn together

These were made with wrapped cotton

A fun time picking out buttons....

This is a double made from leather cording and faceted beads

Now I am waiting on my bead order so I can play some more!

I Heart Macro

2011-05-29T10:35:00.007-05:00

My Sunday morning walk is postponed today due to wind, rain and lightning....so a few of my older favorites....

The helpers are inside today too....not enough room on the couch for all of us!! Ever try typing with a 20lb cat on your chest? Have a great day!

I am linking to...

Go visit for some amazing photography!

Date Nite

2011-05-28T09:03:00.005-05:00

It's date nite Friday nite........

No sitter to be had............

So the whole family goes out to supper............

Where we going.........
Are we there yet????????

So orderly and behaving well.......

Home again....... Home again........ Jiggity Jig

Our free Friday nite date night entertainment.........Ha Ha!

Do Over.........Jewelry Blog Hop

2011-05-25T05:00:00.024-05:00

Today is a day of great excitement for me....the first jewelry challenge I have participated in!

Thank you Jeannie for sending us your treasures so we could play.

In Jeanie's words ...... Here’s how it works:
I will send you an old, tried, boring piece of my jewelry for FREE and you will work your magic and turn it into something beautiful and amazing.

I had several packages of beads arrive the same day as the jewelry. When I opened the package I was confused. My first thoughts were I sure as heck didn't order this and someone goofed up big time. Then it dawned on me...the challenge! I can honestly say that the color orange challenged me.

I played with a focal I got in a bag of junk jewelry at the flea market, I played with some of my Grandmothers bead necklaces(a duffel bag full)...nothing was pleasing me. I browsed Etsy, my Silpada catalog....then decided to go the the Vintaj gallery hoping I would find some inspiration. I started looking at necklaces when I saw my name in the description of one..... I had given Betsy one of my washers as a thank you when I took the Arte Metal Madness workshop. I am so honored that she used it to make a beautiful necklace. Bingo!!..off I went to sort through my washers.

I hope I have changed orange into something beautiful and amazing.

Now please go visit all these lovely people who participated!!(Jeannie has posted for those who do not have a blog)

Jeannie
Sally http://www.wireworked.com/
Dagmar http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.com/
Donna No Blog.....Jeannie
Lisa http://lucidmoonstudio.blogspot.com/
Erin http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/
Lesliehttp://www.madmaggiedesigns.blogspot.com/
Shannonhttp://www.formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/
Nikyhttp://silverniknats.blogspot.com/
Diane http://www.dianehawkey.com/
Barbe http://www.barbesaintjohn.blogspot.com
Elisabeth http://www.beadsforbusygals.com/
Lori http://www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Lindahttp://lindalandig.wordpress.com/
Jamie No Blog.....Jeannie
Pam http://ferrarioriginalsyahoocom.blogspot.com/2011/05/do-over-challenge-blog-hop.html
Nancyhttp://nedbeads.com/
Kim http://www.kimmykats.blogspot.com (you are here)
Marci http://www.moosepetals.com
Charlene http://clay-space.com
Christenehttp://www.onekisscreations.blogspot.com

Pieces

2011-05-22T19:39:00.003-05:00

I have signed up for my first jewelry challenge and have been working away with my pieces ...tune in tomorrow for the reveal!

Meanwhile my good friend has been keeping me busy with projects for herself and friends.....and I must say thank you to her for promoting my work ...she really is a gem!

My sister is a Silpada consultant....so I cheated and treated myself to a beautiful necklace.....I at least made myself the earrings to go with it!

Fishing

2011-05-22T08:48:00.005-05:00

You too would be licking your lips.....

If you had a bucket of minnows just ripe for catching!

Raindrops

2011-05-22T08:15:00.009-05:00

My walk about this morning after a night of WIND and rain.....my coral bells are starting to bloom. They brought me a welcome surprise.....my first hummingbird sighting. Now to sit and wait for a photo op! (remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Lots of other flowers just opening this Windy morning....try macro shots with a good stiff wind!

My little friend I uncovered when I decided a few weeds needed to go!

The tree is a little mad at me for putting it outside a little too early....but making up for it with lots of blooms all of a sudden!

Bob as always was my faithful helper.....

Taking pictures is hard work.....

I am linking to...

A Walk On Sunday....

2011-05-15T12:33:00.015-05:00

Love and Peace....
my message to you with a heart raindrop and the peace sign

I realized that I was showing up in the raindrops...

My fern and hosta bed is coming along nicely...

The new residents are growing ....

The ditch phlox weeds.....they are so pretty along the roads

my lilac's

A sunflower seed that my Cardinal has been throwing around!

I guess dandelions can be sort of pretty...

Tiny dancers...

Last years flowers....

My redbud tree...

Oh I had my helpers following me...

I am linking to...

Ella St

2011-05-08T20:07:00.007-05:00

How lucky that Ella has a street in our local town.......old signs have been replaced by new and Ella's daddy had me do these up for Mother's Day....

I finally got out my cricut machine and put it to use......(it has been sitting in the workroom for over a year.....)

A little rhinestone bling with glitter varnish.......I still thought it needed something to finish it off so I got out the Glossy Accents and gave the pieces some dimension. Hope Ella's mom has a great surprise!

I am linking to

A What Cheer Kind of Day

2011-05-06T20:21:00.010-05:00

Some of the sights from a gorgeous shopping day....

Some of my treasures.....

lots of junk jewelry pieces to turn into something new

I had 2 bags full by the time I left and a sweet plant stand....lots of old knives and stove flu covers to paint on......I really must get busy...

A Spring day like this really needed some photo's to remember

The little bird that lives in the ditch near Old Man's Creek...the muskrat was hiding today...wouldn't you know

We have blossoms everywhere...

Old farms and barns...

Our new neighbors across the road out for an evening stroll....

Wear your Spoon...And A Little Friend

2011-04-25T21:34:00.006-05:00

Tonight's project for a good friend.
Silverware Necklace

I so enjoy watching Mr. Cardinal sit in my tree...

You can always hear him chirping away...

He does bring the Mrs with him once in awhile....like any good mother she is probably busy back at the nest.

We really could use a little sun.....

Try out your luck..

2011-04-21T15:15:00.006-05:00

I so love Sweet Bead Studio's Cindy Wimmer. Cindy creates beautiful jewelry and has been so sweet to help me with some design issues. The necklace above was created using Cindy's wire rose designs featured in Easy Wire 2010. I shamelessly read her blog lists daily and one of my favorites is Wireworked. Sally is having a give away so hop on over there and take a look at her beautiful work....you could be the winner of a beautiful pair of earrings. Don't forget to visit Cindy too...beautiful eye candy at her blog.

Thimble--Sew Fun--Jewelry

2011-04-10T19:02:00.026-05:00

As a young girl I remember my grandmother sitting at her quilt frame the silver flash of her thimble as she made her tiny neat stitches...
My recent treasure hunting trip to Des Moines netted me some thimbles....and ideas....
The gold rose is from an earring from my other grandma....she was the city grandma and taught us to shop!! She was the fashion grandma... I had this completely made and started on the earrings ...looking for beadcaps I found my vintaj ones....so I tore it all apart and remade it with the brass beadcaps instead of the copper....kept me occupied!! I am linking to Kim at Wow us Wednesday

Junk Jubilee Treasure Hunting

2011-04-09T08:50:00.019-05:00

I had a wonderful day of treasure hunting in Des Moines at the first Junk Jubileeheld at the famous Iowa State Fairgrounds. There were plenty of shoppers and lots of junk to be had.
Vintage No 35 has posted pictures on her blog so take a trip over to see some of the booths. She had a very lovely booth and lots of wonderful jewelry to drool over

The ladies of Antiques Iowa were so nice ...my favorite purchase of the day ...

Old Stove Grate

JuNk ReFuNKeRy was another favorite booth. I loved their checkout table made of old screens on wheels...my purchase from them...

I really love the color of this dustpan and unusual shape.

Just Claudia traveled from St Louis MO and had many wonderful items...these were the first purchase of the day...I wanted more but knew I had more shopping to look at so limited myself to just 3

Future Picture Holders

I have an new idea I am working on so I was out to find some thimbles...

Wonderful detail on this one

I traveled to historic Valley Junction for a little browsing and wasn't disappointed..

More stuff for more projects!

My last stop was the bead store ....beautiful turquoise donuts......can't wait to work with these.

I had a fun "me" day and can't wait until May for What Cheer Flea Market!

Keys and Locks! What Fun!

2011-04-07T08:55:00.005-05:00

I had picked up the keyhole plate last year at the What Cheer Flea Market. I had already paid for my items when I found this so I bargained with the nice old gentleman... since then it has been riding around in the cup holder of the car. After doing the other necklace this week I went out and retrieved it.

Matching earrings of course! The earring are a little longer than I normally wear but, cut off all my hair so now I can really show them off!!

I love the rhinestone bead spacers and had fun ageing them ...I mixed Keisha pearls with the silver spacers and finished with champagne colored rondelles.

I am heading off to Junk Jubilee tomorrow... hope to find some new treasures!

I am linking to

There are all kinds of wonderful ideas here go take a look!

Ear Love

2011-04-04T19:33:00.015-05:00

Sometimes I feel like the Pied Piper...the minute that I went outside to take pictures of my projects I had 5 cats trailing me......and helping me.....
Foo girl was stealing them as fast as I laid them down...

Bob was more into the suprise sneaky attack....a lone paw stealing over the edge...

I made a couple of necklaces over the weekend so of course I needed matching earrings...This pair I made to wear with my soar necklace

This pair I was learning how to wrap a side drilled bead....

These pairs were made to go with a special order necklace...going to let her pick the pair she likes...

SOAR

2011-04-02T18:40:00.006-05:00

I have been very occupied today with birds.....

http://www.raptorresource.org/falcon_cams/index.html
The first baby has hatched and fed.......

My other babies have grown and ready to leave the nest so we are on fledge watch here...

So in between U-Stream shows I worked on my own piece SOAR....

I went out on a "limb" here and tried some new techniques....steel wire, fabric beads and linen cord. I am quite pleased with the result!

SNOW!!

2011-03-29T21:18:00.004-05:00

Only in Iowa ........7 AM

Iowa 5 PM........

It seems Mother Nature is going out with a roar!

Who knew what a sharpie could do??

2011-03-27T19:03:00.005-05:00

What magic can happen when you combine a sharpie, some muratic acid and hydrogen peroxide...

I have wanted to try etching so used up my cheap washers--brass and copper. I played with different sized sharpies and soak time.

I was pretty pleased with the results so now will move on to some real pieces!

These are a couple of pieces from techniques I learned at my workshop in Galena. We used the arte metal shapes as our vessels. We then filled them with polymer clay. After they were baked and cooled we painted them first with black acrylic , let dry and then used steel wool to remove the top layer of paint. Alcohol inks were then used to color them. Finish with a light coat of krylon and you have a very unique pendant.

I am on the hunt for some chunky chain to complete my project!

America's Bird

2011-03-22T22:34:00.007-05:00

Our trip home from Galena we traveled along the mighty Mississippi...the great river and America's bird....

Sabula Ia, the eagles have landed!! There were over a hundred sitting in the trees and on the ice(click on this one to really see all of the birds)They are very smart birds they were all on the side of the lake away from where people could get to them!! The ice was just black with birds at the foot of these trees.

Taking care of the winter kill of carp.

One of the many water fowl along the way.

To end something near to my heart....Farmall Tractors....lost but not gone...

A Weekend of Total Bliss Vintaj Style

2011-03-13T19:02:00.008-05:00

I had the wonderful pleasure of attending the Arte Metal Madness Workshop this weekend at the Vintaj Store in Galena, IL
Upon entering the store it is first full of overwhelming beautiful handmade jewelry and then the junker in you is amazed at the use of repurposed salvaged doors, mouldings and hardware.

Jewelry mounted on old barn boards

An old screen door used as an earring display

My photo does not do this whole wall justice...the old green color moulding on top of barn boards Oh my!!

salvaged doors used as displays

Up the stairs we went to the classroom...

Jess along with others taking a short break during lunch hour....they actually were busy setting up for our afternoon of NOISY jewelry making!!!

I can't even begin to thank Jess and Betsy for their hard work and teaching abilities....and to put up with all the hammers banging away at the same time...
We altered, distressed, reliefed and learned new techniques...so much more. Once I unpack I will share with you the wonderful projects we did as well as the loot we came home with---OH MY!!!!! Thank you so much to all the Vintaj ladies and Megan(I hope I remembered it right) in the store for helping me come up with a fabulous new design for the washers!!

Shutter Pals

2011-03-06T15:33:00.021-06:00

While out on errands this weekend we came across a bargin camera worth trying so here are my favorite subjects...(click on the pictures to see them bigger)

Bud wondering why I have this big black thing right in his face....

Bob in his usual upside down sprawled position....

Really in Bud's face..

Foo Foo girl...her pretty long fluffy hair....

tree climbing

Started with this....

cropped to this

Not bad for cropping this much!

You just have to love Bud, he is our guard cat.....our big boy. He is so tall he makes the others look like midgets!

These were all taken with the auto program of the camera---I did play with the manual settings and will have to get them here..I switched to the new editor and for some reason it doesn't like to upload pictures! All in all for the price of the camera I will take the 10 MP instead of the 12 I was looking for.

Commuting....

2011-03-01T18:36:00.008-06:00

What do you see on your commute to work?

Daybreak

A dusting of snow....

Eagles at the wildlife area

Share with your children

2011-02-22T11:11:00.000-06:00

About a year ago I stumbled across this wonderful site

THIS INFORMATION IS
FROM PHOEBE'S WEB PAGE

Who is Phoebe?
Phoebe is a non-migratory Channel Islands Allen's Hummingbird (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen's_Hummingbird). She builds her nests in a rose bush, and the nest is about the size of a golf ball, with eggs being about the size of a tic-tac candy (Egg Pics). The season for nesting is October through May/early June, and Phoebe will lay four to five clutches per season. One or two eggs are laid per clutch, they hatch after 17 days, and the chicks typically fly three to four weeks later.

How the Live Webcam Got Started

Living in Southern California, we are blessed to be joined by numerous species of birds and several years ago we noticed a hummingbird setting up her nest in our yard. What amazed us is we thought it would be a one-time event, but she kept coming back year after year. After several years, we thought it would be fun to get a closer look and set up our first webcam in 2007. As the number of viewers grew, in March 2009 we moved the broadcast to Ustream.tv, and then the number of viewers exploded. In less than a year, we had over 2 million views, and had climbed to the most popular birding site on the web (Fat Birder's Top 1000 Birding Website). Phoebe has a dedicated community of followers from all around the world, and we love hearing that school children are learning about hummingbirds with the help of our webcam and that Phoebe has inspired visual artists, musicians, poets, and more.

Please pass it on to your children and maybe their schools---what a wonderful up close view of such a tiny busy little bird. Phoebe has started a new nest with the first egg layed on President's Day. It has been a little unusual around the nest as the last hatch of Jay and Bea still come to visit Phoebe.

LOOKING FOR MAMA!

Normally she will show them around for about a week and then shoo them off....these 2 sat in the nest and watched her start the new nest so our chat followers thought they would just move into the new nest with Mom! We have been treated to many views of the fledged babies a very rare treat!

A Regal Visitor

2011-02-12T16:13:00.016-06:00

The Eagles have become frequent visitors to our trees these last few years. It is good to know they are recovering from the low numbers of the 70's.

As for Bea and Jay they don't want to leave the nest.....mama is a good cook!!!

Phoebe is already at work on her new nest for the next hatch and feeding these 2...she is a worker! best of luck flying away little ones...

TEST FLIGHT...Bea gets some help from brother Jay...

WE HAVE LIFT OFF....... Jay leaving after Bea took flight first 2/14/2011
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY PHOEBE!!

Really I have been sort of working........

2011-02-08T21:21:00.019-06:00

I have been working.....just a wee bit....and watching the furry babies play.... surfing the net for next fall's ideas.... watching my hummingbird babies...they are about ready to fledge...

chatting with friends...looking at my messy workroom...running away really fast....

If you want to see some amazing ideas for organizing...I just ran across this blog
http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/

Can you imagine these used to load up cake...

textured fork tines and beads

I went tiny on these washers.....

Still playing with more sets of these--do you know how hard it is to get two sort of matching sets???!!!

playing with the washers...these have the metallic gold added to them...it is really fun to work with it.....not very good photo's but I am not going outside to get pics!!!-8 here today!! Fall craft season will be here before I know it so trying to make good on my promise to myself to get some stock done early.....

My month of January rest is over so I really must get the workroom cleaned getting itchy to create some new treasures!! Take care and keep warm!!

I am linking to Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

Snowangels

2011-02-02T13:46:00.015-06:00

The view out my window late Tuesday afternoon.....we have missed all the major storms around here this year and I had just left that comment on another blog.

DIRECT HIT this go round!!!

I had to crawl on my hands and knees to get through these drifts...almost got stuck and started laughing way too hard...

Thanks to good neighbors....first comes the blade.....

Then comes Uncle Deon and the BIG snow blower.....

Oreo and Nosey ran to the window to see what all the noise was about....

There is beauty to be found in all this...

We had the 2 way radio on last nite and could hear the calls....Bob and Foo couldn't understand where the voices were coming from and they kept taking off with the radio..

Big drift that started behind the house and wrapped around to the front of the vehicles...not gonna drive through this one...

The first step off the porch could be a little fun....

I made sure my little friends had food....gives us all something to do...watch the birds

Nosey thought he would do some up close and personal bird watching....I had to make him come in. Bad Cat!!

Late this afternoon Oreo and I taking pictures through the windows of our visiting friends...

Keep safe and warm everyone!

Roses to Tractors ...Jewelry Finds

2011-01-16T20:15:00.014-06:00

I want to share a project that I did for a Christmas present. I was surfing the net one night and came across Peachy Chic Boutique. I have a good friend that loves the fabric rosettes and this was the perfect gift.

The kit included all the materials to finish the bracelet and came in a sparkly organza bag so when you finish you have the perfect gift wrap.

While the company had shipping issues and the kit took it's time arriving my friend didn't mind the late present and I had a good time making it. The one shown is mine and I need to get it properly finished!

I would like to share another jewelry line that joined the crafting business this Christmas.

Introducing The Allan Davis Collection
Allen is a native of Canada and met his wife (my sister) during a hockey vacation to Florida. Allan has always been amazed at the talent of the Bender family and has quietly taken a back seat to all the creative process. No matter what city they have lived in when the Bender gals get together crafting becomes the first priority. Taking care of the Bender gals was his job ...running errands, cooking, muscle man...he is our go to guy. Little did we know he has been taking notes for the day he would sit down and craft his own visions. Finally 2010 was the year his creations have come to life.

The Bender family were the proud recipients of this unique resourceful collection.

The Country Farm collection: A must wear during WMT'S annual Tractorcade....

Crafter's Delight: for every crafter that always needs more time.....

Cookie's stir and fork: Earrings any chef will be proud to wear (or use in a pinch)...

Allan's creation's were in high demand once we modeled ours. The relatives in Canada were sadly disappointed they didn't get in on the first editions. Mum Davis will have to enjoy these shots and maybe by next Christmas Allan will be able to fulfill more orders.....For now I will wear mine proudly to all of our shows.

BRR....Snow...Frosty...ZZZ's

2010-12-21T06:27:00.007-06:00

Yippee.....I am finally done with Christmas orders.....now I am ready for a long winter's nap.

Celebrating the first day of winter with a few of my cool dudes from over the years...

May you all have a Merry Christmas ......Travel safe......yawn...it's time for a nap...

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-12T16:49:00.010-06:00

The tree is up.
FooFoo and Bob are checking it out.....
Don't know if they're gonna be naughty or nice....
We played it safe...
the breakables are tucked away in a nice cozy place.

Oh my how crafting has changed thru the years!!

Breezy Blow'n White Saturday

2010-12-11T13:57:00.016-06:00

Our first snow storm for the year....we started the day with rain and thunder storms and now we have blowing snow.......

It is always fun to watch the birds at the feeder....I use the flower baskets and fill them with seed ...more can fit at one time. It drives the cats crazy!! We get the free entertainment watching them stalk the window...the ears go back and they start chittering as they sneak up for a closer look.

Well not right now.... nap time here. The bad weather has driven the older boys and Oreo into the house for the day...notice Bob in his usual sprawled position.

Bob tends to walk up and plop down on whoever is available.

I treated myself to some new ink colors. I have been playing with the washers again...

My special helper Oreo was doing all she could to help me get done with my private Christmas ornament order....she makes quite a nice paper holder....

I try to personalize this order and this one just makes me laugh....hopefully the recipient will too...

I am ready for crafting season to be done so that I can get our home ready for the season....time to get back to work!

Washing Up Christmas Junk Le Bells Style

2010-12-05T19:12:00.010-06:00

I have been playing with the washers again! These really are a nice color of red but just not coming out that way when I photograph them.

Here are the supplies you need....

Drop your ink and let it do it's magic then sprinkle with some glitter. I used a craft grade of dimensional coating on these. If you are making jewelry I would reccomend using Colores or Ice Resin they are more durable.

Tie off with whatever you have handy and you are finished.

A great quick little project for this busy time of year.
Thank you to my sponser Jill for Junk Le Bells.....a year of fun ideas!!

I'm linking to a wonderful party with lots and lots of holiday ideas go check it out!
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/12/christmas-craft-link-party/

Washer Jewelry....It's a wrap

2010-11-28T16:12:00.009-06:00

The washer jewelry has been around for awhile....I know I am a little slow. I wanted to expand my jewelry options so I came up with this version...Oh my they were addicting to make!

I did them double sided so here is the first side.....

here is the backside....hopefully they were different enough that you get lots of options!

I am tinkering with some of these for Christmas ornaments......oh what you can't do with these!!

Cellar Creations is all wrapped up for another year. It was our "golden year" 7 crafter's our 7th show. A big thank you to our community for supporting our crafting habits! Good promoter I am....forgot to take a picture of the jewelry table!

And finally.........

Bob is recovering nicely and running wild through the house again.....well not right now.....

2010-11-26T15:25:00.003-06:00

I hope you are all full of good eats and tired from good shopping......our last show starts tonight. a few pictures of some of the items going...excuse the haste but wanted to show some of the new items.

Resting....

2010-11-14T17:45:00.009-06:00

It has been a quiet sleepy day here at our house. Many thanks to our wonderful customers and new friends we met at our show yesterday.

Bob had another trip to Doc to check his tummy and now is doing the usual cat thing...lazing about and sleeping.

For the last few weeks we have had some new friends visiting us each nite....they are so ugly they are cute. How fast they are growing...I am not sure what happened to momma. I was talking to them from the door the other night and one came walking towards me....the door went shut in a hurry!

P.M.S Party

2010-11-12T13:35:00.010-06:00

It's time for the P.M.S. party.....I am ready to pamper my self after these last few weeks of sewing, bending, painting, ......and then I went one way and my knee the other so a limping off I go to the show.....

I have had allot of fun with the jewelry. Thank you Cindy Wimmer for the wire roses I love how simple they are to make and how great they look!!

My beautiful little Bob went storming across the house last nite after we had gone to bed...we heard a loud noise and glass breaking so went looking to find that he had run into the food bowls breaking one into a thousand pieces. This morning when I went to pet him he cried and cried...he has a gash on his tummy. Needless to say he is visiting Doc and since he had to be put under he is having his man surgery too. Poor little one is going to be hurting just a bit. I am sure he will be running into more stuff by the end of the week...his sister is lost without him today she is walking around crying for him. Slow down Bob!!

Puttin My Spin On It

2010-11-03T21:48:00.006-05:00

I treated myself to a new ornament pattern from Hidden In The Attic. After I sat down to make the first one I got to thinking why can't I make this sit for a cute table decoration! Add a couple of rusty old nails and my little fellow sits up real nice

Springy Snowman Junk Le Bells Style

2010-11-02T20:36:00.013-05:00

This time of year things get a little hectic and out of sorts at our house...I am a little slow for October's Junk Le Bells. While working on projects for the next show I kept trying to figure out what to do next for Junk Le Bells.....I have done most of the ornaments for the shows and I am working on the bigger projects.

Anyways working on this project......
I finally had an idea. Cutting apart the bed springs leaves you with lots of little coils. Needless to say I have lots of little coils all over the place.

I started with a light weight "stone clay" or you could use paper clay .....
I took about a 3 inch coil and rolled the top into a hook to hang the ornament with.

Roll the clay into a ball. Take your spring part and impale your poor snowman's head. Press in some little black beads or you could just dot some on with paint if you don't want to mess with them. I painted toothpicks orange and inserted for a nose. Let them hang around to dry, Once they are dry you can sand them a bit to get off any marks and then paint them with acrylic paint. I tied a bow and called them done!

Hopefully a quick little project you could do with the little ones!

linking to...

Thank You My Sweet Helpers

2010-10-30T19:30:00.008-05:00

It is that time of year again when most of my waking hours at home are spent in the craft room.

Thank you to my furry helpers for keeping me company!

Wake up and come play.....

Might as well join him......

The Witch Drank a Little Too Much

2010-10-19T14:59:00.003-05:00

I have to brag on my sister's Halloween house. Now considering her dear husband is so afraid of bugs, birds, frogs, lizards.....I am surprised that he can even walk in the door! A beautiful job sister dearest!! You do our mother proud with your decorating skills!

Industrial Chic

2010-10-15T18:01:00.007-05:00

Margo is having a linky party and I wanted to attend so I started thinking what a couple of my favorite repurposed projects are. The first one I am sharing is a project that I came up with when I was out junking and came across old lantern parts. A piece of wood, some rusty wire and viola.....a one of a kind picture holder!

The second one I would love to take the credit for but all I had to do was carry it home and sit in place...... My one of a kind end table. I love the old shipping crate fitted with boxes...a great place to stash all kinds of stuff in the living room. Just for the record the old lamp on the end table was bought at a sale for 2 bucks....they don't make them like that these days! It might not be industrial but I like the mix.

I'm linking to...

Lookin Back

2010-10-12T20:34:00.009-05:00

A few more pics of the show...

Jewelry pieces...

snow dudes....

One Beautiful Weekend Down

2010-10-10T20:20:00.014-05:00

We have the best customers!! What a beautiful Iowa weekend. October and it was in the high 80's! Last year we froze! When I am tired and don't think I want to do this anymore.....just send me a few wonderful customers that truly appreciate the hard work that goes into creating their treasures. The special ones that you remember and the new ones you meet...thank you for making this a fantastic show. I will leave you with a few pics.. we are a tired couple tonight.

A special thanks to my dad for making this awesome new necklace display--he thought it was ugly!!!

Junk "le" bells Tart

2010-09-26T20:21:00.019-05:00

JillRuth I am proud of myself this month I was actually ready and waiting for you!!

Christmas is getting closer and I have been a busy gal! I had played with the tart shells to make flowers and came across the very small ones. I started thinking Christmas ornaments and hope you enjoy what I came up with.

I cut cardboard circles, put a layer of batting on top then covered with material and started painting.

I used one of my flowers and liked how it looked too!

My first batch ready for our show....

I am linking to JillRuth

I am linking to Kaysi

Paint'n In My Sleep

2010-09-26T19:57:00.004-05:00

It is that time of year......

A sneak peek of why all my clothes sport lots of extra color

We are taking the big ornament tree so back to work!

Meet Bob!

2010-09-23T22:08:00.004-05:00

Oh he is so ornery...I am afraid he will be a little "touched" in the head...he has a problem of running too fast in the house and hitting walls and doors....may the speed be with you Bob!

We still have his sister "foo foo" girl....better get that changed quick before it becomes attached to her!! I need some name suggestions!