My Finest Vinyl Linen

Today I took a big step. While looking through a wooden chest to find tablecloths to use for my bunko group tomorrow night, I realized what a large collection of vinyl table covers I have collected over the years. The ones in the picture are only the tip of the iceberg.

It is not as if I don't have some very nice cloth ones to use. If fact, I have quite a few very lovely ones. So why am I not using them?? Am I afraid of getting a little spot or two on them? Yikes!! This oddly makes me feel like a little old lady. Is there is such a person as a vinyl hoarder?

Worse yet, I am having trouble parting with my plastic ones. It is time to let go!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Buttons!

While surfing some favorite websites, I stumbled across a button ornament swap over at Button Floozies. I have not participated in a swap in a very long time but there was something about ornaments with buttons that I could not pass up. Looking through my craft stash I found some chipboard dress forms purchased at Red Lead where I always buy my favorite supplies.

Here are the ornaments I made to trade:


Along with this tag:

In return I receive these three special ornaments:



The cute little burlap stocking on the left was from Terri. It is adorable. The lace and buttons she sewed on are just perfect!

The little round ornament in the middle was made by Wendy. It is very sweet and hand sewn with vintage buttons.

The ornament on the right was sent by Joni. Isn't it fabulous and creative? I just love the little muff the girl is holding.

BCS Three Years and Counting!

Three has always been my lucky number.

The New Mr. & Mrs. Phil Alles Jr.

Welcome to the family Laura!

Clang, clang, clang went the trolley!

A longtime friend had this Thomas Merton quote hanging in her office. I loved it the moment I read it.  I thought it was a perfect fit for this picture I took of a trolly station in Memphis.

"You do not need to know precisely what is happening or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope."

Happy Birthday America!

Baubles Bracelet

This bracelet sure was fun to make. It is a bit different than my usual bead stringing. Copper and silver colored buttons were glued into bezels and connected with copper rings. In the center bezel is a piece of cut crystal for a bit of glitz.

Getting Closer

Soon after learning about the fun of antique mall shopping I began looking for a special kind of bowl that belonged to my grandmother. My mom cherished it until it was sadly broken long ago. A couple weeks back I stumbled across this pretty little etched pink depression glass bowl very much like it (if not identical) only much smaller. The minute I picked it up I could not set it down and knew it was coming home with me. It even has a couple little character chips to add to its charm.

Crafternoon Fun Folder Journal!

My sister hosted a fabulous afternoon of fun for her knitting clutch and invited me along. She showed us how to cut, paste, sew & glue this colorful folder journal from a manilla file folder. Mine turned into a birthday gift for a friend. I may have to make a couple more of these! Thank you Linda : )

Altered Book Cover

My first altered book cover.

A Stitch in Time Red Lead Tag Swap

Merry Christmas Cardinal Cone

I've Got a Brand New Pair of Roller Skates (You've Got a Brand New Key)

OMG...I stumbled across these on eBay. Underneath the rust and dirt is a little slice heaven. I wore out a pair of these exact same roller skates when I was a little girl. I can still hear the sound of those metal wheels barreling down the alley at blazing speed trying to make it home before the street lights came on. When I was down to my last skate, my dad took it apart and made me a wooden scooter with it. It did not take me long before I was back barreling down the alley at blazing speed on my scooter.

Memories in Bloom

A Christmas Cactus of my moms......what a wonderful treasure! Thank you Barb for taking such tender care of it all of these years!

Crafternoon Fun!

Every so many months my friend Becky hosts a fun crafternoon at her place. About a dozen or so gather for a playday of a delicous lunch, followed by a few hours of paper, glue, & scissors. Becky always choses the best of projects to make and this time was no exception. I met Becky a few years back while she was teaching art techniques and doing product demos at Red Lead, my favorite local place to shop. Thank you Becky for another great afternoon!

BCS Two Years and Counting!

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew." ......St. Francis de Sales

Lesson C6 - Layers w/Glazed Background

Lesson C5 - Packing Tape Transfer

Lesson C4 - 3 x 3 Composition