Happy May Day

Happy 1st of May!
The weather couldn't get any better. My favorite thing now is having all the windows open, feeling that cool breeze blow through the house and actually hearing the birds sing outside.
We spend every morning out on our patio with coffee and dreaming of how our day will go.


Today, well all week I have been dreaming of baskets. And what a way to bring in May.
Do people still give a May Day Basket? I don't know but I am obsessed with baskets right now.


I will share just a few of the ones in my bedroom and master bath


This last one, a picnic basket, is available in my Etsy Shop. Wouldn't be amazing filled with shabby chic bedding and a bottle of wine for 2....


Happy first day of May...
My heart can't help but ache of how I should be home on this 1st day of May, as they lay my grandmother to rest today. I wish I could have been there with my family, the last time we all would have gathered together...from all the aunts, uncles and cousins I remember from childhood to distant relatives I have rarely seen. Goodnight Grandma, rest in Peace

I will link up with Kathleen today for White Wednesday over at Faded Charm Cottage.

Memories Made into Jewelry

My friend Mary Beth is a jewelry artist and has a gift for seeing things in a different way.

When I saw her new bullet necklace design, I fell in love.

It is such a hard edge with a delicate side.

I contacted her asking for her to make one for me but with a twist, I had the bullet shells from my FIL's Marine Salute at his funeral. We had them on display in our home but thought, hey one would be really nice to turn into this necklace.

It would hold so much meaning to have made into something rather than just laying around in a box.

Mary Beth turned this bullet shell into an amazing piece of wearable art.

I can't wait to wear it. It has so much meaning behind it.

She makes these with her collection of shells, crystals and feathers and offers it here
along with many of her other wonderful designs. Her work is carried on Zappos and Modcloth as well as many boutiques across the country.

Big thanks goes out to her for making a great keepsake into something I can wear everyday.

Happy Fresh Thoughts

What a week we have been dealt around here. My family is grateful for all the lovely comments you have left for us about B and my grandmother.
So lets look at the bright side of things that were good that happened this week...

We are all doing fine and B's favorite thing, when not outside, is watching "Despicable Me", I have to say we have watched it like 100 times now and I still laugh. He cozies up in my studio and pretends to help cut and sew while I work.
I think a little sewing machine might be nice to get him for pretend sewing.


The Art Gallery my work is in sold a piece of my work, so that is always happy news :)
I will have the other piece from my last show available for purchase on here soon.
Stay tuned

It has been just gorgeous here so the fresh air blowing thru the open windows is so refreshing from the normal hot stale air.

If you shop on Etsy, you will notice that they just lauched a Wedding Registry. I was contacted letting me know that I am featured in the Etsy Weddings for my Paper Garlands and other handmade garlands!!! So exciting to know. Thanks Etsy!!!

I am also so happy to have some fresh ideas of things to make. Sunday is always house cleaning day, but as soon as that is completed, I will be in my studio working away.

Here I go off to clean the house, while B is watching Despicable Me for the 101 time. :)

daydreaming...

the weather is so beautiful today that we took to the patio this morning for breakfast and pinterest.
I started searching for inspiration and the daydreaming took off.

I immediately want to run to my studio and start creating.

I have some fun ideas now of things to work on.

Girly, shabby and pink of course.

I put together this little brooch of vintage doily, ruffles and a crown.

It is the 1st anniversary of the royal couple, maybe I was inspired by that a little ;)

It is available here for purchase...reminds me of the shabby chic one from Rachel Ashwell with a twist.

Vintage Farmgirl

For all those lazy summer days on the farm by the lake...
having picnics and hanging the clothes out to dry.

The breeze blows lightly today and makes me think of my Aunt's lake on the farm...deep in Illinois countryside.

The tall green grass blowing the water rippling on the lake.

The fish are jumping and in the distance you can hear a cow moo

Sounds and images of summers gone by pass thru my mind.

These are new offering in my SHOP

Under the Stars

This week was one for the record books around here.
All the unexpected drama, scares and losses.

To reflect on the happy times of this week and to make sure B forgot all his pain, we kept the dragon tent out back and surprised him with his very own flashlight.

I don't think I have ever seen him more excited.

We sat outside as a family and let him perform for us, he grabbed his ukulele and sang campfire songs and he was acting like he was chasing dinosaurs and monsters. He is loving this new backyard along with the cats.

Because of all the drama of the week, we didn't have time to focus on mister's or decorating.
So pictures are still to come.
Now the heat has died down and the winds, we will be out there every night with flashlight dances and campfire songs :)

Saying Goodbye

I received the call early this morning. My grandmother, my last living grandparent passed away in her sleep this morning.
She had been losing strength for a couple of years but was so strong, 96 years strong.
I am glad to have gotten back home with B, even if he won't remember, I have the pictures of him and his great grandma together. She was so happy to have him sit with her. She would keep his picture in her room and always ask and tell people about his personality.

She was not sick, it was just her time.

I think the sweetest thing in the world was that she waited for my grandpa's birthday to pass.
Like she was going to surprise him or something...

I really would love to be back home with my family to gather for this last look back at her life.
I grew up with my grandparents just a few houses away.
I remember the days of strawberry pickin in her prized garden, sitting under the gumball trees on a hot summers day, she wasn't much for air conditioning. The big family gatherings always in grandma's backyard. The cakes, the cookies and pies. The crochet blankets, handmade toys and quilts we were always surprised with as children. Riding my bike down her hill after it had been freshly rocked for the summer and crashing. Her running to my rescue with antiseptic spray and band aids. She loved watching basketball and baseball. A game was always on. But I think what I loved the most was that old hi-fi playing the AM stations, of 40s music and news updates....or listening to a baseball game crackling over the speakers.
Things that just made time standstill. A flood of memories from my childhood come rushing back. Really making me think, wow, I can't believe the years have flown by.
Goodbye Grandma