New territory

I did something today I've never done before. I signed up for an e-class from the famous Teresa McFayden.

I am so excited to be taking this class! We all have so many thoughts, wishes, and memories in our pretty little heads. I hope to learn a few new techniques, use some of my besties, as my friend Karla always says to do, and thoroughly enjoy what is to come. Come join me!

Happy Hearts Day!

Hubby came home yesterday with these beautiful peach colored roses for my hearts day gift, thanks honey! Here's Love to you from me! Do something you love on heart of all hearts day.

A few of my Valentine bottles, gathered together to wish you happy hearts day! Enjoy.

Hello Again!

I'm back! So sorry for the absence, I got lost in the whole Silver Bella, then Thanksgiving, then conference for work, then Christmas, then winter thing. Right now we're getting about 20" of snow! It's our first real blizzard since 1999. We usually get snow several times each winter but we're getting zapped this time.

I've been spending some time in the studio lately. Here's one of my latest creations. I want to list her as my first etsy product but I'm so nervous. How do you know how much to charge? How much is shipping? Any etsy sellers out there, all suggestions are welcomed.

And getting into the Valentine's mood a little, a few more bottles.We went to Champaign, IL last weekend to see our daughter and son-in-law and visited one of my fav stores, Gordman's, where I found these great "muddy flea market boots". Now I'm ready for the muddy flea markets that start in March around Chicagoland. Lastly, I need help changing my blog background. I've tried to do it and it's just not working. Can anyone who has a blogspot site help me out?

Silver Bella here I come!

This week I will be headed to the 5th annual Silver Bella! Me and 150 awesome artists who "get me" will spend 4 days in Omaha with some of the most famous instructors in the field. Here is a sneak peek at the altered bottle swap that I'm the hostess for.

Found this top hat ornament at my new favorite store, Whimsy on Saturday.

And another peek at one of the two bracelets I made for another swap. Safe travels to all my Bella friends, see you there!

Secrets and Surprises

I came home from work today to find some secrets and surprises waiting for me! A Halloween box was waiting for me from my new friend Kathi. We joined Heather's Halloween box swap and were swapmates. My box of goodies included a feather pen and some vintage papers,

handmade ephemera, flowers, paper doilies, candy, all wrapped in pretty tissue. Kathi put a lot of time and love into the box and it REALLY made my day!

and they were all in a great tin box!

Check out Kathi's blog to hear her story of how she trudged through the rain to get this very special gift to me! Thank you Kathi, see you at Silver Bella in 7 short weeks! Julie

My day at Karla's Cottage

Today I met some very creative souls. I was awestruck to be in the company of Karla Nathan, Lori Oles, and Carol Spinsky who have all been published numerous times in our favorite magazines! Karla hosted a "play date" at her home near Kansas City. Karla had a "closet of goodies" for us. When you walked in the door, it's the first thing you saw. It was like going to an artist's retreat! THe carrot cake was to die for!

Karla and her husband made lunch for us and this was part of her tablescape.It was so vintage and elegant. Every bird in her home has a crown on! Everyone's napkin ring was actually a cuff bracelet that we got to keep! My other new friends are Jami Miller and Nora Neely.

I traveled to Kansas City from my home about an hour west of Chicago (~500 miles) to "play" in Karla's Cottage. The other ladies came from as far away as Arkansas! On the way, I stopped at the Rusty Chandelier and the Curious Sofa. I was too chicken to ask the stores if I could take pictures for my blog so those are still in my head. This is Karla and her granddaughter. Look closely to see the wire crown on Sugarwings' head!

Goodwill buy of the day

There's a Goodwill store near my office and I stopped in today at lunchtime. I saw this great little nightstand but it said "sold". I was heartbroken! I went to the cashier to confirm and she made 3 announcements for the buyer to come forth, no one did, so she sold it to me! It was $4.99!! It's pink and has about 3 other colors peeking through. I can't wait to make room for it in my studio.