A Day in the Life

A Couple of Ideas for Valentine’s Day!

2012-02-14T08:16:00.001-08:00

Idea Number 1

Idea Number 2

Just an idea…

xoxo

Just a Few Details…

2012-02-01T14:15:00.001-08:00

I’m excited for this weekend.

We will be spending the weekend in Hillsboro.

We are finishing up a few (dozen) last minute projects and we will be all ready!

I have enough treasures to fill up the building myself, but I will probably bring just one trailer load…

I love the new jewelry, I’ve been making.

Something with a little heart, for Valentine’s Day.

I thought it would be fun to have some stamped letter charms to mix and match…

Who knows what you might want to spell.

You will just have to come out and see for yourself!

See you there!

Trying Something Different

2012-01-03T00:34:00.001-08:00

I’ve had a few days to do what I pleased.

It pleased me to bring out the paints and crayons.

I wanted to practice some of the techniques I learned at the Lisa Kaus painting class I took a couple months back.

I had Dave cut me some houses and I started them like this…

Then I flipped them over and started again…

That was fun, so I painted this,

Then I painted this old box that I keep paper scraps in,

Then a cardboard box with a lid…

Then a hinged wooden box,

I ran out of things to paint,

Then I found an old sign…

That was fun!

I love recycling…

Christmas is Coming, Soon!

2011-12-22T01:02:00.001-08:00

Ready? Hope you are, because the time to enjoy is now.

We’ve been busy.

Thankfully, I’ve had help.

Baking is more fun with a helper.

Someone, who REALLY enjoys clean up.

She’s also a big help at Monticello.

We are continuing to restock our space.

A few new necklaces.

You can find these at Monticello and Tarte,

Monticello Christmas Show

2011-12-02T23:52:00.001-08:00

Ta Da!!

Seems to me…

I am always, the last one finished, no matter what show I am doing.

I would take even more time if it was possible…

Eventually, I do finish and have two minutes or less to take pictures.

Hopefully you will make it to Monticello’s sometime before January 1st.

We will be continually restocking throughout the month.

If you are looking for holiday cheer…

Or maybe peace on earth…

Look no further.

Monticello is located at

8600 SE Stark Street

Portland, OR 97216

(503)256-8600

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

Sunday 10am-5pm

A Great Weekend

2011-11-20T20:40:00.001-08:00

Ever wonder why all the fun things happen at the same time? Weeks go by where there isn’t much out of the ordinary and then all of a sudden those events you’ve been waiting for have arrived!

I’ve been looking forward to attending a Lisa Kaus workshop with my friend Pam for several weeks.

It turned out that our friend Sheila had also signed up for this workshop, so that made it all the more fun!

We all had a great time and learned several different techniques.

Lots of room in Lisa’s studio, so we made a BIG mess.

The class was called Gridlocked. It was fun to make the “grid”.

Even more fun deciding what would go in each of the grids…

A fun way to use some of my favorite bits and pieces.

I was planning to go for just one day, but it just so happened that Pam wasn’t able to go on Saturday for the “Color Your World” workshop.

I was thrilled to take her place, and even more thrilled when my sweet friend Billie showed up that morning, she was also taking the class.

This was my completed project.

Until I decide where to hang them, I like them here on the living room wall to enjoy.

On the way home we stopped at Tarte, for their Holiday Soiree. Everything was incredibly beautiful, and now, I’m inspired and motivated to decorate for Christmas.

It was fun seeing everyone there but the most special treat, was the amazing video that Robin made. Take a minute and enjoy the “trailer” here.

The full video was a beautiful glimpse of Robin’s photography of Tarte and “her family”.

I will be selling my jewelry at Tarte, the store

will be open Thursday through Sunday through Christmas.

TARTE

21581 A Main Street

Aurora, OR 97002

I have a lot to be thankful for, and I’m looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family.

I’m wishing you the same.

xoxo

JOY!

The Birds and The Bees

2011-11-15T13:39:00.001-08:00

I thought it was far past time to share what I have been up too.

I really hope the images aren’t too much…

There are lots of pictures… I’ve been REALLY busy!

First the Birds..

And The Bees

I think this is going to ”bee” a great collection…

I’m looking forward to the holidays and all the opportunities to be out and about.

This weekend Friday and Saturday, I will be selling my jewelry at the Historic Deepwood Estate.

Holiday Gift Sale

10 am to 3 pm

Friday, November 18th

Saturday, November 19th

Historic Deepwood Estate

Lots of sparkle, wonderful aromas and gifts galore! The annual sale presenting some of Salem’s finest artisan crafts, both traditional and contemporary. You can also pick up holiday sweets and wreaths perfect for holiday get-togethers and seasonal decor. Many gifts packaged and under $20.

Free Admission

503.363.1825
historicdeepwoodestate@yahoo.com
1116 Mission Street SE
Salem, Oregon 97302

I will also be enjoying my friends at

TARTE
21581 A Main Street
Aurora, OR 97002

We will be
OPEN Friday- November 18th 4pm-8pm for a special early buying...holiday party...please RSVP
cindy@tarte.us

Special Guests...Christopher Bridge Winery
K Marie, Auntie Joy, Guinne Muir. Robin Laws Photography will be on site in the studio for some fun holiday photographs. It is going to be a fun evening.

We will also be OPEN...

Saturday- November 19th 10am-5pm
Sunday- November 20th 11am-3pm

The shoppe is being transformed into a winter wonderland...
check out Cindy’s blog for updates
www.queenoftare.blogspot.com

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

I’m also excited to be a vendor at Monticello for the month of December.

I am busy getting all kinds of Christmas Treasures ready for this event.

I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Ruffles and Rust

2011-10-24T19:21:00.001-07:00

We had a great time this past weekend at Ruffles and Rust.

We just loaded up the trailer Rainbow and off we went…

I was delighted to be neighbors with Isabel. She can put together a booth in a snap, while I am still messing around with mine until the very last minute. She always takes time to walk around before the show and get the most beautiful pictures of everyone’s booth. I will share a few of her photos, but be sure to see all of them on her blog.

Maison Douce

It was nice to see Sarah there from our area.

And of course my favorite Garden Party Girl, Deb

And so much fun to see Amy and Kris

Today’s Country Store

This is just a tip of the iceberg, there were so many incredible booths.

I am always amazed and awed by the organization and creativity that Timi and her Posse bring to this event. If you have never been a vendor, you might not appreciate how important all the time consuming details that go into promoting and actually putting on an event of this size and caliber. While the pictures depict the hard work and creativity of the vendors, it seems the real star should stand up and take a bow.

Thanks again Timi, it was wonderful!

Remnants of the Past

2011-10-12T22:56:00.001-07:00

There have been times when I look forward to something with great anticipation and excitement, I leave thinking “hmmm, not quite what I was hoping.” I must say this was certainly not the case with this amazing show. My expectations were exceeded! It was such an outstanding event, from behind the scenes magic of organizing and advertising, the set up schedule, clear through loading out.

All I can say is, I’m pretty sure I was transported to “The Land of Oz” and Judy Watkins is the most beautiful and talented Wizard of all.

If you ever get the chance to participate or attend her event, this is something you do not want to miss!

I wish I had hundreds of pictures to share, but I was too busy taking it all in to think about a camera. I did have the foresight to snap a couple of my booth.

Looks like Dave is thinking, “how did all this fit together??”

Wait a minute lets put a few more pieces to the puzzle, then it will be a bigger challenge!

It was a short 12 hours later and we were ready!

It was a total pleasure being part of this amazing show.

Now This Makes Sense

2011-09-19T21:52:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to be a vendor at the Remnants of the Past Vintage Show.

Alex Madonna
Expo Center

San Luis Obispo, CA
October 8 & 9, 2011
Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm

This show was voted the Number 1 Flea Market in the country!

It is a lot of miles from Silverton, Oregon to San Luis Obispo, California… I’m so excited and I really wanted to participate. It didn’t take Dave long to get on board, all I had to do was promise him a new trailer…

Our trailer we pull with Dumbo, (the rv) is certainly big enough…

We lovingly refer to him as,

The Lead Sled.

I’m thinking Dave had visions of this,

with an interior similar to this…

well…

a guy can dream…

I did after all promise a trailer…

And not one to renege on a bargain.

A trailer that makes perfect sense for us.

When not using it for carrying our treasures, we can use it for camping.

or should I say “Glamping.”

The vintage paint job coordinates with the little red truck.

Maybe I will call her “Bo” as in “Rainbow”.

I can throw a few bags in the back.

Small enough I can take it on my own.

He seems happy enough.

Did You Know?

2011-09-05T00:08:00.001-07:00

In the late 1920’s my brother-in-law’s family started a campground on their property. The big draw must have been the sandy shores along the Pudding River and the beautiful wooded area. Families would come from Portland and beyond to enjoy the countryside. Located just 30 minutes from the city, famiies would come on the weekend and set up camp, husbands would stay until they had to be at work. They would then go back to the city for the week and return for their families the following weekend.

In her autobiography, A Girl from Yamill, Beverly Cleary recalls fondly, summers she spent with her family at the Colvin Family Camp Ground on the banks of the Puddin’.

Sounded like a great way to celebrate the end of summer.

The kids set out to find flotation devices…

A little late in the season, all that was left after 6 stores and 2 hours was..

2 sea horses, one piranha, a small princess air mattress and a beach ball!

It has been a few years since anyone has swimmed in this section of the river,

so access was a bit tricky…

The river was a bit low…

They finally made it, all aboard!

At certain times of the year this can be a very swift, deep river, threatening to overflow it’s banks. This was not one of those times.

A VERY gentle current.

They are on their way.

We helped them down to the river at one end of the property.

Then headed to the other end to meet them.

A beautiful place to sit and wait.

Does this look like a many legged sea monster???

I thought so too…

Thankfully they are coming.

Not a minute too soon, since we seem to have sprung a leak.

Headed back for a campfire.

Sounds like FUN!

Can You Hear Me Now?

2011-08-25T21:52:00.001-07:00

What I mean is… before I write a post I usually “think it out” in my head first. Sometimes I feel so happy that I have come with something “blog worthy” that I move on to the next project and never take that ever so important last step… the one where I sit in front of the computer and actually do it…

We have had the most amazing weather for the past couple of weeks, certainly makes outdoor shows a lot more fun!

This past Saturday I was at Molly Mo’s and we had a wonderful time.

I was under this great tree which provided shade all afternoon.

It is always a treat to be so close to home, and it is especially fun to see all my friends and customers in my home area.

With so many great shows in our area it is always hard to decide which to go to and in my case which I will participate…

Not one that wants to miss a good time it is hard to not “do them all.”

But with BALANCE as my motto,

I’m pacing myself and have a few weeks before my next show.

Coburg Antique Fair - First Sunday after Labor Day

You won't want to miss this!

Over 350 antique dealers from over six states bring their finest goods to the streets of downtown Coburg.

Food booths and musical entertainment make this an event for the whole family!

Admission and parking are free.

As usual everything always happens at the same time,

I had to leave Molly Mo’s a few minutes before it was over to rush to the other side of town for a baby shower.

If you are wondering how did all the treasures get packed and brought home?

Well, yes Dave the Driver came to the rescue once again…

I know, I’m so lucky,

I try not to take him for granted,

I am absolutely not trying to work him to an early grave.

Even Sam said last week, “I think you take advantage of Dad.”

To which I replied, well never mind,

he is going to have a short break very soon…

I was glad to be able to go to the shower.

Many of you might remember Brianna.

She worked for me when Sam was a baby,

while she was in high school.

Sam thought she was his sister, he called her Brawanna.

Her maiden name is the same as my older boys and I told her,

she should marry one of them and keep her name or hyphenate it,

“Baker-Baker”.

Lots to Love About August

2011-08-18T00:40:00.001-07:00

Friday, I will be heading out to set up for

Molly Mo’s Antique Faire

which will start at 8am Saturday morning.

The first weekend of August was spent at Terri Brush’s Art Camp. Both my sisters and

niece Krissi from Texas

enjoyed being together, creating jewelry and making new friends,

Terry and Karen.

And catching up with old friends.

Joy

We frosted cupcakes and used some of the local berries for garnish.

And there was even a tiny little singing frog…

The second weekend was a quick trip to Yakima.

We love our annual trek for the

Clayson Farm Antique Sale

It was fun seeing Stacey and her adorable “cleaning lady”

Gotta love the barn that Leslee and Mark moved to their property a couple of years ago.

We had to leave before dark.

Sam was headed to summer camp for the first time…

I was afraid he would call us, homesick begging us to come get him.

I knew I would have to hid the car keys to keep Dave from going for him…

I was wrong…

no call.

What do empty nester’s do?

When they are feeling a little lonely?? Wishing for a phone call…

Works for me…

Must be why they call it Happy Hour??

The very best part of August has to be that it is both my sister’s birthday.

A photo of them taken a few ~~years~~ decades ago…

Love you,

xoxo

Too much fun?

2011-08-01T00:41:00.001-07:00

What’s that mean?

It’s like a girl too pretty, with too much class.

I didn’t see that was Celeste and Dan of Chaps (Spokane)

in line when I took this picture.

They were definitely not alone…

A minute or two before opening, a quick picture of my neighbors.

Worthy Goods

Just 24 hours earlier Dave the Driver/Loader/Builder…

I love a man that knows how to use a ladder

I made a new sign for my booth.

In case I was walking around and couldn’t find my way back.

A view from the other front side.

I was so happy that my sister Toni was able to come help for the day.

She brought the beautiful sweet peas from her garden.

The tow truck sold, hopefully I won’t be needing it…

There is that song that keeps running through my mind,

Too much fun what’s that mean
It's like too much money, there’s no such thing
Its like a girl too pretty, with too much class
Being too lucky, a car too fast.

No matter what they say I've done, well I ain't never had too much fun
Give me the reins and let me run
cuz I ain't never had too much fun.

I’d like to say it was a very, very hot day.

The running water became too much of a temptation.

I will admit to dangling my toes in the trough…

However, if you see a picture of me in the tub with Joe,

I hope you remember that pictures can be manipulated,

and really… would I do that???

Thank you Joe and Jermonne it was perfect!

I have definitely had too much fun!

Just In Case

2011-07-27T08:48:00.001-07:00

Seriously, if your reading this and you didn’t already know that this

Saturday, July 30th is the

Barn House Flea Market

You should leave a comment and let me know how you missed hearing.

I am so beyond excited,

I’m thinking about bringing a paper sack (in case I hyperventilate).

Here is where you can check out last years show.

I’m doing my very best to be organized…

Once I get there I am so…

shall we say “over stimulated”

I just want to enjoy the moment (s)

If you haven’t ever been to this event, all I can say is…

COME EARLY!

Although there will be twice as much on site parking,

with an “on-site” police officer

and nearly a dozen parking attendants to help control any parking issues.

The weather is predicted for a perfect 82 degrees

with just the right amount of

this

I have a little mantra I keep repeating…

“Idle down turbo”

Now where did I put that paper bag????

Just Getting Started

2011-07-13T07:46:00.001-07:00

So I had this great idea… Which is where it usually gets complicated, you’d think when I have these “great ideas” everyone would run.

Nope, I gathered a group, my sister Terri, her youngest son,

Kyle

My youngest son,

Sam

Naturally we included Dave (the driver)

Oh yes and we brought the girls,

Sophie

she is very nervous… she’s half French (Poodle) and half ~~Golden Retriever~~

Scarredey Cat.

Sweet Pea

Sophie can relax, Sweet Pea has everything under control.

The plan was to leave home Thursday, and be in Sacramento Sunday morning for the Flea Market. It’s only an 8 hour drive for most people…

All going according to plan

Breakfast here Friday morning.

Then fun in Ashland, on to Redding and that’s where the trip veers from the plan..

You guessed it, the newly remodeled Dumbo (the rv) towed to the garage…

If you’ve never been to Redding, California in July,

then I’m just saying, you might want to save the experience for a cooler month.

If your wondering how long the holding tank lasts in an rv, with 5 people, not long enough…

Luckily we were pulling the little pickup behind Dumbo, so we were able to “get away”.

If your wondering how 5 people and 2 dogs might fit in a little pickup…

There is a reason they call it a circus train…

Hmmm, well all fixed and ready to roll!

We made it to Sacramento, but sadly we missed the Flea Market.

Not to worry, I’ve got a great idea…

Retreat Summer 2011

2011-06-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

A wonderful sunny day in a perfect setting was the back drop for the

Retreat Vintage Flea Market on Camano Island last Saturday.

Deb and Bob Kennedy, Retreat really know how to pull it all together.

The show was an incredible success!

Dumbo (the rv) preformed like a champion.

Perhaps the last “talkin to” when I threatened to drive him off a cliff if he didn’t straighten up and ~~fly~~ drive right, paid off…

A few little tweaks to the interior and I will be showing you the completed facelift/remodel of his interior.

Thankfully I didn’t have to make good on the cliff diving threat, because I really love the remodeled Dumbo!

We had our booth all set up and ready to go with plenty of time to spare.

(a little less than 3 minutes)

My booth neighbors on my right, the ladies from Poppyseeds in Stanwood.

Teresa Sheeley (middle) another vendor from Omak Washington, getting some last minute “before photos”.

Across from me was Tammy Gilley from Portland.

What a fun time I had visiting with all my neighbors and the shoppers who were out for a beautiful day of shopping.

Patricia aka Pippy Stockton all set up with her lovely jewelry.

Deb in her Garden Party booth.

I’m fairly certain she didn’t have one thing that I wouldn’t have gladly taken as my own…

Love those chippy pink doors and the painter’s ladder with the company name painted on both sides…

The fresh classic look of Seabold Vintage Market.

Liz busy at work in her booth.

Looking forward to seeing her next month at Barn House Flea Market.

Speaking of Barn House…

My neighbors on the left.

Such incredibly talented, hard working, fun loving, crazy boys!

Hope you will join us on July 31 at the BH Flea Market.

There were lots of other fabulous vendors, wish I had gotten pictures of all of them.

But I only had 3 minutes…

So Excited!

2011-06-20T10:35:00.001-07:00

We are finishing up our projects and getting ready for this weekend.

It is time to load up the trailer, hitch up to Dumbo (the rv ) and get this circus train on the road.

We were delighted to be invited to participate in Deb and Bob Kennedy’s event this weekend.

Some of our very favorite vendors will be there.

This is no doubt going to be one of those events you certainly don’t want to miss.

the weather has agreed to co operate, what a great way to start summer fun!

We’ve been spending our time, buying, creating, cleaning, sorting, pricing, packing and just getting so excited for this show!

Saturday, June 25
9 AM to 3 PM

Finally Flowers

2011-06-14T00:16:00.001-07:00

I’ve been spending time in the garden and behind the sewing machine.

And a little time shopping, I recently found this wonderful old platter.

I made a little flower to put in it, from a big box of random colored leather scraps.

Then, when my evil twin Starta Lotta came by,

this is what happened.

I also ~~made~~ started a lotta, aprons. (evil twin sisters!!)

Thankfully I had alotta flowers to use as embellishment…

I love this time of year, all the flowers make me so happy.

Farm Chicks = Fun Chicks

2011-06-09T00:14:00.001-07:00

The peonies missed the party, I tried forcing them

But they were not going to co operate, no matter how many times I added warm water…

Then there was the major set back, when Dumbo (the rv) lost the use of his gauges and we had to return home for the truck.

But with all the setbacks and disappointments, we still made it with time to spare.

Thankfully I was traveling with an adult, who never gets ruffled or stressed.

I’m certain he wishes he could say the same…

We got the booth set up.

It was fun seeing everyone.

Here was a quick shot of Sue, Lisa and Patricia.

The very best part is the friends,

new and old that we get to connect and reconnect with each year

at Farm Chicks.

The times with friends are priceless.

Too bad we have to return home as soon as it is over,

when there is so much more fun that we could have had if there was only more time…

We had to be the last people who attended Farm Chicks to get home.

It was a long drive in the old truck…

The good news that greeted us.

The peonies bloomed while we were away.

And a few of these pale oink ones.

Everything works better when the sun shines!!!

It Might Seem Like A Little Thing

2011-05-27T20:26:00.001-07:00

There is more than a million details and projects to complete before we head to Spokane next week for the Farm Chicks Show.

Truthfully probably more than a million…

to say I’m a wee bit stressed, might be the understatement of the year…

I have LOTS of inventory, mostly ready to price and load in the trailer.

What has me STRESSED is my peonies, I am so bummed…

Generally I have buckets of fresh cut peonies to decorate my space.

Typically I’m worried they will be past their prime…

Does this look like a bud that will be ready to dazzle the masses in less than a week?

How about these?

I have 18 peony bushes, and not one is looking like it will pull through…

With all the horrific weather reports around the country, it seems a little ridiculous to be complaining about our lousy weather…

The report is for only one sunny day before we leave ….

I love peonies,

but I’m not the only one…

Ants love peonies,

Auntie’s love peonies…

I’ll be back before we leave with a peony report and maybe even a few sneak peaks of what will be coming with us in the trailer.

Plenty Going On

2011-05-15T12:26:00.001-07:00

If you have as much going on as I do, you might not have noticed I’m WAY behind on blogging.

However, I haven’t been slacking on projects.

Here is a little of what’s been keeping me off the computer.

A friend needed a sassy spring like apron with ruffles for her daughter.

But first, I must make a clean spot on the work table.

Then…

A sassy spring like ruffled apron!

I’ve been working on some different jewelry designs

Some bezels soldered, then filled them with resin.

It’s a fun process, wish time was unlimited I could do this day and night!

In reality, time is not unlimited and I have other things that need to get done.

I did a complete redo on my area at Monticello,

A great big THANK YOU to Joyce for all her ideas and muscle on the project!

Here is a new project, that I took in to Monticello as soon as the paint was dry.

I thought it would be a great unit for storing all kinds of things,

especially in a work area or studio.

I took a little time organizing the jewelry.

With Spring comes baseball…

I can’t say I LOVE the sport,

but I really do LOVE watching this little player!

Spring Art Camp

2011-05-03T23:06:00.001-07:00

I was fortunate to attend another one of Terri Brushes ‘ wonderful Art Camps on the Oregon Coast this past week.

It was a great time, not just for making art, but for also making new friends.

A packet with treasures needed to create a bracelet.

A little soldering,

A little wire wrapping,

The back.

I always think the latest project is my favorite and this one is no exception!

I’m back home now recharged and ready to get busy.

I am headed to Monticello to refresh my space. The Spring Home and Garden Show will be going for another month.

I hope you will check it out, the merchandise is continually changing with new items being brought in as others are selling.

I have it on good authority that they are having a BIG sale for Mother’s Day….

Monticello Spring Home and Garden Show

2011-04-14T20:19:00.001-07:00

The Monticello Spring Show

opened a week ago and I am just getting around to sharing the pictures.

There were truck loads of treasures brought in to be displayed.

It’s a blessed event…

All set ready for opening day.

I saw some hope of spring…

Not a minute too soon, as far as I’m concerned.

The show goes through May with vendors constantly restocking.

Hope you can come see this Blessed Spring Event!

Glad That’s Over

2011-04-02T22:31:00.001-07:00

I just had the longest visit from that one person who I cringe every time she comes to my door,.

it was Starta Lotta my evil twin…

She is the crazy one, the one that carries on like a maniac, starting all kinds of projects,

(that I am left to finish…)

She’s full of great ideas that I am easily sucked into, because it SOUNDS reasonable.

Starta never completed anything, just Started A Lot of them!

Her recent visit was a jewelry making whirlwind.

Just a few of the necklaces she half finished….

Now that she’s gone.

I’m getting them ready to go.

I need to get all my unfinished projects finished, because tomorrow I am taking the first load to Monticello for the

Spring Garden Show

The show starts, Friday, April 8th at 8:00am.

This show will be going until May 30th, so I can pace myself a bit, I will be restocking often.

This is already in the truck ready to go.

Aprons were another thing Starta Lotta left for me, the good twin to finish…

Thanks to all of you!

2011-03-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

It was great seeing all of you that came by Saturday for the 3 Friends Sale.

When we are in the middle of preparing for an event, (especially as it has been a year since we held a sale here) begin to doubt my sanity. I do have to say it really is worth all the blood, sweat and tears that is required to get things in order.

I feel as though we have reclaimed the shop, it had become more of a storage unit/dump site.

I was forced to “deal with” all the excess.

I love the white walls. Painting is such a hassle, but the effect, that 10 gallons of white glossy paint has on a room is amazing!

Kinda makes me want to put on my dancing dress.

There is still the issue of the leaking roof…

But you know what they say about progress.

Dream Girls

2011-03-08T22:40:00.001-08:00

I had so much fun at Dream Girls, this past weekend, I took no pictures.

Thankfully there were lots of other cameras being used. Isabel took these beautiful photos, that I promptly copied so I would have something to share…

We had classes in this wonderful barn.

These are Tiffany’s vintage prom dresses and slips that decorated the entry.

A shot of the inside, all decorated for the weekend.

An amazing weekend filled with laughing, crafting and all the fun you could ever hope for.

You might want to go on over to Isabel’s blog and check out the rest of her pictures of the weekend.

The yellow walls are painted that shiny white, I am so fond of…

Things from the trailer are finding their way into the store, to be arranged in a tidy manner. Sounds reasonable…

Lots and lots of treasures to be arranged in a tidy manner…

You know I will be ready. Hope to see you!

Half Full or Half Empty?

2011-03-01T10:57:00.001-08:00

Well, I’d have to say BOTH! I’m talking about the cups/ buckets that I have out in the shop catching the water as it leaks from the roof… Don’t you just love when life gives you lemons/ water you make lemonade/ mop water???

Gotta love rain if you live in Oregon… Really??

The buckets are half full, but the other half is on the floor…

Just another day in paradise.

Decided last week, I couldn’t do another show with yellow walls…

So I conned the biggest boy into painting.

Why does my life revolve around paint?

Well paint and water, rain water…

Thankfully the grass is always greener on the other side.

So I planted it.

The good news is, we are getting ready for our annual

3 Friends Sale

Something fun to look forward too!

Ruffles and Rust

2011-02-21T09:14:00.001-08:00

Have you ever considered throwing a Flea Market?

I’m pretty sure dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s,

getting the vendors together, the cars parked and the buyers through the door,

would be enough to make most pull their hair and run away screaming.

But when its over and it was a screaming success,

life is good…

I hope Timi is enjoying the the good life, and a day with her feet up!

It was a wonderful show, and thankfully I had my phone to take pictures…

This was my booth right before “show time”.

We love coming north, but now it is time to

head this circus train home, we’ve got lots to do.

but I just wanted to say…

My Name Is…

2011-02-16T11:05:00.001-08:00

I’ve stamped it, soldered it,

Maybe I should have put my address on the back,

But I didn’t..

I made these this past weekend at Terri’s, check out the different classes that Terri Brush offers. I also noticed there were 2 spots left in the Sunday class for Dream Girls.

You will want to come, even if you haven’t ever soldered and don’t consider yourself particularly artistic or crafty, come join us for the day.

You will have so much fun and go home with and a wonderful bracelet!

We are packing the trailer and getting things ready to go to Ruffles and Rust.

Here is information I copied from Timi’s blog.

You will be able to purchase tickets through Wednesday at:

Poppyseeds in Stanwood

Glitter & Ivy in Monroe

The Well Dressed Home in Bothell

Today’s Country Store in Sumner

Annie’s on First in downtown Snohomish will still be the only store selling tickets on Thursday.

Tickets will be available at the door on Friday night.

Everyone who has purchased tickets ahead of time will be in our VIP LINE. The doors open at 5pm sharp BUT we will start checking our VIP’s in at 4:30. This way when the doors open you will just be able to walk right in. No waiting to get checked in.

Those buying tickets at the door will not be able to start purchasing tickets until 5pm

We have lots of great prizes to give away, we will be having appetizers by Katherine who is well known for her fabulous foods at Barn House and was the caterer at our very first event The Collection in Bothell.

We look forward to seeing you and your beautiful hats!

Here is coupon for you to print out, and present at the door for a discount on Saturday.

We have more than a trailer full to take. So…. if you see what looks like a BIG OLE’ MESS driving down the road, with all kinds of ruffles and rust tied to the top, falling out the back door, headed north.

Just pretend you don’t see us.

So Many Fun Things To Do!

2011-02-03T00:26:00.001-08:00

I have enjoyed the past several weeks with a laid back schedule, getting things done, working at home. I have been working on getting an Etsy Site put together, its coming but not as quickly as I would hope. Lots and lots of projects to complete, things to do, but I am so looking forward to getting out and about.

I’m dong a lot in Washington in the next few weeks. I am going next weekend to Chehalis to attend a couple of workshops that Terri Brush is giving. I am so excited about what she is going to be teaching. Last summer she gave Cindy and I these bracelets when we took our road trip to San Diego.

I love this bracelet and I am SO EXCITED to make one!

or maybe it will look more like this.

The other day she is teaching a necklace, this is one of the class samples.

Check out Terri’s class schedule, maybe you could join us!

On February 18th & 19th, I am heading north to Monroe, Washington for Ruffles and Rust.

This is gong to be a really amazing show you will definitely want to be there.

March 5th and 6th I will be going back to Washington to join Tiffany and her group of Dream Girls.

This is going to be so much fun and there are still a few spaces left if you would like to join us.

One of the days we are making these wonderful bracelets,

And the other day is this fun bird cage.

I am still in the business of selling old stuff, even if it looks like I am spending most of my time learning new fun art projects and hanging out with my friends.

I have been buying some great old things, perhaps I will be providing the majority of rust for Ruffles and Rust… (and who doesn’t love great rust??)

Seems to be what I am finding the most of these days…Maybe something to do with the rain???

The most exciting thing I have to share is about Terri Brushes’ Spring Art Camp, in Lincoln City Oregon. This is a wonderful 3 days of art and relaxation on the Oregon beach. I have blogged about this many times and I am so excited to be going again.

For the next couple of days (until February 5th) she is giving a $100 discount on tuition. Check out the details, it is a great time for learning new skills and making new friends!

I hope you can come.

Camp Schedule

Spring 2011 Art Camp

Thursday, April 28th check in after 4pm

April 29, 30, May 1st Classes

Monday, May 2nd check out by 10 am

Balance??

2011-01-29T01:55:00.001-08:00

Still working on The Art of Balance.

I’ve been adding a few things to "the board”.

I thought maybe I should look up the definition,

I think there is still balance to be kept…

I’ll keep working on the board.

There’s still plenty of time.

But speaking of time….

I ‘m hoping you will be at Tarte tomorrow. Check out the details!

Making Things

2011-01-18T00:45:00.001-08:00

I’m getting ready for the show this coming weekend at Clark County.

I’m pretty excited that the sales are starting again, I’m making myself a little crazy doing random things around here.

One night last week I was feeling particularly wired and I made a crown.

I like wire.

I finished the studio, then decided I would like it better in the front room. So I spent the next couple days, moving the rooms around.

Another good reason to have wheels on all the tables and cabinets…

I made a few necklaces.

I’m a little obsessed with journey these days.

All the reasons you might think.

Am I spending time doing what I want, am I enjoying my journey?

Or am I thinking more about the fact that one of my sons is in India.

He’s working there for a few weeks he seems to be enjoying the journey.

I’m skipping going to bed tonight, because the youngest of the big boys is going on an adventure and I’m taking him to the airport at 3am.

He is taking a trip with a friend to Chile.

He doesn’t know any one there.

Doesn’t have specific plans, doesn’t know when he is coming home, doesn’t know Spanish…

Sounds like fun!

I am just a wee little bit nervous, but I know it is his journey…

I decided to send a little snack for the trip.

It’s been a few years since I made granola, so I looked on the internet and saw what the ingredients were.

I put some of just about everything.

A little butter, a little oil, some brown sugar, a little honey. A bit of vanilla, some almond flavoring and cinnamon.

I boiled that and started putting in nuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, coconut and oats.

I baked it for a couple of hours in a low heat oven.

When I took it cooled just a bit,

I added raisins, cranberries and apricots.

Looks like a good snack for an adventure!

Working In The Studio

2011-01-11T01:50:00.001-08:00

I’ve had time to work on my Word for the Year.

I figured out what YEAR it is

I even fixed the bulletin board,

I guess I just got a little ahead of myself…

I’m working my way around the studio getting all my favorite things lined up and dusted off.

This shelf sits on my work table.

A close up view.

I spend a lot of time thinking about, why do I like what I like? I get why I like glitter, I get why I like random pearls, but I have to wonder why I like the corks???

Then you might be wondering about the old snuff bottle?

Might be one of the “WISHES” in the little metal book that Terri Brush taught me to make?

Could it be I have a secret longing to use tobacco??

Just a little pinch between your lips and gums…

Tobacco or glass glitter??? One seems about as likely as the other…

I never know when I might want to “freshen up” just a bit.

I like to have that Precious Pink lipstick at my finger tips…

It is nice to have somewhere to display your projects.

This might explain why I never have a clue what time it is…

This Is The Year

2011-01-02T19:26:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, my friend was here and we were going to make banners for our studios proclaiming our word for the year. After MUCH deliberation and contemplation I chose Balance, well I actually ended up with a phrase “The Art of Balance”. That sounds more like what should hang in the studio than Balance, more for a gym… don’t you think?? I originally thought of Organize, but seriously… what is the chance?? Banner or no banner that seems pretty farfetched!

Sadly we didn’t finish the banner, maybe the word should be FOCUS???

Either way I’m going with Balance and until the banner is up I can just look at cork board and there it is…

I’ve been spending some time getting things “in order”, organized comes to mind, but…

I decided to show you a little glimpse of why it is such a struggle.

I start out with the best of intentions

I like to work on a game board, the theory being if I have to stop and clean off the table before I am done, I can fold up the board and all the pieces I was using are still in one place.

It’s all good until I open the drawers

I want to see all my choices…

And there you have it!

Are you asking yourself what is oddball wire stuff??

These little guys I think are for computers?? Or something electronic…

But they work really slick for attaching the beads to the necklace.

This was the first time I used them and I am anxious to try some other ways.

Another necklace.

And one more

I have a problem when it comes to buying things I know practically nothing about, like computers, cameras, well I guess anything electrical, mechanical or electronic…It seems like you make a choice and then the next week they are either obsolete or half price… Sometimes waiting is easier, but eventually I bite the bullet.

After MUCH deliberation and contemplation,

I’m sensing a life pattern here…

I got the Droid Smart Phone.

I think I should have moved a little quicker on this…

I feel like a skipped a step and now I’m not sure how to make a call, but I can post to my blog, Skype and check Facebook all at the same time…

I’m looking forward to 2012, with “The Balancing Act”, I mean… “The Art of Balance”as my mantra.

Gee, after I posted this I realized it was only 2011...I feel much better,

I have another whole year to "get balanced... "

Christmas in the Making

2010-12-25T19:25:00.001-08:00

We’ve been enjoying the season, and looking forward to today with great anticipation.

Last weekend I spent the afternoon with The Tarte Family and The BH Boys.

Joe had agreed to teach Cindy and I to make tamales.

This is not a quick, let’s just throw these together dinner!

Fun day learning something new,

and though I was voted least likely to succeed in the tamale making circle,

they were certainly enough to impress everyone who tried them!

Then I tied myself to the chair so I could finish a couple of quilts.

Thankfully I have been introduced to Hulu and Netfix so I can be entertained while I sew.

Wish I had taken a picture of the finished projects before I wrapped them , but it is hard to think of these details at 3am.

Another reason for starting projects a little earlier I suppose…

Sweet little babies came to make Christmas special.

Bringing a message for all,

“give the ones you love a hug!”

Christmas Look Alikes

2010-12-13T01:38:00.001-08:00

Last weekend I joined my friends for a 24 hour “art fest” slumber party at Terri Brushes’ home. We had a terrific time, it was everything fun, all packaged up and tied with a bow!

One of the projects was this little cutie!

Mine turned out to be a self portrait, that was so fun I made myself a husband…

Such a happy couple.

Let’s just call them,

Dave and Joy…

They seem to be enjoying the holidays…

We made boxes and filled them with little snowmen.

The box is much cuter than the picture shows, but taking pictures of glass is definitely a trick I need to work on!

The second box I used this little one winged angel…

Proof that you should never throw anything away. Never know when you might need a one winged angel.

A few more Christmas projects I’ve been making.

Hope your making Merry!

‘Tis The Season

2010-12-02T23:58:00.001-08:00

It’s that time of year again.

With lots to do, back to back scheduling is just one if the stress inducers. It takes a lot of creative juggling and everything needs to work just right to stay on top of your schedule.

Today was an example of that kind of day.

I needed to get to Monticello to make certain everything was priced and ready for the show.

It starts tomorrow, Friday, December 3rd at 8 am.

I had all the angels praying,

I needed to be back in Silverton, for Sam’s Christmas Program by 6:30 at the latest.

It is an hour drive under the best of circumstances, rush hour traffic can be ….

I finished,

but not in time to get pictures of any booths other than just a few of my own.

Some feather trees dressed with Eiffel Towers.

A few necklaces.

But, I was 42 minutes late leaving…

If all went well, the best would be 15 minutes late.

Thankfully I was “misinformed”.

It started at 7pm…

I was early!

That was odd!

Some day Sam will hate me, but this is one of the perks of being the mother.

He is the “octopus” in the middle.

Glad I was early.

A Little Unknown Plus

2010-11-28T20:55:00.001-08:00

You might not know about this little bonus unless you have a blog. In case there is nothing else, you can always feel guilty for not posting as frequently as you feel you should…Hmmm

So… I’m busy getting ready for the Christmas Show at Monticello.

As usual I have several dozen projects in the works, but very few packaged, priced and packed…

Dave put this together from a puzzle I got from Kim this summer.

I love it and of course I want to keep it but.. I MUST quit changing things around, I’m starting to feel a little dizzy…

The bead board with the side pieces, I had him build for the show so the cabinet wouldn’t be sitting on the table top. I would hang it on the wall. I can’t have too many table tops. Where else would we leave all the clutter?

I especially LOVE how the bins open from the sides.

I wonder how it would be to just leave them open and maybe the clutter could go directly into the drawers and leave the table top clear?

I don’t think these two were originally together, but they have such a happy marriage.

Should I save this for Dave for Christmas?

Seriously, I might not be able to part with this…

I really got to fly, still have lots to do.

A Whole Lot of Magic

2010-11-07T22:50:00.001-08:00

What a great time I have had over the past

Tarte Barn.

There are definitely a few reasons a Queen might choose to leave the country for new city digs.

(Which by the way I had a little sneak peek of the new castle, so don’t fret there is more magic to come!)

The fact that winter is coming, bringing cold, cold days and nights.

Maybe its because the barn is a barn, completely without insulation and plumbing. That translates into your freezing and then you must make a mad dash to the port a potty and this is Oregon so now your soaked from the rain…

Perhaps its the small furry critters that might surprise you at any moment. Could be the hawk that thinks he was there first, so he’s not leaving…

Whatever the reason it is truly bittersweet to see the Queen leave her Barn.

Lots of friends were out Saturday to say hello and gather up treasures before the move.

Isabel did a lovely post that inspired me to go back and pull some of my favorite pictures from previous sales.

I hope you enjoy them.

A Crown Of My Own

2010-11-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

Well finally! I can’t believe it was so long coming, but I finally got one of my own!

I tried making one on my own, it turned out pretty awful. Not one I would wear any where except, maybe around the house. But now, thanks to Terri Brush, I have the technique down, perhaps I will fashion a few for those special occasions when nothing else will do!

There were some pretty fabulous projects completed at

Artsy Tartsey this weekend.

Wonder why I didn’t take pictures of them??

Well, maybe I was having too much fun???

Maybe I was enjoying the early morning offerings provided by Kelli?

You have no doubt been awed by her paper and glitter creations,

but did you know she has another life in the food industry??

Maybe I was harassing Kelli by taking her picture.

I did however get a few pictures of the barn,

I’m sure I could have taken a few more, but no worries…

I’m on my way to the barn where I will be helping the Queen as we get ready for

And while I’m there, I sure hope I find my phone, since I’ve looked everywhere else!!

I’m hoping it is there…

It is a red one

Wait, maybe it looks more like one of these…

Either way, if you find it, you will have to send me an email, since at the time, it seemed like a good idea to cancel the house phone…

Fun at Ruffles and Rust

2010-10-26T23:29:00.001-07:00

What a great time we had this weekend at Ruffles and Rust. It was so fun seeing some of our favorite customers and friends from up north. Annie and Mary

Some shots of my space.

Lisa pretty much sums up how we were all feeling!

Another party this weekend, at the Tarte Barn. Cindy has a big gala planned Friday night to kick off the holiday season. For tickets click here.

Saturday and Sunday Terri Brush is teaching workshops at the

Tarte Barn.

Last I heard, Saturday’s workshop is full, but there are a couple spots left for the Sunday workshop.

Click here for the details.

Its going to be a party to remember, hope you can join us!

Ruffles and Rust

2010-10-20T21:14:00.001-07:00

I have just a FEW things left to finish, before we take this

“show on the road”

This are washed, just need to price.

I took the top drawer out to put the cute label in, now I just need to remember where I put it…

Lots of metal, and this big rolling cart.

A windmill

Lots of Rust…

Lots of Necklaces

The Details

Friday October 22nd from 5:00-8:30pm

$25 entry fee

In addition to early shopping we will also be hosting a Bloggers/Facebook Fan Ball

Wear a pageant sash that represents your blog, business, fan page or just you, and meet other bloggers, facebook fans, and new junkin friends.

We will be awarding prizes for the best sash

We will also be awarding prizes for the best dressed

Come dressed in your high society interpretation of Ruffles, Rust or Ruffles and Rust.

Someone will be crowned Ruffles & Rust Queen for the best overall outfit and sash combo.

I have my dress, now I’m making my sash with the name of my blog.

I had some cardstock letters, so I thought I should paint them gray, and then add a little glitter, attach to a ribbon…

But when I moved the letters I had painted, I realized I had premade sash just ready to go…hmmm I don’t suppose I would win the prize.

For tickets to the ball, just click here.

If you can’t make the Early Buying/Bloggers Ball, but would like to attend Saturday, here is a coupon. Just copy it, copy it several times if you like and give it to all of your friends. I get a prize for all the coupons turned in with my name, so copy enough for everyone!

There was a wonderful article today in the Everett Herald about the Ruffles and Rust Show.

Hope to see you there!

Let’s Talk About Why I Haven’t Been Blogging…

2010-10-07T01:36:00.001-07:00

I’ve said it before but it so true, when I am busy doing fun exciting things there isn’t time to blog. When I have free time, I have nothing fun or exciting to blog about. That is all to say, I have been having lots of fun and no time to blog, heck I haven’t had time to even sleep I’ve been having so much fun.

It was a beautiful day at the Barn House Season Finale.

It was great seeing many of you there.

A couple days later I removed the few things left from the

Fall Show at Monticello’s.

And a couple of days after that I packed my bags and headed to Lincoln City for Art Camp.

What a great time I had with my 37 new best friends.

What a treat to have Jo Packham come to Art Camp with the Fanciest Farm Girl I know. Tiffany taught a class on how to make a crown.

Some of the ladies looking adorable modeling their handiwork.

I’m home for a couple of weeks now, and I am getting things ready for Ruffles and Rust

I am really, really, looking forward to going to Monroe, Washington to do this show, it is the second one that Timi has orchestrated. The first one was an overwhelming success. This is a new venue with lots of parking and many new vendors.

Please join us in being High Society for an evening or the day

When: October 22 & 23, 2010

Where: Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe Washington

The Display Hall

Some of the best vendors from around the Pacific Northwest.

Check here for,

The Details

Look here soon for discount coupons to use for Saturday admission and for some sneak peeks.

More Barn House Sneak Peeks

2010-09-24T08:15:00.001-07:00

Are you wondering about those Barn House turkeys?

Are they sleeping on the job?

Absolutely not, however there is some serious gobbling going on in back, where the real Barn House turkeys call home. They are no doubt wondering what all the commotion is about.

Lovely displays are being created!

All sorts of harvest bounty for your decorating pleasure!

The Barn House Fall Harvest Season Finale is going to be amazing! I hope to see you Saturday, check out the details here.

Always different from any of their previous shows.

I’m risking someone might loose my camera for me if I give away too much of the marvel that is being created.

What the heck, I will capture a few more sneak peaks tonight, those turkeys don’t scare me.

Barn House Fall Harvest Event

2010-09-23T10:22:00.001-07:00

I’m here in Battle Ground to be your eyes and ears behind the scenes, before the Barn House season finale.

We are all looking forward to Saturday.

The place is a-flurry with activity.

Joe has a vision for the show and getting the piles of treasures

to the finish line, is the goal.

Cindy is here sharing her point of view and helping create the magic.

The clock is ticking…

Saturday, September 25th

Lots of one of a kind treasures.

Where else can you find a windmill for your wall?

A cabinet with a reminder?

Celebrating fall

With more sneak peeks to come, check back soon !

3 Times the Fun

2010-09-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

Monticello Fall Sale

opened Friday and is open until September 27.

My hops look a little puny, probably from a season of neglect.

More images of the Fall Sale.

Lots of amazing booths be sure to make it before it is over.

Saturday morning would find us in the streets of Albany. We were signed up for our same spot in the bank parking lot.

We got there first Dumbo, trailer and all. This is where it gets kinda fussy since I was having “a little nap” but evidently someone had left their car in our spot and the bank being next to a bar maybe they just forgot???

So to make a long story short we literally ended up on the street.

It was a great move, we loved our new spot!

We are officially street people…

I know, you were afraid of that.

We left Albany as soon as we were packed, and drove south to Coburg, a mere 37 miles.

So much better than the old years, now we get to set up the night before the show.

With the doors open on the trailer, we simply pull up to our space, step hard on the brakes and all the inventory flies out where we want it.

It’s a great trick!

Oregon City Antique Fair

2010-08-31T21:51:00.001-07:00

I have done this show for several years and it is another favorite of mine. I lived in the area for several years before we moved to Silverton and have lots of “old” friends that still live in the area and generally make their way downtown to say hi!

Carol and Lisa brought this little cutie down to visit. I tried all my regular tricks to get her to smile, must be loosing my touch this was as close as we came. Mostly she was “not amused”.

There were lots of shoppers all day, these characters all showed up at the same time.

From left to right Laurie, Debbie, Isabel, Natalie, Kathleen and Lisa. Pretty sure that is Lyn hiding behind the hat…

I had lots of necklaces.

I made a few signs.

I have “a thing” for these sign holders. I can think of lots of uses for them, but I like them as just a frame.

More necklaces…

A great day full of friends, new and old.

Molly Mo’s, Life in the Country

2010-08-24T23:34:00.001-07:00

We had a perfect day for an outdoor event Saturday.

This show is an absolute pleasure to do, it is so close I could practically walk there, but since I need the trailer, it seems more prudent to take the truck… And it also would take me at least a week to walk the 15 miles… But still it is closer and easier that many of the shows I do. I also love seeing people I know from the community.

Occasionally I have a great idea that no one but me thinks is all that clever. Take for instance, this ever so funny display of what I was calling slip monkeys…

What was actually an adjustable mannequin that I hung in a tree to display the slips…

But looked like a monkey to me…

Maybe people were thinking sock monkeys??

Well, I thought it was amusing…

This is the face of someone not amused.

Couldn’t get sweet baby Maddox to smile, I get the impression he was thinking,

”Why do you talk so funny?”

Something that made me laugh out loud was when my friend told me her 3 year old granddaughter told her,

“ Actually Grandma, I appreciate it when you use your inside voice…”

(hmm, should I ever have a grandchild, I can only imagine…)

There were some very talented vendors with great displays and lots of shoppers who were delighted to take a little bit home from the country.

Martha was serving up bird nest cake…

And who doesn’t LOVE bird nest cake??

I always love the hens and chicks in the chicken feeder, it just makes sense…

More fun in the country on Monday when Dusty had us over for a barbeque. The field behind his house has sheep living in it. The farmer decided he needed to move them that evening… How hard can it be to herd 4 sheep? Of course everyone would be happy to help.

It’s just a simple matter…

Every one get in place,

Run like the wind, yelling baa-baa…

Easy breezy just like, leading sheep to the slaughter.

“Oh no, you don’t” they baa-ed,”" not so easy!”

“No way are we going anywhere with that farmer.”

Just another day in the country.

Clayson Farm

2010-08-17T22:42:00.001-07:00

We had a great time last weekend in Yakima. We enjoy that part of the country, and why wouldn’t we?

It has some of the most spectacular scenery.

We were so lucky to spend time at Kim and her husband’s ranch.

They have lots of these…

I should probably have one of for my yard…

I definitely don’t want one of these scary, animals…

Oh wait, that’s just a log that looks like a wild cat of some kind…

Why do these animals follow me ??

Wish I could just wiggle my nose and have this put itself in some kind of orderly fashion??

That would leave more time for things like…

riding a bike???

Here were some of the early bird shoppers waiting for the gates to open.

Jermonne and Cindy

And Joe,

they knew there were some great treasures to be found!

I found lots to bring home, actually the trailer was packed full coming back. So full in fact there were treasures hanging on the outside of the trailer…

That’s certainly a nice look traveling down the freeway, I just pull the shades and pretend not to notice the people pointing and staring at the

“circus train!”

I’m only willing to face this embarrassment so I will have some wonderful new treasures for the next show…

Which is this coming Saturday in Sublimilty.

It would be an understatement to say I have lots of new merchandise…

Hope you can be there!

Singing Along With John Denver

2010-08-11T12:12:00.001-07:00

The Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it raining fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
Rocky mountain high.

Can you even imagine a more beautiful place for a wedding?

Once you make the hike to the top, caught your breath in the

“mile high air.”

It was all worth it!

They certainly seemed thrilled!

Beth as the photographer,

shown displaying butter balls. What after all, is

“cute as a butter ball?” (or is it round as a butter ball?)

And me as the Wedding Gestapo, what could possibly go wrong???

We had a wonderful time with our friend Sheila celebrating her son’s marriage.

Now I’m busy getting ready for the sale this weekend in Yakima.

This is a great sale, I know you will be glad you came. We always have the best time! It’s not too far for a day trip from the valley, so grab a friend and join us!

It will be fun visiting with Kim and her helpers,

especially Miss Madelyn.

Julie will make the journey to the other side of the mountain,

for the sale.

And Sue will be there, enjoying a tasty beverage.

It is a fun day in the country,

I hope to see YOU there!

Barn House Flea Market

2010-08-02T09:06:00.001-07:00

I spent the early part of last week drinking lots of this.

While I worked like a crazed maniac, trying to “get it all together” for BH Flea Mkt.

I knew they would have and incredible space.

And of course I was not disappointed!

Expecting to pull up to an almost empty field, or at the very least a few spaces with some merchandise scattered about, when we pulled in to unload Thursday afternoon, I felt like I had arrived at

The Land of Over Achievers!

I was there 2 days before the show was to begin and I was one of the last to start setting up!

The amount of work and planning that Joe and Jermonne put into this show is unbelievable. They set the bar high and none of their vendors wants to bring anything but their best.

It really is an honor for me to be included in their events. For a few days before the show, I find myself trying to decide between the anxious and panic button, fumbling along in my normal fashion.

Yet when we arrive, although everyone is busy hot and tired, they take the time to greet us make us feel welcome. It feels like family. It is fun when I first get there, to walk around where everyone is working on their space, to say hi and to see all their bounty!

Sylvi’s husband built an amazing structure out of old barn boards for her space.

She filled it with all sorts of wonderful vintage treasures.

Lisa had stocked her space to the brim with her best!

Isabel had all sorts of merchandise ready to go!

Deb and Bob from Retreat.

My neighbors Tracey and Clarke with her adorable daughter Lindsey.

Beautiful treasures from Worthy Goods space.

Cindy with my niece Emily and sister Toni, who were there helping.

How sweet is this little shopper?

Here is Katherine, by far the most popular girl there. When she sold the last of the bazillion coconut cupcakes she brought, they were renamed "crackcakes”… you can imagine why!

And the “STARS” of the show!

Thank you so much!

Petticoats and Pearls

2010-07-23T21:16:00.001-07:00

Lots of work to be done around here before next Saturday, when we will be all set up and ready for the

We are getting ourselves ready for the big event!

This is Pearl, she will definitely be going, she knows what she’ll be wearing… She was doing some laundry when her cousin stopped by…

Her cousin, Jane as in Plain Jane…

Jane tries,

But how can she compete with Beautiful Cousin Pearl???

We sure HOPE you will come join us at the Barn House Flea Market next Saturday, July 31st.

A Little Side Trip…Did I say Trip???

2010-07-20T00:50:00.001-07:00

We had promised Sam that we would take him to Bend to see his brother Ty in Bend. Sam is only 15 years younger than Ty, so naturally they are close…

We took Dumbo, (the rv) and spent some time roughing it in the wild.

We roasted some hotdogs, and made a few s’mores. Thankfully I brought some jewelry making supplies with me and here is one of my original ideas.

Feel free to copy this idea. it works rather well…

I like to bring a few things to work on where ever I go somewhere.

I start with a few,

Then a few more,

And the next thing I know…

This guy was taunting me,

and then I saw this scary bird like thingy…

Thankfully I had on my running shoes!

And by the way, if someone tries to tell you they saw me hurrying across the parking lot on my way to Barnes and Noble to buy the latest Sommerset magazine. Be sure to tell them, it must have been someone else that tripped on that giant bolder/tiny little pebble and landed on their hands and knees in front of who knows how many dozen people. And for that matter, if someone hops up and staggers away, it would be okay to pretend you didn’t notice… It is alright to assume when they say they are okay, you don’t need to offer first aid…

I know I Said…

2010-07-12T10:02:00.001-07:00

I would post about this and tell about that, sadly I can’t remember yesterday all that clearly, so…

I did arrive home a week ago from San Diego. Just a few photos from the trip.

Terri, me and Cindy.

Trying to decide.

Should we swim? Should we surf?

Which way should we go???

Thankfully we had Brian, Terri’s brother sharing his home as well as the highlights of San Diego with us.

Oh yes, he also shared his sail boat with us.

I had no idea how fun sailing was, I thought boats needed tow ropes, wake boards, skis, inter tubes, and masses of teenagers to be fun???

We joined up with Elizabeth in San Diego.

I’m pretty sure she will never be the same, after being corrupted by all sorts of delightful taste treats…

Terri, was teaching these houses and the glass box in one of her classes.

It was great fun, meeting up again with Julie Haymaker Thompson.

I “heart” her work….

These next 3 pictures are my favorite from the whole trip.

We were set up at the Mermaid’s Flea Mkt and Dottie came out for a little visit.

She seems to find Cindy’s lady a clever display…

She even takes a second look.

Then upon closer inspection??? She is one of my favorite people.

Not afraid to laugh out loud, she makes me laugh out loud!

We had so much fun with her.

We also loved the ladies at The Urban Barn. We were treated to a delightful morning of visiting, shopping and a sweet little brunch.

A mere 3600 miles and 2 weeks away from home.

I’m pretty sure I have never had a better time, or have been so glad to be home!

I missed my boys and they missed me!

Time to get everyone busy around here, now that summer has evidently come to the Northwest while I was away.

The fact that I have a habit of doing way too many things, is not a new issue… but did I mention Portland Expo was just a couple of days after I got home??? It was fun, but a very hot blur…

I ran into these girls there.

Julie, Sue and Lisa (who does not have an issue with her front tooth, it is a shadow.)

Someday I will figure out how to edit…

Meet these 3 along with a couple dozen more vendors at

See you there!!!

The Continuing Adventures, San Diego Style

2010-07-02T09:29:00.001-07:00

The idea was that every day of the journey south, I would do a short post to keep all of you readers (or should I say both of you…) up to date on the crazy fun we are having? Needless to say that idea was out the window (no pun intended) on the drive down. Every day we do something blog worthy, but sadly I am either having fun or sleeping, so that leaves little time for posting. With that said I will back up almost a week and share some photos from the sale we did in Solana Beach at the Mermaids Mercantile.

There were lots of vendors we enjoyed, wish I had taken more photos so I could share, but thankfully I got one of this adorable lady Nikki. she was so much fun. One of her friends was at Farm Chicks and she told me that Nikki would be at the sale and we would have a great time with her. She was right we all loved her and thankfully we were outside vendors and didn’t need to be reminded

“to use our inside voices”

It was fun meeting Jane and Deb they had a beautiful booth, Jane does gorgeous jewelry and Deb makes the most wonderful linen clothes, I bought a beautiful pale aqua linen dress which you will undoubtedly see me wearing often!

Here is Cindy with Sherri. she and Sandra from Urban Barn came to say hello.

While we were busy selling our wares, Terri was next door teaching ~~classes to the masses~~ workshops.

Dottie (3rd from the right) was taking the workshops, but often could be sighted "out and about.”

Here she is pictured with friends that came by.

It was a pleasure to become acquainted with Kim, who was also taking Terri’s class.

Here are a couple of the classes that Terri taught while we were here. Next post I will share pictures that I took while I was

“out and about”

checking out the workshops!

What An Adventure!

2010-06-30T09:30:00.001-07:00

Let the good times roll, or more exact let those tires roll and roll and roll… Have you any idea how far it is from Salem, Oregon to San Diego, California? A long, long way, over 1000 miles in fact.

Over hill over dell,

many hills, many dells, and the sign marking the town of my birth…

The Queen as a truck driver…

Notice the great bracelet

Terri made these for Cindy and I and we both LOVE them!

Terri taught jewelry making and soldering classes while we were here, one of the classes was using this design. When we arrived at Terri’s brothers house, I met Boomer 1 of his 3 turtles.

If I don’t come home when the trip is over, could be I couldn’t leave this paradise out the back door.

We’ve been gone a week and met lots of new friends, and a great time reconnecting with old ones.

I’ll be posting soon with more pictures of our fun times.

Putting the “A” in Auntie

2010-06-14T08:58:00.001-07:00

Like most of you this time of year is incredibly busy for me. The first sighting of summer brought smiles to the faces of many. It was a good thing summer cooperated since we had out door events planned for the entire weekend.

Its hard to believe Miss Emily, the youngest of my beautiful nieces graduated from high school on Friday.

And of course no one would be better suited for addressing the group, than she, sharing with us the profound teaching of Dr. Seuss.

Her sisters arrived with their babies to celebrate with the family.

An Auntie herself, enjoying the moment…

They just want to be down,

Doing what babies like to do best.

Inspired by Tiffany, the original Fancy Farmgirl, a Sunday brunch brought out friends and family.

Farmboys enjoy their meals!

A Fancy Farmgirl necklace from Auntie Joy.

What a perfect day, for celebrating with a darling girl that makes this Auntie a proud one!

Enough fun for me, it is time to get my working boots back on.

I am off to Denver later this week, where Sheila and I will be attending the Old Glory Antique Show.

I’m bring back lots of treasures to sell, because the next day I’m off for a road trip to San Diego!

I will have details posted soon, but you can see what Cindy has to say about the trip. Terri has some details that you can check out, it’s her truck pulling the trailer.

We will be doing a Sale at The Mermaid’s Mercantile, in San Diego

June 26 & 27

I hope if you are in the area you will come by and join us!

Farm Chicks

2010-06-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

I don’t need to tell you we were wet, tired and crabby when we finally left home.

I kept telling myself, “this isn’t the last show you are ever going to do, its okay to leave some treasures for next time.” Yet it always seems reasonable to me that if there is still space then it might as well be filled, of course I haven’t won any contests for good reasoning …

Of course there is all the other incidentals that go along with leaving home for a few days. We pulled out of the driveway about the time we were suppose to be pulling into Spokane. Other than the fact I held my breath the whole way, full of trepidation that Dumbo (the rv) would leave us stranded on the side of the road and we would miss the whole event, (like the last trip we took on that highway) the trip was uneventful. We actually arrived before the doors opened so I guess you could say we exceeded our goal!

Just an empty building waiting for us.

Progressing nicely,

I didn’t actually see how he made it out from under there , but these guys seemed to have it under control…

My booth finished,

It was a wonderful show, one of my only regrets is that we were so busy that I didn’t have time to go around to all the booths and look at everything!

The little prize my friend Betty helped me get ready for the first 25 of you that came through and said,

“I read your blog”

Some of the Farm Chicks I happened to get a picture of,

Holly and her friend, from Joy Harvest

Tricia and Sarah from Wild Whimsey

Elaine from Tinker Verve

A cute little aspiring photographer.Amanda

Everyone’s favorite, Celeste of Chap’s.

Serena, to who I would like to say “Thank You!”

I appreciate your hard work at making this the most amazing show ever!

To those of you that were at the show,

I would like to say, “Thank You”, it was so fun getting to see you, talk to you, and to put faces with names.

And to my sister Terri and dear friend Robin, not to mention Dave!

THANK YOU!

No way could I have done it without you!

JOY!

The Three “P’s”

2010-05-28T10:01:00.001-07:00

If you have ever been a vendor you know what I am talking about, it is time for the dreaded P’s. You know, packaging, pricing and packing. Here’s where you really see what your made of, you see how strong your back is, for that matter, you see how strong your marriage is…

There’s been a time when Dave was inside the trailer loading the treasures, when a teeny, tiny little part of me wanted to accidently shut the door, turn the key and take off. But the smarter part remembers he’s the driver and how could he do his job locked in the trailer?

All those challenges will be left behind, once we are on our way, and back to that story book marriage…

I’m so excited to get to Farm Chicks, to see my friends and to meet new ones. I have been working on a little gift for the first 25 of you that come by to say that you read my blog and are glad to be at Farm Chicks!

Serena sent this really cool map so you could plan ahead where you want to shop.

You can pick up a copy at the show.

You can find me in Bay 1, Booth 105 & 106.

You will also see these sweet friends at the show.

On the left is my friend Robin, she is coming to help me set up and will be helping in the booth on Saturday. She is one of the most amazing photographers, she has the ability to capture the true essence of her subjects. Check out her blog Bird Tweets, you will see what I mean.

I’m sure you recognize my two friends Isabel and Lisa. Their booths are the next ones, on the same aisle as mine, you will want to mark theirs as booths you want to get to early.

There are so many incredible vendors and guests/shoppers at this show. I was hoping to memorize all the vendors names, but… I failed. I am trying to pay more attention to names, because I really do care. The thing is when I get excited…

Count Down for Farm Chicks

2010-05-18T06:55:00.001-07:00

Way back in January when the applications for vendors to Farm Chicks was sent in and my spot was secured, I thought of all the things I would take to Farm Chicks. The list was long, and grows daily. So NOW it’s time to get all those ideas, finished and ready to go.

I spent last week playing catch up, I need to hurry, the flowers are here!

Does anyone know a great way to get the ants of the peonies before bringing them in the house??

Seems a little ridiculous to spray with raid…

This is my favorite, can’t wait to see it in bloom!

However, I certainly don’t have time to sit around and watch the flowers grow!

I’m busy making these,

And you know what they say…

The clocks ticking!

A Day in the Life

A Couple of Ideas for Valentine’s Day!

Just a Few Details…

Trying Something Different

Christmas is Coming, Soon!

Monticello Christmas Show

A Great Weekend

The Birds and The Bees

Holiday Gift Sale

Ruffles and Rust

Remnants of the Past

Now This Makes Sense

Did You Know?

Can You Hear Me Now?

Lots to Love About August

Too much fun?

Just In Case

Just Getting Started

Retreat ** Summer 2011**

So Excited!

Finally Flowers

Farm Chicks = Fun Chicks

It Might Seem Like A Little Thing

Plenty Going On

Spring Art Camp

Monticello Spring Home and Garden Show

Glad That’s Over

Thanks to all of you!

Dream Girls

Half Full or Half Empty?

Ruffles and Rust

My Name Is…

You will be able to purchase tickets through Wednesday at:

Poppyseeds in Stanwood

Glitter & Ivy in Monroe

The Well Dressed Home in Bothell

Today’s Country Store in Sumner

Annie’s on First in downtown Snohomish will still be the only store selling tickets on Thursday.

Tickets will be available at the door on Friday night.

Everyone who has purchased tickets ahead of time will be in our VIP LINE. The doors open at 5pm sharp BUT we will start checking our VIP’s in at 4:30. This way when the doors open you will just be able to walk right in. No waiting to get checked in.

Those buying tickets at the door will not be able to start purchasing tickets until 5pm

We have lots of great prizes to give away, we will be having appetizers by Katherine who is well known for her fabulous foods at Barn House and was the caterer at our very first event The Collection in Bothell.

We look forward to seeing you and your beautiful hats!

So Many Fun Things To Do!

Balance??

Making Things

Working In The Studio

This Is The Year

Christmas in the Making

Christmas Look Alikes

‘Tis The Season

A Little Unknown Plus

A Whole Lot of Magic

A Crown Of My Own

Fun at Ruffles and Rust

Ruffles and Rust

The Details

Friday October 22nd from 5:00-8:30pm

$25 entry fee

In addition to early shopping we will also be hosting a Bloggers/Facebook Fan Ball

Wear a pageant sash that represents your blog, business, fan page or just you, and meet other bloggers, facebook fans, and new junkin friends.

We will be awarding prizes for the best sash

We will also be awarding prizes for the best dressed

Come dressed in your high society interpretation of Ruffles, Rust or Ruffles and Rust.

Someone will be crowned Ruffles & Rust Queen for the best overall outfit and sash combo.

Let’s Talk About Why I Haven’t Been Blogging…

Please join us in being High Society for an evening or the day

When: October 22 & 23, 2010

Where: Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe Washington

The Display Hall

Some of the best vendors from around the Pacific Northwest.

The Details

More Barn House Sneak Peeks

Barn House Fall Harvest Event

3 Times the Fun

Oregon City Antique Fair

Molly Mo’s, Life in the Country

Clayson Farm

Singing Along With John Denver

Barn House Flea Market

Retreat Summer 2011