Gifts and treasure

We had a nice family get away around Lake Superior. 

First we went to relatives house in Wisconsin. They just moved into a new house. We wanted to bring them a housewarming gift.  I decided on some coasters...bigger house...more guests...more need for coasters right?!?

In addition, they are also big Green Bay Packers fans. 

Since Mr. G makes these great dice trays for games, we thought it would be fun to customize one a for a couple of our favorite Cheeseheads.  

I think it turned out great!

After a wonderful day and night in Wisconsin, we traveled back into Minnesota to stay in Canal Park, Duluth.

Little J and I could hardly wait to start sifting through the rocks in search of sea glass like we found last year. 

The sea glass from last year is in the little bottle. We definitely did much better this year. The whole family got involved at one point. It's so addicting...like treasure hunting. In my eyes it is treasure!!!

Some of the bigger pieces...which are still smaller than a bottle cap...I'm going to attempt some jewelry. 

 

Mama's little helper tea

You may (or may not) have noticed that I have not posted anything since last Wednesday. 

I had intentions of completing projects but my back had other plans. An ice pack, ibuprofen and my chiropractor have been my friends this past week.

While sitting and icing, I've managed to finish The Help.

I like to read the novel before seeing a movie based on the book.

 And this, otherwise not comfortable, chair my friend. It has a nice firm straight back...something none of our the seating seems to provide. 

It's made of elk antlers and is over 100 yrs old. 

I want to recover it in something more interesting than what is currently on it. 

It was my Grandfather's chair. 

He traded an eye exam and glasses for it with a North Dakota Congressman or Governor in the early 1900's. 

I've heard the story both ways. 

Pretty neat, huh! 

It's definitely a conversation piece!!

The reason for the doll in the chair is to show one project that I did complete.

A tiny knit hat for Rosie.

Well my back has had just about enough sitting in front of the computer.

I'll have to go check out the rest of the Tea Tuesday links over at Kimmie's blog later.

 

Creative ADD

I've been all over the place lately when it comes to creativity. 

I think I may have Art ADD (attention deficit disorder). 

Ok...some might argue that I have ADD in other areas of my life as well but the Art ADD is self-diagnosed. 

I blame the other on Motherhood. Children steal you're ability to keep a clear running thought in your head. :) But I wouldn't change a thing.

Anyway...these are the things I've done in the past week.

I papered our recycling cabinet to match the fridge.

Knitted another dishcloth on the loom...

Knitted a cowl on the loom...

Miniature terrain on a recycled CD...

Another terrain piece...

And last night I started another twirly crochet scarf because my elbow was hurting from the repetitive motion of the knitting. 

Crochet seems to work my wrist more and doesn't bother me.

In addition I've been washing and ironing my way through a large box of old linens. Deciding what is decent enough to save and use and what I can use in my artwork. Vintage linens and fabric are part of my idea for the Postcard Challenge book.

So, yeah...definitely Art ADD.

Garage Sale Treasures

On a whim, I went in search of some garage sales with my neighbor.  Yeah, I know, what was I thinking. I just had a sale myself to get rid of stuff. We have more room now so I have to do my best to fill it back up.

I did very well in just 2 hours. I got all you see here plus a nightstand for my son's room for the small price of $22.40. 

• New Stampin' Up! Sunflower set
• Stampin' Up! set of distressing tools
• square frame
• sunflower floral spray
• craft paints new or barely used
• candle
• vintage books
• cigar box
• terracotta saucers
• stack of white cardstock
• picnic basket
• canvas boards

Since garage sales and thrift stores are the only places I'm allowing myself to purchase supplies this year I think I really scored!

Thrifted treasures

One of my favorite thrift stores up and closed on me a few months back. I was shocked when I pulled up to an empty lot. Luckily I got out and read the sign. Closed! Moving to new location in April. Well, glory be...that new location happens to be MUCH closer to my house!


They opened their doors on Tuesday in the new, larger, more convenient location. I finally made it there today. I bought more than I usually do but I guess I was having withdrawals. With no thrift store and weather too cold for garage sales, its enough to give a girl fits.

But what is that I see...a garage sale sign! Hooray!

I got everything at the thrift store with the exception the pink bag of crafty goodness that came from a garage sale.

Surprise in my candle

Isn't this just amazing!

I was about to light it and saw the heart.
This candle sits on my stove and must have gotten heating by whatever I was cooking and the heart happened.

Treasure box

I have no idea what or how or even IF I'm going to use any of these items but I put them all together in my own little treasure box.


Just look at the tiny little glasses! Real glass lenses.


An itty-bitty sterling silver spoon...


A mini pocket knife.


Treasures.