Art Food Lodging

Number Three - Earrings From the Hardware Store Tutorial

2012-01-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

This is about as basic as hardware gets. Machine screws with matching nuts. $.98
Small, just an inch long, but oh, the possibilities...right?

Little baby washers, I mean how cute are these little guys? $.47

More little washers, a size or two up from the tiny guys and because there are more in this package, these were $2.33

Here you go! The only hard part was finding a bead with a larger hole. I had to dig for these. They have been hauled around for more than a couple moves. I think they are some I got for my younger daughter when she wanted to try her hand at a craft or two. That's why they are PINK.

You can see the construction a little better in this shot. First I slid on the larger washer, then a smaller one. Next came the pink bead, small and then large washer and the nut. How to attach the ear wire was the kicker. There wasn't enough depth on the screw threads to get a good hold with the wire, so I used a little E-6000 glue along with the wire to keep it in place. I like it better than super glue, because I don't end up gluing my fingers together with it...or at least not as quickly.

So, there you go. Three different earrings using three different hardware bits in three days. Hope you enjoyed this, I know I did!

xoxo

gretchen

More From The Hardware Store ~ Tutorial of Sorts

2012-01-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

Retaining rings R us...or at least once more here.

These are a smaller size than the pair I used in the last post. Smaller and cost less. They were all of $ .52, so $1.04 for both - we have no sales tax in Oregon. Yet another good reason to come shop here! That and there are dozens of antique shops and malls within 20 miles of the Portland area... and rivers, mountains, hiking and biking trails and more outdoor fun when it isn't raining cats, dogs and elephants. (what? it doesn't rain elephants where you live? right now we are in the middle of epic rain and the comparison seemed right - and we do actually have a pretty awesome zoo!)

I wire wrapped chain to the top of the retaining rings through the holes in it. Did the same with the ear wire.

Instead of using a headpin, I rolled wire into a tight circle and threaded on the tiny pink hearts and attached them to the bottom of the retaining ring. Cute, huh? I'm trying to just use what I have on hand and these little heart beads have been waiting to come out and play.

I do have one other set of earrings that aren't retaining rings (!) I'll try and share those tomorrow. Blogger has been acting weird for me...or maybe it's just my computer. I know I need to either have it worked on or bite the bullet and get a new one. A big ol' bullet.

I hope there's some sunshine in your day tomorrow. We will be watching the rivers rise here with flood warnings going on up and down the state.

xoxo

gretchen

Jewelry From The Hardware Store Tutorial

2012-01-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

I happen to love hardware stores. Really. There are all these cool bits and shinny things, most I have no idea what they might be for. The other day we were in Home Depot, which is all of 5 minutes from our house, when I decided to see what I could make with them.

These are Retaining Rings. Cool, huh? nice shape, great flat black color, what's not to love? Apparently they retain something. No idea here, maybe you know? I think they were retaining ideas and waiting for me. They cost $.98 each. Which makes the base for the earrings I could see in them all of $1.96. Not a big risk.

I wire wrapped eight semi-precious Hematite faceted stone beads around the bottom of each loop. Love those little beads.

Then added a tiny piece of chain, also wire wrapped through the hole in the top of the ring (no drilling involved!) One side first, then I slid on the ear wire and attached it to the other side, so they float on the wire.

There you go! The first pair of Hardware earrings.

Tomorrow I'll show you another pair.
(please forgive the bad lighting, it's winter in the PNW and the sun doesn't visit us often enough)

xoxo

gretchen

A Car of Nations

2012-01-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

This was taken a while back....really. It wasn't from this week or the last.

I can even remember the day. Not the date or year (sometime in the 60's), but how could you forget your cousin driving up in a car like this? Sitting outside my Grandma Nation's house in the driver's seat is my pretty cousin, Linda. She not only drove the car, she raced it. Of course, I was SO jealous...but shoot, I couldn't even drive then. Seated next to her is one of her girlfriends. The other two pretty ladies are also my cousins and sister to the driver. The brunette is JoAnn and the blond is Wanda, all Nation girls, too.

That's me sitting on the back closest to the camera. My sister, Jody is next to me and my other sister, Cathy is sitting next to her. Don't you love our Tony home perms???

When I shared this with Jody she noticed I had my Brownie Camera around my neck. I may still have that in a box somewhere....how could you get rid of your first camera? It was such a wonderful gift. My mom would occasionally get me a roll of Black&White film, color was too expensive and cost more to develop. I was so careful not to waste the film - it was special. Just like this photo.

Did you have a camera when you were young? was it a very special gift, too?

(we're pretty sure the car is a 61 Triumph, if you wondered...)
xoxo

gretchen

A Give Away ~

2012-01-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

Krys Kirkpatrick is having a give-a-way on her blog...she's giving one of the prints on her etsy site to a few lucky people on Sunday the 15th.

In case you don't know, she is one of the very talented bunny sisters that created Bunnies By The Bay.

Go LOOK!

These are two of her sweet drawings.

http://www.kryskirkpatrickdesign.blogspot.com

(the give away is on her blog)

http://www.kryskirkpatrickdesign.com/

good luck!

xoxo gretchen

The Insects' Christmas

2011-12-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

This German stop motion film was made in 1913

Now you know what happens to the ornaments on your tree while you sleep....

have a wonderful holiday ~

xoxo

gretchen

Decking the Halls?

2011-12-19T01:40:00.000-08:00

Well, maybe not the halls. This year. But I did throw a little tinsel on the mantle in front of a tiny bisque chorus line. Let's pretend they are singing....maybe the happy song at the end of this post.

Call it lazy, but I just didn't want to get out too many decorations. I know there are some tucked in the Baileysburg (a very tiny town in Washington state) cabinet (quite a story there for another time), but they haven't found their way out....yet. There are some lovely Chalkware Santas and folk art pieces I still may set out. There are also a few boxes (or more, way more who am I kidding?) hiding in the basement (hiding, that's the word! not lost in unmarked boxes or plastic tubs). But it's late and you know the cats are ~~probably~~ always sleeping down there and I wouldn't want to wake them. Considerate of the fuzzy beings, aren't I?

So far we have kept it simple. Here we have one (yes, there are two and no it's not the beginning of a taxidermied Ark...but that is an idea) of our Chevy Chase Christmas former real squirrels in the white (not quite a feather, but old and I still like it anyway) tree in the living room front window. I added the birds to keep him company. I picked them up this summer in a Montana antique/thrift shop, thinking I was going to paint them black and use them at Halloween...you can see how far that project made it. Maybe next year, but I'm kind of enjoying the white on white here, so they may have been saved from the spray can. After all, they most likely survived a wedding or shower and then being packed away for who knows how long and seem to be happy with Nutmeg. That's the squirrel's name. When Brian got him a few years ago and showed his boys, the first remark made was 'Can we name him, Nutmeg?' and so it is.

Or as the Captain would say, 'make it so.'

It's all tucked into a silver ice bucket that came home with me from Value Village earlier this year. It will probably never see a wine bottle in this house and I knew that when I bought it. I guess it was just silver and shiny and that was enough one afternoon to catch my eye. Shiny is good- especially silver, but I like tarnish better. Go figure. Maybe it's an odd way to appreciate age. I have days when I feel a little tarnished myself.

Anywho, here's a little song that the girls on top of the mantel would sing to you, if they could sing and I'm sure Nutmeg would help, too. Written by one of my favorite authors, Shel Silverstein and sung by Marisa Berenson and assorted Muppets. Enjoy!

xoxo

gretchen~

A New Home

2011-12-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

This Teddy now had a new home with Lisa. She has a blog with her lovely jewelry over at http://pineridgetreasures.blogspot.com/

Thanks to all who entered this massive seven day, 70 items give away.

And a very special thanks to Miss Lori of Pretty Things Blog for hosting this, too!

Bacon & Waffles? No Eggs or Milk

2011-12-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

(iPhone photo. Yes, I do have a photo of bacon and waffles with butter on my phone, don't you?)

This was breakfast last Sunday. Bacon and waffles. Sometimes just the idea of them can wake me up. I've made them in the middle of the night when neither Mr. C or I can sleep. We certainly do afterwards.

More than one time my youngest daughter did much the same...waking me up because she was making waffles at 3 in the morning. The scent would make it's way through the kitchen, down the hall and into my head. So I'd wander out to see what the heck was going on and there she'd be making waffles for herself and various friends at half past dark in the morning, just because. When she moved out on her own, one of the things she ~~wanted~~ needed was her own waffle iron.

Long ago, when my two sisters and I were little, my mother sometimes would make us waffles for dinner when dad was working evenings. We had this ancient waffle iron that I am pretty sure had been given to her by my Grandma Nation. My Grandpa Nation had held many jobs, from ditch rider (on horseback) maybe in the early 1900's(?) when my grandma met him (I remember her telling me what a good job that was) to Chief of Police in Hermiston, Oregon, a guard at a bank and then running the dump in Yakima after he retired. That could be where this old iron machine had come from. It had a scary looking cracked plug that could have probably started a fire and had also lost it's handle who knows when. In it's place was tied a much too short piece of white twine. I think my mother must have nearly burned herself every time she opened it up to take out the next waffle. We'd all be watching closely to see when the steam would stop rising from between the heavy irons and the next waffle would be ready. After each of us had at least one (or maybe just a quarter of one, we were pretty little) she'd add cocoa to the batter and make us Chocolate Waffles. So it was a complete waffle meal! Main course and dessert. You have to love the years before we all got healthy.

This morning when I opened the refrigerator to get out the makings for Sunday breakfast, it wasn't all there. We'd been gone most of the week and Mr. C's son, who lives with us, had finished off all the milk and eggs. Well, damn. There was bacon, just no milk or eggs. So I improvised and pulled out a box of EATING RIGHT pancake mix (it's lower in carbs than most, pretend that with me, OK?) and in place of the egg needed I used mayonnaise. Weird, but my sister had told me about this substitute years ago when she didn't have an egg for a cake she was baking...well, CAKES, pan CAKES, why not? For the milk I thought I'd just use water, until Mr. C walked in and reminded me we had a can o' whipped cream in the refrigerator left from Thanksgiving (like we don't always have it there, right? and sometimes chocolate whipped cream, too...)

Now just so you know, this morning's bacon and pancakes without eggs or milk turned out fine...but they weren't waffles.

Next week, there will be milk and eggs for Waffles.
And BACON.

Maybe I'll even add some cocoa to the batter.

Do you have a go-to wake me up early so I don't miss Sunday breakfast?

Did You Take Another Look?

2011-12-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

There's still SO MANY more pieces of jewelry, art beads and other handcrafted goodies, including one Teddy of MINE that will be up for grabs over at Miss Lori's Blog! Better take a look see and get yourself (re)signed up for another chance at one of the 70 give aways ending soon!

http://www.prettythingsblog.com

(this photo is a little dolly that lives at my house)

The First Annual Virtual Craft Show and 70 (COUNT 'EM) 70 GIVE-AWAYS

2011-11-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Want to win this little guy?

Follow the link to the one and only Virtual Craft Show and Give-Awayhttp://www.prettythingsblog.com/2011/11/day-4-virtual-craft-fair-giveaways.html

Standing a little over five inches, this fully jointed teddy bear is made of German Mohair with black glass eyes. He wears a burgundy ribbon made from a vintage silk Kimono.

I have a past life in the Teddy Bear world, where I was fortunate to win nominations and a few awards for the TOBY:Teddy Bear Of the Year and Golden Teddy. I was also featured in TB magazines in the US, Japan and England many times. At the Smithsonian Teddy Bear's 100th birthday event I was one of a handful of artists to be included in their celebration.

Because of the small parts, this teddy is not child safe.

(so you can keep him for yourself!)

*psst, there's also a "secret" coupon code for my etsy store in the post...

Day One of the First Annual Virtual Craft Show

2011-11-26T01:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2011/11/day-1-virtual-craft-fair-giveaways.html

Here's the link to go check out day one.

Besides the amazingly wonderful items given away, there are also coupons good for discounts from many of the artists, too!

70 Give Aways in 7 Days !!!

2011-11-17T22:02:00.000-08:00

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.

I am one of the 70 artists that are giving away everything from beads, jewelry, supplies and even one teddy bear (that I personally know of - and created)

Visit Day One by the link on the right side of the page!

(I will post a reminder on the first day)

Here's how you win:
For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....
Commenting
Facebooking the page
Twittering the page
Blogging the page
Be sure to have either a blog with an email contact, or leave an email in your comment so you can be notified!
Drawing will be held a couple of days after the show.

Pretty exciting, isn't it?!?

Boys Fort in Portland

2011-11-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

The Nutcracker's Rat King, Santa, the Sugarplum Fairy and mayor Sam Adams of Portland were in attendance last week for the grand opening of the PDX Pop-Up Shops.

No map needed to find this wonderful place, if you remember the location of the Portland Galleria Mall.
600 Morrison on the corner of SW 10th St in Portland, Oregon.

Just open the door to Suite 114 and be prepared to be amazed.

Industrial recycled lighting of all types.

This would look perfect in our house!

Just for the Holidays, don't you need a moose with gold gilded antlers!

Brian made this box guitar with a vintage bottle slide - it has a great blue grass sound. It has sold. He's working on two more I will share when he's finished.

I love this wall. Such a great mix of reclaimed wood and vintage pieces.

Part of my contribution to the mix. Neck chains for the Boys Fort. Except as it turns out, women have been buying them for themselves. So next week there will be a few girl-like necklaces up there along side the boy's neck chains.

T-Shirts with the way cool Boys Fort Logo.

This kinetic piece of art will knock you out.

Confusions say, get yourself down here!
The trunk (that's already sold) was used to ship samples of Pendleton Blankets by rail and still has the last shipping tag on it.

Seriously, this is one heavy table! It's made of reclaimed wood from one of the old Trolley buildings right here in the area. Can you see the railroad spikes in both the table and the stools?

You have to take time to smell the ....succulents? or at least get close up and enjoy the mini gardens that are placed all around the windows. They are like tiny secret gardens.

Double wrapped cuffs I made that are seated on a vintage cloth covered chair.

Bow Ties!

Here's a neck chain that we dropped off last week when we were there for the opening. It's made from an old poker chip and key.

This one is made of a vintage celluloid horse harness ring and an old Indian Head Nickel.
*~*~*~*
I took so many photos it was difficult to edit down to these few here. I just may have to add another post later!

Wunderbar and Coffee

2011-11-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

( "Wunderbar" from Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate - performed by original leads )

Wunderbar is a German word that means wonderful. My mother sang a line from this song many, many times in the last few months. Not an actual line from the song, but her version of it - Wunderbar, I love you - was what she'd sing. So many times that on her 94th birthday, the staff from her assisted living residence gathered to sing her both happy birthday to you... and the one line 'Wunderbar, I love you' repeated many times. I'd like to think she heard them.

A few days before, she'd slipped suddenly into some unidentified coma. I know that 'suddenly' sounds odd, considering her age, but she was in fairly good health and she was the one person the staff would constantly have to remind to slow down, because she would be moving too quickly down the hall ways with her walker.

Early on the second morning after her birthday, several days after no to very little response, one of her favorite aides came in and said in a loud voice (mom was a little deaf)
"ESTHER NATION, DO YOU WANT SOME COFFEE?"and I don't know who was more surprised when mom opened up her eyes and said 'YES'

Mom loved her coffee, would have 4 or 5 cups of the hot beverage every morning (lunch and sometimes dinner, too) she'd been drinking it since the age of 5. We'd tease her about it stunting her height and she'd remind us that she was the tallest of 5 sisters...at 5 foot one and three quarters.

She had a couple somewhat responsive days, after her caffeinated revival where she was able to speak to family that were out of state and give the rest us us many hugs and kisses. Sometimes knowing who we were, but at other times to her we became absent family members, even her mother...which was good and it let her see and talk to everyone that was important to her.

After her second 'good' day, where she proclaimed loudly that she loved all of us, the color purple and chocolate, she fell back asleep and died peacefully the next morning with one of my daughters, my niece and myself by her bedside. We buried her next to my dad, along side grand and great-grand parents, a few aunts, uncles, cousins and one of her younger sisters.

The grand daughters made the request that the family all wear purple for the service (and we all did), as did some friends in attendance. The morning of the memorial service we gathered for coffee at the drug store fountain where we'd been too many times to count with mom and dad. After they retired from work, mom and dad would walk down town and have coffee at the fountain nearly every morning with their friends. If any of the grandchildren where spending time with them, they were always in tow with the promise of a doughnut or maple bar. A habit my mother carried on even after my father died and kept up until she had to move closer to me, for health reasons. So, if anyone tells you that coffee isn't good for you? We may have to
disagree.

Esther Elbe Nation

October 25, 1917 ~ October 29, 2011

Road Trip Treasures

2011-10-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks back, we were on our way to a monthly flea market near Salem and happened to see one of those signs that make your (my) heart beat a little faster....

ESTATE SALE

1/2 mile ->

we turned around....(surprised?!?)

This was the house at the end of a long unpaved drive.

Dreamy, isn't it? There was so much to see...

I think we were there for over an hour, before I went back to the car to get my camera.

I took LOTS of photos and will share more later. I loved the simple wood crosses hammered into the tree. The plant holder is some kind of farm implement (that's what you call anything farm related that you have no idea at all what it might be used for).

This has to be one of the oddest thing I have ever seen at any sale.

Can you guess?

LoOk dEEp INTO mY EyEs!

SMile for the CamEra!

A full sized gator rug. I mean, come on... have you ever???

It was on the side porch, because it was already SOLD! No idea of the price, but you know...it would have looked darn good in my house. What about you? do you have just the perfect spot of a full sized 'gator rug?

Bird Watching

2011-10-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

The last couple months it's felt as though we have been gone more than home...

enough that I can pack a suitcase in only a few ~~hours~~ minutes and I now have an MVP card from Alaska.
Yeah! no more baggage fees.

One of the warmer places we landed for ~~too~~ a few days was Hawaii.

It was nice to soak up the warm weather for a few days after our way too short summer. We had couple of really wonderfully warm weeks in September that beat the heck out of June and July combined. My sister flew out for a week and managed to time it just right for this bonus weather. We spend one of her weekends in Hermiston at my high school class reunion. Her class reunion is next year and if they have one, I'll probably be a tag along, too!

Hawaii was a working trip for Brian and he was busy more than not, so I had to find a way to amuse myself...such a hardship, right? No, not really. There is that big blue ocean or warmer water in the pool at the hotel, shopping at stores you only read about in fashion magazines, along with people watching and just wandering around with my camera.
This is the base of a huge Banyan tree near the beach. There's a bit of a fence around it and the birds seem to know they won't be bothered. Except by people like me who want to take their picture. I know you used to tell people to look at the birdie when you took their photo, so do you tell a birdie to look at the people???

Lili' Uokalani, easy to say or remember how to spell...? not so much for me. GPS in the rental cars makes it so much easier to find the street you are looking for. We used the 'find restaurant nearby' button more than once to discover out of the way local places that weren't listed anywhere else. One was a small family run barbecue spot that was hidden behind another building under an overpass. Another place we ate was Frank's Haute Dogs. While we were there the TV show 'Man vs Food' was being filmed. They were pretty adamant about NO PHOTOS. Stinkers. Yes, I was told to put the camera down....oh, well. If you wonder, the host is a lot smaller in person. Not that I can show you here.

mmm, I do miss this....

Now, something to hopefully bring a couple of smiles?

I'm (still) giving away the two necklaces I made for bead soup.

(They are in the post just below this one.)
I'm going to pick the names tomorrow...

so, if you haven't added your names to the list?

Well, get to it!

Bead Soup For You ~

2011-09-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

*** My bead partner's blog link is fixed here, but it seems to be messed up on other pages.

To vist her, the correct link is :http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.com/

thanks ~

Remember this pretty Raku focal that Heidi, my bead soup buddy sent me?

This is where it led me...
I actually made raku beads back in college. That was only oh, a dozen or so years ago. Stop laughing...OK, it was a little longer.
I came across some of the beads when I was moving, but they are currently hiding in a box- somewhere. I have a lot of other things in that same place...somewhere.
I can remember giving one of my teachers a handful for his wife to use in her art (which could have been Macrame, not that that would date me or anything...) and wonder what became of them. I used a few for earrings that are also...somewhere.

The black beads are lava and my sweet bead partner Heidi Post, also included them in the soup.

The beads that stumped me were these yellow? pale green? beads that I could not get to match anything until I added the bit of green silk - then suddenly they became a color and rather light green grape-ish. As you can see, I used them as a focal and made up another necklace.

Want to go soup blog hopping?
Click on each name to go to their blogs.

These are the partner pairs.

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke
1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou
21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
***74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weirand Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Mags Saari
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Norma Agron
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari

152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary McGraw
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Sheryl Stephen
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

So, now...

if you have read ALL THE WAY to the bottom here?
I'm throwing in a surprise.

Would you like to have this pale green grape-ish necklace???

just leave a comment!

It would also be super nice if you'd go "LIKE"" my facebook page, but it's not required. I have a problem with people that make you jump through too many hoops just for a slim chance at that new book or magazine you already have a copy of...

so, if you'd like this? just let me know and your name goes in the proverbial hat!

happy souping!

xoxo

gretchen

Tomorrow Bead Soup Is ON!

2011-09-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big reveal for Bead Soup

you can surf 362 different bead soup results with this link

http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/

The next Bead Soup is being cooked up for February 2012

maybe I'll see you in the soup???

US Kitty Mail

2011-09-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

all we need is packing tape...

~*~*~

I heard a great term and am so going to try and remember to use it....

ready?

Flea Market Epicurean

how cool is that? know any people that would fit that description?

maybe you?

we've got a red alert heat warning...
hard to believe after the whole summer was less than warm weather, but we'll take it!

stay cool ~

xoxox

gretchen

The Gang's All Here

2011-08-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

I found this photo over the weekend at the Downtown Oregon City Antique Fair. The weather was great (meaning it didn't rain ) and there were booths set up on Main Street for blocks and blocks. We walked them more than once...you never know what you may have missed! Plus years ago, a friend told me that when you look from another direction, you will see different things and that's a good enough reason for me.

I loved this large group shot and wonder if it was a photo of an entire school or maybe from a church Sunday school class.

I scanned it in, rather than taking a photo to see if it would show better. Still not sure if that was the way to go, but it's too dark right now to try it with my camera. That's also why it's the only photo I am sharing just now.

To go back to the last post....

The Oregon Antique Mall is OPEN

The main floor is nearly full and people are waiting for the upstairs to be finished (and it will be very soon), so they can move in with more cool treasures!

NEW Oregon Antique Mall

2011-08-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Last week when we were out for a walk ( it sounds like we do that a lot, but we really don't walk enough ) this time we went ALL the way down the hill, 7 blocks ( I counted ) and this is what we discovered on Center Street. ( the address is listed as 502 7th St.)

What was called the Oregon City Antique Mall is now the Oregon Antique Mall.

did you miss the difference?

I did.
Oregon Antique Mall not Oregon City...even though it's in Oregon City. For reals.

We knew it was going to reopen, but it's been going to reopen for a hell'a long time.

So this was a really nice surprise! Antiques! Collectibles! Within walking distance! Danger, danger, Will Robinson!...oops, sorry, mental flash back.

The door was open...so we just walked right in. You would, wouldn't you?

This is Trish, who literally built and pulled this whole thing together with her partner, Scott. She's pretty darn amazing and wanted this to be done RIGHT. Have to love a woman that knows her way around power tools. The lights you see here? Most all are tube lights! The sunlight flows right into the building through the tube and your electric bill goes down. The majority of the building was put together with recycled goods. Green is good!

The back wall - where the check out counter will be - stairs to MORE Goods -no, not up the ladder, there are stairs there and the upstairs has been totally redone, too.

While we were in there, chatting with Trish, my ever so talented friend Christine LaFever came in to sign a contract for HER BOOTH. No, not the one in the photo above- she has a large space right in the front of the Mall and will have her wonderful primitives and more. The spot above? that's mine. I couldn't resist the gravitational pull of the mall. So, beware when you visit. I think the antique vortex of Oregon City is located in the center of the mall. So consider yourself forewarned! (and bring money and credit cards...it's the only way you'll leave happy)

This will be my first time as a vendor....and I'm a little nervous about the whole thing. Not about what I will be bringing in - it's all the tagging, paperwork I really don't like. At all. Does anyone???

Here's some of the earrings I've been working on. They are made with old bus tokens. The first pair is Albuquerque, middle San Jose (so you know the way, get it? I crack myself up sometimes) the far right are from the Rose Lines from right here in Portland. Cool, huh?

Traveler's Necklace with a Portland, Oregon ~ Vancouver, Washington Toll coin, from back when there was a toll bridge between the two cities. The vintage old stock pearl is my nod to Portland's pearl district ( fun place to wander, eat and shop! )

Close up of the Albuquerque Earrings. That is the weirdest word to spell...go ahead, try it. I will wait. (Maybe it's just me.)

Rose City Rain Earrings...love the way these turned out.

No, that's not me. My hair is longer and I wear glasses. This is from an old poster I picked up in a tiny antique shop in Hawaii (doesn't everyone go to Hawaii to shop for antiques ?). I don't know the lady's name, that part was unfortunately cut off the poster, but she's a Primma-Donna Soprano that was assisted by Antonio de Grassi, violinist and Bessie H. Woods accompanist on Friday, May 14th at 8:30pm at the Playhouse. The shop owners thought it may have come from California. No date and this is all hand lettered. I loved it on first sight and when I needed some kind of card for the NEW mall, this was my first choice.

So, do come visit the new mall! it's going to open soon, even with much still needed to finish, but many of the dealers will be in there. (...me, too- if I have my tags done)

The OAM phone number is 503-908-1834

Hot Time In The City, Oregon City

2011-08-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

YES

for the first time this year...really, the whole year

we hit 90 two days in a row.

The weather folk were ~~threatening~~ teasing about how we'd probably be breaking the no-90 record set back in the 50's. I'm glad they were wrong. These maybe the only 90 degree days we will have, so outside is where most of us wanted to be.

We wandered out for a walk around our neighborhood to soak up some of the heat and vitamin D when I snapped these photos.

I do love these big old bumble bees and these flowers were just so bright and happy...flowers can be happy, can't they?

The only temporary problem is we didn't bother with an air conditioner this year. I know it seems hard to believe, but most houses around here don't have them. Our house is over 100 years old and obviously didn't come with air ( just a ghost..). When we moved in last year we thought if it did get too warm upstairs, we could always camp out in one of the basement guest bedrooms and set it up that way. Which is what we'd do now, except both bedrooms are temporarily occupied with bounce back kids...

maybe next year we should put the in window air conditioner... just in case?

xoxox

gretchen

BEAD SOUP FOR ME ~

2011-08-18T16:00:00.001-07:00

Lori Anderson of Pretty Beads is once again having her wonderful Bead Soup Party. I joined this amazing group of beaders and my soup arrived in the mail the other day ....

Heidi Post is my partner and sent me this great collection to play with.

Raku Focal, made by one of her friends!

Lots of smaller beads to play with and figure out what in the world they might become....?
and of course, the silk! That's a new ingredient I've only just started playing with and love the added texture and fabric element.

Pretty clasp! I'm betting Heidi made this?

This is from Heidi's Esty page. Love the cowboys!

Hey, this could be a real Portlandia "put a bird on it" necklace!
If you don't watch the show (and you should if you want to see what is a funny more real than not slice of Portland)...that will make no sense at all.

LOve this! but I'm quite crazed over old and mother of pearl items.

Heidi even did the painting it's placed on - I think she needs to pick up her brushes and do more, don't you?

One corner of the kitchen

2011-08-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

I've had this rooster photo for years. It was an entry for a fair in Wisconsin- that's what the back said. I picked it up in Walla Walla at Klickers Berry and Antique stand- a great place for both items! The plates I find here and there one at a time at thrift shops. There are more on another part of the wall. I just add them as I find them and I have more wall space in the kitchen, so this could be a long time collection. The old guitar here has a lovely tone. If he's not helping me with dinner, Brian plays it sometimes while we are in there...

Close up of Mr. Rooster, cute isn't he?

We put up three window beds because there seemed to be a problem with only two beds and three cats. One would always be trying to give the others the evil eye, hoping to get them to move over and off, so they could get the best spot.

(Joey is on the left, Bailey on the right...Molly must have been hiding out)
Apparently, either the air is better from this window (?!?) or it's just more cozy to sleep together.

We've had to reinforce all the bed/perches because of the excess weight that these now indoor kitties have managed to find.
I can relate...

Hope your weekend is wonderful ~

xoxo

gretchen

Annual West Linn Old Time Fair

2011-07-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

The West Linn Old Time Fair at Willamette Park was a couple weeks ago.

The weather wasn't exactly wonderful, but lots of people were out and having a good time, despite the threatening rain clouds.

We didn't stay long....and no rides because this is how they ALL look to poor Brian, who can get queasy just by watching. I think it's a guy thing, what about you?

Long Flight = Hot Days

2011-07-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

This was our unbelievable view of the ocean from the inside of the hotel ...and from our room, too. This was a working vacation for Brian...have to love a company that has it's summer meeting in Grand Cayman!

It wasn't warm.

It was hot.

I miss hot.

The humidity matched the heat, I might even miss that....well, maybe a little.

The local weather had forecast showers everyday we were to be there.

It did seriously rain one afternoon...

so much we had to get out of the pool

makes no sense, does it?

But it was to rescue our books and magazines we'd been reading earlier.

It was overcast pretty much the whole time, which probably kept the temperature down...a little or at least didn't make it feel as hot.

All too soon, we are heading back to our own rainy, less than warm home town with my suitcase full of clothes I didn't wear. I really try not to overpack, but this trip I had no idea what I'd need. Totally a less is more than enough location.

I actually sewed a little while ~~suffering~~ sitting out by the pool.

Then finished up my Gypsy Time Traveler Cuff after returning home where I added more buttons, pearls, beads, vintage bits, oddities and curiosities.

The old token is was to pay the toll on the bridge between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. There's been talk of another toll bridge between the two cities, it will be interesting to see if something like this token would ever be used again. The doll is a tiny German antique, well over 100 years, dug from the earth near one of the factories where they were originally made.

Another Gypsy Collection cuff I made, it's on my Etsy page.

This little guy is all of four inches of fully jointed mohair and on etsy.
So, I am trying to be somewhat productive....

somewhat.

My high school class reunion is also this year and I've been helping with that. We have a few folk that are MIA and looking over the names, I can see there are many, many people I haven't seen since that warm summer night more than a few years ago when we sat on hard metal chairs out on the football field and got our diplomas. In a few months, some of us will be back in town...it will be interesting to hear and see and the stories everyone has to tell.

xoxo

gretchen

June Letters

2011-06-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

It's finally warmed up a little here...which has found me back in my sewing/craft/jewelry/whatever else there may be in there room and creating all sorts of things that fall out of my head. More on all that later.

This rose is/was in the front of our house.

I got to wondering how I could send flowers in a letter....

and so I layered an vintage folded envelope over the top of this rose.

The letter is here....

I hope summer sends you roses and warm weather to get your creative sparks going, too!

xoxo

gretchen

Mirror, mirror....

2011-05-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

We were out running errands...

you know, post office, bank, all the fun places (yes, kidding) and we were close, so I suggested we stop at Goodwill. I'm always looking for more bookcases- we still have a lot 'o books in boxes and I need a few frames for some prints we have. I like to look of the older frames and don't mind a ding or two that only adds more to the look for me.

I did find one frame and as I was taking it to the check out counter, saw this mirror. It had me stopping in my tracks. The price was $39 which is sort of high for a thrift store, but they all seem to be bumping up prices now. It was also listed "as is". The check out lady even told me I couldn't return it. Would you even think of doing that?

I put it in the dining room. The wood door to the right goes to the kitchen and is one we added to ~~try~~ keep the cats in and Brian used those magic hinges that let it swing in both directions. It actually came home from Aurora (the most surprising tiny town full of antiques) in the back of my Camry. A very good trick. But you know, where there's a will and all....

I also snapped this photo today. This necklace with it's tiny damaged German bisque doll now has wings and is going up on my Etsy page along with some fun road trip necklaces.

It's my SIL Steve's birthday today. A milestone one that most usually want everyone to forget. I won't share his age, just thought I'd add another 'happy b-day' here for him!

~ xoxo ~

gretchen

Holiday Weekend

2011-05-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

So, it's the first let's pretend warm-ish go to the beach, open the pool (no, we don't have one), get out the bbq holiday of the year.

Not that the bbq is ever put away

(year round griller here...)

It's also Portland Rose Festival Weekend.

I'm not sure if there are any Roses blooming yet.

At least not on this block.

This is what it looked like outside the front window a little earlier today. This was after the hail storm - yeah, we had hail. It's also only in the 50's.

It will probably look like this much of the weekend, I mean, why not? it's looked like this for months now.
Wait! the weather dude is promising semi-nice maybe see 60 on Sunday.

I may have to send a thank you card.

Looking out through the front door....

kind of wet out there, isn't it?

At least there is a porch, which I do love and if I was crazy enough to want to go out now and sit in the cold and watch it rain, it's an option. Oh, yeah...sit outside, a blanket (with heat and electric cord running into the house) and read? I am so ready for just a little more dry warmth longer than two or three hours well spread out during the week and a fighting chance at beating back some of the overly healthy weeds that are slowly taking over the side yard. To say nothing about planting a few things....

Joey? he still thinks it would be a good idea to make sure he still won't melt in the rain.

you know, being so darn sweet and all....

meow!

I hope your weekend is wonderful and the sun comes out to play where ever you are. We're probably going to hit a movie, wander through a few yard or garage sales- if we see any and of course...visit a book store.

xoxo

gretchen

More Flowers From My Yard

2011-05-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

"Otto Quast Spanish"

A type of Lavender

I only know this because of google....

where would we be without it? I suppose it would back to digging through the dictionary and encyclopedias!?! Not that I don't have a dictionary within hands reach right now.

I always called these bubble bee lavender because to me, they look like they have little bumble bee wings on the top of the blossoms.
buzzzzzzzzzzzzz........

One corner of the front yard.

Bleeding Hearts at the base of the Magnolia Tree

I grew up calling Magnolia trees tulip trees. Our neighbors, the Nelson's had one in their front yard and I thought it was the most beautiful and exotic tree I had ever seen. Not that I even knew what an exotic tree might be...

It's just that growing up in Eastern Oregon in what is considered desert region, is it any wonder I loved these? The majority of trees in our town were Locusts. Ever try and climb a locust tree? wicked thorns, if you can even get into one and I usually couldn't. The other tree you could find were the Russian Olives. They make the Locust thorns look like amateurs (I thought they were probably planted around Sleep Beauty's Castle because of the thorns)....but you could usually climb one of them, because they were so low to the ground and it taught you to really watch where you put your hands or you'd be impaled and bleeding - it didn't keep us on the ground, because really, does any kid not climb trees?? I liked to drag up ~~rocks to throw~~ a book or something to draw with or on, so that made it much more of an adventure.

These are just down the street outside a neighbor's fence.

Sweet tiny purple flowers I wanted to share because they do seem to go with the other's here.

I hope your weekend is lovely....we seem to be having the usual mix of rain and sun. No surprise and it's what keeps all the flowers and trees happy.

xoxo

gretchen

Eugenie ~

2011-05-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

A couple Sundays back, we had to run over to pick up a car in West Linn,

it's just across the river for us and we had to get back sooner than not...

but, on the way over,

we saw a sign for an Estate Sale....

After retrieving the car, we both followed the signs, wound our way up the hills through several winding streets and parked on a hill so steep I even did the turn the wheels towards the curb thing.

Now, remember this was a Sunday, day two of the sale

and later in the afternoon, so I thought most everything would be really picked over...

I had no idea how much cash I actually had in my purse and that's ALL they were taking so I was holding back with what I picked up, but not when I saw these.

This amazing stack of sweet embroidered hankies called me first...

how could I leave them?

The wee stitches of the mending made them all the more precious to me.

Such tiny little stitches...
were these done by Eugenie herself?
did her mother teach her how to sew this way?

Dancing crocheted linen towels.

and one with tiny flowers...

had you ever done any of this work?

I have and

it's called filet crochet and you have to count, count, count every stitch.

There was also a stack of what could be linen napkins.

There were many different styles of this lovely tone on tone embroidery.

How endearing are these flowered initials?

I haven't decided what I'm doing with them, yet.

Maybe they will become pillow covers or find their way onto my Etsy page.
It's not like I don't have any....it's a personal weakness, I admit it.

Close up of another of the hankies.

I'm not sure if this is knitted lace or machine done.

In any case, it is such a beautiful example of fine work.

Monogram on a hankie.

I mean, really?

could I leave this trim? it was the first thing I nabbed.

Tatting or incredibly fine crochet work?
I also picked up a large unfinished piece that may have been meant for a bed covering.

It's very, very long, has strips of wide crochet bands, with white linen between them.

The middle one with a very large monogram.

If it's for a bed, then it's missing a few of the linen panels and has an extra crochet piece.

I think I'm going to finish up what I can of it and use it as a table runner on the long table in our dinning room. Pictures to follow, if and when this happens !?!

This is what caught Brian's eye.

The inside is perfect.

Has the tray and doesn't even smell!

It's new home is in the living room.

Our time was up too quickly, so we hurried and loaded it all up and headed back home.

I'm still wondering over some of the other things I didn't get to

or had second thoughts over.

I can't be the only one that has buyers remorse over what I didn't buy,

am I???

Montana Treasures

2011-05-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

so....

what did I bring home?

Lacey net gloves (that actually fit)

a sweet autograph book that belonged to teacher

Mrs. Apland of Ryder of North Dakota in 1945.
There's a funny ivory ducky clip there on the top of the photo.

Anyone know what these were used for?

It's one of those cute odd things I see once and a while and I'm sure at one time someone must have told me what they are...but darn if I can remember now.

Celluloid needle tools...

I know they are out there everywhere,

but I just love the look and feel of them.

A few of these will be remade into jewelry....

eventually!

Close up of the foot of the silver dish...

such a wonderful winged demon...

grrrr.....

I found it in Alaska, but haven't shared.
It was in a huge shop that was overflowing with lovely antique furniture

so I was surprised to see this sitting off by itself.

You can see a bit of the fancy-smancy button that caught my eye there in the corner of this shot.

Isn't this great???

I'm thinking of using this elephant buckle for either a bracelet clasp

or necklace focal.

What do you think?

I had to have this tiny lock when I saw the star on the key.

Possibly another clasp for either a bracelet of necklace.

More rosaries...the price was too good to leave them.

The only kicker was this antique shop only took

CASH or checks...

and a checkbook isn't something I travel with, does anyone?

I love this little 'pige'....

many thanks to Albert Weninger.

I have company coming the end of the week-

both my sisters are flying in.

I got the beds made up today-

they get to sleep up in the attic.

(it's a favorite spot with most everyone that sees this house, they really aren't being punished)

I'm just hoping it will be nice weather...

the Florida sister gets COLD here!

The Colorado sister will want the windows wide open.

Could be an interesting week?!?

I hope your week brings sunshine.

(I hope mine does, too!)

xoxo

gretchen

Playing With The Sun

2011-04-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

We had sun today....

the rest of the week is suppose to be

wet.

So I grabbed my camera and went

all the way outside!

OK, I really did do more than that today,

but here are a few shots from around the yard of my house.

Bye!

good-bye, sun....

see you in a week or so.

Sooner, I hope!

More of the Barn Visit

2011-04-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's more of the pictures I took at

The Barn in Great Falls, Mt.

It killed me to leave this storage cubbie that may have been used for tools or parts....
miniature chickens...

it was only$38. or $39. I think?

Seriously, couldn't you just find all kinds of places to put this and things to put into it???

Another groaning-ly (is that a word?) cute moment when I spotted this...

love seat re-purposed from an old metal bed frame.

Get the torch, we're goin'a make chair...

Chalk ware woofer...

maybe it was/is Rin-Tin-Tin?

I really should have found room for this...

I mean, it's a CLOWN Lamp?!?

Wonderful, old and a little creepy- just our style!

doesn't it look like the wonderful old cookie jars?

This was only $39.00

and freaking huge...

it does make a statement, doesn't it?

Folk art ducky... love this.

So, do you need some spare garters for

YOUR

Pixie Pants?

Red dress, red dress...

Is mama missing her Easter shoes?

And finally, this odd beauty...

it's a speaker (you can nearly see the electrical cord there under it).

We picked it up, held it, nearly bonded with it.

Then wondered if it would fit in any of the bags...

or could we carry it on?

(we did carry on an old radio one time, but this was bigger)

Then remembered these were little, tiny commuter shuttles taking us home, where even your carry-on bag doesn't fit in the over-head bin.
It's still sitting in Great Falls.

Every time we venture into Montana, we swear we need to come back with a truck.

They have some really nice items we don't see around here combined with great prices.

Maybe someday....?

The Barn in Great Falls

2011-04-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

We were in Great Falls, Mt. last week....

checked out most all the antique malls we could find.

Great Falls Antique Mall was one with no sign...

(like a horse with no name?)

hidden inside an old mall with a parking lot you needed a 4-wheel drive pick-up to even get to the door -

it was going to be torn down soon. We had to wander around inside this kind of creepy mostly empty place until we found a

'you are here' sign....

The prices were good, because most vendors were trying to lighten their packing...

there just wasn't much there we both liked/needed or could fit into a checked bag.

This was what (who?) greeted us outside The Barn

Lucky was finding this place....

It was dressed up pretty darn cute! I love the wallpaper, don't you? Looking back at these photos, I know this would be one store I'd have on my check often list.

What do squirrels have to do with sewing?

does it really matter when it's this cute???

I have a weakness for folk art ....

Wouldn't this sweet guy make you smile every time you looked at him?

How clever is this?

Turn the wood edge trim upside down and suddenly, it's fretwork.

Plus the re-purposed blue light shade that was a food cover.

Too, cute.

I have more to share, but just still a little out of it from the travel.

The flight out between Great Falls and Helena was a roller coaster...

they usually don't bother me

but the wind was doing her thing with gusto...

and my stomach flipped a few times.

The little kids behind us were screaming from fear. I was glad (and so were the kids, I'm guessing) when we touched down.

Thankfully the next two legs weren't as bad.

I love SeaTac airport and we had enough time to wander a little.

Then one more short flight....

and we ordered curry from our favorite little Thai place on the drive in from the airport and were more than happy to be home, again.

More Barn pics coming soon!

Quick trip...and more

2011-04-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

We flew up to Alaska last week...

the ravens there just fascinate me.

I love their size and to watch them fly or walk around like they own the ground.

Of course, the mountains aren't anything you can ignore either.

We were lucky to have one day of blinding sunshine....

the next day,

it was wicked wind gusts that had us glad we weren't flying out until the next day.

There's a great bead shop in Anchorage I'd been to before and couldn't wait to revisit.

These are all earrings I made before I left and just photographed yesterday. After almost emptying my suitcase. No idea why sometimes I have it done immediately and other times it can sit there for days. I had a lotion bottle leak on the way home from this trip-it was in a baggy, fortunately.

Always, always baggy up everything! Some things, I double baggy. Travel horror stores and all.

Plus it creeps me out to know it's a possibility that 'someone' has gone through/touched my things. Big ICK....

I did buy the celluloid vanity piece these earrings are hanging from in an antique mall there.

The one we had wanted to visit had moved, but we found it and were disappointed in how it had changed from our last visit into more of a thrift store...and not even a good thrift store.

I mean, I really like thrift stores and this one just didn't make the grade. Give me a Value Village any day, but when we travel and time is an issue, it's just easier/faster to hit the antique malls where our chances are better and we don't have to dig quite as deep.

Google and a map helped to find three other malls that are now on the to-visit list if or when we end up back in Anchorage again. I found some sweet wee treasures to use with my jewelry that I should have also snapped pictures of...now I think of it, of course.

The earrings will all be up on Etsy soon.

( There's a link to my page over there on the top )

The new beads and vintage bits are waiting....!

What do you hunt for when you are in a new town?

Or do you let it find you???

If it's Spring, it's time for Hair Flowers ~

2011-03-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter,

Miss Andrea

hair stylist/full time student/intern/soon to also be a respiratory therapist

made a special request a few days ago...

She asked if I could make some hair accessories...

so I put together these feather clip,

hair pretties or jewelry.

They seem to be in many catalogs just now.

One of my favorite shops,

Anthropologie

has a new swoon worthy Bridal website called

BHLDN

that has killer hair acce$$ories

Feathers were included in this quest

so I went on the hunt....

tracked down some birds

not really

tried the fishing store first

where I had a ridiculous amount of fun

checking out the tied flies

that are seriously interesting.

(lots o' fishing around here,

lot's o water/rivers, too)

After finding just the right feathers,

I dug through my ~~massive~~ ~~stash~~ supply of fancy silk ribbons

and picked out these silk wired beauties.

Made them into fancy flora,

added the beads,

(see the shiny pearls and sparkly Swarovski's in some of them?)

pretty feathers

sexy black lace

more ribbons

and a silver clip.

So, if you are looking for a new

not a

Don't

you can find

Miss Andrea

and this one of a kind hair jewelry at

Platinum Salon & Spa

Tacoma, WA

(find them on Facebook, too!)

This shot, I took outside...

and this moss? it's my grass.

Right now I seem to have

WAY MORE

moss

than grass...

they have special

anti-moss more grass

bags of stuff you can use

but you know what?

I kind of like the moss better.

No idea if this will be a bad idea

when this monsoon weather ends...

maybe in July?

_________________________________________________

Area weather facts -just for fun - we all complain, but I love it here.

The temperature made it to (just over) 60 deg. yesterday.

This is the latest in the year and in recorded history to hit this mark.

It's been the 5th wettest March on record.

Portland rainfall totalled 6.43″ of rain in March 2011.

Portland (and many parts of Oregon & SW Washington) had measurable rain on 28 of 30 days during March.

We have had the most rainy days on record for any March in Portland.

Thanks to La Nina.

Today, tomorrow...

it's suppose to

rain

(I am SO glad I mowed the lawn last week during a short sun break)

Summer starts in 2 months and 20 days on June 21, 2011

Let's start counting!

What is that shiny thing?

2011-03-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

My eyes hurt....

then I realized what that bright light was -

it was sunny here today.

Until it rained.

The daffodils in the front of our house are happy.

and certainly well watered. We're over 5 inches of rain this month and that's not even close to a record.

Then my sister told me that our area averages ONE sunny day a month.

I do hope she's wrong.

Then again, she now lives in Colorado in a town that

has the coldest average temperature in the lower 48,

but 300 days of sun a year.

I still wouldn't trade Oregon for Colorado!

I told her I appreciate sun more than I ever have before.

Today, we had a sun.

It's a good day.

My Favorite Season & Fallstar

2011-03-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Season

Guitar/ Voice- Johnie Collins

Lead Guitar/ Vox- Benji Godfrey

Saturday, we attended a concert in Camus, WA.

Got lost, sort of...

in the totally charming downtown area

where I ~~want~~ need to go back and wander through the stores someday.

Then we had that 'duh' moment...

put the address for The Revolution Room

in the GPS

and called for directions

(like wearing a belt with suspenders).

Drums- Cody Carrier

Johnie Collins

Lead Guitar/ Vox- Benji Godfrey

Cody and Johnie

Johnie and Dave AKA Drummer Dave

They were first up, with a total of 5 bands

(really, there were 5 bands...I counted)

and the only group that was classified as

Alternative Christian (or faith driven) Rock

It was also their first show....
they did great.
Gave away CD's and made new fans.

The remaining bands were classified as:

Powerpop/Hardcore
Metal, Hardcore, Worship
Hardcore/Ambient/Rock

(this translates in sound to what is also called screaming metal)

which means they are loud
like really loud
wear your earplugs loud.

Did I mention they are loud?

They seem to love what they are doing
and give it all they have to give.

Chris Ratzlaff and Bryan Ratzlaff

This was also the CD release party for Fallstar.

Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter.

There's an interview in the on line magazine:

HopeCore.com

Cody Carrier - Justin Haag - Bryan Ratzlaff

Chris and Cody

If you think I messed up here...

Cody is the drummer for both bands.

and happens to live in the same house as we do.

So, most of these guys have wandered through the house

for practice

or stayed over

at one time or more....

It's also why I was ~~crazy~~ bold enough to go up on stage to take photos.

Fortunately, we love music

have a large basement

and neighbors that aren't too close

or at least no one has complained,

yet.

Cody - Chris - Bryan

Jason - Chris - Bryan

He is pretty cute, isn't he?
(don't tell him I said that)

Justin - Bryan - Jason

Bryan - Cody

The boys are out on tour right now.

The bus they are using runs on Bio-Diesel

so if you happen to know anyone

that has mass amounts of veggy oil they want to get rid of?

let them or me know!

So far they have had one stumble...

some wheel bearings went out

on the bus somewhere in Washington

that slowed things a bit.

But they are back on the road and will be in Nampa tomorrow

March 22

And we have the house back.....

it's a lot quieter

and all the cats have finally

come out from hiding.

~ Rock and Roll ~

Beware the Ides of March or What the Hail?

2011-03-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Middle of March, nearly spring, right?

so far, we'd had nearly 4 inches of rain this month.

Hello? and only half way through....

I had planned on doing some yard work today.

HA!

Today, we had hail and a seriously loud thunder storm.

OK, I admit that part I liked,

After I figured out it just wasn't some big old truck rumbling down our street.
Shook the rafters and rattled the windows.

Rock and Roll weather!

Because it's too cold/windy/rainy to play outside...

let's see what's inside.

These two old mohair teddies sit in the entry

on an antique chair that was in the house

before we moved in.

I wish I could say we found it in the attic....

could be good story, right?

but we bought it from the previous owners.

This little light of mine...

sits in a sweet old vanity case

near the staircase

in the entry.

The light switch for the stairway is up a few steps

on the landing...

so this helps with tripping in the dark problems...

usually.

Not to infer anyone has ever done that...

but I have.

Stack o' suitcases.

Some of these I have had for years.

I've been crazy over the old leather ones

way before I ever saw them in a magazine

or before there was anything called a blog

( except maybe in a Sci-Fi move...

beware the blog???)

Cutie-pie old kiddy cowboy boots.

Let'er Buck

On the suitcase next to them is an old fan...

One of my vintage alligator purses.
Another accidental collection....

I love that the tag is still on this one.

Hope your March is going well
and you don't need knee high rain boots
where you live!

The Great Snow Storm of Febuary or Portland's Version of a Snow Day

2011-02-24T21:24:00.000-08:00

OK, there was snow early this morning....

when I looked out around 6am, the ground was white-

of course I didn't have my glasses on.

The western part of the area,

did get enough to have a few cars skidding and made it a snow day for the kids.

At noon?

I had to look for the snow

and this is how all the snow in my Oregon City backyard looked.

Later this afternoon, it tried to get serious....

The weather dude said that OC got over an inch of snow....

really? I mean, does this look like over an inch?

maybe they add up the total amount that actually fell.

I don't know.

Here's my little pussy willow tree again.

It looks like the little fuzzy guys are frosted.
This is all the snow excitement we had

and more than plenty for me.

I am so ready for spring.

Could it be?

2011-02-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

Joey Cat, looking through the window....

not exactly happy that he is on the inside

and I was out snapping a few photos.

Could it be?

Yes, the pussy willows are out.

Joey is still in.

These are right across from the window perch.

Hopefully spring is going to arrive soon!

In the meantime, I've been playing inside

working on some jewelry.

Some are made from small antique pieces

and various bits and bobs...

not that Bob had anything to do with these....
(bad joke, I know)

White turquoise drops
mixed with old pearls and bone beads.

Pretty brass stamping with leaves and posies

to compliment the vintage amber glass beads.

All these and more are in my Etsy store.

http://www.artfoodlodging.etsy.com

Happy Valentine Day

2011-02-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

Affinity?

noun
1.
a natural liking for or attraction to a person, thing, idea, etc.
2.
a person, thing, idea, etc., for which such a natural liking or attraction is felt.
3.
relationship by marriage or by ties other than those of blood ( distinguished from consanguinity).

OK, I get it now.

then again, it could actually be someones name.

I just never thought to use it as a term of endearment...

XOXO, my affinity ~

gretchen

Another Short Journey

2011-02-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

A block over from my house.

This line of tall fir trees that have managed to survive

both many years of weather and the ax.

Who planted them?

How long ago?

This area has so much history....

has me wondering all the time.

We do seem to have the market cornered on moss.

Another hand built stone wall.
They are all around this neighborhood.
I like how the leaves have caught in between the stones.

Stones from down by the river?
or what was dug up when the house was built?
Still standing...

I ventured into someones front yard to get a close up of these

Snow drops...

just so tiny and sweet.

Just stopping to look,

take a moment to remind that spring can't be too far away...

can it???

Walking In Sunshine....

2011-02-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

We ventured out into the cold sunshine

for a walk around the neighborhood the other day.

I feel nearly guilty showing how our small part of Oregon

is enjoying a bit of dry weather and sunshine.

These tiny green shoots are in the corner of my yard.

I have no idea what they will grow up to be (?)

first spring in the house and all...

A house or two up the street from ours.

The moss is lovely,

but like the signs say:

Slippery When Wet

something I learned pretty early on

after moving to this end of the state...

I do like these

just can't remember the name....

are they Wood Roses?

Meeeowwww......

someones up on the roof

hiding or soaking up the little bit of heat from it.

It wasn't really that warm out.

Gloves weren't out of place at all.

This is the cutest house.

The colors are nothing I'd even think to try

but don't they work!

To the right of the front door...

you can see all the way through

from the front window to the back

where they probably have quite a view.

This block is on steep hill,

like most nearby.

Could it be.....

Popeye?!?

Yes, the boat matches the house

and doesn't it look like a

Popeye Boat!

The whole place looked very storybook to me.

Hello, Red!

These feathered ladies were checking things out.

They came right up to the fence
when I was clucking back at them,
(like they knew what I was saying)

A little girl came up with her mom
and said one looked just like her chicken.
Not exactly a pet to cuddle with
but one that could provide your breakfast egg.

Here's a look down one of the streets ....

to the west.

It's steep and
you can definitely feel your legs getting a work out

when you head out for a walk.

We love this town and getting to know it and

our own neighborhood a little more every day.

I just put these up on Etsy...

When I found the little wing like beads

I knew I had to make something with them.
and this is the result.

Small Visitor

2011-01-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

It was a 'oh, look!'

grab the camera moment...

It's wonderful to see these tiny creatures

and they still surprise me every time.

There is something about or around this tree that must be bird tasty,

because it's where I've spotted hummingbirds in the past.

Much better than the raccoon we saw the other

afternoon, calmly walking through the yard....

and we live in town.

Got Fog?

2011-01-26T22:07:00.000-08:00

Oregon City side of the Willamette River.

It was another foggy day in the city....

we did have sun breaks,

sunglasses and all!

That's a good day,

when you need your sunglasses.

Of course, this time of year

any bright sun seems so foreign

we all have to hide our eyes.

Let the sunshine!

Time To Run Free...

2011-01-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

Blue Skys With A Little Sunshine?

2011-01-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

Joey and Mr. Bailey were enjoying the sunshine ...

even though Bailey wasn't exactly sharing enough room for someones big old fuzzy bottom to fit on the kitty perch. Lucky the window sill is wide...

See!

we really do have the occasional bit of blue sky in the

dark and grey January of the PNW.

I was just excited to see it again...but it's still cold.

not Midwest cold....
just high humidity, light wind cold that cuts through you cold.
I dress in layers everyday,
some days, several layers before I even get to the coat.

if you look REAL close...
those are Robins in the tree.

and a flock of small black birds here.

(maybe cowbirds?)

I was outside getting some natural light shots of earrings.
These are on their way over to my Etsy shop.

The weather dude said we just might have a few more days

of SUN....

or at least no rain for a while.

Which is wonderful, considering all the flooding in the area.

So, maybe it will dry up some?

I'm just not a

'get out in the rain and do it'

kinda' girl.

will it be nice enough so I can get out and

believe it or not...

get more of the fall leaves jammed into the yard waste can that I've managed to fill nearly every week, since we've moved here.

Big Trees

lots o' leaves...

Glad to see the Sun.

Amethyst Drop Earrings

2011-01-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

I made these for the 20 20 Art & Music Auction

(see post below for more information)

They are Amethyst colored Fire Agates

with Swarovski crystal drops.

What I loved about them,
is how they change their color
depending on what is next to them.

I guess you could call them
Chameleon Earrings

Maybe I'll see you tomorrow at the auction?

20 20 Art and Music Auction

2011-01-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Our very talented friend,

Rae Gordon

is having a birthday party.

"Rae Gordon, a nominated local blues and gospel singer is turning 40 in January.

She made a joke that she was turning 20/20 and when a friend told her she should have a party, she decided that rather than having a birthday party, she should do a benefit that would have an impact that lasted long after the last candle had been blown out and the last piece of cake eaten.

Remembering her own struggles with sight and sound as a child and a family that was struggling financially, she chose the 1190 KEX Kids Fund as the recipient of the 20/20 Art and Music Event.

After sharing her thoughts with fellow musicians and live music fans, she heard similar stories and in no time, had a wonderful caring blues community step forward to help.

The 1190 KEX Kids Fund, helps provide eyeglasses and hearing aids to children whose families cannot otherwise provide them. What a better way to celebrate the gift of better sight and hearing then through Art and Music!$20 ticket price lets you enjoy dancing to 3 award nominated blues bands, dine on a scrumptious meal and bid on delightful and experience filled silent and live auction packages."

This is the guitar that Brian made for the event.

He named it Optique

Blind Buddha Guitars

So, if you're in the area and looking for something to do this Sunday?
You can find Rae on Facebook
(facebook/raegordon)
or email her at:
blues_rae@msn.com

Who knows?
you might be the lucky bidder and go home with your very own

one of a kind

Blind Buddha Guitar

Mount Hood with Texture

2011-01-07T19:24:00.000-08:00

We were flying low

down I5

when I snapped this photo

out of the window....

That's Mt. Hood in the background

with the Willamette River.

It was taken a little way outside of

Wilsonville, OR.

Have you found Kim Klassen Cafe?

She most generously shares her talents

and that's where I got the

Texture I used on this photo.

I've learned many photo tips

and a little about how to use textures from her site.

(the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know)

All you need to do, is sign up and once a week

she has a download for a new texture

she makes herself.

Thank you so much, Miss Kim.

I've been to the desert...

2011-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

We had a crazy quick, short trip to Arizona

last week to help Brian's mom.

Just gone long enough to have sleep deprivation and bruises

from sleeping on a fold-out sofa...

I don't have to explain that

do I?

But I asked if we could find a few minutes

to actually get out into the desert this trip

so I could get some photos

it was near sunset and oh, my....

the light is so amazing.

Now I want to visit to New Mexico,

see what drew Georgia O'Keeffe to stay there.

I grew up in Eastern Oregon in desert country.

Not that I had a clue that's what it was...

in fact, I always wondered what it would be like to see the

WEST

because we lived in EASTERN Oregon.

It didn't look anything like Wagon Train or Rawhide from TV.

Except it really did.

We had cactus alright

but ours was small

close to the ground.

So, it couldn't really be the same

could it?

This desert didn't have the same sagebrush smell I remember...

oh, I do love that.

In the spring, it seems there are thousands of small carpets of

minute yellow flowers

thrown down between the sagebrush.

We grew up calling them buttercups...

I'm sure that's wrong, but the color was of fresh butter.

There was rain the day before I took these...

serious rain.

With flood warnings out the day and night before.

Then the snow hit in the surrounding areas..

Excuse me? Isn't this Arizona?

It was

COLD

Hey, it's the year of the Rabbit!

Here's the jack bunny that was waiting near where we parked the car.

The car was a mustang...

so, to add to the title of this posting:

'I've been to the desert ...

on a horse with no name'

(you may groan now, but I thought it was pretty funny)

My Arizona Booty.

Because there was a major frost warning the evening before we left

I was told I could liberate these

succulent sweet oranges.

So, there I was

out in the dark

cutting oranges

off the neighbor's tree.

Makes them all the sweeter

don't you agree?

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

1911

such a sweet little New Year's baby

and great clock graphics.....

This one made me think of our own first day of the year....

Portland had it's coldest New Year's day in 20 years.

Wishing you all a very prosperous New Years

full of

Love and Happiness.

That's really what it's all about,

isn't it?

The Clock Is Running Faster Than I Am...

2010-12-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

We didn't do a whole lot with Christmas Decor this year.

Not counting the full sized stuffed Santa seated in the Front Room.

Too much still in boxes and too many other things that needed attending .

This little vignette is setting on a table in the entry.

The Bear is one that happened to be unpacked.

I made him more than a while back.

He stands about 5 inches tall.

I also stitched up the little doll he's holding and his clothing.

The tiny suitcase,

lined with Christmas holly

was something I picked up years ago,

thinking I'd use it for just something like this....

Are you done with all your doings???

I still have a few things to wrap and one gift to mail...

that was only just finished up last evening.

But have already explained to my sister,

who lives clear across the country

in the land of sun, sea, palm trees and the occasional hurricane,

that it will be a

New Year's present!

Time keeps on ticking...

Grilled Cheese With Bacon and Apples

2010-12-18T23:04:00.000-08:00

That's pretty much the whole recipe....

this time with Granny Smith Apples

because it's what I had on hand.

I put them all on Dave's Killer Bread.

The only twist would be that instead of butter on the inside or out.....

I use olive oil mayo.

This started YEARS ago

when my youngest daughter asked how to make a grilled cheese sandwich

and misunderstood the mayo part and thought it was for

both inside and out.

As it turned out,

we all liked it better.
Way better.

So, on one of these cold afternoons?

Try kicking up your grilled cheese sam-wich.

We ended up eating these with a fork

because they were pretty messy...

but they're pretty darn good, too.

Can It Really Be The Middle of December?

2010-12-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

Are you ready?

I'm not!