Tina Marie Capriotti

A Coleman Crush

2012-01-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

My Cuz, Laura Lee and I had a sneaky plan to surprise Jay Coleman while he was in town visiting from Washington. He's another long lost cousin that I'm so delighted to bond with. I walked up to him at the Bass Pro Shop Resturant, and within seconds he recognized me. I hadn't seen him in 25+ years. The three of us are beside ourselfs with giddy-ness at our reunion.

Tom & I had our cir. assy earlier that day.

Funny Face

2012-01-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

Yes they're silly... but I love them. These are the faces I made in my ceramics class. I like objects that lean towards the whimsy and story-book side of things. These faces make me smile... I plan to make more =)

Lulu, Colette & Fefe

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful to have a job that closes down between the holidays. I had one of my BFF's, Starlet & her hubby Lance down for 5 nights from Santa Cruz. I squeezed in as much FUN as possible to show Lance So. Cal. since it was his first time down here =)

Tom was a good sport during all of our "antiqueing" in Old Town Temecula

Tom & Lance chewing the fat around our fireplace

Starlet & Lance on the staircase at the Mission Inn

Out to breakfast at the Swing Inn Cafe before our drive to Encinitas

Me and my BFF!

Latest Finds....

2011-12-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

Nothing gives me an adrenaline rush more than finding a treasure! What I consider to be a "treasure" is relative... for whatever reason my desperate ol' heart just leaps at certain objects. Case in point, check out the casters on this adorable cart!!! Pitter-patter! Also, this Black Beauty book is so old it has no publishing date, and it is signed '97 - which would be 1897! I bought it for 12 bucks =)

Ojai Anniversary

2011-12-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

We spent our 12th at Ojai Spa & Resort - 5 stars all the way. Friday night Tom came home with beautiful red roses & a gift box of Juicy Couture perfume, and then whisked me off the next morning to Ventura for our spa weekend together.

The trees look pink in the closing hour of the day - so pretty.

We favored the Herb Garden the most. The grounds are more than 220 acres, with gorgeous oaks and loads of lavender.

After we checked in, we went to Lake Casita for a picnic... he was suprised by the Nixon watch I got him.

This lil' project kept me entertained on the drive up & back - a Martha Stewart tote I got free with a mag. sub. which I dolled up with embroidery.

Ojai (cont.)

2011-12-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

This photo just above is the spa area... we thoroughly enjoyed the message and sauna!

More Praises To Sing...

2011-12-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

Okay I'm not on top of the latest trends in the tech world, but I did get the iPhone 4s and it is awesome. For lots of reason, one though, is for the camera on it. It rocks! I've had a point-and-shoot type camera that I've been so disappointed with. I'd take pictures and when I uploaded them, many where blurry =( So from now on my iPhone will be used for iBlogging. Some random pretties below...

Not bad for a phone camera huh?

Chalk Paint

2011-12-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

This is another task I completed over the Thanksgiving break. I must sing the praises of Chalk paint. It is easy to apply the wax, which gives it the weathered look that's so fabulously-shabby =) This was one of those ordinary hunter green colored picnic baskets that I've had for 20+ years, and rarely used. Now I'm eager to use it, which I plan to when Tommy & I go to Ojai Resort & Spa this weekend for our 12th Anniversary.

The chalkboard paint on inside lid is a whimsiful touch.

Meeting My Long Lost Cousin

2011-11-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

A stroll down Ancestry.com lane led me to my cousin Laura Lee. Like so many of us today, I'm from a broken family (broken many time over for that matter), and when marriages fall apart, so do families. Laura Lee & I are casualties of that - but no looking back - our eyes are looking forward and there are good times comin' right around the corner! We're both excited to spend time getting to know each other. I couldn't have hoped for a more lovely and sweet cousin!

I just had to make her some tokens of my affection ;-)

Bisque Beauty

2011-11-28T18:24:00.001-08:00

I had a marvelous 4 days off from work :-) I spent part of my holiday making pretty things. I had intentions on cleaning-up my craftroom, and was beginning to feel like getting rid of some stuff... stuff that I've collected and just have not done anything with - like this birdcage from the Salvation Army. The very top of it had something broken off of it. I thought "That's it Tina! Do something with this junk!". So I did. And look how cute she is! I adore her - my lil' bisque beauty. I especially like her pillbox hat, which was a lid I bought somewhere not knowing what in the heck I'd use it for.

"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn." ~Henry David Thoreau

Monday Nights @ The Clay Room

2011-10-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

I love hand-building clay. I'm creating a stash of LACE dishes to entertain with. It's so easy... and it feels earthy & organic to work with clay.

Zinnia - My Simple Pleasure

2011-10-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how delighted I am with my garden this year. Along with my veggies & herbs, I planted Zinnias. Giant ones and lots of green ones. The colors are brilliant! Plus they make a terrific cut flower because they last a long time. Every night when I crawl into bed, I get to stare into a posey of these on my nightstand :)

Zinnia - My Simple Pleasure (cont.)

2011-10-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

These are large...

More FUN @ San Elijo

2011-10-07T10:52:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of a Red Tide? You may be thinking "oh yeah... its an ugly brown surf condition". Did you know how wonderfully-fabulous-absolutely magical the waves become at night???? It is just like this photo!!!! The waves GLOW neon green/blue!!! We were screaming with giddy-excitment as the waves rolled in!!! Our beach-front campsite was like the Disney-parade going by! Just AMAZING!

Did I say "camping"? I meant GLAMPING :) My lace umbrella was a hit!

Take a look at these guys! They were sooooo excited to lobster fish! They got several "bugs" (lobster) which Greg grilled up for all to feast on.

Rose Workshop @ Home Again Consignment

2011-08-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

These are the wild ladies I taught to make a fabric rose. It was so much fun for me! I hope it is the first of many more workshops to come.

Denise Wear is owner & operator of this lovely lil' jewel-of-a-shop in Old Town Murrieta.... you've got to swing by if you're in the area: 42030 C Street.

Ceramic Mask

2011-08-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

I have a new passion - pottery! The Temecula Painted Earth has a "Clay Room" studio run by delightful Miss Jennifer Pasol. I've been wanting to make time for playing with clay for a year now and finally set aside Mondays 6:30-8:30pm to do so. This is my first project... a free-form mask. She is "Lulu" the Parisian school girl. I am just tickeled with how she came out - plan to hang her by a ribbon on the wall. I am going to do a series of them.

Summer Breeze

2011-07-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a lovely site? Reminds me of a sweet scene in "Les Girls" with Gene Kelly. A sweet film everyone should own. Buy it used on Amazon and enjoy a simpler time...

Up to my usually tricks.... CRAFTING : )

2011-07-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Isn't she pretty? Love that she is holding a bird. Cynthia spied it for me... just love it. We've both been drawn to scales - this is my sceond one - just love the black & gold.

I made this cage doll at Gilding the Lily. Nancy & Dede hosted a wonderful workshop. I'm so delighted at how my doll turned out - I sit every evening and stare at her :)

This is a repurposed watch I made into a necklace - all the gears inside are a work of art in itself.

Bodacious Ladyhood Sleep-Over

2011-07-29T11:37:00.001-07:00

I had a few dear friends over on the long weekend earlier this month. I call my pals "The Bodacious Ladyhood" - and I always wish to have more time to entertain in an elaborate way. You know how you see these lovely photos of beautiful settings in magazines - well I want to pull-off cool settings like that but it takes a lot of time to coordinate such ensembles. I did have Cynthia help me set up & decorate : )
Look at the center photo - after having dessert & champagne under my 300 year old oak named "Bella", Cyndi & I decided to swing like little kids... weeeeeee.... then my swing broke! It was so funny we all laughed 'til our sides hurt!!!

It was an awesome time with friends that are closer than sisters! We read poetry, crafted, swam, stayed up late pouring out our hearts to one another.... a splendificant time had by all :)

Encinitas Garden Tour

2011-05-04T16:58:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I joined some of my dear ol' friends for a day of garden touring. The coastal climent is good for a large variety of succulents, and most were in bloom.

I could not get enough of these "angel's trumpet" blossoms - they had a lovely scent.

Semi-Upcycle

2011-03-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

I really like the idea of repurposing things, though I wish I did it a lot more often than I do. And even though these necklaces were new, they were on sale at the Rack for less than $5 each. I bought a pair for me, and a pair for my crafty-sidekick Robin. I decided to add charms to both. Robin is a girl that can't get enough of the color blue, so that one is for her. She is working her lil' tail feathers off trying to wrap-up an upcoming necklace swap for our workshop in LA next week. I wanted to make her something to say "Atta Girl Robin!".

Mixed Media Book

2011-02-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

This is a decontructed book I started with Starlet when I was visiting her last month. I really like sewing on the pages, so I finally sat down and finished off each page. The bits of lace & trim that hang outside of the book just entices you to pick it up and look inside.

Mixed Media Book (cont.)

2011-02-14T11:15:00.001-08:00

My Creative Laboratory

2011-02-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

Every creative soul out there knows how hard it is to keep their craft area tidy. I spent 10 HOURS cleaning my lab this weekend! Take a peek while it's clean because it won't last long.

French Boudoir Dolls

2011-02-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

I love these vintage dolls. Aren't they cool?!

They watch over me in my craft room ; )

Burlesque The Movie

2011-02-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love this film! 100% eye candy! It's still at Temeku - go see it on the big screen! I thought it was deserving of many awards. It goes on sale @ Walmart 2/22.

Bed-licious

2011-02-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

A bit of inspiration for your haven & retreat.

Catching Up

2011-02-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

I've not posted in a while - camera issues. So I'm posting a bunch right now to catch up w/ y'all. I've had a big secret, that I finally let out of the bag to my husband Tom. Last April I bought and stored a 26' 1965 Airstream. I wanted to surprise him for our December anniversary. We needed something bigger to camp in, but not much $$$ to invest in it. The lack of money has never stopped me in anything I pursue. I just get creative. I did not get to fix it up as much as I had hoped, but now that he knows about it, we can work on it together. It's going to be vinatge shabby-chic on the inside, and I've started to collect my eclectic china & hotel silverware. I don't go camping friends, I go GLAM-PING! It's a big project, but it's gonna be so fabulous when its done!

Photo's like this lil' gem just inspires me all the more!

I've been on the hunt @ local thrifts for my Airstream goods - like my china?

Catching Up (cont.)

2011-02-07T12:37:00.001-08:00

There are soooooo many thing I want to do. I skip around from craft to craft. Last week I did manage to spend an evening making a necklace. I always want more time to make things - don't you?

I love this skirt. I had it in my closet, and pulled it out hoping to wear it next month to a workshop I'm attending. It does not fit anymore. Too many cupcakes for Tina! However, it does look mighty fine on the dressform - I might as well keep it on display so I can enjoy it! Why couldn't I have been more appreciative of my weight back then?! Moral of the story; enjoy your body NOW, cause you'll probably be 5lbs heavier in the next few years!

Catching Up (cont.)

2011-02-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

It's been a wet & cold winter. And I don't mind one bit. I've had a new fetish lately - old books. To sit amongst flickering candle light, soft classical music wafting in the back ground, turning vintage patina-ed pages in an old book, in a room toasty warm from our wood buring stove fireplace... well it's a divine way to spend a cold winters night. Makes me wonder why friends think I'm a little odd not having cable TV. This is so much better.

Our trusty fireplace is the only source of heat we use.

This was an awesome find at the Santa Cruz flea market. Starlet's husband, Lance did an awesome job in resticking the spine of the book - look how thick it is! Note inside below...

Catching Up (cont.)

2011-02-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is an old encyclopedia - I paid $25 for it. The "Health" book was a real find! Only $3 bucks! I was so thrilled when it had these wonder pages of flip illustrations.

Catching Up (cont.)

2011-02-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

My cozy home. I am in constant pursuit of inspiration when it comes to home decorating. I just love to create a whim-mantic vibe. A touch of romance... a dash of whimsy... problem is, I'm running out of room! I was happy when the top of my wall unit accomodated quite nicely my dressform w/ puffs (I have more pom pom puffs through my house than I care to admit!)

I picked up this lovely crochet table cloth in Old Town. I'm fortunated enought to work 2 miles from many antique shops in Temecula.

On the Make (crafting)

2010-11-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have been really bad about taking pictures of my latest creative endeavors! There is no excuse but laziness! Robin was over last week to work on de-constructed journals... we did not get far, only got the cover & inserts done. I finished it up quickly Saturday w/o taking photos because I was giving it to Shelly as a 25th Anniversary gift that night. In addition to that, I've been crafting with pals, making roses & pennants.

Me & Shelly's Journal

Me & Miss Shelly

Jah Jah Sisterhood Crafters

I vow to better document my creativity :^)

Time Flys

2010-11-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! I never did a post in October! To be honest... I get so occupied viewing other blogs, that it burns up my time to update my own! I'm really loving mosaic's right now. The grouping of photos like this, make a beautiful impact, and inspires me!

Pretty huh!

Cruising in Newport

2010-09-29T17:53:00.001-07:00

The Hubby & I took our bikes to Newport Beach for an afternoon of cruising the boardwalk. There are so many cool houses to look at. We also took the fairy over to Lido Island - MORE cool houses to cruise by! It was a gorgeous day, and clear too - we saw Catalina sitting on the horizon. I think "California Dreamin'" was coined here because it is such beautiful piece of the coast.

2010-09-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

hello

Romantic Fashion

2010-09-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Just a little beauty to inspire you with!

Pageant Of The Masters Laguna Beach

2010-08-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was my annual weekend with my peeps to see the ever fantastic Pageant of the Masters. This years theme was Eat, Drink and be Merry, which we happen to be very good at! I was so JAZZED to be able to visit and talk with one of my favorite artist there, Sandra Jones Campbell (art below). I love the people she paints, her style of portraying them and the story that goes with each painting. I bought a numbered print which I just adore called "Cowgirl in Paris". I promise myself that one day I'll have an original painting of hers when times are better.

Mount Palomar Winery

2010-08-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

Guess who has a boat-load of winerie in her back yard? Me! Our pals, the Fay Brothers were playin' at Mt. Palomar Winery. Just one of many out in the Temecula Valley. The atmosphere was awesome... and the weather was gorgeous! Why don't we do this more often??!!

Pretty Pleasures

2010-08-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

I just love pretty lil' cakes!

Happy Friday!

2010-08-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dining Alfresco

2010-08-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Balmy summer evenings are perfect for dining outdoors... heck even a Costco pizza served under these romantic settings will taste better than usual! Get inspired and have dinner outside!

Back From San Elijo

2010-08-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Surf's Up! San Elijo was beautiful! Refreshing ocean temps, and sunsets like this one, are what make it really tough to get into this state park! Reservations are a coordinated group effort just to get a campsite, and we usually have to share sites so that more pals can come along.
Loved having the cruiser to peddle between campsites.

It's a photo op that just can't be passed up!

The gang walking back from breakfast at Swami's.

The Consequences of Low Cash Flow

2010-07-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Less money equals more stress. Many marriages today are weathering the lack of funds - including mine! Tensions run high, and tempers & patience run thin. I'm sure many out there feel my pain and can relate - huh? I have to remind myself -Remember Tina, "for better or for worse"!! All too many bail under the later of the two. When things are really crudy, I have a mantra I repeat over and over to myself... "The darkest hour is before the dawn". So here is a bit of "dawn" - last night, I was in my back craftroom. I heard my hubby's truck pull down the driveway, but since I've been fueding with him, I paid no attention. Not long after, he walks into my craftroom with a folded handtowel and asked to blindfold me. "Why" I ask. He said "I have a surprise and I don't want you to peek". Begrudgingly I comply... he guides me down the hall and thru the laundry room... and when I take off my blindfold this is what I see in the garage.

Needless to say this melted my steely disposition towards him. Earlier this week, he'd been asking to take me camping this weekend, and said that he wouldn't go w/o me... I would not commit since I was still hurt & mad. Apparently, he hussled up some work to buy a couple Schwinn Beach Cruiser's for us to meander the campgrounds with. Sweet huh! So all is good again... San Elijo - here we come!

On A Budget?

2010-07-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Who isn't! I wanted to share these lil thrifty finds with you. Look what these flowers do for these simple blahzae bags!!! The hot pink one was missing a handle and on sale for 8 buck$ at TJ Maxx. The stripped bag was 3 buck$ at Goodwill. All I did was add some hand made flowers to them and viola - glam-derful! The flowers are so easy to make - costing a little more than a buck! I added a chain handle with a few jumprings from my jewelry making stash.

Moral of the story.... just because I'm poor does not mean I have to look like it!

Cute & Funky!

2010-07-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Whether old or new.... funky little cars make me smile!

Paper Dolls

2010-07-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend turned into a spontaneous workshop! Me and my create bud, Miss Robin met up at the Urban Barn Grand Opening and ended up taking a class with Julie Nutting! Just look at her ultra -couture paper dolls! Who can resist these?!? We had a wonderful time, and then went on to soak up the gorgeous vignettes of the Barn.

Me, Julie & Robin

Julie's dolls - just fabulous! I want to make them all!!

SPA(aah) DAY

2010-06-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

I had a "Spa Day" sleep-over last weekend. All was going well, I was on schedule for all that I wanted to create, clean & cook for the soiree - everyone was confirmed even the scheduled message gal that was going to be providing the 1/2 our message. Then an hour before the arrival time, the message girl canceled due to a "back injury". I was bummed. But my pals showed up and we still had an awesome time!

I made this umbrella just for the event. My beloved crafting pal, Miss Donna, gave me a sack of lace panels before she down-sized to a smaller house - and this is how I put them to use. I know she'll be proud of me!

My kindred spirit, Miss Jenny-B made every one of us Spa Girls (7) TWO candles each!!! Creative people are so generous, they are so eager to give. She made me FIVE candles, plus gave me the sweetest pink glasses ever!

Miss Shelly in the pool... ahh the good life! And us Spa Girls in our PJ's drinking champagne. This was such a success, it's been decided it will be an annual event!

2010 District Convention

2010-06-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was our District Convention, a marvelous blend of great association and timely spiritual food.

Look! It's a peeping-TOM!

2010 District Convention (cont)

2010-06-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

Bruce at his best!

Three days with 33,000+ in attendance! And the weather was perfect!

Cresendoh w/ Robin

2010-05-27T11:03:00.001-07:00

Robin & I spent the afternoon in Circle of Orange before Crensendoh's gig. I love Country Roads! It was my first time there. Loved all the booths - all vintage with a flare for repurposing.

Cresendoh w/ Robin (cont.)

2010-05-27T10:43:00.001-07:00

I wore a hat to Jenny Doh's kick off party for Art Saves, her new endeavor. The invite said "dress festive". I sieze every opprtunity to wear a hat. Okay ladies - what are you waiting for??? Why don't more women wear hats?!!?? Don't ever feel like a dork in a hat! Hats are cool!!! And affordable! Marshalls & TJ Maxx always have hats - so buy one and let others enjoy seeing you in it!

A berry for your thoughts...

2010-05-25T17:48:00.001-07:00

Aren't these delicious? I've been making emery-filled pin cushions and they are so cute - also made a few polyfilled ones to dangle off my summer tote. My niece. SIL, and a few friends were over on Saturday, and I sent a berry home with each one of them... a mini momento from our day crafting together.

Wendy & Ashley gave me this lovey gift!! I adore it!! Isn't it lovely!!!

Happy Camper

2010-05-19T15:34:00.001-07:00

San Elijo or bust! Last weekend we had 20+ friends on 6 different campsites - multiple friends on each... totally fun! Donna & I hunkered down on one site and did what we do best - CRAFT! We dragged out oil painting - fabric - sketch pads - scrap booking... we were prepare for some serious art making.

Beautiful sunset of San Elijo State Beach nestled on the bluff.

Bohemian's at their best!

Happy Camper (cont.)

2010-05-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

The finished product... and yes, roses do make me dance!

Shopping Cedros in Solana Beach... ahhhh total bliss.

Donna never new these were down the street - she got a kick out of them!

I made Donna & I a hanging posies for our trailer doors... they made our camp all the more inviting & home-y.

Remnants Of The Past Barn Sale

2010-04-28T17:03:00.001-07:00

What a gorgeous event! I just loved it, and hope to attend the Fall sale. Everything was so beautifully staged - absolute eye candy. I bought a few treats, and got lots of fresh ideas for decorating my home.

Remnants Of The Past Barn Sale (cont.)

2010-04-28T16:57:00.001-07:00

Loved these posie hanging bouquets - I bought one for our camp ground table.

Roughing It

2010-04-28T16:30:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we embarked on a road trip. I've been wanting to go to Remnants Of The Past Barn Sale. Tommy & I drove 4 hours north to Pismo State Beach to camp 2 nights. It was a nice blend of hobbies... he fished for Salmon, and I antiqued... all the while enjoying the great outdoors together. We stopped at Posies in Camarillo - a favorite... a delightfully Frenchy boutique.

The drive way soooo beautiful.... mile upon mile of rolling green hills dusted with large yellow patches of mustard grass.

Roughing It (cont.)

2010-04-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

We stopped on the way to check out the camping at El Capitain - it's a pretty neat set up... but if I'm going to pay the cost of a hotel to camp, I'll just book a room.

We arrived at camp just in time to catch the sunset...

Roughing It (cont.)

2010-04-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Loved the Pismo State Beach campgroud because it had both the sea a short walk away, plus this estuary of water. The evening enchanted us with the chorus of of singing frogs that inhabilted it - and I saw one, which was the size of a small chihuahua!

Got Bangs?

2010-04-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

I needed a change... so I got bangs. I didn't want to see a grown man cry (husband) by cutting off my long hair, so I went for bangs instead. Since I'm a hair-farmer, I'll be able to grow them out once I'm bored with them.

Pink Dreams

2010-04-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to pass on a PINK blast to kick start Spring!

2010-04-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

Passionate about pink.

Alice In FUNderland

2010-04-06T18:47:00.001-07:00

What a blast! A few weeks ago Brenda & I attended a 2 day workshop at the Disney Grand Hotel and it was pure MAGIC! We met some new friends and treasured every craft that was taught to us with love and patience. The food was top notch, and the attention Kim and her crew put into every tiny detail was magnificant.

Alice In FUNderland cont.

2010-04-06T18:28:00.001-07:00

The swaps were so pretty... I participated in a fabric "Fatbook", which had 9 6X6 custom double-sided pages that were unique and of course fashioned in the Alice In Wonderland theme... this is the page I made I just can't resist Johnny!

I also received this lovey shadow box from Denise of http://www.inmyblueroom.blogspot.com/ and adore it!

Alice In FUNderland cont.

2010-04-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

This was so over-the-top fabulous! Mercy - just look at that teapot cake!!! It was a wonderful time... Brenda & I enjoyed every whimsical detail. (I don't know how Kim will top it??!!)

A Few More For The AIW Workshop

2010-03-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

Friday is our ultra-fabulous Alice in Wonderland workshop held at the Disney Grand Hotel. I'm going to wear a bib necklace, and just incase there is a demand for them, I'll have a few on hand to sell.

Mossy Twist

2010-03-09T17:12:00.001-08:00

I saw Alice in Wonderland last weekend - loved it! Many scenes were marinated in mossy lushness... just so inspiring for another bib!

My Biggest Fan

2010-03-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law Brenda loves my craftiness. She truly is my biggest fan, and is always singing my praises. She wanted a special bib necklace - all in neutrals, for our up coming soiree. Look at this yummy vanilla treat (she's gonna flip!).

Sweet Baby Girl

2010-03-02T19:21:00.001-08:00

Hello fellow Artist! I "tip-toed" over to Gilding The Lily this past Sunday and made this soldered picture necklace. I'm thrilled with how it turned out! Don't you just love this renaissance we're having?!?

Bibs for Leonesse Art & Wine Walk

2010-02-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

I spent all of yesterday making these Spring-a-licious Bibs. I'm such a collage-aholic! The endless variety and combinations of flowers & beads has me fully entralled and intrigued!

Got Your Bib On?

2010-02-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

I thank my Creator every day for the gift of flowers. Velvety, fragrant and in every shade of the rainbow - what a precious and delightful treasure of beauty.

I love the idea of fabric flowers riding around my neck.

My New Obsession - BIB NECKLACES!

2010-01-27T18:46:00.001-08:00

I've been caught up in a flurry of creativity. It comes in waves. Look what fellow bizzy-bee Miss Robin turned me on to - making Bib necklaces!! This was so much fun to make, and I can hardly wait to wear it! I've seen these a lot on blogs etc... but have never seen anyone wearing one. I'm gonna get the ball rollin'!

TWENTY TEN

2010-01-18T15:57:00.001-08:00

Time is moving along and here I am in a new year and half way through the first month! I'm so fortunate that my compnay shuts down between Xmas & New Years. I always look forward to getting stuff done around the house, reconnecting with seldom seen friends, and crafting. Due to all my braging about "never getting sick", I got the flu just day before the break! It wasn't pretty! Then got a cold last week. Mercy! I've met my quota with illness. But I still did some cool things and enjoyed the time off. Check out the below posts to see what I've been up to.

Tom & I at our Cir. Assy. this past weekend.

Spent a few days in Octillo camping. Now you know I'm a die-hard crafter when I bring all the supplies for my buddies to make FLOWERS with! Here we are wearing our roses.

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TWENTY TEN (cont)

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Here are a few of the other things I've been up to during my time off from work & afterwards. I'm into Fairy Jar's, I've made a few. And I finally finished my secret shaker necklace! I put it aside last March! Brenda & i spent the evening finishing it and I just love it!

Karen Greene , a sweetheat of a woman and another happy customer!

TWENTY TEN (cont)

2010-01-18T15:31:00.001-08:00

I had visitors for a few days while I was off... the lil' Darling's were over.

I'm 45 but I still love to swing under a tree!

And the Darling's had a good time swinging under Bella too - my 300 yr. old Live Oak! Giggles are great for the soul and listening to these two giggle was better than medicine!

TWENTY TEN (cont)

2010-01-18T15:21:00.001-08:00

We spent entire mornings just loungeing, reading magazines, watching GLEE and playing with my No.1 girl - DAISY!

TWENTY TEN (cont)

2010-01-18T14:58:00.000-08:00

I love a new year. It's a clean slate. We can celebrate getting through 2009 in one piece! Time to put in writting some goals to work toward, which for me is actually fun to do. I make collages - word pictures of what I want, and of what I want to become.

I have sooooooooo many goals, that I have to list them neatly first by category; self, spirituality, garden, house, skills, marriage etc....

This was a goal - to find a low-profile piece of furniture for my lounge to house some of my stemware/glasses that was cluttering my bar counter. Cute huh! I found it at Linda's Barn Sale in Temecula. The green did not turn out so good in photo - but it's an olive green, trimmed in tan, which matches the sofe perfect!

I was bored with how my picture's were hung, so everything got rearranged once the furniture piece arrived. Variety is the spice of life!

INSPIRED

2009-12-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

The fun part about collecting and being on the hunt for pretty things is making up new vignets with your found treasures. These lil' ensembles create a mood. A feeling. A grouping of objects can evoke an emotion of whim, romance, mystique. You name it, the skys the limit! After I create new settings, I just kick back with a glass of wine, light a few candles, and soak up the ambiance! I hope I've inspired you!

INSPIRED cont.

2009-12-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

INSPIRED cont.

2009-12-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

Look at this beautiful spool of silk green thread under the cloche. I was so excited when I found that in Santa Rosa while exploring w/ Starlet.

Garment District in LA

2009-12-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

Brenda & I jaunted off to LA for beads/crystals/fabric etc... We ended the full day of pounding the streets of LA by standing in line for an HOUR at PINKS on Melrose. Note the fuzzy photo below of the line of people that wraps around 2 buildings waiting to order a hot dog!!! Yes - it was worth the wait.

Blissfest ~ Mesa Arizona

2009-12-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

I need to play blog-catchup... last month I took a road trip to visit Blissfest & the Blissful Home store in Mesa, AZ. The store invited me to come and sell my bags at the street fair they were hosting, but I don't have that many to sell. I still wanted to be part of the experience, so I talked my sister/brother-in-law to go. We had a great time. Check out the following pics... actually, the photo's below are in reverse. I always forget I have to blog backwards!

Later that night after shopping the street fair, Brenda & I went to Tobys Keith's Bar & Grill. What a treat - it was really entertaining watching these young cowboys swing, twirl and dip their girls! It was so sexy seeing a man that can lead and dance like that!

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Three lil' Vixens! I bought this handmade Saloon-a-la-cancan-cap from these gals - I love their originality!

Isn't this a cool portrait idea?!

2009-12-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

After greeting Buffalo Bill, this is what we walked up on, as we entered the Blissfest Street Fair - Heidi's cool rig! As I walked up she (and another gal) was oogling the purse on my arm, and I was oogling her Air Stream Ensemble! I was totally floored with her coolness! Anyway, she loved my crochet purse, as did this other gal, who bought it right off my arm! I've really gotta start taking pitcures of the gals who buy my bags! It was a great start to a new friendship and now I plan to go w/ Heidi to Roundtop Texas with a few of my purses, and give Heidi a hand selling her lovely wares.

2009-12-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

Blissful Home was behind and hosted the Blissfest Street Fair. It was an inspirational shop to say the least! If I lived in Mesa, I'd be taking classes at this lovely store once a week! I wish Temecula had a gorgeous place like this to learn crafts at and to be a channel for creativity and shopping to come together.

Pretty huh?!

2009-12-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

Beautiful interior of "Bliisful Home" if Mesa, AZ.

Where the Pretty things are...

2009-12-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

This was the BLISSFEST preparty. Heidi of Paris Montana was the chicest Parisian Cowgirl there! I'm so glad we met! She's a true kindred spirit & my new BFF!

My brother-in-law Freddy looks great in a hat!

Magic Carpet Ride in Lake Elizabeth

2009-11-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was a wonderful excusion out to Lake Elizabeth to visit Shelly's long time gal-pal Miss Jenny~B. And what a delight it was! Jenny and her family spoiled me Shelly and Jen for 2 days! We were absolutely dazzeled with her magical house. We enjoyed great cooking too. Sunday we shopped until we dropped (well actually Jen & Shelly dropped, me & Jenny~B marched along undaunted!)- starting with the Ventura Flea Market. Later we returned home and drank 100% proof Black Vodka and watched a scary movie. Take a peek at the vibrant interior of this humble abode.

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Lake Elizabeth cont.

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This is the magical mystery tour of Jenny~B's home! She has woven a tapestry of color & textures that delight you for hours on end! What an awesome hostess you are and what a special escape it was for us! Thank you :^)

Heading Home...

2009-11-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

Here's San Fran in all its glory! No FOG. What fun our lil' adventure was. We found some treasures along the way too, not to mention lots of ideas for decorating.

(PS - Scroll down to first 11/5 post to catch story from beginning - I forgot to post in reverse!)

More Santa Rosa....

2009-11-05T17:10:00.000-08:00

This was such a cute yarn store called "Cast Aways". I love the earthy vibe that goes with all yarn shops. If I lived in town this town I would be hanging out here a least one night a week!

How adorable is this lil' boat with the fiber sail on it

Healdsburg & Santa Rosa

2009-11-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

Exploring these towns... on the hunt for that special something!

Mad Dash to Santa Cruz

2009-11-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

Mini road trip for Starlet & I. We drove through San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge, making our way north to Healdsburg for a Barn Sale at Vintage Home. It wasn't quite a "barn" - more like a huge shed. I was looking for smaller items, most items were pieces of furniture - too big to put in my luggage. But the scenery & town was beautiful, with an abundance of places for wine tasting and culinary arts. We stayed the night in Santa Rosa - another beautiful town, and did some antiqueing the next day. We then headed back south, stopping in for dinner.

Foggy San Fran...

VG Donut Run

2009-10-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

One of our camping traditions is walking across the railroad tracks to VG Donuts for a WARM donut - yes WARM. They close at 9:00PM. We go then, because they start baking the night before to have the boat-load of donuts ready for the 6:00am customers when they open. Sometime's we loose track of time and have to literally tap at the window and beg them to open up for our lousy donut fix, which they will at times, but we have been rejected too. So this night me & Donna ran ahead while the rest of the gang walked. I and got there in the nick of time seconds before closing. Trust me there is nothing more tasty than a warm maple glazed donut. Nothing.

Eating the best donuts in the State outside of VG.

Inside La Paloma theater for a movie.

Made in the shade!

Me and Donna crocheting a pair of underwear (just kidding - it's purse of course1)

Coastal Bliss

2009-10-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I wrapped up my Summer with the last San Elijo camping trip of 2009. There were 4 campsites with multiple friends on each site. I did a little bit of all the things I love; reading, crafting, beach walks, mixing martini's, crocheting, shopping, going to the movies @ La Paloma, playing scrable and last but not least, sleeping-in, in my lil' trailer!! Which to me, is the doll house I never had. Just too much fun! The weather was full of surprises too, we had everything from 80 degrees, to a lite rain, to blustery wind gusts. It was like Autum arrived and was kicking out Summer.

When will my "ship" come in???? I made her while camping.

The rest of the photos are shops around the beach area, Cedro Street & Encinitas & Coronado Island.

2009-10-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

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