Done!!!

If I didn't know better, I would think the boys were playing in my yarn. But since they are rarely in the studio, it must have been me. What a horrific,tangled yet colorful mess. I was always reaching for what was down in the bottom. I finally bought some shallow, clear bins and re-organized almost all. Almost? Well, I found 2 more bags downstairs after I thought I was done so they have to be added. Anyway, I've listed some small balls of cotton yarn (free US shipping!) on etsy. My leftovers could be someone's treasures! I do buy way too much yarn. Kinda like potato chips...I can't stop!
So now that I'm cleaned up for the new year, maybe it would be appropriate to resolve NOT to buy as much? Nah.....!


My stuff is someone else's treasure...sold the whole lot! Woo Hoo!

Retail World

Okay, the Christmas shopping season is virtually over and now we must gear up for the next selling push which I guess is Valentine's Day. Got a note from the store that I'm in to try and get them things by January 6....that's only 10 days away....better get to the studio!!!

Holiday Health

I'm better!!!!! Yay!!!! We have crazy weather here now. We were unusually cold for about 2 weeks and now we're in the 60s and 70s so I hope that doesn't affect my rehab! We are doing our holiday bash tonite since my son and family will be going to Iowa to be with my daughter-in-law's folks. Now THEY are having weather issues...brrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Anyway, I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful holiday wherever you are and whatever the weather.
HUGS!

The Creeping Crud Continues

I don't want to complain. I want to be cheerful and smiley and energetic and productive.............but I'm still sick and I'm ready to scream so hold your ears.......~<&&*X%^$@*)!!!!
Actually, I've been semi productive and have these new goodies to share:



And these:

Cyber Monday Birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday to me and free shipping! So you really should shop and I'll give you the gift of no shipping charges!

Slammed!

Thanksgiving was wonderful and I seemed to put the drips and aches at bay so I could enjoy until Thursday night....slammed! Stayed in bed all day Friday except to periodically check on my sites (NOTHING!!!). And onto today...I feel like someone punched me full force in the face...sinus. And of course, we have concert tickets for tonite that were purchased eons ago. No refunds! So I'm planning on staying in bed with loads of self medication until it's time for a shower (which was really yesterday) and we'll go. I can barely hear anyway, but I can't unload the tickets. Everyone still has company and others can't get a sitter so my sorry behind will go. Not that any time is good to feel rotten but why,oh why on the holiday weekend? Ahhhhhh, choo!

Shout Out!

Pam Warden of babeta on etsy is a very talented, whimsical and all around wonderful lady. I have purchased her work twice now and I'm sure there'll be more in the future. My kitchen, accidentally, developed a coffee theme. The DH and I love a good cup and we kept stumbling upon wonderful dishes, prints and even clocks (yes, I do buy some!) that were all about coffee. Many had dots as part of the designs and I'm always a sucker for anything with a heart. It was a delight to find Pam's print declaring "Java Joy" and I was thrilled upon receiving it but how to frame and hang became a drawn out ordeal until BINGO! I am pleased with the results and I know you'll be pleased with Pam's work.

Ya' Never Know....

Just when I decided that the magnets were not worth my time, I got an order for a dozen and a half!!! I really do enjoy making them but they take alot of steps and time and pricing becomes an issue. I also decided to try another etsy-like website against my better judgement and BINGO! a sale. I had three Christmas clocks that have been on etsy for two Christmases and never sold so I sent them to the store in Massachusetts....yup, they sold. So basically, ya' never know!

Back to normal...what's that?

For the 1st time in weeks, I am home this weekend and there are no sleepover guests and none on the horizon...YAY! I think I'm caught up after the trips. And maybe even caught up on crafting....well, maybe not! I did manage to make 2 hats and a pair of fingerless gloves in Florida and now they're up to the store in Massachusetts. Listed some new things on etsy like the Holiday Winter Clock on the right and added new magnets also. I have 3 knitting projects going and magnets ready to be sanded. I guess the crafting will never be completed!



Anyway, below is another Iron Man Triathlon picture taken right before the swim. Trust me, none of these guys looked so good when it was all over! I am so proud of his dedication, commitment and fortitude. What a guy!

Iron Man

I could write forever on this past weekend. The Iron Man Triathlon in Panama City Beach, FL was in some respects amazing and in others as exciting as watching paint dry! Way too much testosterone! The night before, my son said that if he finished between 12 and 12 1/2 hours he'd be thrilled. Well, he finished at 11 hours and 55 minutes! YAY FOR HIM!!!!

I really do want to watch the election results and hang with hubby since he was deserted for 4 days so I will continue later. The photo is of the start of the 2.4 mile swim in 48degree weather at 7AM....brrrrrrrrr! Happily I came home to some sales and custom orders so it was great all around.

Off tomorrow to observe the Iron Man Triathlon in Panama City, Florida on Saturday. Why would I do such a thing? My son! He's been training for one year and it's finally here! He is soooooooo fit and ready. He just wants a respectable finish. Say a prayer and wish him luck!

In his honor I am having a sale over at etsy...a good one,too!

Too Thin?

Too thin? Not a problem my body has ever had! But can you spread yourself too thin on the internet? Hmmmmmmm...........! For purposes of promotion and selling my crafts I am currently a member of, selling on or socializing on the following sites:


www.allaboutthebuttons.etsy.com

Go Zabo

Trendy Shoppes

MadeItMyself

flickr

facebook

ning

indiepublic

handmade product directory

craigslist

link referral

twitter

stumble upon

Talent Data Base

Squidoo

Blog Catalog

All About The Buttons Blog

ETSY Secrets Blog

Smidge

You Crafty Lot

DIY City Community

Scrumpy Design

Skwiggazine

and I probably have forgotten a few. There are also the many sub-groups like the ones on flickr and indiepublic. Can there possibly be anything else to do to get your name out "there"? Well, all I can say is PHEW!!!! I'm surprised I even remembered these. I also send promo packs out for those that do shows, and have donated gobs of things for worthy causes. Do I have the next "Pet Rock"? No, but I love what I do and love to share it. Will I stop?


No-No-No! How can I when a simple little beanie cap makes Mr. Bear even more adorable.

Junk is Good!....sometimes!

I confess...I'm a neat freak. You'd never know it if you came to my house because of all the stuff we collect and the DH who is a clean freak, but a slob. It's a never ending battle. I nicknamed him "Mr. Out"...everything should be left out so you can find it when you need it, even if that's once a year...spare me!

Anyway, some junk is good like bits and pieces of old jewelry, watch parts, odd beads and definitely buttons.

Here's my latest foray in creative junk!

Dontcha' just love that mini clothes pin?!

Overgrown and gone!

I do love to garden. I am not an expert but get great enjoyment out of watching something materialize from virtually nothing. NO ONE told me that things grow huge in the south and plant labels lie! I bought a 2" potted eucalyptus as a specimen plant and placed it near the garage. We just had to cut down this 14 FOOT tall monster that was at least 6' wide. I never would have placed it as I did if I had known. It was either cut it down or import several koalas!

In the back of our house I planted shade loving hostas...12 of them and they have become enormous. The exterminator said "Cut them back"...apparently it is a good bug haven being so close to the house. So after 2 years of trimming and becoming annoyed at having to care for a care free plant, out they came! Actually 9 are out and the bed is semi-ready for me to plant something small and petite that won't engulf the house. They have been placed at the edge of the woods where they'll only bump into each other!

And then there's the lantana which was in a 3" pot and...see for yourself!

Oh, and no, I do not feed them super doses of plant food. I guess the conditions are right but after all this destruction and upheaval, my back isn't!

We Survived!

The weekend was long but hopefully created alot of memories for the boys, certainly for us. They were several memorable moments. On one of our shopping trips, the little one only wanted Curious George BandAids and subsequently had various ailments needing one every hour or so. The big one had a birthday party to attend and had very close encounters with cake frosting. The biggest one (DH) seemed to regress a bit and was not sure where FROZEN pizzas should be placed! All in all, it was exhausting which basically sets in cement the saying "Child rearing is for the young!". The little one also loves baths and the photo is his wonderful wet head...yes, he's got amazing hair. He also wanted to learn to knit and with scissors, a crochet hook and an old ball of yarn proceeded to litter the house with cotton bits! The biggest success was bug macaroni and cheese...pasta in insect shapes was plate licking good. They also arranged the rings on this "hand"...good job guys!

My Own Personal Storm...........

My son and his wife are off to a business conference until Saturday night which leaves me and DH in charge of the 3 and 6 year old until then. They are very good BOYS separately but we have never had them together for so long. And as I just wrote, they are BOYS! Don't mean to be sexist but they're not exactly content to sit and color! I'm already super caffeinated since I had to be at their house at 5:45AM today. The first gets home from school at 1:00 and the fun begins! I'll report back when the dust settles!

We're baaaaack..............

GREAT trip! Miraculously, going and coming, we hit NO traffic tie ups and practically no construction. DH was sleeping for a bit and when he awoke he couldn't believe we circled Washington and I never had to hit the brakes. His Dad is doing great and that was a relief. The wedding was terrific despite the 90degree heat! I went north for that?! It really was fun to get all dressed up,though.

We did a little damage shopping but that was expected. Got all the sports gear that the kids requested. The night before we left our garage door broke so we returned to that issue which will hopefully be fixed tomorrow.

I did knit quite a bit-3 pairs of hand warmers/fingerless gloves, 2 washcloths and 2 mini-purses. I also found 3 unwanted pounds along the way that I hope to lose FAST!!! Could it have been the pizza or the New York Chinese food? Hmmmmmmmm....!

Happily came home to a sale but it does seem etsy is a bit sluggish...at least for me. Listed and sold this in a flash...should I make more?

Everything Old Is New Again!

I have found that teachers are a creative and resourceful group. In many ways you had to be since there were always supply limits and money constraints. That's why kids come home with decorated egg cartons and planted flowers in milk containers.

Many years ago I was given a great stash of binder clips and came up with this idea: the kids covered them with papers they designed and painted and they became gifts for a family member. Parents, especially fathers, loved them. I just came into another great stash of clips and thought, why not put some in the shop? Especially with everyone having home offices today, it's nice to have the mundane and simple be attractive. It also is a nice little gift for guys-Dad's desk, big brother in college or anyone who has papers. As far as I'm concerned, computer usage creates more paper so these will definitely come in handy. These are not all in the shop yet but will be soon. Oh, and as you can see, they all have buttons on them...of course!!!

Hurricane Update.....

Our friends did come to get out of Hanna's way. Fortunately, Hanna wanted to get out of their way and by-passed their area....major sigh! We had great fun shopping and eating and shopping and drinking and shopping and laughing and....you get the picture! Although they have very decent shopping where they live, there are a handful of stores here that they crave and must visit. The house is back together and now we can create new messes in preparation for our trip.
The darling son with the separated shoulder is going for physical therapy but is forbidden to swim for at least 2 weeks. This might put a serious dent in his triathalon training. He is also wearing one of those black tape thinga-majiggies that was seen being worn by the women playing beach volleyball in the Olympics. He says it does help....that and ibuprophen.
Okay, what else? Oh, DH's job.... not good on that front but one thing I've learned after living this long-peace of mind is more valuable than money in the bank. So if he decides to quit, I'm right there with him. If he stays, I'm still here.
But now I'm going up to the studio to find a missing hat!!! I listed one in the shop the other day,have another ready for pix but was positive I had 3.....hmmmmm!

Turmoil!

Just when you think everything is going along nicely.....%^+#(*X#$%)+X!!!

DH and I drive to NY every fall to see his Dad who's about to be 94. We are going earlier this year than in the past because the son of a college buddy is being married and we thought "Let's do both!" Getting the shop set and ready for fall and for the holidays has been my push which has created a migration of items from the studio to the office for photos and listings. While we both are slowly preparing for this trip-read: leaving stuff all over the place because maybe we'll want to take it, Dear Son, who is preparing for an Ironman Triathalon crashed his bike the other day and separated his shoulder (even though he landed on his head hard enough to crack his helmet) while his wife is nursing a major sinus flare up. DH and I watched the boys for a bit so they both could see various internists, allergists, orthopedists and pharmacists. And now Hurricane Hanna....close friends may be in the path and are deciding when to evacuate and come to us. Of course I want them, but remember that pre-trip/pre-holiday mess I mentioned? Oh, and did I tell you that upon our return DH will probably quit his job? Don't even ask!!!!!


But I'm still knitting~soft and cuddly!
A ray of moonshine this evening...I've been featured on this blog. Check it out....Sue of TackyHandMade did a great job. Thank you!!!!

Promoting...

Since I entered the world of on-line sales I have learned about so many ways to promote your item, your craft, yourself. I have taken advantage of many areas such as this one, blogging, and many others. But being a bit old-fashioned, I always felt the newspaper would be a great area to pursue. Back in 2007 I launched a fairly regular letter writing campaign to get my shop on etsy and etsy in general in the news. No one even had the courtesy to answer until about 3 weeks ago. I e-mailed a journalist in the regional newspaper who focused on my town and she responded immediately. A photographer was dispatched to my house to take pictures...don't ask how long it took to clean up the studio!- and the result was in the paper this past Tuesday. It was a generally a good article except that ALL ABOUT THE BUTTONS wasn't even mentioned....ugh! Hopefully anyone coming to etsy through the article might search clocks and I'll be there...hopefully! Speaking of clocks, here's a new one to be listed soon...

Out of the box!

I've been trying to think of some new items/projects that would appeal on ETSY. My daughter-in-law gave me a "Knitting Day By Day" calendar last year that has been really terrific. It was produced in England & sometimes the patterns are confusing but generally I can figure them out. I had noticed fingerless gloves and hand warmers on etsy and then a pattern on this calendar so I gave them a shot. I can see the use of them when driving, working in a chilly environment or whenever you need good dexterity that gloves prevent. They are very comfortable. I altered the pattern by adding the eyelash yarn on the bottom and of course, I had to add buttons. These are truly a vintage set as I have had them for at least 25 years. What do you think of my new item?

I'm giving it up!

I've waffled and wavered and said yes as often as no BUT finally.....the clock I made for the book I was in, Button!Button!, is up for sale. I really don't have a great emotional attachment to it even though I am pleased with the final results. It truly doesn't fit anywhere in my house, and needless to say, I have plenty of clocks soooooooooooooooo here she is! But maybe I should ke............NO!!!! For some reason, the book photos washed out the beautiful grain of the wood. The bottom photo is more true. Hmmmm............NO! It was on the back cover....




The other items of mine in the book were bookmarks and I think that talented Angie from Calabash Creations has bought every one! I do have more in the shop. Now about that clock.................

August

When I was a teacher, August was a down month since the start of school was creeping up fast. In addition it was a hard month because of the weather...hot-hot-hot! No special days or events take place in August. So it was with great joy a 'holiday' was added to my August when my son was born. And then many years later, his son was born in August as well. So even though I no longer worry about the start of school and the heat is still unbearable, it's a special time with the birthdays of 2 very special males. We all had dinner out last night and all was great until B attacked the chocolate birthday cake...never has such a small piece of cake caused such a great mess on such a small person and those sitting nearby. I literally threw everything I was wearing into the wash as soon as I got home! The picture is dark as the restaurant was dark but as I snapped he was saying "Wash me,please!" Big brother is behind him, neat as a pin!

Happy Birthday J and B! Hugs and kisses,too!

I'm Hooked!

ACEOs are so much fun! I have always loved little things and have an extensive miniature collection. Making ACEOs fits right in with that collection but I can add buttons and ribbons and beads,oh my! They also may tell a story or evoke a mood.

Here's my latest but I must start by giving credit to BellaColle, a wonderful artist who created the paper I used and allowed it to be copied for free. She's a doll! The mother of pearl rose heart was purchased from CraftDiner and the fabulous dotted boot is from HighPie...so cute! It is listed in the shop.

Printer Update

Well, dear husband insisted on 'researching' the latest and greatest printers, online, Consumer Reports, blah,blah,blah. I did want a multi-function since our fax is on its last legs and I wanted a new scanner. He said a particular Canon was great but hard to find and I was leaning towards the HP. I won!!! We found a highly rated model that had a $30 rebate and I had a $30 off coupon so the price was more than fair. We're a bit stumped with the fax set-up but he'll work on it when he gets home. The print quality is great. Thanks all for your input. I definitely took it all to heart and now I'm techno problem free.....for the minute! Maybe now I can work on a new business card for etsy.

Time for a change?

The change I'd REALLY like would include a trip to the beach. It hit 102 yesterday but it seems the time has come for me to get a new printer instead.

Are these factors telling me to replace my machine?

1-A light you never noticed flashes constantly?

2-The print comes out reversed-mirror image?

3-You set the printer for 20 copies and 75 are spit out?

4-The book you go to for troubleshooting says it is compatible with Windows 98 ?

5-You have a deadline for 120 copies of something and all of the above is happening?

6-Your husband needs business cards yesterday and it won't turn on?

7-Obviously sometimes I can get it to work but not NOW!!!!!!

Ugh, after just replacing the computer this was not an option I wanted to face so soon after that installation. Thank goodness all my etsy materials are printed (business cards,thank yous,etc.) so I'm covered there. I'm thinking about an all-in-one machine. I have been an HP user for years and the 4-in-ones seem to be better lately. Anyone have any input?

Street Teams & ACEOs

Etsy has a concept that was unknown to me called Street Teams. Groups of like minded artists/crafters join up either for a cause and/or for promotional purposes and friendship. The concept is a positive one but yet another reason to stay fixed at the computer. I really can't give it too much time but I have joined 2 groups. One is the South Carolina Street Team which is obviously for those in this state. The other is HOST-Helping Others Street Team. Members donate items to be sold in the HOST shop and the money goes to deserving members who need a little financial boost.

The HOST group asked members to create an ACEO to be donated to the shop for sale. For those unknowing (and that was me!) ACEO stands for art cards, editions and originals. It is interchangeable with ATC-artist trading card. It is not an Etsy phenomenom but an explosive artistic genre. This site tells more.

Anyway, the concept always intrigued me as I love little things and this fits right in. An art card must be 2.5" by 3.5" and can be of any medium. Many are collages which I love so I took the plunge and made my first one. I happen to have wood rectangles of the exact size and that was the base. I will donate this one to HOST but I may have a new affliction/addiction!

Bling Scarf

Today's post will be short. The new computer is great and I love sitting here but I must get into the studio and create/work.

Anyway, just finished this cutie scarf. The yarn is so soft with a bit of silver going through it and it works on an adult or a child. A bit of bling in a winter scarf. Winter? It's 95 out now! Phew! Like my model?

We're Up and Running!

Yay! The new computer is working. I was concerned about VISTA and problems I've heard about but so far, so good. The techie is coming on Thursday to do a data transfer and install an external hard drive for automatic back ups. Until then I can't access any of my documents or stored pictures but that's okay. Don't I sound like I know what I'm talking about?! Anyway, it's great not getting those threatening and warning messages.

I did accomplish a major re-haul of the studio this weekend. Re-organized (again) and labeled and stored and stashed and worked myself to exhaustion. Now I don't want to go up there and mess it up!
I found this clock that is really too big to have ever been lost. I call it Basket of Silver Clock....not terribly original but that's what it is. I listed it today. I also found tons of yarn and thread. I thought I had de-stashed...hmmm, think again!

The Hand Writing on The Wall

Sometimes cliches say it best and if we don't "read the hand writing on the wall" we may have consequences to pay. In computer years, my machine is 'old' -almost 5. It has been sending me strange messages like "your virtual memory is low" and and I have "insufficient system resources". Now, I am old and I know my memory is not the best but to have that flashed on a screen in front of you is really insulting. Actually, there have been more serious issues like not starting and a singing tone coming from the tower, not a tune you'd want to hum along with either!

We finally decided to get a new one and it is currently sitting on the floor behind me waiting for DH to connect. I just spent over 3 hours deleting files and pictures that aren't needed. I also reduced the numbers of pictures which mysteriously had triplicated themselves. So now we're hopefully ready to do a transfer and join the 2008 computer world before the year ends! Just like with our bodies, when there's an ache or a pain, pay attention. Read the handwriting!

I am pretty proud of me, though, since I am largely self-taught regarding the computer. I figured out the internet, blogging, etsy, e-mail,etc. with no direction from a higher up. But if you don't hear from me for a bit, know that while we read the hand writing on the wall and we wanted to listen, the wall talked back and we're paying the consequences!

New Clock Direction

Thankfully, Taylor received her clock and loved it! (See post below) I am so glad and hope her mother-in-law loves it too.
I tried another and here it is:

Mom2Fur guessed correctly....it is fabric stretched over a canvas. This opens a whole new world for my clocks. They can be customized with so many themes or colors. Just think, a special shirt can be turned into a clock!

It is fun to do something different. The kitchen clock has gotten good reviews so far in the shop. Tomorrow I'm going to try another. It is stimulating when you come up with something new and it seems to work! Ahhh, the fun of creative activities.

Welcome Summer..Ha!

Today is the first day of summer? Well, as in previous posts you know from me that the temperatures have not read the calendar at all but now officially, summer is underway. Yay!
I had an interesting week which included a near disaster while gardening and another while drying some spices and although some harm was done, so is that miserable day! And my finger will heal....

A highlight of this week was the pleasure of having been chosen for an alchemy request on etsy. Taylor from curlyfrysc (a great eclectic little shop) wanted a horse themed clock as a gift. It gave me the opportunity to try out an idea that's been flipping inside my head for awhile AND it worked!!! I am quite pleased with it and I hope the receiver is as well. The format for this will open me up for another clock design direction. Here's the one for curlyfrysc and there are NO buttons on it! Can you tell what the base is????????

To Whine or Wine?

EVERYONE is complaining and whining about the heat this past week but not me. Yes, it's exceptionally warm for so early in the season. Yes, my gorgeous flowers are burning despite frequent watering. Yes, there is no deodorant on the market that helps in these conditions. And yes, our air conditioning bill may require a bank loan.

But we are blessed. We do not live in the tornado belt which has been vicious this year. We are not near any over flowing rivers that are washing away homes. We are not in the hurricane zone. We are in a drought but have no fires like California and Florida. So.... it's hot. I'll take that and some wine! Off to the studio....

Think Pink...finally!

Finally, our family can buy pink. My nephew and his wife welcomed Samantha Rose into the world today. The first girl in forever!!!! It is wonderful to think pink. Boys are wonderful, don't get me wrong, but this family is over loaded with them! I will send the clock below from the shop but also have a knit blankie and some knit bibs and wash cloths and and and....the box will be full! As soon as I finish this darling sweater I'm working on, off it will go. Actually, the sweater isn't pink but purple, orange and yellow. Sounds awful but it really is great. The picture is on the right. Can't wait to meet you, Samantha Rose♥.

Male Days

Am I alone thinking men are difficult to buy gifts for? If your significant other/father/brother/uncle/friend does not have a hobby or a great passion, it can be hard to shop for males. They always say "I have everything I need".... In my family we have 4 male days within the upcoming 6 weeks so this time of year gets me crazy.

Anyway, Father's Day is around the corner and even though it is not a totally acceptable-politically correct past time, many men like a good cigar and a drink. So here's my contribution...a wood cigar box clock. Perfect if one of your men fits that bill.

If not, my husband wants it!

Holiday Weekend

First-Happy Memorial Day to everyone and THANK YOU to all our wonderful service people who sacrifice for us.

The great majority of my years was spent as a student or a teacher. Life revolved around the September to June calendar. This weekend marked a beginning and an end. It is the unofficial start of summer and where we lived in New York was a summer resort area for those wishing to escape New York City for a cooler locale. We never left because of the traffic and because we always had visitors.

It also marked the beginning of the end of the school year. After the 3 day weekend, it was a count down to the last day, hoping it would not become too unbearably hot (no air conditioning), rushing to do the tons of end-of-year paperwork and praying we could keep the kids focused until that last bell.

Now, aside from the primary importance of remembering those who preserve our freedom, this is just another weekend. In fact, a semi-yucky one! The DH has to work all weekend and I have been curtailing my shopping trips to conserve gas. So staying home is the itinerary. The garden is planted & weeded and the house is clean enough. The laundry is folded and returned to its proper place. So today may be just a day to relax...maybe create...maybe read...maybe watch a movie! Did I say this was yucky? Sorry, a senior moment.

Enjoy your weekend whatever you choose to do!

Another Challenge!

Today I discovered the shop, blog and world of Pam Warden. Her shop is babeta and it is absolutely delightful, uplifting, clever and creative. LOVE her work and ordered a piece for a gift. I naturally migrated to her blog where she is having a "I LIVE IN MY OWN LITTLE WORLD BUT IT'S OK, THEY KNOW ME HERE" challenge. She's asking everyone to post pictures of their world: where they create their blogs and their art, where they relax and feel inspiration and so I'm taking the challenge!

The first picture is where I am sitting now...the least 'decorated' room in my house but functional. Little bears surround me and on the far right is a magnetic board loaded with pictures. A TV is behind me which makes no sense at all!


Next is part of the studio. Although it appears chaotic, I know where everything is. Yes, most of what you see contains buttons. I do everything up here except knitting and crocheting but all the yarn is stored up here. I say up as this is the only room on the 2nd level and I don't have to clean since we are the only ones ever up there! A perfect place.




A place to relax and be inspired is my garden. There are some pictures 2 posts ago but here are some of my containers. Notice I seem to have a shoe and chair collection going!






This is an outside looking in of my screened porch, hands down my favorite space. I do wish it was larger but hindsight is 20/20. We didn't know we'd love it and use it so much.
I do love my kitchen and other spaces but these lead the list.
And all of this would be meaningless if I didn't have such a wonderful husband, son, daughter-in-law and 2 perfect (of course!) grandsons! I am blessed♥