Life is Attitude

I am finding that this past month or so, there is something in the air, people seem to be...as I can best describe it...dislodged...just off. We have seen an extreme heartbreaking example of it right here in Colorado. And I have noticed small examples that do not impact the world as such, but may impact one or two persons...not life threatening...but still cause their hearts to be disenchanted.

theme song for this posting
 Instead by Madeleine Peyroux

I am finding it a conscious effort to stay grounded within my belief that life IS wonderful. Yes, I know, you do have to work for it to be that way. I find that it really all starts with attitude and sometimes I have to remind myself of that good attitude.

I have had a month or so of "dislogdement" and instead of fighting back, I decided to reach out to others and tell them about how grateful that I am they are in my life or gently point out the beauty they have in their lives...it was amazing how quickly the negative was displaced!

Simple, yes, but it works. I see that we are becoming a people of quickly judging others (because I didn't bring my own grocery bag to the store)...when instead we could enjoy that we both bought those peaches because they looked delicious! 

It is all in the attitude~ 

sharing what we have in common. 

Life IS beautiful!

Love always wins. 

Kindness always prevails.

And smiles always disarm.

Touché

mike dooley

Steffie Strawberry

well...this summer has been jammed packed with family and friends!

I have had to put off a couple of the veg-head series dolls but have managed to enjoy making this one - Steffie Strawberry!

I loved making her and we will be having a class in a couple of weekends..will share those cute class photos later!
Here are some close ups!

wool felt head with needlesculpted nose- sprinkle of freckles!

Pretty Lace cap!

Leaves for a collar

Jointed arm and cute pocket!

Jointed knees for skipping

Hanging out with my pals at ROotie

Under this saying- how wonderful!

Interested in the pattern?
email me here

Fabric Tassel Garlands

During one of my Pinning escapades I happened upon this photo...

I fell in love with the concept of using scrap fabrics to create a garland..well, not entirely useful...but at least re-purposed, creative and could set a playful mood for a gathering!

use ribbons

use cotton and burlap

use paper, feathers, twine...

SOoo... how to make these simple fanciful garlands?

link here

Use a specific color

Make it a wall

Tie it to your gate

Heck...tie it to your whole fence!

Add to a chair

Feeling that you want more..make a chandelier!

  SOoo, whatever you decide...have some fun...and make something festive!

All photos via Pinterest

for more ideas link here

Little Mexican Chairs

Many of you have seen this sweet yellow children's chair in my studio...I have had since at least my late 20's. And yes, this was even before I was a dollmaker!  Was there ever such a time??

It just speaks to me...I love rustic pieces, art and rustic-style food ...I guess I like the ease of it...created from the heart but oh so endearing (food- oh so good).

Side note: Food- one of my favorite chefs is Jamie Oliver...although he does not gear towards Mexican he has great rustic-style recipes...link here...and ok- how can you not love a guy, from the UK, who is trying to help our (yes- US) kids with learning to eat healthy?

mexican street salad

this recipe here

grilled peach salad with bresaola and a creamy dressing
this recipe here

So back to little rustic chairs...I have this spot above our built in armoire...and I have always wanted to put little chairs in that area...I brought my little yellow chair home from my studio not with the intention of that space but after a few days I realized it was a perfect fit! And now Issy will have something to look at while she is up there!

And I would like to have three..so my search has begun...I found this one on ebay and it looks to be the same era of mine...so BID (actually, I made an offer)...WIN (accepted)...PAY and now waiting for it to arrive. I think the third one I will hunt down at flea market-antique stores...and what would life be without the thrill of the hunt!

ok...so little chairs are not totally "collector" items..but I love them and isn't that all that matters in a collection!?!

 History

The relationship between Spain and Mexico can be identified in nearly every aspect of Mexican culture. Mexican hand-crafted furniture was so valued that in 1568, a carpenter's guild was established by the Spanish in Mexico City. Being a guild member required a high degree of craftsmanship, ensuring quality pieces. Native "carpentieros" established smaller guilds outside larger cities in order to further their trade.

Materials

Carpentieros used wood that was native to the region in Mexico where they lived. Mesquite, a dark wood found in the Sonoran Desert in northern Mexico, is used for its durability and hardness. Sabino, a lighter, golden-colored wood, was found in the swampy wet plateau regions of Mexico. Both mesquite and sabino have insect-repellant properties. Spanish cypress, heart pine, and walnut are also used in Mexican furniture.

Significance

 To own a genuine piece of Mexican furniture is to own a piece of historic functional artwork. Traditional Mexican furniture craftsmanship and style have had an impact on furniture styles across the world, as well as furniture production

Read more here from ehow