~Some New (but old) Photos to Share~

I've been going through my stockpile of old photos, and scanned a few.  Thought someone out there might get some use out of some freebies~  Enjoy!

~I Would Like You to Meet an Extraordinarily Generous Woman~

Once in a while,  I  "meet" someone special online in this artistic endeavor, whether it is from blog hopping,  Pinteresting, or Etsy shopping. In this case, I met Vikki, while "window shopping"at her Etsy shop,  Estate Sale Treasures.  Vikki always has the best vintage found objects and goodies for a collector, or a mixed media artist, and going to her shop is always a surprise.  Recently I found something I had been looking for.... some wonderful old quilt squares,  just right for fabric collages,  mini quilted pillows, or covers for a journal.... but they were  reserved in someone else's name.  Poo. So I sent her a conversation, asking if she might have others on hand that she could sell me.  Lo and behold, she did..  A  few short days and several friendly conversation exchanges later, I was sent the most well put together assortment of vintage goods courtesy of this warm, generous shop keeper.  She knew what I love most, and she filled the box to the BRIM with not only the quilt squares I had asked about, but she "threw in" old apothecary bottles, too.  And LACE.  And old dresser scarves. And a soft monogrammed pilliowcase. And tiny little bird nest tags.  And more LACE,  oh my the lace.  Vikki, if you were here with me I would hug you. Honestly. Your generosity astounds me, and I cannot thank you enough for these treats. I feel like it's Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one!!!   I am still  in shock!  I cannot wait to begin creating with these oldies but goodies.  Let the fun begin~!~

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Easter~!~

Just a few of my favorite Easter decorations around the house.  My second favorite holiday to decorate for (Halloween being the first!).  Of course I had to include a photo of my youngest, working with her rabbit,  Thumper.  She recently joined 4H and is learning how to do showmanship.  This rabbit is so calm, he fell asleep while she was working with him!  He is our own little Easter Bunny~

~Three Muses Art Challenge~ *A Trip to the Circus*

I have made up my mind to get back into art challenges, and thought I would start out with this week's prompt over at The Three Muses Challenge Blog.  The theme is a trip to the circus, and here is my entry.....(clown and tent image by AlteredArtifacts)

~Let's Go On a Little Field Trip~

I'd like to introduce you to the most breathtaking booth in an antiques mall not too far from my home (thank goodness for that!).   FRAGMENTS  at Memories  Antique Mall in Rankin, Michigan has become my go-to place when I want to either fill a little area in my own home, or buy some supplies for my art work.  I know I can always find the best eye candy there, and it's almost impossible to resist bringing home an old photo, some chippy, rusty hardware, impeccably tarnished and aged old silver, some crazed and yellowed transferware, and odds and ends galore.  Each and every piece at FRAGMENTS compliments the next, and I find myself standing in awe,  looking as if I am in a daze while I imagine the life those pieces left in earlier years, and how I can put them to use now.  You can "like" their Facebook page here , so you can keep up with new additions to the booth, get directions , and drool a little, too!

I've Learned How to Needle Felt!

Something I have wanted to learn for quite some time, is needle felting.  Of course it will be a while (or never) until I can figure out how to do the adorable little mice, foxes and dogs I see on Etsy, but I saw no reason why I couldn't at least figure out how to do some flowers, and bird nests (thank you, You Tube). Here are a couple of the nests I have put together, using 100 % Gotland wool, some angelina fiber,  shimmery strings, feathers and more.  I had these cute little paper mache birds just sitting around, and since they are the perfect size for the nests,  Taa-Daa! They now have a home.   Painted in a shimmery pearlescent paint, and subtle glitter on the wings,  I think they are such a compliment to the nests!  More to follow, and along with these, will be available in my Etsy shop.  

And We Have A Winner!

A couple of weeks ago I posted about a free giveaway, here at my blog.  Today was to the be day of the drawing, and I'm happy to announce that I have drawn 3 names from the giveaway.  I always feel so bad for the ones I didn't draw, and am always tempted to send everyone a little something, but...I must be practical,  SO .... the winners are:

Kathy of Kathy Maximo Designs 

Tina of  Tiny Bear Studio 

Kimber of Kimberiginals 

Congratulations ladies!  Now all I need is your mailing address, so if you could please email it to me, or send me a message at Facebook.  Thank you ~!~