Thrift Haul

For the first time in at least three months, my friend Karen and I were able to spend some time together. We did one of our favorite activities ... finding bargains at a thrift store. We went to my favorite location where there's always a nice selection of items in the crafting aisles.

I'm a magnet for fabric, so I went to see what cuts and remnants were available. The smart staff had grouped the Valentine and St. Patrick's Day fabrics together. I picked up three heart designs, each in a different scale. Then I found the hombre green polka dots. And finally in the small-cuts rolled fabrics, I found the little primary color Xs. All of these fabrics are good candidates to line the crocheted purses I make for Bags of Love.

Next I hit the ribbon bin. These colors spoke to me today. That pink flower-shaped trim is very sweet.

I don't have any particular projects in mind for any of the fabric or ribbon, but don't these greens work well together? The juxtaposition of the polka dots and plaid give quite an interesting St. Patrick's Day or Spring vibe.

In the bins with rubber stamps and stencils, I found this 3-piece template. It was calling my name in that it's both a heart and a puzzle. It's in like-new condition; it even has it's clear plastic cover sheet in place. It's exactly the right size to use when making greeting cards.

Being the season of winter-into-spring, there were racks and racks of scarves available. My eyes popped when I saw this pretty blue scarf. I gasped. "I think this is a Pashmina! Oh, that color is so pretty! It's soft, too."

When I got home, I saw the label. It was only $10 (minus the senior discount). New, these are listed for nearly $200! The website states, "Created by skilled artisans in Nepal using pure cashmere." This was a great find!

Finally, I went over to the toy section to browse the jigsaw puzzles. I promised myself I wouldn't buy any today, because our puzzle shelves overfloweth after my birthday and Christmas gifts were added. I was tempted by a couple interesting designs and high quality labels, but kept my promise to myself.

On the shelf below the puzzles were some little-kid toys, including this practically new-in-box set of blocks. Dale and I bought Abby some blocks just like this for Christmas, and they're currently one of her favorite toys. I couldn't get in touch with Jodie right away to see if she wanted them, but I decided to purchase this box anyway. I figure we can keep them at our house for when our granddaughter visits us here. 

As you can see, the blocks were only $4.99, but Karen gave me a 20% off coupon. With that and my senior discount, it was a very good deal.

All in all, I spent just under $20. I'm satisfied and pleased. Best, though, was spending a couple hours with my friend again. 

Love Shack - Building Supplies

Alas, my eldest and I didn't get together before Christmas to build our traditional gingerbread house. But I bought a kit, and don't want it to go to waste, so ... I plan to build a Love Shack for Valentine's Day instead! I've gathered most of the supplies already.

I found lots of inspiration photos online, this among them:

Of course, that's only a jumping off point. Here's what I've gathered so far: the gingerbread house kit, a bunch of glittery baubles in many shapes and sizes, some cake decorations and sugar sprinkles, and many heart-shaped candies.

I've got plenty of royal icing mix and cake decorating tips and even a heart-shaped silicone mold if some bigger hearts are warranted.

Of course, I only bought the kinds of candy that I'd eat myself. If there are any leftovers after the house is built, I'll enjoy consuming the rest.

This includes M&Ms and Hershey Kisses/Hugs.

I was also sure to include classic conversation hearts. 

I've never created a Valentine Love Shack before. I'm hoping Jeanne/Kit will be able to join me in the construction at the end of the month. We usually have fun together making up stories about the people who inhabit our buildings.

Valentine Cat - Day 2

My Sunday was so relaxing with needle in hand and listening to podcasts. I finished the stitching on this little kitty.

This morning I pulled fabric and notions from my stash to decide how I want to get this design ready to display. I'll be making a 12 inch pillow cover, using the same pillow insert I use with my other seasonal pillows: Lucky and Flag of Stars and Boo and Thankful Owls

This gingham fabric with hearts is one of my favorites. I used this fabric 39 years ago when I made a dress for my eldest. This seems like a good way to bring that memory forward by using it for a Valentine pillow. I'll need to be careful when I piece the pillow front so that all the hearts align.

Check this out. A nine inch red zipper, originally 40 cents. Bought at K-Mart (see the symbol on the yellow tag?) for 33 cents. K-Mart went into bankruptcy in 2002. New, this zipper costs $1.50 now. My stash ... valuable!

I'm considering adding some heart-shaped buttons to the pillow front as embellishments. I like this collections of size, shape and color.

I'd like to finish project this by the end of the week. Supplies for my next Valentine's Day craft are due to arrive in the mail Friday.

Valentine Cat - Day 1

I'm taking a day off from all my regular appointments and obligations and duties. In other words, I'm going to act retired today.

I'm starting this little project that I'm making and keeping for myself.

This is part of my 25 Goals in 2025 ... to do things that nurture my soul.

Pen Pals

When my 7 year old granddaughter Melody visited at Thanksgiving, she couldn't wait to show me her new gymnastics move. She can do a backbend from a standing position!

Melody and I are snail mail pen pals. It's my turn to answer her letter. I decided to try something a little different.

I wrote a letter on a balloon, then put a little something inside the balloon for her to enjoy.

Inside I poked this picture of my mom - Melody's great grandmother - doing a backbend when Mom was a young girl.

I'm concerned that the pen might rub off the balloon before Melody blows it up, but I'll take that risk. It was a fun idea to try.

New Year Cards

Since activities around Christmas fill up the days before the 25th, Dale and I have moved to sending New Year Cards instead of Christmas cards. This year it was a joint venture.

Dale did the math, then made the template the way I envisioned it. We printed it on heavy cardstock.

Then I got busy painting, using a video tutorial I found on Facebook. 

Following the video, I painted ...

and painted. I used three shades of green, red, some gold, and a silver/grey mix. The painting is done with Q-Tip cotton swabs. I ended up making 20 cards.

While I was painting and signing the back of the cards, Dale wrote the poem.

I addressed the envelopes, he helped with the licking of the envelopes (mmmm ... tasty!), adding the return address label I designed, and adhering the Christmas postage stamps.

What a team!

My Heart Breaks

He's been my hero for a long time now. 

Your example helped me want to make a difference, too.

Edited to add my husband's thoughts:

I wasn't born yet to appreciate the greatness of Gandhi when he died. In so many ways, Carter was our generation's Gandhi: a simple man called to extraordinary leadership -- mostly by example, and as a peacemaker above all.

Dale Davaz