Monday, November 30, 2009

Better Late than Never

Although I don't like being late with this, I'm glad I found a post for it. For your perky start to the week, I thought this post from GivesMeHope was sweet, especially in light of the gift-giving season. It kinda of reminds me of having a Secret Santa. I hope  you enjoy the sentiment and that it makes your Monday better!


There’s a girl in my school who gives every person in school a birthday card and candy for their birthday. She tries to deliver them anonymously through friends and teachers. She does this for all 800 of us and doesn’t even want credit. Her generosity and ambition to make everyone feel special Gives Me Hope

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Progress!!

So I finally was able to spend a day focused on my painting furniture, and getting things ready for my first craft fair. I'm sharing a booth with two friends: Laurie who also makes lovely jewelry, and Ann, who creates cozy pillows using organic fabrics and fill. and it feels so good to be able to work virtually uninterrupted. I got base coat paint on two pieces of furniture, painted two jewelry racks for the craft fair, and organized and planned display stuff. So fun to make headway! I'll be sure to post photos of the finished items--well, when the are officially and completely finished!

Since this is my first craft fair, does anyone have any good suggestions that a rookie should know? I'd greatly appreciate input! Thanks!!

Tardy Tuesday

Okay, so my "Gives Me Hope" Monday is a day late; hence the title of this post. but I think you're in for a little treat. Women love "engagement stories"--or "how he proposed". After the initial squeal of excitement upon hearing the news, a woman's next question is unfailingly, "How did he do it?" Well, the little video below is a fun one. The young lady in this video was led to believe she was part of a time-out activity at a Chicago bulls game. If you want a little more of the story, there is a caption shown off to the side.

Click here for video link to youtube(dot)com

Fun, right? I got all misty-eyed and giddy while watching it. In front of 22,000 people this guy is willing to be on bended knee, asking his true love to be his partner in life. That's exciting! And important. But what is special--beyond her saying "yes!" of course--is that you hear the crowd go crazy, cheering them on. I doubt all 22,000 people are personal friends of this sweet couple, yet they cheered and laughed and got a little choked up for this couple they don't even know. Why? My guess is that it gives them a feeling of hope and anticipation of the endless possibilities in their future. Here's to Emerson and Gabby! Congratulations!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Gives Me Hope Monday

While looking for a hopefully inspiring post from Gives Me Hope, I came across this photo of a soldier watching over this child who lost her family and had been seriously injured by insurgents. His dedication and compassion gives me hope. I hope it makes you smile (and tear up), too.

Happy Monday!


Saturday, November 14, 2009

The Perfect Vessel

Anyone who knows me knows how I love coffee. I am unabashedly and joyfully dependent on my morning dose of java, and notoriously non-functional until the proper dose is administered. The only thing that can improve on my morning experience is to have the perfect-sized trough--er, a mug--in which to place the elixir. This mug, to me, would help achieve my morning nirvana--I love the colors of glaze (it has my 3 favorite colors all on one mug--red, orange and turquoise-y aqua--it's large, and it has that wonderful look of handmade artistry that makes it a one of a kind piece. Click here  for SimplyDaisy's etsy shop and browse through her other works of art and find the perfect vessel for you.


Friday, November 13, 2009

Fashion and Friday the 13!

One of the many things that make me smile is the "Lucky Cat" you often see in businesses (especially sushi restaurants). You've seen it: white kitty with a paw raised to greet good fortune. Well, if you want to take luck with you, make sure you take some of these little buddies with you: string a few and make yourself a bracelet or on a key chain. You may not believe its good luck, but you can bet it will make you smile. You can find these little guys here:



What do you consider a lucky charm?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Woo Hoo for our Veterans

Today is Veteran's Day in the U.S., and I would like to send a shout out to our vets and troops! Our country, for as "young" as it is, has a rich history.  Our country is founded on ideals of independence, freedom, self-reliance, faith, and resilience of the individual. We have had thousands of young men and women put themselves in harm's way to protect our country and it's values. It takes a special individual to put their country and others before themselves. I thank them for that. I am grateful for all who have served our great country, and appreciate the things they have to go thru in order for me to be able to sit and type here at my desk. Thank  you for your dedication, bravery, heart, and hard work. Thank you for risking your own independence, freedom, self-reliance, faith and resilience in order for me to develop and enjoy mine. I salute  you all, and Woo Hoo!


Monday, November 9, 2009

Monday Gives Me Hope

"What?" you say? Some people dread Mondays because of work and various other reasons, I like Mondays because they signal a "fresh" week is starting. I like to start my week with a little positive note, and this site helps. It's called "Gives Me Hope" and you can friend them on Facebook. Here a sample entry:


My friend's younger brother just came out of 5 weeks of coma. When asked him what had "woken him up" he replied "I heard mom crying and I had to comfort her". GMH



See? I bet you're thinking "awwwwww". So I plan to make Mondays a good thing for  you, kind of like a spiritual cup of coffee for your week. Speaking of coffee, I gotta go get  my mug--coffee GMH! : )

How do you like to start your Mondays?

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Colorful Wares

I'm not afraid of color. I rather like it--a lot. As a matter of fact my husband and I registered for Fiestaware instead of china for our wedding. And we use it everyday, not just the holidays. And the gravy boat didn't cost $135.00, which is fine with me.

So imagine my surprise when I came across these fabulous bowls on Etsy.  Perfectly charming and pleasingly eye-catching combinations of color. Ceramic Joy! (microwave and dishwasher safe, I might add!) They will certainly perk up any table top, butcher block, coffee table, side table, windowsill, open-faced shelves--you get the idea. Enjoy more here:  Wobbly Bowls by atelierBB ....and hopefully I will be able to add this kind of ceramic project to my own crafty repertoire.


Friday, November 6, 2009

Fashion Friday

I think it's fair to say that most people love fashion, and I-- like many--covet good fashion. Not all of us can wear just anything (and sometimes it's better that way). I have yet to see someone who looks stunning in a mustardy-puce anything.

Scarves fall into the category of fashion items that The Few can pull off. A too-round face or short neck, and a bulky knit scarf magically morphs the wearer into having a frog-like appearance.  And there is a fine line between beauty and function in a scarf. A "shrug" is tricky, too: it can either play up broad shoulders, add some broadness to narrow shoulders, or simply look like the wearer is sporting a baby's "onesie" with the bottom half lopped off. I found a site, however, on etsy(dot)com called crochetbutterfly that blasts apart my pre-mentioned preconceptions about scarf/shrug fashion.  Ms. Crochet Butterfly has a beautiful array of crocheted lovelies in a wide range of shapes, colors, and styles, and I find myself coveting yet again. Browse through her lovely shop and see what I mean. Her items aren't just for cold weather--she has plenty of pieces that are simply delicate accessories that could even work in warmer climates. I like to picture myself in the shrug below, with a scoop-neck top, my favorite jeans, ankle-high almost stiletto boots, and a fabulous bag hooked over my shoulder. And a coffee in the other hand... with a funky chunky ring on my index finger--ya know, to make the coffee cup look good.




What type of crochet fashion items can you picture yourself in?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Two Birds

I may have mentioned before, and it may be obvious by the crafts I do, but I love bold patterns. Paisley is always  fun in my book and I came across this lovely tote on etsy(dot)com, from Z Originals. The PLUS of this tote is not only do you get a fun and unique item to adorn your shoulder, a percentage of the item sold gets automatically donated to the American Cancer Society! This organization is close to my heart, as is the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Since it IS the holiday season, shopping online is easy to buy for yourself or others, and in many cases contribute to some fabulous organizations. Two Birds: a gift with charm, and a gift to life!


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Woo-Hoo Wednesday

Creative outlets are therapeutic in so many ways--everyone can use the positive effects that art and creativity can  provide. And to make sure we get a dose of Woo-Hoo (ya know--the feeling of Yay that makes us want to hop around) in our week, I thought that maybe I would start Woo Hoo Wednesday. So here goes....

Imagine having the hobby you love turn into a Big Deal. What's a Big Deal? Well, like a company noticing your humble talent and wanting to employ you. My friend Tina Michalik had that very thing happen. Getting back into sewing after a few years away from it, Tina started her own blog to share her projects and love of fabrics. Lo and behold, a small series of events and a fabric company has asked her to create quilts using their fabrics. SCORE! Take a gander at her blog where she shares her talents: Little Blue Cottage and WOOHOO for Tina!

What Woo Hoo thing has happened to you lately?


Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Progress

I am happy to say that I finally got one of my chairs (mostly) painted. The chair needs a new seat, so I still have to construct that. But my colors have been chosen (a soothing sage-y green, a calming earthy brown, and a third choice, which remains a surprise until I can get it the finished chair art posted here), and I'm getting a picture in my head of what graphic that I'll be painting onto it. A lot of the time I won't even map out the entire design--I leave a bit up to chance and spontaniety, to surprise even me! : ) Can't wait to get it done and share it with you readers!

Isis of Outgrown Boutique here in Los Angeles has this sweet and pretty boutique in which she sells gently used hi-end baby and kid's clothing. But she won't be limiting her wares to just that; she also has some beautiful handmade jewelry in her store that deserves attention, and soon I'll be adding a unique piece of chair art, too. Her boutique has only been open a few short weeks, and already she has received great reviews and fans. Congratulations, Isis, we here at VHC wish you the very best, and happy shopping to the rest of us!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Better Late than Never

Although I don't like being late with this, I'm glad I found a post for it. For your perky start to the week, I thought this post from GivesMeHope was sweet, especially in light of the gift-giving season. It kinda of reminds me of having a Secret Santa. I hope  you enjoy the sentiment and that it makes your Monday better!


There’s a girl in my school who gives every person in school a birthday card and candy for their birthday. She tries to deliver them anonymously through friends and teachers. She does this for all 800 of us and doesn’t even want credit. Her generosity and ambition to make everyone feel special Gives Me Hope

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Progress!!

So I finally was able to spend a day focused on my painting furniture, and getting things ready for my first craft fair. I'm sharing a booth with two friends: Laurie who also makes lovely jewelry, and Ann, who creates cozy pillows using organic fabrics and fill. and it feels so good to be able to work virtually uninterrupted. I got base coat paint on two pieces of furniture, painted two jewelry racks for the craft fair, and organized and planned display stuff. So fun to make headway! I'll be sure to post photos of the finished items--well, when the are officially and completely finished!

Since this is my first craft fair, does anyone have any good suggestions that a rookie should know? I'd greatly appreciate input! Thanks!!

Tardy Tuesday

Okay, so my "Gives Me Hope" Monday is a day late; hence the title of this post. but I think you're in for a little treat. Women love "engagement stories"--or "how he proposed". After the initial squeal of excitement upon hearing the news, a woman's next question is unfailingly, "How did he do it?" Well, the little video below is a fun one. The young lady in this video was led to believe she was part of a time-out activity at a Chicago bulls game. If you want a little more of the story, there is a caption shown off to the side.

Click here for video link to youtube(dot)com

Fun, right? I got all misty-eyed and giddy while watching it. In front of 22,000 people this guy is willing to be on bended knee, asking his true love to be his partner in life. That's exciting! And important. But what is special--beyond her saying "yes!" of course--is that you hear the crowd go crazy, cheering them on. I doubt all 22,000 people are personal friends of this sweet couple, yet they cheered and laughed and got a little choked up for this couple they don't even know. Why? My guess is that it gives them a feeling of hope and anticipation of the endless possibilities in their future. Here's to Emerson and Gabby! Congratulations!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Gives Me Hope Monday

While looking for a hopefully inspiring post from Gives Me Hope, I came across this photo of a soldier watching over this child who lost her family and had been seriously injured by insurgents. His dedication and compassion gives me hope. I hope it makes you smile (and tear up), too.

Happy Monday!


Saturday, November 14, 2009

The Perfect Vessel

Anyone who knows me knows how I love coffee. I am unabashedly and joyfully dependent on my morning dose of java, and notoriously non-functional until the proper dose is administered. The only thing that can improve on my morning experience is to have the perfect-sized trough--er, a mug--in which to place the elixir. This mug, to me, would help achieve my morning nirvana--I love the colors of glaze (it has my 3 favorite colors all on one mug--red, orange and turquoise-y aqua--it's large, and it has that wonderful look of handmade artistry that makes it a one of a kind piece. Click here  for SimplyDaisy's etsy shop and browse through her other works of art and find the perfect vessel for you.


Friday, November 13, 2009

Fashion and Friday the 13!

One of the many things that make me smile is the "Lucky Cat" you often see in businesses (especially sushi restaurants). You've seen it: white kitty with a paw raised to greet good fortune. Well, if you want to take luck with you, make sure you take some of these little buddies with you: string a few and make yourself a bracelet or on a key chain. You may not believe its good luck, but you can bet it will make you smile. You can find these little guys here:



What do you consider a lucky charm?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Woo Hoo for our Veterans

Today is Veteran's Day in the U.S., and I would like to send a shout out to our vets and troops! Our country, for as "young" as it is, has a rich history.  Our country is founded on ideals of independence, freedom, self-reliance, faith, and resilience of the individual. We have had thousands of young men and women put themselves in harm's way to protect our country and it's values. It takes a special individual to put their country and others before themselves. I thank them for that. I am grateful for all who have served our great country, and appreciate the things they have to go thru in order for me to be able to sit and type here at my desk. Thank  you for your dedication, bravery, heart, and hard work. Thank you for risking your own independence, freedom, self-reliance, faith and resilience in order for me to develop and enjoy mine. I salute  you all, and Woo Hoo!


Monday, November 9, 2009

Monday Gives Me Hope

"What?" you say? Some people dread Mondays because of work and various other reasons, I like Mondays because they signal a "fresh" week is starting. I like to start my week with a little positive note, and this site helps. It's called "Gives Me Hope" and you can friend them on Facebook. Here a sample entry:


My friend's younger brother just came out of 5 weeks of coma. When asked him what had "woken him up" he replied "I heard mom crying and I had to comfort her". GMH



See? I bet you're thinking "awwwwww". So I plan to make Mondays a good thing for  you, kind of like a spiritual cup of coffee for your week. Speaking of coffee, I gotta go get  my mug--coffee GMH! : )

How do you like to start your Mondays?

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Colorful Wares

I'm not afraid of color. I rather like it--a lot. As a matter of fact my husband and I registered for Fiestaware instead of china for our wedding. And we use it everyday, not just the holidays. And the gravy boat didn't cost $135.00, which is fine with me.

So imagine my surprise when I came across these fabulous bowls on Etsy.  Perfectly charming and pleasingly eye-catching combinations of color. Ceramic Joy! (microwave and dishwasher safe, I might add!) They will certainly perk up any table top, butcher block, coffee table, side table, windowsill, open-faced shelves--you get the idea. Enjoy more here:  Wobbly Bowls by atelierBB ....and hopefully I will be able to add this kind of ceramic project to my own crafty repertoire.


Friday, November 6, 2009

Fashion Friday

I think it's fair to say that most people love fashion, and I-- like many--covet good fashion. Not all of us can wear just anything (and sometimes it's better that way). I have yet to see someone who looks stunning in a mustardy-puce anything.

Scarves fall into the category of fashion items that The Few can pull off. A too-round face or short neck, and a bulky knit scarf magically morphs the wearer into having a frog-like appearance.  And there is a fine line between beauty and function in a scarf. A "shrug" is tricky, too: it can either play up broad shoulders, add some broadness to narrow shoulders, or simply look like the wearer is sporting a baby's "onesie" with the bottom half lopped off. I found a site, however, on etsy(dot)com called crochetbutterfly that blasts apart my pre-mentioned preconceptions about scarf/shrug fashion.  Ms. Crochet Butterfly has a beautiful array of crocheted lovelies in a wide range of shapes, colors, and styles, and I find myself coveting yet again. Browse through her lovely shop and see what I mean. Her items aren't just for cold weather--she has plenty of pieces that are simply delicate accessories that could even work in warmer climates. I like to picture myself in the shrug below, with a scoop-neck top, my favorite jeans, ankle-high almost stiletto boots, and a fabulous bag hooked over my shoulder. And a coffee in the other hand... with a funky chunky ring on my index finger--ya know, to make the coffee cup look good.




What type of crochet fashion items can you picture yourself in?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Two Birds

I may have mentioned before, and it may be obvious by the crafts I do, but I love bold patterns. Paisley is always  fun in my book and I came across this lovely tote on etsy(dot)com, from Z Originals. The PLUS of this tote is not only do you get a fun and unique item to adorn your shoulder, a percentage of the item sold gets automatically donated to the American Cancer Society! This organization is close to my heart, as is the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Since it IS the holiday season, shopping online is easy to buy for yourself or others, and in many cases contribute to some fabulous organizations. Two Birds: a gift with charm, and a gift to life!


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Woo-Hoo Wednesday

Creative outlets are therapeutic in so many ways--everyone can use the positive effects that art and creativity can  provide. And to make sure we get a dose of Woo-Hoo (ya know--the feeling of Yay that makes us want to hop around) in our week, I thought that maybe I would start Woo Hoo Wednesday. So here goes....

Imagine having the hobby you love turn into a Big Deal. What's a Big Deal? Well, like a company noticing your humble talent and wanting to employ you. My friend Tina Michalik had that very thing happen. Getting back into sewing after a few years away from it, Tina started her own blog to share her projects and love of fabrics. Lo and behold, a small series of events and a fabric company has asked her to create quilts using their fabrics. SCORE! Take a gander at her blog where she shares her talents: Little Blue Cottage and WOOHOO for Tina!

What Woo Hoo thing has happened to you lately?


Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Progress

I am happy to say that I finally got one of my chairs (mostly) painted. The chair needs a new seat, so I still have to construct that. But my colors have been chosen (a soothing sage-y green, a calming earthy brown, and a third choice, which remains a surprise until I can get it the finished chair art posted here), and I'm getting a picture in my head of what graphic that I'll be painting onto it. A lot of the time I won't even map out the entire design--I leave a bit up to chance and spontaniety, to surprise even me! : ) Can't wait to get it done and share it with you readers!

Isis of Outgrown Boutique here in Los Angeles has this sweet and pretty boutique in which she sells gently used hi-end baby and kid's clothing. But she won't be limiting her wares to just that; she also has some beautiful handmade jewelry in her store that deserves attention, and soon I'll be adding a unique piece of chair art, too. Her boutique has only been open a few short weeks, and already she has received great reviews and fans. Congratulations, Isis, we here at VHC wish you the very best, and happy shopping to the rest of us!