Two Left Hands

Tree House #10

2010-03-10T17:20:00.001-08:00

Celebrating Spring

Tree House Number 9

2010-02-02T16:12:00.001-08:00

"Ireland is where strange tales begin
and happy endings are possible".

Charles Haughey

The Jester

2010-01-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is celebrating it's 173rd year in New Orleans this coming February. I have never been, but I would love to go. The parade must be something to see with all the colorful costumes and floats. I just finished my Jester in honor of Mardi Gras.

Honey, you look fabulous!

2010-01-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

My God, where does the time go! Here it is the 8th of December already! I hope you all had a fabulous Holiday season. I'm sure you were all busy shopping, wrapping, cooking, crafting and decking the halls! I am relieved it is over, even though it was wonderful, it is exhausting! I have noticed the older I get the harder it has become.
So for my first blog post of 2010 I thought I would feature some very talented people and some of my dearest Etsy friends! Enjoy!

Tree House Number 7

2009-11-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

This Tree House was so much fun! Probably because winter is my favorite season. I love snow, lots of it! Everyone thinks I must ski or iceskate, but no, I just love hibernating in my house and watching it snow! My idea of a perfect day is to have a blizzard, dinner in the crockpot, a spotless house and a project to work on! Just gives me a peaceful, cozy feeling!

Givaway on Illuminated Perfume's Blog...click this title to enter!

2009-10-14T07:01:00.001-07:00

I am doing my first givaway on Roxana's Illuminated Perfume blog. If you want to enter just visit Roxana's blog and leave a comment! I will be giving away my Forest Mossie!

Captain Skully and the Fortune Teller

2009-10-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have been having so much fun making Halloween this year! I just love this grusome couple!

Celebrate 365 Magazine feature!!!!!

2009-10-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Celebrate 365 and today the Summer and Fall issues arrived! What a beautiful magazine! It's published quarterly and is packed with oodles of Holiday goodies! I can't believe the talent in there! I am feeling very lucky to have been featured in the Summer and the Fall issues. I "met" Connie Porcher, the publisher of the magazine last year on Etsy. This past summer she contacted me to submit a couple of pictures and then again this fall. I am thrilled and I can't thank Connie enough for her consideration!

The Fall issue of Celebrate 365, included my Treehouse#5, a Witch, and a Lil Reaper.

The Summer issue of Celebrate 365 featured two of my 4th of July ornaments.

ohruthie=Old Ruthie! Happy 80th birthday Mom!

2009-09-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

My Mom is one amazing woman! Yesterday my family celebrated her 80th birthday with a picnic in the park. She was sporting a little pink crown and looked cuter than a button. She still has her hair done twice a week and has her nails and toes done regularly. She and my Dad have been married for 60 years and they are a match made in heaven. They love to go to the casino's, party with the neighbors in their garage of all places, and spend time with their kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She has a shop on Etsy (ohruthie) packed with little knitted hats, crocheted blankets, and felted purses, but doesn't know how to get to it most of the time. When she sells something, we call her and she writes it all down in a little book. My daughter, Natalie and I run her shop for her. She makes us laugh and we are all devoted to her!

One of my Mom's latest creations, a little security blanket!

My Shopping Connection

2009-09-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

My Pumpkin Patch fairy has the honor of being featured on My Shopping Connection!

Which Oktoberfest item Fills Your Stein

2009-09-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

My Ocktoberfest Mossie is in the voter this week, he could really use some love!

Oktoberfest

2009-09-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Cheers!

Summer Memories

2009-09-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

This has been a crazy summer and I couldn't seem to find the time to blog. My grandkids were over everyday and night. This year we buried a Time Capsule in my yard, that the kids plan on digging up in 10 years.
Caden got stung by a bunch of bees and is now allergic and has to carry a pen around. He has to shoot it in his leg within five minutes of a bee sting. I will be so glad when we get some freezing weather and the bees will go away. I worry constantly about another bee sting. Just the week before he had to get stitches in his forhead for getting hit in the head with a surfboard.
Peyton and I went to a Wiggles concert and had a great time, she sang along and even danced in the aisle!.
My high school friend Vivian came to town from Arizona! I haven't seen her in at least five years, so it was great getting together with her and some of our other friends from school! This gives me the creeps, but we will be having our 40th class reunion in the year 2010! Yikes, where the heck did the time go?
All in all it was a great summer with some nice memories, but I am glad to see it over! I'm looking forward to fall, and a little peace and quiet!

Muffie showing off her new do!

A ruff day at the beauty shop for Poker!

Frank, Rita,Wilma,Vivian,me,Shellie and Brian

Peyton hugging the elephant at the Wiggles concert!

Peyton in her "Dorothy" tail!

Tommy, Peyton, Reese and Caden!

Natalie and Poker share a moment!

My handsome grandsons. Nathan,Sean and Noah!

Cousins, Noah and Peyton

My adorable Mom and Dad

My son Tom, telling one of his loooooooooong stories!

Son-in-law love, Gary and Jesse

Sisterly love, Natalie and Sarah

Rianne and Mackenzie on the 4th of July

Peyton caught a fish!

The geese, although pretty to look at are a pain in the butt! They poop on everything. When we first moved here we fed them and boy, did we live to regret that!

Tree House Number 5

2009-07-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. It's right up there with Christmas! I had so much fun designing and making this little Haunted House! I think it's pretty spooktacular!

Colors You Beautiful contest

2009-06-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

My Treehouse #3 is in the Colors You Beautiful contest, if you care to cast your vote it would be greatly appreciated! Just click on the title and it will take you to the vote! Thanks!

Hansel,Gretel, the Witch and the Gingerbread Cottage

2009-06-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have been working on little group for over a month. It's been so much fun, I was kind of sad when I got finished.

The Fourth of July

2009-06-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

I just realized in a week it will be the 4th of July already! We have a big old bash with all my kids and grandkids. We start at 10 a.m. with coffee and donuts, line our chairs up and watch the boat parade. The grandkids used to decorate the boat and join in the parade but they said it's boring! Then the kids swim and we eat! All day long we eat, until the fireworks start. My dogs will go crazy, so I'm not looking forward to that part! What do you have planned?

Pig Pincushions

2009-06-25T04:02:00.000-07:00

I have been having very little time to blog now that summer is here! It's been sweltering hot in Michigan and the grand kids are here swimming day and night! I have found time for creating and worked on my Pig Pincushions this week! Today it may rain, so I may have a day without any interruptions!

Are you supersticious?

2009-06-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

I am very supersticious! I won't open an umbrella in the house, walk under a ladder, or step on a crack! Today my feedback hit 666, I am crossing my fingers and toes it doesn't stay that number for long! What are you supersticious about?

Party hats Cake Topper

2009-06-15T05:09:00.000-07:00

Another crazy month!

2009-06-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

Caden turns six!

Megan, Peyton, and Caden's little girlfriend enjoying a cupcake at Caden's birthday party!

Caden is never without a net, even at his birthday party!

My first grandchild! Rianne has now turned 17! Yikes, makes me feel really old!

Caden's first catch of the summer!

Caden has had his eye on this abandoned Swan Egg for quite awhile. He was only allowed to take it after we seen the Swan's floating around the lake with their five new babies.

Peyton Ella turns three! Is she a sweetheart or what?

Peyton has turned into DeeDee from the DoodleBops!

There is nothing sweeter than the Kindergarten musical!

Caden, my grandson and Megan, my niece after the show!

The finished Tree House!

2009-05-18T14:36:00.001-07:00

I finished my little house today, listed it, took a nap and when I woke up it had sold! I was so excited, so I called Natalie (humblebea) to tell her my big news and guess what? She is taking a nap! Like Mother, like daughter! So now I am telling all of you, I SOLD MY LITTLE TREE HOUSE!!!!!

Almost there!

2009-05-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made the roof, sewed the house on the cone, and added a Mossie on a swing. I am hoping today I will have it finished! Stay tuned!

Windowboxes and flowers!

2009-05-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Little House

2009-05-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

I have been designing this little house and thought I would post it now and as it progresses. It's been a lot of fun! I can't even sleep at night, because my little house is on my brain!

Vintage Flower Embroidery

2009-05-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

I found these Vintage wooden pins at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5700773. Castawaythoughts is run by my friends Audrey and Pam. They are sisters and also have a jewelry shop called yipestoo, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5091712. Anyway, I bought all the all the pins in they had because I thought they were unique and interesting and I knew I could do something with them. This is my first project with them, but I'm thinking they would be cute on a pillow too. If you have any suggestions let me know, I have a lot of pins!

Mossie House Plaque by fisheye

2009-05-10T04:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I recieved another wonderful surprise from fisheye, aka Lori. She created this little Mossie Plaque just for me. I can't tell you how cherished this Mossie Plaque is going to be! Anyway, Lori is going to be opening a home decor shop called "The Fishbowl". This girl is so ambitious, that'll be three shops for her! Fisheye (upcycled goodies), Fishlegs (vintage), and The Fishbowl! I don't know how she does it! I'll keep you updated on the new shop! Lori, my friend, thank you again,from the bottom of my heart! You are too sweet!

Green Apples

2009-05-06T17:18:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy week so far, I started working on this little peasant girl Monday and had to keep leaving her to do something else. I hate doing that, when I start something I like to work until it's finished, when the idea is fresh in my head!

Muffy and Pokie go to the beauty shop!

2009-05-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Getting a haircut is tramatic for poor Muffy, aka Muffin Lou. She sees the leash come out of the closet and hides. She knows she's either going to the Vet or the Beauty Shop, and she hates both of them! Now they are both ready for summer!

Pokie, aka,Poker Louise! Doesn't she look lovely! Everytime Poker goes to the Beauty shop she poops on the floor as soon as she walks in the door. It's so embarassing.

Where did this week go?

2009-05-03T16:05:00.001-07:00

This week went by in a flash. The beginning of the week I watched Peyton for a few hours. She is so much fun, I could listen to her talk forever.
We had some nice weather this week and the kids came fishing, and to top the week off, Mackenzie went to the prom!

Faking!

Sound asleep!

A little ice cream after the nap!

Caden and Peyton come fishing!

Caden caught one!

Mackenzie is my first grandchild to go to the Prom! She looked gorgeous! Once again, the talented Natalie put her sewing skills to work and made this gorgeous dress and the fascinator! This is Mackenzie and Zack, her boyfriend of one year!

Noah,(The proud brother) Mackenzie, and Sean.(The proud cousin)

Mackenzie

The arrival

2009-04-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

I normally don't post Front Pages, but it's been such a long time since a treasury I curated made it to the Front Page that I felt the need to bask in the glory for a little longer! Congratulations to these fabulous featured artists!

Kodomo YouTube Etsy Song

2009-04-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Many of you may know Valerie, aka Kodomo. She is an amazing little thing that has a great eye for making front page treasuries! She has her own shop www.kodomo.etsy.com. This little Sweetheart can sing and write songs too! You just have to watch this video on You Tube!

VIP Day

2009-04-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was VIP Day (Very Important Persons) at my grandson's school. Caden is in kindergarten, and it is such a cute age! It was so much fun. The kids put on a puppet show and sang 3 songs. We then made a butterfly, Caden wrote in his story book and we had a graham cracker with frosting and sprinkles!

Caden and his story about catching frogs.

Caden and his friend Nasir.

Caden and his teacher, Mrs. Raap.

A pleasant surprise!

2009-04-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today the mailman brought me a wonderful gift from my friend Susan, aka simplysuzula on Etsy! I was delighted to find these beautiful photo's that Susan had taken and also surprised! I had no idea that Susan was hiding this talent! Beautiful work, thank you so much Susan!

I love browsing in Susan's shop, it's packed full of goodies! From linens, old books, fur collars, silver spoons, you name it!

April, so far so good!

2009-04-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

April has been delightful, I hit my 500th sale today which is a milestone! I celebrated my 2 year Etsyversary April 16th and I am still in love with Etsy! Saturday I picked up my beautiful granddaughters, Mackenzie and Rianne and went thrift store shopping. They are big into vintage, or at least they think it's vintage. Rianne found 2 tops and a pair of shoes and Mackenzie found a blouse and some jewelry. They are so much fun to be around!
Poker has been outside a lot since the weather is nice and when she comes in she is so tired! Look at that face, is that precious or what?
We had a gorgeous sunset the other night, and I promised myself to enjoy more sunsets and sunrises, instead of creating treasury lists all the time!
My primroses have finally decided to bloom, the first flowers of the season!

The Mermaid and the Pirate

2009-04-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

I made the Pirate over the weekend and I thought he needed a girlfriend. What do you think?

Easter

2009-04-13T02:34:00.001-07:00

We had perfect weather for our annual Egg Hunt this year! Last year we had snow! The kids have to stand at the gate until Grandma says "Go", and then they are on their way to collect the goodies I don't know when the older ones will retire their bags. I think they are in it for the money!

Peyton with her pink gloves. She thinks she's DeeDee from the Doodle Bops and wears her pink gloves everywhere!

The "little kids" section!

Caden

Noah

Nathan

Seanie and Rianne

Mackenzie and her Dad, Gary!

I love Forget Me Nots!

2009-04-09T17:20:00.001-07:00

ohruthie

2009-04-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

I am starting this off with my Mom (ohruthie). When I was a little girl my Mom was always knitting or crocheting. She always looked so content and peaceful, sitting in her recliner with her lamp on. I wanted to knit or crochet so bad, but my two left hands got in the way. After many attempts, I finally gave up and so did my Mom!
Since joining Etsy I have met some of the most wonderful people who are now my dear friends. Silvia and Ixela (Ale) are from Italy, Branda (Mariana and Paula) are from Argentina, fringe (Dennice) is from California, and CurlyGirlCrochet (Jody) is from Michigan. These women are so talented, I drool everytime I see a new piece of their work! I am also a wee bit jealous that I can't knit or crochet, but I love these girls and I know you will too!
Be sure to scroll down so you will not miss any of these lovely creations!

This is a picture of my sweet little Peyton Ella, cuddling up with her Great Grandma's blanket!

Silvia66

2009-04-06T19:39:00.001-07:00

This delicate vest, named Espirit Nouveau is designed by Silvia66.

Ixela

2009-04-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

LITTLE PIERROT is a gorgeous, victorian collar/scarflette by ixela.

branda

2009-04-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

This adorable Pink Cowl is a design by branda!

fringe

2009-04-06T19:27:00.001-07:00

The Winding Road Lariat is designed by fringe! It's gorgeous!

CurlyGirlCrochet

2009-04-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

I love the colors and the pattern of this Watercolor Wrap by CurlyGirlCrochet.

Spring Cleaning

2009-04-04T19:32:00.001-07:00

I haven't been blogging lately because I have been spring cleaning! It's something I do twice a year, every spring and every fall. The worst room was my teeny weeny sewing room. I was going to sort and get rid if stuff, but I ended up just sorting! I couldn't part with any of my beloved stash! You never know when you might need it! It feels so good to be organized and I swear I am going to keep it that way!

Carrot Top Mossie

2009-03-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

I was taking my bath last night and thought hmmm, wonder what a Carrot Mossie would look like. I have a very busy brain, I can't even relax in the tub! I immediately sketched a few little carrot heads, started stitching, right through Desperate Housewives, I might add, and here is the finished product!

12th place!

2009-03-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well, the results are in. My Mossie came in 12th place. Better than a swift kick in the ... I suppose! Haha! Thanks for your votes, dear friends!

Apple Blossoms

2009-03-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Right down the street from my house is an Apple Orchard. In the spring it is spectacular when all the trees are in bloom. I stitched this Apple Tree this weekend, it was fun, but very unlikely I'll ever make another. I love making one of a kind pieces, but two of a kind, not so much fun if you know what I mean!

Little Sister, Peeking throught the window.

2009-03-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Star of the East has been doing a series of interesting features on her blog. She has done couches, clocks, and this weeks feature is windows. These are enjoyable to look at. This week my window is featured on Stars blog, along with Kraplap, Iragrant, PaperFlowerGirl, and LeelaBijou. You have to check these out! Star's blog is my very favorite to visit, it's always fun and full of interesting topics! Star also has some of the most unique jewelry on Etsy! It's gorgeous, you really have to check it out! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5203404

Spring Equinox contest!

2009-03-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

I can't even belive how lucky I have been to have another one of my items chosen for Etsy's spring Equinox contest. I'm not sure how they pick, but I am thrilled and excited my Egg Hunt Mossie was chosen!
There are 60 gorgeous entries, so hop on over and vote! Just click the title!

Happy Birthday Sean and Bob!

2009-03-16T14:43:00.001-07:00

Sean is my oldest grandson and turned 15 on March 15. He is a cutie-patootie, really smart, is kind, and loves his Grandma! I am having a hard time with his newly aquired deep voice!

This is Bob! Sean got him for his birthday 6 years ago. Bob was just a teeny little tortoise and is growing bigger everyday. He could out live us all!

Monster Folks

2009-03-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking of creating these little creatures for a while now, and finally got around to it. I have been having so much fun! Say hello to Eric, Buster, and Lola.

The results are in!

2009-03-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

The contest is over and I am very pleased that my Leprechaun came in 7th place out of so many beautiful entries! Thanks for your votes!

Luck of the Irish contest!

2009-03-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

This is my lucky day, I just discovered my Leprechaun in Etsy's "Luck of the Irish" contest! I am so thrilled and excited! Thanks Etsy!
If you care to cast your vote just click on the title at the top of the page! woohoo!

Good bye February, Hello March!

2009-03-02T11:03:00.001-08:00

February was totally crazy and I'm afraid I neglected my blog. Hopefully I will do better in March. My parents were hospitalized a week apart, first my Dad with blood clots on his lungs and then my Mom with an intestinal obstruction. Thank God, they are both doing well now and things will get back to normal.
We also had 3 more grand kids celebrate birthdays this month! Reese, turned 6 and Tommy turned 4. Reese and Tommy are the "wild" ones. They come over and "fly" all over the place! I think they are on a constant sugar high!

And then we have Noah who turned a whopping 13, just like cousin Nathan. He just missed being a Leap Year baby and was born on the 27th in a snowstorm! He is a sweetheart with a great sense of humor! When the summer comes Noah is at my house from morning til night and he is always a joy to be around!

And then we had the Sweetheart Swirl, a formal dance at the highschool. Two of my grandkids attended this year. Mackenzie went with her boyfriend Zach. She looked gorgeous. Natalie made the whole outfit, the dress and the purse. Mackenzie is the family fashionista!

And then we have Sean, I still call him Seanie. He is quite the ladies man! He went to the Swirl with a flock of girls. He loves the girls and I think they love him too! Quite often goes to the movies with a whole harem!

So that's what has been going on at my house. I have been doing a lot of crafting and have listed some new things in my shop, but now I am getting the itch for a good old spring cleaning. It's still pretty cold and snowy in Michigan, but I think I might start cleaning out some cupboards and closets!

Happy Birthday Nathan!

2009-02-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated Nathan's 13th birthday, it seems like only yesterday that he was born. I remember my my daughter Sarah, calling at 11:00 p.m. to tell me her water had broke and they were heading to the hospital. I said "Should I come yet?" She said "No, we'll call you". I waited, and waited, and waited! I sat by the phone in the wee hours of the morning, waiting for the call to come, I thought, hmmmmmmmm it must be they want to do this without me. Finally at 5:00 a.m. Chad, Nathan's Dad called and said "Sarah wants her Mom". Needless to say I was ready to go, my hubby put on his pants and we were at the hopital in 10 minutes. I was able to see Sarah in agony, thank God, for only 10 minutes before she gave birth to Nathan. He is, and has always been a joy, and I am am proud to be his Grandma! Happy 13th birthday Nate, I love you!

The Leprechaun

2009-02-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

I am part Irish and part Scottish, and who knows what else! When I was a kid my Mom always sent the six of us off to school on St. Patricks Day adorned in green and a "Kiss Me I'm Irish" pin. There was one boy who always thought that was an invitation! I still love St. Patricks day, it's a great day for all my fellow Irishmen to make fools of themselves from drinking too much green beer! I have never had one yet, maybe this will be the year.

Felting the felt from Colonial Crafts

2009-02-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

Alright I confess, I also can't control my shopping for wool felt. I have a hard time finding it in our local shops, so I have found this wonderful shop online "Colonial Crafts". This shop has every color a wool felt lover could dream of and you can buy it by the yard or smaller pieces. Saturday the postman delivered my latest batch! It comes so pretty, wrapped in a little bow! Sunday I spent the day felting my felt! It's pretty simple, just time consuming!

Fill the sink with HOT water. DO NOT mix colors as they bleed. Let the felt soak for a few minutes, then transfer to a sink full of COLD water, rinse until water is clear. Gently wring out the felt. I have put my flet in the spin cycle of my washing mashine and it doesn't seem to hurt it! Also my original directions were to air dry the felt, hmmm, I am too impatient for that and throw it in the dryer with a fabric softener sheet because wet felt stinks. It has an oily, wet hair kind of scent!
Voila! Nice soft, good smelling felt!

Run Alice Run, PipingHotPapers

2009-01-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

I love Alice's magnets, they are so strong I can hardly pry them apart! I have been enclosing them with my packages for the past year and ran out at Christmas time. So today the postman brought me my new supply of magnets! I was so excited, Alice did a great job. The pictures on the magnets are so nice and clear! I also had ordered a set of Alice's "Just Married" personalized magnets for my niece, Jaime. I gave them to her last week at her wedding shower and she loved them and so did everyone else!

Last year I had the priviledge of meeting Alice and Gwynne (pengwynneart) We met for lunch on a Sunday afternoon and had a great time. My pictures didn't turn out so I can't even share them with you! Gwynne lives in Arizona and was paying a visit to her friend who lives in Michigan. Alice and I both live in Michigan, although 3 hours apart. We decided to meet in a quaint little town, I don't even remember the name of it! It was like we had known each other forever. It was a lot of fun and I hope we will be able to do it again. There are so many friends on Etsy I would love to meet, that would be a great day!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5210770 (pengwynneart)
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5040110 (runalicerun)

Proximidade Award from Star of the East

2009-01-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

I was given this award from my friend Star of the East, who has one of my very favorite blogs to visit! If you have a chance I highly recommend taking a peek! You will get to see how gorgeous Turkey is and many of Stars gorgeous creations!
I am presenting this award to:

glasfaden: http: //glasfaden.blogspot.com/2009/01/second-time.html

Kimiko:http: //kimiko611.blogspot.com/2009/01/super-dooper-giveaway.html

RunAliceRun: http://alice-at-runalicerun.blogspot.com/2008/12/etsys-top-holiday-ornament.html

Waterrose: http://waterrosez.blogspot.com/2009/01/please-vote-for-my-queen-annes-lace.html

fringe: http://dennicemankarious.blogspot.com/

ixela: http://ixela-thoughts.blogspot.com/2008/12/too-much-time-have-passed.html

macraMe: http://knotmacrame.blogspot.com/

TheMulberryMoose: http://themulberrymoose.blogspot.com/

Tom Cat Mossie

2009-01-21T17:13:00.001-08:00

I've been tagged, dog gone it!

2009-01-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

Anyone who visits my blog already knows I love my family, my dogs and wintertime.
So here are seven facts you may not know!
1. I love my coffee!

2. Straight line winds hit my house on May 31rst, 1998! It was so scary. A tree went through my living room and took out most of my deck. We stayed in a Holiday Inn for 7 weeks while our house was being repaired. Buddee my, little poochie shook everytime it got windy after that!

3. I have had the same best friends since grade school!

4. I love fabric

5. and floss!

6.I have an eyebrow ring, it was all Natalie's idea. We had them done on the same day many years ago. I still have mine, she does not!

7.I hate to cook, when I die and if I should go to hell, I think I'll be cooking for eternity, probably for my Mother-in-law! Yikes!

I have been tagged by fringe: http://dennicemankarious.blogspot.com/
fisheye: http://fisheyeviewing.blogspot.com/
mulberrymoose: http://www.themulberrymoose.blogspot.com/

And I am tagging: ayalalevinger:
http://ayalalevinger.blogspot.com/
gingeroni1:
http://caretobead.blogspot.com/
noodleandlou:
http://noodleandlou.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentine-giveaway.html
opheliamiller:
http://opheliamiller.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-in-2009.html
millionmindsart:
http://asmindgoesby.blogspot.com/2009/01/thursday-art-design- treasury-05.html
shimmermeblue
http://shimmermebluedesigns.blogspot.com/
theheartofaseed
http://theheartofaseedamy.blogspot.com/

Give seven things that people may not know about you and the link of the person who tagged you. Then give the link to the seven people you are going to tag!

Forgive me if my links aren't working, I don't know how to do that! Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks

Handmade Confessional: Jenine Bressner

2009-01-16T15:19:00.000-08:00

I was so happy to see my Cupid, along with Tracy, of the Vintage Sister featured in this Storque article about buying handmade. 35,000 have taken the Handmade Pledge since it was launched a year ago! That is amazing, of course I took the Pledge, but have been buying handmade for years. I have always admired the love and creativity that goes into a handmade item. I think when you buy handmade you have something that is unique and can be cherished for many years to come!

Valentine Brooch

2009-01-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

New today, my Valentine Brooch!

Mardi Gras Mossie

2009-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

New for today, my little Mardi Gras Mossie. I just felt like doing something tacky and frilly!

Flower Bouquet Brooch

2009-01-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't done silk ribbon embroidery in a long time, but I thought I would give it a try again. I forgot how addicting it is and can't wait to try another!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a Happy New Year! I am not one for resoulutions because I don't keep them anyway, but I always feel excited about a fresh year and what it has in store for us! Caden started his year off right with this huge bass he caught while icefishing on the lake with Grandpa! Look at the grin on his face, what a sweetie!

I'll be darned, Caden just caught another one! A pike this time! Go Caden!

Valentine's Day

2008-12-30T04:53:00.000-08:00

My little Valentine creations!

Six Nice Kids by The Vintage Sister

2008-12-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

My Mom and Dad

The Six Of Us...Steffie, Mikie, Me, Mark, Shannon, David

As long as I can remember, whenever we asked my Dad what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas all he ever said was "Six nice kids"! He still says it, even though the six of us are now middle-aged, grandparents that have turned into half way decent adults! Not knowing what to get him, I was browsing in The Vintage Sisters shop on Etsy and was happy to see she does custom paintings of your family! Haha, I thought, so Tracy was employed to do me and my siblings! Tracy is fabulous to work with, after several conversations she went to work. I was so happy with the results I just had to share it with you! Tracy is amazing, and tries very hard to make sure you are happy! I'm telling you if you ever want a sweet piece of art or a custom portrait, she is the lady to see!

Traditions

2008-12-27T15:18:00.000-08:00

These little snowmen were a gift from Natalie and represent my nine precious grandkids!

My favorite day is Christmas with my kids and grandkids, we always do it a couple days before or after Christmas, this year I forgot my camera so I didn't get my traditional "nine grandkids" picture!

One of our other traditions is going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This year it was on Dec. 23rd. The weather was perfect, snowy and blustery and it was fun wandering around downtown Grand Rapids!

I am always a little sad when I have to take the tree down. Every single ornament is special to me. They have been given as gifts from friends and family and I cherish them all.

Christmas

2008-12-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

My family is huge and nobody in their right mind wants the whole clan at their house so we rent a restaurant on Christmas Day. There are 57 of us, Mom, Dad, sisters, brothers, in-laws, neices, nephews, and grandkids. It's always chaotic and loud, but a great way to spend time with the whole group! Unfortunately Natalie got the bug, and I missed her and her family!

My Mom and Dad still in love after 60 years!

Merry Christmas everyone!

2008-12-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

This is the first time in my entire life that I will be happy when it's all over! All the shopping, wrapping, and cooking is wearing me out!
But I know it will all be appreciated, and then I will be anxious for Christmas again!

I just found this interesting....

2008-10-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

I just so happen to look at my hearts on 10-27-08 and they were at 2222! If I were in the casino, I think that would be a Jackpot!

Wow!!!!

2008-10-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today was just a perfect fall day here in Michigan. We are having our "Indian Summer" and the temperature is in the mid 70's. The leaves are finally turning color and it's just one of the most beautiful time of the year! And look at that sky, is that gorgeous or what?!?

The kindness of friends

2008-10-11T19:48:00.001-07:00

Last week I recieved a convo from my friend Lori, who has two shops on Etsy, (fisheye, is a shop of incredible recycled items and fishlegs which is packed with vintage finds!) I always enjoy browsing through both shops! Anyway Lori asked for my address because she wanted to send me something. I was so excited wondering what it could be. So today I was sitting out on the deck drinking coffee with my daughter Natalie, (humblebea) enjoying a beautiful fall day and hubby brings me a little envelope that just arrived in the mail! Tucked neatly inside was a little box packed with these delicate little baskets and a little pottery pitcher and four mugs. Lori had been doing some cleaning and thought I might like to use them for my Mossies. She had found them in Mexico about twenty years ago! Wow! Natalie and I both were amazed at the items, but even more amazed at the kindness of friends that we have met on Etsy. There are so many people that we have never met, but feel like we have known for a lifetime. We seemed to be linked with a common thread, we like to create and enjoy other peoples creations. All of my Etsy friends are as addicted to treasury making as I am. In fact, it is the treasuries that has allowed me to meet so many fantastic people from around the world. Etsy is an amazing place and I wake up grateful every single day! So this afternoon I made Lori a little Mossie pin, using one of her little mugs, my way of saying thank-you!

Prince Charming and Cinderella

2008-10-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a fairytale? Especially one where they live happily ever after!

Oh Chistmas Tree

2008-10-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Coming soon!

2008-09-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my Christmas fairies for the past month! I can hardly wait to start listing them!

I must have been feeling grey!

2008-09-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

Maybe I better buy some hair dye, what's with all the grey! Actually I fell in love with this fabric, and still have enough to make something else, hmmmm, I'll have to think on that!

What I did this week-end!

2008-09-08T10:09:00.001-07:00

I had a very prosperous week-end. I have quite a few unfinished projects, I was able to finish a few of them this week-end! What a feeling of accomplishment!

Labor Day

2008-09-01T17:49:00.001-07:00

Today I was happy that all nine of the grandkids (Sean, Rianne, Peyton, Noah, Nathan, Mackenzie, Tommy, Reese and Caden) were able to come for the last swim before school starts. I always say "You better get wet, it's the last swim of the summer"! But of course tomorrow is going to be 90 degrees here in Michigan and some of them will probably show up after school! It was really nice that Mackenzie made an appearance today! She has been very busy this summer volunteering at the library and at the York Creek kids program, not to mention taking drivers education! I made a huge pot of goulash, Rianne baked a cake and my Mom brought some of her homemade bread. Reese threw buckets of water at Muffie and she was having a ball chasing the water. It was a nice afternoon, and I am always very grateful for a day spent with my family!

My Sunflower girls

2008-08-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

My newest Mossies are little Sunflower girls. I just love sunflowers, and although I have never grown one, I think one of the prettiest things I have ever seen was a field of sunflowers!

Kimiko's beautiful necklace!

2008-08-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know Etsy would know Kimiko! Her treasuries constantly grace the front page! She is also quite the shopper and has possibly purchased something from you! I "met" Kimiko a little over a year ago. She was 9 months pregnant for her first baby, Kailyn. She ordered a few things to put in the nursery from my shop. We became friends and she is just a sweetheart! Last week I was working on my Poster Sketch, getting a new treasury made and I browsed in Kimiko's shop to see what she had new. She had recently started making her sweet little jars of origami Magic Stars again. Much to my surprise Kimiko had started making pendants! I was thrilled, so of course I bought one and it is so beautiful! It came in the mail today, and it is so much prettier in real life. Tucked very neatly inside the box was one of Kimiko's little jars of stars. What a sweet surprise!

Noah and Andrew

2008-08-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

My newest Mossie creations!

Congratulations WaterRose!

2008-08-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

I was just nosing around some of my friends blogs today and came across my friend Rose's blog. She has a shop on Etsy, http://www.waterrose.etsy.com. If you get a chance you should check out her incredible, beautiful, hand embroidered cuffs! Well, Rose had a huge announcement. She is going to be featured in the Quiltings Arts Magazine, available in newsstands on September 16th! I know I will be buying a copy! Congratulations Rose!

Peyton in her new dress made by Humblebea!

2008-08-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

This sweet little dress was made especially for Little Miss Peyton by Aunt Natalie! (humblebea) Isn't it and Peyton precious?

I Used Up All My Sick Days So I Called In Dead!

2008-08-01T03:54:00.000-07:00

I found this quote some time ago and being I have a sick sense of humor I thought I would create something using the quote! I had a lot of fun with the hair, it kind of has that 70's look!

Sunset

2008-07-29T17:11:00.001-07:00

Tonight I was sitting outside watching the kids swim and the sun started to go down. My favorite time of day, there is such a peaceful feeling about it!

Five Mossie Garland

2008-07-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

This is my latest creation! I have made the Three Mossie Garlands and I thought why not try five! It was pretty difficult joining all the little bodies. My floss would get tangled in the legs and the arms, but finally they were all joined. Then came the task of making the little tops. I tried very hard to make them all different! Then I attach the heads, the hair and voila! They would be so cute hanging over a little girl's bed, or a mirror, or picture!

Making a dress for Peyton

2008-07-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

I learned how to smock when my two daughters were little girls. Actually Natalie was in the 6th grade and she was probably too old to wear a smocked frock, but she was always more than happy to please her Mama! Sarah was only in the 4th grade, but she hated wearing dresses! So I had to wait patiently until I had granddaughters. Rianne, who is now 16, and Mackenzie who is now 14, had several of my smocked creations. Pinafores, bonnets, booties, I even made the boys smocked nighties. But as they all grew older there was no use for my obsession! Then along comes Peyton! I had actually forgotten about smocking until my daughter Sarah asked if I could make Peyton a sundress, duh! So I got out the old pleater and went to work!

Peyton and her Mama, my daughter Sarah.

Peyton strikes a pose!

macraMe

2008-07-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I opened my mailbox and there is an envelope from Argentina! Hmmmm,what could it be! Wrapped in a pretty red box were two red, white, and blue owl necklaces, one for me and one for my daughter, Natalie, also known as missbeahaven/humblebea. They were from our friends, Paula and Mariana whom we have gotten to know and love on Etsy. They have so much talent! They have four different shops, macraMe, ciaffi, branda, and diasyflores. diasyflores makes awesome stained glass ,I have one of their dragonflies hanging in my window. Marianna and Paula are so thoughtful and kind, and I am blessed to have them as my dear friends!

Summer

2008-07-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

This summer is flying by and though we have no plans for a vacation we are enjoying the days on the lake. On most days I get at least 5 or 6 out of 9 grandkids at my house. They come and cool off in the lake, clean out my Cookie jar, fill up on Pizza Rolls and drink gallons of pop! Their parents will probably send me the dentist bill. The kids are great, and I will be very sad when school starts up again. I love hearing them running around in the yard playing Hide 'n' Seek or tossing a ball around!

This is Noah, Sean, and Nathan. They are the oldest boys and the best of friends!

Poker and Muffie join in the fun with Reese, Tommy, Sean and Noah!

Little Peyton is the baby of our family at 2 years old! Isn't she precious!

And then there is Caden, he is one amazing 5 year old. It's a rare day you see this kid without his bug cage or a fishing pole!

Caden caught a fish!

Noah, Sean, Rianne (the oldest at 16) and Reese.