Spreading a Little Early Valentine's Day Love

Well, the hearts are beating and cupid is sharpening his (her?) arrows...St. Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  I thought I would share a couple of things with you in commemoration of the event.  I've spoken before of a gal who I found on eBay by the name of Judy McCallum who makes these amazing and I do mean amazing little mixed media booklets.  I received this one in the mail today and it did not disappoint. 

I shouldn't  be telling you about her because once I won one booklet a few months ago I've wanted another one with her images of little kiddos.   I think I have bid on at least one every month since and have been outbid every time.  Her popularity with the bidders has gotten crazy and I thought I was never to win another one.  But finally, persistence paid off and I scored a little bit of a "sleeper" so I didn't have to take out a second on the house.  Smile...

She uses an abundance of layers of lace and fabric and the effect is sooooo dreamy and romantic.

How precious are these two???

As I was photographing this yummy goodness, my mind started to wander (don't judge) and I started thinking about my Etsy shops and how much I love selling AND buying on there.  Then I had a lightbulb moment and thought perhaps I could take you on a little tour of some of my favorite shops on the site for romantic handmade goods since February IS the month of romance after all.  These are only a few of my favorites, but it will definitely make you want to hunt around on your own.  I know that some of these talented gals will be familiar to you and some might not be so familiar, so grab a cuppa whatever suits you and let's go shopping!

First stop is a new one to me, Handpainted Pink Roses.  This lady paints on lots of things, but she paints small.  Like really small.  Makes me cross-eyed to think about it.  I bought some of her flowers done on buttons and they are even more beautiful in person.  Super nice and super quick shipping, always a plus.

Next, we head on over to one of the true romantics, my pal Rosemary aka Ozma of Odds.  Rosemary is one of a kind and although we've never met, I love her sense of style, her beautiful spirit, and her lovely treasures.  We both love the sea and live in landlocked states.  Go figure...

Around the bend is Anista Designs.  This gal is in Canada and makes beautiful paper goods to order so you have to be patient, but the product is worth the wait. I bought two sets of the heart tags and they are nice and heavy, almost like the disposable beer coasters that you sometimes get at a bar (continue not judging :-) LOL!)

 

Next stop,  another Rosemary who you will probably know, from Villa Barnes.  This dear lady works her buns off creating and re purposing items like nobody's business.  She's a real innovator and comes up with all sorts of cool techniques to romance up her pieces. AND she shares her techniques very generously on her blog. AND she's a real sweetheart to boot, so every transaction with her is a pleasure.

We're going to make one more stop in this whirlwind tour of romantic shops, this time at a very well known blogger, pinner, and shop keeper, Michelle of Petite Michelle Louise.  Another sweet lady with talent galore.  I've loved everything I've ever purchased and when it comes, the packaging is almost as good as what's inside.  LOVE that!  Michelle has been published several times in the Stampington magazines and her talent for seeing not what something is, but what it can be is astounding.

Well, I'm getting tired, so need to hit the hay.  I think we shall resume our shopping spree tomorrow when I will share the final 5 romantic shops on my list.  Rest up and be ready!

Until next time,

Art, Puppies, and Birthdays...

Hello my dear blogging friends,

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted.  Wassup with that???  I apologize for the random musings, but I just have been in a real blogging doldrums.  Nothing I particularly have to share that I think would be of much interest.  I know we all go through this from time to time, so I know this too shall pass.  One thing I do want to share is the beautiful mixed media art book I got from the very talented Judy McCallum.  She is from Bakersfield, CA and she is an amazing artist.  This book makes me so happy just to look at it.  Makes me want to go play in my studio instead of just organizing it (yes, STILL). Enjoy looking at some of the beautiful pages she has made with fabric and lace...yum!

Part of my busy-ness as of late is with regard to my little sweet pea Bella.  Bella the Yorkshire Terrier had a visit with a Yorkie gentleman friend back in March (on purpose) and the result was...

These two precious ones.  A little girl who, after about 24 hours of life, had to try to explore every inch of their pen, gaining her the temporary name of "Dora the Explorer".  Her brother, by default, became "Diego".

They were so cute.  My house smells like doggie pee, but it has been fun.

We had a deal with the stud's parents that in lieu of a stud fee they would get a puppy.  We were going to sell the second pup. 

Yeah, like that happened.  Diego is now a part of the family.  My house still smells like dog pee, but I love the little stinker and this too shall pass (the doggie pee smell, not the love for the doggie).  Moving on to more random, unrelated thoughts, once a year, in August, I always try to buy some pretty gladiolas as they seem to be cheap and they are my birth month flowers. 

This birthday is a big one-holy cow!  I am taking a week off work to "celebrate".  I am actually excited as my two brothers and their wives are coming up from Texas to help me commemorate the 50th anniversary of my natal event .  One has only once before been to this house when he was in Denver for business (drove down for dinner) and the other one has never been (yes, I actually have been here 13 years-time flies).  We've seen each other, just in Texas at my dad's before he passed away and at their homes, but I am very excited to have my ELDER siblings come to visit me.  So, I know I am rambling about nothing in particular, but I hope you have found something that will make you want to come back.  I love reading your comments and while I am sometimes very slow at responding, know that I read and cherish every one.  I hope to be able to share some pictures of my eldest son's room which has been a work in progress as well.

Until next time,

Linking up with:
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Feather Your Nest Friday