Crafting Therapy

Today I made pincushions with vintage barkcloth. They are so big and squishy - great for adding a splash of color to our crafting spaces...

I listed these in my etsy shop - Thanks for stopping by today!!

The Death of Common Sense

From mortgaging our grandchildren's future to overregulation, if it weren't so scary, it would be funny. I believe we have put the nail in the coffin of common sense. Below is an obituary printed in the London Times - interesting and sadly rather true - read on my friends, it is worth it....

'Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. Common Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust his wife, Discretion, his daughter, Responsibility, his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers: I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Pink Shower Curtain

pic by pinkshowercurtain

When I first opened my etsy shop, I purchased a piece of barkcloth from Pink Shower Curtain and met Kristin. She is the neatest person and is so sweet. Based in Chicago, she spends her weekends searching for treasure and lots of it ends up in her shops. She has such a good eye for finding neat things and has three etsy shops...pinkshowercurtain, kricketbee, and meeanddeeshome. Here are a few of her wonderful vintage finds...

basket handbag

tablecloth and napkin set


faux bois melamine drink set

Etsy's Storque Blog

pic by iheartmoustaches from etsy

I noticed all these hits in my shop and I was thinking, what is going on....Well, I checked the front page, not there. I checked the treasuries, not there. I checked the Storque and bingo. Just posted today by Iheartmoustaches... Etsy Finds: Getting Tyler Doran's Look - Home Decor Edition. Click on the pic to read the whole article and see all the goodies!

Etsy Front Page

I made it to the front page of etsy on January 23rd, or should I say, one of my feedsack pillows did. Yippee!!

European Antique Market

Wow, how I wish I had been with Becky on Sunday in Cologne, Germany. She visited an outdoor antique market. Thanks to modern technology, we can all share in her exciting perusal of European Vintage Goods...

Antique Housewares


Vintage Surprise Boxes to Plunder Through

My Favorite Song

Irons, Tins & Satchels

Cigar and Cigarette Tins

A Bed Sheet


Lovely Lamp


Ladies in Waiting


Regal Portraits

A Military Issue Leather Bag for Dad

A Vintage Textile for Mom

Vintage Bedspread Sale - Chenilles and More

I will be adding more vintage chenille bedspreads to my shop at great promotional prices. Sale starts today. There will be about 30 to choose from, please drop in and take a look... http://www.catnapcottage.net/.

Brooches

Little Snow Bird in Crocheted Nest

I have been exploring all the things I can make with a crochet hook and a bit of yarn and have had the most fun making dishcloths, scarves, and mug mats. But my new favorite thing is making brooches. I scored a lot of brightly colored virgin wool yarns (vintage, or course), lots of skeins and have been feverishly crocheting flowers ever since. I am awaiting some lovely vintage pearl half-round buttons that I found on etsy to put some more of these little pretties together. I just love the punch of color and uniqueness they add to a coat lapel, hat, scarf, etc. Here are a few of my creations so far...

Flower Brooch in Coral with Gray Daisy, Purple Center and Green Leaves

Red and Gold Daisy Flower Brooch with Vintage White Pearlized Rose Button

Little Red Bird in Crocheted Nest

Flower Brooch - Bright Yellow Rose Bud with Green Leaves


Flower Brooch - Bright Orange Sherbert and Turquoise Blue with Yellow and Spring Green Buttons

Flower Brooch - Extra Large Turquoise Blue with Red and Gray Blue Center Green Leaves

Thanks for visiting me today - These brooches, as well as other crocheted items, can be found in my shops. There will be lots more to come - this is too fun!!

Happy New Year

A Winter Wonderland

Mainz, Germany

This time last year, we were on our way home from Germany. We visited Mainz, Koln, Heidelberg and Frankfurt. The train rides between the cities were one of my favorite things. We passed ice-covered vineyards, old farmhouses and castles. It was very cold and snowy, kind of like being in a snow globe - what a magical Christmas. Hope you enjoy the pics and Happy New Year!!

The Heidelberg Castle

The Inner Courtyard of the Heidelberg Castle (only part of it - it is huge)

Overlooking Heidelberg from the Castle Wall

The Heidelberg Castle

The Castle Beer Keg

The Castle Wall

The Rhine River

The Dom (ca 1200)

Two of The Dom Windows - Inside

Me and Becky at the Dom