Vintage Trifles

Over the weekend, the weatherman indicated that we were supposed to have some sunny weather. Instead, we had rain showers yesterday and it seems very autumny today. However, it does seem very appropriate for Halloween -- a little foggy and mysterious.

I am still struggling with whatever virus I caught over a week ago. I gave in yesterday and called my health care provider. Evidently there must be many more people with more serious symptoms than me because I'm still waiting for a call back. I waited four hours for a call and gave up and put on my jammies. I figured that would trigger a phone call - but - nope! Anyway, I will rattle their cage today.

Looking forward to a fun Halloween celebration tomorrow. The 1894 Queen Anne house where I work is hosting a party for small children. There are many fun activities planned. I'm looking forward to it. After work, we will treat the kids in our neighborhood. I always wonder how many will visit us. We experimented last year and handed out snack-size bags of pretzels. The kids loved them, so we will try it again this year. Hopefully, our Miss Zoe will not be too upset with the door bell. She has to bark and see all the children. I'm sure it's totally confusing to a dog. She is always happy when the last trick or treater heads for home!

Today's picture is of some wonderful antique velvet witch's shoes I purchased at a small shop in Albany called the Vintage Roost. It is a very interesting little place tucked away in the woods north of town. I thought they were very unique and added to the Halloween decor in my dining room. Until tomorrow ...

I'm finally feeling more like myself and think I'm on the mend. As a result, I'm having to play catch-up. Yesterday I finally got back in my workroom and was a flurry of activity! Little sparkley Christmas creations all over the place. I love seeing them all lined up on my table. Very cheery. This afternoon my husband and I will attend a party for our friends Linda and Ludmil to wish them well on their new adventure. It will be a bittersweet occasion. I will hate seeing them go, but excited for them to begin another facet of the lives together. I can only hope that they will get back to the Northwest again soon. I have met many wonderful, talented people through them and hope to keep in touch with everyone. I plan to make a point of it.

With Halloween just a few days away, here is another of my creations! Enjoy this wonderful, fall day.

It storm seems to have moved on. The sky is blue and sunny this morning. I will be going to Eugene to retrieve my supply order. In addition, I will be attending the opening of an art exhibit at the University of Oregon where my son will be displaying his photography. We are so proud of his accomplishments, his talent and his determination to finish what he started. It will be a sunny day in many ways!

It is still blustery and raining - actually coming down in buckets at times. My faithful companion, Zoe, didn't want to venture forth into the backyard this morning. She braved it anyway for a quick trip. She doesn't like the drying off and wiping of the paws any more than I like having to do it. It is just something we have to endure until June. This picture shows her doing one of her favorite activities - lounging.

Anyway, I need to make time to clean up my workroom. It is closing in on me. Too much clutter. I find that when I am my most creative, I work in a space on my table that is about 12 by 12 inches. Everything I am using is at my fingertips, but makes such a mess. Sometimes I feel like I am peeking out from behind it all. My friend Cindy says she does the same and that that Wendy Addison works the same way - so it must be a good thing. It is great to be able to validate bad habits. Mind you, I have everything in labeled cubbies, drawers, wire baskets, etc. I just have it all out and around me when I'm working. You never know what you might find in the bottom of a basket. A treasure, long forgotten, that is the perfect thing for a current creation! If it was neatly put away, I might not have rediscovered it. See, again, justification. If I keep it up, I will have talked myself out of cleaning all together!

Since the weather is so Halloweenie, I've included a picture of another of my fall creations. Stay inside, stay dry and watch a good movie ... it's Saturday!

I have finally gotten into making my Christmas creations. They are coming together nicely. I also have managed to fit into the mix a special piece for my sister's 65th birthday. I know she will be happy that I shared that and her picture with everyone! I think she deserves a special prize for all she has accomplished in those 65 years. She has worked forever to support her family and raise her sons. In addition, she always makes time to lend a hand to someone in need. It might be one of our troops, a veteran, a neighbor, family member, or me! It doesn't matter - if they need help - she is there. I think a star should be named after her. One that is very sparkley, like a beautiful diamond. On Sunday, we will celebrate by going to brunch, then venture to IKEA in Portland. I'm sure there will be many wonderful things we won't be able to live without. It will be a day of celebration with lots of silliness, mischief and giggles!

According to the early morning news, we should expect a stormy day. Very Halloweeny! I made some progress yesterday on my Christmas creations. My heart is still happy with Fall and Halloween, so it is difficult for me to get into the sparkly mindset of Christmas. I know that there are many, many designers that work on Christmas in the Spring or year-round. I wish I was one of them. Unfortunately, for me, I'm not. It hits me all at once. Then, I can't make things fast enough! I am off to my job today, so maybe I will have some energy left tonight to put a few details on a sweet little piece I made yesterday. I will include a picture at a later date. For today ... a fun little witch ... because this is the day for it. Stormy and dark! Put on a pot of soup, stay home and enjoy the storm if you can!

By looking out my front window, you would never guess that my husband spent a good part of Saturday mowing and raking. The entire yard is carpeted in gold birch leaves. Beautiful, but so much work to remove. Unfortunately this is just the beginning. Just before Thanksgiving, the Japanese maple will shed its bright red leaves. Another beautiful show of color.

It seems like it might be a typical fall day in the Willamette Valley - rainy and stormy. I will hibernate in my workroom as it is crunch time for holiday creations. I hope that my supply of glue holds out until retrieve two gallons on Friday. Must get busy.

Yesterday, I joined my friend Diane in her shop, Molly Mo's, to teach a class. I assisted participants in making a vintage-inspired Advent calendar. The calendar consists of 24, numbered tags and 24 special objects that represent the holiday season. Each piece had a little frosting or sparkle. We had a great time, yummy treats and they had created a special holiday decoration that could become a family heirloom for future generations. Mother and daughter are pictured with their new creations. What fun!

Now, I must buckle down and start making this year's holiday creations. I'm starting a little late this year - panic!!! It always gets done --some how. I have many, many ideas in my little sketch book (a sweet gift from Linda Marcov, who knows I need to collect my thoughts). Now, I need to bring them to life. Once I get started, I have trouble stopping. One idea leads to another. The only thing I lack is time and someone to make dinner! Ha!

I will be selling my creations at the holiday events listed to the left. If you would like more information on these events, email me through my website: info@vintagetrifles.com.

Now, I must get busy. Glitter, glitter, glitter!

This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I was always waiting for the right time or free time. Since free time is almost nonexistent, I just took advantage of a time when my son could provide technical support (thank you , Jacob). So, here I go...

Autumn is my favorite season. I love all the colors, crispness in the air, visits to the pumpkin patch and spiced cider. Of course there is Halloween - a favorite, second only to Christmas. I love making whimsical Halloween decorations that are composed of old pictures, bits and pieces of old and new papers and glitter! This year I had a wonderful time making pieces for the Harvest Sale at Willow Nest in Washougal, Washington. Unfortunately, it was the last event for Willow Nest. Owners Ludmil and Linda Marcov are moving to Texas to begin a new adventure. They will be missed as well as the unique setting they created in Washougal. This is a picture of this year's Halloween favorite. Some of my other creations can be found on my website: www.vintagetrifles.com.

Check back soon for more!