Made to Match

I've always been so inspired by scrapbooking paper collections, so it's always been lurking in the back of my mind to do specific coordination embellishments/ribbons to match some of my favorites.
Finally, that time has come. Introducing "Apple Evening" a made to match set for Pink Paislee's Amber Road.
The ribbons, in the shabby sugar (grunge) style...

And the felt and paper embellishments...

In the shoppe now. I hope to do similar sets for some of my other favorite lines (Basic Grey for sure). Would love input!

Ribbons and bits, and a few Swap Sneaks

Well, summer does seem to be coming to a close, not that Michigan had much warm weather. I don't think we had our air conditioning on for a total of 10 days. Still, the anticipation of new school clothes, changing leaves, and steaming bowls of soup has me ready for autumn.

I'll be debuting some new ribbons, ala grungy style, soon. Here are two of the completed colorways: Blackberry Jam and Bonfire.

Also trying to keep on top of my Silver Bella Swaps (so no peeking for those of you in the Vintage Winter Banner or Paper Dolls Swaps)

Winter Banner base is some lovely flocked wallpaper, topped with all sorts of my favorite bits, crepe, poms, glitter, flowers, more glitter....

More crepe used for the paper doll swap, and a fun new use for cupcake liners :)

So much done, yet still so far behind!

Flea Finds and a Growing Inspiration Board

I'm a little behind with my Jenni Bowlin BPS challenges- but I did finally get to go to my very first flea market last Sunday. We didn't have much time, but I did find a few treasures there, and also a few while browsing antique shops while on vacation. I got the two very large dictionaries for a whole dollar. A few bird postcards, and antique key, a vintage music book, milkcaps, a button card with a bird print, a few old photos, a mini ledger, an antique Cosmopolitan magazine, and a "Book of Knowledge" that features great old pages on language, science, art, maps, and so much more (a $4 steal). Sum total was less than $30.

Also updating my Inspiration Board - with one of my "Experiments" that I chose to keep, and a Haunted Moon Ribbon tag.

I have a piece of chicken wire just waiting to be painted black and a frame all ready for it- they may fit these pieces better. Just have to get it made!

Another Lita Sketch

Just wanted to let my friend Lita know that I really AM trying to keep up with her sketches. I was able to kill two birds with one stone with this double page spread- Lita's sketch combined with a challenge from Jenni Bowlin's BPS class using the red and white Dennison labels. I also got to use papers from one of my favoritist companies- Basic Grey. I've heard many say that their Junebug line is too loud, but I adore it!

The photos are of the Princess Royale at her Farm Day at Preschool. "C" was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, and one of her difficulties is keeping her eyes focused on yours (or the cameras) so the photo on the right hand page of her with the hat is very rare and a favorite of mine.

Back to Reality

Back from our travels, and I'm spending a few peaceful moments (heirs to the throne are snuggled into bed) catching up. While on our trip we visited the Macinac Bridge (very small in the background of this photo). Toured Tequamenan Falls (both of them)- here is the King with princesses and prince on the boardwalk to the lower falls. We couldn't hold still for too long because Michigan's Upper Pennisula's state bird (ie Mosquitos) were eating us alive!

We did spend a little time on Macinac Island (and a little money on the fudge), and went to the Soo Locks, just as I used to as a child with my parents. The highlight of the trip for the kiddos was climbing the large sand dunes at Sleeping Bear. I did not make it to the top- the girls are not even near the top in this photo.

I also spent my time in the car wisely, finishing up some magazines, and sewing up this adorable strawberry pincushion from a kit I purchased at Heather Bailey's online shop.

Isn't it too sweet? I shall have to make more.