How Lucky can you get?

My sister in law is about the luckiest person I know. Seems like every time she buys a raffle ticket she wins. She goes to a casino, and comes out a BIG winner. I can't even win a dollar on a scratch ticket.

WE WON! And we are having the time of our lives! Linda and Nancy won a weekend in Bermuda! They were flown down on a private jet and are GOLD CLUB MEMBERS  at the Hamilton Princess!  FABULOUS!!!

Read below the article that appeared in the Cape Cod Times.

How lucky can you get???

My sister in law and her friend went to a benefit auction and her lucky ticket was drawn by the former Boston Bruins hockey players Bobby Orr and Derek Sanderson. Everyone had to show up with a packed bag and a valid passport. There were numerous nice prizes including tickets to a Red Sox game. I know Linda and Nancy are having a fantastic Mother's Day. :-) Have fun girls!!!

Happy Mother's Day

Elaine

Pillow case #3

Sharing my third pillow case with all of you.

I was up early and finished sewing my 3rd. pillow case. This one has a purple and lavender band. I have to find some cute fabric to make some pillow cases as gifts for children. Time wise cutting out the material and pinning everything together takes the most time, but the sewing goes really fast.

I had a laugh at the above cartoon. My husband left this on my desk some time ago, but I just recently came across it. The cartoon was in our local paper, The Brockton Enterprise this past winter.

Elaine

Hectic Day

Yesterday morning, my kitty, Fluff Puff wasn't acting right. I checked him over, but couldn't find anything obvious, that is until I felt his belly. I felt 2 large areas near  his back legs that were bulging and felt fluid filled . Oh no!!! What happened to kitty???

So, I called the vets office and they told me to bring kitty right down. After an exam they told me they were going to keep him to do tests, because they couldn't see anything other than feel those bulging areas on his belly. I hated leaving Fluff, but I knew he was in good hands.

I came home and worried. While waiting for the vet to call back and let me know what they found I cut out material for 2 pillow cases.

Around 2 p.m., I finally got the phone call, and they told me that after they shaved his belly they could see his belly was badly bruised, and he had what looked liked bite marks. The swollen area had to be opened to be cleaned out and so he needed to be anesthesia and stitches. Fluff was also given injections for pain, infection and a rabies booster vaccine. I think Fluff was attacked by a big yellow, male cat that I've seen around from time to time.

Fluff came home with a collar so he can't get at the stitches on his belly and is on a 45 day in house quarantine, because we don't know what bit him. This morning Fluff is doing much better, but still not liking his blue collar.

Today, I finished sewing one pillow case a little while ago. I love birds and I found this bird fabric at Wal Mart for $3 a yard. The material has a nice feel to it. I made the cuff smaller on this pillow case. The pillow case is folded so I could take a picture of it.

I will sew the other pillow case later today or tomorrow.

I had to make 2 ATC's with a shoe theme for a swap in an online group An Affair with Art. I used water colors and was surprised on the purplish ATC with the almost heart shape that appeared as the paint was drying. The saying was part of a bigger rubber stamp, and wouldn't fit on a ATC. I had stamp it and cut it down to fit.

Elaine

Sewing Project today...Making a Pillow case

The above finished pillow case is folded so I could get a photo of it.  I had a lot of the floral fabric that I bought years ago. I don't even remember what I planned to do with it, but figured I would use it for my first attempt at sewing a pillow case. I also had some red and white fabric on hand, and I used those as the piping and cuff. I made French seams so there are no raw edges showing. My next pillow case attempt should go much easier now that I've completed sewing this one.
The body is 27 x 42/44 inches, piping 2 inches folded, cuff..9 inches folded.
I watched a video using the Jelly Roll method on You Tube and decided to try making a pillow case.
pillow case tutorial
another good pillow case tutorial

I had problems cutting the fabric straight, because my rotary blade had a dull blade. Next trip to Joann Fabrics that will be what I use my coupon on.
I want to make some pillow cases to give as gifts using material that is appropriate for the individual person that will be receiving each one/set.
I always keep a blanket and a pillow in the SUV and this will probably be the pillow case used on that pillow as the material is kind of bright.
Elaine

Orioles and Robins

Yesterday I had to go to the dermatologist for my annual skin cancer check up. Luckily the doctor didn't find any this time that had to be surgically removed, but he did find a few pre cancerous spots on my face that he zapped with liquid nitrogen. That stuff burns like crazy when it is used.  Today, I have red, swollen,blisters on my check and a couple of places on my nose..not pretty. It takes a about a week for the areas to heal. Can't wait!

When I got home yesterday afternoon from the doctors, I heard a Baltimore Orioles sweet calls. I had been hearing the Orioles for about a week, but hadn't seen them. I was standing at the kitchen door, and just happen to catch a flash of black and orange as an oriole landed on the big cherry tree in the side yard. By the time I grabbed my camera, zoomed in on the bird at the top of the tree, I was only able to get one quick picture before it flew off. I am hoping to getter a better photo next time I see the bird.

Today, I went to pay a few bills and while out I stopped at WalMart and I bought some nice fabric that was on clearance. I want to try sewing some pillowcases to give as gifts. When I got back home this afternoon as I was walking around the yard looking at my Iris that are blooming, I spotted a robins eggshell. I haven't spotted a nest yet, but I am sure it is nearby.

Don't you just love spring?

Elaine

Toilet Paper roll small gift/money holder

 

My artsy project that I did yesterday. I need to make several money or small, gift card holders, and since I have been saving empty cardboard toilet paper rolls in what seems forever, I figured why not use some of those rolls up.

Friday was another cool, damp, spring day. I didn't have to take my parents to any appointments and so I took a ride to the Crop Shop in Rockland. I hadn't been their since the first of the year. I bought some papers, a 6 x 6 paper stack that had lovely papers. I also picked up a spray bottle of Goosebumps texture spray. I wasn't even sure what to do with this product, and I certainly need to experiment some more with it. Right now, I'm not sure what I think of this product.  Read about it here...Goosebumps texture spray

I rubber stamped one of my favorite Acey Duecy stamps in black memories ink on plain copy paper. I water colored the image, let it dry and then spray the Goosebumps texture spray onto the image. I had the nozzle pretty close to the paper. The image is glossy and thick.

Then I glued flattened the toilet paper roll, made sure the creases were flat. Used my UHU glue stick to really cover the roll and then I glued my scrapbook paper to it. I stapled the bottom closed, glued on ecru colored lace.  I don't think it showed up well, but I had some handmade paper that is full of holes and fibrous. I then glued pieces of that to the front and back. I water colored some white paper flowers, stamped on the larger flower, glued the flowers together, and sprayed Goosebumps to finish it off.  I'm not sure I like that flower, and may replace it with another one. Finally, I then glued on my rubber stamped image, and added a ribbon for hanging.

This afternoon, I went to visit my son, d-i-l, Robin and Bella. When I got home I found a wonderful surprise on my door step. What was my surprise? A double white clematis plant (Duchess of Edinburgh). My friend, Betty Ann ordered one for me and one for her. I hope this plant survives and is as beautiful as the one Betty Ann has in her yard. I have wanted a double white clematis for a long time, but haven't been able to find one.  I will post pictures when my plant blooms.

Well, that's it...2 post in one day.

Elaine

Great finds..at my First Yard Sales of 2012

Yesterday the weather was misty and cool, but there was a huge yard sale that is held every year at Oak Point. The money that is raised is put into a scholarship fund for the senior class of Middleboro High School.

I got up early and braved the crowds. This yard sale is so popular as it has some of everything. It is almost impossible to find a place to park without walking a great distance. So, instead of making numerous trips back and forth to the car I only picked up small inexpensive items. I was happy with my purchases and I spent very little money. I did buy several raffles tickets. I was hoping to win a gorgeous water color painting of a lighthouse beach scene. I guess I didn't win anything with my raffle tickets at the Chinese Auction, because I haven't received a phone call. Oh well, that's how it goes, and the money went to a great cause.

There were several tables and boxes filled with all kinds of glass. I debated on buying some pieces to make glass totems for the yard, but my hands were already filled with the purchases. So, I will look for glass pieces at future yard sales.

I bought an 8 inch Pyrex pie plate...10 cents

a large, new, metal collapsible vegetable steamer...10 cents

a bag of ric rack and bindings...10 cents

a bag with 5 home dec patterns..10 cents

 

A Mary Maxim Hooked rug kit for $1.00. I found a label inside that had a price of $90.50. I don't know if that was the correct price or not, but I knew I had a bargain when I saw one.  The finished rug will be 40 x 30. I have never tried hooking rugs before, but I figured for a $1 it would make a good winter project. Inside the box there were 2 rug hooking tools, scissors, finishing tape and material for a backing. What a find!!!

Below is a photo of what the finished rug will look like.

 

Then, I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted two hand braided round chair mats, but the best part is when I asked the price. The woman told me 50 cents for the two of them. Wowzer!!!     Years ago my mother, and my aunts use to make braided rugs. I love braided rugs and when I see them at sales I always buy them if they are in good condition.

Leaving this yard sale on the same street there was a sign for another yard sale. Come to find out, it was the same house that I bought vintage items, including cabinet cards last spring.

No cabinet cards this year, but I did buy vintage post cards. 2 cards in a baggie for 50 cents. Below are the cards I bought. The first four were my favorites. The woman in the pink dress is really unique. The post card has real hair and metal piece in the ladies hair.

Please...Feel free to use the post cards if you want for your art projects.

 

Below...Vintage Scenic post cards from London

All in all, I was very thrilled with my inexpensive purchases. I had an awesome day at my first yard sales of 2012. Do you go to yard sales? If you do, I hope you find some wonderful treasures like I did.

my iris are starting to bloom

 

Elaine

May Day Surprise

Today it is a cold, rainy, damp day, but I had to go out, as I had to take my dad to Plymouth for his pacemaker check this morning. As we were driving from my parents house to get to the highway,  I saw a pair of swans swimming with their 9 baby Cygnets in a cranberry bog ditch. I didn't have time to stop then to try and take photos, but I hoped the swans would be there and still be near the road on our way home.

On the way home, I was excited to see the swans were still at the bog and close to the road. I stopped, parked the car, grabbed my camera, and got out of the car to take pictures. Of course my camera batteries died  as I tried snapping my first photo. Drats!!   I had to run back to the car to put in new batteries in the camera. Then I climbed back down the banking near the bog to get closer to take my photos. I didn't dare get too close as I didn't want to scare the swans, or have the male come after me to attack.  As I was snapping pictures the rain really started to come down. I was drenched by the time I got back to the car, but happy that I did get some photos.
    the male (left) kept an eye on me the whole time I was snapping photos. In the photos you can see watercress growing in the bog ditches. The male swans back foot is out of the water and every now and again he would put that big, black foot back in the water to paddle along to keep up with the others.

Most of the 9 babies were grey, but a few were white.                          I always keep my old digital camera in the glove box, but that camera only has a 4 x zoom and I never can get really good close up photos, which is frustrating.                                                                                                                       I have to take my dad to Plymouth again tomorrow to a doctors appointment in Plymouth, as his bronchitis still hasn't cleared up yet.  I plan on bringing a different camera.
I hope you enjoyed the swan photos. I loved seeing the little ones today. So darn cute!!! Spring is such a wonderful time of year.

 

Happy May Day! I can remember as a child making a May Basket, and then filling it with flowers from the garden with my mom and aunt. We would then go to a friend or relatives house, ring the doorbell and run to hide. When the door was opened we would then come out and wish whomever a Happy May Day and stay for a short visit.

I have pictures of my late mother in law that were taken at the 2 room (2nd and 3rd grade) South Middleboro School . In the photo Marjorie had on a crown and was dancing around a May Pole with other class members, but she had been crowned Queen of the May by her teacher. I don't think many celebrate May Day anymore.

That same teacher was long retired, but she use to volunteer at that same school when my oldest son was in the 3rd grade. She gave my son the old May Day photos that she had taken. She also gave him a  small, wooden box to take home to me  that held recipes in my husbands grandmothers handwriting. Tom's grandmother loved to cook, and that teacher was newly married at the time so she shared recipes with her. That wooden box with recipes are treasured in my kitchen.

Elaine

Kitty, Foxes, and Birds

This morning I had to take my Fluffpuff to the vets for his yearly exam, and it was also time for his Feline distemper and leukemia vaccines. As soon as Fluff saw the kitty carrier, he was off like a shot and went into hiding. I called, and called, and looked everywhere...NO KITTY. I thought I was going to have to cancel the appointment, but I finally found him hiding under the bed.
All the way to the vets Fluff yowled in the crate, but once he is tat the vets he settles down. The vets and vet techs love our Fluffy and he gets a lot of attention while he is at the vets office.   Leaving the vets $98.00 poorer, Fluff  yowled all the way home. As soon as Fluff got back home and out of the kitty carrier, once again he was off like a shot and has been hiding out ever since.

While at the vet a gorgeous golden retriever came in and he was so friendly. The dog came right over to me and wanted to get in my lap. I wanted to take him home. I miss our golden retriever and this dog looked just like our Bear with his dark red coat.

After bringing home the cat, I picked up my friend and we drove to the cranberry bog. My brothers had told me there was a fox den with little ones that they had been seeing around the bog. I guess one of the adult foxes had been shot for stealing chickens. We drove all around the bogs, but unfortunately...we didn't see the little kit foxes or the mother. Probably should have waited until around supper time and not mid day to try and spot them.

While at the bog, I stopped the car and we watched a Killdeer for a bit as it walked around the drainage ditch going in and out of the water. I love Killdeer.                                                                                         I also noticed that the tree swallows were back and skimming over the bogs and the water in the reservoirs catching bugs. 

 

When I got home a little while ago, I put a big pot of pea soup to cooking. I had a ham bone with quite a bit of meat still on it so I didn't want it to go to waste. Homemade pea soup is so good, and I always have several that want a container of the soup.

Elaine

Inky Fingers and Yard Sale Find

Hello and Welcome! This morning I got to spend some time at my desk to create some art projects. I dragged out ink pads, heat gun, and dominos.  I also made the card above. I love that image of the woman, especially when stamped with rainbow ink. The image was bought un mounted at a convention from the Stamping Ground Rubber Stamp Company, in NY.

I also made a piece  using wire, a wooden piece with holes already in it from a place mat and beads. I hadn't made a pin like this in a long time, so I was a little rusty.  I stamped the wooden piece and heat set the ink. Threaded wire thru the body, curled the hair, and made funky looking wire legs with crystals. Then I added the clock embellishment.   On my picture trail I have Some of my old domino art pieces

 

Next I inked up and heat set some round bone pieces that had pre drilled holes. These bone pieces are great for using in altered books. You can also make necklaces with them. Whatever strikes your fancy. Right now, I have no idea what the pieces I stamped will be used for. I bought a big bag of the bone circles several years ago in Rhode Island. The circles are 50 cent sized.

I also want to share with you a vintage bracelet that I bought at a yard sale last fall for 50 cents. I liked the gold and green beads, and originally thought of pulling the bracelet apart to use the beads for a future beaded creation, because it really wasn't something I would wear. But, the more I looked at the bracelet, I just couldn't destroy it. The bracelet is a tad tight on my wrist. So, the piece just sits in a drawer.

Below 3 different views of the bracelet. Sorry for the shadows.

I enjoyed my art time. Have a wonderful Sunday, and enjoy your day. Thanks for taking the time to stop by to visit.

Elaine

Happy Birthday Mom

  My parents taken when they still wintered in Florida, and before Mom's diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

Today is my mother's birthday. I went over to see Mom this morning as we won't be celebrating her birthday with a party tonight. Both Mom and Dad still have bronchitis.  We will probably have a family party and dinner for her next Sunday if she and Dad aren't still sick.                            
I brought Mom a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful birthday cake.

I also brought my Dad's, younger, 88 year old sister to my parents to visit. They hadn't seen Auntie since last October when she left for Florida.  Auntie came back home on Thursday afternoon after  spending the winter in Florida.

 

Yesterday I was suppose to take my mom to the eye doctors in Sandwich, MA, but with her coughing I cancelled the appointment. I had already cancelled her caregiver for that shift, so I spent the afternoon at my parents house. While there I made them an apple pie, an apple cinnamon cake, and made their dinner..shrimp stir fry. They loved it all.

It is so very sad to see the ravages of Alzheimer's in my Mom. Makes my heart break. My mother had been so active and enjoyed doing so many things which she can longer do. In photos that are only a few months old you can really see the changes. It is always a shock, because the changes are gradual and we just get use to seeing them.  It is frustrating, and heartbreaking to watch someone who was once productive and vibrant, just fading away. Sad to watch as Mom paces and sits with a vacant stare so much of the time.

I know it isn't going to get any better, and we have to celebrate the little victories and accomplishments. We are lucky that Mom still knows everyone and still has a sense of humor. I worry that I will also suffer from this dreaded disease. I hope and pray that I won't have Alzheimer's because my grandmother, my Mom's mother also had Alzheimer's.

Love you Mom!!! Happy 89th Birthday.
Elaine

GIVEAWAY WINNER IS.....

Good Morning Bloggers! This morning I used a random number generator to find out who the winner of my paint and water color paper giveaway winner would be. Also included is the oilcloth and felt artist organizer..if you want it.
The lucky number drawn was #7. Congrats to Jocelyn. Please contact me with your mailing info.
EAkers@aol.com

Thanks to all that left a comment. I will be having another giveaway soon to celebrate 40,000 blog views.  Elaine

P.S..Today my husband is celebrating his birthday. Happy Birthday, Tom!!!!!

Money Plant Card

I was up early this morning, and I made a quick card. I used my Fred Mullet money plant image that I bought in St. Mary's, Georgia several years ago when we were heading to Florida for our winter vacation.                                                                                                                                                   The cardstock I speckled with brown ink. Corrugated black with gold touches to the edge.

Today is busy...this morning I went to the doctors for my annual physical. Went grocery shopping for my aunt who is coming back this afternoon from wintering in Florida. I have another doctors appointment this afternoon and afterwards I will do grocery shopping for my parents and our house.
Tomorrow is my husbands birthday, and I so I have to make a card for Tom, and figure out what we will be doing to celebrate his birthday. My mom's birthday is Saturday, but we won't be having a party for her until she is over the bronchitis.
Well, its time for me to go to my next appointment. Have a great day, thanks for stopping by, and come again soon.
Elaine

Vintage Magazines

     1896
Several years back I happened to go to a library sale on a Saturday afternoon. The prices were awesome, and you could fill large grocery bags for $1.00.
When I went to pay I noticed a stack of very old and tattered magazines under the table where the woman taking the money sat. I stooped down and quickly went thru the pile, my heart thumping wildly as I continued to look. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

I asked if the magazines under the table were for sale. The woman told me they had been donated to the sale, but hadn't been priced as they had no idea what to price them at.The woman asked if I was interested in them. Yes, couldn't come out of my mouth fast enough.                                                                                                                                                       I thought to myself, well they were going to end up being real pricey. I paid for my bag of books, and then  kept my fingers crossed in my pocket. 
                                                                    
The woman asked me to wait so she could check with one of the other volunteers that was working the sale to see what the price should be. Finally, the woman came back and asked shyly, how about 10 cents each. I scooped up the whole batch. I couldn't wait to get those tattered, yellow, old fragile magazines out to my car and then home so I could look thru them.
1884. The periodical on top has a story written by James Fenimore Cooper

This morning as I was going thru piles of boxes, I found some of the old magazines that I bought that long ago Saturday.

1922,1927,1930,1931,1933,19341935 and 1953
The Old Farmer's Almanacs above. I have given a lot of the old almanacs away to family and friends for the year they were born. I was disappointed as there was no 1948, the year I was born.
1871 and 1872
I have more old magazines that I bought that day, but they must be in another box/bag. I brought the magazines to my dad who was born in 1918 to look thru them. He loved the pictures of the ads.
Some of the magazines didn't have covers and some magazines are pretty ragged. I have used some of those in my art, but I can't bring myself to rip apart the ones that are in ragged but intact. When I came across these magazines again this morning, I felt just as excited as when I first found them.
What have you found that was an inexpensive exciting find?
Elaine