In the interest of Pinterest

Pinterest seems to be the latest bandwagon, and one I have never jumped on.  It just seemed like one more site to take me away from my other business pursuits...like crafting.  Now I'm glad I never got hooked, because it seems like it is not the wonderful site we all thought it was, so if you like to pin, you need to read this article from Technorati, "Pinterest Users Need To Read The Fine Print".  And just so you know, please do not pin our stuff, just tweet it and facebook it, and love it! heehee
Debbi

Wire Wrapping with Colette

This week as part of my commitment to the Handmade Artists Forum blog ring, I get to share with you the awesome jewelry designed by Colette.  When you visit Colette's Boutique, you will be blown away by the delicate beauty of her designs.  I have chosen three pieces to share with you...

We'll start with the earrings.  These Blue Turquoise Earrings aren't what I would typically think of when it comes to wire wrapping.  And that's why I love them! The wire coils make the perfect petals and with the beads in the center, it creates very pretty flowers indeed.  These are sterling silver, but then have been slightly oxidized to give them this great color.

Now on to the necklaces.  I chose this Silver Wreath Wire Wrap necklace because of it's originality.  Colette wrapped this in a free form style, so it is truly unique and a OOAK.  And the tiny pink swarovski crystals just make it sparkle.  Like the twinkle in the eye of the woman lucky enough to receive this as a gift, because while Valentines Day may be over, what a perfect lasting gift to hide in a box of Easter chocolate.

And now to highlight your wrists...this Renaissance wire wrap bracelet.  To me, anything Renaissance (or Victorian) is a must have, because it speaks of romance and being feminine, and love.  What really caught my eye with this bracelet was the photo presentation, my eye was brought back to this piece time after time.  Hmmmm, maybe I need to get it for myself.

I hope you enjoyed the wonderful creations I have chosen to share from the shop Colette's Boutiques, and if you just click on any link above you will be whisked away to her shop or each item, for a closer look.  You can also become a fan on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.  And don't forget her Blog.

If your an artist, the Handmade Artists Forum is a great place to meet other artists for support, inspiration, and fun.  And they also have a "sister" site where you can purchase items.  I have a shop there along with having a shop on Etsy.  So come and check it out!

Debbi

You gotta check this out....

I have got to share with you an Etsy artisan I found, or rather she found me.  I was reading my shop email this morning and I get notifications when others add me to their circle.  When I am, I like to check out the shop and then reciprocate.  This morning I was notified that Natural Pretty Things added me to her circle, and when I clicked on her profile/shop....I was transfixed!  Just look....

Now these are not painted on...these are real live flowers!  She presses them and then seals them in resin.  Who is she?  Oh, I'm sorry, I was so excited I totally forgot the introductions... :~)

She is June Moore, the amazing talent behind Natural Pretty Things.  June hails from Buckingham, England.   Hmmm, I wonder if Isobel knows her, heehee.  OK, back to June...she started her journey to her shop when she first preserved her wedding day roses.  She loved it so much, that this became her obsession, and now she can't stop!  Lucky us!  So go check her out!

Debbi

I'm ready for summer

Now, I am not one to complain (much), and while the weather here has been wonderful for winter, I am sooo ready for summer.  And to that end, let me share with you some past summer days with the kids, and some shops with great summer items.  Now first, at the end of last summer, we found an amazing water park right here in Statesville.  We have lived here for just over 12 years and never knew about this place, the Statesville Leisure Pool.  It's part of the cities parks and recreation, and for only $6.00 per person, it is a very affordable all day mini-vacation with your family.  Bring your own coolers with food to eat (outside the park) or purchase something at the snack bar.  There are chairs and tables and umbrellas, sprinklers for the little ones to run thru, and a tubing area and bigger slide for the bigger kids.  We had a ball, and Owen loved it.  We learned about this place on the last day it was open, so this summer we plan to go several times.  While we have our own pool for daily fun, sometimes it's nice to just go out!

I did a search on Etsy for children, water, and summer, and on the first page I found these very cute Water Balloon Flip Flops from the shop Debbiefife.  You can't go wrong purchasing from a Debbi, lol.

I myself have several embellished flip flops for sale in my Handmadeartistsshop, so let's see what else we can find amongst the talented artists there...(how's that for a tie-in, oh I'm good :~D )

These Faith, Family, and Love Flip Flops from the HAS shop lilybluedesigns were created for a wonderful cause, 25% of the proceeds from the sale of these flip flops go to help Robert the Great, a young boy fighting lukemia.  There are also other charms in this shop to help support this family in their fight for life.

And since I'm not above a little self-promotion...

you'll find my Rainbow flip flops in our very own HAS shop, aptly named, Ourhometoyours! hahaha.  Now the water balloon flip flips are listed as girls size 12 - 13, and mine are listed as 8 1/2 ", I'm sure they all can be made in the perfect size for you, just let us know what you need!  So, start planning your summer days, and don't forget your summer wardrobes!

Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - Nana's orange

First, I want to apologize for missing my linky party last Saturday....it's been a little chaotic lately.   I talked about mine and Amanda's runaway day on Thursday, but I didn't talk about what else was important about Thursday.  This past Thursday, my mother, aka Nana, would have turned 82.  She went home to glory back in 2000, and I still miss her and want to talk to her, but I don't grieve as the world grieves, for I know the future, I will see her again the day I go home to glory.  But until then, I have my memories, and I searched out some pictures I wanted to share with you.  The first is my favorite.

You see, my mom was an artist.  And I have soooo many memories and stories of the times we spent at various art shows.  This picture is from the Allentown Art Festival held in Buffalo New York every year.  This was probably 1971 or 1972.  Some day I'll have to share about the time we had a Vietnam War protest, complete with the SWAT team in riot gear.  As a kid, I thought is was pretty cool.

When Mom became Nana, she was thrilled, and was the most doting, and fun, grandmother ever....every holiday and birthday, and even just weekends, were filled with excitement for her grandchildren.  Here we have my oldest son Greg, and my nephews Chris and D.J. dressed and painted as Indians, complete with fur vests that she sewed, shields that she helped the boys paint, and of course...war paint.  And she passed her artistic creativity on to her grandchildren, encouraging them to express themselves thru paper and paint.

She also played with adults, lol.  Always laughing and joking, I don't ever remember her yelling or getting angry, but I'm sure she did.  After all, there were 6 of us kids, growing up in the wild 60's and 70's.  There were many times she probably should have yelled at us, heehee.  We grew up roller skating in our dining room, having food fights in the living room, and bringing home strays....cats, dogs, and friends!  My mother was strongly independent, a single mother who managed to stay friends with her ex-husband.  There are so many things I could say about her, but the word the come to mind is...amazing.  My mother was amazing.  So to honor her, and your own mother, this linky party is dedicated to them.  Link up what ever reminds you of Mom, and if you can't find something that reminds you of your Mom, link up something orange.  That was Nana's favorite color!  And when you're done, if you are blessed enough to still have your mom around, call her and tell her what she means to you.  Don't wait till it's too late.

Debbi

a relaxing Thursday.

Amanda and I did something today that we haven't done in a very long time...we took the day off!  No kids, no work, no laptops.  Just her and I and the open road.  Ok, I admit, I took along a crochet scarf to work on while she was driving, but that's not "real" work, lol.  Amanda found a dresser she liked on facebook, so we went on a search to Curiosity in Blowing Rock, NC.  First we got a little lost, but getting lost in Blowing Rock is fun....this summer it will be time for another trip to walk the Main Street to see all the new shops.  Anyway, the shop Curiosity has some really neat items there, and next door to it was another neat shop, The Incredible Toy Company....that totally deserves another trip after payday.  I am one of those people that prefer educational board games.  Then my wonderful daughter treated me to lunch at Applebees, their 2 for $20 made it a great deal, we were stuffed.  During this time together we just talked and laughed.  It's great when your daughter is also your friend!
But now it's back to work, I jumped on a Blog/Fanpage Hop hosted by Theresa at Chatter from Texas, so if you're looking for some new blogs to follow, or are looking for new followers yourself, join me there.

 

I've put a permanent link to this Thursdays Get Together on my linky-party tab, so you can come on over anytime.  And I'll see you all tomorrow.

Luv ya's,

Debbi

 

We love our cats

I have almost always had a cat in my life, and my children (especially Amanda) has inherited my love of all things feline.  Right now she has a grey tabby named Droopy.  He's named that because he is probably the laziest of cats in history.  Droopy is now up in age and very ill, he can't keep food down, and is nothing but bones, but still loves to just sit and be loved.  So, because I know that the end is near for Droopy, and will be hard for Amanda, let me share some of my favorite pictures of Droopy from when he was young and healthy.  And when you read this, please say a little prayer for Amanda, because if you have ever loved a pet, you'll understand.

"Look, out the window, should I chase that bird?"

"Naaaaah."

No box, or basket, was safe from Droopy.  He could sleep anywhere at anytime.  Stuff still in the box?  So what, he'd climb in anyway.

 Ok, is that ham I smell?"  He would wait till he thought we weren't looking, then slip his paw up and steal from the plate.

Now go hug and pet your pet.  All they desire is your attention, and what they give in return can make all your problems just disappear.

Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - country trips

I love me some John Denver....YEEEHAAA!

This weeks party theme is country life and/or motorcycle trip.  If you're wondering why, read yesterdays post here.  Now Chuck didn't come home with the tractor, yet, so we still have time to save my vacation...and when we do I think I'll wear this...

I love this Pink Dots Western Jumper Halter dress! But I just discovered that it's a child's dress, so I can't wear it, hahahaha. I wonder if the creator behind the Lil' Bug Clothing shop could enlarge this pattern....a lot!  Probably not...so I'll just have to order it for one of my great-granddaughters.

I now have a shop on the HandmadeArtistsShop site as well as on Etsy, and it was there that I found this great Leather Handbag in the shop of Woods Saddlery.  This handbag (or purse as us yankees would call it) would not only look great when I go sightseeing in Baton Rouge, but the style is just enough to let every one know that I'm just a country girl at heart.

And since I want to take this trip on our motorcycle, (haha no room for children) I had to add a bikers touch to this post, so I vroomed over to Zibbet (I have an empty shop there, lol) to see what I could find, and I found this Coat Rack Silhouette by Cabin Hollow.  I like this one because this is pretty close to what our bike looks like, plus I can hang my new handbag / purse on it. :~D

OK, now it's your turn, link up your choice of blog and/or shop item, and please feel free to link up more than one.  Be sure to share this party with your friends, because the more the merrier!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see y'all Monday!
Debbi

my dilemma

Good morning, friends....I need some help.  As you know we have a horse.  Actually Hannah has a Shetland pony that she doesn't ride, so in reality, I have an oversized dog that follows me around and looks for treats in my pocket.  And you would not believe the amount of manure one smallish pony can make; and there is my dilemma.  I have been planning (dreaming of, hoping for) a motorcycle trip (no kids, yea!!!!) to Baton Rouge LA for the Jimmy Swaggert Easter Campmeeting in April, but yesterday, Chuck informed me that since Tater Tot (the pony) has a favorite spot to use as his restroom, the manure has gotten thick.  And our tractor is old and dead.  So now he's looking to get a new/used tractor.  Which means no money for LA.  "That's just NOT FAIR" I cried (in my best little girl voice), but to no avail, he's looking for a tractor.  So do you think he would accept any of these tractors from Etsy so we can keep our money for the trip?

Antique Farm Tractor from Katwelder,    Apple Farm Tractor 2 from Simply Superior,    Antique Tractor from Puzzimals. 

No?????  How about if I wore this???

 

Farm Tractor Garter from Sheer Satin and Lace

So, here's where I need your help.  Tomorrow come back for my linky party, and link up all your items or blogs that have anything to do with farms, tractors, horses, motorcycles, trips, Louisiana...you get the idea!

Love y'all!

Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - relaxing

With the fun, and stress, of the Christmas season, what do you do to de-stress and relax?  I personaly like to sit with a nice cup of tea and a crochet hook (or a game on my laptop).  Here are a few items I found to help us all relax...

This relax pillow in charcoal grey looks so comfy...snuggle up against it with a good book, or a good blog...and if the color is not for you, hop over to the shop Honey Pie Design for other great pillows to complete your home decor.

And speaking of tea, we have personally ordered from the loose leaf before, I got Amanda some tea for her digestive track, and she enjoys it.  So if you don't sleep well, try this Organic Skullcap tea for your insomnia.  Your loose tea comes with a reusable cloth teabag.


Now let me show you relaxed....Owen spent the night last night and stayed up late to watch Wipeout with Gamma and Poppa.  Yes, he has our off-center sense of humor.  Then he got up at 6am when the other kids left for school, so by afternoon, he was tired delirious.  We had to take Hannah to an appointment, and there was an oh-so overstuffed and comfortable couch in the lobby.  Here is how Owen waited for his aunt...

He started sitting up, but when I nudged him, he just fell over...poor kid, I laughed!  And I'm sorry for the poor quality...I took these with my cell phone, and then I couldn't get them off the phone to my laptop, so I had to email it to myself. heehee.

Ok, so now for our party...as you know, the theme is relaxing...so link up anything you sell, or even your blog posts, that you find relaxing.  You can even go ahead and link up someone else who helps you relax.  Then share, share, share!

Debbi

join the parties...linky that is!

As most of you know, I host a linky party here on my blog every Saturday.  Today I wanted to invite you to another linky party...I join this shop hop twice every month.  It's a great place to "advertise", and just a fun place to be, so click on the box below and join me there.



Also, Amanda and I would like to ask all our friends for some advise.  We are going to start this New Year with a new website, and shops, and a total re-brand!  So, what do you think would be a good new name?  I was looking for something shorter (to fit on my car windows, lol) and easier to remember, and that tells people just what we are about...so I was thinking
1.) HomeCrafts (not available as a (dot)com )
2.) OurHomeCrafts (available as a (dot) com)
3.) OHTY
4.) Ourhometoyourscrafts (too long?)

So, please leave a comments and let us know what you think....and if you have any other suggestions, please share them with us!

Thanks for being our friends, and we love you!
Debbi

Hello Capsteam

Let's take a look at what's been happening at the CAPSteam lately....

Roxanne from WatercolorsNmore is in a lilac mood today.  She just listed this very pretty Wisteria note card and Amethest wire wrapped pendant.  One of my favorite things about living in the south is the sight, and smell, of the Wisteria in the spring.  It just covers everything, I wish it would last all summer long!

Gloria from needlepointnmore will wake you up with this bright yellow dishcloth, a set of 3 to brighten your kitchen.  And you'll find these one-of-a-kind original artwork thank you cards from the shop of EarendilCollectibles.  They are offered in a set of 6 cards.

Now that we've done some shopping...let's do some reading.  The latest blog posts are...

Friday Fun and more from Christie Cottage.  I gotta tell you, I love her Friday posts.  They are sure to start your day with a smile, if not a complete belly laugh.

 I am a new follower of Alway Becoming by Courtney Rae Troup from the Book Craft.  Her latest post is the start of a short story...and I am already looking forward to next week's chapter.

So stop by and visit these wonderful shops and blogs, and start your TGIF with a smile.

Debbi

For tomorrow's link up party, I think we'll shoot for linking up our blogs...what do you think?



The scary blue woman

One of our favorite family pastimes is to go antiquing, and one of our favorite local shops is Treasure Cove in Taylorsville, NC.  While wandering thru there we met....HER!!!!

Ok, I know that art is subjective and all that stuff....but a door knocker???? Really????  This was Hannah's reaction.

On a lighter note....look at my new shoes!!!!

I am now about 2 inches taller than Chuck! hahaha.

Love y'all.

Debbi

And before I forget...if you are an animal lover, particularly dogs, go visit Bubby and Bean.  You won't be sorry.  http://www.bubbyandbean.com/2011/12/my-only-birthday-wish.html

The Huntington Christmas 2011

Whew! Now that the last 2 weeks are behind me, it's my turn to just sit and relax and enjoy the Christmas aftermath, lol.  So let me share just a few of the MANY pictures I took.

Here's our girl Hannah (on the left).  She got an e-notebook for a gift, so this was the last we saw of her till dinner. heehee.  And on the right is our other girl Amanda.  She was not feeling well, too many hours at Walmart for the past 3 weeks (plus the cold bug) finally caught up with her.  On Christmas Day! Yuck!

Notice the pretty place setting.  I bought a place setting for 4 new at a store years ago, but then I found the rest at one thrift store in NC and one thrift store in NY.  And the glasses came from a little antique shop in town.  The man on the left is Amanda's hubby Brandon, Chuck is on the end, and then there's my cousin Susie and hubby Gary. 

After dinner, Hannah took the kids to the boys room to play.  (I blurred the edges because I can't show to faces of our foster children).  Hannah had set a headlamp to strobe, and they were taking turns singing and dancing.  And yes, jumping on the bed.  Stupid Santa put candy in their stockings, hahahaha.

Speaking of a sugar rush, holidays are the only time my kids can get away without "cleaning" their plate, and still getting dessert.  Now this is how to eat a cupcake!  Owen likes to eat anything frosted from the top to the bottom.  When he was done, I had green frosting on the chair, tablecloth, and me!

Poor Pee Wee, after a day of being carried, and stepped on, (that's why I carried him), snuck food too, stole food from, and generally played till he dropped.  That was exactly how I felt by the end of the day.  The kids woke us up at 7am, and we finally went to bed at 1am.

I would like to leave you with a little video of Owen(of course) playing the drum set we got him as a gift.  Funny how mom and dad forgot to take it with them when they went home. hmmmmm.

I pray everyone recovers from the holiday madness and remembers to enjoy their many blessings, and get ready for an amazing New Year!

Debbi