Applique Cat T-Shirt and Pants

I have several stacks of quilting and craft patterns that I've started going through to list in my shop.  It seems some of these would be a great place to start sewing and have set aside several for consideration.   Then, I picked up this one - Versatile Calico Cats by Yours Truly. 

This one seemed simple enough.   It's one of those multi-purpose patterns that can be used to create anything cat related from an adorable wall hanging to a doorstop.    At first I was thinking about trying a simple pillow.  BUT, I don't really need a pillow.    Then the thought started, I'll start real simple and make an applique T-shirt for Lilly (for her Valentine box).     I don't quite feel up to sewing a t-shirt (don't I need a serger for that?), so I made a quick trip to K-Mart and picked up a couple packages of Toddler Undershirts. 

Back home, I selected some green Calico Fabric, of which there is about 3 yards.   This excess fabric led me to decide on a pair of bottoms to go with the top.   Having a couple thousand patterns in the house makes this type of decision quite easy.    I decided on Simplicity 8213, primarily because it had the elastic waist (easy), it was the right size and it is already cut.  

Then, here and there over the next four hours, I did it !   I sewed a little pair of pants with a t-shirt that has a matching applique.  

The pants seem huge.   I hemmed them up further than the pattern called (look Ma, I'm already doing alterations!), but I'm afraid they will be huge on her.   But, I'm pleased that I conquered both these simple projects with no major issues.   

Okay, what next ????

The Dispensable Sewing Pin

On average, I check around a dozen sewing patterns a day.  This involves removing them from the envelope, checking each piece, the instructions, etc. to make sure it is complete, and then putting it neatly back to the envelope.    To make the job easier,  keep the pertinent tools close at hand ....

• an iron (makes neatly just a little more obtainable)
• tape dispenser (for small tears)
• glue stick (Simplicity is real stingy on the glue)
• a seam ripper (to remove taped alterations)
• scissors (remove stitched alterations)

And, last, but not least, the pin container.  A pin container you might ask .... Yep.  Mine is a little white condiment bowl.  

In patterns, I find an amazing number of sewing pins that were obviously used for littler alternations here and there.   And then, when the seamstress is finished, they remain with the pattern; holed up in the envelope.   These pins fall into two categories ... the Perfectly Fine (which go into the little condiment bowl) and the ones that have been in the envelope for a really long time, The Rusted.   The Rusted ones go to the trash container.

In the beginning, I put the pins in my pincushion, which quickly became very full, and I adopted a second pincushion.   Well, I certainly didn't need more, and that was the originating point of the white condiment bowl.  

I've been collecting this particular set of pins for about 2 months. 

Apparently, sewing pins are dispensable.   I found myself wondering it this is due to the low cost factor, or, more of a fact that the seamstress is anxious to move from the cutting to the sewing process and just doesn't want to take the time to remove them.   I know, if I'd get past the thinking about sewing, and start sewing, I might find this out myself. 

So, what do I do with them .... I typically give them away.   The last set went to an unexpecting customer.   She ordered multiple patterns and sent a note saying she was teaching a group of young teens to sew.   Thought she might need some pins, so I included them in the package.   I never did hear anything, so don't know what she thought when she opened her package ... 6 patterns and about 300 sewing pins.

So, in the future, if you happen to need any sewing pins, just send me a note with your order and I'll empty out my bowl.  

McCalls Advertising Page Embroidery Sewing Patterns

I am what you may call a 'Stacker'; loose odds and ends of books, magazines, loose papers are stacked in a corner of my studio beside the printer. They all have a purpose. Sometimes it's something I want to try, think about, or just don't know what else to do with at the moment. Right now, the stack must be close to two feet tall. But, that really is beside the point.

Yesterday I was digging through the stack and came across this single piece of paper.  My guess is it came out of a lot of patterns and was simple put into the stack. 

 

Some of the pattern numbers at present over at Wikia Vintage Patterns.  Based on that, the page must be from early 1940's as I've found dates between 1937 and 1942.      

This is delightfully fun !    Enjoy.

Lorrie

Two Birds Art Quilt Practice

Here's the second painted applique piece I put together the other day for practice.

It's smaller, about 10 x 8.5"  Again, same thing ... lightly painted fabric and some applique inspiration from Summer Garden Quilt pattern, which I've now drained of inspiration and placed in my shop. 

I stitched in the birds, the rails and some free form color here and there amongst the paint.

I was surprised how dramatically different they look .... the difference being the camera (first pic), and the scanner (second pic).   The scanner dramatically washes out the color.

As I was working on the birds, the term thread painting popped into my head  and I took a quick break to Google it for tutorials.   I, just as quickly changed my mind.   I definitely don't have the right equipment and setup for that, at this time.   But will put it on my consideration list for that new sewing machine sometime in the future.    For now I'm content on playing and experimenting with the fabric.   I'm looking for my style.   I've also set this one aside, and will come back to it later when I'm ready to experiment with finishing techniques.   Other than that, it is not a keeper.

As I worked, I found myself thinking about how, in my mosaic days, my centerpieces were typically in threes.   I always equated that to be three of us.   I noticed, that I now seem to be doing things in Two's.  How interesting that this evolves ... empty nestors and the subconscious mind.

Lorrie,


 

Art Quilt Stitching Practice

As I was stitching yesterday, I noticed that my machine did not mess up once ... no dragging, no tension issues.   Perhaps it knows I've been talking bad about it.  

I decided to continue right where I left off and pulled out the same brown patterned fabric used in the first practice session.   I cut two smaller pieces; added bits of watered down acrylic paints and let them dry.    

 

Here I have two appliqued flowers and 10 leaves with batting only on the back.  As I was laying them out the name of Standing Guard kept jumping out at me, but I'm certainly far from having anything worth naming quality.     I added stitching to, of course, the leaves and the flowers, as well as freeform stitching here and there to compliment a few of the paint strokes.  

 The stitching is not prominent enough to much tell at a distance.     So, I layed it on the scanner bed (what would fit anyway) and it picks up a bit better.

I'm stopping at this point.   (I'll set it aside for practice when I start on finishing techniques).  What did I learn

• My focal applique pieces are not enough contrast to the background paint.  
• My stitching does not even begin to draw out the features.   

Practice will continue; I have the second piece of semi-painted fabric, which I'll start practice tomorrow.

Lorrie

Brother XL3500 Sewing Machine and Continued Quilt Practice

If I decide I'm going to sew on any kind of a frequent basis, whether it be clothing or art, I'm going to need a new sewing machine.   

Now, in defense of this sad little machine, Brother XL3500, I bought it with the idea that I was going to play with some paper quilting collage and needed it for texture and effects.  I had previously used a machine I inherited from a mother; an inexpensive machine from the 70s that had never had it's finer moments (from my distant memory, she called it alot of different names ... none of them that kind).  I listed it on Freecycle and it was gone really fast.

To pick this machine, I spent a fair amount of time online reading reviews and had reached the decision that this one, for the $129, would meet by paper collage needs.   I realized that the site I was planning on ordering, Precision Sewing, was only a couple miles from the house (go figure the odds of that!).  So, I called them up to see if I could place my order and just drive over and pickup.   I always like the idea of bypassing shipping charges.    The man I reached, after a considerable hold, was what I would call .... UMMMM Really Rude.   He told me that I shouldn't waste my money on a piece of ***** like that and if I wanted to buy a real sewing machine that I should come in and he would help me out.    When I insisted that I wanted this machine, it would my needs, he said they didn't carry it.   (Like why was it listed on their site anyway?).    Needless to say, I was somewhat perturbed and immediately ordered it online from another company and paid the shipping.

When it arrived, I assigned it a designated place in my studio.   I played with it a little, a couple pieces a paper collage, a dress for Lilly, some clothing repairs.   Not much.   Now, about this machine.   It mostly reminds me on when my son was a teenager.   It's hard to get going.  I don't know what you call it, but if its been more than a couple days, you have to manually turn the wheel for several minutes to get it started.   Then, it takes many opportunities to get jammed up on the way.   And, on top of that, it only fills the bobbin half way, making necessary stops every time you get it going well. 

Now, I have an online shop, Todays Treasure, with close to 3000 sewing patterns in inventory and at least another 1000 waiting to be added.   I pick up some of these and have all the ohhs and ahhs of a seamstress.  Just not the talent.  Perhaps, it's time I relearned to sew.  Beau offered to buy me a new one (of my choosing) for Christmas.   I told him, however, that  before I decide on a machine, I should decide just what I'm going to do with it.     Then, perhaps, I'll only have to buy one more machine, versus go through this particular scenario over and over. 

On another note, I continued working on yesterdays practice session.    I fused the applique to my painted fabric, cut out backing fabric and batting and sat down to start the stitching work.     I didn't get too far and what was wrong become obvious very quickly .... it's bunching up.    I decided this was a result of having back the backing sheet on there.    This one I'll toss, and start over again.  

Definitely Not the Summer Garden Applique Wall Hanging

A couple weeks ago, searching for inspiration, I picked up a lot of 23 quilt/applique patterns on Ebay. The picture of the lot was somewhat vague, but when you are in search of inspiration, one must start somewhere. They came in and I placed them on the table of my workbench (where I've been processing patterns) and have been glancing through them.

After much consideration, I decided to start with this one.  (Notice how the two example pictures are just floating ... one over the table and one in the chair seat ... what's up with that!). 

I started to evaluate the fabrics in my cabinet, when I decided that all I really liked about this pattern was the flowers.    (Well, perhaps the birds too, but that will have to be some other day).    So ....

I selected and cut a piece of fabric.  

 

Next, I pulled out the acrylic paints and added a little color. 

Then, selected fabrics and cut out two flowers, their centers and some misc. leaves.

To be continued ....

Simplicity 7607, Basic Vest Sewing Pattern, Full of Long Lost Memories

I was processing patterns (something I do an hour or two each day), and I came across this one - Simplicity 7607.  

 This was simple to process, just four small pieces and a page of instructions.  Super simple beginners pattern.   Then as I was recording the envelope condition the words caught me -- Paula Hundle 4th Hour.     And there I went .... back to 1970.

I'm in the 7th Grade at El Cajon Valley Junior High.    This was the first year in my school life that I am allowed electives.   I studied the choices and had my heart so set on Wood Shop and Art.  But no, my mother required (as she would continue to do), that I take:

1. Sewing; because buying purchased clothing was expensive, and 
2. Typing so that I would have something to fall back on later when my husband left me and I had children to support.

And sewing and typing it was.   But, this entry is about the sewing .... I'll tell you about the typing some other time.

So, sewing it was.    The class (about 15 or us per period, I believe), had an assigned pattern to make.   It was for a skirt and vest combination.    It was this pattern - Simplicity 8917.

Mom and I went shopping for the pattern and materials.   Shopping for us was always a painful experience, we never agreed on much and she liked to look at everything and I was more the grab the first thing and dash kind of person.    Finally, 'we' selected a white, brown and red plaid  type fabric.  I'll never forget it.  
 
And then, for a couple months, about 45 minutes each period, we discussed sewing, learned to use the machine, cut out the tissues, finally the fabric and then began stitching it all together. 

I don't remember hating sewing class until the day, when we were almost done, the teacher made her big SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT.   All the sewing classes, who were making the same pattern, were going to have a BIG FASHION SHOW in the Auditorium.  in front of THE ENTIRE SCHOOL.  

Now, what I've failed to mention, was that I was SHORT, overweight, PERHAPS FAT, with RED HAIR and FRECKLES that led a life of their own all over my face and arms.   Or, in other words, I would rather have died than paraded in that plaid outfit, that made we look like a brick firehouse.

As the day approached, I tried to explain to Mom that I couldn't do it.   Everyone would tease me and I would be humiliated, but she gave me the typical OVER REACTING line, and went back to napping through Merv Griffin.

Each day dragged slowly by as we mastered the zipper and the hem.    (Did I mention the days dragged by).   And then, the end of the semester happened; just like I knew it would.  


It dawned a bright and sunny day, of course.   Fortunately, Mom had to work and wasn't able to to come to our fashion show.    The morning lasted an eternity.   And then, right after lunch, all of us 'sewing class' girls went to the gym and put on our outfits and proceeded to the auditorium (aka cafeteria).    Now, I suppose that I wasn't the only girl not looking forward to this.  But I don't really know. I didn't have any friends in the 7th grade; they were not something Mom looked favorably upon.  I now wish I had a picture to show you; but to my knowledge, one was not taken.

We were lined up single file, and one by one, about a minute apart, we walked out onto the stage, made a turn around, and walked to the back where we were set into rows.  When my turn came, I dragged out.  There were of course, some laughs, and a few mean remarks hurled towards the stage by the up-and-coming guys and hip girls.    I wanted to die, but I made back to my spot in the rows.   And then, it was all over and we were dismissed to go back to the gym to change.   I went home instead.    School never asked why I didn't go to afternoon classes, and Mom didn't remember at all, but just came home and snoozed through Merv Griffin.  

I never took another sewing class.

Which brings me back to Simplicity 7607.   Other than being slightly dogeared, the pattern is in perfect condition and awaiting some beginner sewer wanting to make a slightly mandarin looking vest.    Who-ever you are Puala Hundle, I hope it was an okay experience !

Hoodie Jacket Re-Do

Two years back we went to California for vacation and did the Coastal drive.   The weather was much cooler than we anticipated and we made a quick stop by a Target to pick-up something to keep us abit warmer.   For me, that was a plain Hoodie Jacket, that I recall, was on final clearance for $4.  (it being May and the demand for Hoodies apparently being low).  It did a good job.  When I got home, it was placed in the laundry closet, along with the other 'seldom worn' jackets.   Fast forward almost three years and I started the task of cleaning the closet.  (Still dabble in my downsizing concept .... with very little progress).   I tossed the Hoodie in the 'Give Away' box, then, started having second thoughts ..... maybe a Re-do is in order !

A couple hours later .... Hoodie Jacket Re-do.   Now, I know this isn't going to win any prices, but I will, most likely, wear it once in awhile.   AND, it felt really good having a creative thought.

Completion of the closet awaits some other day.

New Years Resolution - 2011

Every year I make a New Years resolution.   Typically it is the same one .... I resolve to be a nicer person.  Well, not this year.   I've decided that this a probably as nice as it gets.

So, after two weeks of thoughts, I'm resolving to give up online Mah Jong Solitare.   Why ... well, because I go in for a game or two and emerge two hours later.   It is eating up large amounts of time (not that I have a whole lot to do),  and it is time I move on. 

In case, you would like to take my place, it's Dark Dimensions.





P.S.  I'm starting to feel much better and hope to return to a state of creativity soon.

Safe Harbor Fund Raising Event, Honey Gold & Vista

The other day, I met a very nice woman who is part of an upcoming event for Safe Harbor House, a domestic violence help organization for women and children.    She is helping to sponsor a fundraiser to benefit Safe Harbor.   In our conversation, she indicated some of the items they had received and other items that people were making to donate.   

Right about there, the lightbulb went on .... the Downsizing Box a Day Project that seems to have fallen on the back burner ... and I immediately committed to donating two pieces of art that I have stored away in the attic. 

On Friday I climbed up the fold-down stairs and started looking.   Well, most of the boxes are gone, but there are stacks of pictures, some framed, some panels and a number of concrete disk works, along with a few tables and mirrors.     I selected two items.  

They took a minimal amount of cleaning.   Surprising how clean the attic actually is ... more dust in the house than the attic. 

The two pieces I chose to donate for this event are :

Honey Gold

18" x 18" Mosaic Mirror

This piece was named for the china pattern of the primary glass.  It also incorporates in a few beads and glass gems.   Believe I created this around 1983.  

Vista

32" x 26" Mosaic, framed wall art

I'm not sure that I ever named this piece.   I went back through the Art Diary looking for it, but to no avail, which would imply that it was created 1986 or 1987.    The back was blank.  Apparently, I completed it, and had it hauled on upstairs to make room for the next project.    

I hope these two will assist in raising a few dollars to help a family. 

Just Like Moms' Electric Sissors

Last year I added a pair of electric sissors to my Christmas list.   I thought if I ever started any real 'sewing' (you know, versus the pretend) they would come in handy.    Beau bought me a pair online that he claims he even researched and they had good reviews.   The did a real good job cutting paper; but anything more than 1 layer of lightweight fabric, was out of the question.    I decided to keep them, however, as I do periodically go off on paper cutting spells. 

Sometime, earlier in the year, I brought home a big box of fabrics.   Stuck down in the box was a pair of electric sissors.    Although I didn't check to see if they worked, I tucked them away in a cabinet.

The other day, I was processing patterns for the Todays Treasure shop and I came across New Look 6720 and thought I'd make myself a pair of these wonderfully comfortable looking shorts.      I selected a piece of maroon, lightly pattern fabric from the cabinet and then, remembered I had the electric sissors.    Out they came.

Now, these sissors are quite old, evidenced by the lack of a polarized plug.  I cut out and pinned down the pattern and plugged in the sissors.   With great anticipation, I pressed the 'Geaux' button.

I remember in my early teenage years, Mother had a pair just like these, except they were pink; and I was never allowed to use them.   When she had the time, she loved to sew.    She layed the fabric out, and it seemed, just when I was watching something really great on TV, she'd turn them on and the loud HUMMMMMMMM, accompanied the the vibration from the tabletop, would drown out everything.   Well, maybe it's a slight exaggeration, but, they were loud.   Just like these.   And, not only did they make that vibrating I sound I recalled, I could feel the vibration in my hands.    And, do they cut ?   Why yes, they do.   Wonderfully.    The only deficiency I can find is the light doesn't turn.    I'll have to see if these tiny bulbs are still available. 

I image someone became to old to sew, or perhaps past on, and their loved fabrics were put into a yard sale.   Perhaps they were sad; perhaps they didn't care.   But either, whoever you are, I love these sissors and promise to put them to good use.  

Yard Sale Saturday, 9/25/10

A local Church hosted a yardsale to raise funds for their Youth Group.   The sign said it started at 8am.   I drove over around 7:30 with my coffee and a book, thinking I'd just hang out and watch the people until it started.    I don't know what time they actually opened the doors, but it was in full swing when I got there. 

I don't know who oversaw pricing of the donations, but they obviously were not very interested in raising very much money for their youth.    Case in hand, fabric (often several yards), marked at 10 cents each !

I didn't haul very much away, because the truth of it all is I don't need much in the line of arts/crafts supplies, coupled with the fact that I'm supposed to be downsizing !!!  

Finds:   
3 pieces of fabric, each with more than 2 yards.    They have no immediate plans other than inventory.
2 unused rubber stamps for 25 cents each
1 plastic bag with jewelry related items for 50 cents (these also put away as inventory)
A set of Tandy Leather working tools & supplies for $1.00.   I purchased for the tools.   They have a variety of shapes, hearts, leaves, sun, moon, etc.    I don't do leather work (not yet anyway), but thought they could by used on soft metals, clay, etc.   I also kept the leather laces and put in my 'strings' box.   The rest, a couple wallet kits and quite a few leather patterns, I put into a big plastic zip-lock bag and dropped in the Grans Donation box.

Well, although I love a great bargain, just like anything else, $2.30 was way to little for these objects (particularly when the money if for the teens) and I gave them $5.00.   Which still isn't much, but better than the $2.30

Yard Sale Saturday, 9/4/2010

As I've going though 'stuff' and trying to downsize just a bit, I haven't been going to yard sales.   The idea seemed abit counter-productive.    Beau, however, each Thursday, has been dutifully laying out the yard sale ads for me ... just in case.   I'll admit, I have looked, with the idea that should one of the churches have a sale, I might consider that.     Which, is just exactly what happened.    This morning the church up above Mr. Fish was having their annual.   And, since I go to that every year, I had to go.  

They didn't have nearly as much 'stuff' as was usual, but still enough to keep me occupied for an hour.  

Finds ....

• A fabric covered sewing box filled with embroidery threads.    I didn't need the box, and, after taking out the threads, gave it back to them to sell again.    The threads are good timing; I'm running low on the bright colors for the Padillies.
• A variety of laces.    One of these is a collar that I have immediate plans for; the rest will go to inventory. 
• 6 Pins ... the type that go on clothing or bags.    Not sure why I'm still collecting these; must have at least 70 or 80 by now.   By, I am, and a quarter each is a fine price. 
• A necklace made up of different sized silver metal disks.   Think I'll take this partially apart and attach it to a bag.  

Although it was fun, I still don't plan to return to my established yard sale circle until, at least, October, or later.

Provencial Bouquet - Day 4 of Box a Day Mission

Ya, I know ... it's been way more than 4 days.  Call this Good Intention meets procrastination !

Beau opened this box, he thought he saw a wood roach and rushed it to the Garage, where he opened, and thankfully, reported it was bug free (not that bugs would hurt mosaic any; it is just the thought ... he did head off however, to spray the attic ... just in case).

This piece is called Provencial Bouquet and is dated (one the back), March 2002.     And, of course, I remember it well.   It was made with a set of dishes I brought home called .... drumroll please .... Provencial Bouquet.   I suppose I was not to imaginative in the names, having a tendency to name pieces after the primary china pattern.  The dishes had the flower motif in the center and the edges were rimmed with the small blue flowers and dots.  It measures 11" Tall, 12" wide and the shelf stands out 5 1/2".  It has 4 pegs and weighs a whopping


This is, of course, a Peg Wall Shelf piece.   The first year or two that I worked mosaics, I had a tendency to craft functional items.   Functional pieces are wonderful blocks to build skills upon.  It is a real pretty piece, such a shame it's been in the attic so long.

I'm going to list it on Ebay and if it doesn't sell (Ebay is not really a great place to sell mosaics), I'll put it in my shop.    

In The Garden, Day Three of Box A Day Mission

I'm already behind, as well as falling short, on My Mission.   Beau did get me the box for Day Three, and I did open it, but then it sat on the table in my Studio for the next Three Days.     I'm still calling it day three though.   I figure, it's my Mission and I'll call it whatever I want.  

In the Garden, a mosaic wall plaque created (signed and dated on back) create December, 2001.    And, although this one was also before the Art Diary, I do remember it clearly.    I picked up 8 large Correll Dinner Plates at a yard sale (of course).   They were an off-white with the flowerpot motif and words, In The Garden, on each.    You know Correll, those plates that are supposed to be really difficult to break.    And yep, they are.    I tried using my Nippers and, instead of breaking apart in chunks, they shatter into slivers of very thin glass.   I went through all 8 plates to get one flowerpot and words set.    At one point, I hit one of the plates with a hammer (ya ... I was getting agitated), and nothing; it didn't break.      So, if you need really sturdy dinnerware; I highly recommend this brand.     I never purchased this type of plate again. 

Anyway, back to 'In the Garden'.    This piece is 13" wide by 8" high by 1" and weighs in at 2.10 pounds.  Other than the Correll motif, it is created with plate glass, from saucers, I think and some of the Blue Roses China that was in the Day 1 Mission Vase.   This style is called pique assiette, which means randomly places.   It is surrounded with dark blue glass gems and is on a piece of MDF, which makes it suitable only for indoor display. 

I'm going to put it my Shop for a few months, at a very reasonable price, and see if anyone is interested. 


 

Fabric Beaded Necklace, No More

A couple times last year, as you may recall, I created Fabric Beaded Necklaces from a variety of vintage scarves and fabrics.     I took these with me to a couple craft fairs and then put in my CTStudios shop.      A couple sold at the art/craft fairs, and although they garnered a lot of views in the shop, their were no further sales. 

I've been thinking about these for awhile ... along with the charm and fabric bracelet items in my shop.   I mostly think that they are out of par with what I create.   They were a fun little sidetrack, but largely not what I'm about, or what I create.    So, I decided to just get rid of them and then I wouldn't have to ponder the thought any more.     Kind of like one more act of downsizing, I suppose.  

So, I pondered the options ...

• Garbage ... well no, they certainly do not warrant that extreme of a measure ...
• Donate to Grans or Restore .... good option 

and then ..... I was thinking that the other thing on my list today was to get a box ready to ship the Big Blue Rose Vase to my sister.    And, just like that, the answer.  

I took all these sweet little fabric beaded necklaces (that, honestly, probably went out of style in the 90s ... I'm always just a little bit out of date) and stuffed them into the Vase!    I'll send most of them to my sister.    (She is a psychologist at a Veterans Home (Men & Women), and I thought, perhaps, she could give them out to some of the ladies when they were in need of some cheer ... or give to her local Goodwill, or whatever.  I put two in my closet ... perhaps I'll wear them someday, and I put two in Lilly's future dress-up box. 

Whew ... closed up the box and felt so accomplished .... one more act of downsizing and no more seeing something in my shop, that really doesn't belong there.  

Duck On In ; Day Two of the Box A Day Mission

 Beau, in preparation of my 'clear a box a day' from the attic mission had set one at the edge yesterday, so this morning, all he had to do was climb half way up and grab the box, delivered to me with a smile.

Duck On In written on the side of the not very heavy box.    Vaguely familiar, but if there had been money stacked on my being able to describe the contents, I'd be a few dollars shorter.   So, again, grabbed the box knife and cut it open.   Carefully wrapped in paper and placed amongst a bunch of styro-foam beads ...

 Well yes, I do remember this piece.   Beau had a set of coffee cups with Ducks on them when I married them.   After looking at them for a good 10 years or so, I was getting ready to add these to the donation box when the Duck On In thought struck and I headed with them out to my studio, where I cut those ducks right out of the cup and put it all together on this very simply wall plaque.   The back is signed and dated February 2002, before I'd started the Art Diary, so it was completely undocumented.  

What to do with it ... well, decided to list it out on Ebay for a Very Reasonable cost, as putting it back in the attic isn't going to be an option.     If it doesn't sell in the week, I'll place it in the Box for the Habitat Restore.

Blue Floral Vase

Periodically, I get in this downsizing mode.  The ultimate desire being to have only those things that we love, or those things that we use; disposing of all the clutter.  Much easier said than done, as you might imagine.  Well, I'm back in this phase.   (In fact, I'm so in this phase that I haven't even been going to yard sales !).   So far, through the last week, I've turned over 5 boxes of stuff to the Restore and listed a small variety of listings in Ebay.  

Along these general lines, I found myself thinking about all that stuff in the attic.  See, when I used to finish art projects, I'd dispatch them off to closets, and then, when the closets were, full, Beau would haul to the attic for me.    This morning, I asked him to go up and bring down one box from the 'art' section, with the perception that I would take whatever it was and make a decision on what to do with it ... and then do it.  

He came down with this box, which was marked Blue Floral Vase.

It was my handwriting, but Blue Floral Vase certainly was not ringing any bells.    A couple quick swipes of the box knife, and there she is ...

And whoa ... a whole lot of remembering going.  

I purchased a set of china, believe the name was Blue Rose, at a yard sale at a give away price.  It seemed much to nice to chop up for mosaic tiles, so I sold it on Ebay for $150.   Unfortunately, I either didn't pack it well enough, or the Post Office over manhandled it, and a number pieces were broken.   The buyer sent it back to me, I refunded her money and filed my claim with the Post Office.    Interestingly enough, they gave me the majority of china, somewhat broken, back.   So, in the end, I still had the china and spread it out and processed all of it into mosaic tiles. 

I created this vase with that china, along with some solid plate glass in white and blue.   She is grouted in white.  She weighs 6 1/2 pounds (certainly heavy enough to hold a large bouquet), stands a proud 10 1/2" tall, is 26" around at the middle and narrows to a small opening of 3" across.  

Now, I said I was going to decide what to do with whatever came down TODAY.   What pressure.    I thought that I should take pictures and put her in my CTStudios shop, but in the end, that means that she would go back into storage of sorts .... ah gosh ... this deciding in a day suck !

Perhaps I'll send her to my sister; I've not given her a vase and this one would certainly be a surprise.