Notes from the Patch

Sweet Valentine wishes

 
This weekend was just what the doctor ordered.

I nursed my cold, attended an amazing craft and hobby show in Los Angeles and decorated my table for Valentine's Day.

I'll have to wait a few weeks to show you the incredible ribbons, fabric, trims and flowers I found at the show but I can show you my table.

It all started with this

I first saw this cupcake stand at Christmas time. My daughter in law's mother gave her one for Christmas and after helping decorate hers I knew I had to have one too. 

A few weeks ago Jenn's mom surprised me by sending me one. I immediately started planning  how I would decorate it. I started searching for candle holders to go there on those twelve arms, but everything I found was eight to twelve dollars each and there was no way I could buy enough for my project at those prices so I made a trip to Smart and Final for these.

  
I purchased all twelve for less than one of those fancy smancy ones. I added a square of torn antique paper and some scrapbook elements...

...a snip of silk ribbon.

It all took just minutes per candle.

I think they turned out pretty cute.

I filled my antique apothecary jars with cheap candy from Smart and Final

 and sprinkled the table top with Red Hots.

The Valentine dishes and linen are from Home Goods.  

Home Goods has those amazing cupcake holders too!

 

Happy Valentines's Day, Sweets!

Encourage one another,

Out of the mouths of babes

I wanted you all to read the comment left by Kara to my last post. 

Dearest Captain, As I have learned and can testify, my greatest gifts, blessings, and growth have risen out of my unknown moments (weeks, months). If I had -planned everything, I would not be who I am today because I am so limited in what I can see happen. I love that God is SO much bigger than us, our problems, our expectations! No one ever has the situation that God cannot handle or hold in His hands. Even when God reveals some answers, I believe that He uses these things to stretch our hearts, challenge our patience with faith in Him, and keep us excited about His amazing plan for Him. Above all, sit in the TRUTH that He does have you in His hands, in His plan and even though it takes an extra measure of trust today, tomorrow you will look back and smile at His glorious provision. Lay it at His feet, He always provides wisdom, peace, & joy...He might be waiting for you to lay the issues down. Love you!

God has blessed me by bringing such amazing women into my life. Kara is truly an old soul. Not yet thirty, but so wise. She constantly amazes me with her faith and wisdom. I wanted to share this because I know many of you have questions about your life, your future or your relationships. 

I love you too Kara!

Encourage one another,

PS Kara: I have given this to God. Are you kidding me? You know me. I delegate everything!

 

Life Lessons

I normally think of myself as a pretty patient person, but it's at trying times like these that makes me think that I'm being tested.

Like I have a lot to learn about patience and timing and that there is a lesson here that I need to learn before I can move on.

The hard thing for me is that I can't share, or at lease I won't share until things are finally resolved.

Someday this will make some great blog fodder.

Anyway. Right now, I'm feeling a bit disjointed. Not sure what my future looks like and for me that's hard because, being the creative person that I am, I usually can imagine my future right down to the smallest embellished detail and in living color.

What I do know is that it will all work out for the best.

It always does.

That much my friend is what I absolutely know for sure!

I just need to be patient and wait for it all to unfold.

In good time.

 

Encourage one another,

 

A little more woven sunshine

I thought I would try and brighten  a gray day with three new pieces that arrived this week from Lecien.

These are called Vintage Art Store. Same print, different colorways.

And this is "Old New Collection" (What the heck" Hey, I don't name 'em just report 'em.) from the 30's.

 A good excuse to dig out old props and play a bit.

I'm off to sunnier skies after work. Saturday I plan on working on my Valentine tablescape, then on Sunday I will be attending the Craft and Hobby Show in Los Angeles. 

What fun things do you all have planned for the last weekend in January? Hope it's bright and fun and filled with creativity.

Encourage one another,

 

Sunshine by the yard

You are my sunshine

 

my fabric sunshine.

 

You make me happy

 

 

when skies are grey.

 

You'll never know dear

 

how much I love you.

 

Please come take

 

my sunshine

away.

 

Encourage one another,

Always looking for the rainbows

Guess where I was on Sunday?

If you guessed Anthropology, you're good!

Now, can you guess what these colorful objects are there in the window?

Here's a closer look.

Yup. CLOSE PINS!

Have I told you how much I love Anthropology?

Brilliant, I say. Just Brilliant.

Anthropology, I'm so copying you!

Encourage one another,

Sunday's sunset

Goodbye sunshine. 

 I'm going to miss you! 

It's back to Bakersfield and the cold gray fog for me. 

Encourage one another,

 

The Tale of Two Cities

I guess you could sum up my week as, it was the best of times and the worst of times.

I was dreading it. Big time.

I had my three month scope with Dr W. He said, in his words, "You have a beautiful bladder". (Thank you very much, she said proudly).

I had my six month appointment with my darling dentist. Normally I don't mind the dentist but I had a tooth that had been bothering me and I had convinced myself that I was going to need a root canal, a crown, an implant and a loan. Fortunately he couldn't find a thing wrong and sent me on my way with shinny clean pearly whites. (It hasn't bothered me since). 

We had Bernina Club, appointments with salesman and district managers. People were in and out measuring for carpet and paint. We were busy and short handed. 

My sister and brother in law are staying with us for a few weeks and I hated being too busy to be the proper hostess.

Things were, in a word, crazy!

By late Thursday afternoon I wanted to dance a jig. I'd entered into that black hole of a week and come out on the other side whole, healthy and amazingly sane.  It was all good.

Friday Bill and I celebrated by running away to Los Angeles to attend the LA Gift Show, something I haven't done in years. I was looking for some display ideas, flooring options and gifts for the store. Score. Score. Score!

What was funny was that we both constantly found ourselves looking for ideas and supplies for our granddaughters budding jewelry business. We found her some cute charms, chains, gift boxes, and one of those black velvet tee bars to display her finished necklaces on for her jewelry show. Such silly grandparents.

What am I doing today you ask? I'm staying in my jammies, all day and sewing. I need some "me" time. Big time! 

Encourage one another,

 

 

Tuesday, busy Tuesday

This week has been so busy. As Bill packed my lunch he asked if last nights left over soup was okay or would I prefer something a bit more "portable". We laughed because he knows I often literally eat on the run. (It's hard to eat soup while running without slopping it down your shirt). 

Several weeks ago a salesman that I had never met called for an appointment.

I asked him what lines he represented.

When he listed them I agreed to meet with him but warned him that I probably wouldn't be buying much since the lines he represented weren't ones I normally buy.

Today we spent several hours together and I was delightfully surprised (when the sales totals were tallied I think he was surprised and delighted too). I bought some fabulous collections from several different manufactures and the pattern, fabric and hardware for this little gem...

Annette was working with me and it didn't take much to talk her into teaching a class.

The pattern, fabric and hardware are from Ellen Medlock.

I love that the handles can be removed and a new cloth handbag can be attached. Can't you just imagine this bag in acool tapestry or vintage fabric?

Here are a couple more styles we loved. Look at the keys there on the chain handle. Oh my gosh. Just too stink'n cute! We even ordered the fabric that Ellen designed and used in these samples.

 

If you're interested in classes or patterns leave a comment or call the store  and we'll let you know when everything arrives in a week or so.

 

Encourage one another,

PS: Bernina Club is this week and we hope you'll come. Who knows, you just might win a prize. See you there.

A perfect weekend

 

 

 Encourage one another,