Showing posts with label its. Show all posts
Showing posts with label its. Show all posts
Dalston Flower Show its blooming marvellous!
Dalston Flower Show its blooming marvellous!
The Dalston Flower Show, centered on the award winning Eastern Curve Garden, kicked off three weeks of floral festivities in Dalston last weekend.
It has been been attracting a lot of attention in the national press as well as our local press - being described as "a hub of Chelsea Fringe activity" and a "hipsters Eden" (Do hipsters mulch? Ed.).
photo © ExyztThe old Eastern Curve railway line was first re-opened as a public space when the Dalston Mill was built in July 2009. Since that time, after a lot of hard work and community involvement, the garden was created and it has become a destination for the thousands who have attended the huge variety of events there over the last two years.
View of the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden - Susannah Ireland
"We hope that this place will be a revelation to people," said Marie Murray, an OPEN Dalston member who tends the Eastern Curve Garden. "The No 1 reason for this garden was to be a breathing space which would allow children and adults to connect with nature. Tending a public garden teaches independence and civic pride – it is amazing the effect it has on people."
photo © Amina Marshall, an image of a flower growing in Dalston, submitted as part of the Dalston Flower Show.
Dalston Flower Show its blooming marvellous!
Writing A Craft Book Why Its Important To Share Your Ideas
Writing A Craft Book Why Its Important To Share Your Ideas
(Note: I originally wrote the following blog post on March 3, 2014...since publishing this
post, I have now published my second book, Soldered Alchemy):
A few days ago I got an advance shipment of my new book, Boho Chic Jewelry,
and I couldnt be more excited! Yay! Its finally here!
Hot off the press!
Writing the book was tremendous work, but so worth it. To be able to share ideas
and inspire other people to create is priceless. I know that many of you who follow
this blog are artists of one medium or another, so I think you can understand what I
mean when I say that you cant rush creativity. Working under writing deadlines
is hard work and can be very stressful, but the rewards of having a finished book in
your hands are greater than youd think. Its all about sharing what you know
with others, so that they can learn and create too!
Back and front covers of BoHo Chic Jewelry book
When my publisher first approached me about writing the book, it was a lot to think
about. A couple of friends and relatives asked me things like, "Do you really want to
give away all of your secrets and techniques?" and, "You worked so hard to build
your business up to what it is today, why would you want to give all of that away to
strangers?" But I didnt have to think about it for very long at all.
First of all, writing a book is a huge opportunity, and most folks go about it by putting
together proposals and approaching publishers on their own. Because the publisher
approached me instead of vice versa, I actually felt completely honored that they thought
my work, designs, and ideas were good enough to warrant publication. I had been creating
my china jewelry for many years. But I also create other types of jewelry too!
Probably the one thing that ties all of my work together is that I use unusual
materials in most of my designs. I saw this (publishing a book) as not just an
opportunity to show others how to create jewelry from broken china, but to
show others how they can create jewelry from all types of other materials too. Writing
this book was a chance to help other people explore and use their own creativity!
What could be better than that?
Pendants made from an antique glass buttons by Laura Beth Love - DIY instructions can be found
in the book BoHo Chic Jewelry
For this book, I had to put together twenty five different projects...that isnt just a lot
of ideas, its also a lot of different ways to give people to look at things creatively!
So most importantly, in writing this book, I had the opportunity to inspire others.
That was reason enough for me.
But little did I know of the rewards that would come once I started writing and putting
the projects together. They were greater than I ever could imagine.
(continued...)
Read on to the next post in this series:
Writing A Craft Book: The Fascinating Rewards That Come From Sharing What You Know
post, I have now published my second book, Soldered Alchemy):
A few days ago I got an advance shipment of my new book, Boho Chic Jewelry,
and I couldnt be more excited! Yay! Its finally here!
Writing the book was tremendous work, but so worth it. To be able to share ideas
and inspire other people to create is priceless. I know that many of you who follow
this blog are artists of one medium or another, so I think you can understand what I
mean when I say that you cant rush creativity. Working under writing deadlines
is hard work and can be very stressful, but the rewards of having a finished book in
your hands are greater than youd think. Its all about sharing what you know
with others, so that they can learn and create too!
When my publisher first approached me about writing the book, it was a lot to think
about. A couple of friends and relatives asked me things like, "Do you really want to
give away all of your secrets and techniques?" and, "You worked so hard to build
your business up to what it is today, why would you want to give all of that away to
strangers?" But I didnt have to think about it for very long at all.
First of all, writing a book is a huge opportunity, and most folks go about it by putting
together proposals and approaching publishers on their own. Because the publisher
approached me instead of vice versa, I actually felt completely honored that they thought
my work, designs, and ideas were good enough to warrant publication. I had been creating
my china jewelry for many years. But I also create other types of jewelry too!
Probably the one thing that ties all of my work together is that I use unusual
materials in most of my designs. I saw this (publishing a book) as not just an
opportunity to show others how to create jewelry from broken china, but to
show others how they can create jewelry from all types of other materials too. Writing
this book was a chance to help other people explore and use their own creativity!
What could be better than that?
in the book BoHo Chic Jewelry
For this book, I had to put together twenty five different projects...that isnt just a lot
of ideas, its also a lot of different ways to give people to look at things creatively!
So most importantly, in writing this book, I had the opportunity to inspire others.
That was reason enough for me.
But little did I know of the rewards that would come once I started writing and putting
the projects together. They were greater than I ever could imagine.
(continued...)
Read on to the next post in this series:
Writing A Craft Book: The Fascinating Rewards That Come From Sharing What You Know
What do you think?
Check out my new diy jewelry books on amazon!
Learn how to solder and make unique jewelry!
Writing A Craft Book Why Its Important To Share Your Ideas
All of The Sudden Its Winter
All of The Sudden Its Winter
Winter has finally come to my neck of the woods and I can honestly tell you that Jack Frost is not high on my list of faves right now. Dang it, I forgot how cold winter is. I thought I was ready but maybe not quite yet. My raised bed garden is looking pretty sad right about now. Part of my heart sings about that and the other part is in a schizophrenic depression. It changes hour by hour.
The chickens werent totally sure the first time they came out into the snow. Funny thing was I couldnt figure out what was wrong with the chickens. Silly us. We were all having a brain malfunction!
We added this little shelf and mini fridge to the chicken house this morning. We figured that with both of us working we would not always be available for egg dispersal. Now we have serve yourself. This also solves the problem of having too many dozen in the fridge inside the house. This will easily hold more than I care to stock. I thought I would let my daughter make a money can for the folks that want to pick up eggs this way.
This ought to work like a dream. There are actually some folks in my town who live rurally and have a full size refrigerator out by the highway. People are welcome to just help themselves. I have always wondered if everyone pays or if they get stiffed with any regularity. I havent had the nerve to ask them yet. I figure this will be somewhat more controlled. Only those we want to know about it will.
And just for fun a cute picture of one of the boys! They are so darn sweet! We play with them every day and every day shows strides in what they learn. No buyers remorse here~
All of The Sudden Its Winter
Its Here Downton Day is finally here! Happy viewing
Its Here Downton Day is finally here! Happy viewing
Finally! I have bided my time waiting for Season 3 of Masterpiece Classics Downton Abbey watching the Notre Dame football team go 12-0 and become number one in the country, Memorial Day, Wimbledon, Labor Day, the US Open, Halloween, Christmas and New Years, etc.
But, alas, the time has finally come. It is so funny how people are making such a big deal about this but if you dont get, you obviously arent watching. I cannot wait for those first few beats of that invigorating music, the ringing of the bells on the servant wall, etc. I cannot wait. I hope you are excited too and I simply wanted to wish you all Happy Viewing.
I have not cheated and read the spoilers so I really only have a few inklings of what is in store for the Crawleys. Are you going to watch? There is so much going on with the NFL playoffs and Once Upon A Time coming back on but Downton will reign supreme tonight for me! Enjoy!
Its Here Downton Day is finally here! Happy viewing
Its been all about SNOW and SOCHI!
Its been all about SNOW and SOCHI!
I love the OLYMPICS! I always have. Growing up we would gather around the TV every night as a family and cheer on the USA. It was so much easier when it was on one channel and there was no social media for distractions and opinions. Those were the good old days. Dont get me wrong, I love that it is on multiple cable channels and I can tweet and Facebook all about the Sochi games but there was just something magical about a simpler time when everyone watched the Olympic games because there wasnt much else on the other channels before cable.
I live in the Chicago area which can be described with one word as of late... SNOW! We have been getting snowstorm after snowstorm and keeping up with the shoveling has been quite the task. We are currently at the 5th snowiest winters here and it is nowhere close to being over. There is seriously nowhere to put it anymore. I have this mountain of snow at my front door that I think will melt by May if Im lucky!
But like they say, when life give you lemons, make lemonade. So I took advantage of our latest 6" of snow and marched out a big USA as a shout out to our athletes and troops overseas.
The rings on the house were made by my Dad for the Olympics back in 1984 and they have been displayed during every Olympiad since - summer and winter - spotlighted at night. I love them.
The Olympic swag is getting more and more expensive since Ralph Lauren has become the official outfitter of Team USA. I did get a pair of the GO USA mittens as shown above. But as I was turning them inside out to dry after a shoveling episode, I saw the tag shows they were MADE IN CHINA! Wha????? Seriously? If you recall during the past Olympic that Ralph Lauren designed for, his brand was lambasted because the uniforms for the American athletes were not made in the USA. And yet, the Team USA mittens from the USOC were Made in China. I dont get it. But they are cute so I have been wearing them since I received them as a gift in December.
With regards to the quite unpopular Ralph Lauren Opening Ceremony Cardigan sweater, I LOVE IT. I think the story of how it was made and all of the thought and hand crafting that went into it, I think it was spectacular. And if you doubted it, how can you argue with the way that TEAM USA looked walking into the Opening Ceremonies awash in a sea of stars and stripes. Bravo Mr. Lauren!
I am also quite the fan of the flag crew sweater by Ralph Lauren. This would look great under a vest with the Olympic patch on the sleeve. I only wish they werent so pricey. I will hunt these down on Ebay for years to come.
This sweater by Ralph Lauren for the closing ceremonies is my favorite. The Olympic rings on the back are perfect and the front with the traditional reindeer and snowflake motif is quintessential Ralph.
The price of the TEAM USA cardigan was $598 and I was shocked to find out it had sold out completely online. But then hearing there were only 324 available, I understood. SO many people hated them and claimed they looked like a 3rd grade teachers sweater, an ugly Christmas sweater, or a cardigan your grandmother would wear. But I dont agree. I think they are quite awesome and hope to own one someday. Although, to see them going for almost $3,000 on Ebay .... well, that is a tad ridiculous.
So, I am looking forward to Spring - especially spray painting weather. I have a few projects in the works - trying to give my ugly fridge a cheap makeover so hopefully I will be posting that in the next week. The weather hasnt been my friend trying to bring molding in from the garage in 10 inches of snow. Once the weather finally breaks, hopefully my lazy streak will as well. Althought, the temperature is supposed to be back down to 3 next week. I hope the Easter Bunny has a snowmobile!
Its been all about SNOW and SOCHI!
Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Open House 2015!
Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Open House 2015!
I KNOW it Columbus Day weekend! And Autumn is my favorite season so I am by no means rushing Santa Claus; however, this post featuring The Village Shoppes in New Carlisle, Indiana, has become an annual tradition and it is indeed that time of the year... The 2015 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE!
It has been a spectacularly warm Fall season thus far here in the Midwest! It has been in the 80s and warm, dry and with brilliant blue skies and abundant sunshine! The leaves are just beginning to change. the colder temperatures are becoming more frequent and, of course, fleeting thoughts are starting to turn to the holiday season.
Before I begin with the barrage of yuletide awesomeness, lets review... The Village Shoppes consists of two home interior stores across the street from one another in the quaint little town of New Carlisle, Indiana. I remember first going there with my Mom and Dad and sisters years ago and upon the first visit, we instantly fell in love and it was always at the top of the list for a road trip no matter what time of the year. It is just a little over one hour to drive in from Illinois and about a 20 minute drive from South Bend. If, after reading this post, you still havent had your fill of all things holiday, please check out my account of previous years here and here.
With both my parents now gone, walking through the doors always warms my heart with memories of visits of yore. And yet the reminiscing instantly fades as I am almost instantly awestruck by the gorgeousness before me. A visit to "Bills", as we call it in reference to the owner Mr. Bill Sutton, is always an amazing treat for the senses with so much to see, touch, taste, hear and smell.
This year we went on Sunday, the day after the Notre Dame vs. Navy football game. I never go the first day because the crowds are pretty intense. I like to go late in the day on the second day as I have time and space to fully take it all in. I actually go both Open House weekends because it really it too much to take in with just one visit. And there is no such thing as too much Village Shoppes! :-)
The wonderful thing about this store is the cacophony of decor in all different color schemes and home interior stylings. No matter with whom you visit, there is most definitely something for everyones taste, every price point and even the most finicky decorator. I was quite taken with these adorable black and white and sparkly plaques in different scenes and shapes.
With the popularity of HGTVs Fixer Upper with Chip n Jojo, the rustic farmhouse, industrial trend was definitely and most perfectly a highlight for me this visit.
I couldnt love this rustic elk shelf more! So delish!
Cute. Cute. Cute.
These rustic houses have a hole in the bottom so your can add lights! SO charming!
I love signs! All year, all seasons, all sayings and this store does not disappoint!
These arrows are quite adorable! I thought they were reversible but they were not.
Fell in love with this little beauty and yet so did my friend. I acquiesced and allowed her to have it. I just have so much and this way when I go and visit her house I get to enjoy it too.
If you ever hear of a support group for throw pillow addicts, please clue me in. I can never seem to get enough! This years collection at the Village Shoppes was over the top spectacular. I liked one better than the next although my favorite one was the Halloween one! So hard to resist!
Plaid anything is like my kryptonite! I have no power against it!
Totally Totes McGoats!
How elegantly creepy this this? That brooch on the black and white stripe is spectacular!
Elegant red and green and a classic topiary!
Just SO pretty!
This beverage cart.... PERFECTION.
Who knew sage and silver could be so wonderful at Christmas?
Who doesnt love a nutcracker at Christmas?
Those lanterns... STOP. Just STOP.
Totally whimsical and totally adorable.
Holiday topiaries. So pretty.
One of my fave things of the day - these lovely ornament crystals.
Lantern love.
SO many beautiful vignettes! It is hard to pick one favorite theme or color palette. This was indeed one of the best displays ever. I wasnt overly thrilled with last year and so the fact that the ridiculously talented design team knocked it out of the park this year is all the more exciting.
My ultimate favorite item of the day were these amazingly spectacularly fantabulous toboggan shelves!
It was most definitely love at first sight! Alas, the price was a bit too steep at $140. They only have this one set left as they sold the other one as soon as they placed it on the wall. #LOVE
OMG they are so FANTASTIC! I need these in my life! And my house! LOL
Oh and this table.... SWOON! How perfectly perfect is this? UGH. Just stop it.
So that is my field trip report on the 2015 Village Shoppes Open House! I hope you enjoyed the pictures of all the amazing decor, inspiration and imagination. If you ever get a chance to visit this retailer, DO SO! And if you live in the area - by area I mean within a thousand miles or so - run, dont walk here! You will be so glad you did.
For their website with hours and directions... click HERE!
Happy Columbus Day, Happy Halloween and Merry Christmas! #Bwahaha.
Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Open House 2015!