Hopemore

Monday, August 20, 2012

Google for the 19th Century

Found this great little book over the weekend, it's 3.5 x 5 inches in size and was meant to carried around for information on-the-go. I have come across booklets like this before but they were in really bad shape so they became ingredients in my work. This one though Bob jokingly referred to as 'Google for the 19th Century' and declared it too pristine condition to take apart.

Now that it will be sitting around the house, it must have a purpose so I'm considering making it a weekly feature. Did you know that in 1894 if you wanted to live in a debt free city your choices would be Bradford- Penn, Chillicothe-Ohio, Port Jervis- NY, or San Jose-Cal?

Cincinnati had a pretty substantial amount of debt at almost $22 million or $86.20 per person.

Because I'm a goob I really did 'Google' city of Cincinnati debt for 2012...it's $990 million.

On a side note, wanted to share that I've been sprucing up the studio a bit. Bought these closet doors last fall when we moved in, they hide the furnace. With the break in the summer heat I took a day to repaint them from brown to white and added some nice deep cork for future inspiration boards. Later I'll add some pretty glass knobs and hopefully hunt down a couple perfectly sized metal baskets to attach.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Playing Catch Up

This last week has been a whirl wind! In a nutshell... I had a birthday, kiddos went back to school, and my brother added a son to his growing family. Mother Nature has given us a reprieve, cooler days and nights but still no rain, that means no yard work to do but walks and bike rides have lured us outside. The 'part-time' job has provided many hours out of the house, Mondays are long days, sometimes squeezing 10 hours in just to free up the rest of the week. In between all of the above I sneak off to the studio to make a few things.

Soulful Mixed Media Houses

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Small Haul

The World's Longest Garage Sale was this weekend. It runs from Michigan to Alabama along the US 127 Corridor, right through the middle of Kentucky and just minutes from our house...cool right?!. Well it wasn't at all cool, in fact it was hot and humid, so humid we called it a day before noon. There were many things I wanted to buy but my mind didn't seem to be in a purchasing mood, I did find two tiny treasures. A lovingly beat up 1928 copy of Bible Helps, with beautiful illustrations and fonts throughout. Also, two boxes of 1940-ish dip pen nibs. That is one small haul.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Internet Inspiration

This picture has been up on my computer screen all week. I really love this idea and may have the perfect place to try it out.

Source

Our basement is 'sort of' finished...drywall and carpeting mostly but there is a lot that could be done (like getting rid of the enormous 1990's bar). There is even a tiny bathroom...so tiny that the door rubs up against the toilet when you enter. I can't help but think this sliding door option might just solve that dilemma and possible bring a bit of style to the future 'kid cave'

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Bluegrass Games 2012

Spent the weekend in Lexington with the girls soccer team.

They are a barrel of laughs.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Helping a fellow blogger

Laurel Steven is a fellow polymer clay artist and jewelry maker that I have followed for quite a while. She is now being threatened with eviction. Laurel has an Etsy shop and has posted a sale in hopes of raising the money she needs.

You can find her blog here: Rue's Daftique

Esty shop here: Laurel Steven

Angie

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Christmas in July Blog Hop

Thanks for joining us on the Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog Hop! If you came by way of Karin's blog then you are in the right place. If you just popped in you may want to start back at the Sparkle N Sprinkle home page to find out about the fun five prizes being given away.

The first project I would like to share was inspired by old German Putz's, these were little assembled houses from cardboard that were painted and glittered then placed under the Christmas tree. I couldn't find any house shapes I liked but stumbled upon some lighthouse birdhouses ($1.00 section at the craft store) and thought it was a great compliment to the Christmas in July theme. These are not at all difficult to make, though you will be covered in glitter from head to toe, directions are on the SNS website HERE.

(click on the picture to enlarge)

The Christmas Hop was also a great reason to finish a project I started last February...glittered light bulb ornaments. These are real bulbs from an outdoor strand, I kept some of the lights that burnt out last year. They are glittered in traditional Christmas colors but with all the glitter choices available you could make these in any color to match you decor. All my stamped images are from Christmas Greetings Stamp Set (386), a very versatile set for altered art or cards.

glitter bulb ornament directions are HERE

I am sad to share this will be my last blog hop as a designer for SNS, it has been a great time and wonderful experience. A new call is out to fill some design team slots, if you have an ongoing love affair with glitter and stamps please consider applying at http://sparklensprinkle.com/design_team_info.php

Now it is time to see what wonderful Christmas project Gerlinde has to share at My Creative Corner.

Don't forget to leave a comment on each of the designers blogs for your best chance to win one of five prizes.