New Sparkle

See my latest work at Anne and Friends in the Wayzata Bay Center, Wayzata, MN. Thanks to Anne Davidson and all of her great work this past holiday season.

Before and After

My mom turned 80 this past April and as part of the celebration we (her five kids) re-enacted her life in a play.  There were 8 scenes beginning with her birth...and the birth of her twin sister. Initially they were named Edith and Ethel (ugh!), but luckily their names were changed to June and Joan at the eleventh hour.  She grew up, entered the convent (?), studied to be a nun, decided it wasn't for her and moved on to marry my dad and have five kids.

Kristi, Margaret, Katherine, Carole, Matthew

So, here we are.  This is the before.  My grandfather always lined us up like this at every family holiday or event and took our picture.  As part of the play we re-created this picture for my mom, outfits and all.  Now I am not willing to do the exact math, but I think there are 40+ years between these two scenes.

My mom had written a christmas letter with short little poems for each one of us in 1969.  We each took turns reciting what she had written as we walked on stage in our outfits.  She was thrilled and it was so much fun!  Thanks Muggsy for all your hard work!

Here is mine:

Little Carole, small of size

Great big voice and great big eyes

Legs are growing all the while

Our little Twiggy is right in style

For the Birds

My first feature, and coincidentally it's about birds - how perfect!.  See my work at HandmadeMN: Fun Friday Finds.  

Etsy Up and Running!

I did it!  After lots of tinkering and thinkering, my etsy shop is finally up and running.  Take a look and please heart me!

grindesign.etsy.com

Bragging Rights

I am far down the list of people who get to brag about this new book, including the most talented author, Betz White and my sister and brother-in-law, parents to the darling who graces the cover...but as Auntie to our red-headed Alice, I just have to say, "isn't she adorable!"

Newest Endevor

This summer I went to Galena, Illinois to see a friend and her amazing artwork in the first ever Galena juried art fair. And of course, she took first place, blue ribbon and all!  It is such a great town with so much charm and a very active art community. While I was there I discovered Vintaj natural brass filigree and findings at the Galena Bead store. I had never seen anything like it and was immediately hooked - the aged quality fit perfectly with my already growing collection of antique-store and thrift-shop finds. Here is a collection of pieces that I have made over the past few months.  

Vintaj brass findings and chain, antique chandelier crystals, metal stampings, enamel flower button, czech glass beads and ribbon.

Vintaj brass findings, filigree, closure and chain, czech glass beads and amber glass pendant, metal stampings.

Vintaj brass leaf charms and chain, metal stampings, czech glass - all combined with an antique faux pearl bracelet to make a necklace.

Vintaj brass findings, charms and chain with antique cameo's, czech glass beads, metal stampings and ribbon.

Antique brass buttons with inset cameo's, Vintaj findings, pink glass "rose" beads and ribbon.

Vintaj brass findings, chain, charms and filigree wrap around a large chunk of sea-glass, green jade accent beads and ribbon.

Horsing Around With Deter

Here are some shots of a day spent horsing around with my sister Kris (Deter), and her two horses, Scout and Albert.  We trailered them from the barn in Hugo to a state park in early October - the fall colors were spectacular and everyone was very well behaved - except for a small incident when Scout was sure that a temporary bright orange fence was going to eat him alive!

Scout (left) and Albert (right)

Gourmet picnic prepared by Kris

Me and my buddy Albert

A good shot showing the truck and trailer - girl power!!!