More Vintage Halloween Goodness!

Hi All!

Weren't Nixiebum's goodies terrific? I felt pretty spoiled when I opened that package, and since this was my first Craftster swap, I wanted to spoil my partner, too. Here are the goodies I made for her.

First up, a little pumpkin pincushion and some Halloween straight pins.

I sculpted the three pins, the witch hat, the bat and the tiny pumpkin out of Fimo, I haven't used that stuff in eons! It was fun to play with that material again, and now I'm on a kick wanting to make several other things with it! The pumpkin pincushion came out pretty darned cute, especially since it was conceived to be a Halloween inspired hot air balloon...

Yeah, no.

All righty then, moving on!

Check it out, I got crafty with paint and Mod Podge! This vintage inspired keepsake box was the plain, brown, paper mache variety you can get at most craft stores, I changed it up a bit starting with a coat of black spray paint all over as a base coat, then a coat of acryllic black, then crackle coat, then a coat of a sort of creamy white that I blended myself. Mostly white with a couple of drops of a two other browns. This was the first time I've ever used crackle coat (I know, super late to that party) and I thought it was magical! Now I want to crackle everything!

Next I layered these cutie pie vintage Halloween girls over some scrapbook paper that looks just like handwriting. Mod Podge is awesome, I will never bemoan it's price again. I trimmed out the papers with sparkly, silver pipe cleaners and a few rhinestones. 

I'm not sure if it was because of the layers of moisture (several layers of paint & Mod Podge), but after all of those layers were applied, the box didn't stay closed, so I added a simple elastic-over-button closure so the box would stay closed by drilling tiny holes and using one of these cute fabric brads I bought a some time ago from Stampin Up. Worked like a charm!

I also glittered the bottom, inner ledge of the box, yay glitter!

The inside of the box got the full treatment, too. More paint, scrap booking paper & Mod Podge, woo! 

A couple little vintage looking Halloween ornaments were quick and fun to put together. I could make these all day.

BOO!

You know I had to make a bunting, I have a thing for buntings. These cool letters came off the bottom of a fabric panel that I'm using for another project, they started out like this, in case you're interested in making one yourself. I trimmed the top of the bunting with polka dot ribbon and added some large, felt flowers to inbetween each with some stripey ribbon, too. Then I blinged out the bottom corners of the individual flags with buttons, rhinestones and tiny felt flowers and trimmed the very bottom of the bunting with black pompom trim. I'm really happy with the way this lil bunting came out. 

♥

Every trick-or-treater needs a new candy bag! I made this one out of some pretty, Halloween fabric, the very essence of "Vintage" Halloween, me thinks.

A simple drawstring bag, start to finish - 15 minutes! I used the same polka dot ribbon for the handle as I used on the top of the bunting. 

Lastly, I made this little kitty sweetheart!

 

I sculpted her head & ears from Fimo and painted her tiny little face the next day after it had plenty of time to cool. That was hard, I don't think I'm a very good painter as far as itsy bitsy details go. Her body is made from fluffy pipe cleaners and she's perched atop one of my stash of antique thread spools that I trimmed out with pompom and that same polka dot ribbon.

She looks like she's leading a Halloween parade, doesn't she? Her baton is actually a toothpick that I painted white & black and added another of the teensy pumpkins I sculpted from Fimo to the top, and an an orange wooden bead to the bottom. Oh, and I added a tiny bit of purple, metallic DMC up under the pumpkin for extra pizazz. A small felt flower and purple rhinestone on her lil ear make her a fancy kitty.

Her shirt is another pipe cleaner wrapped around the main portion of her torso, and her skirt is a bit of ribbon that I gathered with a running stitch until it looked about right, simple & cute!

I think she might be my favorite thing that I made for this swap, I've never made anything like her before. Fun stuff!

So here again is my entire package for Nixiebum, I like to think it has a theme and is cohesive, I can get a bit obsessive about things, can you tell? *wink*

Anyway, like I said this was my first Craftster swap and I was tickled to pieces with the whole process, the moderators were great and communication with my partner was excellent which made the whole process a lot easier. I still found the high level of craft a bit intimidating truth be told, the folks involved in this swap make some incredibly detailed, imaginative and amazing items! If you'd like to see the picture gallery of the items from this swap, click here. I still get major swap anxiety (which I think is pretty common) every time I send out something I've made, will they like it? Did I hit the mark, etc, etc. But my Nixie liked everything, and I'm so happy that she did. Swapping is good, keeps you on your toes - keeps your skills sharp!

Once wasn't enough, and I love Halloween, so I joined another swap after this one! Once again I was blessed with an awesome partner and I can't wait to show you what she made for me! I've got a whole bunch of Halloween posts lined up, so stay tuned, folks!

I hope you've enjoyed this little peak into what I've been up to, do you have a favorite? I'm still crushing on the Halloween Kitty. ♥

oxo,

Lisa

Vintage Halloween Swap

Hi There!

Okidoke kids, it's time to delve into some Halloween posts! Don'cha just love this time of year? I'm a nut for it. As I've said many times before, October is my favorite month; the weather is just right, the rapidly changing leaves on the trees are the most gorgeous, intense colors, Halloween is awesome, and hello, pumpkin spice everything! 

I've participated in a couple of Halloween swaps on Craftster in the last few weeks and boy howdy, have I gotten some cool stuff! Today I'd like to share what I received from a darling gal in Oregon, let me introduce you to crafty goddess that is Nixiebum!

The theme of this first swap was Vintage Halloween, ooooh! Doesn't that sound great?

This first item had me jumping up and down when I opened it, it's just that terrific!

Ack! It's swanky, vintage ghoulies - ON VESPA'S!!

Look at them, they're perfect! The hair, the clothes, the scoots! So much love for this fabulous group of ghouls. I'd totally ride with them.

The depth of the piece and the layering is fantastic, as is the tiny Happy Halloween bunting across the top of the diorama.

I had told my partner that I was a huge Harry Potter fan and she was so thoughtful that she made me some great goodies to add to my annual Harry Potter Halloween Decor (oh yeah, that's totally a thing). 

This little cake is all felt and embroidered, isn't it great?! And do you recognize that little pink dude? That's Arnold the Pygmy Puff!

She also made me FIVE location signs from the books, they're wonderful!

 I was already pretty spoiled but we've just begun, Nixie also made me this adorable peg witch.

 I love the colors that she used, exactly like Candy Corn and like any fabulous witch, this one has picture perfect hair & lipstick.

 Also included are these cute little guys, Vamp and Vintage Kitty! I think they're painted paper mache, over Styrofoam, I'm not sure, but what I am sure of is that they're about the cutest things ever. Dig those little fangs and the kooky smile on the kitty!

Last but certainly not least are these great suncatchers. Nixie says that they're crayons melted in between two layers of wax paper, so clever! They look like stained glass, I've got them hanging on my family room sliding glass door so that they glow as the sun goes down (earlier and earlier) in the evenings.

Here are all my goodies together, a lovely, lovely package - couldn't be happier. This was my first Craftster swap, Nixie was an excellent partner, she spoiled me rotten!

I'm crazy about these goodies, they really got me into the Halloween groove this year and inspired me to dig all of my Halloween decorations out and do the house up, it was just what I needed after the funk of August and September, thanks Nixie!

Next up, I'll show you the goodies I made for Nixie, so you'll have to stay tuned! In the mean time click over and check out Nixie's other crafty endeavors on her Flickr page.

oxo,

Lisa

Huzzah, New Scissors!

Hullo Peeps!

A couple of weekends ago Mom and I went on our annual trek to the Northern California Renaissance Faire. I was still wearing that big walking boot at the time, so I didn't dress up in the full regalia this year, but it was still fun even if the boot made walking a little squirrely. I spent a lot of time that day concentrating on my next step, navigating the uneven ground & rocks. I managed pretty well and didn't fall down, so as far as I was concerned, it was aces!

I ran across a little something that I just had to have, a new pair of scissors. These little babies are sharp, and really well made.

Sometimes I take bits of stitching with me to the faire to work on while listening to the musicians, or during a play (Taming of  the Shew is on of my favorites), or just sitting under a shady tree people watching with a nice cold pint of cider. I thought it would be fun to have a period style sewing kit in my basket and these scissors fit the bill nicely. I couldn't say if they are historically accurate, but I like them, and they compliment my little wooden needle case, too. Huzzah!

 They're about the same size as my other embroidery scissors, fit well in the hand and are comfortable to use. And did I mention, sharp? Oh yes, right to the very tips.

I didn't really need a new pair of scissors, but I sure to like them! It goes that way sometimes, right? Right!

So hey, it's Friday! (insert Kermit style flailing here) Got any big plans this weekend? Do tell!

oxo,

Lisa

Right Back After The Break

Hello Friends!

I seemed to have disappeared again for a moment, didn't I? I really didn't mean to do that, I just sort of lost my mojo and my blogging voice after August got off to such a rough start. Turns out my ankle was more injured than I first knew. Fractured in two places and two torn ligaments, no bueno. I spent 5 weeks in a walking boot that went from my toes to my knee, and then moved into a "less restrictive" brace that I'm still wearing, and will continue wearing for a couple more weeks (I think, fingers crossed!). I'm doing physical therapy a couple of times a week now as well, so things are getting better, its just a slow process. And to think, I thought my doctor was kidding when he said that if I'd broken it, it would have healed faster. Oh boy.

 How are all of you?

 Did you have a nice summer? 

Are you happy that fall has come?

 I for one am overjoyed, this is my favorite season after all. I had a pumpkin spice doughnut from Krispy Kreme last week, so that must mean it's official, it's autumn, yay!!

Although I haven't blogged in a while, I sure have been busy! I can't wait to share what I've been up to, I've been moving out of my comfort zone, experimenting and making some really fun things that I've never tried before, feels good to stretch!

Before I get to that I thought I'd tease with these lovely, lovely fabric strips which have become a new quilt top since these photos were taken. The sun was laying across them so prettily I felt compelled to take a few photos

I'm a bit shamed to say that I've had the jelly roll to make this quilt in my stash for about three years....eeeek! I've always known what I was going to make with it, I was just to chicken to cut in and do it, but I did it, and it looks great!

Here's a little hint at what is to come!

Ooooh, ahhhh!

Can't wait to show you the rest!

Honestly, I've missed being here in this space, sharing and chatting with you and seeing what you've been up to. Sometimes I think it's better to let things (like blogging) sit rather than force yourself to do something that your heart isn't into. Have a little rest and then when rejuvenated, jump back in! That's where I'm at now, and I'm looking forward to catching up and seeing where you're all at!

Thank you for sticking with me, and thank you for so many supportive comments and messages, I think you're the best peeps on the planet!

oxo,

Lisa

Part III: Falling

Hi Friends,

Back again for the third in this series of posts about the last couple of weeks in my life...

Part III: Falling

Sunday had been good, I walked my dogs, had a drive through the foothills, I cooked a nice dinner for me and Sean, and we watched some TV (I can't remember if we were watching this or this, but both are SO good!). I was starting to feel normal again, the grief of the last week starting to subside.

Later in the evening, I dozed off on the couch, when I woke up and got up, my feet somehow didn't get the message and I falled down.

I sat on the floor cursing for a few minutes, then got myself up, turned off the lights and went to bed. The next morning I woke up to this!

OUCH.

See, it's not gross because I put a party hat, shades and a mustache on my toe!

Doctors office, X-rays and air casts - oh my!

I've been working from home this week (because my boss is rad and understanding) and thank goodness too, because my office is huge and I'm supposed to keep off my feet and keep this one elevated. Oh joy. I've spent a lot of time on the couch (rewatched two seasons of Doctor Who and a whole bunch more Supernatural). A lot of time with my laptop open, and a lot of time composing these last three posts. It took forever to find the right words.

I've also spent some time out here, but not enough...

I've been a good patient, actually following doctors orders for once in my life. I did dig into a stitching project though and made a lot of progress, pictures of that soon!

Think I'm going to grab some ice tea and head out to the hammock for a bit, it's a nice day. I hope you're having a nice day, too. I'm going to be poking my nose into all of your blogs catching up in the next couple of days, can't wait to see and hear what you've been up to!

oxo,

Lisa

Part II: Drifting

Hey Folks, welcome back, thank you for sticking with me here.

Part II: Drifting

I last left off tell you about a friend that was killed right here in my home town while he was out taking a ride on his motorcycle.

Carl was a good guy, and taken far, far too soon. He was 33 years old, he just got married in March, and he was a daddy of a five year old little girl. To say that he'll be missed is a gross understatement.   

In all honesty, Carl and I weren't super close in the present day, I wish that'd been different, but we always stopped to say hello when we'd see each other around town or at the farmers market. I first met Carl back when we were just kids, maybe 1983-1984. My best friend's mom and Carl's moms were very close friends and as a result, Carl was around a lot when we were little. I remember him as a sweet little guy, very little, I think he was about 3-4 years old when we first met, he was adorable.

The week between Carl's death and his funeral was sad one. Gutted for those he leaves behind, his new bride and his daughter, and all those who loved him, I couldn't shake that drifting, discombobulated feeling.

The fact that he was just going about his business, taking a ride, enjoying the summer - doing the same thing I was doing the night he was killed just breaks my heart. This could have just as easily been me.

It's unfair. And I know, I know that life is unfair, but somethings are just unfathomable and seem so meaningless. Why? Why did this happen?

Carl's funeral service was last Friday. There were hundreds of people in attendance. A reunion of sorts, the worst kind. So many familiar faces, friends and family, all wracked with grief.

I know that for as long as I live, I will never forget the sound of Carl's five year old daughter, crying sorrowfully, sobbing and calling out "I want my daddy!" in the church that afternoon, or the wave of fresh sorrow that crashed over everyone who heard it, like a physical punch to the chest. It was just as horrible as it sounds.

But there was goodness too, funny stories and memories of those who loved him.

After the service a group of about a dozen of us gathered for a meal, not ready to let each other go just yet. Then later, we gathered at the home of a friend. We talked, we watched the kids play, we thought about him.

The next day, I felt numb. Wrung out. 

On Sunday I decided I needed to clear my head, to shake loose some of the sadness clinging to me. I needed to be outside, so I packed a backpack and my dogs and headed to the hills for a while. I needed to get some air and be in nature.

I went to a place my brothers and I used to go to a lot and walked and walked and walked. Took a few photos, and said goodbye to Carl.

You can't stop, you can only move forward.

I don't know what was in that guy's head as he was driving though town that evening, I don't know why he didn't see Carl's bike. Maybe he was distracted, maybe he was drunk (they're looking into that and news of such has been excruciatingly slow), but whatever the reason, he killed someone who wasn't doing anything wrong, someone who was out for a cruise, who should have gone home to his wife and little girl, all because he wasn't paying attention. Lyndzi and Nevaeh's lives will never be the same.

Please, please be careful out there friends. Be present behind the wheel. Take that extra second when you're driving to look in your mirrors, over your shoulder and entering intersections, lives really do depend on it.

Love to you all,
Lisa

Part I: Flying

Hello Friends,

It's been a while since I've been around these parts or blogland in general, over two weeks - which feels like a long time to me. I guess it's because - and this may sound weird - so much and very little have happened in that time. Let's catch up, shall we?

Part I: Flying

Just after my last post, Sean and I took a trip on the Vespas that we'd been looking forward to for months. We rode our scooters up to Lake Tahoe to join up for a scooter rally with a local club. This was to be our longest ride together, and the farthest away from home on the scoots.

We were a little nervous about the trip, safety on the road is something I take very seriously.  There's no protection between you and the road, or other cars when you're traversing the roads, highways and streets on two wheels. You've got to be on your game and keep your head on a swivel.  The road to Lake Tahoe is a long way over some pretty high mountains. Luther Pass has an elevation of 7,740 feet, and Carson Pass is 8574 feet! 

Here I am with our scoots, packed and ready to roll. You'd be surprised how much you can pack onto a Vespa. We each had three days worth of clothing and other necessities (hello, flat iron & flip flops) and we weren't even fully loaded. What a great feeling to know I can set out on the road prepared for several days journey on my scooter. I love this thing, I tell ya.

The ride up was fantastic! Very little traffic, it was hot, but not miserably so, and in the mountains, riding a Vespa feels like flying, they are so smooth, and quiet. You don't hear the machine, all you hear is the muffled sound of the wind blowing around your helmet. It's amazing.

 We took Hwy 88 from Lodi to Lake Tahoe. It's a very windy road, through some gorgeous scenery - my favorite kind for scooting. After you've ridden for a while, you gain an understanding of leaning on your bike so that moving in and out of turns and is pretty darn fun. Straight roads bore me to tears.

We had a great time at the rally, the folks we met up with are terrific, funny, generous people who just enjoy each other and riding. The theme of the rally was Luau At The Lake, so there were lots of tropical touches, like this backdrop thingy, I had to include this silly picture of Sean and I.

As a guest, of the club I didn't feel comfortable taking a lot of pictures of the group, and while you're riding you can't, but here are a couple from our stop at CalNeva when we road all the way around the lake which was fabulous. I'm looking forward to riding there again, just Sean and I, so we can stop along the way whenever we see something interesting, and there's lots to see.

I think there were somewhere around 35 people on all different types of scooters riding together around Lake Tahoe. What a gorgeous ride, and what a great time!

This place is really neat, and has some very cool history if you're into Frank Sinatra & Marilyn Monroe. 

Another big reason for this trip is because it coincided with our nephew's 11th birthday. He's getting so big, starting 6th grade in a couple of weeks. Crazy how fast that happens. 

I was happy to get to spend some time with him. I miss them all so much since they moved to Tahoe. This boy is such a special kid. Kind and smart. Adventurous and fun (and funny!). Brave and sweet. Athletic and bookish. He has the best laugh, when he laughs really hard his whole face crinkles into a humongous smile. I love him so.

Every time I see him I trap him in an vice-like Auntie hug and hold him tight until he wriggles free, giggling and squirming. I'm sure it's totally embarrassing, but I won't be able to do that forever, he's not going to stand for that kind of thing when he's 16, or ever after, so I'm getting all the squishes I can while the gettin's good. 

His birthday party was held on Pope Beach, just north west of South Lake Tahoe. 

It's a beautiful beach, could it be more lovely?

 It's also a great place for families.

 My little niece is getting big too. Such a funny girl, this one, she has the cutest, quirkiest sense of humor. 

My sister-in-law, Apryl makes the neatest pinatas! She's made one just about every year for J's birthday.

They take a real beating before the loose their goodies.

And then it's every man (or little girl) for themselves to grab for the plundered booty.

This little skull cap was all that was left of the pinata :)

It was a good time.

.

.

.

Until we got some sad news.

A friend of ours was killed the night before. Hit by a careless driver who made a left turn in front of his motorcycle and smashed into him. The accident was one block from the hospital, which didn't matter, the damage was too great. Carl passed away in the operating room as surgeons tried to save him.

The rest of my time in Tahoe that weekend is a bit of a blur. We finished up at the scooter rally on Sunday morning, had lunch in town, then got on the road mid afternoon. Our ride home was subdued, and extra cautious. It was not lost on me that we were doing exactly what Carl was doing when his life abruptly ended, taking a ride on his bike, enjoying the summer...

The news of Carl's death has shaken me, angered me immensely and set my mind drifting, I'm planning to write a bit more about it in my next post. 

Please take care out there, friends. Please look twice for bikes on the road. Like I said earlier, for those of us on two wheels, be they Vespa, Harley-Davidson, or anything in between, there is no buffer between us and the road apart from our safety gear which doesn't stand a chance against cars and trucks. And even if we're doing everything right, some don't make it home from a ride.

I know this subject is heavy, and not my usual blogging style, which I prefer like to keep light and bright. But this is me real life, and something that has affected me which I feel I must share.

oxo,

Lisa