The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Some time ago, Denise from A Bun Can Dance, organized a letter writing swap. I thought it a rather swell idea as I have so missed receiving honest to goodness letters in the mail. Lovely, tangible, pen to paper landing in the post makes for an excitement and anticipation - that in this push button world, is sadly lacking. I wistfully recalled my younger self penning sheafs of longhand letters to friends and family. Wouldn't it be grand to get back to those nearly forgotten times? So, join up I did and waited for my partner to be revealed.

The very lovely Pia from Stockholm, Sweden, was my letter swap partner. She has a wonderful blog and takes amazing photos, go check her out! I am delighted with my swap partner, through her, I am learning more about the beautiful place that she lives and having the opportunity to get to know a new and lovely woman. She crochets stunning things, makes fantastic jewelry, and as I said before, takes gorgeous photographs.

I just received her letter the other day, I was filled with that same excitement and anticipation that I remembered from times past. What a wonderful package of happiness!

There was a sweet tote bag, some delicious smelling tea and chocolate (which I am saving for a quiet moment to try), a guide to Stockholm and of course, a handwritten letter of many pages. I waited till everyone was in bed and read the letter while curled up on the couch, such a treat.

She also included a pair of over the moon pretty earrings and a crocheted wrist cuff that she made. I have been wearing them since they arrived, oh lucky me!

I have to admit that letter writing is a habit not easily revived. I struggled with my own letter and found that the letter I wished to write had trouble finding it's way out of my head and onto the paper. It used to be so easy, or that is how I remember it, and it makes me a little sad that I have lost that. If I could just keep at it and cultivate that habit once again...

Despite getting some really awesome stuff in the post, the part that I have found most exciting about this swap, is the new friendship with someone I may have never known if it weren't for the swap. Many thanks to Denise for putting this together.


Have a grand, safe, and spooky weekend. I will be back on Monday with tales of thrifting goodness!

Snakegirl Sighting

On Monday, I caught a rare glimpse of the elusive 'Snakegirl', she appeared out of the blue (as is often the case), with little warning, and I was awarded with a brief encounter with her. How lucky am I?
That would be my beautiful little sister and her partner 'The Bus Driver'. They were in town with the band and stopped by for a minute for hugs and stories. They drove their house over to my house. This is Buster, my sister's house.


We hung out for a minute in her house, then they hung out in mine. I don't get to see Snakegirl as often as I'd like, she's been spending most of her time in Northern California on a piece of land, with the occasional trip for a band gig.


It was so nice to see her smiling face and catch up a bit. She's part gypsy, part snake charmer, part songbird, and all heart. I miss her already.

Safe travels my lovely sister, until we meet again.

Blue Monday

It is still Monday is it not? I'm a little late today, much coming and going and stuff and junk, but I will get to that another day.

Over the weekend I decided to try a little sewing for myself. I don't like sewing clothing for myself, I'm funny that way. I had an old peasant style tunic that I had worn to thread bare and it was time to sadly let it go. I decided to cut it up carefully and attempt to recreate the pattern using the pieces as a template. I made up a muslin as a test. Shockingly, oh yes I was indeed surprised, it turned out rather well. Not perfect or stunning by any stretch of the imagination, but I did not sigh in defeat and wonder why I bothered at all. This is rare let me tell you. Being pleased as punch, I tried it on to adjust the sleeve length and The Bearded One said, "Looks like something you would wear in the lunatic asylum." Nice right? Though I did know what he meant, the color of unbleached muslin, the shapelessness of the tunic, and the overly long sleeves did have a straight jacket quality going on. Maybe even a little convent wear in style so...I added some vintage lace...

More pleasing but still...

I decided to try some iDye in brilliant blue. The package said it was meant for the washing machine, sounds good, less mess...let's give it a go. I highly recommend this dye, we shall see how it holds up in the long run but, easy to use and the color is lovely!

It turned out the prettiest blue color, just dreamy. Now, had I just remembered to use all cotton thread so that it would have turned blue too. Still for something I only intended as a test pattern, not so bad. Oh wait! Fraying at the neck line! What the devil?

Well, I was toying with the idea of adding some embroidery around the neck. Will that fraying be fixed with some decorative floss? Will I actually wear this out in public? What will become of this accidental shirt?

Stay tuned to find out.

Tom Waits For No One

Hey, it's nice to see your name on a poster, as long as it's not a WANTED poster.
I was invited to sing at a benefit for a fellow musician who was hit by a car while riding his bike. He's alright thank goodness, but the medical bills are big and well...he's a musician so can use all the help.

I just received the poster this morning. It will be a night of Tom Waits tunes played by some wonderfully talented folks. If you happen to be in Portland on November 19th come on down. Hey, it's a whole lot better than a stick in the eye!

Have a wonderful weekend all!

Playing House in My Creative Space

Just playing around whilst awaiting my muse. She's gone missing and I can't do a thing without her.

Check much more creative spaces here

Small Scale Madness

I have had a wee bee in my bonnet for weeks now. My mind has been sputtering and hiccuping over several ideas and I am finding it a trial to get it to go smooth. Yes, I have been in the deep end considering vignettes and restyles and pondering paint. If you are wondering just what I am blathering on about, 'tis this: I have been wanting to make happen some sort of re-do to The Cottage. The living room to be precise, I have been itching to paint and change and generally cause no end of frustration to The Bearded One. Each time I bring this scenario up in conversation, I am met with the most befuddled of looks and a long slow pause before he speaks, "What color? Really? Why? I like our paint!" I will have to admit, I actually have no sound concept to answer him. The truth is, it's a bit beyond our doing at the moment, because honestly, the floors are in desperate need of sanding and sealing, we have a 4 year old who still creates masterpieces on the walls and our budget as well as time allotment make it out of reach. Still, like I said, I am just itching for some sort of interior design mayhem.

There is a good chance that I have become slightly unhinged, because whilst I was tidying up I spied this...


...and then I actually thought, 'Ooh, I could make over an entire house!!' Perhaps I am suffering from a twinge of fever. The bedroom would be the first bit of business. The royal blue on the wardrobe has to go, new coverlets and pillows for the bed, wee garlands hanging brightly and a crochet rug to warm the toes. Oh dear.

(apologies for the atrocious photos, dark days for snapping pics)


This particular bit of madness then led to complete bedlam in my mind. I had visions of The Bearded One crafting more dollhouses, I would put out the call to all my crafty blogger folk to design and create rooms in each house, all leading to some sort of artsy installation most grand and what fun! Ummmm...

I think I need to have a sit down and a cuppa. A few deep breaths and sanity restored, one hopes.

Was it all just an excuse to avoid the dishes in the sink and play dollhouse?

Fall Collection

A few views of the fall collection.






I will be back tomorrow with some words and whatnot. Happy Monday!!

Practice Makes Better

Well, the weather has definitely turned. Cold, gray and wet. You would think it was perfect weather for crafting but, I have what appears to be a crafting block. I seem to be a bit stuck. This is terrible timing as I have a shop to keep hopping and holidays coming up. Still, it seems I keep busying myself with the housecleaning and laundry. So, we shall have to ride out the slump and hope for craftier days.

In the meantime...I have been practicing my crochet. I decided I would keep it simple and make a bunch of squares to be put together later. This method is improving my stitch consistency however, the first squares are tight and small compared to the later squares so...I may end up with a small wonky blanket in the end. Wish me luck.