Organizing the Sunroom

I spent a good portion of the morning reorganizing my seashell collection in the sunroom.  The sunroom is a 3 season room and tends to get a little "dirty" during the year.  It also collects items that haven't been put back into their places.  So, today was the day to reorganize my shell collection and to pair down.  I had to start by washing each piece of pottery.  I usually display the shells in white vintage pottery pieces.  There were some pieces that I didn't want anymore, so I condensed the shells to put the pieces I didn't want any longer into the garage sale pile.

All of the large common shells, I put into a bucket for now.  I am going to scout out a place in the yard to put the shells.  I have some out there now as a border and I like the look.  Now that I have a bucket full, I can design some more.

Most of the shells are in covered containers now.  Its easier that way to keep them clean and looking nice.  Now that the shells are out of the white pottery pieces, the pieces stand out.  They look nice on their own. 

I'm hoping that we don't have rain everyday this week, as predicted.  I want to get into the yard to find a place for the shells and to pull out the weeds that I can see from my kitchen window.

Busy....busy...busy

Some days, or should I say weeks, are just sooooo busy.  I don't have enough days in the week to accomplish all that I want to do.  I wanted to start weeding my garden and the weeds have already gotten the best of me.  Maybe I'll start next week.

I had a fun 2 days garage saleing/rummage hunting for treasures.  I did find some fabric and little treasures, but was most excited to find a large wrought iron plant stand at a garage sale for $5.  It was filled with old plants that I didn't want, so I was allowed by the owner to dump them in her garden since I was only after the plant stand.  I have seen them for upwards of $45 so I was very excited to find one at a small price.  Before I find a use for it in my garden, I'm going to use it for having a backyard party.  It would be nice holding plates and napkins or something handy like that.  I also found another black iron stand at an estate sale for $10.  I have always been wanting one.  It's funny how that one was more money than the larger one.  I haven't figured out what I will use the smaller one for, but it probably won't be for just holding fruit.  Or it might.....I'm not sure yet.  I haven't had time to play around with ideas for it. 

I just found out that on June 21st is the Belvidere night flea market that is from 4pm to midnight.  I went last year at around 4pm and found some really nice items.  It's on my calendar already.  Thursday is a church rummage sale on Bull Valley Rd close to Crystal Lake Avenue in McHenry.  It starts at 10am.  Friday is a church rummage sale on Walkup Ave in Crystal Lake starting at 8am.  On May 10th is the vintage market in Rockford at the Midway Village Museum.  There are a lot of garden club plant sales coming up.  Be sure to check them out for great prices. 

Happy treasure hunting!  Only about 1 month before the Elkhorn and Cedarburg Wisconsin flea markets.  I'm counting down.

Van's Antiques is Open!

Van's Antiques in Walworth Wisconsin opened last weekend and I just had to visit.  I always find something and today was no exception.  I found some vintage jewelry and a vintage tablecloth still with the original tags on it and only spent $11.  They carry pottery pieces, bottles, rustic items and so much more.  The website is:  www.vansantiques.com While in Walworth, stop by the antique mall in town for some more treasure hunting.

There are 2 church rummage sales on Thursday April 24th.  The Methodist church on South Street in Woodstock starts at 3pm and the First Presbyterian church in Woodstock starts at 8am. 

Happy treasure hunting!

Where Did Spring Go?

As I'm sitting here at my computer, I'm looking at snow coming down in Woodstock.  It's not sticking but it is snowing.  It's cold outside too and I just took my winter coat to the dry cleaners.  The bright note is that it should warm up by the end of the week.

I had so much fun last Thursday with 3 rummage sales.  I found soooooo many wonderful treasures.  Vintage dishes (another treasure for me to collect), a great vintage garbage can, an aluminum tray by Everlast that I have scrubbed down to remove the stains and looks fantastic now, a cigar purse, jewelry box, aprons, fabric, doilies and vintage tablecloths.  I spent about $50 in total that day.  Not bad for all of those treasures.  I like to tell you what I spent on these items so that you can see that really nice pieces don't have to cost a fortune.  I will keep some of these pieces and some I will put up on Ebay.  I just have to find the time.  The days seem to go by quicker than I can stop.  My plan was to put up some for auction today.  Instead, I'm taking my car to the Farm and Fleet to get 2 new tires.  Life sure gets in the way of fun!

Tomorrow I'm going to greet school kids at the Ag Expo in Woodstock at the fairgrounds.  Every other year, 3rd and 4th graders spend time learning about farms, animals, plants and everything farm related.  Even spinning wool.  It's a lot of fun to see the kids excited.  Especially if there are baby chicks. 

Now that the boys are older, it's harder to put together an Easter basket for them.  I still like to do it though and they do look forward to it.  This year is more comics and video game related.  I still have to get Austin a rabbit/Easter nutcracker. 

Van's Antique store right outside of Walworth Wisconsin has opened.  He is open on Friday 1-5 and on Saturday.  I hope to get there soon.  He always has some wonderful treasures.

Planting Vegetables

It was great to get outside (without a coat) and start planting vegetables.  I found a vintage enamelware bread box (minus the lid) a few years ago for free and have used it for planting spinach and lettuce ever since.  It is so handy to keep in the driveway for easy picking.  That is the best sunny spot in the whole yard so I take advantage of it.  I planted the spinach and lettuce yesterday in the bread box and planted the rest of the spinach, beans, kohlrabi and sugar snap peas in the raised beds today.  I also planted the hyacinths that I bought a few weeks ago at Home Depot.  The major yard cleanup is done, so now I have weeding and more planting to do.

But, not tomorrow. With 3 rummage sales in one day, my day will be spent wonderfully treasure hunting!  Hope yours is full of treasure hunting too.

So Many Things.....

Gardenfest was this weekend.  It was wonderful.  We had 198 total attendees.  Our keynote speaker, Amanda Thomsen, was really good and was so fun to be around.  We had a great time with her.  After it was over, it was time to start raking and cleaning up my flower beds.  What a way to relax after a busy day (and year planning).

I was so excited to get outside to plant some tulips that I purchased a few weeks ago.  I even bought some spinach and lettuce plants at Walmart and planted them in containers like I do every year.  I put the pots in my driveway which is where the sun hits.  Tomorrow, I'm going to plant some more spinach, kohlrabi and beans in my raised beds.  I can't believe spring is finally here.

I finally got to stop in Interiors Anew in Woodstock.  I never stay away as long as I did this time.  I found 2 great needlepoint runners and 1 vintage tablecloth priced from $3-6.  They have lots of nice treasures right now.

3 rummage sales in 1 day on Thursday.  That is heaven to me!  1st Congregational Church on Pierson Street in Crystal Lake starts at 9am, 1st Congregational Church in Huntley starts at 12 noon and the Methodist Church on Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake starts at 5pm.  Plus, there are garage sales in between.  Couldn't ask for a more perfect day.

I Have Been Treasure Hunting!

I have been treasure hunting, at least a little, the past few weeks.  The Goodwill in Crystal Lake opened up last week and I went the evening of opening day.  I spotted 2 hammered aluminum trays and had to have them.  The boys were with me and we saw a wonderful red metal 5 shelf stand.  I couldn't figure out where I would put it, so we passed on it.  Of course, when we got home I knew instantly that it would be great to hold their video games.  So, the next morning I was at the door at 9am for when they opened.  I dashed in and it was still there.  It came home with me and Ethan and I rearranged the video game area in the basement.  It looks great!  He even got rid of some video games.  Win win all around.  I learned my lesson though early in the treasure hunting season.  When you see something that you love, buy it.  You can always find a place for it later.


Today I went to a family estate sale in McHenry.  They weren't supposed to open until 9am, but when I got there at 8:30, people were already shopping it.  I did find some really great treasures.  I spotted the milk glass cake plate and ran for it.  I have to tell you that I only paid $3.50 for it.  What a bargain for such a wonderful treasure!  I also found 1 doily and a hand embroidered tablecloth that says "Happy Birthday," and has a cake and all kinds of birthday items on it.  Too cute to pass up.  The man was so nice and gave me a bargain of $5 for both. 


Here are a few upcoming sales on Thursday April 10th.  1st Congregational Church on Pierson Street in Crystal Lake at 9am, Huntley church rummage sale at noon and I believe the Methodist Church on Crystal Lake Ave in Crystal Lake.  I don't have the time yet, but it usually starts at 5pm. 

This Saturday is Gardenfest at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake.  I have been spending most of my time working on that.  It is going to be wonderful!  On Saturday is also an indoor garage sale sponsored by the Northwest Herald at Oak Industries on Crystal Lake Avenue/Main Street in Crystal Lake.  They have 91 booths. 


Happy treasure hunting!

Spring?

Spring is slowly making its way to Woodstock, IL.  Today is still pretty cold, but it is sure to start warming up in the next few days.  I'm slowing starting to rotate my clothes.  That is a sure sign for me.  Another sure sign is when I change the kitchen tablecloth.  I always use a vinyl one since the boys are sure to rip it and spill stuff on it.  This still happens even though they are teenagers.  I found a simple one today at JoAnn Fabrics in Algonquin.  I brought out a springey cake stand and put a beautiful mum plant on it.  The mum was from Home Depot in McHenry and was on sale for $1.98.  I also bought tulips at the same time.  I'm still looking for my flower pots.  The garage is pretty crowded and may take some time to dig them out.

There is a Dundee library book sale this Thursday and Friday.  I have never been to it so I don't know anything about it.  Sounds like fun though!  April 12-13 is the Cary library book sale.  This is a great sale to go to.  On May 10th, the Urban Farmgirl is holding a vintage sale with 50 plus vendors at Midway Village Museum in Rockford.  Check out her blog urbanfarmgirlandco.blogspot.com.  Northwind Perennial in Burlington WI is having their antique fair on June 13-14.  There was supposed to be another vintage market in Rockford in April but it was delayed until the fall.

I just received the newest edition of Romantic Country magazine.  It has some nice articles on flea market finds.  I can't wait to read it!

Happy Happy Spring!

Happy Spring to You!

I got a little worried this morning when I woke up to flurries, but that soon ended to become a nice sunny day. At least I could put on a lighter jacket.

It's wonderful to see the daffodils and crocus sprouting outside of my living room window.  It is always a glorious and amazing sight to me to see the first shoots coming out of the ground.  A few weeks ago, I started some seeds in my basement.  It is not the ideal location to grow them, but it seems to be working.  The key is to use seed sprouting mix instead of potting soil.  The beans, sugar snap peas, lettuce, sunflowers and pumpkins on a stick have sprouted.  I couldn't be more excited!  I had to start the sunflowers inside this year since the squirrels always each the seeds before they can sprout.  I hope I'm fooling them this year.

I'm getting excited that Gardenfest is almost here.  April 5th is coming pretty quickly.  Everything seems to be going smoothly (knock on wood) and the registration is increasing.

There are some estate sales in McHenry this weekend.  It should be fun.  I stopped at the antique stores in Hebron today, but didn't find any treasures.  It was nice to just be out in the sun.

I will probably have to wait another week before I can start to clean up my garden since the forecast is for snow on Monday/Tuesday.  There is still so much snow in my yard that it will probably still be there in June.  Hopefully spring break week won't be too cold.  I would love to get up to Lake Geneva to walk around.

The Snow is Melting.....

The snow is finally starting to melt and the sales have begun.  I went to both rummage sales in Prairie Grove and Cary this week.  I did find some really nice treasures.  They were both really crowded just like I knew it would be.  It always is with the first rummage sales of the season.  I had time to catch up with my rummage sale friends.  It was nice to see them.

I found a hammered aluminum sailboat tray, some fabric, a silverware wooden box with silverware and other items in it.  I'll keep a few things and then sell the rest on Ebay.  I only spent $6 at each rummage sale.  I love rummage sales!  The next Faith Community United Church of Christ rummage sale in Prairie Grove is Sept 11-12.

I stopped at an estate sale in Woodstock and found the best treasures: a Westmoreland milk glass creamer and sugar bowl, 2 vintage glass coffee pots (just like my Baba had), sugar cookie molds, a collectible liquor bottle for my dad, a huge glass flower frog, a seashell box, a shaker for powdered sugar and a mixed drink shaker.  I even found a wooden handled clipper for the garden that was only $1.  For $22, I found lots of treasures that were all reasonably priced.

We managed to stop at the Algonquin library book sale on Friday night and then on Saturday morning where Ethan found a few video games.  Austin found and bought most of the Star Trek videos and books.  The prices are so wonderful.  Tomorrow is their bag sale.  The next sale is July 17-20.  There were no knitting books so I was a little disappointed, but we still had a good time.  Cookies and lemonade at the end always hit the spot.

Keep checking the newspaper or online for upcoming sales. There is a Caring Transitions estate sale in McHenry next week.  Happy treasure hunting!

Found a Few Treasures.....

I found a few treasures but, I'm not sure what I'll do with them yet.  I'll just wait until the right place pops up to put them.

The wonderful pink corner iron stand, I was eyeing at Carriage House Antiques in Crystal Lake for a while.  I stopped there on Friday and it was still there and on SALE!  So, I bought it.  I haven't figured out its place yet, but, I will. 

Yesterday at Goodwill in Huntley, I found the painting and iron shelf at too good prices to pass up.  The painting isn't really my usual style, but, it is someone's and I just may pass it along.  It looked wonderful across the store where I was standing.  I liked the frame also. 

The new Goodwill in Crystal Lake by the Walmart on Route 31 will open on March 27th.  Grand openings are always fun, but, busy and crowded.

There are 2!!!!!!! rummage sales on Thursday and I CAN'T wait.  At 9am is in Prairie Grove on Route 176 and at 1pm is at the Methodist Church on 1st Ave in Cary.  Both are fun.  It will be nice to see my rummage sale friends again.  Lots to catch up on.

Friday (or Thursday night for a $10 entrance fee) is the Algonquin Library book sale.  We have been looking forward to this for awhile now. 

I have been busy getting things in order for Gardenfest at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake on April 5.  Lots to finalize and worry about.  It is going along well and I'm anticipating a good attendance.  Planning is already on for Gardenfest 2015 where I will not be chairing the event.  I will help out and maybe teach a class.  It would be nice to teach a class on flea market/treasure filled gardens.  Stay tuned for the details.

Happy treasure hunting!

Where's Spring?

Even though it is cold outside and we are expecting the freezing temps this week, I put away my Valentine decorations and brought out spring and Easter treasures.  I needed that pick me up and I thought...why not?  The house was starting to look a little dull and dark and I wanted to pick it up.


I always change out the doilies and used my brighter purple/aqua colored ones.  I even changed the pillow covers to spring colors.  The room definitely looks brighter and more hopeful for warmer temps.  I'm going to spring clean the bedrooms this week so that when the weather gets warmer, I'm going to be outside enjoying it.


Let's hope spring is listening.....

Vintage Linen Heaven

Today I was in vintage linen heaven!  I stopped by the Sparrows Nest in Cary and found racks and racks plus a table full of all kinds of vintage linens.  My heart started to beat....faster and faster.  Each one was on a hanger neatly pressed and the smaller ones were folded on a table.  I love vintage linens of all kinds.  I tried to be good and particular....so I passed up ones that I had similar ones of at home.  The prices were fine on some, but really high on others.  That was a factor for me also.    I bought a few tablecloths (I found another really huge one today) in summer/spring colors, some embroidered doilies with butterflies and flowers, 2 handkerchiefs (1 of North Carolina that was embroidered) and a tiny tiny crochet piece.  There were many crochet pieces also, but my favorites are hand embroidered.  They also had lots of towels and aprons.  I stopped collecting towels to focus on the others that I liked more.  To make things even better, they were 20% off today.  Prices ranged from 50 cents to $8.  There were a few that were higher priced, but I didn't purchase them.  I'll have to look at them another day if they are still there.


I have a few of them soaking in my blend of 5 scoops of Oxyclean and hot water in the washer.  I bought a few that had stains on them and I want to see if I can get them out.  I couldn't pass them up since they were really beautiful and unique.  Stains are something that most vintage linens have and they don't bother me.  I try to lighten them up if I can't remove them.  I like to change the linens seasonally so some of them were blue in color to use in the summer.  Not all of the linens had stains on them.  Some looked like they were never used.  One of the tablecloths has hand embroidered sunflowers on it.  I don't usually buy linen tablecloths, but this one was really pretty that I had to.


The past two days I have been finding vintage linens.  Last year I found them at the beginning of the treasure hunting season and then not again for the rest of the season.  I hope that's not the case this time.  I'll make sure that I buy them when I see them.  They are too hard to resist. 

Valentine's Day Fun

Happy Valentine's Day!
It is always busy this time of year at my house.  A few birthdays to celebrate this month along with Valentine's day makes this a very special month.   Even better today was the weather.   A little warmer and not so dreary.

Since Ethan had a half day of school, I "made" him come along on my treasure hunting.  He's always a good sport and just comes along for the ride....to talk.  We stopped at an estate sale in McHenry and found a seashell lidded box and a pewter candlestick holder.  At $2, they were too nice to pass up.  Then, on to the Sparrows Nest in McHenry.  I found a nice bracelet there.  I hadn't been into the Pink Door (across the street) for a long time, but since we had time, we stopped there.  It was so much fun!  They had lots of nice treasures.  I ran out of time and will need to go there again soon.  I couldn't leave Austin waiting at school....  I found a long vintage tablecloth, a swan needlepoint doily, a pottery swan and a frog for my garden.  All were priced reasonably.  It's a nice clean store and well organized.  I even ran into a gardening friend that volunteers there a few days a week.  It was nice to catch up with her. 

A few more estate sales are popping up.  They are listed in the paper or online.  Make sure to check them all out.

Redesigned...

I kept thinking about a necklace that I made a few weeks ago.  Something just wasn't right about it.  So, I spent some time yesterday and today trying to redesign it.  I lengthened the chain and changed the layout of the rhinestone piece.  It turned out really nicely.  I'm happy with it now. 

Only about 1 month before the rummage sales begin.  The first one on my list, so far, is the church in Prairie Grove on March 13.  If everyone is as stir crazy as I am, the line will be very long.  This is usually a good sale.  The Algonquin Library book sale is from March 13-16 with the 13th charging a $10 entry fee.  The other days are free to get in.  Check out their website:  www.appld.org/friends for the times.  Another great sale.

Italian Soup

Another day of really cold temps.  It is a high of 5 degrees.  So, what better day to make Italian soup?  In the Jan/Feb issue of Midwest Living, there was an article on having a soup get together.  One of the recipes was for Italian soup.  I tried it a few weeks ago and loved it.  I substituted the sausage with a chicken sausage that I picked up at Sam's Club.  It has some cheese in it and really adds to the soup.  Fresh bread from the bread machine and a side salad will make a great dinner tonight.

With these cold temps, I really have been wishing for spring.  I did an allium presentation on Monday for a garden club and the vivid photos were enough to make the whole group dream of spring.  On Wednesday, I had a Gardenfest meeting to start putting some finishing touches on it.  I can't get away from wishing for spring.  Gardenfest is on April 5 at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake.  We have Amanda Thomsen who wrote the book, "Kiss My Aster", as the keynote.  There are also 36 classes to choose from.  The most we have ever offered.  So, make sure to attend this event by contacting the college to register. 

Birthday Surprise!

My birthday is coming up and I received a box full of wonderful surprises today from my brother Michael and his wife Tina.  It was so much fun going through the box.  Michael wraps each item in layers of bubble wrap and it takes time to unwrap each one.  That makes each treasure even more special since I had to take my time and really look at each one.

They both know that I love seashells and the ocean.  I must have mentioned it before (50 million times).  So, I was thrilled to get 3 painted seashells with scenes of the shore and lighthouses, a copper shell tray and a lighthouse painted cloche.  I have been looking for a cloche and this one is perfectly me.  They sent me lots of other wonderful treasures, but these are my favorites. 

I really can't wait for summer.  I will take spring instead of the snow that is coming down right now.  I already have a place and idea in mind for the shell treasures that I got today.  In the mean time, I'll just have to dream of warmer days. 

This weekend is the Grayslake Flea Market in Grayslake Illinois. 

What a Surprise!

What a nice surprise I had today!  My friend Mary and I got together today at Panera Bread.  We hadn't gotten together in a while.  She surprised me with a beautiful burgundy crochet lap blanket that she made.  It is so wonderful and thoughtful.  I love it!  It looks wonderful on my pink hall chair.  But I'm sure to use it tonight when I sit to read the newest issues of Flea Market Gardens and Flea Market Décor.  The newest spring issues are here.


After I left Panera Bread, I stopped at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry.  I found some really nice treasures.  2 Japanese items:  plate and bowl, a kids pattern for a Power Ranger costume, a bag of buttons, a terra cotta angel (for my garden), and an assortment of vintage pins and earrings.  I used my 25% off coupon so I only spent $20 today.  I was so excited. 


There is an estate sale on Kishwaukee Valley Road in Woodstock from today until Sunday.  I'm hoping to shop it tomorrow.  I just hope it doesn't snow.  It sounds great from the ad in the paper.  We'll see.

Jewelry On My Mind

Another day with jewelry on my mind.  I woke up with some new ideas and couldn't wait to try them out.  Since it is too cold outside to do anything, what better way to enjoy the day.


I had found a wonderful aqua stone pin (the pin part was broken) a few years ago at a garage sale.  The woman was selling her moms vintage jewelry.  I loved it! but wasn't sure how I would use it.  I just happened to have the perfect chain for it and just attached it.  Sometimes beauty is just simple.  This piece is simple, but perfect.  It's a keeper.


The other necklace started with a cameo and just blossomed from there.  I had 2 wonderful black vintage sparkly earrings that worked well with it.  Sometimes its just a matter of playing around until the pieces "fit" with each other.  I love how this piece came out also.


Another forecast for sub zero temperatures tomorrow.  I wonder what I will create?

Creating.....Jewelry

Today was a creating jewelry day.  A day to be inside anticipating the arctic cold for the next 2 days with highs of -9.  I was in the mood to stay home and create.

I finished 5 necklaces and 1 pair of earrings.  I  had sooooo much fun putting together vintage pieces to create something fresh and fun.  I especially love cameo pieces and used 2 of them today in the necklaces.  I also love bling and found a way to incorporate that into the pieces.  The contrast of a black and white cameo with sparkly stones is wonderful.  I loved the black and white cameo when I found it a while back.  It could be used as either a pin or pendant.  Since the pin part was broken, I knew that it would become a part of a necklace.  It is such a wonderful piece.    I made one of the necklaces simple with a pretty blue stone pendant.  I also had some rhinestone pieces that I made into earrings.  I had used the other part of them a few weeks back in a necklace.  It's fun to take apart a piece and be able to use all of it for something else.  Nothing goes to waste. 

Close to 30 years ago when I was visiting in Sausalito California, I bought a great pair of bronze filigree earrings.  They are large and fun and I loved them!  I wore them constantly.  Fast forward to today.  I haven't worn them in over 20 years, but still think that they are wonderful.  So, I used them in a long strand necklace.  It looks great.  I am so glad that they will still be worn and not just hidden away.

I love the idea that vintage pieces can be transformed into something that can be cherished today.  It is fun to create pieces of jewelry like that.  Did I mention that I had lots of fun creating jewelry today? 

I Drove Through the Blowing Snow.....

I drove through the blowing snow to get to a Caring Transitions estate sale in Woodstock on Applewood Lane off of McConnell Road in Woodstock.  McConnell road had so much snow blowing onto it that I almost slid off of it a couple of times.  But, I trudged on.  I'm glad that I did.  I found 2 fabulous cement statues for the garden.  One of mushrooms and the other is a frog spouting fountain.  Nothing better to get me into gardening mode and thinking of spring.  The price was right at $10 each.  I sat through a Seed class last night at the U of I Master Gardener office in Woodstock and thoughts of spring haven't left me yet.  After today's weather, I don't think that we are even close to spring yet.  Oh well!


There is a kids book sale (some adult books too) at the Algonquin Township Office this weekend.  I stopped in today and found some nice books and comics.  Kids books are 50 cents each and adult books are $1 each.  Since I'll be inside, some new reads are a good idea.


I looked at the estatesales.net website and saw that there are estate sales in the next few weeks close by.  Treasure hunting will keep me from going stir crazy.

Sewing Pillows

Another few days of sewing more pillows.  The unfinished quilt tops are fabulous.  I didn't want to just leave them in a drawer, so I finished the edges and made them into pillows.  I bought the unfinished quilt tops at a garage sale this summer and knew right away that they would make great pillow covers.  I love to sew pillows.   You can get as creative as you want with them.  They make quick changes to any décor.  I change them seasonally in my home, but I always manage to keep some of my favorites out all year long.


I stock up with zippers at JoAnn Fabrics when I have 50% off coupons.  I used fabric from my stock for the back.  I'm always buying fabric at sales even though my closet is pretty full.


I wanted to mention that the Gardenfest brochure is on the website for McHenry County College in Crystal Lake.  The class listing is extensive and the classes cover so many different gardening topics.  I'm so pleased with how well the planning has come along.  This will be a great Gardenfest.  I hope all of you plan on being there on April 5!


There is a gardening weekend Feb 7- 9 in Madison Wisconsin at the Alliant Energy Center.  It sounds like a fun weekend or day trip.  Melinda Myers is giving a few classes and I have always wanted to hear her presentations.  There are quite a few gardening workshops in the next few months.  For those of us who can't wait to get our hands into the dirt, these classes are lifesavers.  It makes spring seem right around the corner.

Springtime?...Flower Pins

I haven't visited the Salvation Army thrift store in McHenry in a long time.  Today was the day.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that it has become better organized and cleaner.  Those were a few of the reasons that I hadn't been in there for awhile.  After today, I will visit there more often.


As usual, I stopped at the jewelry counter first.  I found some wonderful vintage springtime? vintage flower pins.  I really adore those pins.  These were white and yellow.  I also found a vintage goldtone flower pin and a goldtone bracelet.  The prices were great from $2-$3 each.  As I was walking around the store, I spotted a Continental hammered aluminum handled tray for $2.50.  Of course, I had to have it.  I loved the design of the handle.


I'm looking forward to treasure hunting at the Salvation Army thrift store again soon.  I'll add it on my pathtojunkentreasure.

Thinking of Summer.......

It's another day inside with -14 degrees this morning and a high forecast of 4 degrees.  Another day that the boys are off of school.  Boy are they excited!  So, I'm thinking ahead to warmer days and summertime by the water.  When I woke up this morning, the thermostat had stopped working and my second floor was 42 degrees.  It has taken most of the day today to warm back up. 


I was sewing in my chilly room, but hoping that thoughts of the beach would warm me up.  (I managed to sew through the chills).  I made 2 pillows today with a sailboat/water theme.  I had purchased the unfinished boat quilt pieces from a garage sale this past summer and knew that I wanted to make them into a pillow.  I used blue sailboat fabric that I also found a while back at a sale for the back of the pillow.  I had to finish the quilt blocks with blue and red borders.  They came out really nice.  I just may keep these for myself. 


When I bought the boat unfinished quilt pieces, I also bought other unfinished quilt pieces.  I was just looking through my fabric collection and found some pieces to finish them with.  More pillows are on the way.....


But I'm taking a break now to eat the brownies that just finished baking!

Sewing....pillows

Since I'm pretty much snowed in, I sewed another rooster pillow.  I decided that this one would be without trim since the fabric is so pretty on its own.  I had already sewed a rooster pillow the other day with black and white trim.  I love how they both turned out!  I am out of lots of decorative trim and can't wait for treasure hunting to begin to find more.

Tomorrow school is closed since the wind chills will be around -40 degrees.  I want to sew a few more pillows with a summer theme.  (Maybe that will help me to cope with the cold weather.)

It's nice to be inside when it's snowing.  Last night, the boys and I were driving home from Loves Park and it took us so long in the snow.  It was scary and nerve wracking.  I'm thankful that we made it home safely.  So, tomorrow, we will be inside where we can just watch the snow from where it's safe.  Drive safely in the snow and try to keep warm.

Happy New Year!

Hope your New Year is filled with love, good health and happiness.    And warmth.  We have had soooo much snow recently and freezing temperatures that I have stayed inside and worked on some projects.  I am busy making pillows that I will post in a few days. 

I usually keep the Christmas decorations up until after Jan 7 (since I celebrate Serbian Orthodox Christmas on that day), but since the temperature has kept us inside, I finished putting it all away today.  I'm sorry to see it go.  I love Christmas.  It seems to have come and gone quicker than ever.
In its place, I decorated with red, pink and hearts for Valentine's day.  I love to display the upcoming holiday in advance so that I can enjoy it.  So, while the wind is howling tonight and blowing the snow around, I'm enjoying all that is Valentine's day decorating.  I have some great crochet pieces with roses on them in pink and red that I have chosen to display.  They are so wonderful to look at.  I'm always on the lookout for crochet doilies.

I'm lining up projects to work on.  I'm sure that I'll have a lot of time in the next few weeks to work on them since the cold will keep me inside feeling crafty.