Rick's Picks

Since it was the last Friday of spring break, the kids and I decided to do something fun.  We visited the Burpee Museum in Rockford to see Rick's Picks. Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick had his treasures on exhibit.  It was so great to see so much rock-n-roll history.  The kids especially loved his unique guitar collection.  I loved his silver suit.  The exhibit goes on for a short while in April.  It is well worth the visit.

We stopped at the estate sale in McHenry on the way home and didn't find a thing.  Oh well.  That happens sometimes.  Instead, I went through my spring and summer clothes and have a full bag for my next garage sale.  It always feels good to organize and get rid of clothes that no longer fit or that I haven't worn in over one year. 

Next week I'm hoping to begin cleaning up the garden.  I always wait for spring to clean up the leaves and perennial debris.  It is nice to look at in the winter when covered in snow, but a lot of work to clean up in the spring.  After being inside for the winter, I look foward to sore muscles from doing yard work.  I also have a to do list for the garden.  I just hope that the snow melts so that I can start on that list.

Park Place Sale

The kids and I treasure hunted at the Park Place sale today.  It was very crowded with buyers.  I found some great jewelry:  pins for $1-2 each, bracelets for $2 each and clip on earrings for 25 cents.  I was happy with the prices.  I have a craft in mind for the earrings and who could beat 25 cents for a pair.  The kids found comic books, nerf guns and Gameboy color games plus the handheld device.  We had fun chatting with friends.  The season has definitely begun.  I am so happy!  It's always a long winter when there are no sales.

We then took a drive up to Lake Geneva for a few hours.  The Pizza Hut has an all you can eat buffet for $6 per person.  After lunch, we walked around the lake and town for awhile and had to go to our favorite ice cream place, Kilwins.  The weather was perfect.  Everyone else must have thought so too because the town was crowded.  All parking places were filled.  I guess everyone needs spring right now.  I know that I do. 

My crocuses are coming up.  The yellow ones are opening.  It is definitely a glorious day.  I'm getting ready for Gardenfest at McHenry County College on Saturday, April 6.  It is sure to be a great gardening information day.  I'm teaching a class on Alliums.  I love Alliums and Hydrangeas.  I'm looking forward to the day.  It is always a lot of fun. 

Tomorrow is an estate sale in McHenry that looks good.  I hope to get there.  The Moose Lodge on Clay Street in Woodstock is having a book/game/dvd sale on Saturday.  Also, the Burpee Museum in Rockford is having an exhibit, Rick's Picks, from Rick Nielson of Cheap Trick.  It is an assortment of his collecticles in rock-n-roll.  We're heading out there tomorrow since it is only $8 per person on Friday instead of the usual $15 per person.  It will be fun to see his treasures.

Happy Spring!

Even though it is still cold and windy here, I know that spring is around the corner.  My crocus and tulips are popping up.  That is such a happy day.  I love when the flowers start to emerge.  It is a glorious feeling.  I took a stroll in my yard to make note of what has to be done soon.  Lots of projects to do and more stuff to organize and get rid of.

I have spent the better part of the last few days cleaning and organizing.  It took Ethan and I all of Friday to rearrange his bedroom and to store childhood things away.  He was great at throwing stuff away.  I was proud of him.  His room looks great and he loves it.  Now on to Austin's room. 

Saturday was an indoor garage sale at McHenry Middle School in McHenry.  We only found a few things.  I did find these two really nice vintage pins for $5 each.  Nice and sparkly just like I love.

On Thursday, Park Place in Crystal Lake has a spring garage sale starting at 8am.  Zion Lutheran Church in McHenry is having their rummage sale on April 4th starting at 8am.  Hopefully there will be more garage sales this week.  Happy hunting!

Springtime in the Greenhouse

Today the Master Gardeners had a field trip to Hampshire Farms in Hampshire, IL.  What a perfect day for a field trip to a greenhouse.  It is soooo cold and blustery.  On top of that, a semi carrying a load of cheese was on its side near to Hampshire Farms and the road was closed.  After driving round about, I finally managed to get there.  What a treat it was!  So many flowers in bloom that it felt like spring had arrived.  Not to mention that it was warm in there.  There were so many in bloom hydrangeas that I wanted all of them. 

Hampshire Farms sells wholesale only to Home Depot.  It is a very large operation and we were lucky to have had a tour of the place.  1 1/2 hours of springtime bliss.  I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend the morning.

Big Sale Today

Boy am I tired!  Today was the McHenry Wide Garage sale at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake.  The boys and I started to set up at 5am.  They were such a big help.  I couldn't have done it without them.  We sold sooooo much stuff.  I am very happy that the big stuff went.  Especially a bike that was Austin's.  I also sold a lot of clothes.  Everything that was left over went to the Salvation Army and the Sparrows Nest in McHenry.  I am so happy that my house is cleaned out...for now. 

The boys had a great time and spent my money on some Pokemon stuff and other things.  They really love helping out at these sales and getting good deals.  I heard them bargaining and they did a great job.  I am so proud of them.  I did have a quick chance to look around after Caldwell relieved me.  I only found 2 vintage pins for 50 cents each.  More to use on my felted bags.

Last night, the boys and I went to the Algonquin Library book sale and bought quite a few books and video games.  Another fun sale.  We ended with cookies and lemonade, as usual.  We really look forward to these sales.  The next one is for July 18-21. 

The next garage sale is at McHenry Middle School in McHenry on Saturday March 23rd and then there is one at the Park Place in Crystal Lake on Thursday March 28 at 8am.

Blue Felted Bag

I finished another bag!  Everytime I make a bag, I love it more then the one before it.  I'm excited about this one.  The felting came out wonderfully.  I also used a vintage fabric yo-yo piece under the flower pin.  I think it looks great.  I'm glad that I had a blue purse handle.  I'm keeping my eyes open at sales for odd colored purse handles.

Sale updates:  I am in booth 12 at the McHenry County Garage sale at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake on Saturday March 16 from 7-1.  Look for me.  I have a full booth. 

Friday, March 15th is the Algonquin Library Book sale starting at 4pm.  No charge to enter on Friday (only on Thursday). 

All That Glitters....

All that glitters......it has to be wonderful vintage costume jewelry.  Boy do I love vintage costume jewelry!  That has become an even bigger obsession recently.  I just looked through all of my collection and it always amazes me on how wonderful each piece is.  The more sparkly and large the better.  I especially love pins and bracelets. 

My friend Cecilia was helping another friend price vintage pieces that had belonged to her friend's mom.  Her friend is also selling at the McHenry County garage sale on March 16.  I was so kindly invited over to (help) and to look at her collection.  Wow!!!!!! She has so many wonderful pieces.  It was never ending.  Each time we opened a box, we were excited.  I had the most wonderful day.  I was so thrilled to have been welcomed into this, shall I say, event.  It will be exciting to see more of her collection at the garage sale.  I added 12 new pieces to my collection and I am so excited.   Her prices are good and fair.  Cecilia knows my taste in jewelry pretty well and was right on when I picked out the same pieces as she did for me to add to my collection.  Thank you sooooooo much, Cecilia. 

I did stop at the Mother Load estate sale in Woodstock and only found 2 old gardening books.  I also look for gardening books to add to my growing collection.  They were only $1 each.

Tomorrow and Sunday is a Caring Transitions estate sale in Crystal Lake.  March 23 is an indoor garage sale at McHenry Middle School in McHenry.  I don't usually find many treasures at this sale, but, you never know what you will find.  I guess that is what keeps me going.

First Rummage Sales of the Season

Wow!  Today sure was fun.  The sun was shining so it made standing in line waiting to get into the rummage sales warmer.  I had a great time catching up with my rummage sale friends.  Standing on line passes quickly when you have someone to talk to.  We compared notes on our finds at the morning rummage sale at Faith Community United Church of Christ in Prairie Grove.  Their fall rummage sale is on Sept 12th and 13th.  Mark your calendars.

At that sale, I found a few books and Pokemon cards and spent a whole $3.50.  In the afternoon, it was the rummage sale in Cary.  I only found a box of labeled specimen rocks for $1.  It was just nice to be out even though I didn't find many things at the sales today.

I did stop at the Sparrows Nest in Cary on the way home and found a great milk glass piece for $4.  They are all decorated for Easter, so if you need Easter themed items, go now.  I also stopped at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry and found a New York snow globe that plays music (it works!) for $4. It even has the Twin Towers in it.  I'm going to put it into Austin's Easter basket.  He'll love it.

Tomorrow is an Estate Sale in Woodstock by Mother Lode on Lincoln.  I'm looking forward to it.  Friday, March 15th is the Algonquin Library book sale.  (It opens on Thursday night but they charge a few on that night).  Then, I'm selling at the McHenry Wide Garage Sale on Saturday March 16th at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake from 7am to 1pm.  I keep finding treasures to bring with me, but I can't fit it all into my van.  I'm going to try to pack it full; as I do each year.  The fun is trying to fit it all into my booth.  Everyone gets a kick out of watching me trying to cram it all into the booth.  Somehow, it always works.  Hope to see you there!

Snow Day

Just because I have been dreaming of spring, we got a major snow storm today.  We are expecting up to 10 inches.  Even the schools were closed.  So, we spent some time outside snowshoeing and building a very ugly snowman.  The snow was too soft and wouldn't pack enough to make a solid nice snowman.  We did manage to have a snowball fight though. 

I probably jinxed it by spring cleaning my house this week.  I moved furniture, washed drapes and washed windows.  I like to spring clean at the end of February because once it starts to get warm outside, I'm out there.  No time for house cleaning then.  I like the fresh clean smell when I spring clean.  I even got the kids involved today.  It was actually a lot of fun.

Thursday can't come fast enough.  2 rummage sales on the same day.  Maybe spring is just around the corner.  Even if it isn't, just give me the sales and I'll be happy.

It's Spring In My House!

I couldn't wait any longer for spring to arrive, so I put away all signs of winter in my house and brought out the springtime items.  I always love to decorate for the change in seasons, but so much more this time.  I love the winter and the snow, but I'm ready to wear lighter, brighter clothes and to get my hands in the soil.  I want to plant a lot this year and change some of my gardens around.  I am wishfully hoping to start during spring break at the end of March. 

So, on this white out snowy day, I'm baking peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (I found the most delicious recipe in Better Homes and Gardens).  As I look around my house and see signs of spring: birds, rabbits and flowers, I'm dreaming of a green spring and the rummage sales next week. 

Sales Are Coming!

I'm so excited.  In 2 weeks, rummage sale season begins.  I already had the church sale in Prairie Grove on March 7th on my calendar starting at 9am, but now I can add the Methodist Church on 1st Street in Cary for the same day at 1pm.  Most years, both sales are on the same day, just at different start times.  This way, I can go to both.  What a great way to start off the rummage sale season; not with 1 sale, but with 2!  I will be seeing my rummage sale friends twice that day.  Oh happy day!!!!

Today was a fun stop at The Sparrows Nest in Cary.  I have been trying to go every other week.  They had so many vintage linens of all kinds.  I found a really nice green crochet flower doily for $3.50.  I really am being picky since I purged many linens over the winter.  I don't like to spend much on them.  I also found a pink milk glass vase for $6.  I spent a little more on this vase then usual since pink milk glass is hard to find.  It was in good condition.  The thrift shops should start to get more donations since the warmer weather is coming.  People will be cleaning out their homes.  It pays to stop by quite often.  They have winter clothes on sale now.

I'm still getting ready for the Mchenry County wide garage sale on March 16 at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake from 7-1pm.  So many things to take to sell.  I hope I can fit it all into my van and still have room for my kids to help me.

Newest Felted Purse

This is my newest felted purse creation.  I finished it a few weeks ago, but only put the handles on today.  I was too busy with my felt hearts and stars.  It is a nice long one.   I'm working on a light blue felted purse right now.  I've been going in so many directions lately that it may be awhile before I finish it.

Every year I say that I won't be selling at the McHenry County garage sale that is hosted by the Northwest Herald.  Well, I signed up again this year.  I have done it every year since they started having it.  This year it is back at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake on March 16 from 7am to 1pm.  I have lots to sell, especially clothes.  Lots of vintage treasures for good prices too.  I just want to get rid of things, clean up my house and begin my hunt for treasures.  Hope to see you all there.

Fun Day!

Yesterday was a perfect day.  The sun was shining, I felt good and it was Ethan's birthday.  What a fun day it was!

I stopped in at Interiors Anew on the Woodstock Square (my favorite store) and found a wonderful turquoise cuff bracelet for $8.  I have been finding some jewelry there recently.  It fit my wrist perfectly.  Sometimes cuff bracelets are too big and need to go up your arm to fit perfectly.  This one fits perfectly where it should.

I also had time to stop in at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry.  They had a table full of doilies.  I found 8 doilies and 1 apron for $10.  They are in nice condition and have nice blue needlepoint on them.  Perfect for the summer.

I am starting to get so excited with the weather warming up, even if only for one day at a time.  That means that sales will be beginning soon.  The first that I know of so far is on March 7th at 9am in Prairie Grove. 

Happy Valentines Day!  It is the perfect time to craft a heart to give to those who are special to you. 

Birthday Fun!

Yesterday was my birthday!  The sun was shining and the weather was great.  I even had my car windows down while driving to an estate sale.  I couldn't ask for anything better.

I went to the Sparrows Nest in Cary and found a few pins and a necklace.  I also found a great aqua vintage pottery vase for $6.  (I only spent $18 since I used my 10% coupon).  Later in the afternoon I had a chance to go to a Caring Transitions estate sale in McHenry.  I found some more great vintage pins (they were $5-$6 each).  Upstairs in a bedroom I found 3 aluminum Wendell August Forge coaster for $8.  The homeowner had glued them to a black ribbon, but I tried to pull the ribbon away from them and saw that I could.  At home, I took off the ribbon and the glue washed away with soap and water.  It was a nice find.  They are now in my china cabinet for aluminum only.

I've been trying to finish up making the felt stars with vintage ornaments.  Today was the day to sit and do that since it was raining for most of the day.  They really came out nice. I am so thrilled with them.  Now I can begin the next project...so many to choose from.   

Hearts

My week was pretty hectic, especially Thursday when I had a flat tire and had to teach a class on seed starting to Austin's science class.  I didn't have much time to craft. 

To end the week on a good note, I stopped at Michael's and found some great bargains.  I bought paper flowers, heart felt stickers and felt for only $4.  (I bought a lot of felt at Hobby Lobby where it was 25 cents each for most.)  The flowers and stickers were only about 29 cents each on 90% clearance.  I had run out of vintage flowers and sparkly ornaments that I was looking for other items to use.  I can't wait for the rummage sales to start so that I can look for vintage craft items.  I'm getting a little antsy.  (Maybe alot!)

I sat down at the end of the week and made some really cute hearts.  I think I will make more stars this week since I have a few more sparkly ornaments and I'm in the mood to make them. 

Yay! For Estate Sales

2 estate sales today.  How fun is that?  I even had another person tell me that I looked familiar because we see each other at all of the sales.  These 2 were in Fox River Grove.  I will travel for a sale.

The first one was by Caring Transitions and it was 50% off today.  I found a really cute covered container for $4 and a wind up heart box that plays music for $1.  Perfect for Valentines Day.  The other sale wasn't 50% off but they were willing to negotiate.  I found a really neat metal (heavy) flower with a flower piece inside for $4.  It is black and I'm not sure if I will paint it or not.  It will definitely be a nice piece for the garden.  I have so many treasures to put out into my yard that I can't wait for spring to arrive.  I'm not really counting down.  (Maybe just sometimes.)

Feeling Blue?

I'm still finding stuff to do inside now that the cold weather is here.  More organizing and purging along with crafting.  I made 4 more felt stars with the rest of the vintage pieces that I had.  Austin loved the grey one so much that he kept it.  He has a silver aluminum tree in his room, all year round, and he hung it on that alongside the other ornaments that he has.  He is the collector! (or packrat).  Now I have other treasures to look for at sales.  I'll be on the lookout for pieces that will look good on the stars.

I stopped in at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry where they have lots of springlike dishes and plates.  I found a really nice blue/white square pottery plate for $1.50 and a vintage made in Japan miniature leaf dish for $1.50.  Both with the blue theme.  I'll use them for summer decorating when I bring out the blue/white treasures.  How far away is summer anyway?  Wishful thinking when the weather is so cold.

There are lots of birthdays coming up in February that I am planning for.  Good thing that I shop all year round for gifts.  It's always fun to find something that you know the person will love and that the treasure is unique. 

I did stop by the Material Girl store in Crystal Lake for their sidewalk sale.  They had a lot of great fabric on sale for $4 per yard.  It is a really neat store to browse in.  I got some great ideas for future projects.

Valentines Valentines

So much to think about and do on a cold snowy day.  I made 8 valentines with red felt, vintage flowers, ornaments and yarn.  I made them in much the same way that I made the stars.  I even found a paper Mother heart in gold that I attached to one of the hearts.  I would love to keep them all for ME, but I won't.  I love giving things away much more than I like to keep them for myself.  I bought a bag full of the vintage flowers and other pieces at a garage sale a few years ago for $1 and I used most of them on the valentines.  They really turned out cute.

Even though it is snowing, I am getting ready for teaching a class on Alliums (one of my favorite flowers) at Gardenfest at McHenry County College on April 6th.  Registration is open now so make sure that you pick the classes that you want to attend.  For those of you who don't know about it, it is an all day event of gardening classes held by the McHenry County University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (I am starting my 6th year as a Master Gardener, yay!) and the college.  It is $40 which includes lunch, lab fees are additional.  It is a great event and the keynote is Bruce Spangenberg who is the Horticultural Chair and Instructor at the college.  There are also great vendors to buy from.  It is a great day and we have so much fun.  If you live locally, plan on attending.  Just contact the college for more information.  It is never to early to be dreaming of spring and planting.

Tomorrow Thursday 1/24, the Material Girl store in Crystal Lake (across from the Raue Center) is having a sidewalk sale starting at 10am.  I haven't been to a sale of theirs, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they have on sale.  It should be a nice way to spend some warm time for a pick me up.

Felt Star Ornaments

I first saw felt star ornaments in the Holiday magazine by Matthew Mead.  I knew that I could make them with vintage pieces that I had around the house.  So, since today was only 9 degrees outside, what better time to make them.

I used off white and khaki colored felt to create the vintage looking stars.  I found a great star template that had rounded corners like I wanted to use.  I got 3 stars per felt piece.  Years ago, I bought a ring of needlepoint thread from a sale for about $2.  You never know when the thread will come in handy.  Today was it!  I have every color imagineable.  I attached vintage aluminum reflectors with the thread and then attached vintage ball tree ornaments inside of the reflectors.  The balls were attached to a pipe cleaner so I put a hole through the felt and just bent the pipe cleaner to keep it attached.  I then stitched around the star with the needlepoint thread and filled it with craft fiberfill.  These will make great presents.  Too bad I won't give them out until next Christmas. 

These would make cute hanging valentine's also.  I may use the yo-yo fabric and vintage buttons pieces on the valentine's.  It's so much fun being creative.

Another Cute Pillow

I couldn't resist making another pillow.   This is another thing that I will be adding to my mom's mother's day pile.  I used some more vintage yo-yo fabric circles and vintage buttons.  Of course the fabric was from my garage sale finds.  I love how this one turned out!

Finally a Sale!

Finally an estate sale!  I was starting to go stir crazy.  Caring Transitions had an estate sale in Huntley.  Today was half price.  I spent a total of $2.50.  I bought a colander for $1 (I am going to plant something in it in the spring) and a Pennsylvania tray for $1.50.  That will go into my mom's mother's day package.  Even though I didn't find a lot, I had a fun time.  I can't wait until there are more sales.

On a side note:  I stopped at the Huntley outlets today and found some good sales at Tommy Hilfiger.  It is worth the trip if you need some winter clothes. 

Since I was in Huntley, I thought why not stop in the Goodwill and Sweet Repeats Thrift store.  I only found a Japanese Pokemon dvd for the boys at the Goodwill for $1.99.  At Sweet Repeats, they were having a clothes bag sale and they were doing a bingo ball game to determine what percentage off you got on your purchase.  I got 10% off.  As I was walking through the store, I spotted milk glass under a silk flower arrangement.  So, I lifted out the flowers and found a wonderful milk glass bowl for $12.  But, since I was getting 10% off, I thought why not.  It is really beautiful and I didn't have anything like it.  I didn't find any chips or cracks either.  I was so excited with this new addition to my milk glass collection.

I Love! Pillows

I love making pillows!  I am running out of space in my house to display/use them.  I will probably need to be making them for gifts soon. 

I saw the cutest pillow on the front of Sew-it magazine Feb/March issue.  They used yo-yo fabric for flowers.  I have so many of those yo-yo's made from vintage fabric.  Last summer, I bought a box full of already cut vintage fabric circles to make the yo-yo's.  I also bought some already made from the Historical Society in Union during a sale.  So, I used them with garage sale fabric.  The fabric is a blue color with a flower pattern.  I chose 3 that blended well with the vibrant pattern.  I didn't use stems/leaves with this pillow.  I liked the look without them.  I did use vintage buttons to hold the flowers in place.  My mother had sent me a tin of vintage buttons that she got at a garage sale for $1.  (I showed them in a past article.)  I am so happy with the look.  I decided to put the pillow on the sofa with other similar colored pillows.  Just a little rearranging. 

I do have some other ideas for using the yo-yo's in future pillows.  I want to make some yo-yo's from all of that fabric I have that is already cut.  Someone took a long time to cut the circles and I want to finish it for them.  I must have about 150 circles.  Just enough for a few more pillows.....

New Pillows

I have been wanting to make some new pillows for my living room.  Every time I read a magazine, I think of pillows and colors that I want to use and make.  All of the magazines are showing such wonderful colors for spring like seafoam green and pale blues.  I love the colors and wanted to brighten up my living room.  The pillows really did make a difference.  Maybe just because they are something new.  I'm happy with the look.

I have been going towards seafoam green and pale blues a lot recently.  So, I went through my stash of garage sale fabrics that I had and picked the ones closest to those colors.  The one pillow has blue and brown in it.  I didn't want to put any trim on it because I thought the pattern was wonderful just the way it was and wanted to draw attention to the color and pattern.  The other pillow has a great floral pattern with a greenish background.  I found an applique piece that I had made a few years ago and used that as the focal point for my pillow.    I kept these two pillows simple this time.  They blend in well with the other pillows that I made. 

There are two more pillows that I would like to make.  I'm coming up with ideas for those, but already have the fabric picked out.  I just may keep those simple also. 

2013

I just finished putting away the Christmas treasures.  It always looks so bare after.  I like the change of seasons/holidays because I get to start fresh.  I always have something to decorate with that adds to the decor.  I put up some Valentine's items and red and pink/white doilies. 

I have also been so busy purging.  I have the biggest pile of stuff to sell at my garage sale and bags and bags of clothes.  I'm sure that I will have so much more when the time comes for my garage sale.  I have been selling on Ebay (milena2000) and have a lot listed right now.  It's a great way to make some extra money for when treasure hunting begins again.

I have been redecorating and reorganizing my house.  A lot in the kitchen.  (The junk drawer can actually be opened and things found).  I have gone through my yarn and fabric stash and have come up with some great craft ideas.  As I do them, I will show you pictures.  I started making snow globes to have ready for next Christmas.  They are so fun to make.  I need to eat more artichokes so that I can use the jars. 

I have had so much fun blogging my pathtojunkentreasure.  I hope you will join me for 2013 as I look for treasures.  I have set up a page of tips that I hope are helpful for reorganizing and purging your household.  There is no better time to renew and refresh your space then the new year.  Hope your 2013 is healthy, happy and full of junkentreasure!

Happy Happy New Year!

I can't believe that 2013 is almost here.  This year has gone by so quickly. 

I bought Charizard Pokemon fabric this summer at a garage sale for $4.  (Pokemon material is hard to find.)  Anyway, the boys wanted me to make them a quilt.  I do love to quilt so I was up for the challenge.  I used fabric that was bought at garage sales since I have a large amount of great fabric.  I made a simple quilt so that the Charizard figures would stand out.  I hand sewed POKEMON on one edge and then hand sewed 2 letters per side (sort of) to make the word POKEMON.  It came out really neat.  I wanted it to be done before the new year and it is! 

I have soooooo many other projects that I want to start, but this was an important one for me.  I didn't want to have too many unfinished projects laying around.  I finished a knitted scarf the other day and when I washed it to felt it, it didn't come out the way I wanted it to.  So, it's back to the beginning again.  I will use the scarf for pieces on other projects.  That happens sometimes when you felt.  Things don't always wash the way you want it to.

Wishing everyone a very happy healthy New Year with lots of paths to junkentreasure!

Merry Christmas

I made this pinecone tree years ago and still have it.  I keep it with my Christmas treasures and love to bring it out every year.  Sometimes, like this year, I have to reglue a pinecone.  I have it on my kitchen table so we share all of our meals and homework with it.  It reminds me of when I was a new homeowner and watching my money.  I collected little pinecones until I knew what I would do with them.  (I still collect pinecones and have them contained in a vintage metal tub in front of my fireplace.)  This is what became of some of those pinecones.

Merry Christmas!