Northwest Pretties: Christmas at Versailles 4x4 Book Marie Antoinette

This fabulous book all finished up and on it's way to me! I am so happy to share it with you all! I'm so excited to receive it. I'll always treasure it ~that is for sure!

A Huge Thank you to all the group members who joined in this swap, and especially Rhonda who did all the binding and made extra pages for an extra chunky book! It is so special.... I hope you'll enjoy it too!

~ Patients IS a Virtue ~ A Garden Party Gazebo

I thought I'd share the beauty of this darling miniature Garden Party Gazebo that I have finished up and entered into a contest. I was rallied & cheered on by my granddaughter.

I designed a place that I could imagine myself entering and lounging around in with my favorite magazine or book and a cup of freshly brewed coffee!

The only rule for the contest was to start with this particuliar building/gazebo. It came in pieces -raw wood. I crackled and antiqued the frame in a creamy white over vintage green. It turned out fabulous, I was very pleased. The flooring was done with a paintable fresco wall paper that I cut & pieced together. I also antiqued that. I used fresh wispy birch branches to enter-twine in and around the roof and around the posts. They emerge from a pair of "cherub" column planters that I painted black and gave a gold highlight to. I attached the various pink paper roses all around on sprigs of baby tear and pepper berry greenery.

I used 2 victorian wire chairs, a victorian bird cage (decorated in roses & birch too) and a baker's rack, all of which I painted black. I made a chair cushion for the fan back wire chair and even little bow ties hanging from the back. I created the swing by removing the legs from a cottage style "sofa"... I punched holes on the back and arms & used eyelets and rings to attach & hold the vintage pearl and wire loop "chain" hangers. I hand made the sofa cushions and throw pillows from things I had on hand and hand painted the frame in black with gold accents which matches the little table where you'll find waiting a cake and pretty tea cup and saucer.

I had a lot of fun designing this and my granddaughter is so pleased. I can't wait to find out where (or if) we'll place in the contest. No matter the outcome, we've had a great time doing this. I'll keep you posted, I 'm not sure when they announce the winners.

The scale is 1 inch = 1 foot.

Marie Antoinette Christmas at Versailles

I finished my pages for the 4x4 Book Swap. We had to do 12 pages (there were 12 members who joined this swap.)

This is what we had to do:
Create one original Marie Antoinette 4 x 4 page and then make x number of color copies (one for each member) via your local copy center OR your home printer. Please use card stock or heavier, no paper pages. Embellish your copies to you heart's content. You can use any type of embellishments. It can be a digital page, you can cut and paste to collage, or make a copy on your printer and add to it. Whatever you like. You just need to make sure that each participant has your page for their book.

Put your name and any other info you would like to share (email address, blog/flickr page) on the back of your page, and feel free to decorate. Please remember that this is a book and both sides of your page will be viewed.

Send your finished pages to me. I will then bind all participant's pages into a book and send one book to each participant.

Exciting isn't it!!

Here are the pages I sent:

I finally got some things Listed to eBay

After a very busy summer (so far) I finally got some things listed on eBay. Hope you have a minute to stop by and take a peek at the latest treasures.

Special Order For Michelle

Well I finished up the Sewing Chair that Michelle sent me for a NW Pretties make-over. I thought I'd share it with all of you! Hope she loves it!

Sweet Eddie

Here's a Cool Picture of Eddie, our Chow Chow trying to stay cool on these hot summer Seattle days!

"DOG hiding in bush... KNOWS you're there! "

He's a sweetheart.

Remembering days gone by.

The roar of the Blue Angel’s jets after-burners are rumbling through the skies today. It’s Sea-Fair in Seattle. Hydro Planes ~ Blue Angels, etc… Port Orchard must be like their U turn zone or something! Reminds me of the days I would climb to the top of mom’s roof (in Sunnyvale, CA) and watch them practice out at NAS Moffett Field, Sunnyvale and directly over our heads as they would Maneuver over the Valley.

Remembering Days Gone By.

On July 1, 1994, NAS Moffett Field was closed as a naval air station and turned over to the NASA Ames Research Center. NASA Ames now operates the facility as Moffett Federal Airfield.

Smile to the Sound of Music

I came across this video on Katie's blog and had to snag it share too. This is way too much fun and if this is what might happen when riding a train in Belgium than I'm so there☺ I just love how it spreads a little happiness and we could all use more of that, right?
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A Sweet Taste of Summer

Straight off the tree from My Garden and into my mouth! Oh these are the BEST! I wish I could share them with you!!

I got my art Cards all Finished up

THEME: Create a card combining Marie with birds, birdcages and/or aviaries. All mediums welcome.

This is a 3 for 3 ATC swap. Your cards must include birds, a birdcage or aviary and be Marie inspired.

This was my first attempt at such a swap and the art on an ATC (Artist Tranding Card) which are made on a playing card size card (or whatever). I was really lucky when I found the deck of vintage scalloped edge playing cards, which are a child's game. I used found images, stamping, vintage metal glitters, crystals and painted roses... not to shabby for my first attempts. I'll keep at it.

I'LL Miss You *~Michael~*

I've always been a fan of Michael Jackson. I grew up with him. He's only 10 months older than I am. My heart goes out to his family! I've lost a brother, I know how completely sad it is. My prayers are with them now.

When I was about 11-12 years old, my girlfriends and I put on a show for our parents, in the garage of our suburban house~ using white sheets as a back-drop, card table folding chairs and picnic table benches for seating. I had a large (probably 4 foot fury purple foot rug that we centered for "stage" appeal. After everyone was seated, (my brother) lifted the needle onto the spinning 45 record and we all set off to pretend to sing and dance to Michael Jackson's "A B C" & "Rockin Robin" songs ....it was quite the show!!! And it has always been a very fond memory of childhood days gone by!!

I'm Back ... Hello, Hello, Hello

I've been off to a busy start this summer!! My brilliant (youngest) daughter, Darby, has graduated with her Bachelor's Degree from: California State University @ San Bernidino, with Honors!! ((I might add)) Way to go Sweetie!! I'm full of pride! Naturally I few down for the celebrations! It was fabulous.

Message of the Day

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.

Visiting Southern California

********** Scott ******** Darby ****** Me, Susan ***************

The Living Desert

My (youngest) Daughter, Darby & Her New Hubby, Scott
May 3, 09

~*~Just Married ~*~

My beautiful Daughter, Darby and her new Husband, Scott

In Maui, Hawaii 3/17/09

Be Hopeful

Hope should be taught in school. Without it we never achieve anything. If you're seeking to undertake something, stop and make sure you have the right hope and mindset about your goal before you begin. Without it, your efforts will be futile. Having the right hope and mindset is what will propel you to your goal. Filling yourself with hope before you begin, is like filling your fuel tank before a long trip. It is how you make sure you reach your destination. -unknown but very cool.

My Sally ~ A Bird & A Squirrel

It is a beautiful day in the Northwest (finally) although this morning was 33, it's warmed up into the high 50's today. I was standing at my kitchen window and this is what I saw... My sweet Sally (the Chow Chow) overseeing the morning bird feeding.

The first picture is of a regular visitor around bird feeding time, a juvinelle squirrel... I guess they don't mind sharing the seed? He's always poking around. It's so fun to watch. I had to take the pictures through the window though (thank goodness I cleaned them last weekend) so it is a little "noisy". Still thought you'd enjoy it though. It is REALLY Spring??

I've listed some things to Etsy ... Finally

Go to Etsy to see what I have listed in my shop!!


Yep .. the pReTTiE* Vintage Nut Cup Baskets...

Happy Spring ? ? ?

Although it doesn't feel like Spring in the Northwest (as in many other areas of the country) It's always nice to dream and imagine the "day" it really breaks. You know that day... the day it really warms up and you "ust know" it's here -to stay. Or so I pray.

In the meantime, while we wait for "that day" and my daffodils & Hyacinths bloom away without the for-get-me-nots that usually bloom with them but can't because it has been so chilly here (they said about 12 degrees cooler than normal and March was colder than February)

Despite it all, I hope you are designing and decorating with Spring in mind because it WILL happen, and when it does, Be ready!

Here's a Very Sweet Poem I found! And fit perfectly with the NW "Spring"

Peep Peep ~ Early Hatchlings ~

We're getting ready for the Easter Rose and Bonnet Parade....

What a fun time it has been creating these darling chicks, bugs and other feathered friends ready to join in the

Easter Rose Parade

.

Each of these precious 2-1/2" chicks have been decorated with all original hand pieced embellishments ~ including vintage trinkets, treasures and papers! They're all so darling and sure to bring a smile! I hope you love these little guys as much as I do! Leave a comment!

Go check them out at eBay ... I'll start listing them later. Peep Peep

Off Again ~USS JOHN C. STENNIS

USS JOHN C. STENNIS is 1092 feet long and towers some 20 stories above the waterline. As a self-contained city! Amazing isn't it!! My cousin, Michael, just set off for another long deployment. He isn't expected home until sometime this summer, between July and August! It's a darn good thing it is "like a city."

I am thankful for the men and women in uniform, it really does take someone very special to go out into such an uncertain world fraught with danger -to protect all of us. I honor them.

Hurry home Michael! He leaves behind his wife, April and their 4 daughers ages 12, 9 & 4 (4yr olds are twins). I'll be babysitting a lot! <>

Here's a picture of it pulling out of San Deigo:

Here's another one pulling out of Bremerton Naval Base. The treed area you see behind the ship is my town... Port Orchard!! :

Another Snowy Morning in the Northwest

Imagine our surprise when we woke up to a heavy dusting of the white stuff! It's not so bad when you expect it, but when you hear nothing about the "chance" it catches you off guard.

So no errands got done today, sigh...ho hum... which is why I'm reminded that you shouldn't put off what you can do "today" because you end up even more behind when plans can't go as scheduled .... "Just Do It"

Yeah, hubby stayed HOME again !!

Pictures taken at home Tuesday Morning.

My Granddaughter painted the happy face on the side of her birdhouse. That was a summer craft project. Lots of fun and the birdhouses are fabulous!!

I love the way they stand out against the white snow! *Prettie* huh?? Every year we get the little native finch nesting. Every year (or every other ...depends) they get a new make-over.

Imagine

Noteworthy

I came across this passage and thought what a profound Message ...I really liked it and felt it was worth sharing!

"Live in the future with which you create your present. Create and exchange and don't forget to acknowledge yourself and others."

~Sofia Milos

Here's To Hope for New Beginnings for our Great Nation.

Message for the Day:

Waiting for the propert timing is a trap. Every time has it's risks and it's pitfalls, so whatever it is you want to do, do it now. Seize the moment you are in, to do things you dream about. You are an unlimited being who is part of an unlimited universe. Have faith that if you follow your dreams, the resources you need to complete the journey will be delivered to you when you need them.

Seize Opportunity

Some cute scenes from my holiday home:

The darling *sparklie* PiNk house was a gift [last year] from my friend, Christy (CC's Whimsies.com)

The vintage Santa and Sleigh w/reindeer was a thrift Store Find! Excellent!!

Quote For the Day

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

-John Wooden

Isn't this just the Sparkliest "Celebrate" Party Hat??  

Back To "Normal"??

Shall I say such a thing? The last time I thought things were going to "get back to normal" was Sunday afternoon!

I was counting the final hours until hubby goes back to work after an

~*~E X T E N D E D~*~ (((3))) week "Vacation"

..........er.. um...(minus one day he went in ....)

this was all due to:

*Snow

*Ice

*more snow

*more ICE

*Christmas

then
*more snow

and ICE

oh yeah... lest we Forget

*New Year's!

....When Low and Behold, just after aLL the snow FINALLY melted away, it started snowing again, around 4:00pm LAST NIGHT and it ends up that it SNOWS another 6" by [Monday] Morning! yep, you guessed it... trapping him home

ONE ~*~ M O R E ~*~ DAY