About Amy

I am feeling creative

I am feeling so motivated to pick up my needle and floss and get to work.  Today I bought a pile of flour sack dish towels from Target and am ready to pull out some cute and kitschy iron-ons.  Ultimately, I would love to include a hand-made item with my vintage mini-tableaux.  We'll see how fast I work and how long this new fire burns.  There are two wonderful blogs that I follow with some great embroidery patterns.

Red Velvet Art has beautiful and simple patterns...

  

and for the most amazing selection of fun and non-precious patterns, go to Sublime Stitching...

 

You can find both links in my "Blogs I Love".

And did I mention I love summer?

 

 

Have a happy Wednesday!  Amy

Something new

My all-too-frequent trips to the thrift shops and flea markets have resulted in overflowing closets and cluttered tables.  I love old stuff.  I love reusing and repurposing every beautiful thing that I stumble upon.  I often wonder why people buy new when so many unique and interesting items exist with a prior life and story.  My plan is to "open" an Etsy shop featuring vintage items.  My focus will be vignettes based on color or season or feel.  I am so excited to get started.  

 

A little something blue...

or maybe something earthier...

 

I am so looking forward to lightening my load and searching for more treasures (I just hope I can part with them in the end). 

And onto another subject, a beautiful picture taken by Keith...

 

Ahhh, summer...amy

The talented 1A and 1B

My artist/dancer daughter, Sophia, recently had a recital at the historic Folly Theater.  She dances at a wonderful, old-timey dance studio, decked out in high-gloss pink and glittery vinyl seating.  Her beloved dance instructor, Miss Lorna, has been dancing with Ms. Betty since she was four years old- thiswas her 50th recital!  

  They performed two numbers, one ballet and one tap.

 

Since Sophia started summer camp, Oliver has had lots of time to be himself and make choices on his own.  His creative and imaginative play has taken off.  Although he misses his sister terribly, he is becoming even more independent and artistic

A scrumptious birthday cake sculpture.

 

Testing the pinwheels...amy

 

Some treasures and a project

Here are some of my finds from a recent hunt...

I am particularly fond of the clothespins and parrot planter.

I started embroidering a few months ago...

I am using some beautiful old yellow silk from Keith's grandmother.  The patterns were my mom's "Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfers".  I love how dated they feel.

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Not exactly what I was going for...

My last haircut and color was late March.  My dark brown was quickly becoming a sad shade of nasty copper pipe and grey, curly hairs were starting to pop up all over my head.  I was sadly in need of some time with Holly.  And so I blocked out part of my day to get a much needed makeover.  I decided to change things up a bit, having some bangs cut in and lots of layers added.  You know, to cover up my botox-ready creases and lighten up the fur coat I've been wearing around on these 110 degree days.  I knew I'd look different but I really hadn't expected the response I got.  After thoroughly examining my new look, Sophia ran up to her bedroom crying.  I know I can't please everyone, but come on, isn't that a bit extreme?  Sophia asked me, "Will it grow back?  Will I get used to it?"  I don't know if I'll get used to having a teenager so soon (she's only five!). At some point I'll post some pics. 

I'm off to book club later this evening to discuss The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and to drink some wine (or should I say drown my sorrows?).  Amy

 

Ahhh Summer...

Things that make summer so sweet...

weekend trips to the lake

 

homemade Orange Julius's

and backyard "pool" parties

coming soon...

...slowly but surely.  How about that beautiful banner?  My artist neighbor (and inspiration to begin a blog) created it- and I'm so excited!  When I do finally get things rolling, you can expect lots of jabbering about my obsession with music, art, books, thrift stores and vintage finds, interior design, my pursuit of a passion and artistic outlet, and most importantly, my two crazy kids and high-school sweetheart husband.  So here it comes. After I get a good night sleep.  And play nanny...and housekeeper...and personal chef...and maybe take a shower...