another room clean, at least almost

We keep our house pretty dim, I think this hides potential grime that might otherwise freak me out.  My son and I worked on this Valentines banner, he painted it with his paint squeeze pens which are fun and a total mess.  It is done on paper and the ribbon is laced through.  A fun craft for the both of us.  This nighttime photo makes my sleepy - good night.

a mini landscape

Dusty yes, pretty too.  I am still rearranging and organizing so the actual cleaning and dusting has taken a back seat.  I love this landscape, I bought it at an estate sale, made in Germany.  All the pieces are made in wood, even the flowers.  We are having Spring like weather today, it is confusing the mind and body - but I like it.

Another yeah for crochet

This is an amazing use of crochet.  I have seen many fantastic portraits done in thread, embroidery, and machine stitching.  But I haven't seen portraits done using crochet.  I am loving the color combinations and honest expressions.  For more check out Jo Hamilton's site. A real pleasure to visit.  

Oh how I can spend hours looking at really good patterns

Here is a beautiful pattern that is in a happy family of other beautiful patterns.  Check out ten14Textiles.  I first saw them on Lovely Pieces.  Both fun and inspiring places to visit.

Here is a bit of yummy for you.

cloth kits - how much fun!

Besides the fact that I absolutely love Mr. Rob Ryan, here is a fantastic way to bring Rob Ryan's art into your everyday life.  This is a skirt made from a cloth kit.  And excitedly it is on sale, I hope the sale can last to my birthday and then I too will wear such a delight.  Also here is a pillow or bag - you choose.  I love cloth kits, and think I would have gone crazy in the 70's when they were in there hay day. Check out this website, lots of good hunting.

Our mantel collections

I have a deep love for so many things, which is part of the reason why it is hard to organize so many things.  Even if they are small.  Here are some old old marbles, from GA and VA, and maybe even an Italian marble.  A teacup from my son's great great grandma from Alabama and an old German wooden figurine.  We have lots of wooden figurines.  Perhaps you can see the dust.  Again, I will get this place clean.  I think the problem is keeping it clean.  Like losing weight, after you lose the weight you have to try and keep it off.  Both of those things are hard for me.  

The only clean spot in the house

I love my home, even though it is small 930 square feet.  But it is a cottage, cozy and sweet.  A major highlight that it has a working fire place that I use often, even before it is too cold.  However,  finding a place for everything is super tricky.  I see all those amazing articles in the right magazines and online, but the reality is difficult.  It is just not me, also my son, husband and three adventurous cats who are indoor cats except for the occasional afternoon on our screened in porch.  So, I have a list or perhaps pages long of resolutions and one of them is that I will organize.  Not just move things from corner to corner but find a place.  But for now this is the only spot that seems settled.  I will post my progress, and I hope it is godspeed.

Sanna Annukka's shop is brillant

I have just stumbled upon Sanna Annukka's shop and it is so colorful as well as filled with amazing lines and shapes.  I am especially fond of this portrait, at one moment I see ribbons and the next ladies in brilliant cloth.  I think pretty much anything she does is great.