all about Pretty!

Farm Chicks Yippee Yahooooo!!! PART 2

The next day was more relaxed, took it slowly and we hung together. I had time to chat with a few blog friends Amy & Kris, Isabel & Lisa. You know what I like about the Farm Chicks over the "things" (although the things are very pretty) is the "people" (pretty people too!).  Isn't it marvelous to hang with like minded creative souls who get you? I always feel so at home at the Farm Chicks, accepted, where my wacky creative ideas are actually understood and they get me just like I get them. Does that make sense? Everyone is so in tune there, on the same wave length, peas in a pod etc. etc.  It's wonderful to see how humble and gracious everyone is. It's such a pleasure, wish there was a town called Farm Chicks, I'd move there in a heartbeat. 

I got the chance to meet in person the lovely Beth Quinn. Her booth was divine and I did take a picture but it turned out all blurry. if I wasn't allergic to metal I would have spent so much there. Her work is uber-pretty!!! Lucky me she had one of her paintings only the one so I know it was meant for me.

Farm Chicks is a super girls weekend, truly worth the trip. Just remember to bring a uhaul!!!

Sorry I was so busy having fun that I didn't get pictures of all the booths like I wanted and many of my pics are the 2nd day when the booths already sold lots. You can check out the Farm Chicks blog, they have tons of links with lots more pics.

This is Miss Molly, I met her in the line up, isn't she just the sweetest Farm Chick you've ever met?
 

Isabel's stunning booth!

 

 

Lisa had such pretties!

 

Here's Today's Country Store from Sumner, WA, one of my fave shops! Amy's in the apron. My pics didn't turn out the best this year, really do have to do a photography course. Check out there blog for better pics.

 

 

Teresa Sheeley, I bought that sweet little stand on the right (top) and one of her darling tea towels

 

Debi Ward Kennedy had a wonderfully creative booth this year, loved it and my pics do not do it justice. bought a sweet collage from her

 

 

 

 

I always love Cindy's booth, she's a creative genius!

 

 

  

 

 Junebug lovely, lovely, lovely!!!

 

 

I purchased a beautiful pin from Colleen, loved her use of lace/fabric in her collage.

 

 

 

 

I met Sheri this show and loved her booth and she was such a delight, very talented! unfortunately by time I took these pics she sold so much. Check out her blog for better pics. 

Me & Sheri
 

 

 

 

bought a pretty hanky and pink chenille from Happy Endings

 

this is the only good pic I have of Bella Shabby but this is where I purchased the most from. I guess we both have the same taste & style. she had some amazing lace so I can get busy making more lace cakes and I bought the cutest little baby booties from her.

 

First time I've seen the Barnhouse Boys live and WOW, an amazing booth...and they're so cute too boot, definitely a treat for the eyes!!! 

 

 

The "All That Glitter" booth, look at that architecture! 

Val & myself at the picture booth, she came down with me from Lethbridge and owns Antiques on 9th here. Her first time to the Farm Chicks and she really enjoyed it. I'm the one with the silly face.

 

me (with another silly face) & Pam, we're putting together the first Farm Chick style show in Alberta,Canada next June in Priddis, Alberta called the Vintage Chicks! I'll post more as we have more details. The Farm Chicks has truly inspired us.

Well that's it for this year folks. I know I missed so many other fabulous vendors but it's so hard to fit everything in only 2 days so you'll have to come see it next year for yourself. You'll just love it! See you there!

Have a Pretty! day,
Laura

Farm Chicks Yippee Yahooooo!!!

Last year, my first time to the Farm Chicks, I was standing in line with Mom & Auntie we could see the outside booths and they looked so fabulous! Just my cup of tea and that gave us a hint of what was inside. I was so thrilled with anticipation and after stepping inside I declared, when I die I know this is what heaven looks like!

This year did not disapoint, it's still just as fresh, exciting and gorgeous as the first time I went, just a tad bigger. I went with my friend Val we had a marvelous time of course we both shop at different paces, so the first day we had to split up to do the power shopping. I purchased such pretty finds. Here's a few...

what a delight to find this beauty! she's smaller than most I've seen

lots of lace, my fave

who can't resist a sweet doll head... see my Beth Quinn painting!

the cutest little stands

Tomorrow I'll post my pics of the show.

Have a Pretty! day,
Laura

I've fallen and I can't get up!

Just wanted to do a quick post to let you know where I've been since I haven't posted anything for awhile.  A few weeks ago on my way out to my backyard studio I tripped over a cement sidewalk block stumbling for what seemed like minutes trying to keep from falling but alas my face hit the concrete then the rest of my body came tumbling down hard. I was in horrible pain and my friend who witnessed my clumsy episode rushed me to the hospital. Needless to say I looked a mess, my teeth went through my bottom lip so they swelled up so big I could hardly talk. My nose swelled up and I had cuts, bruises and scrapes everywhere. The emergency Dr. said it was actually a good think I fell on my face as it protected my brain from damage but with so much pain and the face of a beat up boxer I couldn't really agree with him. I did end up with a concussion and whiplash so I'm off work and healing slowly but surely. I can't spend time on the computer right now but I hope to be back on-line in a few weeks.

I always like to post with pictures but I haven't completed any creations lately except for a pretty snowgirl in a spring snowfall we had in April (notice little Daisy attacking her) so I'll leave you with this and hope to be in tip top form soon and get back to the studio.

God bless!

Have a Pretty! day,
Laura

sTUDIO sWEET sTUDIO

Last year I built a new garage and a little over half was designed as studio space. It has nice windows and a 10ft ceiling, a cottage style door with a window and a little veranda. This year I'm adding shutters and window boxes. God has blessed me so! Thank you Jesus! Being so excited I got ahead of myself and hauled all my "stuff" out there then after thinking it over I realized that my new space would be a great place to hold my "Vintage Pretty Sales". So I decided to set it up as my very own boutique instead of a workshop. Unfortunately I then had to turn around and haul everything back into my basement and now I have a VERY MESSY workshop and studio. Before I can do any more creating I have to get the workshop sorted out so that's my next big challenge. I'm a bit embarrassed sharing these pics that show my chaos but then the after pics will be that much better. I can't tell you how long this is going to take because my garden is calling me and so much of my time in the spring goes to the garden but I'll keep on cleaning up the clutter and some day it will be totally organized & PRETTY! one can dream can't they!

Here are some "before" pics of my soon to be "boutique" right in my back yard.

 

 

and here are some "before" pics of my MESSY workshop in my basement. Can you see my work table, not one bit of free space to work on. To make it more inviting my Dad sprayed the entire basement white with pink floors. 

 

 

Have a PRETTY! day,
Laura

SPRING IS HERE!!!

Spring is here!!! This is all that is left of last year's garden and I can't wait to start digging and planting again.

I've been busy planting seeds in mini greenhouses

 

Wow, it's been over one month since my last post. I've been so busy organizing, spring cleaning and starting my garden.  I've finished my seeding and now I'm heading into the danger zone, my workshop & studio. I'll post the before pictures tomorrow and then depending how long it takes I'll post the after pics.

Now I'll leave you with some pics of my garden from last year. It's a very big yard, tons of work, and I inherited a bit of a mess. Slowly but surely I'll be filling it full of trees, shrubs, perennials and ground cover so eventually I won't have any lawn but a lush fragrant park like yard that surrounds all who visit with God's presence & beauty!
          

HERE ARE THE BEFORE PICS OF MY YARD.

The biggest change was getting rid of the long driveway that went from the front street right through to the back alley and into the old garage. The backyard was so open to the alley and my driveway looked like an alley so people were always driving & walking through my yard. Now my studio is here and it's completely fenced.       

God bless you!

Have a Pretty! spring,
Laura 

Lace Cupcakes ... less calories than Lace Cakes!

Happy Wednesday!

I have started to work on my next set of lace cakes and hope to list more shortly.  Over the last few months I've had some friends suggest trying a cupcake or two so I gave it a whirl and here's my first lace cupcake, just listed on Etsy.

"bloom, and reveal yourself in all your beauty!"

this beautiful quote on my cupcake is from X. B. Saintine's (a well known French writer) most famous work "Picciola"

 

 

 

 

Have a Pretty! day,
Laura 

My First Swap

I had so much fun doing my first swap ever with my very talented Canadian artist friends. They turned my least favourite holiday into something special.  I wanted to post all the wonderful pretties I received and introduce you to my lovely friends.

Mar created this elegant book mark, lovin the pink/black & white with a touch of my fave, lace! 

Holly sent me these creamy soft pink pearl earrings, aaahhh, so Grace Kelly with a modern twist 

Martha's stunning fabric valentine hanging has such amazing detail, layers & texture. I have it hanging in my studio, it inspires me so!
  

I adore this lacey, frilly, sparkly bookmark Lisa sent me with this beautiful quote "Life is to be fortified with many friendships. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence." - Sydney Smith 

Vanessa wrapped her gift with a lovely quote and such precision it was almost to pretty to open. I'm glad I did. She sent gifts for the garden, seeds with lovely watercolours, such a cool idea.  
 

Sabina was truly a bonus. We got to open her gift on our day and then keep it a secret until the swap was over. How hard was that!  Her pretty stylish collage below included my faves, buttons, flowers, feathers and of course, lace!
   

Dawn created a glittery altered key with pretty lace, a dangly gem and a bauble charm that reads "more glitter please". You're so great at restyling and thinking outside the box, you inspire me, thanks Dawn!
 

 Kim made this sweet little love & trust charm and generously shared her technique for making these.

Nicolette sent this pretty ATC with a poem
Where true Love burns Desire is Love's pure flame, It is the reflex of our earthly frame, That takes its meaning from the nobler part, And but translates the language of the heart. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
 

Arlene sent this scrumptious fabric journal with such pretty touches of vintage crochet, I just love it! I can't wait to  use it to sketch all my dreams & ideas.
 

and my giveaway was my aromatherapy hearts and a valentine magnet
   

Thanks gals! for helping me get through Valentines with a smile on my face and you've al l inspired me so much.

Have a Pretty! day,
Laura

Valentines Scrooge!

Yah yah, I know love is wonderful and all that and I'd love to be able to do a poetic, mushy, gushy post about how wonderful love is and go on and on about the spirit of Valentines Day, love everyone, better to have loved & lost than never to have loved at all etc. etc. etc. but as one of my best friend says, "I'd rather lick pigeon poo off the Statue of Liberty", I know that's not "all about Pretty!" but now you're seeing my dark side, the "Valentine Scrooge"! :) I don't like being negative  :)  but this is the one day of the year I allow myself to be grumpy (and stay in my nightie all day long) :) Out of 46 Valentines I've been single for 45. The one Valentine day I had a boyfriend I don't remember, I've been dumped on, before & right after Valentines and the icing on the cake, my well meaning sweet Dad decided I would appreciate the fact that if they had to put my very first dog to sleep after 17yrs that I'd want it to be on Valentines Day being I'm so sentimental and all. Now every Valentine I think of my dead Peanut, being dumped and counting one more year alone on Valentines Day. Nope I don't want your pity but if you happen to have a tall hunky single brother who loves the Lord and he's all grown up & responsible and wants a fabulous wife who loves to cook and take care of her man please do send him my way. I would prefer this to be my last lonely Valentine. Thanks for letting me vent. I want to show you this fabulous wacky doll I just found. She looks like I feel about Valentines Day.

She's interesting but I've never seen one like here so if anyone knows anything about her please let me know. Thanks!

Tu-de-lu & God bless you!

Have a Pretty! day,
Laura 

and the winner of the OWOH giveaway is...

 First I'd like to give a shout out to Lisa Swifka, a whimisically talented artist and the imagination behind OWOH. Thanks Lisa for hosting such a fun, warm & welcoming event. This is my 2nd year doing this and I'll be back again next year for sure! 

I'd like to let you know how I select the winners. I cut & paste all the email headings into a spreadsheet and made sure there were no duplicates.  Then I rang my sister and asked her pick a number between 1 and 254 and she did. 

First prize was number 78
[all about Pretty!] Denise Nelson submitted a comment to 'OWOH GIVEAWAY - It truly is more fun to give than receive'  sent: Thu 05/02/2009 10:29 AM
otherwise known as Pinkie from Pinkpomegranate, congrats Pinkie! you have won the pink lace cake.

Second prize was number 132
[all about Pretty!] jenny holiday submitted a comment to 'OWOH GIVEAWAY - It truly is more fun to give than receive' sent: Mon 02/02/2009 4:59 PM
Congrats Jenny from Everyday is a Holiday! you can choose which sketchpad and let me know.

 

Third prize was number  12
[all about Pretty!] ELSIE submitted a comment to 'OWOH GIVEAWAY - It truly is more fun to give than receive'  sent: Wed 11/02/2009 5:16 PM
Congrats Elsie! you will receive a scrumptious aromatherapy heart in your choice of scent. I do not have a blog for Elsie but I'll update this post if I find out.

 

Thank you all for entering my giveaway and it was a pleasure to meet you all. It's a great way to discover fabulous new talents and friends. This year there were over 900 participants and probably even more visitors so I hope to catch up over the next while and visit all your amazing blogs and say hello. God bless!

Have a Pretty! day,
Laura

OWOH GIVEAWAY - It truly is more fun to give than receive

Yippee, I love OWOH! I did it for the first time last year and met so many wonderful friends and creative geniuses who inspired and helped me so much being a newbie blogger. Lucky me I also won 3 giveaways a beautiful collage from Kathy, she's an amazing talent, a beautiful charm from the very gifted Deirdra and a vintage vanity set from Dona. I'm so happy to be participating again in the ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY.  I highly recommend anyone who loves to give and create should join in the fun but the deadline is Feb.3rd at midnight Pacific time. So head over and do some blog hopping, you'll have a wonderful experience and will definitely discover some amazing blogs and cherished friends.  Don't forget to leave comments so you can win some of the amazing offerings.

So just leave me a comment on this post and you're name will be entered for my offerings below and the draws will be done Feb.12/09.

First name drawn will receive a pink love lace cake.

2nd name drawn can choose one of the following idea/dream sketchpad that I collaged.

3rd name drawn gets an aromatherapy heart

I know you'll have the best time at One World One Heart! best of luck to you!

 

Have a Pretty! day,
Laura